cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuronal models, spike trains, and the inverse problem☆

Abstract This paper examines the inverse problem in relation to observed neuronal spike-train data and physiological hypotheses concerning the underlying mechanisms responsible for the production of the observed data. The problem is formulated as consisting of four subproblems: characterization of the experimental data, development of the mathematical model, optimization of the physiological parameters, and statistical testing of the theoretical and experimental data. Two case studies are examined, one using pacemaker data recorded from Aplysia california, the other data recorded from the nucleus cuneatus of a cat.
Mechanisms of lymphocyte homing

The initiation and maintenance of an effective immune response requires the coordinated function of spatially distinct compartments of the immune system. Such coordination is critically dependent on mechanisms of lymphocyte homing and recirculation. The past year has been significant progress in our understanding of both the molecular basis of these homing mechanisms, and their potential physiological consequences.
Operator self similar stochastic processes in Rd

Abstract Operator self similar stochastic processes taking values in a finite dimensional Euclidean space are introduced and some of their properties are studied.
Computer-assisted design of surface coils used in magnetic resonance imaging. II. Rotational discrimination nonlinear regression analysis and the design of surface coils.

Abstract For a number of reasons, it is desirable to fabricate coils which, for a known current, shall produce predetermined values of the magnetic field intensity at a number of points within a nuclear magnetic resonance imager. The calculation of the magnetic field intensity at a set of points involves the integration of the Biot-Savart equation for all components of the segments of conductor which make up the coil. This process in itself is a rather formidable task. When this process is parameterized in terms of coil diameter, coil spacing, etc. the problem is to determine the values of these parameters to match values of magnetic field intensities which are desired. The problem thereby increases in complexity to the point where, by ordinary methods, the problem becomes intractable. A generalized solution technique has been developed on a digital computer to implement the rotational discrimination nonlinear regression techniques of Faris, Law and Letcher to find the best solution to this problem. The problem is posed by integrating the Biot-Savart equation. This produces algebraic expressions for incorporation into the optimization program which is executed on a computer in a conversational mode. This technique was employed to specify the dimensions of a rectangular surface coil for the investigation of the whole human spine.
Pneumococcal vaccine reduced pneumococcal pneumonia and associated mortality

Source Citation Maruyama T, Taguchi O, Niederman MS, et al. Efficacy of 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine in preventing pneumonia and improving survival in nursing home residents: double blind, random...
Applications of the COMMIX code using the porous medium formulation

Abstract A new computational method, the COMMIX Computer Code, has been developed. COMMIX-1 is a three-dimensional, transient, single-phase, component computer code for thermal-hydraulic analysis of both continuum (reactor plenum, ----) and quasi-continuum (rod-bundle, ----) applications. COMMIX-1A is an advanced version of COMMIX-1. The porous medium formulation with volume porosity, surface permeability, distributed resistance and distributed heat source is employed in the COMMIX computer codes. The concept of surface permeability is a new feature added in the present porous medium formulation. It greatly facilitates the modeling of the anisotropic characteristics of a medium containing solid objects such as fuel rods in a reactor fuel assembly. Some pertinent results from the single-phase version of the COMMIX Code are presented. These results demonstrate the capability of the code, as well as its wide range of applicability.
Some characteristic features of six prong π−p interactions at 7.0 GeV/c

Abstract We have measured about 1500 six prong events from our exposure of 7.0 GeV/ c negative pions in the BNL 80 inch liquid hydrogen bubble chamber. We present here the results on the nature of transverse-momentum distributions ( p t ), center-of-mass angular distributions and angular correlations among the pions of different charges. The ( p t ) distributions agree well with the Hagedorn thermodynamical model [1] yielding for the “temperature” a value of about 120 MeV for the pions and 148 MeV for the nucleons. The nucleon shows a backward peaking in the c.m. system and the charged pions have a slight peaking in the forward direction. Neutral pions are very nearly isotropic. The value of the angular correlation parameter agrees with the statistical model.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy and antegrade continent enema colon tube creation in a pediatric spina bifida patient.

ABSTRACT Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has been applied to pediatric surgery, especially for technically challenging reconstructive procedures owing to the improved suturing capabilities over pure laparoscopic techniques when using fine suture material. In this paper, we report the techniques of creating both an appendicovesicostomy and an antegrade continent enema colon tube in a 9-year-old female with a neurogenic bladder and bowel secondary to myelomeningocele.
Abstract 178: A novel mechanism of hypoxia mediated cell cycle dysregulation: miR-134 targets CDKN2A

