cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kappa and lambda immunoglobulin expression associated with abnormalities of chromosomes #2 and #22 in lymphoma and leukemia.

Abstract The types of surface immunoglobulins on Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells correlate with the specific chromosomes that are altered in the tumor. For example, BL with a t(2;8) translocation expresses kappa (κ) light chains, whereas BL with a t(8;22) translocation expresses lambda (λ) light immunoglobulin chains; these correspond with the locations of the κ chain genes on chromosome #2 and the λ chain genes on chromosome #22, respectively [1–5]. In order to explain this close correlation between specific translocations and light chain expression in BL and BL-type acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) (L3 type), Hecht et al. [6] proposed the concept of position effect, which is reviewed herein.
Partial purification of the outer membrane fraction from sonicated heavy beef heart mitochondria.

Abstract The outer membrane was isolated from sonicated heavy beef heart mitochondria according to the procedure of Green et al. (1). By repeated hypotonic and detergent washing, citric cycle enzyme activity (α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) could be removed completely from the outer membrane preparation. By this procedure the rotenone-insensitive DPNH cytochrome c reductase (RIDCR) and the monoamine oxidase activities could not be washed away from the membrane fragments; instead, both activities were concentrated greatly when compared to their starting specific activities. Concomitantly, during the purification procedure inner membrane contamination, as measured by cytochromes a + a3 content, could be removed by differential centrifugation. Phospholipid constituted approximately 45% of the total dry weight, and the cholesterol level was also found to be greatly enhanced. Electron microscopically, negatively stained preparations of the partially purified mitochondrial outer membrane appeared to consist exclusively of smooth-surfaced, rounded membrane fragments, having a thickened edge. When examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the partially purified outer membrane preparation exhibited several small protein components with one major protein component dominating the electrophoretic trace.
Development of an ultra-wideband Vivaldi antenna array for radar measurement of snow thickness and density

We present an ultra-wideband 2–18 GHz Vivaldi antenna array for airborne radar measurement of snow thickness and density. Estimation of snow parameters, such as density or snow-water-equivalent requires the knowledge of volume and surface scattering from snow (H. Rott et al., Int'l Symp. on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, pp. 144–147, 2009). Due to the resolution requirement and the sensitivity of the S/C-band (2–8 GHz) and Ku-band (12–18 GHz) radar backscatter to physical properties of the snow, the frequency band of interest is chosen to be 2–18 GHz (G. Parrella et al., IEEE Int'l Symp. on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, pp. 4410–4413, 2012). In view of this, we have developed a 10 × 10 ultra-wideband 2–18 GHz dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna array. The array is based on the design proposed by Kindt and has been extended to operate from 2 to 18 GHz (R. W. Kindt and W. R. Pickles, IEEE Trans. on Antennas and Propagation, 60, 3, pp. 1320–1328, 2012). As an experimental verification of the dual-polarized antenna array design, we have fabricated and tested a single 10-element slice of the array. Due to the absence of the other polarized element, this single-polarized antenna array provides a VSWR 2:1 across the bandwidth from 2.6 to 18 GHz. Our experimental results show that the prototype array performs closely to the simulation results in terms of both VSWR and radiation patterns. A comparison of the simulated and measured results will be presented. Measurement results of the full dual-polarized array are also expected to be presented at the conference.
Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Size and Feed Conversion Ratio

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, of five size-classes were stocked into 20, 0.04-ha earthen ponds at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Mean initial weights for each size-class were 0.232, 0.458, 0.678, 0.911, and 1.10 kg/fish. Four ponds were randomly allotted to each treatment. A commercial 28% protein diet was fed daily to apparent satiation. When fish reached a predetermined weight in each size-class, all fish were harvested, counted, weighed. Mean final weights for each size-class were 0.435, 0.683, 0.904, 1.16, and 1.36 kg/fish. The data show that smaller fish consumed more feed (as a percentage of body weight) and grew faster than larger fish. The data clearly demonstrate that feed conversion ratio and fish size are highly correlated and that feed conversion ratio increases as fish size increases. These data hold to the basic principle of animal husbandry that smaller animals are fast gainers and fast gain is generally the most efficient gain.
Decreased communication leads to diminished physiologic variability in a multiscale model of inflammation

