cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Grade Sarcoma Arising within a Previously Irradiated Vestibular Schwannoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background Vestibular schwannomas are benign tumors of the cerebellopontine angle that are often treated with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy maintains good tumor control rates but involves a small risk of radiation-induced malignancies. We present a case of high-grade sarcoma arising within a previously irradiated vestibular schwannoma and a literature review of this rare but important clinical entity. Methods A 66-year-old woman presented with rapid clinical and radiographic deterioration 17 years after receiving stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. After resection, pathology revealed a high-grade sarcoma arising within a conventional schwannoma. After further decline and tumor growth, the patient died of her disease 7 months postoperatively. Literature review was performed using PubMed and EMBASE databases and key words “vestibular schwannoma,” “acoustic,” “triton,” “malignant,” “sarcoma,” “malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor,” “radiation,” and “radiosurgery.” All previous cases and the clinical circumstances related to these radiation-induced malignancies were assessed and quantified. Results The systematic review yielded 20 prior cases of radiation-induced malignant transformation of a vestibular schwannoma in patients without neurofibromatosis. Most tumors (60%) transformed into malignant nerve sheath tumors. At the time of presentation, 70% of patients had new cranial neuropathies, and all had evidence of tumor growth with brainstem compression. Prognosis was poor with mean time to death of 7.6 months. Conclusions Radiation-induced malignant transformation of vestibular schwannomas is a rare but important clinical entity. Given its scarcity, the risk of malignancy should not sway initial management, but rapid clinical deterioration and radiographic growth during follow-up should prompt consideration of malignant transformation.
LiPydomics: A Python Package for Comprehensive Prediction of Lipid Collision Cross Sections and Retention Times and Analysis of Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics Data

Comprehensive profiling of lipid species in a biological sample, or lipidomics, is a valuable approach to elucidating disease pathogenesis and identifying biomarkers. Currently, a typical lipidomics experiment may track hundreds to thousands of individual lipid species. However, drawing biological conclusions requires multiple steps of data processing to enrich significantly altered features and confident identification of these features. Existing solutions for these data analysis challenges (i.e., multivariate statistics and lipid identification) involve performing various steps using different software applications, which imposes a practical limitation and potentially a negative impact on reproducibility. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry (HILIC-IM-MS) has shown advantages in separating lipids through orthogonal dimensions. However, there are still gaps in the coverage of lipid classes in the literature. To enable reproducible and efficient analysis of HILIC-IM-MS lipidomics data, we developed an open-source Python package, LiPydomics, which enables performing statistical and multivariate analyses ("stats" module), generating informative plots ("plotting" module), identifying lipid species at different confidence levels ("identification" module), and carrying out all functions using a user-friendly text-based interface ("interactive" module). To support lipid identification, we assembled a comprehensive experimental database of m/z and CCS of 45 lipid classes with 23 classes containing HILIC retention times. Prediction models for CCS and HILIC retention time for 22 and 23 lipid classes, respectively, were trained using the large experimental data set, which enabled the generation of a large predicted lipid database with 145,388 entries. Finally, we demonstrated the utility of the Python package using Staphylococcus aureus strains that are resistant to various antimicrobials.
Paradigm Shift Toward Digital Neuropsychology and High-Dimensional Neuropsychological Assessments: Review

Neuropsychologists in the digital age have increasing access to emerging technologies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiatives for behavioral and social sciences have emphasized these developing scientific and technological potentials (eg, novel sensors) for augmented characterization of neurocognitive, behavioral, affective, and social processes. Perhaps these innovative technologies will lead to a paradigm shift from disintegrated and data-poor behavioral science to cohesive and data-rich science that permits improved translation from bench to bedside. The 4 main advances influencing the scientific priorities of a recent NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research strategic plan include the following: integration of neuroscience into behavioral and social sciences, transformational advances in measurement science, digital intervention platforms, and large-scale population cohorts and data integration. This paper reviews these opportunities for novel brain-behavior characterizations. Emphasis is placed on the increasing concern of neuropsychology with these topics and the need for development in these areas to maintain relevance as a scientific discipline and advance scientific developments. Furthermore, the effects of such advancements necessitate discussion and modification of training as well as ethical and legal mandates for neuropsychological research and praxes.
A controlled cost and outcomes analysis of acellular dermal matrix and implant-based reconstruction

