cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decarboxylation and Dephosphorylation in New Gemini Surfactants. Changes in Aggregate Structures

Dicationic gemini surfactants, [CH3-(CH2)m−Me2N+CH2ArCH2N+Me2-(CH2)m−CH3]2Br-, where CH2ArCH2 is the spacer, with Ar = 2,5-(MeO)−C6H2, have been prepared with bromide as counterion and with m = 11, 13, and 15, pXMo(DDA)2, pXMo(MDA)2, and pXMo(CDA)2, respectively; their physical properties have been compared with those of bis-(2,5-n-dodecyloxy)bis(trimethylammonium)benzene, pXDo(TA)2, and a surfactant with an unsubstituted spacer, m = 11 and ArC6H4, pX(DDA)2. Solubilities of pXMo(DDA)2, pXMo(MDA)2,pXMo(CDA)2,andpXDo(TA)2 are much higher than that of pX(DDA)2 in water, and critical micelle concentrations, cmc's, are lower than those of the corresponding monocationic surfactants. Micelles of pXMo(DDA)2, pXMo(MDA)2, pXMo(CDA)2,andpXDo(TA)2 significantly accelerate decarboxylation of 6-nitrobenzisoxazole-3-carboxylate ion and dephosphorylation of 2,4-dinitrophenyl phosphate dianion. Rate constants increase and become constant as substrates become fully micellar bound and then increase at surfactant concentrati...
Tools for Minimizing Probabilistic Confidence Intervals

For probabilistic designs or assessments to be acceptable, they must have the statistically robust confidence intervals provided by sampling methods. However, sample-based analyses require the number of function evaluations to be so great as to be impractical for many complex engineering applications. Efficient sampling methods allow probabilistic analysis on more applications than basic methods, although they still require a significant computational budget. This paper reviews a series of tools that aim to reduce variance in individual failure rate estimates which would reduce the confidence interval for the same number of evaluations. Several methods share a common goal, lowering the sample discrepancy within the sample space, that will create near optimal low-discrepancy sample sets. The optimization approaches include evolutionary algorithms, piecewise optimization, and centroidal Voronoi tessellation. The results of the optimization procedures show a much lower discrepancy than previous methods.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
NOTCHing an Arrow at Cord Blood: Translating Stem Cell Knowledge into Clinical Practice

Umbilical cord transplants have emerged as an important therapeutic option for patients with leukemia and lymphoma. A recent study in Nature Medicine highlights the potential and challenges of translating cell-based therapies to the clinic.
Laser-Induced Solid Phase Crystallization in Amorphous Silicon Films

We review recent work on the kinetics of laser-induced solid phase epitaxial crystallization of silicon as determined from time-resolved reflectivity measurements. Specific topics which are addressed include: the intrinsic kinetics of solid phase epitaxy (SPE) in ion-implanted and UHV-deposited films; SPE rate enhancement by implanted dopant atoms and the effects of electrical compensation on the SPE rate; and the temperature dependence of SPE and competing processes in samples containing impurity atoms at concentrations exceeding the solid solubility limit. The high temperature kinetics results are compared with predictions from transition state theory and are discussed with respect to a proposed depression in the amorphous Si melting temperature.
COMBINATORIAL SCREENING OF COMPLEX BLOCK COPOLYMER ASSEMBLY WITH SELF-CONSISTENT FIELD THEORY

We describe a numerical implementation of self-consistent mean field theory for block copolymers that requires no assumption of the mesophase symmetry. The method is amenable to massively parallel screening of self-assembly in complex block copolymer systems, characterized by high-dimensional parameter spaces. We illustrate the method by screening for novel mesophases in linear $\mathrm{ABCA}$ tetrablock copolymers; several previously unreported mesophases have been identified. Extension to multicomponent systems, such as blends of block copolymers and homopolymers, is straightforward.
Biopedagogy digitalized: ‘educational’ relations among participants on an online weight loss surgery forum

Foucault uses the term ‘biopower’ to describe the totalizing effects of regulation of life through the manipulation of political messages, such as those in the obesity debate. This paper attempts to uncover ways in which these flows are made manifest among members of a public online weight loss surgery (WLS) discussion forum. Drawing from Foucauldian scholarship, we spent two-and-a-half years conducting a critical discourse analysis of over 2000 conversational threads on one US-based public discussion forum devoted to providing a support community to those who were considering WLS. Our intent is to analyze how ‘truths’ about the surgery are constructed among and between the community participants at different stages of the surgery to identify how they engage with ideologies associated with contemporary obesity and healthism.
Racial Variation in Response to Music in a Sample of African-American and Caucasian Chronic Pain Patients

