cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Variable Curvature Parallel Continuum Robots Using Euler Curves

In this paper, we propose and investigate a new approach to modeling variable curvature continuum robot sections, based on Euler spirals. Euler spirals, also termed Clothoids, or Cornu spirals, are those curves in which the curvature increases linearly with their arc length. In this work, Euler spirals are applied to the kinematic modeling of continuum robots for the first time. The approach was evaluated using the sections of numerous continuum robots, including two novel parallel continuum robots. Each robot consists of three parallel sections, each with three thin, long McKibben actuators. These sections are poorly modeled by the widely used constant curvature kinematic model. The constant curvature and Euler spiral models were compared and the Euler spiral method was seen to be a significantly better match for a wide range of configurations of the robot hardware.
Correction to: A Predictive Model of High Shear Thrombus Growth.

This erratum is to correct the heading of column 2 (titled "b") in Table 1, which was missing proper units. The heading for that column was revised to include proper units, reading "b (× 10-6 s)".
NF-κB p50-deficient immature myeloid cell (p50-IMC) adoptive transfer slows the growth of murine prostate and pancreatic ductal carcinoma

Background Macrophages and dendritic cells lacking the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B p50 are skewed toward a proinflammatory phenotype, with increased cytokine expression and enhanced T cell activation; additionally, murine melanoma, fibrosarcoma, colon carcinoma, and glioblastoma grow slower in p50−/− mice. We therefore evaluated the efficacy of p50-negative immature myeloid cells (p50-IMCs) adoptively transferred into tumor-bearing hosts. Immature cells were used to maximize tumor localization, and pretreatment with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) was examined due to its potential to impair marrow production of myeloid cells, to target tumor myeloid cells and to release tumor neoantigens. Methods Wild-type (WT)-IMC or p50-IMC were generated by culturing lineage-negative marrow cells from WT or p50−/− mice in media containing thrombopoietin, stem cell factor and Flt3 ligand for 6 days followed by monocyte colony-stimulating factor for 1 day on ultralow attachment plates. Mice inoculated with Hi-Myc prostate cancer (PCa) cells or K-RasG12D pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDC)-luciferase cells received 5FU followed 5 days later by three doses of 107 immature myeloid cells (IMC) every 3–4 days. Results PCa cells grew slower in p50−/− mice, and absence of host p50 prolonged the survival of mice inoculated orthotopically with PDC cells. IMC from Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-luciferase mice localized to tumor, nodes, spleen, marrow, and lung. 5FU followed by p50-IMC slowed PCa and PDC tumor growth, ~3-fold on average, in contrast to 5FU followed by WT-IMC, 5FU alone or p50-IMC alone. Slowed tumor growth was evident for 93% of PCa but only 53% of PDC tumors; we therefore focused on PCa for additional IMC analyses. In PCa, p50-IMC matured into F4/80+ macrophages, as well as CD11b+F4/80−CD11c+ conventional dendritic cells (cDCs). In both tumor and draining lymph nodes, p50-IMC generated more macrophages and cDCs than WT-IMC. Activated tumor CD8+ T cells were increased fivefold by p50-IMC compared with WT-IMC, and antibody-mediated CD8+ T cell depletion obviated slower tumor growth induced by 5FU followed by p50-IMC. Conclusions 5FU followed by p50-IMC slows the growth of murine prostate and pancreatic carcinoma and depends on CD8+ T cell activation. Deletion of p50 in patient-derived marrow CD34+ cells and subsequent production of IMC for adoptive transfer may contribute to the therapy of these and additional cancers.
Upper extremity exertional rhabdomyolysis: MR imaging findings in four cases

While uncommon, exertional-induced rhabdomyolysis is an important diagnostic consideration when encountering hyperintensity within one or more muscles on fluid sensitive sequences in conjunction with signal abnormality in the overlying superficial fascia and subcutaneous fat. The clinical history of recent extreme exercise helps distinguish this disorder from other possible diagnoses, such as cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, compartment syndrome, inflammatory processes and diabetic myonecrosis. Patients diagnosed with severe exertional induced rhabdomyolysis often require hospital admission for intravenous hydration and serial laboratory monitoring due to the potential risk of acute renal failure. While contributory, magnetic resonance imaging findings can be nonspecific, and therefore the clinical history is often essential in making this diagnosis.
Perspectives on youth-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background The prevalence and incidence of youth-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) far exceeds other paediatric chronic liver diseases and represents a considerable public health issue globally. Methods Here, we performed a narrative review of current knowledge regarding the epidemiology of paediatric NAFLD, selected concepts in pathogenesis, comorbidities, diagnosis, and management, and issues related to the transition to adulthood. Results Paediatric NAFLD has become increasingly more prevalent, especially in certain subgroups, such as children with obesity and certain races/ethnicities. The pathophysiology of paediatric NAFLD is complex and multifactorial, driven by an interaction of environmental and genetic factors. Once developed, NAFLD in childhood is associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, increased cardiovascular disease risk, and end-stage liver disease. This predicts an increased burden of morbidity and mortality in adolescents and young adults. Early screening and diagnosis are therefore crucial, and the development of noninvasive biomarkers remains an active area of investigation. Currently, treatment strategies are focused on lifestyle changes, but there is also research interest in pharmacological and surgical options. In the transition from paediatric to adult care, there are several potential challenges/barriers to treatment and research is needed to understand how best to support patients during this time. Conclusions Our understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of paediatric NAFLD has increased considerably over recent decades, but several critical knowledge gaps remain and must be addressed in order to better mitigate the short-term and long-term risks of youth-onset NAFLD.
A Systematic Review of the Association Between Partnership and Life Satisfaction

