cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Less Toxic Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer.

Objectives Preoperative chemotherapy produces tumor shrinkage in most patients with locally advanced breast cancer, including some pathological complete responses (pCRs). We attempted this using a much less toxic sequential regimen, given with concurrent bevacizumab. Methods Patients with locally advanced breast cancer received 3 intravenous doses each of preoperative sequential liposome encapsulated doxorubicin 25 mg/m2, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, with concurrent bevacizumab every 2 weeks without growth factor support. Results Between March 2008 and December 2009, 32 patients received treatment. There was no cardiotoxicity, and other toxicity was mild (no grade 4 or 5 toxicity). No long-term toxicity, including cardiotoxicity, has been observed. Every patient had ≥30% reduction in tumor size; 9 of 31 patients who completed chemotherapy had pCR at operation. Seven years later, 22 of 32 patients remain free of recurrence and 27 of 32 are alive. Conclusions The preoperative chemotherapy used appears to be comparably effective, but much less toxic than that used in most conventional regimens and should be studied further. Concurrent treatment with bevacizumab (reported separately) did not provide any additional benefit.
Timing of perioperative transversus abdominis plane block at the time of radical cystectomy does not affect perioperative outcomes.

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been effective in providing adequate pain control, limiting opioid use, and improving perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Little is known regarding the efficacy of preoperative (pre-incisional) versus postoperative TAP block in patients who undergo cystectomy. This is a retrospective study that reviewed all patients who underwent cystectomy between January 2011 and January 2020 at a single institution. Patients were stratified into three cohorts: preoperative TAP block, postoperative TAP block, no TAP block. A multivariable linear regression model was constructed that assessed factors associated with total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per hospital stay. In 463 patients, baseline characteristics were similar. There were 66(14.3%) patients who received a perioperative TAP block, 16 (24.2%) of whom received a preoperative TAP block. There were no significant differences in baseline factors. A TAP block was associated with lower MME used per day (41.8 mg vs 53.1 mg, p = 0.009) and per hospital stay (232 mg vs 320.5 mg, p = 0.001). The median MME per hospital stay and per day was lowest in the preoperative TAP cohort (194.0 mg, p = 0.011 and 38.0 mg, p = 0.042, respectively). On multivariable analysis of a subset of patients who received a TAP block, there was no significant difference in MME use in patients who received a preoperative vs postoperative TAP block (− 84.8, p = 0.339). The use of TAP blocks was associated with lower MME use in the entire population; however, there was no difference in MME use when comparing preoperative and postoperative TAP blocks.
Quantitation of corticosterone-induced splenic dendritic cell loss, recovery and prevention in C57BL/6 mice

Dendritic cells (DCs) link the innate and adaptive immune response by capturing antigen to present to and activate naive T cells. Subsets of DCs vary based on protein expression, which allows for their identification. This research focused on total DCs (CD11c+), and the conventional DC subsets (cDC1 and cDC2). Corticosterone (CORT), a stress-induce glucocorticoid hormone, reduces DC numbers and alters DC function and subsequent T cell responses. The current study quantifies DC recovery after CORT exposure and demonstrates that the loss of DCs can be prevented. Mice were exposed to exogenous CORT in the drinking water for 24 hours. CORT exposure significantly decreased the numbers of all splenic DCs. Mice were then provided varying recovery times (3, 5, or 10 days) post-CORT exposure. DCs quickly returned to normal levels, and even exceeded the percentages in control untreated mice. Studies have shown that injection of mice with anti-CD40 antibody triggers DC maturation and proliferation. Thus, it was hypothesized that injection of anti-CD40 may prevent the CORT-induced loss of DCs. Mice received two injections of anti-CD40 antibody over two days and were then immediately supplied with CORT. When provided anti-CD40 prior to CORT, the loss of DCs was prevented. These studies contribute to the ongoing exploration of the mechanisms underlying the immunological effects of stress-induced glucocorticoids.
Association of Pepsin With Inflammatory Signaling and Effusion Viscosity in Pediatric Otitis Media.

OBJECTIVE Otitis media (OM) is a common inflammatory disease spectrum. Cytokine signaling, neutrophil activity, and mucin hypersecretion during recurrent and chronic OM contribute to persistent, viscous middle ear (ME) effusions, hearing loss, and potential for developmental delay. Extraesophageal reflux (EER), specifically pepsin, triggers inflammatory signaling in respiratory mucosa and is associated with OM. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of pepsin with ME inflammatory signaling and the outcomes and examine causality in vitro. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS ME fluid (MEF) and preoperative audiometric data were collected from 30 pediatric subjects undergoing tympanostomy tube placement for recurrent OM or OM with effusion. MEF viscosity was characterized by the surgeon. Pepsin, inflammatory molecules, and mucin were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ME epithelial primary culture was exposed to 0.1 to 1 mg/ml pepsin at pH 5, 6, and 7 for 30 minutes, and cytokine expression was assayed via qPCR. RESULTS Pepsin was observed in the MEF of 77% of patients (range 71-2,734 ng/ml). Pepsin correlated with effusion viscosity, interleukins -6 and -8, neutrophil elastase, and mucin 5B (P < .05). Pepsin-negative MEF was more frequently absent of interleukin 8 or mucin 5B (P < .05). Weak acid was generally insufficient to elicit cytokine expression in ME cells in vitro, however, pepsin induced IL6, IL8, and TNF at pH 7 (P < .05) and weak acid (pH 6) facilitated a response at lower pepsin concentration. CONCLUSIONS Pepsin may contribute to inflammatory signaling, persistent viscous effusion, and poorer OM outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Photolytic Cross-Linking to Probe Protein-Protein and Protein-Matrix Interactions in Lyophilized Powders.

