cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ensemble-based model for predicting agile software development effort

To support agile software development projects, an array of tools and systems is available to plan, design, track, and manage the development process. In this paper, we explore a critical aspect of agile development i.e., effort prediction, that cuts across these tools and agile project teams. Accurate effort prediction can improve the planning of a sprint by enabling optimal assignments of both stories and developers. We develop a model for story-effort prediction using variables that are readily available when a story is created. We use seven predictive algorithms to predict a story’s effort. Interestingly, none of the predictive algorithms consistently outperforms others in predicting story effort across our test data of 423 stories. We develop an ensemble-based method based on our model for predicting story effort. We conduct computational experiments to show that our ensemble-based approach performs better in comparison to other ensemble-based benchmarking approaches. We then demonstrate the practical application of our predictive model and our ensemble-based approach by optimizing sprint planning for two projects from our dataset using an optimization model.
Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Microfinance and Democratic Engagement

This paper presents results from a study of the comparative effects of microfinance group lending, and individual lending technologies on measures of women’s political capital in a fragile conflict-affected setting. Based on a quasi-experiment in Liberia, the two lending technologies were found to have significant effects on different measures of women’s political capital, though the effects were greater for the group lending technology than those of the individual lending. The different effects are due to the program orientation of the two lending technologies which facilitate the development of more resources for communal activism and democratic values among group lending than individual lending borrowers. This impact of this effect will be minimal if factors that constrain the women’s ability to invest their political capital are not addressed. Although more evidence would be required in order to generalize these results, they provide us insights about the political contribution of an economic intervention to post-conflict reconstruction.
Antioxidant capacity and sensory impact of coffee added to ground pork

Antioxidant effect of roasted coffees added to modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) refrigerated ground pork (1 g/kg) as ground, lyophilized brew, and lyophilized spent coffee was evaluated over 21 days. Pork with added coffee had significantly lower TBARS values compared to the control after day 7, while most pork samples treated with coffee were comparable to those with 0.02% rosemary. Metmyoglobin levels with dark lyophilized brew were higher than other treatments after 20 days, while light brew had the lowest final thiol levels. There was no significant difference in color between the rosemary or coffee-treated samples. Sensory evaluation of cooked pork patties via tetrad method after 1 and 3 days of refrigeration indicated that participants could only detect the added coffee on day 3, while acceptance was not affected on either day. Coffee exhibited an antioxidant effect comparable to rosemary while maintaining sensory acceptability, thereby showing potential as an ingredient to lengthen the chemical shelf life of ground pork. Consumers’ degree of liking was not affected at coffee concentrations incorporated, making coffee a potential natural antioxidant for certain niche products for consumers.
Protective Effects of Activated Myofibroblasts in the Pressure-Overloaded Myocardium Are Mediated Through Smad-Dependent Activation of a Matrix-Preserving Program

Rationale: The heart contains abundant interstitial and perivascular fibroblasts. Traditional views suggest that, under conditions of mechanical stress, cytokines, growth factors, and neurohumoral ...
Garden Writers Plan to Write About

Abstract The five categories of plants projected by members of the Garden Writers Association of America (GWAA) to have the greatest future demand were herbaceous perennials, native ferns and wildf...
Implementing a Provider Partnership to Improve Substance Abuse and Child Welfare Outcomes in Urban High-Needs Parents:

This Practice Note describes the implementation of a partnership between child welfare and substance use providers in New York City, with the aim of supporting cross-systems collaboration and impro...
ENHANCE: Accurate denoising of single-cell RNA-Seq data

Single-cell expression measurements are commonly affected by high levels of technical noise, posing challenges for data analysis and interpretation. Here, we propose ENHANCE, an algorithm that denoises single-cell RNA-Seq data by first performing nearest-neighbor aggregation and then inferring expression levels from principal components. We benchmark ENHANCE and three previously described methods on simulated data that closely mimic real datasets, and show that ENHANCE provides the best overall denoising accuracy.
Bile cultures are poor predictors of antibiotic resistance in postoperative infections following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Abstract Background Bile cultures (BC) have routinely been used to guide empiric antibiotic therapy for developing postoperative infections. The ability of BCs to predict sensitivity and resistance patterns (SRP) of site of infection cultures (SOIC) remains controversial. The aim was to assess the concordance of pathogens and SRPs between paired BC/SOICs. Methods Medical records of consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were reviewed between 2014 and 2018. BC/SOIC pathogens and SRPs were compared on a patient-by-patient basis and concordance (K) was assessed. Results Common patient characteristics of 522 included patients were 65-years-old, Caucasian (75.5%), male (54.2%), malignant indication (79.3%), and preoperative biliary stent (59.0%). Overall, 275 (89.6%) BCs matured identifiable isolates with 152 (55.2%) demonstrating polymicrobial growth. Ninety-two (17.6%) SOICs were obtained: 48 and 44 occurred in patients with and without intraoperative BCs. Stents were associated with bacteriobilia (85.7%, K = 0.947, p Conclusion Bile cultures demonstrate poor concordance with the susceptibility/resistance patterns of postoperative infections following pancreaticoduodenectomy and may lead to inappropriate antibiotic therapies.
From Political to Personal: Tracking the Use of Exemplars in Newspaper Coverage of the Affordable Care Act

