cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zonal Eddy Viscosity Models Based on Machine Learning

A zonal k − ω model is constructed, with the zones created by training a decision tree algorithm. The training data are optimized, model coefficient fields. Coefficient data are binned, with each bin assigned a particular coefficient value. The zones are parameterized by training the machine learning model with a local feature set. The features are coordinate invariant flow parameters. It is shown that this model gives superior performance, compared to the base model, in the incompressible adverse pressure gradient (APG) flow test cases. The correction produced by the machine learning algorithm is self-consistent; i.e. once the solution converges, the zones remain fixed.
Analysis of Inertial Contribution of the Fluid in a Plenum to a Rapid Coolant-Expulsion Process in a Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Single-Subassembly Accident

Through the use of potential flow theory, an expression for two-dimensional axisymmetric pressure distribution in an “infinite” plenum for a coolant-expulsion process in a single-subassembly accide...
Broadband White Emission in Cs 2 AgIn 1- x Bi x Cl 6 Phosphors

The photoluminescent properties of the lead-free double perovskite solid solution Cs2AgIn1-xBixCl6 have been investigated. The In3+ end member, Cs2AgInCl6, is a direct gap semiconductor that absorbs UV light (λ < 350 nm) and shows little to no photoluminescence. Incorporation of Bi3+ leads to a strong sub-band gap absorption that peaks in the near UV (∼360 nm) and extends into the visible. This absorption, which is thought to originate from localized 6s2 → 6s1p1 transitions on Bi3+ ions, is split by a Jahn-Teller distortion of the excited state. In-rich samples show strong photoluminescence that is attributed to radiative decay of self-trapped excitons, with a broad emission peak of significant intensity from 450 to 750 nm. The color of the emitted light is best described as yellow-white (λmax ≈ 625 nm), due to the extreme breadth of the emission peak (fwhm ≈ 217(2) nm). The excitation spectrum extends out to 450 nm for samples near x = 0.25, while the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) reaches a maximum of 39 ± 3% in the x = 0.167 sample. The emission characteristics, which include a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3119 K and a color rendering index (CRI) of 85, coupled with an excitation spectrum that can be driven by visible photons emitted from a Ga1-xInxN LED, make Cs2AgIn1-xBixCl6 phosphors promising for use in solid state white lighting applications.
Et in Arcadia Ego: A Perspective on Black Prosecutors' Loyalty within the American Criminal Justice System

This Article rejects as facile notions of African American prosecutor loyalty to the criminal justice system, the prosecutor’s office and colleagues, racial group, or any dilemma in upholding her oath of office as an African American. Instead, this Article maintains that there is no need to choose professional or racial loyalty and acceptance, for both cannot be simultaneously achieved. Because the meaning of racial loyalty is fuzzy, its dictates in specific cases impossible to determine in the light of conflicting social forces, and because a frequently unjust criminal justice system or race-based criminal prosecutions cannot merit unquestioned loyalty. The only loyalty possible for the black prosecutor is to justice. This brand of loyalty is not inconsistent with, but indeed is dictated by, the prosecutor's professional role, for ethics codes repeat like a mantra that the prosecutor's duty is not simply to convict but to "do justice." "Doing justice" is not a vague guide; it is resolved by "clarity." An African American prosecutor promotes justice when he or she aids in the effective dissemination and consideration of these cognitive and affective perspectives. Where the individual prosecutor has the freedom to make decisions and take actions independently, she must ensure that her own actions are informed and guided by these perspectives. But having black skin color does not alone ensure that a prosecutor will be an effective advocate of a wider range of views. A black prosecutor must, therefore, work toward "clarity" about the role of race in the criminal justice system and in the prosecutor's own life. Clarity requires knowledge of racial history and criminal justice, of current social conditions, and of the multiplicity of perspectives (rather than buying into a simple duality) at work in most situations, solid lawyering experience, and personal judgment. Clarity also includes knowledge that race is still but one part of life - and thus of justice - while race simultaneously intersects with class, gender, and other features of social life to add complexity to racial dynamics. Clarity further requires true appreciation of the prosecutor's own power and re-envisions the criminal justice system as a bottom-up rather than a top-down mechanism, learning from and serving the affected citizenry and the community rather than instantly presuming that the elites know best. Clarity enables the African American prosecutor to serve the entire nation by advancing the socially-conscious gadfly's role. In this sense, therefore, it is by loyalty to a capacious notion of justice, rather than to race, role, self, or organization, that the African American prosecutor can be most proud.
Prognostic implications of normal or minimal urinary findings on long-term renal impairment in adults with Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Background Renal involvement in adult Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a major cause of morbidity and can lead to significant long-term renal impairment. The prognostic significance of normal or minimal urinary abnormalities at diagnosis is unknown. Objective To assess the risk of long-term renal impairment in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura who present with normal or minimal urinary abnormalities. Methods Retrospective cohort study of adult Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients presenting with normal urinalysis results, microscopic hematuria, or low-grade proteinuria. Patients were followed for development of long-term renal impairment, with adjusting for comorbidities. Results Forty-seven patients were included, with median follow-up 73.9 months (interquartile range 35 to 98 months). Thirty-nine patients (83.0%) had abnormal urinalysis results, of whom 15 (38.5%) progressed to long-term renal impairment. In contrast, 8 patients (17%) had normal urinalysis results, of whom only 1 (12.5%) developed long-term renal impairment (adjusted hazard ratio 10.58; 95% confidence interval 1.18-94.73). Renal events occurred at a median 36.1 months (interquartile range 17.1 to 61 months) from diagnosis, earlier in patients with comorbidities compared with those with none, and in a constant event rate over time. Limitations Small sample size. Conclusions Microscopic hematuria and low-grade proteinuria at Henoch-Schonlein purpura diagnosis is a poor prognostic sign for the development of long-term renal impairment. This population should be targeted for prolonged surveillance.
Technical Note: ROdiomiX: A validated software for radiomics analysis of medical images in radiation oncology

