cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Notch-1 expression is not related to the percentage of CD326+ cells in bone marrow aspirates of patients with primary breast cancer.

Abstract #4030 Background: The presence of epithelial cells (CD326 + CD45 dim ) in the bone marrow (BM), i.e. disseminated tumor cells (DTC), are related to poor prognosis of primary breast cancer (PBC). Notch signaling pathway is involved in the development of the breast and aberrant activation of Notch signaling is an early event in breast cancer. Others have shown that breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) with the putative phenotype of CD44 + CD24 - can be identified within cell lines and primary tumor and have upregulated genes including Notch-1. However, it is unclear if Notch-1 is highly expressed by DTC and BCSC in BM of patients with PBC. We hypothesized that the Notch-1 expression is correlated with the level of BCSC within DTC. In this study, we enumerated BCSC in DTC-enriched populations in patients with PBC and assessed the expression of Notch-1 by RT-PCR. Methods and Patients: As part of an ongoing prospective study, from September 2006 to May 2008, 121 BM aspirates were collected from as many patients with PBC. Thirty-seven patients, median age of 52 years (range, 30-76 years), provided BM aspirates under anesthesia at time of surgery. At the time of BM collection, 9 patients had received neoadjuvant therapy. BM mononuclear cells (BMC) were enriched for DTC using anti-CD326 antibody-coated magnetic beads, and isolated using the AutoMACS-Pro cell separator system. DTC and BCSC were identified by multi-color FACS analysis. Thereafter, DTC-enriched cell preparations were analyzed for expression of ER, PR, HER-2, Notch-1, and Numb by RT-PCR; level of each transcript was normalized to a ratio to the house keeping gene GAPDH. Results: The mean ± SEM DTC in BMC was 1.05 % ± 0.09% and the majority was BCSC (79.7% ± 1.87%). The proportion of DTC-enriched fractions that expressed Notch-1, Numb, ER, PR, and HER-2 transcripts was 27/37 (73.0%), 33/37 (89.2%), 24/37 (64.9%), 15/37 (40.5%), and 20/37 (54.1%), respectively. The expression of Notch-1, Numb, ER, PR, and HER-2 transcripts did not correlate with the percentage of DTC. Contrary to our hypothesis, Notch-1 and Numb mRNA expression in DTC-enriched cells negatively correlated with the percentage of BCSC (Spearman9s rho = -0.384, p= 0.027; and rho= -0.347, p= 0.048, respectively). Conclusions: Our results show no correlation between the level of Notch-1 expression and the percentage of BCSC in DTC-enriched populations in BM of patients with PBC. Since these studies were conducted in CD326-enriched populations, it underscores the necessity to further purify the CD44 + CD24 - cells and conduct studies in isolated single cells to definitively delineate the gene expression of BCSC from patients with PBC. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4030.
Cooperative activity of noggin and gremlin 1 in axial skeleton development

Inductive signals from adjacent tissues initiate differentiation within the somite. In this study, we used mouse embryos mutant for the BMP antagonists noggin (Nog) and gremlin 1 (Grem1) to characterize the effects of BMP signaling on the specification of the sclerotome. We confirmed reduction of Pax1 and Pax9 expression in Nog mutants, but found that Nog;Grem1 double mutants completely fail to initiate sclerotome development. Furthermore, Nog mutants that also lack one allele of Grem1 exhibit a dramatic reduction in axial skeleton relative to animals mutant for Nog alone. By contrast, Pax3, Myf5 and Lbx1 expression indicates that dermomyotome induction occurs in Nog;Grem1 double mutants. Neither conditional Bmpr1a mutation nor treatment with the BMP type I receptor inhibitor dorsomorphin expands sclerotome marker expression, suggesting that BMP antagonists do not have an instructive function in sclerotome specification. Instead, we hypothesize that Nog- and Grem1-mediated inhibition of BMP is permissive for hedgehog (Hh) signal-mediated sclerotome specification. In support of this model, we found that culturing Nog;Grem1 double-mutant embryos with dorsomorphin restores sclerotome, whereas Pax1 expression in smoothened (Smo) mutants is not rescued, suggesting that inhibition of BMP is insufficient to induce sclerotome in the absence of Hh signaling. Confirming the dominant inhibitory effect of BMP signaling, Pax1 expression cannot be rescued in Nog;Grem1 double mutants by forced activation of Smo. We conclude that Nog and Grem1 cooperate to maintain a BMP signaling-free zone that is a crucial prerequisite for Hh-mediated sclerotome induction.
Renal revision: from lobulation to duplication—what is normal?