A content analysis (N = 520) of Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage in The New York Times (NYT) examined the use of frames and exemplars to understand how the ACA was covered from passage through re...
Race/ethnicity and running away from foster care

Abstract Running away from foster care is fairly common, but there is no body of research that explores explicitly the question of whether Black and Hispanic youth run away from foster care at rates that are different from those for White youth. Using data from 17 states, I measured the probability of running away from foster care for Black, Hispanic, and White youth. This approach yields an unambiguous measure of disparity based on the odds ratio, a standard measure for summarizing group differences. In addition to individual differences in rates of running away (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity), I was also interested in knowing whether context matters. Context was measured at the county-level using urbanicity, social disadvantage, and a system-level measure of congregate care utilization. I also included whether the state where the county was located had policies that require an assessment of running-away risk. Older youth, girls, and youth with a history of placement in congregate care all have higher rates of running away. Further, Black and Hispanic youth are more likely to run away than White youth, but the magnitude of those differences depends on context. In particular, as measured, disparity in counties where I detected a tendency to use congregate care as a county-level attribute, disparity was greater. Among the implications, better reporting of running away by the federal government is highlighted. Regarding contextual effects and the dynamics of congregate utilization, the results point toward system effects as an important avenue for future research.
The Association of Vestibular Schwannoma Volume With Facial Nerve Outcomes After Surgical Resection

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between tumor size and facial nerve outcomes following vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection. STUDY DESIGN Single institutional retrospective chart review of all adult patients with untreated sporadic VS who underwent surgical resection from 2008 to 2018 with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1 year of follow-up. The primary outcome measure was facial nerve outcome as assessed by the House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system. RESULTS One hundred sixty-seven patients, 54.5% female, with a median age of 49 years (20-76 years), were identified who underwent VS resection. Surgical resection was performed by translabyrinthine (76.7%), middle cranial fossa (14.4%), retrosigmoid (7.2%), and transpromontorial (1.8%) approaches. The median tumor diameter and volume were 25.3 mm (range: 4.1-47.1 mm) and 3.17 cm3 (range: 0.01-30.6 cm3 ), respectively. The median follow-up was 24.2 months (range: 12-114.2 months). Gross total resection was performed in 79% of cases, with residual tumor identified on MRI in 17% of cases. For patients with tumors 3 cm3 (univariate logistic regression OR = 2.9, P = .03). Tumor volume >3 cm3 was predictive of facial weakness on multivariate regression analysis (OR = 7.4, P = .02) when controlling for surgical approach, internal auditory canal extension, anterior extension, age, gender, and extent of resection. CONCLUSIONS Tumor volume >3 cm3 is associated with worse facial nerve outcomes 12 months following surgical resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV Laryngoscope, 131:E1328-E1334, 2021.
The Effects of Designated Homeless Housing Sites on Local Communities: Evidence from Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County's homeless population has increased by approximately 40 percent in the past five years. While county voters have supported the goal by approving billions of dollars in bonds that would provide tens of thousands of affordable housing units and services for the homeless, there remains a substantial gap in affordable housing for the homeless and low-income individuals who are at risk of homelessness, drive by fears and stigma in local communities. I investigate the effect of such housing sites on street homelessness, crime, and property values. I construct a comprehensive data that geocodes the locations of all designated homeless housing sites in Los Angeles County. Using spatial and time variation in homeless housing sites, I estimate the exposure of a community to designated homeless housing sites over time and use changes in this exposure to recover the causal relationship. I find that communities that had an increase in homeless housing in their boundaries and vicinity experience a sizable decline in homeless encampments, overall crime, and homeless-related crimes, and that housing values in these communities had increased.
Policy Influence of Social Organizations in China: A Comparison of Women's Organizations and Public Health Organizations

Treating women’s organizations and public health organizations in China as critical fields, this paper shows how the organization-state relationships affect different organizations’ influence on public policies and representation of the interests of their constituencies. An inductive framework to generalize policy influence of social organizations is drawn in the paper, which consists of four modes of policy influence — active state corporatism, passive state corporatism, embedded pluralism, and critical pluralism — and two modes of non-influence — symbolistic state corporatism and silent pluralism. The formation and distribution of these modes of policy influence in the two types of organizations are explained by three organizational factors — motivation, capacity, and autonomy — and three different field features — historical origins, crises experiences, and politicality.
Computational biology: its challenges past, present, and future