PURPOSE This study introduces an in-house-designed software platform (ROdiomiX) for the radiomics analysis of medical images in radiation oncology. ROdiomiX is a MATLAB-based framework for the computation of radiomic features and feature aggregation techniques in compliance with the Image-Biomarker-Standardization-Initiative (IBSI) guidelines, which includes preprocessing protocols and quantitative benchmark results for analysis of computational phantom images. METHODS AND MATERIALS The ROdiomiX software system consists of a series of computation cores implemented on the basis of the guidelines proposed by the IBSI. It is capable of quantitative computation of the following 11 different feature categories: Local-Intensity, Intensity-Histogram, Intensity-Based-Statistical, Intensity-Volume-Histogram, Gray-Level-Co-occurrence, Gray-Level-Run-Length, Gray-Level-Size-Zone, Gray-Level-Distance-Zone, Neighborhood-Grey-Tone-Difference, Neighboring-Grey-Level-Dependence, and Morphological feature. ROdiomiX was validated against benchmark values for the IBSI 3D digital phantom, as well as one designed in-house (HFH). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for estimating the degree of absolute agreement between ROdiomiX computation and benchmark values for different features at the 95% confidence level (CL) was used for comparison. RESULTS Among the 11 feature categories with 149 total features including 10 different feature aggregation methods (following the IBSI guidelines), the percent difference between absolute feature values computed by the ROdiomiX software and benchmark values reported for IBSI and HFH digital phantoms were 0.14% + 0.43% and 0.11% + 0.27%, respectively. The ICC values were >0.997 for all ten feature categories for both the IBSI and HFH digital phantoms. CONCLUSION The authors successfully developed a platform for computation of quantitative radiomic features. The image preprocessing and computational software cores were designed following the procedures specified by the IBSI. Benchmarking testing was in excellent agreement against the IBSI- and HFH-designed computational phantoms.
MicroRNA-210 Mediates Hypoxia-Induced Repression of Spontaneous Transient Outward Currents in Sheep Uterine Arteries During Gestation.

Hypoxia during pregnancy is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Our recent studies revealed that pregnancy-induced uterine vascular adaptation depended on the enhanced Ca2+ spark/spontaneous transient outward current (STOC) coupling and hypoxia during gestation diminished this adaption. In the present study, we test the hypothesis of a mechanistic link of microRNA-210 (miR-210) in hypoxia-impaired Ca2+ spark/STOC coupling in uterine arteries. Pregnant ewes acclimatized to high-altitude (3801 m) hypoxia for ≈110 days significantly increased circulation levels of miR-210 in both the ewe and her fetus. Treatment of uterine arteries from high-altitude animals with the antagomir miR-210-LNA recovered hypoxia-repressed STOCs in pregnant ewes and restored the hormonal regulation of STOCs in nonpregnant animals. In uterine arteries from low-altitude control animals, miR-210 mimic suppressed STOCs in pregnant ewes and inhibited the hormonal regulation of STOCs in nonpregnant animals. Mechanistically, miR-210 directly targeted and downregulated type 2 ryanodine receptor and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel β1 subunit, resulting in significant decreases in Ca2+ sparks and STOCs in uterine arteries. In addition, miR-210 indirectly decreased STOCs by targeting ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase. Together, the present study revealed a mechanistic link of miR-210 in hypoxia-induced repression of Ca2+ spark/STOC coupling in uterine arteries during gestation, providing novel insights into the understanding of pregnancy complications associated with hypoxia and the potential therapeutic targets.
Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) and duration of untreated psychosis in antipsychotic medication-naïve first episode psychosis patients

