Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ℋ-Matrix Based Second Moment Analysis for Rough Random Fields and Finite Element Discretizations

We consider the efficient solution of strongly elliptic partial differential equations with random load based on the finite element method. The solution's two-point correlation can efficiently be approximated by means of an $\mathcal{H}$-matrix, in particular if the correlation length is rather short or the correlation kernel is nonsmooth. Since the inverses of the finite element matrices which correspond to the differential operator under consideration can likewise efficiently be approximated in the $\mathcal{H}$-matrix format, we can solve the correspondent $\mathcal{H}$-matrix equation in essentially linear time by using the $\mathcal{H}$-matrix arithmetic. Numerical experiments for three-dimensional finite element discretizations for several correlation lengths and different smoothness are provided. They validate the presented method and demonstrate that the computation times do not increase for nonsmooth or shortly correlated data.
Effect of overexpression of human aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 in LLC‐PK1 cells on glyceryl trinitrate biotransformation and cGMP accumulation

Recent studies suggest a primary role for aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in mediating the biotransformation of organic nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), to the proximal activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), resulting in increased cGMP accumulation and vasodilation. Our objective was to assess the role of ALDH2 in organic nitrate action using a cell culture model.
Cetuximab monotherapy is active in patients (pts) with platinum-refractory recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN): Results of a phase II study.

5502 Background: Pts with refractory SCCHN have a poor prognosis with few therapeutic options. Cetuximab (Erbitux), an IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds selectively to EGFR, has shown activity in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin in pts with recurrent/metastatic SCCHN progressing on the same platinum-based regimen (Baselga #900, Kies #925; ASCO 2002). METHODS This multicenter phase II study was designed to investigate the efficacy of cetuximab as monotherapy in pts with platinum-refractory SCCHN. Main inclusion criteria were: stage III/IV recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN not suitable for local therapy, with documented progression on or within 30 days after 2 to 6 cycles of a platinum-based CT. Cetuximab was given at an initial dose of 400 mg/m2, followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly until disease progression, with the option to switch to the combination of cetuximab with the same platinum that the pts had previously progressed on, after failure to cetuximab monotherapy. RESULTS 103 pts (84 M, 19 F) were enrolled. Median age was 57 years (23-77), median baseline KPS was 80 (60-100) and median time from diagnosis to study entry was 20 months (3-283). Drug-related adverse events occurring in >10% of pts included: skin rash/acne 80% (1% grade 3), fatigue 24% (4% grade 3), fever/chills 19% (2% grade 3), nail changes 15% (all grade 1-2) and nausea 13% (1% grade 3). There was one treatment-related death due to hypersensitivity reaction in a patient not suitable to receive mechanical ventilation. Preliminary efficacy data (based on investigator assessment) were as follows: 5 CR, 12 PR, 38 SD, 47 PD, 1 not assessable, for an overall objective response rate of 16.5% (95% CI: 9.9%-25.1%). Disease control rate was 53.4% (95% CI: 43.3%-63.3%). Median TTP and median survival were 85 and 175 days, respectively. An independent review of all pre-treatment and on-study imaging assessments is ongoing and will be available at the meeting. CONCLUSIONS Cetuximab as single agent can produce major objective responses in pts with platinum-refractory recurrent/metastatic SCCHN, with acceptable toxicity. [Table: see text].
Onset of nonlinear saturation for Rayleigh-Taylor growth in the presence of a full spectrum of modes.