Demographic trends in partnership have revealed that more people are remaining single or becoming single as they grow older by choice or life circumstance. Understanding whether there is an associa...
Baseline Testosterone Levels in Men with Clinically Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer Treated with Radical Prostatectomy with or without Neoadjuvant Chemohormonal Therapy (Alliance).

Purpose:Men with low serum testosterone at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis are frequently considered to have more aggressive disease. We examined treatment outcomes in men with clinically loc...
What Factors Explain the Decline in Widows' Poverty?

One of Social Security’s objectives is to ensure that vulnerable groups have adequate income in retirement. Historically, widows have been of particular concern for policymakers due to their high rates of poverty. However, over the past several decades, their poverty rate has fallen considerably. If it falls farther, widowhood may warrant lower placement on policymakers’ priority list. To understand why this decline has occurred and what this means for the future, this project uses the Health and Retirement Study linked to administrative earnings and benefit records. Specifically, the project focuses on three factors that could explain the decline in widows’ poverty: 1) women’s rising levels of education; 2) their increased attachment to the labor force; and 3) increasing marital “selection” – i.e., the notion that while marriage used to be equally distributed, it is becoming less common among those with lower socioeconomic status. The project explores both what share of the decline in poverty can be explained by these factors and also projects the role of these factors in the future.
Marked progress in AL amyloidosis survival: a 40-year longitudinal natural history study.

The recent decades have ushered in considerable advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis. As disease outcomes improve, AL amyloidosis-unrelated factors may impact mortality. In this study, we evaluated survival trends and primary causes of death among 2337 individuals with AL amyloidosis referred to the Boston University Amyloidosis Center. Outcomes were analyzed according to date of diagnosis: 1980-1989 (era 1), 1990-1999 (era 2), 2000-2009 (era 3), and 2010-2019 (era 4). Overall survival increased steadily with median values of 1.4, 2.6, 3.3, and 4.6 years for eras 1–4, respectively (P 10 years after diagnosis). Under changing standards of care, survival improved and early mortality declined over the last 40 years. These findings support a more optimistic outlook for patients with AL amyloidosis.
Management of Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis With Serial Mechanical Thrombectomy and tPA in a Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Background Acute portal vein thrombosis is a major cause of fulminant allograft failure in pediatric liver transplantation. Timely intervention is critical to save the graft and patient. Serial interventional radiologic management of this condition is scarcely reported in the literature. Case Summary A recently transplanted 17-year-old male presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. Rising liver enzymes prompted discovery of a diffuse portal thrombus, which precipitated fulminant liver failure. The adolescent developed respiratory failure, vasodilatory shock, acute kidney injury, and hepatic encephalopathy, complicating treatment. Multiple interventions attempted to clear the thrombus, including interventional radiologic and medical therapies. Uniquely, a continuous infusion catheter was placed at the thrombosis, delivering local tissue plasminogen activator during a 5-day period. Upon thrombus clearance, the patient made a full recovery with no complications during 12 months of follow-up. Conclusions When used as a component of multidisciplinary management, continuous locally directed tissue plasminogen activator may be a useful tool for clearance of persistent portal vein thrombosis.
Hesiod and the didactic double

