cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mannosamine inhibits aggrecanase-mediated changes in the physical properties and biochemical composition of articular cartilage.

Abstract The enzymatic processes underlying the degradation of aggrecan in cartilage and the corresponding changes in the biomechanical properties of the tissue are an important part of the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Recent studies have demonstrated that the hexosamines glucosamine (GlcN) and mannosamine (ManN) can inhibit aggrecanase-mediated cleavage of aggrecan in IL-1-treated cartilage cultures. The term aggrecanase describes two or more members of the ADAMTS family of metalloproteinases whose glutamyl endopeptidase activity is known to be responsible for much of the aggrecan degradation seen in human arthritides. In this study we examined the effect of ManN and GlcN on aggrecanase-mediated degradation of aggrecan induced by IL-1α and the corresponding tissue mechanical properties in newborn bovine articular cartilage. After 6 days of culture in 10 ng/ml IL-1 plus ManN, mechanical testing of explants in confined compression demonstrated that ManN inhibited the IL-1α-induced degradation in tissue equilibrium modulus, dynamic stiffness, streaming potential, and hydraulic permeability, in a dose-dependent fashion, with peak inhibition (∼75–100% inhibition) reached by a concentration of 1.35 mM. Aggrecan from explants cultured in IL-1 was found by Western analysis to be almost entirely processed down to the G1-NITEGE373 end product. Addition of ManN or GlcN was found to produce 75–90% inhibition of this cleavage, but the proportion of aggrecan remaining in the tissue which was cleaved at aggrecanase sites in the chondroitin sulfate (CS)-rich region (Glu1501 and Glu1687) was higher than with IL-1 alone. This result suggests that the preservation of mechanical properties by hexosamines in explants is primarily due to inhibition of cleavage at the Glu373 site in the interglobular domain. While the precise mechanism by which hexosamines function in this system is unclear, the present analysis suggests that the mechanical properties examined may be predominantly a function of electrostatic repulsion due to the charged CS chains in the tightly packed repetitive sequences of the CS-1 region.
Merger waves and the structure of merger and acquisition time‐series

What is the best characterization of mergers and acquisitions time-series? The traditional response is that mergers occur in ‘waves’. I estimate a two-state, Markov switching-regime model which should capture wave structure if it is present in the data. Linear and nonlinear diagnostics tests suggest that the switching regime model fits the data well, and better than ARIMA models. Said differently, the underlying pattern in the M&A data can be characterized by dichotomous shifts between high and low levels of activity. In addition, objective inferences about the precise dates for these waves are available through a nonlinear filter.
Charting the development of representational skills: When do children know that maps can lead and mislead?

Abstract This study was conducted to test Perner's (1991) hypothesis that 3-year-olds fail the false belief task because they cannot metarepresent (represent a representation's sense and reference). Preschoolers made and interpreted symbolic maps, and were tested on their understanding of the implications of following an incorrect map (false belief test). Young 3-year-olds showed some ability to make and use maps but performed poorly on the false belief tests. Children were more likely to use an incorrect map to predict behavior if the represented object was missing instead of in a wrong location. Many children were also able to predict that someone who used an incorrect map would not “find” the object. These results contradict Perner's hypothesis and suggest that representational skills develop gradually rather than appearing in a radical conceptual shift at age 4.
Collective Reflection on a Public Lesson in a Mathematics Teaching Research Group

This study explored how teachers' collective reflection within one community of practice - a teaching research group consisting of Chinese mathematics teachers - might have enabled or constrained teacher learning. Close examination of the specific interactions within one group meeting provided the focus for the present investigation. Using a narrative discourse analytical approach, this study examined the potential learning opportunities created or foreclosed by the community through unfolding several key episodes. It indicated that further research on specific interactions transpiring within a teachers' community can contribute to understanding the complex relations between teachers' communities of practice and improvement of teaching practice.
The effects of breath control on maximum force and IAP during a maximum isometric lifting task

Abstract Background Evidence exists linking breath control to increases in intra-abdominal pressure and lumbar stability. Weight-lifting experts use this evidence as a rationale to suggest that increases in lumbar stability afforded by specific forms of breath control can influence the amount of force produced by the trunk. No studies have examined this issue. Therefore, this study determined whether voluntary control of the breath is related to maximal trunk extension force and if maximal force is correlated to intra-abdominal pressure. Methods Thirteen men and 20 women (mean age: 25.6 years (5.5)) performed a maximal isometric trunk exertion in a knee bent posture using voluntary breath conditions: (1) inhalation prior to exertion with hold during exertion; (2) exhalation prior to exertion with hold during the exertion; (3) inhalation prior to the exertion with exhalation during the exertion. A subset of subjects (n = 11) were also simultaneously measured for intra-abdominal pressure. Separate repeated measures ANOVA were used to determine the effects of breath conditions on force and intra-abdominal pressure. Pearson coefficients were used to determine the correlation between force and intra-abdominal pressure. Findings Breath control did not significantly affect isometric force production (P = .089) but did affect intra-abdominal pressure (P = .003). Correlations between force and intra-abdominal pressure in each breath condition were low (range: 0.152–0.583). Interpretation Although breath control was shown to influence intra-abdominal pressure, it does not appear to influence isometric trunk extension force in a knees bent position. Further, the intra-abdominal pressure produced in such efforts appears to be unrelated to the amount of force produced.
Population Demographics and Dynamics of Colonizing Elk in a Desert Grassland–Scrubland

