cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Body mass index at the time of diagnosis and the risk of advanced stages and poorly differentiated cancers of the breast: findings from a case-series study

Obesity is a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer and is independently associated with shorter disease-free and overall survival. Currently, in clinical settings, the combination of stage and grade of cancer at the initial presentation of the disease is the best prognostic indicator. To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and risk of advanced stages and poorly differentiated grade of breast cancer. A case-series study of women diagnosed with their first primary invasive breast cancer. Patients include a total of 831 women aged ⩾40 years with a mean BMI of 29.6(±6.6) kg m−2. Pathological, clinical and demographic data were retrieved from electronic medical records. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was preformed to estimate the risk of more advanced stages and poorly differentiated grade of cancer, adjusting for covariates. Obese compared with normal weight women had an 80% increased risk of cancer with more advanced stages (III/IV) and poorly differentiated grade (odds ratio=1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.86, P=0.014). No significant increase in risk was observed for overweight women. Obesity at the time of diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with more advanced stages and poorly differentiated grade of cancers.
Extension and Application of the Mills‐Muth Urban Residential Land Use Simulation Model: Milwaukee, 1977–2020

The Mills-Muth urban residential land use simulation model is extended to include two residential income classes and a proportion of residential to urban land that varies with distance from the CBD. Land area, population, households, population density and residential property value are simulated for the central city, its suburbs and the Milwaukee urban area for the years 1977, 1980, 1985, 1990 and 2020, for two scenarios that differ primarily with respect to income growth rates and automobile commuting costs. The main finding is the powerful positive effect of even relatively small real income growth on suburbanization.
The relationships between market structure and price-cost margins in US food manufacturing, 1954 to 1977†

Market structure's influence on price-cost margins was explored in each census year over a 23-year period in food manufacturing. The positive relationship between price-cost margins and both four-firm concentration and product differentiation, as measured by a media advertising-to-sales ratio, became stronger over time. The reverse was true for the relationship between plant economies of scale and price-cost margins. The results indicate that in food manufacturing the influence of market concentration on profits does not disappear during inflationary periods as is often the case in studies of general manufacturing industries.
G360 A cytokine storm is brewing

Background Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe systemic inflammatory condition caused by dysregulation in Natural Killer T cell function. This results in excessive activation and proliferation of lymphocytes and histiocytes which results in a “cytokine storm” and uncontrolled haemophagocytosis. HLH should be considered in cases of unexplained unremitting fevers, sudden onset of cytopaenias, liver dysfunction and clotting abnormalities. It can be associated with rashes, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and central nervous system symptoms (headache, lethargy, irritability, seizures, coma). Due to the non specific nature of presentation, HLH can often be overlooked, even when patients are extremely unwell. Traditionally, HLH is divided into primary HLH (genetic cause identified), and secondary HLH, which is associated with a variety of conditions (neoplasic, infectious and autoimmune). In autoimmune disease HLH is usually referred to as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). HLH can be difficult to diagnose and early recognition and prompt treatment is essential to prevent the significant mortality associated with this disorder. Aims To raise awareness of HLH, to outline the complexity of this disorder and the challenges that exist in diagnosis. Methods We present three cases of HLH seen at a tertiary paediatric hospital with a tertiary paediatric rheumatology unit between January and October 2013. In two cases there was MAS associated with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In one case the diagnosis is likely to be a primary HLH. We outline the presentation and course of the illness and the results of investigations. Results (Image 1) one and two were successfully treated with methylprednisolone and Anakinra (Interleukin – 1 blocker). Patient three initially responded to methylprednisolone however, subsequently eventually required treatment with dexamethosone and cyclosporine HLH protocol. Conclusion HLH or MAS, regardless of terminology preferred, needs prompt recognition and treatment to prevent fatality. We present this series of cases to highlight the complexities and challenges of diagnosis of this condition. It is essential to raise awareness of this condition amongst paediatricians and furthermore to stimulate the development of guidelines that encompass the diagnosis and management of primary and secondary HLH.
Effect of Branched-Chain Amino Acids(BCAA) on the Ventilatory Response to Hypoxia in Newborn Piglets. † 1481

The administration of BCAA produces a significant increase in basal ventilation and CO2 response in adult humans and significant decrease in apneic episodes in premature infants. In order to assess the effect of BCAA on the neonatal ventilatory response to hypoxia, 13 sedated and spontaneously breathing piglets £7 days old were studied before and after a 4 hour infusion of 53% BCAA (n = 8) or 5% dextrose (D5W; n =5) solution. Minute ventilation (VdotE), oxygen consumption (VdotO2), arterial blood pressure (ABP), heart rate (HR), and arterial blood gases were measured in room air (RA) and during 1, 5 and 10 min of hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.10). Mean ± SD of absolute values and% change (Δ) from RA for VdotE (ml/kg/min) were as follows: Table Although a similar increase in VdotE occurred at 1 min of hypoxia pre- and post-BCAA, a significant increase in the ventilatory response at 5 and 10 min of hypoxia was noted post-BCAA. A significant increase in respiratory rate(p<0.002) and decrease in PaCO2 (p<0.004) were also observed after BCAA infusion. Changes in VdotO2, ABP, HR, pH, PaO2 and base excess with hypoxia were not different between pre- and post- BCAA. In the control group, the cardiorespiratory response to hypoxia was not modified by D5W infusion. These data suggest that the administration of BCAA increases central respiratory output and eliminates the ventilatory depression observed during sustained hypoxia in the neonate.
Determining the optimal obturation length: a meta-analysis of literature.