was used to assess parasympathetic influences on the heart. The present study expanded our prior work in an attempt to include systemic level interactions associatedwith the effect onheart rate of the dynamic interplay between sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of autonomic nervous system. Physicochemical interactions related to the release and binding of cardiac neurotransmitters in the synapses between neural fibers and the sinoatrial nodal cells were explicitly incorporated. Furthermore, the 2 major autonomic control systems were considered to act antagonistically giving rise to changes in heart rate. Finally, quantifiable relationships among these complex physiologic signals were established using the principles of indirect response modeling. Thus, this study links inflammation and clinical outcomes via a multiscale host response model. Results: This modeling effort describes cardiovascular responses to acute endotoxin injury, phenotypically expressed as tachycardia, because of autonomic imbalance that reflects sympathetic activity excess and parasympathetic attenuation. Such dysregulation is mediated by an acute neuroendocrine stress response evoked by inflammation, making it a critical enabler for assessing the cardiovascular effects of antecedent stresses upon the systemic inflammatory manifestations of human endotoxemia. For instance, the proposed model captures the vagolytic influence of exogenously induced catecholamine excess as observed in relevant human experimental studies. Furthermore, a series of nonlinear but relevant inflammatory scenariosaresimulatedthatexplorestheimpactofanti-inflammationon compromisingoutcomeduringthecourseofunremittinginflammation. Such scenarios associate adverse stress outcomes with severe cardiovascular complications simulated as persistent tachycardia. Conclusions: The major conclusion of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of a multiscale, physiology-based human inflammation model that links inflammation and autonomic control of cardiovascular function. Such a relationship is disturbed in actual acute illnesses and, therefore, the proposed model lays the foundation for a translational, computational model that could potentially clarify the clinical contexts in which autonomic dysregulation contributes to morbidity in acutely stressed patients.
Sorption and desorption of flumioxazin to soil, clay minerals and ion‐exchange resin

Flumioxazin adsorption kinetics were described using a Greenville sandy clay loam soil. Adsorption kinetics experiments showed that 72% of total herbicide was absorbed after 1 h of continuous shaking and continued to increase to 78% after 72 h. Flumioxazin adsorption was then tested on seven agriculturally important soils throughout the southern USA. Adsorption isotherms for all soils had K(f) (Freundlich distribution coefficient) values that ranged from 8.8 to 0.4, with many near 1.5. Soil organic matter content was the parameter most highly correlated with flumioxazin adsorption (r(2) = 0.95, P < 0.001). Sorption to clay minerals had K(f) values ranging from 50 for bentonite to 4.7 for kaolinite. However, normalizing K(f) for sorbent surface area revealed that aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite) possessed the greatest flumioxazin sorption per unit area. Sorption to anionic exchange resin (K(f) 676) was greater than cationic exchange resin (K(f) 42). Molecular model calculations were performed to elucidate why sorption was greater to anionic exchangers. These calculations indicated that a region of dense electronegativity exists on the 3-dione moiety of the molecule. This would lead to greater flumioxazin sorption by positively charged surface sites. Desorption isotherms from soil exhibited no effect of hysteresis. Desorption from clay minerals was very rapid and flumioxazin in solution was undetectable after three desorption steps. From these data it was concluded that flumioxazin can become readily available in soil solution with increase in soil water content.
“The Japanese Village” and the Metropolitan Construction of Modernity

This article details the history of “The Japanese Village” exhibition in late-Victorian Knightsbridge. This exhibition, which opened two months before the premier of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado in March 1885, provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the variety of ways Japan was represented to and by Victorian audiences. In addition to describing the event, the essay studies newspaper accounts of the exhibition's destruction by fire and subsequent rebuilding, a narrative that promotes a distinction between the picturesque ephemerality of a traditional village and the metropolitan settings in which it was staged and contained.
Thermoluminescence and scintillation properties of LuAP and YAP

Abstract In this communication we report on the application of low temperature thermoluminescence (ltTL) associated with shallow traps in the research on scintillation properties of cerium doped LuAP and YAP crystals. We show that existence of shallow traps and their interference with the scintillation process readily explain changes in light yield and time profiles with temperature. The analysis of two major glow peaks at 183 and 270 K of LuAP:Ce yields trap parameters: The activation energy E=0.507 eV; the frequency factor s=3.65×1012 s−1 and E=0.786 eV; s=1.77×1013 s−1, respectively. A glow curve of YAP:Ce also shows two major glow peaks at 108 K and 154 K, although this case is more complex and involves a distribution in the energies. Assuming a Gaussian distribution with the standard deviation σ≅0.018 eV we find trap parameters to be: E=0.30 eV (the mean); s=5×1012 s−1 and E=0.5 eV; s=7×1014 s−1, respectively. Then using the obtained trap parameters we calculate examples of time profiles and light yield characteristics to compare them to the experimental results.
Mentoring: Some ethical considerations

To counter confusion about the term ‘mentor’, and address concerns about the scarcity of mentoring, I argue for an “honorific” definition, according to which a mentor is virtuous like a saint or hero. Given the unbounded commitment of mentors, mentoring relationships must be voluntary. In contrast, the role of advisor can be specified, mandated, and monitored. I argue that departments and research groups have a moral responsibility to devise a system of roles and structures to meet graduate students’ and postdoctoral fellows’ needs for information and advice.
Heterogeneous discrete expenditure for diminishing returns

A probabilistic model is developed that applies to military bombardment, advertising for a mass audience, and other kinds of situations in which striking a target means that less of it is left to strike. The model provides the basis for decision analysis based on marginal gain in such circumstances. Heterogneous resources are considered as well as composite targets. All expenditures are quantized. The model has been developed as part of a computer-based military expert system, to replace a large complex set of expert opinions. In that application it sharply improves efficiency, yet conforms to major tenets of tactical doctrine.
Probing the Local pH of Polymer Photoresist Films Using a Two-Color Single Molecule Nanoprobe

