cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge representation and reasoning for mixed-initiative planning

This dissertation describes the formal foundations and implementation of a commonsense, mixed-initiative plan reasoning system. By "plan reasoning" I mean the complete range of cognitive tasks that people perform with plans including, for example, plan construction (planning), plan recognition, plan evaluation and comparison, and plan repair (replanning), among other things. "Mixed-initiative" means that several participants can each make contributions to the plan under development through some form of communication. "Commonsense" means that the system represents plans and their constituents at a level that is "natural" to us in the sense that they can be described and discussed in language. In addition, the reasoning that the system performs includes those conclusions that we would take to be sanctioned by common sense, including especially those conclusions that are defeasible given additional knowledge or time spent reasoning. The main theses of this dissertation are the following: (1) Any representation of plans sufficient for commonsense plan reasoning must be based on an expressive and natural representation of such underlying phenomena as time, properties, events, and actions. (2) For mixed-initiative planning, plans should be viewed as arguments that a certain course of action under certain conditions will achieve certain goals. These theses are defended by presenting, first, a representation of events and actions based on interval temporal logic and, second, a representation of plans as arguments in a formal system of defeasible reasoning that explicitly constructs arguments. These two aspects of commonsense plan reasoning are combined and implemented in the TRAINS domain plan reasoner, which is also described in detail. The emphasis in this dissertation is on breadth, taking as its data human communicative and plan reasoning abilities and developing formalisms that characterize these abilities and systems that approximate them. I therefore draw on literature from a broad range of disciplines in the development of these ideas, including: philosophy of language, linguistics and AI work on knowledge representation for the representation of events and actions, philosophical logic and AI work on nonmonotonic reasoning for representing defeasible knowledge and reasoning about it, and, of course, AI work on planning and planning recognition itself.
Cation Diffusion in Cr2 O 3

On employing a sectioning technique with Cr51 as the tracer, the diffusion of Cr ions in nitrogen‐equilibrated was determined from 1045° to 1550°C. Volume diffusion coefficients in hot‐pressed compacts of three different impurity levels conform to the expression . Additions of and do not cause a significant change. Use of lower density sintered compacts provides erroneous results. Conductivity measurements were performed in nitrogen, argon, and air over a wide temperature range; no dependence on oxygen partial pressure was observed. Calculated cation transference numbers vary from 10−3 to 10−6. Postulating a simplified model for the defect structure of , the activation enthalpy for hole motion is 8.4 kcal mole−1; the enthalpy of defect formation is 91 kcal mole−1; the activation enthalpy for cation motion is about 31 kcal mole−1.
Periovulatory glycoprotein secretion in the macaque fallopian tube

Anatomic demonstration of a specific midcycle fallopian tube secretion has been sought by transmission electron microscopy in the Macaca mulatta fascicularis with a method of in vivo perfusion-fixation that includes the polycation alcian blue (plus glutaraldehyde) to precipitate and stabilize anionic extracellular secreted glycoproteins. Of nine monkeys entered into the study, six ovulated regularly. With the help of daily plasma total estrogen radioimmunoassays and serial laparoscopies, these six monkeys were killed and the pelvic organs were perfused at specific times in the menstrual cycle: the midfollicular phase (one), during the midcycle estrogen peak immediately before ovulation (one), 24 hours after ovulation (one), 2 to 4 days after ovulation (two), and premenstrually (one). The other three monkeys were oophorectomized and were treated with estradiol benzoate, 10 micrograms/kg/day for 7 days (two), or with estradiol benzoate, 10 micrograms/kg/day for 7 days, and progesterone in oil, 1 mg/kg/day from day 3 to day 7. Evenly distributed, granular, precipitated material was found in the isthmic lumen both immediately before and 24 hours after ovulation (and in the two oophorectomized, estrogen-treated monkeys, both of which had plasma total estrogen levels that exceeded those of preovulatory monkeys); this would coincide with times of sperm ascent through the isthmus, ovulation, and fertilization and with the time of temporary impedance of the ovum's normal transport to the uterus, known to occur at the ampullary-isthmic junction. No substantial precipitable secretion was found in the ampulla at any stage of the cycle, in the isthmus before the midcycle estrogen rise, or 48 hours or more after either ovulation or initiation of progesterone treatment. These observations indicate that, in the primate fallopian tube, the unique ability of the isthmus to transport spermatozoa and ova in opposite directions sequentially is related temporally (and perhaps causally) to the presence and absence, respectively, of specific isthmic luminal secretions. The biochemical basis for this isthmic property may lie in the expected highly expanded state of acid mucus glycoproteins in the secretions.
Strength loss after eccentric contractions is unaffected by creatine supplementation

This study's objective was to determine whether 14 days of dietary creatine supplementation preceding an injurious bout of eccentric contractions affect the in vivo strength loss of mouse anterior ...
Predicting vascular complications during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement using computed tomography: A novel area-based index