The recognition of the role of mathematics and computer science in modern biology has led to new terminology, as did chemistry with biochemistry, and physics with biophysics. We need to think only of bioinformatics, computational biology, and even system biology and genomics for example. These terms seem to strongly suggest that this is all rather new. Yet a short review of the work of those such as J.B.S. Haldane, Sewell Wright, DArcy Thompson and R.A. Fisher, to say nothing of scientists like Luria and Delbrueck or Hodgkin and Huxley or Thomas Hunt Morgan, is useful. Their work and foresight set the stage for modern applications of mathematical modeling and statistics in the biological sciences. It has often been said that the only difference between now and then is the increase in data-a lot more data. This is clearly not the full story. In addition, we have computational power unimaginable to these earlier researchers, as well as to anyone only forty years ago. So what are our challenges? Some are clear, including the modeling and analysis of biologys complex systems such as a cells signaling, metabolic and differentiation. Also needed are analysis and models of complex neural systems and ecological structures. The latter, for example, will require a nearly full revamping of the early field of population genetics and evolution in order to exploit both modern genomics and new field studies of multiple species and environmental interactions. And there will be more, much of which will only become apparent as new data and questions arise. One example would be RNAi and micro-arrays inducing the development of new analysis tools.
HIV-1 integrase inhibitors: update and perspectives.

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses on the recent advances in understanding the cellular mechanisms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integration and the sites of actions of inhibitors. The chapter presents list of the known mutations that have been characterized for HIV‐1 integrase (IN) with their impact on IN activity, viral replication, and response to anti‐IN drugs. Novel rational approaches for inhibiting HIV integration and the two IN inhibitors in clinical trials and other selected inhibitors in development are discussed in the chapter. The encouraging results reported for two IN inhibitors in clinical trials and the recent insights in the cellular cofactors of DNA integration have renewed interest in HIV IN pharmacology and cellular biology. The chapter presents an overview of the functions of IN and the cofactors for integration.
An integrated partitioning and scheduling based branch decoupling

Conditional branch induced control hazards cause significant performance loss in modern out-of-order superscalar processors. Dynamic branch prediction techniques help alleviate the penalties associated with conditional branch instructions. However, branches still constitute one of the main hurdles towards achieving higher ILP. Dynamic branch prediction relies on the temporal locality of and spatial correlations between branches. Branch decoupling is yet another mechanism that exploits the innate lead in the branch schedule with respect to the rest of the computation. The compiler is responsible for generating the two maximally decoupled instruction streams: branch stream and program stream. Our earlier work on trace based evaluation of branch decoupling demonstrates a performance advantage of between 12% to 46% over 2-level branch prediction. However, how much of these gains are achievable through static, compiler driven decoupling is not known. This paper answers the question partially. A novel decoupling algorithm that integrates graph bi-partitioning and scheduling, was deployed in the GNU C compiler to generate a two instruction stream executable. These executables were targeted to branch decoupled architecture simulator with superscalar cores for the branch stream and program stream processors. Simulations show an average performance improvement of 7.7% and 5.5% for integer and floating point benchmarks of the SPEC2000 benchmark suite respectively.
Computers and classroom culture

From the Publisher: Computers and Classroom Culture explores the meaning of computer technology for our schools. In clear and direct prose, Janet Schofield examines ways that computer use is shaped by the social context in which it occurs and how attitudinal and organizational barriers obstruct it. She brings to light issues of gender differences and equity, and she provides sound and thoughtful ideas for improving educational use of computers. This book is for all those concerned with the changing shape of the classroom and the future of our schools as well as for sociologists and psychologists interested in educational computing.
A Model for Direct, Data-Based Reading Instruction

An instructional model for improving reading skills of very poor readers is offered. The approach includes several basic components: curricular assessment and placement in lower levels of classroom curricula, direct instruction in deficit skill areas, data-based instruction as a means of evaluating daily pupil progress, repeated practice of reading stories to achieve proficiency, and contingency management, where stories must be mastered before proceeding to subsequent stories. Initially, students read orally and are evaluated daily for reading accuracy, rate, and oral comprehension. Gradually, students are encouraged to read silently and to write responses to comprehension questions. Included are pupil progress data for 159 mildly learning handicapped students who have received this type of instruction. Student gains have been similar for learning disabled, behavior disordered, and mildly retarded students. Economically disadvantaged and students served in cross-categorical resource rooms have progressed...
Distributed RF sensing using software-defined radios

A coarsely-synchronized, easy to deploy, distributed RF sensor network using embedded USRP software-defined radios on a dedicated IP network was developed and tested. The goal was the evaluation of a simple network and signal observation synchronization strategy on measured physical signals for use with collaborative sensor spectral estimation algorithms. The hardware and software architecture of the sensor network was developed, and coarse time synchronization was achieved between all sensors. The characteristics of the sensor network were measured, including relative time delays. Techniques that achieve finer estimates of parameters affecting sensor synchronization were examined, particularly the Cross- Ambiguity Function (CAF) and its relation to initial coarse time synchronization, and a sample application of spectral estimation is presented.
Spontaneous bladder and uterine rupture with attempted vaginal delivery after cesarean section