A method has been developed to probe the localized inhomogeneities of acids in thin 193 nm polymer photoresist films using nanomolar concentrations of the pH-sensitive fluorophore Coumarin 6 (C6). ...
Acute methanol toxicity in minipigs

The pig has been proposed as a potential animal model for methanol-induced neuro-ocular toxicosis in humans because of its low liver tetrahydrofolate levels and slower rate of formate metabolism compared to those of humans. To examine the validity of this animal model, 124-month-old female minipigs (minipig YU) were given a single oral dose of water or methanol at 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 g/kg body wt by gavage (n=3 pigs/dose). Dosedependent signs of acute methanol intoxication, which included mild CNS depression, tremors, ataxia, and recumbency, developed within 0.5 to 2.0 hr, and resolved by 52 hr. Average maximum methanol concentrations in plasma, of 3100±700 (SD), 6200±2300, and 15,200±900 μg/ml were reached within 0.5 to 4 hr following methanol administration in animals given 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 g methanol/kg, respectively. The mean initial elimination half-lives of methanol were 9.0±1.6, 22.4±6.1, and 18.9 ±4.3 hr, for 1,2.5, and 5.0 g/kg doses, respectively. In 3 minipigs, a transient increase in plasma formate concentration (1.74–3.40 mEq/liter vs control=0.5±0.3 mEq/liter) occurred 4 to 30 hr following methanol adminstration. Methanol- and formate-dosed pigs did not develop optic nerve lesions, toxicologically significant formate accumulation, or metabolic acidosis. Based on results following a single dose, female minipigs do not appear to be overtly sensitive to methanol and thus may not be a suitable animal model for acute methanol-induced neuroocular toxicosis.
Depressed Mood and Body Weight Exploring Race Differences in Adolescence

Using data from the 1994-1998 waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth merged Mother and Young Adult file, this article examines the relationship between depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) in adolescence. The authors also examine whether this relationship varies by race and gender. Their findings indicate that over a 4-year period symptoms of depression are only related to increases in BMI for African American females. Stepfamily arrangements and poor neighborhood quality were more related to higher body mass index among White females. With the exception of household income predicting higher weight for African American males, their models were not very predictive for either African American or White males. They interpret their results within a family stress framework.
“The world is no longer flat to me”: student perceptions of threshold concepts in world regional geography

Through qualitative analysis of 80 student essays, the author examines geographic concepts students describe as holding traits of threshold concepts. With a group of 11 Honors students, the author employs metacogntion, asking students to analyze their own learning to discover their threshold concepts. Recognizing the role of liminality, this study suggests combining metacognition and geographic concepts to enable students to recognize their preconceptions, build or reconstruct their schemata and transform their understanding of a discipline.
Isolation and characterization of granules of the toad bladder.

The electron-dense granules that lie just below the apical plasma membrane of granular epithelial cells of toad urinary bladder contribute glycoproteins to that apical membrane. Also, exocytosis of granules (and tubules) elicited by antidiuretic hormone potentially doubles that apical surface, during the same period the transport changes characteristic of the hormonal response occur.
Exploring security in ZigBee networks

ZigBee networks have become popular for their low cost, low power, and ease of implementation. The ZigBee protocol has particularly become prevalent for home automation and controlling devices such as door locks and garage door openers. Preventing attacks and reducing vulnerabilities is imperative in cases where there can be high financial losses due to poor security implementations. For systems where low power and cost are desirable, but security is a priority, the application developer must be extremely cautious in the design of their network. This paper surveys security issues and vulnerabilities in the ZigBee specification and current key management schemes proposed for these networks.
Recent trends in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric surgery.

Abstract Aims The use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in children is poorly characterized. The aims of this study were to examine (1) trends in the use of AP for commonly performed operations, (2) appropriateness in the context of available guidelines, and (3) adverse events potentially attributable to AP. Methods We conducted a 5-year retrospective analysis of 22 children's hospitals (January 2005-March 2009) for all patients younger than 18 years who underwent 1 of the 40 commonly performed general and urological procedures. Indications for AP were defined by published specialty-specific guidelines. Clostridium difficile infection and surrogate events for drug allergy (diphenhydramine and epinephrine administrations) were examined as potential antibiotic-associated adverse events. Results Procedures of 246,316 were identified, of which 25% met criteria for AP. Eighty-two percent of the children received antibiotics during procedures when AP was indicated (range, 60%-96% by hospital), and 40% of the patients received antibiotics when there was no indication (range, 10%-83%). The likelihood of receiving AP was significantly different between hospitals for all procedures examined ( P C difficile : 18.8 [6.9-51.5], P P P Conclusions Significant variation exists in the use of AP in the pediatric surgical population. Many children do not receive AP when indicated, and an even greater proportion may receive antibiotics when there is no indication. These findings may have profound implications from a public health perspective when extrapolated to all children undergoing surgical procedures.
Proposed genetic basis of Huntington's disease.