Abstract Elk Cervus elaphus are rare in Southwestern desert grassland and desert-scrub habitats, and these habitats are anecdotally considered unsuitable for elk. We studied a colonizing herd in a Southwestern desert grassland–scrubland in northwestern New Mexico to determine the condition and population dynamics of elk in this habitat type. We radiotracked ≤ 24 adult (1.5 y and older) cows and ≤ 8 calves annually, 2003–2006; the sample of radiocollared cows in this study was very close to a census of the entire population for 2004–2006 based on repeated surveys and monitoring. Mean body fat of lactating cows in autumn was 10.6–13.2% in 2003–2004, indicating that lactating elk were acquiring high moderate–low good nutrition, but dropped to 5.6% in 2005 and 6.8% in 2006, indicating poor nutrition for these years of low precipitation. We found adult female survival of 0.94–1.00 and calf survival of 0.38–1.00. Calf survival was related to maternal size, maternal condition, and cumulative annual precipitation...
SYCLOP: synthesis of CMOS logic for low power applications

A system called SYCLOP that synthesizes finite-state machines (FSMs) and combinational logic for low-power applications is presented. SYCLOP tries to minimize the area and the transition density at the internal nodes of a CMOS circuit. The minimization is based on the input signal probabilities and the transition densities. Using this system, a particular circuit can be optimally synthesized for different applications. Results have been obtained for a wide range of benchmark examples. >
Statins and Incident Diabetes: Can Risk Outweigh Benefit?

We review the most recent data regarding the association of incident diabetes and statin use, examine potential mechanisms to explain this association, and compare the potential risk of diabetes with the known cardiovascular benefits derived from statin use. We discuss new and interesting findings, as well as significant trends and developments. The risk of statin-induced dysglycemia and diabetes appears to be dose-dependent, but generally small in magnitude and confined to an unmasking of a strong predisposition to diabetes or accelerated diagnosis in individuals with diabetes risk factors. We focus on the concept of net benefit and find that although risk of diabetes could outweigh cardiovascular benefits in select individuals at low cardiovascular risk, the vast majority of people being managed for cardiovascular risk are most likely to derive net benefit. The need to weigh risks and benefits highlights the importance of shared decision-making in clinician-patient risk discussions.
13C NMR studies of α,ω‐bis(p‐anisyl)alkanes and α,ω‐bis(3‐iodo‐4‐methoxyphenyl)alkanes

13C NMR studies were performed for a series of homologous iodinated and uniodinated α,ω-bis(aryl)alkanes. Spectral assignments were made by utilization of DQCOSY, HETCOR-LR and 1D coupled and decoupled 13C experiments.
A quantitative model for the in vivo assessment of drug binding sites with positron emission tomography.

We propose an in vivo method for use with positron emission tomography (PET) that results in a quantitative characterization of neuroleptic binding sites using radiolabeled spiperone. The data are analyzed using a mathematical model that describes transport, nonspecific binding, and specific binding in the brain. The model demonstrates that the receptor quantities Bmax (i.e., the number of binding sites) and KD-1 (i.e., the binding affinity) are not separably ascertainable with tracer methodology in human subjects. We have, therefore, introduced a new term, the binding potential, equivalent to the product BmaxKD-1, which reflects the capacity of a given tissue, or region of a tissue, for ligand-binding site interaction. The procedure for obtaining these measurements is illustrated with data from sequential PET scans of baboons after intravenous injection of carrier-added (18F)spiperone. From these data we estimate the brain tissue nonspecific binding of spiperone to be in the range of 94.2 to 95.3%, and the regional brain spiperone permeability (measured as the permeability-surface area product) to be in the range of 0.025 to 0.036 cm3/(s X ml). The binding potential of the striatum ranged from 17.4 to 21.6; these in vivo estimates compare favorably to in vitro values in the literature. To ourmore » knowledge this represents the first direct evidence that PET can be used to characterize quantitatively, locally and in vivo, drug binding sites in brain. The ability to make such measurements with PET should permit the detailed investigation of diseases thought to result from disorders of receptor function.« less
Adaptive Resource Allocation with Rate Proportionality Tracking in OFDMA Systems

