cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A dististributed simulation platform for cloud computing

Advances in cloud services gave Cloud-Based Simulation (CBS) considerable attentions to obtain reliable, available, and scalable simulation models capable of executing on the Cloud. However, major challenges such as synchronization, virtualization, and multi-tenancy overhead overshadows use of CBS especially for distributed simulation. These challenges affect performance of parallel executions and thus limit the offered benefits. To overcome these issues, we propose a new platform Distributed Simulation for Could Computing (DSC) developed, to facilitate implementation and parallel execution of simulations models in the cloud. This platform has several layers including a middleware and an HPC platform called HPCaaS (HPC as a Service). The middleware acts as a simulation engine facilitating users to develop simulation models whereas HPCaaS makes them executable on a cloud platform. Along with their associate API, the proposed architecture enables simulation users to seamlessly interact with a cloud environment and receive benefits of the cloud for their applications.
A data-informatics method to quantitatively represent ternary eutectic microstructures

Many of the useful properties of modern engineering materials are determined by the material’s microstructure. Controlling the microstructure requires an understanding of the complex dynamics underlying its evolution during processing. Investigating the thermal and mass transport phenomena responsible for a structure requires establishing a common language to quantitatively represent the microstructures being examined. Although such a common language exists for some of the simple structures, which has allowed these materials to be engineered, there has yet to be a method to represent complex systems, such as the ternary microstructures, which are important for many technologies. Here we show how stereological and data science methods can be combined to quantitatively represent ternary eutectic microstructures relative to a set of exemplars that span the stereological attribute space. Our method uniquely describes ternary eutectic microstructures, allowing images from different studies, with different compositions and processing histories, to be quantitatively compared. By overcoming this long-standing challenge, it becomes possible to begin to make progress toward a quantitatively predictive theory of ternary eutectic growth. We anticipate that the method of quantifying instances of an object relative to a set of exemplars spanning attribute-space will be broadly applied to classify materials structures, and may also find uses in other fields.
IRSp53 coordinates AMPK and 14-3-3 signaling to regulate filopodia dynamics and directed cell migration

Filopodia are actin-filled membrane protrusions that play essential roles in cell motility and cell-cell communication and act as precursors of dendritic spines. IRSp53 is an essential regulator of filopodia formation, which couples Rho-GTPase signaling to actin cytoskeleton and membrane remodeling. IRSp53 has three major domains: an N-terminal inverse-BAR (I-BAR) domain, a Cdc42- and SH3-binding CRIB-PR domain, and an SH3 domain that binds downstream cytoskeletal effectors. Phosphorylation sites in the region between the CRIB-PR and SH3 domains mediate the binding of 14-3-3. Yet the mechanism by which 14--3-3 regulates filopodia formation and dynamics and its role in cell migration are poorly understood. Here, we show that phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of IRSp53 by 14-3-3 counters activation by Cdc42 and cytoskeletal effectors, resulting in down-regulation of filopodia dynamics and cancer cell migration. In serum-starved cells, increased IRSp53 phosphorylation triggers 14-3-3 binding, which inhibits filopodia formation and dynamics, irrespective of whether IRSp53 is activated by Cdc42 or downstream effectors (Eps8, Ena/VASP). Pharmacological activation or inhibition of AMPK, respectively, increases or decreases the phosphorylation of two of three sites in IRSp53 implicated in 14-3-3 binding. Mutating these phosphorylation sites reverses 14-3-3-dependent inhibition of filopodia dynamics and cancer cell chemotaxis.
The Autonomic Orienting Response as a Possible Vulnerability Marker in Schizophrenia

Within the broad field of psychophysiology I will focus on the autonomic orienting response (OR), an area that Holzman (1987) noted has produced some of the “sturdiest” findings in recent schizophrenia research, and on the possibility that changes in OR function may be one of the emerging handful of vulnerability markers — in this case labeling a distinctive, possibly Kraepelinian subgroup within the schizophrenic population.
Extreme Offset-Fed Reflectarray Antenna for Compact Deployable Platforms

A design of a 5.8 GHz reflectarray antenna for operational conditions driven by a compact deployable unmanned aerial vehicle needy for RF systems but lacking space is discussed. Reflectarray surface is mounted on the underside of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wing allowing compressed fit in the deployment launcher. A series-fed patch array, mounted on the fuselage, is used as a feed source. The platform and its deployment mechanism limit the reflectarray size to 11.6 λ × 1.9 λ . Moreover, the offset feed illuminates reflectarray at angles ranging from 14° to 83° contributing to the operation seldom discussed in the literature. A single-layer subwavelength unit cell composed of concentric metallic loops is adopted due to its wider bandwidth, lower sensitivity to incidence angles, and enhanced phase distribution for efficient beam control. The impact of in-flight mechanical forces and high offset angles on performance and bandwidth is also studied. A scaled prototype is fabricated and tested at 15 GHz. The measurements show an antenna gain of 17.1 dBi with distinct directive beam pointing downwards.
Political Incentives and Transportation Funding