Abstract Background Diffusion tensor imaging suggests that white matter alterations are already evident in first episode psychosis patients (FEP) and may become more prominent as the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) increases. But because the tensor model lacks specificity, it remains unclear how to interpret findings on a biological level. Here, we used a biophysical diffusion model, Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), to map microarchitecture in FEP, and to investigate associations between DUP and microarchitectural integrity. Methods We scanned 78 antipsychotic medication-naive FEP and 64 healthy controls using a multi-shell diffusion weighted sequence and used the NODDI toolbox to compute neurite density (ND), orientation dispersion index (ODI) and extracellular free water (FW) maps. AFNI’s 3dttest++ was used to compare diffusion maps between groups and to perform regression analyses with DUP. Results We found that ND was decreased in commissural and association fibers but increased in projection fibers in FEP. ODI was largely increased regardless of fiber type, and FW showed a mix of increase in decrease across fiber tracts. We also demonstrated associations between DUP and microarchitecture for all NODDI indices. Conclusions We demonstrated that complex microarchitecture abnormalities are already evident in antipsychotic-naive FEP. ND alterations are differentially expressed depending on fiber type, while decreased fiber complexity appears to be a uniform marker of white matter deficit in the illness. Importantly, we identified an empirical link between longer DUP and greater white matter pathology across NODDI indices, underscoring the critical importance of early intervention in this devastating illness.
Cerebral Microvascular Injury in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device: a Neuropathological Study

Strokes are common among patients with left ventricular devices (LVAD). We hypothesize that there is ongoing cerebral microvascular injury with LVAD support and aim to describe this among LVAD-implanted patients through post-mortem neuropathologic evaluation. We identified and reviewed medical records of LVAD patients who underwent brain autopsy between January 2006 and December 2019 at a tertiary center. Cerebral injury was defined as both gross and microscopic injuries within the intracranial space including cerebral infarct (CI), hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and cerebral microvascular injury. Cerebral microvascular injury was defined as microscopic brain intraparenchymal or perivascular hemorrhage, perivascular hemosiderin deposition, and perivascular inflammation. Twenty-one patients (median age = 57 years, 67% male) had autopsy after LVAD support (median LVAD support = 51 days). The median time from death to autopsy was 19 h. All 21 patients had cerebral injuries and 19 (90%) patients had cerebral microvascular injuries. Fourteen patients (78%) harbored more than one type of cerebral injury. On gross examination, 8 patients (38%) had CI, and 6 patients (29%) had ICH. On microscopic exam, 12 patients (57%) had microscopic intraparenchymal hemorrhage, 3 patients (14%) had perivascular hemorrhage, 11 patients (43%) had perivascular hemosiderin deposition, 5 patients (24%) had meningeal hemorrhage, 13 patients had chronic perivascular inflammation (62%), and 2 patients had diffuse HIBI (10%). Among patients with LVAD, there is a high prevalence of subclinical microvascular injuries and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), which may provide some insights to the cause of frequent cerebral injury in LVAD population.
Intramolecular Dynamics: Representations, Visualizations, and Mechanisms

This lecture addresses the question: Stuff moves but eigenstates are stationary. How is motion encoded in Quantum Mechanics? We are concerned with the Time Dependent Schrodinger Equation for the special case of H independent of time.
Using Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) to Measure Global Conformational Changes Accompanying Equilibrium Tertiary Folding of RNA Molecules

Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) is a powerful technique to determine the global conformational changes in RNA molecules mediated by cations or small molecule ligands. Although most of the developments in the field of AUC have been centered on studies involving protein molecules, the experimental methods as well as the analytical approaches have been successfully adapted and applied to the study of a variety of RNA molecules ranging from small riboswitches to large ribozymes. Most often AUC studies are performed in conjunction with other structural probing techniques that provide complementary information on local changes in the solvent accessibilities at specific regions within RNA molecules. This chapter provides a brief theoretical background, working knowledge of instrumentation, practical considerations for experimental setup, and guidelines for data analysis procedures to enable the design, execution, and interpretation of sedimentation velocity experiments that detect changes in the global dimensions of an RNA molecule during its equilibrium folding.
Induction of labor with oral prostaglandin E2