Protein structure and local environment in lyophilized formulations were probed using high-resolution solid-state photolytic crosslinking with mass spectrometric analysis (ssPC-MS). In order to characterize structure and microenvironment, protein-protein, protein-excipient and protein-water interactions in lyophilized powders were identified. Myoglobin (Mb) was derivatized in solution with the heterobifunctional probe succinimidyl 4,4’-azipentanoate (SDA) and the structural integrity of the labeled protein (Mb-SDA) confirmed using CD spectroscopy and liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Mb-SDA was then formulated with and without excipients (raffinose, guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn HCl)) and lyophilized. The freeze-dried powder was irradiated with ultraviolet light at 365 nm for 30 min to produce crosslinked adducts that were analyzed at the intact protein level and after trypsin digestion. SDA-labeling produced Mb carrying up to 5 labels, as detected by LC-MS. Following lyophilization and irradiation, crosslinked peptide-peptide, peptide-water and peptide-raffinose adducts were detected. The exposure of Mb side chains to the matrix was quantified based on the number of different peptide-peptide, peptide-water and peptide-excipient adducts detected. In the absence of excipients, peptide-peptide adducts involving the CD, DE and EF loops and helix H were common. In the raffinose formulation, peptide-peptide adducts were more distributed throughout the molecule. The Gdn HCl formulation showed more protein-protein and protein-water adducts than the other formulations, consistent with protein unfolding and increased matrix interactions. The results demonstrate that ssPC-MS can be used to distinguish excipient effects and characterize the local protein environment in lyophilized formulations with high resolution.
Predicting failures in agile software development through data analytics

Artificial intelligence-driven software development paradigms have been attracting much attention in academia, industry and the government. More specifically, within the last 5 years, a wave of data analytics is affecting businesses from all domains, influencing engineering management practices in many industries and making a difference in academic research. Several major software vendors have been adopting a form of "intelligent" development in one or more phases of their software development processes. Agile for example, is a well-known example of a lifecycle used to build intelligent and analytical systems. The agile process consists of multiple sprints; in each sprint a specific software feature is developed, tested, refined and documented. However, because agile development depends on the context of the project, testing is performed differently in every sprint. This paper introduces a method to predict software failures in the subsequent agile sprints. That is achieved by utilizing analytical and statistical methods (such as using Mean Time between Failures and modelling regression). The novel method is called: analytics-driven testing (ADT). ADT predicts errors and their locations (with a certain statistical confidence level). That is done by continuously measuring MTBF for software components, and using a forecasting regression model for estimating where and what types of software system failures are likely to occur. ADT is presented and evaluated.
Residual Categories in Medical Simulation: The Role of Affect in the Performance of Disease

Extending Susan Leigh Star’s conceptualization of residual categories, the author highlights the role of affect in the construction of standardized symptoms in medical simulation and in the performance of scientific evidence. The author analyzes two cases, public performances of hysteria in the 19th century and standardized patients in contemporary simulation laboratories, revealing potentialities in the construction of medically accurate and pedagogically achievable standards. Conceptualizing patient performers as a standardization technology representing medical knowledge of patient experience allows the author to reveal how the performers’ affective perspective becomes appropriated into the biomedical discourse to legitimate its categories and educate healthcare professionals.
Solving Worker Abuse Problems in the Northern Mariana Islands

The garment industry has long been criticized for treating workers poorly. Despite the attention that this problem has received in recent years, abuse continues to occur, even in a territory of the United States (U.S.), the Northern Mariana Islands. This Note considers two legislative solutions that have been considered in the United States Congress, applying to the territory (1) U.S. minimum wages laws, and (2) U.S. immigration laws, and argues that better control over immigration to the Northern Marianas may reduce the problem significantly.
Stability of Fast Periodic Systems with Time Lags

The purpose of this paper is to extend the results of [1] on stability of fast periodic linear systems to systems with time delays. The asymptotic stability criterion for a class of time lag systems is derived and a comparison to a non-delay case is made. It is demonstrated that small delays can significantly affect the stability properties of this class of systems.
Temperature-sensitive mutants of toxinogenic corynebacteriophage beta. II. Properties of mutant phages.