This paper examines politicians' incentives when they decide on the level and allocation of government transportation infrastructure spending. I conclude that transportation infrastructure spending is highly inefficient and often driven by political rather than economic forces. Research shows that transportation project costs are significantly underestimated and traffic flows tend to be overestimated. These errors are large and are not random, suggesting that they are deliberate in order to get projects started, resulting in an inefficient use of funds. Project benefits are concentrated in a state or district, whereas tax costs are spread out nationwide. Legislators embrace inefficient transportation projects because district or state voters do not pay the full cost, and projects proceed even when total costs exceed total benefits. Possible reforms include comparing potential project benefits and costs with those of similar completed projects to assess the accuracy of predicted costs and demand. Reducing the federal government's role in highway financing would improve outcomes.
The Neurobiology of Sign Language

Sign languages are complex human languages that exhibit linguistic structuring at all levels: phonology (form), morphology, syntax, and semantics. The neural systems that support signed and spoken languages are similar, but not identical. Sign production recruits the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), including Broca's area, as well as the left superior parietal lobule. Sign comprehension engages bilateral superior temporal cortex and IFG. Parietal cortex appears to play a unique role in the expression of spatial language due to the iconic use of the hands to depict the location and movement of objects.
P25 Disrupted place cell properties in the hippocampus represent the neural substrate for cognitive impairment in neuropsychiatric lupus

Background A poorly understood facet of lupus is its neurological component, known as Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE). Patients with NPSLE display severe cognitive impairment, particularly in the spatial domain. We have studied a mouse model of NPSLE in which animals carry a lupus antibody (termed DNRAb) that binds DNA and the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits of the N-methyl-D aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Methods Female mice (Balb/c, C57) are immunized with either a lupus-inducing antigen (DNRAb+) or a control antigen (DNRAb–). A month later, the blood-brain barrier is abrogated to allow antibody entry to the hippocampus. We investigate spatial cognition with the object-place memory (OPM) task and the neural substrate with tetrode recordings in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Neural data are analyzed via spike sorting (Spike2) to reveal place cell properties of CA1 neurons, as well as power spectral densities of network oscillations (Matlab, Chronux). Results A discrimination ratio reveals that DNRAb+ mice examine the moved object significantly less than controls during OPM, indicating impaired spatial memory. The neural data show abnormal place cell properties in DNRAb+ mice, such as expanded place field size, reduced stability, and lower spatial information when compared to DNRAb– mice. Bayesian path reconstruction analysis reveals that DNRAb+ place cells have significantly higher error compared to the DNRAb– group. Moreover, we find significantly altered co-modulation of theta-gamma oscillations when the mice examine the objects during OPM. Conclusions Our studies reveal that the CA1 ensemble encodes critical aspects of the OPM task through place cell dynamics and theta-gamma coupling. The disruptions of these processes caused by DNRAbs may explain the abnormal spatial encoding that occurs in NPSLE. Our data offer a neural substrate for bioelectronic therapies aimed to alleviate NPSLE-related cognitive impairment. Acknowledgments The studies are funded by grants from NIH (P01-AI102852, P01-AI073693) and DOD (2019 Impact Award) to PTH.
Cyclosporine: an old weapon in the fight against coronaviruses.

Cyclosporine inhibits the replication of coronaviruses and could potentially suppress the cytokine storm associated with coronavirus infectionshttps://bit.ly/39x2PSt
Data-Enabled Modeling and Analysis of Multistage Manufacturing Systems with Quality Rework Loops

Abstract In a multistage serial production line, multiple inspection stations and repair processes are typically involved to ensure high product quality. Quality rework is the activity to repair or repeat the work on the defect parts during manufacturing processes. The rework process after each inspection can add cost and cycle time to the normal process and impose negative impact on the throughput. This paper studies real-time performance of multistage serial manufacturing systems with quality rework loops and machine random failures. A production line with multiple quality rework loops is first unify by segmenting it into a set of serially connected quality rework loops. An event-based data-enabled mathematical model is developed to evaluate real-time production rate of each machine for such a system. In addition, the system properties are analyzed and permanent production loss due to quality rework loops and random machine failures are identified respectively. The permanent production loss attribution to each disruption event and machine can be used as real-time performance indicators to diagnose production system inefficiency. The mathematical model and system performance identification methodology are studied analytically and validated through numerical case studies.
Clinical Application and Educational Training for Pharmacogenomics.

