cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Analysis of Response to High Dose Rituximab Monotherapy in CLL/NHL Patients Who Received Prior Standard Dose Rituximab Therapy.

Background: Rituximab at standard dose (375 mg/m 2 ) in combination with chemotherapy has been used to treat CLL and NHL. We retrospectively evaluated the response and toxicity of high dose rituximab (HDR) (500 mg/m 2 thrice weekly for 2 weeks, total dose 3 gm/m 2 ) in patients with CLL or NHL, who had received prior treatment with standard rituximab as either monotherapy or in combination chemotherapy, to determine if there was a dose response relationship. Methods: Eight patients with either CLL or NHL who had received HDR therapy were evaluated. Patients received HDR because they refused conventional treatment or failed to respond to prior combination chemotherapy. Seven of the patients had prior combination therapy, whereas 1 had received standard dose rituximab alone. Response to HDR was evaluated based upon absolute lymphocyte count approximately 21 days after the final treatment in CLL patients and PET/CT scan after the final treatment for NHL. Results : Mean age at treatment: 70 yrs (range = 57–83), males (n=7) and female (n=1), CLL (n=5) and NHL (n=3). One patient with CLL had Richter’s transformation. Patients received prior treatments with rituxan alone (n=1), combination therapy for CLL with FCR, FR or PCR (n=5) or combination therapy for NHL with hyperCVAD-R, CHOP-R or RICE (n=2). Of the 5 patients with CLL treated with HDR, 3 achieved partial remission (PR) while the remaining 2 patients developed progressive disease. Complete remission, however, could not be assessed secondary to lack of a post treatment bone marrow biopsy. All 3 patients with NHL developed progressive disease. One patient developed rigors during the infusion of HDR requiring IV steroids. No infusion was stopped secondary to toxicity. Conclusions : Based upon our findings, HDR was active in patients with relapsed CLL but not in relapsed NHL. Further exploration of this dose-response relationship is warranted in patients with CLL.
@Brand to @Brand: The Role of Interbrand Communications in Consumer Evaluations of Interbrand Products—An Abstract

The brand-brand dyad is increasingly becoming a holistic interbrand relationship; we define these interbrand relationships as consisting not only of traditional, tangible value created through strategic brand alliances/co-branding/brand extensions (Park et al. 1996; Rao and Ruekert 1994; Simonin and Ruth 1998) but also of nontraditional, intangible value created through interbrand communications. Social media has deepened and broadened marketplace relationships beyond brand-consumer relationships (Fournier et al. 2012) into consumer-consumer relationships (Hennig-Thurau 2004, 2010). While brand-consumer and consumer-consumer communications seem more organic providing firms with value ranging from improved consumer brand attitudes to brand loyalty, it seems counterintuitive that consumers would care about interbrand communications.
Transitional Age Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth: Issues of Diversity, Integrated Identities, and Mental Health

Although most LGBTQ youth become healthy young adults, they often face considerable stress over the course of their lives because of bullying, victimization, and overt/covert discrimination. Families, educational and religious institutions, health care professionals, and communities help shape the experience of LGBTQ transitional age youth. LGBTQ youth have higher rates of depression, suicide, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug use, and preventable sexually transmitted diseases. When best practice guidelines are followed and key stakeholders take action to support LGBTQ youth, health disparities begin to disappear. Much can be done to change the trajectory for LGBTQ youth through advocacy, education, culturally competent health care, and policy-making.
Adsorption and Desorption of Phosphate on Calcite and Aragonite in Seawater

