cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FDA Approval: Blinatumomab for Patients with B-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Morphologic Remission with Minimal Residual Disease

On March 29, 2018, the FDA granted accelerated approval for blinatumomab (Blincyto; Amgen, Inc.) for the treatment of adults and children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL) in first or second complete remission with minimal residual disease (MRD) greater than or equal to 0.1%. Blinatumomab is a CD3xCD19 bispecific antibody approved previously for the treatment of relapsed or refractory BCP ALL. The basis for this accelerated approval was a single-arm trial. For the 86 patients in first and second complete remission with MRD ≥ 0.1%, conversion to MRD < 0.01% was achieved after one cycle of blinatumomab by 85.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 73.8%, 93.0%] and 72.0% (95% CI: 50.6%, 87.9%), respectively, and the estimated median hematologic relapse-free survivals (RFS) were 35.2 months (95% CI: 0.4-53.5) and 12.3 months (95% CI: 0.7-42.3), respectively. Hematologic RFS was considered substantial independent of whether patients underwent subsequent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The safety profile for blinatumomab was established in prior studies, and no new safety signals were observed in the new population. Cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity remain significant risks. The FDA is requiring confirmation of clinical benefit in a randomized trial.
Perception de l'amertume et préférences alimentaires

La sensibilite gustative au gout amer du phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) et du 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) est genetiquement transmise. Elle semble influencer certaines perceptions et preferences gustatives et probablement aussi le choix des aliments et les rejets alimentaires. Les sujets tres sensibles au gout du PROP appeles gouteurs de PROP seraient plus sensibles aux gouts amers de la cafeine, de la saccharine, et de l'alcool que les non-gouteurs. La saccharose et les autres edulcorants sont percus comme plus sucres par les gouteurs que par les non-gouteurs. De nombreuses etudes ont montre que les gouteurs de PROP evitent de consommer les plantes cruciferes, les agrumes et les piments. Des travaux recents suggerent que les substances dites phytochimiques, les flavonoides et en particulier les isothiocyanates des cruciferes sont des produits biologiquement actifs qui pourraient etre efficaces dans la prevention du cancer. Il devient important de savoir si les gouteurs de PROP evitent ces aliments parce qu'ils sont trop sensibles a leur gout. S'il existe des differences dans l'alimentation habituelle des gouteurs et celle des non-gouteurs, la sensibilite au PROP pourrait etre un facteur favorisant ou non l'adhesion a un regime alimentaire preventif envers le cancer.
Statin Use After Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Associated With Decreased Mortality

Background & Aims Statin use is associated with a lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is unclear whether postdiagnosis statin use is associated with a reduced risk of death in patients with HCC. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 15,422 patients with HCC in the Veterans Administration Central Cancer Registry, diagnosed from 2002 through 2016. We identified statin prescriptions that were filled before and after the cancer diagnosis and used time-dependent Cox regression models to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for risk of death. We used a time-varying exposure to avoid immortal time bias, and a 3-month lag (following up patients from 3 months after the cancer diagnosis) to reduce reverse causation. A sensitivity analysis was conducted varying the lag duration between date of cancer diagnosis and start of follow-up evaluation. Results Statin use after diagnosis was recorded for 14.9% of patients with HCC. We found that postdiagnosis statin use was associated with a decreased risk of cancer-specific death (adjusted HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77–0.93) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.95). The magnitudes of these inverse associations were consistent for patients who used high or low doses of statins, and the inverse associations remained across a range of lag periods (from 0 months to 12 months after HCC diagnosis). We found no evidence for effect modification by prediagnosis statin use, or by presentation- or treatment-related factors, and no independent association with prediagnosis statin use. Conclusions In a retrospective analysis of data from veterans with HCC, use of statins (high or low doses) after a diagnosis of HCC was associated with reduced mortality.
X-ray crystal structure of 2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidineethanesulfonamide, C 5 H 9 N 3 O 4 S

The crystal structure of 2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidineethanesulfonamide or homocysteine sulfonamide hydantoin, C5H9N3O4S (1) was obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallization of 1 occurs in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) with a = 15.653(2), b = 9.6489(10), c = 11.066(2) A, β = 94.64(2)○, and Z = 8. Molecules are in an extended structure with a C–C–C–S torsion angle of −174.2(1)○. The imidazolidinedione ring is planar and the sulfonamide group has a distorted tetrahedral geometry. A three-dimensional network of intermolecular hydrogen bonding occurs within the crystal lattice involving both imidazolidinedione and sulfonamide functional groups.
Reachability Analysis for High-Index Linear Differential Algebraic Equations

