cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep learning based similarity-consistency abnormality detection (SCAD) model for classification of MRI patterns of multiple myeloma (MM) infiltration

With IRB approval, a total of 132 sagittal views of T1-weighted (T1W) sequence in the spinal MRI scans was collected from 67 patients at our institution and used in this study. We developed a similarity-consistency abnormality detection model (SCAD) for classification of MRI patterns that are associated with low and high risk of multiple myeloma (MM) disease. Our SCAD model consisted of five CNN structures: a generator, an encoder, and three discriminators. The generator was used to capture the distribution of training samples by mapping the given distributions to the distribution of training samples. The encoder mapped the distribution of training samples back to the given distribution to speed up the inference time. The three discriminators were designed to force the generator and the encoder to meet a cycleconsistency constraint. The five components are trained together following the min-max game in GAN. The MRI patterns of each vertebra (normal, focal, variegated and diffused) were provided by an experienced radiologist as reference standard. We trained our SCAD model using the vertebras with the normal pattern, and deployed the trained SCAD model to the three non-normal patterns. The results showed that, our SCAD model achieved a test AUC of 0.71, 0.79 and 0.88 in identifying the focal, variegated and diffused patterns from the normal pattern, respectively.
Race, History, and Immigration Crimes

The two most frequently charged federal crimes are immigration crimes: the misdemeanor of entering the United States without inspection, and the felony of reentering the United States after deportation. Federal prosecutors charge tens of thousands of people with these two crimes each year. In 2019, these two crimes comprised a majority of all federal criminal cases. About 99% of the defendants in these cases are nationals of Mexico or other Latin American countries. These two crimes were enacted into law through the Undesirable Aliens Act of 1929. The legislative history of that Act reveals that its authors were motivated by pseudoscientific racism. They sought to preserve the purity of the white race by preventing Latin American immigrants from settling permanently in the United States. And they spoke forthrightly about this motive. They described Latin American immigrants as “mongrelized,” “peons,” “degraded,” and “mixed blood.” They held hearings where experts in eugenics testified about Latin Americans’ undesirable racial characteristics. They gave speeches about the need to protect American blood from contamination. They described Latin American immigration as a “great race question” concerning invasion by “people essentially different from us in character, in social position, and otherwise.” This Article thoroughly documents the legislative history of the Undesirable Aliens Act of 1929. It relies on primary sources—speeches, legislative reports, testimony, statements in the congressional record, private correspondences, eugenicist scholarship, and other writings by the men who conceived and enacted the law. The Article shows that this history brings the law into conflict with the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. While the crimes of unlawful entry and reentry are racially neutral on their faces, the story of their enactment reveals explicit racial animus against Latin American immigrants. Consequently, they are unconstitutional under the framework established by the Supreme Court in Arlington Heights v. Metropolitan Housing Development Corp. The Article also considers whether these crimes can be defended under Congress’s broad power to enact immigration laws, and whether their pro forma 1952 reenactment purged them of racial animus.
Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (CGH)

CGH is a fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) technique that allows the genome-wide assessment of changes in the relative copy number of chromosome regions in tissues that are not accessible to conventional cytogenetic analysis (Kallioniemi et al., 1994). Test-DNA and reference DNA from a normal individual are differentially labelled, mixed together in equal amounts and co-hybridised under conditions of in situ suppression hybridisation. With this new technique chromosomal gains and losses as well as amplifications are mapped along normal metaphase chromosomes in a single hybridisation step (Figure 1, Figure 2). It has proven to be particularly useful for the evaluation of genetic changes associated with solid tumours and haematological neoplasms as well as to clarify unbalanced abnormalities in clinical cytogenetics. The disadvantages of this method are that only those clonal changes show up that are present in a substantial proportion of tumour cells and that balanced structural rearrangements are not detectable.
The Role of the abl Gene in Transformation

The onc gene abl is a member of the tyrosine kinase family of oncogenes and was first isolated in a murine retrovirus, Abelson leukemia virus (A-MuLV).(1) This virus has been of interest as one of a number of transforming viruses that encode tyrosine protein kinases. In addition, because of its ability to transform both fibroblasts and hematopoietic cells, A-MuLV has been a useful tool to probe growth and differentiation of hematopoietic cells and to examine questions of virus-target cell specificity. Since the isolation of A-MuLV, a second virus, HZ-FeSVII, containing a portion of the abl gene has been isolated from a spontaneous feline sarcoma.(2) In addition, analyses of c-onc genes revealed that the chromosomal translocation associated with human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)(3) alters the location and expression of the c-abl protooncogene.(4–6) Although in each of these settings, expression of the tyrosine kinase activity associated with the abl gene product(7–10) appears to play a key role in oncogenesis, the exact mechanism by which this is accomplished remains elusive. Because a general discussion of the origin and biology of A-MuLV has been presented recently,(11–13) this review will focus on recent developments concerning the transformation potential of v-abl genes and the expression of both the normal c-abl gene and the altered bcr/abl gene found in CML.
Can Dual Processing Theories of Thinking Inform Conceptual Learning in Mathematics

