cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate stimulate apoptosis via activation of the Fas-FasL pathway.

Abstract Background. Inappropriately exaggerated response of pulmonary vascular cells to inflammatory mediators may be one mechanism that leads to acute (or adult) respiratory distress syndrome. Nitric oxide (NO) is induced following such exaggerated responses and may have a variety of biological effects, including induction of apoptosis. The mechanism by which NO causes apoptosis is unknown; however, Fas (CD95) and Fas ligand (FasL) (CD95L) have been implicated. We hypothesized that NO-induced apoptosis in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells is mediated through a Fas–FasL pathway. Materials and methods. Cultured human and rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were exposed to soluble FasL (0–5 ng/ml), the NO donor S G -nitroso- N -acetyl pencillamine (SNAP) (0–50 μg/ml), and/or anti-FasL (0–100 μg/ml) for 12 h. Apoptosis was measured using in situ DNA nick end labeling and flow cytometry. Changes in Fas and FasL protein levels were assessed via Western blot analysis. Messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of apoptosis-related genes was determined using a ribonuclease protection assay. Results. Rat PASMCs exposed to FasL show a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis. Human PASMCs are less responsive to FasL. Addition of anti-FasL to rat PASMCs treated with 10 −5 M SNAP decreases apoptosis levels compared to SNAP treated alone. FasL and Fas receptor proteins are increased in response to 10 −3 to 10 −4 M SNAP or 10 −6 M 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The mRNA abundance of Fas, FasL, and other apoptosis-related genes is increased in response to 10 −6 M 8-bromo-cGMP but not 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Conclusions. Nitric oxide–induced apoptosis in rat and human PASMCs is mediated, at least in part, through the Fas–FasL pathway, with cGMP increasing the expression of Fas and FasL.
Extracellular lactate as a dynamic vasoactive signal in the rat retinal microvasculature.

We tested the hypothesis that extracellular lactate regulates the function of pericyte-containing retinal microvessels. Although abluminally positioned pericytes appear to adjust capillary perfusio...
Small molecule inhibitors of the RNA-dependent protein kinase

The RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is an interferon-induced serine/threonine protein kinase that phosphorylates the α subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 in response to viral infection. Classical genetic approaches for studying the role of PKR in cell signaling have their limitations due to overlapping but non-redundant pathways. Small molecule inhibitors of PKR will be useful in this regard. We report here, the discovery of a small molecule inhibitor of the kinase reaction of PKR. The inhibitor was discovered by screening a library of 26 different ATP-binding site directed inhibitors of varying structure. We also describe the development of a high-throughput assay for screening a large number of compounds for a PKR inhibitor using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system and luciferase mRNA. The assay takes advantage of the fact that the reticulocyte lysate is rich in components of the translational machinery, of which PKR is an integral part. This assay can be carried out with added exogenous human PKR to study the effect of various compounds in their ability to rescue the translational block imposed by human PKR.
Chemisorptive emission from fluorine adsorption on tungsten

Abstract The emission of electrons from the exposure of polycrystalline tungsten to gaseous F 2 was studied. A simple kinetic model, based on the assumption that the rate of emission is directly related to the rate of adsorption, compared well with the experimental data. An emission probability of 10 −10 electrons/adsorbed fluorine molecule was determined. The emission was shown to increase rapidly with temperature. This increase was shown to be due to the shifting electron population in the tungsten near the Fermi level. No significant chemisorptive emission was observed during the adsorption of fluorine on tungsten from exposure to gaseous XeF 2 . This striking difference is explained in terms of published theories of chemisorptive emission.
Cross coupling: When is free really free?

An organocatalytic method for constructing biaryls joins an increasing number of articles reporting metal-free analogues to reactions that traditionally have required a transition-metal catalyst. What does it take to prove that metal is not involved, and does it really matter?
Information revelation and structural supremacy: The World Trade Organization’s incorporation of environmental policy

The international trade regime offers various instruments by which states can pursue environmental policies, even at the expense of freer trade. Why - and what are the implications? This article traces environmental instruments to pressures on governments when the World Trade Organization (WTO) was designed in the early 1990s: environment-related trade disputes were on the rise, environmentalists were concerned even with regional trade agreements, and countries from the North and the South clashed over the possibility of green-protectionism. Today, WTO-permissible environmental instruments share key features: 1) information-revealing conditions compel states to divulge private information in order to maintain trade-restricting environmental measures, and 2) that information is funneled through the trade regime’s formal dispute settlement mechanism, endowing WTO rules and officials with structural supremacy over areas of international law that lack such mechanisms of their own. An illustration from the WTO’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement shows how this works in practice, putting trade law experts in the delicate position of adjudicating in matters beyond their area of expertise. Examining this advances knowledge in political science, law, and policy: about dispute settlement, institutional design, and information-provision in international organizations.
Gold myokymia syndrome: A rare toxic manifestation of chrysotherapy

