cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of complicated appendicitis: Is conservative management as smooth as it seems?

Abstract Background This study characterized the failure rate of non-operative management (NOM) for complicated appendicitis (CA; perforation, abscess, phlegmon), and compared outcomes among patients undergoing acute appendectomy (AA), elective interval appendectomy (EIA), and unplanned appendectomy after failing to improve with NOM. Methods Adults treated at one facility between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively studied. Results Ninety-five patients presented with CA. Sixty individuals underwent AA. The remaining 35 patients initially underwent NOM: 14 underwent EIA, nine (25.7%) failed NOM, 12 never underwent surgery. All patients failing NOM had an open operation with most (55.6%) requiring bowel resection. AA and EIA were comparable in surgical approach, bowel resection and post-operative readmission. However, AA demonstrated a lower incidence of bowel resection (3.3% vs 17.1%, P = 0.048) when compared to all patients initially undergoing NOM. Conclusions Due to the high incidence of failed NOM and the morbidity associated with failure, AA may be appropriate for CA.
Associations of early life urinary triclosan concentrations with maternal, neonatal, and child thyroid hormone levels.

Abstract Background Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used in some consumer products, reduces endogenous thyroid hormone concentrations in rodents. Despite ubiquitous triclosan exposure and the importance of thyroid hormones for normal fetal development, few human studies have examined the impact of triclosan exposure on maternal, neonatal, or child thyroid hormones. Methods In the HOME Study, a prospective cohort from Cincinnati, OH, we measured urinary triclosan concentrations up to three times in pregnant women between 16 weeks and delivery, and up to three times in children between age 1–3 years. We quantified serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone and total and free thyroxine and triiodothyronine in mothers at 16-weeks gestation (n = 202), neonates at delivery (n = 274), and children at age 3 years (n = 153). We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in thyroid hormones with a 10-fold increase in triclosan using linear regression and multiple informants models. Results Triclosan was not associated with thyroid hormones during pregnancy. We observed a few associations of triclosan concentrations with thyroid hormone concentrations in neonates at delivery and children at age 3 years. Higher gestational triclosan, particularly around the time of delivery, was associated with lower cord serum total thyroxine (β: 0.3 μg/dL; 95% CI: − 0.6, − 0.0). Childhood triclosan, particularly at age 1 year, was positively associated with total thyroxine at age 3 years (β: 0.7 μg/dL; 95% CI: 0.3, 1.2). Conclusion Our findings suggest that triclosan exposure may influence some features of neonatal and early child thyroid function. Given the large number of comparisons we made, these findings should be replicated in other cohorts.
Widespread distribution of OH/H 2 O on the lunar surface inferred from spectral data

Remote sensing data from lunar orbiters have revealed spectral features consistent with the presence of OH or H2O on the lunar surface. Analyses of data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper spectrometer onboard the Chandryaan-1 spacecraft have suggested that OH/H2O is recycled on diurnal timescales and persists only at high latitudes. However, the spatial distribution and temporal variability of the OH/H2O, as well as its source, remain uncertain. Here we incorporate a physics-based thermal correction into analysis of reflectance spectra from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper and find that prominent absorption features consistent with OH/H2O can be present at all latitudes, local times, and surface types examined. This suggests the widespread presence of OH/H2O on the lunar surface without significant diurnal migration. We suggest that the spectra are consistent with the production of OH in space weathered materials by the solar wind implantation of H+ and formation of OH at crystal defect sites, as opposed to H2O sourced from the lunar interior. Regardless of the specific composition or formation mechanism, we conclude that OH/H2O can be present on the Moon under thermal conditions more wide-ranging than previously recognized.
Air monitoring at large public electronic cigarette events.

Abstract Background Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) conventions bring hundreds to thousands of e-cigarette users together socially regularly across the world. E-cigarette secondhand exposures to chemicals in this environment, likely the public setting with the highest concentration of e-cigarette secondhand aerosol, have not been characterized. Methods Air sampling for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, nicotine, and propylene glycol was conducted at three e-cigarette conventions and one smaller event from April 2016 to March 2017 in three states in the Southeastern United States. Volunteers attended the events as members of the public and wore backpacks containing air sampling pumps. Control sampling was conducted when venues were crowded for non-e-cigarette events. Additional control sampling was conducted in two venues when they were empty. Results Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations during e-cigarette events were comparable to background concentrations. The median formaldehyde concentrations during events, crowded control events, and empty control events were 12.0, 10.5, and 12.5 μg/m3, respectively. The median acetaldehyde concentrations during events, crowded control events, and empty control events were 9.7, 15.5, and 3.5 μg/m3, respectively. Propylene glycol and nicotine were not detected during control sampling. The median nicotine concentration during events was 1.1 μg/m3. The median propylene glycol concentration during events was 305.5 μg/m3. Conclusion Results indicate e-cigarette secondhand exposures are sources of elevated nicotine and propylene glycol exposures. Secondhand exposures to e-cigarettes did not contain consistently elevated concentrations of formaldehyde or acetaldehyde. Additional research is needed to characterize exposures via inhalation to propylene glycol at concentrations measured in this study.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation Versus Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Control of Inflammation

