cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alkali Effects on Molybdenum Oxide Catalysts for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane

Abstract The effects of alkali oxides on the structure and on the catalytic behavior of MoO x /ZrO 2 were examined for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of propane. X-ray diffraction, Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and estimates of the MoO x surface density are consistent with the predominant presence of two-dimensional polymolybdate domains in samples with ∼4 Mo/nm 2 surface density and (alkali/Mo) at. ratios of 0–0.2 treated in air at 773 K. The presence of alkali (Cs, K, Li) did not affect the structure of MoO x domains, but influenced their electronic and catalytic properties. Propane ODH turnover rates decreased monotonically with increasing A:Mo atomic ratio and with increasing basicity of the alkali oxide (Cs>K>Li). These basic oxides inhibit the initial reduction of MoO x in H 2 by strengthening Mo–O bonds and increasing reduction activation energies. As a result, rate-determining C–H bond activation steps, which involve the local reduction of Mo 6+ centers, and the overall ODH catalytic sequence proceed more slowly when alkali oxides modify the MoO x domains. The ratio of the rate constant for primary propane combustion ( k 2 ) to that for propane ODH ( k 1 ) is small (∼0.1) and it increased slightly with increased alkali content. The ratio of the propene combustion rate constant ( k 3 ) to the propane ODH rate constant ( k 1 ) is large (15–25); it decreased with the addition of small amounts of alkali (alkali/Mo ∼0.05) and then remained constant at higher alkali contents. The stronger inhibition of secondary propene combustion reactions relative to that of primary ODH steps reflects the weaker Lewis acidity of Mo 6+ cations modified by the strongly basic alkali oxide species. These effects decrease the binding energy of propene on the sites required for C–H bond activation of both propene and propane. They also account for the lower reaction rates and for the higher selectivity observed at a given propane conversion on alkali-modified MoO x ODH catalysts.
A three-antenna technique for determining the total and radiation efficiencies of antennas in reverberation chambers

In this paper, we discuss a three-antenna reverberation-chamber method that allows for the determination of the antenna efficiency. While reverberation chambers have been used in the past for determining antenna efficiency, the previous approaches required knowledge of the efficiency of a reference antenna. The approach discussed in this paper allows one to determine the efficiency of one or all three antennas, and does not require one to know the efficiency of any of the antennas under test beforehand. The technique combines both time-domain and frequency-domain processed data, collected in reverberation-chamber experiments. Combining data in these two domains for three sets of experiments (a set for each two-antenna combination of the three antennas under test) allows for the determination of the efficiencies of the three unknown antennas. In this paper, we discuss the technique and present experimental data in order to illustrate its validity.
Study of delaminated plastic packages by high temperature Moire and finite element method

In the current study, 1200 l/mm gratings are replicated at elevated temperatures onto the cross sections of two delaminated plastic packages: a thin quad flatpack plastic package (TQFPP) and a power small outline plastic package (PSOPP). The specimens are measured at room temperature for thermal deformation induced by cooling process. The finite element models are used to simulate the cooling process and the results are compared with the Moire interferometry results. The finite element models with different delaminations between die and die attach are used to simulate the fringe patterns obtained from Moire interferometry. It was found that the delamination size can be estimated by the combination of Moire technique and finite element method. The finite element model, once verified, can then be used in making cost effective decisions in plastic packaging design and processing.
Suppression of T cell function: a potential role for transcriptional repressor ICER.

In this article, we review the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) and its possible criti- cal involvement in modulation of T cell responsive- ness by its capacity to transcriptionally attenuate interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene expression. It seems clear that the failure to produce the IL-2 is an important determinant of anergy induction. It is important that the CD28-responsive element (CD28RE), a composite DNA binding element consisting of NFAT and cyclic AMP-responsive (CRE)-like motifs in position of 2160 of IL-2 promoter has the high affinity for ICER binding as well as NFAT/ICER complex formation. Moreover, CD28RE with adja- cent DNA sequences was also shown to be essential for conferring anergy in T lymphocytes. Because ICER does not possess a transactivation domain required for the recruitment of CBP/p300, the binding of ICER to CD28RE and/or composite motifs containing CRE-like DNA motifs may lead to uncoupling of CBP/p300 thus extinguishing IL-2 expression as well as expression of numerous other cytokines and chemokines. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 774-779; 2000.
Continuous and Semicontinuous Analogues of Iterative Methods of Cimmino and Kaczmarz with Applications to the Inverse Radon Transform