Concurring with Uri Leron’s (2010) cross-disciplinary approach to two distinct modes of mathematical thinking, intuitive and analytic, I discuss his elaboration and adaptation to mathematics education of the cognitive psychology dual-processing theory (DPT) in terms of (a) the problem significance and (b) features of the theory he adapts. Then, I discuss DPT in light of a constructivist stance on the inseparability between thinking and learning. In particular, I propose a brain-based account of conceptual learning—the Reflection on Activity-Effect Relationship (Ref*AER) framework—as a plausible alternative to DPT. I discuss advantages of the Ref*AER framework over DPT for mathematics education.
Evaluation of 1-D seismic site response modeling of sand using centrifuge experiments

Abstract The response of an equivalent 26 m-thick deposit of dry, medium-dense, Nevada Sand with a relative density of 60% is measured in the centrifuge under six 1-D, horizontal earthquake motions applied to the base of the centrifuge container. Several 1-D site response analysis techniques are employed to simulate the experiments, including (a) equivalent linear analyses, (b) nonlinear analyses using a multi-degree-of-freedom, lumped mass model, and (c) finite element analyses of a soil column using a pressure-dependent, multi-yield, plasticity soil model. An average V s profile was estimated using empirical correlations. Soil dynamic properties included published generic modulus reduction and damping curves with implied strength correction as well as recommended plasticity model parameters based on soil index properties. Computed and measured lateral displacements, accelerations, shear strains, spectral accelerations, and Arias Intensities are presented and their differences are quantified in terms of mean residuals and variance. The comparisons demonstrate that 1-D seismic site response analyses using the available strength corrected, generic, pressure-dependent modulus reduction and damping curves for medium-dense dry sand can reliably compute soil response under 1-D wave propagation using any of the three methods, with an absolute mean residual of less than 0.5.
Supermassive Black Holes in Galactic Nuclei

I review the status of observational determinations of central masses in nearby galactic nuclei. Results from a variety of techniques are summarized, including ground-based optical spectroscopy, radio VLBI measurements of luminous water vapor masers, and variability monitoring studies of active galactic nuclei. I will also discuss recent X-ray observations that indicate relativistic motions arising from the accretion disks of active nuclei. The existing evidence suggests that supermassive black holes are an integral component of galactic structure, at least in elliptical and bulge-dominated galaxies. The black hole mass appears to be correlated with the mass of the spheroidal component of the host galaxy. This finding may have important implications for many astrophysical issues.
Modified toolbox for optogenetics in the nonhuman primate

Attracted by the appealing advantages of optogenetics, many nonhuman primate labs are attempting to incorporate this technique in their experiments. Despite some reported successes by a few groups, many still find it difficult to develop a reliable way to transduce cells in the monkey brain and subsequently monitor light-induced neuronal activity. Here, we describe a methodology that we have developed and successfully deployed on a regular basis with multiple monkeys. All devices and accessories are easy to obtain and results using these have been proven to be highly replicable. We developed the “in-chair” viral injection system and used tapered and thinner fibers for optical stimulation, which significantly improved the efficacy and reduced tissue damage. With these methods, we have successfully transduced cells in multiple monkeys in both deep and shallow cortical areas. We could reliably obtain neural modulation for months after injection, and no light-induced artifacts were observed during recordings. Further experiments using these methods have shown that optogenetic stimulation can be used to bias spatial attention in a visual choice discrimination task in a way comparable to electrical microstimulation, which demonstrates the potential use of our methods in both fundamental research and clinical applications.
Tunable Microfibers Suppress Fibrotic Encapsulation via Inhibition of TGFβ Signaling

Fibrotic encapsulation limits the efficacy and lifetime of implantable biomedical devices. Microtopography has shown promise in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation, a key driver of fibrotic encapsulation. However, existing studies have not systematically isolated the requisite geometric parameters for suppression of myofibroblast differentiation via microtopography, and there has not been in vivo validation of this technology to date. To address these issues, a novel lamination method was developed to afford more control over topography dimensions. Specifically, in this study we focus on fiber length and its effect on myofibroblast differentiation. Fibroblasts cultured on films with microfibers exceeding 16 μm in length lost the characteristic morphology associated with myofibroblast differentiation, while shorter microfibers of 6 μm length failed to produce this phenotype. This increase in length corresponded to a 50% decrease in fiber stiffness, which acts as a mechanical cue to influence myofibroblast differentiation. Longer microfiber films suppressed expression of myofibroblast specific genes (αSMA, Col1α2, and Col3α1) and TGFβ signaling components (TGFβ1 ligand, TGFβ receptor II, and Smad3). 16 μm long microfiber films implanted subcutaneously in a mouse wound-healing model generated a substantially thinner fibrotic capsule and less deposition of collagen in the wound bed. Together, these results identify a critical feature length threshold for microscale topography-mediated repression of fibrotic encapsulation. This study also demonstrates a simple and powerful strategy to improve surface biocompatibility and reduce fibrotic encapsulation around implanted materials.
GrpL, a Grb2-related adaptor protein, interacts with SLP-76 to regulate nuclear factor of activated T cell activation.

