cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trial in Progress: A Phase 2, Single-Arm, Open-Label Study of Itacitinib (ITA) for the Prevention of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell–Induced Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)

Introduction Anti-CD19 CAR T cells have emerged as a powerful immunotherapeutic tool for treating B-cell malignancies. Tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) and axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) provided high durable response rates in pivotal trials and are approved by the FDA for treating relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. Despite impressive antitumor activity, CAR T therapy has unique toxicities. This includes CRS, a potentially life-threatening systemic inflammatory response affecting >50% of patients (pts) receiving tisa-cel or axi-cel with a range of clinical presentations and needs for intervention. Tocilizumab (TCZ; anti–IL-6R antibody) is approved for the treatment of severe or life-threatening CAR T–induced CRS. Although TCZ ± corticosteroids (CS) is effective in treating CRS, inpatient care is often required for close observation and CRS management adds significant costs to care. Additionally, TCZ- and CS-refractory CRS remains a challenge with poor outcomes. Therefore, preventing CRS vs treating established CRS may improve CAR T safety and expand access to pts who may not be otherwise eligible. Because several cytokines are involved in CRS pathogenesis, drugs blocking multiple inflammatory pathways may improve efficacy over IL-6 blockade alone. Furthermore, immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), another common and potentially fatal side effect of CAR T therapy, does not respond to (and may be exacerbated by) TCZ. ITA is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK)-1, which mediates signaling of several inflammatory cytokines. In preclinical studies of CRS models, JAK1 inhibition with ITA significantly reduced serum levels of cytokines implicated in CRS, including IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-γ, without affecting antitumor activity of human CD19 CAR T cells in vivo, suggesting potential utility in the management of CRS. Objective To describe the study design of an ongoing trial investigating the safety and efficacy of ITA for the prevention of CRS in pts receiving CD19 CAR T cells. Methods Pts 12 years or older receiving axi-cel or tisa-cel for an approved hematologic malignant indication will be eligible for enrollment in this phase 2, single arm, open-label study. Approximately 62 pts will be treated (≥20 each to axi-cel and tisa-cel). Pts will receive an oral 200-mg dose of ITA once daily for ∼30 days (Day −3 to Day 26; CAR T infusion at Day 0; Figure 1). The primary endpoint is grade ≥2 CRS rate by Day 14; secondary endpoints include incidence and duration of any grade ICANS by Day 28, duration of all grades of CRS by Day 28, rates of any grade CRS 48 hours post–CAR T infusion and grade ≥2 CRS by Day 28, and safety of ITA. Objective response rate and measurable residual disease will also be evaluated. This study will examine safety and efficacy of ITA for prevention of CD19 CAR T–induced CRS while monitoring for effects on tumor response.
Model-Free Backward and Forward Nonlinear PDEs for Implied Volatility

The authors derive backward and forward nonlinear partial differential equations that govern the implied volatility of a contingent claim whenever the latter is well defined. This would include at least any contingent claim written on a positive stock price whose payoff at a possibly random time is convex. The authors also discuss suitable initial and boundary conditions for those partial differential equations. Finally, we demonstrate how to solve them numerically by using an iterative finite-difference approach. TOPICS:Volatility measures, options Key Findings • In this article, we derive backward and forward quasilinear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) that govern the implied volatility of a contingent claim whenever the latter is well defined. Alternatively, we have derived a forward nonlinear hyperbolic PDE of the first order, which also governs evolution of the implied volatility in (K, T, Z) space. We discuss suitable initial and boundary conditions for those PDEs. • We develop an iterative numerical method to solve the PDEs by using a finite-difference approach. The method is of second order of approximation in both space and time, is unconditionally stable, and preserves positivity of the solution. • Using this method, we compute the PDE implied volatility and find that our intuition behind the main idea of the article is correct. In other words, performance of the finite-difference solver exceeds that of the traditional approach by factor of 40. However, this result is subject to some details, which are highlighted in the article.
Causal contribution of malignancy to anomalous baroreflex functionality in patients with cancer: An overlooked aspect of cardio-oncology

Abstract The current trend in cardio-oncology places major emphasis on circulatory toxicity induced by cancer therapy. Whether malignancy itself is a direct contributing factor to cardiovascular dysfunctions and baroreflex dysregulation in patients with cancer, however, has rarely appeared in literature. The present study addressed this largely overlooked aspect of cardio-oncology by evaluating blood pressure, heart rate and baroreflex functionality before and after curative surgery in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We found that these patients exhibited reduced baroreflex-mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone and augmented cardiac vagal baroreflex, and such inherent anomalies were readily reversed to levels of healthy controls after surgical removal of the primary tumor. It is concluded that by being more prone to hypotension and bradycardia, anomalous baroreflex functionality causally induced by malignancy predisposes patients with cancer to detrimental cardiovascular abnormalities that may be further exacerbated by cancer therapy.
Simulating δ 15 N of atmospheric NO x in CMAQ version 5.2.1, based on 15 N incorporated SMOKE version 4.6 and WRF version 4.0 for assessing the role atmospheric processes plays in controlling the isotopic composition of NO x , NO y , and atmospheric nitrate

