cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frankfurter and Popular Constitutionalism

This Article reframes the way we think about Justice Frankfurter — not as a Warren Court antihero but as an opponent of judicial supremacy, forerunner of popular constitutionalism, and exemplar for scholars who criticize the Court's Affordable Care Act and other recent decisions as contemptuous of Congress and other elected branches. Frankfurter shared Jefferson's faith in the democratic political process and enlightened public opinion and distrusted courts as historically reactionary institutions that thwarted the popular will and social change. This is the first article to broaden the definition of popular constitutionalism beyond political and social movements and elected officials to include the Supreme Court justices themselves. By arguing that Justices can be popular constitutionalists, this Article links judicial restraint with popular constitutionalism. Frankfurter's judicial restraint stemmed from his belief that the democratic political process was a more enduring, effective, and legitimate method of protecting civil liberties and producing constitutional change. His last opinion, his dissent in Baker v. Carr, warned about the evils of judicial supremacy. Bush v. Gore and Citizens United made his Baker dissent seem prophetic. This Article invites scholars to rethink how Frankfurter's jurisprudence fits into the ongoing debate about the role of the Court and into progressive constitutional theories including popular constitutionalism.
On Minimizing One Dimension of Some Two-Dimensional Geometric Representations of Plane Graphs

Plane graphs are often represented within two-dimensional rectangular grids in the plane. In this paper, we consider the problem of minimizing one of its two dimensions for some two-dimensional geometric representations of plane graphs. We first prove that the one dimension tight bound for a rectangular dual of any plane graphs with n vertices is $\frac{n+1}{2}$. Then we present a linear time algorithm for constructing a rectangular dual for a randomly generated plane graph with n vertices, one of its dimensions has the expected value $\frac{11n}{27}+O(\sqrt{n})$. In the second part of our paper, we consider vertex-face contact representation (VFCR for short) for 2-connected plane multigraphs [9] and vertex-vertex contact representation (VVCR for short) for 2-connected bipartite plane graphs [1,2]. We prove that: (1) Given a 2-connected plane multigraph G with n vertices and a positive integer k , the decision problem on whether G admits a VFCR with its height (width, respectively) ≤ k is NP-Complete. (2) Given a 2-connected bipartite plane graph G with n vertices and a positive integer k , the decision problem on whether G admits a VVCR with one of its dimensions ≤ k is NP-Complete.
Soybean (Fermentation, Meal Oil)

Introduction Varieties and Composition Processing Soybeans for Oil and Meal Preparation and Handling Solvent Extraction Refining Soybean Oil Crude Oil Clarification Neutralization Bleaching Hydrogenation Deodorization Winterization Industrial Uses of Soybeans Soybean Protein Products Defatted Soybean Grits and Flour Soy Protein Concentrates Soy Protein Isolates Textured Soy Protein Processing of Whole Soybeans for Food Nonfermented Foods Fermented Foods Concluding Remarks Acknowledgments Bibliography Keywords: concentrates; extraction; fermented products; flour; isolates; meal; non-fermented products; processing; refining; soybean oil
Genistein converts Bcl-2 into a proapoptotic protein in Bcl-2 overexpressing MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5585 Genistein is a soy isoflavone with multiple anti-tumor properties. Downregulation of Bcl-2, a critical anti-apoptotic protein, is associated with genistein-induced apoptosis. More interestingly, Bcl-2 overexpression, which is frequently detected in breast cancers, is associated with a better prognosis. The goal of this project was to study the role of Bcl-2 in genistein mediated cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We first examined the effect of genistein on endogenous Bcl-2 protein and mRNA levels using Western blot and RT-PCR. Genistein induced Bcl-2 expression in MCF-7 cells at lower concentration but downregulated Bcl-2 expression at higher concentration, suggesting a bi-phasic effect. With little changes in Bax expression, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was modified in these cells upon genistein treatment. To study the effect of Bcl-2 overexpression on genistein mediated growth inhibition, we overexpressed Bcl-2 in MCF-7 cells and examined their responses to genistein using MTT and clonogenic assays. Surprisingly, overexpression of Bcl-2 rendered MCF-7 cells more sensitive to genistein. To study the mechanism underlying sensitization of MCF-7 cells; cyochrome c release and JC-1 staining was assessed as an apoptotic indicator. Cytochrome c increased significantly in the cytosol of genistein treated MCF-7/Bcl-2 cells, as compared to MCF-7 control cells. Modified cytochrome c release was accompanied by increased depolarization of mitochondrial membrane and the enrichment of Bcl-2 in mitochondrial fraction, suggesting regulation of mitochondrial permeability by Bcl-2 contributing to the sensitization. To test whether Bcl-2 overexpression modulates genistein-induced cell cycle arrest, we examined the cell cycle distribution of genistein treated cells. In contrast to the G1/G0 arrest in genistein treated MCF-7/control cells, G2/M arrest was the prominent in genistein treated MCF-7/Bcl-2 cells accompanied by increased induction of p21, but not p53 and p27. Our results indicate that genistein-Bcl-2 interaction is closely associated with genistein sensitivity, suggesting that genistein may convert Bcl-2 into a proapoptotic molecule in Bcl-2 overexpressing breast cancers. Therefore, Bcl-2 breast cancers overexpressing high levels of Bcl-2 might be benefited from soy/genistein mediated prevention or treatment.
Survey on the Management of Post Date Pregnancy