Kaczmarz’s method and variants thereof have been used effectively in the numerical resolution of linear algebraic equations arising from tomography and other areas of reconstruction from projections. The method is applied for example, to the system of equations arising from sampling and full discretization of the Radon transform. In contrast, Cimmino’s method which has universal convergence properties similar (in theory) to Kaczmarz’s method, does not seem to have as extensively studied or advocated in practice. In this paper, we develop continuous and/or semicontinuous analogues of the iterative methods of Cimmino and Kaczmarz for linear operator equations on infinite dimensional function spaces. The formulation of these algorithms hinges upon expressing the operator equation in terms of a family of hyperplanes in an appropriate function space. We identify and analyze two wide classes of linear operators for which this is possible. The semicontinuous analogue which involves a finite number of these hyperplanes is studied in particular in the framework of moment discretization (rather than full discretization) which is germane to problems of integral and operator equations with discrete data or sampling. Convergence properties of variants of Cimmino’s method are established; continuous and semicontinuous analogues are developed in a manner that permits convergence analysis in a similar manner. Several examples are given.
Strictly Nonblocking Conference Networks Using High-Dimensional Meshes

This paper introduces a conferencing server design based on an innovative configurable computing architecture to support the information transmission and distributed processing associated with creating and maintaining simultaneous disjoint conferences among sets of N conferees, where r- dimensional meshes can be used as the conferencing components. An r-dimensional conferencing mesh network is strictly nonblocking if, regardless of the existing conferences implemented, a new conference among any subset of the idle conferees can be implemented using a connected set of idle processing elements without any disturbance to the existing conferences. Using arguments employing the isoperimet- ric ratios of the sizes of edge and node sets in a graph, we give necessary and sufficient conditions such that an r-dimensional conferencing mesh of M nodes provides strictly nonblocking conferencing to N conferees. We show that a necessary and sufficient condition for r-dimensional meshes to be strictly nonblocking, when dimension r is fixed, is that M A O(N (r/1)/r ). For general r-dimensional meshes, M A O(r (r01)/r N (r/1)/r ) nodes are sufficient to support strictly nonblocking capabilities. A fundamental relationship is established between the requirements on M for strictly nonblocking conferencing among N conferees using certain graph structures and the isoperimetric ratios for those structures. q 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Networks 33: 293-308, 1999
Hyperdopaminergic crises in familial dysautonomia A randomized trial of carbidopa

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether carbidopa (Lodosyn), an inhibitor of dopa-decarboxylase that blocks the synthesis of dopamine outside the brain, is an effective antiemetic in patients with familial dysautonomia (FD) and hyperdopaminergic nausea/retching/vomiting attacks. Methods: We enrolled 12 patients with FD in an open-label titration and treatment study to assess the safety of carbidopa. We then conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to evaluate its antiemetic efficacy. Results: Previous fundoplication surgery in each patient studied prevented vomiting, but all of the subjects experienced severe cyclical nausea and uncontrollable retching that was refractory to standard treatments. Carbidopa at an average daily dose of 480 mg (range 325–600 mg/day) was well tolerated. In the double-blind phase, patients experienced significantly less nausea and retching while on carbidopa than on placebo ( p p p Conclusions: Carbidopa is a safe and effective antiemetic in patients with FD, likely by reducing the formation of dopamine outside the brain. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class II evidence that carbidopa is effective in reducing nausea/retching/vomiting in patients with FD.
Forager success increases with experience inPolybia occidentalis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Foragers of the neotropical swarm-founding waspPolybia occidentalis showed improved task performance, as indicated by foraging success rate, with foraging age. Foragers also spent significantly more time in the field on foraging trips as they aged, while foraging rate did not change with age. These patterns were not explained by directional changes in resource availability or colony need over time. We compare these results to earlier findings on changes in task performance with experience in social insect foragers, and suggest that increases in forager persistence in the field explain improved foraging success with experience.
Network performance monitoring at small time scales

SNMP statistics are usually collected over intervals of 5 minutes and correspond to average activity of IP links and network elements for the duration of the interval. Nevertheless, reports of traffic performance across periods of minutes can mask out performance degradation due to short-lived events, such as micro-congestion episodes, that manifest themselves at smaller time scales. In this paper we perform a measurement study of packet traces collected inside the Sprint IP network to identify the time scales over which micro-congestion episodes occur. We characterize these episodes with respect to their amplitude, frequency and duration. We define a new performance metric that could be easily computed by a router and reported every 5 minutes through SNMP to shed light into the micro-behavior of the carried traffic. We show that the proposed performance metric is well suited to track the time scales over which micro-congestion episodes occur, and may be useful for a variety of network provisioning tasks.
"Leading Multiple Teams: The Influence of Leadership, Standardization, and Empowerment on Teams"

Team empowerment often implies that external leaders are unimportant, but research shows that they are. Extending research on empowered teams, we adopt a multi-level approach to examine the unique ...
Thermo-oxidative stabilization of polyacrylonitrile and its copolymers: Effect of molecular weight, dispersity, and polymerization pathway