The adsorption and desorption of phosphate on calcite and aragonite were investigated as a function of temperature (5–45 °C)and salinity (0–40) in seawater pre-equilibrated with CaCO3. An increase in temperature increased the equilibrium adsorption; whereas an increase in salinity decreased the adsorption. Adsorption measurements made in NaCl were lower than the results in seawater. The higher values in seawater were due to the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. The increase was 5 times greater for Ca2+ than Mg2+. The effects ofCa2+ and Mg2+ are diminished with the addition of SO4 2- apparently due to the formation of MgSO4 and CaSO4 complexes in solution and/or SO4 2- adsorption on the surface of CaCO3. The adsorbed Ca2+ and Mg2+ on CaCO3 (at carbonate sites) may act as bridges to PO4 3- ions. The bridging effect of Ca2+is greater than Mg2+ apparently due to the stronger interactions of Ca2+ with PO4 3-. The apparent effect of salinity on the adsorption of PO4 was largely due to changes in the concentration of HCO3 - in the solutions. An increase in the concentration of HCO3 - caused the adsorption of phosphate to decrease, especially at low salinities. The adsorption at the same level of HCO3 - (2 mM) was nearly independent of salinity. All of the adsorption measurements were modeled empirically using a Langmuir-type adsorption isotherm [ [PO4]ad = KmCm[PO4]T/(1 +Km [PO4]T) , ] where [PO4]ad and [PO4]T are the adsorbed and total dissolved phosphate concentrations, respectively. The values of Cm (the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity, (mol/g) and Km (the adsorption equilibrium constant, g/(mol) over the entire temperature (t, °C) and salinity (S) range were fitted to [ Cm = 17.067 + 0.1707t - 0.4693S + 0.0082S2 (σ = 0.7) ] [ ln Km = - 2.412 + 0.0165t - 0.0004St - 0.0008S2 (σ = 0.1) ] These empirical equations reproduce all of our measurements of[PO4]ad up to 14 μmol/g and within ±0.7 μmol/g. The kinetic data showed that the phosphate uptake on carbonate minerals appears to be a multi-step process. Both the adsorption and desorption were quite fast in the first stage (less than 30 min) followed by a much slower process (lasting more than 1 week). Our results indicate that within 24 hours aragonite has a higher sorption capacity than calcite. The differences between calcite and aragonite become smaller with time. Consequently, the mineral composition of the sediments may affect the short-term phosphate adsorption and desorption on calcium carbonate. Up to 80 % of the adsorbed phosphate is released from calcium carbonate over one day. The amount of PO4 left on the CaCO3 is close to the equilibrium adsorption. The release of PO4 from calcite is faster than from aragonite. Measurements with Florida Bay sediments produced results between those for calcite and aragonite. Our results indicate that the calcium carbonate can be both a sink and source of phosphate in natural waters.
Design of a Steerable, Configurable Detection, Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope with Integrated Fixation and Stimulation

We present an AOSLO with steering that allows imaging 30 degrees, with minimal distortion. A spatial light modulator in the confocal plane provides detection specificty. An integrated display subsystem allows measuring functional responses.
The Perceived Effectiveness of Nonverbal, Co-Verbal, and Verbal String Ensemble Instruction: Student, Teacher, and Observer Views:

The purpose of this study was to determine how students, teachers, and outside observers perceive teaching effectiveness within a university-level string ensemble rehearsal setting. Students, teachers, and observers reflected on six rehearsal segments that used primarily nonverbal, co-verbal, or verbal instruction as outlined by Bob Culver in the Master Teacher Profile. Overall, participants viewed the verbal teaching episodes as being most effective, and expressed a preference for several elements associated with the verbal instructional mode. Five common elements of effective rehearsals identified by participants were Specific Instructions and Feedback, Delivery Skills and Eye Contact, Audible and Focused Co-Verbal Instruction Prompts, Conducting Effectiveness, and Ensemble Progress. Effectiveness perceptions were colored by participants’ sense of each teacher’s comfort with the different instructional modes as well as the elements of rehearsal teaching they personally valued.
Clostridium difficile shows no trade-off between toxin and spore production within the human host.

Purpose. This study aimed to describe the correlation between Clostridium difficile spore and toxin levels within the human host. In addition, we assessed whether overgrowth of Candida albicans modified this association. Methodology. We measured toxin, spore and Candida albicans levels among 200 successively collected stool samples that tested positive for C. difficile, and PCR ribotyped these C. difficile isolates. Analysis of variance and linear regression were used to test the association between spore and toxin levels. Kruskal–Wallis tests and t-tests were used to compare the association between spore or toxin levels and host, specimen, or pathogen characteristics. Results. C. difficile toxin and spore levels were positively associated (P<0.001); this association did not vary significantly with C. albicans overgrowth [≥5 logs of C. albicans colony-forming units (c.f.u.) g−1]. However, ribotypes 027 and 078–126 were significantly associated with higher levels of toxin and spores, and C. albicans overgrowth. Conclusion. The strong positive association observed between in vivo levels of C. difficile toxin and spores suggests that patients with more severe C. difficile infections may have increased spore production, enhancing C. difficile transmission. Although, on average, spore levels were higher in toxin-positive samples than in toxin-negative/PCR-positive samples, spores were found in almost all toxin-negative samples. The ubiquity of spore production among toxin-negative and formed stool samples emphasizes the importance of following infection prevention and control measures for all C. difficile-positive patients during their entire hospital stay.
Mechanisms Governing the Development of the North Atlantic Warming Hole in the CESM-LE Future Climate Simulations

AbstractA warming deficit in North Atlantic sea surface temperatures is a striking feature in global climate model future projections. This North Atlantic warming hole has been related to a slowing...
CHAPTER 9 – The Utility of Mitochondrial DNA Control Region Sequences for Analyzing Phylogenetic Relationships among Populations, Species, and Genera of the Percidae