Renal ultrasound is one of the most frequently requested imaging studies in children. Indications include urinary tract infection (UTI), renal dysfunction and to exclude structural abnormalities—for example, in association with other congenital malformations or syndromes. Normal kidneys can have a range of appearances, dependent on the patient’s age and the presence of certain anatomical variants which may or may not be clinically important. With the increasing use of PACS (picture archiving and communication system) for storage and viewing of radiological investigations, clinicians are able to access images and view them in clinical areas. Anatomical variants are often described in ultrasound reports and can cause confusion or anxiety if their clinical significance is not explained, especially when the results have to be conveyed to parents. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the age-related variation of normal renal ultrasound appearances, variations of renal anatomy and some congenital anomalies of the upper renal tract (kidney and ureter) that may be seen at all ages, perhaps discovered incidentally, with an explanation of their clinical significance. An appreciation of the embryological development of the urinary system gives insight into both normal anatomical variations and some of the congenital abnormalities that may arise. The human urinary system forms from intermediate mesoderm in a process that gives rise to three different, overlapping embryonic renal systems, beginning in the fourth week of gestation. The first system or pronephroi (singular = pronephros) is rudimentary and non-functioning, consisting of 5–10 paired nephrotomes that form in the embryonic cervical region. These are transient and disappear by day 24 or 25, during which time the next structures are forming. The second system consists of the mesonephroi (singular = mesonephros) and the mesonephric (Wolffian) ducts. Mesonephroi arise as ovoid swellings on either side of the developing vertebral column in the thoracic …
Investigation of bioactive NO-scavenging role of myoglobin in myocardium

Because nitric oxide (NO) can react with myoglobin (Mb) to oxidize the heme Fe(II) to Fe(III), the appearance of metmyoglobin (metMb) during bradykinin stimulation underpins the hypothesis that Mb acts as an NO scavenger in the cell. Although some experiments have detected the reporter metMb signal in the −3.7 ppm spectral region, others have not corroborated the finding. Because metMb also has characteristic hyperfine-shifted signals in the 40–100 ppm spectral region, detection of these signals would confirm the presence of metMb. Perfused rat myocardium study has examined this spectral region in a range of bradykinin infusion protocols. Although bradykinin elicits a set of physiological responses, consistent with the induction of NO, the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in all experiments reveal no detectable metMb signals. Moreover, in the perfused myocardium model, the bradykinin-induced decline in myocardial oxygen consumption does not appear to arise only from NO binding to cytochrome oxidase.
A Homotopic Approach to Domain Determination and Solution Refinement for the Fokker-Planck Equation

An iterative homotopic approach for the solution refinement of the stationary Fokker-Planck equation is presented. It is shown that significant improvement in the accuracy of the approximation can be achieved with a small number of degrees of freedom with the use of a naturally suited norm on the solution domain. The partition of unity finite element method (PUFEM) is used for the numerical implementation.
Molecular Diversity in Chemical Databases: Comparison of Medicinal Chemistry Knowledge Bases and Databases of Commercially Available Compounds†

A molecular descriptor space has been developed which describes structural diversity. Large databases of molecules have been mapped into it and compared. This analysis used five chemical databases, CMC and MDDR, which represent knowledge bases containing active medicinal agents, ACD and SPECS, two databases of commercially available compounds, and finally the Wellcome Registry. Together these databases contained more than 300,000 structures. Topological indices and the free energy of solvation were computed for each compound in the databases. Factor analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of the descriptor space. Low density observations were deleted as a way of removing outliers, which allowed a further reduction in the descriptor space of interest. The five databases could then be compared on an efficient basis using a metric developed for this purpose. A Riemann gridding scheme was used to subdivide the factor space into subhypercubes to obtain accurate comparisons. Most of the 300,000 structures were highly clustered, but unique structures were found. An analysis of overlap between the biological and commercial databases was carried out. The metric provides a useful algorithm for choosing screening sets of diverse compounds from large databases.
Vascular associations of mast cells in the diaphragm.

Abstract The relation of mast cells to pericytic venules is of potential physiologic significance as these cells store in their granules vasoactive amines—agents which (selectively increasing the pericytic venule's permeability) are important mediators of the inflammatory response. To clarify and quantitate the possible association of mast cells with all the vessels of the microvasculature, the mouse diaphragm was used. The regular position of pericytic venules within whole mounts of this very thin muscle was demonstrated by carbon labeling after histamine administration. Selectively stained mast cells were similarly recorded by position in the whole muscle. In addition, cross-sections were made so that perivascular mast cells could be positively identified. Two populations of mast cells were found. Approximately 80% were beneath the pleural mesothelium and 20% were within the muscle. A minority of all mast cells was closely associated with the vasculature (32% at the myotendinous junction and 25% peripherally were within one red cell diameter of a vessel). Mast cells, however, are primarily found in regions of the diaphragm rich in pericytic venules; they were essentially absent from areas poor in such venules. This general association of mast cells with pericytic venules suggests that the source of vasoactive amines is near to their target organ; how this association is developed and maintained remains to be explored as does the possible role of mast cells on the permeability of the pleural mesothelium.
Loss of tolerance associated with disappearance of B cells in a patient sequentially transplanted with paternal and maternal bone marrow for the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency disease.