Abstract About 5%–7% of the general population in Western societies are affected by immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (El-Gabalawy et al., 2010) that include, but are not limited to, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In the United States, there are more than 1 million people suffering from IBD (Kappelman et al., 2007; Loftus, 2004). The prevalence is increasing. Although a number of medications are available for the treatment of symptoms of IBD, they do not cure the diseases and about one-third of patients with IBD will have to undergo surgical resection (El-Gabalawy et al., 2010) Therefore, novel and effective therapies are needed for IBD.
Writing Autobiography to Develop Culturally Responsive Competency: Teachers' Intersections of Personal Histories, Cultural Backgrounds and Biases

Abstract This study investigated elementary school teachers’ and pre-service teachers’ autobiographies for developing Culturally Responsive Competency (CRC). The study’s purpose was to engage participants in reflecting about their personal histories, cultural backgrounds and biases; making connections with the impact these have on interactions with culturally diverse students, and CRC. The data consisted of written autobiographies, excerpt read-alouds and a semi-structured interview. The findings indicated that teachers’ writing, sharing and reflecting on their autobiographies was an effective strategy to develop CRC, which teachers would transfer into their classrooms. Conclusions highlighted positive implications for teachers’ CRC and awareness of transcultural classroom dynamics; teacher educators’ responsibility in developing and modeling CRC; and the need for further research on specific strategies in this field.
Evoked haptic sensations in the hand via non-invasive proximal nerve stimulation.

Objective. Haptic perception of a prosthetic limb or hand is a crucial, but often unmet, need which impacts the utility of the prostheses. In this study, we seek to evaluate the feasibility of a non-invasive transcutaneous nerve stimulation method in generating haptic feedback in a transradial amputee subject as well as intact able-bodied subjects. Approach. An electrode grid was placed on the skin along the medial side of the upper arm beneath the short head of the biceps brachii, in proximity to the median and ulnar nerves. Varying stimulation patterns were delivered to different electrode pairs, in order to emulate different types of sensations (Single Tap, Press-and-Hold, Double Tap) at different regions of the hand. Subjects then reported the magnitude of sensation by pressing on a force transducer to transform the qualitative haptic perception into a quantitative measurement. Main results. Altering current stimulations through electrode pairs on the grid resulted in repeatable alterations in the percept regions of the hand. Most subjects reported spatial coverage of individual fingers or phalanges, which can resemble the whole hand through different pairs of stimulation electrodes. The different stimulation patterns were also differentiable by all subjects. The amputee subject also reported haptic sensations similar to the able-bodied subjects. Significance. Our findings demonstrated the capabilities of our transcutaneous stimulation method. Subjects were able to perceive spatially distinct sensations with graded magnitudes that emulated tapping and holding sensation in their hands. The elicitation of haptic sensations in the phantom hand of an amputee is a significant step in the development of our stimulation method, and provides insight into the future adaptation and implementation of prostheses with non-invasive sensory feedback to the users.
The Desmosomal Cadherin Desmoglein-2 Experiences Mechanical Tension as Demonstrated by a FRET-Based Tension Biosensor Expressed in Living Cells.

Cell-cell junctions are critical structures in a number of tissues for mechanically coupling cells together, cell-to-cell signaling, and establishing a barrier. In many tissues, desmosomes are an important component of cell-cell junctions. Loss or impairment of desmosomes presents with clinical phenotypes in the heart and skin as cardiac arrhythmias and skin blistering, respectively. Because heart and skin are tissues that are subject to large mechanical stresses, we hypothesized that desmosomes, similar to adherens junctions, would also experience significant tensile loading. To directly measure mechanical forces across desmosomes, we developed and validated a desmoglein-2 (DSG-2) force sensor, using the existing TSmod Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) force biosensor. When expressed in human cardiomyocytes, the force sensor reported high tensile loading of DSG-2 during contraction. Additionally, when expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial or epidermal (A431) monolayers, the sensor also reported tensile loading. Finally, we observed higher DSG-2 forces in 3D MDCK acini when compared to 2D monolayers. Taken together, our results show that desmosomes experience low levels of mechanical tension in resting cells, with significantly higher forces during active loading.
Determination of lead in urine by atomic absorption spectroscopy using coprecipitation with bismuth

Abstract Lead is separated from urine by coprecipitation with bismuth nitrate preparatory to analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The procedure may be used in determining lead in freshly voided specimens and also in partially decomposed urines. The presence of bismuth in the analyte is compatible with the analysis and suppresses interferences from sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphates. This determination is relatively simple, rapid, and may be performed in a routine clinical laboratory. Single determinations can be done in about 15 minutes and a run of 10 determinations per hour. Lead, added to urine in quantities of up to 100 μg per liter is recovered with a precision of 99 per cent and a standard deviation of 4.5 per cent. In patients with lead poisoning undergoing therapy with chelating agents, this procedure is not suitable nor is it necessary since the urine contains sufficient lead to be determined directly without prior concentration. Since the summer of 1964, this method has been used in confirming the diagnosis of plumbism in 24 children. Over 100 urine specimens obtained from patients with other diseases and healthy individuals served as controls.
The Role of Serotonin in Depression