Summary Introduction The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for breast reconstruction continues to change in both single- and two-stage reconstruction. Determining optimal outcomes clinically, aesthetically, financially as well as for the patient's quality of life has become a priority. Methods A retrospective review of implant-based reconstructions was performed at a single center from 2010 to 2016, with patients blindly matched 1:1:1 into three cohorts based on reconstruction type: 1) single stage direct to implant with ADM, 2) two-stage tissue expander to implant (TE/I) without ADM, and 3) two-stage TE/I with ADM. Relative cost between groups, esthetic outcomes, and quality of life within each group was analyzed. Results Group 1 was more likely to be older and use intraoperative angiography, but with fewer overall surgeries and postoperative visits (p Conclusion This is the first study to incorporate clinical outcomes, esthetic visual grading, and patient-reported quality within the same cohort of individuals, considering both use of ADM and staging. Despite the added ADM cost, it is proven safe, eliminates time and cost associated with tissue expanders, decreases post-operative visits and can lead to equally as functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes in single- and two-stage breast reconstructions.
Spatial frequency domain imaging for treatment assessment in a mouse femoral injury model

The feasibility of the spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) for early treatment assessment in a mouse femoral injury model was investigated. For mice with and without treatment, the revascularization process was monitored by SFDI, which provides the total hemoglobin concentration (THC) of the injured bone and surrounding soft tissues. The biomechanical strength of the healed femurs was measured after 4 weeks of healing. The correlation between the SFDI-derived THC and the biomechanical strength will be investigated. Such correlation will be used to develop a prediction model to estimate the bone healing outcome at an early time point.
Univariate fast initial response statistical process control with taut strings

We present a novel real-time univariate monitoring scheme for detecting a sustained departure of a process mean from some given standard assuming a constant variance. Our proposed stopping rule is ...
Understanding National Remedies and the Principle of National Procedural Autonomy: A Constitutional Approach

This Article provides a constitutionally grounded understanding of the vexing principle of “national procedural autonomy” that haunts the vindication of EU law in national court. After identifying tensions and confusion in the debate surrounding this purported principle of “autonomy”, the Article turns to the foundational text and structure of Union law to reconstruct the proper constitutional basis for deploying or supplanting national procedures and remedies. It further argues that much of the caselaw of the Court of Justice of the European Union may be considered through the lens of “prudential avoidance”, i.e., the decision to avoid difficult constitutional questions surrounding the principle of conferral. As the last section shows, this constitutional understanding of “national procedural authority” – not “autonomy” – ultimately helps clear up some persistent puzzles, and provides critical guidance for when deference to national procedures and remedies is appropriate, and when such deference is misplaced. Comparative references inform the argument along the way.
Perceptions of gay black men on the social construction of masculinity and its role in mental health

The meaning and experience of masculinity differs across people and groups, and previous research has demonstrated that such differences are reflected in mental health outcomes. For gay Black men s...
Electrical Stimulation to Promote Neuronal Growth

This chapter focuses on the effect that a constant DC electric field exerts on a neuron. Depending on how the DC electric field is configured, either the neuron’s growth is simply promoted, or its axon is directed. Equivalent electrical circuit modeling is used to analyze the direct physical role that a DC electric field plays in these two phenomena. Based on these analyses, potential biophysical mechanisms are proposed. While the biomolecular pathways for the promotive effects are still pending elucidation, a correct and clear understanding on the direct physical effects of the DC electric field is the crucial first step to approach the quest for an overall mechanism.
Predictions of acoustic backscattering from oceanic stratification interfaces

The ocean is primarily composed of a series of increasingly dense fluid layers, defined by density stratification interfaces where medium properties, such as temperature and salinity, drive changes in medium density and compressibility. The transport of dissolved constituents (e.g., oxygen, heat, salt) between these oceanic fluid layers is strongly influenced by the intensity of the stratification interface. Active acoustics allow for high resolution observations of these interfaces, offering continuous data collection over broad spatial scales. In this work, we present a one-dimensional acoustic scattering model for predicting acoustic backscatter from stratification interfaces. The model is widely applicable to acoustic water column data collected with ship-mounted sonars and preliminary results, based on hydrographic profiles, suggest that, in many oceanic cases, sound speed perturbations drive the majority of acoustic scattering. Additionally, modeling results predict a frequency modulated backscattering intensity based on the sharpness of the stratification interface, suggesting the potential for remote estimation of medium properties through broadband acoustic inversion.
Robust domain decomposition methods for modeling of large phased arrays

In this paper, we investigate the three most robust finite element-based domain decomposition methods for modeling of large phased arrays. They are (1) the conformal dual-primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method with one or two Lagrange multipliers, (2) the nonconformal dual-primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method with two Lagrange multipliers, and (3) the nonconformal optimized Schwarz method based on cement elements.
Catalytic site of rat liver and bovine heart fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase:fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. Identification of fructose 6-phosphate binding site.