The incidence of chronic pain is similar in African-American and Caucasian populations; however, depression and disability secondary to unrelieved chronic pain is higher in African-American populations. In light of this difference, it is important to understand racial variations in response to chronic pain treatments, including complementary therapies such as music. The purpose of this study was to examine racial variation in response to music in an adult population with chronic pain, and specifically to determine if post treatment pain scores differed by race. Secondary analysis from a previously reported randomized controlled trial (n = 60) was used to answer the research questions. Music interventions consisted of listening to music for 1 hour a day for 7 consecutive days. Pain was measured with the McGill Pain Questionnaire short form and a 100-mm visual analog scale. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to examine differences between groups. Music groups regardless of race experienced a decrease in pain and depression at posttest compared with the control group. However, this difference was only statistically significant for the Caucasian music group. Although our findings demonstrate that music may be an effective intervention for individuals with chronic nonmalignant pain; individuals from different racial backgrounds may respond differently. Further studies are needed to understand these differences in response to music.
Formation of F-Actin Aggregates in Cells Treated With Actin Stabilizing Drugs

We have electroporated Dictyostelium amoebae with fluorescent phalloidin in order to visualize the localization and behavior of F-actin filaments in living cells. Immediately after electroporation with phalloidin, cells became round and showed bright staining in the cortical region. Over time, the cortical staining disappeared and was replaced by a large aggregate of actin filaments. The aggregates were predominantly localized to the apical posterior of actively moving cells and in the middle of dividing cells or stationary AX4 cells. Mutants lacking myosin II or ABP-120 also formed actin aggregates; however, the rate of formation of aggregates was slower in myosin II mutant cells. In order to investigate this phenomenon further, we have used jasplakinolide, a membrane-permeable drug that also stabilizes F-actin filaments. Cells treated with jasplakinolide formed actin aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner. Drug treatment led to an increase in the proportion of actin associated with the cytoskeleton. Jasplakinolide-treated cells were still motile; however, their rate of movement was less than that of untreated cells. Cytochalasin B and nocodazole had inhibitory effects on aggregate formation, while azide blocked the process completely. We hypothesize that aggregates are formed from the cortical flow of F-actin filaments. These filaments would normally be depolymerized but are artificially stabilized by phalloidin or jasplakinolide binding. The localization of the aggregate is likely to be an indication of the direction of cortical flow. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 39:122‐133, 1998. r 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Conditional effects of mastery goal structure on changes in students' motivational beliefs: Need for cognition matters

Abstract Decades of achievement goal theory research reveal that a perceived mastery goal structure is consistently associated with positive student outcomes. Yet relatively little research has examined the conditional effects of mastery goal structure. Within the context of health education, we investigated whether the relations of mastery goal structure to a student's motivation to learn would be moderated by individual differences in the enjoyment and engagement of effortful cognitive activity—the need for cognition (NC). Data were collected from 660 high school students at two time points during semester-long health education courses. Consistent with our predictions, results indicate that the relation between mastery goal structure and increases in students' academic self-concept and values over time is stronger for low NC students and weaker for high NC students. The present study bridges applied research on classroom motivation with basic attitudes research—demonstrating that students' motivation to learn is a joint function of their perceptions of achievement-related messages provided by teachers and preferences for engaging in cognitively demanding activities.
A portable mechanical pump providing over four days of patient-controlled analgesia by perineural infusion at home.

Abstract Background and Objectives: Local anesthetics infused via perineural catheters postoperatively decrease opioid use and side effects while improving analgesia. However, the infusion pumps described for outpatients have been limited by several factors, including the following: limited local anesthetic reservoir volume, fixed infusion rate, and inability to provide patient-controlled doses of local anesthetic in combination with a continuous infusion. We describe a patient undergoing open rotator cuff repair who was discharged home with an interscalene perineural catheter and a mechanical infusion pump that allowed a variable rate of continuous infusion, as well as patient-controlled boluses of local anesthetic for over 4 days. Case Report: A 77-year-old woman, who had previously required a 3-day hospital admission for acute postoperative pain following an open repair of her left rotator cuff, presented for an open repair of her contralateral rotator cuff. Preoperatively she received an interscalene block and perineural catheter. After the procedure she was discharged home with a portable pump that infused ropivacaine continuously at a rate of 6 mL/h and allowed a 2-mL patient-controlled bolus every 20 minutes (550-mL reservoir). The basal infusion was decreased, as tolerated, by having the patient reprogram the pump with instructions given over the telephone. Without the use of any oral opioids, the patient scored her surgical pain 0 to 1 (on a scale of 0 to 10) while at rest and 2 to 3 for 2 physical therapy sessions during which she used the bolus function to reinforce her analgesia. After 98 hours of infusion, the patient's husband removed the catheter with instructions given over the telephone, and her subsequent surgical pain was treated with oral opioids. Conclusion: Continuous, perineural local anesthetic infusions are possible on an ambulatory basis for multiple days using a portable, programmable pump that provides a variable basal infusion rate, patient-controlled boluses, and a large anesthetic reservoir. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2002;27:100-104.
A variational asymptotic micromechanics model for predicting thermoelastic properties of heterogeneous materials

