cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bloom of resident antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil following manure fertilization

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a global threat to public health. Agricultural use of antibiotics is believed to contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance, but the mechanisms by which many agricultural practices influence resistance remain obscure. Although manure from dairy farms is a common soil amendment in crop production, its impact on the soil microbiome and resistome is not known. To gain insight into this impact, we cultured bacteria from soil before and at 10 time points after application of manure from cows that had not received antibiotic treatment. Soil treated with manure contained a higher abundance of β-lactam–resistant bacteria than soil treated with inorganic fertilizer. Functional metagenomics identified β-lactam– resistance genes in treated and untreated soil, and indicated that the higher frequency of resistant bacteria in manure-amended soil was attributable to enrichment of resident soil bacteria that harbor β-lactamases. Quantitative PCR indicated that manure treatment enriched the blaCEP-04 gene, which is highly similar (96%) to a gene found previously in a Pseudomonas sp. Analysis of 16S rRNA genes indicated that the abundance of Pseudomonas spp. increased in manure-amended soil. Populations of other soil bacteria that commonly harbor β-lactamases, including Janthinobacterium sp. and Psychrobacter pulmonis, also increased in response to manure treatment. These results indicate that manure amendment induced a bloom of certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil that was independent of antibiotic exposure of the cows from which the manure was derived. Our data illustrate the unintended consequences that can result from agricultural practices, and demonstrate the need for empirical analysis of the agroecosystem.
The tree‐friendly iPad

Purpose – This article aims to describe the impact that iPad ownership by undergraduates may be having at the author's institution.Design/methodology/approach – The article considers the iPad's lightweight nature and crisp display as promoting both its carrying and reading appeal.Findings – The article discusses scenarios fostered by the iPad and emerging tablet products.Originality/value – The article theorizes that a tipping point has been reached regarding the format preference of print and electronic books.
Appendix D—Notes on Darcy's law and permeability

In any effort to establish nomenclature relating to the flow of fluids through porous media it would seem well first to consider the history of the development of our concepts and of the terms or expressions involved. Only in this way can precedent rightfully be honored and at the same time duplicating expressions be eliminated and the remaining more useful terms clarified. Then, proceeding with a foresight lined up with recent advances, we may hope to anticipate the needs of the future.
The cost estimation of thermal and catalytic incinerators for the control of VOCs

In an earlier paper, major commercially available incinerator technologies designed to treat dilute waste gas streams containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were described in a qualitative comparison. In addition, a simplified procedure was outlined through which important sizing parameters could be calculated given certain information about the waste gas. This paper describes the use of these parameters in developing a study (±30percent) cost estimate for the total capital investment and the total annual costs incurred in treating a waste stream of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). An illustrative problem used in the former paper is completed here in order to contrast some of the economic differences between thermal and catalytic incinerator systems.
Catalytic and Photochemical Applications of Nanosecond Step-Scan FT-IR Spectroscopy

The advent of step-scan instruments has opened up FT-mfrared absorption spectroscopy on the time scale from 10 nanoseconds to milliseconds.
Coupled transient thermo-fluid/thermal-stress analysis approach in a VTBM setting

Abstract A virtual test blanket module (VTBM) has been envisioned as a utility to aid in streamlining and optimizing the US ITER TBM design effort by providing an integrated multi-code, multi-physics modeling environment. Within this effort, an integrated simulation approach is being developed for TBM design calculations and performance evaluation. Particularly, integrated thermo-fluid/thermal-stress analysis is important for enabling TBM design and performance calculations. In this paper, procedures involved in transient coupled thermo-fluid/thermal-stress analysis are investigated. The established procedure is applied to study the impact of pulsed operational phenomenon on the thermal-stress response of the TBM first wall. A two-way coupling between the thermal strain and temperature field is also studied, in the context of a change in thermal conductivity of the beryllium pebble bed in a solid breeder blanket TBM due to thermal strain. The temperature field determines the thermal strain in beryllium, which in turn changes the temperature field. Iterative thermo-fluid/thermal strain calculations have been applied to both steady-state and pulsed operation conditions. All calculations have been carried out in three dimensions with representative MCAD models, including all the TBM components in their entirety.
On convergence of configurations