Neurological complications of gold therapy appear to be uncommon. The authors report the second of two patients with rheumatoid arthritis seen at the Cleveland Clinic who experienced a particularly rare and largely unknown reaction to gold consisting of myokymia and dysautonomic symptoms (gold myokymia syndrome). Myokymia is a peculiar rhythmic rippling of muscles that must be distinguished from other forms of spontaneous muscle activity. The clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics of this problem, which consistently resolves with cessation of gold administration, are discussed. Because gold therapy remains a prominent modality in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, increased awareness of this adverse reaction is necessary.
Polar opposites: next generation languages and architectures

Future hardware technology is on a collision course with modern programming languages. Adoption of programming languages is rare and slow, but programmers are now embracing high-level object-oriented languages such as Java and C# due to their software engineering benefits which include (1) fast development through code reuse and garbage collection; (2) ease of maintenance through encapsulation and object-orientation; (3) reduced errors through type safety, pointer disciplines, and garbage collection; and (4) portability. These programs use small methods, dynamic class binding, heavy memory allocation, short-lived objects, and pointer data structures, and thus obscure parallelism, locality, and control flow, in direct conflict with hardware trends.
The Publication History of the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management: An Objective Review and Analysis: 1998–2009

The purpose of this study was to extend into a third decade previous reviews conducted by Balcazar, Shupert, Daniels, Mawhinney, and Hopkins (1989) and Nolan, Jarema, and Austin (1999) of the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (JOBM). Every article published in JOBM between 1998 and 2009 was objectively reviewed and analyzed for trends and patterns. Based on data collected in the current review it was determined that JOBM has demonstrated growth and has continued to meet its first objective: JOBM would encourage Organizational Behavior Management researchers to conduct thorough research on organizational problems with the hope that the ensuing data and results would be useful to those individuals resolving organizational concerns. The fulfillment of JOBM's second and third objectives were identified as possible areas for improvement. Increases in “organizationally relevant” research and in reliability measures, follow-up data, cost/benefit analyses, and social validity measures, and inclusion o...
Dissociation under a Temperature Gradient

If a gas, each of whose molecules is capable of dissociating into two similar molecules, be kept at a constant temperature, it would attain an equilibrium state in which the rate at which double molecules dissociate is equal to the rate at which they are formed by recombination of single molecules, there being a different equilibrium state for each different temperature. If, now, the gas be subjected to a temperature gradient, the concentrations necessary for equilibrium would be different at different points, so there would be diffusion between the two kinds of molecules, a steady state being attained when the rate of diffusion of double molecules into any region is equal to their excess rate of decomposition over their rate of formation within that region.
The social–emotional development of dual language learners: Looking back at existing research and moving forward with purpose

Abstract This review describes the state of existing knowledge with regard to dual language learners’ (DLLs) social–emotional development birth to age 5. The review focuses on several widely recognized dimensions of children's social–emotional development: self-regulation, social competence, social cognition, and problem behaviors. We begin by presenting a theoretical perspective that frames our understanding of the interplay between relational and contextual factors that contribute to the social–emotional well-being of DLLs. A targeted search of the literature identified 14 peer-reviewed studies published from 2000 to 2011 that examined social–emotional outcomes for young DLLs in family, school, and peer contexts. Results suggest that DLLs have at least equal (if not better) social–emotional outcomes compared to native English speakers. There is also some evidence that the use of the home language in early childhood classrooms can be a positive, moderating factor for DLLs’ social–emotional development. Contextual and individual characteristics are highly correlated with DLL status, making it difficult to develop clear conclusions about the unique influence of DLL status on social–emotional outcomes. We conclude by identifying avenues for future inquiry.
Memory in time-dependent density functional theory

Exact time-dependent density functionals remember both the entire history of the density and the initial wave function. We show that the two effects are intimately related, and all history dependence can be written as initial-state dependence, including that of the exchange-correlation kernel. For states that can be evolved from a ground state, all initial-state dependence is a dependence on a pseudo-prehistory, providing a route to excited-state densities from time-dependent density functional theory.
Engineered antibody therapies to counteract mutant huntingtin and related toxic intracellular proteins

The engineered antibody approach to Huntington's disease (HD) therapeutics is based on the premise that significantly lowering the levels of the primary misfolded mutant protein will reduce abnormal protein interactions and direct toxic effects of the misfolded huntingtin (HTT). This will in turn reduce the pathologic stress on cells, and normalize intrinsic proteostasis. Intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) are single-chain (scFv) and single-domain (dAb; nanobody) variable fragments that can retain the affinity and specificity of full-length antibodies, but can be selected and engineered as genes. Functionally, they represent a protein-based approach to the problem of aberrant mutant protein folding, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and aggregation. Several intrabodies that bind on either side of the expanded polyglutamine tract of mutant HTT have been reported to improve the mutant phenotype in cell and organotypic cultures, fruit flies, and mice. Further refinements to the difficult challenges of intraneuronal delivery, cytoplasmic folding, and long-term efficacy are in progress. This review covers published studies and emerging approaches on the choice of targets, selection and engineering methods, gene and protein delivery options, and testing of candidates in cell and animal models. The resultant antibody fragments can be used as direct therapeutics and as target validation/drug discovery tools for HD, while the technology is also applicable to a wide range of neurodegenerative and other diseases that are triggered by toxic proteins.
Ca channel gating during cardiac action potentials