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: Among the various factors in the tumor microenvironment influencing tumor growth and progression, hypoxia plays a key role in promoting tumor growth and resistance to therapeutics. However, a mechanistic understanding of the complicated biological interplay between the stromal framework (hypoxia context) and malignant regions of the same tumor remains an unmet need. In this study, we examined the molecular networks of interplay between hypoxia and miRNA deregulation. Study methods and results: In this study, we profiled the expression of miRNAs in ovarian cancer cells upon exposure to hypoxia (1% O2) using microRNA microarray (Agilent v14). We found that significant numbers of miRNAs are dysregulated. In A2780 and Skov3 ovarian cancer cells, using a statistical cutoff (p 1.5), normoxia v/s short term (48hrs) and long term (6 days) hypoxia exposure, we found that 23 MicroRNAs were down regulated whereas 11 were upregulated. Among these, miR-134 validated to be overexpressed under hypoxia by 3 - 4 fold in A2780 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells consistently across the short and long term time points. Upon bioinformatics analyses for target sites of commonly up regulated miRNAs, we found that miR-134 was predicted to target CDKN2A (Miranda, microT, PITA, RNA22, TargetScan). CDKN2A is a protein involved in cell cycle control, precisely regulating cell cycle G1 control through complexing with CDK4. Considering the fact that CDKN2A expression is lost in several cancer types and its correlation with the aggressive tumor growth, we checked expression of CDKN2A under hypoxic conditions. CDKN2A was down-regulated under hypoxia by 55% and was inversely correlated with miR-134 expression in cell lines tested. Upon transfection of A2780 ovarian cancer cells with miR-134 microRNA mimics, we observed consistent down regulation of CDKN2A by >40%, compared to scrambled control transfected cells. This further proves the role of miR-134 in deregulating CDKN2A expression in ovarian cancer. Discussion: This study provides new insights into miRNA-134's role in regulating cell cycle in the context of hypoxia mediated signaling. These findings may have implications for new approaches targeted at curbing the deleterious effects of hypoxia on tumor growth. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 178. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-178
Hyper-NA (NA = 2.8) Microscope Using 1.55um fs Source for Multi-Photon Imaging

A new microscope is discussed, where scanning illumination consists of NA = 2.8 with a lambda = 1.55um fs fiber laser. Near-infrared 2P collection is imaged with NA = 1.2. Biological applications are considered.
Little Albert from the Viewpoint of Abnormal Psychology Textbook Authors

(1983). Little Albert From the Viewpoint of Abnormal Psychology Textbook Authors. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 230-231.
Broadband dielectric investigation of amorphous and semicrystalline L-lactide/meso-lactide copolymers

The dynamics of crystalline and amorphous samples of poly(l-lactide) and three l-lactide/meso-lactide random copolymers were investigated in the frequency domain using broadband dielectric spectroscopy (DRS). Two relaxations, the segmental (α) and subglass (β) processes, were observed in the temperature range between −100 and 105 °C. Modification of the characteristics of the α process, i.e., the relaxation strength (Δe), mean relaxation time (τm), and shape parameters, as a function of crystal content was investigated on “fully crystallized” samples as well as in real-time crystallization experiments. As expected, the strength of the α relaxation was smaller and its distribution broader for materials with higher degrees of crystallinity. The relaxation strength of the α process of the amorphous samples increased with temperature, while that of the crystalline materials changed very little or in the opposite direction with temperature. This behavior can be explained by the existence of a rigid amorphous c...
Promoting evidence-based policy: the role of incentives

This note addresses two questions. What can be done to foster demand-led research? And what can be done to encourage evidence-based public action? Capacity-building and training, mainly for researc...
Fast individual ancestry inference from DNA sequence data leveraging allele frequencies for multiple populations

Estimation of individual ancestry from genetic data is useful for the analysis of disease association studies, understanding human population history and interpreting personal genomic variation. New, computationally efficient methods are needed for ancestry inference that can effectively utilize existing information about allele frequencies associated with different human populations and can work directly with DNA sequence reads. We describe a fast method for estimating the relative contribution of known reference populations to an individual’s genetic ancestry. Our method utilizes allele frequencies from the reference populations and individual genotype or sequence data to obtain a maximum likelihood estimate of the global admixture proportions using the BFGS optimization algorithm. It accounts for the uncertainty in genotypes present in sequence data by using genotype likelihoods and does not require individual genotype data from external reference panels. Simulation studies and application of the method to real datasets demonstrate that our method is significantly times faster than previous methods and has comparable accuracy. Using data from the 1000 Genomes project, we show that estimates of the genome-wide average ancestry for admixed individuals are consistent between exome sequence data and whole-genome low-coverage sequence data. Finally, we demonstrate that our method can be used to estimate admixture proportions using pooled sequence data making it a valuable tool for controlling for population stratification in sequencing based association studies that utilize DNA pooling. Our method is an efficient and versatile tool for estimating ancestry from DNA sequence data and is available from https://sites.google.com/site/vibansal/software/iAdmix .
Comparison of reported symptoms of acute myocardial infarction in Mexican Americans versus non-Hispanic whites (the Corpus Christi heart project)