Abstract The transition rule F of a cellular automaton may sometimes be regarded as a “rule of growth” of a crystal from a “seed” ω. A study is made of the iterates ω, F ω, F 2 ω,…. For certain growth rules F it is proved that when ω is “sufficiently large” the sequence F p ω “converges” to a rational polytope W . The limiting shape W depends only on F .
SU‐E‐T‐157: Evaluation and Comparison of Doses to Pelvic Lymph Nodes and to Point B with 3D Image Guided Treatment Planning for High Dose Brachytherapy for Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Purpose: To estimate and compare the doses received by the obturator, external and internal iliac lymph nodes and point Methods: CT-MR fused image sets of 15 patients obtained for each of 5 fractions of HDR brachytherapy using tandem and ring applicator, were used to generate treatment plans optimized to deliver a prescription dose to HRCTV-D90 and to minimize the doses to organs at risk (OARs). For each set of image, target volume (GTV, HRCTV) OARs (Bladder, Rectum, Sigmoid), and both left and right pelvic lymph nodes (obturator, external and internal iliac lymph nodes) were delineated. Dose-volume histograms (DVH) were generated for pelvic nodal groups (left and right obturator group, internal and external iliac chains) Per fraction DVH parameters used for dose comparison included dose to 100% volume (D100), and dose received by 2cc (D2cc), 1cc (D1cc) and 0.1 cc (D0.1cc) of nodal volume. Dose to point B was compared with each DVH parameter using 2 sided t-test. Pearson correlation were determined to examine relationship of point B dose with nodal DVH parameters. Results: FIGO clinical stage varied from 1B1 to IIIB. The median pretreatment tumor diameter measured on MRI was 4.5 cm (2.7– 6.4cm).The median dose to bilateral point Bmore » was 1.20 Gy ± 0.12 or 20% of the prescription dose. The correlation coefficients were all <0.60 for all nodal DVH parameters indicating low degree of correlation. Only 2 cc of obturator nodes was not significantly different from point B dose on t-test. Conclusion: Dose to point B does not adequately represent the dose to any specific pelvic nodal group. When using image guided 3D dose-volume optimized treatment nodal groups should be individually identified and delineated to obtain the doses received by pelvic nodes.« less
Electron spin resonance of some nitro‐ and fluoro‐substituted triphenylmethyl radicals

The electron spin resonance spectra of the tris(4-nitrophenyl)methyl and tris(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-nitrophenyl)methyl radicals in toluene solution have been obtained and their 14N, 19F and 1H hyperfine splitting constants have been determined. Analysis of the data indicates that fluorine substituents in this system are appreciably electron attracting. This is in contrast to the fluorinated nitrobenzene radical ions, where the data suggest that fluorine may be weakly electron donating. The present results on the fluoro- and nitro-substituted radical also lead to the conclusion that no steric interaction between the NO2 group and ortho-fluorine atoms occurs, and that the group remains coplanar with the aromatic rings. The nitro group in these radicals is less electron attracting than in the nitrobenzene anions and their protonated analogs.
A New Strategy for Coarse-Grained Protein Simulations: Smoothed Energy Tables

Coarse grained simulation methods allow the simulation of large biomolecular systems with less computational expense than the corresponding all-atom simulations. The savings come from two sources: faster computation due to a reduced number of particles, and improved sampling due to a smoother free energy surface. Many commonly used coarse-grained models suffer from serious limitations, such as being unable to properly model protein secondary structure without the addition of unphysical restraints. We have constructed a novel coarse-grained Monte Carlo method based on dividing proteins into nearly rigid fragments, constructing distance and orientation-dependent tables of the interaction energies between those fragments, and applying potential energy smoothing techniques to those tables. Preliminary results on peptides indicate that the new method is able to preserve α-helices without additional restraints. In addition, when sufficient smoothing is applied, the new method also shows an improvement in sampling per unit computation time compared to Monte Carlo simulation without tabulation or atomistic molecular dynamics.
Rapid chromatofocusing of proteins.

Abstract Chromatofocusing, a chromatographic technique whereby proteins are selectively eluted from an ion-exchange support according to their pI values, has been adapted to high-performance liquid chromatography. It was found that chromatofocusing can detect heterogeneity in protein preparations not demonstrated by reverse-phase or size exclusion chromatography and that the resolution of chromatofocusing is comparable to ion-exchange chromatography. Although chromatofocusing may not resolve proteins as well as isoelectric focusing, it has advantages over this technique in both speed and capacity. The usefulness of chromatofocusing as an additional technique in the analysis and preparation of proteins is discussed. The rapid separation technique described here is able to resolve protein mixtures in the chromatofocusing mode in approximately 30 min.
Multiple Sclerosis in the Elderly: Considerations in the Geriatric Population for Diagnosis and Management

Multiple sclerosis is less commonly diagnosed among the elderly. Careful consideration of potential mimics is critical. History, physical exam, and magnetic resonance imaging are important, as are serum and often cerebrospinal fluid testing in diagnosing multiple sclerosis. In the elderly, multiple sclerosis is more often of the progressive subtype and may lead to greater disability. When disease-modifying therapy is offered to a newly or remotely diagnosed elderly patient, the physician must carefully consider the potential risks and benefits. There is limited data from clinical trials to predict the response to these treatments in the elderly. Symptomatic therapies for multiple sclerosis may modify gait impairment, mood disturbance, bladder and bowel dysfunction, neuropathic pain, and spasticity. Interventions include pharmacotherapies, physical and occupational therapies, and rehabilitative strategies to maximize function. In this review, existing data on the features unique to multiple sclerosis in the elderly population are discussed.
Backward masking: The role of the target + mask composite