We report spontaneous bladder and uterine rupture in a patient undergoing oxytocin augmented labor while under epidural anesthesia after a previous cesarean section. The presenting signs were gross hematuria at placement of an indwelling catheter and fetal distress. Cesarean section produced a healthy newborn. The patient recovered satisfactorily after subtotal hysterectomy, bladder repair and transfusion.
ATOMIC SCALE CHARACTERIZATION OF OXYGEN VACANCY DYNAMICS BY IN SITU REDUCTION AND ANALYTICAL ATOMIC RESOLUTION STEM.

In this study, we present nano-scale investigations of point defect dynamics in perovskite oxides by correlated atomic resolution high angle annular dark field imaging (HAADF) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The point defect dynamics and interactions during in-situ reduction in the microscope column are analyzed. In particular, oxygen vacancy creation, diffusion and clustering are studied, as oxygen vacancies comprise the majority of the point defects present in these perovskite oxide systems [1]. The results have been acquired using the JEOL2010F, a STEM/TEM, equipped with a 200 keV field emission gun, a high angle annular dark field detector and a post column Gatan imaging filter (GIF). The combination of the Z-contrast and EELS techniques [2] allows us to obtain direct images (spatial resolution of 2 {angstrom}) of the atomic structure and to correlate this information with the atomically resolved EELS information (3s acquisition time, 1.2 eV energy resolution). In-situ heating of the material is performed in a Gatan double tilt holder with a temperature range of 300 K-773 K at an oxygen partial pressure of P{sub O{sub 2}} = 5 * 10{sup -8} Pa.
Polymer lithium–sulfur batteries with a Nafion membrane and an advanced sulfur electrode

The development of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery technology is experiencing a critical challenge due to the migration of the soluble polysulfide species from the cathode to the lithium–metal anode which results in poor cyclability of the cell. To overcome the above issue, use of lithium-ion conductive membranes instead of the traditional porous Celgard membrane as the separator/electrolyte is one of the promising approaches. In this study, a lithiated Nafion membrane is used as a cation-selective electrolyte for Li–S batteries to suppress the polysulfide diffusion. An advanced cathode structure containing a high-surface activated carbon nanofiber (AC-CNF) current collector filled with dissolved lithium polysulfides and a thin AC-CNF upper current collector is used to improve the sulfur utilization. The Li–S battery system with the lithiated Nafion membrane and the sandwich cathode exhibits significantly enhanced cyclability relative to the cells with the traditional liquid-electrolyte integrated porous separator.
Characterization of spontaneous mammary gland carcinomas in female baboons

Spontaneous mammary gland carcinomas occurred in five baboons during a 13-year period at Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research. The affected baboons ranged in age from 21 to 33 years. Menopause in the baboon occurs at approximately 26 years of age. All five animals had typical invasive ductal carcinoma. Morphologically, the tumors were characterized by neoplastic cells arranged from pseudopapillary and cribiform to more poorly differentiated solid cellular growth patterns. Additional features included lack of tubule formation (4/5), marked nuclear pleomorphism (5/5), a high mitotic rate (4/5) and tumor necrosis (4/5). Applying a grading system used for breast cancer in women, four tumors were graded as poorly differentiated carcinomas and one was graded as moderately differentiated. Co-existent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was observed in three of the mammary tumors. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes were confirmed in two animals, both with histological evidence of lymphovascular invasion in the primary tumor. Distant metastases were observed in only one animal. Immunohistochemical staining for human therapeutic markers revealed 2/5 tumors strongly positive for estrogen receptor, 1/5 strongly positive for progesterone receptor and 4/4 negative for HER2 expression. Although the incidence appears to be low, these five cases of mammary carcinoma in female baboons suggest that when present baboon mammary carcinoma is usually of ductal origin and behaves similar to a human breast carcinoma.
Functional evaluation of the rectal ampulla with ampullometrogram

Abstract An ampullometrogram (AMG) was done in 20 patients to evaluate the rectal ampulla as a functional unit. Results were compared to a cystometrogram (CMG). The AMG displayed a normal curve (capacity 230 to 330 ml; pressure 47 to 80 cmH2O) in 14 of 16 patients having a normal CMG. The AMG was hyporeflexic (variable capacity; no increase in pressure at capacity) in 3 of 5 patients having a hyporeflexic CMG and hyperreflexic (capacity less than 175 ml, pressure over 80 cmH2O) in one patient having a hyperreflexic CMG. This technique might represent a useful clinical adjunct in the evaluation of bladder dysfunction, the evaluation of neurogenic type bowel dysfunction, and in the possible use of functional electrical stimulation for treatment of faecal incontinence or constipation.
The dynamical evolution of globular clusters

