cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subcellular compartmentalization of MCF-7 estrogen receptor synthesis and degradation

Abstract Turnover of the estrogen receptor protein was studied by using enucleation of human breast cancer-derived MCF-7 cells, to examine receptor synthesis and receptor degradation in the separated cytoplasmic compartment (cytoplasts) and nuclear compartment (nucleoplasts). Cytoplasts synthesized estrogen receptors as measured by both hormone-binding and immunoassay, while estrogen receptors (but not progesterone or glucocorticoid receptors) were rapidly degraded in nucleoplasts with a half-life of 3–4 h. Little or no degradation of estrogen receptors in cytoplasts was observed under several conditions. Interestingly, MCF-7 cytoplasts contained approximately 15% of the cell's estrogen receptors, which were not ‘translocated’ by treatment with 17β-estradiol before enucleation. We conclude that the estrogen receptor can be synthesized at least to a hormone binding form in the cytoplasm alone without requiring processing in the nucleus, while the nucleus (or perinuclear cytoplasm) is the primary site of degradation of the estrogen receptor protein. In addition, the presence of a population of estrogen receptors that is cytoplasmic but nontranslocatable may need to be considered in the subcellular localization and actions of steroid receptors.
Chemical Composition of Tektites

IN a recent communication, Brian Mason1 asks that I supply a list of chemical compositions of sedimentary rocks which parallel those of the tektites. I offer the following references for his samples of tektites labelled A1–G1. The pages in the following list refer to Pettijohn's book on sedimentary rocks2: A1, 298; B1, 364; C1 319; D1; 319; E1, F1 and G1, 306. Except for water content, fair agreements between analyses can be secured by selecting analyses from these tables. The low water content of tektites is a real puzzle. There are some small differences in analyses between those listed by Pettijohn and the tektites. It is very probable that some granites of the composition listed by Mason are fused sediments. What would be more interesting than an argument about average sedimentary rocks would be a comparison of the composition of particular groups of tektites and sedimentary or igneous rocks in the general area in which the tektites are found. If cometary collisions melted the local rock and scattered the fragments over great distances3, it should be possible to find the original material at an appropriate place. But this requires study by an expert in these matters and probably additional observational data, and these cannot be supplied by me.
Pediatric blunt vertebral artery injury: case report and treatment plan

Aggressive screening for blunt cerebrovascular injuries in patients with trauma has led to the identification and successful treatment of these injuries. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who sustained a vertebral artery injury after a motor vehicle collision. Computed tomography angiogram showed an 8-mm thrombosed segment of the vertebral artery. The patient was initially anticoagulated with a heparin drip and transitioned over to treatment with enoxaparin sodium (Lovenox). With few reports in the literature of blunt cerebrovascular injuries in the pediatric population, a review of the appropriate screening parameters, treatment plans, and follow-up is helpful for the practicing physician.
On the generalized maximum likelihood estimator of survival function under Koziol–Green model

In this paper, we derive the generalized maximum likelihood estimator (GMLE) of the survival function of a random variable for censored data under the Koziol–Green model. Its small sample properties are compared with those of Abdushukurov–Cheng–Lin (ACL), Kaplan–Meier, and Nelson–Aalen type estimators. The large sample analysis indicates that the GMLE, ACL, and Nelson–Aalen type estimators are asymptotically equivalent.
Scaling of Spin Hall Angle in 3d, 4d, and 5d Metals from Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 /Metal Spin Pumping

We have investigated spin pumping from ${\mathrm{Y}}_{3}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{5}{\mathrm{O}}_{12}$ thin films into Cu, Ag, Ta, W, Pt, and Au with varying spin-orbit coupling strengths. From measurements of Gilbert damping enhancement and inverse spin Hall signals spanning 3 orders of magnitude, we determine the spin Hall angles and interfacial spin mixing conductances for the six metals. The spin Hall angles largely vary as ${Z}^{4}$ ($Z$: atomic number), corroborating the role of spin-orbit coupling. Amongst the four 5d metals, the variation of the spin Hall angle is dominated by the sensitivity of the $d$-orbital moment to the $d$-electron count, confirming theoretical predictions.
A client-satisfaction-based model of urban public service delivery organizational effectiveness