A survey of the members of the Society of Perinatal Obstetricians was conducted to determine the current strategies employed in the management of post term pregnancies. In November 1990 a questionnaire was mailed to 1,000 members and associates of The SPO. Six hundred seventy-nine (68%) questionnaires were returned. The results reflect that a variety of management strategies are employed in management of post term pregnancy. With uncertain dates, 91% of the responders intervene only if antepartum testing is abnormal. With certain dates at 287 days and a favorable cervix, 63% of the responders will induce labor. With an unfavorable cervix, 83% begin antepartum testing. At certain 294 days and a favorable cervix, 98% induced labor. If the cervix is unfavorable, 58% induced labor, the majority of the remainder initiate antepartum testing. The consensus of SPO members responding to this questionnaire is that antepartum testing should begin at 287 days and labor should be induced at 294 days.
Constrained codes for phase-change memories

Phase-change memories (PCMs) are an important emerging non-volatile memory technology that uses amorphous and crystalline cell states to store data. The cell states are switched using high temperatures. As the semi-stable states of PCM cells are sensitive to temperatures, scaling down cell sizes can bring significant challenges. We consider two potential thermal-based interference problems as the cell density approaches its limit, and study new constrained codes for them.
Islet cells replacement therapy.

Islet cell transplantation is an innovative means of treating patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The concept of disassembling a donor pancreas to isolate islets was first developed more than 30 years ago. Until recently, the successful clinical application of islet transplantation was largely limited to patients who underwent pancreatectomy for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and were administered their own islets to prevent diabetes. In the last few years, advances in our understanding of the critical islet mass needed and the immunosuppressive requirements have led to markedly improved results in islet allotransplantation. In this article, we describe the clinical and research aspects of islet cell replacement therapy.
A Mutation in the Nlrp3 Gene Causing Inflammasome Hyperactivation Potentiates Th17 Cell-Dominant Immune Responses

Missense mutations of the gene encoding NLRP3 are associated with autoinflammatory disorders characterized with excessive production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Here we analyzed the immune responses of gene-targeted mice carrying a mutation in the Nlrp3 gene equivalent to the human mutation associated with Muckle-Wells Syndrome. We found that antigen-presenting cells (APCs) from such mice produced massive amounts of IL-1beta upon stimulation with microbial stimuli in the absence of ATP. This was likely due to a diminished inflammasome activation threshold that allowed a response to the small amount of agonist. Moreover, the Nlrp3 gene-targeted mice exhibited skin inflammation characterized by neutrophil infiltration and a Th17 cytokine-dominant response, which originated from hematopoietic cells. The inflammation of Nlrp3 gene-targeted mice resulted from excess IL-1beta production from APCs, which augmented Th17 cell differentiation. These results demonstrate that the NLRP3 mutation leads to inflammasome hyperactivation and consequently Th17 cell-dominant immunopathology in autoinflammation.
Carbon cycling in coastal sediments: Estimating remineralization in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

Accurately estimating rates of remineralization of organic matter in sediments (early diagenesis) is a prominent problem for benthic ecologists as well as organic geochemists. McNichol et al. (1988) employed a novel approach to the problem by separating CO{sub 2} produced by respiration from CaCo{sub 3} dissolution, thus theoretically eliminating the need to measure the reduction of terminal electron acceptors in respiration (O{sub 2} NO{sub 3}, SO{sub 4} etc.). Pioneered by Emerson et al. (1980) and Sayles (1981) for deep-sea sediments, this method employs measurements of Ca{sup 2+} in porewater to differentiate between carbonate dissolution and respiration. McNichol et al. (1988) were able to plot metabolic CO{sub 2} profiles over the surface 20 to 30 cm of sediment over an annual cycle at a single station in Buzzards Bay, MA. They used the carbon dioxide profiles in a vertical exchange and reaction model to estimate total organic carbon remineralization per year. Lower Buzzards Bay where McNichol et al. (1988) worked is well studied because of its proximity to the research institutions in Woods Hole. It is the authors intention in this paper to compare the results of these older benthic metabolism studies in Buzzards Bay with those inferred from the modelmore » of the porewater carbon dioxide profile. The published data from three studies have been converted from mL O{sub 2} M{sup {minus}2}H{sup {minus}1} to millimoles and plotted over a 12-month period, thus illustrating the seasonal change in total benthic oxygen demand. The temperature data available at the sites plotted over the year have a somewhat similar patter, and as expected the oxygen demand correlates reasonably well with the temperature.« less
Robotic distal pancreatectomy and nephrectomy for living donor pancreas-kidney transplantation