How do Ca channels conduct Ca ions during the cardiac action potential? We attempt to answer this question by applying a two-microelectrode technique, previously used for Na and K currents, in which we record the patch current and the action potential at the same time (Mazzanti, M., and L. J. DeFelice. 1987. Biophys. J. 12:95–100, and 1988. Biophys. J. 54:1139–1148; Wellis, D., L. J. DeFelice, and M. Mazzanti. 1990. Biophys. J. 57:41–48). In this paper, we also compare the action currents obtained by the technique with the step-protocol currents obtained during standard voltage-clamp experiments. Individual Ca channels were measured in 10 mM Ca/1 Ba and 10 mM Ba. To describe part of our results, we use the nomenclature introduced by Hess, P., J. B. Lansman, and R. W. Tsien (1984. Nature (Lond.). 311:538–544). With Ba as the charge carrier, Ca channel kinetics convert rapidly from long to short open times as the patch voltage changes from 20 to -20 mV. This voltage-dependent conversion occurs during action potentials and in step-protocol experiments. With Ca as the charge carrier, the currents are brief at all voltages, and it is difficult to define either the number of channels in the patch or the conductance of the individual channels. Occasionally, however, Ca-conducting channels spontaneously convert to long-open-time kinetics (in Hess et al., 1984, notation, mode 2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation. A short route to the cyclopentyl core of viridenomycin.

A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation effects a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation of racemic isoprene monoepoxide and a surrogate for Nazarov's reagent in which a quaternary center is created with exellent ee. The resultant adduct allows easy access to a substrate for ring-closing metathesis to form a cyclopentenone and sets the stage for an 11-step synthesis of the cyclopentyl core of the antibiotic antitumor agent viridenomycin.
Hydrolysis, methanolysis and ammonolysis of dicarboxylic acids and methyl esters under conditions of chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Chemical ionization mass spectra of dicarboxylic acids and methyl esters show fragmentation and unimolecular reactions with reagent gases water, methanol, ammonia and methyl ether, which differ from those observed with hydrocarbon reagents methane and isobutane. These reactions involve exchange of the reagent gas for water or methanol of the dicarboxyl compounds as well as secondary exchange of both functions. An effort has been made to determine the mechanism of these reactions and to determine the structural requirements necessary for their occurrence.
The hydrolysis and fluoride complexation behavior of Fe(III) at 25°C and 0.68 molal ionic strength

Fe(III) hydrolysis and fluoride complexation behavior was examined in 0.68 molal sodium perchlorate at 25°C. Our assessment of the complexation of Fe(III) by fluoride ions produced the following results: logFβ1 = 5.155, logFβ2 = 9.107, logFβ3 = 11.96, logFβ4 = 13.75, where logFβn = 5.155=[FeFn(3-n)+][Fe3+]−1[F−]−n. The stepwise fluoride complexation constants,FKn+1, obtained in our work (where logFKn+1 =logFβn) indicate that Kn+1/Kn=0.072±0.01. Formation constants for equilibria, Fe3++nH2O⇌Fe(OH)n(3−n)++nH+, expressed in the form βn*[Fe(OH)n(3-n)+][H+]n,[Fe3+]-1, were estimated as β1* = −2.754, and β2* ≤ −7. Our study indicates that the results of previous hydrolysis investigations include very large overestimates of Fe(OH)2+ formation constants.
External Validity of Matching on Physical Attractiveness for Same and Opposite Sex Couples1

The external validity of the hypothesis that couples come to be matched on physical attractiveness was examined for same and opposite sex pairs of college students in a wide range of natural settings and types of relationships. Correlations between ratings of couples by observers revealed evidence of matching for male friends and for opposite sex friends, dating, and committed couples. No evidence was found for female friends. The implications of these findings for fear of social rejection and exchange explanations of the matching hypothesis and for the normal development of interpersonal relationships are discussed.
Orientation distribution of solids in continuous solid-liquid flow in a vertical tube

Abstract During continuous flow of solid–liquid mixtures, the solids may be oriented in a variety of directions relative to the flow axis. The character of the distribution takes on particular importance when materials are processed using electric fields. In this study, solids orientation distributions in continuous, vertical upflow was investigated experimentally combining particle tracking velocimetry. Cylindrical solids showed a more pronounced tendency than cubes to align along the flow direction; this tendency was even greater for elongated cylindrical objects. Solids orientation is influenced by the principal orienting factor (shear flow) and the randomizing factor (orientations of other solids in the mixture). Increasing flow rate tends to drag objects towards their equilibrium (aligned orientation) until they are restricted from further rotation by the presence of other solids. Orientations of cubes were more widely distributed than cylinders, without sharp peaks. The orienting effects of flow rate were also observed for cubes. High solids concentration and larger solids tend to restrict rotation, thus the initial distribution may be maintained through the flow length.
Effects of 1 or 2 treatments with prostaglandin F2α on subclinical endometritis and fertility in lactating dairy cows inseminated by timed artificial insemination