Propagation of signals from the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) involves a number of adaptor molecules. SH2 domain–containing protein 76 (SLP-76) interacts with the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav to activate the nuclear factor of activated cells (NF-AT), and its expression is required for normal T cell development. We report the cloning and characterization of a novel Grb2-like adaptor molecule designated as Grb2-related protein of the lymphoid system (GrpL). Expression of GrpL is restricted to hematopoietic tissues, and it is distinguished from Grb2 by having a proline-rich region. GrpL can be coimmunoprecipitated with SLP-76 but not with Sos1 or Sos2 from Jurkat cell lysates. In contrast, Grb2 can be coimmunoprecipitated with Sos1 and Sos2 but not with SLP-76. Moreover, tyrosine-phosphorylated LAT/pp36/38 in detergent lysates prepared from anti-CD3 stimulated T cells associated with Grb2 but not GrpL. These data reveal the presence of distinct complexes involving GrpL and Grb2 in T cells. A functional role of the GrpL–SLP-76 complex is suggested by the ability of GrpL to act alone or in concert with SLP-76 to augment NF-AT activation in Jurkat T cells.
A Parallel Davidson-Type Algorithm for Several Eigenvalues

In this paper we propose a new parallelization of the Davidson algorithm adapted for many eigenvalues. In our parallelization we use a relationship between two consecutive subspaces which allows us to calculate eigenvalues in the subspace through an arrowhead matrix. Theoretical timing estimates for the parallel algorithm are developed and compared against our numerical results on the Paragon. Finally our algorithm is compared against another recent parallel algorithm for multiple eigenvalues, but based on Arnoldi: PARPACK.
Three-coordinate RhX[P(C6H11)3]2, their reactions with N2 and O2, and the trans-influence in RhX[P(C6H11)3]2L (X = anionic, L = neutral ligand)

Abstract Three-coordinate RhX(PCy 3 ) 2 complexes (X = F, Cl, Br, I; Cy = cyclohexyl) have been prepared from rhodium(I) cyclooctene compounds. RhCl(PCy 3 ) 2 is in equilibrium with its dimer. The complexes RhX(PCy 3 ) 2 (X = Cl, Br, I) form the adducts RhX(PCy 3 ) 2 (N 2 ) with dinitrogen, the times for N 2 -fixation being 4 days, 3 hours and 15 minutes respectively. The three-coordinate complexes form four-coordinate dioxygen adducts RhX(PCy 3 ) 2 (O 2 ) which have unusually high ν(OO) at about 990 cm −1 . This high frequency is attributed to the four-coordination, which is exceptional for dioxygen complexes. From RhF(PCy 3 ) 2 carbonyl, ethene, and diphenylacetylene complexes RhX(PCy 3 ) 2 L (X = F, Cl, Br, I, N 3 , NCO, NCS; L = CO, C 2 H 4 , C 2 Ph 2 ) (X = CN, NO 3 , acetate; L = CO) have been prepared. The trans -influence of the anionic ligands on the infrared frequencies of the neutral ligands is discussed in terms of the different π-bonding properties of the X- and L-ligands.
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) to treat Epstein-Barr virus-driven lymphoma.

While statins have been highly effective for lowering serum cholesterol and reducing the incidence of coronary events, they have multiple other effects. Certain statins block the interaction of adhesion molecules that are important for cell–cell interactions including those between EBV-transformed B cells. These same statins inhibit NF-κB activation in the cells and induce apoptosis of transformed B cells. Studies in severe combined immunodeficiency mice show that simvastatin delays the development of EBV-lymphomas in these animals. These statins might be considered for the treatment of EBV-lymphomas in selected patients.
Stabilizing molecular sensitizers in aqueous environs

Abstract The recent transition of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) from the lab to small-scale production validates the commercial viability of energy technologies that combine molecular functionality with nanomaterials. Commercialization of DSC technology is the result of advances in both device performance and lifetime. While academic researchers often focus on the former (performance), the latter (lifetime) is essential for commercial success. Increasing the lifetime of molecularly sensitized devices in either humid or aqueous environments will reduce device costs and enable a range of new device opportunities.
Electrochemical reactions in solder mask of flip chip-plastic ball grid array package

