cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal auditory information processing in schizophrenia revealed by nonstationary signal analysis

Two of the most consistently reported evoked potential abnormalities in schizophrenia are a decreased amplitude of the mid-latency evoked responses and decreased sensory gating capability. The cause of these abnormalities is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigate to what degree these abnormalities may be explained in terms of EEG synchronization deficits. The auditory EPs from 20 normal subjects and 19 schizophrenia patients were obtained using a double click paradigm, in which two identical stimuli were delivered with an inter-stimulus interval of 500 ms and an inter-pair interval of 8 s. The Piecewise Prony Method (PPM) was used to decompose single trial auditory evoked potentials into sinusoidal, exponentially decaying/increasing components. Pre-and post-stimulus phase histograms were compared to determine the degree of phase synchronization produced by auditory stimulation in the two populations. It was found that schizophrenia patients have a phase synchronization deficiency, as compared to a normal control group, especially in the 4 Hz through 12 Hz frequency range. This deficiency explains the lower EP amplitudes and reduced sensory gating reported in schizophrenic subjects.
Stabilization of an arbitrary order transfer function with time delay using PI and PD controllers

This paper is concerned with developing a procedure for stabilizing a linear time-invariant plant of any order with time delay utilizing proportional-integral (PI) and proportional-derivative (PD) controllers. The method presented here is based on computing the stability boundary in terms of the proportional and integral gain for the PI case, and similarly, proportional and derivative gain for the PD case. The two variables are then plotted on the same coordinate system, thus obtaining the stability region for each controller used. The advantage of this procedure is the fact that it does not require the knowledge of the plant transfer function parameters, but only its frequency response. In addition, if the plant function is known, the procedure may also be used to analytically obtain the stabilizing controllers. We also present the tuning rules for user specified gain and phase margins.
A synonymous variant in scavenger receptor, class B, type I gene is associated with lower SR-BI protein expression and function.

Objective A synonymous variant within scavenger receptor class B type I gene (SCARB1), exon 8 rs5888, has been associated with altered lipid levels and cardiovascular risk in humans. The objective was to determine if rs5888 decreased SR-BI protein expression and function in vitro.
Social Capital for Hire? Mobility of Technical Professionals and Firm Influence in Wireless Standards Committees

The movement of personnel between firms has been shown to have important implications for firms, yet there has been little direct investigation of the underlying mechanisms. We propose that in addition to their human capital, mobile individuals carry social capital, affecting the outcomes of the firms they join and leave by altering the patterns of interaction between firms. In this study, we examine how job mobility affects firm influence in a technical standards setting committee for U.S. wireless telecommunications. We hypothesize and find that hiring individuals who are richer in social capital increases firm influence in technical standards setting committees by increasing the hiring firm's social capital. We also find the benefits of hiring social capital are attenuated when an interfirm relationship is maintained by multiple individuals. In contrast, we find that the loss of personnel does not affect a firm's social capital or influence over standards directly but that it does have an effect on firm social capital and influence contingent on changes in the firm's business strategy. In advancing these arguments, we address the broader question of individuals as carriers of social capital and the conditions under which interpersonal connections are appropriable by firms.
Exploiting diversity in multimode fiber communications links via multisegment detectors and equalization

we propose diversity combination via optical multisegment detectors and electrical equalization techniques to mitigate the effects of intermodal dispersion in multimode fiber (MMF). With no equalization in MMF links, intermodal dispersion produces intersymbol interference (ISI) in the received optical signal that severely limits the achievable data transmission rates and fiber link lengths. Our quasi-simulated performance results (obtained with measured impulse responses) demonstrate that multisegment detection and equalization provide a low-cost and efficient solution to combat ISI and hence, to enhance the performance of MMF communications links.
Effects of experience on optomotor performance in the cichlid fish Aequidens latifrons

Laboratory-bred cichlid fishes, Aequidens latifrons, were tested individually in a modified optomotor apparatus in which the rotation of the vertically striped drum changed direction every 56 sec. Over a period of five consecutive daily tests, quantitative changes in optomotor behavior that are characterized as more efficient responding occurred. That is, the fish followed the moving stripes more accurately in all the measures that we used to define it. Retesting some subjects on Days 11–15, 43–47, and 89–93 showed that these changes in behavior persisted and are therefore characterized as a learning phenomenon. A hypothesis is presented concerning the ontogeny of optomotor behavior based on the experience gained by juveniles in viewing the conspicuous vertical stripes of other members of the school when following them.
A simple expression for fluid inertia force acting on micro-plates undergoing squeeze film damping