The fundamental physical ideas underlying the dynamical behavior of globular star clusters are reviewed. The results of detailed numerical experiments involving large $N$-body stellar systems are summarized and compared with observations. Intuitive arguments and crude, analytic derivations of many of the major results are provided. The topics treated represent, in effect, a chronological history of the dynamical life of a globular cluster---from its birth in the early universe through core contraction to a compact state, to ultimate dissolution in the galactic tidal field. The approach is nonrigorous and pedagogical rather than mathematical and the paper is intended as an introduction to recent developments in stellar dynamical theory.
Consumers' utilization of reference prices: the moderating role of involvement

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to investigate whether involved consumers utilize the same set of reference prices to evaluate an offer as compared to those who are less involved. Additionally, this study aims to investigate whether the processes employed in the two groups are different.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 200 students were enrolled to participate in a realistic shopping experience over a two‐week period. In the course of the study, subjects were asked to provide information on their reference prices. They were also asked to evaluate an advertised offer for a pair of jeans. The data were analyzed using a structural equations methodology.Findings – Under high involvement, consumers utilize perceived normal price, an external market‐based reference price, to adjust their internal standards, which in turn is used to evaluate retail price. In contrast, low‐involvement consumers do not use their internal standards. Rather, they evaluate retail prices directly against external mark...
Reducing PSA-Based Prostate Cancer Screening in Men Aged 75 Years and Older with the Use of Highly Specific Computerized Clinical Decision Support

INTRODUCTION In 2012, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented guidelines seeking to reduce PSA-based screening for prostate cancer in men aged 75 years and older.
Modeling of the interaction of water waves with nonlinear porous seabed

Abstract Currently, the evaluation of the seafloor response to wave loading is accomplished by uncoupling the water-soil interaction and treating the issue as two independent problems. The assumptions used in the solution techniques adopted within these independent problems are often inconsistent. This paper presents a coupled water-seabed interaction approach to study the response of a layered seafloor. The seafloor is treated as a nonlinear effective stress-dependent two-phase medium. The study shows that, for a given wave, the thickness and the stiffness properties of the soil deposit govern the extent of the water-soil interaction. During wave loading in deep water, the wavelength and sea bottom pressure can be either higher or lower than the corresponding values given by the much simpler uncoupled approach. For a seafloor comprised of sands, however, the coupled approach is appropriate to evaluate the seafloor response. It appears that the coupled approach becomes important only for seabeds with soft sediments, such as those found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance ventilation imaging of the human lung at 0.2 and 1.5 T.

Lung ventilation imaging using inhaled oxygen as a contrast medium was performed using both a 0.2 and a 1.5 T clinical magnetic resonance (MR) scanner in eight volunteers. Signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs) of the ventilation images as well as T1 values of the lung acquired with inhalation of 100% oxygen and room air were calculated. The SNR was 9.7 ± 3.0 on the 0.2 T MR system and 69.5 ± 28.8 on the 1.5 T system (P < 0.001). The mean T1 value on the 0.2 T MR system with subjects breathing room air was 632 ± 54 msec; with 100% oxygen, it was 586 ± 41 msec (P < 0.01). At 1.5 T, the mean values were 904 ± 99 msec and 790 ± 114 msec, respectively (P < 0.0001). We conclude that MR oxygen-enhanced ventilation imaging of the lung is feasible with an open configured 0.2 T MR system. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;9:838–841. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Magnetic resonance imaging study of the structure of the yolk in the developing avian egg

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were used to study the morphology of the latebra and concentric rings seen in the yolk of White Leghorn eggs during development of the avian embryo. Previous studies of the macroscopic structure of avian yolk have revealed the latebra, a vase-shaped structure beneath the blastoderm composed of white yolk. The bulbous portion in the center of the yolk is termed the body of the latebra. The thinner portion extending toward the blastoderm is referred to as the neck of the latebra. As the neck of the latebra approaches the blastoderm, it flares out to become the nucleus of Pander. The remainder of the yolk often features alternating concentric layers of white and yellow yolk. These layers, which appear as rings in sections, are thought to represent the daily accumulation of yolk during oogenesis. In this study eggs were imaged with a single slice spin echo sequence using MRI parameters that maximized the visualization of the latebra and concentric rings in the egg yolk. Some experiments were conducted for 2 to 3 day periods with eggs kept in the bore of the magnet using a small incubator that was constructed using a temperature-controlled water pump. The concentric rings of the yolk and the body of the latebra flatten and become more elliptical during development. The neck of the latebra becomes shorter and disappears around the 7th day of incubation. The body of the latebra starts to become incorporated into the embryo at about the 7th day of incubation and usually disappears by the 13th day. The concentric rings are no longer visible as distinct entities at this time. Histochemical procedures carried out as a result of MRI findings indicate that the latebra is an iron-rich structure.
Massive delayed hemolysis following peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with minor ABO incompatibility

