cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic assessment of benefits and risks: study protocol for a multi-criteria decision analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process for comparative effectiveness research

Background : Regulatory decision-making involves assessment of risks and benefits of medications at the time of approval or when relevant safety concerns arise with a medication. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) facilitates decision-making in complex situations involving tradeoffs by considering risks and benefits of alternatives. The AHP allows a more structured method of synthesizing and understanding evidence in the context of importance assigned to outcomes. Our objective is to evaluate the use of an AHP in a simulated committee setting selecting oral medications for type 2 diabetes. Methods: This study protocol describes the AHP in five sequential steps using a small group of diabetes experts representing various clinical disciplines. The first step will involve defining the goal of the decision and developing the AHP model. In the next step, we will collect information about how well alternatives are expected to fulfill the decision criteria. In the third step, we will compare the ability of the alternatives to fulfill the criteria and judge the importance of eight criteria relative to the decision goal of the optimal medication choice for type 2 diabetes. We will use pairwise comparisons to sequentially compare the pairs of alternative options regarding their ability to fulfill the criteria. In the fourth step, the scales created in the third step will be combined to create a summary score indicating how well the alternatives met the decision goal. The resulting scores will be expressed as percentages and will indicate the alternative medications' relative abilities to fulfill the decision goal. The fifth step will consist of sensitivity analyses to explore the effects of changing the estimates. We will also conduct a cognitive interview and process evaluation. Discussion : Multi-criteria decision analysis using the AHP will aid, support and enhance the ability of decision makers to make evidence-based informed decisions consistent with their values and preferences.
Expanding Problem-Solving Consultation Training: Prospects and Frameworks

Core characteristics of problem-solving consultation research, theory, and practice in psychology and education are reevaluated within the context of consultation training agendas. Features of problem-solving consultation must be reconceptualized for advances to occur in future consultation training. Specifically, the consultant-consultee relationship, coordinate power status, consultee's right to reject the consultant's suggestions, involvement of the consultee in the consultation process, the voluntary nature of consultation, and ethical issues are discussed within a broadened framework for consultation training that emphasizes a process in which consultation services can occur on a variety of consultee-client dimensions. These dimensions include case-centered consultation (e.g., teacher-based consultation, parent-based consultation, conjoint parent-teacher consultation, child-based consultation, and peer-mediated consultation), technology training with teachers and parents, and organizational consultat...
Synthesis of (η6-C13H10)Mn(CO)2LPF6 and (η6-C13Hg9)Mn(CO)2L complexes (L = phosphines and phosphites) and kinetic studies of η6 to η5 ring slippage reactions

Abstract This report describes the syntheses and characterizations of (η 6 -C 13 H 10 )Mn(CO) 2 LPF 6 and (η 6 -C 13 H 9 )Mn(CO) 2 L complexes (L = P(OEt) 3 , PPh 3 , PEt 3 , and η 1 -(diphos) (diphos = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), and kinetic studies of (η 6 -C 13 H 9 )Mn(CO),L→(η 5 -C 13 H 9 )Mn(CO) 2 L ring slippage reactions. Δ H ‡ values for the η 6 → η 5 slippage reactions of the P(OEt) 3 (26.4 kcal/mol), PPh 3 (23.1 kcal mol −1 ), and PEt 3 (25.6 kcal/mol −1 ) complexes are similar to values previously reported for CO and P(n-Bu) 3 complexes. The unusually low value of Δ H ‡ = 19.9 kcal/mol for the η 1 -diphos complex is attributed to an intermediate stabilized by an intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the free end of the diphos ligand on the metal center.
The influence of strain-path changes on forming limit diagrams of A1 6111 T4

Abstract The effects of changing strain-paths on forming limits of aluminum alloy 6111 T4 have been investigated by determining forming limit diagrams (FLDs) of specimens prestrained to several levels in uniaxial, plane strain and biaxial tension, parallel and perpendicular to the prior rolling direction. Prestraining in biaxial tension generally lowers the entire FLD, whereas prestraining in uniaxial tension raises the limits on the right hand side of the FLD without much effect on the left hand side, when the direction of the largest principal strain does not change. If the directions of the principal strains are rotated, prestraining in uniaxial or plane strain tension lowers the forming limits for most of the FLD range. A general finding was that, after prestraining, the amount of the additional plane strain deformation possible before failure depends on the effective strain during prestrain, regardless of the original strain-path. Finally, an example of the importance of strain-path changes in a stamping of an aluminum automobile part is presented.
Estimating Required Probe Vehicle Re-identification Requirements for Characterizing Link Travel Times