This article proposes a model for measuring the performance of urban public service delivery agencies. It also presents the results of the model's application to a case study involving urban housing policy organizations (HPOs) in Cameroon. The model incorporates consumer satisfaction, an obvious indicator of the effectiveness construct that is conspicuously lacking in extant models of organizational effectiveness. By incorporating this indicator, the model is potentially useful to especially city government officials interested in evaluating local public service delivery agencies from the point of view of those they profess to serve, the citizens.
Cu grown carbon nanofibers - Variation of their chemical and physical properties

Abstract Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared by passing a mixture of acetylene/H 2 or acetylene/N 2 over different Cu catalysts. The Soxhlet extracted CNFs were characterized by TEM, TGA and IR spectroscopy and revealed that the morphology, diameter distribution and crystallinity of the CNFs varied with gas atmosphere and Cu particle size. TEM images revealed that coiled CNFs were only produced from Cu/SiO 2 grown in the presence of H 2 . It is thus revealed that the CNFs produced by different Cu catalysts have different chemical and physical properties and that these properties correlate with catalyst particle size and the gas mixtures used.
Evolution and phylogenetic utility of the melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R) in Cetartiodactyla.

Article history: Received 20 December 2008 Revised 27 February 2009 Accepted 10 March 2009 Available online 19 March 2009 1055-7903/$ see front matter 2009 Elsevier Inc. A doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2009.03.008 * Corresponding author. Fax: +1 951 827 4286. E-mail address: nadiaa@ucr.edu (N.A. Ayoub). 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Moderate hypoxia induces xanthine oxidoreductase activity in arterial endothelial cells

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity has been previously noted to be responsive to changes in O2 tension. While prior studies have focused on the extremes (0-3% and 95-100%) of O2 tensions, we report the influence of 10% O2 on endothelial cell XOR, a concentration resembling modest arterial hypoxia commonly found in patients with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases. Exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells to 10% O2 increased XOR mRNA and protein abundance by 50%. Concomitantly, there was a 3-fold increase in XOR activity, XOR-dependent reactive oxygen species production, and cellular export of active enzyme. Although increases in mRNA and immunoreactive protein levels were observed, inhibition of transcription, translation, or protein degradation did not significantly alter cellular XOR specific activity, suggesting only modest contributions to 10% O2-induced effects. Exposure to 10% O2 did not increase cellular HIF-1alpha protein levels and hypoxia mimics did not alter XOR activity. Treatment of control cells with adenosine resulted in increased XOR activity similar to hypoxia. Exposure to the adenosine receptor agonist NECA increased enzymatic activity 4-fold while 8SPT, an adenosine receptor antagonist, reduced hypoxic induction of XOR activity approximately 50%. Combined, these data reveal that moderate hypoxia significantly enhances endothelial XOR specific activity, release, and XOR-derived reactive oxygen species generation. These effects appear to be mediated in part via adenosine-dependent processes.
Current evidence and clinical implications of aspirin resistance

Atherothrombosis, characterized by atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent occlusive or subocclusive thrombus formation is the primary cause of acute ischemic syndromes involving all vascular beds and accounts for more than one-third of all deaths in the developed world. Platelet activation and aggregation constitute the most critical component in the pathophysiology of atherothrombotic disease. Aspirin is currently the most commonly used antiplatelet agent and one of the most frequently prescribed drugs, with as many as 30 million Americans on chronic aspirin regimens. Multiple well-designed prospective randomized clinical trials have demonstrated aspirin's efficacy in both primary and secondary prevention of a wide variety of entities that the atherothrombotic disease spectrum encompasses, such as cerebrovascular, coronary artery, and peripheral vascular disease. Despite its proven benefit, however, a growing body of evidence suggests that up to 70% of aspirin-takers may still be at risk for atherothrombotic complications due to resistance. Patients with laboratory-confirmed aspirin resistance seem to have an almost fourfold increase in their risk for acute thrombotic episodes, which underlines the magnitude of the problem for the vascular specialist. In this article, we review the physiology of platelet activation and the role of aspirin as an antiplatelet agent; the various laboratory assays used in assessing aspirin effectiveness; and current data on aspirin resistance and its clinical implications in patients with cardiovascular disease. We also review the studies that explore this phenomenon in patients with peripheral arterial disease and discuss the optimal management options in aspirin-resistant individuals. Suggestions are advanced for the direction of future trials evaluating aspirin resistance in patients with vascular disease.
Long-term decay of harmonic ac magnetic susceptibility in YBCO

