cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of Hand-Carried Ultrasound for Consultative Cardiology

Although the stethoscope has been an important part of the bedside cardiac diagnostic examination for generations of physicians, this clinical tool has been relatively unchanged in over 150 years. Echocardiography is established as an essential diagnostic imaging method for patients with known or suspected cardiovascular diseases. However, routine echocardiography systems are large and heavy, and although they are portable, they remain inconvenient for bedside patient rounds. Technologic advances have resulted in miniaturization of electronic components and small, lightweight ultrasound systems have been recently introduced. These hand-carried units offer clinically acceptable two-dimensional image quality for rapid “quick-look” bedside diagnostics, in particular focusing on global and regional left ventricular function and presence or absence of pericardial effusion. This article proposes a general approach to the rapid hand-carried ultrasound cardiac exam as an extension of the physical examination. It details case examples and reviews the initial clinical experience of hand-carried ultrasound on cardiac consultation rounds. Hand-carried ultrasound has promise to have an immediate impact on bedside patient management though expediting and facilitating the delivery of medical care. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, July 2003)
Resonant frequencies of arms and legs identify different walking patterns.

The present study is aimed at investigating changes in the coordination of arm and leg movements in young healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that with changes in walking velocity there is a change in frequency and phase coupling between the arms and the legs. In addition, it was hypothesized that the preferred frequencies of the different coordination patterns can be predicted on the basis of the resonant frequencies of arms and legs with a simple pendulum model. The kinematics of arms and legs during treadmill walking in seven healthy subjects were recorded with accelerometers in the sagittal plane at a wide range of different velocities (i.e., 0.3-1. 3m/s). Power spectral analyses revealed a statistically significant change in the frequency relation between arms and legs, i.e., within the velocity range 0.3-0.7m/s arm movement frequencies were dominantly synchronized with the step frequency, whereas from 0.8m/s onwards arm frequencies were locked onto stride frequency. Significant effects of walking speed on mean relative phase between leg and arm movements were found. All limb pairs showed a significantly more stable coordination pattern from 0.8 to 1.0m/s onwards. Results from the pendulum modelling demonstrated that for most subjects at low-velocity preferred movement frequencies of the arms are predicted by the resonant frequencies of individual arms (about 0.98Hz), whereas at higher velocities these are predicted on the basis of the resonant frequencies of the individual legs (about 0.85Hz). The results support the above-mentioned hypotheses, and suggest that different patterns of coordination, as shown by changes in frequency coupling and phase relations, can exist within the human walking mode.
The brittle-ductile transition in porous sedimentary rocks: geological implications for accretionary wedge aseismicity

Abstract Thrusting earthquakes in subduction zones generally occur along only part of the plate boundary, with motion along the shallowest part of the plate boundary occurring ascismically. The maximum size of subduction boundary thrust earthquakes depends strongly upon the down-dip width of the seismogenic zone. The single most uncertain factor in determining that width is the location of the up-dip limit of the zone (the seismic front), which depends upon the mechanical state of the sedimentary rocks in the plate boundary zone. In order to come to a better understanding of the seismic potential of sediments in a subduction zone, we carried out a series of triaxial experiments on Berea and Kayenta sandstones. Based on our experimental data, a brittle-ductile transition map was constructed showing that both porosity and effective pressure are important factors controlling the transition from brittle to macroscopically ductile behavior in porous rocks. In the brittle field, a sample fails by shear localization on one slip plane accompanied by strain softening and dilatancy, whereas in the ductile field, a sample deforms homogeneously with a constant yield stress or slight hardening. By comparing such a map with the estimated porosity profile of an accretionary wedge, the likely nature and rough location of the boundary between brittle and ductile behavior can be inferred. If the sediments along a plate boundary are too young and undercompacted to be capable of brittle shear localization, then their deformation is likely to be aseismic. In this way, it may be possible for even a very broad fore-arcs to produce no great earthquakes. However, great earthquakes are to be expected at margins that have large zones of plate contact along which many sediments are compacted and well lithified. Such rocks are expected to be capable of shear localization and brittle failure with the potential for stick-slip behavior.
Cadmium and zinc abnormalities in bronchogenic carcinoma.