Reachability analysis is a fundamental problem for safety verification and falsification of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) whose dynamics follow physical laws usually represented as differential equations. In the last two decades, numerous reachability analysis methods and tools have been proposed for a common class of dynamics in CPS known as ordinary differential equations (ODE). However, there is lack of methods dealing with differential algebraic equations (DAE), which is a more general class of dynamics that is widely used to describe a variety of problems from engineering and science, such as multibody mechanics, electrical circuit design, incompressible fluids, molecular dynamics, and chemical process control. Reachability analysis for DAE systems is more complex than ODE systems, especially for high-index DAEs because they contain both a differential part (i.e., ODE) and algebraic constraints (AC). In this paper, we propose a scalable reachability analysis for a class of high-index large linear DAEs. In our approach, a high-index linear DAE is first decoupled into one ODE and one or several AC subsystems based on the well-known Marz decoupling method utilizing admissible projectors. Then, the discrete reachable set of the DAE, represented as a list of star-sets, is computed using simulation. Unlike ODE reachability analysis where the initial condition is freely defined by a user, in DAE cases, the consistency of the initial condition is an essential requirement to guarantee a feasible solution. Therefore, a thorough check for the consistency is invoked before computing the discrete reachable set. Our approach successfully verifies (or falsifies) a wide range of practical, high-index linear DAE systems in which the number of state variables varies from several to thousands.
Utility of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale in the Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Investigated internal consistency reliability and criterion validity of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) in a well-characterized sample of 120 children ($$\bar{X}_{\text{age}}$$ = 9.91; autism [AUT] n = 54; non-autism [NOT] n = 66) who completed comprehensive outpatient evaluations with a gold-standard measure, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. With the exception of a low Cognitive alpha in the AUT group, internal consistency reliabilities ranged from moderate to high. Significant between-group mean differences were observed for all scores. Receiver operating characteristic analyses indicated Area Under the Curve in the fair range (.71). Cutoff points and interpretation are discussed. The ASDS appears most useful in cases of either low or high scores or as an adjuvant to gold-standard measures.
Chapter 31 – Wilson Disease

Publisher Summary Wilson Disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene. The WD gene product, a P-type ATPase (ATP7B), is necessary for both the incorporation of copper into ceruloplasmin and its excretion into bile. The disease is associated with increased hepatic copper storage leading to a clinically heterogeneous illness marked by cirrhosis of the liver and degenerative changes in the basal ganglia. Several animal models of the disease, including the Long-Evans cinnamon (LEG) rat, and canine copper toxicosis is described in this chapter. Even though it is clear that all patients with WD whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, require treatment, there is no current consensus as to the optimal means of treating WD. The aims of treatment are initially to remove the toxic amounts of copper and secondarily to prevent tissue reaccumulation of the metal.
Investigation of an outbreak of food-borne cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae O139 in Yunnan province

2009年1月15-17日云南省玉溪市通海县四街镇四寨村发生一起因参加丧宴而致的O139霍乱暴发,本研究对这次霍乱暴发进行流行病学调查. 1.对象与方法: (1)调查对象:在四寨村参加丧宴人员和未参加丧宴的部分村民.重点调查参加丧宴并于1月16-25日期间出现的腹泻病例、携带者以及部分对照人员。
Mr. Gorsuch, Meet Mr. Marshall: A Private-Law Framework for the Public-Law Puzzle of Subdelegation

In the wake of Gundy v. United States, 139 S.Ct. 2116 (2019), there is reason to think that five Justices might be willing to consider reviving the constitutional non-subdelegation doctrine. But in what form? Judges and scholars have labored for more than two centuries to come up with a legally rigorous standard for evaluating the permissible scope and breadth of congressional grants of discretion to executive and judicial agents. Some, such as Justice Scalia, eventually gave up in despair. That is a grave mistake. Lawyers had faced subdelegation questions for centuries before the Constitution was ratified, in the context of private-law agency arrangements. There are good reasons to think that the Constitution draws on private-law background norms for much of its meaning, and the subdelegation problem is an excellent candidate for elaboration in private-law terms. Thus, when Chief Justice John Marshall in 1825 drew a distinction between impermissible grants of discretion on “important subjects” and permissible grants of discretion on matters of “less interest,” his approach was far more structured, grounded in precedent , and law-like than may appear at first glance. It drew on principles and case law developed in settings ranging from powers of appointment in wills, in which the holder of the power tries to designate another person to exercise it, to the lack of privity between merchants and subdelegees in the absence of express authority on the part of the agents to subdelegate power, to the lack of authority of factors and supercargoes to entrust sale of goods to subagents without the express consent of their principals. Thus, judges worried about the open-ended character of a non-subdelegation doctrine need not run away from Chief Justice Marshall’s classic formulation. They simply need to flesh out its private-law background. There was abundant law regarding subdelegation in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the Constitution’s subdelegation principle is grounded in that law.
Kentucky Practice Materials: A Selected Annotated Bibliography