In a backward masking reproduction task, the target was a 4-dot pattern placed in a 3 x 3 array and the mask was a single dot placed in one of the five remaining empty cells of that array. The target + mask composite is thereby a 5-dot pattern. The results demonstrated that redundant 4-dot patterns were easier to reproduce. Moreover, the redundancy of the composite affects accuracy. Reproduction was most accurate when the redundancy of the target matched the redundancy of the composite. Thus, the structural characteristics of the whole determined the perception and realization of the subparts. The central theme of Gestalt psychology is that of form. Form is the way things appear; they have a "whole-character" which transcends the characteristics of the parts, and the perception of form is not learning to put the whole together out of pieces. The most widely used demonstrations that experience is at best a secondary influence on form perception are Gottschaldt figures (1926). A simple, very familiar figure, when skillfully embedded in other lines, is often not perceived. The simple figure is not seen since "field forces" produce a new whole, effectively camouflaging the original figure. The visual masking paradigm can be considered an experimental procedure producing the Gottschaldt demonstrations. An overlearned (target) stimulus is presented, followed in close temporal proximity (within 200 msec) by a masking stimulus creating a composite of the two stimuli. The subject's task is to identify the target stimulus. The similarity of these two lines of research suggests that it is possible to study form perception utilizing backward masking. Specifically, it is possible to study the characteristics of the target + mask composite which precludes the identification of the target, much in the same fashion as the Gottschaldt demonstrations. The stimuli used here were 4-<1ot and 5-dot patterns generated by placing four or five dots in the cells of a 3 x 3 matrix. A total of 126 4-<1ot and 5-dot patterns are possible. These patterns can be partitioned into equivalence sets by a physical criteria based on rotation and reflection (Prokhovnik, 1959). Two patterns are equivalent if one can be transformed into the other by one or more 90-deg rotations and or reflections around the vertical or horizontal axes. Using these criteria, the 126 patterns may be partitioned into 23 mutually
Language, Thinking and Religious Consciousness

The opposition in which many phenomenologists of religion stand to the above remarks is clear. Religious consciousness of the world, in being tied to the language of a particular faith, requires conceptual mastery for its emergence. Linguistic and non-linguistic skills in the use of concepts must be developed through fledgling attempts and repeated practice. In noticing this, attention has been called to the fact that such consciousness is far from being man's natural inheritance. It is acquired through instruction and learning, and the concepts which generate Christian consciousness of the world make demands upon a person which go straight against his grain. Using the Christian concepts as tools in handling the various situations along life's way requires strenuous and repeatedly renewed effort. There remains a certain Christian distance from ordinary ways of doing commerce with the world. The way, after all, is said to be narrow. So to become conscious of the world in a Christian manner is to submit oneself to the rigors of the concepts. It is to permit one's life to be guided and ruled thereby in his regard for the world.
The Rise of a Chinese House Church: The Organizational Weapon

This article investigates the similarities between the organizational innovation of one underground Protestant house church in China and the rise of early communist parties. Much like the spread of communism, the organizational tactics of the church are designed to protect it in a hostile political environment. The different levels are insulated from each other, with limited knowledge of the members above and below. In this way, if anyone is raided by the authorities, the others can continue to function with little interruption. Thus, the highly touted “organizational weapon” developed by the Bolsheviks and recycled, for example, by the Chinese Communist Party in their struggle for power, has resurfaced many years later. However, this time it has been adopted by a religious “vanguard.”
THE NATURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF CHANGES IN ADRENAL CYTOLOGY, WEIGHT, AND CORTICAL/MEDULLARY RATIO IN EXPERIMENTAL RENAL HYPERTENSION AND CLINICAL HYPERTENSION

There is a direct proportionality between the degree of adrenal and that of cardiac enlargement in experimental renal hypertension. This is evidence for the participation of the adrenal to an extent dependent on the severity of the hypertension as reflected in the degree of cardiac hypertrophy. The greater part of the weight increase of the adrenal is due to growth of the cortex. However, the relative degree of medullary growth exceeds that of cortical growth. There is evidence of medullary hyperplasia, but the cortical growth may be due to cell hypertrophy alone. In view of the known relationship between prolonged skeletal muscle work and the size of the adrenals, in which there is likewise a relatively greater growth of the medulla, the possibility that adrenal growth in experimental renal hypertension is a consequence of the metabolic demand of increased heart muscle work must be considered. The hyperplastic, hypertrophic medulla of the renal hypertensive rat is presumed to be producing increased amounts of a hormone whose action is not known. The adrenal medulla is not necessary for the development of moderate renal hypertension though this does not exclude the possibility that it may be involved somehow in the maintainance of the hypertensive state. Large, periodic-Schiff-positive, hyaline droplets are found in the cytoplasm of adrenal cortical cells with nuclear evidence of active function. There is some evidence that these indicate hypophyseal stimulation. Similar particles are found in the medulla, suggesting an interrelationship between the two parts of the adrenal. The close resemblance of changes in adrenal weight, nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, and nuclear and cytoplasmic structure, indicates that similar physiological and morphological controlling mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis and maintainance of experimental renal hypertension and clinical essential hypertension.
4-Substituted D-glutamic acid analogues: the first potent inhibitors of glutamate racemase (MurI) enzyme with antibacterial activity.