It is generally recognized that a single Rayleigh-Taylor unstable mode grows exponentially, proportional to the initial amplitude, until the amplitude is about 1/10 to 1/5 of the wavelength. The growth then becomes nonlinear, and the mode evolves into spikes and bubbles. This paper considers how this picture of the transition to nonlinearity changes when, instead of there being a single mode, there is a full spectrum of modes. We argue that nonlinear behavior begins whenever the sum of modes over a specified small region of /ital k/ space becomes comparable to the wavelength. In the case of a single mode, this reduces to the usual comparison of the mode's amplitude with its wavelength lambda. But if the modal amplitudes are smooth functions of /ital k/, the modes begin to saturate when their amplitude is comparable to lambda/sup 2//R times a dimensionless scale factor; here, /ital R/ is the radius in spherical geometry, or the length of the surface in planar geometry. Given this new notion of the amplitude at which nonlinear saturation begins, we construct a simple model to estimate the net perturbation resulting from a broadband initial spectrum. We assume that modes grow exponentially until saturation occurs, and thenmore » the growth of the individual modes becomes linear in time. The model predictions in two and three dimensions are compared with Read and Young's experiments (Atomic Weapons Research Establishment Report No. 011/83, Aldermasten, 1983 (unpublished)), and to Youngs's calculations (Physica 12/ital D/, 32 (1984)). The experimental results are used to set the single parameter characterizing the onset of nonlinearity. The model provides a complete description of a weak dependence on initial amplitude. « less
Mycobacterial lymphadenitis associated with the initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the impact of combination antiretroviral therapy on the clinical and laboratory features of mycobacterial lymphadenitis, we conducted a retrospective chart review of HIV-related mycobacterial lymphadenitis at St. Paul's hospital between 1989 and 1997. Among 52 evaluable patients, 12 presented within 12 weeks of initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (group 1, n = 12); the others developed lesions while receiving no antiretrovirals, monotherapy, or a stable combination regimen of >12 weeks duration (group 2, n = 40). RESULTS Group 1 patients had higher absolute CD4 lymphocyte counts (median, 150 versus 20 cells/mm3, respectively; p = .001) and hemoglobin levels (median, 113 versus 88 g/L, respectively; p = .002) at the time of mycobacterial diagnosis. Clinical comparison showed that group 1 patients were more likely to develop a draining sinus (50% versus 0%; p < .001), but less often to have weight loss (17% versus 74%; p < .0001) or disease which was disseminated (25% versus 70%; p = .04) or caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (0% versus 33%; p = .04). CONCLUSIONS Mycobacterial lymphadenitis developing within 12 weeks of initiating combination antiretroviral therapy is often localized Mycobacterium avium complex disease, associated with a relatively high CD4 count. The clinical course is often complicated by the development of a draining sinus. The close temporal association suggests that such treatment may unmask subclinical infection by enhancing the immune response to mycobacterial antigens.
Shared idiotypes of human peripheral blood B and T lymphocytes.

In a patient with an IgG lambda monoclonal serum component possessing anti-streptolysin O activity, we have demonstrated peripheral blood B and T lymphocytes with shared or similar idiotypes. The idiotypic T lymphocyte membrane structure was capable of binding the specific antigen (SLO). After radioiodination and subsequent detergent solubilization of the same T cell population, immunoprecipitation of the lysate by employing anti-idiotypic antibodies, resulted in the isolation of a polypeptide chain with a m.w. of 70,000 on SDS polyacrylamide gels under reducing conditions. The polypeptide expressed no isotypic immunoglobulin markers. Internal labeling experiments indicated that this membrane structure was actively synthesized by the T lymphocytes.
A Unified Framework for Defining and Measuring Flexibility in Power System

Flexibility is a widely used term in planning process and real-time operation. The existing research on flexibility uses different techniques to study flexibility property from different aspects. While studying a property from various viewpoints increases the understanding on the subject, we need a consistent theoretical framework to consolidate the ideas generated in the field, compare and contrast results, and build on for future analysis. Based on the insights of the nature of flexibility, this paper proposes a unified framework for defining and measuring flexibility in power system. Under the proposed framework, we propose a flexibility metric which evaluates the largest variation range of uncertainty that the system can accommodate. Such a metric takes into account transmission network and system operations constraints, which are critical to assessing flexibility, but are often ignored in literature. A robust optimization technique is used to calculate the proposed metrics. While the illustrative example presented in this paper focuses on the flexibility in real-time system operation in the presence of wind and load uncertainty, this framework can generally be applicable to long-term studies such as system planning.
Most Retroviral Recombinations Occur during Minus-Strand DNA Synthesis

