cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4637: Activation of toll-like receptor-2 promotes proliferation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells

Objective: Toll-like receptors (TLR) have been implicated in tumor progression by affecting the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Toll like receptors have been described to be present in human cancer cells but the presence and the role of these receptors in the growth and proliferation of human lung cancer cells is not known. We analyzed human lung cancer cells for the presence of TLR-2 receptors and evaluated the proliferation response to a specific TLR-2 agonist. Methods: Human non-small cell cancer cell (NSCLC) lines A549, (adenocarcinoma) H125 adenosquamous, and H1650 adenocarcinoma (American Type Culture Collection), were cultured using standard techniques. Cells were treated with Pam3CSK4, a specific agonist of TLR2, at doses of 0ug/ml, 5ug/ml, and 10ug/ml for 72 hours. Baseline protein levels of TLR2 were assessed using standard western blotting techniques. Proliferation assays were completed using the MTS assay in response to treatment with the agonist Results: Protein analysis demonstrated varying but consistently detectable levels of TLR2 protein in each cell line. After treatment with Pam3CSK4 we found that proliferation was significantly promoted in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (p=.03), but not in the adenosquamous cell line (p=0.001). Conclusion: Toll-like receptor -2 is consistently present and detectable on human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Toll Like receptor -2 activation results in increased proliferation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells and this effect appears to be specific to adenocarcinoma cells. Further study is necessary to elucidate the downstream pathways responsible for the increased proliferation we see in these human lung adenocarcinoma cells, however these findings may suggest TLR-2 to be a possible therapeutic target in human lung cancer. Citation Format: Patrick Kohtz. Activation of toll-like receptor-2 promotes proliferation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4637. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4637
House Fly Ctyochrome P450s: Their Role in Insecticide Resistance and Strategies in the Isolation and Characterization

Insect cytochrome P450s are known to play an important role in detoxifying insecticides and plant toxins, resulting in the development of resistance to insecticides and facilitating the adaptation of insects to their plant hosts. Insect P450s are associated with enhanced metabolic detoxification of insecticides in insects, as evidenced by the increased levels of P450 proteins and P450 activities that result from constitutively transcriptional overexpression of P450 genes in insecticide resistant insects, and some insect P450 genes can be induced by exogenous and endogenous compounds. Both constitutively increased expression (overexpression) and induction of P450s are thought to be responsible for increased levels of detoxification of insecticides. This chapter reviews strategies for the isolation of cytochrome P450s from house flies and the characterization of their possible importance in insecticide resistance.
It's More Than Self-Presentation: MUM Effects Can Reflect Private Discomfort and Concern for the Recipient

Is the reluctance to share bad news (i.e., the MUM effect) motivated more by a public display or private concern, and does it benefit mainly the messenger or the recipient? An experiment (N = 309) ...
Chapter VIG – Ototoxicity

Publisher Summary Many loop diuretics, especially ethacrynic acid and furosemide, cause both temporary and permanent hearing loss. The loss of hearing occurs very rapidly after intravenous administration. Ototoxicity typically occurs in the case of high doses, acute or chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, and in premature infants. Cases of permanent hearing loss have occurred with ethacrynic acid mostly in patients with renal failure. In contrast, furosemide is more likely to cause reversible sensorineural hearing loss, although six cases of permanent hearing loss have been reported in this chapter. There is no known effective treatment for loop diuretic ototoxicity other than discontinuing the offending drug. However, radiographic contrast media, such as diatrizoate, probenecid, sodium salicylate, and penicillin G have been effective in preventing morphological and functional changes in animal models of ototoxicity. Diatrizoate has been recommended to treat idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Albumin has also shown promise in protection against ototoxicity. Analbuminemic rats that lack serum albumin are extremely sensitive to furosemide ototoxicity. Albumin protects against furosemide-induced ototoxicity in analbuminemic rats and in normal rats. Furosemide is known to bind albumin. Access of furosemide to its ototoxic site in the cochlea evidently depends on the concentration of unbound albumin in the serum.
Privacy-preserving Image Processing with Binocular Thermal Cameras

Today, cameras and digital image processing are transforming industries and the human environment with rich, informative sensing. However, image processing is not utilized nearly as much in homes where concerns about image privacy dominate. In a preliminary study with 200 participants, we found 21% would reject a camera based system even if the system was designed to not report images as they could still be collected if the camera system was hacked. In this paper, we demonstrate a hardware-based approach for privacy-preserving image processing: the ability to automatically extract information from imaging sensors without the risk of compromising image privacy, even if the system is hacked. The basic idea is to limit both the memory available on board the camera and the data rate of camera communication to prevent a full image from ever being extracted. As a proof of concept, we prototype a system, called Lethe, that tracks and identifies individuals by height with a thermal camera as they move from room to room. Our results show that Lethe can detect the presence of individuals with 96.9% accuracy and determine their direction of travel with 99.7% accuracy. Additionally, Lethe can identify individuals 96.0% of the time with a 5cm (~2in) or greater difference in walking height and 92.9% with a 2.5cm (~1in) or greater difference. Finally, Lethe performs this processing with only 33 bytes of memory (or 0.69% of the full thermal image).
Improving student knowledge and perceptions of primary care providers at campus health centers