The first potent inhibitors of glutamate racemase (MurI) enzyme that show whole cell antibacterial activity are described. Optically pure 4-substituted d-glutamic acid analogues with (2R,4S) stereochemistry and bearing aryl-, heteroaryl-, cinnamyl-, or biaryl-methyl substituents represent a novel class of glutamate racemase inhibitors. Exploration of the d-Glu core led to the identification of lead compounds (−)-8 and 10. 2-Naphthylmethyl derivative 10 was found to be a potent competitive inhibitor of glutamate racemase activity (Ki = 16 nM, circular dichroism assay; IC50 = 0.1 μg/mL high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay). Thorough structure−activity relationship (SAR) studies led to benzothienyl derivatives such as 69 and 74 with increased potency (IC50 = 0.036 and 0.01 μg/mL, respectively, HPLC assay). These compounds showed potent whole cell antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae PN−R6, and good correlation with the enzyme assay. Compounds 69, 74 and biaryl derivative 52 showed effi...
Computational Modeling of Top-down Visual Attention in Interactive Environments

Modeling how visual saliency guides the deployment of attention over visual scenes has attracted much interest recently — among both computer vision and experimental/computational researchers — since visual attention is a key function of both machine and biological vision systems. Research efforts in computer vision have mostly been focused on modeling bottom-up saliency. Strong influences o n attention and eye movements, however, come from instantaneous task demands. Here, we propose models of top-down visual guidance considering task influences. The n ew models estimate the state of a human subject performing a task (here, playing video games), and map that state to an eye position. Factors influencing state come from scene gi st, physical actions, events, and bottom-up saliency. Proposed models fall into two categories. In the first category, we use classical discriminative classifiers, including Reg ression, kNN and SVM. In the second category, we use Bayesian Networks to combine all the multi-modal factors in a unified framework. Our approaches significantly outperfor m 15 competing bottom-up and top-down attention models in predicting future eye fixat ions on 18,000 and 75,00 video frames and eye movement samples from a driving and a flig ht combat video game, respectively. We further test and validate our approaches on 1.4M video frames and 11M fixations samples and in all cases obtain higher prediction s cores that reference models.
Efficient parallel algorithms for dead sensor diagnosis and multiple access channels

We study parallel algorithms for identifying the dead sensors in a mobile ad hoc wireless network and for resolving broadcast conflicts on a multiple access channel (MAC). Our approach involves the development and application of new group-testing algorithms, where we are asked to identify all the defective items in a set of items when we can test arbitrary subsets of items. In the standard group-testing problem, the result of a test is binary--the tested subset either contains defective items or not. In the versions we study in this paper, the result of each test is non-binary. For example, it may indicate whether the number of defective items contained in the tested subset is zero, one, or at least two (i.e., the results are 0, 1, or 2+). We give adaptive algorithms that are provably more efficient than previous group testing algorithms (even for generalized response models). We also show how our algorithms can be implemented in parallel, because they possess a property we call conciseness, which allows them to be used to solve dead sensor diagnosis and conflict resolution on a MAC. Dead sensor diagnosis poses an interesting challenge compared to MAC resolution, because dead sensors are not locally detectable, nor are they themselves active participants. Even so, we present algorithms that can be applied in both contexts that are more efficient than previous methods. We also give lower bounds for generalized group testing.
Neutron-nucleus total cross sections from 900 to 2600 MeV/c

Abstract Neutron-nucleus total cross sections have been measured for 12 elements with an overall accuracy of ≈ 5%. Incident neutron momenta, determined by time of flight, were between 900 and 2600 MeV/c. The momentum and atomic weight dependence of the data have been parametrized in the form σT = σo (P)Aβ where β = 0.75 ± 0.02.
New Class of Asymmetric Shapes of Rotating Liquid Drops

Shapes and stability of surface-tension-endowed drops rotating rigidly at fixed angular momentum are calculated by finite-element analysis. A new family of asymmetric two-lobed drop shapes is discovered that branches from, and rejoins, the Pik-Pichak family of symmetric two-lobed shapes. The computations are verified for axisymmetric and symmetric two-lobed drop shape by comparison with previous approximations.
Fundamental frequencies of rounded polygonal membranes-a class of homotopy shapes

Rounding of sharp corners of a membrane (or waveguide) is unavoidable in practice. The natural vibration frequencies of polygonal membranes with rounded vertices are studied by introducing a new family of homotopy shapes and using an efficient improved Ritz method.
Factors controlling pulmonary vascular resistance in fetal lambs

