cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histologic patterns of liver injury induced by anti-PD-1 therapy.

Background Nivolumab and pembrolizumab-two monoclonal antibodies that block human programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)-have been successfully used to treat patients with multiple advanced malignancies. The histologic patterns of hepatic toxicity induced by anti-PD-1 treatment have not been well studied and the aim of this study was to explore them. Methods Eight patients with advanced malignancies who were treated with either nivolumab or pembrolizumab were identified from five institutions. These patients had no history of underlying liver disease and a viral hepatitis panel was negative in all patients. Results Seven of eight patients exhibited mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice after anti-PD-1 treatment. Significant elevations in liver-chemistry tests were detected in all patients. Six cases (6/8) demonstrated an acute lobular hepatitis pattern of histologic injury. The remaining two cases showed different histologic patterns of injury: steatohepatitis with mild cholestasis (1/8) and pure acute cholestatic injury (1/8). No case showed typical features of autoimmune hepatitis. The liver function recovered in all eight cases after cessation of anti-PD-1 agents and with immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusions Our study suggests that screening patients for abnormal liver-function tests prior to anti-PD-1 therapy as well as periodic monitoring of liver-function tests are necessary to prevent severe liver injury. Rather than causing classical autoimmune hepatitis, PD-1 inhibitors appear to produce an immune-mediated nonspecific acute hepatitis. Drug cessation, without steroid therapy, may therefore be sufficient in some patients.
A Feminist Perspective on Sexual Assault

Feminist discourse has investigated sexual assault and its philosophical characteristics over the past several decades. In this chapter, we review the way rape, sexual assault, and sexual violence have been addressed in six different schools of feminist thought. The more recent theory knitting feminist ideologies for a holistic view of sexual assault identified the need for the phenomenon of sexual assault to be viewed from an intersectional feminist perspective in order to bring the many facets of sexual assault into consideration. The identities of the perpetrator, victims, bystanders, and people within the intuitions that address sexual assault all matter in this discourse. Power dynamics around components such as gender, race, sexual orientation, and citizenship must all be taken into account when considering the phenomenon of sexual assault in the world. While there are common threads of sexual violence through all assaults, approaching sexual assault with a myopic view may result in the oppression of individuals based on the intersection of their identities. This chapter ends with recommended actions an individual can take to address the problem of sexual assault.
No longer a historical ailment: two cases of childhood scurvy with recommendations for bone health providers.

Scurvy, due to vitamin C deficiency, is commonly referenced as a “forgotten” or “historical” disease. A growing number of case reports challenge this notion. Bone health providers are often consulted early in the presentation of scurvy to evaluate musculoskeletal complaints resulting from impaired collagen production and disrupted endochondral bone formation. In this report, we describe two cases of childhood scurvy. Our objective is to summarize the key features of scurvy for bone health providers, with the goal of raising awareness and facilitating diagnosis in future cases. Case one occurred in a 12-year-old non-verbal, non-ambulatory female on a ketogenic diet for refractory epilepsy. Clinical findings included hemarthrosis, transfusion dependent anemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and epiphysiolysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multi-focal bone marrow signal abnormalities and physeal irregularities. Case two occurred in a typically developing 5-year-old male presenting with limp and knee pain. Symptoms progressed despite casting and immobilization. Mild anemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and multi-focal marrow and physeal MRI abnormalities were identified. Subsequent dietary history revealed total absence of fruit or vegetable consumption. The diagnosis of scurvy was confirmed in both cases by undetectable plasma vitamin C concentrations. Treatment with vitamin C led to rapid clinical improvement. Scurvy can no longer be considered a historical diagnosis and should not be forgotten when evaluating children with musculoskeletal ailments. Early recognition of the signs, symptoms, and imaging findings of scurvy can reduce the clinical burden of this disease with the timely initiation of vitamin C therapy.
The impact of fluid optimisation before induction of anaesthesia on hypotension after induction

Intra-operative hypotension is a known predictor of adverse events and poor outcomes following major surgery. Hypotension often occurs on induction of anaesthesia, typically attributed to hypovolaemia and the haemodynamic effects of anaesthetic agents. We assessed the efficacy of fluid optimisation for reducing the incidence of hypotension on induction of anaesthesia. This prospective trial enrolled 283 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and randomly allocated them to goal-directed fluid therapy (n = 142) or standard fluid therapy (n = 141). Goal-directed fluid therapy patients received fluid optimisation based on stroke volume response to passive leg raise before induction; those with positive passive leg raise received intravenous crystalloid fluid boluses until stroke volume was optimised. Baseline mean arterial pressure was measured on the morning of surgery and on arriving in the operating theatre. This post-hoc analysis defined haemodynamic instability as either a > 30% relative drop in mean arterial pressure compared with baseline or absolute mean arterial pressure < 55 mmHg, within 15 min of induction. Forty-two (30%) goal-directed fluid therapy patients underwent fluid optimisation after finding an intravascular fluid deficit via passive leg raise testing; 106 (75%) goal-directed fluid therapy and 112 (79%) standard fluid therapy patients met criteria for haemodynamic instability. There was no significant difference in the incidence of haemodynamic instability between the goal-directed fluid therapy and standard fluid therapy groups using absolute mean arterial pressure drop below 55 mmHg (p = 0.58) or using pre-surgical testing or pre-surgical mean arterial pressure values as baseline (p = 0.21, p = 0.89, respectively); however, the difference in the incidence of haemodynamic instability was significant using the operating theatre baseline mean arterial pressure (p = 0.004). We conclude that fluid optimisation before induction of general anaesthesia did not significantly impact haemodynamic instability.
Deep Contactless Fingerprint Unwarping