During a study of renal cadmium content in hypertension, it was coincidentally observed that renal cadmium was elevated in persons with neoplasia. Therefore, a detailed study was made of cadmium concentration in renal and hepatic tissue and blood of persons with bronchogenic carcinoma. Cadmium was significantly increased in all 3 tissues in bronchogenic cancer. Because of the close relationship between zinc and cadmium in nature, zinc concentrations were also measured. Zinc levels were not significantly different in liver, tended to be high in kidney, and were significantly lower in blood. Similar changes in cadmium concentration were not seen in a group of other neoplastic diseases. The significance of these observations is not clear.
In vitro and in vivo inhibition of lysyl oxidase byaminopropionitriles

Inhibition of lysyl oxidase (protein‐lysine 6‐oxidase, EC 1.4.3.13) decreases the rate of collagen and elastin cross‐link formation and produces osteolathyrism in animals. Organic nitriles, including s‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN), have been shown to irreversibly inhibit lysyl oxidase in vitro. Both BAPN and 3,3'‐iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) have been shown to produce osteolathyric changes when administered to animals. To date compounds that have been reported to inhibit this enzyme possess a primary amine functional group. In this study a series of primary and substituted aminopropionitriles was studied for their ability to inhibit lysyl oxidase activity both in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that of the compounds tested, BAPN was the most potent inhibitor of the enzyme. Reversible inhibition of lysyl oxidase in vitro was found with two secondary aminonitriles, IDPN and monomethy‐laminopropionitrile (MMAPN). There was no inhibition of enzyme activity associated with the tertiary compound 3,3'‐dimethylam...
Interpretation of lithologies and depositional environments of Cretaceous and Lower Permian rocks by using a diverse suite of logs from a borehole in central Kansas

As part of an extensive research program, a borehole was drilled to extend sedimentary facies models of the Cretaceous into the subsurface on the eastern side of the western interior Cretaceous basin in Kansas. Lithodensity-neutron and spectral gamma-ray logging runs were completed to facilitate interpretation of rocks penetrated by the borehole. Th/K, Th/U, and composition profile logs based on apparent grain density and photoelectric absorption index were prepared and used to show vertical changes in geochemical facies and clay mineralogy. These logs were compared with the gamma-ray log and drill cuttings to interpret depositional environments. The Th/K log sharply defines the Cretaceous/Permian boundary and, together with the Th/U log, emphasizes the contrast between marine Upper Cretaceous rocks of the Greenhorn depositional cycle and nonmarine to transitional rocks of the Lower Cretaceous. The long-term cyclic pattern of the Th/U log is an excellent indicator of a broad transgression/regression during the Greenhorn cycle on an open marine shelf, whereas extreme fluctuations of Th/U in the Lower Cretaceous rocks suggest a high degree of short-term environmental variability. Interpretation of the RHOMAA-UMAA compositional profile in the Dakota Formation indicates several pulses of marine transgression and regression prior to the initiation of the Greenhorn cycle in central Kansas.
The effect of limestone on the combustion of fuel blends

Combustion profiles of coal-limestone-paper blends were studied using thermogravimetric/ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG/FTIR). The role of limestone in promoting the initial combustion of coal-paper blends and its ability to absorb sulphur oxides were examined.
THEFT ON CAMPUS: AN ANALYSIS OF LARCENY-THEFT AT AN URBAN UNIVERSITY

ABSTRACT Larceny- theft is the most frequently reported index crime in the United States, in virtually all 50 states and on most college campuses. Larceny-theft, (herein after referred to simply as theft) is the unlawful taking of property in which no use of violence, force or fraud occurs. It thus differs from embezzlement, “con games”, forgery or similar crimes. In 1993, 7.8 million of the 14.1 million index crimes reported in the Uniform Crime Report were thefts (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1994). Review of state by state data reveals that theft is also the most prevalent index crime in each of the 50 states (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1994:68-78). More germane to the focus of this paper is that theft is also the most frequently reported crime at all but eight of the 431 college and universities which reported crime data for inclusion in the Uniform Crime Reports in 1993, (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1994:158-167). This pattern of the prevalence of theft among index crime statistics has...
Neutral Lipids and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Control Pulmonary Gene Expression and Inflammation-Triggered Pathogenesis in Lysosomal Acid Lipase Knockout Mice

The functional roles of neutral lipids in the lung are poorly understood. However, blocking cholesteryl ester and triglyceride metabolism in lysosomal acid lipase gene knockout mice (lal−/−) results in severe pathogenic phenotypes in the lung, including massive neutrophil infiltration, foamy macrophage accumulation, unwanted cell growth, and emphysema. To elucidate the mechanism underlining these pathologies, we performed Affymetrix GeneChip microarray analysis of 1-, 3-, and 6-month-old mice and identified aberrant gene expression that progressed with age. Among changed genes, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12, apoptosis inhibitor 6 (Api-6), erythroblast transformation-specific domain (Ets) transcription factor family member Spi-C, and oncogene MafB were increased 100-, 70-, 40-, and 10-fold, respectively, in lal−/− lungs versus the wild-type lungs. The pathogenic increases of these molecules occurred primarily in alveolar type II epithelial cells. Transcriptional activities of the MMP-12 and Api-6 promoters were stimulated by Spi-C or MafB in respiratory epithelial cells. Treatment with 9-hydroxyoctadecanoic acids and ciglitazone significantly rescued lal−/− pulmonary inflammation and aberrant gene expression. In addition, both compounds as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma inhibited MMP-12 and Api-6 promoter activities. These data suggest that inflammation-triggered cell growth and emphysema during lysosomal acid lipase deficiency are partially caused by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ inactivation.
Domino theory of flavor

