cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning probabilistic phenotypes from heterogeneous EHR data

Display Omitted We present the UPhenome model, which derives phenotypes in an unsupervised manner.UPhenome scales easily to large sets of diseases and clinical observations.The learned phenotypes combine clinical text, ICD9 codes, lab tests, and medications.UPhenome learns phenotypes that can be applied to unseen patient records. We present the Unsupervised Phenome Model (UPhenome), a probabilistic graphical model for large-scale discovery of computational models of disease, or phenotypes. We tackle this challenge through the joint modeling of a large set of diseases and a large set of clinical observations. The observations are drawn directly from heterogeneous patient record data (notes, laboratory tests, medications, and diagnosis codes), and the diseases are modeled in an unsupervised fashion. We apply UPhenome to two qualitatively different mixtures of patients and diseases: records of extremely sick patients in the intensive care unit with constant monitoring, and records of outpatients regularly followed by care providers over multiple years. We demonstrate that the UPhenome model can learn from these different care settings, without any additional adaptation. Our experiments show that (i) the learned phenotypes combine the heterogeneous data types more coherently than baseline LDA-based phenotypes; (ii) they each represent single diseases rather than a mix of diseases more often than the baseline ones; and (iii) when applied to unseen patient records, they are correlated with the patients ground-truth disorders. Code for training, inference, and quantitative evaluation is made available to the research community.
Translating spiritual care in the chaplain profession.

Chaplains provide a much-needed service to patients and families requiring spiritual care in the healthcare setting. Despite evidence documenting improvements quality of life for patients using spiritual services, chaplains experience challenges in translating the benefits they provide into concepts understood by patients, team members, and administrators. A qualitative study using interviews with 19 chaplains found that translation problems occur in three main areas: (a) justifying the role to patients and families, (b) determinations of what constitutes a “productive” employee, and (c) effective collaboration with other members of the health care team. This study outlines several strategies used by chaplains to ease the process of translation, as well as some directions for future research.
On the design of a coupled line filter with a slightly mismatched load and its analysis by the Eigen Mode Expansion method

Usually, filter design is carried out by first setting network functions for a matched condition between the signal source and the load. Next, a filter circuit is synthesized. In this process, errors entering the parameters in the process of deriving the network functions cause the characteristics to deviate, and often destroy the unitary condition so that synthesis of the circuit becomes impossible. This problem can be avoided by intentionally allowing mismatch between the signal source and the load in the design of the network functions. Although such an effect is present, the design procedure becomes complex and hence such a technique is rarely studied. In the present research, this concept is applied in order to recover network functions with the unitary condition destroyed due to the errors, so that a prototype low-pass filter can be synthesized. Next, in order to confirm the effectiveness of this procedure, a coupled line filter at microwave frequencies is designed by using such network functions. Further, a Foster-type equivalent circuit is derived for the coupled line filter by the Eigen Mode Expansion method. Along with confirming the characteristics of the network functions, the correspondence and discrepancy between the network functions and the coupled line filter are quantified. Through this series of circuit design and analysis, the effect of this design procedure and the applications to actual filter design are validated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 87(9): 1–11, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20080
Analysis of Derailments by Accident Cause: Evaluating Railroad Track Upgrades to Reduce Transportation Risk

The risk of train derailment associated with rail transportation is an ongoing concern for the rail industry, government, and the public. Various approaches have been considered or adopted to analyze, manage, and reduce risk. Upgrading track quality has been identified as one possible strategy for preventing derailment. The quality of freight railroad track is commonly divided into five principal classes by FRA on the basis of track structure, track geometry, and inspection frequency and method. The higher the track class, the more stringent are the track safety standards and thus a higher maximum train speed is allowed. Upgrading track class is likely to prevent certain track-related derailments; however, this upgrade may also increase the risk of certain types of equipment failure that are more likely to occur at higher speeds. Consequently, more sophisticated approaches need to be developed to examine the interactions among accident causes that may be differently affected by upgrades to track infrastru...
Buschke-Ollendorff Syndrome Associated with Elevated Elastin Production by Affected Skin Fibroblasts in Culture

Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome (BOS; McKusick 16670) is an autosomal dominant connective-tissue disorder characterized by uneven osseous formation in bone (osteopoikilosis) and fibrous skin papules (dermatofibrosis lenticularis disseminata). We describe two patients in whom BOS occurred in an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The connective tissue of the skin lesions showed both collagen and elastin abnormalities by electron microscopy. Cultured fibroblasts from both patients produced 2-8 times more tropoelastin than normal skin fibroblasts in the presence of 10% calf serum. Involved skin fibroblasts of one patient produced up to eight times normal levels, whereas apparently uninvolved skin was also elevated more than threefold. In a second patient, whose involvement was nearly complete, elastin production was high in involved areas and less so in completely involved skin. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1), a powerful stimulus for elastin production, brought about similar relative increases in normal and BOS strains. Basic fibroblast growth factor, an antagonist of TGF beta 1-stimulated elastin production, was able to reduce elastin production in basal and TGF beta 1 stimulated BOS strains. Elastin mRNA levels were elevated in all patient strains, suggesting that Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome may result, at least in part, from abnormal regulation of extracellular matrix metabolism that leads to increased steady-state levels of elastin mRNA and elastin accumulation in the dermis.
Purification and characterization of the flavoprotein tryptophan 2-monooxygenase expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Tryptophan 2-monooxygenase from Pseudomonas savastanoi is a flavoprotein which catalyzes the formation of indoleacetamide from tryptophan. This is the first step in a two-step pathway for the formation of indoleacetic acid during infection of plants and subsequent gall formation by this and other bacteria. The enzyme has been expressed in Escherichia coli at high levels, and a purification procedure has been developed which generates micromolar amounts of protein. The purified enzyme contains tightly bound indoleacetamide; a method involving dialysis against 20% methanol has been developed for removing the indoleacetamide without significant loss of enzyme activity. Amino acids with large hydrophobic side chains are the best substrates. N-substituted phenylalanines will also act as substrates. N -ethylmaleimide, methyl methanethiol-sulfonate, and diethylpyrocarbonate act as active site-directed reagents, consistent with a histidine and a cysteine at or near the enzyme active site. Vinylglycine partially inactivates the enzyme, while propargylglycine has no effect.
Delayed Response to Radiofrequency Ablation of Accessory Connections

This article summarizes delayed interruption in anomalous conduction through accessory connections following radiofrequency ablation attempts in three patients. The time course of the delayed interruption in accessory connection conduction suggests that such an effect is unlikely to occur after the first week following unsuccessful radiofrequency ablation.
Fracture-zone tectonics at Zabargad Island, Red Sea (Egypt)

Abstract Zabargad Island, which lies along the western margin of the Red Sea rift, is a remarkable place because it provides fresh exposures of undepleted mantle peridotite. How this peridotite came to be exposed on Zabargad remains unclear. Our field mapping indicates that most of the contacts between peridotite and the adjacent bodies of Pan-African gneiss and Cretaceous(?) Zabargad Formation on the island are now high-angle brittle faults. Zabargad Formation strata have been complexly folded, partly in response to this faulting. Overall, the array of high-angle faults and associated folds on the island resembles those found in cross-rift transfer zones. We suggest, therefore, that the Zabargad fracture zone, a band of submarine escarpments on the floor of the Red Sea north of the island, crosses Zabargad Island and has actively resolved differential movement between the central Red Sea rift and the northern Red Sea rift. The final stage of uplift that brought the unusual peridotite to the earth's surface is related to shallow crustal transpression, which may have inverted an earlier transtensional regime.
Management of low-grade gliomas: a review of patient-perceived quality of life and neurocognitive outcome.

Low-grade glioma (LGG) comprises nearly 20% of all central nervous system glial tumors, with approximately 2000−3000 patients diagnosed annually in the United States. Because of their infiltrative ability and aggressive nature, the average 10-year survival is 30% when
The CP43 Core Antenna Complex of Photosystem II Possesses Two Quasi-Degenerate and Weakly Coupled Qy-Trap States

Research at the Ames Laboratory was supported by the Division of Chemical Sciences, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, U.S. Department of Energy. Ames Laboratory is operated for USDOE by Iowa State University under Contract W-7405-Eng-82. M.A. and R. P. acknowledge support from the DGI CYT (Grant PB 98-1632; Spain). Research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was sponsored by the Division of Energy Biosciences, U.S. Department of Energy. NREL is operated for USDOE by the Midwest Research Institute under Contract DE-AC36-98-GO10337.
Molecular determination of X inactivation pattern correlates with phenotype in women with a structurally abnormal X chromosome.

Purpose: To correlate the X inactivation pattern, as determined by one or more molecular assays, with phenotype in individuals with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. Methods: We utilized methylation analysis of androgen receptor (AR) and Fragile X (FMR1) genes and expression studies of an XIST polymorphism to assess X inactivation patterns of 28 females with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. Individuals were placed in one of three categories: (1) completely nonrandom inactivation of one X chromosome, (2) preferential or skewed inactivation of one X chromosome, or (3) random inactivation of either X chromosome. Results: In 19 of 21 cases with complete (> 7%) skewing of X inactivation, the phenotype was either normal, consistent with a single gene disorder, or consistent with classical Turner syndrome; two cases with completely nonrandom X inactivation had unexplained mental retardation phenotypes. In contrast, six of seven cases that did not exhibit completely nonrandom X inactivation were phenotypically abnormal. Carriers of two balanced translocations, two duplicated Xs, one deleted X, and one 45,X/46,X,r(X) presented with mental retardation and/or multiple congenital anomalies. Conclusion: In patients with random or skewed X inactivation, the abnormal phenotype was hypothesized to be due to functional nullisomy or disomy of X-linked genes. Based on these results, we propose that X inactivation studies should be performed on all women with structurally abnormal X chromosomes. This should aid in the understanding of abnormal phenotypes in liveborn individuals with abnormal X chromosomes and may help to predict phenotypes for prenatally detected cases in the future.
Adjuvant Cisplatin and Docetaxel for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Experience