A variational asymptotic micromechanics model has been developed for predicting effective thermoelastic properties of composite materials, and recover the local fields within the unit cell. This theory adopts essential assumptions within the concept of micromechanics, achieves an excellent accuracy, and provides a unified treatment for 1D, 2D, and 3D unit cells. This theory is implemented using the finite element method into the computer program, VAMUCH, a general-purpose micromechanics analysis code. Several examples are used to validate the theory and the code. The results are compared with those available in the literature and those produced by a commercial finite element package.
Acanthamoeba Myosin IC Colocalizes with Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate at the Plasma Membrane Due to the High Concentration of Negative Charge

The tail of Acanthamoeba myosin IC (AMIC) has a basic region (BR), which contains a putative pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, followed by two Gly/Pro/Ala (GPA)-rich regions separated by a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain. Cryoelectron microscopy had shown that the tail is folded back on itself at the junction of BR and GPA1, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicated that the SH3 domain may interact with the putative PH domain. The BR binds to acidic phospholipids, and the GPA region binds to F-actin. We now show that the folded tail does not affect the affinity of AMIC for acidic phospholipids. AMIC binds phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) with high affinity (∼1 μm), but binding is not stereospecific. When normalized to net negative charge, AMIC binds with equal affinity to phosphatidylserine (PS) and PIP2. This and other data show that the putative PH domain of AMIC is not a typical PIP2-specific PH domain. We have identified a 13-residue sequence of basic-hydrophobic-basic amino acids within the putative PH domain that may be a major determinant of binding of AMIC to acidic phospholipids. Despite the lack of stereospecificity, AMIC binds 10 times more strongly to vesicles containing 5% PIP2 plus 25% PS than to vesicles containing only 25% PS, suggesting that AMIC may be targeted to PIP2-enriched regions of the plasma membrane. In agreement with this, AMIC colocalizes with PIP2 at dynamic, protrusive regions of the plasma membrane. We discuss the possibility that AMIC binding to PIP2 may initiate the formation of a multiprotein complex at the plasma membrane.
The graph-scope, an electronic graph plotter and graphical computer

THE GRAPH-SCOPE is an electronic graph plotter which is designed to provide for the research worker a facility for plotting data which is equal in refinement to those facilities with which he obtains data. In the design of the Graph-Scope four aims have been primary: to provide great flexibility in the finished picture, to reduce the chance for human error, to reduce graph plotting time, and to reduce the eyestrain involved in the usual point plotting on graph paper.
Compressibility equation for fluids in random microporous matrices

Madden and Glandt have previously introduced a formalism for describing the structure of fluids in disordered microporous media [J. Stat. Phys. 51, 537 (1988)]. Structure in the system is described by pair correlation functions analogous to those used in equilibrium liquid‐state theory. The applicability of the traditional ways of calculating thermodynamic properties from these functions has been somewhat in question. In this note, we introduce a new form of the compressibility equation for a fluid in a quenched matrix. When this approach is applied to a model hard‐sphere system, the results compare very favorably with those from Monte Carlo simulations.
The Effects of High Porosity Stent Configurations on Cerebral Aneurysm Hemodynamics

Coil embolization is the most common endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms at many centers [1]. Nevertheless, the coiling of wide-neck aneurysms is a challenge. Incomplete filling of the aneurysmal sac due to coil configuration challenges and aneurysmal growth can often lead to recurrence. To assist treatment with coils, clinicians may deploy a high porosity stent in a staged process to act as a supporting bridge for coils. The stent is first deployed across the aneurysmal neck, and multiple coils are then deployed into the aneurysmal sac 6–8 weeks later [2]. Under certain circumstances, coil deployment is not possible and high porosity stents alone are used for treatment [2–3].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The economics of component parts selection

It is often said that the best buy is not necessarily the lowest cost article which can be purchased. It is usually the article which will perform the required function for the required time with minimum over-all cost. Equipment may be designed to meet one or intermediate grades of the following requirements: 1. Lowest manufacturing cost (where maintenance costs are unimportant). 2. Minimum total cost (consisting of manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs for the required time the equipment is to be used). 3. A minimum number of failures for the required time. (No compromises are to be made in manufacturing, installation, and preventive maintenance to achieve this goal.)
Wire detection in low-altitude, urban, and low-quality video frames

We introduce a novel wire detection algorithm for use in low altitude urban aircraft reconnaissance. A line profile model is described and effectively used to discriminate wires from other linear patterns commonly found in urban scenes. The algorithm is able to cope with highly cluttered backgrounds, moderate rain and mist, and with no stabilization of camera. The studied domain is of particular interest to urban search and rescue and military reconnaissance operations. The algorithmpsilas receiver operating characteristic curve is shown, based on a multi-site dataset with 10160 wires spanning in 5576 frames. Encouraging results show up to 37% detection improvement over a previously published baseline algorithm for comparable false alarm rates.
Turning the Neighborhood Inside Out: Imagining a New Detroit in Tyree Guyton's Heidelberg Project

In Detroit, an artist reclaims recent history and offers it as an everchanging, large-scale environmental performance where discarded objects—carefully presented—embody memory, anger, and hope.
Self-regulatory failure and the perpetration of adolescent dating violence: Examining an alcohol use by gene explanation.