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine current knowledge and perceptions toward primary care providers commonly staffed at student health centers (PAs and NPs), and also assess the effectiveness of informat...
Perspectives of adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis and parents on disease‐specific sexual and reproductive health education

Introduction Adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis (CF) face significant disease-specific sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns that are not typically addressed in routine clinical care. Additionally, there is a paucity of developmentally appropriate CF-specific SRH educational resources for this population. The goal of this study was to explore patient and parent attitudes toward SRH educational resources for adolescent girls with CF. Methods Adolescent girls ages 13-18 years with CF and parents of daughters ages 10-18 years with CF completed individual, semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences and preferences around CF-specific SRH education and care. To facilitate discussion, participants provided feedback on the format and design of existing SRH educational resources. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. Results We interviewed 26 participants (14 parents and 12 patients). The majority reported they had never discussed SRH in the CF care setting. All participants preferred a comprehensive, online patient educational resource complemented by real patient stories and interactive components. Participants noted that such resources should create a sense of normalcy and community around CF and female SRH. Most desired more frequent communication around SRH between adolescent girls with CF and their healthcare providers as a way to promote SRH knowledge, decision making, and health outcomes. Discussion Adolescent girls with CF and their parents desire an online patient educational resource that normalizes SRH and enhances patient-provider communication around these topics. Creation of developmentally appropriate resources would facilitate improved health outcomes around this aspect of comprehensive care in CF.
Effects of Mitochondrial Transplantation on Bioenergetics, Cellular Incorporation, and Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract Our previous studies reported that pharmacological maintenance of mitochondrial bioenergetics after experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) provided functional neuroprotection. Recent eviden...
Putting Balance Into Safety Regulation

In the USA we now emit 11% more CO2 than in 1990; and at Kyoto we promised to reduce CO2 emissions to 8% below 1990 levels in 10 years for a decrease of 19% below today’s levels. If all the electricity now generated by nuclear power were to be generated by coal that would increase CO2 another 8% making it more difficult to meet our commitment if we abandon nuclear power. My purpose today is to explain to you that we COULD meet this commitment, or nearly so by a nationwide, and of course hopefully worldwide decision to use nuclear energy. I will also explain why it should it be too expensive.
Reseña histórica de la enseñanza de lenguas: Modelos de integración y aprendizaje (AICLE)

For centuries, educators have ventured into ways of integrating different contents in foreign language classes. It appears to be that the integration of language and content had its first gene at that time. It is during the XX century when instructors and practitioners worldwide reached a consensus regarding the most appropriate ways to teach languages. This agreement materialized in the variety of academic works, discussions, and publications. Upon examining the different historical, methodological proposals, we noticed that practitioners prioritize the «eclectic» aspect as it appears as the best way to reach students. That said, it seems to be that we not only recycled the language we have been teaching through different contexts but also, we have done that cyclically, through the teaching approaches we have used. Time has passed by, and we have come to the rescue of the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) methodology, which has gained popularity in the last two decades.
Association of vitiligo with hospitalization for mental health disorders in US adults

BACKGROUND Vitiligo has a complex bidirectional relationship with mental health (MH) disturbances. However, little is known about the relationship between vitiligo and MH emergencies. OBJECTIVE To examine the associations of vitiligo and MH hospitalizations in the United States. METHODS Data from the 2002 to 2012 National Inpatient Sample were analysed, including a ~20% sample of all US hospitalizations (n = 87 053 155 children and adults). Prevalence of hospitalization for MH disorders, their length of stay (LOS) and cost of care were determined for those with vitiligo compared to those without vitiligo. RESULTS Hospitalization for MH disorders occurred more commonly in those with vitiligo compared to those without vitiligo (4.17% vs. 2.18%). In multivariable logistic regression models, vitiligo was associated with higher odds of admission for any MH disorder [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.69 (1.61-1.78)], including 14 of 15 MH disorders examined. Associated MH disorders included anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, suicidal risk, personality disorder, ADD/ADHD and conduct disorder, substance use disorder, childhood and adolescent psychiatric illnesses, alcohol-related disorders, adjustment disorders, developmental disorders, impulse control disorders, history of mental health disorders and miscellaneous mental health disorders. Vitiligo patients hospitalized with any MH disorder had higher geometric-mean (95% confidence interval) cost of inpatient care [$10 992 ($10 477-$11 507) vs. $10 082 ($9728-$10 435)] and LOS [5.6 (5.3-5.8) vs. 4.8 (4.6-4.9); P < 0.0001] compared to those without vitiligo, with $10.5 million excess annual costs from hospitalization with MH disorders in persons with vitiligo. CONCLUSIONS Persons with vitiligo had increased hospitalization for multiple MH disorders, which were associated with a considerable cost burden.
AACC Learning Lab for Laboratory Medicine on NEJM Knowledge+: Clinical Chemistry Recognizes the Contributors