Fructose-6-P binding sites of rat liver and bovine heart Fru-6-P,2-kinase: Fru-2,6-bisphosphatase were investigated with an affinity labeling reagent, N-bromoacetylethanolamine phosphate. The rat liver enzyme was inactivated 97% by the reagent in 60 min, and the rate of inactivation followed pseudo-first order kinetics. The bovine heart enzyme was inactivated 90% within 60 min, but the inactivation rate followed pseudo-first order up to 80% inactivation and then became nonlinear. The presence of fructose-6-P retarded the extent of the inactivation to approximately 40% in 60 min. In order to determine the amino acid sequence of the fructose-6-P binding site, both enzymes were reacted with N-bromo[14C]acetylethanolamine-P and digested with trypsin; radiolabeled tryptic peptides were isolated and sequenced. A single 14C-labeled peptide was isolated from the rat liver enzyme, and the amino acid sequence of the peptide was determined as Lys-Gln-Cys-Ala-Leu- Ala- Ala-Leu-Lys. A major and two minor peptides were isolated from bovine heart enzyme whose amino acid sequences were Lys-Gln-Cys-Ala-Leu-Val-Ala-Leu-Lys, Arg-Ile-Glu-Cys-Tyr-Lys, and Ile-Glu-Cys-Tyr-Lys, respectively. In all cases, N-bromoacetylethanolamine-P had alkylated the cysteine residues. The amount of bromo[14C]acetylethanolamine-P incorporated into rat liver and beef heart was 1.3 mol/mol of subunit and 2.1 mol/mol of subunit, respectively, and the incorporations in the presence of Fru-6-P were reduced to 0.34 mol/mol of subunit and 0.9 mol/mol of subunit, respectively. Thus, the main fructose-6-P binding site of rat liver and bovine heart enzymes was identical except for a single amino acid substitution of valine for alanine in the latter enzyme. This peptide corresponded to residues 105 to 113 from the N terminus of the known amino acid sequence of rat liver enzyme, but since the complete sequence of bovine heart enzyme is not known, the location of the same peptide in the heart enzyme cannot be assigned.
Multiple-Choice: Choosing the Best Options for More Effective and Less Frustrating Law School Testing

Multiple-choice testing presents challenges and frustrations not only for the students who take the tests, but also for the doctrinal faculty who prepare and score the tests and for the academic support faculty who work with students having difficulty with multiple-choice tests. This article discusses means by which the multiple-choice testing experience in law school could be improved for both students and faculty. After a brief overview of the history of multiple-choice testing, the article describes problems that arise in connection with multiple-choice testing and the possible effects of flawed multiple-choice questions. The article then reviews basic multiple-choice item-writing guidelines and some general principles of test validity. For this, the article draws upon the work of law professor Michael Josephson and testing authority Thomas Haladyna. Finally, the article evaluates appeal and answer-justification procedures that could be used to enhance multiple-choice testing.
Use of microdebrider bronchoscopy for the treatment of endobronchial leiomyoma

Aims: Pulmonary leiomyomas are rare benign tumors that may cause symptoms when they spread endobronchially. Traditionally they were managed surgically or through interventional bronchoscopy with the aid of thermal modalities to assist in debulking of tumor. We report the novel use of microdebrider bronchoscopy to debulk an endobronchial leiomyoma in a symptomatic patient. Method/Results: The microdebrider successfully debrided the endobronchial leiomyoma. Conclusion: This modality can be successfully employed when oxygenation is an issue, preventing use of thermal modalities. In addition, use of microdebrider not only reduced procedure time but also decreased the risk of airway fire and damage to adjacent normal tissue in our patient. Please cite this paper as: Wahla AS, Khan I, Bellinger C, Haponik E and Conforti JF. Use of microdebrider bronchoscopy for the treatment of endobronchial leiomyoma. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: e4–e7.
Measurements of ambient radioxenon levels using the automated radioxenon sampler/analyzer (ARSA)

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed an Automated Radioxenon Sampler/Analyzer (ARSA) in support of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT) to measure four radioxenon isotopes: 131mXe, 133mXe, 133gXe, and 135gXe. This system uses a beta-gamma coincidence counting detector to produce two-dimensional plots of gamma-energy versus beta-energy. Betas and conversion electrons (CE) are detected in a cylindrical plastic scintillation cell and gamma and X-rays are detected in a surrounding NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The ARSA has been field tested at several locations to measure the radioxenon concentrations. Most recently it has been deployed at the Institut fur Atmospharische Radioaktivitat in Freiburg, Germany. During the first 4 months of 2000 the measured 133Xe oncentrations have varied between 0.0±0.1 and 110±10 mBq/m3 air. The longer lived 131mXe (T1/2 = 11.9 d) and short lived 135Xe (T1/2 = 9.1 h) have also been detected in small quantities, while 133mXe concentrations have been consistent with zero. Minimum detectable concentration (MDC) calculations for 133gXe fell well below the 1 mBq per standard-cubic-meter of air requirement adopted by the CTBT Preparatory Commission.1 A description of the radioxenon detector, the concentration and MDC calculations and preliminary results of the field test in Germany are presented.
Prediction of the Magnetic Form Factors of the Nucleon.