Abstract. Nitrogen oxides (NOx = nitric oxide (NO) + nitrogen dioxides (NO2)) are important trace gases that affect atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and climate. Despite the importance of NOx emissions, there are significant uncertainties in NOx emission inventories. After NOx from different sources being emitted into the atmosphere, its composition will change due to atmospheric processes. In this study, we used the nitrogen stable isotope composition of NOx (δ15N(NOx)) to trace the changes in δ15N values along the journey of atmospheric NOx, by incorporating 15N into the emission input dataset prepared from the previous companion research (Fang & Michalski, 2020) to run CMAQ (the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System). The simulated spatiotemporal patterns in NOx isotopic composition were compared with corresponding atmospheric measurements in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. The results indicate that estimating of atmospheric δ15N(NOx) using CMAQ shows better agreement with observation than using SMOKE (Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions), due to the consideration of mixing, disperse, transport, and deposition of NOx emission from different sources.
Where Have All the Trials Gone? Settlements, Nontrial Adjudications, and Statistical Artifacts in the Changing Disposition of Federal Civil Cases

If trials have been “vanishing” from the federal courts in the past few decades, it matters, from a normative perspective, whether this trend reflects an increase in private settlements (as many assume) or an increase in public nontrial adjudication. In this article I investigate the coding of “disposition” by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts as the first step in an effort to assess changes in the use of trial, nontrial adjudication (such as summary judgment and dismissal), and settlement to resolve federal civil cases. Based on audits of the 2000 data using electronic docket information available through PACER, I identify substantial “error” rates—as high as 70 percent—in the most ambiguous and relevant disposition codes, making simple interpretation of the raw codes highly unreliable. Using the sample frequencies of true dispositions determined from these audits, I correct the 2000 data. Comparing this corrected data to the raw 1970 data would lead to the surprising conclusions that a smaller percentage of cases were disposed of through settlement in 2000 than was the case in 1970, that vanishing trials have been replaced not by settlements but by nontrial adjudication, and that it is the bench, not jury, trial that has been transformed in this way. These conclusions are suggestive only, but they point to the importance of performing the more onerous task of auditing the pre-PACER data produced by the federal courts in order to assess whether we are witnessing a fundamental shift out of public adjudication into private settlements or merely a shift in how and when judges decide cases.
Renewing the Civic and Democratic Mission of Higher Education: Perspectives of Leadership

University and center leaders have a strategic role in shaping higher education toward a mission that values democratic and civic engagement. A unique feature of this book is that most of the contributors are college and university presidents and center directors. Several chapters contribute to historical knowledge of the transformative role that higher education plays in civil society and public life. Many of the values espoused in these chapters are visions of ideals and calls to action that speak to the challenges of injustice, racism, and inequity embedded within higher education and societal structures. While many of these issues remain in our midst, we may still appreciate the hope and optimism within these ideals if our higher education and community leaders are progressing in a positive direction. *** Los lideres de universidades y de centros academicos tiene un papel estrategico en la formacion de la educacion superior hacia una mision que valore el compromiso democratico y civico. Un aspecto unico de este libro es que la mayoria de los colaboradores son presidentes de universidades o directores de centros academicos. Varios capitulos contribuyen al conocimiento historico del rol transformativo que la educacion superior juega en la sociedad civil y en la vida publica. Muchos de los valores compartidos en estos capitulos son visiones de ideales y llamadas a la accion que responden a los desafios de la injusticia, el racismo y la inequidad integrados en la educacion superior y en las estructuras de la sociedad. Mientras muchos de estos asuntos siguen presentes, podemos todavia apreciar la esperanza y el optimismo dentro de estos ideales si nuestros lideres en las esferas universitarias y comunitarias progresan en una direccion positiva.
Abstract Algebraic Logic

The classical method of associating a class of algebras with a logical system is that of Lindenbaum and Tarski. It can be applied to any system with a biconditional ↔ that is compositional in the sense that it defines a congruence relation on the absolutely free algebra of formulas. The method has been abstacted to provide effective criteria for the algebraizability of a large class of formal systems. One consequence of this work is a uniform method of providing a formal system with algebraic semantics. The main features of the theory of abstract algebraic logic and one of its potential applications are surveyed.
High-speed video observations of rocket-and-wire initiated lightning

[1] We present observations of a rocket-and-wire triggered lightning flash obtained with high-speed video cameras recording 5400 and 50000 frames per second (frame times 185 μs and 20 μs) with time-synchronized current and electric field measurements. Transient leader channels were observed with precursor current pulses occurring before the development of the sustained upward positive leader that initiated the initial continuous current. The sustained upward positive leader stepped with a constant speed of 5.6 × 104 m s−1 over its initial 100 m. The wire destruction occurred discontinuously over a time of 7 ms about 45 ms after sustained upward leader inception, with a small change in channel current. Downward leaders, upward connecting leaders, and filamentary streamers were imaged in the bottom 50 m of the channel. We present the first images of a negative step forming in lightning, apparently involving a space stem similar to steps in meter-length negative laboratory sparks.
The Poet and His Translator: An Interview with Salgado Maranhão and Alexis Levitin