This bibliography represents a selection of available Kentucky practice materials. It is divided into five sections: General Publications; Periodicals; Internet Resources; Computer-Assisted Legal Research Databases; and Treatises and practice Materials.The titles and resources included have been selected to illustrate the breadth and depth of the available materials describing the contents of each resource, with an emphasis on materials published since 2005. All the primary legal materials most frequently used by Kentucky practitioners have been included, as have the secondary resources published in Kentucky that are relied upon by practitioners.
Oviposition response of the biocontrol agent Rhinocyllus conicus to resource distribution in its invasive host, Carduus nutans

Abstract Musk thistle, Carduus nutans, is a major noxious weed throughout its non-native range. The flower head weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, deemed likely to be a strong candidate for biocontrol based on laboratory tests, has proven variable in its efficacy, suggesting a possible influence of ecological context. To improve our understanding of the dynamics of this system, we examined how R. conicus responds to the spatial distribution of musk thistle individuals. We manipulated the size and density of host plant patches to determine their effect on weevil oviposition. Neither patch size nor plant density significantly affected the number of eggs laid by R. conicus. However, plant characteristics such as flower head size, as well as plant height and number of flower heads per plant, significantly influenced oviposition. Although larger thistle flower heads provide more sites for oviposition, there is also more seed production in these heads. Thus, while R. conicus oviposition is highest in larger flower heads, the surplus of seed offsets the effectiveness of biological control. This observation may in part explain the variable levels of control by this biological control agent and ascertains circumstances when augmentative management procedures may be needed.
A review on artificial bone modelling: Materials and manufacturing techniques

Abstract Artificial bone modelling has been done in recent times in order to replicate the mechanical properties and microstructure of the human cancellous and cortical bone. The applications of artificial bone models include bone grafting and testing of orthopaedic instruments. The recent developments in this field make the use of natural polymers and bio-compatible metals to manufacture porous structures replicating bone properties. The aim of this review is to consolidate the research efforts done in the field of making artificial bone models of the human trabecular bone by studying the material and manufacturing aspects of the process. The article reviews the bone models under the categories of polymers and composites and metal scaffolds. A combination of natural polymers along with a bio-compatible synthetic polymer and bio-ceramic reinforcement has proven to be a suitable candidate in replicating the mechanical properties of the bone while ensuring bio-compatibility. Three manufacturing techniques were reviewed with respect to the ability to replicate the bone microstructure. SLM is a potential candidate in terms of design flexibility and manufacturing accuracy. A direction to future research in extending the application of artificial bone models to the testing of dental implants has also been provided.
Using curriculum mapping to scaffold and equitably distribute information literacy instruction for graduate professional studies programs

Abstract Developing and maintaining a holistic information literacy program at institutions of professional and continuing studies that have experienced fast growth can be quite challenging. Accordingly, Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies (SCS) Library utilized curriculum mapping to improve its curricular cohesiveness, scaffolding, and goal achievement. This study reports on the method's application in relation to the School's Business & Management Division MPS classes. Specific steps included the drafting of School-wide ACRL's Framework-informed student learning objectives and outcomes, conducting semi-structured interviews with the Division's faculty directors, analyzing syllabi and lesson plans associated with core/foundational courses selected for librarian consistent visits, and generating related course-level information literacy curriculum maps. As a result of these efforts, the SCS Library now has a clear, equitable plan for instructionally supporting a carefully formulated sequence of the Division's programs' classes, while systematically increasing its offerings of matching online learning objects and workshops.
A Heterogeneously Expressed Gene Family Modulates the Biofilm Architecture and Hypoxic Growth of Aspergillus fumigatus.

The genus Aspergillus encompasses human pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus and industrial powerhouses such as Aspergillus niger In both cases, Aspergillus biofilms have consequences for infection outcomes and yields of economically important products. However, the molecular components influencing filamentous fungal biofilm development, structure, and function remain ill defined. Macroscopic colony morphology is an indicator of underlying biofilm architecture and fungal physiology. A hypoxia-locked colony morphotype of A. fumigatus has abundant colony furrows that coincide with a reduction in vertically oriented hyphae within biofilms and increased low oxygen growth and virulence. Investigation of this morphotype has led to the identification of the causative gene, biofilm architecture factor A (bafA), a small cryptic open reading frame within a subtelomeric gene cluster. BafA is sufficient to induce the hypoxia-locked colony morphology and biofilm architecture in A. fumigatus Analysis across a large population of A. fumigatus isolates identified a larger family of baf genes, all of which have the capacity to modulate hyphal architecture, biofilm development, and hypoxic growth. Furthermore, introduction of A. fumigatus bafA into A. niger is sufficient to generate the hypoxia-locked colony morphology, biofilm architecture, and increased hypoxic growth. Together, these data indicate the potential broad impacts of this previously uncharacterized family of small genes to modulate biofilm architecture and function in clinical and industrial settings.IMPORTANCE The manipulation of microbial biofilms in industrial and clinical applications remains a difficult task. The problem is particularly acute with regard to filamentous fungal biofilms for which molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation, maintenance, and function are only just being elucidated. Here, we describe a family of small genes heterogeneously expressed across Aspergillus fumigatus strains that are capable of modifying colony biofilm morphology and microscopic hyphal architecture. Specifically, these genes are implicated in the formation of a hypoxia-locked colony morphotype that is associated with increased virulence of A. fumigatus Synthetic introduction of these gene family members, here referred to as biofilm architecture factors, in both A. fumigatus and A. niger additionally modulates low oxygen growth and surface adherence. Thus, these genes are candidates for genetic manipulation of biofilm development in aspergilli.
Strong gamma frequency oscillations in the adolescent prefrontal cortex