Pharmacogenomics—defined as the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs—is growing in importance for clinical care. Many medications have evidence and drug labeling related to pharmacogenomics and patient care. New evidence supports the use of pharmacogenomics in clinical settings, and genetic testing may optimize medication selection and dosing. Despite these advantages, the integration of pharmacogenomics into clinical decisions remains variable and challenging in certain practice settings. To ensure consistent application across settings, sufficient education amongst current and future healthcare providers is necessary to further integrate pharmacogenomics into routine clinical practice. This review highlights current evidence supporting clinical application of medications with pharmacogenomic labeling. The secondary objective is to review current strategies for educating health professionals and student trainees. One national organization predicts that most regions in the United States will soon contain at least one healthcare system capable of applying pharmacogenomic information. Applying genotype-guided dosing to several FDA-approved medications may help produce beneficial changes in patient outcomes. Identifying best practices for educating health care professionals and trainees remains vitally important for continuing growth of pharmacogenomic services. As pharmacogenomics continues to expand into more areas of healthcare, current and future practitioners must pursue and maintain competence in pharmacogenomics to ensure better outcomes for patients.
Distributed Averaging Optimization-based Technique for Microgrid Secondary Control

In this paper, we present a distributed averaging optimization-based controller for secondary control of islanded microgrid. In islanded mode, grid-forming units collaborate to maintain the voltage and frequency of the microgrid through droop control. However, traditional droop control suffers from poor reactive power sharing due to voltage drop in the lines. Therefore, secondary control interferes to improve power sharing in addition to restore the voltage and frequency errors produced by droop control. The proposed controller seeks minimum inconsistency of power sharing among units while keeping the frequency at its nominal value and the terminal voltage within allowable tolerance i.e. ±5% of its nominal value. The active and reactive power sharing are communicated through low frequency peer-to-peer communication channel and the average value is calculated locally. A convex optimization function is utilized to minimize the difference of power sharing among grid-forming units. The optimization function is implemented using CVX/CVXGEN and embedded in the control system in real-time on a discrete basis over a time horizon of one second. The controller is validated through simulation using MATLAB/SIMULINK. In addition, plug-and-play capability is tested for the proposed controller.
The hypothalamus predates the origin of vertebrates.

The hypothalamus coordinates neuroendocrine functions in vertebrates. To explore its evolutionary origin, we describe integrated transcriptome/connectome brain maps for swimming tadpoles of Ciona, which serves as an approximation of the ancestral proto-vertebrate. This map features several cell types related to different regions of the vertebrate hypothalamus, including the mammillary nucleus, the arcuate nucleus, and magnocellular neurons. Coronet cells express melanopsin and share additional properties with the saccus vasculosus, a specialized region of the hypothalamus that mediates photoperiodism in nontropical fishes. Comparative transcriptome analyses identified orthologous cell types for mechanosensory switch neurons, and VP+ and VPR+ relay neurons in different regions of the mouse hypothalamus. These observations provide evidence that the hypothalamus predates the evolution of the vertebrate brain. We discuss the possibility that switch neurons, coronet cells, and FoxP+/VPR+ relay neurons comprise a behavioral circuit that helps trigger metamorphosis of Ciona larvae in response to twilight.
The Revolution Continues

Evolutionary Computations have risen from rather humble beginnings to a well-regarded and flexible technique that is imperative to the needs of modern intelligent computations. This introduction to this special issue provides both a historical perspective and a current characterization of the context in which Evolutionary Computations have evolved.
Influence of brushwood and undergrowth upon distribution of litter beetles in poor pine forests

The influence of environmental differentiation upon the occurrence of animals permanently attracts notice of biocenology, mainly in view of the economically important knowledge of this phenomenon. This is why the ameliorative role of deciduous undergrowth (mainly oak and beech) , introduced artifically to poor pine forests, should be studied comprehensively. Considering the role of undergrowth, we cannot overlook the influence of brushwood on the soil fauna, which can be restricted by the undergrowth.
Comparison of statistical estimates of potential seasonal predictability

[1] Four methods for estimating potential seasonal predictability from a single time series are compared. The methods are: an analysis of variance procedure proposed by Shukla and Gutzler (SG), a spectral method proposed by Madden (MN), a bootstrap method proposed by the authors, and an analysis of covariance (ANOCOVA) method proposed by the authors. The time series used for comparison are taken from Monte Carlo simulations, an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM), and reanalysis data. The comparison clearly reveals that SG systematically underestimates weather noise variance more strongly than the other methods and is therefore not a generally useful method. MN produces the least biased estimates of weather noise variance, but it tends to have a higher probability of identifying insignificant predictability than the other methods. Unfortunately, no simple, universally corrected statements can be made regarding the relative performances of MN, ANOCOVA, and bootstrap based on the AGCM output. Overall, the reanalysis-based estimates of potential predictability of seasonal mean temperature derived from these methods is generally in accord with previous estimates, both in spatial structure and in magnitude. Omitting SG, the other three methods consistently identify about 80% of the globe as significantly predictable, and about 5% of the globe as insignificantly predictable. The remaining 15% of the globe, mostly over extratropical land, yields inconsistent assessments of potential predictability, indicating sensitivity to the assumptions underlying each of the methods. Interestingly, winter mean temperature over most of North America is found to be insignificantly predictable by all three methods.
Rational Irrationality: A Framework for the Neoclassical-Behavioral Debate