Salgado Maranhao is one of Brazil’s leading contemporary poets. His collected poems, A Cor da Palavra (The Color of the Word), won Brazil’s highest award, the Premio de Poesia da Academia Brasileira de Letras, for the year 2011. An earlier collection, Mural de Ventos (Mural of Winds), won the prestigious Premio Jabuti in 1999. In addition to nine books of poetry, including Punhos da Serpente (The Snake’s Fists), O Beijo da Fera (The Kiss of the Beast), and the recent A Pelagem da Tigra (Tiger’s Fur), he has written song lyrics and made recordings with some of Brazil’s leading jazz and pop musicians. Dr. Alexis Levitin, a Distinguished Professor of English at SUNY-Plattsburgh, has published 32 books in translation, among them Clarice Lispector’s Soulstorm (New Directions), Carioca Invitation by Sandra Lopes (Escrita Fina Edicoes, 2010), and Forbidden Words: The Selected Poems of Eugenio de Andrade (New Directions), as well as translations in over two hundred literary magazines. His translation of Salgado Maranhao’s Blood of the Sun was published by Milkweed Editions in 2012. It is Maranhao’s first book to appear in English translation.[ This introductory information is taken from the publicity material provided by Alexis Levitin for his October 11, 2012 visit to UNC Charlotte.] The interview was conducted by Dr. Michael Scott Doyle (MSD) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on October 11, 2012, where Salgado Maranhao (SM) and Alexis Levitin (AL) gave a bi-lingual reading from Blood of the Sun. It was conducted in English and Dr. Levitin, Salgado Maranhao’s literary translator, doubled as the Brazilian poet’s interpreter during the unscripted interview, which was the looser, more spontaneous format preferred by both poet and translator. About this particular collection of poems, Blood of the Sun, Luiz Fernando Valente, Professor of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies and Comparative Literature at Brown University, writes in the volume’s Afterword that “The publication of Blood of the Sun (Sol Sanguineo) is the felicitous outcome of a spectacular collaboration between one of the most influential and innovative contemporary Brazilian poets and one of the most accomplished English language translators from the Portuguese” (147). Renowned translator Gregory Rabassa celebrates the slender volume as well, quoted on the book’s jacket as follows: “In Blood of the Sun, Alexis Levitin has given us a perfect English rendering of Salgado Maranhao’s deft expression of the tonality of this people and land [Brazil’s northeast].”
Laser trapping of radioactive 210 francium

Summary form only given. Francium, the heaviest alkali, has no stable isotopes and has eluded extensive study because sufficient quantities have not been available for detailed investigations. The strong phase space confinement makes the magneto-optic trap a very good tool for spectroscopic studies that can lead to measurements of atomic parity violations in francium. We have succeeded in injecting into a magneto-optical trap /sup 210/Fr atoms.
A NEW NAME IN VERNONIA (COMPOSITAE)

Vernonia rigiophylla Schultz-Bip. ex Baker is a later homonym ofV. rigiophylla DC. and therefore a new name,Vernonia elsieae, is proposed for this species.
Reshaping the cortical motor map by unmasking latent intracortical connections

The primary motor cortex (MI) contains a map organized so that contralateral limb or facial movements are elicited by electrical stimulation within separate medial to lateral MI regions. Within hours of a peripheral nerve transection in adult rats, movements represented in neighboring MI areas are evoked from the cortical territory of the affected body part. One potential mechanism for reorganization is that adjacent cortical regions expand when preexisting lateral excitatory connections are unmasked by decreased intracortical inhibition. During pharmacological blockade of cortical inhibition in one part of the MI representation, movements of neighboring representations were evoked by stimulation in adjacent MI areas. These results suggest that intracortical connections form a substrate for reorganization of cortical maps and that inhibitory circuits are critically placed to maintain or readjust the form of cortical motor representations.
A transition from cellulose swelling to cellulose dissolution by o-phosphoric acid: evidence from enzymatic hydrolysis and supramolecular structure.