In the 1970s a framework was developed by Oppenlander to determine the sample size required for travel time estimation studies. This framework is still recommended today. This paper develops a new framework to improve upon the ideas set forth by Oppenlander. This new framework is based upon the Kullback-Leibler divergence. It allows for travel time studies to be evaluated in a more comprehensive way. Travel time estimation methods can now be evaluated on their ability to estimate travel time distributions instead of only the mean travel time. Also, this framework can be used on any travel time distribution whereas the Oppenlander framework was only properly suited for Gaussian distributions. The Kullback-Leibler divergence also allows for comparing both ID matching (i.e., small sample sizes with no erroneous travel times) and signature matching (i.e., large sample sizes mixed with some erroneous travel times) travel time estimation algorithms to be evaluated, while the Oppenlander framework was best suited for the ID matching algorithms. In this paper the Kullback-Leibler comparison framework for travel time studies is developed. The framework is then used to provide a comparison of an example ID matching and an example signature matching algorithm to demonstrate how both can be evaluated in a single framework. Finally, conclusions are made about the usefulness of the Kullback-Leibler comparison framework.
The reactions of hydrosilanes with the methoxycarbonyl complexes Cp(L)(CO)MCO2Me(MFe, Ru; LCO,PPh3) and (L)(CO)xMCO2Me(MCo, Mn; LCO, PPh3; x = 3,4, with and without catalysis

The reactivity of selected organotransition metal methoxycarbonyl complexes towards hydrosilanes differs significantly from their acetyl analogs in that hydrosilation does not occur across the methoxycarbonyl ligand. Only hydrosilane/manganese carbonyl precatalyst systems that had proved to be more active towards the acetyl ligand on Cp(L)(CO)MC(O)CH3 (MFe, Ru; LCO,PPh3, PPh3) reacted with the methoxycarbonyl complexes Cp(CO)2MCO2CH3 (1, MFe; 2, MRu). These reactions involving PhSiH3/2–3% (PPh3)(CO)4MnC(O)CH3 for 1 and 2, or PhMe2SiH/2–3% (CO)5MnCH3 for 1 afforded their η4-cyclopentadiene compounds (η4-C5H6)M(CO)3 (MFe,Ru) plus methoxysilanes. Results with PhMe2SiD/3% (CO)5MnCH3 support exo deuteride transfer to the Cp ligand; a mechanism is proposed. The low reactivity of methoxycarbonyl complexes under hydrosilation catalysis conditions also is consistent with the inactivity of PhSiH3 or Ph2SiH2/Rh(PPh3)3Cl towards 1 or 2 and with the inertness of Cp(PPh3)(CO)FeCO2CH3 and Cp∗(CO)2FeCO2CH3 under all attempted hydrosilation conditions. This diminution of hydrosilane reactivity extends to cobalt and manganese carbonyl methoxycarbonyl complexes (L)(CO)xMCO2CH3 (3, MMn, x = 4, LCO; 4, MCo, x = 3, LPPh3; 5, MCo, x = 3, LCO). Although their acetyl analogs (L)(CO)xMC(O)CH3 are sensitive to hydrosilanes, both 3 and 4 are inert towards PhMe2SiH or Ph2SiH2. Treatment of 5 with PhMe2SiH released methyl formate and left the silyl complex (CO)4CoSiMe2Ph, a result that resembles the hydrogenation chemistry of 5.
Molecular analysis of water clusters: Calculation of the cluster structures and vibrational spectrum using density functional theory

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) is applied to obtain absorption spectra at THz frequencies for molecular clusters of H 2 O. The vibrational modes of the clusters are calculated. Coupling among molecular vibrational modes explains their spectral features associated with THz excitation. THz excitation is associated with vibrational frequencies which are here calculated within the DFT approximation of electronic states. This is done for both isolated molecules and collections of molecules in a cluster. The principal result of the paper is that a crystal-like cluster of 38 water molecules together with a continuum solvent background is sufficient to replicate well the experimental vibrational frequencies.
Expression of non-adrenergic imidazoline sites in chromaffin cells and mitochondrial membranes of bovine adrenal medulla

We sought to characterize the non-adrenergic binding site for imidazolines, the imidazoline receptor in whole membranes and subcellular compartments of chromaffin cells of bovine adrenal medulla. [3H]Idazoxan exhibited saturable and high affinity (KD = 5 nM) binding to chromaffin cell membranes fully displaceable by idazoxan and cirazoline but not by epinephrine or rauwolscine. Binding sites were highly enriched in mitochondrial but not plasma membranes and absent from nuclear fractions. The rank order of potency for displacement of [3H]idazoxan from mitochondrial membranes was: cirazoline > idazoxan > naphazoline > amiloride > detomedine > clonidine >> phentolamine > cimetidine = imidazole 4-acetic acid > p-iodoclonidine = epinephrine = norepinephrine = rauwolscine. Binding was also inhibited with high affinity by the purported endogenous ligand clonidine-displacing substance and by K+ and the K(+)-channel antagonists 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium bromide but not Na+. We conclude that: (a) adrenal chromaffin cells express imidazoline receptors but not alpha 2-adrenergic receptors; (b) these sites are predominantly localized to adrenal medullary mitochondria; and (c) imidazoline receptors conform to an idazoxan preferring (I-2) rather than the clonidine preferring (I-1) subclass and are amiloride sensitive. The data support the view that alpha 2-adrenergic and imidazoline receptors are distinct receptor species and that adrenal chromaffin cells would be a useful cultured cell system, expressing only imidazoline receptors, for further molecular and functional studies of the receptors.
From the Margins to the Mainstream: Potential Impact of Early Colleges on Traditional High Schools

