cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the association between skin toxicity and better response in advanced cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) improves survival outcomes for patients with several types of cancer including metastatic melanoma (MM), but serious immune-related adverse events requiring intervention with immunosuppressive medications occur in a subset of patients. Skin toxicity (ST) has been reported to be associated with better response to ICI. However, understudied factors, such as ST severity and potential survivor bias, may influence the strength of these observed associations. To examine the potential confounding impact of such variables, we analyzed advanced cancer patients enrolled prospectively in a clinicopathological database with protocol-driven follow up and treated with ICI. We tested the associations between developing ST, stratified as no (n = 617), mild (n = 191), and severe (n = 63), and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in univariable and multivariable analyses. We defined severe ST as a skin event that required treatment with systemic corticosteroids. To account for the possibility of longer survival associating with adverse events instead of the reverse, we treated ST as a time-dependent covariate in an adjusted model. Both mild and severe ST were significantly associated with improved PFS and OS (all P < 0.001). However, when adjusting for the time from treatment initiation to time of skin event, severe ST was not associated with PFS benefit both in univariable and multivariable analyses (P = 0.729 and P = 0.711, respectively). Receiving systemic steroids for ST did not lead to significant differences in PFS or OS compared to patients who did not receive systemic steroids. Our data reveal the influence of time to event and its severity as covariates in analyzing the relationship between ST and ICI outcomes. These differences in outcomes cannot be solely explained by the use of immunosuppressive medications, and thus highlight the importance of host- and disease-intrinsic factors in determining ICI response and toxicity. Trial registration: The patient data used in this manuscript come from patients who were prospectively enrolled in two institutional review board-approved databases at NYU Langone Health (institutional review board #10362 and #S16-00122).
RECENT RESULTS ON HIGH-ENERGY SPIN PHENOMENA OF GLUONS AND SEA-QUARKS IN POLARIZED PROTON-PROTON COLLISIONS AT RHIC AT BNL

The STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory is carrying out a spin physics program in high-energy polarized proton collisions at GeV and GeV to gain a deeper insight into the spin structure and dynamics of the proton. One of the main objectives of the spin physics program at RHIC is the precise determination of the polarized gluon distribution function. The STAR detector is well suited for the reconstruction of various final states involving jets, π0, π±, e± and γ, which allows to measure several different processes. Recent results suggest a gluon spin contribution to the proton spin at the same level as the quark spin contribution itself. The production of W bosons in polarized p+p collisions at GeV opens a new era in the study of the spin-flavor structure of the proton. W-(+) bosons are produced in collisions and can be detected through their leptonic decays, , where only the respective charged lepton is measured. Results of W-(+) production suggest a large asymmetry between the polarization of anti-u and anti-d quarks.
ENERGY REDUCTION, DAYLIGHT AND VIEW QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF A PASSIVE DYNAMIC FACADE IN HOT ARID CLIMATE

Purpose This research aims to create a passive dynamic system with immediate responses to environmental conditions without needing an energy source to operate and reduce operation and maintenance costs. Design/Methodology/Approach There has been growing awareness in recent years of the energy consumption and interior environmental comfort of buildings. Substantial evaluation of the building envelope and indoor human experience is required to develop sustainable solutions, create a responsive system that enhances building performance and human comfort in terms of energy consumption and daylight quality. In this paper, a new proposed advanced integrated facade called a passive dynamic shading device (PDSD) is revealed. The system is designed to contribute to energy reduction, daylight availability, and view quality through its ability to change position and placement to respond and adapt to new climate conditions. The thermal expansion phenomenon was used in the actuation process, with heat-activated actuators that correspond to specific dry-bulb temperatures. This paper concisely demonstrates the functional mechanism and performance of the PDSD. Sophisticated energy and daylight simulations have been executed to distinguish between three case studies. Each case represents one architectural option: 1- without shading devices. 2- with conventional fix shading devices. 3- PDSD. Findings The result shows the PDSD can efficiently reduce overall energy consumption by up to 50%, increase the amount and quality of daylight by up to 60% compared to fixed shading devices, and obstruct the view from the interior 22% of the year. Research Limitations/Implications The limitation was with the thermal expansion mechanism since it expands due to the rise of temperature, which led to system movement in the ineffective time of a day. Social/Practical Implications The study is Creating a new affordable dynamic system comparing with an active dynamic facade system. The system is applicable on any building scale with simple construction. Originality/Value Unlike other dynamic facade system studies, in this study, the goal is to create a new passive system using the thermal expansion phenomenon and evaluate its effectiveness on energy reduction, daylight availability, and view quality.
Neonatal NIRS monitoring: recommendations for data capture and review of analytics