In this study, we investigated the effects of phosphoric acid concentration on supramolecular structure of and enzymatic hydrolysis of the treated cellulose. A phase transition from cellulose swelling to cellulose dissolution was observed, when phosphoric acid concentration was greater than a critical value. On the basis of the above finding, we developed a simple procedure for producing a regenerated amorphous cellulose (RAC), precipitated from the dissolved homogeneous cellulose rather than from the swollen heterogeneous cellulose. Experimental Section
Simplified Method for Quantifying Theoretical Underestimation of Chamber-Based Trace Gas Fluxes

Closed chambers used to measure soil-atmosphere exchange of trace gases including nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) generate errors due to suppression of the gas concentration gradient at the soil-atmosphere interface. A method is described here for estimating the magnitude of flux underestimation arising from chamber deployment. The technique is based on previously established gas transport theory and has been simplified to facilitate application while preserving the fundamental physical relationships. The method avoids the use of nonlinear regression but requires knowledge of soil properties including texture, bulk density, water content, temperature, and pH. Two options are presented: a numerical technique which is easily adapted to spreadsheet application, and a graphical method requiring minimal calculation. In both cases, the magnitude of theoretical flux underestimation (TFU) is determined, taking into account effects of chamber geometry and deployment time, the flux-calculation scheme, and properties of the soil and gas under consideration. Application to actual data and recent studies confirmed that TFU can vary widely within and across sites. The analysis also revealed a highly linear correlation between soil water content and TFU, suggesting that previously observed relationships between water content and trace gas flux may in part reflect artifacts of chamber methodology. The method described here provides a practical means of improving the absolute accuracy of flux estimates and normalizing data obtained using different chamber designs in different soils.
Evaluation of ketorolac in children with forearm fractures.

Objectives To evaluate ketorolac for pain relief and an opioid-sparing effect in children with forearm fractures necessitating reduction. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted at an urban children's hospital ED. A convenience sample of children aged 3-18 years with isolated forearm fractures was studied. None received prior pain medication. A 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain at the time of study entry and prior to sedation/analgesia. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's Pain Score (CHEOPS), a 13-point behavioral score, was used to assess pain during sedation. Patients received either IV ketorolac (K), 1 mg/kg, or saline (S) after entry into the study. After a minimum of 20 minutes, pain was reassessed and supplemental analgesia/sedation administered. A standard dose of midazolam, 0.1 mg/kg to a maximum of 6 mg, was given to all patients, and fentanyl was titrated at 1-microgram/kg increments based on patient need. Once the patient was comfortable, reduction was performed and a reduction CHEOPS score assigned. Results For the 34 study children (17 K, 17 S), there was no difference in sex or mean age between the groups. Mean total doses of fentanyl were 2.26 micrograms/kg in the K group and 2.85 micrograms/kg in the S group (p = 0.07). The median changes in VAS score before and after receiving the study drug were -1.13 K and -0.18 S (p = 0.06). The median CHEOPS score was 10 for both groups. Seven of the 17 patients in the S group required the maximum fentanyl dose (4 micrograms/kg), compared with 2 of 17 in the K group (p = p.06). Conclusions Although ketorolac seems to add to patient comfort in children with forearm fractures, it does not have a significant opioid-sparing effect. Ketorolac showed a trend toward pain relief, but statistical significance was not reached.
A technique for computing the zero forcing number of a graph with a cut-vertex

Abstract The zero forcing number of a graph is the minimum size of a zero forcing set. This parameter is useful in the minimum rank/maximum nullity problem, as it gives an upper bound to the maximum nullity. Results for determining graphs with extreme zero forcing numbers, for determining the zero forcing number of graphs with a cut-vertex, and for determining the zero forcing number of unicyclic graphs are presented.
Stage II follow-up on a linkage scan for bipolar disorder in the Ashkenazim provides suggestive evidence for chromosome 12p and the GRIN2B gene.

Stage II follow-up on a linkage scan for bipolar disorder in the Ashkenazim provides suggestive evidence for chromosome 12p and the GRIN2B gene
An improved synthesis of (1R,3S)-3-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid

An improved synthesis of (1R,3S)-3-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid from 3-aminobenzoic acid is described utilising milder and more selective conditions. Both a classical salt resolution and an enzymatic approach have been shown to give the desired compound in high selectivity.
"Definitive" University of Chicago sex survey overestimated prevalence of homosexual identity.

The 1994 University of Chicago "definitive" survey of adults estimated prevalence of homosexuality among males at 2.8% and among females at 1.4%. Corrected for the exclusion of those over the age of 59 years, the estimates should be 2.3% and 1.2%.
Classroom uses of a demonstration of the incidental-learning paradigm

An incidental-learning demonstration was used as a within-group demonstration for a course in Memory and Cognition and as a between-groups laboratory experiment in an Experimental Psychology course...
Keypads for the Elderly

Age-related physical and sensory decrements can influence user requirements for consumer technologies. The present study investigated several factors related to keypad design, a common means of interfacing with a variety of consumer systems ranging from mobile phones to ATMs. Participants performed a series of data entry tasks using an experimental keypad and a standard keypad. Performance data and subjective ratings were collected. The results suggest that performance was generally better when using the experimental keypad versus a standard keypad. In addition, participants preferred using the experimental keypad to a standard keypad. The results suggest that further consideration of age-related sensory and performance decrements is necessary when designing keypad interfaces. Based on these data, a series of guidelines for keypad design were developed.
Alpha and Beta Adrenergic Receptor Activity in Circulating Blood Cells of Patients with Idiopathic Orthostatic Hypotension and Pheochromocytoma