A new adaptive resource allocation scheme is proposed in orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems with rate proportionality constraints. The problem of maximizing the overall system capacity with constraints on bit-error rate, total transmission power and rate-proportionality for user requiring different classes of service is formulated. Since the optimal solution to the constrained fairness problem is extremely complex to obtain, a low-complexity suboptimal algorithm that separates subchannel allocation and power allocation is proposed. Firstly, the number of subchannels to be assigned to each user is determined based on the users' average signal-to-noise ratio and rate-proportion. Subchannels are subsequently distributed according to the modified max-min criterion. Lastly, iterative rate-proportionality tracking algorithm is proposed for maximizing the capacity together with maintaining the rate proportionality constraint. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can distribute the capacity more efficiently and fairly among users than other existing method.
Time Factors as Aids in Dance Composition

(1949). Time Factors as Aids in Dance Composition. Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 162-222.
Detection errors on the word the: evidence for reading units larger than letters.

In four experiments, subjects read 100-word passages and circled instances of the letter t. Subjects missed a disproportionate number of ts in the word the. Evidence was provided against explanations of this effect involving the location and pronunciation of the t in the and against an explanation in terms of the redundancy of the. Rather the high frequency of the appeared to be critical, and it was suggested that high-frequency words are read in terms of units larger than the letter. Language: en
Thrombospondin-2 regulates matrix mineralization in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts

The matricellular protein thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) has context-dependent effects on osteoblast lineage proliferation and differentiation. Mice lacking TSP2 display increased endocortical bone thickness, which is associated with increased marrow stromal cell (MSC) number and in vitro proliferation. TSP2-null MSC also exhibit delayed osteoblastogenesis and enhanced adipogenesis compared to cells harvested from wild type mice. The goal of the present work was to more precisely characterize the contribution that TSP2 makes to the maturation of osteoblast-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) using a highly characterized pre-osteoblast cell line. Specifically, we asked whether TSP2 influences mineralization indirectly through its known effects on proliferation, or whether TSP2 directly promotes osteoblast differentiation. To pursue these questions, we used RNA-interference (RNAi) to inhibit TSP2 gene expression in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. Introduction of siRNA oligonucleotides resulted in reduced TSP2 mRNA expression as early as 24 h post-transfection, and TSP2 mRNA levels remained low for 10 days. Similarly, TSP2 protein levels in both conditioned medium and the cell-matrix layer were reduced at 24 h post-transfection and remained reduced for 7 days. At day 21, mineralization was significantly reduced in cells transfected with TSP2 siRNA when compared to cells treated with scrambled siRNA. This decrease in mineralization occurred without a concomitant change in cell number. Twenty-four hours after transfection, runx2 gene expression was transiently enhanced in TSP2 siRNA-treated cultures. Between 6 and 14 days post-transfection, runx2, osterix, alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein all displayed moderate increases in gene expression with TSP2 RNAi. As well, soluble osteocalcin levels were markedly higher in the conditioned medium of cells treated with TSP2 siRNA than in control siRNA-treated cells. Increased soluble osteocalcin occurred without a concomitant change in the levels of osteocalcin in the cell-ECM layer. TSP2 reduction also elicited a transient change in the distribution of collagen between the acid soluble cell-ECM protein fraction and the insoluble matrix. Together, our data suggest that TSP2 may promote mineralization, by facilitating proper organization of the osteoblast-derived ECM.
General Purpose Router

Numerous solutions to the problem of detailed routing of wires on a chip have been proposed for two routing layers but few are general enough to also handle switchboxes, more than two layers, variable channel widths, or multiple-layer problems with stacked terminals (3-D routing) without extensive modifications. We propose a different routing approach that not only can solve the two layer problem but the other problems as well. The inherent parallelism of the approach lead to a coarse-grained parallel algorithm.
NUTRITION, ENVIRONMENT, AND CHILD BEHAVIOR

Current research is increasingly pointing toward interactions between malnutrition, psychosocial environment, and child development. The papers of Dr. Cravioto and Dr. Pollitt, both of which illustrate ecological or observational types of studies in natural settings, clearly show a clustering of environmental factors which accompany malnutrition (whether seen in rural Mexico or urban United States) which may, in their own right, adversely affect behavioral development. Another large project underway in Guatemala is utilizing a medical-nutritional intervention research design (Canosa et al., 1972). The Guatemalan investigators find two main clusters of environmental factors which influence child development. The first is labeled HOUSE and includes the quality of the house itself, hygienic conditions, crowding, and the human life style that occurs in the house. The second cluster is described as TEACH and is derived from the varied interactions between family members and the individual child, thus contributing to learning experiences. The similarity between these observations and those reported by Cravioto and Pollitt are obvious (Klein et al., 1972).
Financial Integration in Asia: Recent Developments and Next Steps

This Working Paper brings together three papers prepared as background for discussions at the Second High-Level Conference on Asian Integration cohosted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the IMF on May 25, 2006. The first documents recent trends in the intraregional flow of goods and capital and explores linkages between real and financial integration. The second focuses on the institutional and regulatory reforms needed to reap the benefits - and contain the risks - of financial integration in Asia. The third considers the implications of economic integration for the choice of the exchange rate regime and the conduct of macroeconomic policies.
Contrast-Enhanced Hepatic Sonography