Brain injury is one of the most consequential problems facing neonates, with many preterm and term infants at risk for cerebral hypoxia and ischemia. To develop effective neuroprotective strategies, the mechanistic basis for brain injury must be understood. The fragile state of neonates presents unique research challenges; invasive measures of cerebral blood flow and oxygenation assessment exceed tolerable risk profiles. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can safely and non-invasively estimate cerebral oxygenation, a correlate of cerebral perfusion, offering insight into brain injury-related mechanisms. Unfortunately, lack of standardization in device application, recording methods, and error/artifact correction have left the field fractured. In this article, we provide a framework for neonatal NIRS research. Our goal is to provide a rational basis for NIRS data capture and processing that may result in better comparability between studies. It is also intended to serve as a primer for new NIRS researchers and assist with investigation initiation.
Trends in the intensity of end-of-life care for gynecologic cancer patients by primary oncologist specialty

Objectives: To identify trends in the intensity of care at the end of life in elderly patients with gynecologic cancer and to evaluate for differences by primary oncologist specialty. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Medicare data. Subjects were fee-for-service Medicare enrollees over 65 years old, who had seen a gynecologic or medical oncologist in an outpatient setting in the last year of life, and died of a gynecologic cancer between 2006 and 2015. The primary oncologist was defined as the provider with the majority of outpatient visits in the last year of life. The primary outcome was intensity of care at the end of life, a composite score defined by receipt of chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life, death in the hospital, enrollment in hospice for less than three days, more than one ED visit, more than one hospital admission, spending more than 14 days in the hospital, or any ICU admission in the last 30 days of life. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate for differences in rates of intense end-of-life care over time and to compare temporal trends by primary oncologist specialty. Results: Most of the 12,189 women in the study primarily saw a medical oncologist (n=7,705, 63.21%). Medical oncologists’ patients were younger, more likely to be White, more likely to be married, less likely to be dual-eligible, more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer, and more likely to die of ovarian cancer compared to gynecologic oncologists’ patients. Overall, 55.61% of patients experienced intense end-of-life care. In adjusted analyses, the proportion of intense end-of-life care was significantly greater for patients who received care from a medical oncologist (56.54%) compared to those who received care from a gynecologic oncologist (54.00%; p Download : Download high-res image (72KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Patients who die of gynecologic cancer experience high rates of intense care at the end of life. From 2006 to 2015, there was no significant change in the rates of intense care at the end-of life, regardless of the primary oncologist's specialty. Further research is needed to understand if intense end-of-life care is also goal-concordant care for patients with gynecologic cancer. In addition, reducing intense end-of-life care may require outpatient interventions that improve identification and preparation of patients who are at the end of life.
Selective Glucocorticoid Replacement Following Unilateral Adrenalectomy for Hypercortisolism and Primary Aldosteronism.

Background An institutional study previously demonstrated that cosyntropin stimulation testing on postoperative day 1 (POD1-CST) identified patients at risk for adrenal insufficiency (AI) following unilateral adrenalectomy (UA) for adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism (HC) and primary aldosteronism (PA), allowing for selective glucocorticoid replacement (GR). This study reevaluates the need for GR following UA for patients with HC and PA in a larger cohort. Methods A prospective database identified 108 patients who underwent UA for mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE) (n=47), overt hypercortisolism (OH) (n=27), PA (n=22), and concurrent PA/HC (n=12) from 9/2014-10/2020; all underwent preoperative evaluation for HC. MACE was defined as 1mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) cortisol >1.8 (μg/dL), with ≥5 defined as OH. GR was initiated for basal cortisol ≤5 or stimulated cortisol ≤14 (≤18 prior to 4/2017) on POD1-CST. Results Fifty-one (47%) patients had an abnormal POD1-CST; 54 (50%) were discharged on GR (27 MACE, 20 OH, 1 PA, 6 PA/HC). Median duration of GR was OH: 6.0 months, MACE: 2.1 months, PA: 1 month, PA/HC: 0.8 months. Overall, 26% (n=7) of OH patients and 43% (n=20) of MACE patients did not require GR. Two (2%) OH patients had normal POD1-CST but developed AI several weeks postoperatively requiring GR. None experienced life-threatening AI. Conclusion POD1-CST identifies HC patients at risk for AI after UA, allowing for selective GR. One-quarter of OH patients and nearly half of MACE patients can forego GR after UA. PA patients do not require evaluation for AI if concurrent HC has been excluded preoperatively.
Information needs in US telephone industry regulation: A systems approach

Abstract After an initial discussion of current regulatory data problems in the common carrier telecommunications industry, the author proposes an alternative to the traditional regulatory process of the Federal Communications Commission. This proposal is essentially that the traditional control mechanism of rate-level regulation can be made more effective if, in addition, a comprehensive system of continuing industry surveillance is implemented.
Crystal Structure of 7,8-Dihydropteroate Synthase from Bacillus anthracis: Mechanism and Novel Inhibitor Design