A typical flip chip plastic ball grid array (FC-PBGA) module utilizes a laminate substrate, which has a solder mask layer at the surface and a number of build-up layers. During reliability testing of the assembled chip-laminate modules under elevated temperature, humidity and voltage bias conditions, electrochemical reactions can proceed in the solder mask layer producing various oxidized copper (Cu) compounds and metallic Cu. If metallic Cu dendrites grow from one electrode toward its adjacent electrode, such dendrites can cause electrical leakage. The electrochemical reactions summarized in this paper involve ionic current flow between flip chip attach copper pads, impurity Cl- ions catalyzing Cu corrosion, the state of the solder mask and/or an absence of oxygen. Under the condition of 130°C, 85% relative humidity and 3.7V bias, Cu2+ ions move from an anode (power) or its vicinity toward a cathode (ground). Cu2+ ions are then reduced at the cathode to yield metallic Cu. If the reduced Cu forms a dendrite pointing toward the neighboring anode, the electric field will focus at the tip of the dendrite. Subsequently more Cu2+ ions will move toward the tip of the dendrite so that the dendrite keeps growing toward the anode. Lack of O2 under the highly accelerated stress conditions can also promote such dendrite growth since O2, if present, can be reduced at the cathode where the reduction of Cu2+ ions will decrease accordingly as a total number of electrons consumed for all reduction reactions remain constant. Cu dendrites can also grow from unbiased Cu electrodes due to the combined effect of galvanic cells and bipolar circuits.
Causes of Corrosion of Fine Copper Wires Carrying a Potential

COPPER CORROSION is a serious problem in electrical equipment which uses very fine wires carrying a potential, the outstanding examples being various types of coils used in radios and ignition systems. The usual type of corrosion involves the formation of green material on the surface of the wire, which is obviously due to chemical reaction of the copper with materials in contact with it. As this chemical reaction progresses at a given point in the wire, the cross section of unchanged copper gradually diminishes until finally a break occurs, opening the circuit and rendering the coil useless.
A challenge for small US agribusinesses: Reduction of export inhibitions through planning and information search

This article proposes and tests a conceptual model of the process of reducing export inhibitions in small agribusiness firms. Export inhibitions are psychological processes that keep decision makers from pursuing realistic export growth opportunities. Using a sample of 119 active small agribusiness exporters, we assessed the effects of three organizational processes, export planning, export specific information search, and firm planning horizon, on three common sources of export inhibitions. The results demonstrated that export inhibitions can be reduced through the organizational processes investigated in this study. ©1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Care to Underserved Children: Residents' Attitudes and Experiences

Objectives. To examine: 1) the relationship between residents9 responses toward caring for underserved children and families during residency and their perceptions of their continuity clinic experience; and 2) which characteristics are related to continuing to care for the underserved after completion of training. Design. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Methods. A 49-item questionnaire was mailed to 210 third-year pediatric residents at 12 urban training programs in the Northeast in May 1995. Information was collected about residents9 emotional responses toward caring for underserved families, their assessments of clinic operations, their sense of effectiveness in caring for underserved patients in continuity clinic, preresidency experiences with the underserved, and their intent to care for the underserved after training. Results. Of 210 surveys mailed, 71% were returned. Thirty-six percent of residents planned to pursue a career in primary care, 53% did not, and 11% did not answer or were planning a year as chief resident. Fifty-seven percent of all residents planned to devote a portion of their practice toward caring for the underserved after training. Residents whose emotional responses toward caring for the underserved included: 1) not worrying that they had become numb to children9s psychosocial difficulties, 2) not feeling angry with how families cared for their children, and 3) feeling more empathy with the underserved had significantly higher mean scores on both their assessment of clinic operations and their sense of effectiveness. The only demographic characteristic associated with a greater sense of effectiveness was being black. To better characterize which residents planned to care for the underserved after training, we examined a subsample of 46 residents who recalled an interest in caring for the underserved during residency training and who were pursuing a career in primary care. Residents that did not recall an interest in caring for the underserved at the onset of residency training were unlikely to have plans to care for the underserved after the completion of training. Within this group residents who planned to care for the underserved after training differed significantly from residents who did not plan to continue this work by feeling a greater sense of effectiveness in clinic, feeling less worried about becoming numb, and having greater empathy for underserved families. Conclusions. There are a number of identifiable emotional responses residents develop toward caring for the underserved that relate to their perceptions of continuity clinic and whether a resident chooses to continue to care for the underserved after training.
HSV-1 amplicon vector-mediated expression of ATM cDNA and correction of the ataxia-telangiectasia cellular phenotype

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency, cancer predisposition, genome instability, and radiation sensitivity. Previous research has shown that it is possible to correct the hereditary deficiency A-T by DNA transfection in cell culture, but the large size of the ATM cDNA (9 kb) limits the use of many vector types for gene replacement. HSV-1 amplicon vectors provide a means to deliver large genes to cells efficiently and without toxicity. In this study, the FLAG-tagged cDNA for human ATM was inserted into an HSV-1 amplicon under control of the CMV promoter (designated as HGC-ATM). FLAG-ATM expression was confirmed in 293T/17 cells and human A-T fibroblasts (GM9607) after transduction, by immunoprecipitation, Western analysis, and immunocytochemistry. Functional recovery was assessed by two independent assays. First, in vitro kinase assay showed that vector-derived ATM in GM9607 cells could successfully phosphorylate wt p53 using recombinant GST-p53(1-101). Second, in A-T cells infected with the HGC-ATM vector, the extent of accumulation in G2/M phase at 24 h postirradiation was similar to that observed in cells with wild-type endogenous ATM and lower than that observed in A-T cells infected with a control vector. Thus, these vectors provide a tool to test the feasibility of HSV-amplicons as gene therapy vectors for A-T.
Bundled Conductors in Gas-Insulated High Voltage Power Transmission Cables