Hepatic applications of sonography include evaluation of the gallbladder and bile ducts, assessment of patients with suspected portal hypertension, and evaluation of focal and diffuse parenchymal liver disease. Ultrasound imaging (US) is generally a reliable and accurate method to diagnose a variety of hepatic abnormalities; however, in some cases there is a need to improve sonography's sensitivity and specificity, particularly for the detection and characterization of hepatic masses. Recent clinical experience has shown that the addition of a US contrast agent can enhance sonography's diagnostic capabilities including improving assessments of hepatic blood flow and the detection and characterization of hepatic neoplasms. One intravenously administered US contrast agent is now available in the United States, but its approved indication is limited to echocardiographic applications. Additional agents that have more diagnostic applications are likely to become available. Contrast-enhanced sonography may play...
Requirement of NK cells for selective A2A receptor blockade to suppress CD73+ tumor metastasis.

Evaluation of: Beavis PA, Divisekera U, Paget C et al. Blockade of A2A receptors potently suppresses the metastasis of CD73+ tumors. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 110(36), 14711–14716 (2013). CD73 is becoming an emerging therapeutic target for the prevention of tumor growth and metastasis. However, the mechanism by which CD73 promotes tumor metastasis is unclear. Beavis et al. evaluated the efficacy of A2A and A2B adenosine receptor antagonists in inhibiting the metastasis of tumors expressing CD73, either endogenously or ectopically. They demonstrate distinct mechanisms whereby A2A versus A2B adenosine receptors could contribute to CD73+ tumor metastasis. As A2Areceptor (R)/A2BR antagonists have been tested in clinical trials in other disease settings, this study highlights the potential therapeutic application of an A2AR/A2BR blockade strategy for treatment of CD73+ metastatic tumors.
Topology Preserving Log-Unbiased Nonlinear Image Registration: Theory and Implementation

In this paper, we present a novel framework for constructing large deformation log-unbiased image registration models that generate theoretically and intuitively correct deformation maps. Such registration models do not rely on regridding and are inherently topology preserving. We apply information theory to quantify the magnitude of deformations and examine the statistical distributions of Jacobian maps in the logarithmic space. To demonstrate the power of the proposed framework, we generalize the well known viscous fluid registration model to compute log-unbiased deformations. We tested the proposed method using a pair of binary corpus callosum images, a pair of two-dimensional serial MRI images, and a set of three-dimensional serial MRI brain images. We compared our results to those computed using the viscous fluid registration method, and demonstrated that the proposed method is advantageous when recovering voxel-wise maps of local tissue change.
Increased Intramural Retention After Local Delivery of Molecules with Increased Binding Properties: Implications for Regional Delivery of Pharmacologic Agents.

Background: Catheter-based local vascular delivery results in concentrated quantities of pharmaceutical agents or genes into focal areas of the arterial wall. However, intramural retention is short and has reduced the potential efficacy of this approach. It was postulated that agents that possess increased intramural binding would show increased intramural reten tion. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were models of agents with increased cellular and extracellular matrix binding properties.Methods and Results: The delivery efficiency and intramural retention of 2 mL of saline containing I125 labeled PDGF (n = 35 arteries) and bFGF (n = 24) were compared with albumin (n = 21) after local delivery into porcine coronary arteries. Animals were sacrificed at three or more prespecified timepoints: immediately after delivery, 1 day, or 3 days after delivery and if necessary at 5 or 7 days to document prolonged retention. Autoradiograms of the arterial sections were e...
IκB Kinase Activation Is Involved in Regulation of Paclitaxel-Induced Apoptosis in Human Tumor Cell Lines

Paclitaxel (Taxol), a naturally occurring antimitotic agent, has shown significant cell-killing activity against human solid tumor cells through induction of apoptosis. The molecular mechanism underlying paclitaxel-induced apoptosis is not entirely clear. Using the unique inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, we recently discovered that paclitaxel-induced inhibitor κBα (IκBα) degradation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation might contribute to the mediation of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. In this study, using a novel IκBα phosphorylation inhibitor, we demonstrated that the blockage of paclitaxel-induced IκBα degradation inhibited apoptotic cell death in human breast cancer BCap37 and ovarian cancer OV2008 cell lines. Furthermore, in vitro kinase assays showed that the activity of IκB kinase (IKK), which is responsible for the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB proteins, was significantly activated by paclitaxel in these paclitaxel-sensitive tumor cells. Stable transfection of a mutant IκBα lacking Ser32 and Ser36 that was insensitive to IKK-mediated phosphorylation and degradation resulted in reduced sensitivity of tumor cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Moreover, we also found that the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 1, an upstream regulator of IKK, was up-regulated by paclitaxel. These findings suggest that the activation of IKK might play a critical role in the regulation of paclitaxel-induced NF-κB activation that subsequently mediates paclitaxel-induced apoptotic cell death in solid tumor cells.
TSH Receptor Antibodies in Neonatal Hyperthyroidism

The hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease is caused by circulating autoantibodies which stimulate the thyroid gland (Burman and Baker, 1985). If these antibodies are present in a pregnant woman, they may cross the placenta and cause transient neonatal hyperthyroidism (Munro et al. , 1978). Delays in treatment or failure to detect neonatal hyperthyroidism may lead to chronic complications such as mental impairment or craniosynostosis (Daneman and Howard, 1980). A method to predict and diagnose neonatal hyperthyroidism would be valuable. Historically, methods to detect Graves1 autoantibodies involved laborious and difficult bioassay (Hensen et al. , 1984). We report here the use of a simple, commercially available radioimmunoassay to detect Graves1 autoantibodies in four cases of neonatal hyperthyroidism.
Equations redux

Briefly mentions a subjective list by Mack of the top 10 equations that have had the most significant impact on civilisation. The author goes on to briefly mention fluid dynamics, the Navier-Stokes equation and baseball dynamics
Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction Study of the Phase Transitions in Graphite-Bromine Intercalation Compounds *

Reported here is the first observation of an incommensurate-commensurate phase transition at 316 ± 1 K upon heating stage-2 graphite-bromine prepared in bromine liquid. The transition during heating involved the movement of the 300 reflection toward a lower q value and the sharpening of the 010 reflection, thereby resulting in the commensurate structure characteristic of stage-2 prepared in bromine vapor. The transition was reversible. The previously reported commensurate-incommensurate transition occurred at 326, 329, 332, 338 and 348 K for stage 2 (in bromine liquid), stage 2 (in bromine vapor), stage 3, stage 4, and desorbed material, respectively. Disordering was observed upon completion of this transition.
Morphology of the Reproductive Systems of the Southwestern Corn Borer,Diatraea grandiosella

The morphology of the male and female reproductive systems of Diatraea grandiosella Dyar is described and illustrated.
Illustrations of Fungi—XIV

The accompanying plate represents the two most poisonous species of fungi in this region, commonly known as Amanita phalloides and Amanita muscaria. Certain related species are also represented. For a discussion of the principal species of this genus occurring in eastern North America, see MYCOLOGIA for March, I9I3. The poisonous species of this group are discussed in MYCOLOGIA for November, I9IO.
The Production of Quality Choral Performance: A Review of Literature

This review of literature is a synthesis of research surrounding the production of superior choral performance. Findings described in this review suggest director characteristics, rehearsal techniq...
ARTS (Aspiration-Retriever Technique for Stroke): Initial clinical experience.

BackgroundA new generation of highly navigable large-bore aspiration catheters and retriever devices for intracranial mechanical thrombectomy has markedly improved recanalization rates, time and cl...
Environmental Issues in Animal Production1

Abstract Some of the important environmental issues that impact livestock production include global warming, tropical deforestation, water-use issues, rangelands and desertification, and livestock-wildlife interactions. These issues are discussed. It is the author's opinion that many of the concerns expressed by "environmentalists" are valid, and changes in livestock production and management techniques are needed. Rather than being adversaries, environmentalists and livestock producers share many common goals and beliefs. The environmental movement has the potential of being the savior of the family farm, and ensuring a role for livestock production in sustainable agriculture.
A Study on HBsAg Carrier Rate of Children under Age Five in Danzhou City

Objective:To learn the state of HBsAg carrier after implementating vaccine hepatitis B immunization program for children in Danzhou,and providing a scientific basis for the development of the hepatitis B vaccination strategies.Methods:A combination of stratified sampling and mechanical sampling method was carried out,we surveyed vaccine immunization history with hepatitis B in these children who were born from January 1,2008 to December 31,2012,then collected blood 3ML and detected HBsAg carrier status by ELISA from these surveyed children.Results:250children were included in the survey,the 24 hours of birth Hepatitis B vaccine coverage rate in urban,rural newborns was 97.6% and 93.6%,respectively,hepatitis B vaccine three-pin vaccination rate for the whole vaccination course were 100%,only two children from rural HBsAg carrier was positive,and their positive carrier rate was 0.8%,below 1%.Two HBsAg-positive carrier children from rural area and their families were under epidemiological investigation,with discovery that their mothers were carriers of HBsAg,considered as mother to child transmission.Conclusions:Strengthen propaganda prevention to expand knowledge of Hepatitis B and to improve neonatal hepatitis B vaccine 24 hours of the first dose timely rate,and standardize hepatitis B vaccine three-pin Qualified vaccination rate for the whole vaccination course in children.Take effective measures to improve PMTCT rate,it can reduce child carrier rate of hepatitis B surface antigen,and take effective measures to improve PMTCT rates,it will reduce children carrier rate of HBsAg.
Case Report: Mediastinal Pancreatic Pseudocyst Presenting with Dysphagia and Odynophagia