Studies report that alcohol use is related to partner violence, but for many, alcohol use does not culminate in violence against partners. Guided by a self-regulatory failure framework, we predicted that alcohol use would be more strongly associated with dating violence perpetration among adolescents with genotypes linked to impulsivity and emotional reactivity. The hypothesis was tested using random coefficient modeling of data from a multi-wave longitudinal study spanning grades 8-12 (ages 13-18) (n = 1,475). Analyses adjusted for multiple testing and race, and the potential for gene by environment correlation was examined. As predicted, alcohol use was more strongly associated with dating violence among adolescents who had a high rather than a low multilocus genetic profile composed of five genetic markers that influence dopamine signaling. Alcohol use was more strongly related to dating violence among boys with long rather than short 5-HTTLPR alleles, the opposite of the prediction. MAOA-uVNTR did not interact with alcohol, but it had a main effect on dating violence by boys in later grades in the expected direction: boys with more low activity alleles perpetrated more dating violence. Exploratory analyses found variation in findings by race. Our findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating genes into etiological studies of adolescent dating violence, which to date has not been done. Aggr. Behav. 9999:XX-XX, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Targeting GIRK Channels for the Development of New Therapeutic Agents

G protein-coupled inward rectifier K+ (GIRK) channels represent novel targets for the development of new therapeutic agents. GIRK channels are activated by a large number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and regulate the electrical activity of neurons, cardiac myocytes and β-pancreatic cells. Abnormalities in GIRK channel function have been implicated in the patho-physiology of neuropathic pain, drug addiction, cardiac arrhythmias and other disorders. However, the pharmacology of these channels remains largely unexplored. In this paper we describe the development of a screening assay for identifying new modulators of neuronal and cardiac GIRK channels. Pituitary (AtT20) and cardiac (HL-1) cell lines expressing GIRK channels were cultured in 96-well plates, loaded with oxonol membrane potential-sensitive dyes and measured using a fluorescent imaging plate reader. Activation of the endogenous GPCRs in the cells caused a rapid, time-dependent decrease in the fluorescent signal; indicative of K+ efflux through the GIRK channels (GPCR stimulation versus control, Z’-factor = 0.5-0.7). As expected this signal was inhibited by addition of Ba2+ and the GIRK channel toxin tertiapin-Q. To test the utility of the assay for screening GIRK channel blockers, cells were incubated for 5 minutes with a compound library of Na+ and K+ channel modulators. Ion transporter inhibitors such as 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)-amiloride and SCH-28080 were identified as blockers of the GIRK channel at sub-micromolar concentrations. Thus, the screening assay will be useful for expanding the limited pharmacology of the GIRK channel and in developing new agents for the treatment of GIRK channelopathies.
Characterization of Sarcocystis From Four Species of Hawks From Georgia, USA

During 2001 to 2004, 4 species of hawks (Buteo and Accipiter spp.) from Georgia were surveyed for Sarcocystis spp. infections by examining intestinal sections. In total, 159 of 238 (66.8%) hawks examined were infected with Sarcocystis spp. Samples from 10 birds were characterized by sequence analysis of a portion of the 18S rRNA gene (783 base pairs). Only 3 of the 10 sequences from the hawks were identical; the remainder differed by at least 1 nucleotide. Phylogenetic analysis failed to resolve the position of the hawk Sarcocystis species, but they were closely related several Sarcocystis species from raptors, rodents, and Sarcocystis neurona. The high genetic diversity of Sarcocystis suggests that more than 1 species infects these 4 hawk species; however, additional molecular or experimental work will be required to determine the speciation and diversity of parasites infecting these avian hosts. In addition to assisting with determining species richness of Sarcocystis in raptors, molecular analysis should be useful in the identification of potential intermediate hosts.
Computer analysis of non-isothermal TG data for mechanism and activation energy. Part III

Abstract A computer program (CP) is presented, based on a non-computer procedure reported in the literature for the determination of mechanism and corresponding activation energy utilizing non-isothermal TG data. This CP is then applied to six sets of TG data. The agreement between estimated and reported results is excellent. Various aspects and limitations of the CP are discussed.
Emplacement and Millennial Expectations in an Era of Development and Globalization: Heaven and the Appeal of Christianity for the Ipili

Non-Western Christianity engages with capitalist development and ideas of modernization from multiple and competing perspectives. In this article, I argue that as researchers we can weave together disparate theoretical strands attempting to explain the appeal of Christianity-particularly its Pentecostal and charismatic forms-by examining indigenous notions of "salvation" that have often been overlooked in the literature. To illustrate, I examine millennial Christianity among the Ipili of Papua New Guinea, demonstrating how their understandings of "heaven" and their desire for the Second Coming articulate with a concern regarding how social relations are spatialized through engagement with capitalist mining development, evangelical Christianity, and traditional spirits responsible for maintaining the world's integrity. (Keywords: Christianity, development, globalization, place, Ipili)
First Report of Southern Blight Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii on St.-John's-Wort