Background Computed tomography (CT) imaging has not been systematically studied for predicting vascular complications during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods Clinical data were obtained from the electronic medical record and analysis was performed for each individual patient's iliofemoral CT angiogram. Sheath : femoral artery diameter ratio (SFAR) and sheath : femoral artery area ratio (SFAAR) were defined as the ratio of the sheath outer diameter to the femoral minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and sheath area to the femoral minimal lumen area (MLA), respectively. Results A total of 255 patients underwent TF-TAVR with a 30-day mortality of 0.4% and 30-day stroke rate of 1.6%. Twenty-eight (11%) patients suffered a vascular complication, the majority of whom (82%) were managed percutaneously. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated an SFAAR of 1.35 to predict the occurrence of vascular complications with a sensitivity of 78.6%. By comparison, similar analysis using SFAR provided a value of 1.45 with sensitivity of 64.2%. Multivariable modeling confirmed SFAR [OR (95% CI): 8.3(1.8–39.1)] and log-transformed SFAAR [OR (95% CI): 40.1 (2.4–650.0)] as significant predictors of vascular complication. Conclusions Using CT analysis, an SFAR of 1.45 and an SFAAR of 1.35 are each significant predictors of vascular complications among patients undergoing TF-TAVR. Utilization of CT-based area may provide a more accurate screen for patients undergoing evaluation for TF-TAVR as it takes into consideration the elliptical nature of the vessel. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water sustainability: environmental attitude, drought attitude and motivation

One impact of climate change being felt by households is the increasing unpredictability of the availability and quality of water supplies. Given the critical circumstance and timely needs created by droughts, this research aimed to explore the relationships among US consumers' perceptions of drought severity, perceived importance of water conservation drivers, participation in water/energy conscious consumption and perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) in general environmental issues as well as specifically in drought. A survey of 273 consumers in the US state of Texas was conducted during the most severe single-year drought in the region's history. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used for data analysis. The results of this study support the importance of PCE in sustainable consumer behaviour and suggest that PCE for a specific issue has a more direct impact on relevant consumer behaviour than PCE for a generalized issue. Further, the results of this study lead to the suggestion that policy makers focus upon water restrictions and educational campaigns as part of their demand side management of water resources, as opposed to providing incentives for water conservation technologies. Lastly, the exploratory variable used to measure water/energy conscious consumption has been validated in this study and suggests that at least a partial percentage of consumers are consciously making water/energy purchase decisions within a larger framework of reduced resource availability.
Plane-Strain Fracture with Curvature-Dependent Surface Tension: Mixed-Mode Loading

There have been a number of recent papers by various authors addressing static fracture in the setting of the linearized theory of elasticity in the bulk augmented by a model for surface mechanics on fracture surfaces with the goal of developing a fracture theory in which stresses and strains remain bounded at crack-tips without recourse to the introduction of a crack-tip cohesive-zone or process-zone. In this context, surface mechanics refers to viewing interfaces separating distinct material phases as dividing surfaces, in the sense of Gibbs, endowed with excess physical properties such as internal energy, entropy and stress. One model for the mechanics of fracture surfaces that has received much recent attention is based upon the Gurtin-Murdoch surface elasticity model. However, it has been shown recently that while this model removes the strong (square-root) crack-tip stress/strain singularity, it replaces it with a weak (logarithmic) one. A simpler model for surface stress assumes that the surface stress tensor is Eulerian, consisting only of surface tension. If surface tension is assumed to be a material constant and the classical fracture boundary condition is replaced by the jump momentum balance relations on crack surfaces, it has been shown that the classical strong (square-root) crack-tip stress/strain singularity is removed and replaced by a weak, logarithmic singularity. If, in addition, surface tension is assumed to have a (linearized) dependence upon the crack-surface mean-curvature, it has been shown for pure mode I (opening mode), the logarithmic stress/strain singularity is removed leaving bounded crack-tip stresses and strains. However, it has been shown that curvature-dependent surface tension is insufficient for removing the logarithmic singularity for mixed mode (mode I, mode II) cracks. The purpose of this note is to demonstrate that a simple modification of the curvature-dependent surface tension model leads to bounded crack-tip stresses and strains under mixed mode I and mode II loading.
Replacement of cardiac valves in children

The first triple valve replacement in a child and our experience with 13 other childrenrequiring prosthetic valves are discussed and compared with 152 cases from the literature. More than half of the 166 patients had congenital heart disease. The early mortality rate was lowest in children with aortic or mitral replacements (14.3 per cent and 17.1 per cent, respectively) and higher for those with tricuspid (36.4 per cent) and multiple replacements. The late mortality rate was much lower. Early deaths were primarily due to congestive failure and late deaths frequently to emboli (30 per cent). The over-all incidence of emboli was 5.4 per cent and not directly related to anticoagulation or site of replaced valve. The data indicate that even multiple valve replacements in selected pediatric patients are feasible and beneficial.
914-74 Estradiol 17βProtects Against Homocysteine-induced Vascular Injury in Rat Thoracic Aorta