Careful control of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor properties and, in particular, the polymerization method and ensuing molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are important considerations for mitigating defects and enhancing processability of carbon fibers. Herein, a comprehensive study was performed to understand the influence of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and polymerization method between reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and conventional free radical (FR) solution polymerization on the cyclization behavior and structural evolution of stabilized PAN. The kinetic parameters of activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A) were determined along with the cyclization index (CI) by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the extent of stabilization (Es) was measured via fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to determine the degradation differences in the polymers. Structural characterization was performed by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). DSC and FTIR analysis indicate that cyclization initiates at lower temperature for FR polymers. Significantly, PAN-based RAFT copolymers show greater mass retention post thermo-oxidative degradation as compared to analogous FR copolymers.
Surface Roughness and Sliding Mechanics of Aesthetic Composites Brackets and Archwires: SEM-Profilometry Study

Objective: The purpose of this biomechanical study is to evaluate the surface topography (ST), surface roughness (SR), and hardness of available brackets/archwires including developed aesthetic polymer matrix composites (PMC) archwire and bracket (braided). Those are important determinants for the effectiveness of archwire-guided tooth movement. Materials and Methods: The present study characterizes and compares stainless steel (SS) & developed PMC archwires and SS, ceramics, composite & developed PMC brackets for ST, SR and hardness with respect to (w.r.t.) frictional force. Archwires are slid against the slots (contact flats) of brackets in tensile tester. Statistical analysis is performed with confidence level ( p < 0.05) for frictional force & SR and hardness of SS archwires are analyzed as well . Detailed wear studied were performed by SEM. Results: The roughness average ( R a ) and correlation coefficient ( r ) are expressed as the mean. Significant positive correlations ( p < 0.05) are observed. Identical hardness (580-600 kg/mm 2 ) of SS archwires for different shapes are recorded except composite archwire. SEM results show that the ST of brackets and archwires varies among as-received and after sliding. Conclusions: Transcend (PCA) is the roughest brackets while the SS (SRO-AW) and aesthetic PMC archwires are the roughest archwires. Keywords— Biomechanics (sliding), Aesthetic PMC Composites, Surface Roughness, Surface topography, Surface hardness.
Biomimetic mineralization of woven bone-like nanocomposites: role of collagen cross-links.

Ideal biomaterials for bone grafts must be biocompatible, osteoconductive, osteoinductive and have appropriate mechanical properties. For this, the development of synthetic bone substitutes mimicki...
First-Time Winners in the British House of Commons Since 1918

During the last few years the standard guides to elections, and the Nuffield studies of elections, have given attention to candidates' experience in elections. Nevertheless, the number of unsuccessful contests before a seat was finally won has been reported only since 1951. During 1963 I talked with a number of M.P.s, and also with national, regional, and constituency agents of both major parties, and encountered a frequently expressed presumption that most careers in the House of Commons began with one or two unsuccessful contests. Chairmen of constituency committees stated this view in a way which implied that most M.P.s earned their way into the House, so to speak, by gaining experience in the course of losing an election or two. If they lost gallantly in an adverse constituency, they might then seek adoption in a more favorable community, having established their right to be considered for candidacy where the chances of winning would be better.
Exact Values for the Sine and Cosine of Multiples of 18 degrees: A Geometric Approach

Questions involving the exact values of the trigonometric functions of 180, 360, 540 and 720 have been popular in compilations of challenging mathematical problems, and in the problems sections of mathematics journals. (See, for example, problems 189 and 339 in [1] and the sections entitled Trigonometry: numerical evaluation, Trigonometry: numerical identities and Trigonometry: theory of equations in [2].) Invariably, the determination of these values make little or no use of geometry; rather, the derivations rely heavily upon trigonometric identities, such as the double and triple angle formulas or the product-to-sum formulas. In this note, we will use a purely geometric approach to derive the values of the sine and cosine of multiples of 18?. Therefore, this capsule can be used as enrichment or investigative material for students in trigonometry or precalculus courses. Since 0? and 900 are already standard trigonometric angles, we consider only angles of measure 18?, 36?, 54? and 720. Using Figure 1, we first show that the sine and cosine of 18?, 36?, 540 and 72? can all be expressed as functions of x. Toward this end, draw the altitude CD from vertex C to the side AB (Figure(b)), and l n et BD = y. For the right triangle BCD, we find (by the Pythagorean theorem) that CD = x2 y2, and for the right triangle ADC, we see that CD = 1 (1 y)2 = 2y y2 Equating the expressions for CD leads to y = x2. Therefore,
Footprinting protein–DNA complexes using the hydroxyl radical