Abstract I propose that Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by dominant position-effect variegation, a phenomenon for which new information is available in Drosophila melanogaster: The essential features of this proposal are that (1) the HD mutation is the result of a chromosome alteration that inactivates transcription of a nearby structural gene or genes (cis-inactivation); the combination of this proposed chromosome alteration and the structural gene(s) is termed the HD allele; (2) there is pairing in some somatic cells between the HD and HD + alleles on homologous chromosomes; (3) as a result of this somatic pairing, the HD mutation also inactivates transcription of the HD + structural gene on the normal homologue (trans-inactivation), resulting in complete dominance of the mutation; (4) polymorphism for an X-linked recessive modifier of position-effect variegation means that the age of onset of symptoms of HD will depend on which parent the HD mutation was inherited from. The fully dominant nature of HD and the parental-source effect on the age of onset are thus both understandable within the genetic and epigenetic paradigm of position-effect variegation.
Age-dependent effects of t-BuOOH on glutathione disulfide reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde in the brain.

Intracerebroventriculart-butyl hydroperoxide has been reported to induce damage to many types of brain cells.t-Butyl hydroperoxide administration increases glutathione disulfide levels and decreases levels of glutathione. Young adult mice may be more protected fromt-butyl hydroperoxide than mature mice due to their higher glutathione levels, even after the adminstration oft-butyl hydroperoxide. This leads to our current study, investigating glutathione peroxidase and glutathione disulfide reductase in 2-mo-old and 8-mo-old mice. Furthermore, malondialdehyde levels were measured with the thiobarbituric acid assay and compared between the two age groups. Mature mice detoxify glutathione disulfide less readily than young adult mice. Glutathione disulfide reductase activity increases in young adult mice aftert-butyl hydroperoxide administration, but not in mature mice. Glutathione peroxidase activity is significantly lower in 8-mo-old than 2-mo-old mouse striatum aftert-butyl hydroperoxide administration. Furthermore, malondialdehyde levels in the 8-mo-old striatum increase significantly 20 min aftert-butyl hydroperoxide administration. This suggests that age plays a factor in protective mechanisms that are involved in oxidative stress in the brain.
NCLB and California's English Language Learners: The Perfect Storm.

We argue here that the combination of U.S. federal education policy as embodied in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 with the passage of a California state initiative that required that “nearly all classroom instruction [be] in English … for a period not normally intended to exceed one year” in 1998 created a “perfect storm” for English Learners. English Learners are thus provided inadequate and incomprehensible academic instruction. Federal law, meanwhile, requires that all students, even if they do not speak English, be tested annually in English for academic progress, and their schools be sanctioned if progress is not sufficient. Whether such demands can legitimately be made on schools is an unsettled issue across the United States. California’s case should serve as an example to others that forcing students to be assessed in a language they do not fully comprehend violates principles of social justice wherever it is practiced.
Gastric cancer: Worldwide burden and prevention opportunities

Gastric cancer is a major worldwide problem in developing and developed countries. It contributes substantially to the economic medical resource burden and population mortality in many countries. The absolute numbers of new cases of death are expected to increase significantly over the next decades because of the enlarging and aging of the world population. The putative factors are better understood today, and control of these factors, together with screening can help prevent this cancer from becoming an increasing burden to society.
A variationally coupled finite element-boundary element method

Abstract A variationally based coupling is developed for the finite element and boundary element methods. This is achieved by combining the variational forms for the boundary element and finite element subdomains to obtain a global variational form and then choosing a suitable set of test and trial functions. This method is illustrated in the context of the Laplace equation, and a numerical example is given.
Storm-generated variations in nearshore beach topography