Abstract Working memory ability continues to mature into adulthood in both humans and non-human primates. At the single neuron level, adolescent development is characterized by increased prefrontal firing rate in the delay period, but less is known about how coordinated activity between neurons is altered. Local field potentials (LFP) provide a window into the computation carried out by the local network. To address the effects of adolescent development on LFP activity, three male rhesus monkeys were trained to perform an oculomotor delayed response task and tested at both the adolescent and adult stage. Simultaneous single-unit and LFP signals were recorded from areas 8a and 46 of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). In both the cue and delay period, power relative to baseline increased in the gamma frequency range (32 - 128 Hz). In the adult stage, high-firing neurons were also more likely to reside at sites with strong gamma power increase from baseline. For both stages, the gamma power increase in the delay was selective for sites with neuron encoding stimulus information in their spiking. Gamma power and neuronal firing did not show stronger temporal correlations. Our results establish gamma power decrease to be a feature of prefrontal cortical maturation. Significance Statement Gamma-frequency oscillations in extracellular field recordings (such as LFP or EEG) are a marker of normal interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons in neural circuits. Abnormally low gamma power during working memory is seen in conditions such as schizophrenia. We sought to examine whether the immature prefrontal cortex similarly exhibits lower power in the gamma frequency range during working memory, in a non-human primate model of adolescence. Contrary to this expectation, the adolescent PFC exhibited stronger gamma power during the maintenance of working memory. Our findings reveal an unknown developmental maturation trajectory of gamma band oscillations and raise the possibility that schizophrenia represent an excessive state of prefrontal maturation.
Presenilin/γ-secretase activity is located in acidic compartments of live neurons.

Presenilin (PSEN)/γ-secretase is a protease complex responsible for the proteolytic processing of numerous substrates. These substrates include the amyloid precursor protein (APP), the cleavage of which by γ-secretase results in the production of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides. Yet, exactly where within the neuron γ-secretase processes APP C99 to generate Aβ and APP intracellular domain (AICD) is still not fully understood. Here, we employ novel Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based multiplexed imaging assays to directly "visualize" the subcellular compartment(s) in which γ-secretase primarily cleaves C99 in mouse cortex primary neurons (from both male and female embryos). Our results demonstrate that γ-secretase processes C99 mainly in LysoTrackerTM-positive low-pH compartments. Using a new immunostaining protocol which distinguishes Aβ from C99, we also show that intracellular Aβ is significantly accumulated in the same subcellular loci. Furthermore, we found functional correlation between the endo-lysosomal pH and cellular γ-secretase activity. Taken together, our findings are consistent with Aβ being produced from C99 by γ-secretase within acidic compartments such as lysosomes and late endosomes in living neurons.Significance Statement:Alzheimer's disease (AD) genetics and histopathology highlight the importance of APP processing by γ-secretase in pathogenesis. For the first time, this study has enabled us to directly "visualize" that γ-secretase processes C99 mainly in acidic compartments such as late endosomes and lysosomes in live neurons. Furthermore, we uncovered that intracellular Aβ is significantly accumulated in the same subcellular loci. Emerging evidence proposes the great importance of the endo-lysosomal pathway in mechanisms of misfolded proteins propagation (e.g., Tau, α-Syn). Therefore, the predominant processing of C99 and enrichment of Aβ in late endosomes and lysosomes may be critical events in the molecular cascade leading to AD.
A current perspective on high-throughput polymer science

Recent years (2000–2003) have witnessed an upsurge in the application of combinatorial and high-throughput experimental methods to polymers. This review highlights the most recent developments in high-throughput polymer science, in order to put into perspective the articles selected for this special section of The Journal of Materials Science. This article begins by defining the unique challenges in polymer (and materials) high-throughput screening (HTS), with respect to other applications of combinatorial and high-throughput methods in drug discovery and catalyst development. Advances in the preparation of HTS libraries are then discussed, with a distinction made between libraries for synthetic investigation and libraries for formulation and characterization. Then, the recent applications of HTS to polymer analytical methods (for chemical characterization of synthetic libraries) and physical characterization methods (for formulation libraries) are presented.
Parody Lost/Pragmatism Regained: The Ironic History of the Coase Theorem