Hydroxyl radical footprinting has been widely used for studying the structure of DNA and DNA-protein complexes. The high reactivity and lack of base specificity of the hydroxyl radical makes it an excellent probe for high-resolution footprinting of DNA-protein complexes; this technique can provide structural detail that is not achievable using DNase I footprinting. Hydroxyl radical footprinting experiments can be carried out using readily available and inexpensive reagents and lab equipment. This method involves using the hydroxyl radical to cleave a nucleic acid molecule that is bound to a protein, followed by separating the cleavage products on a denaturing electrophoresis gel to identify the protein-binding sites on the nucleic acid molecule. We describe a protocol for hydroxyl radical footprinting of DNA-protein complexes, along with a troubleshooting guide, that allows researchers to obtain efficient cleavage of DNA in the presence and absence of proteins. This protocol can be completed in 2 d.
Activation of CD8 T Lymphocytes during Viral Infections

CD8 T lymphocytes are a major cell population of the adaptive immune system. A fundamental characteristic of the CD8 T lymphocyte pool is that it is composed of millions of clones; each with a unique T cell receptor capable of recognizing a limited number of peptides displayed at the cell surface bound to the grooves of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules. Naive CD8 T lymphocytes are normally resting and circulate between the blood and secondary lymphoid organs in search of their cognate peptide–MHC complexes. During viral infections, bone marrow–derived professional antigen-presenting cells (pAPCs) in secondary lymphoid organs display viral peptides on their MHC I molecules. Specific CD8 T lymphocytes that recognize these peptide–MHC adducts become activated (primed), proliferate extensively, and develop into effectors capable of killing infected cells, identified by the presence at their surface of the pertinent viral peptide–MHC complexes. This article describes how the process of priming naive CD8 T lymphocytes occurs.
Pharmacological blockade of the calcium plateau provides neuroprotection following organophosphate paraoxon induced status epilepticus in rats

Abstract Organophosphate (OP) compounds which include nerve agents and pesticides are considered chemical threat agents. Currently approved antidotes are crucial in limiting OP mediated acute mortality. However, survivors of lethal OP exposure exhibit delayed neuronal injury and chronic behavioral morbidities. In this study, we investigated neuroprotective capabilities of dantrolene and carisbamate in a rat survival model of paraoxon (POX) induced status epilepticus (SE). Significant elevations in hippocampal calcium levels were observed 48-h post POX SE survival, and treatment with dantrolene (10 mg/kg, i.m. ) and carisbamate (90 mg/kg, i.m. ) lowered these protracted calcium elevations. POX SE induced delayed neuronal injury as characterized by Fluoro Jade C labeling was observed in critical brain areas including the dentate gyrus, parietal cortex, amygdala, and thalamus. Dantrolene and carisbamate treatment provided significant neuroprotection against delayed neuronal damage in these brain regions when administered one-hour after POX-SE. These results indicate that dantrolene or carisbamate could be effective adjuvant therapies to the existing countermeasures to reduce neuronal injury and behavioral morbidities post OP SE survival.
The management of the family at high risk for coronary heart disease.

The family at risk for premature coronary heart disease (CHD) has at least one member with (1) hyperlipidemia; (2) low HDL2-cholesterol; (3) essential hypertension; (4) a family history of premature CHD; or (5) actively smokes. Preventive strategies are now available to the pediatrician to reduce the risk of premature CHD.
Why Is There a Glass Ceiling for Threading Based Protein Structure Prediction Methods

Despite their different implementations, comparison of the best threading approaches to the prediction of evolutionary distant protein structures reveals that they tend to succeed or fail on the same protein targets. This is true despite the fact that the structural template library has good templates for all cases. Thus, a key question is why are certain protein structures threadable while others are not. Comparison with threading results on a set of artificial sequences selected for stability further argues that the failure of threading is due to the nature of the protein structures themselves. Using a new contact map based alignment algorithm, we demonstrate that certain folds are highly degenerate in that they can have very similar coarse grained fractions of native contacts aligned and yet differ significantly from the native structure. For threadable proteins, this is not the case. Thus, contemporary threading approaches appear to have reached a plateau, and new approaches to structure prediction ar...
Texture discrimination and classification using pulse images

Neural models of the mammalian visual cortex have been used in digital image processing for many years. The neural models have demonstrated a robust talent for extracting image segments that are inherent in the image. This paper explores the use of a simple neural model for the extraction of texture information. The neural firing patterns in the model are dependent upon the input texture and by examining the neural patterns it is possible to classify the texture in the input image. Two applications presented here are the comparison of performance to other texture analysis techniques using two standard databases and the classification of texture regions in a medical image.
Practical Considerations in SPC and Reliability