We argue that the fermion masses and mixings are organized in a specific pattern. The approximately equal hierarchies between successive generations, the sizes of the mixing angles, the heaviness of just the top quark, and the approximate down-lepton equality can all be accommodated by many flavor models but can appear ad hoc. We present a simple, predictive mechanism to explain these patterns. All generations are treated democratically and the flavor symmetries are broken collectively by only two allowed couplings in flavor-space, a vector and matrix, with arbitrary {Omicron}(1) entries. Repeated use of these flavor symmetry breaking spurions radiatively generates the Yukawa couplings with a natural hierarchy. We demonstrate this idea with two models in a split supersymmetric grand unified framework, with minimal additional particle content at the unification scale. Although flavor is generated at the GUT scale, there are several potentially testable predictions. In our minimal model the usual prediction of exact b-{tau} unification is replaced by the SU(5) breaking relation m{sub {tau}}/m{sub b} = 3/2, in better agreement with observations. Other SU(5) breaking effects in the fermion masses can easily arise directly from the flavor model itself. The symmetry breaking that triggers the generation of flavor necessarily gives risemore » to an axion, solving the strong CP problem. These theories contain long-lived particles whose decays could give striking signatures at the LHC and may solve the primordial Lithium problems. These models also give novel proton decay signatures which can be probed by the next generation of experiments. Measurement of the various proton decay channels directly probes the flavor symmetry breaking couplings. In this scenario the Higgs mass is predicted to lie in a range near 150 GeV.« less
Liver transplant in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt

There are no published accounts of patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts undergoing liver transplantation in the literature. Because patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts are prone to infections, this may be a theoretical contraindication to transplantation. We present a case of a patient with cirrhosis who had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placed many years prior to transplantation. The patient had no neurological complications and the shunt was intact and functioning. Prior to transplantation, the patient underwent a ventriculoperitoneal to ventriculopleural shunt conversion that was reversed posttransplantation. Apart from some minor complications, the patient has done remarkably well from a graft and neurological perspective. In conclusion, patients who have ventriculoperitoneal shunts may be considered for liver transplantation as the risk of infectious and neurological complications is low and there are no deleterious effects on graft survival.
Pathology-specific secondary aortic interventions after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Objective Despite improved short-term outcomes, concerns remain regarding durability of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the pathology-specific incidence of secondary aortic interventions (SAI) after TEVAR and their impact on survival. Methods Retrospective review was performed of all TEVAR procedures and SAI at one institution from 2004-2011. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival. Results Of 585 patients, 72 (12%) required SAI at a median of 5.6 months (interquartile range, 1.4-14.2) with 22 (3.7%) requiring multiple SAI. SAI incidence differed significantly by pathology ( P = .002) [acute dissection (21.3%), postsurgical (20.0%), chronic dissection (16.7%), degenerative aneurysm (10.8%), traumatic transection (8.1%), penetrating ulcer (1.5%), and other etiologies (14.8%)]. Most common indications after dissection were persistent false lumen flow and proximal/distal extension of disease. For degenerative aneurysms, SAI was performed primarily to treat type I/III endoleaks. SAI patients had a greater mean number of comorbidities ( P P = .0002), and postoperative complications after the index TEVAR ( P P = .2)]. Conclusions SAI after TEVAR is not uncommon, particularly in patients with dissection, but does not affect long-term survival. Aortic pathology is the most important variable impacting survival and dictated need, timing, and mode of SAI. The varying incidence of SAI by indication underscores the need for diligent surveillance protocols that should be pathology-specific.
Mechanism of exonuclease action of BAL 31 nuclease

Abstract Two kinetically and molecularly distinct forms (‘fast’ (F) and ‘slow’ (S)) of nuclease BAL 31 from Alteromonas espejiana effect the length reduction of linear duplex DNAs through a 3′ → 5′-directed exonuclease activity in conjunction with an endonuclease activity against the 5′-terminated single-stranded tails generated by the exonuclease activity. No evidence for a 5′ → 3′ mode of exonuclease action was seen. Single-stranded DNA is degraded predominantly by the 3′ → 5′ exonuclease action. There is a pronounced decrease, to roughly constant values, of the average lengths of the tails in partially digested duplexes at a constant extent of digestion with increasing nuclease concentration. This decrease correlates with an increasing extent of ligatability, in the absence of repair, under conditions favoring the joining of fully base-paired ends. The exonuclease action, at least against duplex substrates, is quasi-processive and removes approx. 18 and 28 nucleotides per productive enzyme-substrate encounter for the S and F species, respectively. The dependence on Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations of the activities has been determined.
Localization of the regions of homology between the genomes of herpes simplex virus, type 1, and pseudorabies virus