Abstract We have studied the tolerance of engrafted T cells from a severe combined immunodeficiency disease patient sequentially transplanted with T-cell-depleted bone marrow from both HLA haploidentical parents. The T cells from this patient were shown by HLA typing and cytogenetic analysis to be of material origin (donor of the second graft) while HLA typing of peripheral E — populations and of an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line established 2 1/2 years after transplantation revealed the presence of host, maternal, and paternal (donor of the first graft) HLA antigens. When tested at 30 and 60 months after the last transplant, engrafted T cells from this patient had only weak mixed lymphocyte culture reactivity to paternal cells which could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies to HLA-DQ and DR but not by anti-DP. T cells obtained 60 months after transplant were stimulated with paternal cells in both bulk and limiting dilution cultures and failed to generate typical allocytotoxic cells to paternal T- or B-cell targets. Mixed lymphocyte cultures performed at 71 months revealed an increased proliferative response by patient cells to paternal antigens; however, the engrafted T cells remained tolerant to maternal and host antigens. Limiting dilution analysis performed at this time revealed the presence of cytolytic cells directed to paternal antigens. There were no detectable B cells (only identified source of paternal antigen) as measured by immunofluorescent analysis of peripheral blood, nor any evidence of B-cell function as assessed by in vitro assays (proliferation to staphylococcus aureus Cowen strain A and mitogen-stimulated immunoglobulin production) or in vivo production of serum immunoglobulin at 60 and 71 months. The appearance of alloreactivity associated with the loss of B cells in this patient further supports the conclusion that the maintenance of tolerance to major histocompatibility complex disparate cells requires the continued in vivo presence of cells bearing the tolerizing antigens.
Effects of a Recreational Dip-Net Fishery on Rainbow Smelt Egg Deposition

Abstract We sampled egg deposition in three Lake Huron tributaries to measure the effect of recreational dip-net activity on egg deposition by spawning rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax. We compared egg densities sampled nightly at paired sites, one of which was protected from fishing activity. We found that sites protected from the recreational fishery had significantly higher mean egg densities than sites that were vulnerable to disturbance by fishing activities (wading, net contact). When recreational fishing activity was absent, we found no significant difference in egg densities between paired sites, which indicated that our protection devices did not influence egg deposition. We found that the higher the level of recreational fishing effort (people/100 m2), the greater the decline in egg densities in unprotected sites (r 2 = 0.63). Our results indicate that net abrasion and wading associated with recreational dip-net fisheries can significantly reduce egg density and that this reduction may limit reprodu...
Altered cartilage phenotype expressed during intramembranous bone formation

The sequential phenotypic expression occurring during intramembranous bone formation was investigated using the tooth extraction socket created in rat alveolar bone in vivo. The differential expression of bone extracellular matrix genes, such as collagen I and osteocalcin, was confirmed by RNA transfer blot analysis and in situ hybridization during the active healing period of the bony socket. To clarify the possible involvement of the chondrogenic phenotype during the process of intramembranous bone formation, the expression of cartilage collagen II and IX was further examined in this model. It was found that both α1(II) and α1(IX) mRNAs were present, but the α1(IX) mRNA was a transcript from the downstream start site/promoter, which is a different site in the α1(IX) gene from that used in hyaline cartilage. In situ hybridization indicated that the α1(IX) message was expressed by cells associated with bone matrix in the early formation stage. This finding led to the investigation of type IX collagen expression by osteogenic cells isolated from newborn rat calvariae, in which only the truncated form of α1(IX) mRNA was indicated by RNA transfer analysis. The expression of collagen II and a truncated form of collagen IX may represent an early phenotypic feature of osteoblast differentiation.
Changes in concurrent monthly precipitation and temperature extremes

While numerous studies have addressed changes in climate extremes, analyses of concurrence of climate extremes are scarce, and climate change effects on joint extremes are rarely considered. This study assesses the occurrence of joint (concurrent) monthly continental precipitation and temperature extremes in Climate Research Unit (CRU) and University of Delaware (UD) observations, and in 13 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate simulations. The joint occurrences of precipitation and temperature extremes simulated by CMIP5 climate models are compared with those derived from the CRU and UD observations for warm/wet, warm/dry, cold/wet, and cold/dry combinations of joint extremes. The number of occurrences of these four combinations during the second half of the 20th century (1951–2004) is assessed on a common global grid. CRU and UD observations show substantial increases in the occurrence of joint warm/dry and warm/wet combinations for the period 1978–2004 relative to 1951–1977. The results show that with respect to the sign of change in the concurrent extremes, the CMIP5 climate model simulations are in reasonable overall agreement with observations. However, the results reveal notable discrepancies between regional patterns and the magnitude of change in individual climate model simulations relative to the observations of precipitation and temperature.
Three-dimensional computer graphics using EGA or VGA card