Comparison of sequences among vertebrates shows that both relatively fast and slowly evolving areas lie within the mtDNA control region. Comparison has been made between the genetic divergence of mtDNA control region sequences within and among closely related species and genera in the teleost fish family Percidae. Gene trees from control region data are compared to morphology-based phylogenies and population genetic statistics are compared to hypotheses of population structure derived from geological evidence and tagging studies. It details the morphological evolution and genetics of the Percidae. The evolutionary methods used for these studies include collection of specimens, genetic analysis, and data analysis. The results of these analyses show that the utility of mtDNA sequences for population genetics and biogeography for several taxa of bony fishes indicate that mtDNA control regions of other teleosts may evolve at similarly rapid rates. It is expected that mtDNA control region sequences will continue to prove valuable for elucidating within-species and congeneric relationships.
APOBECs and Their Role in Proviral DNA Synthesis

The human APOBEC3 subfamily consists of seven DNA cytosine deaminases that act on single-stranded cDNA during HIV reverse transcription. The net effect of these enzymes is the restriction of viral infectivity due to the inhibition of reverse transcription and to the hypermutation of those genomes that complete cDNA synthesis and integration. In this chapter, we introduce the APOBEC3 proteins in historical context as a prelude to the consideration of evidence for their deaminase-dependent and deaminase-independent mechanisms of antiviral action. We also consider how editing of the viral genome by APOBEC3 proteins may alter the coding capacity and pathogenic potential of HIV by contributing to the inherently error-prone replication process and to the overall high level of HIV genetic variation.
Concepts of Control in Biofeedback

In the biofeedback literature, various processes are said to be controlled, e.g., “consciousness,” “self,” and “physiology.” Control can be “voluntary,” “involuntary,” or “reflexive.” It is perceived as being enforced by processes “outside” or “inside” the person. The active voice, “to control,” has a positive connotation; the passive voice, “to be controlled,” often has a negative one.
ANALYSIS OF SCATTER FIELDS IN DIFFRACTION TOMOGRAPHY EXPERIMENTS

The propagation of acoustic waves through complex, inhomogeneous materials such as tissue is characterized by a number of processes that include scattering, diffraction, refraction and reflection. Reconstructing images of such objects from measured transmit or scatter fields provides a considerable challenge and the reconstruction approach that is most suitable may depend on which of these processes dominate. In order to gain a better understanding of these factors, we have initiated a detailed investigation of the nature of scatter fields observed in vivo in human breast tissue for a number of diffraction tomography experiments.
Is Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation a Critical Determinant of Recurrent Arrhythmias After Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

In this issue of the Journal , Di Biase et al. ([1][1]) reported their initial experience with remote magnetic navigation of a 4-mm-tip catheter for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Their results confirm that the catheter navigated to targets and reduced fluoroscopy; however, the procedure time
The ethics of artificial intelligence: superintelligence, life 3.0 and robot rights

In March, I presented on a panel titled “Pressing Issues in Digital Ethics” at the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics 27th Annual International Conference in Chicago. Although the re...
Veterans Treatment Court research: Participant characteristics, outcomes, and gaps in the literature

In the United States, there are increasing numbers of Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) that have been developed to improve Veteran reintegration. Our scoping study examined VTC scholarship publishe...
The time course of semantic and relational processing during verbal analogical reasoning.

Abstract Analogy is an important ability that allows humans to discover relationships between information domains that often vary in surface and relational characteristics. Cognitive neuroscience studies of analogy have demonstrated the importance of the prefrontal cortex during relational comparisons, but little is known about how semantic and relational similarity interact throughout its time course. We used scalp electroencephalography (EEG) analyzed with event-related potentials (ERPs) to examine the neural time course of analogical reasoning while 16 participants solved four-term verbal analogies. Semantic similarity was manipulated by increasing the semantic distance between source and target analogs creating semantically near and far analogies. Relational similarity was manipulated by creating relationally valid and invalid analogies. Only valid analogies were impacted by semantic distance such that far analogies were solved slower and less accurately than near analogies. Correctly solving near analogies elicited more positive waveforms at the N400 and during later relational processing. However, valid analogies elicited more positive signals during only later relational processing and not during the N400. These results suggest that semantic information impacts both early semantic and late relational comparison stages, while relational properties exert more influence in later stages of analogical reasoning. The degree of semantic similarity shared between knowledge domains demonstrated a potent effect throughout the time course of analogy that affected not only semantic access, but also the mapping of relational structures.
Confronting Racial Battle Fatigue and Comforting My Blackness as an Educator

Black, Female, Educator: Heel toe, clack, tap, tap, heel toe clack, tap, tap, chasse, chasse I go, gliding around the classroom, teaching the day’s lesson. I find myself performing a tap dance, mov...
Team Cohesion: Demonstrating One Team's Strong Bonds in Relation to Environment, Leadership and Attitude