Contactless fingerprints have emerged as a convenient, inexpensive, and hygienic way of capturing fingerprint samples. However, cross-matching contactless fingerprints to the legacy contact-based fingerprints is a challenging task due to the elastic and perspective distortion between the two modalities. Current cross-matching methods merely rectify the elastic distortion of the contact-based samples to reduce the geometric mismatch and ignore the perspective distortion of contactless fingerprints. Adopting classical deformation correction techniques to compensate for the perspective distortion requires a large number of minutiae-annotated contactless fingerprints. However, annotating minutiae of contactless samples is a labor-intensive and inaccurate task especially for regions which are severely distorted by the perspective projection. In this study, we propose a deep model to rectify the perspective distortion of contactless fingerprints by combining a rectification and a ridge enhancement network. The ridge enhancement network provides indirect supervision for training the rectification network and removes the need for the ground truth values of the estimated warp parameters. Comprehensive experiments using two public datasets of contactless fingerprints show that the proposed unwarping approach, on average, results in a 17% increase in the number of detectable minutiae from contactless fingerprints. Consequently, the proposed model achieves the equal error rate of 7.71% and Rank-1 accuracy of 61.01% on the challenging dataset of ‘2D/3D’ fingerprints.
Adapting parent engagement strategies for an evidence-based parent-mediated intervention for young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder.

AIMS Aims included (a) characterizing provider feedback on parent engagement strategies integrated into a parent-mediated intervention for toddlers at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and (b) identifying provider characteristics that predict attitudes about parent engagement strategies. METHODS A mixed method approach was utilized, including gathering quantitative data via survey (breadth) and collecting qualitative data via interview (depth). Acceptability, utility, appropriateness, sustainment, generalizability, and perceived effectiveness were examined. Fourteen agency leaders and 24 therapists provided input. RESULTS Providers perceived the integration of parent engagement strategies as having a positive impact on implementation. Providers considered the strategies to be acceptable, appropriate, and effective, though barriers of time and complexity were noted. Provider characteristics did not consistently predict attitudes about the engagement strategies. CONCLUSIONS Incorporating parent engagement strategies into parent-mediated interventions for ASD is well-received by providers and may improve quality of service delivery for families served in early intervention for ASD.
Heart Diseases Image Classification Based on Convolutional Neural Network

Currently, deep learning, especially convolutional neural network (CNN), has been widely applied in imaging and computer vision application due to the good accuracy in image classification and pattern recognition tasks. In this paper, a simple CNN model is built for heart diseases image classification. This simple CNN model is directly trained by the heart diseases images without using transfer learning of the pre-trained networks. The pre-trained networks such as AlexNet and GoogLeNet have been widely used in image processing applications. However, these pre-trained networks are trained by non-medical images; non-medical images and medical images have significant differences. Therefore, the CNN models using transfer learning of these pre-trained networks may not be an optimized option for medical image processing. In this paper, our simple CNN model and the CNN models based on these pre-trained networks are applied for heart diseases image classification respectively. The simulation result demonstrates that our simple CNN model achieves higher image classification accuracy and less training time. Our paper provides a clue that a simple CNN model directly trained by medical images may be a better option for medical image processing, compared with the CNN models using transfer learning of the pre-trained networks trained by non-medical images.
Labor Unions and White Democratic Partisanship

The Democratic Party’s declining support among white voters is a defining feature of contemporary American politics. Extant research has emphasized factors such as elite polarization and demographic change but has overlooked another important trend, the decades-long decline of labor union membership. This oversight is surprising, given organized labor’s long ties to the Democratic Party. I argue that the concurrent decline of union membership and white support for the Democratic Party is not coincidental, but that labor union affiliation is an important determinant of whites’ partisan allegiances. I test this using several decades of cross-sectional and panel data. I show that union-affiliated whites are more likely to identify as Democrats, a substantively significant relationship that does not appear to be driven by self-selection. Overall, these findings underscore the political consequences of union decline and help us to better understand the drivers of declining white support for the Democratic Party.
A Versatile Remediation Module for Remote Repair of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Waste Storage Containers

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) successfully demonstrated the Versatile Remediation Module (VRM), a prototype module designed and built by ORNL for on-site remote repair of welded stainless st...
Association of plasma and CSF cytochrome P450, soluble epoxide hydrolase, and ethanolamide metabolism with Alzheimer's disease.