After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, delayed immune hemolysis may occur when donor-derived B lymphocytes carried with the graft produce immune antibodies against the recipient’s incompatible red cells. We report the occurrence of this syndrome in the context of minor blood group incompatibility between donor and recipient after peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. On day 12 post-transplant there was abrupt onset of hemolysis necessitating supportive treatment with hydration and transfusions. Because, as compared to bone marrow, PBSC grafts are enriched with lymphocytes, more frequent and intense delayed immune hemolysis may be anticipated when using PBSC. This complication is described most often when cyclosporine alone is used for immunosuppression following the graft. The addition of methotrexate, which with CyA forms the classic regimen for the prevention of graft-vs-host disease, may diminish the frequence and severity of this adverse reaction.
Coarsening of Two-Dimensional Nanoclusters on Metal Surfaces

We describe experimental observations and theoretical analysis of the coarsening of distributions of two-dimensional nanoclusters, either adatom islands or vacancy pits, on metal surfaces. A detail...
Deformation and recrystallization of hexagonal metals: modeling and experimental results for zinc

A polycrystal approach that divides the grains into small cells and accounts for local interactions in a self consistent way is used to calculate deformation and texture evolution of hexagonal zinc. As this model incorporates local effects, it predicts intragranular deformation and gives a description of the deformed microstructure in terms of misorientation between elements and variation in stored energy. This provides information which can be used as a basis for simulating recrystallization processes. The grains are composed of parallelepipedic cells, and a Monte Carlo algorithm is used for simulating static recrystallization. Nucleation and boundary mobility depend on the misorientation between cells and on the local variation in stored energy. The model is applied to simulate the kinetics of static recrystallization and the associated change in crystallographic texture in zinc polycrystals. Experimental results obtained by deforming zinc in plane strain compression compare well with the predictions and are consistent with a mechanism where nucleation occurring in highly deformed domains controls the recrystallization kinetic.
Deazapurines as growth inhibitors.

Summary 1. Deazaadenine (7-amino-1-imidazo( b )pyridine) inhibits the of Tetrahymena pyriformis W. This inhibition is antagonized by ? The half-maximal inhibition index is 6. 2. In glucose-containing medium, not only is there growth inhibitory but complete cytolysis occurs as the concentration of the inhibitory creases. Cytolysis can be prevented (in the lower concentrations of inhibitor) by increases in the adenine content of the medium. 3. Deazaguanine (5-amino-7-hydroxy-1-imidazo( b )pyridine) is inhibitory to Tetrahymena , but the solubility of the compound is so that effective concentrations high enough for half-maximal inhibitory cannot be obtained.
Smart Needling System for Fully Conformal Radiation Dose Delivery in Treating Prostate Cancer

The objective of the project is to design a new distributed actuation system along the needle’s body (active/smart needling), exploiting the steering advantage of the bevel-tip geometry (bevel angle), developing a flexible needle body having sensors at the needle tip and along the body for real-time tracking/detection of the needle using a feedback closed-loop control for real-time steering of the needle toward the target. We present two types of needle design and actuation techniques: Longitudinal Body Segment (LoBS) design, and Lateral Body Segment (LaBS) design. For LoBS design, the needle is separated into multiple segments along its length to improve maneuverability of the needle tip. This device incorporates four Nitinol wires per segment about its tubular substructure. The ends of each wire are secured to steel anchors, which are attached to non-conducting collets. The displacement and the speed of actuation is a function of the power supplied to each Nitinol wire. The amount of power is controlled using Pulse Width Modulation. Bending in arbitrary directions can be accomplished by adjusting the electrical duty cycles of the Nitinol wires. For LaBS design, the needle body is made of Nitinol having lateral segments (two or multiple of paired segments along the needle length). Each segment is an actuator made of Nitinol, which will be capable of manipulating the needle tip according to the sensory feedback information. The distal end of the actuator segments of the needle body are hinged at different points when the needle needs to be curved down the needle body segment can be actuated so that force which will produce moment about the opposite point. Therefore, by manipulating the force the amount of needle curvature can be controlled. By rotating the needle at desired angle, any needle trajectory can be achieved for reaching the target while avoiding obstacles (or critical organ) and conforming organ geometry.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Elements of a best practices approach to induced seismicity in geologic storage

Abstract As sequestration projects become larger, a framework for addressing potential induced seismicity will become necessary. We have drawn heavily on work done in the geothermal research community as a basis for a best practices approach for geologic storage. The seven step approach involves documentation of the historical natural seismicity, assessment of the potential for induced seismicity, and recommended steps for mitigation of the risk of the induced seismicity. The approach recognizes the importance of addressing the human element in addition to technical issues. The proposed approach is being applied in a sequestration field pilot in California.
Which power variation predicts volatility well