Abstract Early colleges are one alternative to the traditional comprehensive high school. This article describes the establishment of an early college in partnership with a university, including the experiences for students, the challenges for teachers, and the difficulties in bridging higher and kindergarten through Grade-12 educations. The article considers the potential for these new, small high schools to impact the traditional high school.
Allozyme divergence among five diploid species of Antennaria (Asteraceae: Inuleae) and their allopolyploid derivatives

The Antennaria parlinii and A. neodioica agamic complexes are widely distributed across North America. Morphological data have suggested that these dioecious, perennial, entireleaved herbs are of multiple hybrid origin from among five sexual diploid species. Antennaria neglecta, A. plantaginifolia, A. racemosa, and A. virginica are hypothesized to be the diploid progenitors of the A. neodioica complex, whereas A. parlinii sensu lato is thought to include the genomes of A. plantaginifolia, A. racemosa, and A. solitaria. An electrophoretic study was initiated to assess the degree of divergence among the five diploid species and to test the hypotheses of the hybrid (allopolyploid) origins of A. parlinii and A. neodioica. Twenty genetic loci were surveyed in 76 populations of the diploid and polyploid taxa. The diploid species are well defined morphologically, although the genetic basis of differences distinguishing them have not been determined. The species exhibit little divergence at genes specifying soluble enzymes, however each species has unique alleles in highest frequency at one or two genes. Allozymes indicate that gene diversity in the obligately outcrossing diploids occurs primarily within rather than among populations. The shale barren endemic, A. virginica, is as genetically diverse as the more edaphically diverse and widespread species. Tetraploid cytotypes of diploid (2n = 28) A. virginica possess the same allozymes as the diploids and these cytotypes appear to be of autopolyploid (non-hybrid) origin. Enzyme electrophoresis is concordant with morphological data in suggesting that A. neodioica contains the genomes ofA. neglecta, A. virginica, A. plantaginifolia, A. racemosa and perhaps A. solitaria whereas the latter three species are the progenitors of A. parlinii.
Toluene inhibits muscarinic receptor-mediated cytosolic Ca2+ responses in neural precursor cells.

Abstract Toluene is widely used as a component in industrial solvents and many toluene-containing products are abused via inhalation. While many studies have demonstrated its inhibitory effects on neuronal activity, the effects of toluene on receptor signaling in proliferating and differentiating neural precursor cells are presently unclear. Here, using digital video microscopy and Ca2+ imaging, we investigated the effects of acute exposure to toluene on the function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) expressed in neural precursor cells. The neural precursor cells were isolated from embryonic day 13 (E13) rat cortex and expanded in serum-free medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). We found that the acetylcholine (ACh) analog carbachol (CCh) induced a dose-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+, which was blocked by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine in a reversible manner. Toluene was added to the perfusion medium and concentrations of toluene in the medium were determined by gas chromatographic analysis. Following imaging, the cells were fixed and processed for 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU, cell proliferation marker) and β-tubulin (TuJ1, neuronal marker) immunostaining. In the 5 day culture, most cells continued to divide (BrdU+), while a few cells differentiated into young neurons (TuJ1+). The CCh-induced Ca2+ elevations in proliferating (BrdU+TuJ1−) neural precursor cells were significantly reduced by acute exposure to 0.15 mM toluene and completely blocked by 10 mM toluene. Toluene’s inhibition of muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling was rapid, reversible and dose-dependent with an IC50 value 0.5 mM. Since muscarinic receptors mediate cell proliferation and differentiation during neural precursor cell development, these results suggest that depression of muscarinic signaling may play a role in toluene’s teratogenic effect on the developing nervous system.
Isolation and characterization of gap junctions from Drosophila melanogaster

A procedure has been developed to isolate gap junction-enriched subcellular fractions from Drosophila. Crude membranes from larval homogenates were extracted with 1% N-lauroyl sarcosine in 6 M urea and the gap junctions were collected by centrifugation. The major proteins were separated by SDS PAGE and purified by electro-elution. Electron microscopy revealed structurally pleiomorphic gap junctions in the fractions which included (1) conventional, 16–18 nm-wide septalaminar, (2) collapsed, 13–15 nm-wide pentalaminar, (3) split, and (4) aggregated forms. The fractions contained five major proteins with apparent molecular weights of 18, 26, 36, 52 and 54 kD. Evidence based on (1) the degradation and aggregation behavior of the major proteins following electro-elution and reelectrophoresis, (2) immunological cross-reactivities by affinity-purified antibodies against the major proteins on immunoblots, and (3) immunofluorescent staining of presumptive gap junctions in Drosophila imaginal discs at the light-microscopic level and immunogold staining of purified gap junctions at the electron-microscopic level suggests that the major proteins are interrelated and of gap-junction origin.
Evolving cross-group relationships: the story of Miller High, 1950–2000