An improved structure for gas-insulated power transmission cables that employs several subconductors arranged in a bundled configuration is investigated. The study includes electric field calculations, measurements of the breakdown voltages in test lines at different gas pressures, calculations and effects of forces from currents, and an estimation of the heat transfer from the conductors to the outer sheath. The results demonstrate that-compared to equivalent size coaxial lines-the bundled conductor has a lower electric stress on the insulating mechanical supports, is less sensitive to contamination on the spacer surfaces, offers the possibility of trapping contaminating particles inside the bundle, and has a higher heat transfer coefficient
Effects of recombinant human growth hormone in catabolic adults with chronic renal failure

Summary Growth hormone (GH) has been used for the treatment of catabolism in a few pilot studies and in twoplacebo-controlled studies of 6 months duration. Treatment with GH in doses of 2–4 IU/m 2 /day (0.67–1.33 mg/m 2 /day) resulted in clear anabolic effects and a significant change in body composition. Lean body mass increased by more than 3 kg within 6 months, whereas fat mass was decreased by the same amount, resulting in a constant total body weight. As there were no major side-effects, controlled long-term studies are justified.
Impact of Clay Minerals on Sulfate-Reducing Activity in Aquifers

Previous studies have shown that sulfate-reduction activity occurs in a heterogeneous manner throughout the terrestrial subsurface. Low-activity regions are often observed in the presence of clay minerals. Here we report that clays inhibit sulfate reduction activity in sediments and in a pure culture of Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Clay minerals including bentonite and kaolinite inhibited sulfate reduction by 70–90% in sediments. Intact clays and clay colloids or soluble components, capable of passing through a 0.2-µm filter, were also inhibitory to sulfate-reducing bacteria. Other adsorbent materials, including anion or cation exchangers and a zeolite, did not inhibit sulfate reduction in sediments, suggesting that the effect of clays was not due to their cation-exchange capacity. We observed a strong correlation between the Al2O3 content of clays and their relative ability to inhibit sulfate reduction in sediments (r 2 = 0.82). This suggested that inhibition might be a direct effect of Al3+ (aq) on the bacteria. We then tested pure aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and showed it to act in a similar manner to clay. As dissolved aluminum is known to be toxic to a variety of organisms at low concentrations, our results suggest that the effects of clay on sulfate-reducing bacteria may be directly due to aluminum. Thus, our experiments provide an explanation for the lack of sulfate-reduction activity in clay-rich regions and presents a mechanism for the effect.
Piezoelectric effects in HgCdTe devices

Piezoelectric effect in long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) HgCdTe has been studied using metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) and p-n homojunction devices. A cantilever beam technique was used to measure the shift in flatband voltage in the MIS devices as a function of applied strain, from which piezoelectric constant was derived. This is the first time such a value has been reported in the literature. Subsequent calculation showed that the thermal stress from cryogenic cool (from 300 to 77K) of hybridized infrared devices fabricated on (111) HgCdTe surfaces induced a piezoelectric field of∼1840 V/cm. This field is present in the space charge regions in the semiconductor where there is no free carrier. It reinforces the built-field in an n-on-p diode fabricated on the (111)A HgCdTe surface. Thus, the diode is more prone to the thermal stress than one fabricated on the (lll)B surface. Electrical measurement of reverse-bias dark currents in HgCdTe photodiodes under applied compressive and tensile stress confirmed the existence of a strain-induced field in the junction.
A logistics planning system at W. R. Grace

This paper describes an optimization-based logistics planning system developed for W. R. Grace Company, one of the nation's largest suppliers of phosphate-based chemical products. The mathematical model underlying this system includes production, distribution, multiple time periods, and multiple commodities. W. R. Grace initially formulated the model as a linear programming problem with 3,696 constraints and 21,564 variables. We developed an innovative modeling/solution approach to enhance top management's understanding of the model and to make the problem more tractable for the company's DEC 20/60 computer. The key features of this modeling/solution approach are: decomposition of the problem into a generalized network component and a small linear nonnetwork component, transformation of the generalized network component into a pure network, incorporation of most of the nonnetwork component into the pure network via an innovative relaxation approach, and incorporation of the remainder into the objective fu...
Neuronal migration disorders: positron emission tomography correlations.