The cover of this issue of Clinical Chemistry features authors of the AACC Learning Lab for Laboratory Medicine on NEJM Knowledge+, known as the Learning Lab, to recognize their contribution to the program and to our profession. More than 90 clinical laboratory scientists and physicians from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Croatia, and Singapore have participated in building this program. See Fig. 1 for the hierarchy of the program and authors' names. Fig. 1. Hierarchy of the Learning Lab program with a listing of program editors and authors. Over the past decade, Clinical Chemistry has developed a variety of educational features and programs, including the Clinical Chemistry Trainee Council, Clinical Case Studies, Journal Club, Q&A articles, Guide to Scientific Writing, and multiple clinical teasers series. However, the Learning Lab is the Journal's most ambitious endeavor. This program is useful for laboratory medicine professionals in hospital laboratories, commercial laboratories, and the in vitro diagnostics industry to help them remain abreast of current knowledge in the field, maintain certification by obtaining the required credits, assess competency, and prepare for a certification examination. …
Ensemble Machine Learning-Based Wind Forecasting to Combine NWP Output With Data From Weather Station

Wind generation resources are the fastest growing energy resources throughout the world. An accurate wind forecasting is critical to the integration of a large amount of wind generation units into the grid operations. This paper presents an ensemble machine learning-based method to forecast wind power production, which uses both the wind generation forecasted by a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model and the meteorological observation data from weather stations. In this way, it takes advantage of the atmosphere models while capturing spatial and temporal correlation between meteorological observations at different locations. Three machine learning algorithms (artificial neural network, support vector regression, Gaussian process) are proposed to synthesize the meteorological data and the prediction from NWP. An ensemble forecast is then created by blending the results derived from three algorithms through a Bayesian model average. The performance of this ensemble forecast has been validated by the 2-year operational data collected at Electricity Reliability Council of Texas.
53 Computer Vision, Facial Expressivity and Schizophrenia: A Review

IntroductionFacial expressivity in schizophrenia has been a topic of clinical interest for the past century. Besides the schizophrenia sufferers difficulty decoding the facial expressions of others, they often have difficulty encoding facial expressions. Traditionally, evaluations of facial expressions have been conducted by trained human observers using the facial action coding system. The process was slow and subject to intra and inter-observer variability. In the past decade the traditional facial action coding system developed by Ekman has been adapted for use in affective computing. Here we assess the applications of this adaptation for schizophrenia, the findings of current groups, and the future role of this technology.Materials and MethodsWe review the applications of computer vision technology in schizophrenia using pubmed and google scholar search criteria of “computer vision” AND “Schizophrenia” from January of 2010 to June of 2018.ResultsFive articles were selected for inclusion representing 1 case series and 4 case-control analysis. Authors assessed variations in facial action unit presence, intensity, various measures of length of activation, action unit clustering, congruence, and appropriateness. Findings point to variations in each of these areas, except action unit appropriateness, between control and schizophrenia patients. Computer vision techniques were also demonstrated to have high accuracy in classifying schizophrenia from control patients, reaching an AUC just under 0.9 in one study, and to predict psychometric scores, reaching pearson’s correlation values of under 0.7.DiscussionOur review of the literature demonstrates agreement in findings of traditional and contemporary assessment techniques of facial expressivity in schizophrenia. Our findings also demonstrate that current computer vision techniques have achieved capacity to differentiate schizophrenia from control populations and to predict psychometric scores. Nevertheless, the predictive accuracy of these technologies leaves room for growth. On analysis our group found two modifiable areas that may contribute to improving algorithm accuracy: assessment protocol and feature inclusion. Based on our review we recommend assessment of facial expressivity during a period of silence in addition to an assessment during a clinically structured interview utilizing emotionally evocative questions. Furthermore, where underfit is a problem we recommend progressive inclusion of features including action unit activation, intensity, action unit rate of onset and offset, clustering (including richness, distribution, and typicality), and congruence. Inclusion of each of these features may improve algorithm predictive accuracy.ConclusionWe review current applications of computer vision in the assessment of facial expressions in schizophrenia. We present the results of current innovative works in the field and discuss areas for continued development.
The effects of guilt and sadness on sugar consumption