The purpose was to aid in determining termination of instrumentation and obturation. A meta-analysis was conducted as to success/failure of different obturation lengths. Inclusion criteria were (a) minimum follow-up of 2 yr, (b) data on obturation length, (c) definition of success/failure, (d) available data on success/failure, (e) radiographic evaluation. Correlations were made as to success/failure as related to length of obturation from the apex. When comparing group A (obturated 0-1 mm from apex) versus group C (obturated past apex) using the DerSimonian and Laird estimates, group A showed a marginally better (p 1 mm short); the difference was insignificant. The results were similar after controlling for study quality using a single random effects regression model. In conclusion, the meta-analysis indicated that a better success rate is achieved when treatment includes obturation short of the apex.
The influence of perinatal complications and environmental adversity on boys’ antisocial behavior

Background: The purpose of the present study was to test components of Raine’s (2002) biosocial model, specifically the interactive effects of perinatal complications, rejecting parenting, and family adversity on the development of early-onset antisocial behavior (ASB). Boys’ internalizing problems were also tested to investigate the specificity of the model. Methods: Birth records in addition to longitudinal data were collected on 310 low-income boys followed from birth until 10 years of age. Results: Findings demonstrated support for a biosocial framework in predicting ASB but not internalizing problems. Family adversity, and to some extent rejecting parenting, consistently predicted youth outcome. Perinatal complications emerged as a predictor of ASB but only in the context of other family risk factors. According to maternal report, boys experiencing high levels of perinatal complications, rejecting parenting, and family adversity showed significantly higher levels of ASB than boys with lower levels of these risk factors. This finding was partially corroborated by youth self-report, such that boys experiencing high levels of perinatal complications and family adversity reported more antisocial activity than boys experiencing no risk or risk in only one domain. Conclusions: This study supports the specific prediction of ASB in middle childhood from a biosocial model. Findings also highlight the salience of a negative psychosocial environment on childhood maladjustment. Intervention efforts including parenting skills and coping strategies for mothers of children from multiple risk environments are advocated. Keywords: Perinatal complications, antisocial behavior, family adversity, high-risk sample. Abbreviations: ASB: antisocial behavior.
Mucinous differentiation in prostatic adenocarcinoma

Morphologic and histochemical analysis was performed on 33 carcinomas with mucin-secreting areas that were identified among 100 carcinomas from radical prostatectomy specimens. The most common mucin-secreting pattern was Gleason grade 3, which usually showed distinctive luminal distention. The "colloid carcinoma" pattern with mucinous lakes was the only histologic pattern that was unique to mucinous areas. Its frequent association with cribriform Gleason grade 4 carcinoma suggests that it is a variant of grade 4 cancer, whose deviant appearance is a consequence of mucus hypersecretion. Collagenous stromal micronodules, found in 13 cases, are a previously undescribed and distinctive pattern thought to be a stromal reaction to contact with acidic extraluminal mucin. In grade 3 carcinoma, glands that secreted into the stroma rather than the gland lumen accounted for the stromal mucin, which appeared to lead to micronodule formation. In the grade 4 "colloid cancer" pattern, collagenous micronodules sometimes completely obliterated mucinous lakes, isolating residual cribriform glands in a "pseudo-grade 3" pattern. Lectin histochemical staining showed similar sialated and/or sulfated acidic mucin in all cases. Immunohistochemical staining showed downregulation of several differentiation antigens accompanying the alteration to mucinous differentiation.
Developmental relationship between dopa decar☐ylase, dopamine acetyltransferase, and ecdysone inDrosophila

The developmental profiles of dopa decar☐ylase (DDC) and dopamine acetyltransferase (DAT) were determined and compared with that of ecdysone. Five peaks of DDC activity are observed corresponding to the five major transition points inDrosophila development, embryonic hatching, first and second molts, puparium formation, and adult eclosion. Marked changes in DAT activity are also observed, although the pattern does not correlate well with changes in developmental stages. DDC expression is correlated with increasing ecdysone concentration at puparium formation, while the peaks of DDC at embryonic hatching and adult eclosion are not temporally correlated with ecdysone. The temperature-sensitive ecdysoneless mutant (ecd1) which is reversibly blocked in ecdysone production at restrictive temperatures [Garen, A., Kauvar, L., and Lepesant, J. A. (1977).Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA74, 5099–5133] was used to show that the 20-fold increase in DDC activity in pupating larvae is hormone dependent. It was found that theecd1 mutant failed to block the midpupal increase in ecdysone concentration.
Observation of the accordion band in the Raman spectra of the alkylbenzenes