Introduction Cisplatin and docetaxel (Doc) are commonly used for adjuvant therapy for non-small cell lung cancer based on extrapolation from the metastatic setting. Nevertheless, essentially no data have been published on this regimen in the adjuvant context, leading to controversy, particularly surrounding feasibility. Methods Using a tumor database augmented with chart reviews, we retrospectively evaluated treatment outcomes of all patients receiving postoperative cisplatin (75 mg/m2) and Doc (75 mg/m2) between August 2003 and November 2008. During this period, this regimen was considered to be the first choice regimen for sufficiently fit patients at the University of Pennsylvania Results The database captured 54 patients. Overall, 85.2% received all four planned cycles (83.3% at full dose). Chart review allowed definitive assessment of toxicity in 47 patients. A single patient (2%) died of grade 5 febrile neutropenia. There was no grade 4 toxicity, and 8.5% experienced grade 3 febrile neutropenia. No febrile neutropenia was observed in 26 patients given prophylactic peg-filgrastim. The incidence was 23.8% in the 21 patients not given peg-filgrastim during the first cycle; 6.4% each experienced grade 3 gastritis, anorexia, nausea, and fatigue, and 2.1% experienced grade 3 diarrhea. Median progression-free survival was 17.9 months, and median overall survival has not been reached. Conclusion Cisplatin and Doc are feasible in the adjuvant setting with superior dose delivery and convenience compared with historic data with cisplatin and vinorelbine.
Structural dynamics of protonated methane and acetylene

The structural stability of protonated methane (C${\mathrm{H}}_{5}^{+}$) and acetylene (${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{3}^{+}$) has been investigated with ab initio molecular dynamics. In C${\mathrm{H}}_{5}^{+}$, the hydrogen atoms execute large amplitude pseudorotational motions. The hydrogen migrations are not disturbed by complexation with a hydrogen molecule. In contrast, for ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{3}^{+}$, the three hydrogen atoms permutate cyclically among the end carbon atoms and the bridging position. The theoretical results are consistent with and explain recent spectroscopic observation of these molecules.
Integrated Power and Attitude Control Systems for Space Station

Integrated Power and Attitude Control Systems (IPACS) studies performed over a decade ago established the feasibility of simultaneously storing electrical energy in wheels and utilizing the resulting momentum for spacecraft attitude control. It was shown that such a system possessed many advantages over other contemporary energy storage and attitude control systems in many applications. More recent technology advances in composite rotors, magnetic bearings, and power control electronics have triggered new optimism regarding the feasibility and merits of such a system. The paper presents the results of a recent study whose focus was to define an advanced IPACS and to evaluate its merits for the Space Station application. A system and component design concept is developed to establish the system performance capability. A system level trade study, including life-cycle costing, is performed to define the merits of the system relative to two other candidate systems. It is concluded that an advanced IPACS concept is not only feasible, but offers substantial savings in mass, and life-cycle cost.
Effect of patient obesity on the accuracy of thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging

The effects of patient habitus (e.g., breast attenuation in women and diaphragmatic attenuation in men) have long been recognized as factors that reduce the accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging. Although it has long been assumed that patient obesity effects accuracy, this has never been formally evaluated. We studied the effects of patient obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥30, on 607 patients who underwent exercise thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Because the effects of obesity are most likely mediated through increased photon attenuation and scatter, we also evaluated the effects of other markers of patient size: body surface area (BSA) and patient weight. Accuracy was determined by performing quantitative analysis and measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Obesity was associated with significantly lower accuracy (AUC 0.86 ± 0.03 vs 0.92 ± 0.02, p <0.05) despite similar estimates of maximal coronary blood flow (as estimated by heart rate and rate-pressure product at peak exercise) and severity of coronary disease. There were no significant differences attributable to either patient weight or BSA. Weight and BSA correlated significantly with left ventricular chamber size whereas BMI did not. We conclude that the accuracy of quantitative SPECT thallium-201 is significantly reduced by patient obesity and that although BSA and weight are also associated with increased attenuation, they have no effect on accuracy, which is most likely due to the compensating effects of increased chamber size.
Statistics and the Bayesian mind

Did German flying bombs really target the poorer areas of London-or did the poor people underneath them just think that they did? How many millions of dollars will the current re-make of King Kong really gross? Oh, and how many taxis are there in London? The human mind can make very good guesses, it seems-and it uses Bayesian analysis to do so. Tom Griffiths and Joshua Tenenbaum explain.
Pralatrexate: basic understanding and clinical development.