This study examines whether there are differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in reported symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The symptoms experienced by patients identified in a community-based surveillance program were examined to determine whether between-group differences existed by ethnicity, gender, and diabetic status. Data were available regarding the symptoms of 589 patients, between the ages of 25 and 74 years, who were hospitalized and diagnosed as either having definite or possible AMI in special care units at 1 of 7 hospitals in Corpus Christi, Texas. The most frequently reported symptoms were chest pain (83.2%), chest pressure or discomfort (67.6%), sweating (64.2%), fatigue (62.6%), dyspnea (60.3%), and arm or jaw pain (58.2%). After adjusting for age, diabetes mellitus, and gender, and relative to non-Hispanic whites, Mexican Americans were more likely to report chest pain, upper back pain, and palpitations, and less likely to report arm or jaw pain. Likewise, relative to men, women were more likely to report fatigue, dyspnea, dizziness, upper back pain, palpitations, and cough, and were less likely to report chest pain. Significant differences were also observed when older patients' symptoms were compared with younger patients' symptoms.
Statistical concepts in computational mathematics

For a young science and even for most old ones, the intensity and variety of activities involved in computer science are unsurpassed. In an effort to provide the extremely varied training needed in the field, curriculum planners have tended to slight probability and statistics. Rarely has it been a requisite and only occasionally a desired elective However, not only is an adequate foundation in probability and statistics necessary for such external computer applications as tracking and other data reduction, Monte Carlo techniques, gaming, operations research, traffic analyses, etc., but it also plays an important role in internal applications to computer science and technology This effort in Rand's continuing study of computational mathematics and its applications offers a number of examples in various areas of computational mathematics and computing machine arithmetic-to say nothing of computer design, time sharing, and the like-to support the thesis that probability and statistics should be a requisite, not simply an elective or, even worse, ignored, at any institution offering a program in computer science. Further more, a potentially profitable source of research problems can be found in the interface between probability and statistics and computer science.
Psychiatry and anthropology: Three models for a working relationship

Working relationships between psychiatry and anthropology date back to the pioneers in both disciplines. Yet as each professional group has developed its own system of theories and techniques the opportunity for actual mutual influence has dwindled. The mere juxtaposition of professionals will not result in actual interdisciplinary contributions. Three models for collaboration are presented. In each model there is a different “interdisciplinary contract”, which needs to be specified for various joint projects. In addition to the traditional areas of psychiatry-anthropology interests there is a broad area of social action planning for mental health which is increasingly a joint concern of social and community psychiatry on the one hand and of applied anthropology on the other.
Contemporary Results of Surgical Repair of Recurrent Aortic Arch Obstruction

Background There is a paucity of data on the current outcomes of surgical intervention for recurrent aortic arch obstruction (RAAO) after initial aortic arch repair in children. The goal of this study is to report the long-term results in these patients. Methods All patients undergoing surgical intervention for RAAO at Texas Children's Hospital from 1995 to 2012 were included. The cohort was divided into four groups based on initial procedure: (1) simple coarctation repair, (2) Norwood procedure, (3) complex congenital heart disease, and (4) interrupted aortic arch. Results A total of 48 patients age 9 months (range, 22 days to 36 years) underwent 49 procedures for RAAO. All patients had an anatomic repair consisting of either patch aortoplasty (n = 27, 55%), aortic arch advancement (n = 8, 16%), sliding arch aortoplasty (n = 6, 12%), placement of an interposition graft (n = 2, 17%), reconstruction with donor allograft (n = 4, 8%), extended end-to-end anastomosis (n = 1, 2%), or redo Norwood-type reconstruction (n = 1, 2%). Most procedures (n = 46, 94%) were performed through a median sternotomy using cardiopulmonary bypass. At a median follow-up of 6.1 years (range, 9 days to 17 years), only 2 patients required surgical or catheter-based intervention for RAAO. Hypertension was present in 10% of patients at last follow-up. There were no neurologic or renal complications. There was 1 perioperative death after an aortic arch advancement in group 1. Four other patients have died during follow-up, none of the deaths related to RAAO. Conclusions Anatomic repair of RAAO is a safe procedure associated with low morbidity and mortality, and low long-term reintervention rates.
Circadian Dependence of Interferon Antitumor Activity in Mice