Critics of behavioral economics often argue that apparent irrationality arises mainly because test subjects lack adequate incentives; the defenders of behavioral economics typically reply that their findings are robust to this criticism. The current paper presents a simple theoretical model of "rational irrationality" to clarify this debate, reducing the neoclassical-behavioral dispute to a controversy over the shape of agents' wealth/irrationality indifference curves. Many experimental anomalies are consistent with small deviations from polar "neoclassical" preferences, but even mildly relaxing standard assumptions about preferences has strong implications. Rational irrationality can explain both standard, costly biases, as well as wealth-enhancing irrationality, but it remains inconsistent with evidence that intensifying financial incentives for rationality makes biases more pronounced.
A Case-based Introduction to Bank Accounting for Derivatives

This short case introduces accounting and finance students and practitioners to bank accounting for derivatives using Goldman Sachs 2013 financial statements as an illustrative case. The technical knowledge assumed is very basic. We begin with the basic accounting equation of assets = liabilities plus equity, or alternatively assets – liabilities = equity. We then proceed to find derivative assets and liabilities on the balance sheet (we need to do some digging to find the balance-sheet accounts containing them). We then proceed to discover that the actual fair values of derivatives assets and liabilities are much larger than those included in the balance sheet. Furthermore, the vast majority of these “fair values” are somewhat subjective Level 2 values. We conclude by examining another source of unrecognized liabilities representing potential payouts from credit derivatives. We summarize by showing the off-balance sheet derivative assets represent 88% of total assets, while off-balance sheet derivative liabilities represent 103% of reported total liabilities.
Income distribution and macroeconomics in Colombia

This paper studies the relation between macroeconomic variables and the distribution of income in Colombia. We relate the dynamics of aggregate economic variables with the cross-section of disaggregate income to determine the transmission and propagation mechanisms of aggregate shocks. The most important finding is a strong negative effect of inflation rates on the distribution of income by education groups and productive sectors.
Nonchromosomal Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria V. Isolation and Characterization of R Factor Mutants Exhibiting Temperature-Sensitive Repression of Fertility

Several distinct types of derepressed R factor mutants have been isolated and identified following nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis. One class of mutants appears to synthesize a temperature-sensitive repressor substance, as shown by the effects of temperature on R factor transfer, on male-specific phage sensitivity, and on F factor and Hfr transfer. In addition, two classes of repressor-in-sensitive derepressed R factor mutants have been identified: although both inhibit F factor transfer at 42 and 32 C, one mutant (R6-5drd50) represses its own fertility at only the low temperature. These results imply the existance of a plasmid-specific component of the R factor repression system, in addition to a component which acts on both R and F factor fertility.
The association of ABO blood type with disease recurrence and mortality among patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder undergoing radical cystectomy.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the association of ABO blood type with clinicopathologic outcomes and mortality among patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy (RC). Patients and methods We identified 2,086 consecutive patients who underwent RC between 1980 and 2008. Postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association of ABO blood type with outcomes. Results A total of 913 (44%), 881 (42%), 216 (10%), and 76 (4%) patients had blood type O, A, B, and AB, respectively. Median postoperative follow-up among survivors was 11.0 years (interquartile range: 7.7–15.9 y). Overall, 1,561 patients died, with 770 deaths attributable to bladder cancer. Non-O blood type was associated with significantly worse 5-year RFS (65% vs. 69%; P = 0.04) and/or CSS (64% vs. 70%; P = 0.02). In particular, among patients with≤pT2N0 disease, the 5-year RFS for those with non-O vs. O blood type was 75% vs. 82%, respectively ( P = 0.002), whereas the 5-year CSS was 77% vs. 85%, respectively ( P = 0.001). Moreover, on multivariable analysis, blood type A remained independently associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio = 1.22; P = 0.01). Conclusions Non-O blood type, particularly blood type A, is associated with a significantly increased risk of death from bladder cancer among patients undergoing RC. If validated, the utility of a multimodal therapy approach, including perioperative chemotherapy, or more frequent postoperative surveillance in this cohort warrants further study.
Fuzzy dimensional analysis

Dimensional analysis enables engineers to reduce the computational complexity of engineering analysis and effectively utilize dynamic scale modeling and simulation. Prior to the age of powerful digital computers and numerical methods for complex design problems, dimensional analysis was critical to the development of large scale complex dynamic physical systems. While fuzzy mathematics provides the tools for dealing with fuzzy systems, complexity of problem formulation and computation costs still seriously limit analysis of large scale "people-in-the-loop" fuzzy systems. Use of dimensional analysis should improve the quality, lower costs and reduce the time to analyze complex fuzzy systems.
Contemporary management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy.