Importance of the field: Pralatrexate (PDX; 10-propargyl 10-deazaaminopterin), is an exciting new chemotherapeutic agent that is approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL). This is the only approved therapy for patients with PTCL.Areas covered in this review: This review describes the clinical development of PDX from its synthesis to its FDA approval. It details the biochemical basis of the differences between PDX and other antifolates that form the basis of the superiority of its activity. This is followed by a description of the preclinical data that led to early-phase clinical trials in lung cancer and lymphoma and, finally, the definitive trial that led to its approval in PTCL. The review also describes how PDX is being combined with other agents in both the preclinical and clinical arenas.What the reader will gain: These trials have been instrumental in defining a safe dose as well as the safety profile of the agent. FDA approval for the use of PDX in PTC...
Myths of Modern American Sleep: Naturalizing Primordial Sleep, Blaming Technological Distractions, and Pathologizing Children

AbstractAcross different kinds of modern influences on human sleep—from communication and media technologies, to medical interventions and chemicals used to modify sleep and wakefulness, to the organization of social life—some are seen as interfering with human nature. Others, like many institutions, are accepted as natural. This is apparent in the example of school start times, which are widely assumed to be based on an agrarian past. Unlike modern media technologies, school start times are often implicitly accepted as based in nature, and help constitute a sense of a historical primordial natural state in which humans lived in harmony with nature. The presumed naturalness of institutional times stands in opposition to modern media technologies and laboratory-derived chemicals, which are often criticized for being disruptive to our human natures and as having negative impacts on our sleep patterns. In some cases, technology may be serving as a distraction, interfering with a child's sleep, but technology...
Cervical stump carcinoma.

Abstract Although supracervical hysterectomy is becoming a vanishingly rare procedure, there are still many women with a retained cervical stump. We have reviewed 70 patients treated at the Radiation Oncology Center, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology for carcinoma of the cervical stump. The average time between the hysterectomy and the diagnosis of cancer in the stump was 26.6 years. The median age at diagnosis of 63.5 years is 8.5 years older than the median age at diagnosis of patients with cancer of the cervix with an intact uterus. Patients were treated with external beam radiation and/or intracavitary implants. Sixteen patients underwent surgery as well. The 5- and 10-year overall actuarial survival for all patients was 60% and 40%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year progression-free survival for all patients was 77% and 70%, respectively. Ten-year progression-free survival by stage was: 0–100%, 1A—100%, 1B—79%, 2A—100%, 2B—66%, and 3B—39%. Poor histologic differentiation correlated with a decreased long-term progression-free survival. Black patients, and those receiving prolonged courses of external beam irradiation, had a trend toward a worse prognosis. Neither non-squamous histology nor gross appearance affected outcome. With a median follow-up time of 12.9 years, there were only three isolated local failures and four combined with distant metastases. Complications were few, with twice as many occurring in the gastrointestinal system as in the genitourinary tract. We conclude that carcinoma of the cervical stump effectively treated by radiation therapy yields results equivalent to those seen in patients with an intact uterus.
GlobalMBA: A Blueprint for Creating an Integrated, International Trilateral MBA Program

ABSTRACT. Graduate business education is becoming increasingly international. However, the complexity of creating truly integrated, cross-country curricula has stifled the development of innovative degree programs, leading most institutions to rely on the tried-and-true semes­ter-abroad model. This article makes the case for a significantly more in­tegrated joint curriculum, such as that embodied in the GlobalMBA Program (hup://GlobaIMBA.unf.edu) jointly developed by the Fach- Jeffrey W. Steagall is Richard deRaismes Kip Professor of International Business, Department of Economics and Geography (E-mail: jsteagai@unf.edu), Jeffrey Michel­man is Associate Professor of Accounting, Department of Accounting and Finance (E-mail: jmicheim@unf.edu), and Earle C. Traynham is ECT Distinguished Professor of Business, Department of Economics and Geography (E-mail: traynham@unf.edu), all at Coggin College of Business, University of North Florida. Address correspondence to: Jeffrey Michelman, Department of Accounting and Fi­nance, Coggin College of Business. University of North Florida, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road, South, Jacksonville, FL 32224-2675 (E-mail: jmichelm@unf.edu), The authors would like to thank their colleagues Lothar cerny, Harald Sander, Harald Weyel and Denis Peguin for their invaluable help in developing and operating the GlobalMBA program, as well as for their insightful comments on drafts of this article. This article was made possible in part by a research grant from the Universite de Provence. Additional details about the GlobalMBA are available at http://GlobaIMBA.unf. edu. Any errors or omissions remain the responsibility of the authors. Journal of Teaching in International Business, Vol. 16(1) 2004 http://www.haworthpress.com/web/JTIB © 2004 by The Haworth Press. Inc. All rights reserved. Digital Object Identifier: 1O.1300/J066v 16nO '_02 7
Principal angle spectroscopic ellipsometry utilizing a rotating analyzer.