BACKGROUND Chronobiological studies with anticancer drugs have shown that their effectiveness and/or toxicity is significantly influenced by the time of their administration in the circadian cycle. Previous studies also have shown that the myelotoxicity of interferons is similarly influenced. PURPOSE This study was undertaken to evaluate the antitumor activity of interferons as a function of their administration to animals at defined points in the circadian cycle with equal light and dark periods. METHODS A murine tumor model was employed. Following adaptation to alternating cycles of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark for a period of 2-3 weeks, C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with B16 melanoma cells intraperitoneally at different hours after light onset. Exactly 24 hours after inoculation, each group received intraperitoneal injections of either recombinant human interferon alpha (rHuIFN-alpha A/D), recombinant murine IFN-gamma (rMuIFN-gamma), or interferon-carrier solution as control (once a day for 5 days) and were monitored for the length of their survival. RESULTS The antitumor activity (calculated as percent increased life span) of both rHuIFN-alpha A/D and rMuIFN-gamma varied with the points at which they were administered in the circadian cycle. However, the points showing minimum and maximum activity for rHuIFN-alpha A/D (12-16 and 0-4 hours after light onset, respectively) did not correspond with the points for the rMuIFN-gamma (0-8 and 16 hours after light onset, respectively). To generate maximum antitumor activity, approximately fivefold higher amounts of rHuIFN-alpha A/D were required at 12 than at 4 hours after light onset (dose range, 3333-90,000 IU/d) (P < .0001). Similarly, for rMuIFN-gamma at least 8.5-fold greater amounts were required at 8 than at 16 hours after light onset (dose range, 667-6000 IU/d) (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS In the murine tumor model, administration of rHuIFN-alpha A/D at 4 hours after light onset and rMuIFN-gamma at 16 hours after light onset may produce maximum antitumor activity.
Nonlinear acoustics: from research in physics to application (historical incidents)

The subject of nonlinear acoustics (NA) is the strong perturbations of medium, which doesn’t obey the princip of superposition. The manyfold interactions of sound with different perturbations of medium are developing in this case. Fast development of NA took place in the second part of the last centure due to ultrasonic technology progress, which provides high intensity ultrasound generation. Some incidents of NA development, connected with study of high intensity sound propagation and application of Parametric Arrays are presented in the present paper.
Estimation of state probabilities using the maximum entropy principle

A simple method is derived for computing state probabilities of a system when the probabilities of certain aggregate states are known. The method is based on maximizing the system entropy. It is shown that the results obtained by the method satisfy certain assumptions on statistical independence between events. The method is applied to a problem arising in computer performance analysis.
Development and optimization of a hybridization assay for epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses

Hybridization assays for the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) orbiviruses causing bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease are more labor-intensive and less sensitive than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoperoxidase assay. Cell-culture EHD virus amplification, rapid extraction, and optimization of RNA blotting conditions were examined to increase sensitivity and decrease labor. Aldehyde RNA denaturations and nylon hybridization membranes resulted in stronger positive hybridization signals. Treatment of infected cells with protease did not increase the yield of viral RNA target. Because RNA extraction is a tedious process, a simple non-phenolic diethyl pyrocarbonate extraction procedure was developed. The sensitivity, versatility, and the reproducibility of hybridization assays are addressed.
Canonical pathways and networks regulated by estrogen in the bovine mammary gland

Many attempts have been made to identify estrogen-responsive genes using high-throughput approaches such as microarray, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), and in silico prediction. However, few studies have systematically analyzed regulatory networks and pathways affected by estrogen. In this report, we analyzed transcript profiles obtained from 16 prepubertal heifers in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment, with ovarian status (intact or ovariectomized) as the first factor and estrogen treatment as the second (control or estradiol). After 54 h of estrogen treatment, gene expression was evaluated in the parenchyma and fat pad of the bovine mammary gland using a high-density oligonucleotide microarray. The genes significantly regulated by estrogen were subject to pathway and regulatory network analysis using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis software. Approximately 2,344 genes responded significantly to estrogen treatment. Of these, 1016 genes were influenced by estrogen regardless of tissue or ovarian status, while the remaining genes were significant in one of four specific effects of tissue or ovarian status. The canonical pathways significantly regulated by estrogen (P < 0.05) included protein ubiquitination, G2/M cell cycle control, IGF1 signaling, N-glycan biosynthesis, sterol biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. A total of 23 regulatory networks were identified as estrogen responsive. The results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms through which estrogen regulates bovine mammary gland growth and development, supporting the concept that interaction between tissues within the mammary gland promotes mammary epithelial growth.
In God We Trust: Qualitative Findings on Finances, Family, and Faith from a Diverse Sample of U.S. Families.

Employing qualitative interviews with a diverse national sample of 184 religious families (N = 445 individuals), we present an in-depth look at how participants (a) view and frame their faith-based financial giving, (b) how they contribute to and receive from their faith communities, and (c) how the blending of faith and finances influences their marital and parental relationships.
Informal Caregiving: Dilemmas of Sandwiched Caregivers

Increased demand will intensify pressures for informal caregiving, especially for sandwiched caregivers. Using 1999, National Long Term Care Survey data, we contrasted socio-demographic statistics, care environments, activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) assistance, life quality, and employment burden of sandwiched versus non-sandwiched parental caregivers. Regression analysis explored variables influencing caregiving hours, employment accommodation, stress, strain, time for self, social life limits, free time, and excess burden. We found no differences in caregiving hours, no greater labor force accommodation, but lower quality of life among sandwiched caregivers with more than they can handle, but they undertook parent care despite quality of life reduction. Uniquely, the research indicates sandwiched caregivers’ employment mitigates stress, strain, and burden and supports policy changes providing more supportive workplace environments.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a child with neuroblastoma preceding autologous stem cell transplant.