Dihydropterate synthase (DHPS) is the target for the sulfonamide class of antibiotics, but increasing resistance has encouraged the development of new therapeutic agents against this enzyme. One approach is to identify molecules that occupy the pterin binding pocket which is distinct from the pABA binding pocket that binds sulfonamides. Toward this goal, we present five crystal structures of DHPS from Bacillus anthracis, a well-documented bioterrorism agent. Three DHPS structures are already known, but our B. anthracis structures provide new insights into the enzyme mechanism. We show how an arginine side chain mimics the pterin ring in binding within the pterin binding pocket. The structures of two substrate analog complexes and the first structure of a DHPS-product complex offer new insights into the catalytic mechanism and the architecture of the pABA binding pocket. Finally, as an initial step in the development of pterin-based inhibitors, we present the structure of DHPS complexed with 5-nitro-6-methylamino-isocytosine.
Supporting table partitioning by reference in oracle

Partitioning is typically employed on large-scale data to improve manageability, availability, and performance. However, for tables connected by a referential constraint (capturing a parent-child relationship), the current approaches require individually partitioning each table thereby burdening the user with the task of maintaining the tables equi-partitioned, which not only is cumbersome but also error prone. This paper proposes a new partitioning method (partition by reference) that allows tables with a parent-child relationship to be logically equi-partitioned by inheriting the partition key from the parent table without duplicating the key columns. The partitioning key is resolved through an existing parent-child relationship, enforced by an active referential constraint. This logical dependency is used to automatically i) cascade partition maintenance operations performed on parent table to child tables, and ii) handle migration of child rows when partition key or parent key in parent table is updated, as a single atomic operation. This method has been introduced in Oracle Database 11gR1 with support for tables with both single level and composite partitioning methods. The paper describes the key concepts of table partitioning by reference method, discusses the design and implementation challenges, and presents an experimental study covering a usage scenario common in Information Life Cycle Management (ILM) applications.
High-speed quantum random number generation

Using a single-photon counter and FPGA-based data processing, we implement a quantum random number generator which produces random numbers at rates greater than 20 Mbit/s.
A simple method for producing high conductivity copper for low temperature applications

Abstract We report here the details and results of a simple technique for treating polycrystalline copper which significantly reduces its low temperature electrical resistivity (and concomitantly the thermal resistivity). For polycrystalline copper, in the best cases one can obtain residual resistance ratios,rrr, defined as rrr = R(295 K )/R(4 K ) ≈ p(295 K )/p(4 K ) of over 10 000. For copper of electrical quality or better, the room temperature resistivity is completely dominated by the phonon contribution and is independent of the usually small amounts of impurities (less than 30 ppm), thus, the larger the rrr, the better is the copper as a low temperature conductor.
Interpretivism in Jurisprudence: What Difference Does the Philosophy of History Make to the Philosophy of Law?

To answer the question of what difference the philosophy of history makes to the philosophy of law this paper begins by calling attention to the way that Ronald Dworkin's interpretive theory of law is supposed to upend legal positivism. My analysis shows how divergent theories about what law and the basis of legal authority is are supported by divergent points of view about what concepts are, how they operate within social practices, and how we might best give account of such meanings. Such issues are widely debated in the philosophy of history but are often overlooked in jurisprudential circles. When the legal positivist approach to meanings is contrasted with Dworkin's interpretivism it is clear that what is needed is an alternative to both, in the form of what we might call "historical meanings" and "historical interpretation". While Dworkin's interpretivism gets it right that legal positivism is an inadequate philosophy of law to the extent that it is committed to a "criterial semantics" view of concepts, this paper argues that post-positivism in the philosophy of law need not entail a normative jurisprudence, as Dworkin would have it.
A spatiospectral localization approach for analyzing and representing vector-valued functions on spherical surfaces

We review the construction of three different Slepian bases on the sphere, and illustrate their theoretical behavior and practical use for solving ill-posed satellite inverse problems. The first basis is scalar, the second vectorial, and the third suitable for the vector representation of the harmonic potential fields on which we focus our analysis. When data are noisy and incompletely observed over contiguous domains covering parts of the sphere at satellite altitude, expanding the unknown solution in terms of a Slepian basis and seeking truncated expansions to achieve least-squares data fit has advantages over conventional approaches that include the ease with which the solutions can be computed, and a clear statistical understanding of the competing effects of solution bias and variance in modulating the mean squared error, as we illustrate with several new examples.
Positive stabilization with maximum stability radius for linear time-delay systems