Abstract We have studied the time decay of the amplitude of the complex harmonic ac magnetic susceptibility of an YBCO sample for the case in which the sample is zero-field cooled and a dc field is then applied briefly and removed. The response was studied for harmonics through the fifth, for temperatures in the range 73–81 K, and for dc fields up to 200 Oe. We find decay times of 20 hours or more with the nature of the decay exhibiting a significant temperature dependence.
Oscillatory photoconductivity and photomagnetoresistance in the diluted magnetic semiconductor Cd1-xMnxTe.

The photoconductivity in the diluted magnetic semiconductor ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te has been measured between 0.34 and 4.25 K and in magnetic fields up to 8 T. Below the band-gap energy the photocurrent spectra are interpreted in terms of exciton dissociation. Above the band gap the photocurrent oscillates as a function of energy, and the oscillation period suggests an interaction of hot carriers with longitudinal-optical phonons. Due to the large exchange interaction in this material, the photocurrent spectra shift to lower energy in the presence of a magnetic field. The experimental data are in satisfactory agreement with published measurements of magnetoabsorption. The magnetic-field dependence of the photoresistance was studied at a constant wavelength and for various temperatures. Observed oscillations as a function of magnetic field are explained in terms of exchange and optical-phonon interactions.
Optics education at Eastern Michigan University using a 30-GW high-power laser system

In this paper, we introduce the experimental laser physics laboratory recently developed at Eastern Michigan University which houses an exceptional laser facility, including a highly-versatile 30 gigawatt glass laser system. Current practice and future perspective to use the facility for optics education at both undergraduate and graduate levels are discussed in detail.
Parental Age and Autism Spectrum Disorders Among New York City Children 0–36 Months of Age

We examined trends in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the association of ASD with parental age among young New York City (NYC) children. Children born in NYC to resident mothers from 1994–2001 were identified through vital statistics records (N = 927,003). Records were linked to data from NYC Early Intervention (EI) Program through 2004. The independent parental age-specific odds of having an ASD before 36 months of age were estimated using multiple logistic regression controlling for risk factors. The increase in ASD attributable to changes in parental age at birth was examined. Births to mothers and fathers 35 years or older increased 14.9 and 11.5 %, respectively, between 1994 and 2001. ASD prevalence in EI increased significantly from 1 in 3,300 children born in 1994 to 1 in 233 children born in 2001. Children born to mothers ages 25–29, 30–34 and 35 or older had significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with ASD than children of mothers younger than 25 years (OR 1.5, 1.6, and 1.9, respectively). Children born to fathers ages 35 or older (OR 1.4) had greater odds of ASD than children of fathers younger than 25. The change in parental age accounted for only 2.7 % of the increase in ASD prevalence. Older paternal age and maternal age were independently associated with increased risk of ASD. However, while parental age at birth increased between the 1994 and 2001 birth cohorts in NYC, it did not explain the increase in number of ASD cases.
A microscopic model for the three low-temperature phases of TTF-TCNQ

