cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of diffusion coefficients by the Matano-Boltzmann method

Some aspects of Boltzmann’s solution for one-dimensional diffusion in an infinite medium when the initial distribution is a step function are clarified. Thus, the fact that the concentration is a function of the single variable x/t1/2 is established by a dimensional argument. The basis of the Matano-Boltzmann method for determining diffusion coefficients from concentration curves is discussed, and a new way of applying the method is derived and illustrated. As in the work of Hall, emphasis is placed on the curve obtained when (in effect) concentration is plotted against position on probability paper. This curve is approximated by a polynomial, and the diffusion coefficient is calculated by using an equation in which the coefficients of the polynomial appear as parameters. The new procedure makes the judgment of the effect of errors in concentration measurements easier than do the graphical methods frequently used.
Conflicting Conceptions of Construction in Kant’s Philosophy of Geometry

This paper is intended as a contribution to the longstanding debate1 about how to understand Kant’s appeal to pure intuition in his philosophical account of geometry. It proceeds by focusing on a n...
Optical Signal Processing for Neural Networks

Integrated photonics technology offers great potential for neuromorphic systems. We discuss two examples; a photonic non-volatile memory based analog accelerator for the training of deep neural networks and integrated photonic non-volatile memory elements for reservoir computing systems.
Understanding the social and community support networks of American Indian women cancer survivors.

Cancer is the leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. Although cancer disparities among AI women are alarming, there is littlle research focused on the topic o...
Perfusion of the canine colon with unconjugated bile acids. Effect on water and electrolyte transport, morphology, and bile acid absorption.

The effect of unconjugated bile acids on absorption of electrolytes and water from the large intestine was studied by perfusing the colons of 18 healthy, anesthetized dogs. Absorption of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and water from isotonic electrolyte solutions (with or without deoxycholic, chenodeoxycholic, and cholic acids) was compared in each dog. Deoxycholic acid in 5 and 10 mM concentrations inhibited electrolyte and water absorption; 3 mM concentration had a variable effect. Chenodeoxycholic acid in 10 mM concentration also inhibited absorption, but 10 mM cholic acid had no effect. In an additional 2 dogs, 10 mM taurodeoxycholic acid produced inhibition comparable with that produced by the unconjugated form. In 2 dogs, 10 mM deoxycholic acid blocked absorption only while being perfused through the colon; thereafter absorption from control solutions returned promptly and completely to normal. The amount of mucus in colonic goblet cells was reduced after perfusion with bile acids, although this finding was not related to inhibition of absorption; no morphological changes were observed in columnar epithelial cells examined with light and electron microscopy. Each bile acid was absorbed from the colon; the dihydroxy bile acids were absorbed to twice the degree that cholic acid was. This effect of bile acids on colonic function offers an explanation for the diarrhea that occurs when ileal disease or resection results in bile acid malabsorption and exposure of the colon to excessive quantities of bile acid.
Telemedicine platform myIBDcoach reduces hospitalisations and outpatient gastroenterology visits in patients with IBD.

Commentary on : de Jong MJ, van der Meulen-de Jong AE, Romberg-Camps MJ, et al . Telemedicine for management of inflammatory bowel disease (myIBDcoach): a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2017;390:959–68. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic heterogeneous disease with high complexity, often requiring intensive management by a gastroenterologist and ancillary team with the goal of achieving clinical remission. Multiple prior studies have demonstrated the feasibility of implementing telemedicine into IBD practices via various technological platforms with resulting improved quality of life, disease knowledge and adherence, and a decrease in hospitalisations, emergency room visits and steroid use.1-3 This randomised controlled trial (RCT) examines quality of life and healthcare utilisation after implementation of a telemedicine system in four IBD practices in the Netherlands.4 This study was a pragmatic RCT comparing remote monitoring with telemedicine to standard of care. The system included monitoring of …
Variability of organic carbon content and the retention and release of trichloroethene in the rock matrix of a mudstone aquifer.

Abstract Contaminants diffusing from fractures into the immobile porosity of the rock matrix are subject to prolonged residence times. Organic contaminants can adsorb onto organic carbonaceous materials in the matrix extending contaminant retention. An investigation of spatial variability of the fraction of organic carbon ( foc ) is conducted on samples of rock core from seven closely spaced boreholes in a mudstone aquifer contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE). A total of 378 samples were analyzed at depths between 14 and 36 m below land surface. Mudstone units associated with deep water deposition have the largest foc, with a maximum value of 0.0396, and units associated with shallow water deposition have the smallest foc. Even though foc correlates with depositional conditions, foc still varies over more than an order of magnitude in continuous mudstone layers between boreholes, and there is large variability in foc over short distances perpendicular to bedding. Simulations of diffusion and linear equilibrium adsorption of TCE using spatially variable foc in the rock matrix show order of magnitude variability in the adsorbed TCE over short distances in the matrix and residence times extending to hundreds of years following remediation in adjacent fractures. Simulations using average values of foc do not capture the range of TCE mass that can be retained in a rock matrix characterized by spatially variable foc. Bounds on TCE mass within the rock matrix can be obtained by simulations with spatially uniform values of foc equal to the maximum and minimum values of foc for a given mudstone unit.
Abstract IA32: Multiscale modeling of lung cancer