This paper considers the problem of positive stabilization of uncertain linear time-delay systems by state feedback such that the resulting closed-loop system attains maximum stability radius with positivity constraint. First, we focus on the class of linear continuous-time positive delay systems (Metzlerian delay systems) and outline its interesting properties. Using the stability properties associated with this class, we formulate a constrained stabilization problem for the linear time delay system and provide conditions for the existence of controllers satisfying the stability and Metzlerian constraints. The Metzlerian stabilization is solved using Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) or Linear Programming (LP). Next, we characterize the uncertainties associated with the positive delay systems and define the stability radius associated with this class which can be expressed in a closed form. Finally, we combine Metzlerian stabilization with maximum stability radius with the aid of bounded real lemma (BRL) and provide a complete solution using LMI. Examples are included for the purpose of illustration.
Role of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Management of Philadelphia Chromosome–Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The Philadelphia chromosome is the most common cytogenetic abnormality found in adult patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The result of this abnormality is the BCR-ABL protein, a constitutively active kinase involved in cell signaling and survival. When managed with multiagent chemotherapy regimens alone, patients have traditionally had an inferior outcome in terms of remission duration and overall survival when compared with patients who are Philadelphia chromosome–negative. Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib and dasatinib, directly inhibit the BCR-ABL kinase, offering a targeted approach as a therapeutic option. As a result of several clinical trials with adequate follow-up, imatinib combined with chemotherapy represents the current standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed disease. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has previously been the only modality to offer the potential for a cure, and it still should be considered for all patients deemed able to tolerate such an intervention. Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as dasatinib, may further improve the outcome in these patients. The role of molecular monitoring and the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors after stem cell transplantation are areas of active investigation, and the results of ongoing trials will help to clarify the optimal management of these patients.
The role of education in knowledge economies in developing countries

Abstract Education and universities, along with biotechnology, intellectual property and ICT development, are often mentioned without in-depth critical analysis in discussions of modern knowledge economies. In the face of global marketplaces and the fluidity of intellectual capital, the idea of the role of primary, secondary and tertiary education will necessarily be refashioned in developing nations. Western concepts such as liberal studies and the idea of education as the preparation for good citizenship, self-discovery, and self-fulfillment are being re-examined in light of national education priorities. Drawing on the author's experience with a knowledge economy educational project in the Arabian Gulf-Qatar Foundation's Education City-this contribution speculates on the current and future role of education within the context of the knowledge economies of MENA and the Arabian Gulf. Education in the Arabian Gulf (GCC states) has been developing since the early 1990 s to fulfill several very specific roles: ending illiteracy, diversification of hydrocarbon-based economies, and preservation of cultural integrity.
The strong uniqueness theorem for monosplines

On obtient un theoreme d'unicite forte pour les fonctions monosplines ayant des nœuds de multiplicite superieure a 1
RELATIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE MAST, VAST, AND CAGE VERSUS DSM-III-R CRITERIA FOR ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE*

Abstract A number of instruments have been developed to screen for alcoholism. With the advent of DSM-III and lay administered psychiatric diagnostic instruments, a test of the performance of these screens relative to diagnostic instruments is critical. In this paper, we document the relative effectiveness in a general medical clinic of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), the Veterans Alcoholism Screening Test (VAST), and the CAGE questions in comparison to the DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence as measured in the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). All of the screens performed at acceptable levels, but the MAST and VAST tended to have higher performance characteristics. At the recommended cut points, they had higher sensitivity for lifetime alcohol dependence (VAST 95.1 %, MAST 90.2%, CAGE 78.0%) as well as higher specificity (VAST 80.3%, MAST 81.7%, CAGE 76.1%). For present alcohol dependence only, at the recommended cut points the MAST and CAGE had sensitivity of 100% but specificity of 62.0 and 61.0% respectively. The VAST had sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 89.0%. We conclude that all three perform well relative to DSM-III-R criteria.
The structure of flows exhibiting nontrivial recurrence on two-dimensional manifolds

The aim of this paper is to describe the orbit structure of flows exhibiting nontrivial recurrence on closed, two-dimensional manifolds, insofar as that structure is determined by the nontrivially recurrent orbits. The description involves two steps: the first is to decompose the manifold into certain pieces, each of which contains at most one recurrent orbit closure; and the second is to describe the flow on those pieces containing a recurrent orbit closure in terms of a transitive flow on the same submanifold (compactidied). The two steps are presented in the reverse order-Theorem 1 formalises the second step and Theorem 2, which follows easily from Theorem 1, the first. Theorem 2 is similar to Theorem B of Gutierrez [8]; one advantage of the present approach is that Theorem 1 enables one to apply the work of Aranson and Grines [ 1,2] to the problem of classifying flows on twomanifolds up to topological equivalence. This classification is outlined briefly in the final section. For reasons which will become clear, attention is in general restricted to flows with finitely many singular points.
Electric charge stoichiometry of calcium translocation in mitochondria

Summary The electric charge stoichiometry of calcium ion transport into respiring mitochondria has been measured, using H + - and Ca 2+ -sensitive electrodes to determine the number of H + ions ejected in electroneutral exchange for Ca. In three types of system the ratio H + ejected/Ca 2+ taken up was very close to 2.0 when phosphate movements are prevented. Thus Ca is transported into respiring mitochondria in an electrogenic process in which each Ca carries 2 positive charges. The conclusion of Moyle and Mitchell (FEBS Lett. 73 , 131–136, 1977) that Ca carries only one (+) charge is shown to be based on inadequate data and assumptions.
Premature physeal arrest of the distal tibia associated with temporary arterial insufficiency.