We use a microscopic model Hamiltonian to study the phase transitions of tetrathiafulvalene tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ). The model consists of alternating sheets of chains of TTF and TCNQ molecules with the electrons occupying half-filled tight-binding bands and interacting via short-range direct Coulomb and exchange interactions of wave vectorq. Conduction-electron-phonon couplings and phonon vibrations along the chain axis are also included. Using mean-field theory, we determine the order parameters of the system. By solving for these order parameters numerically, we show that the effect of the interchain coupling is to produce three transitions of the charge-density wave (CDW) type and spin-density wave (SDW) type. The temperature interdependence of the components ofq and the order parameters is due to the monoclinic structure of the lattice. In our description, the three transitions are second order; any discontinuous changes inq lead to unphysical discontinuities in the order parameters. The physical basis of the ordering on the chains is discussed.
IKKalpha negatively regulates IRF-5 function in a MyD88-TRAF6 pathway.

Transcription factors of IRF family, IRF-3, IRF-5 and IRF-7 play a critical role in the innate antiviral response. In infected cells, IRF-3 and IRF-7 are activated by TBK-1 and IKKe mediated phosphorylation, while the kinase, phosphorylating IRF-5 in the MyD88 signalling pathway has not yet been identified. We now show that IKKα phosphorylates IRF-5 and induces formation of IRF-5 dimers, which have been indicative of IRF-5 activation. However, IKKα induced IRF-5 phosphorylation exerts inhibitory effect on the transcriptional activation of type 1 interferon and promoters of the inflammatory cytokines. Addressing the molecular mechanism of IKKα mediated inhibition of IRF-5 activity, we show that phosphorylation of IRF-5 by IKKα inhibits K63 ubiquitination that is essential for IRF-5 activity. Furthermore, we have identified interaction of IRF-5 with alkaline phosphatase, which causes its de-phosphorylation. The observation that MyD88 activated IRF-5 induces expression of alkaline phosphatase suggests that IRF-5 is under autoregulating loop. Thus these completely new observations identify IKKα kinase and alkaline phosphatase as negative regulators of IRF-5 activity in MyD88 pathway and implicate their role in the control of the inflammatory response by attenuation of IRF-5 activity.
The structure of the base catalyzed condensation product of dimethylfulvene with acetone

Abstract The structure of the sodium ethoxide catalyzed condensation product of dimethylfulvene with acetone is shown to be 3-(dimethylethoxy)methyl-6,6-dimethylfulvene (V).
Fluctuations in fragmentation processes

The authors investigate the role of fluctuations in fragmentation processes using a simple analytic method to verify the stability of the mean-field similarity solution. For the fragmentation process which slows down with decreasing fragment size, the cascade becomes self-averaging in the late stages of branching. For the fragmentation which speeds up with decreasing fragment size, fluctuations dominate. In both cases the deviation from the mean-field solution is neither Gaussian nor symmetric. The steady-state regime in the presence of an external source is investigated and compared with the above results. Some exact solutions are obtained for the case of homogeneous fragmentation and for the discrete Yule-Ferry cascade process of decay into two equal fragments. The connection of the kinetic method with the combinatorial-type analysis of branching is indicated. Applications are made to the process of phonon decay.
Controlled oxidative coupling of methane by ionic conducting ceramic membrane

Oxidative coupling of methane was performed on a tubular dense membrane reactor made of catalytically active fluorite-structured Bi1.5Y0.3Sm0.2O3-δ. Methane and air were separately fed to the tube and shell side of the membrane. The tubular dense membrane reactor gives 35% one-pass C2 (C2H4+C2H6) yield for oxidative coupling of methane with a C2 selectivity of 54% at 900 °C.
Identification of the Half-cystine Residues in Porcine Submaxillary Mucin Critical for Multimerization through the D-domains ROLES OF THE CGLCG MOTIF IN THE D1- AND D3-DOMAINS