Author(s): Borkowski, Kamil; Pedersen, Theresa L; Seyfried, Nicholas T; Lah, James J; Levey, Allan I; Hales, Chadwick M; Dammer, Eric B; Blach, Colette; Louie, Gregory; Kaddurah-Daouk, Rima; Newman, John W; Alzheimer’s Disease Metabolomics Consortium | Abstract: BackgroundAlzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and other cardiometabolic disorders may share inflammatory origins. Lipid mediators, including oxylipins, endocannabinoids, bile acids, and steroids, regulate inflammation, energy metabolism, and cell proliferation with well-established involvement in cardiometabolic diseases. However, their role in Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. Here, we describe the analysis of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid lipid mediators in a case-control comparison of ~150 individuals with Alzheimer's disease and ~135 healthy controls, to investigate this knowledge gap.MethodsLipid mediators were measured using targeted quantitative mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariates, adjusting for sex, age, and ethnicity. Partial least square discriminant analysis identified plasma and cerebrospinal fluid lipid mediator discriminates of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease predictive models were constructed using machine learning combined with stepwise logistic regression.ResultsIn both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, individuals with Alzheimer's disease had elevated cytochrome P450/soluble epoxide hydrolase pathway components and decreased fatty acid ethanolamides compared to healthy controls. Circulating metabolites of soluble epoxide hydrolase and ethanolamides provide Alzheimer's disease predictors with areas under receiver operator characteristic curves ranging from 0.82 to 0.92 for cerebrospinal fluid and plasma metabolites, respectively.ConclusionsPrevious studies report Alzheimer's disease-associated soluble epoxide hydrolase upregulation in the brain and that endocannabinoid metabolism provides an adaptive response to neuroinflammation. This study supports the involvement of P450-dependent and endocannabinoid metabolism in Alzheimer's disease. The results further suggest that combined pharmacological intervention targeting both metabolic pathways may have therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease.
Outcomes with COVID-19 in hematopoietic stem cell transplant and cellular therapy patients

7033Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused over 25 million infections in the US with over 0.4 million deaths. Hematogenic stem cell transplant (HCT) or cellular therapy (CT)...
Advanced mass balance characterization and fractionation of algal biomass composition

Opportunities associated with biomass production and bioproduct isolation from algae-derived feedstocks are plentiful and promising; however, there are challenges associated with realizing these applications. One of the most important, and often overlooked, challenges is the lack of availability of a strong foundation of compositional analysis methods validated on microalgal biomass. Currently, compositional analysis in algae is dominated by the use of interference-prone methods, a lack of full mass balance accounting, and the use of top-down approaches that bin all unaccounted-for mass into a single category, such as carbohydrates. We present here an approach based on a bottom-up algal biomass characterization aimed at moving towards, and highlighting the importance of, full and accurate mass closure to achieve the maximum economic potential from a sustainable and renewable feedstock. Algal biomass representing three genera, Nannochloropsis, Scenedesmus, and Monoraphidium, was subjected to a cell rupture and fractionation process, followed by detailed characterization of each fraction to determine the partitioning of measured and unknown components. The goal of this work is to identify where the missing components partition, and develop a strategy to close the mass balance or identify the unknowns, while utilizing a rigorous characterization approach for characterizing algal biomass. Although only 75–80% of the biomass was accounted for, the fractionation approach utilized here provides key insight into possible chemical components for future investigations.
Growth Regulators, Animal

The growth of animals can be defined as an increase in mass of whole body, tissue(s), organ(s), or cell(s) with time. Improved understanding of the control of metabolic aspects of growth has provided the opportunity to regulate animal growth. Improvement of rate and efficiency of growth benefits the producer. Improvement in composition of meat animals benefits the producer through more efficient gain and greater value, and benefits the processor through less labor requirement for trimming and removal of fat. The consumer benefits by receiving a quality, desirable food at a cost reflective of efficient production. Four general classes of growth regulators are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food-producing animals in the United States. These include naturally occurring and synthetic estrogens and androgens, ie, anabolic steroids; ionophores; antibiotics; and bovine somatotropin. Compounds in the first class, anabolic steroids, act as metabolism modifiers to alter nutrient partitioning toward greater rates of protein synthesis and deposition, thereby increasing the weight at which 25 to 30% lipid content in the body or carcass is achieved. Ionophores have highly selective antibiotic activity and appear to enhance feed conversion efficiency through effects on ruminal microbes. Antibiotics, administered at subtherapeutic doses, enhance growth through improving feed conversion efficiency and/or growth rate, with no consistent effect on body or carcass composition. Two other classes of growth regulators, ie, somatotropin or somatotropin secretogogues, and select synthetic phenethanolamines, have been investigated for the ability to alter growth; no compound in either class has yet been approved by the FDA for use in animals raised for meat. In 1993, the FDA approved administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin for increasing milk production in dairy cows. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine thoroughly evaluates the proposed use of any compound, natural or synthetic, used in food-producing animals for human food safety, safety to the animal of intended use, and safety to the environment.
Distributed compressive sensing vs. dynamic compressive sensing: improving the compressive line sensing imaging system through their integration