Vast amounts of biomedical data are now routinely available for lung cancer patients ranging from sequencing of lung tissues to liquid biopsies. In addition, new computational tools for quantitatively analyzing immunohistochemistry (IHC) and radiology images are now available. Multi-scale data is now available for complex diseases at molecular, cellular and tissue scale to establish a more comprehensive view of key biological processes. Intra and inter individual heterogeneities are often quoted as the main challenge for studying cancer. These heterogeneities exist at all scales, from microscopic to macroscopic. However, the technologies used to generate data at a particular scale don’t equally assess the heterogeneity. A single biopsy of a lung tumor does not reflect the potential cellular and spatial heterogeneity. Radiology images on the other hand provide a global picture of the heterogeneity of the complete tumor at the tissue scale. We propose multi-scale modeling to counter heterogeneity and uncover potentially untapped synergies between different data modalities by integrating information across spatial scales. Multi-scale modeling involves linking information from molecules, cells, tissues, and organs all the way to the organism and the population. We propose to use high dimensional molecular data with cellular and tissue scale image data to develop a statistical multi-scale modeling approach of cancer by tapping the previously understudied information in IHC and radiology images. For example, recent reports showed how to integrate transcriptomic data and CT images resulting in intriguing associations between gene expression signatures and CT image phenotypes. Secondly, multiple studies have shown that EGFR mutation status can be predicted from CT images features, opening up avenues for non-invasive therapy monitoring. In addition, computational analysis of IHC and radiology images is able to predict the overall survival of lung cancer patients. Each of these single reports have shown the potential of multi-scale modeling, however a complete multi-scale model of lung cancer is still under development. Overall, multi-scale modeling can have profound contributions toward predicting diagnosis and treatment by revealing synergies and previously unappreciated relationships. Multi-scale modeling also can contribute to a more fundamental understanding of lung cancer development and can reveal novel insights in how data at different scales are linked to each other. Citation Format: Olivier Gevaert. Multiscale modeling of lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR-IASLC International Joint Conference: Lung Cancer Translational Science from the Bench to the Clinic; Jan 8-11, 2018; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(17_Suppl):Abstract nr IA32.
Graphics Recognition and Validation Protocol

This chapter provides a fundamental study on graphics recognition systems. It basically includes data acquisition and processing to data representation, recognition, retrieval, and spotting. Further, depending on datasets and their availability (for research purpose), and the way we validate the graphics recognition systems (validation protocol).
Scalability of the Vector Quantization Approach for Fast QSTS Simulation

Copper-plated contacts for front side crystalline silicon solar cells are a topic of considerable interest, with many recent publications presenting a variety of successful methods and impressive cell results. Several of the more obvious challenges yet to be proven relate to the durability and reliability of plated contacts, especially the adhesion of plated metal to solar cells and the long-term stability of the metals that could potentially result in gradual power degradation. In this work, we have fabricated copper plated cells using several different front side patterning methods. For a resist-based process, we have optimized plated cell processing to achieve adhesion comparable to screenprinted silver paste contacts. For laser-based patterning methods, greater understanding of the metal-silicon interface and microstructure effecting adhesion is still needed.
Genetic testing behavior and reporting patterns in electronic medical records for physicians trained in a primary care specialty or subspecialty

Objective To characterize important patterns of genetic testing behavior and reporting in modern electronic medical records (EMRs) at the institutional level. Materials and methods Retrospective observational study using EMR data of all 10 715 patients who received genetic testing by physicians trained in a primary care specialty or subspecialty at an academic medical center between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010. Results Patients had a mean±SD age of 38.3±15.8 years (median 36.1, IQR 30.0–43.8). The proportion of female subjects in the study population was larger than in the general patient population (77.2% vs 55.0%, p<0.001) and they were younger than the male subjects in the study (36.5±13.2 vs 44.6±21.2 years, p<0.001). Approximately 1.1% of all patients received genetic testing. There were 942 physicians who ordered a total of 15 320 genetic tests. By volume, commonly tested genes involved mutations for cystic fibrosis (36.7%), prothrombin (13.7%), Tay–Sachs disease (6.7%), hereditary hemochromatosis (4.4%), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (4.1%). EMRs stored reports as free text with categorical descriptions of mutations and an average length of 269.4±153.2 words (median 242, IQR 146–401). Conclusions In this study, genetic tests were often ordered by a diverse group of physicians for women of childbearing age being evaluated for diseases that may affect potential offspring. EMRs currently serve primarily as a storage warehouse for textual reports that could potentially be transformed into meaningful structured data for next-generation clinical decision support. Further studies are needed to address the design, development, and implementation of EMRs capable of managing the critical genetic health information challenges of the future.
The convergence of forefront technologies in the design of laccase-based biosensors – An update

Abstract We present a synopsis of 90 references on the last trends in electrochemical laccase-based biosensors and highlight how forefront technologies have prompted the development of smarter biosensors boosting their applications in agro-environmental and biomedical fields. This review updates a previous one published by Rodriguez-Delgado and co-workers in Trends in Analytical Chemistry 74 (2015) 21–45 and covers the research advances over the period between 2015 and 2019. In particular, a general overview on laccase structure and function is reported emphasizing its electrochemistry features as suitable bioreceptor for electrochemical devices. Then, we describe how crosscutting technologies like nanotechnology, material science, and immobilisation strategies can help to enhance the analytical performances of laccase-based biosensors.
Portable bright-field, fluorescence, and cross-polarized microscope toward point-of-care imaging diagnostics.

Emerging technologies are enabling the feasibility of new types of point-of-care diagnostic devices. A portable, multimodal microscopy platform intended for use in remote diagnostic applications is presented. Use of such a system could bring high-quality microscopy to field use for diseases such as malaria, allowing better diagnostic and surveillance information to be gathered. The microscope was designed using off-the-shelf components and a manual filter selection to generate bright-field, fluorescent, and cross-polarized images of samples mounted to microscopy slides. Design parameters for the system are discussed, and characterization is performed using standardized imaging targets, multimodal phantoms, and blood smears simulating those used in malaria diagnosis. The microscope is shown to be able to image below element 9-3 of a 1951 U.S. Air Force target, indicating that the system is capable of resolving features Plasmodium falciparum can be visualized in images from each modality and combined into high-contrast composite images. To optimize parasitic feature contrast across all three imaging modes, several different staining techniques were compared, with results indicating that use of a single nucleic acid binding fluorophore is preferable.
Vibrational control of mechanical systems with piecewise linear damping and high-frequency inputs

This paper discusses averaging and vibrational control of mechanical control-affine systems with piecewise linear damping and high-frequency inputs. The results are used for dynamic analysis and vibrational control of a three-degree-of-freedom, planar, horizontal pendulum. The system has non-symmetric, linear viscous damping, and the pivot point of the pendulum moves along a prescribed elliptical path with “high” frequency. The dynamic analysis shows that the presence of non-symmetric damping results in change of periodic orbits or equilibria of the system or instability of an otherwise stable system. This paper presents the stability conditions of the system in terms of the physical parameters of the pendulum and the prescribed path. Using the results of dynamic analysis, the paper also discusses vibrational control of the system of horizontal pendulum. The analysis can be extended to mechanical control systems with nonlinear viscous forces, dry friction, or inviscid flow forces.
Design and Implementation of 5.8 GHz LC Bandpass Filter in 0.18 µm HR-SOI Technology

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 5.8 GHz compact LC bandpass filter (BPF) using a standard 0.18 µm high resistivity (HR) SOI process. The topology is based on capacitively coupled resonator with an additional series inductor to improve high frequency stop band characteristics. The filter is realized using on-chip spiral inductors and MIM capacitors. The bandwidth of this filter configuration is shown to decrease with a high value series inductor which in turn can be realized using only HR-SOI technology. The filter has a center frequency of 5.8 GHz and 3 dB bandwidth of 1 GHz, with a fractional bandwidth of 17% and a loaded $Q$ of 5.6. The chip area of the filter is 700 µm x 540 µm excluding the pads. Owing to the high quality characteristics of passive components on SOI substrate, the filter achieves an insertion loss of 3.8 dB at center frequency with a return loss better than −25 dB while having an extended stop band up to 20 GHz. Good agreement is seen between EM simulations and measured results.
Lessons Learned for Orthopaedic Care Within the NYC COVID Epicenter Using the United States Naval Ship Comfort.

Although elective surgeries and in-person office visits were greatly reduced during the COVID-19 crisis, orthopaedic surgeons continue to play a critical role in caring for both orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic problems during this pandemic. Orthopaedic departments provide the ability to off-load emergency departments of orthopaedic issues, redeploy staff to areas of need across the hospital system, and provide direct care to COVID-19 patients. The following will discuss the experience of a large academic orthopaedic surgery department within the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to redeployment of human capital, unique resources such as the USNS Comfort, as well as our recommended strategy for handling future disaster situations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Prognostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Calculation of extreme accelerations in earthquake motion due to ground spalling

The occurrence of record-breaking extreme vertical acceleration, caused by the separation of the loosely attached ground and its subsequent landing, was discovered during the 2008 Mw 6.9 Iwate-Miyagi earthquake in Japan. The phenomenon was termed the trampoline effect and later referred to as spalling. The trampoline model is quantitatively inaccurate, as it assumes a soft elastic rebound, whereas large accelerations could only be produced by hard collision. We present a computational model of spalling based on Hertz’s theory of solid impact and the projectile equation. It quantitatively reproduces the asymmetric shape of the acceleration time history, in which the negative phase is capped at one negative gravity, and the observed high values in the positive slapdown phase. The model predicts that the ground spalling can increase the maximum possible acceleration that can be experienced in an earthquake to seven gravities. Such a scenario should be taken into account in seismic-hazard analyses.
Sexual Harassment in Ophthalmology

Sexual harassment (SH) is highly prevalent among women in ophthalmology and has been shown to significantly impact victims’ work satisfaction, professional advancement, and mental health. Despite the severity of workplace incidents and their effects, SH often goes unreported for a variety of reasons. There are a number of strategies that have been shown to change workplace culture to prevent SH and mitigate its effects. Bystander interventions and victim response include the 5 “D’s”: Direct intervention, Distraction, Debriefing, Documentation, and Delegation. Each of these are explored in detail in this chapter. Finally, the fear of false accusations of SH can prevent men from mentoring women. For this reason and others, women should engage men in discussion of SH in order to achieve maximum impact. Both men and women must play an active role in advocating for SH prevention.
Resolving Simulated Sequences of Earthquakes and Fault Interactions: Implications for Physics-Based Seismic Hazard Assessment

Physics-based numerical modeling of earthquake source processes strives to predict quantities of interest for seismic hazard, such as the probability of an earthquake rupture jumping between fault ...
Developing Construction Information Systems Courses Based on Collaboration between Industry and Academia

Abstract The technological advancements of the twenty-first century have great potential for improving the construction industry’s low levels of productivity. Many companies are adopting new techno...
Justification or Excuse? Exploring the Meaning of Provocation

Is there a real difference between a justification and an excuse, or did we academics just make it up? This Article argues that the difference exists, and the internal logic and interplay of criminal rules and prohibitions determine the nature of a particular exculpatory claim. In this article, I illustrate this argument by discussing the meaning of the defense of provocation.
A regulação da contratação pública pelas agências reguladoras: Limites e possibilidades (The Scope of the Regulation of Public Procurement by Regulatory Agencies)

Portuguese Abstract: O processo de contratacao publica no Brasil esta condicionada a um regime juridico de direito publico, que tem fundamento na Constituicao Federal e o seu regramento infraconstitucional compreendido em parte nas leis infraconstitucionais e, em parte, na regulacao operada pelas agencias reguladoras no âmbito de suas respectivas atribuicoes. O objetivo deste artigo e identificar os limites e as possibilidades que as agencias reguladoras brasileiras tem no âmbito da regulacao da contratacao publica e, para tanto, pergunta-se: quais sao os limites e as possibilidades que as agencias reguladoras brasileiras tem, no âmbito de suas atribuicoes, em materia de regulacao de contratacao publica? Embora o tema nao tem sido tratado pontualmente pela doutrina, nem pela jurisprudencia das Cortes superiores, conclui-se que as agencias reguladoras no Brasil podem exercer a regulacao sobre a contratacao publica, porque exercem parcela da atividade de regulacao. English Abstract: Public procurement procedures in Brazil are subject to a public law regime, which finds its grounds in the Federal Constitution, in legal statutes and in the rules issued by administrative agencies in exercise of their regulatory powers. This paper intends to identify the reach of the rulemaking authority of Brazilian regulatory agencies in the field of public procurement.
Incidence and Impact of Lymphopenia Associated With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Low-Lying Rectal Tumors.

Purpose/Objective(s) To assess incidence of lymphopenia and its association with outcomes in patients treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for low-lying rectal tumors. Materials/Methods Patients with Stage II-III, low rectal adenocarcinomas treated from 2015-2018 with TNT were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were candidates for an APR surgical resection, but were treated with intent to omit surgery if they had a clinical complete response. All patients received definitive radiation (median dose 54 Gy, range 50-56 Gy, at 1.8-2 Gy/fx) with concurrent capecitabine, with additional chemotherapy (CT) delivered either prior to or following chemoradiation (CRT). Institutional results on patient outcomes have previously been reported with a clinical complete response rate of 75%; with only 19% of those ultimately requiring surgery for local recurrence. Absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) were collected prior to initiating CRT and at 3-month intervals following CRT and graded based on severity of lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count Results A total of 28 patients with low rectal cancers were treated with TNT during this period, with ALC analyzed for the 26 who had detailed lymphocyte data available. 7 patients were treated with CT followed by CRT, receiving a median of 8 (range 4-8) cycles of CT, and 18 patients were treated with CRT followed by CT, receiving a median of 6 cycles (range 1-9). One patient refused CT after CRT. Prior to initiating CRT, the median ALC was 1,665/mm3 (range, 710-3,060/mm3), with lymphopenia present in only 4 patients (1 neoadjuvant CT and 3 adjuvant CT). The median ALC nadir during CRT was 450/mm3 (range, 230-900/mm3), with all 26 patients experiencing lymphopenia during the course of CRT: 4% Grade 1, 35% Grade 2, 61% Grade 3, and 0% Grade 4. Rates of lymphopenia at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post CRT were 73%, 81%, and 42%, respectively. On Cox regression analysis, increased pre-CRT and 12-month post-CRT lymphocyte counts were associated with a decreased risk of need for surgery (P 0.05). Conclusion Despite the frequency of lymphopenia during CRT, the degree of lymphopenia during and up to 6 months after CRT did not appear to predict future surgery. However, increased pre-CRT and 12-month post-CRT ALC were associated with decrease need of surgery. CRT produces both oxidative stress and immune response stimulation to kill cancer cells. Patients with higher pre-CRT and 12-month post-CRT ALC may represent a population with more robust immune systems, producing more favorable tumor responses. Additional studies are warranted.
Formulating the strength factor α for improved predictability of radiation hardening

Abstract Analytical equations were developed to calculate the strength factors of precipitates, Frank loops, and cavities in austenitic alloys, which strongly depend on barrier type, size, geometry and density, as well as temperature. Calculated strength factors were successfully used to estimate radiation hardening using the broadly employed dispersed barrier-hardening model, leading to good agreement with experimentally measured hardening in neutron-irradiated type 304 and 316 stainless steel variants. The formulated strength factor provides a route for more reliable hardening predictions and can be easily incorporated into component simulations and design.
Inhibition of Fibrinogen Reaction by Polysaccharide of Encapsulated Staphylococcus aureus

Encapsulated and nonencapsulated strains of Staphylococcus aureus which lack coagulase or clumping factor (bound coagulase), or both, were examined for the antigen associated with the fibrinogen-cell clumping reaction. Extracts of the cells were tested for the ability to react with fibrinogen or to inhibit fibrinogen precipitation. Antisera prepared against encapsulated (coagulase-positive, clumping factor-negative) variants, as well as against nonencapsulated wild-type (coagulase-positive, clumping factor-positive) S. aureus strains, contained high titers of clumping-inhibiting antibody. When coagulase-negative, clumping factor-negative mutants were the immunizing agents, antisera contained no demonstrable clumping-inhibiting antibody. Phenol extracts of all coagulase-positive strains tested precipitated fibrinogen, regardless of the ability of cells to clump in the presence of fibrinogen. Polysaccharide extracts of encapsulated, clumping factor-negative strains inhibited this fibrinogen-precipitating activity, whereas similar extracts of nonencapsulated staphylococci did not inhibit the fibrinogen reaction. From these results, it appeared that the coagulase-positive, encapsulated staphylococci which do not clump in fibrinogen solution possess clumping factor, but that their capsular polysaccharide inhibits clumping activity. These findings suggested a closer association of clumping factor and coagulase than is now recognized.
Abstract 14713: SIRT6 Blocks Differentiation of Cardiac Fibroblasts into Myofibroblasts by Inactivation of the TGFβ1 Signaling

Introduction: Cardiac fibrosis contributes to adverse cardiac remodeling which is precursor to heart failure. At the cellular level, fibrosis occurs because of differentiation of quiescent cardiac fibroblasts (CF) into myofibroblasts (myoFB), an activated fibroblast-like cell-type capable of synthesizing excessive extracellular matrix. Activation of TGFβ-signaling is considered to be a major contributor of this process. This study was undertaken to examine the role of SIRT6, an anti-aging molecule, on the differentiation of CF to myoFB and the development of cardiac fibrosis. Methods and Results: Cardiac fibroblasts obtained from human failing hearts were analyzed for expression levels of SIRT6 and myoFB markers like, smooth muscle α-actin (SMA), fibronectin and collagen1 (Col1) by western blotting. Expression levels of SMA, fibronectin and Col1 were increased, whereas SIRT6 levels were decreased in CF prepared from failing hearts, compared to control hearts. To test whether SIRT6 deficiency contributed to activation of myoFB markers, we analyzed hearts of SIRT6 (+/-) mice. There was robust activation of myoFB markers and Mason-trichome blue positive staining for fibrosis in SIRT6 (+/-) hearts, compared to controls. To understand the mechanism involved, we analyzed different components of TGFβ-Smad3 signaling in SIRT6 deficient hearts. Expression levels of both pro- and mature-TGFβ1 and Smad3 were significantly elevated in SIRT6 (+/-) hearts, compared to controls. By using siRNA approach we also knocked down SIRT6 (SIRT6-KD) levels in human control CF, and analyzed sensitivity of these fibroblasts to pro-fibrotic agonists, Ang-II. SIRT6-KD fibroblasts had significantly higher levels of TGFβ1, and they were highly sensitive to Ang-II stimulation in terms of synthesizing myoFB markers. Over expression of SIRT6 blocked the synthesis of TGFβ1 and the fibrotic response to Ang-II, both in control and in SIRT6-KD fibroblasts, thus demonstrating anti-fibrotic activity of SIRT6. Conclusions: These data indicate that SIRT6 is capable of blocking fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts by suppressing the synthesis of TGFβ1, and signify that SIRT6 could serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure.
Does the threat of antitrust policy keep prices down

This study examines the pricing strategy of a firm faced with the threat of antitrust policy. When the firm's pricing strategy does not directly affect the outcome of antitrust policy, impending antitrust policy reduces the potential for expected future profits. Consequently, the target firm short-run profit maximizes by increasing its present price. When the target firm's pricing strategy affects the outcome of antitrust policy, the firm's incentive to increase its present price may be further enhanced or may be reduced depending on the nature of the enforcement process.
When Accommodations for Religion Violate the Establishment Clause: Regularizing the Supreme Court's Analysis

While questions concerning the constitutionality of discretionary religious accommodations are certainly important, the familiar charge that the U.S. Supreme Court's cases are confusing and even contradictory is exaggerated. Characterizations of this sort are a proxy for what is really a disagreement with the Court's case law in some fundamental respect. The Supreme Court's approach to religious accommodations can be regularized and in many respects reduced to a series of straightforward rules. This article sets forth five rules with respect to what government may do to accommodate religious practice and five rules with respect to what government may not do. As it turns out the Supreme Court has said that most religious accommodations are left to the broad discretion of legislators and public officials. So long as the object of the accommodation is to protect or expand religious freedom, as distinct from expanding religion, the accommodation will be permitted. It is a categorical mistake to view discretionary religious accommodations as cases about government support for religion. Rather, such accommodations are government support for religious freedom?something permitted by the First Amendment, indeed the First Amendment is the leading example of such a law. Just as the First Amendment is pro-freedom of speech and pro-freedom of the press, it is pro-religious freedom. And that is as true of the Establishment Clause as it is of the Free Exercise Clause. To be sure, in the course of crafting a discretionary accommodation mistakes can be made. This is why this article identifies five rules in the case law with respect to how the government cannot proceed as it drafts its accommodation. But these rules are about improper means to an otherwise legitimate end. When a legislature avoids these improper means, a discretionary accommodation that seeks to enlarge religious freedom will not be found to violate the Establishment Clause.
Film Review: Island of Outcasts

The Greek mental institution of Leros, housed on the island of the same name, has received significant journalistic attention. In September of 1989, the London Observer printed a front page account of the hospital, describing it as a "concentration camp." Following the British report, a barrage of Greek press about the island and institution was ignited. All accounts have discussed aspects of the hospital and its horrific patient conditions: patient neglect, absence of medical personnel (for some 1150 adults there are only two psychiatrists), patients who are kept naked throughout the year, inadequate diet, etc. The film "Island of Outcasts" represents another British endeavor detailing the hospital's conditions. It shatters common images of Greek islands as romantic tourist hideaways with tranquil beaches, crystalline blue waters and convivial natives. Rather, a grim and haunting portrait of the island and its mental institution is conveyed.
Measurement of Z quark, Z electron couplings and sin**2(theta(W)) at CDF

The forward-backward charge asymmetry ($A_{FB}$) of $\ppbar \to e^{+}e^{-} X$ is sensitive to the vector and axial-vector couplings of the initial state quarks and final state leptons. Based on the measurement in $72 pb^{-1}$ of CDF Run II data, we measure the coupling constants of the $Z$ boson to quarks and electron. The electroweak mixing angle, $\sin^2\theta_{W}$, is also measured through its relation to the coupling constants.
America's Public Lands: From Yellowstone to Smokey Bear and Beyond

Introduction: Why Public Lands? Part I: Origins of the Public Domain Chapter 1: Building the National Commons Chapter 2: Disposing of the Public Domain: From Commons to Commodity Chapter 3: A Public Land System Emerges Part II: America's Public Land System Chapter 4: National Parks Chapter 5: National Forests Chapter 6: National Wildlife Refuges Chapter 7: Bureau of Land Management Lands Chapter 8: National Wilderness Preservation System: Wild and Scenic Rivers and National Scenic Trails Chapter 9: Parting Thoughts Appendix A: Major U.S. Public Land Laws and Other Key Turning Points Appendix B: Units within the National Park System Bibliography
Molecular drivers of lobular carcinoma in situ

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is considered to be a risk factor for the development of invasive breast carcinoma, but it may also be a non-obligate precursor to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Many LCIS lesions do not progress to ILC, and the molecular changes that are necessary for progression from LCIS to ILC are poorly understood. Disruption in the E-cadherin complex is the hallmark of lobular lesions, but other signaling molecules, such as PIK3CA and c-src, are consistently altered in LCIS. This review focuses on the molecular drivers of lobular carcinoma, a more complete understanding of which may give perspective on which LCIS lesions progress, and which will not, thus having immense clinical implications.
Radiation-Associated Airway Necrosis

Background: Chondronecrosis is one of the complications that occurs after radiation treatment of the chest and mediastinal tumors, with necrosis usually developing months to years after treatment. Upper airway perichondritis and necrosis of the cricoid cartilage, larynx, and upper trachea have been observed as a complication of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers as well. Tracheal chondronecrosis, on the other hand, is a rare complication after radiation treatment. Case Report: We report a case of delayed chondronecrosis of the distal trachea that developed 8 years after radiation treatment using iodine-125 seeds to treat mediastinal adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Treatment options for chondronecrosis of the distal trachea are based on the location and extent of the airway chondronecrosis and can be either balloon bronchial dilatation with stent placement or surgical resection and anastomosis.
Post-conflict reconstruction and citizenship agendas: lessons from Beirut

How does post-conflict reconstruction embody citizenship agendas? By emphasizing the intersections between urban planning, architecture and political community in Hizballah's reconstruction discourse following the 2006 war, this article explores the articulation of such agendas in the historical production of urban space. The first section explores the denial of urban space and membership in the political community to Lebanon's Shi'a in the reconstruction of Beirut following the 1975–1990 civil war. The second section introduces Harat Hreik and the struggle over its reconstruction as resistance, on the part of Hizballah and its cadres, to this exclusion. The party's approach, anchored in an innovative not-for-profit NGO, ‘The Solemn Promise Project’ (Mashru' Wa'ad al-Sadiq), asserted the claims of its constituency to a place in both the city and the nation over considerations of profit. This citizenship agenda, inclusionary in sectarian terms, however, entailed its own set decidedly class-based inclusions...
New Monte Carlo algorithm: Entropic sampling.

We present a new Monte Carlo sampling algorithm, with which one can obtain any desired distribution of the sampling in one Monte Carlo simulation. The free energy and the entropy of a system can thus be obtained from a simple exercise of this algorithm. The main idea is to sample directly the entropy of a system at infinite temperature. Importance sampling is shown to be a particular case of the new algorithm. The algorithm is tested against the exact partition function of the [ital L]=4 simple cubic Ising model. A comparison with the multicanonical ensemble for the [ital L]=12, [ital q]=10 Potts model shows that the new algorithm is more general and more efficient.
Developing a Microscopic Transportation Emissions Model to Estimate Carbon Dioxide Emissions on Limited-Access Highways

This paper presents an optimal design approach for developing a microscopic transportation emissions model (Micro-TEM). The main purpose of Micro-TEM is to achieve an acceptable degree of accuracy as a surrogate model for predicting transportation emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) on limited-access highways as an alternative to using a traffic model and then integrating those results into an emissions model. Key parameters related to traffic (volume, truck percentage, speed limits), geometry (road grade), and environment (temperature) were selected for detailed evaluation. Estimating vehicle emissions on the basis of second-by-second vehicle operation created the opportunity to integrate a microscopic traffic simulation model, VISSIM, with the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mobile source emissions model, the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES), for higher precision and accuracy. The VISSIM-MOVES integration software, VIMIS, was developed to facilitate running a multilevel factorial exper...
Clinical features of abdominal painful crisis in sickle cell anemia

Abstract A retrospective review of children having sickle cell anemia and abdominal painful crisis (APC) was performed in order to delineate the pattern of their presenting clinical characteristics. Of 43 children accounting for 106 cases of APC that occurred during a 4-year period, 94 cases involved a child who had had a previous episode of APC. Symptoms included vomiting (10) and concomitant bone or joint pain (42). Physical findings showed 98 children with normoactive bowel sounds, 96 with a nonrigid abdomen to palpation, two with involuntary guarding, and two with rebound tenderness. Certain clinical characteristics are useful in distinguishing children with sickle cell anemia and APC. As compared with traditional findings that suggest a “surgical” abdomen, most of the children who have sickle cell APC do not experience vomiting, and present with normoactive bowel sounds, nonrigid abdomen, and absence of involuntary guarding or rebound tenderness. Children having presumed APC who receive analgesic medication in an outpatient setting with symptomatic improvement should be hospitalized for observation to monitor for recurrence/progression of symptoms indicative of an abdominal disease process requiring surgery.
Characterization of a specific somatomedin-c receptor on isolated bovine growth plate chondrocytes.

The interaction of somatomedin (Sm) with growth plate chondrocytes (GPCs) is believed to be the primary stimulus of skeletal growth. Using techniques designed to disrupt as little as possible the phenotypic characteristics of GPCs, we have been able to obtain 3–4 × 108 viable cells from the major physes of one newborn calf. The availability of these cells plus essentially pure Sm-C/insulin-like growth factor I, the most GH-dependent Sm, has now made possible detailed studies of the interaction of this radiolabeled peptide with the GPC receptor and of the subsequent processing of this hormone by these cells. The enzymatic methods required to free GPCs from their matrix led to loss of receptors, followed by rapid receptor regeneration by de novo synthesis in suspension cultures. Binding of [125I]iodo-Sm-C to GPCs was time dependent and saturable, with optima at 15 C and pH 7.8. At 37 C, binding peaked at 90 min and declined thereafter. Multiplication-stimulating activity, insulin, and nerve growth factor we...
Newman’s Health as Expanded Consciousness in Baccalaureate Education

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness by baccalaureate nursing students in clinical learning experiences. After a brief overview of Newman's perspective, the authors report the context, the process, the challenges, and possibilities of participating in theory-based nursing care as reflected by students and faculty. Two exemplars of student-client partnerships highlight the process. The authors underscore the significance of early exposure to application and reflection on discipline-specific knowledge in the socialization of the future nurse.
Working together: library and writing center collaboration

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to survey the means through which libraries and writing centers are collaborating to determine best practices and applications.Design/methodology/approach – Examples of collaboration between libraries and writing centers were examined and grouped into similar examples to highlight themes within the literature.Findings – Many librarians are training writing center staff and tutors in library services and information literacy skills. Reference librarians are sharing space or holding joint office hours with writing centers to help create a one‐stop shop for students. Joint classes and workshops are helping to reinforce the connected nature of research and writing. It is important to survey the environment; some types of collaboration work better at some institutions than others.Research limitations/implications – This is a review of the literature concerning collaboration and cannot contain every example of library and writing center collaboration.Practical implicatio...
Fake rings, fake modules, and duality

Abstract A duality theory for modules over a commutative ring is developed using lattice modules. Using this duality theory several classical results for Noetherian modules are dualized to Artinian modules. This theory of duality also applies to certain other algebraic systems.
Oxidative degradation kinetics of lycopene, lutein, and 9-cis and all-trans β-carotene

The thermal and oxidative degradation of carotenoids was studied in an oil model system to determine their relative stabilities and the major β-carotene isomers formed during the reaction. All-trans β-carotene, 9-cis β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein were heated in safflower seed oil at 75, 85, and 95°C for 24, 12, and 5 h, respectively. The major isomers formed during heating of β-carotene were 13-cis, 9-cis, and an unidentified cis isomer. The degradation kinetics for the carotenoids followed a first-order kinetic model. The rates of degradation were as follows: lycopene>all-trans β-carotene≈9-cis β-carotene>lutein. The values for the thermodynamic parameters indicate that a kinetic compensation effect exists between all of the carotenoids. These data suggest that lycopene was most susceptible to degradation and lutein had the greatest stability in the model system of the carotenoids tested. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the rates of degradation for 9-cis and all-trans β-carotene under the experimental conditions.
Management of Otitis Externa

Otitis externa represents one of the most common reasons that pets are presented for veterinary attention. They are also some of the more frustrating entities practitioners are called on to deal with. Successful management depends on an understanding of the primary, predisposing, and perpetuating factors involved in the pathogenesis of otitis externa. Emphasis is then placed on establishing a diagnosis through physical examination, cytologic examination, culture and sensitivity testing, radiographs and biopsies. The general goals of management are to resolve, remove, or control primary factors, clean and dry the ear, reduce inflammation and resolve secondary infections. These goals are achieved through various cleaning techniques, topical, and systemic therapies. Therapeutic alternatives are given for otitis involving bacteria, Malassezia, otodectes, demodex, allergies, ceruminous disorders, the idiopathic inflammatory/hyperplastic otitis externa of cocker spaniels, "Swimmer's Ear", contact/irritant reactions, overtreatment, and concurrent otitis media.
Biophotonic imaging: lighting the way for chem/bio detection

Biophotonic imaging is a versatile and powerful tool, that when combined with living microbial bioreporters, can be applied in diagnostic technologies for sensitive, nondestructive, real-time monitoring of chemical and biological targets. Bioreporters, consisting of bacteria as well as the viruses (bacteriophage) that infect them, can be genetically engineered to emit visible light upon interaction with a specific chemical or biological entity. By interfacing these bioreporters with imaging cameras or miniaturized integrated circuit microluminometers, fully standalone detection units are formed that can be deployed for intelligent distributed multi-target chem/bio monitoring.
Summon SUMO to Wrestle with Inflammation

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Lee et al. (2009) report that SUMOylation of nuclear receptors LXRα and LXRβ plays a critical role in the transrepression of IFN-γ-induced STAT1-dependent inflammatory responses in brain astrocytes.