Abstract A substantial body of research has developed concerning the role of serotonin (5-HT) in the etiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The first section of this chapter summarizes the clinical evidence implicating alterations of the serotonergic system in the etiology of MDD. A general serotonin vulnerability has been proposed as a major risk factor in MDD, consisting of the composite risk factors from different components of 5-HT transmission. The effects of abnormal 5-HT synthesis, receptor function and genetic polymorphisms are discussed. The second section reviews some of the preclinical models and tests that are used to measure depressive behaviors and the efficacy of antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This section is focused on models that are commonly used in rodent species. Models and tests that require either acute or chronic antidepressant administration to achieve behavioral alterations are covered. The third section reviews the preclinical (rodent) literature concerning the role of individual 5-HT receptors in the development and pharmacological treatment of depressive behaviors. The effects of 5-HT depletion and of manipulation of the 5-HT transporter are also discussed. Although identifying the 5-HT receptors that support the therapeutic effects of SSRIs may lead to the development of more effective antidepressant drugs with fewer side effects, it is unclear whether the complete antidepressant effect of SSRIs can be reproduced by a single selective 5-HT receptor agonist or antagonist.
Short range order in NiMo alloys: Structural considerations

Abstract The structural aspects of short range ordering in the NiMo system is discussed. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the 1 1 2 O SRO peaks and the occurrence of non-conservative antiphase boundaries within microdomains possessing either the Ni4Mo or the Ni2Mo superstructures. The initial stages of the transition from the SRO to the LRO states is believed to involve the transformation of non-conservative APB's to the conservative type.
Circular Dichroism Studies of Electron-Transport Components

Publisher Summary Optical activity spectroscopy is a recognized tool for the examination of the conformation of biological macromolecules. This chapter discusses Ootical rotary dispersion (ORD) and circular dichroism (CD). They are two interrelated modes of the optical activity spectrum. ORD is the wavelength dependence of the ability of a chromophore to rotate a plane of linearly polarized light. The spectrum from a single transition is composed of a positive and a negative component, and has finite optical activity throughout the entire spectrum except at the wavelength of the transition. CD, on the other hand, is the wavelength dependence of the difference in the ability of the chromophore to absorb right- and left-handed circularly polarized light. The nature of the spectrum is that of an absoption band in solution, but the band could be either positive or negative. This absorption-dispersion profile of the optical activity spectrum is called a Cotton effect. ORD and CD profiles are interconvertible by a well-established mathematical transformation. CD spectroscopy has been the more prevalently used mode of optical activity spectroscopy because of the simplification of the spectrum resulting from its property of vanishing in all other areas of the spectrum except within the region of an optically active absorption band
Abstract SY40-01: The hippo pathway in growth, regeneration, and cancer

The Hippo pathway is crucial in organ size control and its dysregulation contributes to tumorigenesis. Core components of the Hippo pathway include the protein kinases of MST1/2, MAP4Ks, LATS1/2, the transcription co-activators YAP/TAZ and their DNA binding partners TEADs. LATS phosphorylates YAP/TAZ to promote cytoplasmic localization and degradation, thereby inhibiting YAP/TAZ and cell growth. The Hippo pathway is regulated by a wide range of signals, including cell density, GPCR, cellular energy levels, and mechanical cues. We will present our recent progresses on Hippo pathway regulation and its role in cancer. The emerging role of the Hippo pathway in tumorigenesis suggests potential therapeutic value of targeting this pathway for cancer treatment. Citation Format: Kun-Liang Guan. The hippo pathway in growth, regeneration, and cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr SY40-01.
Transcriptional control of M13 phage DNA replication.

M13 belongs to the group of small filamentous coliphages containing single- stranded circular DNA of 2 × 106 molecular weight (1). The phage does not kill the host but leaks out of intact and multiplying cells (2,3). Thus it behaves like an autonomously multiplying lytic phage except for lysis of the host. Jaenisch et al. (4) showed that M13 messenger RNA has an unusually long half-life of at least 18 min. On the other hand, Roy (5) showed that rifampicin and actino-mycin D inhibit phage synthesis almost immediately after addition to the infected culture. It appeared reasonable to us to look into the effects of rifampicin on M13 DNA replication in wild-type and rifampicin-resistant strains of Escherichia coli.
LVAD Woes: Lub-Dub, Lub-Dub, Lub-Dub…or Maybe Not!