Hyperhomocysteinemia produces atherosclerotic lesions with characteristic endothelial desquamation and intimal smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. In vitro, homocysteine is cytotoxic to endoth...
A new and potent 2-5A analogue which does not require a 5′-polyphosphate to activate mouse L-cell RNase L

In order to explore the possibility of supplanting the requirement of a 5'-triphosphate moiety for the activation of the 2-5A-dependent endonuclease (RNase L) of mouse L-cells, two new tetrameric analogues of 2-5A were synthesized. The first tetramer, obtained by both a modified prebiotic synthetic approach as well as a phosphite triester solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis method, was p5'A2'p5'A2'p5'(br8A)2'p5'(br8A). The second oligonucleotide was derived from the former by a sequence involving periodate oxidation, reaction with n-hexylamine, and cyanoborohydride reduction, resulting in conversion of the 2'-terminal adenosine residue to 9-(3'-aza-4'-hexyl-1',2',3',4'-tetradeoxyhexopyranos-1(1)-yl)-8-++ +bromoadenine. Both of these oligomers, bearing only 5'-monophosphate groups, were found to be as potent as 2-5A itself as activators of the RNase L of mouse L-cells.
"We Were Through as Keepers of It": The "Missing Pipe Narrative" and Gros Ventre Cultural Identity

A detailed narrative performed by a Gros Ventre elder is analyzed/or its significance in the construction of cultural identity. In the context of these analyses, it is argued that narrative performance can be central to the active construction of cultural identity for individuals engaged in social interaction. In the present instance, certain performative features of the narrative involve a discursive identification by the narrator with the narrative protagonist that affords a personal resolution of a cultural crisis-in-meaning. Finally, this discursive identification by the narrator results in the re-creation of narrative events that involve the audience as participants in ways that powerfully impact the cultural identities they too will construct.
Akt: a double-edged sword for hematopoietic stem cells.

The phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is dysregulated in a wide range of malignancies, including leukemia, and several members of this pathway are attractive therapeutic targets in oncology1. Although Akt is constitutively phosphorylated in up to 90% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), its role in AML has been unclear2. In some cases, Akt activation is attributed to activation of tyrosine kinases, such as BCR-ABL or FLT3-ITD, but in many cases the mechanism of Akt phosphorylation and its significance is unknown. Is AKT activation simply a marker of leukemic transformation, or is it a driver of leukemogenesis?
Producing and interpreting experimental olfactory deficits.

Abstract Producing and measuring olfactory deficits is a significant problem in experimental studies of olfaction and behavior. On the basis of anatomical considerations a multicomponent olfactory organ system is described, consisting of an interrelated group of chemosensitive receptor systems: the olfactory (I) nerve, the vomeronasal apparatus, portions of the trigeminus, and the nervus terminalis, plus a set of efferent projections to olfactory structures. Within this framework, nine olfactory system manipulations and a variety of experimentally and clinically recognized olfactory abnormalities are reviewed. The various manipulations of the olfactory organ system can differentially affect component organ subsystems, produce different olfactory deficits and, in some instances, introduce secondary, nonsensory effects which can confound interpretation of behavioral and physiological measures. Suggestions are made for conceptual, procedural, and terminological standardization in studies of olfaction and behavior.
Sequence specific electronic conduction through polyion-stabilized double-stranded DNA in nanoscale break junctions

This paper presents a study of sequence specific electronic conduction through short (15-base-pair) double-stranded (ds) DNA molecules, measured by immobilizing 3'-thiol-derivatized DNAs in nanometre scale gaps between gold electrodes. The polycation spermidine was used to stabilize the ds-DNA structure, allowing electrical measurements to be performed in a dry state. For specific sequences, the conductivity was observed to scale with the surface density of immobilized DNA, which can be controlled by the buffer concentration. A series of 15-base DNA oligonucleotide pairs, in which the centre sequence of five base pairs was changed from G:C to A:T pairs, has been studied. The conductivity per molecule is observed to decrease exponentially with the number of adjacent A:T pairs replacing G:C pairs, consistent with a barrier at the A:T sites. Conductance-based devices for short DNA sequences could provide sensing approaches with direct electrical readout, as well as label-free detection.
The role of phonological opacity in reading achievement.