In recent years, a compressive sensing based underwater imaging system has been under investigation: the Compressive Line Sensing (CLS) imaging system. In the CLS system, each line segment is sensed independently; with regard to signal reconstruction, the correlation among the adjacent lines is exploited via the joint sparsity in the distributed compressive sensing model. Interestingly, the dynamic compressive sensing signal model is also capable of exploiting the correlated nature of the adjacent lines through a Bayesian framework. This paper proposes a new CLS reconstruction technique through the integration of these different models, and includes an evaluation of the proposed technique using the experiment dataset obtained from an underwater imaging test setup.
Abstract P106: Physical Activity and Atrial Fibrillation in NHANES III

Background: The impact of physical activity (PA) on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) is complex and controversial. The goal of this study was to examine the cross-sectional relationships between PA and AF in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Methods: Self-reported type and level of PA was evaluated in 19,620 NHANES III participants (mean age 47.3±20.7y; 47% men; 42.0% non-Hispanic white, 27.6% non-Hispanic black, 26.6% Hispanics). We defined prevalent AF via ECG or by the presence of an irregular radial pulse palpated during physical examination in those excluded from ECG examination (suspected AF was an exclusion criteria for ECG). Logistic regression was adjusted for demographics (age, sex, and race), history of cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke and heart failure), and cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking). Results: Presumed AF was found in 1191 participant (6.07%). AF prevalence was higher in participants who felt being less active (n=365, 8.2%) as compared to those who felt the same (n=497, 5.5%) or more active (n=329, 5.4%) than most men/women of the same age (Chi square P<0.0001). Feeling of being more active compared with most men/women of the same age was associated with a lower rate of AF (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.72-0.84; P<0.0001). However, feeling of being more active compared with ten years ago was not associated with AF (OR 1.01; 95%CI 0.91-1.12); P=0.888). Doing gardening or yard work was associated with lower prevalence of AF (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.51-0.66; P<0.0001), whereas running or jogging was associated with higher AF prevalence (OR 1.27; 95% 1.05-1.53; P=0.013). Bicycling, swimming, aerobics, dancing, calisthenics, and weight lifting did not have a significant association with AF. No interaction of PA with age, sex, or race was observed. Conclusion: Low-intensity leisure PA and high perceived personal PA compared to age/sex matched peers are associated with lower prevalence of AF in a large sample of the adult United States population. These results could have potential implications on the types of physical activity recommended for individuals at risk of AF.
Pathophysiology of reproductive failure after clomiphene-induced ovulation.

Abstract Seventy patients with infertility were evaluated after clomiphene-induced ovulation to determine the cause of the low rate of conception and subsequent viable pregnancy. Ovarian function was measured employing the usual clinical techniques. In a select group of four, plasma luteotropic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were measured and ovarian biopsies were obtained. From these studies two groups could be defined. The first group was found to have normal luteal function followed by a relatively high incidence of successful pregnancy. The second group demonstrated abnormal luteal function with only one successful pregnancy. Ovarian biopsies from 2 patients in the second group showed inadequate luteinization of the granulosa cells; a finding which appeared to correlate with abnormal gonadotropin stimulation. These data would suggest that gonadotropin requirements for adequate corpus luteum function are separate from those required for ovulation.
Effects of Spindle Speed on Turning Stability

Machining stability study for rough cuts suggests that low speeds impart instability. However, bifurcated states could be staged in between with increasing speeds. Therefore it cannot be concluded that speed increase would always result in stability. Using the cutting model presented in [1] and [2], critical DOCs are seen to increase with the increase of speed. Cutting force amplitude oscillations are determined by the nonlinearity of the force, not by speed increments. While both the tool and workpiece show similar instability stages most of the times, however, when it is closer to the critical depth-of-cut, the tool reaches instability first before the workpiece does. In contrast to the observation, when DOC is less than 1.00mm, most of the times when system is unstable, only the workpiece or the tool is unstable, but not both.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A novel method of human B cell activation by liposomes coated with Fab′ fragments of anti-IgM