The variations of the intensity of the reflected light near null as a function of the angle of incidence are compared for three ellipsometric techniques. For films of either SiO2 or Si3N4 on silicon, the highest accuracy of the film thickness measurement is always obtained when the angle of incidence is either equal or nearly equal to the principal angle for all thicknesses of the film layer. Based on these results, it is shown that a variable angle of incidence spectroscopic ellipsometer operated at the principal angle of incidence and using a rotating analyzer combines the advantage of versatility with near maximum accuracy and sensitivity.
The influence of pancreatectomy on the metabolic state of the alloxan-diabetic dog.

THE most convincing evidence that a hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor is produced by the pancreas is the demonstration that removal of the pancreas from the dog previously rendered diabetic by alloxanization (alloxan-diabetic dog) results in a reduction in both the quantity of sugar excreted and the quantity of insulin required to maintain the preoperative level of glycosuria (Thorogood and Zimmerman, 1945; Rodriguez-Candela et at., 1947). Examination of the experimental design that was employed, however, raises doubts as to whether the aforementioned observations actually demonstrated that an amelioration of the diabetic state ensued after pancreatectomy. The hyperglycemia and glycosuria of the diabetic animal are dependent upon endogenous and exogenous sources of carbohydrate. If the exogenous sources remain constant, then it may be assumed that changes in the degree of glycosuria are due to endogenous factors.
Halftone image generation using two carrier periods

Abstract A three-step halftoning scheme involving two carrier periods is proposed to overcome the trade-off between graytone reproduction and detail resolution in binarized images. Computer simulation results are presented to justify the validity of the proposed method.
Positive-negative turbulence-free ghost imaging experiments

Experiments were performed at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) that observed turbulence-free positive and negative thermal light ghost images from independently recorded event histories of a “bucket” photo-detector and a charged coupled device (CCD) array. The positive (negative) ghost images were computed from the “bucket” detector counts which were above (below) their means, and the ghost images were not degraded by the turbulence. This paper provides a quantum interference model which effectively explains how the “bucket” photon counts yield positive or negative ghost images with a distant CCD array.
The inheritance pattern of 24 nt siRNA clusters in arabidopsis hybrids is influenced by proximity to transposable elements

Hybrids often display increased size and growth, and thus are widely cultivated in agriculture and horticulture. Recent discoveries demonstrating the important regulatory roles of small RNAs have greatly improved our understanding of many basic biological questions, and could illuminate the molecular basis for the enhanced growth and size of hybrid plants. We profiled small RNAs by deep sequencing to characterize the inheritance patterns of small RNA levels in reciprocal hybrids of two Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, Columbia and Landsberg erecta. We find 24-nt siRNAs predominate among those small RNAs that are differentially expressed between the parents. Following hybridization, the transposable element (TE)-derived siRNAs are often inherited in an additive manner, whereas siRNAs associated with protein-coding genes are often down-regulated in hybrids to the levels observed for the parent with lower relative siRNA levels. Among the protein-coding genes that exhibit this pattern, genes that function in pathogen defense, abiotic stress tolerance, and secondary metabolism are significantly enriched. Small RNA clusters from protein-coding genes where a TE is present within one kilobase show a different predominant inheritance pattern (additive) from those that do not (low-parent dominance). Thus, down-regulation in the form of low-parent dominance is likely the default pattern of inheritance for genic siRNA, and a different inheritance mechanism for TE siRNA is suggested.
Differential expression of CD22 (Lyb8) on murine B cells

Previous studies have established the distribution, biochemistry and functional attributes of human CD22, a B cell-restricted glycoprotein. Recently, molecular cloning of the murine CD22 equivalent revealed this molecule to be the same as the previously described Lyb8 alloantigen. Using the anti-Lyb8 mAb Cy34.1.2, the present report documents the expression patterns of CD22 within the murine B cell compartment. The results demonstrate that in the bone marrow, murine CD22 is absent on the surface of pro-B cells, pre-B cells and newly emerging IgM+ B cells. CD22 is present at a low density on immature IgMhi B cells and fully expressed on mature recirculating B cells. In the periphery, murine CD22 is expressed at mature levels on all B cell subsets including follicular, marginal zone, B1 and switched B cells. Further studies showed CD22 to be retained on activated murine B cells for extended periods. Finally, in combination with CD23 and heat stable antigen, CD22 can be used to delineate the immature splenic B cells, and distinguish them from follicular and marginal zone cells. Together, the results demonstrate murine CD22 to be a useful pan marker for all mature B cell subsets.
Note on Shear Interaction between Two Fibers.