An upper-level undergraduate 3-D computer graphics course using the IBM PC with an enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) or video graphics array (VGA) card was developed. Topics discussed in this course include three-dimensional viewing transformations, geometric transformations, animation, hidden line and surface removal, interpolations, and shading techniques. A broad coverage of computer graphics techniques and the easy accessibility of the IBM PC to a large number of students are the major features of the course. >
A two-step chondrocyte recovery system based on thermally sensitive elastin-like polypeptide scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering

A "two step" tissue engineering strategy was developed to promote rapid matrix accumulation in cartilage constructs in vitro. Chondrocytes expanded in monolayer were encapsulated and cultured in a genetically engineered, thermally sensitive elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) for ten days. The resulting cell-matrix pellets were recovered from the ELP and cultured on inserts for up to four weeks, where nutrient diffusion was not impeded by the presence of the scaffold. Approximately two-milligram (dry weight) tissue was generated that resembles native articular cartilage in histological appearance and biochemical composition. These results suggest that rapid and large cartilage construct formation is possible in vitro, following a period of early incubation and recovery from the thermally responsive ELP.
Changing temporal patterns of forest carbon stores and net ecosystem carbon balance: the stand to landscape transformation

Short- and long-term patterns of net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) for small, relatively uniform forest stands have been examined in detail, but the same is not true for landscapes, especially those with heterogeneous disturbance histories. In this paper, we explore the effect of two contrasting types of disturbances (i.e., fire and tree harvest) on landscape level NECB by using an ecosystem process model that explicitly accounts for changes in carbon (C) stores as a function of disturbance regimes. The latter were defined by the average disturbance interval, the regularity of the disturbance interval (i.e., random, based on a Poisson frequency distribution, or regular), the amount of C removed by the disturbance (i.e., severity), and the relative abundance of stands in the landscape with unique disturbance histories. We used the model to create over 300 hypothetical landscapes, each with a different disturbance regime, by simulating up to 200 unique stand histories and averaging their total C stores. Mean NECB and its year-to-year variability was computed by calculating the difference in mean total C stores from one year to the next. Results indicated that landscape C stores were higher for random than for regular disturbance intervals, and increased as the mean disturbance interval increased and as the disturbance severity decreased. For example, C storage was reduced by 58% when the fire interval was shortened from 250 years to 100 years. Average landscape NECB was not significantly different than zero for any of the simulated landscapes. Year-to-year variability in landscape NECB, however, was related to the landscape disturbance regime; increasing with disturbance severity and frequency, and higher for random versus regular disturbance intervals. We conclude that landscape C stores of forest systems can be predicted using the concept of disturbance regimes, a result that may be a useful for adjusting estimates of C storage to broad scales that are solely based on physiological processes.
Surface micromachined paraffin-actuated microvalve

Normally-open microvalves have been fabricated and tested which use a paraffin microactuator as the active element. The entire structure with nominal dimension of /spl phi/600 /spl mu/m /spl times/ 30 /spl mu/m is batch-fabricated by surface micromachining the actuator and channel materials on top of a single substrate. Gas flow rates in the 0.01-0.1 sccm range have been measured for several devices with actuation powers ranging from 50 to 150 mW on glass substrates. Leak rates as low as 500 /spl mu/sccm have been measured. The normally-open blocking microvalve structure has been used to fabricate a precision flow control system of microvalves consisting of four blocking valve structures. The control valve is designed to operate over a 0.01-5.0 sccm flow range at a differential pressure of 800 torr. Flow rates ranging from 0.02 to 4.996 sccm have been measured. Leak rates as low as 3.2 msccm for the four valve system have been measured.
Reliability applications of the relevation transform

It is shown that Krakowski's relevation transform generates the nonhomogeneous Poisson process in an analogous fashion to the way in which Stieltjes convolution generates the renewal process. Properties of failure rates and of inter-failure times are discussed and an application to warranty analysis is described.
INFLUENCE OF ATTRIBUTES OF INNOVATIONS ON THE INTEGRATION OF WEB-BASED INSTRUCTION BY FACULTY MEMBERS

More and more faculty members are using web-based instruction as part of their course or as complete courses, which has resulted in an entire web-based instruction programs and virtual universities. As such, webbased instruction is one of the major areas that are becoming key to the development of the Web. To the contrary, despite having accessible hardware, training, and discipline-specific media, some faculty members are hesitant to adopt web-based instruction. This study investigated factors influencing the decision process to adopt or reject web-based instruction by faculty members and results show that attributes of innovations such as trialability, observability, compatibility, relative advantages, and complexity, play a major role in the process.
Optical emission from pulsed DC magnetron sputtering plasmas