UNLABELLED Type 1 diabetes in pregnancy can result in significant short- and long-term morbidity to both mother and offspring if management is suboptimal. This morbidity imposes a considerable financial and health burden on the individual and society at large. There is currently a significant body of knowledge to offer guidance on optimal obstetric management of the woman with type 1 diabetes. Utilization of appropriate management guidelines preconception and during pregnancy is an effective strategy to limit complications of type 1 diabetes and should therefore become the standard of care. TARGET AUDIENCE Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the features of a type I diabetic patient, to outline the goals of preconception care in this population of patients, to list the potential adverse effects of diabetes in pregnancy, and to summarize a potential strategy for the management of insulin administration in pregnancy.
PRICING SECURITIES WITH EXCHANGE-IMPOSED PRICE LIMITS VIA RISK NEUTRAL VALUATION

Asian and European financial markets impose daily price fluctuation limits on individual securities. In the US several futures exchanges are regulated by price fluctuation limits as well. The price limits in most exchanges are set daily, and they are usually based on a percentage change from the previous day's closing price. We show that the future cash flows of a security subject to price limit regulation resemble that of a distinctive contingent claim. Assuming that the security price follows a lognormal distribution, we use the risk-neutral valuation relation (RNVR) developed by [4] to derive the security valuation, in the presence of price fluctuation limits. The characteristics of the pricing formula are examined analytically and numerically.
Mouse acetylcholinesterase unliganded and in complex with huperzine A: A comparison of molecular dynamics simulations

A 1 ns molecular dynamics simulation of unliganded mouse acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is compared to a previous simulation of mouse AChE complexed with huperzine A (HupA). Several common features are observed. In both simulations, the active site gorge fluctuates in size during the 1 ns trajectory and is completely pinched off several times. Many of the residues in the gorge that formed hydrogen bonds with HupA in the simulation of the complex now form hydrogen bonds with other protein residues and water molecules in the gorge. The opening of a "backdoor" entrance to the active site that was found in the simulation of the complex is also observed in the unliganded simulation. Differences between the two simulations include overall lower structural rms deviations for residues in the gorge in the unliganded simulation, a smaller diameter of the gorge in the absence of HupA, and the disappearance of a side channel that was frequently present in the liganded simulation. The differences between the two simulations can be attributed, in part, to the interaction of AChE with HupA.
Photoperiod and testosterone independently affect vocal control region volumes in adolescent male songbirds.

Previously, we found that, unlike adults, adolescent male dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) maintained large Area X volumes despite having low plasma testosterone concentrations. Other studies indicate that photoperiod may act independently of testosterone to modulate vocal control region (VCR) volumes in adult songbirds. In the present study, we investigated the effects of testosterone and photoperiod on the volumes of four VCRs in adolescent male juncos. To test the hypothesis that VCR volumes in these males are testosterone independent, we treated birds exposed to short days with testosterone and later compared their VCR volumes with those of birds exposed to short days without testosterone. To examine whether photoperiod alone could affect VCR volumes independent of testosterone, we measured these volumes in photorefractory birds exposed to long photoperiod without testosterone. Administering testosterone induced singing, yet increased the volume of only one VCR, the robust nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (RA). In contrast, long photoperiod increased several VCR volumes (Area X, higher vocal center, and RA) despite low testosterone levels, but did not induce singing. Our results suggest a limited role for testosterone, but an important role for photoperiod, in controlling VCR volumes in adolescent male juncos. In addition, the results demonstrate that singing behavior can be induced in adolescent males without a concomitant increase in most VCR volumes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 36: 550–558, 1998
Development of Sampling Plans For Cotton Bolls Injured by Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., bolls were sampled in commercial fields for stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) injury during 2007 and 2008 in South Carolina and Georgia. Across both years of this study, boll-injury percentages averaged 14.8 ± 0.3 (SEM). At average boll injury treatment levels of 10, 20, 30, and 50%, the percentage of samples with at least one injured boll was 82, 97, 100, and 100%, respectively. Percentage of field-sampling date combinations with average injury 3.8 injured bolls per 20-boll sample was a control measure needed. Sequential sampling plans were also determined for thresholds of 20, 30, and 50% injured bolls. Sample sizes for sequential sampling plans were significantly reduced when compared with a fixed sampling plan (n = 10) for all thresholds and error rates.
What kind of diabetes did you say I have

(2014). ‘What kind of diabetes did you say I have?’. European Diabetes Nursing: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 57-57.
Nefazodone therapy in patients with treatment-resistant or treatment-intolerant depression and high psychiatric comorbidity.