IN 1960, an expatriate English economist published an article titled The Problem of Social Cost.2 The crux of the argument is now universally known as the Coase Theorem by economists and legal scholars. Coase's article became the foundation of the modern law and economics movement, and was one of the major contributions that won him the Nobel prize. The Coase Theorem also became a central target for critics who assailed the reductionism of economic theory and the imperialist designs of economists on other disciplines. In other words, if anyone has ever established a revolutionary new paradigm in legal scholarship, that person is Ronald Coase. And if there is anything that can be described as the canon of "law and economics," the Coase Theorem is at the heart of it. The account in the preceding paragraph is a bit oversimplified but basically accurate. It is also somewhat ironic. For what be-
Ajellium model analysis on quantum growth of metal nanowires and nanomesas

A simple jellium model is used to investigate the stability of a metal nanowire as a function of its size. The theoretical results from the model indicate the quantum selectivity of preferable radii of nanowires, in apparent agreement with the experimental observations. It is consequently suggested that a series of stable “magic numbers” and “instability gaps” observed in the synthesis experiments of Au nanowires is mainly attributed to the quantum-mechanical behavior. These stable radii can be achieved by rearranging atoms during the formation of nanowires. The model is also used to analyze the growth of Au nanomesas on a graphite surface, and the puzzling growth behavior of Au nanomesas can be reasonably explained.
Six-Hour Pigmentation Test for the Identification of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans colonies can be identified within 6 h using paper disks containing caffeic acid and ferric citrate. Indentification is based on the development of a dark brown pigment. Saprophytic Cryptococcus species and common clinically isolated yeasts do not develop the brown color. The concentration of the reagents and the method of storage of the impregnated paper disks are critical for the rapid and specific development of the pigment.
A VALUE-CHAIN BASED MODEL FOR SUPPORTING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS

Business organizations are thinking increasingly in terms of informationtechnology solutions to business problems, as opposed to dataprocessing for supporting the business. Information technology is nowviewed as an important means for achieving competitive advantage.For firms in hardware/software business it is therefore becoming increasinglyimportant to provide clients with the means to do an analysisof business needs and strategies and to think in terms of providingglobal IT solutions that address these needs.The value-chain model articulated by Porter (1985) attempts tolink IT solutions to business strategy. It is based on a simple economictheory: a firm remains competitive by virtue of being a lowcost producer or differentiating its products/services; accordingly itsstrategies must be based on countering forces (such as new entrants,substitute products, bargaining power of buyers and suppliers) thaterode these advantages . Information technology is considered a keyfactor in being able to deal with these forces Accordingly, how much tospend and where to spend on information technology is determined byhow well it enables the firm to deal with its dominant forces (threats).Porter's model has found widespread appeal among practitioners(notably information systems executives) due to its simplicity and intuitiveappeal. Several methodologies have been designed around thismodel that encourage executives to "think through" this model in orderto identify technologies that could provide competitive advantage.However, there are no existing formalizations of the value-chain modeleither by industry, market structure, or organizational structure. Wehave been developing such a model for a specific industry (insurance)with the objective of building an executive support tool that can showinteractively, how a proposed technology or organizational change canimpact specific metrics/values of interest of business processes definedat various levels of abstraction, and thereby the bottom line. By usingsuch a model, an executive can also analyze technology and resourcerequirements required to transform one set of business processes intoanother, more desirable state.
Role of CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells in Allorecognition: Lessons from Corneal Transplantation

Corneal transplantation represents an interesting model to investigate the contribution of direct vs indirect Ag recognition pathways to the alloresponse. Corneal allografts are naturally devoid of MHC class II+ APCs. In addition, minor Ag-mismatched corneal grafts are more readily rejected than their MHC-mismatched counterparts. Accordingly, it has been hypothesized that these transplants do not trigger direct T cell alloresponse, but that donor Ags are presented by host APCs, i.e., in an indirect fashion. Here, we have determined the Ag specificity, frequency, and phenotype of T cells activated through direct and indirect pathways in BALB/c mice transplanted orthotopically with fully allogeneic C57BL/6 corneas. In this combination, only 60% of the corneas are rejected, while the remainder enjoy indefinite graft survival. In rejecting mice the T cell response was mediated by two T cell subsets: 1) CD4+ T cells that recognize alloantigens exclusively through indirect pathway and secrete IL-2, and 2) IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells recognizing donor MHC in a direct fashion. Surprisingly, CD8+ T cells activated directly were not required for graft rejection. In nonrejecting mice, no T cell responses were detected. Strikingly, peripheral sensitization to allogeneic MHC molecules in these mice induced acute rejection of corneal grafts. We conclude that only CD4+ T cells activated via indirect allorecognition have the ability to reject allogeneic corneal grafts. Although alloreactive CD8+ T cells are activated via the direct pathway, they are not fully competent and cannot contribute to the rejection unless they receive an additional signal provided by professional APCs in the periphery.
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a case report.