A series of experiments measuring pulmonary vascular resistance in the fetal lamb revealed that spontaneous changes in resistance occur in the unexpanded fetal lung; expansion of the fetal lung with a gas mixture that produces no significant alteration in arterial pO 2 or pCO 2 results in a marked fall in pulmonary vascular resistance; expansion of fetal lungs with deoxygenated dextran in saline produces only a small fall in pulmonary vascular resistance; inflation of fetal lungs with oxygenated dextran in saline and arterial blood produces a marked fall in vascular resistance; the fall in pulmonary vascular resistance with air inflation of the fetal lung cannot be ablated by vagotomy, atropinization, or administration of ismeline.
Oxidation and Diffusion at Poly-SiGe/GaAs Interfaces

GaAs has been encapsulated with sputter or electron-beam deposited, thin films of Si or SiGe and annealed in open tube oxygen ambients. The presence of oxygen increases the diffusivity of both Si or Ge in the substrate. Forming gas anneals reduce the diffusivity by orders of magnitude. The diffusivities are greater for sputtered films compared to electron-beam deposited material of the same thickness. And the diffusivity is greater for thicker films and for Ge-rich films whether sputtered or electron-beam deposited.
Modulation of CD4(+)CD28null T lymphocytes by tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockade in patients with unstable angina.

Background— Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that favors the expansion of CD4+CD28null T cells, an aggressive and unusual proinflammatory lymphocyte subset frequently observed in patients with unstable angina (UA). The purpose of the present ex vivo study was to evaluate whether inflammation in patients with UA may be modulated by selective blockade of TNF-α. Methods and Results— Peripheral blood samples were collected from 17 patients with UA (Braunwald’s class IIIB). CD4+CD28null T cells were assessed by flow cytometry and expressed as a percentage of all CD4+ T cells after 24 hours of incubation of whole blood with and without increasing doses (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL) of infliximab, an anti–TNF-α monoclonal antibody. In addition, CD28 expression was assessed and expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (geometric mean of the CD28 fluorescence value on all CD4+ T cells). CD4+CD28null T-cell percentage decreased from a median of 6.2% (range, 1.2% to 23.9%) to 4.9% (range, ...
Murine lung response to kaolin conveyed by cigarette smoke

The effects of chronic (3 to 8.5 months) smoke inhalation from cigarettes laced with 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg kaolin (hydrated aluminum silicate) per gram of tobacco on the morphological integrity of lungs and the pulmonary macrophage population were evaluated in young and old male C57BL/6 mice. Lacing procedures, monitored by determining aluminum content in acid-digested aliquots of tobacco via atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), proved to be uniform. Amounts of aluminum in right lungs of young mice evaluated by AAS and of kaolin assessed by electron diffraction and polarizing light microscopy were larger in mice which inhaled smoke from cigarettes laced with more kaolin. A more pronounced increase in lung parenchymal tissue and decrease of alveolar space was observed in old mice subjected to smoke from cigarettes containing higher doses of kaolin than in similarly treated young animals. Concomitant with the above, the lung macrophage population did not increase as markedly in response to smoke inhalation in old mice nor did it increase in as clear a dose-response fashion to kaolin as it did in young animals. Further, the degree of ultrastructural alteration of the phagocytes in the old mice suggested impaired cell function. Plate-like material resembling kaolin crystals was most conspicuous in lung macrophages of mice which inhaled largest amounts of kaolin. Manifestations of abnormal aggregates of lymphocytes and macrophages correlated with kaolin dose inhaled in old mice but not in young animals. The reported observations indicate that 1) kaolin gains access to lungs via cigarette smoke inhalation, 2) macrophages are important in maintaining pulmonary homeostasis and 3) the inorganic compound kaolin appears to impede macrophage function, resulting in potentiation of lung abnormalities.
Loop II of DNA polymerase beta is important for discrimination during substrate binding