Abstract A series of nearshore beach profile measurements from the Outer Banks of North Carolina spanning a four-month period have been examined for temporal variations in nearshore topography. Principal component analysis of the profile data indicates that most of the variation in nearshore topography occurs in four principal modes, two quasiseasonal and two subseasonal. The first principal component, or eigenvector, corresponds to a bar-berm function. The second, to a terrace function. Combined, the first two vectors explain 76.3% of the total variance. The third and fourth components, representing subseasonal modes, are a ridge and runnel and a storm bar function, respectively. Both occur in direct response to storm wave activity. Although the bar-berm and terrace modes of profile variation have been previously identified using principal component analysis techniques, the subsequent modes have not. The ridge and runnel function accounts for 10.6% of total profile variability and the storm bar function accounts for 5.0%.
Corneal thickness and endothelial cell density measured by non-contact specular microscopy and pachymetry in Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with laser-induced ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE Sustained increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) in humans results in a loss of corneal endothelial cells and an increase of corneal thickness. The effects of chronically elevated IOP on the corneal endothelium of monkeys with laser-induced ocular hypertension, a commonly used animal model of human glaucoma have not been documented. This study examined the central corneal thickness (CCT), the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and the corneal endothelial cell size (ACS) in Rhesus monkeys with experimental ocular hypertension. Materials and methods. Ten male monkeys with argon laser-induced ocular hypertension in one eye for an average duration of 2.4+/-0.7 years, were sedated with ketamine hydrochloride, and the CCT, ECD, and ACS measured at the center of the cornea of both eyes with a Topcon SP-2000P non-contact specular microscope (Topcon America Corporation((R)), Paramus, NJ, USA). CCT was also measured using a DHG-500 Pachette ultrasonic pachymeter (DHG Technology Inc., Exton, PA, USA). Mean and standard deviation (S.D.) of CCT, ECD and ACS for each eye was calculated and statistically compared.Results. Mean CCT in the hypertensive and normal eyes measured by specular microscopy was 0.477+/-0.023mm and 0.468+/-0.020 mm, respectively. Mean ECD in the hypertensive and normal eyes was 2601.7+/-631.8 and 3990.2+/-402.9 cells mm(-2), respectively. The mean size of the endothelial cells was 252.4+/-23.9 micro m(2) in the normal eye and 408.7+/-115.0 microm m(2) in the hypertensive eye. No significant difference in the measurement of CCT was observed between the specular microscope and the pachymeter (p=0.46). No significant difference in the mean CCT was observed between the two eyes (p=0.4820), whereas the mean ECD was significantly lower in the hypertensive eye than in the normal eye (p<0.001). The ECD was inversely related to the length of IOP elevation (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS No difference in the corneal thickness measurement was observed between the specular microscopy and the pachymetry techniques. Chronic ocular hypertension did not significantly affect the CCT, but caused a significant loss of endothelial cells in the center of the cornea of the laser treated eyes compared to the normotensive eyes. The duration of elevated IOP was the most important factor affecting the ECD.
Terbium luminescence from the calcium binding sites of parvalbumin

Abstract The total luminescence titration curve for carp muscle calcium binding parv-albumin displays a maximum at 1.4 to 1.7 equivalents of added Tb(III). The maximum, which occurs at a non-integral value, is shown to be due to quenching by excess Tb(III) not bound in either the CD or EF sites. Atomic absorption results show that both Ca(CD) and Ca(EF) of native parvalbumin are easily replaced by Tb(III). After exhaustive dialysis of Tb-parvalbumin, an average value of 1.8 ± 0.2 terbium ions per parvalbumin molecule was found. Thus, a simple two-site, non-co-operative model cannot account for the observed quenching after dialysis. Radiationless energy dissipation from Tb(EF) through the bound water to associated solution Tb(III), which is highly hydrated, remains the best model at this time.
The Genetic of Other Polyposis Syndromes

In addition to familial adenomatous polyposis, several other rare, but well-described, inherited polyposis syndromes may be encountered in the practice of colon and rectal surgery. Many of these syndromes predispose to both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal malignancies. Knowledge of these syndromes and their manifestations is important in recognizing patients and kindreds with these diseases. In many cases, the identification of the genes involved in these syndromes allows for the genetic screening of both index cases and kindreds of patients with intestinal polyposis. As our knowledge of the genetics involved in these polyposis syndromes expands, our understanding of the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal malignancies is enhanced.
Probability-based nonlinear modeling of neural dynamical systems with point-process inputs and outputs

One of the great challenges of contemporary neuroscience is understanding in a quantitative manner how neurons and neural ensembles encode and process information in the form of action potentials. The advent of multi-electrode arrays which can record large amounts of data simultaneously from several neurons has made this task more urgent. This task, however, is made difficult by the inherent complexity of neural systems which are highly nonlinear, interconnected, dynamic, and subject to stochastic variations. Furthermore, while several methods exist which offer good predictive performance for spike train modeling, their adoption in the broader neuroscience community has been limited due to their mathematical complexity and lack of interpretability. Here we present a novel and intuitive methodology of modeling nonlinear dynamic systems with point process inputs and outputs, such as interconnected neuronal ensembles. The method relies on the expression of the nonlinearity in the form of Volterra-like kernels, termed the Probability-Based Volterra (PBV) kernels. The nth order PBV kernel, PBVn, is derived in two steps. First, we calculate the conditional probability of an output spike given n input spikes at various lags. Second, we subtract lower order effects to isolate the nth order nonlinearity. Thus, the first PBV kernel, PBV1(τ), is the conditional probability of an output spike given a spike in the input spike train at time τ, minus the probability that there will be a spike in the output, i.e.: PBV1(τ)=P(y[t]|x[t-τ])-P(y[t]) (1) This first order kernel describes a linear impulse response filter similar to that derived from spike triggered averaging and cross-correlation methods. The second order PBV kernel, PBV2(τ1, τ2), which is the first nonlinear kernel, is the conditional probability of an output spike given a pair of input spikes minus the conditional probability of an output spike given either one of those input spikes individually, i.e.: PBV2τ1,τ2=Py[t]|x[t-τ1]∩x[t-τ2]-P(y[t]|x[t-τ1])-P(y[t]|x[t-τ2])+P(y[t]) (2) This method may be extended to describe the contribution of n pairs spikes to the output in the form of the nth PBV kernel. We show that the PBV kernels are equivalent to the Wiener kernels when the input is a Poisson process, thus placing the PBV kernels in the context of a well-established and rigorous mathematical theory [1]. The proposed PBV methodology was applied to synthetic systems where the ground truth of the model was available. The PBV kernels were found to both accurately estimate the ground truth kernels and to reproduce the given output, thus validating the method. Finally, the proposed PBV methodology was applied to real neural data derived from the CA3 and CA1 regions of the rodent hippocampus [2]. Although here ground truth was not available, the PBV kernels were able to reproduce the output as well as other models which have been validated both mathematically and in-vivo in the context of neural prosthetics [2].
Delinquency, depression, and substance use disorder among child welfare-involved adolescent females