Reactive sputter deposition of dielectric films such as Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ in a low-pressure magnetron plasma suffers from arcing on the target electrode, which affects the quality of the deposited film and may damage the power supply. The arcing is caused by charge buildup on the dielectric film that is inevitably deposited on the target (as well as on all other inside surfaces of the vacuum chamber), even when pulsed direct current (dc) power is used. The application of a small reverse voltage pulse to the target during the "off time" (which is the period during which the main pulsed dc power is off) has been found to neutralize these charges and reduce arcing. In an effort to better understand the effects of plasma power on the microscopic details of magnetron sputtering using pulsed dc excitation, we studied the optical plasma emissions from such a plasma with a fast intensified charge coupled device camera during the sputter deposition of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ films.
A new construction of 64-QAM golay complementary sequences

In this correspondence, we present a new construction for 64-QAM Golay sequences of length n=2/sup m/ for integer m. The peak envelope power (PEP) of 64-QAM Golay sequences is shown to be bounded by 4.66n. The new construction of 64-QAM Golay sequences of length n=2/sup m/ is based on our earlier construction of new offsets of 16-QAM Golay sequences which are also presented here. The total number of offsets of 64-QAM Golay sequences is 496 for m=2,808 for m=3 and 976 for m=4, obtained by computer search. We also computed the PEP distribution for 64-QAM Golay sequences for m=2, m=3, and m=4.
PURGING OF NATURAL SALT‐STOCK PICKLE FERMENTATIONS TO REDUCE BLOATER DAMAGE

Efficient nitrogen-purging systems were developed for maintaining low CO2 concentrations in commercial salt-stock pickle fermentations. The successful systems tested were those in which a gas diffuser with a very small pore size was used to purge the brine while the brine was being circulated. The use of these systems dramatically reduced the incidence of severe bloaters in salt-stock pickles of large diameter. Specific recommendations are included for the design and use of a purging apparatus.
Toward a Contingency Approach: Tailoring Project Management to Achieve a Competitive Advantage

This study addresses the ways projects are managed as influenced by the business strategy in form of a theoretical framework. In particular, examples of how market leader companies tailored their project management ? project strategy, organization, process, tools, metrics, and culture ? to achieve a competitive advantage is presented. Additionally, general guidelines of how to tailor project management are provided. In essence, the study offers a "one size does not fit all" mindset, leading to an adaptation of appropriate project management styles to different types of business strategy.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the manganese-containing superoxide dismutase gene (sodA) from Streptococcus thermophilus AO54.

Abstract This report describes the isolation, sequencing, and functional analysis of the sodA gene, encoding Mn-superoxide dismutase, from Streptococcus thermophilus AO54. The gene was found to encode a 201 amino acid polypeptide with 88 and 83% identity to SodA from Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus agalacticae , respectively. Primer extension analysis revealed a transcriptional start site 27 nucleotides upstream of initiation codon. The gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and was able to rescue the growth of a sodAsodB mutant in a minimal-medium containing 10 −6 M paraquat. A sodA mutant of S. thermophilus was constructed and found to be more sensitive to aerobic growth than its parent strain. Supplementing the medium with MnCl 2 improved the growth of the mutant, only under microaerophilic conditions. The results suggest that sodA is essential for the aerobic growth of S. thermophilus . In the absence of functional SodA, manganese ions may provide partial protection against oxygen toxicity.
The Ever Memorable Mr. John Hales

In the midst of dusty records in long-forgotten corners of history one sometimes comes pleasantly upon personalities which have all the freshness and charm of present-day acquaintances. At once they become such real friends that one wonders how they have escaped more general notice. One feels that it must have been untoward circumstances only which veiled their light and kept its radiance from shining down the centuries to reveal them at least to their spiritual kin of later times. Such a one was John Hales of Eton College, called curiously enough by his own generation and that following the “ever memorable.”
The Role of “Active Listening” in Informal Helping Conversations: Impact on Perceptions of Listener Helpfulness, Sensitivity, and Supportiveness and Discloser Emotional Improvement

Undergraduate students were randomly assigned to disclose a recent upsetting problem to either a trained active listener (n = 41) or an untrained listener (n = 130). Active listeners were trained to ask open questions, paraphrase content, reflect feelings, and use assumption checking as well as be nonverbally immediate. Verbal and nonverbal active listening behaviors were rated as signaling more emotional awareness and promoting a greater degree of emotional improvement but did not affect perceptions of relational assurance or problem-solving utility. On average, the set of verbal behaviors were more important in the prediction of outcomes compared to the nonverbal behaviors. Results contribute to the larger literature on enacted support, suggesting particular roles for active listening techniques within troubles talk.
On the fundamental limits of reconstruction-based super-resolution algorithms

Super-resolution is a technique that produces higher resolution images from low resolution images (LRIs). In practice, the improvement in resolution is limited. The aim of this paper is to address the problem of whether fundamental limits exist for super-resolution? Specifically, this paper provides explicit limits for a major class of super-resolution algorithms, called reconstruction-based algorithms, under both real and synthetic conditions. Our analysis is based on perturbation theory of linear systems. We also show that a sufficient number of LRIs can be determined to reach the limit. Both real and synthetic experiments are carried out to verify our analysis.
An overview of short-pulse laser research at Los Alamos