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) is a rare primary liver tumour. We report a carrier of both HBV and HCV presenting with intermittent abdominal pain, fever, chillness and elevated a-fetoprotein (AFP) of 1197 ng/ml. Computed tomography showed an irregular hypodense mass in the left lateral segment of the liver with vague contrast enhancement and multiple regional lymphadenopathy. Hepatic angiogram showed that the mass was hypovascular and the left portal vein was occluded with a tapered end. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the liver yielded HCC-CC. We suggest that HCC-CC should be considered in hypovascular liver tumours with striking elevation of serum AFP and multiple regional lymphadenopathy.
Thermodynamic Properties of Methyl Thiolformate and Methylchloroformate

Abstract The specific heat, entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy of methyl thiolformate and methylchloroformate have been calculated at selected temperatures using fundamental frequencies of vibration and structural parameters.
Numerical prediction of three-dimensional mixing in a compound open channel

A numerical model has been developed to simulate time-dependent turbulent flows in open channels, including the transport of dissolved materials. The turbulence closure is provided by two algebraic eddy viscosity models. This paper's main focus is on the assessment of those two models' predicting capabilities for an open channel with compound cross section. A three-dimensional turbulent flow field and the transport of a neutrally buoyant solute are modeled. The results of the simulation are compared with experimental data and with similar calculations obtained using more advanced turbulence models. Considerations are made regarding the choice of the appropriate Schmidt number for the modeling of turbulent mass transport, and the use of anisotropic eddy diffusivity to account for different mixing rates along the vertical and transverse directions. Conclusions are drawn regarding the accuracy of the two models and their advantages and drawbacks when compared with more advanced turbulence models.
Estimation of Anisotropic Thermal Conductivity in Nanoscale Confined Semiconductors via Lattice Boltzmann Method

A novel transient thermal transport model based on lattice Boltzmann method is developed to capture the sub-continuum effects including anisotropic thermal behavior of solids at nanoscale. Rigorous boundary condition treatment is incorporated via ghost boundary formulation. These sub-continuum effects deviate significantly from the bulk behavior and can not be accurately captured by the continuum based models such as Fourier equation. We observed that as the thickness of the semiconductor film is decreased to the scale of its carrier’s mean free path, the thermal conductivity of the film reduces drastically from its bulk value and starts to show anisotropic behavior. In addition, a temperature jump, which does not exist at the bulk conditions, is observed at the interfaces. These sub-continuum effects are successfully captured by the lattice Boltzmann model and simple equations have been developed to accurately estimate these effects using the film geometry and properties.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Simultaneous closure of low cutaneous loop ureterostomies and excision of congenital ureterovesical junction strictures.

Abstract A case report of a child is presented in which double sectioning of the lower ureter was required to close simultaneously low cutaneous loop ureterostomies and to excise congenital ureterovesical junction strictures. One ureteroneocystostomy required revision. The vasculature of the ureteral segments was preserved by not mobilizing the ureter.
Is polar bear hair fiber optic

New direct measurement of high optical attenuation rates in polar bear hairs—2–8 dB/mm in the visible—and reanalysis of the data of Tributsch et al. [ Sol. Energy Mater.21, 219 (1990)] seem to rule out the UV waveguiding proposed by Grojean et al. [ Appl. Opt.19, 339 (1980)]. The case against fiber-optic polar bear hairs is summarized, and four conditions are given that any variation of the model of Grojean et al. would have to satisfy.
Ecological associations between bacteria of the genus Bartonella and mammals

Bacteria of the genus Bartonella are facultative intracellular parasites associated with erythrocytes and endothelial cells of mammals. It has become increasingly obvious that bartonellae are highly adapted to a wide variety of mammals. The present paper reviews associations between Bartonella species and rodents, insectivores, bats, predators, ungulates, and marine mammals. We now have new insights into the adaptive mechanisms of bartonellae. These bacteria usually persist in the bodies of certain mammalian species serving as their reservoir hosts, without causing a disease. When bartonellae accidentally infect other mammals, including humans, they may be responsible for a spectrum of different diseases. Several mammalian species are reservoir hosts for Bartonella species that have been identified as pathogenic for humans.
Production of cheddar cheese using a Lactococcus lactis ssp. Cremoris SK11 derivative with enhanced aminopeptidase activity

Abstract A Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ32 DNA fragment encoding aminopeptidase N (PepN) was cloned into pIL253 to construct pSUW34. The cell-free extract general aminopeptidase activity of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris SK11 transformed with the pSUW34 construct was increased approximately 100-fold relative to L. lactis ssp. cremoris SK11 wild type and pIL253 transformants. Cheddar cheese was manufactured with L. lactis ssp. cremoris HP in combination with either SK11(pIL253) or SK11(pSUW34). A 99% reduction in viable SK11 derivatives occurred within 2 weeks of ripening. The SK11(pSUW34)/HP cheese had approximately 1000-fold greater aminopeptidase activity and elevated levels of TCA and PTA soluble nitrogen. The increased accumulation of particular free amino acids in the SK11(pSUW34)/HP cheese varied between 15% (methionine) and 230% (lysine). Both the SK11(pSUW34)/HP and SK11(pIL253)/HP cheeses were non-bitter and had no significant sensory differences. Thus, the increased free amino acid pool in the SK11(pSUW34)/HP cheese did not result in accelerated flavor development.
Propaganda as Stimulus Control: The Case of the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait

This article presents a content analysis of the Bush Administration’ s public statements reported in the New York Times in the aftermath of Iraq’ s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The content is categorized into several types of stimulus control operations, including establishing operations, stimulus equivalence, rules, and discriminative stimuli. A heuristic model is developed to help explain how these stimulus control operations produced public consensus for war despite the public’ s continuing reluctance to endorse military action. Several implications of the behavioral perspective are briefly entertained.
Thermal evolution of spin-polarons.

We study the thermodynamics of a single hole in the $U=\ensuremath{\infty}$ Hubbard model using a Monte Carlo method which samples graphs that contribute to the partition function; there are no finite-size effects. The heat capacity and magnetic susceptibility indicate a sharp transition between a high temperature spin-polaron and a compact ferromagnetic droplet at low temperature. When applied to trapped vacancies in solid $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, this transition would occur near 5 mK.
Intracervical lidocaine gel for intrauterine device insertion: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Pain during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion can be a barrier to initiation. Clinical trials have found misoprostol and nonsteroidal drugs to be ineffective (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006;195:1272–1277, Hum Reprod 2011;26:323–329, Hum Reprod 2007;22:2647–2652). One study suggested that 2% lidocaine gel decreased pain; however, study design problems limit its validity ( Brit J Fam Plann 1996;22:177–180). We tested whether intracervical 2% lidocaine gel decreased insertion pain compared to placebo. Study Design We planned a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial of 200 women. We placed 2% lidocaine gel or placebo in the cervix prior to uterine sounding. Participants rated pain by marking a 100-mm visual analogue scale at four time points. Results We randomized 200 participants and placed 197 IUDs. Pain was greatest at uterine sounding and similar between groups: placebo group mean 51.6 mm (SD 25), lidocaine group mean 55.5 mm (SD 30, p=.33). Stratified analyses accounting for parity showed no treatment effect. Multivariable analyses identified longer time since last pregnancy, lower parity and higher anticipated pain as predictors of pain during sounding, and dysmenorrhea and the levonorgestrel IUD as additional predictors during IUD insertion. Conclusions Intracervical 2% lidocaine gel does not decrease IUD insertion pain. Understanding predictors of increased pain may help providers with preprocedure counseling.
Treatment of 63 severely digitalis-toxic patients with digoxin-specific antibody fragments

Sixty-three patients with life-threatening digitalis intoxication were treated with purified fragments of digoxin-specific antibodies (Fab) obtained from sheep. Twenty-eight patients developed toxicity as the result of digitalis ingestion in a suicide attempt, 5 ingested a large amount of digoxin accidentally and 30 developed toxicity in the course of treatment for underlying heart disease. The dosage of digoxin-specific Fab was calculated to be equimolar to the amount of cardiac glycoside in the patient's body. Digitalis toxicity was completely reversed in most cases, with onset of effect usually within 30 minutes of administration of Fab fragments. Unbound and, therefore, active digoxin serum concentrations decreased to undetectable levels within minutes after administration of the fragments. In all patients who had elevated serum potassium concentrations caused by massive digitalis toxicity, treatment with the Fab fragments reversed the hyperkalemia. There were no obvious adverse reactions to treatment. Potentially life-threatening digitalis intoxication can be rapidly and safely reversed by treatment with purified digoxin-specific Fab fragments.
NMDA-R1 antisense oligonucleotide attenuates withdrawal signs from morphine

To test the involvement of NMDA receptor in the development of physical dependence on opioid, the effects of an antisense oligonucleotide against NMDA receptors on the naloxone precipitated withdrawal from morphine were studied. Antisense oligonucleotide (15 nmol/5 microl) corresponding to the nucleotides 4-21 of rat NMDA-RI subunit, sense oligonucleotide, or saline was injected into the lateral ventricle of rats every 12 h for 6 days. On day 4, the rats were intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) infused with morphine (26 nmol microl(-1) h(-1)) through osmotic minipumps. Rats then received simultaneous treatment with morphine and oligonucleotides or saline for 3 days. Antisense oligonucleotide, but not saline or sense oligonucleotide, significantly attenuated naloxone precipitated withdrawal signs including jumping, rearing, stretching, teeth chattering, vocalization, and penis licking. Treatment with antisense oligonucleotide, but not sense oligonucleotide, significantly reduced the Bmax of [3H]MK801 ?[3-3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5,10- imine? binding without significant changes in Kd. These results support the hypothesis that NMDA receptors are involved in the physical dependence on opioid.
Testimony and Trauma in Herta Müller’s Herztier