Premature physeal arrest may occur after various insults to the physis. Its association with diaphyseal fracture without obvious physeal damage is well known, but the cause is obscure. The case reported documents premature closure of the distal tibial physis of an infant after a temporary but significant episode of vascular insufficiency. Direct arterial occlusion or arterial spasm may account for some cases of physeal arrest associated with nonphyseal-related trauma
Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase is required for the calcification of collagen in serum: a possible mechanism for biomineralization.

Previous studies have shown that the type I collagen of tendon and demineralized bone both calcify rapidly in serum. The speed, collagen matrix-type specificity, and extent of the re-calcification of demineralized bone in serum suggest that the serum calcification activity identified in these studies may participate in normal biomineralization. Because of its presence in serum and its long history of association with the normal mineralization of the collagen matrix of bone, tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is an obvious candidate for a protein that could be a component of serum calcification activity, and experiments were therefore carried out to test this possibility. These experiments show that the inactivation of TNAP in serum prevents collagen calcification, and that the addition of physiological levels of purified TNAP restores the ability of TNAP-deficient serum to calcify collagen. Additional experiments show that the role of TNAP in collagen calcification is to activate a serum nucleator of apatite crystal formation. Based on these and earlier studies, the mechanism of collagen calcification in serum requires at least four elements as follows. 1) A matrix (collagen fibrils) that is accessible to small apatite crystals but not large molecules (Toroian, D., Lim, J. E., and Price, P. A. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 22437-22447). 2) A large serum nucleator that generates small crystals, some of which diffuse into the fibrils. 3) A source of TNAP to activate the serum nucleator. 4) A large protein (fetuin) that selectively inhibits growth of crystals remaining in solution, thereby ensuring that only crystals within fibrils grow (Toroian, D. T., and Price, P. A. (2008) Calcif. Tissue Int. 82, 116-126).
Sequence of a mosquito ribonucleotide reductase cDNA and evidence for gene amplification in hydroxyurea‐resistant cells

Ribonucleotide reductase is essential for production of the deoxyribonucleotide substrates required for DNA synthesis in all eukaryotic cells. The full-length cDNA encoding a mosquito ribonucleotide reductase R2 subunit was obtained from Aedes albopictus cells using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approach. The cDNA contained 1197 nucleotides, and encoded a 398 amino acid R2 protein. Overall, mosquito R2 shared approximately 70% amino acid sequence identity with R2 proteins from vertebrates, but conservation at the N-terminus of the protein was relatively low. The sequence of R2 cDNA was identical in hydroxyurea-resistant mosquito cells and in wild-type cells, while the R2 gene copy number was increased ten to twentyfold in resistant cells.
Land change in the southern Yucatán: case studies in land change science

The southern Yucatan Peninsular Region project was designed from the outset as an integrative, multidisciplinary program of study examining tropical deforestation in the largest track of seasonal tropical forest remaining in Mexico and in which smallholder agriculture and a major biosphere reserve are juxtaposed in regard to land uses and covers. Treating land as a coupled human–environment system, the project joins the remote sensing, environmental, social, and modeling sciences in a way that is now recognized as land change science. This paper introduces the project, the study region, and six papers that explore some of the coupled system dynamics in the region. These include the sub-regional variation in deforestation, the pan-regional adoption or anticipation of cattle ranching, the emergence of divergent household agricultural and overall livelihood strategies, the roles of cultural and household histories in agricultural livelihood choices, the temporal intensification of swidden cultivation and its implications for forest species, and carbon stocks across cultivation units, including a new econometric modeling application to forecast changes in these stocks.
TRPA1 Is Functionally Expressed Primarily by IB4-Binding, Non-Peptidergic Mouse and Rat Sensory Neurons