A study of the Raman spectra of solid and liquid alkylbenzenes was made. The band associated with the accordion mode of the alkyl chain tail was identified in the spectrum of each member of the series studied. A successful model for the dependence of the accordion band frequency on alkyl chain length was developed. Bands associated with kinked alkyl chain conformations were also observed.
Secure descriptive message dissemination in DTNs

Mobile nodes in some challenging network scenarios suffer from intermittent connectivity and frequent partitions e.g. battlefield and disaster recovery scenarios. Disruption Tolerant Network (DTN) technologies are designed to enable nodes in such environments to communicate with one another. A key feature of DTN technology is the late-binding capability that allows messages destined to a descriptive name to be resolved progressively until the messages are delivered to one or several recipients. In this paper, we describe a flexible security solution that allows messages destined to descriptive names to be sent securely such that unauthorized personnel is not allowed to eavesdrop on them. Our solution builds on the attributed based cryptography system. In addition, we describe our implementation of a late-binding router that supports our security solution. We also present our prototyping experience.
Can the therapeutic window for tissue plasminogen activator be extended to 6 hours after stroke onset

Can the therapeutic window for tissue plasminogen activator be extended to 6 hours after stroke onset?
Black sexuality: A test of two theories

Testing the theoretical statements of Alfred Kinsey and James Coleman regarding racial differences in sexual experience (Coleman, 1966; Kinsey, Pomeroy, & Martin, 1948), data from three samples, covering the period 1938–70, are brought to bear on the following hypotheses: (a) Black men and women are more sexually permissive than white men and women, but such differences are more a function of social class than race (Kinsey); and (b) differences in sexual permissiveness between black men and women are less than for white men and women because of the power of the black woman in determining family status (Coleman). Results show that blacks were more likely than whites to engage in premarital sex earlier and more frequently (men and women), and with more partners (men only). They were also more likely to engage in extramarital sex (men and women), and with a greater number of partners (men only). Additionally, blacks were more liberal and accepting of sex, pursued it more, were more open about it, and reporte...
Expression and Purification of Glycosylated Bovine β-Casein (L70S/P71S) in Pichia Pastoris

Post-translational glycosylation of bovine beta-casein (L70S/P71S) that results in Asn(68)-linked glycan on the protein was obtained in up to 30% of total beta-casein expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Among the growth/induction media used, buffered minimal glycerol (BMG)/buffered minimal methanol (BMM) media were best for the production of glycosylated bovine beta-casein, indicating pH-dependent glycosylation. Glycosylated bovine beta-casein (L70S/P71S) expressed in P. pastoris was purified to homogeneity by the combination of ammonium sulfate fractionation, Concanavalin A--Sepharose affinity column, and Mono Q anion-exchange FPLC. The purified glycosylated bovine beta-casein was specific only to Concanavalin A, and the oligosaccharide structure of glycosylated beta-casein was of high-mannose type. Unlike the hyperglycosylation that occurred in yeast, the majority of bovine beta-casein was not hyperglycosylated in P. pastoris, and its molecular weight was estimated to be 33.6 kDa. Glycosylated bovine beta-casein was normally phosphorylated to the same degree as native bovine beta-casein.
Using decision modeling to measure second level valences in expectancy theory

Abstract This paper employs a decision modeling approach to measure second level valences in Expectancy Theory. As proposed by J. C. Naylor, R. D. Pritchard and D. R. Ilgen (A theory of behavior in organizations, New York: Academic Press, 1980 ) second-level valences are measured across different levels of an outcome. In the first experiment, the job-preference decisions of 24 under-graduates were examined using a decision making exercise involving 24 hypothetical jobs described in terms of three intrinsic instrumentalities. In the second experiment, the job-preference decisions of 57 undergraduates were examined using a decision-making exercise involving 24 hypothetical jobs described in terms of four extrinsic instrumentalities. Factorial designs were used in both experiments to preserve orthogonality and allow a separate interpretation of each of the second-level valences. A regression model was derived for each subject to block on individuals and provide a within-person analyses of the data. In both experiments, the beta weight measures of the second level valences (1) conformed to the concept of Naylor et al. that second-level valence is a relationship across levels of an outcome; (2) operationalized the within-person property of Expectancy Theory; (3) allowed separate interpretations of each second-level valence; and (4) displayed stable, high internal consistency estimates. Therefore, it appears that decision modeling with beta weight measures of second-level valences offers an innovative approach for Expectancy Theory researchers.
Topologies determined by a class of nets