Abstract : Application od shear lag theory to find the stress distribution in damaged composites has been handicapped by lack of knowledge concerning the effective shear stiffness of the matrix coupling adjacent fibers. This note gives an exact solution for a limiting case, namely two infinitely long rigid rods immersed in an infinite elastic matrix and displaced axially with respect to each other. (Authr)
Mitigation of radiation‐induced skin injury by AAV2‐mediated MnSOD gene therapy

Background Radiation-induced, long-lived free radicals, reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the resultant tissue injury after exposure to ionizing radiation. Methods An approach designed to reduce the damaging effects of reactive oxidants employs metalloenzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), such as MnSOD. Recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) provides safe and long-term expression in humans. We tested the effectiveness of AAV2-MnSOD-hrGFP, a vector expressing MnSOD and green fluorescent protein (GFP) in preclinical models. Results Infection of cultured cells with AAV2-MnSOD-hrGFP showed enhanced expression of MnSOD and GFP. Sustained expression of GFP was achieved for at least 1 month in vivo following administration of AAV2-MnSOD-hrGFP to subcutaneous tissue of C57BL/6J mice. A single subcutaneous injection of AAV2-MnSOD-hrGFP significantly mitigated acute skin injury following single dose of irradiation of either 30 or 35 Gy. Conclusions The proof-of-concept demonstrated in the present study together with the known safety profile in humans indicate that AAV-mediated MnSOD expression has potential countermeasure utility against normal tissue injury following radiation therapy or radiological accident. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of spinal cord tumors

Tumors associated with the spinal cord can have devastating effects on patient function and quality of life. Most of these tumors are from metastatic disease, usually to the epidural space. Less frequently, the tumors are intrinsic to the spinal cord itself (ie, primary tumor). Regardless of the etiology, spinal cord tumors often present first with progressive local or radicular pain, or both. Other symptoms include weakness, sensory changes, or sphincter dysfunction. The timeliness of diagnosis of spinal cord tumors and promptness of treatment are important, as they directly affect outcome. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used as a temporizing measure to improve or stabilize neurologic function until definitive treatment. For nonambulatory patients with epidural metastatic tumors, surgery followed by radiation therapy maximizes neurologic function and modestly lengthens survival. However, palliative radiotherapy alone is recommended for those with neurologic deficits lasting longer than 48 hours, survival prognosis less than 3 months, inability to tolerate surgery, multiple areas of compression, or radiosensitive tumors. An ambulatory patient with a stable spine should be considered for radiation treatment only. The role of chemotherapy for epidural metastatic tumors is not well established. For intramedullary metastases, the role of surgery and chemo therapy remains controversial and radiation is the mainstay. For low-grade or benign primary spinal cord tumors, resective surgery is of benefit and can be curative. For high-grade tumors, the benefit of resection is less clear, and radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be helpful. The use of chemotherapy for primary spinal cord tumors has rarely been assessed. Agents reported in the literature for treatment of spinal cord gliomas include temozolomide, irinotecan, cisplatin, and carboplatin. A multidisciplinary approach is often required to maximize the therapeutic and functional outcome of patients with metastatic and primary spinal cord tumors.
Congestion and economic valuation: A reconsideration

Abstract The topic of congestion in the use of travel cost demand models has received a considerable amount of attention. A number of extensions of the original Wetzel article have extended the question raised in that article. The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first purpose is to raise the general issue of the use of short-run or long-run demand curves for policy analysis. The second purpose is to make some brief specific comments about certain sections of the extensions and corrections offered to the original Wetzel article.
A review of non-DLVO interactions in environmental colloidal systems

The interaction and behavior of surfaces orcolloids is of quantitative significance inunderstanding the transport and fate ofcompounds and microorganisms in environmentalsystems. Historically, the DLVO model ofcolloid stability has described theseinteractions. This model finds its basis in aforce (energy) balance that comprisesattractive van der Waals and repulsiveelectrostatic interactions. Recently, the DLVOmodel has been found unable to fully describebiotic and abiotic colloidal behavior inaqueous media. The suspending phase (commonlywater) is often treated as a force (energy)transmitting or propagating medium. It isreasonable to believe that the structure ofwater may participate in a more significantfashion. Moreover, other moieties (sorbed anddissolved) may also have non-DLVO effects. Significant work has been focused on extendingthe precepts of the traditional DLVO model toaccommodate these non-DLVO forces (energies). This paper reviews many of the interactionsthat play a role in environmental systems andare not commonly subsumed by the traditionalDLVO model: e.g., hydrogen bonding and thehydrophobic effect, hydration pressure,non-charge transfer Lewis acid baseinteractions, and steric interactions.
Formation of gold nanoparticles on multiwalled carbon nanotubes by thermal evaporation

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were grown on W substrates by chemical vapor deposition and modified with Au nanoparticles by thermal evaporation. The resulting hybrid structures were investigated by TEM to determine the effects of evaporation rate, nominal film thickness, and substrate temperature on the nanoparticle size and distribution. The results demonstrate that as-grown MWCNTs can be used as a support for well distributed Au nanoparticles, with the size and distribution on the carbon nanotubes being primarily influenced by the nominal film thickness. The observed structures ranged from small 4 nm diameter spherical particles to 150 nm long wire-like structures. Depositions with substrates at 25 °C and 400 °C resulted in similar particle structures, except for the highest amount of deposited Au.
The Effects of Electrode Size and Configuration on Plasma Actuator Thrust and Effectiveness at Low Pressure