Abstract Given the potentially severe functional impairment, morbidity, and high costs associated with refractory depression, it is important to explore all treatment options that may benefit patients with this disorder. This is a retrospective, uncontrolled analysis of our experience with nefazodone therapy in treatment-resistant and treatment-intolerant depression. Potential candidates for nefazodone therapy were referred by their treating psychiatrist. Documentation of failure to respond to previous antidepressant therapy, a diagnosis of clinical depression according to criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition , and completion of a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were required before initiation of nefazodone. A follow-up BDI was obtained after ≥4 weeks of nefazodone therapy. A Clinical Global Inventory (CGI) score was obtained retrospectively based on documentation of target symptoms in the clinical record of the last clinic visit. The study group consisted of 20 patients with treatment-resistant or treatment-intolerant major depression who received nefazodone therapy. The mean (± SD) age of the group was 48.1 ±9.4 years. The mean number of previously failed antidepressant trials was 1.9 ± 0.6. Psychiatric comorbidity in this group was substantial, with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found in 11 (55%) patients, substance abuse in 3 (15%) patients, and personality disorder found in 2 (10%) patients. After treatment with nefazodone, 11 of 20 patients (55%) were rated on the CGI as much or very much improved. In addition, 9 patients (45%) had >20% improvement on BDI, 3 patients (15%) had 10% to 20% improvement, and 6 patients (30%) had
Replication of vaccinia DNA in mouse L cells. III. Intracellular forms of viral DNA.

Abstract Parental and replicating vaccinia DNA molecules, labeled with [ 3 H]thymidine or [ 14 C]thymidine, present in infected L cells were analyzed by sedimentation in neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients. Alkaline sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis of labeled parental genomes present in infected cells showed that: (a) Such genomes were not degraded to acid-soluble products during the infection cycle; (b) cell-associated, cross-linked parental molecules (102 and 90–92 S) were “nicked”; parental DNA molecules sedimenting at 70–72 S were detected, but further nicking or degradation did not occur; and (c) molecules sedimenting at 90–92 S appeared to accumulate in the cytoplasm of infected cells and could serve as the templates for semiconservative DNA replication. When analyzed in neutral sucrose gradients, about 90% of viral DNA molecules labeled from 1 to 2 hr postinfection were associated with large aggregates or complexes which pelleted under the conditions of analysis used in these studies. With time (2–3 hr) after infection, viral DNA molecules could be dissociated from such aggregates and resolved by sedimentation in neutral sucrose gradients. The dissociation of labeled viral DNA molecules from complexes required continuous protein synthesis. Viral DNA could be released from complexes by treatment with alkali or digestion with S-1 nuclease, but not with RNase or Pronase. The results suggest that single-stranded (ss) DNA regions per se or proteins having affinity for ssDNA may bind the replicating vaccinia DNA molecules together in complexes.
Beard-Pulling and Furniture-Rearranging: Conflict Within the Seventeenth-Century Audiencia of Santo Domingo

On April 8,1626, a violent confrontation took place between the president and one of the oidores of the audiencia of Santo Domingo. According to a letter from oidor Alonso de Cereceda, President Diego de Acuna had called three of the magistrates and the fiscal of the audiencia to his residence in order to question them in private about their response to a message from Acuna's wife, dona Ana de Acuna, instructing them to release a prisoner. When Cereceda suggested that dona Ana's involvement in official business was undermining the tribunal's authority, Acuna flew into a rage and physically assaulted the oidor, punching him in the body and face and knocking his chair to the ground. After the other two oidores and the fiscal pulled the two men apart, Acuna called some of the presidio soldiers into the chamber to guard the letrado officials with drawn swords. Cereceda claimed that while these other witnesses were present, Acuna “attacked me two or three more times, throwing punches at me and putting his hand to my beard for greater injury.” He was then escorted home by the sargento mayor of the presidio, while the other officials remained to calm the president. Following this altercation, Cereceda stopped attending the court's audiencia publica and acuerdo sessions in person, sending his votes with the audiencia scribes instead, until Acuua finally had him placed under arrest.
AUGMENTATION OF RADIATION RESPONSE WITH THE VASCULAR TARGETING AGENT ZD6126