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are designed to assist left ventricular output in patients with severe cardiomyopathy. There are two types of LVADs: pulsatile flow and continuous flow. As with any implantable device, there is always a risk of complications. Some common complications include ventricular arrhythmias, infections, stroke, worsening heart failure, and bleeding from anticoagulation. Additionally, although reliable, the devices can malfunction or become thrombosed. LVAD patients can be complex and early involvement of the LVAD team that normally cares for the patient can be helpful.
Ramalina flaccidissima (Ramalinaceae) is the correct name for the lichen taxon currently known as R. terebrata

The two frequent Ramalina species in southern South America are R. laevigata Fr., which has abundant apothecia, and R. terebrata Hook. f. & Taylor, which lacks apothecia but has abundant sorediate ...
Frenkel–Holstein Hamiltonian applied to absorption spectra of quaterthiophene-based 2D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites

For the prototypical two-dimensional hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (2D HOIPs) (AE4T)PbX4 (X = Cl, Br, and I), we demonstrate that the Frenkel–Holstein Hamiltonian (FHH) can be applied to describe the absorption spectrum arising from the organic component. We first model the spectra using only the four nearest neighbor couplings between translationally inequivalent molecules in the organic herringbone lattice as fitting parameters in the FHH. We next use linear-response time-dependent density functional theory (LR-TDDFT) to calculate molecular transition densities, from which extended excitonic couplings are evaluated based on the atomic positions within the 2D HOIPs. We find that both approaches reproduce the experimentally observed spectra, including changes in their shape and peak positions. The spectral changes are correlated with a decrease in excitonic coupling from X = Cl to X = I. Importantly, the LR-TDDFT-based approach with extended excitonic couplings not only gives better agreement with the experimental absorption line shape than the approach using a restricted set of fitted parameters but also allows us to relate the changes in excitonic coupling to the underlying geometry. We accordingly find that the decrease in excitonic coupling from X = Cl to Br to I is due to an increase in molecular separation, which in turn can be related to the increasing Pb–X bond length from Cl to I. Our research opens up a potential pathway to predicting optoelectronic properties of new 2D HOIPs from ab initio calculations and to gain insight into structural relations from 2D HOIP absorption spectra.
“We’re All in This Boat Together”: Latina/Chicana Embodied Pedagogies of Care

In this article, we present narratives that illustrate how Latina/Chicana teachers embody care through their pedagogical practices and interpersonal relationships with their Latinx students. We ide...
Two-Fold Reduction of Switching Current Density in Phase Change Memory Using Bi₂Te₃ Thermoelectric Interfacial Layer

High switching current density has been a key bottleneck for phase change memory (PCM) technology. Here, we demonstrate interfacial thermoelectric heating (TEH) as a promising way of tackling this challenge. We use TEH induced by a thin Bi2Te3 interfacial layer to demonstrate $\sim 2\times $ reduction of reset current density ( ${J} _{\text{reset}}$ ) and power ( ${P} _{\text{reset}}$ ) compared to control PCM devices based on Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). Measurements of polarity-dependent reset current and power in well-cycled devices reveal the strong TEH caused by the Bi2Te3 interfacial layer. The TEH origin of ${J} _{\text{reset}}$ reduction is further confirmed by electro-thermal simulations. Such TEH-engineered PCM devices are scalable with the bottom electrode diameter and thus could be promising for high density data storage applications.
Secure and Resilient Control of ROSs

A Robot Operating System (ROS) plays a significant role in organizing industrial robots for manufacturing. With an increasing number of robots, operators integrate a ROS with networked communications to share the data. This cyber-physical nature exposes the ROS to cyber attacks. This chapter proposes an integrated cyber-physical solution to secure control of ROS agents using impact-aware lightweight cryptography and cyber-aware control design. We use the cyber states to capture the well-being of the cyber system under the lightweight encryption scheme. To model the incomplete information of the defender on the cyber state, we use a Partially Observed Markov Decision Process (POMDP) to design an impact-aware defense mechanism that makes the ROS resilient to the attacks and mitigates the cyber-physical risks. Finally, we show that the proposed scheme provides a high-confidence control of delay-sensitive ROS in the numerical experiments. The results also show a strong inter-dependency between physical parameters and cyber performance.
High-speed characterization of two-phase flow and bubble dynamics in titanium felt porous media for hydrogen production

Abstract Bubble dynamics and two-phase flow phenomena are closely related to the performance of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). This paper reports an in-situ study of the oxygen bubble behavior and associated multiphase evolutions in the anode side of PEMECs with titanium (Ti) felt liquid gas diffusion layers (LGDLs) by a high-speed visualization system. The micro oxygen bubble dynamics was captured and analyzed at different locations and virous operating conditions. The results show that the bubble detachment frequency and detachment diameter greatly increase with the operating current density. Additionally, they are significantly impacted by the local pore structure and morphology of Ti felt LGDLs. In the flow channels, there exist only several discrete micro bubbles at a low current density (0.04 A/cm2) and a large flow velocity (133 mm/s). At a current density (0.2 A/cm2) and a flow velocity (67 mm/s), a number of gas slugs are formed in the follow channels, in addition to discrete micro bubbles. At a high current density (1 A/cm2) and a flow velocity (67 mm/s), more bubbles appear in the channel, and the flow field is dominated by slug or annular flows. These investigations can help to better understand the two-phase flow and bubble detachment mechanism, and provide a foundation for electrochemical reaction, multiphase flow studies and optimize the design of gas diffusion layers and flow fields for PEMECs in the future.
The Impact of Medication Cost on Dialysis Patients