The thrust production and power consumption of plasma actuators with varying electrode geometries was measured. The geometries were varied by changing the chord-wise length of the exposed and buried electrodes as well as varying the chord-wise gap between the electrodes. Each actuator was driven with a 5 kHz sine wave at 16 kVpp, and operated at pressures ranging from 10-101 kPa, which corresponds to altitudes from 16,000 m to sea level. The electric field of each configuration was also modeled using Maxwell Ansoft. Increasing the length of the buried electrode was found to have the greatest effect on thrust production especially at low pressure. Actuators with 75 mm buried electrodes produced an average of 26% more thrust at all pressures and 34% more thrust at 20-40 kPa than the traditional 15 mm buried electrode. The gap study revealed that actuators with a 1 mm gap produced the most thrust at all pressures. All actuator designs were found to have a similar linear relationship between their effectivene...
Applying Within-Subject Methodology to Transfer of Training Research

Research suggests that the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired by trainees in organisational training programmes frequently fail to transfer to the job. Accordingly, continued research on transfer of training is needed. Recent critical reviews of the training literature have indicated the need for improved methodological rigour in transfer of training research. This article presents recommendations for improving the methodological rigour of research on transfer of training. Specifically, the article addresses problems with selecting and measuring dependent variables, operationalising independent variables, conducting repeated measurements, and using within-subject and within-group research designs.
First-occupancy model for signal transfer in the brain.

Abstract In rats and rabbits, optic nerve fibers are asymmetrically decussated. Evoked bioelectric signal/noise power ratio as a function of decussation ratio afferent to the lateral geniculate and thence to visual cortex conforms approximately to what one would expect if the visual system functioned as a parallel coherent detector. Brain mechanisms which can quantitatively account for these findings have not been previously proposed. A theoretical model is proposed to explain observed bioelectric input-output relationships in asymmetrically decussated visual systems and to suggest a general mechanism for signal transfer in the mammalian brain. The model is stochastic and is based upon earlier work concerning coherent neuronal activity. A specific quantitative implication of the model is that, on the average, three ganglion cells in the retina will drive each principal cell in the lateral geniculate. This prediction of the model is verified by recent experimental findings.
Homochiral, Supramolecular Frameworks Built from a Zinc(II) Tetramer or Cadmium(II) Dimer Containing Enantiopure Carboxylate Ligands Functionalized with a Strong π···π Stacking Synthon

The enantiopure ligand (S)-2-(1,8-naphthalimido)propanoate (Lala–) forms a tetrameric zinc(II) complex [Zn4(Lala)6(OH)2(MeOH)4]·3(CH2Cl2)·2(MeOH) (1) and a dimeric cadmium(II) complex [Cd2(Lala)4(DMF)3(MeOH)] (2). Bridging κ2-carboxylate and hydroxide ligands link the four zinc centers in 1. The strong π···π-stacking 1,8-naphthalimide supramolecular synthons organize the tetramers into a 3D architecture that contains linked, homochiral helical chains. In the structure, each chain is connected to four other chains by the π···π-stacking interactions of the naphthalimide rings. The structure is open with two types of channels filled with ordered and disordered solvent molecules. The two cadmium centers in 2 are linked by two κ2-carboxylate ligands. The π···π-stacking interactions of the naphthalimide rings organize the structure into 2D sheets, which lack complex chiral features. The naphthalimide rings in these d10 metal complexes promote blue (1) and green (2) emission in the solid state.
Flooding in vertical tubes—II. A film model for entry region flooding

Abstract A new flooding mechanism is explored for porous tube feed systems based on the concept that flow reversal takes place inside the liquid film at the feed location. The model is developed, assuming that the flow field in the liquid film at any axial position can be represented by the time-average film thickness existing there. Thus, it makes the radical assumption that the interfacial waves exert their influence only by modifying the shear stress in the gas flowing over the film. A 2-D numerical simulation was constructed which solved for both the flow field inside the film and the shape of the free interface. The numerical results show that this film mechanism is a viable approach for modeling flooding, as reasonable values of the interfacial shear stress from the upward gas flow can reproduce the experimentally measured film thickness. This work also suggests that the pressure gradient developed inside the entry is only partially due to interfacial shear. Gas-phase accelerations, due to the wave motion, contribute the remainder of the measured pressure gradient.
Participatory Forums and Influence

The article presents a study which examined whether the presence of a formal participatory body is associated with higher levels of interaction, communication to upper managers, communication from ...
A microcomputer oriented computer literacy course

The development of a computer literacy course at the University of Georgia is described. Demographic information regarding students taking the class is provided. The course consists of two main parts:1) microcomputer lab sessions devoted to working with word processing, spreadsheet, and data base software and to programming in BASIC; and2) readings in a course text and viewing of telecourse tapes.Course content and testing procedures are described in detail. How the course is changing with time and experience is also discussed.
Late neogene planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Rio Grande Rise (South Atlantic)