In applying reliability and statistical process control (SPC) techniques to military systems/operations a number of practical issues arise in both technical and management areas. This presentation reviews some such issues in the following applications: 1) Component part and repairable system reliability data from the field, 2) Management and SPC. In collecting and analyzing military reliability data there are considerable obstacles to conventional statistical analysis, such as grouped data, changing parts lists/inventories, homogeneity and measurement noise. Some suggestions for approaching data analysis are given. In applying SPC in industry and to military organizations, the management aspects are as important as the statistical techniques. Some management considerations are reviewed with implications for statistical practitioners.
Mobile robot navigation through a brain computer interface

A brain computer interface (BCI) has been developed to navigate a robot by way of the operator's brain activities. The navigation commands were displayed on a computer screen to interact with the operator. While the operator was giving the navigation command by “thinking”, his/her EEG signals were acquired by a data acquisition system through the EEG leads. The EEG signals were analyzed to identify the P300 response of the operator, and thus determine the operator's navigation command. This command was then transmitted through a local area network to guide the robot. Feasibility of this robot navigation scheme was successfully tested with a virtual robot on a computer. The entire concept will be implemented and tested in hardware in the near future.
Cyclosporine A (CSA) Significantly Reduces the Cytotoxic Effects of In Vitro Expanded NK Cells: Implications for Adoptive NK Cell Therapy in the Setting of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT).

Abstract The ability to expand NK cells in vitro has led to the recent initiation of protocols incorporating adoptive NK cell infusions after HCT. Calcineurin inhibitors such as CSA are commonly used to prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD) in HCT recipients. Recently, Hong et al found the phenotype and function of fresh NK cells cultured in vitro with CSA was altered, with CSA treated NK cell cultures having enhanced cytotoxicity against tumor targets. However, the impact of CSA on in vitro expanded NK cell function and phenotype has not been explored. We analyzed cell proliferation, IFN-gamma production, cell surface immunofluorescent staining and cytotoxicity against K562 and renal cell carcinoma cell lines by in vitro expanded vs freshly isolated NK cells cultured in physiological doses of CSA (40ng/ml, 200ng/ml, 1000ng/ml for 18hrs). Fresh NK cells were obtained from the PBMC of healthy donors using immunomagnetic beads to isolate CD56+/ CD3− cells. NK cells were expanded in vitro using irradiated EBV transformed B cells as feeder cells in media containing IL-2 [500U/ml] for 12–14 days. Comparing CSA containing cultures to controls, there was a significant reduction in IL-2 stimulated fresh NK cell proliferation (stimulation index 0.51± 0.1) and TRAIL expression (MFI 10.4 vs 3.01). Furthermore, an ELISA assay showed fresh NK cells treated with CSA had a significant reduction in IL-2 induced IFN-g production compared to controls (median 231 vs 57 pg/ml, p=0.025). In contrast, in vitro expanded NK cells cultured in CSA showed no significant reduction of proliferation or TRAIL expression. At the highest doses of CSA (1000ng/ml), minimal inhibition of K562 killing of freshly isolated NK cells was observed. In contrast, expanded NK cells cultured in CSA for 18 hours compared to controls had a significant reduction in the killing of K562 cells (E:T=10:1, median 66 vs 43% lysis, p=0.011) and RCC tumor cells (E:T=20:1, 14.8 vs 8.8%, p=0.043). Download : Download high-res image (89KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure These data confirm CSA alters the phenotype and function of CD3−/CD56 + NK cells. Importantly, CSA appears to have a deleterious effect on expanded NK cell tumor cytotoxicity that was not observed with fresh NK cells. These finding suggest the anti-tumor effects of in vitro expanded NK cells could be hindered when adoptively infused in HCT patients receiving CSA.
Assesment of building integrated photovolatics for the residential section in representative Urban areas in Egypt