This study investigated the relation among phonological awareness, morphological awareness, and reading achievement in 69 children with and without language-learning disabilities. Children particip...
Why are we using surgery as a first line of treatment for an anxiety disorder

Sirs: Chou et al. have cogently drawn attention to the importance of being conservative in the surgical treatment of blushing [1]. We argue that for some of the patients the surgical treatment may be worse than the disease, since intolerable reflex sweating is reported in a high percent of patients. Blushing of clinical severity is the hallmark physical sign of social phobia [2], an anxiety disorder, which has recently been linked to an allele-variant polymorphism in the Beta-1 adrenergic receptor [4]. Social phobia, which underlies blushing, is (like major depression) a major risk factor for suicide [2]. Ganglionic clipping represents important progress in the treatment of blushing, however, ethically, and in light of cost issues, clinicians should encourage blushers to first go through a trial of the evidence-based treatment for the underlying cause of their blushing (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;CD001206) [2, 3] before they go under the knife.
Selection and characterization of ethionine-resistant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cell lines

Diploid alfalfa (HG2), capable of plant regeneration from tissue culture, was used to select variant cell lines resistant to growth inhibition due to ethionine (an analog of methionine). Approximately 107 suspension-cultured cells were mutagenized with methane sulfonic acid ethylester and then plated in solid media containing ethionine. Callus colonies formed on media with 0.02 mM ethionine. Of the 124 cell lines recovered, 91 regenerated plants. After six months growth on media without ethionine, 15 of 110 cell lines of callus grew significantly better than HG2 on 1 mM ethionine. Several ethionine-resistant callus cultures were also resistant to growth inhibition due to the addition of lysine + threonine to the media. High concentrations, relative to unselected HG2 callus, of methionine, cysteine, cystathionine, and glutathione were found in some, but not all, ethionine-resistant callus cultures. Cell line R32, which had a ca. tenfold increase in soluble methionine, had a 43% increase in total free amino acids and a 40% increase in amino acids in protein as compared to unselected HG2 callus. Relative amounts of each amino acid in protein were the same in both.
Desensitizing the broadly human leukocyte antigen-sensitized patient awaiting deceased donor kidney transplantation.

Abstract For broadly human leukocyte antigen–sensitized patients (HS; calculated panel-reactive antibody >80%), options for deceased donor (DD) transplantation are extremely limited. Data from United Network for Organ Sharing (2000–2009) indicate that
THE LITHIUM CHLORIDE/DIMETHYLACETAMIDE SOLVENT FOR CELLULOSE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract Cellulose or poly(1·4)-β-D-D-glucose is the most abundant, renewable organic raw material [1]. The molocular structure (Fig. 1) consists of cellobiose repeating units which allow chain-packing by intermolecular [2] and intramolecular [3] hydrogen-bonding. Such strong interactions are responsible for excellent inherent mechanical properties, yet at the same time, interfere with efforts to process or modify the material. Only in a few instances have cellulose derivatives been exploited commercially and certainly not to the extent predicted from raw material availability and cost. Controllable, uniform derivatization has been hampered by the lack of suitable, nondegrading solvents or by a limited range of synthetic reactions within these solvents.
Biologic fate of valves in reversed and nonreversed arterial vein grafts.

Summary The cusps of valve-bearing segments of canine cephalic, femoral, and jugular veins were completely divided and were used as interposition grafts in the femoral and carotid arteries in the nonreversed position. Three control grafts had intact valves in the reversed position, and one control graft in the reversed position had division of the leaflets. Nine grafts were studied up to 2 months postoperatively with gross and microscopic observations. The cusp tissue, which shrinks immediately after complete division, disappears very early in the postoperative period in the reversed and nonreversed positions. Two reversed intact valves were still grossly microscopically normal 5 and 7 weeks postoperatively. The complete disappearance of the divided valve with a nonreversed coronary graft 10 ½ months postoperatively has been documented at autopsy for the first time in a human subject. The significance of these findings and the superiority of the valveless nonreversed autogenous vein graft in clinical cardiovascular surgery has been discussed.
Calcium currents in the A7r5 smooth muscle-derived cell line.

We have studied voltage-dependent calcium channels in the A7r5 smooth muscle cell line by measuring the high-affinity binding of radiolabelled dihydropyridines (DHPs), whole-cell and single-channel currents in patchclamped cells, as well as cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) in fura-2-loaded cell suspensions and monolayers. Intact A7r5 cells express saturable, high-affinity, voltage-sensitive DHP binding sites with pharmacological properties characteristic of L-type calcium channels. When cells were voltage clamped in the whole-cell configuration with near normal intra- and extracellular solutions, a DHP-sensitive inward current resembling the L-type calcium current was dominant. With barium (10 mM) as the charge carrier, peak inward currents were typically recorded at test potentials between 0 and +20 mV. Currents were blocked by extracellular cadmium with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of ∼ 1 μM. Isoproterenol (1 μM.) or forskolin (10 μM) increased currents in approximately half of the cells tested. Forskolin (10 μM) increased single-channel activity in five of eight cell-attached patches. After cells had been quiescent for several weeks, cell suspensions showed changes in resting [Ca2+]i in response to DHPs and increased potassium. Most confluent monolayers of cells showed spontaneous transient elevations in [Ca2+]i. Bath application of Bay K 8644 increased the frequency and magnitude of these [Ca2+]i transients, whereas nifedipine abolished the transients. These data suggest that the [Ca2+]i transients were due to synchronous action potentials in electrically coupled cell monolayers.
Campus politics and the challenges of international education in an urban community college district