We analyzed the interictal [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (PET) findings of 17 epileptic patients with neuronal migration disorders (NMDs). Fifteen patients had abnormal PET findings, i.e., focal hypometabolism in 9 patients and displaced metabolic activity of normal gray matter in 6. All 15 patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities; however, PET abnormality assisted in the identification of NMDs on MRI in 3 patients. Two patients with negative MRI also had negative PET studies. PET hypometabolism appeared to correlate with severity of neuronal dysgenesis or temporal lobe involvement, or both. Displaced metabolic activity of gray matter is regarded as a unique interictal [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-PET finding in NMD. This study demonstrates variable metabolic patterns in NMD and that PET may be a useful complement to MRI in the evaluation of NMD.
A reanalysis of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) and its relation to Cloninger's Type 2 alcoholism.

The factor structure and external validity of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) were examined in a sample of 303 male alcoholics in an inpatient treatment program. Confirmatory factor analyses did not support either the original tridimensional structure or the factor structures obtained in a nonclinical sample by Cloninger, Przybeck, and Svrakic (1991). An exploratory factor analysis suggested the TPQ comprises 5 factors: Subjective Distress, Detachment, Disinhibition, Relaxed Confidence, and Orderliness/Persistence. Each of the original scales was round to be multidimensional in terms of the 5 factors. The Novelty Seeking (NS) scale included most of the items of the Disinhibition factor scale, and the construct validity of both scales was supported by correlations with external measures of antisocial behavior and a measure of Cloninger 's Type 2 alcoholism
Twin pregnancy in patients with a uterine anomaly

AbstractObjective: In singleton pregnancies, a uterine anomaly is a known risk factor for preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. Data on outcomes of twin pregnancies with uterine anomalies is limited to case reports. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes in twin pregnancies based on the presence or not of a uterine anomaly.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort of twin pregnancies managed by a single maternal-fetal medicine practice from 2005 to 2012. Patients with monoamniotic twins and twin-twin transfusion syndrome were excluded. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between patients with and without a uterine anomaly. Nonparametric tests (Fisher’s exact test, Mann–Whitney U) were used for analysis. A p value of ≤0.05 was considered significant.Results: Five hundred and fifty-six twin pregnancies were included, 17 (3.1%) of whom had a known uterine anomaly (nine septate uterus, three bicornuate, three arcuate, one unicornuate and one didelphys). Patients with a uterine anomaly had signi...
Increasing selenium in field-grown onions by planting in peat moss pots containing coal fly ash

Abstract Selenium is an essential element for animals and humans and is deficient in soils in the Northeastern United States. Coal fly ash added to soils has been shown to serve as a source of selenium for absorption by plants. It was of interest to study the uptake of selenium by plants if coal fly ash was added to peat moss pots in which the plants were grown prior to transfer of the potted plants to the field. Onions were grown in peat moss pots containing a vermiculite-spaghnum peat mono mixture to which were added increasing (10, 25 and 50) weight percentages of fly ash. After transfer of the pots to a field soil, the harvested onion bulbs were freeze-dried and analyzed for selenium. Whereas there were no significant differences in the concentrations of selenium in onions grown in the media containing 0 (control), 10 or 25% fly ash, those grown in the media containing 50% fly ash were significantly higher (p
Predicting Pathologic Complete Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer using Sparse Logistic Regression

We utilised Sparse Logistic Regression SLR to build two sparse and interpretable predictors. The first one SLR-65 was based on a signature consisting of the top 65 probe sets 59 genes differentially expressed between Pathologic Complete Response PCR and Residual Disease RD cases, and the second one SLR-Notch was based on the genes involved in the Notch singling related pathways 113 genes. The two predictors produced better predictions than the predictor in a previous study. The SLR-65 selected 16 informative genes and the SLR-Notch selected 12 informative genes.
Does C₁ fracture displacement correlate with transverse ligament integrity?

Objective The Rule of Spence states that displacement of the C1 lateral masses by >6.9–8.1 mm suggests loss of transverse ligament integrity. The purpose of this study was to establish the thresholds of C1 displacement on CT scans that correspond to transverse ligament disruption. Methods Over four years, consecutive patients with acute C1 fractures with at least three fracture lines were analyzed. CT measurements and MRI were assessed by blinded observers for bony displacement in the axial (internal and external lateral mass separation), coronal and sagittal planes and transverse ligament integrity. Results Eighteen patients were studied. Mean CT bony measurements were as follows: internal border lateral mass separation (ILM) 23.3 ± 3.4 mm, external border lateral mass separation (ELM) 50.3 ± 4.3 mm, total C1 lateral mass overhang over the C2 superior process (LMO) 5.4 ± 1.3 mm. Twelve patients were identified as having intact transverse ligament and six had transverse ligament disruption. There was no difference in mean normalized ILM, ELM, or LMO between patients with or without transverse ligament integrity (P > 0.05). Conclusion There was no correlation between bony displacement and transverse ligament integrity. CT scans post-injury may not show the position of maximal displacement. If there is clinical concern about a possible transverse ligament injury, MRI should be performed.
The effect of tryptase from human mast cells on human prekallikrein

Abstract Tryptase, the dominant protease in human mast cells, was examined for its effect on human prekallikrein. Tryptase in the presence and absence of heparin failed to activate prekallikrein as shown in a spectrophotometric assay for kallikrein employing benzoyl-pro-phe-arg-p-nitroanilide. Treated prekallikrein was converted to active kallikrein by bovine trypsin. Prekallikrein cleavage products were analyzed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels under denaturing conditions (± reduction). Tryptase caused no apparent cleavage under conditions where trypsin caused complete cleavage. Thus, tryptase, which has previously been shown to lack kallikrein and kininase activities, neither activates nor destroys prekallikrein.
Characterization of a benzoate permease mutant of Pseudomonas putida.