Power outages are very frequent in Egypt due to shortages of electricity generation. Previous work has explored the use of photovoltaics in specific residential sites in rural areas for providing the electricity needs of the residential complex [1]. However, the opportunity of employing building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and energy efficient building designs for meeting the energy needs of representative residential buildings in urban areas has not been previously investigated. This paper provides a study of the use of BIPV methods for residential sector retrofit in three major urban cities in Egypt. This study assesses the life cycle costs and energy efficiency impacts of harnessing solar energy for use in residential buildings. The paper draws upon and further develops other research done in the field by analyzing energy savings and impacts of BIPV in different demographic and geographical settings for a representative building model type in an urban setting. Two benchmark building performance simulation models were used that reflect the average energy consumption characteristics of air-conditioned residential apartments in Cairo, Alexandria, and Asyut [2]. This study provides a background of the current Egyptian energy sector and a complete design of a photovoltaic system in the three geographical regions. It also discusses the challenges facing solar energy use in Egypt and possible methods to finance investment in the solar technology on a community scale. Government policy recommendations are proposed to promote the integration of renewable energy technology in the residential sector.
Clinical, Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications in the Diagnosis of Grade I Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Grade I acute GVHD (a-GVHD) has been traditionally considered to have limited or even positive impact on the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Thus, most transplant centers defer systemic treatment until patients present with higher grades. This deferral may preclude early intervention in cases of grade I a-GVHD progressing to more severe forms. Patients and Methods: We evaluated the risk and predictors of progression of grade I a-GVHD retrospectively among 815 consecutive recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplantation at our institution between 1998 and 2002. Patient characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Acute GVHD was graded prospectively according to the modified Glucksberg criteria (Bone Marrow Transplantation, (1995), 15: 825–28). Prognostic factors were evaluated using Cox’s regression analysis. Results: 80 of 194 (41%) patients presenting with grade I a-GVHD progressed to grades II–IV (60%, 19% and 21% to grades II, III and IV respectively) within a median of 10 days since diagnosis of grade I (range 2–66). These progressive cases represent one third of all grade II–IV (80/265) and grade III–IV (32/113) a-GVHD diagnosed in this cohort (n=815). GI and liver were the sites of progression in 40% (33/80) and 20% (16/80), respectively. The occurrence of hyperacute GVHD (GVHD by day 14 post transplantation) (HR=2.8, p value
Modeling humid air condensation in waste natural gas-powered atmospheric water harvesting systems

Abstract 4% of the natural gas produced globally is flared at oilfields due to the absence of gas handling infrastructure and unfavorable economics. Recent work has proposed the utilization of this excess gas for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) for oilfield operations, wherein gas-powered refrigeration cycles generate the cooling capacity for large scale dehumidification, via condensation. This work develops an indepth, comprehensive, analytical modeling framework to predict the water condensation in waste gas-powered AWH systems. Firstly, gas powered refrigeration systems are analyzed to identify key system parameters and considerations. Secondly, an analytical model is developed to capture the complex heat and mass transfer phenomena associated with condensation of humid air in a fin and tube heat exchanger. This involves using heat and mass transfer relations to estimate the dehumidification process line. The model can predict the water condensation rate as a function of the gas flow rate, ambient weather and the refrigeration system utilized. The model is used to predict flared gas-based water harvests in the Eagle Ford (Texas) and Bakken (North Dakota) Shale oilfields, which account for the majority of US flaring. Results indicate that 1 cubic meter of natural gas can condense 2.3 and 0.65 gallons water (on an annual average basis) in Texas and North Dakota, respectively. The weather-dependent condensation rates range from 3 to 10 (Texas) and 0 to 0.8 (North Dakota) gallons/day/square meter of condenser area. Overall, flared gas-based AWH can utilize 77% and 40% of the excess gas in Texas and North Dakota, respectively. This work analyzes various aspects of humid air condensation and evaluates the sensitivity of the condensation rate to key engineering parameters. Overall, this work develops the foundational modeling tool to predict the performance of all types of humid air condensation systems.
Influence of Netrin-1 on Reinnervation of Laryngeal Muscles Following Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury

Following recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, recovery results in poor functional restitution of the paralyzed vocal fold. Netrin-1 has been found to be upregulated in the rat posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) during nerve regeneration. We evaluated the effect of ectopic Netrin-1 in the PCA during RLN reinnervation. The right RLN was transected and Netrin-1 was injected into the PCA (2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20μg/ml). At 7 days post injury fluorescent retrograde tracer was injected into the PCA and Thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles. At 9 days tissues were harvested. Immunostaining showed reinnervation patterns in the laryngeal muscles and labelled motoneurons in the nucleus ambiguus. Lower concentrations of Netrin-1 (2.5 and 5μg/ml) showed no significant changes in laryngeal muscles reinnervation. Higher concentrations of Netrin-1 significantly reduced motor end plate innervation. The most effective dose was 10μg/ml showing reduced number of innervated motor endplates in the PCA. The somatotopic organization of the nucleus ambiguus was altered in all concentrations of Netrin-1 injection. These findings indicate that injection of Netrin-1 into the PCA changes the reinnervation pattern of the RLN.
Minimalism and Foundations

In The Continuum, Hermann Weyl notes (Weyl, The Continuum: A Critical Examination of the Foundations of Analysis. Dover Books, Mineola, 1994):
Border traps and bias-temperature instabilities in MOS devices