Abstract Temperature shift experiments and electron microscopy were used to investigate the functions defined by toxinogenic corynebacteriophage β temperature-sensitive ( ts ) mutants. Temperature shift experiments between the permissive and nonpermissive temperatures showed that all ts markers involved late functions. Wild-type β was sensitive to a temperature shift-up during the course of infection. At the nonpermissive temperature phages with ts markers in genes clustered on the left side of the genetic map produced only phage tails, while phages with ts markers in genes clustered on the right side of the map produced only phage heads. All mutants tested were unimpaired in diphtheria toxin synthesis.
Phosphoglucomutase Kinetics with the Phosphates of Fructose, Glucose, Mannose, Ribose, and Galactose

Abstract Kinetic measurements have been made for phosphoglucomutase with fructose 1,6-diphosphate, fructose 1-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, mannose 1-phosphate, mannose 6-phosphate, ribose 1-phosphate, ribose 5-phosphate, galactose 1-phosphate, and galactose 6-phosphate. For the monophosphates of fructose and ribose, evidence is presented for a rate-limiting step within the "central complex." The equilibrium ratio for mannose-6-P to mannose-1-P has been estimated to be 10, and that for α-glucose-6-P to β-glucose-6-P to be 0.7.
Old, Red, and Dead Radio Galaxies at Large Redshift

A minority of powerful radio galaxies at z ≥ 0.7 are quite red, and they show stellar spectroscopic signatures in their near-UV spectra. These galaxies must have formed and ceased star formation long ago. A few trial computations of z f , the last star-formation epoch, are presented for one red radio galaxy at z= 0.97.
The effect of pelvic inflammatory disease on enteric complications following radiation therapy for cervical cancer

Abstract From July, 1962, to January, 1974, 348 patients with invasive cervical cancer had evaluation, staging, and treatment with irradiation at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Fifteen of these patients (4.5 per cent) developed enteric obstruction or fistula six to 30 months following therapy. The presence of pelvic inflammatory disease prior to therapy was associated with a significant (p
Structural biology: Lipid gymnastics

Crystal structures of the bacterial protein PglK uncover structural features that suggest how the protein 'flips' lipid-bound oligosaccharide molecules from one side of the cell membrane to the other. See Article p.433
Corynebacterium diphtheriae employs specific minor pilins to target human pharyngeal epithelial cells

Adherence to host tissues mediated by pili is pivotal in the establishment of infection by many bacterial pathogens. Corynebacterium diphtheriae assembles on its surface three distinct pilus structures. The function and the mechanism of how various pili mediate adherence, however, have remained poorly understood. Here we show that the SpaA-type pilus is sufficient for the specific adherence of corynebacteria to human pharyngeal epithelial cells. The deletion of the spaA gene, which encodes the major pilin forming the pilus shaft, abolishes pilus assembly but not adherence to pharyngeal cells. In contrast, adherence is greatly diminished when either minor pilin SpaB or SpaC is absent. Antibodies directed against either SpaB or SpaC block bacterial adherence. Consistent with a direct role of the minor pilins, latex beads coated with SpaB or SpaC protein bind specifically to pharyngeal cells. Therefore, tissue tropism of corynebacteria for pharyngeal cells is governed by specific minor pilins. Importantly, immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies reveal clusters of minor pilins that are anchored to cell surface in the absence of a pilus shaft. Thus, the minor pilins may also be cell wall anchored in addition to their incorporation into pilus structures that could facilitate tight binding to host cells during bacterial infection.
Thirty-three amino acids of the mature moiety of an unprocessed maltose-binding protein are sufficient for export in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Maltose-binding protein (MBP) is translocated across the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli; successful export depends on information in both the signal peptide and the mature moiety of the protein. To determine the shortest portion of the mature region that would maintain detectable entry of MBP into the export pathway, we took advantage of the properties of an MBP species with proline substituted in the +1 position relative to the cleavage site (MBP27-P). This protein efficiently crosses the cytoplasmic membrane but is not processed and acts as a competitive inhibitor of signal peptidase I (leader peptidase). Export of MBP27-P is measured by the inhibition of processing of other proteins, such as ribose-binding protein (RBP). A series of truncated derivatives of MBP27-P were tested for the ability to inhibit processing of RBP. An MBP27-P species with only 33 amino acids of the mature moiety inhibited processing of RBP, indicating that this truncated polypeptide was probably exported and interacted with signal peptidase I.
Philosophical Aspects of Quantum Field Theory: I

This is the first of a two-part introduction to some interpretive questions that arise in connection with quantum field theories (QFTs). Some of these questions are continuous with those familiar from the discussion of ordinary non-relativistic quantum mechanics (QM). For example, questions about locality can be rigorously posed and fruitfully pursued within the framework of QFT. A stark disanalogy between QFTs and ordinary QM ‐ the former, but not the latter, typically admit infinitely many putatively physically inequivalent realizations ‐ prompts relatively novel questions, questions about how to understand and adjudicate different strategies for equipping quantum theories with content. Part I sketches the fate of locality and related notions in QFT, then documents the non-uniqueness unprecedented in ordinary QM but rampant in QFT. Part II presents foundations issues raised by non-uniqueness.
Large centralizers in finite solvable groups