Abstract Prostaglandin E (PGE 2 ) was administered orally for induction of labor to 100 patients. Active labor and progression occurred in 92 per cent of these cases. The dosage regimen used was 0.5 to 1.5 mg. hourly. Amniotomy was performed in most cases once active labor and progression were noted. There were 83 vaginal deliveries and 12 cesarean sections. There were eight failure of induction, one patient left the study, and one was not delivered at that admission. Fetal distress occurred in 10 patients but this was related to cord and placental problems and not to PGE 2 per se. Side effects were minimal, the most prominent being nausea and vomiting. Total labor in hours compares to normal labor. Over-all, labor in primigravidas averaged 10.15 hours and 6.5 hours in multiparas. There was a direct relationship of the Bishop score to the start of active labor and progression. PGE 2 appears safe and efficacious for inductions of labor at term.
Abstract 3917: Understanding the mechanisms driving pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA A recent exome sequencing study of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) provided valuable information about the genetic landscape of these cancers and for the first time implicated DAXX and ATRX loss in tumorigenesis. These interacting proteins are chaperones for the histone variant H3.3 and contribute to chromatin homeostasis and telomere maintenance. Mutually exclusive mutations in DAXX or ATRX occur in 43% of PanNETs. To understand how loss of these epigenetic regulators specifically contributes to tumorigenesis, we are developing genetically engineered mouse models of PanNETs. While a mouse with a conditional Daxx allele is publically available, subsequent sequencing and characterization revealed a mutant loxP site, which renders recombination extremely inefficient. We are, therefore, currently generating a new conditional Daxx allele, as well as using an existing conditional Atrx allele to specifically delete these genes in the endocrine pancreas. Cohorts of mice are being built and followed for developmental and tumor phenotypes. In addition, in vitro studies have also implicated a role for DAXX as a negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. Interestingly, p53 is rarely mutated in PanNETs. We are using a Daxx-null allele, generated using the existing conditional Daxx mouse, to investigate the relationship between DAXX and the p53 pathway in vivo. Combined, this work aims to generate and characterize mouse models which will lead to a better understanding of both the etiology of PanNETs and how loss of DAXX and ATRX contribute to tumorigenesis. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Amanda R. Wasylishen, Guillermina Lozano. Understanding the mechanisms driving pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3917. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3917
Oscillation, Gating, and Memory in the Respiratory Control System

The sections in this article are: 1 Oscillation of Respiratory Stimuli 1.1 Chemical Stimuli 1.2 Mechanical Stimuli 2 Gating 2.1 Mechanisms 2.2 Physiological Effects 3 Memory in Respiratory Control System 3.1 Memories of Short and Medium Duration 3.2 Memories of Long Duration
Random forest classification of depression status based on subcortical brain morphometry following electroconvulsive therapy

Disorders of the central nervous system are often accompanied by brain abnormalities detectable with MRI. Advances in biomedical imaging and pattern detection algorithms have led to classification methods that may help diagnose and track the progression of a particular brain disorder and/or predict successful response to treatment. These classification systems often use high-dimensional signals or images, and must handle the computational challenges of high dimensionality as well as complex data types such as shape descriptors. Here, we used shape information from subcortical structures to test a recently developed feature-selection method based on regularized random forests to 1) classify depressed subjects versus controls, and 2) patients before and after treatment with electroconvulsive therapy. We subsequently compared the classification performance of high-dimensional shape features with traditional volumetric measures. Shape-based models outperformed simple volumetric predictors in several cases, highlighting their utility as potential automated alternatives for establishing diagnosis and predicting treatment response.
Electron Holography and Lorentz Microscopy of Magnetic Materials

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comprehensive account of the principles, practice, implementation, and achievements of electron holography and Lorentz microscopy techniques applied to investigations of magnetic materials. The chapter focuses on off-axis electron holography, a new absolute magnetometric measurement method for thin magnetic specimens. When implemented in a scanning transmission electron microscope, it provides a powerful micromagnetic analysis technique with high sensitivity (∼ 10–16 emu) and high spatial resolution (a few nanometers). The chapter begins with a brief historical review. In the past 25 years, significant progress in the development of magnetic materials has been made. The chapter discusses the new method for the absolute measurement of magnetization in thin-magnetic films using far-out-of-focus, off-axis scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) holography. The differential phase contrast (DPC) mode is best used for the determination of magnetization orientation in domains. In spite of the requirement of special detectors and image processing, the DPC mode has become a useful tool for obtaining quantitative information in the form of vector maps of magnetization and magnetic domain wall profiles. The holographic technique allows the extraction of quantitative information about the magnetic structure at high spatial resolution and therefore significantly expands the abilities of STEM as a tool for investigating different types of novel magnetic materials.
Slug-based epithelial-mesenchymal transition gene signature is associated with prolonged time to recurrence in glioblastoma

We previously identified a precise stage-associated gene expression signature of coordinately expressed genes, including the transcription factor Slug (SNAI2) and other epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, present in samples from publicly available gene expression datasets in multiple cancer types. The expression levels of the co-expressed genes vary in a continuous and coordinate manner across the samples, ranging from absence of expression to strong co-expression of all genes. These data suggest that tumor cells may pass through an EMT like process of mesenchymal transition to varying degrees.Findings Here we show that this signature in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is associated with time to recurrence following initial treatment. By analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we found that GBM patients who responded to therapy and had long time to recurrence had low levels of the signature in their tumor samples (P = 3x10^-7^). We also found that the signature is strongly correlated in gliomas with the putative stem cell marker CD44, and is highly enriched among the differentially expressed genes in glioblastomas vs. lower grade gliomas. Our results suggest that long delay before tumor recurrence is associated with absence of the mesenchymal transition signature, raising the possibility that inhibiting this transition might improve the durability of therapy in glioma patients.
Evaluation of outcome and process