Abstract Much work has been done on topologies which are “determined” by sequences or more generally, a specified class of nets. The general concept of a space whose topology is “determined” by a given class of nets is studied. A unification and extension of the published work is obtained. In particular, product spaces are studied in detail.
Is GUI programming a database research problem

Programming nontrivial GUI applications is currently an arduous task. Just as the use of a declarative language simplified the programming of database applications, we ask whether we can do the same for GUI programming? Can we then import a large body of knowledge from database research? We answer these questions by describing our experience in building nontrivial GUI applications initially using C++ programming and subsequently using Logic++, a higher order Horn clause logic language on complex objects with object-oriented features. We abstract a GUI application as a set of event handlers. Each event handler can be conceptualized as a transition from the old screen/program state to a new screen/program state. We use a data centric view of the screen/program state (i.e., every entity on the screen corresponds to proxy datum in the program) and express each event handler as a query dependent update, albeit a complicated one. To express such complicated updates we use Logic++. The proxy data are expressed as derived views that are materialized on the screen. Therefore, the system must be active in maintaining these materialized views. Consequently, each event handler is conceptually an update followed by a fixpoint computation of the proxy data. Based on our experience in building the GUI system, we observe that many database techniques such as view maintenance, active DB, concurrency control, recovery, optimization as well as language concepts such as higher order logic are useful in the context of GUI programming.
Predicting the Presence and Side of Extracapsular Extension: A Nomogram for Staging Prostate Cancer

ABSTRACTPurpose: We developed a model to predict the side specific probability of extracapsular extension (ECE) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens based on the clinical features of the cancer.Materials and Methods: We studied 763 patients with clinical stage T1c-T3 prostate cancer who were diagnosed by systematic needle biopsy and subsequently treated with RP. Candidate predictor variables associated with ECE were clinical T stage, the highest Gleason sum in any core, percent positive cores, percent cancer in the cores from each side and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to assess the predictive value of each variable alone and in combination. We constructed and internally validated nomograms to predict the side specific probability of ECE based on logistic regression analysis.Results: Overall 30% of the patients and 17% of 1,526 prostate lobes (left or right) had ECE. The areas under the ROC curves (AUC) of the standard features in...
A method for quantification from composite spectra: application to the determination of isomeric DNA photoproducts by tandem mass spectrometry.

Quantification of mixture components from their composite optical or mass spectra is a common need in analytical chemistry. We encountered the need when applying a combination of enzymatic digestion with nuclease P1 and tandem mass spectrometry to a mixture of isomeric photomodified oligodeoxynucleotides. In the procedure, we collisionally activated the [M − H]- or [M + Na − 2H]- ion of trinucleotide triphosphates, which were extricated enzymatically from the larger, damaged oligodeoxynucleotides, and we measured the relative abundances of characteristic fragment ions. The results sometimes yield curved calibrations for plots of the relative fragment ion abundances in the product ion spectra of isomers versus their relative amounts. We developed a normalized linear model, which brings understanding to the nonlinear plots and allows quantification of the mixture components from their composite spectra. The outcome demonstrates a general quantification procedure and shows that different yields for generatin...
A SOLUTION TO THE REAR-VISION PROBLEM IN A FIXED-BASE DRIVING SIMULATOR

Guihua Yang, Farnaz Baniahmad, Beverly K. Jaeger, and Ronald R. Mourant Virtual Environments Laboratory 334 Snell Engineering Center Northeastern University Boston, MA 02115 Although driving often involves considerable use of a vehicle’s mirrors, collecting data on the frequency and duration of mirror glances can be difficult. First, data collection in the real world may be time-consuming and unsafe. Second, low -cost simulators have used visual inserts within the projected image to simulate the inside mirror. When such inserts are used, a driver’s search and scan behavior differs significantly from that in the real world. Both eye movements and eye accommodation processes are different for mirror inserts then for actual mirrors. This paper describes a low-cost driving simulator that allows actual rear-vision mirrors to be used. Thus, eye-mirror scan behavior in our simulator emulates that of the real world. Our simulator, with the actual vehicle mirrors, is composed of two networked PCs, two projectors, and two screens. The forward view is projected to the front screen from the server, and the rear view is projected to the back screen from the client. The scene and autonomous vehicl es in the server and client are synchronized by communication between the server and client. A driver seated in the vehicle body/buck views the front driving scene on the front screen and views the rear driving scene in either the left-side mirror or inside mirror. A small video camera, which is synchronized with the computer-generated visual scene, is used to record the operator’s glances to the vehicle's mirrors. We plan to gather information and data during a study driver behavior when making lane changes under various situations. The results may be relevant to understanding the process of attaining driving skills, and could contribute to the content of driver training and education.
Analyzing women's roles through graphic representation of narratives.