ABSTRACT Retroviral RNA molecules are plus, or sense in polarity, equivalent to mRNA. During reverse transcription, the first strand of the DNA molecule synthesized is minus-strand DNA. After the minus strand is polymerized, the plus-strand DNA is synthesized using the minus-strand DNA as the template. In this study, a helper cell line that contains two proviruses with two different mutated gfp genes was constructed. Recombination between the two frameshift mutant genes resulted in a functional gfp. If recombination occurs during minus-strand DNA synthesis, the plus-strand DNA will also contain the functional sequence. After the cell divides, all of its offspring will be green. However, if recombination occurs during plus-strand DNA synthesis, then only the plus-strand DNA will contain the wild-type gfp sequence and the minus-strand DNA will still carry the frameshift mutation. The double-stranded DNA containing this mismatch was subsequently integrated into the host chromosomal DNA of D17 cells, which were unable to repair the majority of mismatches within the retroviral double-strand DNA. After the cell divided, one daughter cell contained the wild-type gfp sequence and the other daughter cell contained the frameshift mutation in thegfp sequence. Under fluorescence microscopy, half the cells in the offspring were green and the other half of the cells were colorless or clear. Thus, we demonstrated that more than 98%, if not all, retroviral recombinations occurred during minus-strand DNA synthesis.
Adipose-derived cellular therapies in solid organ and vascularized-composite allotransplantation

Purpose of review Controlling acute allograft rejection following vascularized composite allotransplantation requires strict adherence to courses of systemic immunosuppression. Discovering new methods to modulate the alloreactive immune response is essential for widespread application of vascularized composite allotransplantation. Here, we discuss how adipose-derived cellular therapies represent novel treatment options for immune modulation and tolerance induction in vascularized composite allotransplantation. Recent findings Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells are cultured from autologous or allogeneic adipose tissue and possess immunomodulatory qualities capable of prolonging allograft survival in animal models of vascularized composite allotransplantation. Similar immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effects have been observed with noncultured adipose stromal-vascular-fraction-derived therapies, albeit publication of in-vivo stromal vascular fraction cell modulation in transplantation models is lacking. However, both stromal vascular fraction and adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell therapies have the potential to effectively modulate acute allograft rejection via recruitment and induction of regulatory immune cells. Summary To date, most reports focus on adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells for immune modulation in transplantation despite their phenotypic plasticity and reliance upon culture expansion. Along with the capacity for immune modulation, the supplemental wound healing and vasculogenic properties of stromal vascular fraction, which are not shared by adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells, hint at the profound therapeutic impact stromal vascular fraction-derived treatments could have on controlling acute allograft rejection and tolerance induction in vascularized composite allotransplantation. Ongoing projects in the next few years will help design the best applications of these well tolerated and effective treatments that should reduce the risk/benefit ratio and allow more patients access to vascularized composite allotransplantation therapy.
Characteristics of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides in patients with brain tumors.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIO) agent in patients with brain tumors and to correlate changes on MRI with histopathologic data collected systematically in all patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Nine patients with brain tumors were imaged before and 24 hr after administration of a USPIO at a dose of 2.6 mg Fe/kg. Analysis of MR images included qualitative and quantitative comparison of the USPIO and gadolinium enhancement of brain tumors. Brain surgery was performed 25-112 hr after administration of the USPIO. The histopathologic workup included iron histochemistry with diaminobenzidine (DAB)-enhanced Perls stain. RESULTS In seven of nine patients, USPIO-related changes of signal intensity were observed in gadolinium-enhancing brain tumors on T1- and T2*-weighted sequences. The difference in signal intensity on T1-weighted USPIO series was 40.1% +/- 26.7% (mean +/- SD). On T2*-weighted USPIO series, the difference in signal intensity was -33.1% +/- 18.4% in solid tumor parts. Areas of suspected radiation necrosis did not enhance in three patients with prior radiation therapy. Iron histochemistry revealed the presence of iron deposits in macrophages in two patients. CONCLUSION USPIO agents will not replace gadolinium in the workup of patients with brain tumors. Our findings suggest that USPIO agents seem to offer complementary information and may help to differentiate between brain tumors and areas of radiation necrosis. Signal intensity changes on T2*-weighted images might be related to the blood pool properties of the agent, possibly reflecting steady-state susceptibility effects.
Cavity-backed resistance-loaded monopole antenna for impulse radar