Purpose: To examine the antivascular and antitumor activity of the vascular targeting agent ZD6126 in combination with radiation in lung and head-and-neck (H&N) cancer models. The overall hypothesis was that simultaneous targeting of tumor cells (radiation) and tumor vasculature (ZD6126) might enhance tumor cell killing. Methods and Materials: A series of in vitro studies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and in vivo studies in athymic mice bearing human lung (H226) and H&N (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]1, SCC6) tumor xenografts treated with ZD6126 and/or radiation were performed. Results: ZD6126 inhibited the capillary-like network formation in HUVEC. Treatment of HUVEC with ZD6126 resulted in cell cycle arrest in G2/M, with decrease of cells in S phase and proliferation inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. ZD6126 augmented the cell-killing effect of radiation and radiation-induced apoptosis in HUVEC. The combination of ZD6126 and radiation further decreased tumor vascularization in an in vivo Matrigel angiogenesis assay. In tumor xenografts, ZD6126 enhanced the antitumor activity of radiation, resulting in tumor growth delay. Conclusions: These preclinical studies suggest that ZD6126 can augment the radiation response of proliferating endothelial H&N and lung cancer cells. These results complement recent reports suggesting the potential value of combining radiation with vascular targeting/antiangiogenic agents.
The Bubble/Slug Flow Model for Methane Leakage from natural Gas Wells as an Analogue for Shallow CO2 Migration

Abstract Previous studies of CO2 leakage from wells have assumed that either CO2 leaks into aquifers in the form of a radial lateral buoyant lateral plume of gaseous CO2 or as a lateral radial plume of CO2 dissolved water. These assumptions are not based on any actual observations of the nature of gas leakage from well bores. No direct information appears to exist on CO2 leakage from actual CO2 wells so to understand better this phenomenon. In fact the seminal papers on this topic may have chosen these models because of ease of mathematical manipu lation. A wide range of information on the nature of leakage of methane from natural gas wells has been compiled. Analysis of this evidence suggests that methane neither forms buoyant radial plumes of gas, nor radial plumes of dissolved methane. Rather methane appears to be transported dominantly vertically by a combination of bubble and slug flow. Bubble flow occurs by bubbles of methane (or CO2) gas buoyantly rising up fractures. Slug flow is initiated when multiple bubbles amalgamate in a fracture to form a film that moves as a single mass. Slugs have very low surface area and therefor minimize the dissolution of the gas phase. Both bubbles and slugs in fractures move in an essentially vertical direction. The evidence for bubble and slug flow of methane comes from a variety of observational sources including: 1) measurement of methane concentrations radially away from a leaking well over a period of years; 2) evidence of gas scavenging (a phenomenon that cannot occur if the gas is in the dissolved phase); and 3) observations of concentrated bubbles emerging immediately around a gas wells following a sub -surface blowout while measurements of dissolved methane in surrounding water wells demonstrated minimal methane concentrations.Methane gas has also be directly imaged by down-the-hole cameras, emanating from fractures in the side of a water well as a string of bubbles. In this case again little if any methane dissolution into the aquifer had occurred. As a result damage to vegetation around leaking natural gas wells is typically found to be a radial zone around the well head less than a meter in diameter. An assumption of rapid CO2 dissolution into aquifers assumes that there is intimate contact between CO2 and water or brine. If CO2, like methane is dominantly transported by a combination of bubble and slug flow then the surface area of CO2 exposed to the water phase will be relatively minimal and little dissolution will occur. If CO2 gas leaking from a well into an aquifer, behaves in a similar way to methane many of the negative environmental consequences (such as metal contamination resulting from dissolved CO2 lowering the aquifers pH), will not occur. This analogue, if applicable, has significant implications for how wells should be monitored for leakage. Current monitoring conceptualizations based on monitoring wells are probably not the best approach.
781-1 The Weak Relation Between Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Mass is Partially Explained by Additional Effects of Hemodynamic Volume Load and Myocardial Contractility: The Strong Heart Study