Squeeze film damping in systems employing micro-plates parallel to a substrate and undergoing small normal vibrations is theoretically investigated. In high-density fluids, inertia forces may play a significant role affecting the dynamic response of such systems. Previous models of squeeze film damping taking inertia into account do not clearly isolate this effect from viscous damping. Therefore, currently, there is no simple way to distinguish between these two hydrodynamic effects. This paper presents a simple solution for the hydrodynamic force acting on a plate vibrating in an incompressible fluid, with distinctive terms describing inertia and viscous damping. Similar to the damping constant describing viscous losses, an inertia constant, given by ρL 3 W / h (where ρ is fluid density, L and W are plate length and width, respectively, and h is separation distance), may be used to accurately calculate fluid inertia for small oscillation Reynolds numbers. In contrast with viscous forces that suppress the amplitude of the oscillation, it is found that fluid inertia acts as an added mass, shifting the natural frequency of the system to a lower range while having little effect on the amplitude. Dimensionless parameters describing the relative importance of viscous and inertia effects also emerge from the analysis.
On the general mechanism of selective induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes by chemicals: some theoretical considerations

Importance of the field: The CYP isoforms that are selectively induced following exposure to structurally-diverse chemicals often are the ones capable of metabolizing these chemicals. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this apparent functional coupling is not understood at present.Areas covered in this review: Three hypotheses are developed to explain the complex process of selective chemical induction of CYPs: i) each inducible CYP may have a corresponding intracellular receptor that interacts with the inducer chemical and mediates the selective induction of this CYP; ii) each inducible CYP and its corresponding receptor may share highly similar steric structures for their substrate/inducer-binding sites and iii) each chemically-inducible CYP gene may have distinct genomic response element(s) that interact selectively with the corresponding receptor.What the reader will gain: The readers are introduced to a novel theoretical framework that offers a plausible mechanistic explanation at the molecu...
A moderated mediation test of personality, coping, and health among deployed soldiers

Summary Our study examines how personality and coping influence soldiers’ psychological health among 648 US Army personnel who were at that time deployed in Iraq at the height of an insurgency. Conscientiousness, neuroticism, and extraversion were associated with different coping behaviors, and these were in turn related to psychological distress. Conscientiousness was positively associated with problem-focused coping and negatively with avoidance coping, whereas neuroticism was most positively associated with avoidance coping. Extraversion was positively related to both seeking social support and avoidance coping. As expected, avoidance coping was positively associated with psychological distress. Coping style explained more variance in the relationship between personality and distress among soldiers who perceived higher levels of threat, thus supporting a moderated mediation hypothesis. We discuss implications for facilitating the stress coping of workers who face acute and potentially traumatic stress exposures. Copyright # 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
User browsing models: relevance versus examination

There has been considerable work on user browsing models for search engine results, both organic and sponsored. The click-through rate (CTR) of a result is the product of the probability of examination (will the user look at the result) times the perceived relevance of the result (probability of a click given examination). Past papers have assumed that when the CTR of a result varies based on the pattern of clicks in prior positions, this variation is solely due to changes in the probability of examination. We show that, for sponsored search results, a substantial portion of the change in CTR when conditioned on prior clicks is in fact due to a change in the relevance of results for that query instance, not just due to a change in the probability of examination. We then propose three new user browsing models, which attribute CTR changes solely to changes in relevance, solely to changes in examination (with an enhanced model of user behavior), or to both changes in relevance and examination. The model that attributes all the CTR change to relevance yields substantially better predictors of CTR than models that attribute all the change to examination, and does only slightly worse than the model that attributes CTR change to both relevance and examination. For predicting relevance, the model that attributes all the CTR change to relevance again does better than the model that attributes the change to examination. Surprisingly, we also find that one model might do better than another in predicting CTR, but worse in predicting relevance. Thus it is essential to evaluate user browsing models with respect to accuracy in predicting relevance, not just CTR.
A Locked, Dimeric CXCL12 Variant Effectively Inhibits Pulmonary Metastasis of CXCR4-Expressing Melanoma Cells Due to Enhanced Serum Stability

The CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) plays a critical role in cancer by positively regulating cancer cell metastasis and survival. We previously showed that high concentrations of the CXCR4 ligand, wild-type CXCL12 (wtCXCL12), could inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis in vivo, and we have hypothesized that wtCXCL12 dimerizes at high concentration to become a potent antagonist of CXCR4. To address this hypothesis, we engineered a covalently-locked, dimeric variant of CXCL12 (CXCL122). Herein, we show that CXCL122 can not only inhibit implantation of lung metastasis of CXCR4-B16-F10 melanoma cells more effectively than AMD3100, but that CXCL122 also blocks the growth of established pulmonary tumors. To identify a basis for the in vivo efficacy of CXCL122, we performed western blot and ELISA analyses, which revealed that CXCL122 was stable for at least 12 hours in serum whereas wtCXCL12 was quickly degraded. CXCL122 also maintained its antagonist properties in in vitro chemotaxis assays for up to 24 hours in serum, whereas wtCXCL12 was ineffective after 6 hours. Heat-inactivation of serum prolonged the stability and function of wtCXCL12 by more than 6 hours, suggesting enzymatic degradation as a possible mechanism for wtCXCL12 inactivation. In vitro analysis of amino-terminal cleavage by enzymes dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) resulted in 25-fold and 2-fold slower degradation rates, respectively, of CXCL122 compared to wtCXCL12. In summary, our results suggest CXCL122 possesses greater potential as an anti-metastatic drug compared to AMD3100 or wtCXCL12, potentially due to enhanced serum stability in the presence of N-terminal degrading enzymes.
Estimation of maximum-likelihood discrete-choice models of the runway configuration selection process

The runway configuration is the subset of the runways at an airport that are used for arrivals and departures at any time. Many factors, including weather (wind and visibility), expected arrival and departure demand, environmental considerations such as noise abatement procedures, and coordination of flows with neighboring airports, govern the choice of runway configuration. This paper develops a statistical model to characterize this process using empirical observations. In particular, we demonstrate how a maximum-likelihood discrete-choice model of the runway configuration process can be estimated using aggregate traffic count and other archived data at an airport, that are available over 15 minute intervals. We show that the estimated discrete-choice model not only identifies the influence of various factors in decision-making, but also provides significantly better predictions of runway configuration changes than a baseline model based on the frequency of occurrence of different configurations. The approach is illustrated using data from Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) airports.
εPKC confers acute tolerance to cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury

Abstract In response to mild ischemic stress, the brain elicits endogenous survival mechanisms to protect cells against a subsequent lethal ischemic stress, referred to as ischemic tolerance. The molecular signals that mediate this protection are thought to involve the expression and activation of multiple kinases, including protein kinase C (PKC). Here we demonstrate that ɛPKC mediates cerebral ischemic tolerance in vivo . Systemic delivery of ψɛRACK, an ɛPKC-selective peptide activator, confers neuroprotection against a subsequent cerebral ischemic event when delivered immediately prior to stroke. In addition, activation of ɛPKC by ψɛRACK treatment decreases vascular tone in vivo , as demonstrated by a reduction in microvascular cerebral blood flow. Here we demonstrate the role of acute and transient ɛPKC in early cerebral tolerance in vivo and suggest that extra-parenchymal mechanisms, such as vasoconstriction, may contribute to the conferred protection.
Diverse communities of active Bacteria and Archaea along oxygen gradients in coral reef sediments

Microbial communities inhabiting highly permeable sediments of Checker Reef in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, were characterized in relation to porewater geochemistry (O2, NO3 −, NO2 −, NH4 +, phosphate). The physiologically active part of the population, assessed by sequencing cDNA libraries of 16S rRNA amplicons, was very diverse, with an estimated ribotype richness ≥1,380 in anoxic sediment. Quantitative analysis of community structure by rRNA-targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that the archaeal population (9–18%) was dominated by marine Crenarchaeota (5–9%). Planctomycetales were the most abundant group in the oxic and interfacial habitat (17–19%) but were a minority (<5%) in anoxic reef sediment, where γ-Proteobacteria were numerically dominant (18%). Another 9–14% of the microbial benthos belonged to β-Proteobacteria, predominantly within the order Nitrosomonadales, many cultured representatives of which are NH4 + oxidizers. The results of this study contribute to the phylogenetic characterization of benthic microbial communities that are important in organic matter degradation and nutrient recycling in coral reef ecosystems.
A microarray-based transcriptomic time-course of hyper- and hypo-osmotic stress signaling events in the euryhaline fish Gillichthys mirabilis: osmosensors to effectors.

SUMMARY Cells respond to changes in osmolality with compensatory adaptations that re-establish ion homeostasis and repair disturbed aspects of cell structure and function. These physiological processes are highly complex, and require the coordinated activities of osmosensing, signal transducing and effector molecules. Although the critical role of effector proteins such as Na + , K + -ATPases and Na + /K + /Cl – co-transporters during osmotic stress are well established, comparatively little information is available regarding the identity or expression of the osmosensing and signal transduction genes that may govern their activities. To better resolve this issue, a cDNA microarray consisting of 9207 cDNA clones was used to monitor gene expression changes in the gill of the euryhaline fish Gillichthys mirabilis exposed to hyper- and hypo-osmotic stress. We successfully annotated 168 transcripts differentially expressed during the first 12 h of osmotic stress exposure. Functional classifications of genes encoding these transcripts reveal that a variety of biological processes are affected. However, genes participating in cell signaling events were the dominant class of genes differentially expressed during both hyper- and hypo-osmotic stress. Many of these genes have had no previously reported role in osmotic stress adaptation. Subsequent analyses used the novel expression patterns generated in this study to place genes within the context of osmotic stress sensing, signaling and effector events. Our data indicate multiple major signaling pathways work in concert to modify diverse effectors, and that these molecules operate within a framework of regulatory proteins.
Temporal "Bubbles" reveal key features for point-light biological motion perception.