Plasmids encoding the amino-terminal region of porcine submaxillary mucin were modified by site-specific mutagenesis to assess the roles of individual half-cystine residues in the assembly of disulfide-linked multimers of mucin. COS-7 cells with the plasmid containing C1199A expressed primarily monomers, suggesting that half-cystine 1199 in the D3-domain is involved in forming mucin multimers. This residue is in the sequence C1199SWRYEPCG, which is highly conserved in the D3-domain of other secreted mucins and human prepro-von Willebrand factor. In contrast, cells with the plasmid containing C1276A expressed trimers like those with unmutated plasmid, suggesting that half-cystine 1276 is not involved in formation of disulfide-bonded multimers. The roles of the half-cystines in the CGLCG motifs in the assembly of disulfide-bonded multimers of mucin were also assessed. Cells with plasmids in which both half-cystines in the motif in the D1- or D3-domain of mucin are replaced by alanine expressed proteins that were poorly secreted, suggesting that these mutations impair normal folding of the expressed proteins. A plasmid with a mutant D1-domain motif expressed monomers, whereas one with a mutant D3-domain motif expressed monomers and trimers. However, the trimers expressed by the latter plasmid were assembled in non-acidic compartments, as judged by expression studies in the presence of monensin, which inhibits trimer formation by unmutated plasmid, but not by the mutant plasmid. These results suggest that the CGLCG motif in the D1-domain is required for multimerization in the trans-Golgi complex. However, the CGLCG motif in the D3-domain appears to prevent formation of mucin multimers in non-acidic compartments of the cell. Plasmids encoding the D1- and D2-domains, the D1- and D3-domains, or only the D3-domain also expressed oligomers in the presence of monensin, suggesting that the three D-domains must be contiguous to avoid multimerization in non-acidic compartments. It is possible that these motifs in mucins are engaged in the thiol-disulfide interchange reactions during the assembly of disulfide-bonded multimers of mucin.
Effects of ATP and UTP in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells : evidence for the presence of three P2 receptors, only one of which subserves stimulation of norepinephrine release

1. In pheochromocytoma PC12 cells ATP and, to a lesser extent, 2-methylthioATP stimulate phosphoinositide breakdown, release of intracellular calcium, and influx of external calcium, leading to stimulation of norepinephrine release. In contrast, although UTP also stimulates phosphoinositide breakdown, release of intracellular calcium, and influx of external calcium, there is no stimulation of norepinephrine release.
Epidemiology of Esophageal Cancer

This article discusses the incidence, geographic differences, and risk factors for the 2 most common cancers of the esophagus: squamous cell and adenocarcinoma.
Rapid determination of the three-dimensional orientation of single molecules.

A technique is proposed for determination of the three-dimensional orientation of the transition dipoles of single molecules by use of polarization-sensitive detection of fluorescence through a high-N.A. objective. Molecular orientation can be determined uniquely and rapidly based on the counts from three detectors that are sensitive to different polarizations of light.
Abrupt onsets do not aid visual search

In 1980, we showed that visual search with displays containing two abrupt onsets (two brief flashes) was not better than visual search with displays containing one abrupt onset lone long flash). These results showed that saccade-like stimulus transients (abrupt onsets) do not aid visual information processing. This paper extends our previous work by showing that abrupt and gradual onsets are equally effective for visual search. Subjects searched sequences of displays of alphanumeric characters for a single numeral. Display waveforms were: (1) ramp onset and abrupt offset; (2) abrupt onset and ramp offset; (3) abrupt onset and abrupt offset with duration equal to and (4) half that of the ramp displays. Time between onsets of successive displays was 150 or 250 msec. Performance did not depend on waveform or duration. It was, however, better when the time between onsets of successive displays was 250 msec. The results show that visual information processing is unaffected by eaccade-like image perturbations. This outcome means that: (1) saccades need be made only to improve the location of the retinal image and not to produce transients, and (2) previously described contributions of abrupt onsets to detection of sinusoidal gratings do not apply to complex information processing tasks.
Predicting the Presidential Presence: Explaining Presidential Midterm Elections Campaign Behavior