A 1992 triangulated international nursing study of women’s health was reported. The researchers used the perspectives of feminism and symbolic interactionism, specifically role theory. A narrative analysis was done to clarify the concept of role integration. The narrative analysis was reported in 1992, but graphic/visual techniques used in the team dialogue process of narrative analysis were not reported due to space limitations. These techniques have not been reported elsewhere and thus remain innovative. Specific steps in the method are outlined here in detail as an audit trail. The process would be useful to other qualitative researchers as an exemplar of one novel way that verbal data can be abstracted visually/graphically. Suggestions are included for aspects of narrative, in addition to roles, that could be depicted graphically in qualitative research.
Isostatic equilibrium grounding line between the West Antarctic inland ice sheet and the Ross Ice Shelf

The Ross Ice Shelf is widely believed to be a Holocene feature, that is, during the late Pleistocene the inland (grounded) ice sheet extended out nearly to the continental shelf break in the Ross Sea, and retreated to its present position between 5,000 and 10,000 yr BP. If so, and if the grounded ice sheet remained in that position for at least 10,000 yr, then a sea floor uplift of the order of 100 m is still to be expected in the grid western part of the Ross Ice Shelf. Even for a smaller and more ephemeral extension of the grounded ice, the uplift would still be several tens of metres. Recently reported measurements indicate that there are extensive areas near the present grounding line where the water layer beneath the ice shelf is thin enough so that uplift would lead to a grounding line advance of at least 100 km. As the sea floor depth generally increases towards the grid east, however, the maximum extent would not be past the middle of the present Ross Ice Shelf.
A novel modular adder for one thousand bits and more using fast carry chains of modern FPGAs

In this paper a novel, low-latency family of high-radix Parallel Prefix Network adders and modular adders has been proposed. This family efficiently takes advantage of fast carry chains of modern FPGAs. The implementation results reveal that these adders have great potential for efficient implementation of modular addition with the long integers used in various public key cryptography schemes.
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism: Practice Patterns in 17 Geographically Diverse Long Term Care Facilities in the United States: Part 1 of 2 (an AMDA Foundation Project)

Abstract Introduction Current guidelines recommend antithrombotic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) using risk assessment, factoring contraindications. This report represents a summary of current practice patterns to prevent VTE in long term care as Phase 1 of a 3-phase educational intervention study. Phase 1 Participants Participants were 376 new admissions/readmissions (77 ± 12 [SD] years; 67% female) from 17 geographically diverse long term care facilities (3260 total beds). Measurements The process describes current VTE prophylaxis (VTE-P) practices; a companion article describes the educational intervention (Phase 2) and outcome (Phase 3). Phase 1 data were collected on use of nonpharmacological measures and antithrombotic drugs for VTE-P between July and September 2009. Results Indications for VTE-P were evident in 85% of new admissions, of which two-thirds received VTE-P. Contraindications for anticoagulation were observed in 54.8% of admissions, including quality of life or patient/caregiver wishes. Logistic regression analysis predicted no relationship between any indication for or any contraindication to VTE-P and use of VTE-P, suggesting an inadequate understanding of current clinical practice guidelines. Conclusions Residents of long term care have significant comorbidity that poses risk for VTE; although many received VTE-P, contraindications were common, warranting individualized considerations. The likelihood of VTE-P was greatest following orthopedic surgery, severe trauma, and medical illness.
Periodic Integration and Cointegration of U.S. Stock Prices, Dividends, and Interest Rates: A New Test of the Present Value Model

This paper presents a new test of the present value model of stock price determination, using some of the recent advances in the econometrics of seasonal time series. Unlike earlier studies which generally find stock prices, dividends, and interest rates to be characterized by standard nonseasonal unit roots, we find evidence of periodic seasonal integration in these variables. This means that the conventional cointegration tests may not be robust. Using a more appropriate periodic cointegration test, our results nevertheless fail to support the present value model, thus reinforcing the case against the efficient market hypothesis.
Essential Elements and Cadmium and Lead in Fresh, Canned, and Frozen Green Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Sixteen essential elements, cadmium and lead were determined in fresh, canned, and frozen green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Samples were taken during processing to determine where changes in element content occurred. Canned green beans contained lower concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, but had higher amounts of chloride, nickel, and sodium than fresh beans. No change in silicon was observed. Iron, phosphorus and potassium were lower in frozen than in fresh green beans, but calcium, sodium and zinc were higher. There was no change in chloride, copper, magnesium, manganese and silicon due to freezing. Element retention ranged from 51 - 100% for canned and from 73 - 171% for frozen green beans.
Concentration distribution, effectiveness factor, and reactant exhaustion for catalytic reaction with volume change

Analytic expressions for the concentration distribution of reactant and for effectiveness factor have been obtained for zero-order catalytic reactions of the type A → bB. They can be summarized for various physical forms of catalyst to be and where , and Mi are differently defined for thin-disk (i = 1), infinite-cylinder (i = 2), and spherical (i = 3) geometries. The results are also presented graphically for rapid calculation of these quantities. The phenomenon of reactant exhaustion associated with a zero-order reaction and the criteria for its occurrence are also discussed.
Real-time Imaging and Quantification of Brain Delivery of Liposomes