Alpha and beta adrenergic receptor binding has been studied in circulating blood cells of 22 normal subjects, 6 patients with chronic orthostatic hypotension, and 1 with pheochromocytoma. Binding of the radioligand /3H/ dihydroergocryptine to platelet membranes was used to assess alpha 2 receptors and /3H/ dihydroalprenolol binding to polymorphonuclear leukocyte membranes was utilized to examine beta receptors. The findings were correlated with the results of tests of adrenergic function.The alpha 2 and beta receptor levels of most normal subjects varied within relatively narrow limits over several months. In patients with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension, marked increases in the number of both types of receptor sites were present. The changes were associated with significant reduction in plasma norepinephrine and exaggerated responses of blood pressure to infused norepinephrine. Chronic treatment of 4 of the patients with the alpha agonist, ergotamine bitartrate, produced significant increases in blood...
Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin with Lactating Cows Fed Diets Differing in Energy Density

Sixty-four Holstein cows (32 primiparous) were assigned randomly at parturition to one of two diets differing in forage:grain ratio and were further assigned to either control or treatment with recombinant bST. A full lactation study was conducted. Total mixed rations consisted of alfalfa silage, high moisture ear corn, soybean meal, and vitamin and mineral supplements. Percentages of forage in the diet (dry basis) for the high and medium energy diets were wk 1 to 12, 38.2 and 58.2; wk 13 to 26, 48.2 and 68.2; and wk 27 to 44, 68.2 and 88.2. Injection of a saline placebo or 20.6 mg/d per cow of bST started at wk 13 and stopped at wk 43 of lactation. Administration of bST increased 305-d milk yield by 19.9 and 18.3% for multiparous cows fed high and medium grain diets and by 13.0 and 5.9% for primiparous cows fed the same diets. Body weight gain during lactation tended to be lower for cows treated with bST, and body condition scores were significantly lower for those treated with bST and fed the medium energy diets. Daily injection of bST did not change concentrations of glucose or urea in blood or beta-hydroxybutyrate in plasma. Multiparous cows had a transitory increase in plasma FFA concentration immediately after bST treatment started. Milk composition, health, and reproductive parameters observed were not adversely affected by bST administration. Cows fed low energy diets during bST administration in the first lactation did not produce as much milk as controls when compared during the first 10 wk of their second lactation.
Imaging fluorescent objects embedded inside animal tissues using polarization difference technique

Abstract The polarization preservation property of Cardio Green dye and the fluorescence-polarization-difference-imaging (FPDI) technique are introduced to enhance the image quality of an object embedded inside tissues. The spatial FWHM resolution and contrast of the resulted fluorescence polarization difference image were found to be higher than that of the conventional non-polarized optical images by factors of 2.3 and 3.6, respectively.
Photoreceptor and glial markers in human embryonic retina and in human embryonic retinal transplants to rat retina

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the development of photoreceptor and glial cells in human embryonic retinal transplants with the development of normal human embryonic retina (13–20 weeks postconception). Human embryonic retinal cells (donor age 6–11 weeks postconception) were transplanted to the retinas of adult immunosuppressed rat hosts. Host animals were killed when the transplants were of 13–37 weeks total age (donor age + survival time after surgery). Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies specific for neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin (SYN), cone-specific opsins, rhodopsin, rod α-transducin, S-antigen, vimentin, cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). With regards to photoreceptors, NSE and SYN immunoreactive cones were seen in transplants from 14–16 weeks of age, but cone opsin immunoreactivity was not seen until 25 weeks. Developing graft rods became S-antigen immunoreactive at 17–18 weeks. At 20 weeks, inner segments and some cell somas of graft rods stained faintly for α-transducin and rhodopsin. At 31 and 37 weeks, inner and outer rod segments were intensely labelled for the rod-specific antigens. The grafts exhibited areas of varying maturation with different staining intensities. Concerning the glial cells, vimentin immunoreactivity was seen in the earliest transplants studied (total age 14–16 weeks), but only in stages older than 19 weeks was the immunoreactivity of graft Muller cells comparable in intensity to those of the host retina. Host Muller cells were immunoreactive for GFAP near the lesion site at all times. At 20 weeks, some GFAP immunoreactive processes were seen inside the graft, apparently coming from the host retina. At 25 weeks, faintly stained Muller cells intrinsic to the graft were observed, indicating a gliosis within the graft. Graft Muller cells were first seen to express CRALBP immunoreactivity at 19–20 weeks and, at 25 weeks, intense immunoreactivity was seen in the transplant, mostly in regions near the host. In the transplants only the Muller cells were stained, whereas both Muller and retinal pigment epithelium cells were CRALBP immunoreactive in the host retina. The development of human embryonic retinal transplants appears to parallel approximately normal in utero development. Transplant cones, rods and Muller cells all express their cell-specific proteins. The photoreceptors develop both inner and outer segments and contain several essential proteins for processing light. The transplants can reach a degree of maturity comparable to newborn retina.
The effect of endometriomas on in vitro fertilization outcome.