Although adolescents with delinquency are known to have higher-than-average rates of depression or substance use disorder (SUD), research on the topic is inconsistent. It remains unclear weather depression or SUD leads to delinquency, whether delinquency leads to depression or SUD, or whether there is bi-directionality. Utilizing the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (Wave I: 2008–2009; Wave II: 18 months later: N = 5872), we used logistic regression to predict depression from delinquency (and vice versa), and SUD from delinquency (and vice versa). After inclusion of control variables, we found that females with minor theft in Wave I were more than 4 times as likely (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.34; 95% CI: 1.10–17.16) as females without minor theft to be depressed in Wave II, and those with public disorder in Wave I were almost 3 times as likely (aOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.03–7.30) as those without public disorder to have SUD in Wave II. Overall delinquency also predicted depression or SUD, and SUD predicted delinquency. Practitioners could address risk for depression or SUD among child welfare-involved adolescent females by focusing on overall delinquency or on specific types of delinquency (minor theft for depression and public disorder for SUD) and by offering interventions (e.g., cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy) that have been shown to be effective in preventing depression or SUD. In addition, with respect to our finding that SUD predicts delinquency among adolescent females, practitioners can help prevent delinquency by offering interventions (e.g., intensive outpatient treatments) that have well documented effectiveness in addressing SUD.
Computational chemical imaging for cardiovascular pathology: chemical microscopic imaging accurately determines cardiac transplant rejection.

Rejection is a common problem after cardiac transplants leading to significant number of adverse events and deaths, particularly in the first year of transplantation. The gold standard to identify rejection is endomyocardial biopsy. This technique is complex, cumbersome and requires a lot of expertise in the correct interpretation of stained biopsy sections. Traditional histopathology cannot be used actively or quickly during cardiac interventions or surgery. Our objective was to develop a stain-less approach using an emerging technology, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging to identify different components of cardiac tissue by their chemical and molecular basis aided by computer recognition, rather than by visual examination using optical microscopy. We studied this technique in assessment of cardiac transplant rejection to evaluate efficacy in an example of complex cardiovascular pathology. We recorded data from human cardiac transplant patients’ biopsies, used a Bayesian classification protocol and developed a visualization scheme to observe chemical differences without the need of stains or human supervision. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, we observed probabilities of detection greater than 95% for four out of five histological classes at 10% probability of false alarm at the cellular level while correctly identifying samples with the hallmarks of the immune response in all cases. The efficacy of manual examination can be significantly increased by observing the inherent biochemical changes in tissues, which enables us to achieve greater diagnostic confidence in an automated, label-free manner. We developed a computational pathology system that gives high contrast images and seems superior to traditional staining procedures. This study is a prelude to the development of real time in situ imaging systems, which can assist interventionists and surgeons actively during procedures.
First Report of Tan Spot of Wheat Caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis in the Pacific Northwest.

In late May 2001, lesions resembling tan spot were observed on lower leaves of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in early boot stage in Nez Perce County, ID. Abundant sporulation was observed from tan lesions with chlorotic haloes after 2 days incubation in a moist chamber at room temperature. Conidia were multicelled, straw colored, approximately 100 × 15 µm, rounded at the apex, and borne singly on dark brown conidiophores. The fungus fit the morphological description of Drechslera tritici-repentis (Died.) Shoemaker, the anamorphic state of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Died.) Drechs. (2). Three single-conidial isolates were sampled from infected plants in a 5 × 1 m area of the affected field and induced to sporulate. Two of the isolates were used to spray-inoculate 3-week-old susceptible wheat (cv. Madsen) in the greenhouse (one plant per isolate, 1 × 105 conidia/ml), and tan spot lesions were apparent 3 to 5 days after inoculation with both isolates. DNA was extracted from all three isolates, and th...
Rate of unwinding of DNA.