Humans are remarkably good at recognizing biological motion, even when depicted as point-light animations. There iscurrently some debate as to the relative importance of form and motion cues in the perception of biological motion from thesimple dot displays. To investigate this issue, we adapted the “Bubbles” technique, most commonly used in face and objectperception, to isolate the critical features for point-light biological motion perception. We ﬁnd that observer sensitivity waxesand wanes during the course of an action, with peak discrimination performance most strongly correlated with moments oflocal opponent motion of the extremities. When dynamic cues are removed, instances that are most perceptually salientbecome the least salient, evidence that the strategies employed during point-light biological motion perception are noteffective for recognizing human actions from static patterns. We conclude that local motion features, not global formtemplates, are most critical for perceiving point-light biological motion. These experiments also present a useful techniquefor identifying key features of dynamic events.Keywords: biological motion, motion perception, reverse correlation, Bubbles, visionCitation: Thurman, S. M., & Grossman, E. D. (2008). Temporal “Bubbles” reveal key features for point-light biological motionperception. Journal of Vision, 8(3):28, 1–11, http://journalofvision.org/8/3/28/, doi:10.1167/8.3.28.
Partial least-squares regression: a tutorial

Abstract A tutorial on the partial least-squares (PLS) regression method is provided. Weak points in some other regression methods are outlined and PLS is developed as a remedy for those weaknesses. An algorithm for a predictive PLS and some practical hints for its use are given.
Natural history and staging of chronic myelogenous leukemia

The natural history of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) has changed in recent years, partly due to earlier diagnosis but mostly as a consequence of the availability of effective therapies that have the potential to eradicate the Philadelphia chromosome-positive clone. Highly effective therapy with imatinib has changed the prognostic significance of clinical features traditionally associated with poor outcome. Achieving a complete cytogenetic response and a major molecular response early during the course of therapy with imatinib may be the most important factor in determining longterm outcome. Therefore, treatment modalities that increase the probability of achieving this goal should be pursued. This article describes the natural history of CML and its prognostic factors,with emphasis on changes due to the emergence of imatinib.
Iridovirus infection of cell cultures from the Diaprepes root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus.

We here report the development and viral infection of a Diaprepes root weevil cell culture. Embryonic tissues of the root weevil were used to establish cell cultures for use in screening viral pathogens as potential biological control agents. Tissues were seeded into a prepared solution of insect medium and kept at a temperature of 24 o C. The cell culture had primarily fibroblast-like morphology with some epithelial monolayers. Root weevil cells were successfully infected in vitro with a known insect virus, Invertebrate Iridescent Virus 6. Potential uses of insect cell cultures and insect viruses are discussed.
Assessment of race from the pelvis

Racial assessment of human postcranial skeletal remains has been a major concern for forensic and skeletal anthropologists. Materials (N = 400) of the present study are from the Terry Collection and consist of 100 black and white American pelves of both sex with known age and race. Measurements were taken from the articulated pelves. Results of discriminant function analysis indicate classificatory accuracy may be as high as 88%. Transverse pelvic breadth contributes more to the function than biiliac breadth and antero-posterior height. The females are more easily assessed racially than males. Although a highly reliable classification is produced, the results of the study should be employed with caution, as samples were of questionable nutritional status and of low socioeconomic class.
Differentiating Maternal Sensitivity to Infant Distress and Non-Distress

Drawing from a domain specificity perspective, we assert that maternal sensitivity to infant distress cues is distinct from maternal sensitivity to non-distress cues. We review evidence from prior research demonstrating that the two constructs have more unshared than shared variance and that sensitivity to infant distress is a unique predictor of infants' early emotional well-being when both types of sensitivity are examined as simultaneous predictors. In addition, we present new evidence to test the hypothesis that maternal sensitivity to infant distress and non-distress have different origins. We draw on data from a subset of mothers and infants who participated in Phase I of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care (Study 1) and from 101 mother–infant dyads who participated in a longitudinal study of the origins of maternal sensitivity (Study 2). In both studies, maternal sensitivity to distress and non-distress were rated when infants were six months old. In both studies, socio-demographic risk (i.e., young, unmarried, low income mothers) was a stronger predictor of sensitivity to non-distress than of sensitivity to distress. In Study 2, mothers' emotional and cognitive responses to videotapes of crying infants during the prenatal period predicted maternal sensitivity during tasks designed to elicit infant fear and frustration but were unrelated to maternal sensitivity in a non-arousing free play context. Maternal sensitivity during infancy can be further divided into specific sub-types that have unique origins and unique effects on subsequent child well-being. Methodological, theoretical, and applied implications of such an approach are discussed.
Psychiatric pharmacists’ perception on the use of pharmacogenomic testing in the mental health population