Only 8% of the sequences of the genomes of pseudorabies (PRV) and herpes simplex (type 1) (HSV) viruses are homologous. These homologous sequences have been shown previously to be distributed throughout most of the genomes of the two viruses. By means of blot hybridization of restriction fragments of HSV-1 DNA to cloned, nick-translated restriction fragments of PRV DNA, it was possible to compare the location on the genomes of these viruses of the homologous regions. The results showed that the genome of PRV is, for the most part, colinear with the IL arrangement of the genome of HSV-1. An inversion or translocation of sequences mapping on the PRV genome between 0.07 and 0.39 map units was observed on the genome of one of these viruses. A comparison of the map positions of five genes with known functions confirmed these findings. The genes coding for the major immediate-early protein, the major capsid protein, and the thymidine kinase occupy similar positions on the genome of PRV and on the genome of HSV-1 in the IL arrangement. However, the genes for DNA polymerase and for the major DNA binding protein appear to be inverted relative to one another on the genomes of the two viruses.
Disruption of latent inhibition by placement of an electrode in the dorsal hippocampus

Rats were implanted unilaterally with electrodes placed in either the dorsal hippocampus or the mesencephalic reticular formation. Subgroups were given either zero or six preexposure trials to a tone that was subsequently paired with a footshock. An additional group of dorsal hippocampal animals was given 12 preexposure trials. Test performance indicated that all groups given preexposure trials, with the exception of the dorsal hippocampal group given six such trials, showed latent inhibition. A second experiment suggested that the disruption of latent inhibition in the dorsal hippocampal animals given six preexposure trials was not due to seizure activity. The implications of these results are discussed.
Future directions in research on sexual minority adolescent mental, behavioral, and sexual health

This article describes current knowledge on sexual, mental, and behavioral health of sexual minority (SM) youth and identifies gaps that would benefit from future research. A translational sciences framework is used to conceptualize the article, discussing findings and gaps along the spectrum from basic research on prevalence and mechanisms, to intervention development and testing, to implementation. Relative to adults, there has been much less research on adolescents and very few studies that had longitudinal follow-up beyond 1 year. Due to historical changes in the social acceptance of the SM community, new cohorts are needed to represent contemporary life experiences and associated health consequences. Important theoretical developments have occurred in conceptualizing mechanisms that drive SM health disparities and mechanistic research is underway, including studies that identify individual and structural risk/protective factors. Research opportunities exist in the utilization of sibling-comparison de...
Sedimentology of rocky shorelines: 4. Coarse gravel lithofacies, molluscan biofacies, and the stratigraphic and eustatic records in the type area of the Pleistocene Hulopoe Gravel, Lanai, Hawaii

Abstract During the Pleistocene, the south flank of Lanai was the site of repeated erosion and deposition as a consequence of glacio-eustasy superimposed on tectono-isostasy. Throughout this time, terrigenous and bioclastic gravel was generated along mainly rocky shorelines. Gravelly sediment was deposited in topographically low areas of the shoreface and inner shelf that later were uplifted isostatically. The sedimentary lithofacies and biofacies in these deposits are distinctive, but they represent a deposystem and suite of environments that hitherto have not been studied systematically. These unrecognised circumstances have fuelled controversies about the nature and significance of the Hulopoe Gravel, most notably the claim that it represents a mega-tsunami deposit. The Hulopoe Gravel in its type area displays a lithofacies succession that encompasses a complete disconformity-bounded transgressive–regressive cycle on a sand-poor rocky shoreline. This succession incorporates not only a distinctive vertical assemblage of rocky shoreline litho- and biofacies, but also internal disconformities that record episodes of erosion and non-deposition during shoreline migration. Repetition of the lithofacies succession imparts overall stratigraphic order to the Hulopoe Gravel. Four unconformity-bounded transgressive–regressive cycles correspond to eustatic highstands of Oxygen Isotope Stages 5 and 7, superimposed on continuing tectono-isostatic uplift driven by growth of the island of Hawaii. This study of the Hulopoe Gravel demonstrates that the sedimentary record of mixed volcaniclastic-carbonate depositional systems developed on rocky shorelines of tropical and subtropical oceanic island coasts can be preserved. This record may include depositional products of both transgressive and regressive shorelines. Although tsunami and giant submarine landslides are known to occur in the Hawaiian Islands, deposits and features that result from tsunami inundation above the shoreline, such as might be expected from landslide-related mega-tsunami, have not been recognised in the type area of the Hulopoe Gravel. Rocky palaeoshoreline records on oceanic volcanic islands may yield oceanographic and climatic clues that complement data obtained from other palaeoshoreline types.
On bounds of the parametric range of bifurcation of Chua's circuit