Abstract This research examines how the discrete negative emotions of guilt and sadness impact individual preference for carbohydrates, specifically in the form of sugar. Using Cognitive Appraisal Theory and research in biological psychology, we identify how these two discrete emotions influence the release of cortisol, which impacts sugar preferences. The results of four studies indicate that consumers select and prepare foods with higher amounts of sugar when experiencing sadness relative to when they feel guilt. Implications for public policy as well as marketing practitioners are discussed.
Entanglement-Assisted Quantum Error-Correcting Codes from Generalized Quadrangles

A generalized quadrangle GQ(s, t) is an incidence structure consisting of points and lines in which each line is incident with a fixed number of points, each point is incident with a fixed number of lines, and there is exactly one line connecting any point with a line not incident with the point. Entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting codes provide a method for correcting data transmission errors in quantum computers. EAQECCs require entangled quantum states, called ebits, and it is desirable to minimize the number of ebits a code uses because ebits are difficult to manufacture. We use a binary incidence matrix N of a generalized quadrangle to create entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting codes. The rank of NNT gives the number of ebits a code requires. Because incidence matrices of generalized quadrangles are highly structured and reflect the geometric properties of the quadrangles, we can examine the rank of N and NNT and write the parameters of quantum codes in terms of s and t. We identify a class of generalized quadrangles that produce quantum codes that require a low number of ebits, a class that produce quantum codes that require a large number of ebits, and a class that produces quantum codes that are too small to be useful. Acknowledgements: I would like to sincerely thank Dr. David Clark for all of his help as my advisor for this project, and I would like to thank the University of Minnesota Math Center for Educational Programs for funding my trip to present my results at a Pi Mu Epsilon conference. I am also very grateful for the anonymous referee’s feedback. Page 156 RHIT Undergrad. Math. J., Vol. 14, no. 2
The Language Warriors: Transcending ideologies on bilingualism in education:

This article explores how middle school youth view bilingualism and act on these views to transform their school and their communities. Following a post-structuralist perspective on language and so...
The Relationship between mineral nutrition of the beef cow and reproductive performance

Maintaining fertility in beef cattle requires adequate dietary intake and absorption of essential minerals. The minerals are necessary for normal function of various enzyme systems. Feeding a diet deficient in a single mineral can negatively affect reproduction in beef cows and bulls. The influence of an iodine, copper, zinc or manganese deficiency on fertility is summarized in Table 5. When evaluating cattle diets for the different stages of production, levels and interactions of minerals should be considered. If a deficiency is evident, then supplementing to meet the animal's requirement could have a positive impact on reproduction and profitability for the beef cattle producer.
Exploring the Empathy - Aggression Relationship, and Gender Related Differences in Greek College Students

The present study examined the inverse relationship between empathy (cognitive and affective) and forms of aggression (physical, verbal, anger and hostility). Previous research has continuously argued that empathy mitigates forms of aggression in individuals due to cognitive perspective taking and emotional sharing with others, that buffer hostile behaviour towards one another. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding this association in Greek culture. This correlational analysis examined empathy using the widely known multifaceted Davis Interpersonal Reactivity Index and aggression was explored using the multi-dimensional Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire in a sample of 92 Greek undergraduate college students from two private institutions in Athens, Greece. Gender effects on aggression and empathy levels were investigated as well. The results revealed that cognitive and emotional empathy indeed demonstrates a negative relationship with direct physical aggression. However, other forms of aggression such as verbal aggression, hostility and anger were positively associated with personal distress and Empathic fantasy majorly linked to Greek emotional regulation difficulties. Females displayed higher Empathic fantasy scores compared to males. A cultural perspective was adopted in exploring the results considering norms, gender roles, collective regulation capacities and societal conditioning, offering links to previous literature and theories.
Decreasing Operating Room (OR) Traffic to Improve Patient Safety in an Academic Medical Center