Introduction Epstein-Barr virus-driven lymphoproliferative disease is a wellknown complication of congenital and acquired immunodeficiency, including that occurring posttransplantation (PTLD) after solid organ transplantation. PTLD is also a known sequela of allogeneic ematopoietic cell transplantation, and in adults more rarely has ollowed less immunosuppressive ASCT for leukemias and myeloysplasia. EBV-LPD in children after ASCT has been uncommon. n 1 report, 5 of 119 children (4.6%) with neuroblastoma treated ith tandem transplants using CD34 selected ASCT developed TLD, and it was suggested that immune disregulation from CD34 selection was responsible. However, another report described a single child with neuroblastoma and several adults who developed EBVLPD after unmanipulated ASCT. We describe what we believe is he first case of neuroblastoma followed by EBV-LPD preceding SCT.
Ophthalmic manifestations of mosaic Down syndrome

Purpose The cognitive and physical stigmata of mosaic Down syndrome (DS) are often considered to be less severe than complete trisomy-21 DS. In contrast to complete trisomy-21 DS, the ophthalmic manifestations in mosaic DS have rarely been reported. The aim of the present study is to report clinically significant ophthalmic abnormalities in a cohort of individuals with mosaic DS. Methods A prospective cross-sectional observational case series was designed to evaluate ophthalmic manifestations of mosaic DS. Individuals with mosaic DS were recruited and examined at the biennial meeting of the International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association. A medical, surgical, and ocular history was obtained. Each subject received a complete eye examination on site, including assessment of visual acuity, alignment, motility, sensory function, accommodation, anterior segment, fundus, and cycloplegic refraction. Results Seventeen individuals with mosaic DS (mean age, 9 years; range, 6 months to 32 years) underwent eye examinations. Clinically significant refractive errors were present in 41% of the subjects, accommodative insufficiency in 59%, strabismus in 35%, nystagmus in 6%, and cataract in 6%. Ten individuals completed optotype visual acuity testing. Mean LogMAR acuity of the better eye of each subject was 0.2 (20/32 equivalent). Conclusions Clinically significant ophthalmic disorders are common among children and young adults with mosaic DS. Our findings support regular periodic eye examinations for these individuals.
Ultrasonic wave propagation assessment of native cartilage explants and hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering

Non-destructive techniques characterising the mechanical properties of cells, tissues, and biomaterials provide baseline metrics for tissue engineering design. Ultrasonic wave propagation and attenuation has previously demonstrated the dynamics of extracellular matrix synthesis in chondrocyte-seeded hydrogel constructs. In this paper, we describe an ultrasonic method to analyse two of the construct elements used to engineer articular cartilage in real-time, native cartilage explants and an agarose biomaterial. Results indicated a similarity in wave propagation velocity ranges for both longitudinal (1500–1745 m/s) and transverse (350–950 m/s) waveforms. Future work will apply an acoustoelastic analysis to distinguish between the fluid and solid properties including the cell and matrix biokinetics as a validation of previous mathematical models.
Probability Distribution Function of the Internal Rate of Return for Short-Term Projects with Some Random Cash Flows and Extensions

This article reports closed-form probability density function and related expressions of the internal rate of return for one- and two-period pure and simple probabilistic engineering economy problems. The random cash flows are either uniform or exponential variables. In addition, there is no correlation between the cash flows. The probability density function of the internal rate of return is an important tool that helps decision makers estimate the probability of the internal rate of return exceeding the minimum attractive rate of return. Hillier's method (1963) using normal cash flows is also evaluated when the cash flows are uniformly distributed.
Marital Adjustment and Conventionalization: A Reexamination.

Marital adjustment research has been called into question by the claim that its measurements are so contaminated by marital conventionalization as to be of little value. An attempt is made to explain the relationship between adjustment and conventionalization both in terms of idealization of the spouse and in terms of the response format employed in measures of conventionalization. Based upon questionnaire responses from 365 married individuals, these explanations are found to be inadequate. The present analysis leads to the conclusion that conventionalization and adjustment each contaminate the measure of the other, with conventionalization making a genuine contribution to adjustment scores.
Effects of parenteral and enteral nutrition on gut-associated lymphoid tissue