Americans spend more money on prescription drugs than any other nation in the world. In 2018, spending on medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, in the United States was $1229 per person. This cost really sets us apart from most other countries (1). In Europe, the second-largest pharmaceutical market after the United States, governments negotiate with the drug companies directly, limiting what their health systems pay. The US free market economy, however, does not allow for direct negotiation with drug companies. Instead, the compensation of numerous stakeholders (from insurance companies to pharmacy benefit managers) is negotiated throughout the pharmacy supply chain, adding considerably to the final cost of medications (2). The result of these drug cost disparities is that people in the United States are far more likely to do without medications due to cost concerns. One in five US adults (11% of all patients) said they failed to complete a prescribed course of medicine because of cost. People with CKD and ESKD are even more profoundly affected by medication costs. Among patients enrolled on Medicare, per person per year out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D covered drugs in 2018 were $440 for all patients with ESKD, $381 for those on hemodialysis, and $569 for those on peritoneal dialysis (3). Between 2009 and 2018, total Medicare Part D spending, in inflation-adjusted dollars, rose by approximately 80% in those with ESKD (from US$1.9 billion to US$3.4 billion) and by approximately 50% in those without ESKD (from US$44.0 billion to US$67.3 billion). This increase is due to both the increased numbers of patients with CKD and ESKD, and to higher …
(Re)defining success in language learning: by Katie A. Bernstein, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2020, 200 pp., $39.95 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-7889-2898-4

(Re)defining Success in Language Learning by Katie A. Bernstein explores the very important question of how student success is defined in the classroom and how perceptions of success impact languag...
Current Sensing Front-Ends: A Review and Design Guidance

Sensors link the physical and electronic worlds, finding uses in environmental, automotive, industrial, communication, and medical applications, among many more. Here, current-output sensors and current-sensing front-ends are reviewed, aiming to provide readers comprehensive design guidance from both sensor and circuit perspectives. Starting from the transduction method, capacitive, resistive, diode/FET-based, and MEMS sensors are individually reviewed with a focus on applications, circuit models, and nonidealities that must be considered for the front-end design. This is followed by a discussion of current-sensing front-ends, including transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), current conveyors (CC), current-to-frequency ( ${I}$ -to- ${F}$ ) converters, and current-mode delta-sigma (I- $\Delta \Sigma $ ) modulators. Each front-end is analyzed in terms of gain, bandwidth, stability, noise, and general design considerations are presented. State-of-the-art works for each front-end are then reviewed, and tradeoffs between different architectures are discussed.
Mathematical Modeling of a Two Spool Flow Control Servovalve Using a Pressure Control Pilot 1

A nonlinear dynamic model for an unconventional, commercially available electrohydraulic flow control servovalve is presented. The valve is a two-stage valve and differs from the conventional servovalve in that it does not require a feedback wire and ball, and the boost stage uses two spools, instead of a single spool, to meter flow into and out of the valve separately. Consequently, the valve is significantly less expensive. The proposed model captures the nonlinear and dynamic effects not present in previous models. The model has been coded in Simulink and experimentally validated.
On the Complexity of Relational Problems for Finite State Processes (Extended Abstract)

We study the complexity of the following three relational problems: Let ∼ be a binary relation on finite state processes; let p0 be a fixed finite state process; and let π be a nontrivial predicate on finite state processes such that x and y are weakly bisimilar implies π(x) = π(y). (i) P1: Determine for processes p and q, if p ∼ q; (ii) P2 Determine for process p, if p ∼ p0; and (iii) P3: Determine for process p, if π(p) = true. We study the complexities of these problems, when processes are represented by sequential transition systems and by parallel composition of transition systems (with and without hiding). A number of results are obtained for both representations.
Meta-analysis of KRAS mutations and survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Background In patients with advanced colorectal cancer, KRAS mutation status predicts response to treatment with monoclonal antibody targeting the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). Recent reports have provided evidence that KRAS mutation status has prognostic value in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM) irrespective of treatment with chemotherapy or anti-EGFR therapy. A meta-analysis was undertaken to clarify the impact of KRAS mutation on outcomes in patients with resectable CLM. Methods PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically to identify full-text articles reporting KRAS-stratified overall (OS) or recurrence-free (RFS) survival after resection of CLM. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 per cent c.i. from multivariable analyses were pooled in meta-analyses, and a random-effects model was used to calculate weight and overall results. Results The search returned 355 articles, of which 14, including 1809 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies reported OS after resection of CLM in 1181 patients. The mutation rate was 27·6 per cent, and KRAS mutation was negatively associated with OS (HR 2·24, 95 per cent c.i. 1·76 to 2·85). Seven studies reported RFS after resection of CLM in 906 patients. The mutation rate was 28·0 per cent, and KRAS mutation was negatively associated with RFS (HR 1·89, 1·54 to 2·32). Conclusion KRAS mutation status is a prognostic factor in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases and should be considered in the evaluation of patients having liver resection.
Soundness and completeness theorems for three formalizations of action