This paper examines students’ evolving cross-group relationships in a comprehensive high school in Baltimore County, Maryland, USA, between 1950 and 2000. The findings of this research, situated at the intersections of two lenses of inquiry: oral historical analysis and critical studies, uncover both the power of students accustomed to integrated spaces to break social barriers in spite of institutionally entrenched segregating norms; and the power of institutional norms to segregate students when major demographic shifts bring into institutional parameters youth unaccustomed to integrated spaces and diversity.
281 The Impact of a Pre-Orthotopic Heart Transplant Diagnosis of Myocarditis on Post Transplant Outcomes

or cyclosporine (21%), azathioprine (5%) or mycophenolate (79%), and corticosteroids (100%). There was no significant difference between the sarcoid and control groups in 5-year post-transplant survival (79% vs 83%), 5-year freedom from CAV (68% vs 78%), freedom from NF-MACE (90% vs 88%) and 1st-year freedom from any-treated rejection (79% vs 90%). In the sarcoid group, there were 5 deaths, which included cocci, pneumonia, acute rejection and CAV (N 2). No patients had recurrence of cardiac sarcoid in their allograft. 3 patients experienced recurrence of extra-cardiac sarcoid, one patient with liver involvement and two patients with pulmonary involvement, although these episodes of sarcoid recurrence were not associated with any increased mortality. Conclusions: Sarcoid patients undergoing heart transplant have acceptable long-term outcome without recurrence of sarcoid in the donor heart. Furthermore, progression of extra-cardiac sarcoid was uncommon, possibly related to immunosuppression. Cardiac transplant for patients with sarcoid is a viable treatment modality.
A temporal component of the auditory evoked response

We studied the 75-225 msec portion of the auditory evoked response (AER) in 32 normal adults at vertex (Cz) and temporal (T3 and T4) placements referred to a balanced, noncephalic reference electrode using a monaural 1 msec click stimulus delivered every 4.7 sec at 60 dB above threshold. The tape-recorded EEG was filtered at 1-25 c/sec, and 128 individual responses were summed, sampling every 0.5 msec for 250 msec post-stimulation. The Cz AERs showed the classic vertex response, a negative peak, N1, at 100 msec, followed by a positive peak, P2, at 160-200 msec. The T3 and T4 AERs were similar to the Cz AERs from 0 to 80 msec and from 200 to 250 msec. They differed significantly from the Cz AERs from 80 to 200 msec. The difference is best explained by the hypothesis that the Cz AERs consisted of N1P2, while the T3 and T4 AERs consisted of N1P2 plus an additional superimposed component, which we called the T complex, comprising a positive peak, Ta, at 105-110 msec, and a negative peak, Tb, at 150-160 msec. By computer, the corresponding Cz and T3 or T4 AERs were normalized to equalize their amplitudes, and the former was subtracted from the latter, thus isolating the T complex. The Ta peak was found to occur 1.5 +/- 1.6 msec earlier at the electrode contralateral to stimulation, and 2.2 +/- 4.0 msec earlier at the T4 (right) electrode. Both differences were statistically significant. The T complex amplitude was greater at the electrode contralateral to stimulation and at the T4 electrode. These findings appear to resolve current controversies concerning the form of the temporal AER. While N1P2 is apparently a product of widespread areas of cortex, we conclude that the T complex is probably a product of secondary auditory cortex.
Geotechnical characterization of surficial high-porosity sediments in Eckernförde Bay

Geotechnical studies of high-porosity, finegrained sediments from Eckernforde Bay, part of the Coastal Benthic Boundary Layer program, included coring, subsampling, and on-board testing during three field experiments, and a laboratory testing program to determine the mechanical properties of the seabed. The sediments consist of high-porosity (86–94%), organic-rich (10–20%) silty clays with varying amounts of methane gas. The surface 5–10 cm are characterized by unusually high water contents (400–600%), very low shear strengths ( 1 kPa).
Mutation frequency decline in a rel strain of E. coli B/r

Mutation frequency decline (MFD) occurs among certain suppressor mutations induced by UV irradiation of E. coli. When irradiated bacteria are incubated in conditions less than optimal for protein synthesis prior to plating, a large majority of the potential mutants are rapidly lost. For several years the belief has existed that MFD results because stringent control of transcription at tRNA genes may influence excision repair of premutational photoproducts at these sites. We have constructed a rel mutant of E. coli B/r strain WU3610, verified that it has the typical phenotype of a relaxed strain in terms of RNA and ppGpp synthesis, and measured MFD. The kinetics for MFD were the same in WU3610 and WU3610 rel. Thus stringent control is not essential to MFD and there is no reason to believe that moderation of transcription at tRNA genes is integral to the MFD mechanism.
An Exploratory Analysis of Changes in Self-Regulation and Social Support Among Men and Women in Recovery

The current quantitative study focused on the relationships between self-regulation and social support among individuals recovering from addictive disorders. Participants (317 men, 152 women; M age = 39.0 years) resided in one of 143 communal living, democratically governed, abstinent homes located across the United States. Data on self-regulation were collected at a baseline assessment and 8 months later. Participants’ self-regulation scores, on average, increased with time, and the self-regulation change scores were significantly related to general social support measured at the baseline assessment. In addition, change in self-regulation scores were associated with the participant's social network's general social support and support for drinking where higher levels of general support and support for drinking were accompanied by larger self-regulation increases. This positive relationship between support for drinking and self-discipline was not predicted.
Ruthenium Alkylidenes: Fast Initiators for Olefin Metathesis