We derive an analytic representation for the magnetic form factors of the nucleon which is consistent with the data. We use exact scaling and known low (t=0) and asymptotic (t→−∞) information on the behavior of these functions.
DSS Architecture and Types

This chapter presents a generic architecture that provides terminology for discussing decision support systems and furnishes a unifying framework for guiding explorations of the multitude of issues related to designing, using, and evaluating these systems. The architecture is comprised of four main subsystems: language system, presentation system, knowledge system, and problem-processing system. By varying the makeup of these four elements, different types of decision support systems are produced. Several of the most prominent types of decision support systems are described from an architectural viewpoint.
Elevated Acetoacetate and Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Levels in Cord Blood of Infants of Diabetic Mothers

Background: Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) are at increased risk for metabolic complications. Type 1 and some type 2 diabetic patients have elevated levels of the ketone bodies acetoacetate (AA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Objective: The aim of this study was to examine how hyperketonemia in diabetic mothers affects markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in their offspring. Methods: Blood was obtained from 23 diabetic mothers and 13 healthy mothers and their infants’ umbilical cords at delivery. Interleukin-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and protein carbonyl (protein oxidation) levels were determined by ELISA. U937 human monocyte cell culture was used to examine the effect of AA and BHB on secretion of MCP-1. Results: There was a significant increase in the levels of AA in cord blood of IDMs compared with cord blood of infants of healthy mothers. A significant increase in the levels of protein oxidation (p M), a significant increase in MCP-1 secretion was observed in AA- but not BHB-treated monocytes. Conclusion: Blood levels of AA and MCP-1 are elevated in IDMs, which may contribute to the development of the metabolic complications seen in IDMs.
Truth and authenticity in contemporary historical culture: An introduction to historical representation and historical truth

The contributors to this Theme Issue analyze the construction of historical truth and authenticity in five different types of historical representations that play an important role in contemporary historical culture. The six genres/media in question are historical novels, historiography, photography, feature films, video games, and museum exhibits. Since it is always easy to deconstruct other people's historical truths, the contributors focus on a representation of the past that they themselves find particularly compelling and truthful. Thus all authors play a dual role. On the one hand, they show us how a particular text or visual representation works and what "sleights of hand" are employed to fabricate reality-effects in different cul tural settings. On the other hand, they celebrate the success of a text and its creators who have influenced the historical consciousness of many consumers, including the authors themselves. As a result, the contributors are not offering smug deconstruc tions of historical representations produced by allegedly theoretically naive histori ans and other practitioners of history. Instead, the essays engage in probing, open ended, and self-reflexive dialogues on the question of historical truth that are based on sympathetic, close readings of a wide range of cultural artifacts. In an attempt to foster interdisciplinary intellectual interplay, all essays focus on representations of historical events that have often served as benchmarks in theoretical discussions about historiography, historical culture, and the ethics of historical representation. Five essays deal with representations of World War II and the Holocaust and one with representations of the history and legacy of slavery in the U.S. Ann Rigney discusses the extraordinary success of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaugh terhouse Five in shaping cultural memories of the bombing of Dresden. Rigney highlights the novel's generic hybridity and its innovative narrative design. Slaughterhouse Five is part fairy tale, part autobiographical testimony; it com bines elements of science fiction with passages that read like children's literature. The resulting "ontological potpourri" undermines chronological and logical lin earity and provides exceptional insight into the sensual experience of war through a literary performance of traumatic memory. In this fashion the novel has become
Radar imaging using statistical orthogonality

Statistical orthogonality provides a mathematical basis for imaging scattering data with an inversion algorithm that is both robust and economic. The statistical technique is based on the approximate orthogonality of vectors whose elements are exponential functions with imaginary arguments and random phase angles. This orthogonality allows one to image radar data without first inverting a matrix whose dimensionality equals or exceeds the number of pixels or voxels in the algorithmic image. Additionally, statistical-based methods are applicable to data sets collected under a wide range of operational conditions, e.g., the random flight paths of the curvilinear SAR, the frequency-hopping emissions of ultra- wideband radar, or the narrowband data collected with a bistatic radar. The statistical approach also avoids the often-challenging and computationally intensive task of converting the collected measurements to a data format that is appropriate for imaging with a fast Fourier transform (FFT) or fast tomography algorithm (FTA), e.g., interpolating from polar to rectangular coordinates, or conversely.
Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase immobilized on bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes/chitosan matrix