Instead of trying to compare methodologies for reasoning about action on the basis of specific examples, we focus here on a general class of problems, expressible in a declarative language A. We propose three translations, P, R and B from A, representing respectively the first order methods of reasoning about action proposed by Pednault and Reiter and the circumscriptive approach of Baker. We then prove the soundness and completeness of these translations relative to the semantics of A. This lets us compare these three methods in a mathematically precise fashion. Moreover, we apply the methods of Baker in a general setting and prove a theorem which shows that if the domain of interest can be expressed in A, circumscription yields results which are intuitively expected.
Gamma-Ray Lines from SN1987A and Interpretation

Gamma-ray lines from the decay of 56Co in the SN1987A remnant have been detected by satellite and balloon experiments. The observations directly confirm the basic theoretical tenet that 56Ni was explosively synthesized in the aftermath of core collapse of the blue super giant Sanduleak - 69 202. The flux level of the 56Co lines at 847 keV and 1238 keV, from the Gamma-Ray Spectometer (GRS) on the SMM satellite, is consistent with a constant level from 1987 August through 1988 May. The early appearence of the γ-ray lines and the continuum reported by the Ginga and Mir-Kvant satellite experiments require mixing, or clumping of a few percent of the newly synthesized 56Ni in the expanding envelope. Results from balloon experiments, which are in the preliminary stage of analysis, do not give clear evidence for γ-ray line shifts from rest energies with a limit ΔE/E ≤ 0.002, nor is there definitive evidence, at this time, of line splitting, but γ-ray line widths are clearly wider than instrument resolution at ΔE/E ≤ 0.02. The continuum (50–500) keV/line ratio has stayed approximately constant at 8 from 1987 August to 1988 May indicating the origin of the continuum from Compton down-scattering of deeper lying 56Co and lines from 56Co at smaller γ-ray optical depths. Future balloon flights of the most sensitive high-resolution spectrometers, planned for 1988 November and 1989 April, are expected to be able to detect weaker γ-ray lines at a flux level of ~ 10−4 γ cm−2 s−1 for the 847 keV line. SN1987A was just close enough to the Earth to confirm theory with existing instruments. In this report we review only γ-ray line results, since the continuum observations have been reviewed by Professor Trumper in this session.
Lack of manifestations of diazoxide/5-hydroxydecanoate-sensitive KATP channel in rat brain nonsynaptosomal mitochondria.

Pharmacological modulation of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel (mitoKATP) sensitive to diazoxide and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) represents an attractive strategy to protect cells against ischaemia/reperfusion- and stroke-related injury. To re-evaluate a functional role for the mitoKATP in brain, we used Percoll-gradient-purified brain nonsynaptosomal mitochondria in a light absorbance assay, in radioisotope measurements of matrix volume, and in measurements of respiration, membrane potential (ΔΨ) and depolarization-induced K+ efflux. The changes in mitochondrial morphology were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Polyclonal antibodies raised against certain fragments of known sulphonylurea receptor subunits, SUR1 and SUR2, and against different epitopes of K+ inward rectifier subunits Kir 6.1 and Kir 6.2 of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel of the plasma membrane (cellKATP), were employed to detect similar subunits in brain mitochondria. A variety of plausible blockers (ATP, 5-hydroxydecanoate, glibenclamide, tetraphenylphosphonium cation) and openers (diazoxide, pinacidil, chromakalim, minoxidil, testosterone) of the putative mitoKATP were applied to show the role of the channel in regulating matrix volume, respiration, and ΔΨ and K+ fluxes across the inner mitochondrial membrane. None of the pharmacological agents applied to brain mitochondria in the various assays pinpointed processes that could be unequivocally associated with mitoKATP activity. In addition, immunoblotting analysis did not provide explicit evidence for the presence of the mitoKATP, similar to the cellKATP, in brain mitochondria. On the other hand, the depolarization-evoked release of K+ suppressed by ATP could be re-activated by carboxyatractyloside, an inhibitor of the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT). Moreover, bongkrekic acid, another inhibitor of the ANT, inhibited K+ efflux similarly to ATP. These observations implicate the ANT in ATP-sensitive K+ transport in brain mitochondria.
Hilbert Series of Group Representations and Gröbner Bases for Generic Modules