A family of ruthenium alkylidene complexes, (H2IMes)RuCl2(CHR)(3-bromopyridine)2, where R = Me, Et, nPr, as well as the corresponding PCy3 complexes, (H2IMes)RuCl2(CHR)(PCy3), have been prepared. The PCy3 alkylidene complexes exhibit much higher stoichiometric reactivity than does the analogous benzylidene complex, reflecting faster dissociation of PCy3 from the alkylidene complexes.
Model-Based and Data-Driven Fault Detection Performance for a Small UAV

Fault detection and identification algorithms may rely on knowledge of underlying system dynamics while some eschew this modeling in favor of data-driven anomaly detection. This paper considers model-based residual generation and data-driven anomaly detection for a small, low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle using both types of approaches and applies those algorithms to experimental faulted and unfaulted flight-test data. The model-based fault detection strategy uses robust linear filtering methods to reject exogenous disturbances, e.g., wind, and provide robustness to model errors. The data-driven algorithm is developed to operate exclusively on raw flight-test data without detailed system knowledge. The detection performance of these complementary, but different, methods is compared.
Some Fredholm equations with boundary layer resonance

Certain singularly perturbed differential equations which exhibit boundary layer resonance are difficult to solve by the application of standard asymptotic methods. After reformulation as a singularly perturbed integral equation and treatment by a recently developed asymptotic methodology, the desired solution is obtained in a straightforward manner.
Fate of Siloxane Impurities During the Combustion of Renewable Natural Gas

The fate of siloxane impurities during the combustion of renewable natural gas has been investigated experimentally in the counter-flow configuration. These impurities were shown to decompose completely within the pre-flame and luminous regions, and to form silica layers on metal surfaces in contact with the flame environment. It was determined that first-order global decomposition reactions can describe the experimental data qualitatively. The experiments suggest that for linear siloxanes the rate of the decomposition reaction decreases as the chain length of the molecule increases. For siloxanes with the same number of silicon atoms in their structure, it was found that cyclic siloxanes decompose slower than linear ones. Volume fractions of particles within the flame were measured in-situ using the laser extinction method indicating a linear relationship between the feed concentrations of siloxanes in renewable natural gas and the corresponding volume of particles in the flue-gas.
Effects of vibrational entropy on the Al–Si phase diagram

An Al–Si solid-state phase diagram is studied using first-principles electronic structure calculations of formation enthalpies and quasiharmonic vibrational free energies. The harmonic vibrational entropy of formation of a Si impurity in fcc Al is predicted to be ΔSvib = +2.6 kB per Si atom, resulting in more than a ten-fold increase in the calculated solubility. Thermal expansion is found to further increase the maximum solubility at T = 850 K by approximately 55%. Surprisingly, when vibrational effects are included, the widely used local-density approximation (LDA) performs poorly in reproducing the experimental solvus boundary, which is overestimated by a factor of ten. This failure is attributed to the neglect of corrections to the calculated LDA impurity enthalpy ΔH stemming from the inhomogeneity of the electronic charge density. These corrections tend to favour the four-fold coordinated diamond structure over the twelve-fold coordinated fcc solid-solution phase. The generalized-gradient approximation (GGA) is found to remove most of the discrepancy between the experimental and calculated ΔH, giving a good agreement with the experimental Al–Si phase diagram.
Correlation between corneal and scleral pneumatonometry: an alternative method for intraocular pressure measurement.

Purpose To evaluate scleral pneumatonometry as an alternative method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP). Design Prospective cross-sectional study. Methods Adult subjects with healthy eyes were recruited from the Comprehensive Eye Service at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary from August 2008 through February 2009. Study measurements included corneal pneumatonometry (IOPk), scleral pneumatonometry (IOPs), axial length (AL), spherical equivalent (SE), and central corneal thickness (CCT). Main outcome measures were scleral IOP and corneal IOP. Results Analysis included a monocular data set from single eyes of 97 subjects (age: 18-82 years). IOPs was consistently higher than IOPk, and correlated positively with IOPk (r = 0.57, P P P = .0002). The difference between scleral and corneal IOP (IOPs − IOPk) correlated positively with IOPs (r = 0.89, P P P Conclusions Scleral pneumatonometry correlates positively with corneal pneumatonometry and is more accurate at lower values and in younger patients. When adjusted for age, scleral pneumatonometry may be an adequate alternative in situations where corneal measurements are impractical.
Extracorporeal Photopheresis Performed on the CELLEX® Compared with the UVAR-XTS Instrument Is More Efficient and Better Tolerated in Children with Steroid-Refractory GVHD

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 20 (2014) S165eS183 S173 Conclusion: Macrocytosis develops and persists up to two years post-HSCT in a substantial proportion of allo and auto HSCT patients. Macrocytosis may be related to bone marrow microenvironment injury from prep regimens.
Experimental study of nonfuel hydrocarbon concentrations in coflowing partially premixed methane/air flames