A novel method for activating fresh human B cell, using liposomes decorated with Fab' fragments of anti-human IgM antibodies (immunoloposomes), is described. In our immunoliposome preparation, more than 80% of Fab' were efficiently bound to liposomes and over 95% of the vesicles were uniformly coated with Fab'. Immunoliposomes could activate fresh B cells from peripheral blood of normal donors at least 100-fold better than soluble F(ab')2 fragments, as detected by [3H]uridine uptake. Such activation was also reflected in the enlarged cell size and highly increased [3H]thymidine uptake by B cells when human B cell growth factor (BCGF) was added. Density of Fab' on the liposomes surface did not affect the efficacy of immunoliposomes. The activation of B cells by immunoliposomes was short lived (less than 3 days), due perhaps to rapid internalization of the vesicles by B cells.
Technique of the transabdominal uncut Collis-Nissen fundoplication

Antireflux operations are commonly performed in infants and children with complicated gastroesophageal reflux. The Nissen fundoplication has emerged as the “gold standard” antireflux procedure, although troublesome problems with wrap slippage over the stomach, complete or partial wrap disruption, and herniation of the wrap into the posterior mediastinum are frequent complications, leading to recurrent symptoms of reflux and a difficult reoperative procedure. We presently perform the uncut Collis-Nissen fundoplication as a primary antireflux procedure. This operation is particularly useful in the treatment of children with failed Nissen fundoplication. In this report, we describe our technique of performing this operation through a transabdominal approach and outline the advantages of the procedure.
Increased Light Transport in Skin Using Mechanical Compression

The complex morphological structure of skin with its variations in the indices of refraction of components therein provides a highly scattering medium for visible and near-infrared wavelengths of light. “Tissue optical clearing” increases transmission of near-collimated light in biological tissue, potentially enabling improved optical analysis and treatment techniques. Numerous methods of tissue optical clearing have been hypothesized using hyperosmostic agents [1]. These methods propose reduction in light scattering by means of dehydration of tissue constituents, replacement of interstitial or intracellular water with higher refractive agents, or structural modification or dissociation of collagen fibers [2]. It has been suggested that dehydration of tissue constituents alone can reduce light scattering by expulsing water between collagen fibrils, increasing protein and sugar concentrations, and decreasing refractive index mismatch [3].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Instructor Use of Eye Position Based Feedback for Pilot Training

We conducted an 18 month study on the implementation and evaluation of a portable eye tracking system in a training environment. The system was used by F-16 simulator instructors to provide instructional feedback to F-16 student pilots during flight simulator training missions. The head-mounted components of the eye tracking system consist of a two-dimensional eye position measurement system and a miniature video scene camera. When displayed on a video monitor, a cursor corresponding to the student's line of sight allows the instructor to follow the student's visual scan pattern. The portable system can be used in a number of environments and applications to objectively assess visual behavior, to develop effective visual behavior, and to enhance training. In addition, the companion, real-time, automated analysis system can analyze, quantify, and summarize scan path behavior from recorded videotape.
A Note on Short-time Response of Two-dimensional Lattices during Dynamic Loading

The disordered 2D lattices are used extensively to study damage evolution and fracture of inhomogeneous or multi-phase systems. The present note addresses their initial elastic response during dynamic loading. Namely, a transition from short-time values of modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio to respective long-time values, which is not accompanied by the corresponding change of stiffness tensor components. The study is performed on three 2D truss-type lattices. It is demonstrated that the difference between the two sets of elastic properties is a result of combining effects of the initial lateral inertia and the disorder of the system.
The Helium Question

Helium appears indispensable for certain energy-related uses that may be important 50 years from now, when helium-bearing natural gas, a much cheaper source than air, may be exhausted. Present demand, however, is lower than productive capacity, and much helium is being dissipated into the atmosphere as natural gas is burned for fuel. Controversy over the need for a government-directed helium-conservation program reflects fundamental differences in viewpoints on the economic future of industrial society, on the limits of substitution of labor and capital for a depleting resource, and on intergenerational equity and risk-bearing.
Quality of Care in Diabetes: Understanding the Guidelines

We are in the midst of a global pandemic of diabetes. Despite the increasing burden of the disease, measurements of quality repeatedly show poor adherence to or implementation of current guidelines for diabetes care. This article will provide a brief review of the most significant randomized controlled clinical trials relevant to the current guidelines and then discuss essential treatment goals and the evidence that supports them. Several practical clinical questions related to the implementation of modern diabetes guidelines will be raised and answered. Finally, reasons for the poor quality performance observed will be examined.
Review: Rosiglitazone increases risk for cardiovascular outcomes and mortality compared with pioglitazone in type 2 diabetes

Source Citation Loke YK, Kwok CS, Singh S. Comparative cardiovascular effects of thiazolidinediones: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ. 2011;342:d1309. 21415101
Extreme makeover : Daiyu and baochai in two early sequels to Honglou meng

The paper attempts to make sense of two radically changed characters in two early sequels to Honglou meng. One is the managerial Daiyu of Hou Honglou meng, the other is the military Baochai of Honglou fumeng. The analysis begins with a comparison to oral literature, especially the genre known as zidishu. It concludes that the likeliest influences lie elsewhere, perhaps in such vernacular novels as Shuihu zhuan and the rhymed prosimetric text Zaisheng yuan. Readerly dissatisfaction with the parent novel certainly also played a role. There are some grounds on which to argue that women readers had input into Baochai's transformation, although the case cannot be made for sure.
Involvement of DNA-PKcs in the type I IFN response to CpG-ODNs in conventional dendritic cells in TLR9-dependent or -independent manners.