Abstract Loop II of DNA polymerase beta (pol β) consists of 14 amino acid residues and is highly flexible and solvent exposed. Previous research from our laboratory has shown that this loop is important for polymerase activity and fidelity. In the study presented here, we demonstrate that a shortened five amino acid residue loop compromises the fidelity of pol β. This five-residue loop, termed ENEYP, induces one base frameshift errors and A–C transversions within a specific sequence context. We demonstrate that ENEYP misincorporates dGTP opposite template A at higher efficiencies than wild-type pol β. The kinetic basis for misincorporation is a defect in discrimination of the correct from incorrect dNTP substrate at the level of ground-state binding. Our results are consistent with the idea that loop II of pol β functions to maintain accurate DNA synthesis by a direct or indirect influence on the nucleotide binding pocket.
Current concepts in treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Remarkable progress has been made in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The 5-year event-free survival rates now exceed 70%, reaching 80% or higher in some studies. Current efforts to improve outcome focus on more precise risk classification to avoid over- or under-treatment. Early treatment response, as defined by measurement of minimal residual disease, reflecting both the drug responsiveness of leukemic cells and host pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics, is considered the most reliable indicator for gauging the intensity of treatment. Intensive remission induction may not be necessary for patients with standard- or high-risk ALL, provided that they receive post-induction intensification therapy. Several clinical trials suggested that the use of L-asparaginase in the post-induction period only yielded an excellent remission induction rate and long-term event-free survival with low early morbidity. Increasingly, dexamethasone has replaced prednisone as a glucocorticoid of choice to improve outcome. Extended and stronger double-delayed intensification (or reinduction) improved treatment results even in patients with high-risk ALL and a slow early response. A methotrexate dosage of 2.5 g/m2 seems adequate for most patients with B-lineage ALL; 5 g/m2 may be required for those with T-cell ALL. The most successful clinical trials generally feature continuous post-remission therapy; high-dose pulse therapy with long rest period to compensate for myelosuppression was associated with an inferior outcome. Intensity of CNS-directed therapy should be tailored according to the presenting features. Patients with high-risk genetic features, a large leukemic cell burden, T-cell ALL, and the presence of leukemic cells in CSF (even from iatrogenic introduction via traumatic lumbar puncture) require more intensive therapy. In the context of intensive intrathecal and effective systemic therapy, cranial irradiation can now be omitted in over 95% of the patients. Among very high-risk cases, only Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL cases and perhaps those with T-cell ALL and poor early response benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with HLA-matched related donor. Ultimately, the curative treatment for very high-risk ALL would depend on the identification and characterization of specific oncoproteins with a pivotal role in leukemogenesis, and the development of molecular-based therapy. Promising agents under evaluation include imatinib mesylate (STI 571) for Ph+ ALL and FLT3 inhibitors forMLL-rearranged leukemia.
Field Testing Of A Crosswind Scintillometer

Field tests have been performed on a prototype spatially-averaged filter scintillometer designed to measure wind components transverse to an optical path. Unlike previous scintillometers, the spatially-averaged filter design peaks weighting functions at five segments along the optical path, producing simultaneous cross-path wind readings from these path segments. Intercomparison tests indicate that the scintillometer performs well under most meteorological conditions. However, a performance problem was identified during cross-path wind reversals in light and variable winds, where ambiguities in the sign of the crossing wind component occasionally caused spurious wind readings. The calibration factor also needs further testing. The crosswind scintillometer has significant remote wind sensing applications.
CMOS-compatible 75 mW erbium-doped distributed feedback laser

On-chip, high-power, erbium-doped distributed feedback lasers are demonstrated in a CMOS-compatible fabrication flow. The laser cavities consist of silicon nitride waveguide and grating features, defined by wafer-scale immersion lithography and an erbium-doped aluminum oxide layer deposited as the final step in the fabrication process. The large mode size lasers demonstrate single-mode continuous wave operation with a maximum output power of 75 mW without any thermal damage. The laser output power does not saturate at high pump intensities and is, therefore, capable of delivering even higher on-chip signals if a stronger pump is utilized. The amplitude noise of the laser is investigated and the laser is shown to be stable and free from self-pulsing when the pump power is sufficiently above threshold.
The question of subjectivity in three emerging feminist science studies frameworks: Feminist postcolonial science studies, new feminist materialisms, and queer ecologies

Synopsis This paper explores the question of subjectivity, of who or what counts as a subject, bringing three feminist science studies frameworks into dialogue: feminist postcolonial science studies, new feminist materialisms, and queer ecologies. As critical frameworks, each challenges Western modernity and marginalizing exceptionalisms, hierarchies, and binaries, calling for a more inclusive subjectivity. However, they diverge on whether they seek to finish the humanist project and extend subjectivity to all humans or move to post-humanism and question the very notion of subjectivity. Feminist postcolonial science studies challenges the Western/Non-Western divide of subjectivity, queer ecologies challenges the human/non-human divide, and new feminist materialisms challenges the life/nonlife divide. In their calls for greater inclusivity, the frameworks move expansively from subjectivity located in all human life, to subjectivity in all life, to subjectivity—if there is such an individually located thing—in matter. I argue that bringing these perspectives into dialogue is useful methodologically and politically.
Reactive oxygen species as agents of wood decay by fungi

Abstract Although many wood decay basidiomycetes secrete oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes that participate in lignocellulose biodedgradation, it is generally recognized now that these enzymes cannot penetrate sound wood, and that fungi must employ smaller agents to initiate decay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are likely candidates, and evidence is accumulating that some wood decay fungi produce these oxidants. For example, we have observed that, when they grow on wood, white rot and brown rot basidiomycetes degrade polyethylene glycol, a recalcitrant polymer that resists attack by species other than nonspecific, extracellular oxidants. By contrast, xylariaceous ascomycetes do not degrade polyethylene glycol, and therefore do not produce these oxidants when they degrade wood. The ROS that basidiomycetes employ remain unidentified in most cases, but the hydroxyl radical (·OH) is a likely participant, because there is a well-established pathway for its production via the Fenton reaction (H 2 O 2 + Fe 2+ + H + → H 2 O + Fe 3+ + ·OH). The two best documented fungal pathways for ·OH production involve the extracellular reduction of Fe 3+ and O 2 by cellobiose dehydrogenase or by secreted hydroquinones. Peroxyl (ROO·) and hydroperoxyl (·OOH) radicals, although they are weaker oxidants, may also be involved in wood decay because they are produced via reactions of ·OH and by some fungal enzymes.
A Survey Of Architectural Approaches for Managing Embedded DRAM and Non-Volatile On-Chip Caches