Abstract An overview of the effects of border traps on device performance and reliability is presented for Si, Ge, SiGe, InGaAs, SiC, GaN, and carbon-based MOS devices that are subjected to bias-temperature stress, with or without exposure to ionizing radiation. Effective border-trap densities and/or energy distributions are estimated using capacitance-voltage hysteresis, low-frequency noise, charge pumping, and other electrical techniques that vary the time scale over which charge exchange between the semiconductor channel and near-interfacial dielectric. Oxygen vacancies and hydrogen impurity complexes are common border traps in a wide variety of systems subjected to bias-temperature stress. Charge trapping and emission tend to dominate observed bias-temperature instabilities for as-processed devices at higher oxide electric fields (> 4–6 MV/cm), and for irradiated devices. Hydrogen diffusion and reactions become relatively more significant in as-processed devices at lower electric fields (
A network-based approach to mine temporal genes exhibiting significant expression variation in Caenorhabditis elegans

It is critical to be able to identify longitudinally changing genes in temporal data so that studies can be focused on how gene expression changes in a dynamic way. While biological networks continue to play a significant role in modeling and characterizing complex relationships in biological systems, most network modeling studies in biomedical research focus on snapshot or “static” network-based analysis to identify genes of interest. In this study, we use a temporal non-sampling network-based approach to identify and rank genes that exhibit significant co-expression variation over time. We use in the C. elegans gene correlation network obtained from mRNA expression profiles to illustrate the value of the proposed approach. We compare the results of this method to results obtained from traditional statistical analysis that focuses on identifying simple differentially expressed genes. We show that rank-based temporal network analysis can identify genes that contribute to changes in the network structure and consequently contribute to changes in the genetic regulatory machine.
Changing Epidemiology of Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in the Last Decade: A Nationwide Analysis

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) is common and carries substantial mortality requiring frequent hospitalizations. To investigate trends in etiology and outcome of UGIH in hospitalized patients in the USA. Retrospective, observational cohort study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2012 was carried out. UGIH was identified in hospitalizations with a principle ICD-9-CM diagnosis of UGIH or secondary diagnosis of UGIH with a principal diagnosis of hematemesis, blood in stool, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Age 18 years or older was required for inclusion, and elective admissions and transferred patients were excluded. The hospitalization rate of UGIH in the USA decreased by 21% from 2002 to 2012, from 81 to 67 cases per 100,000 population (p < 0.01). The greatest declines occurred for gastritis and PUD, which decreased by 55 and 30%, respectively (p < 0.01). There were increases in neoplasm, Dieulafoy lesions, angiodysplasia, and esophagitis, which increased by 50, 33, 32 and 20%, respectively (p < 0.01). The all-cause inpatient mortality rate of UGIH decreased 28% from 2.6 per 100 cases in 2002 to 1.9 in 2012 (p < 0.01). The greatest decline occurred for esophagitis, Mallory–Weiss tear, and neoplasm, which decreased by 39% (p < 0.01), 36% (p = 0.02), and 36% (p < 0.01), respectively. The rate of hospitalization for bleeding caused by esophageal varices remained constant and low (approximately 2%) throughout the study period; the mortality for esophageal varices also remained constant at 6–7%. The epidemiology of UGIH hemorrhage appears to be shifting, with a decline in PUD and gastritis; an increase in hospitalization rate for neoplasm, Dieulafoy lesions, angiodysplasia, and esophagitis; and a reduction in overall mortality. The decreasing hospitalization rate and mortality rate of UGIH suggest population trends in use of treatments for PUD, improved hemostatic techniques, and overall care.
EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF APIXABAN, DABIGATRAN AND RIVAROXABAN VERSUS WARFARIN IN FRAIL PATIENTS WITH NONVALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Frailty predicts poorer outcomes and decreased anticoagulation use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We sought to assess the effectiveness and safety of apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban vs. warfarin in frail NVAF patients. Using MarketScan claims data from 11/2011-12/2016
Identifying the Driving Factors of Water Quality in a Sub-Watershed of the Republican River Basin, Kansas USA

Studies have shown that the agricultural expansion and land use changes in the Midwest of the U.S. are major drivers for increased nonpoint source pollution throughout the regional river systems. In this study, we empirically examined the relationship of planted area and production of three dominant crops with nitrate flux in the Republican River, Kansas, a sub-watershed of Mississippi River Basin. Our results show that land use in the region could not explain the observed changes in nitrate flux in the river. Instead, after including explanatory variables such as precipitation, growing degree days, and well water irrigation in the regression model we found that irrigation and spring precipitation could explain >85% of the variability in nitrate flux from 2000 to 2014. This suggests that changes in crop acreage and production alone cannot explain variability in nitrate flux. Future agricultural policy for the region should focus on controlling both the timing and amount of fertilizer applied to the field to reduce the potential leaching of excess fertilizer through spring time runoff and/or over-irrigation into nearby river systems.
Species substitution and country of origin mislabeling of catfish products on the U.S. commercial market