Interest in commercial production of common St.-John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), an herb that is dried, processed, and used as an anti-depressant medication, is increasing. In August 1998, St...
Spectroscopic Study of the Early Afterglow in Helium: Visible Bands and Hopfield Continuum*

Measurements of the time-resolved early afterglow of the helium spectrum show that the Hopfield continuum and the visible bands occur primarily as an afterglow following pulsed excitation. Following a relatively rapid build-up, the slower afterglow decay of both the Hopfield continuum and the molecular transition 3pπ, E1Πg → 2s, A1Σu+ is an exponential function of time, for approximately 50 μsec. Within the range of experimental variables, the decay rate is found to depend on the He pressure, but not on other discharge conditions. The kinetic constant associated with the exponential decay increases linearly with the He pressure, indicative of a two-body process. Separate studies of two regions of the Hopfield continuum, near 825 A and 680 A show that, for fixed pressure, the kinetic constant associated with 825 A is the same as that observed for the transition E–A within experimental error. The kinetic constant at 680 A is slightly smaller. The rate of change of the kinetic constant with pressure is the same in all three cases. The two-body rate constant obtained is 38 ± 2 × 10−15 cm3/atom · sec. Both the magnitude and form of the pressure dependence of the observed rate constant indicate that the three-body process He+ + 2He → He2+ + He is not the dominant process of He2+ production in the early afterglow. The data are consistent with the rapid production of He2+ in a two-body collision of an excited and a ground-state atom. Residual-impurity quenching by H2, Ne and N2 did not affect the afterglow decay. Values of quenching rates for all three gases are reported. Possible interpretations of the observed afterglow kinetics are discussed.
Issues in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Objectives: To provide a discussion of the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, nursing interventions, and quality of life issues for women with advanced breast cancer. Data Sources: Journal articles and internet web sites. Conclusions: Advances in the discovery of new chemotherapeutic regimens, monoclonal antibodies, and bisphosphonates have offered more options for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Treatment is aimed at improving survival while maintaining quality of life. Implications for Nursing Practice: Nurses can use this information to educate patients about their cancer treatment. It provides nurses with strategies for management of treatment side effects and will enhance their understanding of quality of life issues for women with metastatic breast cancer.
Energy Nutrition and Metabolism of the Lactating Dairy Cow

Abstract The genetic trend for increasing milk yield in the dairy cow population is impressive evidence of the application of genetic principles in dairy cattle selection. Walton (31) recently predicted that by the year 2000, individual cow records will approach 31,800kg of milk per year and 1,360kg of milk fat. Top individual herd averages will be nearly 16,000kg of milk and 635kg of milk fat. If these predictions are close, the subject of energy nutrition and metabolism will remain a relevant topic for many years. It will be a continuing challenge to design feeding systems and diet formulations that support this high production. An appropriate question is what high genetic merit for milk production means to a nutritionist or physiologist. To me it means the physical capacity and the physiological drive for cows to eat large volumes of energy-dense feeds, to assume negative energy balance through much of the first trimester of lactation, and to partition most of the feed energy plus energy from body stores into milk energy. I will sketch a broad picture of energy nutrition and metabolism in the lactating cow and identify those areas in knowledge and understanding that constrain dairy scientist from assisting cows of superior genetic merit to produce milk more efficiently. I see five areas for potential improvement in use of energy by lactating cows: a) increased production, b) increased energy consumption, c) increased digestive efficiency, d) increased metabolic efficency, and e) changed energy flow to partition more dietary energy to mik and less to body reserves for a longer period during lactation. I will attempt to relate the symposium speakers' presentations to some of these areas.
Estimation of a Ramsay-Curve Item Response Theory Model by the Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro Algorithm:

In Ramsay curve item response theory (RC-IRT) modeling, the shape of the latent trait distribution is estimated simultaneously with the item parameters. In its original implementation, RC-IRT is estimated via Bock and Aitkin’s EM algorithm, which yields maximum marginal likelihood estimates. This method, however, does not produce the parameter covariance matrix as an automatic byproduct on convergence. In turn, researchers are limited in when they can employ RC-IRT, as the covariance matrix is needed for many statistical inference procedures. The present research remedies this problem by estimating the RC-IRT model parameters by the Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro (MH-RM) algorithm. An attractive feature of MH-RM is that the structure of the algorithm makes estimation of the covariance matrix convenient. Additionally, MH-RM is ideally suited for multidimensional IRT, whereas EM is limited by the ‘‘curse of dimensionality.’’ Based on the current research, when RC-IRTor similar IRT models are eventually generalized to include multiple latent dimensions, MHRM would appear to be the logical choice for estimation.
Disease Pathology: Wasting Energy Fighting Infection