In 1955 R. Brauer and K. A. Fowler showed that ifG is a group of even order >2, and the order |Z(G)| of the center ofG is odd, then there exists a strongly real) elementx∈G−Z whose centralizer satisfies|C G(x)|>|G|1/3. In Theorem 1 we show that every non-abeliansolvable groupG contains an elementx∈G−Z such that|C G(x)|>[G:G′∩Z]1/2 (and thus|C G(x)|>|G|1/3). We also note that if non-abelianG is either metabelian, nilpotent or (more generally) supersolvable, or anA-group, or any Frobenius group, then|C G(x)|>|G|1/2 for somex∈G−Z. In Theorem 2 we prove that every non-abelian groupG of orderp mqn (p, q primes) contains a proper centralizer of order >|G|1/2. Finally, in Theorem 3 we show that theaverage |C(x)|, x∈G, is ≧c|G| 1/3 for metabelian groups, wherec is constant and the exponent 1/3 is best possible.
Ultrafine coal cleaning using spiral concentrators

Abstract The conventional circuit fine coal circuit typically incorporates spiral concentrators to treat nominal 1 × 0.15 mm material. Pilot and in-plant studies have been performed to determine the operating parameter values needed to achieve optimum separation performances when extending the lower limit of a conventional spiral concentrator to 44 μm. Based on experimental and empirical data, a feed solids concentration of about 12% by weight is required with a feed rate of around 60 l/min per start. Under these conditions, 60% of the ash-forming minerals and 48% of the sulfur was rejected from the 210 × 44 μm size fraction of a given coal source.
Entry and price dynamics in a perfect foresight model

Abstract This paper studies firms' entry and price dynamics in a model that combines the assumptions of free entry and perfect foresight with the hypothesis of consumer's loyalty postulated by Phelps and Winter. The analysis of the transition to long-run equilibrium reveals that, in such a model, the entry of firms is related to the difference between current prices and costs. In relation to the growth of the firms' output, it is shown that the model is consistent with Gibrat's Law. Finally, it is shown that the size distribution of firms approaches asymptotically a Pareto distribution.
Optimal stimulus duration for intraoperative facial nerve monitoring.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The charge delivered to the facial nerve during intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IOFNM) is the product of the stimulation amplitude and the duration for which the pulse of charge is applied. In the literature, no standard for pulse duration exists, precluding meaningful comparison of IOFNM between studies. The optimal stimulus pulse duration can be derived from facial nerve strength duration curve analysis and calculation of chronaxy. Chronaxy is directly related to the time constant, τ, of the neuronal membrane, and is a function of neuronal membrane resistance and capacitance. Study Design: A prospective trial of facial nerve stimulation in both an animal and a human model. Methods: Five rabbits and 17 humans underwent intraoperative stimulation of healthy facial nerves. Pulse durations using pulses of 10, 20, 50, and 100 microseconds were employed, and the corresponding threshold stimulation amplitudes were recorded. From these data sets, strength duration curves were plotted and chronaxy values calculated. Results: Average chronaxy values of 18 microseconds in the rabbit and 32 microseconds in the human were found. Given IOFNM system accuracy limitations, the optimal pulse duration for facial nerve stimulation is 50 microseconds. Conclusion: Most commercially available intraoperative monitoring systems employ a pulse duration default setting of 100 microseconds. Doubling of the 50-microsecond optimal pulse duration may result in a loss of sensitivity of predictive facial nerve data. Both the stimulation amplitude and the selected pulse duration should be reported by investigators so that meaningful comparison of the IOFNM data in the literature can be made.
The value history: a necessary family document.

Patients' wishes regarding health care and dying must be taken into consideration by their physicians. Competent patients need to record directives about their care in advance of a crisis situation. The primary care physician, seeing the patient at the time of a routine office visit, is in a favorable position to explore and record attitudes. A patient's value system should be part of a medical history before hospital admission. Details in a Value History Questionnaire facilitate guiding an incompetent patient through a terminal illness in accordance with wishes previously expressed.
Enzymatic Template Synthesis of Polyphenol