This article addresses factors coaches should consider during the recruiting process and throughout a season, as well as examples and strategies for enhancing team cohesion.
Platyparadonus, a New Circum-Caribbean Genus of Sand-Associated Negastriinae (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Platyparadonus, new genus is described for two new species, Platyparadonus marleyi, new species from the Greater Antilles (Jamaica, Cuba, St. John), and Platyparadonus beckeri, new species from coastal Colombia. The genus morphology is described and illustrated in detail. The genus is compared to similar genera within the subfamily Negastriinae, and it is integrated into an existing generic key. A key to species of the new genus is provided. For each new species, detailed discussions about the collectors, their field notes, and habitat are provided.
Spatiotemporal interpolation methods for air pollution

Abstract The increasing amount of air pollution data requires efficient spatiotemporal interpolation methods to handle the demanding computational tasks. Several interpolation methods have been explored in the previous studies. Although many geographic information system applications provide interpolation tools, most current interpolation methods only apply to spatial data. Air pollution data not only have spatial attributes, but also change with time. When interpolating across space and time, the choice of the time scale versus the distance scale is an important issue that affects the accuracy of interpolation. In this chapter, we introduced some efficient deterministic spatiotemporal interpolation methods and search for optimal parameters to achieve good accuracy.
Size-Controlled Synthesis of L10-CoPt Intermetallic Fuel Cell Catalysts on Nitrogen-Doped Mesoporous Graphitized Carbon Support

Ordered intermetallic nanoparticles are promising electrocatalysts with enhanced activity and durability for the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, after subjecting to a widely used postsynthesis annealing treatment, the particle size of intermetallic catalysts inevitably increases, leading to a poor performance in practical fuel cell application. In this work, ordered L10-CoPt intermetallic catalyst of small particle size was prepared through using nitrogen-doped mesoporous graphitized carbon (NMGC) support. The porous feature and nitrogen doping of NMGC support immobilized CoPt particles and prevented sintering during annealing treatment. These small and ordered L10-CoPt nanoparticles exhibit outstanding ORR activity (~ 1.18 A/mgPt) and superior high current density in fuel cell testing. Moreover, this L10-CoPt/NMGC catalyst performs remarkably enhanced stability in comparison with L10-CoPt/high surface area carbon (HSC) counterpart and commercial Pt/C catalyst, surpassing the DOE 2020 target. The enhancement in catalyst durability can be attributed to strong particles-support interaction via nitrogen heteroatoms and the strengthened p bonding. To better understand the support effect on particle growth, L10-CoPt particles on NMGC with different porosity/graphitization were prepared and their fuel cell performances were systematically studied. This study demonstrates an effective strategy to control the particle size of intermetallic catalysts with using NMGC support, which achieves excellent practical fuel cell performance.
Pre-assessment for Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Liver Transplant Surgery

Liver transplantation is a complicated surgical procedure for the treatment of end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The operation frequently involves large volume resuscitation, massive transfusion of blood products and episodes of hemodynamic instability. Preoperative assessment and optimization is crucial for good outcomes. Assessment of the severity of ESLD and organ allocation is based on the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and its recent modifications. Hepatic encephalopathy is scored using the West Haven Criteria and is commonly treated with lactulose and rifaximin. Cerebral edema is a complication of acute liver failure, and monitoring involves direct subdural transducer measurements as well as non-invasive methods such as optic nerve sheath diameter measurements with ultrasound. Cardiovascular diseases that warrant evaluation include cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular pathologies, infiltrative cardiomyopathies, and atrial fibrillation. Common preoperative investigations involve echocardiography, non-invasive stress tests, coronary angiography and cardiopulmonary function testing. Hepatopulmonary syndrome may be associated with severe hypoxemia but frequently resolves after transplantation. Portopulmonary hypertension requires a right heart catheterization for diagnosis and carries poor postoperative prognosis in severe, untreated cases. Current guidelines provide preoperative treatment and decision algorithms. Gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension such as variceal hemorrhage, ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can cause acute exacerbations of chronic liver failure. Splanchnic vasodilation causes renal artery vasoconstriction and may result in hepatorenal syndrome and/or acute kidney injury. The coagulation system in ESLD is rebalanced. Isolated abnormal laboratory values such as an increased INR or thrombocytopenia do not always correspond to clinical coagulopathy, and point-of-care tests such as thromboelastography better predict the overall coagulation status. Preoperative evaluation of patients for non-transplant hepatico-pancreatic-biliary surgery includes the assessment of cardiovascular status using the guidelines provided the European Society of Cardiology, the European Society of Anesthesiology, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Patients with liver disease or those undergoing significant liver resection should have a careful assessment of liver function.
Stochastic Processes and Statistical Mechanics

Statistical thermodynamics delivers the probability distribution of the equilibrium state of matter through the constrained maximization of a special functional, entropy. Its elegance and enormous success have led to numerous attempts to decipher its language and make it available to problems outside physics, but a formal generalization has remained elusive. Here we show how the formalism of thermodynamics can be applied to any stochastic process. We view a stochastic process as a random walk on the event space of a random variable that produces a feasible distribution of states. The set of feasible distributions obeys thermodynamics: the most probable distribution is the canonical distribution, it maximizes the functionals of statistical mechanics, and its parameters satisfy the same Legendre relationships. Thus the formalism of thermodynamics -- no new functionals beyond those already encountered in statistical physics -- is shown to be a stochastic calculus, a universal language of probability distributions and stochastic processes.
Family and Peer Relationships in a Residential Youth Sample: Exploring Unique, Non-Linear, and Interactive Associations with Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Risk.