Abstract Centerline measurements have been made of temperature, CH 4 , O 2 , CO 2 , and C2 to C12 nonfuel hydrocarbons in a CH 4 /air nonpremixed coflowing flame and in five partially premixed coflowing flames with primary equivalence ratios varying from 12.3 to 2.5. Partial premixing decreases the flame height and thereby compresses all of the profiles towards the burner surface, so a nondimensional vertical coordinate has been developed to account for this and make other effects more apparent. The temperature and major species results show that partial premixing reduces radial heat and mass transfer in the lower part of the flames, and causes an inner rich premixed flame front to form at one-half the height of the outer flame front. Partial premixing increases the mole fractions of the oxygenated hydrocarbons CH 2 O and C 2 H 2 O to hundreds of parts per million, and of C 2 H 4 O and C 3 H 4 O to parts per million. The mole fractions of regular hydrocarbons are decreased by partial premixing, in roughly the same proportion as they are reduced by dilution with nitrogen, which suggests that fuel dilution is the primary cause. The decrease in concentrations is progressively greater for larger hydrocarbons. In the flames that exhibit a double flame structure, nonfuel hydrocarbons are formed inside the inner rich premixed flame front, peak at this front, and are completely consumed in the region between the flame fronts.
Application of Time-Resolved Step-Scan Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to Photochemical Mechanistic Investigations of Alkyl Phenylglyoxylates†,‡

The photochemical reactivity of alkyl phenylglyoxylates has been investigated using time-resolved step-scan Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The time-resolved FTIR spectra of hexane solutions of methyl (MPG), ethyl (EPG), and isopropyl (iPPG) phenylglyoxylates and benzene solutions of MPG display two major transient absorption peaks in the carbonyl fundamental region around 1661 and 2105 cm-1. On the basis of the spectroscopic and kinetic evidence, the 1661 cm-1 transitions are assigned to the carbonyl fundamental of the triplet state of the corresponding alkyl phenylglyoxylate. The 2105 cm-1 band is attributed to the carbonyl stretch of α-hydroxyphenyl ketene, which is the postulated intermediate of the intramolecular hydrogen abstraction in alkyl phenylglyoxylates. These assignments are supported by the results of DFT calculations. From kinetic time profiles for the two observed transient infrared bands, the rate constants for the intra- and intermolecular γ-hydrogen abstraction were obtained an...
Soil amino-acid availability across a temperate-forest fertility gradient

Despite increasing recognition that free amino acids can be an important source of N for plant uptake, we have a poor understanding of environmental variation in the availability of amino-acid N in soils outside of arctic, alpine and boreal regions. I investigated patterns of amino-acid availability along a temperate forest fertility gradient ranging from low mineral N availability, oak-dominated forests to high mineral N availability, maple-basswood forests (5 sites). I measured standing pools of free amino acids, soluble peptides, ammonium and nitrate, rates of amino acid production (native proteolysis activity) and rates of consumption of a 15N-labeled leucine tracer. Standing pools of amino acid N decreased consistently along the fertility gradient from the low fertility black oak/white oak system to the high fertility sugar maple/basswood system, with a 25-fold difference in pool sizes between the poorest and richest sites. Standing pools of soluble peptides varied little among sites, instead, the relationship between free amino acids and peptides changed markedly across the gradient. At low fertility sites free amino acids were positively correlated with soluble peptides, whereas free amino acid pools were universally low at high fertility sites, regardless of peptide pools. Assays for native proteolysis activity indicated that amino acid production did not vary significantly among sites. Recovery of leucine tracer in inorganic (NH4 + and NO3 −) pools and in residual soil organic matter both increased with increasing soil fertility; however, total consumption of the added amino-acid tracer did not vary among sites. Results from this study demonstrate that free amino acids can make an important contribution to potentially plant-available N pools in temperate forest soils, particularly at low fertility sites.
Cognitive training and selective attention in the aging brain: an electrophysiological study.

Abstract Objective Age-related deficits in selective attention are hypothesized to result from decrements in inhibition of task-irrelevant information. Speed of processing (SOP) training is an adaptive cognitive intervention designed to enhance processing speed for attention tasks. The effectiveness of SOP training to improve cognitive and everyday functional performance is well documented. However, underlying mechanisms of these training benefits are unknown. Methods Participants completed a visual search task evaluated using event-related potentials (ERPs) before and after 10 weeks of SOP training or no contact. N2pc and P3b components were evaluated to determine SOP training effects on attentional resource allocation and capacity. Results Selective attention to a target was enhanced after SOP training compared to no training. N2pc and P3b amplitudes increased after training, reflecting attentional allocation and capacity enhancement, consistent with previous studies demonstrating behavioral improvements in selective attention following SOP training. Conclusions Changes in ERPs related to attention allocation and capacity following SOP training support the idea that training leads to cognitive enhancement. Specifically, we provide electrophysiological evidence that SOP training may be successful in counteracting age-related declines in selective attention. Significance This study provides important evidence of the underlying mechanisms by which SOP training improves cognitive function in older adults.
The Relationship of Gamma Oscillations and Face-Specific ERPs Recorded Subdurally from Occipitotemporal Cortex