The objectives of the current study were to investigate the efficacy of PGF₂α as a therapy to reduce the prevalence of subclinical endometritis and improve pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in cows subjected to a timed artificial insemination (AI) program. A total of 1,342 lactating Holstein dairy cows were allocated randomly at 25 ± 3 d in milk (DIM) to remain as untreated controls (control, n=454) or to receive a single PGF₂α treatment at 39 ± 3 DIM (1PGF, n=474) or 2 treatments with PGF(α at 25 ± 3 and 39 ± 3 DIM (2PGF, n=414). All cows were enrolled in the double Ovsynch program at 48 ± 3 DIM and were inseminated at 75 ± 3 DIM. A subset of 357 cows had uterine samples collected for cytological examination at 25 ± 3, 32 ± 3, and 46 ± 3 DIM to determine the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). Subclinical endometritis was defined by the presence of ≥ 5% PMNL. Vaginal discharge score was evaluated at 25 ± 3 DIM and used to define the prevalence of purulent vaginal discharge. Body condition score was assessed at 25 ± 3 DIM. Pregnancy was diagnosed 32 d after AI and reconfirmed 28 d later. At 32 ± 3 DIM, the prevalence of subclinical endometritis was reduced by treatment with PGF₂α at 25 ± 3 DIM in 2PGF (control=23.5% vs. 1PGF=28.3% vs. 2PGF=16.7%); however, this benefit disappeared at 46 ± 3 DIM, and 14% of the cows remained with subclinical endometritis. One or 2 treatments with PGF₂α did not influence P/AI on d 32 or 60 after timed AI, which averaged 39.9 and 35.2%. Similarly, treatment with PGF₂α had no effect on pregnancy loss between 32 and 60 d of gestation (11.9%). Cows diagnosed with both purulent vaginal discharge and subclinical endometritis had the lowest P/AI and the highest pregnancy loss compared with those diagnosed with only 1 of the 2 diseases or compared with cows having no diagnosis of uterine diseases. Interestingly, subclinical endometritis depressed P/AI and increased pregnancy loss only when it persisted until 46 DIM. On d 32 after AI, cows not diagnosed with subclinical endometritis and those that resolved subclinical endometritis by 46 DIM had greater P/AI than those that remained with subclinical endometritis at 46 DIM (45.4 and 40.0 vs. 25.0%, respectively). Similar to P/AI, cows not diagnosed with subclinical endometritis and those that resolved subclinical endometritis by 46 DIM had less pregnancy loss than those with subclinical endometritis at 46 DIM (9.6 and 13.5 vs. 43.9%, respectively). One or 2 treatments with PGF₂α before initiation of the timed AI program were unable to improve uterine health, P/AI, and maintenance of pregnancy in lactating dairy cows. Cows diagnosed with both purulent vaginal discharge and subclinical endometritis had the greatest depressions in measures of fertility at first AI, particularly when subclinical endometritis persisted in the early postpartum period.
The impact of photoperiods and melatonin on gonadal development in juvenile Turkish hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti).

Gunduz B, Stetson M.H. The impact of photoperiods and melatonin on gonadal development in juvenile Turkish hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti). J. Pineal Res. 1998; 25:193–200. © Munksgaard, Copenhagen Abstract The reproductive response of both intact adult and juvenile Turkish hamsters has been thoroughly studied and shown to be similar, unlike the golden hamster where juveniles remain aphotoperiodic until approximately 8 weeks of age. Unstudied to date, however, is the role of the pineal and its hormone melatonin in generating the testicular response to photoperiod in juvenile Turkish hamsters. Therefore, in this study we examined the reproductive response of prepubertal male Turkish hamsters, subjected to four different photoperiods (8L: 16D, 16L: 8D, 20L: 4D, and 24L: 0D) with altered pineal gland function. At 15 days of age, long-day-born (16L: 8D) hamsters were either pinealectomized, received melatonin implants, or remained untreated. Testes sizes were measured every 2 weeks. Testicular growth occurred only in untreated and beeswax implanted groups in 16L: 8D. Exposure to other photoperiods inhibited testicular development in untreated and beeswax implanted animals. Removal of the pineal gland, masking of the daily melatonin rhythm with constant release subcutaneous melatonin implants, or eliminating the daily rhythm of melatonin by continuous light exposure resulted in inhibition of gonadal development. These results demonstrate that juvenile Turkish hamsters respond similarly to adults on all photoperiods and under all conditions of pineal function tested.
Resistance training preserves fat-free mass without impacting changes in protein metabolism after weight loss in older women