Abstract We estimate MIDAS regressions with various (bi)power variations to predict future volatility – measured via increments in quadratic variation. Instead of pre-determining the (bi)power variation we parameterize it and estimate the intra-daily return power transformation that optimally predicts future increments in quadratic variation. We find that the longer the prediction horizon, the smaller the optimal power transformation.
Müllerian inhibiting substance blocks the protein kinase A-induced expression of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase mRNA in a mouse Leydig cell line independent of cAMP responsive element binding protein phosphorylation

Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) is produced by fetal Sertoli cells and causes regression of the Mullerian duct in male fetuses shortly after commitment of the bipotential embryonic gonad to testes differentiation. MIS is also produced by the Sertoli cells and granulosa cells of the adult gonads where it plays an important role in regulating steroidogenesis. We have previously shown that MIS can dramatically reduce testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells by inhibiting the expression of cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C(17-20) lyase (Cyp17) mRNA in vitro and in vivo. To characterize the signal transduction pathway used by MIS to control expression of endogenous Cyp17 in a mouse Leydig cell line, we demonstrate that MIS inhibits both LH- and cAMP-induced expression of Cyp17 at concentrations as low as 3.5 nM and for as long as 18 h. The induction of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA by cAMP, however, was slightly increased by addition of MIS. Protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition with H-89 blocked Cyp17 mRNA induction, suggesting that MIS interferes with the PKA signal transduction pathway. Inhibition of Cyp17 induction was not seen with added U0126, and wortmannin inhibited the induction incompletely. In addition, phosphorylation of the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) was not detected following 50 micro M cAMP exposure, a concentration sufficient for Cyp17 mRNA induction. Moreover, CREB phosphorylation, which was observed with addition of 500 micro M cAMP, was not inhibited by coincubation with MIS. Taken together, these results suggest that cAMP induces expression of Cyp17 by a PKA-mediated mechanism and that this induction, which is inhibited by MIS signal transduction, does not require CREB activity, and is distinct from that used to induce steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression.
Jesus and Maria in the Jungle: An Essay on Possibility and Constraint in the Third-Shift Third Space.

One hundred years ago, Upton Sinclair, in The Jungle, exposed the deplorable working conditions of eastern European immigrants in the meatpacking houses of Chicago. The backdrop of this article is the new Jungle of the 21st century—the hog plants of the rural Midwest. Here I speak to the lives of the Mexican workers they employ, and, more specifically, the science-learning experiences and aspirations of third-shifters, Jesus and Maria. I use these students’ stories as an opportunity to examine the take-up, in education, of the concept of hybridity, and, more particularly, to interrogate what I have come to regard as the “third space fetish.” My principle argument is that Bhabha’s understanding of liberatory Third Space has been distorted, in education, through teacher-centered and power-neutral multicultural discourse. I call for a more robust approach to hybridity in science education research, guided by the lessons of possibility and constraint contained in Jesus’ and Maria’s third-shift third space lives.
Self-reported vs. actual energy intake in youth with and without loss of control eating.

Abstract Episodes of loss of control over eating (LOC) in children and adolescents – often characterized by the consumption of highly palatable dessert and snack-type foods – have been associated with a lack of awareness while eating that could lead to under- or over-estimation of how much food is consumed. However, little is known about the reporting accuracy of food intake in youth with and without LOC eating. One hundred fifty-six girls and boys were administered the Eating Disorder Examination to assess for the presence of LOC eating. Youth were queried regarding the amounts of foods consumed directly following a multi-item, laboratory buffet test meal. Children with LOC (n = 42) did not differ significantly from youth without LOC (n = 114) in reporting accuracy of total food intake (reported minus actual energy intake: 153.0 ± 59.6 vs. 96.9 ± 36.0 kcal; p = 0.42). However, compared to those without LOC, children with LOC were less accurate at reporting percentage of energy intake from carbohydrate ( p = 0.01). Youth with LOC were also less accurate at reporting their intake of desserts ( p = 0.04). Findings point to the possibility that youth with LOC may have poorer recall of sweet food consumption. Future research is required to examine whether poorer recall reflects a lack of awareness while eating palatable, sweet foods.
Self‐analysis inventory: An interpersonal communication exercise

(1971). Self‐analysis inventory: An interpersonal communication exercise. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 108-114.
Color stereopsis: A model for depth reversals based on border contrast

Color stereopsis refers to the effect of stimulus color on perceived depth of stimuli viewed binocularly. It is well established and well understood that the wavelength of a stimulus affects its perceived depth in color stereopsis by prismatic effects in human optics, with long-wavelength stimuli normally seen in front of short-wavelength stimuli. It is less well known, and not well understood, that the background of the stimulus affects depth order as well. We demonstrate experimentally, using a long-wavelength orange stimulus and a short-wavelength blue stimulus, that a change from black to white in the background at the border (a change in border contrast) of the stimulus changes the perceived depth order from orange in front of blue to blue in front of orange (a color reversal). We present a descriptive model to explain reversals in color stereopsis when stimuli are displayed on a white background and suggest that it may account for instances of color reversals that are currently unexplained or questionably explained by other models.
Grain egression: A new mechanism of fatigue-crack initiation in Ti-6Al-4V