This brief presents general representations for bounds on the parametric range of the G-, C/sub 1/-, L-, and C/sub 2/-bifurcations of Chua's circuit. The critical points for the appearance of bifurcations are derived. Consequently, chaos can be quenched by adjusting parameters to meet these conditions.
The Life History of Flabellula baltica Smirnov (Gymnamoebae, Rhizopoda): Adaptations to a Spatially and Temporally Heterogeneous Environment

The polymorphic life history of the marine naked amoeba Flabellula baltica was studied. It can be interpreted in terms of adaptations to an environment that is patchy in time and space and it represents trade-off between longevity during starvation and the ability to initiate multiplication soon after food resource become available. The life history also represents bet hedging in that different cells within a clonal culture may respond in different ways when food is depleted.
Pooled analysis of the prospective trials of gefitinib monotherapy for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancers.

Summary Purpose Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations have been found in the majority of gefitinib-responsive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients from retrospective studies. We sought to compile the available phase II and prospective trials of this EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) to better understand the efficacy and safety of selecting patients to receive gefitinib based on their genotype. Design We searched published trials involving EGFR-mutant patients and gefitinib. Five reports were identified (published between June 2006 and April 2007) in which gefitinib was given in a prospective manner to EGFR mutation positive patients at a dose of 250 mg/day. Responses were determined by RECIST and toxicities by NCI-CTC. Results A total of 101 patients were pooled from these studies. Fifty-nine received gefitinib as their first line of therapy and 42 after having received chemotherapy. The combined rate of complete and partial response (CR + PR) in the 99 measured patients was 80.8% (80/99) and only 7.1% (7/99) had progressive disease as best response. The response rate (CR + PR) for exon 19 deletion and L858R patients were 80.3% (53/66) and 81.8% (27/33), respectively. The median progression-free survival ranged from 7.7 to 12.9 months. Overall survival had not been reached in 4/5 reports and was 15.4 months in one of them. Gefitinib administration was safe ( Conclusions Gefitinib monotherapy leads to objective responses in most patients with EGFR mutations. Both L858R and deletion 19 mutations derived similar clinical benefits. Small molecule TKIs are the new treatment paradigm for EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Engineering management programs as aids in moving from technical specialty to technical management

Abstract Engineers are making the transition from technical specialty to technical management very early in their careers. This transition is gaining an ever increasing importance as the rapidly changing technologies, the severe resource constraints and the strong pressures for high productivity bring engineering and the management of engineering into a sharply focused limelight. As engineers prepare for this transition, they feel the need for a special type of training to provide them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes for their new roles. Engineering education gives them the tools, techniques and concepts for rational decision making in their technical specialties, but does not prepare them to extend their training into the management area. To bridge this gap, universities are now offering formal educational programs designed for engineers and scientists moving into technical management positions while maintaining their background identity. These are rigorous programs blending mathematical approaches, behavioral considerations, organizational concepts and decision-making methodologies in a delicate balance. The strong demand for the Engineering Management programs is evident in the rapid growth pattern followed by these programs. This growth has been particularly visible since the mid-1970s, and shows no sign of a slow-down. This paper is based on a study of the graduate programs in Engineering Management offered throughout the world. It is a comparative analysis of program characteristics, students, faculty and curricula.
Fatty Acid Composition and Flavor of Autoxidized Milk Fat

Abstract Typical flavors that developed during autoxidation of milk fat were not altered by deodorization, randomization, hydrolysis and resynthesis, or removal of unsaponifiables. This indicated that the flavor of autoxidized milk fat depends only on the fatty acid composition. Various synthetic mixtures of unsaturated fatty acids were interesterified into tridecanoin to see if they would reproduce the flavor of autoxidized milk fat. A mixture of 1.5% linoleic, 0.5% linolenic, and 0.2% arachidonic acids in tridecanoin satisfactorily reproduced the flavor typical of the early stages of autoxidation. A mixture of polyunsaturated fatty acids isolated from milk fat and incorporated into tridecanoin at the 3% level gave improved reproduction of the later stages of autoxidation in milk fat.
Virus-like Behaviour of Human Carcinoma

A THOROUGH study of 20 autopsy cases of metastatic carcinoma to liver1,2 and kidney and of 72 cases of primary carcinoma of the liver (hepatoma)3,4 has revealed the following facts : (1) Continuity of structurally normal parenchyma with contiguous cancer parenchyma (Figs. 1 and 2). This was observed in 30 per cent of hepatoma cases in the liver and in 100 per cent of metastases to the liver and kidney. This higher percentage of positive findings in the material which promised less probability for this finding is ascribed to more careful sampling of blocks for sectioning. (2) Presence of single cancer cells in the vicinity of tumours as integral components of the host parenchyma, under conditions where invasion could be excluded (Fig. 3). (3) Morphological evidence for transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. (4) Transformation is preceded by cytochemical changes not visible with routine stains, but recognizable if special stains are applied.
Rules for Allocation in a Temperate Forest Ant: Demography, Natural Selection, and Queen-Worker Conflict