Living organ donation is of increasing importance to satisfy the demand of good quality organs for patients remaining for extended periods on the waiting list. While the benefit for the recipient is undeniable, the organ procurement represents an important burden to live donors in terms of invasiveness and long-term consequences. The latter can be minimized with careful donor selection. With the avenue of minimally invasive surgery, and more recently the availability of robotic technology, the surgical trauma can be reduced, the safety increased, and the recovery accelerated. In this case report, we present the first reported combined robotic distal pancreatectomy and left nephrectomy from a live donor. The surgery was performed using the Da Vinci robotic system with four small trocar incisions, and a short infraumbilical midline incision for hand-assistance and extraction of the organ. The donor operation lasted 5 hr and blood loss was only 100 mL. Both donor and recipient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and present with normal endocrine and renal function 3 mo after surgery. In experienced hands, advanced surgical procedures such as combined distal pancreatectomy and left nephrectomy can be safely performed in living donors with minimally invasive robotic surgery, dramatically reduced surgical trauma, and impressive postoperative recovery. The availability of minimally invasive robotic surgery may further increase the willingness for live organ donation from suitable donors.
The "Hotels Loan Incubus" in Late Nineteenth-Century Jamaica

(2001). The “Hotels Loan Incubus” in Late Nineteenth‐Century Jamaica. The Historian: Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 99-116.
Development and maintenance of donor-specific chimerism in semi-allogenic and fully major histocompatibility complex mismatched facial allograft transplants.

Background. The clinical application of composite tissue allograft transplants opened the discussion on the restoration of facial deformities by allotransplantation. We introduce a hemifacial allograft transplant model to investigate the rationale for the development of operational tolerance across a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barrier. Material and Methods. Thirty rats were studied in five groups of six animals each. The composite hemiface isograft transplantations were performed in group 1. Allograft rejection controls included semi-allogenic transplantations from LBN (RT1 1+n ) donors (group 2) and fully allogenic transplantations from ACI (RT1 a ) donors (group 3) to LEW (RT1 1 ) recipients. In the allograft treatment groups, recipients of LBN (group 4) and ACI donors (group 5) were treated with cyclosporine A monotherapy (16 mg/kg/day, tapered to 2 mg/kg/day). Face allografts were evaluated clinically and histologically. Donor-specific chimerism for MHC class I RT1 n and RT1 a antigens was assessed by flow cytometry. Mixed lymphocyte reaction for donor-specific tolerance in vitro was tested at day 160 posttransplant. Results. Isograft controls survived indefinitely. All nontreated allografts rejected within 5 to 8 days posttransplant. Long-term survival was achieved in 100% of LBN (up to 400 days) and ACI (up to 330 days) recipients. At day 160, posttransplant donor-specific chimerism was present in recipients of LBN (10.14% CD4/RT1 n , 6.38% CD8/RT1 n , 10.02% CD45RA/RT1 n ) and ACI (17.54% CD4/RT1 a , 9.28% CDB/RT1 a ) transplants, and mixed lymphocyte reaction confirmed tolerance in recipients of LBN transplants and moderate reactivity in recipients of ACI allografts. Conclusion. Operational tolerance was induced in hemiface allograft transplants across an MHC barrier under cyclosporine A monotherapy protocol. It was associated directly with the presence of multilineage donor-specific chimerism.
Potassium isotope abundances in Australasian tektites and microtektites

We report electron microprobe determinations of the elemental compositions of 11 Australasian layered tektites and 28 Australasian microtektites; and ion microprobe determinations of the 41 K/ 39 K ratios of all 11 tektites and 13 of the microtektites. The elemental compositions agree well with literature values, although the average potassium concentrations measured here for microtektites, 1.1-1.6 wt%, are lower than published average values, 1.9-2.9 wt%. The potassium isotope abundances of the Australasian layered tektites vary little. The average value of δ 41 K, 0.02 ± 0.12‰ (1σ mean), is indistinguishable from the terrestrial value (= 0 by definition) as represented by our standard, thereby confirming four earlier tektite analyses of Humayun and Koeberl (2004). In agreement with those authors, we conclude that evaporation has significantly altered neither the isotopic nor the elemental composition of Australasian layered tektites for elements less volatile than potassium. Although the average 41 K/ 39 K ratio of the microtektites, 1.1 ± 1.7‰ (1σ mean), is also statistically indistinguishable from the value for the standard, the individual ratios vary over a very large range, from −10.6 ± 1.4‰ to +13.8 ± 1.5‰ and at least three of them are significantly different from zero. We interpret these larger variations in terms of the evaporation of isotopically light potassium; condensation of potassium in the vapor plume; partial or complete stirring and quenching of the melts; and the possible uptake of potassium from seawater. That the average 41 K/ 39 K ratio of the microtektites equals the terrestrial value suggests that the microtektite-forming system was compositionally closed with respect to potassium and less volatile elements. The possibility remains open that 41 K/ 39 K ratios of microtektites vary systematically with location in the strewn field.
Wireless capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Standard endoscopic examination (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy) fails to detect the cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in approximately 5% of patients. Before the availability of wireless capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy, imaging modalities for the small intestine distal to the ligament of Treitz included barium contrast examination and/or enteroclysis, push, passive, or intraoperative enteroscopy, technetium 99m labeled sulfur colloid scanning, angiography, and computed tomography, although the diagnostic yield of all of these imaging modalities was low. In 2001, wireless capsule endoscopy became available for the evaluation of patients with probable small intestinal hemorrhage. Advantages of wireless capsule endoscopy include that the procedure is noninvasive, requires no sedation, and does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. In patients with obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage, studies have demonstrated an additional 25 to 50% diagnostic yield using wireless capsule endocopy when compared to other diagnostic modalities. The major limitations of capsule endoscopy were its inability to obtain a biopsy, precisely localize a lesion, or perform therapeutic endoscopy. In 2001, the double-balloon enteroscope was introduced. This new endoscopic technique provides the gastroenterologist with an opportunity for further evaluation and treatment of abnormalities detected on wireless capsule endoscopy or other small intestinal imaging studies.
Fertility awareness: four methods of natural family planning.