The cavity-backed resistance-loaded monopole antenna is analyzed and its broadband operation is shown for the frequencies 0.5 to 4.5 GHz. The input impedance and radiation characteristics are also examined. In the numerical analysis, the electromagnetic simulator "Fidelity", based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, is used.
A comparison of results of 3-dimensional gait analysis and observational gait analysis in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate levels of validity, and inter- and intra-observer reliability of observational gait analysis (OGA) in clinical usage, done by the physical therapists with varying clinical experience, in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS The study included 33 subjects (22 female, 11 male; mean age: 58.24±9.14 years range: 46 to 81) clinically and radiographically diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis, and 4 physical therapists to observe the subjects' gaits. The physical therapists were separated into two groups according to their professional experience: those with 10 or more years, and those with fewer than 10 years. Video recordings were made of the subjects undergoing three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA). These recordings were then observationally assessed twice by the participating physical therapists with at least a 6-week interval between observations. OGA was done via a form comprising 11 kinematic and 5 temporo-spatial parameters. RESULTS Lowest levels of agreement in both validity (r=0.06, p>0.05), and inter- (ICC:-0.12-0.06) and intra-observer (ICC:0.30-0.45) reliability were found in the parameters of ankle dorsiflexion in initial contact phase and pelvic rotation in midstance phase. Highest inter- and intra-observer agreement was found in the temporo-spatial parameters of step width, double step length, cadence and velocity (ICC:0.61-0.80). Highest validity was found in pelvic tilt in stance phase (r=0.74-0.78, p<0.001). With the exception of stance phase, moderate or good agreement (r=0.52-0.69, p<0.05) was found in the temporo-spatial parameters. CONCLUSION This study found that OGA assessment of temporo-spatial parameters had moderate or good validity and reliability. Assessment of the majority of kinematic parameters had fair or moderate validity and inter-observer reliabilty, and moderate or good intra-observer reliability.
Residential Fuel Choice in Rural Areas: Field Research of Two Counties of North China

Solid fuels are still widely used in rural China though the living standard has improved greatly. Energy poverty is an obvious indicator of poverty, which has serious effects on economic development, environment, and health. In this paper, we conducted a detailed analysis on fuel choice and usage behavior of different end-use activities in rural residential energy consumption. Using 717 household observations from micro-survey data in two counties of Shandong and Hebei province in 2016, we find that biomass is the dominant fuel used for cooking among all energy sources despite of obvious decreasing trend in recent years, accounting for 44%. Clean energy used to cook increased markedly with a proportion of nearly 50%. Solar energy is an ordinary fuel used for water heating except for biomass. Almost 90% of households rely on coal for space heating in winter, and one-third of households have space heating for fewer than two months. Ownership of home appliances for basic needs is higher than that for hedonistic needs, and usage behaviors of some appliances are economical. Fuel accessibility of commercial energy have improved noticeably in rural areas, and the high proportion usage of biomass is affected by family income, usage habits, local resources, environmental recognition, education, and age. Since the negative effects of using solid fuels, it is urgent to cleanse biomass, develop new energy, and improve residents’ cognition about the consequences of using solid fuels.
Looking Beyond Stereotypes: Exploring Variations Among Crack Smokers