The division of resources between growth and reproduction is a fundamental decision in the life history of an organism. I have quantified the division of resources between growth and reproduction for two populations of the temperate forest ant Leptothorax longispinosus over 3 yr. There was a significant annual and population variation in the amount of growth and reproduction made by nests. Protein supplementation caused each of these to increase compared to site- and year-matched control nests. The pattern of allocation, however, was unaffected by either site or food treatment. Path analysis showed that nest demography was a major factor controlling allocation patterns in this species. Other rules were also deduced, but nests from the two populations differed in how these rules were applied. Growth was consistently more important to total output than reproduction in Vermont nests, while nests from New York were more flexible. The allocation pattern shown by nests from Vermont was best explained by a model...
Evaluation of the metabolism in rat hearts of two new radioiodinated 3-methyl-branched fatty acid myocardial imaging agents.

The biological fate of two new radioiodinated 3-methyl-branched fatty acids has been evaluated in rat hearts following intravenous administration. Methylbranching was introduced in [15-(p-iodophenyl)-3-R,S-methylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and 15-(p-iodophenyl)-3,3-dimethylpentadecanoic acid (DMIPP) to inhibit β-oxidation. The goals of these studies were to correlate the effects of methyl-branching on the incorporation of these agents into the various fatty acid pools and subcellular distribution profiles, and to relate these data to the myocardial retention properties. The properties of BMIPP and DMIPP were compared with the 15-(p-iodophenyl)pentadecanoic acid straight-chain analogue (IPP). Differences in the heart retention of the analogues after intravenous administration in rats correlated with differences observed in subcellular distribution patterns. The dimethyl DMIPP analogue showed the longest retention and the highest association with the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions (34%, 38%) 30 min after injection. These data are in contrast to the rapid clearance of the straight-chain IPP analogue which showed much lower relative association with the mitochondria and microsomes (18%, 15%). The distribution patterns of each analogue in the various lipid pools appeared consistent with the expected capacity of the analogues to be metabolized by β-oxidation. In contrast to the rapid oxidation of the straight-chain IPP analogue, the 3-monomethyl BMIPP analogue appeared to undergo slower oxidation and clearance, whereas the dimethyl-branched DMIPP analogue was apparently not catabolized by the myocardium. All three analogues showed some incorporation into triglycerides. The metabolism patterns of the branched analogues reported here may provide useful information in the description of the mechanisms by which BMIPP and DMIPP are retained in rat myocardium.
Excitation Gap in the Normal State of Underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

Angle-resolved photoemission experiments reveal evidence of an energy gap in the normal state excitation spectrum of the cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta. This gap exists only in underdoped samples and closes around the doping level at which the superconducting transition temperature Tc is a maximum. The momentum dependence and magnitude of the gap closely resemble those of the dx2-y2 gap observed in the superconducting state. This observation is consistent with results from several other experimental techniques, which also indicate the presence of a gap in the normal state. Some possible theoretical explanations for this effect are reviewed.
Preparation an study of laser plasma diamond

Abstract Films of diamond-like material can be deposited with a laser plasma source of carbon ions in an ultrahigh vacuum environment without involving hydrogen in the growth mechanism. These films are distinguished by transparency at visible wavelengths which is a result of a high percentage of sp3 bonds. They resemble materials first quenched from ion beams at very slow deposition rates. In our method an Nd:YAG laser was focused on a graphite feedstock in an ultrahigh vacuum chamber at intensities in excess of 5 × 1011 W cm-2. A high current discharge confined to the path of the laser-ignited plasma provided further heat and aided processing of the ion flux. At a laser repetition rate of 10 Hz, a deposition rate of 0.5 μm h-1 over a 100 cm2 area was attainable with no measurable substrate heating. The substrates required no special preparation or seeding and materials including silicon, fused silica, glass, gold, copper, germanium, InP, ZnS, and polycarbonate and polyimide plastics were readily coated. Complex shapes could be accommodated and spheres of 440C stainless steel were covered successfully. Over 1000 samples were prepared to a variety of specifications with thickness reaching 5 μm and hardness exceeding 37 GPa.
Design of a low-cost, high-resolution retrofit module for residential natural gas meters

Abstract There has been considerable interest in recent years in deploying smart meters in residential homes capable of distinguishing appliance-specific usage from whole-house consumption. Smart meters used in conjunction with algorithms that analyze usage data and other appliance attributes have been found to be a cost-effective and scalable approach. Based on this idea, the authors recently reported a laboratory-based solution for natural gas consisting of an encoder module retrofitted onto an existing residential gas meter. In this work, a detailed analysis of real gas consumption rates and patterns from common household appliances is performed and used to simulate the metering performance of a meter equipped with such an encoder module. The simulation is used to establish the optimal encoder resolution for a prototype encoder design that balances cost with performance. Improvements to the algorithms presented in the previous study to analyze the time-resolved data by deducing which appliance is using natural gas are also presented. The design, fabrication, and testing of a prototype encoder module is also presented.
Cellular uptake of a novel cytotoxic agent, cryptophycin‐52, by human THP‐1 leukemia cells and H‐125 lung tumor cells