Aim: Pharmacogenomics could play a role in improving patient care, reducing adverse drug reactions and overall healthcare costs. However, whether it is utilized may be determined by how it is perceived by healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey evaluated psychiatric pharmacists’ use, knowledge and perception of the effectiveness of such testing. Results: Among participants, 80% worked at sites not offering pharmacogenomic testing, mostly due to a lack of funding. About 36% of pharmacists considered themselves more knowledgeable and 47% considered themselves less knowledgeable about pharmacogenomic testing; however, most agreed on the potential usefulness of testing. Conclusion: Among psychiatric pharmacists, the use of pharmacogenomics appears underappreciated due to factors such as lack of availability and understanding of testing. Original submitted 26 November 2014; Revision submitted 13 February 2015
Atomic transfer for distributed systems

Building applications and information systems increasingly means dealing with concurrency and faults stemming from distribution of system components. Atomic transactions are a well-known method for transferring the responsibility for handling concurrency and faults from developers to the software's execution environment, but incur considerable execution overhead. This dissertation investigates methods that shift some of the burden of concurrency control into the network layer, to reduce response times and increase throughput. It anticipates future programmable network devices, enabling customized high-performance network protocols. We propose Atomic Transfer (AT), a distributed algorithm to prevent race conditions due to messages crossing on a path of network switches. Switches check request messages for conflicts with response messages traveling in the opposite direction. Conflicting requests are dropped, obviating the request's receiving host from detecting and handling the conflict. AT is designed to perform well under high data contention, as concurrency control effort is balanced across a network instead of being handled by the contended endpoint hosts themselves. We use AT as the basis for a new optimistic transactional cache consistency algorithm, supporting execution of atomic applications caching shared data. We then present a scalable refinement, allowing hierarchical consistent caches with predictable performance despite high data update rates. We give detailed I/O Automata models of our algorithms along with correctness proofs. We begin with a simplified model, assuming static network paths and no message loss, and then refine it to support dynamic network paths and safe handling of message loss. We present a trie-based data structure for accelerating conflict-checking on switches, with benchmarks suggesting the feasibility of our approach from a performance stand-point.
Just Another Day at the Shop: From Small Business to College IT

In the fall of 2012, I closed the doors of my computer service and repair shop and started working for Carleton College as a Computing Support Specialist stationed in the help desk. Though the client base I supported increased tremendously and my title and responsibilities changed, at the end of the day my goal was still the same: provide end users with the best technical support in town. In this paper I will examine how the skills gained and lessons learned running a small IT business (interrupt driven time management, customer service as a way of life, and Murphy's Law as a constant) can be applied to the unique demands of IT in higher education.
Fundamental Index® Fixed-Income Performance: It’s All in the Price

In the five years since the launching of Fundamental Index® strategies as live portfolios, the effectiveness of the strategy and source of its outperformance have been strenuously debated. The initial research by Arnott, Hsu, and Moore presented the concept as a simple quantitative way to sidestep a crucial shortcoming of cap-weighted indexing. Capitalization-weight traditionalists, following in step with the efficient markets hypothesis, enter into the argument with the belief that excess returns for any strategy must be compensation for the assumption of extra risk. In their mind, a Fundamental Index approach outperforms merely due to exposure to a size or value premium. Standing contrary to the EMH are proponents of a noise-in-price model, who believe that an ability to systematically take advantage of a mispricing effect drives the excess returns. In this article, the author examines the characteristics of price returns in the Fundamental Index fixed income strategies and shows evidence that supports the noise-in-price model. A fixed income portfolio that earns higher return due to a risk premium should show a higher yield and typically a higher income return at the expense of greater defaults and lower price return. However, a noise-in-price model suggests that outperformance will come about from systematic rebalancing and contra-trading against noisy price movements, which is manifested as a high price return. The findings show that the excess returns to Fundamental Index fixed income portfolios are due entirely to price corrections and not due to exposure to higher risk factors. This supports a noise-in-price model as the driver of excess returns rather than exposure to higher amounts of risk. TOPICS:Mutual fund performance, risk management, style investing
Synthesis, structures, and catalytic reactivity of bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) supported diphenyldiazomethane and 1-azidoadamantane complexes of nickel