espanolUn rasgo inusual de la estrategia didactica de Hesiodo en Trabajos y Dias es la inclusion de su hermano Perses, como destinatario. Si existe o no una base historica para la disputa financiera entre hermanos, tal como aparece representada en el poema, resulta menos interesante que la posicion que tal situacion (posiblemente ficcional) transmite. Por la figura del consejero, Hesiodo sostiene, naturalmente, una actitud diferente hacia un hermano, que la que quisiera si su aconsejado fuera un hijo, un futuro rey, o un estudiante -roles que son mas tipicos en las tradiciones didacticas de la literatura universal. Este articulo explora las tensiones, resonancias miticas y ambiguedades inherentes a la eleccion de la figura del hermano como recipiendario del consejo y concluye que esta particular configuracion didactica provee una mas abierta-conclusiva y aceptable entrada a traves de la cual cualquier audiencia puede interactuar con la tradicion de sabiduria atesorada en el verso hesiodico EnglishAn unusual feature of Hesiod's didactic strategy in the Works and Days is the inclusion of his brother, Perses, as addressee. Whether or not there is an historical basis for the financial dispute between the brothers as represented in the poem is of less interest than the stance that such a (possibly fictional) situation entails. For the advisor-figure, Hesiod, naturally maintains a different attitude toward a brother than he would if his advisee were a son, a future king, or a student---all of which roles are more typical in the didactic traditions attested in world literature. This paper goes on to explore the tensions, mythic resonances, and ambiguities inherent in the choice of the brother-figure as recipient of advice, and concludes that this particular didactic configuration provides a more open-ended and acceptable entry through which any audience can interact with the wisdom traditions enshrined in Hesiodic verse
Nascent Speculative Non-Buddhism

The present article is a contribution to a particularly urgent issue that is unfolding in Buddhist circles in North America and Europe. Although this issue is framed in various ways, it revolves around a single question; namely, what form will contemporary reconfigurations of Buddhism take in the twenty-first century West? The most influential groups in this discussion to date are those that style themselves secular-, progressive-, atheist-, agnostic-, liberal-, and post-traditional Buddhist. As these groups gain adherents in the West, traditional organizations, such as the various Zens, Tibetans, Vipassanas, etc., are stating their claim to "Buddhism" with increasingly vehement proprietorship. The present article, however, is not yet another attempt to reformulate or reform (in any sense of the term) "Buddhism." Neither is it concerned with ameliorating traditional Buddhism's relationship with contemporary western secular values. In performing its first task, however, my emerging theory, called "speculative non-buddhism," can contribute to the current debate in a decisive way by showing that all forms of Buddhism are identical. What makes them so is that they are all governed by what I call "buddhistic decision:" the syntactical structure that constitutes all things, discourse, and people, "Buddhist." Decision thus constitutes both the ideological nature, and the ideological constant, of "Buddhism."
The Fundamental Theorem of Galois Theory

Given a Galois extension E / F, the fundamental theorem will show a strong connection between the subgroups of Ga1(E / F) and the intermediate fields between F and E.
Abstract 3554: Gene and miRNA expression networks specific to never smoker lung adenocarcinoma

While smoking is well recognized as a major risk factor for lung cancer, there is a growing incidence of lung cancer in never smokers which is in turn the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Never smokers (NS) who develop lung cancer exhibit disparate profiles of somatic mutations and clinical responses to targeted therapy relative to lung cancer arising in current or former “ever” smokers (ES), suggesting that ES and NS lung cancer arise through distinct molecular processes. We therefore sought to characterize mRNA and miRNA expression differences specific to NS adenocarcinoma (AdC) to gain insights into the molecular differences underlying NS and ES AdC carcinogenesis. Total RNA was isolated from matched pairs of lung AdC tumor and adjacent histologically normal tissue obtained from 22 subjects (8 NS, 14 ES). Large and small RNA libraries were sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2000. Tumor-specific gene and miRNA expression differences between NS and ES were identified using linear mixed-effects ANOVA. MiRConnx was used to construct miRNA-mRNA networks. We identified 120 mRNA and 15 miRNA whose expression was modified uniquely in NS lung AdC. In the predicted miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, additional analysis pinpointed modulation of the development and cellular metabolism canonical pathway within genes connected to several of the differentially expressed miRNA (GATHER, p In summary, the construction of a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network has enabled us to identify molecular alterations that may be specific to NS lung AdC. Ultimately, these findings may serve to broaden the landscape of personalized therapeutic and treatment options by identifying targetable molecular interactions and therapeutic drug candidates for lung AdC in never smokers. Citation Format: Rebecca Kusko, Carly Garrison, Teresa Wang, Josh Campbell, Joseph Perez-Rogers, Lingqi Luo, Jennifer Beane, Gang Liu, Humam Kadara, Steven Belinsky, Marc E. Lenburg, Avrum Spira. Gene and miRNA expression networks specific to never smoker lung adenocarcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3554. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3554
Reversed Micellization In Metal-Organophosphorus Extractant Systems Of Commercial Importance

The interfacial tension behavior in liquid/liquid organophosphorus extractant systems containing di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and metal ions such as Ca2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, or Zn2+was investigated. Data of vapor pressure osmometry and Karl Fischer titrimetry, in addition to those of interfacial tension, distribution equilibria and extraction kinetics, support the view that reversed micelles can form in extraction systems which employ HDEHP.
Effects of prescription nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on symptoms and disease progression among patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Objective The effect of short and long term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) use on structural change is equivocal. We estimate the extent to which recent and long-term use of prescription NSAIDs relieve symptoms and delay structural progression among patients with radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
Technological Change in American Manufacturing During the 1920's