Subpopulations of somatosensory neurons are characterized by functional properties and expression of receptor proteins and surface markers. CGRP expression and IB4-binding are commonly used to define peptidergic and non-peptidergic subpopulations. TRPA1 is a polymodal, plasma membrane ion channel that contributes to mechanical and cold hypersensitivity during tissue injury, making it a key target for pain therapeutics. Some studies have shown that TRPA1 is predominantly expressed by peptidergic sensory neurons, but others indicate that TRPA1 is expressed extensively within non-peptidergic, IB4-binding neurons. We used FURA-2 calcium imaging to define the functional distribution of TRPA1 among peptidergic and non-peptidergic adult mouse (C57BL/6J) DRG neurons. Approximately 80% of all small-diameter (<27 µm) neurons from lumbar 1–6 DRGs that responded to TRPA1 agonists allyl isothiocyanate (AITC; 79%) or cinnamaldehyde (84%) were IB4-positive. Retrograde labeling via plantar hind paw injection of WGA-Alexafluor594 showed similarly that most (81%) cutaneous neurons responding to TRPA1 agonists were IB4-positive. Additionally, we cultured DRG neurons from a novel CGRP-GFP mouse where GFP expression is driven by the CGRPα promoter, enabling identification of CGRP-expressing live neurons. Interestingly, 78% of TRPA1-responsive neurons were CGRP-negative. Co-labeling with IB4 revealed that the majority (66%) of TRPA1 agonist responders were IB4-positive but CGRP-negative. Among TRPA1-null DRGs, few small neurons (2–4%) responded to either TRPA1 agonist, indicating that both cinnamaldehyde and AITC specifically target TRPA1. Additionally, few large neurons (≥27 µm diameter) responded to AITC (6%) or cinnamaldehyde (4%), confirming that most large-diameter somata lack functional TRPA1. Comparison of mouse and rat DRGs showed that the majority of TRPA1-responsive neurons in both species were IB4-positive. Together, these data demonstrate that TRPA1 is functionally expressed primarily in the IB4-positive, CGRP-negative subpopulation of small lumbar DRG neurons from rodents. Thus, IB4 binding is a better indicator than neuropeptides for TRPA1 expression.
Computer Programs for Use in Linear Systems Studies

A library of FORTRAN subroutines for solving numerically problems in linear control and estimation is described. The computer programs are highly flexible and modular in construct and can server as a solid basis for the development of computer packages that are specific to a given application. The software has evolved, and been refined by over 12 years of applications, into a highly efficient set of code that is well-suited to even small mini-computers of 32 bit accuracy.
REGULATION OF EXPERIMENTAL AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS: INFLUENCE OF NON‐H‐2 GENES

SUMMARY Experiments were conducted to investigate the non-H-2 genetic effects on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). Strains having C3H or BALB backgroud in general produced higher autoimmune responses to mouse thyroglobulin (MTg) than the B10 or A strains. Comparisons of C3H and B10 congenic strains carrying similar H-2 haplotypes demonstrated that the C3H congenics had significantly higher MTg antibody titres and more severe thyroid damage, even when the strains carry the low responder H-2 haplotypes. These observations show that non-H-2 gene(s) influences EAT, in addition to genes in the MHC.
Design of economically optimal acceptance sampling plans with inspection error

Models to determine economically optimal quality control systems have appeared in the literature for a number of years and involved a variety of approaches. This approach is unique because of the following reasons: (1) A continuous loss function is used to quantify deviations between a quality characteristic and its target level. (2) Inspector error is modeled explicitly as is the ability to influence this error with resources. (3) The models are used to construct graphs that allow practitioners to design near optimal inspection plans with a minimal understanding of the model details.
Fourier-hankel Transform used in image raw data preprocessing

For a raw picture data set in either binary or gray-scaled digital form, we can first apply a pixel-quantization method to condense the picture to a much smaller file. Then we can use a math-graphic program such as Microsoft Visual Basic to compute its center of mass (CM). From this CM, we can then construct a polar coordinate with M sectors and N rings. If we apply a normalized Magnitude Fourier Transform to these M sectors and a normalized Hankel transform to these N rings, we will obtain two numerical series truncated at P and Q terms (e.g., P equals Q equals 16). We can then construct a P+Q (or 32) dimension ANALOG vectors. This vector may be used as the pre-processed image vectors for feeding to any neural network (including the noniterative neural networks we presented in the last 8 years) for training and learning.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Subunit Symmetry at the Extracellular Domain-Transmembrane Domain Interface in Acetylcholine Receptor Channel Gating

Transmitter molecules bind to synaptic acetylcholine receptor channels (AChRs) to promote a global channel-opening conformational change. Although the detailed mechanism that links ligand binding and channel gating is uncertain, the energy changes caused by mutations appear to be more symmetrical between subunits in the transmembrane domain compared with the extracellular domain. The only covalent connection between these domains is the pre-M1 linker, a stretch of five amino acids that joins strand β10 with the M1 helix. In each subunit, this linker has a central Arg (Arg3′), which only in the non-α-subunits is flanked by positively charged residues. Previous studies showed that mutations of Arg3′ in the α-subunit alter the gating equilibrium constant and reduce channel expression. We recorded single-channel currents and estimated the gating rate and equilibrium constants of adult mouse AChRs with mutations at the pre-M1 linker and the nearby residue Glu45 in non-α-subunits. In all subunits, mutations of Arg3′ had similar effects as in the α-subunit. In the ϵ-subunit, mutations of the flanking residues and Glu45 had only small effects, and there was no energy coupling between ϵGlu45 and ϵArg3′. The non-α-subunit Arg3′ residues had Φ-values that were similar to those for the α-subunit. The results suggest that there is a general symmetry between the AChR subunits during gating isomerization in this linker and that the central Arg is involved in expression more so than gating. The energy transfer through the AChR during gating appears to mainly involve Glu45, but only in the α-subunits.
Abstract 2757: Characterization of the glucuronidation of the major nicotine metabolite, 3’-hydroxycotinine: Potential role for knock-out polymorphisms in UGTs 2B17 and 2B10