Abstract The novel nitrogen doped bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes (BCNTs) have received increased attention in recent years because of its unique bamboo shaped structure associated properties. In this work, a nanocomposite film of bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes/chitosan (Chi) is used for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The structure of BCNTs is observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The composite films are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of HRP incorporated into bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes/chitosan matrix is also investigated in this work. The immobilized HRP onto the BCNTs/Chi film exhibits its bioelectrocatalytic activity to hydrogen peroxide. The results indicate that doping N atom introduces defective sites and active sites on the surface of carbon nanotubes, thereby facilitating the direct electron transfer (DET) between enzyme and electrode.
A NOTE ON AN APPLICATION OF THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

This note is a response to an article by Zahedi [2] published in the Winter 1985 issue of Decision Sciences. It demonstrates that there is no need to calculate eigenvalues for consistent pairwise comparison matrices in order to calculate normalized values of attributes.
Subharmonic focal-length intensities formed by Fresnel lenses

Binary Fresnel lenses produce focused spots at subharmonics of the principal focal length of the lens. The intensities of these focal spots can be controlled by variation of the relative widths of the rings of the Fresnel lens compared with the spacings between the rings. Theory is presented and experimental verification is provided with Fresnel lenses written onto the magneto-optic spatial light modulator.
Preliminary evidence on the determinants of Federal Reserve open market operations

In the absence of a fixed policy rule, the Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) has significant discretion in setting monetary policy. The existence of professional "Fedwatchers" attests to the fact that Fed policy actions are difficult to interpret. Recent literature has focused on the motivations behind Fed policy making and the need for secrecy and ambiguity. We investigate one aspect of Fed behavior: the propensity of the Fed to buy and sell government securities beyond that required to implement stated policies. Milton Friedman (1982: 26) called attention to this issue when he wrote:
Vascular changes associated with growth of primary and transplantable pancreatic adenocarcinomas induced in Syrian golden hamsters by N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP).

Summary Microangiographic and histological methods were used to characterize vascular structure of primary and transplantable pancreatic adenocarcinomas induced by propylnitrosamines in Syrian golden hamsters. Originally of well-differentiated tubular morphology, serial transplantation subcutaneously to the back region was not associated with change in histopathological pattern or increase in invasive or metastatic potential. In contrast, pancreatic subserosal grafts displayed prominent invasion of surrounding tissues. Whereas primary tumors induced by N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and those transplanted subserosally were characterized by hypovascularity, subcutaneous transplantation resulted in hypervascular tumors. Encasement, which is defined as invasion of normal arteries by the tumor, showing uneven caliber, irregular outline, appeared on earlier microangiographic findings rather than luminal irregularity, which is change of tumor vessels in neovascularization and occurs in tumor blood vessels subsequent to transplantation. The vascular component of subcutaneously transplanted tumors had a total vessel length ranging from 9.2 ± 0.7 mm to 18.1 ± 1.1 mm, a total vessel surface from 2.5 ± 0.4 mm2 to 9.3 ± 0.6 mm2 and a total vessel volume from 0.07 ± 0.02 mm3 to 0.49 ± 0.04 mm3, indicating that the vessels were of relatively large diameter and short length.
The suicidal patient

Patients at imminent risk of suicide (within 48 hours) generally require psychiatric hospitalization. Short-term risk is an indication for aggressive, closely supervised medical therapy, with possible referral to a substance abuse program. If risk is low but chronic, drug treatment or psychotherapy may reduce underlying stressors.
Estimation of the parameters of a type I geometric distribution from truncated observations on conception delays

Abstract In connection with the estimation of the average fecundability of a group of women, it has been assumed in the past that the waiting time for a conception follows a type I geometric distribution, and its two parameters have been estimated by the method of moments and the method of maximum likelihood. In a follow-up study, starting with a group of women, there is always the possibility that some women will remain nonpregnant in the limited period of time they are observed, and the problem arises as to how to estimate the same parameters if the follow-up experiment is terminated after a fixed period of time. The present paper deals with this truncation problem, and provides three different methods for estimating the parameters, which are applied to data from the Menstrual and Reproductive History Study at the University of Minnesota. In the last section, an extended model is presented which incorporates the possibility of dropout cases.
A microcrack model of rock inelasticity part II: Propagation of microcracks

Abstract The second stage of inelasticity—kinking and propagation of secondary (dilatant) microcracks—is considered in the framework of the model introduced in Part I (Kachanov, this issue). Three-dimensional problem of branched penny-shaped crack is treated as a set of two-dimensional cross-sections. On the basis of the analysis of results for a kinked crack, modified with account of pressure, normal to the kink, simple expressions for the microstrains associated with a propagation of a branched crack are derived. The macroscopic stress-strain relations obtained by averaging over the crack orientations provide a description of many inelastic effects. Association of the onset of dilatancy with the onset of microcrack propagation allows one to estimate fracture toughness of the material: the estimates of K IC thus obtained are in a reasonable agreement with the commonly accepted values. However, dilatancy, predicted by the model, is much lower than the experimentally observed values. A modified version of the model, incorporating uplifting at asperities as an additional mechanism of dilatancy, is introduced. It provides a generally satisfactory description of experimental data. It should be noted that this version introduces an uncertainty about the first stage of inelasticity (Part I) and the association of the onset of dilatancy with initiation of crack growth.
Men's Acquaintance Rape Scripts: A Comparison Between a Regional University and a Military Academy