An alternative, biocatalytic approach for the synthesis of a new class of water soluble and processable polyphenols is presented. In this approach, the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is used to polymerize phenol in the presence of an ionic template. The template serves as a surfactant that can both emulsify the phenol monomer and growing polyphenol chains and provide water solubility of the final polyphenol/template complex. This approach is a simple, one step synthesis where the reaction conditions are remarkably mild and environmentally compatible. The final product is a water soluble, high molecular weight complex of polyphenol and the template used. The approach is also very versatile as numerous templates may be used to build in specific functionalities to the final polyphenol complex. Polystyrene sulfonates (SPS), lignin sulfonate and dodecyl benzene sulfonates (micelles) are the templates investigated in this study. Thermal analysis and UV-Vis spectroscopy shows that these complexes have exceptional thermal stability and a high degree of backbone conjugation. Electrical conductivities on the order of 10−5 S/cm and third order nonlinear optical susceptibilities (χ(3)) of 10−12 esu are also observed. In the case of the SPS template, under certain conditions, a sol gel complex may be formed. This enzymatic approach offers interesting opportunities in the synthesis and functionalization of a new class of processable polyphenolic materials.
The Effect of Surgery and Grade on Outcome of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Hypothesis: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are aggressive, rare, and difficult-to-cure gastrointestinal tumors. We believe that the clinical behavior of these tumors can be predicted by reproducible prognostic factors. Design and Setting: A retrospective review of all patients (N = 70) with GIST treated at a tertiary care center from 1973 to 1998. Patients: Adequate data for evaluation were available for 69 patients. Male-female distribution was 40:29. Median age was 60 years. Median follow-up duration was 38 months. Main Outcome Measures: Tumor grade, stage, and histologic subtype at presentation; effect of grade, surgery and adjuvant therapy on recurrence, salvage, and survival. Results: Tumor distribution included 61% in the upper, 23% in the middle, and 16% in the lower digestive tract, with a median tumor size of 7.9 cm (range, 1.8-25 cm). Tumors with more than 1 mitosis per 10 high-power fields constituted 57% of neoplasia in the series. Distant disease at initial visit occurred in 49% of patients. Complete gross resection occurred in 59% of patients. After complete resection, the 5-year survival rate was 42%, compared with 9% after incomplete resection (hazard ratio=0.27, P<.001). Neither radiation nor chemotherapy demonstrated any significant benefit. Among 39 patients who were disease free after complete resection, 2% developed lymph node recurrence, 25% developed local recurrence, and 33% developed distant recurrences (54% liver, 20% peritoneum). By multivariate analysis the risk of local and/or distant metastases was significantly increased for tumors with more than 1 mitosis and size larger than 5 cm (P<.05). Multivariate analysis in all 69 patients revealed that incomplete resection, age greater than 50 years, non-smooth muscle histological feature, tumor with more than 1 mitosis, and tumor size larger than 5 cm significantly decreased survival. Conclusion: Complete gross surgical resection is presently the only means of cure for GIST. Tumors with more than 1 mitosis and a size larger than 5 cm have an especially poor prognosis, with decreased survival, and increased local and/or distant recurrence.
Tailoring gas tungsten arc weld geometry using a genetic algorithm and a neural network trained with convective heat flow calculations

Weld attributes like geometry and cooling rate are strong functions of the welding process parameters such as arc current, voltage and welding speed. A specific weld pool geometry can be produced using multiple sets of these welding variables, i.e., different combinations of arc current, voltage and welding speed. At present, there is no systematic methodology that can determine, in a realistic time frame, these multiple paths based on scientific principles. Here we show that multiple combinations of welding variables necessary to achieve a target gas tungsten arc (GTA) weld geometry can be systematically computed by a real number based genetic algorithm and a neural network that has been trained with the results of a heat transfer and fluid flow model. The neural network embodies the power of a numerical heat transfer and fluid flow model of GTA welding, since it can predict the fusion zone geometry, peak temperature and cooling rate and its input and output variables are consistent with the equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy. A genetic algorithm is used to determine a population of solutions by minimizing an objective function that represents the difference between the calculated and the desired values of weld pool penetration and width. The use of a neural network in place of a heat transfer and fluid flow model significantly expedites the computational task. The desired weld geometry could be obtained with various combinations of welding variable sets. The computational methodology described here enables fabrication of a weld with desired geometry within the framework of phenomenological laws via alternative paths involving multiple combinations of welding variables.
46. Upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in brain tumors is associated with decreased survival through a T cell-dependent mechanism

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor with an average patient survival of 14.6 months following diagnosis. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs; CD4+FoxP3+) infiltrate and accumulate in brain tumors, by utilizing mouse models. Importantly, depleting those Tregs is associated with a significant increase in overall survival. To understand the underlying mechanisms that promote Treg recruitment to brain tumors, our laboratory has investigated the enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO). We have found that the upregulation of IDO in glioma patients (n = 343) is associated with a significantly decreased probability of overall survival (p < 0.005). Utilizing a mouse model that intracranially-injects GL261 (brain tumor) cells, we have confirmed that IDO knockdown (IDOkd), specifically in brain tumor cells, results in decreased Treg recruitment to the tumor, as well as increased long-term survival (p < 0.001). This was accomplished by comparing WT and IDO−/− mice, intracranially-injected control or IDOkd GL261 cells (p < 0.001). Interestingly, the long-term survival mediated through IDO-deficiency was lost in CD4−/−, CD8−/− and Rag1−/− mice, suggesting a contextual role for T cells in mediating brain tumor rejection vs. promotion. These data confirm the importance of IDO1 in brain tumors and provide further support for understanding the mechanism of immune-mediated IDO1-dependent tumor progression.
On the friction and wear performance of boric acid lubricant combinations in extended duration operations