Changes in mucosal defense have been implicated as important factors affecting infections complications in critically ill patients. To study the effects of nutrient administration on gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT), ICR mice were randomized to receive chow plus intravenous saline, intravenous feeding of a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution, or enteral feeding of the same TPN solution. In a second series of experiments, a more complex enteral diet (Nutren) was compared with chow feeding and enteral TPN. After 5 days of feeding with experimental diets, lymphocytes were harvested from the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), Peyer's patches (PPs), lamina propria (LP) cells, and intraepithelial (IE) spaces of the small intestine to determine cell yields and phenotypes. Small intestinal washings, gallbladder contents, and sera were collected and analyzed for immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels. In both series of experiments, there were no significant changes within the MLNs. There were significant decreases in total cell yields from the PPs, IE spaces, and LP in animals fed with TPN solution, either enterally or parenterally, as compared with chow-fed mice. Total T cells were decreased in both TPN-fed groups in the PPs and LP, whereas total B cells were decreased in the PP, IE, and LP populations. Total cell numbers remained normal in the Nutrenfed group, except for a decrease in LP T cells. CD4+ LP cells decreased significantly with a reduction in the CD4/CD8 ratio in mice fed TPN solution either intravenously or enterally, whereas IgA recovery from small intestinal washings was significantly decreased in the same groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Tachykinins in the control of breathing by hypoxia: pre- and post-genomic era

This article highlights major findings from physiological and pharmacological studies conducted in the pre- and post-genomic era examining the roles of substance P (SP) and other tachykinins in the response of the carotid body to hypoxia, in the ventilatory response to hypoxia and in respiratory rhythm generation. In the post-genomic period, the hypoxic ventilatory responses of mice carrying targeted deletion of genes that affect synthesis or degradation or receptor interaction of SP have been examined by us and also by other investigators. A brief summary of the findings from these investigations will also be presented. The combined observations from the pre- and post-genomic era strongly support the involvement of SP and also other tachykinins in the control of respiration during hypoxia.
Preferential Lymphatic Growth in Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in Sustained Lung Inflammation

Lymphatics proliferate, become enlarged, or regress in multiple inflammatory lung diseases in humans. Lymphatic growth and remodeling is known to occur in the mouse trachea in sustained inflammation, but whether intrapulmonary lymphatics exhibit similar plasticity is unknown. We examined the time course, distribution, and dependence on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2/VEGFR-3 signaling of lung lymphatics in sustained inflammation. Lymphatics in mouse lungs were examined under baseline conditions and 3 to 28 days after Mycoplasma pulmonis infection, using prospero heomeobox 1–enhanced green fluorescence protein and VEGFR-3 as markers. Sprouting lymphangiogenesis was evident at 7 days. Lymphatic growth was restricted to regions of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), where VEGF-C–producing cells were scattered in T-cell zones. Expansion of lung lymphatics after infection was reduced 68% by blocking VEGFR-2, 83% by blocking VEGFR-3, and 99% by blocking both receptors. Inhibition of VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 did not prevent the formation of BALT. Treatment of established infection with oxytetracycline caused BALT, but not the lymphatics, to regress. We conclude that robust lymphangiogenesis occurs in mouse lungs after M. pulmonis infection through a mechanism involving signaling of both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. Expansion of the lymphatic network is restricted to regions of BALT, but lymphatics do not regress when BALT regresses after antibiotic treatment. The lung lymphatic network can thus expand in sustained inflammation, but the expansion is not as reversible as the accompanying inflammation.
14-3-3 zeta protein secreted by tumor associated monocytes/macrophages from ascites of epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

Tumor associated monocytes/macrophages (MO/MA) are known contributors to the immune-inflammatory cell environment of advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). The secreted proteome of ascitic MO/MA was examined as an aid to the discovery of novel proteins in EOC that are likely to have biological relevance in the inflammatory pathways of EOC. Ascitic fluid MO/MA were isolated from EOC patients, grown short-term in serum-free media. MO/MA supernatants were analyzed for secreted proteins by HPLC fractionation followed by LC-tandem mass spectrometric analysis. The 14-3-3 zeta adaptor protein was identified in supernatants of three of three EOC patients but not in supernatants of buffy coat monocytes isolated from normal donors or the established monocyte cell line THP1. Moreover, 14-3-3 zeta was identified in ascitic fluids in eight of eight chemotherapy-naive patients by both immunoblot and mass spectrometric analysis. Immunofluorescent staining for 14-3-3 zeta demonstrated expression of the protein on ascitic and peritumoral macrophages in EOC patients. 14-3-3 zeta was also expressed on endothelial cells in the peritumoral stroma and partially on tumor cells. Uptake of 14-3-3 zeta was observed in EOC cell lines co-cultured with the recombinant protein expressed in E. coli. It is demonstrated for the first time that the important adaptor protein 14-3-3 zeta is common to the secretome of ascitic MO/MA and the ascites of advanced EOC patients.
Use of Short, Wide-Bore Capillary Columns in GC Toxicological Screening