A desire for naturalness and fears of damaging side effects from artificial methods of birth control have stimulated public interest in natural family planning. Congress has responded to the public interest by requiring inclusion of information and counseling on the methods in federally funded family planning programs. Four methods of natural family planning are recognized: calendar rhythm, basal body temperature, ovulation, and symptom-thermal, the latter two being the most popular. A scientific basis exists for the natural methods and deserves consideration by nurses who deal with clients seeking family planning information. The natural methods, or fertility awareness, do not attempt to correct all the ills of family planning; they ofer an alternative for clients who want to avoid or must avoid artificial contraceptives.
Drug residues in food animals. I. Plasma and tissue kinetics of chloramphenicol in young cross‐bred swine

Eighteen non-fasted, 12–16 week old pigs weighing between 20 and 40 kg were dosed with chloramphenicol intravenously at a dose rate of 22 mg/kg body weight. The pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol were determined in blood plasma and sixteen selected organs and body fluids. The elimination half-life in plasma was estimated to be 2.66pL1.06 h and volume of distribution was 1.39pL0.32 I/kg. The body clearance of chloramphenicol was estimated to be 6.64pL1.52 ml/kg/min. The elimination half-life in tissue was found to range from 1.25 h in kidney to 5.89 h in fat. Most major organs ranged from 2.0 to 5.0 h. Significant correlations were found to exist between plasma concentrations and most major organ concentrations. Chloramphenicol concentrations in muscle, spleen, lung, stomach content, and large intestine content were found to exist slightly beyond the time when concentrations were negative in plasma. However, urine levels exceeded tissue levels at the last slaughter interval. It appears that serum or urine would be a good body fluid for monitoring chloramphenicol residues in tissues, whereas stomach content might be used as an indicator for chloramphenicol treatment for many days after therapy with the drug.
A simulation-based program to train medical residents to lead and perform advanced cardiovascular life support

AbstractBackground: Medical residents are often responsible for leading and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation; however, their levels of expertise and comfort as leaders of advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) teams vary widely. While the current American Heart Association ACLS course provides education in recommended resuscitative protocols, training in leadership skills is insufficient. In this article, we describe the design and implementation in our institution of a formative curriculum aimed at improving residents' readiness for being leaders of ACLS teams using human patient simulation. Human patient simulation refers to a variety of technologies using mannequins with realistic features, which allows learners to practice through scenarios without putting patients at risk. We discuss the limitations of the program and the challenges encountered in implementation. We also provide a description of the initiation and organization of the program. Case scenarios and assessment tools are provi...
Dinitrotoluene: Acute Toxicity, Oncogenicity, Genotoxicity, and Metabolism

(1984). Dinitrotoluene: Acute Toxicity, Oncogenicity, Genotoxicity, and Metabolism. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 217-234.
What is the role for mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric renal transplantation

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has gained considerable popularity in pediatric renal transplantation. This popularity is largely a result of data from three large trials of MMF in adult cadaveric transplant patients who demonstrated a decreased rate of acute rejection episodes when treated with cyclosporin A (CsA), prednisone, and MMF compared with those receiving CsA, prednisone, and azathioprine (AZA) or placebo. However, the ability of MMF to reduce acute rejection appears to be limited to the first month post-transplant, and its effectiveness with microemulsion CsA or tacrolimus-based regimens has not been proven. In addition, there are currently no data that convincingly demonstrate that this agent improves graft survival, patient survival, graft function or protects against chronic rejection. Finally, there may be an increased risk for severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease and lymphoproliferative disorder with central nervous system involvement in patients treated with MMF. These data call into question the role of MMF in current immunosuppressive regimens.
The Limits of History in the Novels of Joan Didion

(1980). The Limits of History in the Novels of Joan Didion. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 43-52.
Assessment of the Contribution of Panel Vibration to Airframe Noise