This study assessed the effects of resistance training (RT) on energy restriction-induced changes in body composition, protein metabolism, and the fractional synthesis rate of mixed muscle proteins (FSRm) in postmenopausal, overweight women. Sixteen women (age 68 +/- 1 years, BMI 29 +/- 1 kg/m(2), mean +/- s.e.m.) completed a 16-week controlled diet study. Each woman consumed 1.0 g protein/kg/day. At baseline (weeks B1-B3) and poststudy (weeks RT12-RT13), energy intake matched each subject's need and during weeks RT1-RT11 was hypoenergetic by 2,092 kJ/day (500 kcal/day). From weeks RT1 to RT13, eight women performed RT 3 day/week (RT group) and eight women remained sedentary (SED group). RT did not influence the energy restriction-induced decrease in body mass (SED -5.8 +/- 0.6 kg; RT -5.0 +/- 0.2 kg) and fat mass (SED -4.1 +/- 0.9 kg; RT -4.7 +/- 0.5 kg). Fat free mass (FFM) and total body water decreased in SED (-1.6 +/- 0.4 and -2.1 +/- 0.5 kg) and were unchanged in RT (-0.3 +/- 0.4 and -0.4 +/- 0.7 kg) (group-by-time, P < or = 0.05 and P = 0.07, respectively). Protein-mineral mass did not change in either group (SED 0.4 +/- 0.2 kg; RT 0.1 +/- 0.4 kg). Nitrogen balance, positive at baseline (2.2 +/- 0.3 g N/day), was unchanged poststudy. After body mass loss, postabsorptive (PA) and postprandial (PP) leucine turnover, synthesis, and breakdown decreased. Leucine oxidation and balance were not changed. PA and total (PA + PP) FSRm in the vastus lateralis were higher after weight loss. RT did not influence these protein metabolism responses. In summary, RT helps older women preserve FFM during body mass loss. The comparable whole-body nitrogen retentions, leucine kinetics, and FSRm between groups are consistent with the lack of differential protein-mineral mass change.
Evidence for a resident alewife population in the Northern Chesapeake Bay

Abstract Data developed from field sampling for age and growth, histology, and behavior patterns indicate the existence of a ‘resident’ alewife population in the northern Chesapeake Bay. Growth appeared faster and sexual maturation is 2 years earlier than larger anadromous forms. Scale analyses reveal no evidence of migration to and from salt water. It is hypothesized that a race of alewives meristically similar to the mean anadromous population but different in growth rate, sexual maturation, fecundity, and spawning period is developing in the northern Chesapeake Bay.
Numerical solutions of turbulent convection over a flat plate with angle of attack

As evident from the literature, the knowledge of turbulent convection over flat plates with an angle of attack is limited principally to empirical results of overall heat transfer coefficients (possibly in the form of Nusselt numbers or Colburn j factors) in some ranges of the Reynolds number. This study was motivated in part by the lack of a conclusive method to determine heat loss due to wind effects on the exterior of inclined solar collectors and photovoltaic panels, as also evident from the widespread use of the Jurges correlation which does not incorporate any dimensions or fluid properties and is thus strictly correct only for the size of plate and thermal conditions of Jurges' experiment. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the turbulent boundary layer flow corresponding skin friction and convection heat loss as a function of free-stream velocity and angle of attack, by using a combined analytical/numerical approach. Many such approaches exist for the computation of turbulent flow. The approach taken in this study was to establish and solve two modelsm a zeroth-order one and a first-order one, determine their validity by comparison to existing experimental results and correlations, and compare the effort required for thier solution.more » Since it is generally accepted that the zero-order model is a reasonable approximation, it serves here as a base with width the first-order model solution accuracy and effort are compared.« less
Spaces of Polygonal Triangulations and Monsky Polynomials

Given a combinatorial triangulation of an n-gon, we study (a) the space of all possible drawings in the plane such the edges are straight line segments and the boundary has a fixed shape, and (b) the algebraic variety of possibilities for the areas of the triangles in such drawings. We define a generalized notion of triangulation, and we show that the areas of the triangles in a generalized triangulation ${\mathcal {T}}$ of a square must satisfy a single irreducible homogeneous polynomial relation $p({\mathcal {T}})$ depending only on the combinatorics of ${\mathcal {T}}$ . The invariant $p({\mathcal {T}})$ is called the Monsky polynomial; it captures algebraic, geometric, and combinatorial information about ${\mathcal {T}}$ . We give an algorithm that computes a lower bound on the degree of $p({\mathcal {T}})$ , and we present several examples in which the algorithm is used to compute the degree.
Imaging Spectroscopy and the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS)

Abstract Imaging spectroscopy is of growing interest as a new approach to Earth remote sensing. The Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) was the first imaging sensor to measure the solar reflected spectrum from 400 nm to 2500 nm at 10 nm intervals. The calibration accuracy and signal-to-noise of AVIRIS remain unique. The AVIRIS system as well as the science research and applications have evolved significantly in recent years. The initial design and upgraded characteristics of the AVIRIS system are described in terms of the sensor, calibration, data system, and flight operation. This update on the characteristics of AVIRIS provides the context for the science research and applications that use AVIRIS data acquired in the past several years. Recent science research and applications are reviewed spanning investigations of atmospheric correction, ecology and vegetation, geology and soils, inland and coastal waters, the atmosphere, snow and ice hydrology, biomass burning, environmental hazards, satellite simulation and calibration, commercial applications, spectral algorithms, human infrastructure, as well as spectral modeling.
Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Pediatric Airway Management