Peter W. Chommie, Ph.D., is Associate Profes sor, School of Social Work, University of Minne sota, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joe Hudson, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, Duluth, Minne sota. Demand has been growing in the last sev eral years for formal evaluation of human service programs.1 This has been reflected most dramatically in the increasing funds being allocated for program evaluation, par ticularly by the federal government. Bu chanan and Wholey have noted, for ex ample, that the amount of evaluation re search funds allocated in the Departments of Health, Education, and Welfare, Hous ing and Urban Development, and Labor increased 30 percent between fiscal years 1971 and 1973.2
Ingestion in Fish

Fishes are the largest group of vertebrates on Earth and this diversity of species number is reflected in the wide range of ways that fishes acquire food and the types of food that are ingested. Major topics in fish feeding include the range of dietary habits of fishes, the diverse strategies of capturing or ingesting food, the functional morphology of the jaws of fishes, ecological patterns of prey acquisition, and evolutionary trends in fish feeding biology. Keywords: feeding; diet; suction; biting; prey capture; shark; fishes
Estrogen induction of sexual behavior in female rats and synthesis of polyadenylated messenger RNA in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Abstract To test the hypothesis that estrogen stimulates sexual behavior by inducing transcription of polyadenylated messenger RNA, we studied the effects of cordycepin, an adenosine analog that disrupts polyadenylation, on the lordotic responses of ovariectomized female rats made sexually receptive with systemic injections of estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P). Cordycepin inhibited lordosis when infused into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus within an hour before the females received EB; its effectiveness varied linearly with dose. It did not significantly alter sexual behavior when infused into the medial preoptic area. A dose of cordycepin that decreased lordosis when infused 1 h before injection of 0.5 μg EB did not affect the behavior when infused 1 h before injection of 500 μg P. Cordycepin does not suppress behavior by blocking estrogen uptake since it did not alter estrogen accumulation by hypothalamic cell nuclei. Cordycepin inhibits ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis as well as polyadenylation. While this probably contributes to cordycepin's inhibitory effects on lordosis, it cannot fully account for them since a cytidine analog that inhibits rRNA synthesis without inhibiting polyadenylation did not mimic cordycepin's behavioral effects. Cordycepin may suppress synthesis of P receptors: however, this could not fully account for its behavioral effects since cordycepin also inhibited lordosis when the P receptor was bypassed by substituting methysergide for P. As assessed by protein synthesis autoradiography, cordycepin's effects are highly localized. The data support the notion that estrogen facilitates female sexual behavior by altering gene expression in the brain.
Global sensitivity analysis of a modified CENTURY model for simulating impacts of harvesting fine woody biomass for bioenergy.

Abstract Modeling the long-term effects of intensive forest biomass harvesting scenarios over time, including the more complete removal of tree tops and branches, is a scientific and policy need. Yet, due to our incomplete understanding about complex forest ecosystems, model simulations are to various degrees uncertain. In this study we first modified a well-evaluated and widely used ecosystem model – CENTURY 4.5 – to model management scenarios that retain various sizes and quantities of small-diameter woody material after intensive biomass harvests. Second, we used a global sensitivity analysis approach to evaluate the sensitivity of nine model outputs to 55 parameters, grouped into 17 factors. The values of the parameters were generated with a normal distribution and sampled with the extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test. Our analysis indicated that within a harvest rotation, the model output sensitivity varied over years in response to different factors. The model was most sensitive to factors consisting of temperature effects on potential production as well as N deposition and non-symbiotic N fixation. In response to the uncertain parameter values, the model simulation revealed that outputs of net N mineralization rates in slow and passive soil organic matter pools had the highest uncertainties. However, due to the very low fraction of the N supplied from these two pools, forest production and other simulations were not strongly affected, ending with overall variations less than 6%. Ultimately, this study exhibits a novel approach in modeling the effects of harvesting fine woody debris for bioenergy on long-term ecosystem C and N cycles, and illustrates that sensitivity testing the most uncertain parameters is crucial for minimizing model uncertainty.
The antitumor activity of an anti-CD54 antibody in SCID mice xenografted with human breast, prostate, non-small cell lung, and pancreatic tumor cell lines.

We have previously described the development and testing of a monoclonal anti-human CD54 antibody (UV3) in SCID mice xenografted with human multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma cell lines. In all 3 cases, UV3 was highly effective at slowing the growth of tumors and/or prolonging survival. Since CD54 (ICAM-1) is up-regulated on many different types of cancer cells, we have now investigated the anti-tumor activity of UV3 in several other CD54+ epithelial tumors. A panel of 16 human breast, prostate, non-small cell (NSC) lung, and pancreatic tumor cell lines was examined for reactivity with UV3, and 13 were positive. A representative CD54+ cell line from each cancer was grown subcutaneously in SCID mice. Once the tumors were established, UV3 was administered using different dose regimens. UV3 slowed the growth of all 4 tumors, although it was not curative. When UV3 or gemcitabine were administered to SCID mice xenografted with a NSC lung tumor cell line or a pancreatic tumor cell line, UV3 was as effective as the chemotherapy alone. When gemcitabine and UV3 were administered together, the best anti-tumor responses were observed. UV3 has been chimerized (cUV3) and both toxicology studies and clinical trials are planned to assess the safety and activity of cUV3 in patients with one or more of these tumors. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Phylogenetic relationships of rodents on the basis of isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase.