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has a diverse and cutting-edge experimental research program using short-pulse lasers. This program applies state of the art technologies in modeling and supercomputing, material science and target fabrication, diagnostics and experimental techniques, laser science, and laser facilities ranging from the small to the large scale. Some of these are on-site facilities, such as the Trident laser facility and the Roadrunner supercomputer, or off-site facilities, such as Omega and Omega EP. This research involves the intersection and cooperation of several scientific areas and disciplines, such as relativistic laser-matter interactions, advanced particle accelerator development, material science, material dynamics, the properties of warm-dense matter, fusion fast ignition, the development of x-ray sources, etc. This research serves many programs, sponsors and applications such as inertial fusion energy, defense research and threat reduction. Much of this research is carried out in collaboration with many institutions worldwide. This talk summarizes the program with an emphasis on its multidisciplinary nature, summarizes its many customers with an emphasis on the synergy of these capabilities to meet their needs, and highlights selected recent results with an emphasis on their scientific significance. Finally, this talk explains how these capabilities and their utility are being evaluated for the planned LANL signature experimental facility, MaRIE - Matter-Radiation Interactions in Extremes.
Dynamic Signals Related to Choices and Outcomes in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex

Although economic theories based on utility maximization account for a range of choice behaviors, utilities must be estimated through experience. Dynamics of this learning process may account for certain discrepancies between the predictions of economic theories and real choice behaviors of humans and other animals. To understand the neural mechanisms responsible for such adaptive decision making, we trained rhesus monkeys to play a simulated matching pennies game. Small but systematic deviations of the animal’s behavior from the optimal strategy were consistent with the predictions of reinforcement learning theory. In addition, individual neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) encoded 3 different types of signals that can potentially influence the animal’s future choices. First, activity modulated by the animal’s previous choices might provide the eligibility trace that can be used to attribute a particular outcome to its causative action. Second, activity related to the animal’s rewards in the previous trials might be used to compute an average reward rate. Finally, activity of some neurons was modulated by the computer’s choices in the previous trials and may reflect the process of updating the value functions. These results suggest that the DLPFC might be an important node in the cortical network of decision making.
SPERM DONATION FROM A COMATOSE, DYING MAN

The patient was a 19-year-old man who was the victim of an accidental head injury. The attending neurosurgeon felt that, due to uncontrollable and repeated elevated intracranial pressures, the patient would die within 48 hours. The patient's mother requested that the neurosurgeon contact a urologist to collect the patient's sperm for implantation into the patient's girlfriend. The neurosurgeon felt that the situation raised a number of ethical issues and requested that the hospital's bioethics committee consider the case.
Thermal Neutron Scintillator Detectors Based on Poly (2-Vinylnaphthalene) Composite Films

A series of novel 6Li-loaded plastic scintillation films have been designed and fabricated to detect thermal neutrons. Organolithium salts containing enriched 6Li were synthesized and interspersed in a series of matrices comprising a polymer doped with an antenna fluor. Thermal neutron capture by 6Li produces charged particles with kinetic energy which is sufficient to ionize and excite the polymeric matrix. This energy is collected by the antenna fluor, which produces a photonic response detectable by a photomultiplier tube. Design and optimization of these scintillation films is discussed herein. A current problem in the design and fabrication of polymeric composite materials is phase separation. The matrix is a low-dielectric aromatic polymer; hence, ionic molecules in the composite tend to phase-separate from the matrix and produce agglomerates which decrease the quantum efficiency by scattering and/or quenching the photonic response to thermal neutrons. Based on the experimental results, the importance of synthesizing polymers with high quantum yield and efficiency in energy migration and transport for making effective composite neutron scintillators is emphasized.
The autism inpatient collection: Methods and preliminary sample description

Individuals severely affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including those with intellectual disability, expressive language impairment, and/or self-injurious behavior (SIB), are underrepresented in the ASD literature and extant collections of phenotypic and biological data. An understanding of ASD’s etiology and subtypes can only be as complete as the studied samples are representative. The Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC) is a multi-site study enrolling children and adolescents with ASD aged 4–20 years admitted to six specialized inpatient psychiatry units. Enrollment began March, 2014, and continues at a rate of over 400 children annually. Measures characterizing adaptive and cognitive functioning, communication, externalizing behaviors, emotion regulation, psychiatric co-morbidity, self-injurious behavior, parent stress, and parent self-efficacy are collected. ASD diagnosis is confirmed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2 (ADOS-2) and extensive inpatient observation. Biological samples from probands and their biological parents are banked and processed for DNA extraction and creation of lymphoblastoid cell lines. Sixty-one percent of eligible subjects were enrolled. The first 147 subjects were an average of 12.6 years old (SD 3.42, range 4–20); 26.5 % female; 74.8 % Caucasian, and 81.6 % non-Hispanic/non-Latino. Mean non-verbal intelligence quotient IQ = 70.9 (SD 29.16, range 30–137) and mean adaptive behavior composite score = 55.6 (SD 12.9, range 27–96). A majority of subjects (52.4 %) were non- or minimally verbal. The average Aberrant Behavior Checklist - Irritability Subscale score was 28.6, well above the typical threshold for clinically concerning externalizing behaviors, and 26.5 % of the sample engaged in SIB. Females had more frequent and severe SIB than males. Preliminary data indicate that the AIC has a rich representation of the portion of the autism spectrum that is understudied and underrepresented in extant data collections. More than half of the sample is non- or minimally verbal, over 40 % have intellectual disability, and over one quarter exhibit SIB. The AIC is a substantial new resource for study of the full autism spectrum, which will augment existing data on higher-functioning cohorts and facilitate the identification of genetic subtypes and novel treatment targets. The AIC investigators welcome collaborations with other investigators, and access to the AIC phenotypic data and biosamples may be requested through the Simons Foundation ( www.sfari.org ).
Patient-centered risk stratification of disposition outcomes following radical cystectomy.