Aerodynamic noise sources not associated with propulsion are termed “airframe noise.” As well-known sources such as flow separation, landing gear vortex shedding, and flap-edge noise are further reduced, the noise sources from the clean airframe will need to be better understood. Although direct radiation from boundary layers is generally agreed to be an insignificant source, the boundary-layer surface pressures can drive the panels to excitation levels that may produce significant airframe noise. An estimate of airframe noise due to structural vibration is presented. This analysis shows that panel vibration driven by turbulent boundary-layer fluctuations can produce airframe noise levels comparable to those measured on aerodynamically clean airframe configurations. The analysis contains a number of engineering approximations, which are discussed along with their implications for either over- or underestimating the acoustic radiation results. Because the analysis shows levels comparable to measured data rather than dramatically lower levels, it is concluded that structural vibration may be a potentially important source of airframe noise and deserves further study.
Facilitation of the Long-Term Store of Memory with Strychnine

Female mice (C57BL/6 strain), repeatedly administered strychnine sulfate for 10 days after exposure to a six-unit maze, showed significantly improved learning when trained again. This facilitation effect was not due to overall enhancement of learning ability and could not be attributed to retrograde facilitation of consolidation processes.
Mean stability of continuous-time semi-Markov jump linear positive systems

In this paper we study the mean stability of continuous-time semi-Markov jump linear positive systems, which are switched linear systems such that their state variables are in positive orthants and their switching signal is a Markov renewal process. The main result of this paper shows that the mean stability is determined by the spectral radius of a matrix. In the proof we utilize a stability-preserving discretization of continuous-time semi-Markov jump linear systems. The obtained results are demonstrated through the stability analysis and the stabilization of linear time-invariant systems with controller failures.
A novel approach to decomposition of design specifications and search for solutions

In this paper, design specifications are represented with an AND/OR tree. The logical tree allows for representation of alternative solutions in the process of formulating design specifications. Various approaches for search of the logical tree are discussed. A generalized search that is based on a set of production rules is used for decomposition of requirements and functions as well as matching the requirements with functions.
Lagrange constraint neural network for fully constrained subpixel classification in hyperspectral imagery

Linear unmixing approaches are used to estimate the abundance fractions of the endmembers resident in each pixel. Generally, two constraints will be applied. First, the abundance fractions of each endmembers should be nonnegative, which is called nonnegativity constraint. The second constraint, called sum-to-one constraint, says the sum of all abundance fractions should be one. One great challenge is to include the nonnegativity constraint while solving linear mixture model. In this paper, we propose a Lagrange constraint neural network (LCNN) approach to linearly unmix the spectrum with both sum-to-one and nonnegativity constraints.
Liquidity-profit rate cycles in a capitalist economy

Abstract A monetary economy consisting of independent capitalist firms, in which workers spend wages instantly and labor is not scarce, is studied The firms create demand for each other's output through their capital outlays, and create the backing for money through borrowing. When all firms are identical in behavior and initial conditions, and the rate of growth of money is constant, the economy may be unstable around the equilibrium steady state growth path due to strong accelerator effects, and follow a limit cycle trajectory.
Vacuum Structure of Two-Dimensional Gauge Theories on the Light Front

We discuss the problem of vacuum structure in light-front field theory in the context of (1+1)-dimensional gauge theories. We begin by reviewing the known light-front solution of the Schwinger model, highlighting the issues that are relevant for reproducing the {theta} structure of the vacuum. The most important of these are the need to introduce degrees of freedom initialized on two different null planes, the proper incorporation of gauge field zero modes when periodicity conditions are used to regulate the infrared, and the importance of carefully regulating singular operator products in a gauge-invariant way. We then consider SU(2) Yang-Mills theory in 1+1 dimensions coupled to massless adjoint fermions. With all fields in the adjoint representation the gauge group is actually SU(2)/Z{sub 2}, which possesses nontrivial topology. In particular, there are two topological sectors and the physical vacuum state has a structure analogous to a {theta} vacuum. We formulate the model using periodicity conditions in x{sup {plus_minus}} for infrared regulation, and consider a solution in which the gauge field zero mode is treated as a constrained operator. We obtain the expected Z{sub 2} vacuum structure, and verify that the discrete vacuum angle which enters has no effect on the spectrum of themore » theory. We then calculate the chiral condensate, which is sensitive to the vacuum structure. The result is nonzero, but inversely proportional to the periodicity length, a situation which is familiar from the Schwinger model. The origin of this behavior is discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
SURVIVAL IN AMPULLARY CANCER: POTENTIAL ROLE OF DIFFERENT KRAS MUTATIONS