Lubrication is critical for minimizing wear in mechanical systems that operate for extended time periods. Developing lubricants that can be used in engineering systems without replenishment – particularly those that are environmentally friendly – is very important for increasing the functional lifetime of mechanical components. In the present investigation, extended duration pin-on-disk experiments were carried out to determine the relative performance of a wide range of lubricant combinations in a commercial brake valve assembly. In the experiments, the lubricants were initially applied to the disk surface but were not replenished over a sliding distance of more than 6000 m. The experimental results revealed that the environmentally friendly lubricant boric acid was highly ineffective for reducing the wear in the surfaces tested. When combined with a commercial transmission fluid, however, the boric acid mixture proved to be highly effective in terms of both friction and wear performance. Based on the success of the combined lubricant experiments, the boric acid was then mixed with canola oil to form a completely natural lubricant combination. Based on further pin-on-disk experiments, this lubricant combination yielded the best wear performance of all the lubricants tested. The importance of these results, as related to the use of the natural lubricant combination in other engineering systems such as sheet metal stamping, was subsequently ascertained and discussed.
Dynamic/static brain scintigraphy in neonates. Importance of complementing the static brain scan by adding the cerebral angiogram.

In order to acquaint physicians caring for newborn babies with the value of complementing static brain scintigraphy with the dynamic brain blood perfusion study, cases of intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebrovascular anomaly, and cerebral malformation are presented. This screening procedure is not only a safe, simple, quick adjunct to the clinical diagnostic impressions, but may on occasion obviate the need for the more precise, but more formidable, procedures of contrast angiography and pneumoencephalography.
An evaluation of noninvasive methods to estimate foliar chlorophyll content

Summary • Over the last decade, technological developments have made it possible to quickly and nondestructively assess, in situ, the chlorophyll (Chl) status of plants. We evaluated the performance of these optical methods, which are based on the absorbance or reflectance of certain wavelengths of light by intact leaves. • As our benchmark, we used standard extraction techniques to measure Chla, Chlb, and total Chl content of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) leaves. These values were compared with the nominal Chl index values obtained with two hand-held Chl absorbance meters and several reflectance indices correlated with foliar Chl. • The noninvasive optical methods all provided reliable estimates of relative leaf Chl. However, across the range of Chl contents studied (0.0004–0.0455 mg cm−2), some reflectance indices consistently out-performed the hand-held meters. Most importantly, the reflectance indices that performed best were not those most commonly used in the literature. • We report equations to convert from index values to actual Chl content, but caution that differences in leaf structure may necessitate species-specific calibration equations.
Late Pleistocene glacimarine record in Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract Late Pleistocene deposits were cored at two sites in Saanich Inlet and provide a record of the sedimentary environment during deglaciation of this fjord. At Site 1033 at the southern end of the fjord, 59.3 m of Late Pleistocene sediment was obtained in a hole drilled to 105.1 mbsf. At Site 1034, 4.8 km to the north, a hole was drilled to 118.2 mbsf, recovering 49.8 m of Late Pleistocene sediment. Sediments were deposited in this deep (>200 m) fjord basin, as a lobe of the Cordilleran ice sheet retreated at the end of Fraser Glaciation. This is the first recovery of basin-fill sediments from the Pleistocene retreat of the Cordilleran ice sheet. Lithofacies analysis, particle size measurements and 17 AMS 14 C dates on marine shells or wood fragments are used to reconstruct the glacimarine sedimentary environment. Sediments are dense, gray to olive-gray terrigenous silty clay with thick, graded sand beds and interlaminated fine sand and silt with mud. Scattered dropstones, clusters of pebbles, and pods of sand and granules are common. Bioturbation, indicated by disruption of laminae and horizontal burrows or black mottles is minimal to moderate, and decreases downcore. A calving tidewater glacier retreated northward through Saanich Inlet, however the ice-contact sediments are beneath the depth cored at both sites. The glacier retreated rapidly and the basin was open to marine exchange through Satellite Channel prior to 13,270±60 14 C yr BP, the oldest date from the cores. Deposition of Lithofacies Association I occurred in an iceberg-zone depositional environment dominated by turbid meltwater plumes and intense iceberg rafting within approximately 10 km of the glacier terminus. After the glacier grounded at the head of Cowichan Bay, Lithofacies Association II was deposited in the ice-distal depositional environment by turbidity currents that by-passed the sill and turbid meltwater plumes. Lithofacies Association III was deposited under post-glacial conditions at the end of the Pleistocene.
The stereochemistry of organosulfur compounds. XX: The X-ray crystal and molecular structures of two tetrathiaspiroalkanes