The perception of faces evokes characteristic electrophysiological responses at discrete loci in human fusiform gyrus and adjacent ventral occipitotemporal cortical sites. Prominent among these responses are a surface-negative potential at ~200-ms postonset (face-N200) and face-induced spectral perturbations in the gamma band (face-gERSP). The degree to which these responses represent activity in the same cortical loci and the degree to which they are influenced by the same perceptual and task variables are unknown. We evaluated this anatomical colocalization and functional correlation in 2 experiments in which the electrocorticogram was recorded from subdural electrodes in 51 participants. Experiment 1 investigated the category specificity of the gERSP and its colocalization with the face-N200. Experiment 2 examined differences in face-N200 and face-gERSP to face stimuli that varied in featural complexity. We found that gERSP is a category-specific phenomenon with separate, though overlapping, category sensitivities as the N200. Further, the presence of face-gERSP at an electrode site significantly predicted the presence and amplitude of face-N200 at that site. However, the converse was not true in that face-N200 was evoked by impoverished face stimuli that did not induce face-gERSP. These results demonstrate that these electrophysiological responses reflect separate components of the brain’s face processing system.
The impact of JOVE on senior design projects

The NASA JOVE program was developed with a threefold purpose: (1) to assist in the strengthening of research in US universities; (2) to encourage students to choose careers related to the space program; and (3) to encourage outreach and contacts among university faculty and others related to NASA's mission. Here, the author examines the impact of the JOVE program on university senior design projects in the USA.
Some Effects of Pyrophosphate and Citrate Ions Upon the Colloidal Caseinate-Phosphate Micelles and Ultrafiltrate of Raw and Heated Skimmilk

Abstract The effect of added pyrophosphate (TSPP) ions, citrate ions, and heat upon the following properties of skimmilk were investigated: a) apparent size and chemical composition of the colloidal caseinate-phosphate micelles, b) chemical composition and Sephadex gel filtration properties of the resulting ultrafiltrate, and c) ultracentrifugal sedimentation characteristics of caseinate-phosphate micelles dispersed in phosphate buffer, treated with oxalate, or dialyzed against TSPP. Heating skimmilk containing TSPP and citrate ions resulted in substantial disaggregation of the colloidal caseinate-phosphate micelles. The resulting micelles in heated TSPP-skimmilk contained greater proportions of calcium phosphate; whereas, those in heated citrate-skimmilk contained smaller proportions of calcium phosphate than those sedimented from control skimmilk. Added TSPP ions resulted in lower levels of ultrafilterable calcium but higher levels of ultrafilterable inorganic phosphate; whereas, added citrate ions caused an increase in both the ultrafilterable calcium and inorganic phosphate over those of the control. Heating TSPP-and citrate-skimmilk resulted in minor additional changes in the amount of ultrafilterable calcium phosphate. Sedimentation experiments showed that TSPP ions disaggregated the colloidal caseinate-phosphate micelles from heated TSPP-skimmilk more effectively than those from heated control skimmilk and to a much greater extent than was produced by removal of calcium with oxalate.
Instantons and the large N_c limit, A.D. 2004

We review our current understanding of instanton effects in the large N_c limit of QCD. We argue that the instanton liquid can have a smooth large N_c limit which is in agreement with scaling relations derived from Feynman diagrams. We also discuss certain limits of QCD, like the case of high baryon density, in which the Witten-Veneziano relation can be derived from QCD and is saturated by instantons.
Optical implementation of a feature-based neural network with application to automatic target recognition

An optical neural network based on the neocognitron paradigm is introduced. A novel aspect of the architecture design is shift-invariant multichannel Fourier optical correlation within each processing layer. Multilayer processing is achieved by feeding back the ouput of the feature correlator interatively to the input spatial light modulator and by updating the Fourier filters. By training the neural net with characteristic features extracted from the target images, successful pattern recognition with intraclass fault tolerance and interclass discrimination is achieved. A detailed system description is provided. Experimental demonstrations of a two-layer neural network for space-object discrimination is also presented.
Toward a task-based gold standard for evaluation of NP chunks and technical terms

We propose a gold standard for evaluating two types of information extraction output -- noun phrase (NP) chunks (Abney 1991; Ramshaw and Marcus 1995) and technical terms (Justeson and Katz 1995; Daille 2000; Jacquemin 2002). The gold standard is built around the notion that since different semantic and syntactic variants of terms are arguably correct, a fully satisfactory assessment of the quality of the output must include task-based evaluation. We conducted an experiment that assessed subjects' choice of index terms in an information access task. Subjects showed significant preference for index terms that are longer, as measured by number of words, and more complex, as measured by number of prepositions. These terms, which were identified by a human indexer, serve as the gold standard. The experimental protocol is a reliable and rigorous method for evaluating the quality of a set of terms. An important advantage of this task-based evaluation is that a set of index terms which is different than the gold standard can 'win' by providing better information access than the gold standard itself does. And although the individual human subject experiments are time consuming, the experimental interface, test materials and data analysis programs are completely re-usable.
Updated prostate imaging reporting and data system (PIRADS v2) recommendations for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer using multiparametric MRI: critical evaluation using whole-mount pathology as standard of reference