It is well known that the average productivity of capital in American manufacturing increased at a comparatively high rate during the 1919–1929 decade. During the same period the accelerated application of scientific information stimulated important changes in manufacturing plant and equipment. This Note investigates the relationship between these two processes. The inquiry is of historical interest for two reasons: First, the study should help to support statistical observations of the increased efficiency of production facilities during the 1920's, thereby connecting observed productivity change as measured by economists with substantive technological improvements as described by economic historians. And second, it may be possible to characterize the 1920's as a period of unique technological growth in the history of American manufacturing.
Principal component extraction using recursive least squares learning method

A new approach is introduced for the recursive computation of the principal components of a vector stochastic process. The neurons of a single layer perceptron are sequentially trained using a recursive least square type algorithm to extract the principal components of the input process. The approach provides a recursive way to determine the variance associated with each principal component. The proof for convergence is provided as well. Simulation results on an image compression problem are presented and a discussion on the performance of the algorithm is given. >
Genetic Testing and Tissue Banking for Personalized Oncology: Analytical and Institutional Factors

Personalized oncology, or more aptly precision oncogenomics, refers to the identification and implementation of clinically actionable targets tailored to an individual patient's cancer genomic information. Banking of human tissue and other biospecimens establishes a framework to extract and collect the data essential to our understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment. Cancer cooperative groups in the United States have led the way in establishing robust biospecimen collection mechanisms to facilitate translational research, and combined with technological advances in molecular testing, tissue banking has expanded from its traditional base in academic research and is assuming an increasingly pivotal role in directing the clinical care of cancer patients. Comprehensive screening of tumors by DNA sequencing and the ability to mine and interpret these large data sets from well-organized tissue banks have defined molecular subtypes of cancer. Such stratification by genomic criteria has revolutionized our perspectives on cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering insight into prognosis, progression, and susceptibility or resistance to known therapeutic agents. In turn, this has enabled clinicians to offer treatments tailored to patients that can greatly improve their chances of survival. Unique challenges and opportunities accompany the rapidly evolving interplay between tissue banking and genomic sequencing, and are the driving forces underlying the revolution in precision medicine. Molecular testing and precision medicine clinical trials are now becoming the major thrust behind the cooperative groups' clinical research efforts.
One-Stop Search: Finding Full-Text Information for Social Science Journals

Abstract Users often express confusion and frustration in trying to locate the full-text availability of a journal and having to check multiple resources and interfaces on a library's Web site. The challenge was to seek an interim practical solution which would address this need effectively. The Social Science Journals Database and Search Engine (Soc-dbase) project demonstrates a low-cost one-stop search solution that can be easily and quickly adopted and implemented. The project involves creating a single Web interface to search a database of selected social science and sociology journal titles that include full-text online availability information. This paper presents the design and creation of the social sciences journals database that can be searched to find a journal's full-text availability at the Rutgers University Libraries or on the Web. The database is accessible from http://digital-projects.rutgers.edu/socsearch/
Relationships among oral form recognition, interdental thickness discrimination and interdental weight discrimination.

15 normal speaking Ss were tested on tasks of oral-form recognition, interdental thickness discrimination, and interdental weight discrimination. A significant correlation (p < .05) obtained between form identification and weight discrimination. Means, SDs, and range of performance for each of the three tasks are provided.
The content of free and bound amino acids in urine in postoperative periods.

Abstract In postoperative periods, the output of bound amino acids was found to be increased, while the excretion of free amino acids remained at the preoperational level. The amount of peptides increased, but remained smaller than that of the bound amino acids in the nonampholytic fraction. The quantities of glycine, which is the main constituent of the nonampholytic fraction, fluctuate, being often higher after than before operation.
Morphine antinociception in the non-hibernating and hibernating states of the ground squirrel (Citellus lateralis)

Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated a significant reduction in the development of morphine physical dependence during hibernation, suggesting a major change in the ability of morphine to act on the central nervous system (CNS) during this naturally altered state. To further investigate the pharmacological actions of morphine during the hibernating (H) state, the present study recorded skin-twitch response (STR) latency as a measure of morphine antinociception in the golden-mantled ground squirrel (Citellus lateralis) during the non-hibernating (NH) and H states. Our results revealed that morphine antinociception continued to develop in hibernation. Moreover, the magnitude of antinociception displayed was greater during the H state than in the NH state. Tolerance to morphine's antinociceptive effects developed in both states as well. The results of the present study indicate that the hibernation-related reduction in the development of morphine dependence represents a selective, rather than a general, suppression of the CNS pharmacological actions of morphine during the H state.
Behavioral, electrophysiological, and histopathological consequences of mild fluid-percussion injury in the rat

Abstract Metabolic dysfunction in the relay nuclei of the rat vibrissa circuit follows traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study examined the effects of mild (1.4–1.5 atm) parasagittal fluid-percussion injury on the elctrophysiology of this circuit. TBI caused significant reductions in slope and increases in latency of vibrissa-evoked field potentials 3 days after injury. Assessment of open-field swimming revealed an increase in thigmotaxis 2 days after injury. TBI caused mild selective cortical damage and limited axonal swelling at the injury site. Thus mild injury disrupts somatosensory electrophysiology and exploratory behavior.
[18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography in patients with medulloblastoma.