Purpose Mandibular retrognathia may cause upper airway obstruction in the pediatric patient due to tongue collapse and physical obstruction in the hypopharyngeal region. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) may be a useful treatment option to avoid tracheostomy. This study reviews 35 patients who underwent DO as treatment for concomitant jaw discrepancy and corrective airway management. Patients and Methods Thirty-five consecutive patients, 20 male and 15 female, with airway obstruction were evaluated retrospectively using clinic and hospital records. The mean age was 3.5 months (range, 36 weeks' gestation to 4 years). The group consisted of patients with Pierre Robin sequence, Stickler syndrome, Opitz's syndrome, Down syndrome with obstructive sleep apnea, Goldenhar's syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, and mandibular retrognathia. All patients had obstruction limited to the upper airway related to severe retrognathia and posterior tongue-base displacement confirmed with direct laryngoscopy. All patients underwent mandibular DO to avoid or remove a tracheostomy and allow development of speech and normal feeding. Each patient underwent bilateral mandibular corticotomies and placement of 2 percutaneous Kirchner wires and extraoral distraction devices. Following a 0-day latency, DO was performed at 3 to 5 mm per day (mean: 4 mm per day) for a mean total of 22.5 mm (range, 15-32 mm). The mean consolidation period was 28 days (range, 20-42 days). Preoperative radiographs (lateral cephalometric radiograph and/or CT scan) were obtained in all cases preoperatively and at least 3 months postoperatively for analysis. Results All patients experienced resolution of obstructive upper airway symptoms during the DO process. No patient required tracheostomy, and pre-existing tracheostomy devices were decannulated before DO completion. Apnea monitors failed to trigger in any patient postdistraction, and sleep studies were normal. The mean follow-up period was 9 months (range, 4-18 months). Radiographic analysis revealed the mean increase in posterior airway space was 12 mm. The mean decrease in overjet was 12 mm. Mandibular length increased a mean of 15 mm, and the sella-nasion-B point angle increased a mean of 16 degrees. DO complications included premature consolidation requiring manual refracture, hypertrophic scarring, device replacement, apertognathia with resolution within 8 to 12 weeks following device removal, and intraoral pin exposure. There were no cases of pin site infections or development of temporomandibular ankylosis. Conclusion Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a viable option for the pediatric patient with upper airway obstruction due to mandibular deficiency to avoid a tracheostomy or other surgical intervention. Mandibular DO treats the etiology of the disease process and may allow for future growth.
A model for a generalized liquid crystal phase sequence

A simple model is presented which is shown to qualitatively explain the structures of the generalized liquid crystal phase sequence: crystalline-G/Smectic-F→Crystalline-J/Smectic-I→Crystalline-B→Smectic-C→Smectic-A. The model assumes an effectively long range potential which keeps the layers flat, and a partially frustrated nearest neighbour interaction which induces molecular tilt. In addition to determining the order of the phases, the model also explains the observed effects of a free surface, on the phase diagram Presentation d'un modele simple qui explique qualitativement les structures de la sequence generalisee de phases cristal liquide: cristal G/smectique F→cristal J/smectique I→cristal B→smectique C→smectique A. Le modele suppose un potentiel effectif a longue distance qui impose des couches plates et une interaction partiellement frustree entre proches voisins qui induit une inclinaison des molecules. Le modele explique egalement l'effet d'une surface libre sur le diagramme de phases
On time versus space III

Paul and Reischuk devised space efficient simulations of logarithmic cost random access machines and multidimensional Turing machines. We simplify their general space reduction technique and extend it to other computational models, including pointer machines, which model computations on graphs and data structures. Every pointer machine of time complexityT(n) can be simulated by a pointer machine of space complexityO(T(n)/logT(n)).
Suppression of IL-2-induced SAA gene expression in mice by the administration of an IL-1 receptor antagonist

The hepatic acute phase response induced by the administration of interleukin (IL)-2 is most likely mediated by secondary cytokines. In this investigation, we examined the role of endogenous IL-1 in the synthesis of the hepatic acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) during IL-2 treatment. The injection of IL-2 induced SAA gene expression in the liver. The concurrent administration of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) markedly reduced hepatic SAA mRNA levels and, to a lesser extent, SAA protein levels in the serum. Although IL-1 is an inducer of IL-6 production, the administration of the IL-1RA had no effect on circulating IL-6 levels in IL-2-treated mice. These findings suggest that the production of IL-1 is an important factor in the induction of SAA mRNA in mice undergoing immunotherapy with IL-2.
Design and Implementation of an Ambulatory pH Monitoring Protocol in Patients with Suspected Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Objective/Hypothesis: Adding a hypopharyngeal sensor to esophageal pH monitoring has been advocated for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). However, selecting the proper pH catheter is problematic because esophageal lengths are variable among individuals. Objective: To design and implement a new pH monitoring protocol for LPR. Study Design/Methods: Design parameters were defined prospectively: single-probe, triple-sensor pH catheter with sensors located in the hypopharynx (1–3 cm above upper esophageal sphincter) and in proximal and distal esophagus (20 cm and 5 cm above lower esophageal sphincter, respectively). Esophageal lengths were determined in a study population undergoing esophageal manometry. Optimal pH sensor spacings were determined using the least number of catheters to satisfy the design parameters. The protocol was implemented in consecutive subjects with suspected LPR. Results: Distribution of esophageal lengths was determined in 1,043 subjects. In 92% of the study population, three pH catheters (3–15, 6–15, and 9–15 sensor-spacings) would satisfy the design criteria. Forty-one subjects with suspected LPR underwent the pH protocol. An abnormal pH test was found in 40 subjects (98%) with triple-sensor combination compared with 29 subjects (71%) if only dual esophageal sensors were used. Conclusions: Single-probe pH monitoring of the hypopharynx and esophagus was feasible. Adding a hypopharyngeal pH sensor increased the detection of abnormal acid reflux more often than traditional dual-sensor esophageal pH monitoring.
Populations and genetic polymorphisms.