The usefulness of wide-bore, thick film capillary columns for routine toxicological screening was assessed. Two such columns were examined: fused silica CPSil 5CB (i.d., 0.53 mm; length, 10 m; film thickness, 5.2 microns) and glass SPB-1 (i.d. 0.75 mm; length, 30 m; film thickness, 1.0 micron). A standard packed column filled with 3% OV-1 (i.d., 2 mm; length, 1.5 m) and a medium-bore fused silica column CPSil 5 (i.d., 0.32 mm; length, 25 m; film thickness, 0.4 micron) were examined for comparison. Mixtures of alkanes and drugs, as well as biological samples from routine casework, were analyzed. Both types of wide-bore columns proved to be very useful in routine toxicological practice, due to satisfactory efficiency, high capacity, and ease of installation. The retention index values of various drugs, examined on wide-bore columns, were in agreement with the reference database obtained from packed columns.
Radioembolization following Liver Resection: Safety and Dosing Considerations.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the impact of previous liver resection on the safety of resin microsphere radioembolization (RE). Materials and Methods A single-center retrospective review was performed of 22 patients who underwent resin microsphere RE after liver resection during the period 2009–2014. Prescribed patient dose using the body surface area (BSA) model and a theoretical dose calculated from the actual liver volume on imaging were recorded. Patient and treatment characteristics were analyzed for factors that contributed to toxicity. Results In 13 patients, 20 grade 1–3 toxicities were identified. No differences in toxicity were seen based on extent of prior hepatic resection or whether whole-liver treatments were performed ( P = .2). The measured liver volume based on cross-sectional imaging correlated poorly with the expected liver volume based on BSA ( r = 0.43). After adjusting for the patients' measured liver volume on cross-sectional imaging, five patients were determined to be relatively overdosed and seven patients were determined to be relatively underdosed by the BSA method. Despite these differences, no association was found with patient toxicities and either an overestimation or an underestimation of liver volume ( P = .4). Conclusion Previous hepatic resection does not adversely alter the safety profile of yttrium-90 RE. BSA poorly predicts expected liver volume in this population. However, standard BSA-based dosing and whole-liver remnant treatments do not increase hepatotoxicity.
Exploring the Performance Differences on the Flicker Task and the Conners' Continuous Performance Test in Adults With ADHD:

Objective: To examine the ability of the flicker task to demonstrate greater utility in discriminating performance in young adults with and without ADHD compared to the Conners' CPT (CCPT). Method: Flicker task and CCPT performance were compared between an ADHD (n = 28) and control (n = 30) group of college students. Results: This study replicated previous flicker task findings, providing support for using the flicker task to demonstrate the robust nature of change blindness. However, the flicker task did not demonstrate better discriminative utility than the CCPT. Task-dependent measures correlated with ADHD rating scale indices of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, indicating that CPTs lack symptom domain specificity. Conclusion: Results support the growing evidence that CPTs currently provide only modest utility for discriminating performance in adults with and without ADHD. Recommendations are provided regarding the future study of CPTs as a valid measure of ADHD performance and the potential ...
Biological development of cell patterns: characterizing the space of cell chemistry genetic regulatory networks

Genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) control gene expression and are responsible for establishing the regular cellular patterns that constitute an organism. This paper introduces a model of biological development that generates cellular patterns via chemical interactions. GRNs for protein expression are generated and evaluated for their effectiveness in constructing 2D patterns of cells such as borders, patches, and mosaics. Three types of searches were performed: (a) a Monte Carlo search of the GRN space using a utility function based on spatial interestingness; (b) a hill climbing search to identify GRNs that solve specific pattern problems; (c) a search for combinatorial codes that solve difficult target patterns by running multiple disjoint GRNs in parallel. We show that simple biologically realistic GRNs can construct many complex cellular patterns. Our model provides an avenue to explore the evolution of complex GRNs that drive development.
Tilting and torsion theory counter equivalences

(1995). Tilting and torsion theory counter equivalences. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 23, No. 13, pp. 4833-4849.
Eosinophilic hepatitis caused by lamotrigine.

A 20-year-old woman with seizures was started on lamotrigine 6 weeks before presenting with fatigue, jaundice, pruritus, rash, chest pain, and dyspnea. She had no known history of liver disease or drug allergies and took only occasional acetaminophen in addition to lamotrigine. She denied use of herbal products. On presentation, she was febrile, tachycardic, and developed wheezing and respiratory distress. She had jaundice and a tender liver edge, but no ascites, asterixis, or cutaneous stigmata of chronic liver disease. Laboratory studies showed a white blood cell count of 9600 cells/mm3 with 15% eosinophils, a platelet count of 162,000/mm3, an international normalized ratio of 1.1, an albumin level of 3.2 g/dL, a total bilirubin level of 10.4 mg/dL, an aspartate transaminase level of 190 U/L, an alanine transaminase level of 233 U/L, and an alkaline phosphatase level of 171 U/L. Liver enzyme levels were normal 3 years earlier. She had negative tests for hepatitis A, B, and C, hepatitis C RNA, and antinuclear antibody, and a normal ceruloplasmin level. The acetaminophen level was 7 mg/L and anti-smooth muscle antibody was borderline positive (titer, 1:40). Imaging showed a 14-cm spleen, normal liver, no biliary ductal dilatation, bilateral patchy ground-glass opacities in the lungs consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Figure A), and numerous subcentimeter mediastinal, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes. Liver biopsy examination showed prominent eosinophilic portal and lobular inflammation, necrotic hepatocytes, and focal confluent necrosis, with no granulomas or fibrosis, with hematoxylineosin staining (Figure B, 200×). The patient showed several features of hypersensitivity including fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, pneumonitis, increased liver enzyme levels, and eosinophilic hepatitis on biopsy examination. Lamotrigine was stopped, glucocorticoids were initiated for apparent hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and liver enzyme levels improved over several weeks. Lamotrigine generally is safe1 but a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity syndrome, including severe liver injury, has been associated rarely with its use.2 This report of severe hepatotoxicity includes pneumonitis and highlights the importance of close monitoring in patients treated with lamotrigine.
Capital budgeting practices in hospitals