Background : OR traffic can contribute to the risk of developing a surgical site infection (SSI) as there is a link between elevated airborne particle counts and door openings. There is growing evidence that traffic patterns, including the number and movement of surgical team members should be carefully monitored during surgery especially for longer duration procedures. In this project, we propose to conduct a needs assessment and develop interventions based on findings to reduce door openings. Methods : The team utilized the Institute for Healthcare Improvement: Plan-Do-Study-ACT (PDSA) approach. The project involved a needs assessment, direct observations during cases, analysis and presentation of data, literature review, and leadership education. A needs assessment consisting of twenty-six surgery observations across five different service lines in seven different OR departments was completed with results on over 1666 door openings. Observations for the entire surgery were obtained and categorized as pre-incision versus post-incision. Reasons for door openings along with healthcare worker title and entry door access was collected. Data trends for each OR department were summarized separately. Results : Overall, across all the OR's, data revealed a high number of door openings. Most staff door openings involved non-scrubbed personnel movement and the most frequent reason was retrieval of supplies. All but one of the OR's had most door openings in the post-incision phase. Primary implementation strategies included 1) educating peri-operative leadership on the implications of OR traffic 2) updating surgeon preference cards and evaluating impact 3) restricting vendor traffic and 4) involving front line staff to launch an improvement campaign. Conclusions : The needs assessment demonstrates that a traffic campaign and further education is needed across all peri-operative areas. Peri-operative areas are sustaining the project with a campaign, staff surveys, education and further data collection.
Knowledge of Triad and RED-S in Female Cross-Country Athletes and Support Staff.

Context Female endurance athletes exhibit an increased risk of Female Athlete Triad (Triad) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Triad and RED-S are conditions that explore the health and performance consequences of low energy availability (LEA). Few studies to date have assessed the knowledge that athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers (ATs) have regarding Triad/RED-S. Proper education has been shown to be effective in increasing knowledge of sports medicine concerns for athletes. Yet, there are no known continuing education programs for Triad/RED-S at collegiate institutions. Objective The primary purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, confidence, and impact of identifying, screening, treating, and preventing Triad/RED-S. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting An evidence-based online survey was developed and administered via QualtricsTM. Participants Female collegiate cross-country athletes (n = 275; 20 ± 1 yrs.), collegiate cross-country coaches (n = 55, 34 ± 9 yrs.), and ATs working with cross-country teams (n = 30, 36 ± 11 yrs.). Main outcome measure Knowledge, confidence, and impact scores were assessed between groups using ANOVA. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences in impact scores between people who had or had not received education. Results Female cross-country athletes' total knowledge, confidence, and impact scores (mean scores of 25.00 ± 5.27, 95.42 ± 28.83, 18.81 ± 7.05 respectively) were significantly different from scores of coaches (mean scores of 26.92 ± 5.02, 111.35 ± 24.14 and 22.41 ± 6.33) and ATs (mean scores of 28.66 ± 4.02, 117.67 ± 22.53, and 23.93 ± 5.69) (p Conclusions Knowledge, confidence, and impact scores of Triad/RED-S were lowest in female cross-country athletes and highest in ATs. These findings support the call for education, which should be regarded as the primary tool to increase knowledge to improve the prevention and treatment of Triad/RED-S.
Generation of an Iba1-EGFP transgenic rat for the study of microglia in an outbred rodent strain.

Neuroscience has been transformed by the ability to genetically modify inbred mice, including the ability to express fluorescent markers specific to cell types or activation states. This approach has been put to particularly good effect in the study of the innate immune cells of the brain, microglia. These specialized macrophages are exceedingly small and complex, but also highly motile and mobile. To date, there have been no tools similar to those in mice available for studying these fundamental cells in the rat brain, and we seek to fill that gap with the generation of the genetically modified Sprague Dawley rat line: SD-Tg(Iba1-EGFP)Mmmc Using CRISPR-Cas/9 technology, we knocked in EGFP to the promoter of the gene Iba1 With four male and three female founders confirmed by quantitative PCR analysis to have appropriate and specific insertion, we established a breeding colony with at least three generations of backcrosses to obtain stable and reliable Iba1-EGFP expression. The specificity of EGFP expression to microglia was established by flow cytometry for CD45low/CD11b+ cells and by immunohistochemistry. Microglial EGFP expression was detected in neonates and persisted into adulthood. Blood macrophages and monocytes were found to express low levels of EGFP, as expected. Last, we show that EGFP expression is suitable for live imaging of microglia processes in acute brain slices and via intravital two-photon microscopy.
Perioperative Preparation, Anesthetic and Surgical Approach to Children with Wilms Tumor, Pheochromocytoma, and Paraganglioma

Wilms tumor is the most common renal malignancy in children. Most children present with an asymptomatic abdominal mass, abdominal pain, anorexia, or hematuria. Anesthetic challenges are associated with blood loss, IVC compression, and ventilation from increased intra-abdominal pressures. Acquired von Willebrand disease and effects of chemotherapy can be added challenges. Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors, with less than 5% of cases reported in children. Presentation varies depending on symptoms from catecholamine secretion (i.e., hypertension) and mass effect from the tumor. Intraoperatively, increased catecholamines may cause vasoconstriction, severe hypertension, and dysrhythmias. After tumor removal, the decrease in catecholamines may lead to profound hypotension. For both tumors, pain management should be multimodal with regional or neuraxial anesthesia when possible.
Progressive optimization in action