To evaluate the recommendations for multiparametric prostate MRI (mp-MRI) interpretation introduced in the recently updated Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2), and investigate the impact of pathologic tumour volume on prostate cancer (PCa) detectability on mpMRI. This was an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, retrospective study of 150 PCa patients who underwent mp-MRI before prostatectomy; 169 tumours ≥0.5-mL (any Gleason Score [GS]) and 37 tumours <0.5-mL (GS ≥4+3) identified on whole-mount pathology maps were located on mp-MRI consisting of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI. Corresponding PI-RADSv2 scores were assigned on each sequence and combined as recommended by PI-RADSv2. We calculated the proportion of PCa foci on whole-mount pathology correctly identified with PI-RADSv2 (dichotomized scores 1–3 vs. 4–5), stratified by pathologic tumour volume. PI-RADSv2 allowed correct identification of 118/125 (94 %; 95 %CI: 90–99 %) peripheral zone (PZ) and 42/44 (95 %; 95 %CI: 89–100 %) transition zone (TZ) tumours ≥0.5 mL, but only 7/27 (26 %; 95 %CI: 10–42 %) PZ and 2/10 (20 %; 95 %CI: 0–52 %) TZ tumours with a GS ≥4+3, but <0.5 mL. DCE-MRI aided detection of 4/125 PZ tumours ≥0.5 mL and 0/27 PZ tumours <0.5 mL. PI-RADSv2 correctly identified 94–95 % of PCa foci ≥0.5 mL, but was limited for the assessment of GS ≥4+3 tumours ≤0.5 mL. DCE-MRI offered limited added value to T2WI+DW-MRI. • PI-RADSv2 correctly identified 95 % of PCa foci ≥0.5 mL • PI-RADSv2 was limited for the assessment of GS ≥4+3 tumours ≤0.5 mL • DCE-MRI offered limited added value to T2WI+DW-MRI
On Hormone Action in the Mammary Gland

The importance of systemic reproductive hormones in mammary gland development and breast cancer has been known for more than a century. In fact, the first targeted therapy for cancer was the development of tamoxifen, as an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist. Based on studies performed primarily in a few breast cancer cell lines, the textbook concept of steroid hormone action at present is that on ligand binding, steroid receptors translocate into the nucleus and stimulate proliferation, and that this effect is mediated by specific coregulators. More recently, as nicely discussed by Brisken and O’Malley (2011), the concepts of specific receptor-positive sensor cells for systemic hormones, and paracrine mediators regulating the development and proliferation of proximal cells has been elegantly shown by the use of genetically engineered mice and chimeric transplantation experiments. One key question raised by these studies is, “How is the patterning of hormone receptor-positive sensor cells established during normal development?” As described by Visvader and Smith (2011), mammary stem cells lack the estrogen and progesterone receptors, and these receptors are first expressed at a still-undefined stage of the mammary cell hierarchy following the appearance of ductal and alveolar progenitors. So how is this process regulated appropriately to provide the correct temporal and spatial expression of the receptor-positive ductal and alveolar cells needed for normal ductal morphogenesis and alveolargenesis? Furthermore, what happens when this process is inappropriately regulated during early breast cancer progression when there may be a switch from paracrine to autocrine signaling mechanisms?
Bisimulation, the Supervisory Control Problem and StrongModel Matching for Finite State Machines

A fundamental relationship between the controllability of a language with respect to another language and a set of uncontrollable events in the Supervisory Control Theory initiated by (Ramadge and Wonham, 1989) and bisimulation of automata models is derived. The theoretical results relating bisimulation to controllability support an efficient solution to the Basic Supervisory Control Problem. Using (Fernandez, 1990) generalization of the partition refinement algorithm of (Paige and Tarjan, 1987), it is possible to find a partition which represents the supremal controllable sublanguage of an automaton with respect to the language of another automaton and a set of events in a worst-case running time of O( m\log(n)), where m is the number of transitions and n is the number of states. Utilizing the bisimulation property of language controllability and derived relationships between automata languages and input/output finite-state machine behaviors, a precise relationship is formally derived between Supervisory Control Theory and the system-theoretic problem posed by (DiBenedetto et al., 1994) called Strong Input/Output FSM Model Matching. Specifically, it is proven that in deterministic settings instances of each problem can be mapped to the other framework and solved.
Reaching the limits of mandated self-reporting: Clinical logbooks do not predict clerkship performance

Background: Logbooks are used by US medical schools to evaluate curricular objectives and meet accreditation requirements, but research supporting their utility is conflicting.Aims: The goal of our study was to examine the relationship between volume of clinical rotation experiences as reported in a logbook and clerkship grades within a longitudinal integrated clerkship.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of third-year (clinical) medical students during academic year 2008–2009. We tracked student entries in a pocket-sized logbook (number of clinical encounters per clerkship, total number of exams, and procedures over the academic year). We performed correlation analyses between logbook entries and clerkship grades.Results: We enrolled 36 students, who reported a total of 2992 encounters, 2262 exams, and 2342 procedures. Correlation coefficients between volume of clinical experience and clerkship grades were less than 0.4, indicating low correlation. We found borderline statistical significa...
Holographic nano-imaging realized with compact extreme ultraviolet lasers

Table top nano-holography with EUV laser was demonstrated. The hologram was recorded in a photoresist and digitized with an AFM. The image was reconstructed achieving 164 nm lateral resolution determined using wavelet analysis and image correlation.