Abstract Since the onset of the crack epidemic in the U.S. in the 1980s, the social and health consequences to the drug's users from their perspective has received limited attention. This exploratory study was designed to explore heterogeneity among crack users. Based on in-depth interviews with 22 active crack users in Atlanta, Georgia, variations among them were explored. Data analysis involved the constant comparison method as part of the grounded theory approach. A typology was derived that describes four subsets of users. The two most salient dimensions of the typology are the level of protective strategies that enable the user to avoid negative consequences and their frequency of crack use. Daily life structure and the extent to which they have access to crack contributed most strongly to use frequency. The typology includes: (1) stable users; (2) tempted users; (3) grappling users; and (4) immersed users. Increased insight into the heterogeneity among crack users is relevant when designing comprehensive prevention and intervention programs.
Mental health intensive outpatient programming: An outcome and satisfaction evaluation of a private practice model.

The current economic climate of mental health care requires an adaptation of traditional treatment paradigms for practitioners to succeed in the marketplace. Psychologists have not really capitalized on their training and expertise in developing outpatient treatment models for acute care. A private practice outpatient program, based in crisis intervention and group therapy, is described. The effectiveness of a mental health intensive outpatient program (lOP) in a private practice setting is demonstrated, lOPs represent an opportunity for private practice groups to collaborate with larger systems of care while providing clinically effective, consumer friendly, and safe treatment for acute patients in traditional outpatient settings.
Placental morphogenesis in pregnancies with Down's syndrome might provide a clue to pre-eclampsia.

Insufficient perfusion of placenta in pre-eclampsia is commonly associated with oxidative stress leading to increased superoxide formation and reduced invasion of uterine spiral arteries by differentiated migratory cytotrophoblasts. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, responsible for eliminating toxic superoxides, drops significantly in pre-eclampsia. On the contrary, the SOD synthesis increases dramatically, compared to that of normal placenta, in pregnancies with trisomy 21 (T21) fetus. However, despite a low level of placental hypoplasia, the overall perfusion of T21 placentae is comparable to that of normal pregnancy. In the light of recent reports on alternative modes of SOD function and factors regulating pathways of cytotrophoblast differentiation, here we have attempted to reconcile the two seemingly disparate pregnancy conditions and suggest that trisomy 21 pregnancies might provide new insight into our understanding of placental morphogenesis in pre-eclampsia.
RGS9–2 Negatively Modulates l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine-Induced Dyskinesia in Experimental Parkinson's Disease

Chronic l-dopa treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) often leads to debilitating involuntary movements, termed l-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), mediated by dopamine (DA) receptors. RGS9–2 is a GTPase accelerating protein that inhibits DA D2 receptor-activated G proteins. Herein, we assess the functional role of RGS9–2 on LID. In monkeys, Western blot analysis of striatal extracts shows that RGS9–2 levels are not altered by MPTP-induced DA denervation and/or chronic l-dopa administration. In MPTP monkeys with LID, striatal RGS9–2 overexpression – achieved by viral vector injection into the striatum – diminishes the involuntary movement intensity without lessening the anti-parkinsonian effects of the D1/D2 receptor agonist l-dopa. In contrasts, in these animals, striatal RGS9–2 overexpression diminishes both the involuntary movement intensity and the anti-parkinsonian effects of the D2/D3 receptor agonist ropinirole. In unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats with LID, we show that the time course of viral vector-mediated striatal RGS9–2 overexpression parallels the time course of improvement of l-dopa-induced involuntary movements. We also find that unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned RGS9−/− mice are more susceptible to l-dopa-induced involuntary movements than unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned RGS9+/+ mice, albeit the rotational behavior – taken as an index of the anti-parkinsonian response – is similar between the two groups of mice. Together, these findings suggest that RGS9–2 plays a pivotal role in LID pathophysiology. However, the findings also suggest that increasing RGS9–2 expression and/or function in PD patients may only be a suitable therapeutic strategy to control involuntary movements induced by nonselective DA agonist such as l-dopa.