Close relationships are consequential for youth depressive symptoms and suicide risk, but nuanced research examining intersecting factors is needed to improve identification and intervention. This study examines a clinical, residential sample of 939 adolescents and young adults ages 10 to 23 years old (M = 15.84, SD = 1.53; 97.7% white, 99.5% non-Hispanic, 55% female). The final model found that family conflict, parental criticism, verbal bullying, and interactions with friends were associated with depressive symptoms in the expected directions, and there were significant interactions with family, peer, and demographic variables. However, most associations with suicide risk were indirect. Associations involving family factors, peer factors, depressive symptoms, and suicide are not always straightforward, and should be understood within a microsystemic context.
Embedded Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy into Battery Management System

This paper presents the integration of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the battery management system (BMS) with reduced number of components. The functions of BMS in this paper are to equalize the batteries’ state-of-charge (S0C) and to internally heat the batteries through the internal resistance of the batteries during the winter condition. The EIS method is to inject the periodically current signal and measure the output voltage in the terminal of the battery. Then, the battery impedance can be obtained by calculating the comparison of voltage and current in the battery. The impedance data processing will be used to estimate the condition of the battery-related to the state of health (SoH) or lifetime. The internally heating mechanism will be used during the winter or sub-zero temperature conditions to heat up the battery. The equalizer is needed to balance the SOC in each battery and to prevent over-charging and over-discharging which can lead to thermal runaway. Batteries 18650 will be used in the proposed method for PSIM simulation.
Innovative Teaching Techniques for Distance Education

Distance education is responsible for promoting quality information, resources and expertise. There are three reasons for disseminating education to all societies due to geographical isolation, social isolation and disadvantaged groups. Distance teaching techniques enable people to undertake a course of study in privacy. The advent of the Internet and the growth of Web have now transformed distance teaching from a broadcast mode to an interactive mode. The Web, when combined with other network tools such as listservs, Usenet newsgroups and video teleconferencing acts a virtual classroom to bring together a community of learners for interactive education. The growth of television, telecommunication, videotape, audio tele-conferencing, audio graphics conferencing and video conferencing allowed linking the learners and instructors who are geographically separated. The use of innovative teaching methods helps to sustain student’s interest and make the learning process more productive and interesting. The techniques that can be adopted are: computer-assisted learning (CD-ROMs), web-based learning, virtual laboratories, case studies, group discussion, brainstorming, audiovisual presentation, assignments, seminars, quiz and assigning project works. The faculty also prepares worksheets, manuals and audiovisual aids to supplement these novel teaching strategies. Students should be given two types of learning materials before their actual course material, viz. one on computer literacy class and other one focusing on Internet and the Web skills for searching, retrieving, locating and downloading the information. For better understanding by the students, the mixed-model approach of combining satellite teleconferencing with hands-on activity sessions can also be conducted. It is suggested that innovative assessment approaches like presentation, posters about learned material, dioramas; student displays and project fairs with test papers are to be used to know the progress of the students. The author concluded that problem-based learning would place students in the active role of problem solvers and confronts them with a real-world situation. He also concluded that DE librarians have much more critical roles to play in the new environment.
A new offset cancellation technique for CMOS differential amplifiers

A new offset cancellation technique for CMOS differential amplifiers is presented where the input offset voltage is reduced by a factor set by the voltage gain in a feedback loop. This approach does not require any active memory or A/D and D/A converters, and can be utilized in the design of operational amplifiers and voltage comparators built in a standard CMOS technology. The input offset voltage is constantly adjusted for improved time and temperature stability. The effect of clock feedthrough voltage on the input offset is reduced by employing a new low frequency clocking scheme with long rise and fall times. Continuous operation is achieved by using a parallel processing configuration where two amplifiers operate sequentially for half of each clock period. Power consumption and die area are considerably lower than any other methods with equivalent performance.
Growth Of β-BaB 2 O 4 Bulk Crystals And Fibers

This paper reviews a series of experiments carried out at Stanford University over a several year period on the growth of β-BaB 2 O 4 crystals. Experiments on the bulk growth of β-BaB 2 O 4 using the top-seeded solution growth method with and without pulling, using Na 2 O as a solvent, has yielded relatively large boules. Solvent inclusions, however, limit the yield of high optical quality crystals from these boules. Oriented, single crystal fibers of β-BaB 2 O 4 have also been grown, from both Na 2 O and B 2 O 3 solutions, using the laser-heated pedestal growth technique. B 2 O 3 solutions were found to be quite stable under laser heating, and yielded high optical quality single crystal fibers with minimal inclusions.
Drug-induced changes to nutritional status.