Background : Population frequencies of many polymorphic genes of pharmacogenetic interest depend on race or ethnic specificity. Association of these genes with person-to-person differences in drug effectiveness (hypersensitivity or resistance) and drug toxicity may also depend on the racial or ethnic characteristics of a population. Information about ethnic specificity is an integral part of pharmacogenetics because it can suggest a starting point for further study of these traits, tailoring drug therapy to the individual patient, and rational development and clinical trials of new drugs. Ethnic specificities of several medically important metabolic traits serve to illustrate these ideas. Among the traits considered is primaquine sensitivity, a sex-linked trait attributed to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency that mainly affects males among African, Mediterranean, and Oriental people. Additional examples include the remarkable sensitivity of the Japanese to alcohol (ethanol) compared with whites; the ethnic specificity of the cytochrome P-450 enzyme CYP2D6 * (debrisoquine/sparteine) polymorphism that results in poor, extensive, and ultrarapid metabolizers of at least 30 drugs; the CYP2C19 * (mephenytoin) polymorphism that accounts for variable metabolism of proguanil, omeprazole, and certain barbiturates; and the polymorphic ( NAT2 *) acetylation of hydrazine and aromatic amine drugs, such as isoniazid, hydralazine, and sulfasalazine.
Identification of argyrophilic cells in pancreatic islets by light and electron microscopy in osmium-fixed plastic-embedded sections.

Identification of argyrophilic cells, in pancreatic islets of normal rabbits, is accomplished by light and electron microscopy in osmium-fixed plastic-embedded tissues.
Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts: The Figured World of Smartness in the Lives of Marginalized, Urban Youth

How smartness is defined within schools contributes to low academic achievement by poor and racial/ethnic minority students. Using Holland et al.’s (1998) [Holland, D., Lachicotte, W., Skinner, D., & Cain, C. (Eds.) (1998). Identity and agency in cultural worlds. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.] concept of “figured worlds,” this paper explores the “figuring” of smartness through the perspectives of marginalized youth. The youth made key distinctions between being book smart vs. street smart. This distinction is a direct challenge by the youth to the dominant discourse of smartness or “book smarts” as it operates in schools. To the youth, “street smarts” are more important because they are connected to being able to maneuver through structures in their lives such as poverty, the police, street culture, and abusive “others.” This distinction is key because street smarts stress agency in countering social structures whereas, for many of the youth, book smarts represented those structures, such as receiving a high school diploma. Implications for schools and pedagogy are discussed.
Hydrogen-Bonding Interactions in Crystalline Solids of Cyclic Thioureas

The crystal structures of three cyclic thioureas (4,5-disubstituted benzimidazolene-2-thiones) are reported. Each compound forms a tape motif in the solid state. Two of the three compounds assemble into tapes via N−H- - -S hydrogen bonds. These tapes pack into planar sheets. The third compound assembles into tapes via C−H- - -Br hydrogen bonds. These tapes pack at angles relative to each other, generating puckered sheets. The patterns of packing of these three cyclic thioureas are compared to those observed in the crystalline solids of cyclic ureas that have analogous molecular structures. The patterns of packing adopted by cyclic thioureas are rationalized in terms of molecular structure, solvent of crystallization, and energies and efficiencies of packing.
Binding of Aliphatic Aldehydes to Collagen and Elastin Matrices

PREVIOUS publications from this laboratory have demonstrated that specific hydrated aliphatic aldehydes1,2 react both in vitro and in vivo3–5 with the freely rotatable nitrogen atoms6 of native and ‘purified’ collagen and elastin chains. The resulting products are highly cross-linked network structures7 which are characterized by ‘locking-in’ of dipoles8 normally present along the respective polypeptide chains. Unfortunately, little is known about the quantitative aspects of the involved reactions. The presently reported investigation was accordingly prompted, in which the binding of two specific C3 aldehydes to hide powder collagen, extracted aortic elastin, intact (control) bovine thoracic aortae and sonicated bovine thoracic aorta preparations were investigated.
Hypoxia up-regulates the effects of prostaglandin E2 on tumor angiogenesis in ovarian cancer cells.