We interviewed chief financial officers from hospitals and healthcare systems in Michigan regarding selected capital budgeting practices that have not been previously considered in the literature. Results revealed a variety of approaches in the development and deployment of capital budgets. Most healthcare systems used a blend of board and department-initiated input into budget development, usually with interaction between the two. The majority of healthcare systems had flexibility in the deployment of their capital budgets over time. Standard methods of project evaluation were employed by healthcare CFOs, but few used the most sophisticated tools. A host of constraints, including certificate-of-need laws and internal, mission-based motivations uniquely affect capital budgeting of not-for-profit healthcare systems. Clearly, future research will be need to understand why organisations have selected capital budgeting practices and the extent to which selection and use of capital budgeting practices matters in the efficiency and viability of healthcare systems.
Spatial and temporal chromatic contrast: Effects on chromatic discrimination for stimuli varying in L- and M-cone excitation

Discrimination for equiluminant chromatic stimuli that vary in L- and M-cone excitation depends on the chromaticity difference between the test field and the surrounding area. The current study investigated the effect of the proximity in space and time of a surround to the test field on chromatic contrast discrimination. The experimental paradigm isolated spatial, temporal, and spatial-and-temporal chromatic contrast effects on discrimination. Chromatic contrast discrimination thresholds were assessed by a four-alternative spatial forced-choice procedure. Stimuli were either metameric to the equal energy spectrum, or varied in L-cone activation along a line of constant S-cone activation. A model based on primate parvocellular pathway physiology described the data. Spatial and temporal contrast produced equivalent reductions in chromatic discriminability as the chromatic difference between the test and surround increased. For all test chromaticities, discrimination was best in the absence of chromatic contrast. Chromatic contrast discrimination is determined by either the spatial or temporal contrast component of the signal.
The phorbol ester phorbol myristate acetate inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope-mediated fusion by modulating an accessory component(s) in CD4-expressing cells.

The phorbol ester phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) strongly inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-induced syncytium formation; it has been suggested that this inhibitory effect is due to the transient downmodulation of the surface-associated CD4 receptors by PMA (I. H. Chowdhury, Y. Koyanagi, S. Kobayashi, Y. Hamamoto, H. Yoshiyama, T. Yoshida, and N. Yamamoto, Virology 176:126-132, 1990). Surprisingly, PMA treatment of cells expressing truncated (A2.01.CD4.401) and hybrid (A2.01.CD4.CD8) CD4 molecules, which are not downmodulated (P. Bedinger, A. Moriarty, R. C. von Borstel II, N. J. Donovan, K. S. Steimer, and D. R. Littman, Nature [London] 334:162-165, 1988), inhibited their fusion with CD4- (12E1) cells expressing vaccinia virus-encoded HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (gp120-gp41) and with chronically HIV-1-infected H9 (MN, IIIB, or RF) cells. PMA pretreatment of T (12E1) and non-T (HeLa, U937.3, and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B) cell lines expressing vaccinia virus-encoded CD4 also blocked fusion with 12E1 cells expressing vaccinia virus-encoded gp120-gp41. Interestingly, pretreatment of the gp120-gp41-expressing 12E1 cells with PMA did not alter their fusion with untreated CD4-expressing cells. Although the inhibitory effect of PMA was rapid and treatment for 1.5 h with 5 ng of PMA per ml was sufficient to reduce fusion by more than 50%, the recovery after treatment was slow and more than 40 h was needed before the cells regained half of their fusion potential. The inhibitory effect of PMA was blocked by staurosporine in a dose-dependent fashion, suggesting that it is mediated by protein kinase C. PMA treatment of A2.01.CD4.401 cells reduced the number of infected cells 6.7-fold, as estimated by a quantitative analysis of the HIV-1 MN infection kinetics, probably by affecting the stage of virus entry into cells. CD26 surface expression was not significantly changed by PMA treatment. We conclude that PMA inhibits the CD4-gp120-gp41-mediated fusion by modulating an accessory component(s), different from CD26, in the target CD4-expressing cells. These findings suggest a novel approach for identification of accessory molecules involved in fusion and may have implications for the development of antiviral agents.