1. 1. The isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were compared in twenty-two rodents. 2. 2. LDH1 of three electrophoretic mobilities and LDH5 of four mobilities were found. 3. 3. Erythrocytes of the more primitive classes contained several LDH isoenzymes whereas in most of the Cricetidae and Muridae only LDH5 was found. 4. 4. In the kidney the distribution of LDH isoenzymes also varied widely. 5. 5. In the heart, liver and skeletal muscle no prominent differences were observed. 6. 6. Meriones unguiculatus (Mongolian gerbil) was found to have a sixth LDH isoenzyme in both kidney and heart. 7. 7. The evolutionary development and genetic control of isoenzyme patterns is discussed.
EFFECT OF MICROAC ON NUMBERS OF SOYBEAN APHID, 2005

Infestations by SA can reduce the yield of soybeans and the efficacy of various biorational spray treatments need evaluation as alternatives to chemical insecticides for SA control. The efficacy of an entomopathogenic fungal formulation, MicroAC, against SA was compared to that of a distilled-water spray check and an untreated check. Two identical efficacy tests were conducted in growth chambers at the Northern Grain Insects Research Laboratory, Brookings, SD. Each test used a RCB design with 10 replications. In each test, 30 greenhouse-raised soybean plants, growing individually in separate pots, were infested in the late VE stage (unifoliate leaves fully expanded, first trifoliate leaves expanding) with five SA (adults or late third instars) on the underside of each unifoliate leaf (total of 10 SA per plant). The plants were placed in a growth chamber (16:8 L:D photoperiod; mean temperature and R.H. of 21.4 C and 45.9%, first test; 21.3 C and 73.9%, second test). Seven days after infestation, SA were counted on each plant. Sprays were then applied 20 cm from each plant using the wide-angle mist setting on the nozzle of a handpumped squirt bottle. Sprays were applied to run-off with eight squirts (about 9.2 ml) directed per plant, four with the nozzle horizontal and four with nozzle tip pointed downward at approximately 30-degrees. The number of spores contained in an 8-squirt volume of MicroAC was enumerated by direct observation of diluted product suspensions on a light microscope using phase contrast microscopy and a hemacytometer. Sporulation rate was measured as colonyforming units (CFU) in dilution-series cultures plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar with 2 % yeast extract under growth chamber conditions; CFU were counted after a 4-day incubation period when colonies were visible and separate. After spray application, clear 10-cm-diam × 40-cm-tall cylindrical acetate cages with 16-mesh screen tops were placed over each plant, and plants were returned to the growth chamber. At 10 days after treatment (DAT), (23 Jun, first test; 11 Jul, second test), plants were clipped at soil level, and SA were counted on each plant. For each test, SA counts were subjected to ANOVA and treatment means separated using Tukey’s HSD (P = 0.05). Post-spray SA counts were log (x + 1)-transformed before analysis.
Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of ng g-1 levels of cadmium in bone after dithizone extractions

Abstract After removal of lipid and acid digestion of bone samples, cadmium is separated from the matrix by two extractions with dithizone in carbon tetrachloride. The first extraction at pH 3–3.5 removes cadmium from the matrix; the second extraction, at pH 8.5 in the presence of 2-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, is needed to prevent suppression of the cadmium signal by zinc. Cadmium is finally measured in the back-extract into 0.24 M hydrochloric acid. Less than 10 ng g-1 cadmium in fresh bone can be determined within a relative standard deviation of 10%.
Intensity modulated neutron radiotherapy optimization by photon proxy

Purpose: Introducing intensity modulation into neutron radiotherapy (IMNRT) planning has the potential to mitigate some normal tissue complications seen in past neutron trials. While the hardware to deliver IMNRT plans has been in use for several years, until recently the IMNRT planning process has been cumbersome and of lower fidelity than conventional photon plans. Our in-house planning system used to calculate neutron therapy plans allows beam weight optimization of forward planned segments, but does not provide inverse optimization capabilities. Commercial treatment planning systems provide inverse optimization capabilities, but currently cannot model our neutron beam. Methods: We have developed a methodology and software suite to make use of the robust optimization in our commercial planning system while still using our in-house planning system to calculate final neutron dose distributions. Optimized multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf positions for segments designed in the commercial system using a 4 MV photon proxy beam are translated into static neutron ports that can be represented within our in-house treatment planning system. The true neutron dose distribution is calculated in the in-house system and then exported back through the MATLAB software into the commercial treatment planning system for evaluation. Results: The planning process produces optimized IMNRT plans thatmore » reduce dose to normal tissue structures as compared to 3D conformal plans using static MLC apertures. The process involves standard planning techniques using a commercially available treatment planning system, and is not significantly more complex than conventional IMRT planning. Using a photon proxy in a commercial optimization algorithm produces IMNRT plans that are more conformal than those previously designed at our center and take much less time to create. Conclusions: The planning process presented here allows for the optimization of IMNRT plans by a commercial treatment planning optimization algorithm, potentially allowing IMNRT to achieve similar conformality in treatment as photon IMRT. The only remaining requirements for the delivery of very highly modulated neutron treatments are incremental improvements upon already implemented hardware systems that should be readily achievable.« less
On the existence of two populations of mitochondria in a single organ. Respiration, calcium transport and enzyme activities.