CpG-ODNs activate dendritic cells (DCs) to produce interferon alpha (IFNα) and beta (IFNβ). Previous studies demonstrated that Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) deficient DCs exhibited a residual IFNα response to CpG-A, indicating that yet-unidentified molecules are also involved in induction of IFNα by CpG-A. Here, we report that the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) but not Ku70 deficient BMDCs showed defective IFNα and IFNβ responses to CpG-A or CpG-B. Loss of both DNA-PKcs and TLR9 further reduced the IFNα response to CpG-A. These DNA-PKcs and TLR9 effects were mediated by their downstream Akt/mTORC1 pathway and downstream events IRAK1 and IKKα. Loss of DNA-PKcs, TLR9, MyD88 or IRAK4 impaired phosphorylation of Akt(S473), S6K, S6, IRAK1, or IKKα in BMDCs in response to CpG-ODNs. The residual IFNα and IFNβ in DNA-PKcs-deficient BMDCs were partially responsible for the induction of IL-6 and IL-12 by CpG-ODNs and their stimulatory effect was blocked by IFNAR1 neutralizing antibodies. Further analysis indicated that CpG-ODN associated with DNA-PKcs and Ku70, and induced DNA-PKcs’s interaction with TRAF3. Intriguingly, DNA-PKcs but not Ku70 expression level was reduced in TLR9-deficient BMDCs. Taken together, our data suggest that DNA-PKcs is an important mediator in the type I IFN response to CpG-ODNs in TLR9-dependent or -independent fashions.
Global space-based inter-calibration system (GSICS): a status report

The Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS) is an international collaboration to build an operational system for the inter-calibration of a variety of meteorological satellite instruments. GSICS is a critical thread that links individual observation systems for integration into the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). This paper reviews the four categories of satellite instrument inter-calibration, reports on recent progress and current status of GSICS, and presents preliminary results from a prototype system.
Social Control Across Immigrant Generations: Adolescent Violence at School and Examining the Immigrant Paradox

Abstract Social control predicts adolescent violence; however, there is limited research about the extent to which social control explains adolescent violence across immigrant generations. Because it is estimated that one out of four children in the United States has at least one immigrant parent, understanding the correlates of violence for adolescents in immigrant families warrants investigation. This study explores whether and how the adolescent associations between social control (i.e., attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief) and school-based misconduct and victimization vary across immigrant generations. Data are drawn from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002. Findings indicate important nuances related to immigrant generation in the conceptual links between social control and adolescent violence. For instance, attachment to school is linked to decreased misconduct for third-plus generation adolescents but a potential factor toward misconduct for first generation adolescents. The implications of the relationships between social control and adolescent violence across immigrant generations are discussed more generally.
Performance of the applied materials PI9000 series ion implantation systems

Abstract Since the introduction in September 1985, the PI9000 has been established in production, and this has permitted much characterisation data to be obtained. Data is presented in the areas of particulates, low dose uniformity, photoresist implantation, wafer temperature, contamination and charging. Also the system has undergone some significant improvements: a new 200 mm wafer capability, a new computer controller, and reliability enhancements. Reliability data and analysis are also presented.
Protective immunity to ricin toxin conferred by antibodies against the toxin's binding subunit (RTB)

The B subunit (RTB) of ricin toxin is a galactose-/N-acetyl galactosamine-specific lectin that promotes attachment and entry of ricin into host cells. RTB is also the archetype of the so-called R-type lectin family, whose members include haemagglutinins of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) progenitor toxins, as well as the binding subunits of cytolethal distending toxins. Although RTB is an appealing subunit vaccine candidate, as well as a potential target for immunotherapeutics, the degree to which RTB immunization elicits protective antibodies against ricin toxin remains unresolved. To address this issue, groups of mice were immunized with RTB and then challenged with 5×LD(50)s of ricin administered intraperitoneally. Despite high RTB-specific serum antibody titers, groups of RTB immunized mice were only partially immune to ricin challenge. Analysis of a collection of RTB-specific B cell hybridomas suggested that only a small fraction of antibodies against RTB have demonstrable neutralizing activity. Two RTB-specific neutralizing monoclonal IgG(1) antibodies, 24B11 and SylH3, when passively administered to mice, were sufficient to protect the animals against a 5×LD(50) dose of ricin. Both 24B11 and SylH3 blocked ricin attachment to terminal galactose residues and prevented toxin binding to the surfaces of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM), suggesting that they function by steric hindrance and recognize epitopes located on RTB's carbohydrate recognition sub-domains (1α or 2γ). These data raise the possibility of using specific RTB sub-domains, rather than RTB itself, as antigens to more efficiently elicit neutralizing antibodies and protective immunity against ricin.
Changes in HL-A antigen profiles on SV40-transformed human fibroblasts