ABSTRACT Recent onset of dysphagia and severe odynophagia were the only major presenting symptoms in a 37-year-old man with a mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst. As a symptom of a mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst, dysphagia has rarely been reported; this is the first report of odynophagia.
Localization of Adenylate Cyclase in Adrenal Medulla

The localization of adenylate cyclase in bovine adrenal medulla was explored using a continuous sucrose density gradient to separate the various subcellular components of this tissue. The results indicate that adenylate cyclase is not a component of chromaffin vesicle membranes as reported earlier by Zinder et al . [(1976) J. Biol. Chem. , 251 , 2179-2181]. Adenylate cyclase activity observed in chromaffin vesicle membrane fractions is most likely due to contamination by plasma membranes.
Lattice Thermal Conductivity of the Binary and Ternary Group-IV Alloys Si-Sn, Ge-Sn, and Si-Ge-Sn

Being a good thermoelectric material is a balancing act between high electrical conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ and low thermal conductivity $\ensuremath{\kappa}$, because both quantities depend directly on the flow of electrons. Fortunately, $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ $a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}l\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o$ depends on lattice phonons, so this contribution can be cut---for example, by scattering from randomly distributed heavy atoms. The authors' calculations show that adding tin to alloys of silicon and germanium should yield quite good thermoelectrics, especially in thin-film systems.
Molecular characterization of IL-1-like molecules from lower vertebrates and invertebrates.

The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the host from attack by foreign pathogens. The evolution of defense mechanisms can be traced back through the invertebrates (Abbaset al.1997). Vertebrate host defense mechanisms have evolved from their invertebrate ancestors (Sima and Vetvicka, 1993). In vertebrates there are two specific arms of the immune response, humoral and cell-mediated immunity. The central mediators of the humoral response are antibodies, defense molecules present in body fluid such as blood, mucus, and milk. The cell-mediated response is mediated by the lymphocytes, cells that recognize and respond to foreign antigens.
Drifts and Environmental Disturbances in Atomic Clock Subsystems: Quantifying Local Oscillator, Control Loop, and Ion Resonance Interactions

Linear ion trap frequency standards are among the most stable continuously operating frequency references and clocks. Depending on the application, they have been operated with a variety of local oscillators (LOs), including quartz ultrastable oscillators, hydrogen-masers, and cryogenic sapphire oscillators. The short-, intermediate-, and long-term stability of the frequency output is a complicated function of the fundamental performances, the time dependence of environmental disturbances, the atomic interrogation algorithm, the implemented control loop, and the environmental sensitivity of the LO and the atomic system components. For applications that require moving these references out of controlled lab spaces and into less stable environments, such as fieldwork or spaceflight, a deeper understanding is needed of how disturbances at different timescales impact the various subsystems of the clock and ultimately the output stability. In this paper, we analyze which perturbations have an impact and to what degree. We also report on a computational model of a control loop, which keeps the microwave source locked to the ion resonance. This model is shown to agree with laboratory measurements of how well the feedback removes various disturbances and also with a useful analytic approach we developed for predicting these impacts.
A New Monte Carlo Method for Estimating Marginal Likelihoods

Evaluating the marginal likelihood in Bayesian analysis is essential for model selection. Estimators based on a single Markov chain Monte Carlo sample from the posterior distribution include the harmonic mean estimator and the inflated density ratio estimator. We propose a new class of Monte Carlo estimators based on this single Markov chain Monte Carlo sample. This class can be thought of as a generalization of the harmonic mean and inflated density ratio estimators using a partition weighted kernel (likelihood times prior). We show that our estimator is consistent and has better theoretical properties than the harmonic mean and inflated density ratio estimators. In addition, we provide guidelines on choosing optimal weights. Simulation studies were conducted to examine the empirical performance of the proposed estimator. We further demonstrate the desirable features of the proposed estimator with two real data sets: one is from a prostate cancer study using an ordinal probit regression model with latent variables; the other is for the power prior construction from two Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group phase III clinical trials using the cure rate survival model with similar objectives.
Using pupillary response to assess video quality

Pupil response can be measured non-intrusively using an eye tracker and offers a potentially new approach to understanding video structure and content. An analysis of pupil response to quality variations in a video is reported in this paper. Experiments were conducted under free viewing conditions and pupillary response of subjects was analyzed. Video clip encoded with AVC/H.264 at various qualities and durations were used to assess user response. Results show pupillary constrictions at points of quality transitions.
An Energy-Based Lyapunov Function for Physical Systems