The mean time of unwinding of a DNA molecule is calculated. The unwinding is assumed to begin at one end and to proceed under the combined forces of diffusion and a driving torque of arbitrary magnitude. The standard deviation of the unwinding time is calculated approximately. If the free energy decrease on unwinding one turn, in units of kT , times the number of turns in the molecule is a number much greater than unity, diffusion plays a negligible role in the unwinding.
Increased Calcium Response to Depolarization in Voltage Clamped Skeletal Muscle Cells of a Transgenic Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Mitochondrial Ca uptake is believed to help regulate mitochondrial metabolism and synthesis of ATP to meet the demands of muscle contraction. Whether mitochondrial Ca uptake modifies Ca signaling during EC-coupling remains an open question. While studies show that mitochondria in skeletal muscle may take up Ca during contraction, it is not known whether altered mitochondrial Ca uptake can play a role in pathophysiological conditions. Our study on ALS mouse model G93A shows that ALS muscle fibers display defective mitochondria with loss of their inner membrane potential in fiber segments. The finding of localized mitochondrial defects in ALS fibers presents a unique opportunity to test whether changes in mitochondrial function can affect intracellular Ca signaling, as Ca release activity can be compared in regions with or without depolarized mitochondria in the same muscle fiber. By loading muscle fibers with TMRE (a probe of mitochondrial membrane potential) and fluo-4 (a Ca indicator) we characterized simultaneously mitochondrial function and Ca release activity in living muscle fibers. The fiber segment with depolarized mitochondria shows greater osmotic stress-induced Ca release activity. Abolishing mitochondrial inner membrane potential by FCCP or blocking mitochondrial uniporter by Ru360 exacerbates the osmotic stress-induced hyperactive Ca release. Furthermore, we evaluated the voltage-induced Ca transient by patch-clamping ALS fibers and found that fiber segments with depolarized mitochondria displayed 5∼25% greater Ca transients. Our study constitutes a direct demonstration of the importance of mitochondria in shaping cytosolic Ca signaling in skeletal muscle. Malfunction of mitochondrial Ca uptake may play an important role in muscle degeneration of ALS. Supported by MDA/NIH.
Characterizing stratiform and convective precipitation for correcting radar backscatter from the ocean

This paper presents research accomplishments of Prof. Richard K. Moore during his “retirement” years at the University of Kansas (KU), when he led a research team that included the authors. Our collaborative research group consisted of Prof. Moore, B. Natarajakumar and V. Kurisunkal (graduate students in electrical engineering at KU), and Prof. D. Braaten (atmospheric science at KU), with the research supported by a NASA subcontract through Oregon State University (NS033A-04). Prof. Moore's interest and knowledge of scatterometry is well known, and his research efforts during the early to mid-2000's focused on correction methods for hydrometeors along the signal path from the satellite to/from the ocean surface. In this paper we focus on Prof. Moore's interest in signal propagation through the atmosphere, and his contributions toward developing correction methods for scatterometer signal attenuation and backscatter caused by hydrometeors.
A broadband low-noise wide dynamic range SiGe front-end receiver IC for multi-band access points

A broadband, low-noise, wide dynamic range front-end receiver IC is reported. It uses 0.25 μm SiGe BiCMOS process technology and consists of broadband variable gain low noise amplifiers (VGLNAs), down-conversion mixers, step attenuators, and buffer amplifiers. It can receive triple-band signals concurrently, and the chip size is only 3mm × 3mm. Its measured noise figure was under 3.2 dB and the measured conversion gain was around 30 dB in the broad frequency range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. It has a wide gain control range of around 100 dB; 50 dB is controlled by the VGLNA and the step attenuator, and 50 dB by the mixer with novel relative power control method using dual LO signal. The gain control enhances the input 1dB compression point from -40 dBm to -21 dBm.
From atherosclerosis to acute coronary syndromes: the role of soluble CD40 ligand

The binding of CD40 ligand (CD40L) to CD40 stimulates inflammatory processes including the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the expression of adhesion molecules implying a role in atherosclerosis. Patients exhibiting hypercholesterolemia, unstable angina, or acute myocardial infarction present with increased CD40L levels. Novel data suggest that elevated soluble CD40L levels not only represent a risk factor for cardiovascular disease but also predict future adverse events, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Examination of the potential role of the genetic variability on CD40/CD40L genes in ACS, as regards the regulation of CD40L, appears to be of great interest. Moreover, several therapeutic approaches such as statins, antihypertensive agents, and antiplatelet agents have been suggested as potential modulators of CD40L levels anticipating a positive impact on the outcomes of patients with ACS. Whether specific agents target the CD40/CD40L system as well as its pathogenic role in ACS remains to be elucidated by large-scale studies in the future.
Clinical predictors of appropriate implantable-cardioverter defibrillator discharge