This chapter presents a case study of challenges that the Peralta Community College District faced in institutionalizing its international student program and describes how the district overcame these challenges.
Unsymmetric aryl-alkyl disulfide growth inhibitors of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract This study describes the antibacterial properties of synthetically produced mixed aryl–alkyl disulfide compounds as a means to control the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis . Some of these compounds exerted strong in vitro bioactivity. Our results indicate that among the 12 different aryl substituents examined, nitrophenyl derivatives provide the strongest antibiotic activities. This may be the result of electronic activation of the arylthio moiety as a leaving group for nucleophilic attack on the disulfide bond. Small alkyl residues on the other sulfur provide the best activity as well, which for different bacteria appears to be somewhat dependent on the nature of the alkyl moiety. The mechanism of action of these lipophilic disulfides is likely similar to that of previously reported N -thiolated β-lactams, which have been shown to produce alkyl-CoA disulfides through a thiol-disulfide exchange within the cytoplasm, ultimately inhibiting type II fatty acid synthesis. However, the mixed alkyl-CoA disulfides themselves show no antibacterial activity, presumably due to the inability of the highly polar compounds to cross the bacterial cell membrane. These structurally simple disulfides have been found to inhibit β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III, or FabH, a key enzyme in type II fatty acid biosynthesis, and thus may serve as new leads to the development of effective antibacterials for MRSA and anthrax infections.
Beyond the Lonely Anthropologist: Collaboration in Research and Writing

Bien que les collaborations lors des recherches et des redactions soient nombreuses, elles sont peu mentionnees : vision de l'auteur comme particulier, timidite culturelle de lier le travail a la vie personnelle, ethos macho dans un domaine a dominante feminine, etc peuvent expliquer ce silence
Inflorescence Architecture and Flower sex Ratios in Sagittaria brevirostra (Alismataceae)

Two populations of Sagittaria brevirostra from the same lake were sampled 10 years apart and yielded similar data on inflorescence structure and on numbers and ratios of male and female flowers. Larger inflorescences have relatively more male than female flowers than do smaller inflorescences. Pollination success is unrelated to inflorescence size or sex ratio within an inflorescence. IN monoecious and dioecious plants the male and female gametes are produced in separate flowers and successful sexual reproduction depends upon synchronous flowering of staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers, at least within the reproducing population if not within the individual plant. Monoecious species can -be functionally dioecious if there is strong asynchrony of flowering of the sexes. One measure of the reproductive capacity of monoecious plants is the ratio of male to female flowers produced. Although the number of male gametes produced ordinarily vastly exceeds the number of female gametes, irrespective of the distribution of the sexes on individuals or within populations, the ratios of male to female flowers do not necessarily reflect this disproportionate
7118 Immediate effects of photodynamic therapy on dysplastic barrett's epithelium as measured by optical coherence tomography.

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new high resolution (10 μm) cross-sectional imaging technology which is analogous to ultrasound but uses infrared light rather than sound. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an ablative technique which is increasingly being used to treat dysplastic Barrett's epithelium. No immediate tissue effect can be seen endoscopically making it impossible to predict tissue response. The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in esophageal tissue as visualized by OCT can be detected immediately following PDT. Methods: Five patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia (n = 4) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 1) were treated with PDT. All patients received 2 mg/kg porfimer sodium 48 hours before PDT illumination. PDT was performed using a KTP laser pumped dye laser (. = 630 nm) delivered through a cylindrical diffuser or a windowed balloon device to a total light dose of 150 J/cm. OCT images were obtained immediately before and after PDT using a prototype catheter based endoscopic OCT system. Image acquisition was performed using an optical fiber catheter coupled to the OCT system and passed through the endoscope instrument channel. Results: In all patients the OCT appearance changed immediately following PDT. OCT images taken prior to PDT showed the typical characteristics of dysplastic Barrett's epithelium (i.e., inhomogenous contrast, mucosal glands). Immediately following PDT there was enhanced superficial mucosal contrast in the OCT images due to increased backscattering. The OCT image penetration depth was significantly (p
Determination and Interpretation of the Optimal Operating Point for ROC Curves Derived Through Generalized Linear Models

Sensitivity and specificity summarize the performance of a diagnostic test with a positive/negative outcome determined by a gold standard. When the test is quantitative, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves are used to display the performance of all possible cutpoints of the quantitative diagnostic marker. The ROC curve offers a graphical interpretation of the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity of the range of possible cutpoints. Various methods are used to estimate the ROC curve including empirical, parametric, semiparametric, and regression methods. Similarly, various software packages provide ROC curve estimation. Regression methods based on using generalized linear models are discussed as well as their implementation with the SAS procedures PROC LOGISTIC and PROC GENMOD. Recent attention has been given to determining the optimal decision rule, also called the optimal operating point (OOP). Similar to the ROC curve, the OOP provides a graphical interpretation for decision making. T...
Effect of Dormancy Relieving Compounds on the Seed Germination of Non-dormantAllenrolfea occidentalisunder Salinity Stress