Drosophila melanogaster infected with Mycobacterium marinum suffer metabolic wasting similar to that seen in humans suffering from tuberculosis. This wasting is linked to insulin signaling and hastens host death.
Usefulness of Echocardiography in Cardiac Pacing

The role of echocardiography in cardiac pacing is reviewed. We discuss its usefulness and limitations in the identification of pacing catheters, diagnosis of myocardial wall perforation, evaluation of catheter displacement/malposition, manipulation and positioning of catheters without recourse to fluoroscopy, identification of pacemaker induced thrombosis, diagnosis of venous anomalies and assessment of left atrial function in atrioventricular sequential (DVI) pacing. (PACE, Vol. 5, March-April, 1962)
From GED to College Age Trajectories of Nontraditional Educational Paths

Age patterns of secondary certification and college entry differ in complex and surprising ways for traditional graduates and GED recipients. Although GED recipients are less likely to enter college in their late teens, they catch up to traditional graduates in their 20s. Results show that adjusting for differences in the age trajectories of school continuation accounts for a substantial portion of the differences observed between the two groups. Important differences remain, however, in the type of college attended and the likelihood of college entry before age 21. Nonetheless, more GED recipients enroll in college than previous studies have suggested, and this interest in college identifies a useful place for policy to intervene to encourage school continuation for this group.
Targeting ErbB receptor signaling: A pan-ErbB approach to cancer

The ErbB receptors are localized to the cell membrane where they are activated by ligand to trigger a network of signaling pathways. In some cancer cells, dysregulation of ErbB-mediated signaling confers a growth advantage, resulting in cellular transformation and increased metastatic potential. Several agents that inhibit individual ErbB receptors have recently been approved for the treatment of human malignancies, validating ErbB receptors as therapeutic targets. One strategy to improve the efficacy of ErbB-targeted therapies is to inhibit multiple ErbB receptors, thereby interfering with the cooperation that exists between receptors. This minireview addresses the approaches being developed to concurrently inhibit multiple ErbB receptors.
Abstract 83: β1 Vs β2 Adrenergic Signaling Differentially Regulates Mitochondrial Dynamics Through Alterations In Calcineurin And Drp1

Signal transduction through β1 and β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) is considered a primary mechanism for regulating cardiovascular function and remodeling. Upon β-AR activation (i.e., physical activity, cardiac pathology) inotropy and chonotropy increase and mitochondria must quickly meet increased energy demand. This suggests that βARs and mitochondria are coupled mechanistically to rapidly respond to the functional and energetic needs of the heart. To investigate the role of β1 vs. β2-AR signaling on mitochondrial dynamics, we compared β1-/- and β2-/- to WT controls. β2-/- had increased mitochondrial fragmentation (increased number and decreased size) by electron microscopy vs. both WT and β1-/-. β2-/- showed altered regulation of mitochondrial fission: increased Drp1 translocation to the mitochondria vs. WT, whereas β1-/- had lower Drp1 translocation. These data suggest differential regulation of fission by βAR signaling, β1 activating and β2 suppressing fission. Since Ca2+-dependent calcineurin is known to activate Drp1 and [Ca2+]i is differentially regulated by β-AR signaling, we examined calcineurin as the bridge between β-AR signaling and Drp1 activation. In β2-/-, both Ca2+ transients and calcineurin activity were increased, suggesting β1-AR/Ca2+/calcinurin-mediated fission. To quantify mitochondrial fragmentation and biogenesis, mitotimer-transfected C2C12 cells were treated with the non-specific β-AR agonist isoproterenol resulting in mitochondrial fragmentation that was inhibited by the β1-antagonist CGP 12177 but not by the s2-antagonist ICI 118551. Taken together, our data indicate that β1 and β2-AR signaling differentially regulate mitochondrial dynamics in the heart through alterations in [Ca2+]i, leading to calcineurin-induced translocation of Drp1.
Coprosma kawaikiniensis (Rubiaceae) a new species from the Dubautia-Sadleria shrubland-fernland community on Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands

Coprosma kawaikiniensis K.R. Wood, Lorence & Kiehn (Rubiaceae), a rare endemic tree from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated along with a previously undescribed endemic plant community, the Dubautia-Sadleria shrubland-fernland (DSSF). The new species differs from Hawai'i congeners by its combination of opposite, long, elliptic to narrowly elliptic or ovate-elliptic leaves with revolute margins; caducous stipules 7-10 mm long, externally glabrous, densely hirtellous-pilose near the margins of the inner surface; unbranched inflorescences with peduncles 20-28 mm long; flowers 6-8 per cluster; and persistent calyx tube with 4-8 irregular dentate lobes. Known only from the windward slopes and ridges of southeastern Kaua'i below the Kawaikini summit, Coprosma kawaikiniensis falls into the IUCN Critically Endangered (CR) Red List category.
Book Review: 'Legal Institutions and Collective Memories', Edited By Susanne Karstedt