Recent trends of CMOS scaling and increasing number of on-chip cores have led to a large increase in the size of on-chip caches. Since SRAM has low density and consumes large amount of leakage power, its use in designing on-chip caches has become more challenging. To address this issue, researchers are exploring the use of several emerging memory technologies, such as embedded DRAM, spin transfer torque RAM, resistive RAM, phase change RAM and domain wall memory. In this paper, we survey the architectural approaches proposed for designing memory systems and, specifically, caches with these emerging memorytechnologies. To highlight their similarities and differences, we present a classification of these technologies and architectural approaches based on their key characteristics. We also briefly summarize the challenges in using these technologies for architecting caches. We believe that this survey will help the readers gain insights into the emerging memory device technologies, and their potential use in designing future computing systems.
Self-similar field dependent curves for a Heusler alloy

Abstract Heusler alloys feature both regular and inverse magnetocaloric effects (MCE) near room temperature as they undergo two different transitions. A temperature scaling methodology to obtain self-similar field dependent curves for materials exhibiting one first-order transition has been previously presented. In this paper, this methodology is modified and extended to obtain self-similar curves for a Ni 51 Mn 32.8 In 16.8 Heusler alloy undergoing two transitions near room temperature. Using this method, the collapsed curve reflects the cluster compositions in the mixed-state regions. The results of characterizing the dual transitions of Heusler alloys and establishing a new model will allow the data to be better analyzed and thus more easily predicted.
Modeling Time Varying Elastance: The Meaning of “Load-Independence”

Elastance [E(t)] was formalized by Suga et al. as the time-varying stiffness parameter in the relationship of left ventricular pressure P(t) to ventricular volume V(t) and a “slack volume” V 0 defined by the relationship P(t) = E(t)[V(t)-V 0]. Its utility as an index of ventricular contractility is based on the experimental observation that E(t) appeared to be independent of the loading (initial) conditions—the preload (end-diastolic volume) and the afterload (mean arterial blood pressure)—thereby reflecting a “load-independent” intrinsic contractility property of the chamber. To gain further insight into elastance, we modeled the heart as a one-dimensional steady state forced oscillator. The forcing term F(t) accounted for ventricular pressure and the length (output) of the oscillator y(t) accounted for ventricular volume. Closed form solutions for y(t) allowed computation of force–length loops (the analogue of P–V loops), and derivation of an analytic expression for the force–length analog of time-varying elastance. The derived expression for elastance showed that E(t) is only a function of the oscillator's intrinsic parameters, rather than the initial conditions. This paradigm provides the first analytic proof affirming the hypothesis that elastance could indeed be a “load-independent” (i.e., initial condition independent) intrinsic index of contractility.
IT education for disadvantaged students: lessons from Europe

Across the European Union, education and training in IT is seen as a way to move people experiencing disadvantage - such as the unemployed, people with disabilities, immigrants, marginalized women and disadvantaged youth - into sustainable employment. All the EU member countries and the European Commission have invested heavily in IT education and training programs for these groups. A study in five European countries concluded that for students experiencing disadvantage, IT training and education should be only one element of a much broader pedagogy. Successful programs in the countries studied - Ireland, the UK, Finland, Italy and Spain - used a pathway approach containing five elements. The first is contacting and motivating students, involving effective outreach to ensure that potential students are aware of and receptive to education and training opportunities. Second is developing skills, not only IT skills but also other vocational skills and soft skills such as communication and job-readiness skills. The third element of the pathway approach is ensuring support for social and cultural needs, including acknowledging and respecting cultural and other forms of diversity. The fourth is providing employment and career guidance services in a client-friendly and flexible manner. Finally, developing employment progression measures includes personal planning, mentoring, and ensuring that students are familiar with the local and global work culture. This paper discusses the study findings and concludes with guidelines for educators involved in designing and delivering IT education programs for students experiencing disadvantage.
Refinements in method of evaluation and physical conditioning before and after myocardial infarction

Abstract A 54 year old white man with hypertension, obesity and an elevated serum cholesterol level volunteered for a physical training program. During the sixth week he became ill, and a repeated work-capacity test revealed physiologic evidences of myocardial insufficiency. The pre-exercise serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase level was elevated. A routine electrocardiogram four hours later revealed evidence of an acute inferoseptal myocardial infarction. The course of the disease was uneventful and uncomplicated. Two months after infarction the patient resumed a physical activity program which provided for a slow increase in metabolic demands compatible with his capacity. Repeated work-capacity tests 20 and 23 weeks after infarction showed that he responded to training in exactly the same manner as has been observed in normal, healthy individuals. At that time he was normotensive, with a normal serum cholesterol concentration and near-normal body weight. The capacity for adequate cardiorespiratory adjustments to high metabolic demands was rated as “good.” This study illustrates how performance tests can be used in evaluating the work capacity and progress of a cardiac patient.
Performance analysis and design criteria for finite-alphabet source-channel codes