Abstract Purpose Patient-centered care involves providing understandable information to facilitate individualized health decisions among patients. We sought to determine the effect of age and comorbidity status on clinically meaningful outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC), in an effort the help optimize patient selection and enhance discussions among those considering surgery. Materials and methods In a retrospective review, 6,460 patients were treated with RC for bladder cancer from the U.S. Premier Perspectives Database between 2007 and 2013. The influence of age and comorbidity count on the rates of inpatient mortality, prolonged length of stay (LOS), disposition to other than home and hospital readmission within the month of surgery or month after, were assessed. Comorbidity was calculated using the Elixhauser method. Prolonged LOS was defined as >10 days. Multivariable logistic regression models were used. Results Following RC, 16% of patients were discharged to somewhere other than home, 37% had a prolonged LOS and 2% died during the index admission. Among those discharged home after surgery, 27% of patients were readmitted. Prolonged LOS was associated with increasing comorbidities and age >70 years (P 70 years. Conclusions Increasing age and comorbidity are associated with poorer outcomes following RC, with comorbidity being the predominant factor. Our findings may improve surgical selection and better align patient expectations following surgery by providing estimated rates of postoperative events for patients considering RC.
Comparison of the phosphodiesterase inhibitory subunit interactions of frog and bovine rod outer segments.

Abstract The rod outer segments of the bovine and frog retina possess a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) that is composed of two larger subunits, alpha and beta (P alpha beta), which contain the catalytic activity and a smaller gamma (P gamma) subunit which inhibits the catalytic activity. We studied the binding of P gamma to P alpha beta in both the bovine and frog rod outer segment membranes. Analysis of these data indicates that there are two classes of P gamma binding sites per P alpha beta in both species. The activation of PDE by the guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate form of the alpha subunit of transducin, T alpha.GTP gamma S, was also studied. These data indicate that the two classes of P gamma binding sites contribute to the formation of two classes of binding sites for T alpha.GTP gamma S. We demonstrate solubilization of a portion of the P gamma by T alpha.GTP gamma S in both species. There is also present, in both species, a second class of P gamma which is not solubilized even when it is dissociated from its inhibitory site on P alpha beta by T alpha.GTP gamma S. The amount of full PDE activity which results from release of the solubilizable P gamma is about 50% in the frog PDE but only approx. 17% in the bovine PDE. We also show that activation of frog rod outer segment PDE by trypsin treatment releases the PDE from the membranes. This type of release by trypsin has already been demonstrated in bovine rod outer segments [Wensel & Stryer (1986) Proteins: Struct. Funct. Genet. 1, 90-99].
Elicited pontogeniculooccipital waves and phasic suppression of diaphragm activity in sleep and wakefulness

Fractionations are 20- to 100-ms pauses in diaphragm activity that occur spontaneously during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, sometimes in association with pontogeniculooccipital (PGO) waves. Audit...
Abstract 198: Oxidative Stress Mediates the Augmented Muscle Mechanoreflex in Peripheral Arterial Disease Patients

Background Exaggerated blood pressure (BP) responses to dynamic exercise predict cardiovascular mortality in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear and no attempt has been made to attenuate this response using antioxidants. Methods Three physiological studies were conducted in PAD patients and controls. In Protocol 1, subjects underwent four minutes of low-intensity (0.5-2.0 kg), rhythmic plantar flexion in the supine posture. In Protocol 2, PAD patients received high dose ascorbic acid intravenously prior to exercise. In Protocol 3, involuntary exercise was conducted via electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve. The primary outcome measure was the change in mean arterial pressure (ΔMAP) during the first 20 seconds of exercise (i.e. when mechanoreceptors within skeletal muscle activate the sympathetic nervous system). Results Compared to controls, PAD patients had significantly greater ΔMAP during plantar flexion, particularly at 0.5 kg of the most affected leg (11±2 vs. 2±1 mmHg) as well as the least affected leg (7±1 vs. 1±1 mmHg). This augmented response occurred before the onset of claudication pain and was attenuated by ∼50% (i.e. 6 mmHg) in the presence of ascorbic acid. Electrically evoked exercise also elicited larger hemodynamic changes in the PAD patients compared to controls. Further, the ΔMAP during 0.5 kg plantar flexion inversely correlated with the ankle-brachial index, indicating that patients with more severe resting limb ischemia had a larger BP response to exercise. Conclusions The BP response to low intensity exercise was enhanced in PAD. Chronic limb ischemia may sensitize muscle afferents and potentiate the autonomic response to muscle contraction in a dose-dependent manner.
SURFACE EXPOSURE DATING: REVIEW AND CRITICAL EVALUATION