The surgical delivery of therapeutic agents into the parenchyma of the brain is problematic because it has been virtually impossible to know with any certainty where infused material is going, and how much to infuse. We have started to use liposomes loaded with Gadoteridol (GDL) as a tracer that allows us to follow infusions in real-time on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI allows precise tracking and measurement of liposomes loaded with markers and therapeutics. This review provides an overview of real-time delivery of liposomes to the central nervous system (CNS), and discusses the technical aspects of delivery, liposomes as colloidal systems of delivery, real-time distribution of liposomes in CNS, and quantification of liposome distribution. Our data suggests that real-time monitoring of liposomal drug infusion is likely to improve outcomes of clinical trials where convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is being used to target drugs to specific brain structures through limitation of systemic toxicity and reduction of side effects. This review is a summary of work done by our group over the past four years.
Effects of magnetic field on the turbulent wake of a cylinder in free-surface magnetohydrodynamic channel flow

Results from a free-surface magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow experiment are presented detailing the modification of vortices in the wake of a circular cylinder with its axis parallel to the applied magnetic field. Experiments were performed at Reynolds numbers of the order of as the interaction parameter , representing the ratio of electromagnetic forces to inertial forces, was increased through unity. The von Karman vortex street in the wake of the cylinder was observed by simultaneously sampling the gradient of the induced electric potential, , at 16 cross-stream locations as a proxy for the streamwise fluid velocity. An ensemble of vortex velocity profiles was measured as a function of the applied magnetic field strength. Results indicate a significant change in the circulation of vortices and the deviations from the average profile as was increased. By sampling the fluctuations in at three locations in the wake, the decay of the vortices was examined and the effective viscosity was found to decrease as . Using temperature as a passive tracer, qualitative observations were made with an infrared (IR) camera that showed significant changes in the wake, including the absence of small-scale structures at high magnetic field strengths. Collectively, the results suggest that the reduction in effective viscosity was due to the suppression of the small-scale eddies by the magnetic field. The slope of the power spectrum was observed to change from a power law at low to a power law for . Together, these results suggest the flow smoothly transitioned from a hydrodynamic state to a magnetohydrodynamic regime over the range of .
Surgery for carcinoma of the pancreas and periampullary structures: Complications of resectional and palliative procedures

This is a retrospective review of 237 patients who had surgical exploration for proven or suspected malignant lesions of the pancreas (201 patients) and periampullary structures (36 patients). Among the former group, 128 patients had carcinoma diagnosed at initial operation (31 by resected specimens, 33 by liver, and 64 by other biopsies), four patients had Whipple resection for suspected carcinoma of pancreas but specimen showed chronic pancreatitis, and 69 patients had suspected carcinoma of the pancreas without histological proof. Among patients who had Whipple resections, the operative mortality was 20%. Over 40% of the deaths was due to systemic complications. Among patients with unresectable lesions, 19% died postoperatively. This figure correlated more with the condition of the host and the extent of the tumor rather than with the specific operative procedures: The operative mortality was 16-18% for those who had either biliary or duodenal bypass, 11% for those who had both type of bypass procedures, and 36% for those who did not have any bypass performed. Although near 60% of the death was secondary to advanced state of the malignant condition, some death could have been delayed or altered by more optimal biliary, duodenal decompression, and added therapy to decrease gastric acid. In patients with unresectable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas, the most optimal palliative procedures appear to be choledochojejunostomy constructed with a side-to-side anastomosis between common or hepatic bile duct and a loop of jejunum, supplemented with an enteroenterostomy below the biliary anastomosis, and a high gastrojejunostomy as a therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of duodenal obstruction.
Sedimentation in ice-covered Lake Hoare, Antarctica

The sedimentation mechanisms that occur in ice-covered Lake Hoare, Antarctica are examined, to determine how sediment enters the lake, and how the sedimentation pattern affects blue-green algal growth at the lake bottom. The 3 m-thick ice cover contains pebbly sand as much as 2 m below the surface. Sediment with similar texture and mineralogy is found at the lake bottom. This evidence, together with the lack of sediment in the inflowing stream and the markedly different texture of sediment from the other terrains around the lake suggest that most of the sediment at the lake bottom comes in through the ice cover. Sand grains intermittently migrate through porous ice on the surface, water-filled vertical gas-channels penetrating two-thirds of the ice cover, and possibly through cracks in the ice that act as conduits. The algae at the lake bottom are able to survive in part because sediment that comes through the ice cover does not obliterate them.
Aperture-coupled patch antennas with wide-bandwidth and dual-polarization capabilities

The authors discuss the design of a wideband, dual-proportion, C-band patch radiator with a 20% bandwidth for input voltage-standing-wave ratio >
Echocardiographic features of embolized inferior venacaval filter to the right ventricle--a case report.