Objective The prognosis of ampullary adenocarcinoma (AA) usually is favorable; however, a subset of AA have poor biology and outcomes similar to pancreatic cancer. Patients in this subset will have early recurrence and death usually within 2 years. To date, there are no genetic markers to identify these patients. This study identifies the high-risk subset of AA and evaluates the mutational status of KRAS in predicting poor outcome. Methods The tumor registry of an academic center was reviewed for data on patients managed operatively with AA. KRAS genotypes were determined for these patients using a polymerase chain reaction−based assay on clinical specimens. Analysis of variance and χ 2 tests was used to categorize continuous and categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox methods, respectively. Results A total of 146 patients were identified with AA between 1982 and 2008. After stringent pathologic review, 97 patients were confirmed with AA, of whom 75 had tissue specimens available for analysis. Genotyping revealed 67% were wild-type (KRAS WT ), and 33% were mutant for KRAS. Patients with KRAS G12D ( n = 9), the most common mutational genotype, had poorer median survival (62 months) compared with those with KRAS non-G12D mutants (median survival not reached, mean 145 months) and KRAS WT patients (155 months, P = .05). Patients with survival ≤30 months were labeled “high-risk.” Of the 9 patients with KRAS G12D , 56% were in this high-risk subset, compared with 18% of KRAS WT ( P = .02) and 31% of KRAS non-G12D ( P > .05) populations. Patients with KRAS G12D also were more likely to present with advanced T stage. Conclusion The KRAS G12D mutation identifies a subset of AA patients with poor prognoses and may be used to identify patients at risk of early recurrence and poorer survival who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Neuralgic amyotrophy: clinical features and diagnostic evaluation.

Background Neuralgic amyotrophy is an uncommon neurologic syndrome of unknown etiology involving the brachial plexus, which is manifest by shoulder and arm pain, weakness, and sensory loss. Because of the diversity and variability of the initial features and similarity to other neurologic and non-neurologic disorders, patients may initially present to internists, orthopedic surgeons, or pulmonologists, and may be initially diagnosed with an alternative disorder. Review summary Neuralgic amyotrophy occurs at an annual incidence rate of 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 population. The disorder is most common in adulthood, but patients of any age may be affected. Pain is the most common initial symptom and is followed by weakness and sensory loss in the distribution of a single nerve or diffuse regions of the brachial plexus. Although the exact etiology is unknown, many associated factors, such as immunizations, minor trauma, infectious diseases, pregnancy, and surgical procedures have been associated with the development of the disorder. Evaluation with electrodiagnostic and radiographic studies is useful in confirming the diagnosis and excluding alternative disorders. No treatment has been definitively proven to improve the course of the disorder; however, the overall prognosis is good, with approximately 90% of patients demonstrating significant improvement. Conclusions Neuralgic amyotrophy is an important, potentially debilitating disorder, which may present to physicians in multiple specialties. Awareness of this disorder may preclude unnecessary testing or surgical procedures and can guide toward appropriate treatment with physical therapy. Counseling patients about the overall good prognosis can help appease patients' anxiety about a more sinister diagnosis or course.
The learning of patterned strings problems by rock squirrels

A sequence of patterned strings problems was presented to four rock squirrels in a scaled down WGTA. All Ss learned a series of parallel patterns; however, only one S was able to learn the entire sequence including crossed and pseudo-crossed patterns. The later performance of this S on an inter-mixed series of crosses and pseudocrosses indicated that it could not perform efficiently on both problems simultaneously.
Ionization processes and charge-state distribution in a highly ionized high- Z laser-produced plasma

The charge-state distribution in a well-characterized highly ionized Au plasma was accurately determined using time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy. Simultaneous measurements of the electron temperature and density allow the first direct comparisons with nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium model predictions for the charge-state distribution of a highly ionized high-Z plasma in a nonradiative environment. The importance of two-electron atomic processes is clearly demonstrated. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Mast cell homeostasis and the JAK-STAT pathway.

The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway mediates important responses in immune cells. Activation of any of the four JAK family members leads to phosphorylation of one or more of seven STAT family members. Phosphorylation of STAT family members leads to their dimerization and translocation into the nucleus, in which they bind specific DNA sequences to activate gene transcription. Regulation of JAKs and STATs therefore has a significant effect on signal transduction and subsequent cellular responses. Mast cells are important mediators of allergic disease and asthma. These cells have the ability to cause profound inflammation and vasodilation upon the release of preformed mediators, as well as subsequent synthesis of new inflammatory mediators. The regulation of mast cells is therefore of intense interest for the treatment of allergic disease. An important regulator of mast cells, STAT5, is activated downstream of the receptors for immunoglobulin E, interleukin-3 and stem cell factor. STAT5 contributes to mast cell homeostasis, by mediating proliferation, survival, and mediator release. Regulators of the JAK–STAT pathway, such as the suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) and protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) proteins, are required to fine tune the immune response and maintain homeostasis. A better understanding of the role and regulation of JAKs and STATs in mast cells is vital for the development of new therapeutics.
A new efficient approach to statistical delay modeling of CMOS digital combinational circuits