Progressive Optimization (POP) is a technique to make query plans robust, and minimize need for DBA intervention, by repeatedly re-optimizing a query during runtime if the cardinalities estimated during optimization prove to be significantly incorrect. POP works by carefully calculating validity ranges for each plan operator under which the overall plan can be optimal. POP then instruments the query plan with checkpoints that validate at runtime that cardinalities do lie within validity ranges, and re-optimizes the query otherwise. In this demonstration we showcase POP implemented for a research prototype version of IBM's DB2 DBMS, using a mix of real-world and synthetic benchmark databases and workloads. For selected queries of the workload we display the query plans with validity ranges as well as the placement of the various kinds of CHECK operators using the DB2 graphical plan explain tool. We also execute the queries, showing how and where re-optimization is triggered through the CHECK operators, the new plan generated upon re-optimization, and the extent to which previously computed intermediate results are reused.
Generation of Anergic and Potentially Immunoregulatory CD25+CD4 T Cells In Vivo After Induction of Peripheral Tolerance with Intravenous or Oral Antigen

Immunoregulatory CD25 + CD4 T cells are thought to arise from the thymus as a distinct lineage of CD4 T cells specific for self Ags. We used the DO11.10 TCR transgenic adoptive transfer system to show that cells of similar phenotype may also arise in the course of peripheral tolerance induction. Such cells emerged within 1 wk following Ag exposure and correlated negatively with the number of initial cell divisions. Limiting i.v. Ag dose or using an oral tolerance protocol yielded the greatest numbers of Ag-specific CD25 + CD4 T cells. In contrast, immunogenic Ag exposure in the presence of an adjuvant did not lead to emergence of CD25 + CD4 T cells. The profound anergic phenotype of these cells and their potential immunoregulatory properties make them an especially desirable population to induce in the course of immunotherapy in numerous clinical settings. This experimental system may be useful in future studies designed to optimize immunologic tolerance induction.
From Tolerance to Repression and Back: Herbert Marcuse and the (Il)-Liberal Politics of Inclusion

This is not an essay about tolerance as an end in itself; nor does it search for ways to extend the current model of tolerance in the post-industrial world. Rather, this essay explores the implosion of tolerance politically in the United States, how in the name of tolerance, according to Herbert Marcuse, “its most effective manifestations serv[e] the cause of oppression,” and the ways that tolerance can regain its (potentially) progressive nature. This essay attempts to uncover the promise of tolerance in order to create the theoretical and physical space needed for honest and progressive dissent to flourish and function amongst a democratic polity jaded by the failed promises of Western Liberalism [Read full article]....
A follow-up report of long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic or undifferentiated leukemia. A report for Childrens Cancer Study Group.

From an original group of 229 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute undifferentiated leukemia diagnosed in 1963 and 1964, 15 patients who achieved greater than 21/2 years continued complete remission were assigned either to continue with maintenance therapy or to discontinue therapy. Five of the 15 patients have died after surviving from six to ten years from the time of diagnosis. Of the remaining ten patients, all are alive and free of disease for more than 14 years from diagnosis. No relapses or deaths have occurred in patients off therapy for greater than five years. In this small series of patients, there was no difference in survival in the continued or discontinued therapy groups. No overt adverse effects of therapy have been seen in the ten surviving patients. These encouraging data need to be extended and confirmed, utilizing patients treated with the more sophisticated therapeutic approaches employed in modern protocols for ALL/AUL. Identification of adverse effects of therapy will require appropriate and careful surveillance of large groups of successfully treated patients.
Incidence and Risk Factors Associated with Readmission After Surgical Treatment for Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Given the lack of data on readmission after resection of ACC, the objective of the current study was to define the incidence of readmission, as well as identify risk factors associated with readmission among patients with ACC who underwent surgical resection.
“Taking charge” of stigma: Treatment seeking alleviates mental illness stigma targeting men

This research provided a novel experimental test of mental illness stigma and reactions to treatment seeking decisions for male and female targets. In Experiment 1 (N = 420), robust stigma emerged for targets exhibiting major depressive disorder; they were rated as less likeable, competent, and hirable than comparable normatively functioning targets. These results were unaffected by target gender. In Experiment 2 (N = 322), moderated mediation analysis revealed that a depressed male target embodying masculine stereotypes by seeking professional treatment experienced less stigma than an identical male target who did not seek treatment (and respect mediated this difference). For female targets, treatment seeking did not impact respect or stigma. Implications for the gender gap in treatment seeking and relevant interventions are discussed.
Pharmacokinetics of (—)-β-L-2′,3′-Dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine in Rats