Identify drugs associated with alterations in weight and their subsequent effect on growth. Understand varying taste alterations and their effect on nutrition intake. Recognize the differing drugs’ mechanisms of action or their adverse effects and the varying nutritional complications which may ensue.
The outstanding problem for today's database technology

The paper constitutes the proceedings of a panel in which distinguished researchers from academia and industrial research organizations were invited to identify the crucial problem for today's database technology. C.K. Baru notes that the outstanding problem for today's database technology is the exploitation of available and anticipated hardware to provide efficient support for the processing of current and proposed data models employed at the conceptual level. D. Batory points out that object-oriented DBMSs (database management systems) offer a tight coupling of programming languages with database systems; extensible DBMSs offer the ability to customize and optimize the internals of a DBMS to suit specific application. He believes that these combined technologies offer the ideal system of the future. D. Hsiao examines problems in database software and database hardware. H.V. Jagadish points out that faster access, greater functionality, and better interfaces have been and will continue to be important goals for any database system. C. Pu notes that choosing the operating system for the development of a new database management system has always been a difficult tradeoff between overhead and portability. Finally, S. Navathe suggests that database research has not paid enough attention to the needs of the consumers of data. >
Information-entropic signature of the critical point

Abstract We investigate the critical behavior of continuous (second-order) phase transitions in the context of ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional Ginzburg–Landau models with a double-well effective potential. In particular, we show that the recently-proposed configurational entropy (CE)—a measure of the spatial complexity of the order parameter in momentum space based on its Fourier-mode decomposition—can be used to identify the critical point. We compute the CE for different temperatures and show that large spatial fluctuations near the critical point ( T c )—characterized by a divergent correlation length—lead to a sharp decrease in the associated configurational entropy. We further show that the CE density goes from a scale-free to an approximate scaling behavior | k | − 5 / 3 as the critical point is approached. We reproduce the behavior of the CE at criticality with a percolating many-bubble model.
Eggshell formation in Bdelloura candida, an ectoparasitic turbellarian of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus

The marine triclad Bdelloura candida (Turbellaria) episodically deposits stalked eggshells onto the gill lamellae of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus. Ultrastructural and biochemical analyses indicate that the eggshells consist of primary inner and secondary outer layers. Protein of the primary layer is rich in glycine, aspartate/asparagine, serine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa). In this regard it resembles the eggshell compositions of other members of the phylum Platyhelminthes. The primary layer appears to be derived from precursors produced in the vitelline cells of the flatworm. Each egg-laying episode consumes all of the precursor-containing vitel-line cells. A Dopa-containing protein, vitelline protein 1 (Vp1), has been isolated from B. candida and resembles the primary eggshell layer in its composition. Vp1 has an apparent molecular weight of 34.4 and an acidic pI. Dopa-containing proteins are presumed to be directly involved in the cross-linking reactions that accompany quinone-tanning. The secondary outer layer of the eggshell may serve to adhere the eggshell to the gill. Its amino acid composition is unlike that of the primary eggshell and nothing is known about its precursors. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Children's Perceptions of the Gender-Appropriateness of Physical Activities:

Age, sex, and regional differences were examined in the extent to which children in Grades 1 to 4 give gender-labels to physical activities. Participants were 224 girls and 196 boys from schools in...
A quantum-mechanical model of heterogeneous catalysis

Abstract A quantum-mechanical model for heterogeneous catalytic reactions is developed based on the reaction Hamiltonian method developed by the authors. It is shown that the presence of the surface leads to additional channels of reaction. These are found to dominate the exponential smallness of the reaction probability of the direct channel producing large reaction probabilities for surface-catalyzed reactions. The dependence of catalytic reaction probability on reactant dissociation energy and vibrational frequencies, and the leakage of the electronic wavefunction out of the surface is discussed.
Coumarin-induced skin necrosis in a sixteen-year-old girl.

Abstract The entity of coumarin-induced skin necrosis has received relatively little attention in the United States, and is probably unknown to many practicing physicians. This unusual complication of coumarin anticoagulant therapy is characterized by the development of gangrenous areas of skin and subcutaneous tissue in certain patients, predominantly women. Sites of predilection are the thighs, breasts, buttocks and legs. There is no relation between the prothrombin level and development of this pathologic process. This report deals with the occurrence of this syndrome in a 16 year old girl receiving orally administered Coumadin ® (sodium warfarin). The noteworthy aspects of this case are the young age of the patient and the fact that this is only the fourth reported instance of this complication due to sodium warfarin. The possible roles of hypersensitivity and the hypercoagulable state in the pathogenesis of this entity are discussed. It is proposed that prompt recognition of this complication with subsequent substitution of heparin therapy for the coumarin drug may significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality of this syndrome.
Gradient Semantic Intuitions of Metaphoric Expressions