The authors describe two-dimensional echocardiographic features of an infe rior venacaval filter that migrated to the right ventricle. As far as they can determine, this is the first description of the echocardiographic aspects of this clinical entity.
Optimal design of uncertain complex dynamical systems

Recent advances in simulation and computation have greatly advanced model-based design of complex industrial systems. However, these advances call for improved design methodologies that can account for the complexities and uncertainties in the model descriptions in the design process. In this paper we consider the problem of optimal design of systems that are described by an uncertain discrete dynamical system. We consider a formulation of the design problem that accounts for complex behavior of the system and incorporates the system dynamics into the formulation of the cost functional. In particular, using some recently developed results from random dynamical systems theory we incorporate both uncertainties from initial conditions and system parameters as well as system generated uncertainties into the cost functional.
Brief thermal pulses during mountain building recorded by Sr diffusion in apatite and multicomponent diffusion in garnet

We use the records of Sr diffusion preserved in apatite and corroborating multicomponent Fe-Mg–Ca–Mn diffusion preserved in garnet from the classic Barrovian metamorphic zones (Scotland) to quantify the timescale for the thermal peak of crustal heating c. 465 Ma. We show that Sr diffusion in apatite is a powerful means to determine thermal timescales, and provide the first set of diffusion-basedtimescaleestimatesacrossawiderangeofmetamorphicgradesforBarrovianmetamorphism.Theresultsdemonstrate that the thermal peak was extremely brief and lasted a few hundred thousand years. This timescale is one to two orders of magnitude shorter than peak timescales predicted by conventional models based on conductive relaxation of overthickened crust. The short peak thermal pulse or pulses probably involved advective heat transfer driven by magmas and associated fluid flow, followed by rapid exhumation.Peakthermalpulsesmayrepresentaveryshortpart(b1Ma)ofoverallmountainbuildingcycleslasting ∼10 7 yrormore, but play a dominant role in determining mineralogy, geochemical fluxes, and fluid production in mountain belts. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Patterns of angiogenesis in neural transplant models: II. Fetal neocortical transplants.

Vascular integration between transplanted fetal CNS tissues and host brain is essential for long-term transplant survival. This study compares the time course and mechanism of vascularization in allografts of fetal cerebral cortex inserted either into the fourth ventricle or directly into the parietal cortex or hippocampus of perinatal rats. Recipient animals were administered 3H-thymidine after various postoperative time periods. The tissues were processed for light microscopic autoradiography to determine the temporal pattern of endothelial proliferation at the graft sites. Correlative electron microscopy depicted the morphological changes in transplant vasculature. Some recipients were prelabelled with 3H-thymidine prior to transplantation to determine if host vessels invaded the grafts; conversely, some donor tissues were prelabelled in utero to ascertain if the intrinsic vascular anlagen survived. Intraventricular transplants contained patent vessels, probably originating from the host pia mater, as early as 24 hours postoperative. Intraparenchymal transplants had patent vessels by 72 hours and a more complete network by 5 days. Prelabelling experiments and ultrastructural observations demonstrated that adjacent host pial vessels became incorporated into the perimeter of the intraventricular transplants and later grew centrally into the grafts. Intraparenchymal transplants also contained host vessels that exhibited a similar growth pattern. Intrinsic graft vessels remained viable and continued their development, and presumably anastomosed with the ingrowing host vasculature. Temporal labelling studies revealed that both vessel populations attained their highest proliferative rates within 72 hours after transplantation. This study demonstrates that the vasculature which develops within both intraventricular and intraparenchymal fetal CNS transplants is chimeric, consisting of intrinsic fetal vasculature and proliferating host vessels. The mechanism of transplant vascularization may be significant with regard to astrocytic, immunological, or blood-brain–barrier characteristics at these transplantation sites.
Measurements of convective and radiative heating in wildland fires

Time-resolved irradiance and convective heating and cooling of fast-response thermopile sensors were measured in 13 natural and prescribed wildland fires under a variety of fuel and ambient conditions. It was shown that a sensor exposed to the fire environment was subject to rapid fluctuations of convective transfer whereas irradiance measured by a windowed sensor was much less variable intime, increasing nearly monotonically with the approach of the flamefrontandlargelydecliningwithitspassage.Irradiancebeneathtwocrownfirespeakedat200and300kWm � 2 ,peak irradiance associated with fires in surface fuels reached 100kWm � 2 and the peak for three instances of burning in shrub fuels was 132kWm � 2 . The fire radiative energy accounted for 79% of the variance in fuel consumption. Convective heatingatthesensorsurfacevariedfrom15%tovaluesexceedingtheradiativeflux.Detailedmeasurementsofconvective and radiative heating rates in wildland fires are presented. Results indicate that the relative contribution of each to total energy release is dependent on fuel and environment.
Flight Testing and Evaluation of the Structural Response to Flight Loads of a Small Scale Unmanned Aerial System