A spontaneous mutant of Pseudomonas putida (PRS 2017) has been isolated which is incapable of growth on benzoate, does not induce the enzymes of the catechol branch of the β-ketoadipate pathway when grown in the presence of benzoate, cannot accumulate radioactively labeled benzoate, yet grows well with mandelate as sole source of carbon and energy. This strain apparently lacks a benzoate permease, which in the wild type shows a Kmof about 0.1 mM for benzoate, is inducible, and is not under the control of the regulatory system which governs the induction of the enzymes of the catechol branch of the β-ketoadapate pathway. The lesion in PRS 2017 is apparently single site and maps near other genes governing benzoate dissimilation.
Effects of furfural and acetic acid on growth and lipid production from glucose and xylose by Rhodotorula glutinis

Microbial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to triacylglycerols (a biodiesel or renewable diesel feedstock) was investigated using the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula glutinis (ATCC 15125). In the shake flask experiments, R. glutinis was first grown in a nitrogen-rich medium utilizing an artificial acid hydrolysate of lignocellulosic biomass switchgrass as the sole carbon and energy source. Once the culture had reached the stationary phase, the cells were harvested and transferred to a fresh nitrogen-free media containing artificial acid hydrolysate sugars for lipid accumulation. Analysis of the data collected showed that the yeast were able to grow in the medium containing artificial acid hydrolysate sugars as the carbon and energy source. The net specific Growth rate(s) indicated that the presence of acetic acid and furfural in the artificial acid hydrolysate inhibited the growth of R. glutinis on glucose, but not the growth on xylose. The lipid accumulated in the cells, determined by gravimetrical method, increased from initial 4.3%–39.0% of dry cell mass weight. The major fatty acids of the accumulated lipids were palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and γ-linoleic acid. These results indicate that it is feasible to convert the sugars in acid hydrolysate of lignocellulosic biomass to triacylglycerols using R. glutinis.
Attitude and peer influences on adolescent substance use: The moderating effect of age, sex, and substance

Many studies have suggested the importance of peer influence and personal attitudes (e.g., expectancies, resistance self-efficacy, and perceived harm) in predicting adolescent use of illegal substances. The present study examined these variables in relation to self-reported use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana for 213 younger adolescents (12-15 years old) and 219 older adolescents (18-22 years old). A series of logistic regressions was performed to assess variables relating to use of each substance by age group and gender. Friends' use was significantly related to substance use for both age groups, both sexes, and all substances examined in this study. Perceived harm was not significantly related to use for any group. Finally, outcome expectancies and resistance self-efficacy were differentially related to use depending on age, gender, and substance. The implications of these findings for prevention programming and future research are also discussed.
Childhood Disorder Diagnosis‐Related Group: Viability in a Prospective Payment System

Abstract Accounting for length of stay using diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) is relatively effective for medical, but not psychiatric, patients. The single official childhood disorder (DRG with a geometric mean of 6.6 days is not representative of values obtained in this and other studies. The authors explore the possibility that traditional medicare variables can be used to develop a set of childhood disorder DRGs. Seven groups of demographic and diagnosis‐related variables predicted only 10.2% of the variance in length of stay of 1,561 children admitted to the child/adolescent psychiatric wards of a general hospital. This is inadequate for the development of alternative childhood disorder DRGs, each with a more meaningful mean length of stay. Directions for future research are discussed.
The National Ignition Facility

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the largest construction project ever undertaken at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The NIF consists of 192 40 cm square laser beams and a 10 m diameter target chamber. The NIF is being designed and built by an LLNL led team from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, the University of Rochester and LLNL. Physical construction began in 1997. The Laser and Target Area Building and the Optics Assembly Building were the first major construction activities, and despite several unforeseen obstacles, the buildings are now 92% complete and have been built on time and within cost. Prototype component development and testing has proceeded in parallel. Optics vendors have installed full scale production lines and have performed prototype production runs. The assembly and integration of the beampath infrastructure have been reconsidered and a new approach has been developed. The article discusses the status of the NIF project and the plans for completion.
Overall stress and strain rates for crystalline and frictional materials

Abstract The paper is concerned with a study of the overall stress and strain rates for crystalline and frictional materials. The method of analysis is based on micro-macro correlations given in the framework of Hill's bilinear form. As expected, the overall stress and strain rates differ for the two materials.
In situ crosslinking of polypeptides