Cryptophycin (CP) is a newly developed anticancer agent isolated from the terrestrial cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc. CP is a mitotic inhibitor, causing cells to accumulate in mitosis with the disappearance of intracellular microtubules. In this report, we studied the interaction and uptake of a new synthetic CP analog, CP-52, with 2 human tumor cell lines, THP-I and H-125. In vitro colony-forming assay showed that CP-52 has antiproliferative activity against THP-I and H-125 cell lines with IC 50 of 0.1 ng/ml and 20 μg/ml, respectively; i.e., THP-I cells are 200,000 times more sensitive to CP-52 than H-125 cells. The uptake of CP-52 by the target cells was carried out using tritiated CP-52 ( 3 H-CP-52). The uptake of 3 H-CP-52 by both THP-I and H-125 cells was rapid, reaching a maximum within 20 min. Dissociation experiments showed that CP-52 interacts with the target cells irreversibly, presumably by binding to specific cellular sites with high affinity. With increasing doses of 3 H-CP-52, the uptake was found to be saturable, reaching a steady state as the concentrations of 3 H-CP-52 were raised to about 20 μg/ml. Under this condition, the maximal values of CP-52 uptake by THP-I and H-125 cells was estimated to be 27 and 136 ng/10 5 cells, respectively. The uptake and accumulation of 3 H-CP-52 with the target cells was effectively inhibited by prior treatment with unlabeled CP-52 and, to a lesser extent, vinblastine and taxol but not adriamycin, colchicine or mitomycin. In addition, the binding of 3 H-CP-52 to purified tubulin was inhibited by vinblastine but not taxol. This finding suggested that CP-52 and taxol interact and bind to distinct regions of tubulin molecules. Further, it suggests that, in addition to tubulin, other intracellular andlor membrane components are involved in mediating the binding of CP-52.
Verbal and Nonverbal Metaphor with Children in Counseling.

The metaphor is typically viewed as a verbal form of expression in traditional talk therapies. However, this definition excludes nonverbal metaphors that children use when they express themselves through play. In this article, the authors examine the use of therapeutic metaphors, both verbal and nonverbal, with children. The roles of the child, counselor, and family in treatment are discussed, along with the benefits and limitations of using therapeutic metaphors with children. The use of quantitative, qualitative, and integrated methods for studying children's use of verbal and nonverbal metaphors in counseling is also examined.
New approaches to treatment of myocardial infarction.

Abstract Survival of patients with acute transmural infarction is largely related to the size of the myocardial infarction. The goal of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction is maximal salvage of myocardium by reestablishment of flow in the occluded infarct-related artery and the establishment and maintenance of a patent infarct-related artery. Results of randomized trials show a significant reduction in mortality in patients who have undergone thrombolysis. A patent infarct-related artery, even in the absence of a change in left ventricular function, is associated with reduced mortality. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Trial and the European Cooperative Trial showed that recombiant tissue-type plasminogen activator is superior to streptokinase in reestablishing flow in a totally occluded artery. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that thrombolysis and thrombosis occur simultaneously, and that lysis appears to increase both thrombin and platelet activity. Effective reduction of thrombosis accelerates thrombolysis. Rethrombosis after thrombolysis is due to anchored residual thrombus, which alters the hemorrheology of blood flow and produces a highly thrombogenic substrate that is largely due to residual fibrin-bound thrombin. Platelet deposition is directly related to severity of residual stenosis and shear rate. Thrombin appears to be the most potent of the 5 potential stimulators of platelet activation during arterial thrombosis. Proper anticoagulation can play an important role in reducing thrombosis. Experimental evidence strongly supports the use of heparin during and after thrombolysis. A recently reported study shows continued reduction of residal stenosis after 1 month of vigorous anticoagulation with intravenous heparin and subsequent oral anticoagulation. A recent clinical trial showed that subcutaneous heparin given during hospitalization reduced recurrent ischemia after thrombolysis, mortality and left ventricular mural thrombosis. Most current trials are using both heparin and aspirin during and after thrombolysis, with apparent reduction in rates of reocclusion. Thrombolysis with a combination of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator and either streptokinase or urokinase appears to reduce reocclusion. Maximal therapy to enhance continued lysis of residual mural thrombus after hospitalization includes combined anticoagulation with sodium warfarin and probably low-dose aspirin at 80 mg/day.
Potentiometric pH Measurements of Acidity Are Approximations, Some More Useful than Others