Abstract The histocompatibility antigen profile of human fibroblasts transformed with SV40 virus has been investigated by determining their ability to specifically absorb HL-A alloantisera. Four out of four human adult skin fibroblast lines acquired, after SV40 transformation, the ability to absorb the HL-A alloantiserum VICTOR directed against the specificities HL-A5, W5. On the contrary, none of six embryonic fibroblast lines showed any qualitative or quantitative change of their HL-A antigenic profile. Similarly, murine, monkey and hamster cells could not absorb the activity of the HL-A alloantiserum VICTOR after SV40 transformation. It is suggested that the ‘new HL-A antigen’ specificity on human fibroblasts after SV40 transformation may be due to either a cross-reaction between HL-A specificities and antigenic structures present on glycoprotein(s) coded by the viral genome and expressed on the cell or to a change in the regulating mechanism of the expression of histocompatibility antigens on the cell surface, should the genetic information for all the HL-A specificities be present in the cell genome.
Individuation In Facework: Theoretical Implications From A Study Of Facework In Medical School Admissions*

In analyzing the process of facework engaged in by medical students in applying for medical school admission, data were collected on a number of theoretical problems which are in need of greater research and empirically-based theorizing. In terms of theory on facework, it was found that future research is needed into the stages of individuation and normalization. In terms of theory on professional socialization, analyses are required which reveal (1) the interpenetration of multiple socialization processes which invididuals participate in simultaneously; and (2) how individuals may use specific socialization processes to prepare them for multiple identities and roles.
Apiose. III. A synthesis of methyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-D-apio-D-furanoside involving intramolecular acetal migration, and stereospecific synthesis of apiose methyl ethers

Abstract Under anhydrous methanolysis conditions, methyl 2,3- O -isopropylidene-β- D -apio- D -furanoside (methyl 3- C -hydroxymethyl-2,3- O -isopropylidene-β- D -erythrofuranoside, 4 ) can be prepared in high yield from 1,2- O -isopropylidene-α- D -apio L -furanose ( 1 ). The acetal migration was shown to be intramolecular; and the furanose ring opened and re-formed at the other primary hydroxyl during the reaction, thus inverting the configuration at C-3. Pfitzner-Moffatt oxidation of 4 gave an aldehyde, the stable oxime of which was shown to have the syn configuration. Starting from 1 and 4 , the four possible methyl tri- O -methyl-- D -apiosides were synthesized, and it was confirmed that apiose occurs with the D -furano configuration in apiin.
Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 Differentially Regulate Epithelial Chloride Secretion

Intestinal epithelia are in intimate contact with subepithelial and intraepithelial lymphocytes. When stimulated, mucosal lymphocytes generate cytokines that act locally and influence functional aspects of many cell types. We have previously defined functional epithelial receptors for interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, and a recently described IL-4-like cytokine IL-13. In this study, we examine the ion transport properties of T84 cells, a crypt-like epithelial cell line, following exposure to IL-4 and IL-13. Basolateral exposure of epithelial monolayers to both IL-4 and IL-13 attenuated epithelial barrier function and increased paracellular flux of a dextran marker by greater than 65% in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Stimulated Cl- secretion, as measured by epithelial short circuit current, however, was diminished only by IL-4 and not IL-13, demonstrating cytokine specificity in this epithelial function. Decreased Cl- secretion following IL-4 exposure was associated with diminished Cl- channel activity and IL-4 pretreatment of epithelia decreased expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. Finally, stimulated fluid transport across cultured epithelia was diminished following exposure to IL-4, but not IL-13. These results indicate that while post-receptor signaling events induced by IL-13 and IL-4 may be similar, end point function is cytokine-specific.
Community colleges and their communities: Collaboration for workforce development

The new vocationalism combines academic and vocational skill development in response to economic needs and improves articulation across educational levels. To develop their ability to successfully implement this approach, community colleges in the United States are developing a diverse range of partnerships and collaborative arrangements with various community sectors including employers, industry representatives, public schools, universities, and community agencies to create a variety of vocational education opportunities. In this article, the author uses examples to illustrate the nature of, incentives for, and challenges of these diverse community college partnerships and collaborations.
Response of medial telencephalic neurons to stimulation in reinforcing sites in the medial forebrain bundle and ventral tegmental area

Abstract Responses of 361 single units recorded extracellularly in various medial telencephalic loci (⩽2.5 mm from midline) to stimulation in behaviorally-verified, intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) sites were studied in rats lightly anesthetized with halothane. Trains of 100 Hz stimulation in ICSS sites at behaviorally effective intensities produced widespread effects on telencephalic neurons; 78% showed a short-term response (duration
Climate change in the Tahoe basin: regional trends, impacts and drivers