Abstract Mitochondria isolated from rat heart and kidney cortex by Polytron treatment of the tissues exhibit lower state 3 rates of respiration than mitochondria isolated by Nagarse method. Addition of cytochrome c to Polytron mitochondria isolated from heart, but not from kidney, increases oxygen uptake to values approaching those of Nagarse-treated preparations. Similar results were observed for Ca2+ uptake. Kidney Polytron mitochondria exhibited lower mitochondrial, but higher non-mitochondrial enzyme activities compared to kidney Nagarse mitochondria. Enzyme activities were the same in Polytron and Nagarse mitochondria from heart. The differences between Polytron and Nagarse mitochondria appear to be mainly due to lower cytochrome c content of Polytron mitochondria from heart and higher contamination of Polytron mitochondria from kidney.
Nonlinear buckling of a structure with random imperfection and random axial compression by a conditional simulation technique

Abstract This investigation deals with the buckling problem of a column with random geometric imperfection, resting on a nonlinear elastic foundation. In contrast to most of the earlier studies, it is assumed that the column is subjected to a random axial compression. The random initial imperfection is expressed in terms of buckling modes with coefficients obeying the truncated normal distribution. The external load is modeled as a random variable with the extreme-value distribution. An improved simulation technique with high computational efficiency is employed to obtain the probability of failure of the structure. Statistical analysis of the simulation data is proposed, and the final result is given in the form of confidence interval, which can be used directly in engineering design.
Chaotic dynamics of sequential CSTRs

For two CSTRs (constant flow stirred tank reactors) operating in series (sequentially) with constant input and a first order reaction, chaotic behavior arising from a large amplitude periodic perturbation of a quasi-periodic orbit has been observed. This phenomenon occurs at the maximum multiplicity of the second CSTR and represents a new route to chaos in chemical reactors. We present both the mathematical analysis and numerical results for the chaotic behavior of sequential CSTRs.
Surface and volume 1/f noise in multi-layer graphene

The studies of the low frequency noise in graphene transistors with the number of carbon layers from N=1 (single layer graphene) to N=15 showed that 1/f noise becomes dominated by the volume noise when the thickness exceeds approximately 7 atomic layers. We compare these results with the data on surface and volume noise in carbon nanotubes and Si MOS.
Brief index of lupus damage: a patient-reported measure of damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective To develop and test the Brief Index of Lupus Damage (BILD), an interviewer-administered measure of damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), for use in epidemiologic studies in which administration of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) by trained physicians is not possible or feasible. In addition, we compared the BILD to another recently developed patient-reported measure, the Lupus Damage Index Questionnaire (LDIQ), which was designed as a written survey. Methods A sample of 81 patients from 2 university-affiliated SLE clinics was used to test the criterion validity of the BILD and the LDIQ. A second sample, the Lupus Outcomes Study (n = 728), was used to ascertain the construct validity of the BILD. Results We found good agreement between most BILD items and corresponding SDI items, and moderately high overall Spearman's rank correlations for SDI with BILD (0.64) and with LDIQ (0.54). BILD scores were higher among older individuals, those with longer disease duration, and those with higher mean disease activity in the preceding 4 years. In addition, higher BILD scores were associated with poorer self-rated health and functional status, greater unemployment and work disability, and increased health care utilization. Conclusion We developed and performed a preliminary validation study demonstrating content, criterion, and construct validity of a new practical patient-reported instrument of SLE disease damage. Although further studies are needed to examine reliability and to document psychometric properties in other populations, the BILD appears to represent a promising tool for studies of SLE outside the clinical setting.
Synthesis of a 2'-Se-uridine phosphoramidite and its incorporation into oligonucleotides for structural study.