Metaphoric expressions are not all equal, in the sense that some are intuitively more or less metaphoric than others. Part of this intuition is influenced by the underlying metaphor, but another part is influenced by the linguistic expression which carries that metaphor. This paper puts forward a system, first, of dividing the two important elements which contribute to gradient intuitions of metaphoricity. These are (1) the density of the metaphor in the surface semantic content of the expression and (2) elements of the relationship between source and target in the underlying metaphor. Second, the paper puts forward a system for measuring the overall metaphoricity of an expression. This is a comparative system which can replicate intuitions that any two expressions have either equal or varying degrees of metaphoricity. The most interesting conclusion which can be drawn from intuitions of metaphoricity is that there are multiple factors with equal influence on metaphoricity. These factors can create conspi...
Automatic impedance matching system for RF sputtering

A previously described' “L” type matching network used for rf sputtering is shown here as part of Fig. 1. The purpose of the network is to transform the complex impedance of a sputtering system to a purely resistive value of 50 Ω. This makes possible the use of a transmission line with a characteristic impedance of 50 for the conveyance of rf power to the system. The rf power is conveniently monitored by a power meter in the transmission line. Since the power meter is capable of measuring both forward and reflected power, the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) on the transmission line can be computed. The VSWR will be unity when the matching network is adjusted so that the transmission line is terminated in its characteristic impedance. Practically, it is difficult to achieve a VSWR of unity (zero reflected power), so the network is adjusted to approach that optimum state as nearly as possible.
Metal-Oxide Interfaces in Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

Metal-oxide interfaces play an important role in spintronics—a new area of microelectronics that exploits spin of electrons in addition to the traditional charge degree of freedom to enhance the performance of existing semiconductor devices. Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) consisting of spin-polarized ferromagnetic electrodes sandwiching an insulating barrier are such promising candidates of spintronic devices. The paper reviews recent results of first-principle density-functional studies of the atomic and electronic structure of metal-oxide interfaces in Co/Al2O3/Co and Co/SrTiO3/Co MTJs. The most stable interface structures, O-terminated for fcc Co (111)/α-alumina(0001) and TiO2-terminated with oxygens on top of Co atoms for fcc Co (001)/SrTiO3(001) were identified based on energetics of metal-oxide cohesion at the interface. The covalent character of bonding for both the Co/alumina and Co/SrTiO3 interface structures has been determined based on the pattern of electron distribution across the interface. The Al-terminated Co/alumina interface that corresponds to an under-oxidized MTJ exhibits a metallic character of bonding. The unusual charge transfer process coupled with exchange interactions of electrons in Co results in quenching of surface magnetism at the interface and substantial reduction of work of separation. The electronic structure of the O-terminated Co/Al2O3/Co MTJ exhibits negative spin polarization at the Fermi energy within the first few monolayers of alumina but it eventually becomes positive for distances beyond 10 A. The Co/SrTiO3/Co MTJ shows an exchange coupling between the interface Co and Ti atoms mediated by oxygen, which results in an antiparallely aligned induced magnetic moment on Ti atoms. This may lead to a negative spin polarization of tunneling across the SrTiO3 barrier from the Co electrode. The results illustrate the important fact that spin-polarized tunneling in magnetic tunnel junctions is not determined entirely by bulk density of states of ferromagnet electrodes, but is also very sensitive to the nature of the insulating tunneling barrier, as well as the atomic structure and bonding at the ferromagnet/insulator interface.
A mathematical foundation for TRIZ methods

TRIZ methods were developed in the erstwhile Soviet Union by Genrikh Altshuller and his students. Many proponents claim that their methods make creativity an exact science, something not conceded by others. We analyze two of the most widely used TRIZ methods here—the resolution of ‘contradictions’ and idealization in the context of optimization and decision theory. We first show that the resolution of contradictions helps improve system design through providing additional design flexibility. We also show how idealization directs system configuration so as to avoid or minimize side-effects or externalities, and therefore trade-offs and risks. We illustrate these issues in the context of a tablet counting problem.
Insights into metabolic mechanisms underlying folate‐responsive neural tube defects: A minireview

Neural tube defects (NTDs), including anencephaly and spina bifida, arise from the failure of neurulation during early embryonic development. Neural tube defects are common birth defects with a heterogenous and multifactorial etiology with interacting genetic and environmental risk factors. Although the mechanisms resulting in failure of neural tube closure are unknown, up to 70% of NTDs can be prevented by maternal folic acid supplementation. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying the association between folic acid and NTD pathogenesis have not been identified. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms by which impairments in folate metabolism might ultimately lead to failure of neural tube closure, with an emphasis on untangling the relative contributions of nutritional deficiency and genetic risk factors to NTD pathogenesis.
Changes in norepinephrine stores in the canine heart following experimental myocardial infarction.