The purpose of this study was to quantify the decadal-scale time trends in air temperature, precipitation phase and intensity, spring snowmelt timing, and lake temperature in the Tahoe basin, and to relate the trends to large-scale regional climatic trends in the western USA. Temperature data for six long-term weather stations in the Tahoe region were analyzed for trends in annual and monthly means of maximum and minimum daily temperature. Precipitation data at Tahoe City were analyzed for trends in phase (rain versus snow), decadal standard deviation, and intensity of rainfall. Daily streamflow data for nine gaging stations in and around the Tahoe basin were examined for trends in snowmelt timing, by two methods, and an existing record for the temperature of Lake Tahoe was updated. The results for the Tahoe basin, which contrast somewhat with the surrounding region, indicate strong upward trends in air temperature, a shift from snow to rain, a shift in snowmelt timing to earlier dates, increased rainfall intensity, increased interannual variability, and continued increase in the temperature of Lake Tahoe. Two hypotheses are suggested that may explain why the basin could be warming faster than surrounding regions. Continued warming in the Tahoe basin has important implications for efforts to manage biodiversity and maintain clarity of the lake.
Size dependence of the third-order susceptibility of copper nanoclusters investigated by four-wave mixing

We report on the observation of the forward degenerate four-wave mixing in four composite samples with Cu nanoclusters embedded in fused silica. The mean diameters of the copper particles in the four samples were 5, 7, 10, and 13 nm. The independent tensor elements of optical Kerr susceptibility were measured with different wave-mixing polarizations by use of 35-ps laser pulses from a mode-locked, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. The measured third-order susceptibilities were on the order of 10−9–10−8 esu; the response time of the nonlinearity is faster than the laser pulse duration. The experimental results are consistent with a d−3 size dependence predicted for quantum-confined conduction band electrons in Cu nanoclusters.
Diagnosis and management in children with severe and protracted constipation and obstipation.

One hundred nineteen patients with obstipation were managed with a specific regimen, of which a primary objective was to differentiate between those patients requiring either extensive organic investigations or prolonged combinations of medical and psychotherapy from those who might respond to medical management alone. A second objective was to effect permanent clearing of the symptoms in the patients who can be treated solely with medical care. The rationale of the regimen and the excellent results obtained in this group as well as a review of the subject of constipation and obstipation are presented.
Effects of diphenylthiocarbazone and diethyldithiocarbamate on the excretion of thallium by rats.

Abstract The effect of diphenylthiocarbazone and diethyldithiocarbamate on the excretion and distribution of thallium in rats was determined. Diphenylthiocarbazone-treated rats excreted a greater amount of thallium than control rats, the increased excretion being primarily in the feces. Diethyldithiocarbamate also enhanced the excretion of thallium, but here the effect involved the urinary and fecal routes about equally. The drugs were approximately equipotent at the dosages at which the comparison was made. That dosage represented a maximal response for diethyldithiocarbamate. Internal redistribution of thallium is not marked as a result of treatment. Diphenylthiocarbazone mobilized thallium from all organs to approximately the same degree.
Conformational variability in an enzyme's active site: resonance Raman evidence for different acyl group conformations in N-acylglycine and N-acylalanine dithioacyl papains

It is demonstrated that the vibrational modes associated with the catalytically labile region of N-acylalanine dithioacyl papains undergo a major reorganization compared to the normal modes of corresponding model compounds. Thus, the resonance Raman (RR) spectrum of, e.g., N-benzoylalanine dithioacyl papain and its response to isotopic labeling cannot be understood completely on the basis of the RR spectrum of N-benzoylalanine ethyl dithio ester in one of its known conformational states [detailed in Lee, H., Angus, R. H., Storer, A. C., Varughese, K. I., & Carey, P. R. (1988) Biochemistry (preceding paper in this issue)]. This situation contrasts sharply to that for N-acylglycine dithioacyl papains whose RR spectra closely resemble those of the corresponding N-acylglycine ethyl dithio esters in a conformational state known as conformer B. For the N-acylalanine intermediates two possible causes are put forward to explain the rearrangement of the normal modes. First, the acyl groups based on alanine may bind in papain's active site in a conformation whose torsional angles near the -C(=S)S-group differ markedly from those of characterized model compounds. The second, and presently favored, explanation is that the N-acylalanine moiety is binding in the active site in an A- or C5-like conformation and that, in addition, there is significant vibrational coupling between some of the normal modes of the bound substrate and the normal modes associated with parts of the enzyme in contact with the substrate. The finding that deacylation for N-acylglycine or N-acylalanine dithioacyl papains must proceed from structures which are different is an indication that the mechanism of deacylation may not have strict stereochemical requirements.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)