We report here the synthesis of the 5‘-[benzhydryloxybis(trimethylsilyloxy)]silyl-2‘-methylseleno-2‘-deoxyuridine phosphoramidite and its incorporation into oligonucleotides by solid-phase synthesis. The coupling yield of this phosphoramidite into oligonucleotides is higher than 99%. We also demonstrate that this 2‘-methylselenophosphoramidite is compatible with the 5‘-silyl-2‘-ACE chemistry, for longer Se-RNA solid-phase synthesis. Our preliminary NMR study on the synthesized 2‘-Se-DNA has revealed a USe−A base pair and a duplex structure formation when its complementary strand was present.
Warfarin-induced skin necrosis: an entity occasionally requiring burn wound expertise

We describe a severe case of warfarin-induced skin necrosis with extensive full-thickness tissue loss involving approximately 12 per cent of the body surface area. The early management was conservative, with wound observation only, and no aggressive debridement was attempted. Wound and associated systemic sepsis followed, and the patient was transferred to our burn unit. The wounds were then managed with aggressive therapy including surgical excision, temporary coverage with allograft, and final closure with split-thickness autograft. This case illustrates important principles of appropriate surgical management of extensive skin lesions of this type.
Modeling and simulation for dye-sensitized solar cells

We developed an equivalent circuit for dye-sensitized solar cells, which provides a more accurate presentation and a better fit to the experimental I-V curves and Nyquist plots than earlier literature results, as verified by simulation. A simple expression for the estimation of the Warburg coefficient from the experimental Nyquist plot is also proposed in this letter. The simulated I-V curves and Nyquist plots are in good agreement with the experimental data. The interfacial charge transfer and recombination losses at the oxide/dye/electrolyte interface are found to be the most influential factor on the overall conversion efficiency.
Standard errors for EM estimation

log-likelihood. The well-known SEM algorithm uses the second approach. We consider three additional algorithms: one that uses the first approach and two that use the second. We evaluate the complexity and precision of these three and the SEM algorithm in seven examples. The first is a single-parameter example used to give insight. The others are three examples in each of two areas of EM application: Poisson mixture models and the estimation of covariance from incomplete data. The examples show that there are algorithms that are much simpler and more accurate than the SEM algorithm. Hopefully their simplicity will increase the availability of standard error estimates in EM applications. It is shown that, as previously conjectured, a symmetry diagnostic can accurately estimate errors arising from numerical differentiation. Some issues related to the speed of the EM algorithm and algorithms that differentiate the EM operator are identified.
How to alternatize a clustering algorithm

Given a clustering algorithm, how can we adapt it to find multiple, nonredundant, high-quality clusterings? We focus on algorithms based on vector quantization and describe a framework for automatic `alternatization' of such algorithms. Our framework works in both simultaneous and sequential learning formulations and can mine an arbitrary number of alternative clusterings. We demonstrate its applicability to various clustering algorithms--k-means, spectral clustering, constrained clustering, and co-clustering--and effectiveness in mining a variety of datasets.
FINE STRUCTURE LOCALIZATION OF NUCLEOSIDE PHOSPHATASES IN RELATION TO SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS AND UNMYELINATED NERVES IN THE SMALL INTESTINE OF THE RAT.

In smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis of the rat intestine, pinocytic vesicles and invaginations contained an enzymatic activity that hydrolyzed nucleoside di- and triphosphates, but not monophosphates. With brief incubations or with guanosine triphosphate as substrate, the final product was deposited in relation to clear globular areas within the unit membrane of vesicles. In addition, the final product as a result of hydrolysis of the above substrates was deposited in the interface between the surface membranes of unmyelinated axons and Schwann cells. The relationship of these findings to permeability phenomena are discussed.
Status epilepticus as initial manifestation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

We report 10 cases of status epilepticus (SE) in patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). In all cases, SE brought PRES to medical attention. The majority of the cases had focal-onset complex partial SE. Complete resolution of SE was achieved after combined treatment of PRES and SE in all cases. SE in the setting of PRES carries a favorable prognosis but requires timely recognition and treatment of the course of PRES.
Anomalous functional organization of barrel cortex in GAP-43 deficient mice.

Abstract Growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43), found only in the nervous system, regulates the response of neurons to axon guidance signals. It is also critical for establishing normal somatotopy. Mice lacking GAP-43 (KO) show aberrant pathfinding by thalamocortical afferents, and do not form cortical whisker/barrels. GAP-43 heterozygous (HZ) mice show more subtle deficits — delayed barrel segregation and enlarged barrels at postnatal day 7. Here, we used cortical intrinsic signal imaging to characterize adult somatotopy in wildtype (WT), GAP-43 KO, and HZ mice. We found clear foci of activation in GAP-43 KO cortex in response to single-whisker stimulation. However, the KO spatial activation patterns showed severe anomalies, indicating a loss of functional somatotopy. In some cases, multiple foci were activated by single whiskers, while in other cases, the same cortical zone was activated by several whiskers. The results are consistent with our previous findings of aberrant pathfinding and clustering by thalamocortical afferent axons, and absence of barrel patterning. Our findings indicate that cortex acts to cluster afferents from a given whisker, even in the absence of normal topography. By contrast, single - whisker stimulation revealed normal adult topographic organization in WT and HZ mice. However, we found that functional representations of adult HZ barrels are larger than those found in WT mice. Since histological HZ barrels recover normal dimensions by postnatal day 26, the altered circuit function in GAP-43 HZ cortex could be a secondary consequence of the rescue of barrel dimensions.