Men’s acquaintance rape scripts were investigated to determine if background experiences impacted the type of script elicited. Men were selected from either a regional public university (n = 147) or a military academy (n = 283) to represent broad general background experiences. Overall, similarities in the five types of scripts elicited were evident, which are reflective of the cultural components that underlie men’s expectations of what occurs in these situations. The influence of background experiences was noted in differences in both the frequency with which scripts were reported as well as the individual content of each script. Modeling analyses uncovered the latent structure for these differences. Suggestions for possible explanations for these differences, such as the role of traditional gender role attitudes, are discussed.
Nonparametric estimation of nonlinear rational expectation models

Abstract A nonparametric procedure for numerical evaluation of solutions of nonlinear rational expectation models is proposed. For a Euler equation, an iterative algorithm is developed. The approach is extended to more general nonlinear equations. An illustrative example is given.
Far infrared and microwave optical properties of vitreous As2Se3

Abstract Optical experiments (30–600 cm −1 ) in vitreous As 2 Se 2 show absorption peaks centered at 45, 102, 156 and 237 cm −1 . These peaks were best fit by Gaussian lineshapes. Dielectric loss experiments yielded a conductivity consistent with an ω S ( s = 0.9) dependence in the range 1 to 6 GHz. The observed conductivity spectrum satisfactorily accounts for the difference between high and low frequency dielectric constants.
A prospective pilot study to evaluate a new dental assessment and treatment paradigm for patients scheduled to undergo intensive chemotherapy for cancer

BACKGROUND Patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy frequently undergo pretherapy dental treatment to eliminate potential sources of odontogenic infection. A prospective study was conducted to assess a new protocol emphasizing minimal pretherapy dental treatment. METHODS Forty-eight consecutive patients diagnosed with solid or hematologic neoplasms underwent dental examination prior to intensive chemotherapy. All chronic dental pathology was scored as either mild-to-moderate or severe based on the likelihood of conversion to an acute state during chemotherapy. No pretherapy dental treatment was given to patients with chronic dental disease. Intertherapy dental complications and the overall impact on chemotherapy outcomes were assessed. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients (79%) were diagnosed with pretherapy chronic dental pathology. Twenty-one of these patients (44% of the total population) were identified as having severe pathology and considered at risk for acute intertherapy dental complications. Two patients (4%) experienced acute intertherapy episodes, each presenting as oral abscesses. In both cases, resolution was achieved with antibiotics without interruption of chemotherapy. Oncologic treatment outcomes for all patients were judged to be unaffected by either the presence of chronic pretherapy dental disease or acute intertherapy exacerbations of these disease states. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that patients with chronic dental pathology can safely proceed with chemotherapy without dental intervention, as conversion of chronic dental disease to an acute state during chemotherapy occurs infrequently. If intertherapy dental infections do arise, they can be managed effectively without interrupting therapy or adversely affecting oncologic treatment outcomes. Cancer 1999;85:1843–8. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Lin28 regulates BMP4 and functions with Oct4 to affect ovarian tumor microenvironment

Emerging evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs) and tumor progression through both autocrine and paracrine signaling. Elevated production of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) from human ovarian cancer cells and stroma has been shown to increase CSC proliferation and tumor growth. Here, we report that Lin28, a stem cell factor, binds to BMP4 mRNA in epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells, thereby promoting BMP4 expression at the post-transcriptional level. As co-expression of Lin28 and Oct4 (another stem cell factor) has been implicated in ovarian cancer CSCs, we also determined that high levels of Lin28 are associated with an unfavorable prognosis when co-expressed with high levels of Oct4. Together, these findings uncover a new level of regulation of BMP4 expression and imply a novel Lin28/Oct4/BMP4-mediated mechanism of regulating ovarian tumor cell growth, thus holding potential for the development of new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Moments of the Poisson distribution

An explicit expression is developed for the $n\mathrm{th}$ moment of the Poisson distribution that portrays optical absorption and emission band shapes of impurities in solids.
Division of labor between hand and eye when perceiving shape.