Abstract Objective . Emerging evidence supports a role for prostaglandins (PG) and their synthesizing enzyme, cyclooxygenase (COX), in tumor angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) genes in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. Methods . Two human EOC cell lines, MDAH-2774 and SKOV-3, were treated with exogenous dimethyl prostaglandin E 2 (dmPGE 2 ) at two doses of 10 and 50 μg/ml and cultured for 24 h under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Total RNA was extracted from EOC cells with the use of a monophasic solution of phenol and GITC/Trizol method. The levels of COX-2, VEGF, and HIF-1α mRNA were measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Results . Under normoxic conditions, treatment of both ovarian cancer cell lines with dmPGE 2 resulted in a significant increase in VEGF expression but had no effect on HIF-1α. Culturing the cells under hypoxic conditions resulted in an increase in HIF-1α and VEGF mRNAs. The combination of hypoxia and dmPGE 2 treatment resulted in the highest levels of VEGF and HIF-1α when compared to either individual treatment. Conclusion . PGE 2 is a potent stimulator of VEGF expression in ovarian cancer cells. This effect of PG is further potentiated under hypoxic conditions where it is also associated with a significant increase in HIF-1α expression.
Theory of photoemission line shape in high-temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ via dipolon mediated electron–electron pairing mechanism

Abstract Hitherto unexplained experimentally observed photoemission line shape near (π, 0) in superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+ δ characterized by a peak followed at high energy by a dip and a broad feature has been explained here naturally by dipolon mediated electron–electron pairing mechanism of high- T c superconductors. In the superconducting state the peak is formed by excitation solely of a quasiparticle whereas the broad feature is formed by the excitation of a quasiparticle with concomitant excitation of a dipolon for coupling with the process of creating a photoelectron. In the normal state the photoemission spectra observed in the underdoped, optimally doped and overdoped samples are due to the excitations of O 1,1 and O 1,2 dipolons. The theory predicts the possibility of observing dipolon side bands in photoemission spectra in superconducting state in favorable conditions. We deduce that the dipolon theory provides not only explanation for the observed kink but predicts also the existence of new weak kinks in single-quasiparticle energy dispersion.
An Electroabsorptive CCD Spatial Light Modulator

High-speed one- and two-dimensional spatial light modulation may be carried out using the electroabsorption effect in a GaAs buried-channel charge-coupled device (CCD). For photon energies slightly lower than the energy gap, the transmission through or along the surface of a CCD structure may be controlled by the signal charge in the wells, through the change in electric field with charge. The modulator is thus electrically addressable and it promises optical quality sufficient for coherent applications. The predicted performance has been determined for both Fourier transformation or spectral analysis and correlation/convolution. Although the modulation depth for normal-incidence illumination is only 10 to 20%, the calculated dynamic range is more than adequate for optical signal processing. In one-dimensional structures using a guided wave beneath the gate electrodes, the modulation depth approaches 100%, making the device an attractive alternative to acousto-optic modulators.
Transient thermal simulations of a three-dimensional unit cell in power control systems and high-power microwave devices

Abstract Detailed numerical assessment is given supporting the need to go beyond two-dimensions for numerically analyzing the electrothermal characteristics of power control devices employed in high-performance paralleling layout topology, and high-power microwave devices in monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC). An accurate understanding of transient thermal characteristics, particularly the transient power-overload failure mechanism, is needed and requires the use of three-dimensional (3-D) transient electrothermal simulations. This will enable the design optimization of these power control devices for hardening against failure due to external fault conditions. We have compared the characteristic thermal speed response of Si, SiC, and GaN power control devices under short-circuit conditions, using 3-D time-dependent simulations. Such improved thermal simulation is also very important for high-power microwave devices and MMIC. Calibration of our numerical techniques with experiment is implemented using atomic force microscopy temperature measurements. The consistent agreement between measured values and simulated results indicates the need to couple detailed numerical simulation with high-resolution measurement technique, especially in identifying heat-flow bottlenecks. This will allow taking into account the actual thermal coupling of semiconductor substrate with the base plate and surrounding environment, where the fixed-temperature boundary condition usually applied at the substrate is not valid.
Studies on heterogeneous polymeric systems. II. Polyblends containing saturated rubbers

Saturated rubbers composed of ethylene–propylene or ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymers and terpolymers were used in the mass polymerization of high-impact styrene or styrene–acrylonitrile polyblends. Conventional polymerization procedures lead to blends of inferior mechanical properties. The cause for the poor performance was traced to the inability of the rubber-phase particles to preserve the desired size and particularity during processing. Polymeric blends of saturated rubbers having mechanical properties comparable to those obtainable with polybutadiene rubbers are prepared by (1) controlling the rubber-particle size during prepolymerization and (2) preserving such size by crosslinking and grafting of the rubber following phase inversion. Extensive crosslinking of the rubber in the final blend must take place prior to processing to resist rubber particle deformation and disintegration during mechanical working. Rubber vulcanization is realized by the presence of peroxides in the final stages of polymerization; pendant unsaturation in the rubber is also needed or helpful. The reactivity and number of unsaturated groups in the rubber must be controlled to avoid excessive grafting prior to phase inversion and to permit efficient crosslinking following phase inversion.