Abstract A new expression of the first law of thermodynamics is obtained for nonholonomic lumped-parameter systelus. The input power due to the constraints is expressed in the framework of Lagrangian differential algebraic equations using Lagrange multipliers. General procedures to prove the stability of autonomous systems and to design control laws for them using the method of Lyapunov are then outlined and discussed. The approach in based on (a) postulating a Lyapunov function candidate consisting of the total energy stored in the systelll (expressed in terms of momenta not flows) auglnented by a sinlple positive definite function of the displacements, (b) cOlnputing its tilne-derivative using the first law of thermodynaluics, and (c) designing control laws as to make the tinle-rate of the candidate function negative definite. The procedure is applicable to systems where the control actuation appears through effort sources (such as voltage sources and applied forces), or flow sources (such as current or velocity sources).
Managing Venous Thromboembolic Disease On-Call

Managing venous thromboembolic disease on-call requires the interventional radiologist consider not only potential risk and benefit to the patient but also available resources in the IR suite as well as throughout the hospital, such as intensive care monitoring during treatment. We demonstrate how our practice manages these on-call cases ranging from deep venous thrombosis to acute pulmonary embolism and decide which patients need emergent treatment and which can undergo delayed intervention during working hours. In all cases, an adequate preprocedural clinical assessment is crucial.
Estimating Market Power and Strategies: Estimation of Market Power Using a Linear-Quadratic Model

Using what we developed in the preceding chapters, we now show how to estimate market power using a dynamic model in which firms incur costs that are quadratic in the change of output and face linear demand functions. Because demand is linear in output, revenue is quadratic in output. The equation of motion – a definition stating that output in this period equals output in the previous period plus the change in output – is linear. Thus, the single-period payoff is a linear-quadratic function of the endogenous state variable (lagged output) and the control variable (the change in output). In addition, the constraint is linear in these variables. This model is a special case of the model of quasi-fixed inputs discussed in Chapter 6. We know that there is a linear equilibrium to this model, defined for all values of the state variable (lagged outputs). If we restrict attention to this linear equilibrium, we can obtain a measure of market power under either the open-loop or Markov Perfect assumption. This model illustrates the methods discussed in Chapters 6 and 7. The ability to write the equilibrium conditions in closed form, as a function of the index of market power, makes this model easy to estimate.
Scalable Access to Arylomycins via C–H Functionalization Logic

Arylomycins are a promising class of “latent” antibacterial natural products currently in preclinical development. Access to analogues within this family has previously required a lengthy route involving multiple functional group manipulations that is costly and time-intensive on scale. This study presents a simplified route predicated on simple C–H functionalization logic that is enabled by a Cu-mediated oxidative phenol coupling that mimics the putative biosynthesis. This operationally simple macrocyclization is the largest of its kind and can be easily performed on gram scale. The application of this new route to a formal synthesis of the natural product and a collection of new analogues along with their biological evaluation is also reported.
Positional accuracy of a prosthetic treatment plan incorporated into a cone beam computed tomography scan using surface scan registration.

Abstract Statement of problem The registration of surface scans onto cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans has been proposed as a method of visualizing different anatomic structures and the prosthetic treatment plan simultaneously. This method also overcomes some of the problems associated with conventional radiographic templates. However, it has not been thoroughly investigated or validated for use in implant dentistry. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of a prosthetic treatment plan surface scan incorporated into a CBCT scan and to compare it to conventional radiographic templates for single tooth replacement. Material and methods Direct surface scans of a completely dentate master model with removable radiopaque teeth were made using an intraoral scanner, and indirect surface scans of a stone duplicate of the master model were made using a laboratory scanner. To simulate a clinical scenario, the mandibular left first molar was removed. A CBCT scan of the clinical scenario was made. The surface scans were registered onto the CBCT scans. Radiographic templates for the clinical scenario were fabricated, and the master model was subsequently scanned using the same CBCT scanner with each radiographic template seated. Metrology software was used to assess the accuracy of each method by measuring the 3-dimensional deviation on standard tessellation language (STL) files generated from the CBCT scans against an STL file of the completely dentate master model generated from a CBCT scan. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test were used for statistical analysis (α=.05). Results The incorporation technique had a significant effect on deviation from the master model (P=.004). The overall mean 3-dimensional deviation was 0.04 mm for direct surface scan registrations, 0.03 mm for indirect surface scan registrations, and 0.33 mm for radiographic templates. Radiographic templates were significantly less accurate compared with both surface scan registration methods (P Conclusions Intraoral and laboratory surface scan registration on CBCT scans were more accurate than radiographic templates for prosthetic treatment plan incorporation. The accuracy of the registration of an intraoral scan and a laboratory scan was comparable.
Use of charcoal hemoperfusion and hemodialysis in the treatment of methotrexate toxicosis in a dog