Allenrolfea occidentalis(Chenopodiaceae) is a highly salt tolerant plant species that is widely distributed in inland salt marshes and salt playas of the western United States. We investigated the influence of dormancy-relieving compounds (fusicoccin, ethephon, nitrate and thiourea) in alleviating salinity stress on the seed germination ofA. occidentalis. Seed germination decreased with an increase in salinity and no seed germinated at 800 mMNaCl. Fusicoccin (5 μM), ethephon (10 mM) and nitrogenous compounds (20 mMnitrate and 10 mMthiourea) were able to counteract the inhibition produced by salinity treatments. All dormancy relieving compounds significantly (P<0.0001) promoted germination at all salinity concentations. Fusicoccin completely reversed the inhibitory effects of salinity on seed germination ofA. occidentalis. Ethephon application significantly promoted germination at all salinities. Nitrate and thiourea were relatively less effective in alleviating the effects of high salinity on germination.
Analysis of unsteady inviscid diffuser flow with a shock wave

A finite difference scheme with a shock-fitting algorithm has been used to investigate unsteady inviscid now with a shock in an inlet diffuser. The flowfield consists of three different regions: the supersonic and the subsonic regions, and a region containing both air and liquid fuel droplets, separated by a normal shock wave and a fuel injection system. The analysis is based on a two-phase, quasi-one-dimensional model. The response of a shock wave to various disturbances has been studied, including large-amplitude periodic oscillations and pulse perturbations.
On the number of combinations without unit separation

Abstract Let f(n, k) denote the number of ways of selecting k objects from n objects arrayed in a line with no two selected having unit separation (i.e., having exactly one object between them). Then, if n ⩾ 2(k − 1), f(n,k)= ∑ i=0 κ ( n−k+I−2i k−2i ) (where κ = [ k 2 ] ). If n 3, g(n, k) = f(n − 2, k) + 2f(n − 5, k − 1) + 3f(n − 6, k − 2). In particular, if n ⩾ 2k + 1 then (n,k)=( n−k k )+( n−k−1 k−1 ) .
A mild, rapid, and efficient method of lipid extraction for use in determining vitamin E/lipid ratios.

A new, general method for lipid extraction and measurement of vitamin E/total lipid ratios in tissue and cell samples has been developed. The new extraction procedure use a combination of sodium dodecylsulfate, ethanol andn-heptane, and is mild, clean, convenient, efficient and rapid (≤5 min). The efficiency of the new method has been confirmed for human plasma, red blood cells and rat liver homogenate by the comparison of the yields of vitamin E, O-acyl lipid and cholesterol with the yields obtained following conventional extraction procedures. Extraction efficiency also has been confirmed for multilamenllar vesicles composed of known quantities of vitamin E, egg lecithin and cholesterol.
Close Encounters with a Fish Screen III: Behavior, Performance, Physiological Stress Responses, and Recovery of Adult Delta Smelt Exposed to Two-Vector Flows near a Fish Screen

Abstract The threatened delta smelt Hypomesus transpacificus is vulnerable to more than 2,000 water diversions distributed throughout the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta system of California. Although fish screen installation should decrease direct losses, the physiological stress associated with exposure to two-vector flows near a fish screen may increase delta smelt mortality. We measured the swimming performance, screen contact rate, and stress responses of adult delta smelt to handling and simulated screen exposure at 12°C. Results from handling stress and flow stress experiments showed that fish collection, crowding, and transport elicited significant stress responses in delta smelt, as did exposure to the two-vector flows and a fish screen. However, delta smelt recovered from the cumulative handling stress within 2 h. Combinations of high approach velocity (10 or 15 cm/s) and high sweeping velocity (31 or 62 cm/s) increased the primary stress response (plasma cortisol concentrations) and the number of ...
BWR pipe crack control using hydrogen water chemistry: Status report on Dresden-2 program

Abstract One of the proposed remedies for intergranular stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel piping in BWRs is an alternative water chemistry called hydrogen water chemistry (H 2 WC) that involves suppression of reactor water dissolved oxygen to ≤ 20 ppb via hydrogen injection to the feedwater in conjunction with control of conductivity to ≤ 0.3 μ mho/cm. A long-term verification program, over two or three 18 month fuel cycles, was started at Commonwealth Edison's Dresden-2 reactor in April 1983 (Cycle 9). This paper describes the results of the water chemistry changes, structural material and fuel evaluations, and plant radiation level changes during Cycle 9, which ended in October 1984. To date the results of the verification program are very encouraging. They indicate that the alternative water chemistry, based on hydrogen additions to the feedwater to suppress oxygen and low conductivity, can be maintained in a large operating BWR, and that it does mitigate IGSCC in stainless steel recirculation piping. Monitoring of fuel and plant materials will continue in Dresden-2 at least through Cycle 10 to confirm the absence of any unusual side effects of this remedy for IGSCC.
The optical properties of Sb2Se3Sb2Te3