Abstract Earlier research has shown that young children rely almost exclusively on visual inspection of shape in a situation where both haptic and visual perception may be combined. The present investigation sought to determine whether adults would perform similarly, or whether, with development, information acquisition strategies change such that both haptic and visual sources would be combined. Results clearly showed that adults did combine haptic and visual pickup where matching was with haptic comparison shapes. But, where matching was with visual comparisons, information pickup was confined to visual inspection.
The FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion tyrosine kinase in hypereosinophilic syndrome and chronic eosinophilic leukemia: implications for diagnosis, classification, and management

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) comprise a spectrum of indolent to aggressive diseases characterized by unexplained, persistent hypereosinophilia. These disorders have eluded a unique molecular explanation, and therapy has primarily been oriented toward palliation of symptoms related to organ involvement. Recent reports indicate that HES and CEL are imatinib-responsive malignancies, with rapid and complete hematologic remissions observed at lower doses than used in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). These BCR-ABL-negative cases lack activating mutations or abnormal fusions involving other known target genes of imatinib, implicating a novel tyrosine kinase in their pathogenesis. A bedside-to-benchtop translational research effort led to the identification of a constitutively activated fusion tyrosine kinase on chromosome 4q12, derived from an interstitial deletion, that fuses the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha gene (PDGFRA) to an uncharacterized human gene FIP1-like-1 (FIP1L1). However, not all HES and CEL patients respond to imatinib, suggesting disease heterogeneity. Furthermore, approximately 40% of responding patients lack the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion, suggesting genetic heterogeneity. This review examines the current state of knowledge of HES and CEL and the implications of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA discovery on their diagnosis, classification, and management.
Signs unsigned and meanings not meant: linguistic theory and hypothetical, simulated, imitation and meaningless language

Abstract Standard linguistic theory assumes that meanings are attached to linguistic artefacts by some semantic component during their production yet prior to their material realization, and it is those meanings that are decoded by the recipient/interpreter of the realized signs according to the same mental machinery/semantic component inside their brain. Rather than theorizing a single sign that is encoded, materialized, transmitted and then decoded, integrationism assumes that signs are created not only by speakers/writers but also by hearers/readers. This paper looks at linguistic artefacts that are not created to mean anything but to do something. The successful accomplishment of those actions depends entirely upon the recipient recreating them as meaningful linguistic signs, no matter what the meaning assigned to them. Examples of such linguistic artifacts to be examined are simulated language as a product of “user-friendly” software, whether programmed as potential aids for human use of technical systems (e.g. Google’s “Did you mean…? and machine translation) or as deceptions (spam and texts inserted into emails to “fool” anti-spam programs), and utterances whose meanings have no relation to what the standard theory regards as lexical meaning nor to interpretative rules (e.g. glossalalia). Of particular interest are the hypothetical language of examples in linguistic theory ( Bill is a farmer but John is not ; Colorless green ideas sleep furiously ) in which nothing is meant other than “this text represents a certain structure,” and the reproduction of texts that would be meaningful in one context but whose sole meaning is reduced to technical manipulation. In all of these cases a linguistic sign is produced (or its production programmed) by someone intent on accomplishing a certain end not through the recipient’s comprehension of a sign and its lexical or discourse meaning but by the human recipient’s creation of a linguistic sign on the one hand, or software unable to distinguish meaningful signs from meaningless textual strings on the other.
How Does Employment Protection Legislation Affect Unemployment in Tunisia?: A Search Equilibrium Approach

This paper applies a search matching model with firing restrictions to examine whether the existence of firing restrictions affects the outcome of the matching process and the natural rate of unemployment in Tunisia. The paper concludes that the removal of firing restrictions is likely to produce a favorable but limited impact on unemployment in Tunisia.
Endothelin up-regulation and localization following renal ischemia and reperfusion.

Endothelin up-regulation and localization following renal ischemia and reperfusion. Background Endothelin (ET), a potent vasoconstrictor, is known to play a role in ischemic acute renal failure. Although preproET-1 (ppET-1) mRNA is known to be up-regulated following ischemia/reperfusion injury, it has not been determined which component of the injury (ischemia or reperfusion) leads to initial gene up-regulation. Likewise, although ET-1 peptide expression has been localized in the normal kidney, its expression pattern in the ischemic kidney has not been determined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: ( a ) to determine whether ischemia alone or ischemia plus reperfusion is required for the up-regulation of ppET-1 mRNA to occur, and ( b ) to localize ET-1 peptide expression following ischemia in the rat kidney to clarify better the role of ET in the pathophysiology of ischemia-induced acute renal failure. Methods Male Lewis rats underwent clamping of the right renal vascular pedicle for either 30 minutes of ischemia (group 1), 60 minutes of ischemia (group 2), 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion (group 3), or 60 minutes of ischemia followed by three hours of reperfusion (group 4). The contralateral kidney acted as a control. ppET-1 mRNA up-regulation and ET-1 peptide expression were examined using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction yielded a control (nonischemic) value of 0.6 ± 0.2 densitometric units (DU) of ppET-1 mRNA in the kidney. Group 1 levels (30 min of ischemia alone) were 1.8 ± 0.4 DU, a threefold increase ( P P Conclusions Initial ET-1 gene up-regulation in the kidney occurs secondary to ischemia, but reperfusion most likely contributes to sustaining this up-regulation. The marked increase of ET-1 in the peritubular capillary network suggests that ET-induced vasoconstriction may have a pathophysiological role in ischemic acute tubular necrosis.
Aspirin- and indomethacin-induced ulcers and their antagonism by antihistamines

Gastric ulceration produced by aspirin and indomethacin was compared in acutely stressed and non-stressed rats. We found a synergism between these anti-inflammatory agents and acute stress in the production of gastric ulcers. Even at relatively high doses, neither agent caused appreciable gastric damage in non-stressed rats, whereas moderate doses of both agents produced massive ulceration in stressed rats. The synergism appears unrelated to the effect of these agents on the pituitary-adrenal response. The size and regional distribution of ulcers produced by aspirin and indomethacin in stressed rats were comparable. However, the dose--response curves of the two drugs were markedly dissimilar. Furthermore, the ulceration produced by indomethacin was attenuated by both H(sub 1) and H(sub 2) histamine receptor antagonists, whereas ulceration produced by aspirin was attenuated only by an H(sub 2) antagonist. The results suggest that the ulcerogenic mechanism of indomethacin may differ from that of aspirin and add to the growing evidence on the importance of endogenous histamine in various forms of gastric ulceration.
The exon-intron organization of the human erythrocyte α-spectrin gene

Abstract The human erythrocyte α-spectrin gene which spans 80 kbp has been cloned from human genomic DNA as overlaping λ recombinants. The exon-intron junctions were identified and the exons mapped. The gene is encoded by 52 exons whose sizes range from 684 bp to the smallest of 18 bp. The donor and acceptor splice site sequences match the splice site consensus sequences, with the exception of one splice site where a donor sequence begins with -GC. The size and location of exons do not correlate with the 106-amino-acid repeat, except in three locations where the surrounding codons are conserved as well. The lack of correspondence between exons and the 106-amino-acid repeat is interpreted to reflect the appearance of a spectrin-like gene from a minigene early in the evolution of eukaryotes. Since current evidence indicates that introns were present in genes before the divergence of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, it is possible that the original distribution of introns within the minigene has been lost by the random deletion of introns from the spectrin gene.
Road map for the management of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as ‘carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy’. GDM affects approximately 4–10% of all pregnancies in the United States. Pregnancies complicated by GDM have both short and long term effects on the developing fetus. Studies have shown that elevated levels of glycaemia are associated with increased perinatal mortality. O'Sullivan et al. in his original work, found a four-fold higher rate of perinatal mortality in untreated women with gestational diabetes when compared to women with a normal glucose tolerance test in the same time period. Pettit et al., when studying Pima Indians, found a direct association between a 2-hour, 75g glucose load result and perinatal mortality. Evaluation of recent studies concerning gestational diabetes revealed relatively high rates of stillbirth and perinatal mortality. Thus, it is clear that lack of a therapeutic regimen for these patients will result in increased fetal mortality.
Radiohalodestannylation: Synthesis of 125I-labeled 17α-E-Iodovinylestradiol

17 alpha-E-Iodovinylestradiol and its iodine-125-labeled analog were prepared by halodestannylation. The synthesis of the unlabeled compound was achieved from estrone in two steps with an overall yield of 30%. The tributylstannylvinylestradiol intermediate reacted with sodium [125I]iodide (specific activity = 2200 Ci/mmol) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid to give the 17 alpha-E-[125I]iodovinylestradiol in 40-60% yield after isolation by reversed phase column chromatography. The radiochemical purity was greater than 98% and no other u.v. active components could be detected by HPLC. The ease of preparation and isolation of this radioligand suggests that radiohalodestannylation may be the method of choice for this and structurally similar compounds.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 4-Fluoro-8-substituted-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-2-benzazapines as Selective Inhibitors of Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase versus the α2-Adrenoceptor.

A small series of 4-fluoro-8-substituted-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-2-benzazapines (4-fluoro-THBAs; 12−15) were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT; EC 2.1.1.28) and as inhibitors of the binding of clonidine at the α2-adrenoceptor. 4-Fluoro-THBAs 13−15 displayed selectivity ratios (α2 Ki/PNMT Ki) greater than 75 and 4-fluoro-8-nitro-THBA (13) was found to be one of the most selective inhibitors of PNMT known, with a selectivity ratio of greater than 900. These compounds are also quite lipophilic and according to previous results from this laboratory should be able to penetrate the blood−brain barrier. These 4-fluoro-THBAs represent important leads in the development of new, more selective, CNS-active inhibitors of PNMT.