The X-ray crystal structures of 1,4,6,9-tetrathiaspiro[4.4]nonane (4) and 1,5,7,11-tetrathiaspiro[5.5]undecane (3) have been determined. Crystals of4 are tetragonal, space groupI41cd, with eight molecules in a unit cell of dimensionsa=9.521 (2) andc=19.052(5) A. Crystals of3 are orthorhombic,Pbca, with eight moleucles in a cell havinga=8.955(3),b=12.356(4), andc=18.425(4) A. Compound4 was solved from the Patterson map and3 by use ofMultan, and they refined to finalR values of 6.4 and 2.5%, respectively. Compound4 consists of two 1,3-dithiolane rings connected via C(2), both of which appear to be somewhat disordered at room temperature. The uncorrected C-C distance is 1.476 A and the average S-C distance is 1.786 A. Compound3 consists of two 1,3-dithiane rings connected at C(2), both in chair conformations. In both compounds there appear to be electronic repulsions between S lone pairs and axial hydrogens of the opposite ring system. Analysis of endocyclic torsion angles in3 indicates that the ring conformations themselves are not significantly altered by the positional shift caused by the repulsion.
EGTA induces prolonged summed depolarizations in Mytilus gill coupled ciliated epithelial cells: Implications for the control of ciliary motility

Abfrontal ciliated cells of Mytilus edulis gill beat when mechanically stimulated, a consequence of a Ca++-based generator potential and regenerative response. In contrast, the lateral ciliated epithelial cells arrest when stimulated, a consequence of a Ca++-based generator potential and a Na+/Ca++-based regenerative response. Iontophoretic injection of EGTA in abfrontal cells, followed by mechanical stimulation, results in a large, prolonged depolarization that returns to the resting level stepwise. It has been hypothesized that this phenomenon is caused by successive Ca++-dependent repolarizations in coupled cells, first in adjacent cells and then in the injected cell, in accord with relative EGTA loading. We have now demonstrated this same stepwise repolarization phenomenon in the Na+/Ca++-dependent lateral ciliated cells. In this case, each repolarization step is often preceded by a small spike. With either cell type, using two-electrode recording techniques, we can detect the stepwise repolarization in distant cells, proportionately decremented when the second (KCl) electrode is some distance from the injection (EGTA) electrode and stimulus. When force is applied between the electrodes and nearest the KCl electrode, a greater initial response is recorded from this electrode, presumably resulting from depolarization of its impaled cell, prolonged by EGTA diffusion through the intervening cell junctions. The subsequent repolarization steps are of approximately the same size, suggesting repolarization of cells between the two electrodes. These observations are consistent with the cell coupling/EGTA loading hypothesis and indicate that both cell types mediate repolarization through Ca++ and propagate ciliary beat or arrest through intracellular coupling.
Impact of Overhead on Spectral Efficiency of Cooperative Relaying

It is well known that cooperative relaying has the potential to improve the performance of wireless communication. However, compared with point-to-point communication, cooperative relaying requires much more overhead to implement. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze the overhead in implementing cooperative relaying, in particular, the overhead to acquire essential channel state information, to select the relay(s), and to provide the required coordination. Factoring in the impact of overhead, the spectral efficiency of cooperative relaying schemes is then investigated. A comparison of three cooperative relaying schemes (Timer-Based Best-Select, Distributed Space-Time-Coded, and M-group) is presented. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the impact of overhead on the spectral efficiency. Finally, based on the analysis and simulations, we provide guidelines for determining the appropriate cooperative relaying scheme for specific scenarios.
The human NTT gene: identification of a novel 17-kb noncoding nuclear RNA expressed in activated CD4+ T cells

We describe the cloning and characterization of the NTT gene (noncoding transcript in T cells), identified by differential display RT-PCR based on the differential presence of its transcript in a subset of activated, human CD4+ T-cell clones. The full-length cDNA and genomic sequences were cloned and found to produce a 17-kb transcript that is polyadenylated, but is not spliced. Consistent with the transcript's nuclear predominance, NTT has no open reading frame larger than 270 bp. It is transcribed in a select subset of CD4+ T-cell clones propagated in vitro. Its transcription can also be induced in freshly isolated T cells by in vitro activation with PHA or with PMA and ionomycin. In vivo, NTT transcripts are found only in activated, but not resting, T cells. Transcripts were absent in a variety of lymphoid cell lines and transformed lines from other tissues. NTT is a new member of the small group of genes including XIST (X-specific transcript), H19, and IPW (imprinted gene in the Prader-Willi syndrome region), which are transcribed but not translated, and may have a role in the regulation of neighboring genes. XIST, H19, and IPW exhibit monoallelic expression, but both NTT alleles are expressed in CD4+ T-cell clones. Southern blot and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses show that NTT is a single-copy gene residing in chromosome 6q23-q24, near the interferon-gamma receptor gene (IFN-gamma R). Their proximity and shared expression pattern suggest a possible functional relationship.
Delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy following a morphine overdose