Objective We evaluated the [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation during positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with medulloblastoma and examined the relationship of intensity of uptake with patient outcome after the initial scan. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging and FDG-PET scans of brain and spine were used to assess FDG uptake by visual grade (qualitative analysis) and metabolic activity ratios (T(max)/G(mean) and T(max)/W(mean)). Patients were divided into two groups based on either confirmation of tumor by biopsy and/or death resulting from progressive disease after the initial FDG-PET scan (Group A) or no intervention for the suspected lesion shown on magnetic resonance imaging after the initial FDG-PET scan but currently alive without evidence of disease (Group B). Results Twenty-two patients with either recurrent (n = 21) or newly diagnosed (n = 1) medulloblastoma underwent brain (n = 18) or whole-body (n = 4) FDG-PET scans after magnetic resonance imaging evidence of suspected tumor. The median qualitative analysis was 3 (range, 0-4) in 17 Group A patients compared with 0 (range, 0-1) in 5 Group B patients (P = 0.0003). The mean T(max)/G(mean) and T(max)/W(mean) ratios for 16 Group A patients were 1.3 (range, 0.1-3.8) and 2.10 (range, 0.4-5.2), respectively, compared with 0.80 (range, 0.20-1.5) and 1.3 (range, 0.5-1.9) in 5 Group B patients (P = 0.2 for both parameters, not significant). There was a significant negative correlation between increased FDG uptake and survival. Higher qualitative analysis and T(max)/W(mean) were associated with significantly poorer 2-year overall survival after the initial scan (71% versus 15% for qualitative analysis grade of or =3, P = 0.001; 46% versus 0% for T(max)/W(mean) 2.5, P = 0.004). Conclusion Increased FDG uptake is observed in medulloblastoma and is correlated negatively with survival.
Simulating the dispersal of tephra from the 1991 Pinatubo eruption: Implications for the formation of widespread ash layers

Abstract PUFF and HAZMAP, two tephra dispersal models developed for volcanic hazard mitigation, are used to simulate the climatic 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. PUFF simulations indicate that the majority of ash was advected away from the source at the level of the tropopause (~ 17 km). Several eruptive pulses injected ash and SO2 gas to higher altitudes (~ 25 km), but these pulses represent only a small fraction (~ 1%) of the total erupted material released during the simulation. Comparison with TOMS images of the SO2 cloud after 71 and 93 h indicate that the SO2 gas originated at an altitude of ~ 25 km near the source and descended to an altitude of ~ 22 km as the cloud moved across the Indian Ocean. HAZMAP simulations indicate that the Pinatubo tephra fall deposit in the South China Sea was formed by an eruption cloud with the majority of the ash concentrated at a height of 16–18 km. Results of this study demonstrate that the largest concentration of distal ash was transported at a level significantly below the maximum eruption column height (~ 40 km) and at a level below the calculated height of neutral buoyancy (~ 25 km). Simulations showed that distal ash transport was dominated by atmospheric circulation patterns near the regional tropopause. In contrast, the movement of the SO2 cloud occurred at higher levels, along slightly different trajectories, and may have resulted from gas/particle segregations that took place during intrusion of the Pinatubo umbrella cloud as it moved away from source.
Investigation of the transport processes controlling the geographic distribution of carbon monoxide at the tropical tropopause