Abstract Diphenyldiazomethane reacts with Ni(NHC)2 (1, NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) to afford complexes of the type (NHC)2Ni(κ1-N2CPh2) (3) in which the diazoalkane ligand is bound to the metal in an end-on κ1 fashion. Additionally, 1-IMes (IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) reacts with 1-azidoadamantane (N3Ad) to produce (IMes)2Ni(η2-N3Ad) (4) in which the azide ligand is bound to the metal in a side-bound η2-fashion. While thermolysis of 3 and 4 does not induce N2 loss to form terminal carbenes and imidos, respectively, (IMes)2Ni(κ1-N2CPh2) (3-IMes) reacts with olefins at elevated temperatures to give cyclopropane products in excellent yields. Either 3-IMes or 1-IMes can also perform this reaction catalytically with a 1:1 ratio of diphenyldiazomethane to olefin. An olefin activation mechanism is proposed to explain the cyclopropanation reaction.
A Study on the Method for Detecting Volatile Organic Compounds in Air by Thermal Desorption/gas Chromatography

[ Objective] According to the requirement of the appendix E in GB50325-2001,to develop a method for detecting volatile organic compounds in air using thermal desorption/gas chromatography.[ Methods] Volatile organic compounds in air were adsorbed by Tenax-TA thermal desorption tubes,and these compounds were detected by second-step thermal desorption/gas chromatography.[ Results] The linear range of the results using this method is 0.02~5.0μg,the limit of detection is 0.002mg/m3,and the recovery is 78%~92%,with the relative standard deviation of 2.4%~7.8%.[ Conclusion] A method has been established for the detection of volatile organic compounds in air by thermal desorption/gas chromatography. The method is sensitive,simple,reproducibility,accurate and applicable to the characterization of environments containing mixtures of volatile organic compounds.
Distal Radius Hemiarthroplasty

Introduction Due to a higher risk for implant loosening, particularly of the distal component, patients with physically demanding lifestyles are infrequently considered for total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). A distal radius hemiarthroplasty may obviate the need for the strict restrictions recommended for patients treated by TWA, thus providing another surgical option for active patients with severe wrist arthritis, especially those with articular degeneration of the lunate facet of the radius, capitate head, or combination of both, who are not typically candidates for traditional motion-preserving procedures. The purpose of this cadaver study was to evaluate the radiographic static alignment of the wrist following distal radius hemiarthroplasty and after hemiarthroplasty combined with proximal row carpectomy (PRC) to determine if these procedures should be further considered for clinical application. Materials and Methods Eight fresh-frozen cadaver limbs (age range, 43–82 years) with no history of rheumatoid arthritis or upper extremity trauma were used. Radiodense markers were inserted in the radius and hand. Posteroanterior (PA) fluoroscopic images with the wrist in neutral, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation, and lateral images with the wrist in neutral, flexion, and extension were obtained for each specimen before implantation, after distal radius hemiarthroplasty, and after combined hemiarthroplasty and PRC. Results On the PA images, the capitate remained within 1.42 and 2.21 mm of its native radial-ulnar position following hemiarthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty with PRC, respectively. Lateral images showed the capitate remained within 1.06 mm of its native dorsal-volar position following hemiarthroplasty and within 4.69 mm following hemiarthroplasty with PRC. Following hemiarthroplasty, capitate alignment changed 2.33 and 2.59 mm compared with its native longitudinal alignment on PA and lateral films, respectively. These changes did not reach statistical significance. As expected, significant shortening in longitudinal alignment was seen on both PA and lateral films for hemiarthroplasty with PRC. Conclusion A distal radius implant hemiarthroplasty with or without a PRC provides good static alignment of the wrist in a cadaver model and thus supports the concept as potential treatment alternatives for advanced wrist arthritis; however, combined hemiarthroplasty with a PRC has more clinical relevance because it avoids the risk of proximal carpal row instability and eliminates the commonly arthritic radioscaphoid joint.
Methodologies to avoid the enrollment of ineligible patients in clinical trials.