This paper presents one of the first attempts to statistically characterize signal delays of basic CMOS digital combinatorial circuits using the transistor level approach. Hybrid analytical/iterative delay expressions in terms of the transistor geometries and technological process variations are created for basic building blocks. Local delays of blocks along specific signal paths are combined together for the analysis of complex combinational VLSI circuits. The speed of analysis is increased by 2 to 4 orders of magnitude relative to SPICE, with about 5–10% accuracy. The proposed approach shows good accuracy in modeling the influence of the “noise” parameters on circuit delay relative to direct SPICE-based Monte Carlo analysis. Examples of statistical delay characterization are shown. The important impact of the proposed approach is that statistical evaluation and optimization of delays in much larger VLSI circuits will become possible.
Flow regimes and flow transitions in liquid fluidized beds

Abstract Using two-dimensional liquid fluidized beds of glass particles in water, we have been able to identify at least four discrete fiow regimes. The points of transition between these regimes are sharp and non-hysteretic. The regimes include (in the order of increasing gm/gmmf), wavy fiow, wavy fiow with transverse structure, fine-scale turbulent flow, and bubbling states. Characterization of each of these regimes is given in terms of the rime and length scales of the motion, as measured by light transmission, optical scanning, and digital time-series analysis. Features of the mechanics of these states are discussed. Observation of the bubbling state for particles of moderate density (ρs = 3990 kg/m3) in liquid beds is new, and is shown to be related fo anomalous expansion data reported by earlier investigators.
English Language Spread in Local Contexts: Turkey, Latvia and France

In the discussion of English language spread policies, scholars have taken various viewpoints. One approach concerns the diffusion-of-English and language ecology paradigms, which distinguish externally dominant English spread and resistance to this hegemony. Others have questioned this approach, and proposed that English language spread is not limited to external control, but that local forces also play a role in the spread. These perspectives challenge English language teachers and others to look at the impact of the local situation on the spread of English. This paper discusses English language spread in education at primary school level in Turkey, Latvia and France. The description is based on a review of research on English spread in these three countries as well as analysis of documents such as class enrolments, policy in education, constitutional legislation and reports by ministries of education. Despite some differences in policy in the three countries, they are all experiencing increases in the ...
Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and azaarenes in runoff from coal-tar- and asphalt-sealcoated pavement

Coal-tar-based sealcoat, used extensively on parking lots and driveways in North America, is a potent source of PAHs. We investigated how concentrations and assemblages of PAHs and azaarenes in runoff from pavement newly sealed with coal-tar-based (CT) or asphalt-based (AS) sealcoat changed over time. Samples of simulated runoff were collected from pavement 5 h to 111 d following application of AS or CT sealcoat. Concentrations of the sum of 16 PAHs (median concentrations of 328 and 35 μg/L for CT and AS runoff, respectively) in runoff varied relatively little, but rapid decreases in concentrations of azaarenes and low molecular weight PAHs were offset by increases in high molecular weight PAHs. The results demonstrate that runoff from CT-sealcoated pavement, in particular, continues to contain elevated concentrations of PAHs long after a 24-h curing time, with implications for the fate, transport, and ecotoxicological effects of contaminants in runoff from CT-sealcoated pavement.
Prerelease efficacy test of the psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, a prospective biological control agent of the invasive weed Genista monspessulana

In weed biological control, conducting a prerelease efficacy test can help ascertain if prospective biological control agents will be capable of controlling the target plant. Currently, the phloem-feeding psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, is being evaluated as a prospective agent for the exotic invasive weed, Genista monspessulana, in the USA. Small potted plants were exposed to 0, 4, 8, 12 or 16 A. hakani second-instar nymphs which were allowed to develop on the plants for six weeks in an incubator at 18°C. Increasing A. hakani densities had a significant negative impact on the number of leaflets grown, per cent change in plant height and the final number of leaflets per centimeter of plant height. Increase in plant height and the number of leaflets relative to uninfested plants were reduced by 16 and 29%, respectively, at the highest infestation levels. Psyllids did not increase leaf senescence. One of the 10 plants that was exposed to 16 psyllids died, whereas none of the others died. Weekly nymphal mortality...
Leaf fluxes of NO and NO2 in four herbaceous plant species: The role of ascorbic acid