Convectively influenced trajectory calculations are used to investigate the impact of different Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) transport pathways for establishing the distribution of carbon monoxide (CO) at 100 hPa as observed by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on board the Aura satellite. Carbon monoxide is a useful tracer for investigating TTL transport and convective influence because the CO lifetime (≃1–2 months) is comparable to the time required for slow ascent through the TTL. MERRA horizontal winds are used for the diabatic trajectories, and off-line calculations of TTL radiative heating are used to determine the vertical motion field. The locations and times of convective influence events along the trajectories are determined from 3-hourly, geostationary satellite measurements of convective clouds. The trajectory model reproduces most of the prominent features in the 100 hPa CO geographic distribution indicated by the MLS observations for the winter and summer 2007 periods simulated. CO concentrations and tendencies simulated with the Whole Atmosphere Climate Chemistry Model (WACCM) are used to specify boundary-layer concentrations for convective influence and CO loss rates resulting from reaction with OH. The broad maximum in CO concentration over the Pacific during Boreal winter is primarily a result of the strong radiative heating (corresponding to upward vertical motion) associated with the abundant TTL cirrus in this region. Convection over the Pacific brings clean maritime air to the tropopause region and actually decreases the 100 hPa CO. The relative abundance of CO over the continental convective regions during wintertime is sensitive to small variations in convective cloud-top height. Both the simulated and the observed summertime 100 hPa CO distributions are dominated by the maximum co-located with the upper level anticyclone forced by the Asian monsoon convection. Sensitivity tests indicate that the summertime Asian monsoon anticyclone 100 hPa CO maximum is dominated by extreme convective systems with detrainment of polluted air above about 360–365 K potential temperature. This result stems directly from the fact that the heating rates are negative (downward motion) below 360–365 K during summertime through most of the tropics; therefore, air detrained from convection at lower levels will generally just sink back down into the middle troposphere. We find that most of the CO feeding into the Asian monsoon anticyclone comes from convection over the Tibetan Plateau and India, with relatively minor contributions from southeast Asia and eastern China.
Analysis of the ν4 (615 cm−1) region of the Fourier transform and diode laser spectra of SF6

A detailed analysis of the nu/sub 4/ fundamental band in SF/sub 6/ is presented. Both from the intermediate resolution (0.04 cm/sup -1/) FT-IR and high resolution (approx. 1 x 10/sup -4/ cm/sup -1/) diode laser measurements the frequencies of the rotational transitions as well as the fine splitting parameters of the individual rotational manifolds have been determined. Well-resolved rotational sublevels of several extremely high angular momentum states (J > 100) have been recorded using a kilometer optical path diode laser spectrometer, and the observed pattern of Coriolis substructures is shown to be in good agreement with the theory.
Molecular basis for differential nucleotide binding of the nucleotide-binding domain of ABC-transporter CvaB.

The cytoplasmic membrane protein CvaB, involved in colicin V secretion in Escherichia coli, belongs to the ABC-transporter family in which ATP hydrolysis is typically the driving force for substrate transport. However, our previous studies indicated that the nucleotide-binding domain of CvaB could also bind and hydrolyze GTP and, indeed, highly preferred GTP over ATP at low temperatures. In this study, we have examined the molecular basis of this preference. Sequence alignment and homology modeling of the CvaB nucleotide-binding domain predicted that the aromatic stacking region of CvaB (Y 501 DSQ loop) had a role in the differential binding of nucleotides, and Ser 503 and Gln 504 provided potential hydrogen bonds to GTP but not to ATP. Site-directed mutagenesis of the Y 501 DSQ loop, mutations S503A, Q504L, and double mutation S503A/Q504L, was made to test the predicted hydrogen bonds with GTP. The double mutation S503A/Q504L increased the affinity for ATP by 6-fold, whereas the affinity for GTP was reduced slightly: the ATP/GTP-binding ratio increased about 10-fold. The temperature effect assays on nucleotide binding and hydrolysis further indicated that the double mutant protein had largely eliminated the difference for substrates ATP and GTP, and behaved more similarly to the NBD of typical ABC-transporter HlyB. Therefore, we conclude that Ser 503 and Gln 504 in aromatic stacking region of CvaB block the ATP binding and are important for the GTP-binding preference.
“Meta-Jeopardy”: The crisis of representation in qualitative metasynthesis

The surge of interest in qualitative metasynthesis coincides with qualitative researchers’ growing concern over the “crisis of representation.” Central to this crisis is the challenge to the assumption that any human subjects inquiry can ever authentically represent those subjects. The crisis of representation is intensified in qualitative metasynthesis projects because of the potentially large differences that can exist between lived and narrated lives, and between participants’ accounts and researchers’ accounts of those accounts, and because of the virtual lack of difference thought to characterize the relationship between reality and representation. This crisis can be offset by offering critical/discursive readings of research reports in addition to traditional empirical/analytical readings. Reviewers can thereby preserve both truth and representational humility as regulative ideals. Clinicians can thereby better appraise the utilization value of qualitative metasyntheses.
Oxidative stress in cataracts

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants. Since toxic free radicals are the result of normal metabolism, their destruction is imperative. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Opacity of the lens is a direct result of oxidative stress. Cataracts occur primarily due to age, but also are common in diabetes where superoxide in the mitochondria is elevated as a result of hyperglycemia. This review will investigate the risk factors of cataract including diet (vitamins, fat and alcohol) as well as UV light and diabetes. The pathophysiology of lens opacification will be discussed and related to the biochemistry, especially during the aging process and in diabetes. Animal and human supplemental antioxidant studies will be reviewed and the mechanisms discussed for cataract prevention and treatment. New genetic engineering approaches to overexpress antioxidant enzymes have given intriguing results and show promise. Lastly, a new approach to target mitochondrial superoxide with antioxidant molecules will be outlined.
Hermes: data transmission over unknown voice channels