Certain fundamental questions have recently surfaced in the wake of systemic brutality and extreme atrocities that constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and gross violations of human rights. What is the most appropriate method for a society to punish the perpetrators? How does a society pay tribute to and provide reparations for individual victims? How does a society heal the collective trauma and devastation caused by brutality and atrocities? What are the most effective steps to be taken to ensure that the past is not repeated? The role of legal institutions and legal processes and their engagement with and entanglementof individual and collective memories raise further difficult and complex questions. These questions have become staples for advocates and scholars in the human rights community, both at the local and international level, and several impressive texts dedicated to these issues have been produced. This volume, a welcome addition to the literature, contributes comprehensive historical, sociological, and legal perspectives to this important dialogue. Dedicated as a tribute to Maurice Halbwachs (1877-1945) and his coining of the concept of "collective memory", Legal Institutions serves to explore this notion in the wake of several experiments to address and redress war crimes, crimes against humanity, and gross violations of human rights.
Raymond J. Harshbarger III, MD, FACS, FAAP.

Dr. Raymond J. Harshbarger III received his medical degree from the University of Rochester, New York, completed his combined residency program in general and plastic surgery at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and completed a fellowship in craniofacial plastic surgery at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, California. Dr. Harshbarger, as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, directed the craniofacial reconstruction program from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He has also participated in many cleft and craniofacial surgery missions as part of his international humanitarian surgical work to Third World countries including Vietnam, Honduras, El Salvador, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic. Dr. Harshbarger's areas of clinical expertise include the treatment of the cleft lip/palate, craniosynostosis, distraction osteogenesis, jaw deformities, orthognathic surgery, and facial reconstruction with a focus on panfacial fractures. Currently, Dr. Harshbarger is the craniofacial fellowship director for the University of Texas Austin/Dell Children's Medical Center program, and is actively involved in teaching and research. I want to thank Dr. Harshbarger as guest editor for this issue. He has put together an excellent group of experts for this issue.
Reactivity of Porous Glass with Organic Compounds

Reactivity of porous glass with organosilicones, alcohols, cyclic compound and organohalogens was studied. The density of the introduced organic functional groups from the reaction of organosilicones without steric hindrance was 2.5-4.5μmol·m-2. On the other hand, the density decreased to 20-50% by the reaction of organosilicones with steric hindrance such as dimethyloctadecylchlorosilane and triphenylchlorosilane. The density of the organic functional groups from the reaction of alcohols was 2.77-7.75μmol·m-2, except for t-butanol. When porous glass was treated with alcohols, the density depended on the pore structure of porous glass. The porous glass had a slight reactivity with iodides, but no reaction was observed with bromide and chloride.
A Profile of Urban In-home Shoppers: The Other Half:

Who are the in-home shoppers? This article looks at door-to-door selling from the customer side, and presents answers that differ from other recently reported work. It also examines personality characteristics of women who buy from door-to-door sales representatives versus those who do not.
The Reluctant Analyst

We estimate the dynamics of recommendations by financial analysts, uncovering the determinants of inertia in their recommendations. We provide overwhelming evidence that analysts revise recommendations reluctantly, introducing frictions to avoid frequent revisions. More generally, we characterize the sources underlying the infrequent revisions that analysts make. Publicly-available data matter far less for explaining recommendation dynamics than do the recommendation frictions and the long-lived information that analysts acquire that the econometrician does not observe. Estimates suggest that analysts structure recommendations strategically to generate profitable order flow from retail traders. We provide extensive evidence that our model describes how investors believe analysts make recommendations, and that investors value private information revealed by analysts’ recommendations.
Statement of the Tuberculosis Committee of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

There has been a resurgence of tuberculosis during the last 6 years that calls for greater concern and involvement of the Infectious Diseases Society of America than has been manifested so far. Although we had the tools to deal this disease a knockout punch, control efforts of proven efficacy were allowed to deteriorate in the mistaken belief that the disease had been conquered. Funding for outreach workers who assure compliance with drug treatment was cut back; adequate facilities (single rooms with proper ventilation and ultraviolet irradiation) for the isolation of persons with known or suspected cases were neglected; monitoring of drug resistance was abandoned; and the education of health care workers with regard to preventing transmission of tuberculosis was given a low priority. Tuberculosis was once a disease that involved mainly children and young adults; however, in the United States it has become more prevalent among older people, especially the underprivileged inhabitants of large cities. This is the setting in which the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic occurred, which resulted not only in a large number of individuals in the same urban environments who were highly susceptible to new infections but also in the resurgence of old infections and the rapid progression of disease. Outbreaks of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis in hospitals and prison facilities in Florida and New York have compounded the problem. The seriousness of these outbreaks is emphasized by a high rate of transmission to health care workers and prison guards and a high case-fatality rate. From 1975 to 1982, the prevalence of primary drug-resistant infection was carefully monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC; Atlanta). The overall rate of infection decreased from roughly 13% to 7%; rates for Asians and Hispanics were over twice those for Caucasians born in the
Bronchial Compression and Tracheosophageal Fistula Secondary to Prolonged Esophageal Foreign Body.