To determine the effect of ovarian endometriomas on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome, two groups of patients were studied. Group I consisted of seven patients with ovarian endometriomas and severe pelvic adhesions treated for a total of 12 cycles. Group II patients consisted of eight patients with hydrosalpinges and comparable pelvic adhesions treated for a total of 27 cycles. There were no differences in the number of days required for stimulation or in the serum estradiol levels attained between the two groups. Group I patients were noted to have significantly fewer preovulatory follicles (1.42 vs 3.33,P<0.005), cycles with fertilization (28 vs 84%,P<0.005), and embryos transferred (0.78 vs 2.56,P=0.01) than Group II patients. Three pregnancies occurred in Group II, while there were no conceptions among Group I patients. This study suggests that the presence of an ovarian endometrioma(s) has an adverse effect on IVF outcome and suggests that patients with ovarian endometriomas should have them removed prior to undergoing IVF.
Google's Web Page Ranking applied to different topological Web Graph structures

This research is part of the ongoing study to better understand web page ranking on the web. It looks at a web page as a graph structure or a web graph, and tries to classify different web graphs in the new coordinate space: (out-degree, in-degree). The out-degree coordinate od is defined as the number of outgoing web pages from a given web page. The in-degree id coordinate is the number of web pages that point to a given web page. In this new coordinate space a metric is built to classify how close or far different web graphs are. Google's web ranking algorithm (Brin & Page, 1998) on ranking web pages is applied in this new coordinate space. The results of the algorithm has been modified to fit different topological web graph structures. Also the algorithm was not successful in the case of general web graphs and new ranking web algorithms have to be considered. This study does not look at enhancing web ranking by adding any contextual information. It only considers web links as a source to web page ranking. The author believes that understanding the underlying web page as a graph will help design better ranking web algorithms, enhance retrieval and web performance, and recommends using graphs as a part of visual aid for browsing engine designers.
Use of site-specific recombination to regenerate selectable markers.

A method which allows the repeated use of a single selectable marker in DNA transformations was demonstrated. This marker regeneration method employed portions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2 μm circle plasmid: the inverted repeat sequences (FRTs), and the FLP gene whose product, a site-specific recombinase, catalyzes recombination events between FRTs. When FRTs were oriented as direct repeats and integrated into the genome of the yeast Pichia pastoris, FLP-mediated recombination resulted in the efficient and precise deletion of DNA located between the repeats. In the example described, the S. cerevisiae ARG4 gene, placed between a set of FRTs and integrated into Pichia in a prior transformation, was deleted by FLP, thereby regenerating an arginine-requiring phenotype in the P. pastoris strain.
THE ENHANCING EFFECT OF MURINE HEPATITIS VIRUS ON THE CEREBRAL ACTIVITY OF PLEUROPNEUMONIA-LIKE ORGANISMS IN MICE

Pleuropneumoma-like organisms (PPLO) of the catarrhal type were isolated from the brain of a Swiss mouse during the cranial passage of mouse hepatitis virus-MHV(C). Cranial injection of the PPLO alone in Swiss and Princeton weanlings was attended by a meagre growth of the organisms in the brain, with no pathologic change. The growth of both catarrhal and conjunctival strains of PPLO in the brains of Swiss mice was greatly enhanced by the simultaneous injection of MHV(C). Rolling was not a characteristic sign prior to autopsy. Brain sections regularly showed a vigorous leukocytic response, commonly accompanied by the destruction of nerve cells in the anterior horns of the cerebrum. Injected in Princeton mice together with the virus, the organisms barely survived and were inactive. MHV(Pr) enhanced the growth and pathogenicity of PPLO in the brains of Princeton mice but failed to do so in Swiss. The behavior of PPLO in the brain was likewise affected by the presence of agar, as earlier observed by Findlay et al. In comparison with the effect of MHV, the enhancement was reduced in rate in both strains of mice and was not accompanied by outward signs of nervous disorder. Hydrocephalus which often followed injection of the PPLO-agar mixture was also produced by agar-bouillon alone.
Immunocytochemical evidence for nitric oxide- and carbon monoxide-producing neurons in the stomatogastric nervous system of the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus.

Nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) have been shown to serve neuromodulatory roles in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Here, we use antibodies to their respective biosynthetic enzymes, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2), to map the distribution of putative gas-producing neurons in the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. In this species, NOS immunolabeling is found in the neuropil of the stomatogastric ganglion (STG). This staining originates from two immunopositive axons that project to the STG through the superior oesophageal and stomatogastric nerves, presumably from cell bodies located in the commissural ganglia (CoGs). HO-2 immunoreactivity is present in small diameter fibers and varicosities in the periphery of nerves located in the anterior portion of the STNS. This labeling originates from approximately 12 somata in each CoG. Transmission electron microscopy done on the nerves of the anterior STNS shows they contain a neuroendocrine plexus. Collectively, our results indicate that NO- and CO-producing neurons are likely to exist in the crayfish STNS. Moreover, these gases appear to be produced by distinct subsets of the neurons present there. The localization of NO to the STG neuropil suggests that it serves as a locally released modulator or is involved in the local release of other substances within this ganglion. The presence of CO in the neurohemal plexus of the anterior STNS suggests that it serves as a circulating hormone or is involved in the control of neuroendocrine release from this plexus.
C-terminal interactions of apolipoprotein E4 respond to the postprandial state

Increased triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs) in the postprandial state are associated with atherosclerosis. We investigated whether the postprandial state induced structural changes at the apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) C terminus, its principal lipid binding domain, using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of a site-directed spin label attached to the cysteine of apoE4-W264C. Spin coupling between labels located in the C termini was followed after mixing with preprandial and postprandial human plasma samples. Our results indicate that postprandial plasma triggers a reorganization of the protein such that the dipolar broadening is diminished, indicating a reduction in C-terminal interaction. The loss of spectral broadening was directly correlated with an increase in postprandial plasma triglycerides and was reduced with delipidated plasma. The spin-labeled apoE4 displayed a lipid preference of VLDL > LDL > HDL in the preprandial and postprandial states. The apoE4 shift to VLDL during the postprandial state was accompanied by a loss in spectral broadening of the protein. These findings suggest that apoE4 associated with LDL maintains self-association via its C terminus and that this association is diminished in VLDL-associated protein. Lipolyzed TGRL reflected a depletion of the C-terminal interaction of apoE4. Addition of palmitate to VLDL gave a similar response as lipolyzed TGRL, suggesting that lipolysis products play a major role in reorganizing apoE4 during the postprandial state.
Somatostatin analogues in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that are often associated with typical symptoms due to excessive and uncontrolled release of diverse hormones. Because these tumors are usually slow growing, surgery is the cornerstone of treatment. However, these rare tumors can present with rapid progression that requires aggressive systemic therapy or diffuse metastatic disease not amenable to surgical palliation. For most patients, medical approaches are necessary at some point in the course of their disease, especially since most tumors are at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Most gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors express high levels of somatostatin receptors, which are bound by somatostatin or its synthetic analogues. These agents, alone or combined with other therapies, such as interferon or radioisotopes, are therefore used frequently to control hormone-related symptoms and, for some patients, the growth of the disease itself. This article reviews the evidence for the use of somatostatin analogues in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors based on a MEDLINE search of literature published from January 1970 to July 2003.
Optimizing transmission from distant wind farms

Abstract We explore the optimal size of the transmission line from distant wind farms, modeling the tradeoff between transmission cost and benefit from delivered wind power. We also examine the benefit of connecting a second wind farm, requiring additional transmission, in order to increase output smoothness. Since a wind farm has a low capacity factor, the transmission line would not be heavily loaded, on average; depending on the time profile of generation, for wind farms with capacity factor of 29–34%, profit is maximized for a line that is about 3/4 of the nameplate capacity of the wind farm. Although wind generation is inexpensive at a good site, transmitting wind power over 1600 km (about the distance from Wyoming to Los Angeles) doubles the delivered cost of power. As the price for power rises, the optimal capacity of transmission increases. Connecting wind farms lowers delivered cost when the wind farms are close, despite the high correlation of output over time. Imposing a penalty for failing to deliver minimum contracted supply leads to connecting more distant wind farms.
A Mammalian Siderophore Synthesized by an Enzyme with a Bacterial Homolog Involved in Enterobactin Production

Intracellular iron homeostasis is critical for survival and proliferation. Lipocalin 24p3 is an iron-trafficking protein that binds iron through association with a bacterial siderophore, such as enterobactin, or a postulated mammalian siderophore. Here, we show that the iron-binding moiety of the 24p3-associated mammalian siderophore is 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA), which is similar to 2,3-DHBA, the iron-binding component of enterobactin. We find that the murine enzyme responsible for 2,5-DHBA synthesis, BDH2, is the homolog of bacterial EntA, which catalyzes 2,3-DHBA production during enterobactin biosynthesis. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of BDH2 results in siderophore depletion. Mammalian cells lacking the siderophore accumulate abnormally high amounts of cytoplasmic iron, resulting in elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, whereas the mitochondria are iron deficient. Siderophore-depleted mammalian cells and zebrafish embryos fail to synthesize heme, an iron-dependent mitochondrial process. Our results reveal features of intracellular iron homeostasis that are conserved from bacteria through humans.
Form birefringence of crystalline polymers