While the cellular revolution has made voice connectivity ubiquitous in the developing world, data services are largely absent or are prohibitively expensive. In this paper, we present Hermes1, a point-to-point data connectivity solution that works by modulating data onto acoustic signals that are sent over a cellular voice call. The main challenge is that most voice codecs greatly distort signals that are not voice-like; furthermore, the backhaul can be highly heterogeneous and of low quality, thereby introducing unpredictable distortions. Hermes modulates data over the extremely narrow-band approximately 3kHz bandwidth) acoustic carrier, while being severely constrained by the requirement that the resulting sound signals are voice-like, as far as the voice codecs are concerned. Hermes uses a robust data transcoding and modulation scheme to detect and correct errors in the face of bit flips, insertions and deletions; it also adapts the modulation parameters to the observed bit error rate on the actual voice channel. Through real-world experiments, we show that Hermes achieves approximately 1.2 kbps goodput which when compared to SMS, improves throughput by a factor of 5× and reduces the cost-per-byte by over a factor of 50x
Generation of species-specific, rat monoclonal antibodies that bind to the κ chain of mouse immunoglobulin

Large numbers of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with exquisite binding specificities have become available. However the study of these primary antibodies in biological fluids by second, anti-mouse antibody techniques, has been confounded by the large quantity of other animal immunoglobulin which is often present in these fluids. To overcome this problem, we have derived high affinity rat MAbs which bind specifically to the antigen binding fragments (Fab) of mouse antibody and display minimal or no crossreactivity with human or rabbit immunoglobulin at the concentrations which are usually found in plasma. Equilibrium binding studies demonstrated that these antibodies had binding affinity constants for mouse Fab that ranged from 4.3 × 10 8 to 4.1 × 10 9 M −1 . All of these rat MAbs bound to the κ chain of mouse immunoglobulin, though competition binding studies amongst these MAbs indicated that they probably recognized three different epitopes. Because of their specificity and affinity, these rat anti-mouse κ MAbs may be useful in a wide variety of experimental biological systems both in vitro and in vivo.
Multivariate logistic regression for familial aggregation in age at disease onset.

Familial aggregation studies seek to identify diseases that cluster in families. These studies are often carried out as a first step in the search for hereditary factors affecting the risk of disease. It is necessary to account for age at disease onset to avoid potential misclassification of family members who are disease-free at the time of study participation or who die before developing disease. This is especially true for late-onset diseases, such as prostate cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. We propose a discrete time model that accounts for the age at disease onset and allows the familial association to vary with age and to be modified by covariates, such as pedigree relationship. The parameters of the model have interpretations as conditional log-odds and log-odds ratios, which can be viewed as discrete time conditional cross hazard ratios. These interpretations are appealing for cancer risk assessment. Properties of this model are explored in simulation studies, and the method is applied to a large family study of cancer conducted by the National Cancer Institute-sponsored Cancer Genetics Network (CGN).
Photoresponse of spray pyrolytically synthesized copper-doped p-Fe2O3 thin film electrodes in water splitting

Abstract Stable Cu-doped iron (III) oxide thin film electrodes that exhibit p-type behavior were synthesized by a spray pyrolytic deposition (SPD) method on conducting tin oxide-coated glass substrates for photoelectrochemical water splitting. The highest photocurrent density of 0.94 mA / cm 2 was observed under an illumination intensity of 40 mW / cm 2 for Cu-doped samples prepared using an optimal 0.01155 M Cu 2 + at an optimal substrate temperature of 395 °C with a total spray time of 100 s at 0.0 V vs. SCE. These Cu-doped p- Fe 2 O 3 thin films were found to generate an optimum photoconversion efficiency of 1.3%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed that these films have mixed structures ( α - Fe 2 O 3 and CuFe 2 O 4 ). The Cu dopant level in p- Fe 2 O 3 was found to be 0.20% from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) data.
BMJ Case Reports: Publishing, Sharing, and Learning Through Experience

The British Medical Group (publishers of the British Medical Journal) has created a unique product composed of case reports written by subscribers. BMJ Case Reports presents an opportunity for physicians in residencies and fellowships to become published authors. This article will review the contents and navigation of the BMJ Case Reports product and suggest which users may benefit most by subscribing.
AN EFFICIENT SYNTHESIS OF A FULLY FUNCTIONALIZED 7-AMINOAZIRIDINOMITOSENE

Abstract An efficient approach for the synthesis of a fully functionalized 7-aminoaziridinomitosene has been developed. Commencing with the known 2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-8-oxo-1 H -pyrrolo[1,2- a ]indole 6 , twelve transformations leads to the novel 7-aminoaziridinomitosene 4 in 11% overall yield. This study demonstrates the feasibility of installing the free aziridine and the aminoquinone functionalities on the pyrrolo[1,2- a ]indole skeleton.
Proton magnetic resonance and 13CH satellite spectra of 4-pyrone: analysis and assignments