As the authors point out, failed psychopharmacologic randomized controlled trials are common but poorly understood. In the companion article,2 the authors describe the analyses from computer-based assessments to examine the impact of eligibility criteria in more detail. The major finding was that, on the basis of computer assessments, nearly two-thirds of randomized subjects failed to meet at least 1 protocol-specified eligibility criterion. As the authors indicate, the enrollment of ineligible subjects may contribute to the failure of acute psychopharmacologic efficacy studies. Computer assessments may no doubt not only control rater bias but also influence the responses of subjects of investigation. As the authors recognize, the study does not measure the benefits of the site monitoring system nor does it establish that computer assessments of any of the eligibility criteria are superior to those of a well-trained site-based rater. A key message is that we need to improve the validity and reliability in the way we establish eligibility criteria and symptom severity. Possible solutions to this problem include improving the training of site raters and using central raters through videoconferencing or with the assistance of computer-generated ratings. The authors’ results provide valuable information to improve the design of clinical trials. The fact that, according to the computer assessment, close to two-thirds of patients did not meet eligibility criteria for diagnosis and symptom severity is concerning—such a large proportion of subjects in any study would lead to biased assessments. Failing to find a difference when one exists or finding spurious differences is concerning. The presented data suggest that a better signal detection will be reached when the eligibility of subjects is established with highest possible confidence, which, in this case, was achieved with the help of computer-administered assessments. Advantages of computer-administered ratings may include consistency of metrics across subjects of investigation and sites, but this system may also miss information that can be captured only by well-trained clinician raters. To summarize, we applaud the publication of negative/ failed data, but, more importantly, we value the attempt to find solutions to deal with challenges that contribute to the failure of clinical trials with psychotropic agents. By improving our clinical trial methodology, we will be able to find better and safer treatments for our patients.
Core collapse, bounce aid shock propagation

Recent developments in the physics input for iron core collapse models of type II supernovae are reviewed. The effect of these developments on collapse calculations is also discussed. The inner core collapses homologously, with little change in specific entropy, bounces in the neighborhood of nuclear density, and sets up an outward moving shock. In adiabatic models an explosion may result. The Inclusion of neutrino effects may produce substantial shock damping. Current results indicate that core collapse, bounce and shock propagation does not produce an explosion when neutrino effects are included.
Factors Associated With Hemostatic Agent Use During Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate factors associated with the use of hemostatic agents during traditional laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy. Design A retrospective cohort trial (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting A single medical center in Cincinnati, OH, from August 1, 2013, to July 31, 2014. Patients Women undergoing traditional laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomies with and without the use of hemostatic agents. Intervention The use of a hemostatic agent at the time of hysterectomy. Measurements Patient characteristics and pre- and postoperative metrics were recorded for each subject. Associations between categoric variables were analyzed using chi-square testing, whereas continuous variables were analyzed using analysis of variance. Modeling of study variables to predict hemostatic agent use was performed using chi-square–assisted interaction detection methods. Main Results The study sample included 176 cases performed by 30 surgeons. In our sample, 42% of minimally invasive hysterectomies were performed with the surgical robot (robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy); the remainder of minimally invasive hysterectomies by approach was as follows: total laparoscopic hysterectomy, 27%; laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, 16%; and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, 15%. Forty-six percent (81/176) of cases recorded the use of a fibrin hemostat, 26% (46/176) involved an alternative hemostat, and 28% (49/176) of cases did not use any hemostat. By surgical approach, no hemostatic agent use was noted most often among laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy; alternative hemostats were most often used during total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy were most often associated with fibrin-based hemostats. The use of any hemostatic agent did not result in clinical significant blood loss relative to cases in whino product was used. The study variable identified most predictive of hemostat use by the chi-square–assisted interaction detection regression tree model was surgeon identity. Conclusion Hemostatic agent use during traditional laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy does not appear to be associated with operative bleeding but is related to surgeon identity.
3D Microscopy Vision Using Multiple View Geometry and Differential Evolutionary Approaches

The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) as 2D imaging equipment has been widely used in biology and material sciences to determine the surface attributes of a microscopic object. Having 3D surfaces from SEM images would provide true anatomic shapes of micro samples which allow for quantitative measurements and informative visualization of the systems being investigated. In this contribution, we present a Differential Evolutionary (DE) approach for both SEM extrinsic calibration and 3D surface reconstruction. We show that the SEM extrinsic calibration and its 3D shape model can be accurately estimated in a global optimization platform. Several experiments from various perspectives are performed on real and synthetic data to validate the speed, reliability and accuracy of the proposed system. The present work is expected to stimulate more interest and draw attentions from the computer vision community to the fast-growing SEM application area.
Prediction of NOx emissions from a simplified biodiesel surrogate by applying stochastic simulation algorithms (SSA)

A stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) approach is implemented with the components of a simplified biodiesel surrogate to predict NOx (NO and NO2) emission concentrations from the combustion of biodiesel. The main reaction pathways were obtained by simplifying the previously derived skeletal mechanisms, including saturated methyl decenoate (MD), unsaturated methyl 5-decanoate (MD5D), and n-decane (ND). ND was added to match the energy content and the C/H/O ratio of actual biodiesel fuel. The MD/MD5D/ND surrogate model was also equipped with H2/CO/C1 formation mechanisms and a simplified NOx formation mechanism. The predicted model results are in good agreement with a limited number of experimental data at low-temperature combustion (LTC) conditions for three different biodiesel fuels consisting of various ratios of unsaturated and saturated methyl esters. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) of predicted values are 0.0020, 0.0018, and 0.0025 for soybean methyl ester (SME), waste cooking oil (WCO), and tal...
Mobilization and Chemosensitization of AML with the CXCR4 Antagonist Plerixafor (AMD3100): A Phase I/II Study of AMD3100+MEC in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Disease.