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL 3’-Hydroxycotinine (3HC) and its glucuronide (3HC-Gluc) conjugate are major nicotine metabolites excreted in the urine of smokers and other tobacco or nicotine users. Previous studies have demonstrated that human liver microsomes (HLM) were active in catalyzing the formation of both 3HC-O-Gluc and 3HC-N-Gluc. While not all human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) were previously screened, UGTs 2B7, 1A9, 2B4 and 2B15 were shown to be active in the formation of 3HC-O-Gluc and UGT1A4 active in 3HC-N-Gluc formation. In the present study, all known human UGTs except for UGT2B28 were screened for glucuronidation activity against 3HC. Homogenates from cell lines over-expressing UGTs 2B17 and 2B10 exhibited the highest O- and N-glucuronidation activities, respectively for the UGTs tested. Kinetic analysis for the formation of 3HC-O-Gluc demonstrated that the KM for UGT2B17 is 3.7- and 4.2-fold lower than that observed for UGTs 1A9 (p<0.005) and 2B7 (p<0.005); the KM of 3HC-N-Gluc formation was 4.4-fold lower (p<0.05) for UGT2B10 than that observed for UGT1A4. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that HLM from subjects exhibiting the homozygous null UGT2B17 deletion [UGT2B17 (\*2/\*2)] exhibited a KM for 3HC-O-Gluc formation that was 3.1-fold higher (p<0.001) than that observed in HLM from subjects exhibiting the wild-type UGT2B17(\*1/\*1) genotype. The KM of 15.6 μM for 3HC-O-Gluc formation in UGT2B17 (\*2/\*2) HLM was close to that observed for UGT2B17 (8.3 μM). 3HC-N-Gluc formation activity was decreased by 91% (p<0.001) in HLM from subjects with the UGT2B10(\*2/\*2) knock-out genotype and 39% (p<0.001) in HLM from subjects with the UGT2B10(\*1/\*2) genotype as compared to that observed for UGT2B10(\*1/\*1) HLMs. The KM of 13 μM for 3HC-N-Gluc formation in UGT2B10 (\*1/\*1) HLM (n=6) was close to that observed for UGT2B10 (13 μM). These results demonstrate that UGTs 2B17 and 2B10 play key roles in the hepatic glucuronidation of 3HC and that functional polymorphisms in UGT2B17 and UGT2B10 are associated with significantly reduced glucuronidation activities against 3HC in HLM. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2757. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2757
On improving dependency implication algorithms

Let 2 be a finite set of join dependencies (JDs), multivalued dependencies (MVDs) and functional dependencies (IDS). To test whether .% implies an MVD X -+ Y or an PD X -+ A, the procedure in [ 31 first generates the dependency basis DEP( X) of X with respect to 2. Then, X + Y if and only if Y is the union of some elements in DEP( X) , and X -+ A if and only if A E DEP( X), and there is an PD V --f W in 2 with AEW-V. In this paper, we present two algorithms, Algorithms 1 and 2, that test the same implication problems. However, these algorithms do not generate DEP(X) with respect to 2, but rather directly determine whether X + Y or X + Y without computing the basis for all right-hand sides Z for X -+ Z or X -++ Z as in [ 31. As part of proving these algorithms correct, we also prove a result that is interesting in its own right. We organize this paper as follows. In Section 2, we present the basic definitions and some results in the literature that we need. In Section 3, we prove a theo-
Perceived chargeback system fairness: A laboratory experiment

Abstract Many companies have implemented usage-sensitive chargeback systems to allocate the costs of centralized computing facilities to users. Previous research has indicated that internal transfer pricing schemes are most prevalent and most controversial in decentralized organizations, where managers often view them as unfair or biased. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of two potentially important policy decisions on perceived fairness: sourcing restrictions and internal prices that exceed external market prices. Both variables had a significant effect on perceived fairness. However, subjects who were denied access to external computing facilities perceived both the restrictive policy and the prices charged as unfair, even when internal prices were less than market prices . These findings suggest that the mandated full-cost pricing schemes used in many decentralized firms can have a negative effect on user managers' perceptions of fairness, regardless of the prices charged. The results also highlight the need for more thorough investigation of policy issues that can affect divisional managers' perceptions of fairness.
Calcium sprays, time of harvest, and duration in cold storage affects fruit quality of d'Anjou pears in a critical year