Abstract Nitrogen oxides (NOx=NO+NO2) are a common group of nitrogen-containing trace gases that interact significantly with plant canopies and play a critical role in atmospheric chemistry including the formation of ozone, smog and nitric acid. The controls over leaf–atmosphere exchange of NOx (NOx=NO+NO2) have been characterized for a few plant species and important drivers have been identified including stomatal conductance, the partial pressure gradient from the interior to the exterior of the leaf, and, most recently the level of ultraviolet radiation. However, our ability to predict leaf fluxes has been hampered by a dearth of information describing the reactions occurring between NOx and internal constituents of the leaf (often referred to as the mesophyllic resistance). In this study, we investigated NOx uptake in four important agricultural plant species and specifically tested the hypothesis that ascorbic acid within the leaf was a significant control over mesophyllic resistance. Measurements were made using a dynamic leaf chamber at ambient mixing ratios typical of urban atmospheres. Measured NO and NO2 leaf fluxes were lower than the potential flux calculated assuming stomatal conductance as the sole limitation (i.e., no mesophyllic resistance). The ratios of leaf intercellular to ambient concentrations ( C i / C a ) for NO across partial pressures and plant species was usually >0.99 and the leaf uptake rates of NO were negligible within the ranges examined. In contrast, leaf uptake for NO2 was much greater and C i / C a were often as low as 0.75. For both gases, C i / C a ratios>1 were observed at low ambient mixing ratios indicating emission from leaves. Across plant species, plants with higher leaf nitrogen contents showed higher NO2 emission rates and plants with higher leaf ascorbate concentrations had higher leaf NO2 uptake rates. These results suggest that in addition to the known effects of stomatal conductance and incident UV radiation, leaf nitrogen content and the capacity for the scavenging of NOx by ascorbic acid may explain the variation in the ability of plants to absorb atmospheric nitrogen oxides.
ASSESSMENT OF CONCRETE PAVEMENT BLOWUPS

Blowups of concrete pavements have been a thorn in the sides of highway and airport engineers for years. The author of this paper conducts an assessment based on the analyses of pavement blowups. He briefly reviews the various early attempts to explain the blowup phenomenon, then describes the blowup mechanism. Next, he presents the adopted criterion of the safe temperature increase and outlines the analytical methodology used in the assessment. The author provides analytical solutions for three typical pavement problems and the steps for their numerical evaluation. Pavement parameters and a graphical presentation of the results are given. The author also discusses the practical implications of the analytical results for concrete pavement design and for assessing pavement blowups after years of service. Several specific pavement problems are identified and suggestions of full-scale tests for the determination of the pavement parameters are made.
Platelet Thrombosis Syndrome

This paper reports the clinical and pathologic manifestations of seven cases of platelet thrombosis syndrome. Evidence is presented to indicate that vascular damage precedes the formation of platelet thrombi. It is suggested that the syndrome may be secondary to a variety of underlying disease entities.
The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Cell Motility in Fibroblast Aggregates

The effect of specific components of the extracellular matrix on the motility of tissue cells was studied using organ-cultured aggregates of embryonic fibroblasts. Spherical aggregates of chick embryo heart and skin fibroblasts were fused with [ 3H]-thymidine-labeled aggregates of the identical cell type. The movement of labeled cells into the unlabeled partner aggregate served as an estimate of cell motility in the cultured tissue-like aggregates. Collagenase treatment decreased the collagen content of heart fibroblast aggregates and increased cell motility; ascorbic acid treatment increased the collagen content of skin fibroblast aggregates and decreased cell motility. Reduction of the glycosaminoglycan content with testicular hyaluronidase had no measurable effect on cell motility in heart fibroblast aggregates.
Effect of gender on atrial electrophysiologic changes induced by rapid atrial pacing and elevation of atrial pressure.

Atrial Electrical Remodeling.Introduction: The incidence of atrial fibrillation is greater in men than in women, but the reasons for this gender difference are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of gender on the atrial electrophysiologic effects of rapid atrial pacing and an increase in atrial pressure. Methods and Results: Right atrial pressure and effective refractory period (ERP) were measured during sinus rhythm and during atrial and simultaneous AV pacing at a cycle length of 300 msec in 10 premenopausal women, 11 postmenopausal women, and 24 men. The postmenopausal women were significantly older than the premenopausal women (61 ± 8 years vs 34 ± 10 years; P < 0.01). During sinus rhythm, mean atrial ERP in premenopausal women was shorter (211 ± 19 msec) than in postmenopausal women and age-matched men (242 ± 18 msec and 246 ± 34 msec, respectively; P < 0.05). Atrial ERPs in all patients shortened significantly during atrial and simultaneous AV pacing. However, the degree of shortening during atrial pacing (43 ± 8 msec vs 70 ± 20 msec and 74 ± 21 msec; P < 0.05) and during simultaneous AV pacing (48 ± 16 msec vs 91 ± 27 msec and 84 ± 26 msec; P < 0.05) was significantly less in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women or age-matched men. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate a significant gender difference in atrial electrophysiologic changes in response to rapid atrial pacing and an increase in atrial pressure. The effect of menopause on the observed changes suggests that the gender differences may be mediated by the effects of estrogen on atrial electrophysiologic properties.
Improving change prediction with fine-grained source code mining

The thesis proposes a software-change prediction approach that is based on mining fine-grained evolutionary couplings from source code repositories. Here, fine-grain refers to identifying couplings between source code entities such as methods, control structures, or even comments. This differs from current source code mining techniques that typically only identify couplings between files or fairly high-level entities. Furthermore, the model combines the mined evolutionary couplings with the estimated changes identified by traditional impact analysis techniques (e.g., static analysis of call and program-dependency graphs). The research hypothesis is that software-change prediction using the proposed synergistic approach results in an overall improved expressiveness (i.e., granularity and context given to a developer) and effectiveness (i.e., accuracy of the prediction)