Introduction Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric problem that can have a delayed presentation, as presented herein. Case report We present the case of a 15-year-old female who developed bronchial compression and an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to a longstanding esophageal foreign body. Discussion There are several challenges in diagnosis and management of this unusual situation. We review the literature regarding prolonged retention of foreign bodies and the challenges in diagnosis in the developmentally disabled child. Conclusion Providers must have a high suspicion for foreign bodies in the case of unusual symptoms present in children with neurodevelopmental delays.
Modeling the transmission and thermal emission in a pupil image behind the Keck II adaptive optics system

The design and performance of astronomical instruments depend critically on the total system throughput as well as the background emission from the sky and instrumental sources. In designing a pupil stop for background- limited imaging, one seeks to balance throughput and background rejection to optimize measurement signal-to-noise ratios. Many sources affect transmission and emission in infrared imaging behind the Keck Observatory’s adaptive optics systems, such as telescope segments, segment gaps, secondary support structure, and AO bench optics. Here we describe an experiment, using the pupil-viewing mode of NIRC2, to image the pupil plane as a function of wavelength. We are developing an empirical model of throughput and background emission as a function of position in the pupil plane. This model will be used in part to inform the optimal design of cold pupils in future instruments, such as the new imaging camera for OSIRIS.
Asymptotic behaviors of nonvariational elliptic systems

We use a method, inspired by Pohozaev’s work, to study asymptotic behaviors of nonvariational elliptic systems in dimension n≥3. As an application, we prove removal of an apparent singularity in a ball and uniqueness of the entire solution. All results apply to changing sign solutions.
Terrorist Learning: A Look at the Adoption of Political Kidnappings in Six Countries, 1968–1990

ABSTRACTThis article studies the epidemic of kidnappings across six countries between 1968 and 1990. The goal is to identify those factors that determine the operational decisions made by terrorists. Why and how do terrorists decide to engage in certain types of actions but not others? The article discusses a number of scholarly approaches, and the variables these studies have put forward to explain the decision-making processes within terrorist organizations. The argument made here is that the groups' ideological preferences, strategic analysis, and need to attract media attention did not appear to exert much influence in the terrorists' decision to kidnap. Organizational resources and the nature of the security environment in which the terrorists operated had some bearing. However, kidnappings became attractive when terrorists made a pragmatic evaluation of the reaction by governments and the public and consequently of the costs or benefits of a particular course of action. The decision to carry out a c...
A vortex model for forces and moments on low-aspect-ratio wings in side-slip with experimental validation

This paper studies low-aspect-ratio ([Formula: see text]) rectangular wings at high incidence and in side-slip. The main objective is to incorporate the effects of high angle of attack and side-slip into a simplified vortex model for the forces and moments. Experiments are also performed and are used to validate assumptions made in the model. The model asymptotes to the potential flow result of classical aerodynamics for an infinite aspect ratio. The [Formula: see text] → 0 limit of a rectangular wing is considered with slender body theory, where the side-edge vortices merge into a vortex doublet. Hence, the velocity fields transition from being dominated by a spanwise vorticity monopole ([Formula: see text] ≫ 1) to a streamwise vorticity dipole ([Formula: see text] ∼ 1). We theoretically derive a spanwise loading distribution that is parabolic instead of elliptic, and this physically represents the additional circulation around the wing that is associated with reattached flow. This is a fundamental feature of wings with a broad-facing leading edge. The experimental measurements of the spanwise circulation closely approximate a parabolic distribution. The vortex model yields very agreeable comparison with direct measurement of the lift and drag, and the roll moment prediction is acceptable for [Formula: see text] ≤ 1 prior to the roll stall angle and up to side-slip angles of 20°.
Ca2+ Signaling in Astrocytes and its Role in Ischemic Stroke

Astrocytes have been found to play important roles in physiology being fundamental for ionic homeostasis and glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft by their plasma membrane glutamate transporters. Astrocytes are electrically non-excitable, but they exhibit Ca2+ signaling, which now has been demonstrated to serve as an indirect mediator of neuron-glia bidirectional interactions through gliotransmission via tripartite synapses and to modulate synaptic function and plasticity. Spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ signaling was observed in vivo. Intercellular Ca2+ waves in astrocytes can be evoked by a variety of stimulations. Astrocytes are critically involved in many pathological conditions including ischemic stroke. For example, it is well known that astrocytes become reactive and form glial scar after stroke. In animal models of some brain disorders, astrocytes have been shown to exhibit enhanced Ca2+ excitability featured as regenerative intercellular Ca2+ waves. This chapter briefly summarizes astrocytic Ca2+ signaling pathways under normal conditions and in experimental in vitro and in vivo ischemic models. It discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implication underlying the enhanced astrocytic Ca2+ excitability in stroke.