(—)-β-L-2′,3′-Dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine (3TC) has been shown to be a potent and selective inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2 and of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in-vitro and in man. In this study, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid-chromatographic (HPLC) analytical method was developed and the pharmacokinetics of 3TC were characterized in the rat. Five adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 30 mg kg−1 3TC by intravenous bolus injection. Plasma and urine concentrations of 3TC were determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters were generated using area/moment analysis. Plasma 3TC concentrations declined in a biexponential manner with a terminal phase half-life of 0·96 ± 0·35 h (mean ± s.d.). The mean total, renal and non-renal clearances of 3TC were 1·38 ± 0·20, 1·06 ± 0·29 and 0·32 ± 0·12 L h−1 kg−1, respectively. An average of 75 ± 11% of the administered dose was eliminated as unchanged 3TC in the urine. The steady-state volume of distribution of 3TC averaged 1·29 ± 0·30 L kg−1. Although differences in the pharmacokinetics of cytidine analogues were noted, the general disposition patterns of the compounds were similar.
Using fuzzy places and hypertokens to reduce the number of states in stochastic Petri nets

A difficulty often encountered when using the Petri net approach to stochastic modeling is a proliferation in the number of states in the associated Markov chain. In this paper we present a solution to this proliferation problem by introducing the concept of a fuzzy stochastic Petri net. This paper then focuses on the problem of finding the stationary probability of reaching some selected output nodes, starting from selected input nodes when using a fuzzy set approach to modeling with stochastic Petri nets.
Nicotinic Receptor Function in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia can be partially characterized by deficits in sensory processing. Biochemical, molecular, and genetic studies of one such endophenotype, the P50 auditory-evoked potential gating deficit, suggest that one of the neuronal nicotinic receptors, the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor, may function in an inhibitory neuronal pathway involved in this phenotype. The P50 deficit is normalized in nongating subjects by nicotine. Although most schizophrenia patients are heavy smokers, the effects of nicotine may be transient, as alpha 7 receptors are known to desensitize rapidly. In an animal model of the P50 gating deficit, antagonists of the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor block normal gating of the second of paired auditory stimuli. Regional localization of receptor expression includes areas known to function in sensory filtering. An inhibitory mechanism, in the hippocampus, may involve nicotinic stimulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons, resulting in decreased response to repetitive stimuli. Expression of the alpha 7 receptor is decreased in hippocampal brain tissue, dissected postmortem, from schizophrenia subjects. The P50 deficit is inherited in schizophrenia pedigrees, but it is not sufficient for disease development and thus represents a predisposition factor. Linkage analysis between the P50 deficit in multiplex schizophrenia pedigrees and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) markers throughout the genome yielded positive lod scores to DNA markers mapping to a region of chromosome 15 containing the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor gene. Elucidation of possible interactions of the P50 with other factors, known to be important in the etiology of the disease, is important in determining an overall pathobiology of schizophrenia.
Enabling Non-repudiable Data Possession Verification in Cloud Storage Systems

After clients outsource their data to the cloud, they will lose physical control of their data. Many schemes are proposed for clients to verify the integrity of their data. This paper considers a complementary problem: When a client claims that the server has lost their data, how can we be sure that the client is correct and honest about the loss? It is possible that the client's meta data is corrupted or the client is lying in order to blackmail the server. In addition, most previous work relies on sequential indices. However, the indices bring significant overhead to bind an index to each block. We propose to replace sequential indices with much flexible non-sequential {\it coordinates}. The binding of coordinates to data blocks is performed through a Coordinate Merkle Hash Tree (CMHT). Based on CMHT, we can improve both the average and the worst-case update overhead by simplifying the updating algorithm.
Colonic retinoblastoma protein and proliferation in cancer and non-cancer patients#