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance and three 13 CH satellite spectra of 4-pyrone have been examined in an effort to resolve previous disagreements in the assignment of two coupling constants. Least-squares analyses of the spectra were carried out with the requirement that a single set of parameters should satisfactorily predict all four observed spectra simultaneously. The structure of the satellite spectra and their dependence on all parameters involved have been studied in detail. The results provide an unambiguous assignment of all the parameters.
Formation of Phase Test Intermediate of Chlorophyll by Electrolytic Reduction

IN the course of electrolytic and polarographic studies on chlorophyll and related compounds, we have found that reduction of chlorophyll a and b in aprotic solvents involves an unusual sequence of events which differ markedly from those observed in protolytic solvents1,2.
Tracking of storm fronts in weather radar imagery

Tracking of storm fronts in weather imagery is important for several weather-related applications. Coastal-area weather radars provide coverage up to 200-250 miles into the ocean, and thus can help with tracking of storm-fronts to support forecasting in those areas. Another application where tracking of storm fronts can be of assistance is clutter/rain classification. Specifically, the path of a tracked event can be used to decide if the particular event corresponds to precipitation or clutter. For instance, clutter usually appears to be a relatively static event. Precipitation can be modeled as a mixture of localized functions, each changing in terms of shape, position, and intensity. Tracking of precipitation events can be performed via tracking of the localized function parameters. In this paper, the modeling of rain events using Radial Basis Function neural networks (RBFNN) is studied. In the recent past, such techniques have been used for forecasting. Although effective, these techniques have been found to be computationally expensive. In this work, we evaluate the feasibility of modeling rain events using RBFNN in an efficient manner, and we propose modifications to existing techniques to achieve this goal.
Using latent class analysis to identify participant typologies in a drug treatment court

Abstract Background Drug treatment courts serve a diverse population of adults. While all have engaged in criminal activities and have substance abuse problems, participants vary in the intensity of their problems as well as related concerns in other domains of functioning which also may require intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify differences among participants, which could have implications for the effectiveness of drug treatment courts. Methods Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups from a sample of over 1000 adults attending two drug treatment courts in central California. Indicators measuring substance abuse, motivation for treatment, mental health concerns, education, employment, medical concerns, social supports, and demographic characteristics were obtained from the Addiction Severity Index while measures of prior criminal activity and treatment outcomes were obtained from probation; all were entered into the LCA. Results The LCA yielded three groups, which were labeled a Psychological Problems group, an Early Delinquent group, and a Subthreshold Need group. Significant differences in graduation and recidivism rates were found across these groups, with the Early Delinquent group demonstrating the poorest outcomes. Conclusions This study provides evidence that there are significant differences among subgroups of drug treatment court participants. Implications for alternate treatment approaches based on participant characteristics are discussed.
Hemoglobin F: new targets, new path

Comment on Jiang et al, page [1077][1], and comment on Franco et al, page [1073][2] Two significant and disparate advances in the quest to therapeutically up-regulate fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in the beta globin disorders are reported in this issue. Franco and colleagues define highly significant
Diagnostic significance of signet ring cells in fine‐needle aspirates of the breast

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a reliable and cost-effective procedure in the evaluation and management of breast lesions. One diagnostic dilemma that may sometimes arise is the finding of signet ring cells. The isolated finding of such cells in aspirate smears may be particularly problematic in cases of low cellularity or those with otherwise benign features. Although it is generally held that such cells are almost exclusively associated with carcinoma (particularly the lobular subtype), their significance in FNA smears has never been systematically evaluated. To establish their diagnostic utility, we evaluated aspirate smears from 150 cases of histologically proven benign (77) and malignant (73) breast lesions for the presence of signet ring cells, defined as those containing a prominent intracytoplasmic vacuole with nuclear displacement. Signet ring cells were identified in 71% of malignant cases (75% of ductal carcinomas and 71% of lobular carcinomas), mostly as single cells or within small, loosely cohesive tissue fragments. Such cells were also present in 6% of histologically proven benign lesions, most commonly within large tissue fragments. Many of these cells were proven to be vacuolated myoepithelial cells, based on histologic correlation and immunostaining results using anti-muscle-specific actin. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that (1) the presence of signet ring cells within small loose tissue fragments or as single cells in FNA smears should prompt close clinical follow-up (including repeat FNA and perhaps surgical biopsy), regardless of smear cellularity, (2) the presence of signet ring cells in cases of adenocarcinoma does not predict a particular tumor subtype, and (3) rare benign breast lesions may contain signet ring cells, particularly within large tissue fragments, and do not, in isolation, warrant surgical biopsy to exclude malignancy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:117–121, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.