Objective To describe the successful use of charcoal hemoperfusion (HP) and hemodialysis (HD) in a dog in the treatment of methotrexate (MTX) toxicosis. Case summary An American Pit Bull Terrier accidentally ingested 56.8 mg/m2 of MTX. The patient's initial serum MTX concentration was 0.11 μmol/L. At this dosage, myelosuppression and gastrointestinal epithelial necrosis have been reported. Charcoal HP and HD in series were used to enhance elimination of MTX. Serial serum samples were obtained during the session at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes and 12 hours after the session. These were later analyzed for MTX concentrations. Clearance of MTX was 73% and extraction ratio was 63% within the first 30 minutes of HP/HD. A 3-hour session eliminated all detectable traces of MTX. The dog tolerated the session well and did not develop any clinical signs of MTX toxicosis. New or unique information provided HP and HD together were highly effective in enhancing elimination of MTX from this patient. The prompt use of extracorporeal techniques decreased toxic concentrations of MTX to safer values, which prevented myelosuppression and gastrointestinal injury. HP and HD in conjunction or in place of traditional therapy may be a viable option for the treatment of acute toxic exposures to MTX.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease: new treatments.

The primary therapeutic endpoint for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease is complete relief of symptoms and improvement in quality of life. The withdrawal of cisapride has created a vacuum in the prokinetic market, with few promising drugs in the pipeline. Reflux inhibitors are being considered for clinical trials, but as of yet are unavailable. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) continue to be the backbone of therapy for acid suppression, providing excellent relief of symptoms and healing of erosive esophagitis. Isomeric technology with esomeprazole as the prototype represents an advance in PPI pharmacology. Antireflux surgery is now more patient-friendly, with shorter hospitalization and less major morbidity compared to open fundoplication, but surgery is at best equal to medical therapy when optimal doses of antisecretory therapy are used. Two endoscopic procedures were recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: radiofrequency energy delivery to the gastroesophageal junction, and transoral flexible endoscopic suturing. These techniques should be used selectively until we have more data and until results are compared to the safe and highly effective medical therapies.
Paleoceanography: Orbitally Tuned Timescales

Both absolute and elapsed time can be measured to very high precision in sediments that contain climatic signals paced by regular changes in the Earth's orbit, because the orbital changes occur at well-known frequencies. The process of matching climatic signals recorded in sediments to a time template of orbital pacing is referred to as orbital tuning. Tuning involves techniques that range from simple pattern recognition to sophisticated methods of spectral (frequency) analysis. Although orbital tuning derives from statistical analyses of late Pleistocene Ice Age cycles, it has been successfully applied to sedimentary sequences over much of the 200 My.
The Lawyer's Dirty Hands

The article examines the traditional question about role morality and the legal profession, namely, whether lawyers can be moral. It first identifies different answers to the role morality question that have been popular in legal ethics. The article then argues against a separate morality for lawyers. It concludes that religious ethics is as valuable as philosophy and sociology in reminding the profession that a separate morality for lawyers is dangerous.
Validation of a polysomnographic score for REM sleep behavior disorder.

Study Objectives: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) was described more than 2 decades ago, but only 1 report on 5 patients and 5 normal subjects has tested the effectiveness of a method by which relevant polysomnographic findings can be quantified. We sought to validate this method in a larger sample of patients and control subjects. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Academic hospital. Interventions: A clinician interviewed 17 patients at risk for RBD secondary to neurodegenerative disorders and 6 controls to assess whether RBD was present by history. Bed partners completed a questionnaire that quantified RBD symptom severity. From 2 consecutive nocturnal studies in each patient, 2 different polysomnographic RBD scores were generated: the percentage of 30-second REM epochs with at least 15 seconds of tonically maintained electromyographic activity, and the percentage of 3-second REM mini-epochs that contained phasic electromyographic bursts. Measurements and Results: The tonic and phasic measures, combined together, were higher in patients with clinical determinations of probable or possible RBD (n = 9) than in patients judged unlikely to have RBD (n = 14, P = .023). The overall polysomnographic measure correlated with the symptom scores (rho = 0.42, P = . 048). Specific polysomnographic RBD measures on night 1 correlated highly with those on night 2 (rho > 0.70, P < .0001). Conclusions: This quantitative method to assess the severity of RBD polysomnographic features appears to be both valid and reliable in patients at risk for RBD because of neurodegenerative disorders.
VISCOELASTIC AND FAILURE PROPERTIES OF A BIOMATERIAL

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the results of stress–strain tests, stress–relaxation tests, and fatigue tests with the purpose of characterizing the elastomer used in artificial heart sacs. In addition, microscopic analyses are presented examining the growth of calcification on and failure processes in the elastomer. Three types of tests were conducted as a part of this investigation. Stress–strain relations are needed for the determination of stress and deformation distribution in the material under device configuration and the knowledge of failure properties is important from the point of view of prediction of durability of the active component of cardiac assist devices and artificial hearts. For the development of stress–strain relations, strip specimens were subjected to monotonically increasing uniaxial load in a universal testing machine and from the data stress–extension ratio curves were obtained. To study the viscoelastic properties of the material, stress relaxation tests were conducted and to study the viscoelastic properties of the material, stress relaxation tests were conducted.