Abstract Serial determinations of the norepinephrine content in all four chambers of the canine heart were carried out following surgical myocardial infarction. The observed changes were related to myocardial function and metabolic alterations. Normal left ventricular muscle contained 0.98 μg NE per gram tissue, but following coronary artery occlusion, the infarcted tissue lost its norepinephrine content completely by the fourth day, and the noninfarcted tissue showed a marked decline during the first ten days, reaching a level as low as 0.35 μg in the basilar and 0.14 μg NE per gram in the apical portion of the left ventricle. The decrease in myocardial norepinephrine content extended to the right ventricle and both atria as well. Norepinephrine levels rose again two weeks after infarction and reached normal values six weeks after coronary artery occlusion. No correlation was found between norepinephrine content and tissue levels of lactate or ATP in the non-infarcted myocardium. Both the decline and recovery of left ventricular function after infarction were followed, rather than preceded or accompanied by similar alterations in the norepinephrine content.
Transcriptome interrogation of human myometrium identifies differentially expressed sense-antisense pairs of protein-coding and long non-coding RNA genes in spontaneous labor at term

AbstractObjective: To identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes in human myometrium in women with spontaneous labor at term.Materials and methods: Myometrium was obtained from women undergoing cesarean deliveries who were not in labor (n = 19) and women in spontaneous labor at term (n = 20). RNA was extracted and profiled using an Illumina® microarray platform. We have used computational approaches to bound the extent of long non-coding RNA representation on this platform, and to identify co-differentially expressed and correlated pairs of long non-coding RNA genes and protein-coding genes sharing the same genomic loci.Results: We identified co-differential expression and correlation at two genomic loci that contain coding-lncRNA gene pairs: SOCS2--AK054607 and LMCD1--NR_024065 in women in spontaneous labor at term. This co-differential expression and correlation was validated by qRT-PCR, an experimental method completely independent of the microarray analysis. Intriguingly, one...
Matrix Isolation FT-IR Studies of Nitro Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Nitro polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAH), a class of compounds which has a number of anthropogenic sources, are potent mutagens. The application of matrix isolation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (MI/FT-IR) to the analysis of nitro-PAH was demonstrated. Samples were vaporized in a Knudsen cell and co-deposited with nitrogen on a CsI window cooled to 15 K. Spectra of twelve compounds were obtained for the purpose of forming a partial library of matrix-isolated nitro-PAH. Qualitative studies demonstrated the resolution and identification of components of complex and isomeric mixtures. The feasibility of quantitative analysis of nitro-PAH was demonstrated with the construction of a Beer's law plot of 1-nitropyrene. The plot was linear over two decades.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Negatively Impact General Health Status After Hand Injury

Purpose To estimate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among hand-injured patients and assess the impact of these disorders on general health status. Methods A total of 106 adult hand-injured patients (40 women, 66 men) with a mean age of 42 years (range, 18–79 years) participated. Patients with a chronic mental illness or cognitive impairment were excluded. Psychological status was assessed using the Revised Civilian Mississippi Scale for PTSD and the Beck Depression Inventory. General health status was evaluated with the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36). We obtained demographics and injury characteristics from the patient medical records. Results Prominent mechanisms of injury included a fall (n = 38), traffic-related injuries (n = 14), machine versus operator (n = 8), gunshot wounds (n = 6), and assault (n = 6). Using the screening questionnaires, 32 persons qualified for PTSD and 19 for depression. Sixteen patients met the criteria for both PTSD and depression. The association between PTSD and depression was significant (p Conclusions In this study, nearly one third of hand-injured patients met diagnostic criteria for PTSD, depression, or both, according to the thresholds of the instruments used to measure these psychological aspects of illness. PTSD and depression had a negative effect on general health status after hand injury. It may be important to consider psychological status when caring for patients with hand injuries. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
Early Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Proliferative Curcumin Effects on Neuroglioma Cells Suggest Therapeutic Targets

Curcumin (diferuloyl), from the Indian spice turmeric, reduces oxidative damage and induces apoptosis. Utilizing DNA microarrays, we have demonstrated that a low (5 μM) dose of curcumin added to a mixture of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes (C6 rat glioma cells) in culture for 24 and 48 h significantly modulates gene expression in four primary pathways: oxidative stress, cell cycle control, and DNA transcription and metabolism. Contribution of the pentose phosphate pathway to the pool of NADH upregulates glutathione and activates aldehyde oxidase. We have identified also several new genes, up- or downregulated by curcumin, namely, aldo-keto reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and aldehyde oxidase that protect against oxidative stress. The identification of several new cell cycle control genes, including the apoptosis-related protein (pirin) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and of the neurofilament M protein involved in neurogenesis suggests that curcumin may have applicability in the treatment of a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases.