cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Upper Airway Obstruction: A Rare Presentation of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Malignant lymphomas and leukemias rarely involve the upper airway. This report documents a unique presentation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia as an obstructing, subglottic mass. The airway was maintained by tracheotomy tube while cobalt irradiation successfully reduced the tumor. The systemic manifestations of chronic lymphocytic leukemia were managed by conventional methods.
A new species of Lithachne (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) and remarks on its sleep movements.

A new species of herbaceous bambusoid grass,Lithachne humilis, is described from Honduras and compared with the three other species known in the genus. As in many other grasses of this alliance, the leaves ofL. humilis exhibit so-called “sleep movements” at night. The diurnal and nocturnal positions of its leaves are compared to those ofStrephium distichophyllum. The leaves of the new species and of two of the others inLithachne hang down vertically at night, while those ofStrephium fold upward, which is the usual position assumed by leaves of bambusoid grasses during the night.
SU-E-J-120: Characterization of 4D Lung Ventilation Based on 4DCT Lung Density.

Purpose: To characterize patient's 4D lung ventilation and motion using 4DCT images aiming to extract pulmonary features for developing a biomechanical model to predict lungtumor motion. Methods: 4DCT images of sixteen patients were used for initial 4D‐ventilation evaluation. A program was developed for visualization and quantification of 4D lung ventilation. Lung density gradient and pleural pressure variation were evaluated based on the gravity. Freeform deformable image registration (DIR) was applied to map the lung density from one phase to another, with linearly interpolated voxel density. The warped lung density from a secondary CT was compared with the primary CT (full‐exhalation) for quantification. To minimize the uncertainty from motion artifacts for quantitative ventilation/motion analysis, we developed two screening algorithms (based on Fourier Transformation and Generalized Linear Regression) to quantify the regularity (score: 0 to 1) of the RPM waveform, assuming the higher the regularity in RPM the less motion artifacts in 4DCT. Ninety‐seven RPM curves (54 free‐breathing and 43 audio‐coaching patients) were used to qualitatively test these screening methods. Results:Lung density gradient in anterior‐posterior direction for supine patients is observed in 15/16 patients at scale of >100–200HU. The gravity pressure due to lung tissue weight is estimated to be ∼4mmHg, which could neutralize the pleural pressure at the posterior chest wall. The different pleural pressures at anterior/posterior chest walls may explain the difference in local diaphragm muscle engagement and motion range: 8±5mm (anterior) and 23±12mm (posterior). Motion artifacts and DIR uncertainty affected quantitative ventilation mapping. In the RPM regularity assessment, audiocoaching patients score higher than free‐breathing patients: 0.76±0.13 vs. 0.50±0.19 (Fourier method) and 0.74±0.19 vs. 0.66±0.17 (Regression method). High‐quality 4DCTs can be readily selected for further quantitative ventilation/motion analysis.Conclusions: We have characterized several basic features of lung ventilation and motion and developed two effective screening methods for high‐quality 4DCT for on‐going quantitative studies.
Dry matter and energy intake in relation to digestibility in desert bighorn sheep

Dry matter intake (DMI), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) were determined for three diets, using three desert bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis mexicana. Bighorn sheep were placed in individual cages and fed three diets: high and low quality alfalfa, and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).
Grappling With Big Ideas: The Process of Program Improvement

The process for change undertaken by one early childhood teacher preparation program is described. While the changes were spurred in part by increasing emphases on standards and assessment systems, faculty noted concerns with how this framed the program and with how students negotiated learning in this system. After describing these concerns, the approach to change, utilizing the concept of big ideas, is discussed.
Review Essay: Reflections on Reynolds

Over the course of more than three decades, Larry Reynolds has presented a series of thoughtful critiques of the sociological enterprise as it is organized in the United States. This essay will focus on two volumes published recently by Larry Reynolds on the sociology of sociology (hereafter referred to as "Reflexive" and "Self-Analytical"), which are essential reading for anyone who is remotely concerned about the state of American sociology. Throughout the pages of these texts, Larry Reynolds raises important questions about the fundamental nature of sociology. His basic premise is that the assumptions underlying the discipline interfere directly with the self-correcting activity of a scientific field. Instead of resembling a science, research generated by members of the discipline typically serves as a proponent of state-sponsored capitalism (Reflexive, pp. 12-22). Reynolds believes this di rection leads to a bureaucratically successful discipline that is intellectually weak. To reverse this direction, Reynolds argues for a thorough critique and period of renewal for American sociology (Reflexive, pp. 204-232).
Synthesis of [64Cu]DOTA-ADIBON3-Ala-PEG28-A20FMDV2 via copper-free click chemistry for PET imaging of integrin αvβ6

Catalyst-free click reactions are effective chemical tools for synthesis of radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals offering advantages towards preparation of non-toxic agents with high specific activity. In the present study the radiotracer [64Cu]DOTA-ADIBON3-Ala-PEG28-A20FMDV2, [64Cu]3, was synthesized for positron emission tomography imaging of integrin αvβ6 expressing tumors via a strain-promoted click reaction using both a “pre-click” and “post-click” approaches. The radiotracer, prepared in >99 % radiochemical yield, was evaluated in vitro (64.6 ± 2.8 % binding to αvβ6-positive cells vs. <5 % to αvβ6-negative cells) and in vivo (αvβ6-positive tumor uptake: 1.52 ± 0.16 % ID/g, 24 h p.i.). While the high initial renal uptake (76.2 ± 10.7 % ID/g at 1 h p.i.) was comparable to a previously reported radiotracer, [64Cu]DOTA-PEG28-A20FMDV2, [64Cu]3 showed notably improved renal clearance (11.3 ± 2.5 % ID/g at 24 h p.i.). Thus, the introduction of a chelator-strained alkyne system resulted in improved pharmacokinetics for the present radiotracer, highlighting the attractive prospects of strain-promoted click-based preparations in the construction of radiometalated bioconjugates for targeted molecular imaging and therapy.
Human insulin receptor juxtamembrane domain independent insulin signaling

The exon 16-encoded juxtamembrane (JM) domain of human insulin receptor (hIR) harbors the NPEY motif which couples the insulin-activated hIR kinase to downstream signal transduction molecules. We sought to determine if signal transduction requires the entire exon 16-encoded 22-amino acid JM domain. Transfected CHO cells were generated stably expressing either the wild-type hIR (hIR-WT) or two mutant hIRs (hIRDeltaEx16 in which the JM domain was deleted, and hIRrosJM in which the deleted segment was replaced by the corresponding domain of v-ros protein). The mutant hIRDeltaEx16 and hIRrosJM exhibited similar insulin-binding as the hIRWT. Insulin internalization and insulin dose-response experiments toward activation of downstream signal transduction molecules demonstrated that: i) the presence of intact hIR-JM domain which harbors the NPEY motif is essential for Shc phosphorylation but not for IRS-1 phosphorylation; ii) insulin signal transduction can occur independent of the JM domain of hIR and without participation of the NPEY motif; iii) engagement of this putative alternative downstream signal transduction is Shc independent and is dependent on insulin concentration; and iv) insulin internalization does not necessarily require the hIR specific aa sequence of the JM domain which can be partially substituted by the JM domain of the v-ros tyrosine kinase.
Effect of a coal liquefaction solvent on the fatigue of type 316 stainless steel at 300 K I: behavior and mechanisms in the low cycle regime

S-Nf curves (where S is the applied stress and Nf the number of cycles to failure) were determined on the type 316 stainless steel in rotating bending at 300 K in four environments, namely (a) ambient air, (b) silicone oil, (c) silicone oil plus 5 vol.% napthenic acid and (d) a coal process solvent. The fatigue life in the coal process solvent was greater than that in the other three environments in the low cycle regime (Nf < 105 cycles), whereas the reverse was the case in the high cycle regime (Nf 106 cycles). Microscopic examinations were carried out on slip band charateristics, crack initiation and growth and fracture surface features for tests in the low cycle regime to provide information on the operative mechanisms. The increased low cycle fatigue life in the coal process solvent was deduced to be due to an increasse in initiation lifetime for stage II macrocrack growth. Two factors which may be important in the increased initiation lifetime are (a) shielding from ambient air and (b) hydrodynamic wedging. No clear influence of sulfur or other physicochemical reactions associated with the coal process solvent was established; however, the possibility of such reactions cannot be completely ruled out at this time.
Future approaches to factor VIII inhibitor therapy.

Future progress in our ability to treat acquired factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors must be based on advances in knowledge of both the FVIII molecule and the nature of the human immune response. New therapeutic approaches to patients with acquired FVIII inhibition likely will emphasize modifications of the immune response. This concept holds considerable promise, because studies have characterized the critical steps leading to tolerance of selfantigens. Development of FVIII inhibitors represents a loss of self-tolerance, which any successful therapy must restore. Conceivably, restoration of self-tolerance can be accomplished in many ways: prevention of antigen binding to helper T lymphocytes, deletion of self-antigen-reactive T cells, inhibition of major histocompatibility complex (MHO ' recognition, or enhancement of the antigenspecific suppressor T lymphocyte population. Recent data have demonstrated that highly specific methods can suppress ongoing immune responses against defined autoantigens. Antibodies that inhibit T-cell activation, peptides that block self-antigen binding, and antibodies that inhibit MHC recognition all have been successful in modifying experimentally induced autoimmune diseases. Whether any of these immunotherapeutic approaches will be effective in the treatment of acquired FVIII inhibition remains to be determined. Until data from animal model systems establish the feasibility of immune intervention, scrutiny of other new therapeutic approaches to patients with spontaneous inhibitors will continue to be important. Administration of FVIII-bypassing procoagulant proteins shows promise, as does removal of inhibitors by affinity reagents, such as FVIII peptides containing relevant epitopes (antigenic sites). Farther on the horizon is development of recombinant FVIII molecules so modified as to remove antigenic determinants while preserving procoagulant function. Articles in this supplement summarize several avenues for treatment of patients with acquired FVIII inhibitors. Alternatives include treatment with sufficient human or porcine FVIII to offset inhibitors, use of materials that reestablish hemostasis even though FVIII levels are not increased (the so-called FVIII-bypassing agents), manipulation of immune responses through physical depletion of inhibitor by plasmapheresis or affinity chromatography, and administration of intravenous immunoglobulin or immunosuppressive cytotoxic drugs. Thus, the heterogeneous clinical presentation is paralleled by the wide range of available therapeutic approaches.
Convexity conditions for the kernels and eigenvalues of a class of Fredholm integral equations

where g(s) is a positive function, and showing that certain convexity properties of the kernel are inherited by the eigenvalues. In particular, we showed that if K(g(s) X, g(s) y) is nonnegative but not zero a.e. on Z1 : 1 < X, y < 1 and is a convex function of s for almost all (x, y) E YC1 , where g(s) maps (0, sa) into (0, S), then h,(g(s)), the largest eigenvalue of K(g(s) X, g(s) y), is a convex function of s. In this paper we consider several questions motivated by the research in [2]. We assume here that the kernel is of the displacement type, K Es K(I x -y I). In Section 2 we determine properties of K and g for a wide class of kernels under the assumption that K(g(s) ( x y I) is a convex function of s. The concept of a “best” g is introduced and the comparison of g’s is discussed in Section 3. These ideas are then applied to several classes of kernels. Section 4 contains numerical results. The last section consists of a summary together with some suggestions for further research.
Effect of multiple scattering on depolarization measurements with spaceborne lidars

An analytical model based on the integration of the scattering-angle and light-path manifold has been developed to quantify the effect of multiple scattering on cirrus measurements obtained with elastic polarization lidars from space. Light scattering by molecules and by a horizontally homogeneous cloud is taken into account. Lidar parameters, including laser beam divergence, can be freely chosen. Up to 3 orders of scattering are calculated. Furthermore, an inversion technique for the retrieval of cloud extinction profiles from measurements with elastic-backscatter lidars is proposed that explicitly takes multiple scattering into account. It is found that for typical lidar system parameters such as those of the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) instrument multiple scattering does not significantly affect depolarization-ratio measurements in cirrus clouds with small to moderate optical depths. For all simulated clouds, the absolute value of the difference between measured and single-scattering volume depolarization ratio is <0.006. The particle depolarization ratio can be calculated from the measured volume depolarization ratio and the retrieved backscatter ratio without degradation of accuracy; thus characterization of the various cirrus categories in terms of the particle depolarization ratio and retrieval of cloud microphysical properties is feasible from space. The results of this study apply to polar stratospheric clouds as well.
Risk Factors for and Functions of Deliberate Self‐Harm: An Empirical and Conceptual Review

Given the clinical importance of deliberate self-harm and the need for further research informing the treatment and prevention of this behavior, a review of the extant literature on the risk factors for and functions of self-harm is needed. In this article, I review empirical and theoretical literature on the following potential risk factors for self-harm: childhood sexual and physical abuse, neglect, childhood separation and loss, security of attachment to caregivers, and emotional reactivity and intensity. Literature on the emotion regulating function of self-harm behavior is also reviewed. Future research is needed on the interaction of individual and environmental risk factors in the development of self-harm, as well as on the experi-entially avoidant function of this behavior.
Evidence for distinguishable sites of attack in the reactions of 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine and 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl guanosine with rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase.

Abstract The reactions of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase with 5′- p -fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine (5′-FSBA) and 5′- p -fluorosulfonylbenzoyl guanosine (5′-FSBG) from pH 7.0 to 8.0 exhibit biphasic inactivation kinetics. These reactions are characterized by three events: a fast reaction yielding partially active enzyme (with 67% of its original activity for the 5′-FSBA reaction and 45% for the 5′-FSBG reaction) which is reactivated by dithiothreitol, and two slower reactions yielding fully inactive enzymes; the product of only one of the two slower reactions is reactivated by dithiothreitol. These reactions are termed fast dithiothreitol-sensitive, slow dithiothreitol-sensitive, and dithiothreitol-insensitive inactivations. The rates of all three phases of the reactions with 5′-FSBA and 5′-FSBG increase as the pH is raised. The 5′-FSBG reaction can be described in terms of initial reaction with a single ionizable group of p K a 7.80, 8.60, and 7.94 for the fast dithiothreitol-sensitive, slow dithiothreitol-sensitive, and dithiothreitol-insensitive reactions, respectively; pH-independent rate constants of 0.173, 0.133, and 0.0165 min −1 are calculated for these three phases of the overall reaction. The pH dependence of the dithiothreitol-insensitive inactivation by 5′-FSBA coincides with that for 5′-FSBG, but the data for the dithiothreitol-sensitive reactions with 5′-FSBA indicate that the reaction in each phase occurs at more than one site over the pH range tested. Differential protection by ligands against inactivation by 5′-FSBA and 5′-FSBG at pH 7.4 and 8.0 indicates that, for the fast dithiothreitol-sensitive reactions, the cysteine residues participating in the two reactions are not identical, although in both cases modification has been attributed to formation of a disulfide. For 5′-FSBA, the partial inactivation appears to result from modification of cysteine residues at the noncatalytic nucleotide site, whereas for 5′-FSBG the inactivation is due to modification within the catalytic metal-nucleotide site. Reaction with 5′-FSBG seems to occur at the same locus for both the fast and slow dithiothreitol-sensitive phases, with the rate difference being ascribable to negative cooperativity among subunits. For the slow dithiothreitol-sensitive inactivation by 5′-FSBA, protection by Mg 2+ and by Mg 2+ plus ADP suggests that the targets of modification include the active-site cysteine that is modified by 5′-FSBG. The dithiothreitol-insensitive inactivation, shown to be due to reaction of 5′-FSBA with a tyrosine, may result from reaction of both nucleotide analogs with the same residue, although differential protection by the natural ligands suggests that 5′-FSBA and 5′-FSBG bind to two subsites within the active site.
Recalculation of sextic centrifugal distortion constants of ozone

Abstract A complete set of sextic centrifugal distortion constants of ozone is calculated by evaluating the theoretical expressions developed by Sumberg and Parker, and also by evaluating the theoretical expressions developed by Aliev and Watson. Comparison with experimentally determined constants shows that similar and satisfactory agreement is obtained with either set of theoretical expressions. The set of calculated sextic constants previously published by Chan and Parker and based on the theoretical expressions of Sumberg and Parker is shown to contain an error. The source of the error is discussed.
Effectively closed sets and graphs of computable real functions

In this paper, we compare the computability and complexity of a continuous real function F with the computability and complexity of the graph G of the function F. A similar analysis will be carried out for functions on subspaces of the real line such as the Cantor space, the Baire space and the unit interval. In particular, we define four basic types of effectively closed sets C depending on whether (i) the set of closed intervals which with nonempty intersection with C is recursively enumerable (r.e.), (ii) the set of closed intervals with empty intersection with C is r.e., (iii) the set of open intervals which with nonempty intersection with C is r.e., and (iv) the set of open intervals with empty intersection with C is r.e. We study the relationships between these four types of effectively closed sets in general and the relationships between these four types of effectively closed sets for closed sets which are graphs of continuous functions.
Special Masters in Institutional Litigation

Litigation concerning conditions in institutions such as prisons or mental hospitals does not stop at the issuance of a remedial decree. Steps must be taken to assure implementation. Increasingly, the courts are resorting to special masters to assist them in implementing such institutional reform. While the use of masters by courts is a firmly established tradition, the role assigned to masters in the institutional context is often an extraordinarily broad and intrusive one. As a result, serious questions have arisen about this new extra-traditional master role and about the applicability, the sufficiency, of the traditional rationales and restraints. This article is among the first in a small but developing body of literature that begins to examine the new master role and the questions concerning it.
Liposomal delivery as a mechanism to enhance synergism between anticancer drugs.

Liposomes, or phospholipid vesicles, have been recognized as a potential drug delivery vehicle for three decades ([1][1]). Depending on the drug of interest, liposomes can serve as a controlled release carrier or simply as a biocompatible solubilizing vehicle for poorly soluble agents. Because of
Microscopy of tetracycline-induced lesions in the rat incisor enamel organ.

Abstract Adult rats received each a single dose of 12.5 mg tetracycline HCl per 100 g body weight i.p. They were killed in groups of four at 8 and 16 h, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after injection. The enamel organs of the lower incisors were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Lesions of the enamel organ located in the secretion zone showed the features: distorted ameloblasts bulged below the normal profile of the enamel organ; some showed fine structural characteristics of normal secretory ameloblasts; the enamel layer over the lesion remained thin; nodules of mineralized material, some with the fine structure of enamel, were present between the cells bodies and bases of the ameloblasts; at the later intervals, exudate frequently separated the ameloblasts from the enamel surface. Lesions first appeared at 16 h in the secretion zone, then enlarged and moved distally along the tooth at a rate similar to the tooth eruption rate. At 10 days, lesions were entirely within the maturation zone, and the enamel exhibited a deep hypoplastic defect. The ameloblasts in the lesion showed, rudimentarily, the characteristics of maturation ameloblasts. The nodules of ectopic enamel appeared to be hypermineralized. It is concluded that ameloblasts in late differentiation and early secretion stages are damaged by tetracycline so that their architecture and secretory mechanism and possibly maturative activities are interfered with, but they still respond to signals to change from secretory to maturation models at the appropriate time.
Colonoscopy and endoscopic therapy for delayed post-polypectomy hemorrhage

Nine consecutive patients in whom endoscopic management of delayed post-polypectomy hemorrhage was attempted are described. Each patient presented with active rectal bleeding 12hours to 12 days after snare resection of a colon polyp. In each patient, repeat colonoscopy identified the bleeding site and various combinations of injection therapy, electrocautery, or thermal injury led to cessation of hemorrhage. No complications resulted from repeat colonoscopy and endoscopic therapy. Colonoscopy and endoscopic therapy is feasible, effective, and safe in selected patients with active delayed post-polypectomy hemorrhage.
Extracellular Matrix Metalloprotease Inducer Stimulates Fibroblast‐Mediated Tumor Growth In Vivo

Hypothesis: Extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer (EMMPRIN) is a molecule expressed on the cell surface of tumor cells that has been shown to induce both tumor cells and fibroblasts to express matrix metalloproteases in vitro. We hypothesize that fibroblasts are stimulated by EMMPRIN to create a microenvironment favorable to tumor growth. Study Design: Case series review of laryngeal cancer and assessment of tumor cell lines in vivo. Methods: EMMPRIN immunoreactivity in 33 pathologic specimens from patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancer was correlated with clinicopathologic features and survival. The CAL 27 cell line was transfected with EMMPRIN (CAL 27E) or a control vector (CAL 27). Cells were xenografted into the flank of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with or without a co-injection of normal dermal fibroblasts (NDFs). Results: Immunohistochemical detection of EMMPRIN in laryngeal cancer specimens demonstrated expression in all the tumors but not in adjacent, histologically normal mucosa. EMMPRIN membrane immunoreactivity (transmembrane EMMPRIN score) was associated with nodal positivity (P = .07), and it was associated with poorer survival (hazard ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval 0.88, 6.55). As a categoric variable, higher EMMPRIN expression positively correlates with higher mortality. To determine whether EMMPRIN mediates tumor growth in vivo through fibroblast stimulation, EMMPRIN-expressing CAL 27 (CAL 27E) xenografted (n = 20) onto the flank of SCID mice developed larger tumors than CAL 27 control vector transfected cells alone (n = 20), but they were not significantly larger (P = .17). However, when CAL 27E cells were co-injected with NDFs, there was a statistically significant increase in tumor growth compared with the CAL 27 cells co-injected with NDFs (n = 10, P = .0038). Conclusions: As a cell surface expressed protein that promotes tumor growth and high expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma but not in normal tissue, EMMPRIN may be a good target for directed molecular therapy.
A single-institution evaluation of factors important in fallopian tube carcinoma recurrence and survival.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors and markers that influence clinical outcomes in patients with primary fallopian tube carcinoma at a single tertiary health care center. These prognostic factors may be of clinical importance and can subsequently be included in future clinical trials. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of our Tumor Registry and Gynecologic Oncology database was conducted to include any patients with a diagnosis of fallopian tube carcinoma between the years 1994 and 2005. We identified clinicopathological data to evaluate factors important in recurrence, disease-specific and overall survival. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated, and log-rank tests were used to evaluate survival differences. Results: Thirty-six patients had a diagnosis with primary fallopian tube carcinoma at a median age of 69 years. Patients most frequently presented with abdominal pain (19%) and a palpable mass (14%). The most common histological subtype was papillary serous adenocarcinoma in 56% of cases. Stage III disease (39%) and poorly differentiated tumors (81%) were most common. The median follow-up was 39.6 months. The 5-year cancer-specific survival was 42%, and the overall survival rate was 34%. Factors important in disease-free survival were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, tumor laterality, and serum CA-125, whereas International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, serum CA-125, and residual disease were prognostic factors for overall survival. The most common locations of recurrence were pelvis and abdomen (63%) as opposed to distant sites. Factors associated with recurrence were stage, tumor laterality, and serum CA-125. Conclusions: Fallopian tube malignancies are rare. We have identified factors associated with recurrence, disease specific survival, and overall survival that could be further examined and included in larger clinical trials involving this uncommon malignancy.
Vanishing Viscosity Limits for a Class of Circular Pipe Flows

We consider 3D Navier–Stokes flows with no-slip boundary condition in an infinitely long pipe with circular cross section. The velocity fields we consider are independent of the variable parametrizing the axis of the pipe, and the component of the velocity normal to the axis is arranged to be circularly symmetric, though we impose no such symmetry on the component of velocity parallel to the axis. For such flows we analyze the limit as the viscosity tends to zero, including boundary layer estimates.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide: Release into hypophyseal portal blood

Abstract Immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was present in portal hypophyseal blood of 24 male rats in concentrations (mean, 995 pg per ml) that were approximately 19 times as high as those in systemic arterial blood (mean, 52 pg per ml). The results demonstrate release of VIP from the hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal complex into the portal circulation, and establish a mechanism for direct influence of the peptide on pituitary function.
Changes in the Northwest Atlantic circulation for the 1992–95 high NAO period from a numerical model

Abstract Present research suggests that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has a significant impact on the circulation in the Northwest Atlantic. An ocean general circulation model was used to quantify the changes of circulation patterns and transport on this region during a high NAO period (between 1992 and 1995) when compared to climatological mean forcing. Upstream of the study region, the maximum barotropic transport in the Labrador Sea was decreased by 8 Sv (1 Sv=106 m3s−1) during the high NAO conditions, leading to a reduction in transport of the Labrador Current by ∼1.6 Sv east of Newfoundland and by ∼0.4 Sv south of Newfoundland. In addition, a Lagrangian analysis was performed to examine the pathways of transport that advect water properties across the Grand Banks and how those pathways are modified owing to the high-NAO forcing. The potential implications of these changes for biological production processes in the adjacent downstream shelf regions such as the Scotian Shelf, Gulf of Maine, and Georges Bank are discussed.
Nitric Oxide Reduction with Methane over Pd/TiO2Catalysts

Steady-state reaction studies were performed over a Pd/titania catalyst for NO reduction using CH4as a reducing agent. The catalyst was prepared using a wet impregnation technique and Pd-acetate as a precursor for palladium. Characterization of the catalyst samples was performed using the BET surface area technique, X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis techniques. A fixed-bed, flow reactor system was used for activity and selectivity measurements. Identification and quantification of reaction effluents were done on-line using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, chemiluminescence, and wet chemistry techniques. Temperature-programmed reduction studies indicated that the catalyst was reducible by H2even at sub-ambient temperatures. The catalyst was seen to reduce NO with conversions above 95% in the oxygen concentration range from 0 to 1.3%. Oscillatory behavior was exhibited by the catalyst under certain reaction conditions. The results obtained from the reaction experiments, together with the findings from the characterization studies, are used to explain the mechanistic aspects of this reaction.
Position-based beliefs: The center-stage effect.

Abstract This paper examines the existence and consequences of consumers' position-based beliefs about product layouts. We propose that consumers believe that options placed in the center of a simultaneously presented array are the most popular. This belief translates into their choosing options placed in the center more often than those on the sides of a display: the center-stage effect (Studies 1 and 5 ). Results are driven by inferences of product popularity rather than higher levels of attention to products in a given position (Studies 2 and 3 ). The preference for middle options is accentuated when people explicitly take into account other people's preferences, increasing the need to choose a popular option (Study 3 ), but attenuated when layout-based information is not diagnostic (Study 4 ). Increasing the accessibility of own preferences for the intrinsic attributes about the products reduces the use of position-based beliefs to make judgments and attenuates the center-stage effect (Study 5 ). Theoretical implications for marketplace meta-cognitions, visual information processing, position effects, and the use of overall cognitive beliefs versus perceptual attention and memory-based individuating information to make judgments are discussed.
Morbidity and mortality disparities among colonist and indigenous populations in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Rural populations living in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon (NEA) experience the highest health burden of any region in the country. Two independent studies of colonist and indigenous groups living in the NEA are used to compare their morbidity and mortality experiences. Colonist data are from a probability sample of land plots in 1999, while indigenous data are from a representative sample of the five largest ethnicities (Quichua, Shuar, Huaorani, Cofan, Secoya) collected in 2001. Poisson regression was used to compare morbidity. Results indicate clear differences in health between populations. Indigenous groups had 30% higher probability of mortality and 63% higher incidence rate of all-cause morbidity compared to colonists. Vector-borne, chronic, gastrointestinal, and diseases of unknown origin were particularly high among indigenous groups. Factors associated with morbidity varied: morbidity rates were similar for the two youngest age groups (0–4 and 5–9), but indigenous people aged 15–39 and 40+ had almost double the morbidity compared to colonists; larger households, later months of data collection and less pollution were associated with less morbidity in both groups; better infrastructure access (electricity and roads) was generally associated with lower morbidity in both groups; and associations of land use were different by group with more cultivation of perennials and fewer annuals associated with less morbidity for colonists, but more for indigenous groups. These results demonstrate the health disparities that exist among indigenous and non-indigenous populations even when living in the same geographic region. Land use itself exemplifies the cultural and contextual differences that are evident in health, since land use decisions are related to broader demographic and economic factors that influence overall ecological and human health. Ongoing population-environment and/or environment-health research needs to recognize the broader factors involved when studying relationships between population health, development and deforestation.
Magnetic Field and Inductance Calculations in Theta-Pinch and Z-Pinch Geometries

Two codes have been developed to model solid metal or wire-wound conductors. The calculations are based on the decomposition of the conductors into arrays of thin wires. The first code, EDDY, models cylindrically symmetric conductors with currents in the theta direction. This code accurately models eddy current induction and magnetic diffusion. It was created in order to aid the design of magnetic-field shields in the FRX-L experiment for Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF). EDDY uses fast, accurate elliptic integral subroutines from MATLAB to solve for the time-dependent current flowing through each wire loop and the resultant magnetic field configuration. The second code, INDIV, models arbitrarily shaped conductors with current flow in the z direction. It was designed to model current division in an inductive divider that would inject current into a liner cavity, for magnetic flux and magnetized-plasma compression experiments. An experiment has been performed to test the INDIV code and the inductive division concept. The numerical results compare well with those of the experiment.
Resorption of PDLLA Plates as a Nidus for Recurrent Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Resorbable plating systems have been adapted into routine use for craniofacial reconstruction in children. After implantation in some patients, the area around the plates can develop palpable and visible fibrous capsules, with underlying bone resorption and a significant foreign-body giant cell reaction. The reaction is usually self-limited. We report a case in which Langerhans cell histiocytosis was resected, and then recurred at the sites of resorbing plate and screw placement in association with a foreign-body giant cell reaction.
Isolation and Characterization of a x Amyloid Fibril Protein

The fibril in primary amyloidosis (AL) is composed of a monoclonal light chain or portions thereof. No unique primary structure has been identified that predisposes certain light chains to form amyloid fibrils. Currently, classification of amyloidosis is based on the biochemistry of the amyloid fibril. We determined the NH2-terminal sequence of an amyloid fibril and found it to be of the kappa I immunoglobulin subgroup. No structural alterations were detected to account for the conversion of the light-chain fragment to an amyloid fibril. Antiserum produced to the fibril protein did not react in immunodiffusion with purified LEP or MAG antigens, which are kappa I proteins. This antiserum may be directed to antigenic sites unique to the immunizing protein and is unable to recognize homologous proteins, rendering it unsuitable for immunochemical identification of amyloid deposits of light-chain origin. PAG represents the 10th reported variable kappa I amyloid fibril protein subjected to partial sequence analysis. Antisera that recognize antigenic determinants present in all members of an immunoglobulin subgroup need further development.
Resource Discovery in Ubiquitous Health Care

Ubiquitous computing is an emerging paradigm for health care environments, in which devices must blend into the background unobtrusively, collaborating to provide value-added services for users. Insufficient information flow and coordination are some of the main concerns in a ubiquitous health care environment. Resources are, therefore, essential to the success of this technology and, as a result, both resource discovery and management play a vital role in sustainable ubiquitous deployment. In this paper, we present a novel resource discovery mechanism for ubiquitous computing environments using Resource Index nodes (RIns) and mobile agents. The context information needed to process a query is identified and mobile agents are deployed to explore the ubiquitous environment for requested resources. We present a health care scenario and evaluate our proposed resource discovery method.
Glass transition elevation of polystyrene by crosslinks

Abstract Analysis of data by Ueberreiter and Kanig on the influence of crosslinking on the elevation of the glass transition temperature ( ΔT ) of polystyrene gives a plot which departs from a straight line in a way which is suggestive of an entanglement effect. Therefore this work was reinvestigated by differential scanning calorimetric studies of networks prepared by copolymerization of styrene and p -divinyl benzene (DVB). ΔT was found to be simply proportional to the feed of DVB. A case is made that the earlier results differ because of an artifact caused by residual monomer and it is concluded that in crosslinked polystyrene, there is no evidence that entanglements contribute to an elevation of T g . Similar conclusions are drawn from previously reported data on natural rubber and polymethyl methacrylate.
A tunable pre-distorter for linearization of solid state power amplifier in mobile wireless OFDM

One of the major problems posed by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is its high peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR), which seriously limits the power efficiency of the solid state power amplifier (SSPA) because of the nonlinear distortion caused by high PAPR. In the present paper, we describe an analytical design approach that uses a sparse and yet accurate model for the pre-distorter (PD) based on the SSPA characteristics. Furthermore, the PD configuration is self-tuning, i.e., it can automatically re-adjust itself by tracking changes in the SSPA characteristics with very few (typically two) training symbols.
Resolving Cadherin Catch Bond Formation at the Single Molecule Level

Cadherins are Ca2+-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins which play key roles in the formation and maintenance of tissues in multi-cellular organisms. We recently showed that cadherins withstand tensile force by forming catch bonds where their bond lifetimes increase with tensile force. Here we resolve the molecular mechanism of cadherin catch bond formation. Using Steered Molecular Dynamics (SMD) simulations, we show that catch bonds are formed because tensile force re-orients the cadherins such that they lock into a tighter contact. Our simulations also predict that cadherins are unable to lock into a tighter binding conformation if their extracellular regions are made more floppy by titrating Ca2+ ions from solution. Using single molecule force measurements with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), we confirm that catch bond formation is abolished as Ca2+ concentration is reduced. Based on these results we propose a molecular model by which cadherins withstand mechanical stress and strengthen cell-cell junctions.
Coordinated multi-robot real-time exploration with connectivity and bandwidth awareness

While there has been substantial progress for multi-robot exploration of an unknown area, little attention has been given to communication, especially bandwidth constraints in time-sensitive and bandwidth-consuming tasks such as search and surveillance. In such tasks, video/audio streams of a newly explored area should be sent back to the base station in a timely manner. To address this issue, we propose Connectivity and Bandwidth Aware eXploration (CBAX), which is an efficient iteration based real-time exploration. CBAX divides the problem into frontier node placement, relay node placement with routing path selection, and the match of each robot with its target position. Moreover, we model bandwidth-constrained relay node placement into a new variant of the Steiner Minimum Tree problem and present our solution. While reducing the exploration time, CBAX maintains the network's connectivity and ensures the aggregated data flows are under the link capacity in transmission. Simulation shows that CBAX outperforms two recent exploration schemes qualitatively by demonstrating major improvement in terms of non-overflow transmission time and fully-connected transmission time. With enhanced communication quality, CBAX still reduces the exploration time, on average, by 40% and 15% respectively. In moderately dense scenarios, CBAX even decreases time by 50% and 25%.
Characteristics and origin of char and coke from fast and slow, catalytic and thermal pyrolysis of biomass and relevant model compounds

Char and coke from biomass catalytic pyrolysis have different origins. They cannot be lumped as one since they occupy different locations on the catalyst surface and, thus, contribute differently to catalyst deactivation. In this study, catalyst (ZSM-5) deactivation in the perspective of comparison of char and coke from pyrolysis of different biomass types is investigated. Pine sawdust, glucose, and cellulose are used as feedstocks in the pyrolysis experiments. Biomass char and coke samples produced via slow and fast, thermal and catalytic pyrolysis are characterized with respect to their overall content, oxidation reactivity, catalyst surface area, pore size distribution changes, bonding groups and their effect on catalyst performance. In particular, it is shown that char forms as an external layer on the catalyst surface and in its macropores, whereas coke forms inside the zeolite micropores via hydrogen transfer and addition reactions. The catalyst effect on glucose and pine slow catalytic pyrolysis is minor compared with that on cellulose slow catalytic pyrolysis, due to macropore blocking by char formation. In fast catalytic pyrolysis, catalyst deactivation is mainly attributed to micropore blocking by coke formation. Char and coke are shown to coexist on the catalyst surface after fast catalytic experiments, with the char content after glucose fast catalytic pyrolysis being 30 wt% of the total solid residue. The origins of char and coke in the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin components of pine are identified and mechanisms for their formation are proposed.
Homogeneous freezing nucleation of stratospheric solution droplets

The classical theory of homogeneous nucleation was used to calculate the freezing rate of sulfuric acid solution aerosols under stratospheric conditions. The freezing of stratospheric aerosols would be important for the nucleation of nitric acid trihydrate particles in the Arctic and Antarctic stratospheres. In addition, the rate of heterogeneous chemical reactions on stratospheric aerosols may be very sensitive to their state. The calculations indicate that homogeneous freezing nucleation of pure water ice in the stratospheric solution droplets would occur at temperatures below about 192 K. However, the physical properties of H2SO4 solution at such low temperatures are not well known, and it is possible that sulfuric acid aerosols will freeze out at temperatures ranging from about 180 to 195 K. It is also shown that the temperature at which the aerosols freeze is nearly independent of their size.
Excited protein states of human tear lipocalin for low- and high-affinity ligand binding revealed by functional AB loop motion.

Abstract Human tear lipocalin (TL), a prominent member of lipocalin family, exhibits functional and structural promiscuity. The plasticity of loop regions modulates entry to the ligand pocket at the “open” end of the eight-stranded β-barrel. Site-directed multi-distance measurements using fluorescence resonance energy transfer between functional loops register two excited protein states for low- and high-affinity ligand binding. At low pH, the longest loop AB adopts the conformation of the low-affinity excited protein state that matches the crystal structure of holo-TL at pH 8. A “crankshaft” like movement is detected for the loop AB in a low pH transition. At pH 7.3 the holo-protein assumes a high-affinity excited protein state, in which the loop AB is more compact (RMS = 3.1 A). In the apo-holo transition, the reporter Trp 28 moves about 4.5 A that reflects a decrease in distance between Glu27 and Lys108. This interaction fixes the loop AB conformation for the high-affinity mode. No such movement is detected at low pH, where Glu27 is protonated. Data strongly indicate that the protonation state of Glu27 modulates the conformation of the loop AB for high- and low-affinity binding.
Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

These practice parameters review the literature on children, adolescents, and adults with attention-deficit/hyperacitivity disorder (ADHD). There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Together, they occur in as many as 10% of boys and 5% of girls of elementary school age. Prevalence declines with age, although up to 65% of hyperactive children are still symptomatic as adults. Frequency in adults is estimated to be 2% to 7% Assessment includes clinical interviews and standardized rating scales from parents and teachers. Testing of intelligence and academic achievement usually are required. Comorbidity is common. The cornerstones of treatment are support and education of parents, appropriate school placement, and pharmacology. The primary medications are psychostimulants, but antidepressants and α-adrenergic agonists are used in special circumstances. Other treatments such as behavior modification, school consultation, family therapy, and group therapy address remaining symptoms.