Abstract Calcium chloride (CaCl2) sprays increased calcium (Ca) concentrations in d'Anjou fruit (Pyrus communis L.), reduced the incidence of cork spot and improved shelf‐life by increasing fruit firmness in a critical year that had lower fruit Ca concentrations due to record high spring and late season temperatures. The third and final harvest in late September resulted in larger fruit size, lower fruit Ca concentrations, higher incidence of cork spot, more extractable juice and yellow fruit skin color, higher soluble solids and sucrose concentrations, but lower acidity than earlier harvested fruits. Fruit held longer in cold storage (145 days) had higher concentrations of fruit Ca, lower concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethylene (C2H4), less fruit firmness, soluble solids and acidity, lower concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose, and less green color of fruit skin than short term storage (45 days). Shelf‐life of CaCl2‐sprayed fruit was improved because of higher concentrations of frui...
THE MECHANISM OF POLYMER THREAD DRAG REDUCTION

One very effective method of reducing the drag of a turbulent fluid flow is through the use of soluble, viscoelastic, long-chain, high-molecular-weight polymer additives. These additives have produced drag reduction of up to 80% in pipe flows. Polymers are typically added by injecting high concentration solutions into an established Newtonian flow. This study investigated the mechanism of drag reduction that occurs when a long-chain, high-molecular-weight polymer is injected along the centerline of a pipe with a concentration high enough to form a single, coherent, unbroken thread. In the present experiments, the unbroken threads existed for more than 200 pipe diameters downstream of the injector and produced drag reductions on the order of 40%. Previous authors have contended that this type of drag reduction is caused by the interaction of the thread with the outer flow. However, it has been proven in cases where the polymer is mixed throughout the flow that drag reduction requires the existence of polymer in the near-wall region. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that drag reduction from a polymer thread is caused by transport of polymer molecules from the thread into the near-wall region of the pipe. The objective was realized through the measurement of the drag reduction, the radial location of the thread, and the polymer concentration in the near-wall region. The concentration was measured by laser-induced fluorescence utilizing fluorescein dye as the tracer. This study provides strong evidence that the drag reduction from a polymer thread is caused by the transport of very low concentrations of polymer from the thread into the near-wall region.
Toughening mechanisms in intermetallics

Many intermetallic compounds offer an attractive combination of properties for either high-temperature structural applications or low-temperature corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, commercial exploitation of these compounds has been hampered by lack of adequate ductility, formability, and/or fracture toughness. In many cases, these problems are exacerbated by aggressive environments, such as oxygen or hydrogen. Methods for improving toughness in both inert and aggressive environments are discussed in this review. Techniques described include crystal structure modification, microalloying, control of grain size or shape, reinforcement by ductile fibers or particles, and control of substructure. The limitations of each of these techniques are described.
"Wide-Eyed" and "Crooked-Faced": Determinants of Perceived and Real Honesty Across the Life Span

Structural qualities of honest-looking faces, developmental relationships between perceived and real honesty, and actual honesty of honest-looking people were investigated. Babyfaceness, attractiveness, facial symmetry, and large eyes each had positive, independent effects on perceived honesty, revealing a babyface overgeneralization effect, an attractiveness halo effect, and the metaphorical associations "wide-eyed innocence" and "crooked character. " Consistent with a self-fulfilling prophecy, men who looked more honest early in life became more honest later, particularly when appearance was stable. Women showed an "artifice"effect: Those less honest early in life became more honest-looking later. Differential accuracy in perceiving honesty in men and women accompanied these developmental effects. Honesty was accurately read in men whose early appearance of honesty was stable. Honesty was incorrectly read in women whose early real honesty was stable. When these individual differences were ignored, real ...
A model of prey bacteria, predator bacteria, and bacteriophage in continuous culture

Abstract Mathematical models are presented for one-, two- and three -trophic-level microbial systems in continuous culture, based on the respective interactions of Escherichia coli and limiting glucose; glucose, E. coli, and the predaceous bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus; and glucose, E. coli, B. bacteriovorus, and a virus parasitic on B. bacteriovorus. These models contain explicit time lags to represent reproductive latent periods, and the importance of these to the behavior of the models is demonstrated. The models' behavior was investigated by algebraic analysis and by computer simulation using literature values for the parameters in the equations; equilibrium conditions and stability properties for the various microbial systems are presented over a wide range of potential environmental conditions. A sensitivity analysis indicates which parameters must be most accurately known in order to validate the model experimentally. The results delineate the range of experimental conditions permitting the study of all these continuous culture systems in the laboratory and generate predictions about persistence of such multi-level microbial systems in natures