Background: The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the mainstay of treatment for ventricular tachyarrhythmias due to its impact on mortality. ICD discharges may be appropriate or inappropriate, and identification of patients at risk for ICD discharge is essential. We sought to determine the predictors of appropriate ICD discharge. Methods: We analyzed data from 591 ICD recipients (mean age 67.9 ± 13.0 years; 474 men; mean follow-up 10.9 ± 13.8 months). The association between ICD discharges and multiple clinical variables, including age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, syncope, atrial fibrillation (AF), prior coronary intervention, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic dimension, left ventricular end systolic dimension (LVESD), and ambient drug therapy was examined. Results: The rates of appropriate or inappropriate discharges, delivered to 155 patients, were 0.49 per follow-up year (F/Y). The median time-to-first appropriate discharge was 3.4 years. Among the discharges delivered, 97(63%) were appropriate and 58(37%) were inappropriate. Risk factors associated with a trend toward earlier appropriate discharges included age ≤65 years, and diuretic and digitalis use. By multiple variable analysis, no history of CABG and an enlarged LVESD were independent predictors of earlier appropriate ICD discharge. Conclusions: Patients who did not have CABG revascularization were 2.8-fold more likely than those who underwent CABG, and patients with enlarged LVESD were 2.5-fold more likely than those with normal LVESD to receive appropriate ICD discharges. These patients deserve special vigilance and management in order to prevent the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias triggering ICD discharges.
Overcoming resistance to β-lactamase inhibitors : Comparing sulbactam to novel inhibitors against clavulanate resistant SHV enzymes with substitutions at ambler position 244

Amino acid changes at Ambler position R244 in class A TEM and SHV beta-lactamases confer resistance to ampicillin/clavulanate, a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination used to treat serious infections. To gain a deeper understanding of this resistance phenotype, we investigated the activities of sulbactam and two novel penem beta-lactamase inhibitors with sp2 hybridized C3 carboxylates and bicyclic R1 side chains against a library of SHV beta-lactamase variants at the 244 position. Compared to SHV-1 expressed in Escherichia coli, all 19 R244 variants exhibited increased susceptibility to ampicillin/sulbactam, an important difference compared to ampicillin/clavulanate. Kinetic analyses of SHV-1 and three SHV R244 (-S, -Q, and -L) variants revealed the Ki for sulbactam was significantly elevated for the R244 variants, but the partition ratios, kcat/kinact, were markedly reduced (13 000 --> <or=500). A timed inactivation-mass spectrometry analysis of SHV inhibited by sulbactam showed that SHV-1 beta-lactamase was unmodified at 15 min. A parallel experiment with R244S demonstrated 70 and 88 +/- 3 Da fragments of sulbactam covalently attached to the beta-lactamase. We also observed that the Ki values of penems 1 and 2 were increased for R244 variants compared to those for SHV; however, these inhibitors effectively restored ampicillin susceptibility in vitro. Compared to that of sulbactam, the kcat/kinact values of penems for SHV-1 and R244S were low (<or=2), and unfragmented adducts of each penem were covalently attached to SHV-1 and R244S when studied using the timed inactivation-mass spectrometry method. The R244S mutation affects beta-lactamase inactivators differently, but resistance can be overcome by designing penem inhibitors with strategic chemical properties that improve affinity and impair turnover.
Studies of relatives of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

A study of 44 relatives of 19 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus showed that 11 per cent had clinical evidence of a collagen disease. The sera of one third of the asymptomatic relatives contained rheumatoid factor, while the incidence of hypergammaglobulinemia, biologic false positive tests for syphilis and antinuclear antibodies was lower but significantly greater than in the control population. Three quarters of the patients had at least one relative with clinical and/or laboratory abnormalities. Un studio de 44 consanguineos de 19 patientes con systemic lupus erythematose monstrava que 11% de illes exhibiva signos de un morbo de collageno. Le seros de un tertio del consanguineos asymptomatic contineva factor rheumatoidic, durante que le incidentia de hypergammaglobulinemia, de tests biologic falsemente positive pro syphilis, e de anticorpore antinuclear–ben que plus basse que le incidentia de factor rheumatoidic–esseva plus alte que in le population de controlo. Tres quartos del patientes habeva al minus un consanguineo con anormalitates clinic e/o laboratorial.
Structure and Dynamics of the Aqueous Liquid−Vapor Interface: A Comprehensive Particle-Based Simulation Study⊥

This research addresses a comprehensive particle-based simulation study of the structural, dynamic, and electronic properties of the liquid−vapor interface of water utilizing both ab initio (based on density functional theory) and empirical (fixed charge and polarizable) models. Numerous properties such as interfacial width, hydrogen bond populations, dipole moments, and correlation times will be characterized with identical schemes to draw useful conclusions on the strengths and weakness of the proposed models for interfacial water. Our findings indicate that all models considered in this study yield similar results for the radial distribution functions, hydrogen bond populations, and orientational relaxation times. Significant differences in the models appear when examining both the dipole moments and surface relaxation near the aqueous liquid−vapor interface. Here, the ab initio interaction potential predicts a significant decrease in the molecular dipole moment and expansion in the oxygen−oxygen dista...
Use of Fluorescent Materials for the Indirect Detection of Antibiotics in Milk

Summary The addition of a combination of fat-soluble fluorescein (Fluoral) and uranine, as a “marker,” to penicillin preparations intended for intramammary infusion, was found to provide a rapid and satisfactory means for detecting the antibiotic in milk. The marker was detected visually in the milk for 48 hr. after treatment and with ultraviolet light for 96 hr. The marker was nontoxic to the treated animals and did not affect milk production. Statistical analysis of the data showed a close correlation between the excretion of marker and penicillin from the treated udders.