A recent article by McCarty and Vitz “demonstrating that it is not true that pH = −log[H+]” is examined critically. Then, the focus shifts to underlying problems with the IUPAC definition of pH. It is shown how the potentiometric method can provide estimates of both the IUPAC-defined hydrogen activity and the hydrogen ion concentration, using the same assumptions and with similar inherent uncertainties. Moreover, it is argued that the original Sorensen definition of pH as −log[H+] is preferable over the current one.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN RUSSIA

Reported incidence and frequency rates of domestic violence in Russia exceed Western figures by 4 or 5 times. Although a grassroots social services movement has emerged to provide services for victims and families, a number of historical and cultural influences unique to Russia present challenges with regard to the problem of domestic violence. These include a history of institutional oppression of women, arcane legal procedures, a shortage of housing and shelters, untrained medical professionals, and widespread misinformation and myths about domestic violence. This article documents incidence and prevalence of domestic violence, cultural and historical influences, legal issues, and specific challenges to ending domestic violence in Russia. Language: en
Simulation of Stratospheric Vortex Erosion Using Three Different Global Shallow Water Numerical Models

ABSTRACT Simulation of planetary wave breaking and polar vortex erosion in the stratosphere has been carried out using three different global shallow water numerical models. The models are an Eulerian spectral model, a semi-Lagrangian finite difference model based on a vector discretization of the momentum equation and a semi-Lagrangian finite difference model based on the potential vorticity and divergence equations. The results of the integrations indicate advantages of the potential vorticity-based model in the vortex erosion problem.
"I Read the Nikkei, Too": Crafting Positions of Authority and Masculinity in a Japanese Conversation

This article investigates how Japanese men use terms of address and sentence-final particles to create ongoing positions of superiority, seniority, and masculinity in their conversations. Data are drawn from conversations by all-male groups who are speakers of the Hanshinkan dialect of western Japan. An examination of real linguistic practices shows deft use of multiple linguistic features, including first-person pronouns, address terms, and sentence-final particles, to carve out particular identities vis-a-vis specific interlocutors. These forms and their subsequent stances are interpreted by other speakers in ways that indicate their access to larger discourses of ideological gender and hierarchy relations.
Integrins inhibit angiotensin II-induced contraction in rat aortic rings

Many extracellular matrix proteins contain the tripeptide sequence arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD). This RGD motif is recognized by integrins, a family of adhesion receptors present on vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we examined the ability of different RGD-containing peptides to affect the contraction of rat aortic rings in response to different agonists. We found that the peptide RGDS inhibited angiotensin-induced contraction in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, the peptides RGDW and RGES had no effect on angiotensin-induced contractility. We show that function-blocking antibodies to the integrins alphavbeta3 and alpha5beta1 also inhibit angiotensin-induced contraction. These effects were observed in the absence of an intact endothelium. In contrast, neither an antibody directed against the beta1 subunit nor the peptide RGDS had an effect on phenylephrine or 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction. These data suggest that interactions of vascular smooth muscle with components of the surrounding extracellular matrix may influence the response of smooth muscle to agonists.
3-D Mitigation of Surface-wave Noise In Spatially Inhomogeneous Media

A method is developed for 3-D mitigation of surface waves in spatially inhomogeneous media. Mitigation is enabled by modifying conventional phase-matched filtering techniques to dynamically update the phase-velocity estimates based on shot-receiver locations of the record being processed. This update is achieved by first estimating local phase velocities over the survey area, and then by path-averaging the local phase velocities for each shot-receiver pair. It is shown that surface wave mitigation using the new method is superior to conventional methods when there is spatial variation in medium properties.
Science data processing in the Mission to Planet Earth era

The data-processing systems developed to support NASA's Mission to Planet Earth (MPE) are described in an overview of the system architectures. The MPE program is discussed in terms of flight segments and data types to examine the required elements of the information systems. The data-processing segments are described for the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, the Earth Observing System, and the Geostationary Earth Observatory. The data and information systems for the separate segments provide some redundant processing services. Distributed active archive centers are employed for each segment composed of three subelements: (1) a product-generation system, (2) a data archive and distribution system, and (3) an information management system. The data processing design for the MPE is expected to facilitate the understanding of the entire earth system on a global scale.
Osgood-schlatter disease: practical treatment for a self-limiting condition.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is one brief the most common causes of knee pain in active adolescents. It is a generally benign disturbance at the junction of the patellar tendon and the tibial tubercle apophysis, and treatment during its 12- to 24-month course should be matched to severity. Mild symptoms require only patient education and moderation of activity, but severe symptoms call for a period of rest (or, rarely, immobilization) followed by aggressive quadriceps strengthening. Other conditions such as Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease may occur simultaneously, and long-term effects can include a prominence on the anterior knee or painful kneeling.