We describe one patient and review the literature to define delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy, its etiology, pathophysiology and prognosis. We present a 54-year-old man with confusion and diffuse rigidity following a morphine overdose that had required intubation three weeks previously. A brain CT scan showed bilateral globi pallidi hypodensities and diffusion-weighted brain MRI (DWI) was consistent with acute cerebral anoxia. On day 20 after the initial presentation, the patient insidiously progressed to a state of "akinetic mutism". The brain MRI showed diffuse hyperintensity of the white matter on T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences. These areas were bright on DWI and were hypointense on the apparent diffusion coefficient map. An extensive autoimmune, metabolic, toxicological, and infectious work-up included arylsulfatase A enzyme levels, which were unremarkable. Therapy with levodopa was initiated with subsequent improvement of the diffuse rigidity. At discharge, the patient continued to be lethargic with moderate rigidity but began to display signs of recovery. He eventually fully recovered with residual mild confusion. Thus, delayed hypoxic leukoencephalopathy is a rare complication of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, occurring in 2.75% of victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. It typically manifests two to 40 days after apparent recovery from an obtunded state. Prognosis is variable, but recovery can be complete. This report brings to light an important syndrome that can easily be misdiagnosed. Patients who present with these clinical and radiographic features should be treated fully and given time to recover without abrupt withdrawal of care.
Charging and discharging of defect states in CIGS/ZnO junctions

The formation of photovoltaic junctions in thin film CIGS has been explored through the deposition of ZnO directly onto the CIGS by the reaction of Zn and atomic oxygen. Most of these devices exhibit strong light soaking effects in which Voc (at 1 sun) can increase from 250 mV to over 550 mV. A 12.3% efficient ZnO/CIGS solar cell was achieved. The soaking effect, which is the main topic of this paper, was found to be bias or field driven. Detailed investigations were conducted using a ‘drive and interrogate’ procedure, in which the device is driven between two steady states corresponding to two different voltage biases, with brief interrogation of Voc at various times. Data spanning the temperature range 31‐1258C were acquired. It was found that the Voc versus log(t) relaxation curves can be described by a stretched exponential, and scale with t·exp(2E/kT) as a parameter, yielding Ea 0:51 eV. Junction capacitance data are also reported. The underlying process, whether electronic or ionic, possesses a wide range of time constants. q 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Chromatic Changes Induced by Changes in Chromaticity of Background of Constant Lightness

A relatively small gray sample looks reddish when it is placed on a green background, and yellowish when it is placed on a blue background. This phenomenon is an example of the well-known contrast effect. The purpose of this paper is to make a quantitative determination of the effect, and to check whether the empirical formula previously derived for lightness contrast applies also to chromatic contrast. Two series of color samples were prepared so that, in the dominator–modulator system proposed by Judd, only one of the three fundamental responses varied. For a given member of one of these two series viewed on a surround of any member of the same series on the left side, the observer was instructed to choose, for a surround of a different member of the series on the right, the member of the series producing most nearly the same color appearance. The crispening effect which was found in lightness was also found in each of the chromatic responses, green and violet; and the empirical formula derived for lightness contrast was found to apply with fair success to the observations of each of the five observers, each with a different set of constants.
Effects of attribute identification training on rule effects in an attribute identification transfer task

The hypothesis that attribute identification (AI) pretraining would reduce or eliminate rule effects in AI tasks was investigated. Ss were given 0, 4, or 8 AI problems based on the same rule prior to transfer to a final AI problem. Results indicated that familiarity with AI problems was not a key factor in eliminating rule effects in transfer. Implications for a two-component model of concept learning were discussed.
Testing Concrete in Torsion: Instability Analysis and Experiments

Torsion tests have been used to evaluate the shear response of concrete. The complete load-deformation response of unnotched concrete specimens subjected to torsion is difficult to obtain because of test instabilities. In this paper torsional tests with a closed-loop test system are performed on hollow concrete cylinders. The test instability is shown to be a result of snapback in the postpeak part of the torque-twist response of these specimens. The failure is a result of the propagation of a single major crack. A test signal that is a combination of torque and gauge rotation is introduced and is demonstrated to give improved control by eliminating the test instability. The response of concrete specimens subjected to both controlled and uncontrolled torsion tests, using specially designed test equipment, are presented and analyzed in terms of propagation of a single major crack.
The functions of animal microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs. Hundreds of miRNA genes have been found in diverse animals, and many of these are phylogenetically conserved. With miRNA roles identified in developmental timing, cell death, cell proliferation, haematopoiesis and patterning of the nervous system, evidence is mounting that animal miRNAs are more numerous, and their regulatory impact more pervasive, than was previously suspected.
Representing knowledge about linear programming formulation

This paper describes a system, LPFORM, that enables users to design linear programming models interactively, using graphics. An output of the system is an algebraic statement of the model and data references that are subsequently used to generate the input for a solver in the standard MPS format. The emphasis of this paper is on the types of knowledge one has on the submodels that make up larger models and how this knowledge can be organized.