Abstract Since the insolubility of crosslinked polymers precludes the fabrication of devices, a method has been developed by which the crosslinking can be carried out in the solid state. The crosslinking agent is initially chemically bound to the polymer, which is then brought into the desired shape or form, prior to crosslinking. The crosslinking agent is then activated to provide the desired stability of the device. Initially lysine/leucine copolymers have been crosslinked by reacting: 1–10% of the ϵ-amino groups with phenacylthioglycolic acid anhydride in DMF to give the corresponding ϵ-phenacylthioglycoloyl derivatives. After the removal of the phenacyl groups, free thiol groups are formed. Films of the thioglycoloyl polymers were obtained by casting from aqueous acetic acid onto glass plates. The dry films were exposed to ammonia gas, I2 vapours and then ammonia gas again. The films obtained were insoluble and swelled to give clear, transparent films. The ease of preparation of the phenacylthio derivatives and selectivity of deprotection by zinc dust in aqueous acetic acid indicate the usefulness of this group for the protection of the thiol function.
The termination of the central microtubules from the cilia of Tetrahymena pyriformis

Abstract In frayed axonemes of cilia isolated from Tetrahymena Pyriformis, observed in negative stain, the central apparatus remains intact, stabilized in part by the sheath projections that encircle the two singlet central microtubules. The projections terminate ca. 1.5 ± 0.5 μm before the microtubules themselves end. The microtubules are capped together at their tips by a distinct structure, the central pair cap. The cap, ca. 50 nm across and 90 nm long, consists of a stack of two disks and a ball, similar in shape to a finial. The cap is the only part of the axoneme that extends to the distalmost point of the ciliary membrane and, therefore, it may be of significance in length determination or in shaping the ciliary tip.
Adriamycin stimulated superoxide formation in submitochondrial particles.

Abstract Adriamycin (doxorubicin), an anticancer agent, stimulated the formation of superoxide in submitochondrial particles isolated from bovine heart. Superoxide formation was detected by oxygen uptake, by the cooxidation of epinephrine to adrenochrome and by the reduction of acetylated cytochrome c . These processes were sensitive to superoxide dismutase (SOD). Rotenone-insensitive oxidation of NADH by the mitochondrial respiratory chain in the presence of oxygen caused the formation of approx 4 nmol of superoxide per min/mg of protein. Adriamycin at a concentration of 400 μM stimulated the rate of superoxide formation 6-fold to 25 nmol · min −1 · mg −1 , but this was not a maximum rate. Approximately 50 μM adriamycin was estimated to be sufficient for obtaining one-half maximal stimulation. Hydrogen peroxide accumulated as a final reaction product. Measurements of the relative catalase activity of blood-free tissues of rabbits and rats indicated that heart contained 2 to 4% of the catalase activity of liver or kidney. An enhanced production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide and the relatively low catalase content of heart tissue may be factors in the cardiotoxicity induced by adriamycin chemotherapy if a similar reaction occurs in vivo.
CORTICOTROPIN /β-LIPOTROPIN BIOSYNTHESIS, PROCESSING, AND RELEASE IN NELSON'S SYNDROME

Biosynthesis and processing of ACTH/β-lipotropin was studied in Nelson's syndrome pituitary tumor tissue grown in tnonolayer culture. Radiolabeled peptides were immunoprecipitated and fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE). Important findings include: 1) a virtual absence of 13K ACTH or 3.5K B-endorphin production; 2) evidence indicating the presence of a 24–26K ACTH and β-LPH containing intermediate (which implies a different order of processing from that reported in the mouse); 3) An extremely rapid rate of turnover and release of ACTH and β-lipotropin (β-LPH) similar to that of the mouse AtT20/D16v pituitary tumors. The latter finding is consistent with an intrinsic pituitary cell defect in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Changes in Selected Biochemical Components, In Vitro Protein Digestibility and Amino Acids in Two Bean Cultivars During Germination

This study investigates changes in lectin and trypsin inhibitor activity, SDS-PAGE peptide pattern, in vitro protein digestibility and amino acid composition during germination of two dry bean cultivars. Lectin activity in navy beans was reduced. Significant amounts of trypsin inhibitor activity in both navy and pinto beans remained after germination for 6 days. Glycopeptides, with molecular mass ranging from 25,000 to 27,000 daltons, from partial proteolysis of the major storage proteins were resistant to a multienzyme system. In vitro protein digestibility and amino acid composition were only slightly altered. Germination did not improve protein nutritional quality of dry beans.
Electrical and optical properties of porous nanocrystalline TiO2 films

The optical and electrochemical properties of nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} electrodes in acidic aqueous solution are reported. Cyclic voltammetry, UV/vis/NIR attenuance, EPR, photocurrent spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance measurements are presented. At negative applied potentials the TiO{sub 2} films turn black, and an EPR spectrum appears which we attribute to Ti(III) species. The results are described in terms of a model in which the reduction of TiO{sub 2} leads to band edge unpinning. 36 refs., 9 figs.