Both suppressor oncogene and proliferative activity are believed to indicate colon cancer risk. The retinoblastoma (Rb) gene is a suppressor oncogene affecting cell differentiation. Retinoblastoma gene inactivation is associated with tumour development. However, the relation of the Rb protein to cell proliferation and colon tumour formation is unknown. Retinoblastoma protein quantity was correlated with proliferative activity in flat, unaffected mucosa specimens from 36 cancer patients, 21 non-cancer control subjects and in 29 tumour tissue samples from cancer patients. Nuclear Rb protein was measured by using automated CAS-200 image analysis of monoclonal antibody labelled frozen sections from fresh, surgically removed tissue. All colon cells within 15 whole crypts were imaged. Proliferative activity was also measured by using analysis with Ki-67 monoclonal antibody. Retinoblastoma protein content correlated directly with proliferative activity in flat mucosa of non-cancer control subjects (r = 0.63; P < 0.001; n = 21). A significant correlation was also found in flat mucosa specimens of non-metastatic (Duke's stages A and B) cancer patients (r = 0.52; P < 0.01; n = 22). However, Rb protein did not correlate with proliferation in flat mucosa from metastatic (Duke's stages C and D) cancer patients (r = 0.03; NS; n = 14) or in cancer tissue (r = 0.068; NS; n = 29). Mucosal Rb protein in the colon normally increases as proliferation increases. Dissociation between Rb protein and colon proliferation may occur in flat mucosa in patients with a higher risk of metastatic tumour growth. Future studies comparing Rb protein quantity and proliferative activity may help identify high-risk colon cancer patients.
Unitary Multiperipheral Models. II

A new class of multipheripheral-like models is presented for which the full multiparticle $S$ matrix is unitary. As in previous models of this type it is crucial for $s$-channel unitarity that one take into account the exchange of an arbitrary number of multiperipheral chains between the two leading particles. The new features of the present models are that multichain forces and some low subenergy effects are taken into account. As in earlier unitarity models, the elastic scattering amplitude has a dynamical branch cut in the angular momentum plane that plays a crucial role in enforcing the Froissart bound. It is shown that the qualitative features of these models will be present in a wide class of multiperipheral-like models.
Type 3 neovascularization: the expanded spectrum of retinal angiomatous proliferation.

Background:Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) is a distinct form of neovascularization in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Lacking definitive sequential histopathologic evidence of its intraretinal versus choroidal origin, the clinical observations of early stages of RAP lesions
Eruption of human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion

A 34-year-old Caucasian man, previously in excellent health, was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in September 1996 with an acute illness, including high fevers, malaise, sore throat, and a mucocutaneous eruption. On examination, he had a temperature of 38.5 °C. Cutaneous findings included a severe seborrheic dermatitis and an exanthem characterized by multiple erythematous macules and papules, some with a hemorrhagic center, distributed on the trunk and proximal extremities ( Fig. 1). Subtle palmar petechiae were noted. The mouth contained an enanthem with palatal petechiae and a well-circumscribed erosion ( Fig. 2). Koplik’s spots were not present. Hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy were absent. Complete blood count revealed a white blood count of 2600 with a differential of 46% polymorphonuclear cells, 25% bands, 25% lymphocytes, and 4% monocytes. His hemoglobin was 11 g/dL and his platelet count was 90,000. A lymphopenia (0.7 (normal range 1.0–4.5 × 1000)) and an elevated PTT were also present. The routine biochemistry profile was within normal limits. Monospot was negative. There were no antibodies to hepatitis B or C, Coxsackie virus, Epstein–Barr virus, measles, herpes, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus antigen. The patient was immune to measles. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) was nonreactive. Two months prior to presentation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing was negative. Figure 1. Exanthem characterized by multiple scattered erythematous macules and papules on the trunk Figure 2. Enanthem characterized by palatal petechiae and well-circumscribed erosion A biopsy specimen from a lesion on the upper part of the chest demonstrated a mild interface dermatitis ( Fig. 3), consistent with a drug reaction or viral exanthem. Acid fast, Dieterle, and Gram stains of the biopsy specimen failed to reveal microorganisms. Serological testing for HIV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive. PCR testing for HIV RNA recorded in excess of 7 million copies/mm3. Triple antiretroviral therapy with Saquinavir, AZT, and 3TC was initiated. The eruption cleared completely within one week of its onset. Six weeks later, seroconversion to HIV antibody positivity occurred. Eight weeks after starting therapy, the patient experienced severe nausea and vomiting and became icteric, and all medications were withdrawn. The patient recovered and has not experienced any further illness in 1 year of follow-up. Figure 3. Photomicrograph of biopsy specimen demonstrating mild interface dermatitis (hematoxylin and eosin; magnification, 200×)
On ihe density dependence of runaway mobility

Abstract A simple mechanism is proposed to explain the observed strong dependence of ion mobility on gas number density when a runaway effect occurs. The key feature is the requirement of an induction time before runaway is achieved. Calculations with a simple model support the mechanism, exhibiting a rapid rise in apparent mobility with N (at fixed E/N ).
Coating of mannan on LPD particles containing HPV E7 peptide significantly enhances immunity against HPV-positive tumor

Purpose. Previously, our laboratory has reported that liposome-protamine-DNA (LPD) nanoparticle is an effective delivery system for tumor-associated antigens. Mannan, which potentially targets antigen-presenting cells, was coated on LPD to further enhance its antitumor activity.