The past decade has seen the development and application of over a dozen new methods for quantitative age-determinations of geomorphic surfaces. Some surface exposure dating methods are numerical, including the accumulation of cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 36Cl, and 41Ca, accumulation of cosmogenic stable nuclides 3He and 21Ne, 14C dating of organic matter encapsulated in rock coatings, and dendrogeomorphology. Calendar ages are obtained by dendrogeomorphological analysis. Calibrated ages can be obtained by analysis of rock-varnish chemistry, lichenometry, weathering, and soils. Various methods can be used in combination to overcome individual limitations. Whereas conventional methods provide age control on stratigraphic profiles, surface-exposure dating methods are especially suitable for geographic problems, such as analyzing not only temporal, but also spatial variations in the rates of geomorphic processes. [Key words: geomorphology, process, geochronology, cosmogenic nuclides, Quaternary,...
Elements of Olfactory Receptor Coding in the Yellowfever Mosquito

Electrophysiological investigation of the primary olfactory afferent neurons on the antennae of female Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitos disclosed 3 distinct physiological subdivisions of the neurons associated with the morphologically defined A2-type setae. These subdivisions are based on the spontaneous activities and specific responsiveness of the A2-type setae to selected chemical stimuli. The responses of the other setae were examined also, and elements of a peripheral input code are discussed.
A new chamber for tissue culture.

SummaryA simple tissue culture chamber is described which permits phase microscopy at high magnifications and easy staining for permanent record. The chamber is also suited to perfusion studies, permits observation of cells over extended periods, and is useful for time lapse photography.
Tracking Intentions from Surveillance Images: A Double HMM Approach

In this paper we discuss problems related to the identification and prediction of abstract behavioural characteristics of a intelligent agent based on physical behaviour recorded by surveillance cameras. Our general approach is to use Bayesian nonlinear filtering-type algorithms and optimal change-point detection criterion, but specifically we ex- ploit hierarchical dynamics of the agent’s behaviour by modelling with a double Markov chain (DMC), which iteratively conditions the dis- tribution of physical attributes on the values taken by the abstract ones.
Grammatical Constraints on Language Switching: Language Control is not Just Executive Control.

Abstract The current study investigated the roles of grammaticality and executive control on bilingual language selection by examining production speed and failures of language control, or intrusion errors (e.g., saying el instead of the), in young and aging bilinguals. Production of mixed-language connected speech was elicited by asking Spanish–English bilinguals to read aloud paragraphs that had mostly grammatical (conforming to naturally occurring constraints) or mostly ungrammatical (haphazard mixing) language switches, and low or high switching rate. Mixed-language speech was slower and less accurate when switch-rate was high, but especially (for speed) or only (for intrusion errors) if switches were also ungrammatical. Executive function ability (measured with a variety of tasks in young bilinguals in Experiment 1, and aging bilinguals in Experiment 2), slowed production and increased intrusion rate in a generalized fashion, but with little or no interaction with grammaticality. Aging effects appeared to reflect reduced monitoring ability (evidenced by a lower rate of self-corrected intrusions). These results demonstrate robust effects of grammatical encoding on language selection, and imply that executive control influences bilingual language production only after sentence planning and lexical selection.
An Empirical Comparison of the Words Spelled Correctly and Correct Letter Sequence Spelling Scoring Methods in Third- and Fourth-Grade Classrooms

ABSTRACTSpelling words can be scored using a wide variety of scoring methods that vary in prerequisite phonological knowledge required by the scorer, as well as the complexity of scoring rules used in assigning scores. Two of the simpler spelling word scoring methods (i.e., Words Spelled Correctly and Correct Letter Sequence) typically used by most teachers, school psychologists, and educational diagnosticians were used to score weekly spelling word lists administered to 6 third-grade classrooms, two fourth-grade classrooms, and one combined third-/fourth-grade classrooms in two elementary schools throughout the academic year. Results indicated a high degree of association between scores produced by the scoring methods, as well as significant correlations with annual group achievement test results in the communication arts. Tests for the sensitivity of the Correct Letter Sequence scoring method in detecting improvement across consecutive incorrectly spelled words revealed no significant improvement trend ...