The optical properties of single crystal specimens of Sb2Te3Sb2Se3 solid solutions have been investigated in the photon energy range 0.04 eV to 6.5 eV. A wide range of solid solutions having hexagonal structure were found to exhibit properties closely corresponding to the isostructural compounds Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3. Small indirect band gaps approaching semimetallic values were obtained. The high free-carrier concentrations gave rise to plasma effects in the near infra-red. In contrast Sb2Se3 is orthorhombic with a direct band gap near 1 eV. The chemical bonding concepts applied to similar systems seem applicable with only slight modification.
Spatial methods for event reconstruction in CLEAN

Abstract In CLEAN (Cryogenic Low Energy Astrophysics with Noble gases), a proposed neutrino and dark matter detector, background discrimination is possible if one can determine the location of an ionizing radiation event with high accuracy. Here, we develop spatial methods for event reconstruction, and study their performance in computer simulation experiments. We simulate ionizing radiation events that produce multiple scintillation photons within a spherical detection volume filled with liquid neon. We estimate the radial location of a particular ionizing radiation event based on the observed count data corresponding to that event. The count data are collected by detectors mounted at the spherical boundary of the detection volume. We neglect absorption, but account for Rayleigh scattering. To account for wavelength-shifting of the scintillation light, we assume that photons are absorbed and re-emitted at the detectors. In our study, the detectors incompletely cover the surface area of the sphere. In the first method, we estimate the radial location of the event by maximizing the approximate Poisson likelihood of the observed count data. To correct for scattering and wavelength-shifting, we adjust this estimate using a polynomial calibration model. In the second method, we predict the radial location of the event as a polynomial function of the magnitude of the centroid of the observed count data. The polynomial calibration models are constructed from calibration (training) data. In general, the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method estimate is more accurate than that of the Centroid method estimate. We estimate the expected number of photons emitted by the event by a ML method and a simple method based on the ratio of the number of detected photons and a detection probability factor.
Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers in the United States, 1989‐2002

Objectives.We sought to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United States during 1989-2002 and to identify factors associated with vaccination in this group. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for HCWs to reduce transmission of influenza to patients at high risk for serious complications of influenza.Design.Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1989-2002 surveys conducted by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The outcome measure was self-reported influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of 2002 NHIS data.Setting.Household interviews conducted during 1989-2002, weighted to reflect the noninstitutionalized, civilian US population.Participants.Adults aged 18 years or older participated in the study. A total of 2,089 were employed in healthcare occupations or settings in 2002, and 17,160 were employed in nonhealthcare occupations or settings.Results.The influenza vaccination rate among US HCWs increased from 10.0% in 1989 to 38.4% in 2002, with no significant change since 1997. In a multivariate model that included data from the 2002 NHIS, factors associated with a higher rate of influenza vaccination among HCWs aged 18-64 years included age of 50 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.1), hospital employee status (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9), 1 or more visits to the office of a healthcare professional in the past 12 months (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), receipt of employer-provided health insurance (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), a history of pneumococcal vaccination (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.5-6.1), and history of hepatitis B vaccination (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.4). Non-Hispanic black persons were less likely to be vaccinated (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9) than non-Hispanic white persons. There were no significant differences in vaccination levels according to HCW occupation category.Conclusions.Influenza immunization among HCWs reached a plateau during 1997-2002. New strategies are needed to encourage US HCWs to receive influenza vaccination to prevent influenza illness in themselves and transmission of influenza to vulnerable patients.
Individual Differences in Susceptibility to the McGurk Effect: Links With Lipreading and Detecting Audiovisual Incongruity

Purpose Prior studies (e.g., Nath & Beauchamp, 2012) report large individual variability in the extent to which participants are susceptible to the McGurk effect, a prominent audiovisual (AV) speec...
Steric factors in the short-range solvation of secondary amines☆

Abstract Steric aspects of the short-range solvation of proton transfer complexes between 2,4-dinitrophenol and various secondary amines was studied in benzene—DMSO and benzene—dioxane mixed solvent systems. Diisopropylamine was hindered when compared with diethylamine, and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine was hindered when compared with 2,6-dimethylpiperidine in forming the proton transfer complex. The smaller electron-donating solvent dimethylsulfoxide was capable of solvating the more hindered amines, but the bulkier dioxane could only solvate diethylamine and dimethylpiperidine readily. Tetrahydropyran could solvate tetramethylpiperidine weakly, inferring that it did not solvate in precisely the same fashion as does dioxane. It is concluded that the solvation structure is sufficiently crowded as to be sensitive to small changes in the structures of the participants.
Quantification of synaptic vesicles in hippocampus of aging rats and initial studies of possible relations to neurophysiology.