Small studies (n ≤ 100) have suggested that the known poor relation of left ventricular (LV) mass to blood pressure (BP) is explained in part by additional stimulation of LV growth by higher stroke volume (SV) and lower myocardial contractility. To determine whether this is also true in an epidemiologic population sample including individuals with a variety of cardiac condition. we examined the relations of echocardiographically determined LV mass to systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP, SV from aortic anular flow and area by an invasively validated Doppler method and several measures of contractility (end-systolic stress/end-systolic volume index = ESS/ESVI. endocardial fractional shortening (FS) as a% of predicted for ESS (FS% Pred) and midwall FS as a % of predicted for midwall circumferential ESS (mid-FS% Pred) in the first 741 (88%) of 845 American Indian participants in exam II of the Strong Heart Study without mitral regurgitation or segmental wall motion abnormalities who had technically adequate LV and Doppler studies. The weak positive relations of LV mass with SBP and DBP (r = 0.22 and r = 0.17. both p l 0.0001) were exceeded by the positive relation with Doppler SV (r = 0.42. p l 10–12) and negative ones with stress-shortening contractility indices (r = –0.46, P l 10–15 for mid FS% Pred and FS% Predd) but not ESS/ESVI (r = –0.22). In multivariate analyses that considered BP, SV and a different contractility measures in each model, SBP (but not DBP), SV and the contractility measure each remained significant independent predictors of LV mass with multiple R = 0.55 to 0.69, all p l 10–12). Thus, additional characterization of LV volume load and contractile efficiency improves hemodynamic prediction of LV mass (R2 = 0.31 to 0.48) over use of SBP alone (R2 = 0.05) but still leaves considerable LV mass variability unexplained.
Comparison of left ventricular outflow geometry and aortic valve area in patients with aortic stenosis by 2-dimensional versus 3-dimensional echocardiography.

The present study sought to elucidate the geometry of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) in patients with aortic stenosis and its effect on the accuracy of the continuity equation-based aortic valve area (AVA) estimation. Real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) provides high-resolution images of LVOT in patients with aortic stenosis. Thus, AVA is derived reliably with the continuity equation. Forty patients with aortic stenosis who underwent 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE), 2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE), and RT3D-TEE were studied. In 2D-TTE and 2D-TEE, the LVOT areas were calculated as π × (LVOT dimension/2) 2 . In RT3D-TEE, the LVOT areas and ellipticity ([diameter of the anteroposterior axis]/[diameter of the medial-lateral axis]) were evaluated by planimetry. The AVA is then determined using planimetry and the continuity equation method. LVOT shape was found to be elliptical (ellipticity of 0.80 ± 0.08). Accordingly, the LVOT areas measured by 2D-TTE (median 3.7 cm 2 , interquartile range 3.1 to 4.1) and 2D-TEE (median 3.7 cm 2 , interquartile range 3.1 to 4.0) were smaller than those by 3D-TEE (median 4.6 cm 2 , interquartile range 3.9 to 5.3; p 2 , interquartile range 0.79 to 1.3, p 2 , interquartile range 0.64 to 0.94) and 2D-TEE (median 0.76 cm 2 , interquartile range 0.62 to 0.95). Additionally, the continuity equation-based AVA by RT3D-TEE was consistent with the planimetry method. In conclusion, RT3D-TEE might allow more accurate evaluation of the elliptical LVOT geometry and continuity equation-based AVA in patients with aortic stenosis than 2D-TTE and 2D-TEE.
Scanning tunnelling microscopy and tunnelling spectroscopy of titanium before and afterin vitro immersion

In an effort to understand thein vivo interactions of titanium and its alloys with a biological environment, surface science methods have been used on specimens retrieved fromin vitro andin vivo experiments. A relatively new technique that has the potential to further our knowledge of the oxide-solution interface is scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (TS). This work documents the use of STM/TS in the study of titanium thin films before and after immersion in anin vitro solution. Titanium thin films were fabricated using a procedure which produced an oxide that had minimal contaminants. Half of the thin films were immersed in an electrolyte. STM/TS was performed immediately after the immersion period. Constant current images were obtained. Current-voltage characteristics were recorded at regions of interest. The topography of the nonimmersed films revealed that the surface was qualitatively the same as other sputter deposited metal films. I–V curves showed little spatial variation. The topography of the immersed film showed little change from the nonimmersed ones. However, significant spatial variation of the local electronic structure was noted. This indicates that titanium surface-fluid interactions do not occur uniformly on the film.
Correlation of open cell-attached and excised patch clamp techniques.

The excised patch clamp configuration provides a unique technique for some types of single channel analyses, but maintenance of stable, long-lasting preparations may be confounded by rundown and/or rapid loss of seal. Studies were performed on the amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel, located on the apical surface of A6 cells, to determine whether the nystatininduced open cell-attached patch could serve as an alternative configuration. Compared to excised inside-out patches, stable preparations were achieved more readily with the open cell-attached patch (9% vs. 56% of attempts). In both preparations, the current voltage (I-V) relation was linear, current amplitudes were equal at opposite equivalent clamped voltages, and E rev was zero in symmetrical Na+ solutions, indicating similar Na+ activities on the cytosolic and external surfaces of the patch. Moreover, there was no evidence that nystatin altered channel activity in the patch because slope conductance (3–4pS) and E rev (75 mV), when the bath was perfused with a high K:low Na solution (E Na=80 mV), were nearly equal in both patch configurations. Our results therefore indicate that the nystatininduced open cell-attached patch can serve as an alternative approach to the excised inside-out patch when experiments require modulation of univalent ions in the cytosol.