The theory of Franklin et al. is employed for the calculation of the maximum form birefringence of a polymer having lamellar morphology. The results confirm the experimental conclusion that for low-density polyethylene, the form birefringence approaches 3% of the total birefringence. The theory also predicts the parabolic dependence of the form birefringence on the refractive index of the amorphous phase. It may be applied to estimate the dynamic form birefringence and leads to a value of the dynamic strain-optical coefficient which is of the order of 2–15% of the total.
A global interconnect link design for many-core microprocessors

In future many-core microprocessors, on-chip global interconnect links between cores have significant effects on the overall system performance. Improving the throughput and reducing the huge power dissipation in such global links is essential for enabling such future many-core microprocessors. In deep-submicron technologies, intrinsic gate delays are significantly reduced, resulting in very small signal transition times and injecting high frequency components into the interconnects. Hence, inductance and transmission line effects cannot be ignored. In this paper, the design of a global interconnect link for data communication in many-core microprocessors is presented. The presented design is based on having the interconnect designed and excited as a transmission line with low losses to enable near speed-of-light on-chip propagation on global wires with high data bandwidth and low power dissipation. Replacing the conventional repeater insertion in long global interconnects with the presented design results in significant improvements in all aspects of performance.
Chemistry of the phenoxathiins and isosterically related heterocycles. XXX. The crystal and molecular structure of 2‐AZA‐phenoxathiin 2‐oxide: Further evidence in support of the relationship between the 13C‐NMR chemical shift of C‐10a resonance and the molecular dihedral angle

The synthesis of 2-azaphenoxathiin 2-oxide (4) and the total assignment of the 13C-nmr spectrum is described. Facile assignment was obtained from the assigned spectrum of 2-azaphenoxathiin with additivities obtained from a comparison of 1-azaphenoxathiin and its N-oxide. The crystal structure has also been determined from three dimensional X-ray diffraction data. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 17.50(2)A, b = 7.147(3)A, c = 16.044(7)A, β = 110.60(5) and Z = 8. Intensity data were collected at - 135 ± 2°C on an automatic diffractometer using nickel-filtered CuKα radiation. The structure was solved by direct methods and was refined by least-squares techniques to give a final R-value of 0.045 for all 3831 independent reflections.
Modulating patterns of two-phase flow with electric fields

This paper describes the use of electro-hydrodynamic actuation to control the transition between three major flow patterns of an aqueous-oil Newtonian flow in a microchannel: droplets, beads-on-a-string (BOAS), and multi-stream laminar flow. We observed interesting transitional flow patterns between droplets and BOAS as the electric field was modulated. The ability to control flow patterns of a two-phase fluid in a microchannel adds to the microfluidic tool box and improves our understanding of this interesting fluid behavior.
Mathematical Aspects of Kaluza-Klein Gravity

Abstract We give a coordinate-free calculation of the Ricci tensor Ric and Ricci scalar S for a general Kaluza–Klein metric g on a fiber bundle π : E → M over a semi-Riemannian manifold ( M , g ). The metric g is built from the spacetime metric g , a connection σ : E × TM → TE , and a fiber metric h on the vertical bundle (or internal space) VE of TE . The resulting formulas for Ric and S are shown to involve new geometric objects: the gauge Hessian H h σ and gauge Laplacian Δ σ h , as well as other globally defined quantities. These formulas appear to be the first global version of the many local coordinate versions existing in the literature. Additionally we isolate a class of fiber metrics h and connections σ for which these formulas reduce considerably in complexity. The higher-dimensional field equations, Ric −(1/2) S g =(1/2)Λ g +8π T , contain the field equations for gravity and gauge fields, but generally the fields depend on the fiber coordinates. However, this dependence can be eliminated if one restricts attention to principal bundles with equivariant fiber metrics and connections.
Mycotoxin toxicity to Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) were reared on an axenic casein-wheat germ diet to which were added, singly, pure mycotoxins at 1, 10, and 100 ppm. Sterigmatocystin, T2 toxin, and zearalenone at all 3 levels were lethal to T. putrescentiae in the 1st generation. Aflatoxin B1, citrinin, ochratoxin A, and penicillic acid were less toxic, and permitted considerable development in the 1st generation; when the 2nd generations were reared on the corresponding mycotoxins in the diets, however, all individuals were killed.
Using In-Field Phosphate Testing to Rapidly Identify Middens at Piedras Negras, Guatemala

Recent studies have promoted using soil phosphate analysis to detect ancient Maya sites by delimiting areas of occupation based on decomposed organic matter. Refuse associated with human activity increases organic matter around areas of ancient human habitation. Theoretically, the highest concentration of organic matter—detectable by phosphate analysis—should be directly associated with areas of refuse disposal. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the potential of phosphate analysis to detect residential middens in Piedras Negras, Guatemala. This paper presents the results of a sensitive, in-field phosphate analysis method applied as a midden prospection tool in residential areas. Phosphate concentration is correlated with artifact data obtained from a total of 37 test pits excavated in areas of varying phosphate concentration in three residential sites. A positive correlation between phosphate concentration and ceramic density indicates the potential of this method in defining and orienting excavations of residential areas. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.