Each matrix representation \pi\!: G \longrightarrow {\rm GL}_n({\cal K})of a finite Group G over a field {\cal K} induces an action of G on the module {\cal A}^n over the polynomial algebra {\cal A}={\cal K}[x_1, \ldots , x_n] The graded {\cal A}\hbox{-submodule} M(Π) of {\cal A}^n generated by the orbit of (x_1, \ldots ,x_n) is studied. A decomposition of M(Π) into generic modules is given. Relations between the numerical invariants of Π and those of M(Π), the latter being efficiently computable by Grobner bases methods, are examined. It is shown that if Π is multiplicity-free, then the dimensions of the irreducible constituents of Π can be read off from the Hilbert series of M(Pi;). It is proved that determinantal relations form Grobner bases for the syzygies on generic matrices with respect to any lexicographic order. Grobner bases for generic modules are also constructed, and their Hilbert series are derived. Consequently, the Hilbert series of M(Pi;) is obtained for an arbitrary representation.
Affinity chromatography of RecA protein and RecA nucleoprotein complexes on RecA protein-agarose columns

We have analyzed the nature of RecA protein-RecA protein interactions using an affinity column prepared by coupling RecA protein to an agarose support. When radiolabeled soluble proteins from Escherichia coli are applied to this column, only the labeled RecA protein from the extract was selectively retained and bound tightly to the affinity column. Efficient binding of purified 35S-labeled RecA protein required Mg2+, and high salt did not interfere with the binding of RecA protein to the column. Complete removal of the bound enzyme from the affinity column required treatment with guanidine HCl (5 M) or urea (8 M). These and other properties suggest that hydrophobic interactions contribute significantly to RecA protein subunit recognition in solution. Using a series of truncated RecA proteins synthesized in vitro, we have obtained evidence that at least some of the sequences involved in protein recognition are localized within the first 90 amino-terminal residues of the protein. Based on the observation that RecA proteins from three heterologous bacteria are specifically retained on the E. coli RecA affinity column, it is likely that this binding domain is highly conserved and is required for interaction and association of RecA protein monomers. Stable ternary complexes of RecA protein and single-stranded DNA were formed in the presence of the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) and applied to the affinity columns. Most of the complexes formed with M13 DNA could be eluted in high salt, whereas a substantial fraction of those formed with the oligonucleotide (dT)25-30 remained bound in high salt and were quantitatively eluted with guanidine HCl (5 M). The different binding properties of these RecA protein-DNA complexes likely reflect differences in the availability of a hydrophobic surface on RecA protein when it is bound to long polynucleotides compared to short oligonucleotides.
BRCA‐mutated Invasive Breast Carcinomas: Immunohistochemical Analysis of Insulin‐like Growth Factor II mRNA‐binding Protein (IMP3), Cytokeratin 8/18, and Cytokeratin 14

To evaluate the expression of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (IMP3), CK8/18, and CK14 in BRCA mutated and sporadic invasive breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry for IMP3, CK8/18, and CK14 was performed on 39 cases of invasive breast carcinomas with BRCA mutation (24 BRCA1, 14 BRCA2, and 1 dual BRCA1/BRCA2) and 54 cases of sporadic invasive breast carcinomas. The relationship between the IMP3, CK8/18, and CK14 and the tumor grade and molecular phenotypes were analyzed. IMP3, CK8/18, and CK14 positivity were present in 20 (51%), 22 (56%), and 14 (36%) of 39 BRCA-mutated breast carcinomas, and 11 (20%), 53 (98%), and 24 (44%) of 54 sporadic breast carcinomas respectively. The rates of IMP3 expression and absence of CK8/18 (44% versus 2%) in BRCA-mutated breast carcinomas was significantly higher than the sporadic breast carcinomas (p = 0.002 and p 0.05). In cases with luminal A and B phenotypes, the rates of expression of IMP3 and loss of CK8/18 were significantly higher in BRCA-mutated as compared to sporadic breast carcinoma (p < 0.001). In cases with basal-like phenotype, the absence of CK8/18 expression was significantly higher in BRCA-mutated breast carcinomas (54% versus 0%, p = 0.001), while no difference was observed for IMP3 expression (p = 0.435). Regardless of mutation type, histologic grade, or molecular phenotype, the absence of CK8/18 expression and presence of IMP3 expression are seen at much higher rate in BRCA mutated breast carcinomas.
The Electronic Structure of Crystalline Solids

Many important aspects of the electronic structure of crystalline solids can be under­stood by the application of symmetry concepts to the consideration of single electron wave functions. This chapter provides an elementary introduction to the principles and results of band theory which makes extensive use of the symmetry and reciprocal space concepts developed throughout the book. A major purpose of this chapter is to provide a rigorous but elementary overview which will enable those untutored in solid-state physics to comprehend and use the results of band structure calculations.
The significance of eosinophils in hypertrophic lichen planus

Hypertrophic lichen planus (LP) is a variant of LPfavoring the lower extremities and showing prominent epidermalhyperplasia and hyperorthokeratosis. Contrary to dogma thateosinophils are rare in LP and variants, we noticed that some cases ofhypertrophic LP have eosinophils in the absence of drug history.
Neutrals in southern pine tall oil