Abstract Synaptic vesicle populations were quantified in Schaffer-commissural synapses which terminate on CA1 pyramidal cell apical dendrites, in aging and young-mature rats. Vesicles were found to be reduced with age, and this effect was most pronounced in the oldest animals (e.g., 28 months) within the aged group. Numerical density of synaptic vesicles in aged rat hippocampus was reduced whether expressed as vesicles per terminal, vesicles per μ 2 of terminal, or vesicles per μ 2 of terminal corrected for shrinkage or swelling as assessed by mitochondrial cross-sectional diameters. Counted synaptic terminal areas were not significantly different in the aged animals, although a trend toward reduced terminal size with aging was seen. The latter observation apparently rules out increased terminal swelling in aged rat synapses as a basis for reduced vesicle density. In some rats, neurophysiological studies were concomitantly performed. A significant correlation was found between the amplitude of the monosynaptic population spike after 20 min of 4 Hz stimulation of the Schaffer-commissural fibers and synaptic vesicle populations in terminals of these stimulated pathways. However, because of a low n this result must be viewed as preliminary.
Image analysis and quantification of atherosclerosis using MRI.

Abstract This paper describes an image processing, pattern recognition, and computer graphics system for the noninvasive identification and evaluation of atherosclerosis using multidimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Particular emphasis has been placed on the problem of developing a pattern recognition system for noninvasively identifying the different plaque classes involved in atherosclerosis using minimal a priori information. This pattern recognition technique involves an extension of the ISODATA clustering algorithm to include an information theoretic criterion (Consistent Akaike Information Criterion) to provide a measure of the fit of the cluster composition at a particular iteration to the actual data. A rapid 3-D display system is also described for the simultaneous display of multiple data classes resulting from the tissue identification process. This work demonstrates the feasibility of developing a “high information content” display which will aid in the diagnosis and analysis of the atherosclerotic disease process. Such capability will permit detailed and quantitative studies to assess the effectiveness of therapies, such as drug, exercise, and dietary regimens.
Characterization of Arsenic by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Oxy-Acetylene Flames

This study, investigating the absorption characteristics of arsenic, included the sensitivities of the resonance lines suitable for analytical use, interferences, and the effect of solvents on absorption. Of the lines investigated, three proved to be analytically useful: 1972 A and 3944 A (1972 A second order) having sensitivities of 1 ppm and 1937 A with a sensitivity of approximately 2 ppm, Interferences from alkali, alkaline earth, and transition-metal ions as well as several common anions were investigated at these three wavelengths. It was found that organic solvent-water mixtures generally enhanced the arsenic absorption. The initial stage of the study was the establishment of optimum operating conditions through manipulation of various parameters. At 1937 A, and to a lesser degree at 1972 A, problems were encountered stemming from increased scattering of radiation and absorption by molecular oxygen and acetylene.
Small-fiber neuropathy in pompe disease: first reported cases and prospective screening of a clinic cohort.

Case series Patient: Male, 11 • Female, 49 Final Diagnosis: Small fiber neuropathy Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Skin biopsy Specialty: Neurology Objective: Unusual clinical course
A conceptual framework for mixing in continuous chemical reactors

Abstract A conceptual framework of some generality for describing mixing in continuous flow systems is developed. The framework is based on the notions of residence time distributions, residual lifetimes, and coalescence and redispersion of fluid elements. A deterministic version of the conceptual framework is derived and shown under appropriate constaints to specialize into three more restricted mixing models which have appeared in the literature. Monte-Carlo simulation is suggested as the most practical general means of implementation. This technique is illustrated in a brief study of the effects of mixing on three simple homogeneous reactions. It is conjectured that the conceptual framework is comprehensive, although the arguments presented in support of this conjecture do not prove rigorously that flow mixing situations can be represented.
The pulsed dye laser for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) have a specialized microvasculature system that can be targeted by the 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) utilizing the theory of selective photothermolysis. Seven volunteers with nine well-defined, biopsy-proven BCCs, were treated with the PDL (585-nm wavelength, a single 450-μs pulse, 7-mm spot size, and 9.0 J/cm2 energy). The lesions, along with a 4-mm border of normal skin were treated. Pain assessment was carried out immediately after the laser treatment. A deep shave biopsy with histological examination occurred 4 weeks after the laser treatment. Pain was assessed on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain possible). The average patient score was 2.1 (range 1–4). On histology, 5/9 (55.6%) sites demonstrated no evidence of BCC; however, 4/9 (44.4%) sites showed residual BCC. Although the PDL was able to clear over half of the BCCs in this study, there was an unacceptably high persistence rate of 44.4%. The PDL did not achieve the clearance rate that can be attained with current standard BCC treatment modalities. At this time, we do not recommend that a single treatment with the 585-nm PDL can be used as a primary therapy for BCC.