Abstract Catfish belong to the order Siluriformes and include both the Ictaluridae and Pangasiidae families. However, U.S. labeling laws require only species of the family Ictaluridae to be marketed as catfish. The lower production price of Pangasiidae, combined with changes in regulations over time, have resulted in high potential for species substitution and country of origin mislabeling among catfish products. The objective of this study was to conduct a market survey of catfish products sold at the U.S. retail level to examine species mislabeling and compliance with Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) regulations. A total of 80 catfish samples were collected from restaurants, grocery stores and fish markets in Orange County, CA. DNA was extracted from each sample and tested with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the InstantID™ U.S. Catfish Assay Kit for Ictaluridae spp. (InstantLabs). Samples that tested negative for Ictaluridae were tested with real-time PCR using the InstantID Asian Catfish Assay Kit for Pangasiidae spp. DNA barcoding was used as a final test in cases where species could not be identified with either of the real-time PCR assays. Overall, 7 of the 80 catfish products were found to be substituted with Pangasiidae species for a mislabeling rate of 9%. This included 5 of the 40 restaurant samples and 2 of the 32 grocery store samples. Additionally, 59% of grocery store samples were not compliant with COOL regulations. The results of this study reveal the occurrence of catfish mislabeling on the U.S. commercial market and suggest the need for continuous monitoring of these products.
Extracorporeal Immunoadsorbents for Specific Extraction of Circulating Immune Reactants

Considerable evidence has accumulated to substantiate the role of immune reactants in many experimental and human diseases.(1,2) Therapy for many of these immunologically mediated diseases has been dependent upon the use of pharmacologic agents that widely and non-specifically suppress host immunity leading to numerous undesirable effects.(3) In addition, there has been an increasing awareness of the etiologic factors in many immunologically mediated diseases and the concomitant development of many sensitive radioimmunological techniques to measure them. Therefore, we have focused our attention on a specific therapeutic measure, i.e., the development of solid phase immunoadsorbents to specifically remove pathogenic immune reactants from the circulation. For this purpose we have developed several immunoadsorbents consisting of immobilized antigens, antibodies and enzymes. When placed in an extracorporeal circuit, these immunoadsorbents have shown a capacity to specifically extract or hydrolyze immune reactants in the circulation with no demonstrable release of immobilized substances and no significant immediate or long-range toxicity to the host.
High Field NMR Imaging and Spectroscopy

The xumbination. of proton (1H) NNR imaging and phosphorus (31P), carbon (C) and H NNR chemical shift spectroscopy techniques for clinical applications has been a major goal of our research program. It is hoped that such a combination could provide a comprehensive dossier of the bodies’ anatomical and biochemical function to serve in the monitoring of disease states and their response to therapy and recovery. It was our perception that the major problems involved in combining the two technologies were initially instrumental and not due to any insurmountable physical obstacles. Thus the stringent requirements of chemical shift spectroscopy in the body necessitated the introduction of highly homogeneous, high field, large bore superconducting magnets. The relatively high NNR frequencies demanded of the NNR coils used in these magnet systems necessitated the development of new RF coil designs for 1H NNR imaging. The application of strong gradient magnetic fields to achieve spatial localization in NNR imaging is usually incompatible with the high magnetic field homogeneity required for resolution of chemical shift information. Hence new techniques for obtaining spatially localized spectra were required.
Feminism and Families

Feminists have contributed many new perspectives about the gendered nature of family and have shown that research and theory about families need to center not on women per se but on how gender relations structure family dynamics and interactions with other social institutions. Families are private and public spheres; thus, feminists have challenged mainstream ideas about the institutional context of families and the individuals who comprise them. Feminists view families as an arena of contested relationships between intimate and intergenerational partners, where variability, not unity or predictability of perspective, is characteristic. Over the last 40 years, feminists have infused the study of families with critical analyses of how gendered relationships operate according to how lives are stratified by systems of oppression and privilege. In this chapter, we address the contributions and potential of feminism as theory, method, and practice in family studies and assess its centrality for critique and transformation of this interdisciplinary field of study. We discuss how recent feminist conceptualizations have led to expectations for research measures and analyses that are reflective of the personal, yet capable of intersectional analysis.
Languages as first-class citizens (vision paper)

In this paper, we introduce languages as first-class citizens as a sub-paradigm of language-oriented programming. In this approach, language definitions are in the context of a general purpose programming language with the same status as any other expression. In particular, language definitions are elevated to be run-time values, that can be assigned to variables, passed to functions, returned by functions, and inserted into lists, to name a few possibilities. This approach offers flexible features in the run-time creation and modification of languages, and may promote new idioms in language-oriented programming. As a proof of concept, we have designed and implemented lang-n-play, a functional language with languages as first-class citizens. We present the features of lang-n-play with an example, and show that they naturally enable dynamic programming scenarios.