A new mechanism of fatigue-crack initiation (FCI), grain egression, was observed in the course of investigating corrosion-fatigue crack initiation in Ti-6A1-4V hip prostheses fabricated using three different processes. Extensive scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to document this new mechanism as well as the other FCI mechanisms operating. Grain egression entails the fracture and egression of primary α grains from the surface of the sample, resulting in a sharp pit that subsequently acts as the site of crack initiation. The different sizes and morphologies of the grain-egression sites observed are very similar to the sizes and morphologies of the pri-mary α grains resulting from the three different fabrication processes, providing further evidence for grain egression as an operative FCI mechanism.
The driving anger expression inventory: a measure of how people express their anger on the road.

Four ways people express their anger when driving were identified. Verbal Aggressive Expression (alpha=0.88) assesses verbally aggressive expression of anger (e.g., yelling or cursing at another driver); Personal Physical Aggressive Expression (alpha=0.81), the ways the person uses him/herself to express anger (e.g., trying to get out and tell off or have a physical fight with another driver); Use of the Vehicle to Express Anger (alpha=0.86), the ways the person uses his/her vehicle to express anger (e.g., flashing lights at or cutting another driver off in anger); and Adaptive/Constructive Expression (alpha=0.90), the ways the person copes positively with anger (e.g., focuses on safe driving or tries to relax). Aggressive forms can be summed into Total Aggressive Expression Index (alpha=0.90). Aggressive forms of expression correlated positively with each other (rs=0.39-0.48), but were uncorrelated or correlated negatively with adaptive/constructive expression (rs=-0.02 to -0.22). Aggressive forms of anger expression correlated positively with driving-related anger, aggression, and risky behavior; adaptive/constructive expression tended to correlate negatively with these variables. Differences in the strengths of correlations and regression analyses supported discriminant and incremental validity and suggested forms of anger expression contributed differentially to understanding driving-related behaviors. Theoretical and treatment implications were explored.
Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia with weekly polyethylene glycol formulation of interferon-alpha-2b and low-dose cytosine arabinoside

BACKGROUND To evaluate the activity and toxicity of weekly Schering 54301, a polyethylene glycol formulation of interferon- α-2b (PEG-IFN-α-2b), with cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). METHODS Seventy-six patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive early chronic-phase CML were treated with the combination of PEG-IFN-α-2b and ara-C (10 mg daily subcutaneously [s.c.]). The starting dose of PEG-IFN-α-2b was 6 μg/kg s.c. weekly in the first 24 patients but was reduced to 4.5 μg/kg in the next 52 patients. RESULTS Overall, 73% of patients had a complete hematologic response, 35% of patients had a major cytogenetic response (Ph < 35%), and 21% of patients had a complete cytogenetic response (Ph = 0%). With a median follow-up of 19 months, the estimated 2-year survival rate was 89%. Therapy was discontinued in 24% of patients due to Grade III–IV toxicity. Frequent severe side effects that required dose reductions included neutropenia (49%), fatigue (43%), and neurologic toxicity (17%). The median PEG-IFN-α-2b and ara-C doses delivered were 3 μg/kg weekly and 7.5 mg daily, respectively, at 12 months of therapy. The activity and toxicity profiles of this combination was similar to those observed in historical patients treated with IFN-α and cytarabine. CONCLUSIONS The combination of PEG-IFN-α-2b and ara-C is active but has significant toxicity in patients with chronic-phase CML at the dose schedule used. The recommended dose of PEG-IFN-α-2b in future combination studies is 3 μg/kg or less. Cancer 2003;97:3010–6. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11424
A SEARCH FOR RADIAL GRADIENTS OF THE MAGNETIC FIELDS IN THE ATMOSPHERES OF ALPHA 2CANUM VENATICORUM, 78 VIRGINIS, AND BETA CORONAE BOREALIS.

Zeeman spectrograms centered at N3500 and N4200 have been obtained for three Ap stars-a2 CVn, 78 Vir, and p CrB. For a star with Te = 10,000 K and log g = 4, optical depth 0.3 at 3647- occurs where the optical depth at A4200 = 0.02, and so the lines in these two spectral regions are formed in quite different layers of the atmosphere. The observations show that any variation in magnetic field strength over the optical depths probed by these observations cannot exceed 25%. Key words: magnetic stars-Zeeman effect-Ap stars
Proton/hydroxide permeation across ammonium ion bilayer vesicles detected by self-indicating head groups

Abstract p -Nitrophenol-functionalized vesicular surfactants (2) are sensitive, reversible and continuous reporters of local pH conditions at endovesicular and exovesicular surfaces