The interaction of leukemic blasts with the bone marrow microenvironment is postulated to be an important mediator of chemoresistance in AML. Although a number of receptor/ligand pairs have been implicated, the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis functions as the principal regulator of homing and retention of both normal and malignant hematopoietic cells in the marrow. Plerixafor (AMD3100) is a bicyclam molecule which reversibly blocks CXCR4 binding to SDF-1 and is being developed clinically as a mobilization agent for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Preclinical data from our group has demonstrated that in murine models, plerixafor can disrupt the interaction of leukemic cells with the marrow microenvironment and sensitize blasts to the effect of chemotherapy. Based on these data, we have initiated a phase I/II study in patients with relapsed or refractory AML in which plerixafor is administered prior to salvage chemotherapy. Subjects were required to have AML which is 1. primary refractory to at least 2 induction regimens, 2. in 1st relapse with an initial remission duration of < 12 months, 3. in 1st relapse having failed ≥ 1 salvage regimens, or 4. in 2nd relapse or higher. Plerixafor is administered by SQ injection followed by a 24 hour observation period to analyze its effects on leukemic cell mobilization. Then plerixafor is given daily 4 hours prior to chemotherapy consisting of mitoxantrone 8mg/m2/d, etoposide 100 mg/m2/d and cytarabine 1000 mg/m2/d x 5 days. To date, 19 patients have been treated at 3 dose levels of plerixafor: 80, 160 and 240 mcg/kg/day. We find that plerixafor can modestly mobilize leukemic cells (~ 2-fold increase) into the peripheral circulation at a peak of 6–8 hours after administration. FISH studies performed from informative samples demonstrates that this mobilization occurs equally in both non-leukemic and leukemic populations. While CXCR4 expression is increased on the surface of mobilized blasts, no clear relationship has been observed between CXCR4 expression or plerixafor dose and mobilization. At the 80 and 160 mcg/kg dose levels, a complete response (CR+CRi) was observed in 2 of 6 patients (33%). At the plerixafor 240 mcg/kg dose level, a complete response (CR+CRi) was achieved in 6 of 8 evaluable patients (75%) in this historically chemorefractory population. Plerixafor was well tolerated with no evidence of hyperleukocytosis or significant delays in neutrophil recovery (median 30 days, range 24–40). Based on this encouraging evidence of safety and efficacy, expansion of a phase II cohort is ongoing.
Sweatshop Regulation and Workers’ Choices

The choice argument against sweatshop regulations states that public officials should not prohibit workers from accepting jobs that require long hours, low pay, and poor working conditions, because enforcing such regulations would be disrespectful to the workers who choose to work in sweatshops. Critics of the choice argument reply that these regulations can be justified when workers only choose to work in sweatshops because they lack acceptable alternatives and are unable to coordinate to achieve better conditions for all workers. My thesis is that the presence of unacceptable alternatives to sweatshop labor or barriers to coordination cannot justify sweatshop regulations such as minimum wage and maximum hour laws. Although officials should promote alternatives to difficult and dangerous sweatshop labor, they should not do so by limiting workers’ and employers’ options through coercive regulation. And the fact that sweatshop workers may face coordination problems does not undermine the claim that sweatshop workers choose to work in sweatshops, just as other workers face coordination problems but nevertheless make occupational choices. Furthermore, efforts to restrict sweatshop workers’ choices are morally risky and may not promote workers’ wellbeing or wellbeing in general.
French Education: Reforms aim to level playing field

The French higher education system is "confused, bureaucratic and unequal" and in urgent need of reform, according to a report published last month. The main recommendation of the report is that university qualifications should be restructured to bring them more into line with other European qualifications. The move would also ensure that the qualifications from France's two types of higher education institute are equivalent.
Biochemistry and neuroscience: the twain need to meet.

Neuroscience has come to mean the study of electrophysiology of neurons and synapses, micro and macro-scale neuroanatomy, and the functional organization of brain areas. The molecular axis of the field, as reflected in textbooks, often includes only descriptions of the structure and function of individual channels and receptor proteins, and the extracellular signals that guide development and repair. Studies of cytosolic ‘molecular machines’, large assemblies of proteins that orchestrate regulation of neuronal functions, have been neglected. However, a complete understanding of brain function that will enable new strategies for treatment of the most intractable neural disorders will require that in vitro biochemical studies of molecular machines be reintegrated into the field of neuroscience.