Efficient compression of finite-alphabet sources requires variable-length codes (VLCs). However, in the presence of noisy channels, error propagation in the decoding of VLCs severely degrades performance. To address this problem, redundant entropy codes and iterative source-channel decoding have been suggested, but to date, neither performance bounds nor design criteria for the composite system have been available. We calculate performance bounds for the source-channel system by generalizing techniques originally developed for serial concatenated convolutional codes. Using this analysis, we demonstrate the role of a recursive structure for the inner code and the distance properties of the outer code. We use density evolution to study the convergence of our decoders. Finally, we pose the question: Under a fixed rate and complexity constraint, when should we use source-channel decoding (as opposed to separable decoding)? We offer answers in several specific cases. For our analysis and design rules, we use union bounds that are technically valid only above the cutoff rate, but interestingly, the codes designed with union-bound criteria perform well even in low signal-to-noise ratio regions, as shown by our simulations as well as previous works on concatenated codes.
Recovery of hot water, dyes and auxiliary chemicals from textile wastestreams☆

Abstract The recovery of hot water, dyes and auxiliary chemicals from a continuous dye range has been demonstrated using a full-scale dynamic membrane hyperfiltration system. The recovered hot water has been suitable for reuse greater than 99% of the time. The reuse of recovered dyes and chemicals depends on the compatability of the dyes and chemicals in the concentrate with the dyes and chemicals required for various production formulations.
Retrospective Scheduling of Elastic Bandwidth Reservations in LambdaGrids

Tfie ability to reserve network bandwidth is critical for the success of high-performance grid applications. While reservation of lightpaths in dynamically switched optical networks facilitates guaranteed bandwidth, it is also imperative to effectively schedule these bandwidth reservations so as to orchestrate workflows involving computational, storage, and network resources. However, reservation can often lead to bandwidth fragmentation which significantly reduces system utilization and increases the blocking probability of requests. In this paper, we present a dynamic bandwidth scheduling scheme which exploits the quasi-flexible nature of bandwidth reservations and mitigates the problem of bandwidth fragmentation in LambdaGrids
Detection of symmetry of Boolean functions represented by ROBDDs

Addresses the problem of the detection of symmetries of Boolean functions. To know these symmetries may be important in several stages of logic design, e.g. in logic optimization, in logic synthesis, and in technology mapping. Reduced ordered binary decision diagrams (ROBDDs) play an important role in these tools. Using this representation form for Boolean functions there is a simple symmetry test by checking if certain cofactor functions are equivalent, i.e. if their ROBDD representations are the same. Unfortunately, this procedure may be very time and storage consuming because of the necessary cofactor computations. The approach presented in this paper uses preprocessing methods to find as many asymmetric pairs of variables as possible to avoid cofactor computations at the end. For that, special properties of the ROBDD structure as well as properties of Boolean functions are used. Experimental results on a large number of benchmarks show that this is a very efficient approach.
Concerns About Payment Security of Internet Purchases: A Perspective on Current On-Line Shoppers:

Consumers’ concerns about payment security have been recognized as an obstacle to the growth of Internet shopping. The purpose of our study was to investigate the influence of payment security concerns on Internet purchases. We proposed that consumers’ concerns about payment security mediate the relationship between attitude toward Internet shopping and actual purchases. Using data from the Georgia Institute of Technology Graphics Visualization and Usability Center’s 10th WWW User Survey, we found empirical evidence supporting the mediating relationship. Attitude toward Internet shopping was found to be negatively related to security concerns, and security concerns were found to be negatively related to Internet purchases. Furthermore, it was found that providing alternative off-line payment methods reduces security concerns and therefore promotes on-line purchases. Limitations on generalizing the findings were discussed.
Structural evolution of La-Cr-O thin film: Part II. Elasto-plastic properties by nanoindentation

The goal of this research is to study the elasto-plastic properties of La–Cr–O thin films deposited by RF-magnetron sputtering on stainless steel interconnect materials after annealing at high temperatures in air. Elastic modulus, hardness and yield pressure derived from nanoindentation data are reported for thin films in different structural states. The amorphous film has an estimated elastic modulus of 174 GPa. The moduli of annealed films are calculated to be 150, 185 and 120 GPa after annealing at 500 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C, respectively. The film annealed at 800 °C has the lowest hardness and is dramatically different from the other structural states due to formation of the nanoporosity. The amorphous film and the films annealed at 500 °C and 600 °C both have hardness of 14 GPa, which is close to the value estimated by modeling.