F light dynamic loads exper ienced by a 40% scale Yak-54 unmanned aer ial system were simulated, including performance analysis, static testing and analysis, and structural response to static and dynamic air loads. A detailed sensor selection outlines the justification for the choosing of accelerometers and strain gages, and the calibration techniques imposed prior to testing. Static testing was performed on a carbon fiber composite spar to determine the elastic modulus and failure stress and then compared to numer ical technique results. Full integration of the sensors with the platform was completed in preparation for flight testing. An integrated static test was performed to validate the system in which the wings were subjected to a load factor of 2.5g’s and strain was measured at three outboard locations of each wing. The flight test consists of steady level turns and symmetr ical pull-ups. Each maneuver is dictated by a control input. The maximum strain observed during flight was 141 μe at the tip of the r ight wing and the minimum was -188 μe at the mid station of the r ight wing. The accelerometer data collected correlated well to the executed maneuvers, and accelerations as large as 2.6 g’s were observed.
Massively-Parallel Dislocation Dynamics Simulations

Prediction of the plastic strength of single crystals based on the collective dynamics of dislocations has been a challenge for computational materials science for a number of years. The difficulty lies in the inability of the existing dislocation dynamics (DD) codes to handle a sufficiently large number of dislocation lines, in order to be statistically representative and to reproduce experimentally observed microstructures. A new massively-parallel DD code is developed that is capable of modeling million-dislocation systems by employing thousands of processors. We discuss the general aspects of this code that make such large scale simulations possible, as well as a few initial simulation results.
Loss of EGFR induced autophagy sensitizes hormone refractory prostate cancer cells to adriamycin

BACKGROUND The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is over-expressed in advanced prostate cancer but tyrosine kinase inhibitors are not clinically effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. Recently it was found that EGFR in cancer cells has a kinase-independent pro-survival function, preventing cells from undergoing autophagy. In the present study we investigated whether the anti-autophagic function of EGFR may contribute to resistance of hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells to chemotherapeutic-induced apoptosis. METHODS We first characterized the autophagic phenotype induced by knocking down EGFR in hormone refractory prostate cancer cells (PC-3MM2 and DU-145), then we tested whether loss of EGFR-induced autophagy could sensitize cancer cells to adriamycin. RESULTS Using continuous live cell imaging techniques, we observed that knocking down EGFR lead to typical autophagic morphological/molecular changes, cell shrinkage without detachment, aggregation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) protein and absence of activation of apoptotic caspases 3/7. Loss of EGFR also increased the activity of calpain, which is pro-apoptotic. Knocking down EGFR, but not inhibiting its tyrosine kinase activity, significantly sensitized cells to adriamycin-induced apoptosis. Adriamycin-induced apoptosis could be inhibited by increased extracellular glucose level, suggesting intracellular glucose deficiency is a key mediator of the sensitization. The loss of EGFR induced autophagy and sensitization to adriamycin were also reproduced by using another hormone refractory prostate cancer cell line, Du145. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data suggest that decreasing the expression level of EGFR protein, rather than inhibiting its tyrosine kinase activity, may enhance the efficiency of EGFR targeted therapy for prostate cancer. Prostate 71:1216–1224, 2011. Published 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interleukin-1 Receptor but Not Toll-Like Receptor 2 Is Essential for MyD88-Dependent Th17 Immunity to Coccidioides Infection

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A)-producing CD4+ T helper (Th17) cells have been shown to be essential for defense against pulmonary infection with Coccidioides species. However, we have just begun to identify the required pattern recognition receptors and understand the signal pathways that lead to Th17 cell activation after fungal infection. We previously reported that Card9−/− mice vaccinated with formalin-killed spherules failed to acquire resistance to Coccidioides infection. Here, we report that both MyD88−/− and Card9−/− mice immunized with a live, attenuated vaccine also fail to acquire protective immunity to this respiratory disease. Like Card9−/− mice, vaccinated MyD88−/− mice revealed a significant reduction in numbers of both Th17 and Th1 cells in their lungs after Coccidioides infection. Both Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1r1) upstream of MyD88 have been implicated in Th17 cell differentiation. Surprisingly, vaccinated TLR2−/− and wild-type (WT) mice showed similar outcomes after pulmonary infection with Coccidioides, while vaccinated IL-1r1−/− mice revealed a significant reduction in the number of Th17 cells in their infected lungs compared to WT mice. Thus, activation of both IL-1r1/MyD88- and Card9-mediated Th17 immunity is essential for protection against Coccidioides infection. Our data also reveal that the numbers of Th17 cells were reduced in IL-1r1−/− mice to a lesser extent than in MyD88−/− mice, raising the possibility that other TLRs are involved in MyD88-dependent Th17 immunity to coccidioidomycosis. An antimicrobial action of Th17 cells is to promote early recruitment of neutrophils to infection sites. Our data revealed that neutrophils are required for vaccine immunity to this respiratory disease.