Abstract Late Neogene planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of eight piston cores atop the Rio Grande Rise (2100–2300 m water depth) reveals the presence of Late Pleistocene, and intra-Pliocene, erosional unconformities. These unconformities span an aggregate time interval ranging from 1 to 12 m.y. The biostratigraphic-biochronologic framework suggests Late Neogene (pre-Pleistocene) average sedimentation rates of ca. 0.3 cm/1000 years and a continuous stratigraphic record over the interval 7–3 Ma and 14–12 Ma. Phylogenetic relationships within the Globorotalia miozea-conoidea and G. puncticulata-crassaformis lineages allow a refined 3- and 5-fold zonation of the Late Miocene (11–5 Ma) and Early Pliocene (5–3 Ma), respectively, of the mid-latitude Atlantic. The virtually simultaneous evolutionary appearance of G. conomiozea and G. mediterranea (from G. conoidea and G. miozea , respectively) at ca. 6.5 Ma and 6.3 Ma, respectively, and a brief ( G. margaritae and Globoquadrina dehiscens corroborate recent findings elsewhere. The former events serve to identify the approximate position of the Tortonian/Messinian boundary, the latter to define a new, short zone at the top of the Miocene. The Miocene/Pliocene boundary is recognized in three piston cores and Site 357 on the basis of several multiple reinforcing criteria of regional (i.a., LAD of Globoquadrina dehiscens and Globorotalia mediterranea ) and local (i.a., FAD of Globorotalia scitula and Globigerinoides conglobatus ) significance.
Electrochemiluminescence assay for basic carboxypeptidases: inhibition of basic carboxypeptidases and activation of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor

Abstract Carboxypeptidases catalyze the removal of the C-terminal amino acid residues in peptides and proteins and exert important biological functions. Assays for carboxypeptidase activity that rely on change of absorbance generally suffer from low sensitivity and are difficult to adapt to high-throughput screening. We have developed a sensitive, robust assay for basic carboxypeptidase activity that makes use of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) detection of reaction product. In this assay, a peptide substrate contains the epitope for antibody (G2-10) binding which is masked by a C-terminal arginine. Carboxypeptidase activity exposes the epitope, allowing the binding of ruthenylated G2-10 which is then detected using ECL. High sensitivity allowed detection limits of 1–2 pM enzyme for carboxypeptidase B and activated thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFIa). The inhibition of several basic carboxypeptidases by commercially available inhibitors was studied. This antibody-based method can be extended to other sensitive detection techniques such as amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay. The high sensitivity of the assay allowed the determination of the activatable levels of TAFI in human and other animal plasma in the presence of e-aminocaproic acid, an active-site inhibitor that stabilizes TAFIa. A method to isolate in situ activated TAFIa from human serum in the presence of e-aminocaproic acid was also developed.
Steroid priming promotes oxytocin-induced norepinephrine release in the ventromedial hypothalamus of female rats

In vivo microdialysis was used to detect norepinephrine (NE) release in the ventromedial hypothalamus of estradiol (E2)- or E2 plus progesterone (P)-treated female rats injected with 1.0 IU of oxytocin (OXY). Dialysates were collected before and after OXY administration on 3 consecutive days and analyzed for NE content by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. After the last sample was collected on day 1, animals were injected with 3 micrograms E2 benzoate or oil. On day 3, E2-primed animals received 200 micrograms of P and control females received oil prior to OXY administration. OXY administration did not induce NE release on day 1. When OXY was administered to animals that received E2 approximately 20 h earlier, increased release of NE was not consistently seen. In contrast, E2-primed animals that received P on day 3 displayed significant increases in the release of NE after OXY administration compared to their own basal levels and to NE levels in control animals. To distinguish whether E2 priming is sufficient to promote OXY-induced release of NE without the addition of P, NE content of VMH dialysates in a second group of animals was examined following exposure to vehicle or E2 alone. When OXY was administered 24 or 48 h after estrogen priming, only 1 of 4 E2-primed females had modestly elevated dialysate NE levels. To evaluate the interactions between OXY and NE in the regulation of reproductive behavior, lordosis responses were observed in hormone-primed female rats receiving systemic injections of OXY, the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin, or both OXY and prazosin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ultrafast transit-time measurement of leaves

Abstract Ultrashort laser pulses and interferometric sampling have been used to measure the temporal profile of light transmitted through a 170 μm thick Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf. The mean transit times for the transmitted light with polarization parallel and perpendicular to the incident polarization are 879 and 1010 fs, respectively. Scattered light, caused by internal reflections and refractions, produces transit-time (or pathlength) enhancement factors of 1.18 and 1.35 for parallel and perpendicular polarization, respectively. The light scattering for both polarizations does not exhibit diffusive behavior and the pathlength enhancement factor is discussed in the context of other published measurements.