Black-liquor soap skimmings from commercial pulping of southern pine wood contained 4.8% neutrals by wt. The neutrals were quantitatively analyzed and more than 80 compounds found. All of the compounds that comprised 0.1% or more of the neutrals were identified; these included 0.3% α-terpineol, 2.5% diterpene hydrocarbons, 8.1% resin alcohols, 10.0% resin aldehydes, 0.5% resin acid methyl esters, 1.2% norditerpene alcohols, 16.8% labdane diterpenes, 2.1% other diterpenes, 32.4% steroids, 0.6% triterpenes, 0.7% polyprenols, 6.1% wax alcohols, 5.7% stilbenes, 4.4% lubricating oil, and 8.6% minor (<0.1%) constituents. Sitosterol, campesterol, stigmastanol, pinosylvin dimethyl ether, lignoceryl and ceryl alcohols, agathadiol, isoagatholal, communol, abietal, and diterpenes with the pimarane or isopimarane skeleton were the major components.
Rational design of a ratiometric fluorescent probe with a large emission shift for the facile detection of Hg2

A new ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescent probe for the highly selective, sensitive and facile detection of Hg2+ has been rationally developed.
Regulation of pre-mRNA splicing in metazoa

Recent studies have identified additional cis-acting sequence elements that can either positively or negatively regulate pre-mRNA splicing. Trans-acting protein factors involved in tissue-specific splicing regulation have been characterized. The functions of splicing factors have been explored in vivo and certain splicing factors have been demonstrated to be essential for proper development and cell viability. Kinases that can specifically phosphorylate splicing factors have been identified and phosphorylation has been shown to influence the activity of splicing factors, consistent with a role for phosphorylation in splicing regulation.
Nonuniform Friction as a Physical Basis for Earthquake Mechanics

A review of simple models and observations suggests that the main first-order features of active faulting — mechanical instability, the frequency—magnitude relations, seismic and aseismic slip, seismic radiation, incoherency and rupture stoppage — may be explained by a single characteristic of crustal faults: the spatial variation of the effective frictional stress, which resists slippage on faults. Fault offset data suggest that rupture propagation ceases in regions of high resistance which act as barriers. In these regions slippage is associated with negative stress drop. The spacing λ and the amplitude A(λ) of the barriers, as inferred from the frequency—magnitude and moment relation for earthquakes, obeys a simple statistical relation A(λ) ~ λρ. On the scale of particle motion, this variability of frictional stress provides a mechanical instability which may be associated with the concept of dynamic friction. Invariably, the rapid particle motion in the model is always preceded by accelerated creep. The particle acceleration is highly irregular, giving rise to an almost random acceleration record on the fault. The particle displacement is relatively smooth, giving rise to simple displacement time function in the far field. Rupture propagation time is approximately proportional to the gradient of frictional stress along the fault. Consequently sharp changes of this stress may cause multiple events and other long period irregularities in the fault motion.
Electron microscopic observations of the nucleus, glial dome, and meninges of the rat acoustic nerve.

The rat acoustic nerve is separated into central and peripheral portions by an astrocytic glial dome which is convex peripheralward. The long central portion is of typical central nervous system structure with narrow extracellular space (100–200 A in width), oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. The glial dome is penetrated by acoustic nerve fibers at a node of Ranvier; the basal lamina of the astrocytes is reflected back over the peripheral Schwann cells at this site. Centrally, the myelin is thinner than peripherally. Acoustic nerve neurons, ranging in size from 25–60 μ, occur in the central portion of the nerve and may be divided into two groups based upon size and density of organelles: large and medium-sized. All the neurons possess an eccentric nucleus and a peripheral clear zone in the perikaryon beneath which Nissl substance is aggregated, but the medium-sized neurons have fewer organelles than the large cells. Dendrites and axons are similar in ultrastructure. While collagenous fibrils, fibroblasts, Schwann cells and extensive extracellular space occur in the peripheral portion of the nerve, no structure corresponding to perineurium or epineurium exists. Instead, dura mater surrounds the acoustic nerve within the modiolus and the pia mater encloses bundles of nerve fibers up to the modiolar foramina where it is reflected back as arachnoid mater. Nerve fibers traversing the modiolar foramina are devoid of a meningeal or perineurial covering; this condition also prevails in the osseous spiral lamina, although wisps of pia-like cells enclose groups of ganglion cells and nerve fibers in the spiral tract. These findings may help to explain acoustic nerve involvement in pathological processes such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Next-to-leading-order study of dihadron production

The production of pairs of hadrons in hadronic collisions is studied using a next-to-leading-order Monte Carlo program based on the phase space slicing technique. Up-to-date fragmentation functions based on fits to CERN LEP data are employed, together with several versions of current parton distribution functions. Good agreement is found with data for the dihadron mass distribution. A comparison is also made with data for the dihadron angular distribution. The scale dependence of the predictions and the dependence on the choices made for the fragmentation and parton distribution functions are also presented. The good agreement between theory and experiment is contrasted with the case for single ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ production where significant deviations between theory and experiment have been observed.