This article attempts to distinguish between testimony (an account of one’s personal, limited knowledge of a crime or an atrocity) and trauma (a reconstructed life-story intended to overcome a troubling, recurring memory by locating that memory within its larger, historical context). It is the author’s contention that Herta Muller’s novel Herztier is a skilful blending of testimony and trauma narrative that illuminates the terrors of the Ceaus¸escu dictatorship and their lasting impact on its survivors. The testimonial aspects of the novel reveal one’s inability to achieve complete knowledge of another’s trauma, while the trauma narrative, through skilful incorporation of recurring, ‘transfinite’ images into the text, links the personal stories of the narrator and her friends by subsuming them and making them part of the history of a larger, national trauma. As Muller’s novel makes clear, neither testimony nor trauma narrative is able to heal or bring closure to the victims of the Romanian state terror.
The DPE, a core promoter element for transcription by RNA polymerase II

The core promoter is an important yet often overlooked component in the regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. In fact, the core promoter is the ultimate target of action of all of the factors and coregulators that control the transcriptional activity of every gene. In this review, I describe our current knowledge of a downstream core promoter element termed the DPE, which is a TFIID recognition site that is conserved from Drosophila to humans. The DPE is located from +28 to +32 relative to the +1 transcription start site, and is mainly present in core promoters that lack a TATA box motif. Moreover, in Drosophila, the DPE appears to be about as common as the TATA box. There are distinct mechanisms of basal transcription from DPE- versus TATA-dependent core promoters. For instance, NC2/Dr1-Drap1 is a repressor of TATA-dependent transcription and an activator of DPE-dependent transcription. In addition, DPE-specific and TATA-specific transcriptional enhancers have been identified. These findings further indicate that the core promoter is an active participant in the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression.
Identity and Representation: The (Yucatec) Maya in the Visual Culture of Tourism

In this paper I explore the many ways the visual culture of tourism in the Yucatan and the Maya Riviera shapes our notions of ‘the Maya’ and, simultaneously, (re)writes a contemporary history for internal and external consumption. Analysis of visual materials collected over an eight-year period suggests the development of a common symbolic, and political visual/textual language of representation. This complex imaginary dissuades the peeling of layers to reveal the lived realities and histories of people and culture.
Conformational Analysis of Malonamide, N,N'-Dimethylmalonamide, and N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylmalonamide

This paper reports the results of a theoretical study to identify the stable conformers of malonamide, three geometric isomers of N,N‘-dimethylmalonamide, and N,N,N‘N‘-tetramethylmalonamide at different levels of ab initio electronic structure theory. Two stable conformations are identified for each malonamide derivative examined. Only one of these 10 structures has previously been reported. The structural parameters and relative energies of these conformations are compared at the Hartree−Fock, local density functional theory, nonlocal density functional theory, and Moller−Plesset levels of theory. The results show that significant differences in both structure and energy are obtained at the different levels of theory.
Extrinsic control of intrinsic neuronal plasticity: An hypothesis from work on simple systems

Abstract All advanced nervous systems use plastic properties of neurons for learning remembering and achieving other information processing feats. Recent findings on a variety of relatively simple nervous systems or reduced parts of more complex ones suggest the notion that, in addition to having neurons with intrinsically plastic properties, nervous systems also have mechanisms for controlling the development, expression, and maintenance of changes in their inherently malleable neurons. This hypothesis has important implications for understanding both the brain's learning machinery and also aspects of nervous system organization not obviously related to learning.
Sympathetic nervous system influences salt appetite in four strains of rats

Sodium appetite and preference were examined in four rat strains using a social stressor and drugs to block sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. We have studied these strains for over 14 yr in our laboratory and the SHR strain has increased blood pressure and increased sympathetic nerve activity. The F1 crosses produce male offspring with the Y chromosome from a hypertensive or normotensive father, to examine its influence on sodium appetite. The pharmacological manipulation produces blockage of the SNS which may be partially responsible for stress induced sodium appetite. The objectives were to determine: (i) if the SNS was necessary for stress induced increased salt appetite; and (ii) if the Y chromosome from a hypertensive father increased salt intake or preference. Four strains (n = 6-8/group) of male rats were studied from 3-6 mo of age: normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and hybrid crosses between a WKY mother and SHR father (WS) and the reciprocal cross (SW). Each group consumed Purina rat chow (0.3% Na) and was given a four-bottle choice of salt water ad lib (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% NaCl). Social stress produced by intruder males significantly increased salt intake in all groups. SHR had higher salt intake than WKY both before and after exposure to intruder stress. In general, the SHR group preferred twice the concentration of saline (1.0%) as did the WKY (0.5%). Clonidine and reserpine both reduce SNS activity and consequently reduced salt intake after stress, from 20-44% depending on the genetic background of the rat strain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)