In this article we analyze the campaign behavior of presidents in the congressional midterm elections held between 1954 and 1998. We seek to identify those factors that influence a president’s decision to visit a particular state during the midterm election season and campaign. Employing a negative binomial regression model, we find that presidents determine their midterm election campaign schedule based on a consideration of the differences among the 50 states in terms of both the chief executive’s personal popularity and the number of competitive races being held. The importance of these factors suggests that there is an underlying strategy to a president’s campaign activity during the midterm election season that is comparable to campaigns for the presidency itself.
End‐plate electromyography: Use of spectral analysis of end‐plate noise

An automated technique for estimating the channel open time of human end-plate acetylcholine receptors (AChR) is described. The method, which is based on the power spectral analysis of electromyographic end-plate noise, is simple and permits a rapid estimation of the dominant AChR ion channel kinetics. Values of AChR channel open time determined by spectral analysis of end-plate noise in adults (1.23 ± 0.01 ms at 33°C) were consistently shorter than those estimated from the decay phase of extracellularly recorded miniature end-plate potentials. The channel open time extracted from the end-plate noise compared well with that derived from the analysis of in vitro recorded acetylcholine-induced current noise. Therefore, spectral analysis of end-plate noise may provide a good estimation of the kinetics of the human AChR ion channel. The technique is particularly useful in identifying congenital myasthenic syndromes with altered AChR ion channel function. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The C. elegans evl-20 Gene Is a Homolog of the Small GTPase ARL2 and Regulates Cytoskeleton Dynamics during Cytokinesis and Morphogenesis

The in vivo functions of ARF-like members of the Ras superfamily of GTPases are relatively unexplored. Here we describe the analysis of C. elegans evl-20 gene that encodes a functional homolog of human ARL2. Elimination of evl-20 function results in abnormal vulval, gonad, and male tail development and disrupts embryonic proliferation, hypodermal enclosure, and elongation. Loss of evl-20 function causes specific defects in the microtubule cytoskeleton, which is the likely molecular basis for the observed defects. EVL-20 is closely associated with both the cell cortex and astral microtubules, suggesting that it may directly interact with microtubule structures at those locations. Our data indicate that EVL-20 functions in the cytoplasm and at the plasma membrane to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics during cytokinesis and morphogenesis.
Microhabitat Selection by Brook and Rainbow Trout in a Southern Appalachian Stream

Abstract The decreased range of native brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been attributed to competition with introduced rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. To determine whether brook trout were displaced from preferred sites in the presence of rainbow trout, we made underwater observations of microhabitat use to characterize positions of individual fishes in a section of Palmer Creek, North Carolina, where both species occur. We then reduced rainbow trout numbers by about 80% by electrofishing and repeated our underwater observations on the remaining brook trout to determine whether the species underwent changes in microhabitat use. We found differences in characteristics of focal points selected by the two species. Focal points of age-0 brook trout were similar to those of rainbow trout for distance to overhead cover. After rainbow trout were reduced, age-0 brook trout shifted to positions significantly farther from overhead cover. Brook trout age 1 or older ...
Use of bretylium tosylate in the management of acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Sixty-two patients with acute myocardial infarction were treated for 4 days with bretylium tosylate. This agent was effective in suppressing and preventing ventricular fibrillation as well as other irritable arrhythmias and heart block. On admission 37 patients had arrhythmias and 2 complete atrioventricular (A-V) block; 23 had no rhythm disturbances and were treated prophylactically. Of the 37 patients with arrhythmias, 11 had been treated with lidocaine without success. Eight patients had from 1 to 5 episodes of ventricular fibrillation (not suppressed by lidocaine in 7) before treatment with bretylium, but no patient had ventricular fibrillation after bretylium therapy was started. Ventricular arrhythmias were suppressed in from 10 minutes to 12 hours on routine dose therapy; the response indicated a sharp dose-dependent effect for complete suppression. Twenty-two of the 23 patients treated prophylactically had no arrhythmias. One patient had fatal ventricular fibrillation 5 1 2 hours after the first dose was administered and just before the second dose was due; this was the only death due to arrhythmia in the 62 patients. Of the 60 patients without heart block on admission, only 1 had heart block of any degree during treatment. There were 8 deaths in the hospital (12.9 percent), 7 as a result of pump failure. If 2 patients who were in extremis before treatment was started, and who died before an effect could have occurred, are excluded, mortality was under 10 percent. Our previous mortality in the unit was 20 percent. The actions of bretylium in increasing contractile strength, impulse formation and conduction velocity in addition to suppressing rhythm disturbance make it a valuable agent for the management of the major complications of acute myocardial infarction.
Effects of rotation on convective turbulence

Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of rotation on turbulent convection. The experimental facility was a bottom-heated, water-filled, cubical tank mounted on a turntable. The investigations were performed over a wide range of bottom buoyancy fluxes q0 and rotation rates Ω, including Ω = 0; q0 and Ω were held constant during each experiment. The depth of the water column H was fixed for the entire experimental programme. For the non-rotating experiments, the r.m.s. velocity fluctuations were found to scale well with the convective velocity , where the integral lengthscale is estimated as lr ≈ 0.25hc. The mean buoyancy gradient in the mixed layer was found to be much higher than in the corresponding non-rotating case, and the r.m.s. fluctuations and mean buoyancies were found to scale satisfactorily with (q0Ω)½. A spectral form for the temperature fluctuations in rotating convection is also proposed and is compared to the experimental results.
An Analysis of Transients in Magnetic Amplifiers

Analytical expressions are developed for the envelope of the transient output current of a magnetic amplifier when the control voltage is varied. The magnetization curve of the core material is expressed in a convenient analytical form and the differential equations of the system are integrated under certain simplifying assumptions. The analysis applies to transients lasting a few cycles of the supply frequency, or longer; and experimental checks show good agreement within the range of transients specified above. The results are given in the form of dimensionless curves expressing the average flux density, average magnetizing intensity, and output currents as functions of time. Thus the influence of the core material and of factors of design upon the transient response of the amplifier are determined.
An Evaluation of a Rinse Procedure Using Sodium Bicarbonate and Hydrogen Peroxide on the Recovery of Bacteria from Broiler Carcasses

Abstract A patent entitled “Reduction of Bacteria Count on Poultry Being Processed into Food at a Poultry Processing Plant” (U.S. Patent No. 4,683,618) claimed that a three-step rinse process using sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide solutions would remove bacteria from the surface of broiler carcasses. In three replicate trials, 40 broilers were obtained postchill from a commercial processing plant. Broilers (n = 20) were treated according to the patent by spraying the inside and outside surfaces of each carcass with a 2% NaHCO3 solution for 5 s and rinsing with water, repeating, spraying with a 3% H2 O2 solution for 5 s, and rinsing a final time with water. Controls (n = 20) were treated identically except that in each of the rinse steps tap water was used in place of the test solutions. Whole carcass rinses were conducted and total aerobic plate counts (TPC) and impedance detection times (DT) were determined after 1 h and 7 days at 4 C. The NaHCO3 + H2 O2 treatment resulted in no significant difference in TPC at 1 h post-treatment but did result in lower TPC after 7 days and greater DT at both 1 h and 7 days. The procedure was effective in reducing the recovery of bacteria at 7 days post-treatment by .3 log10 but was not effective in removing the bacteria to the extent implied in the patent. Based on previous studies using H2 O2, these results are not unexpected, but commercial applicability remains questionable based on actual reduction levels.
Perception about transplant of rural and urban patients with chronic kidney disease; a qualitative study.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem with increasing incidence and prevalence and associated expenses. Objectives To explore different perceptions of rural and urban patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) about kidney transplant. Patients and methods We conducted four focus groups, each including 5 or 6 patients with stage 5 CKD or end stage renal disease living in a rural or urban area. Open-ended questions probed patient familiarity with kidney transplant, perceptions of benefits of kidney transplant, perceived barriers to kidney transplant, and views about living donation. All the sessions were recorded and professionally transcribed. Responses were pooled, de-identified, and analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Results Urban patients were more likely to receive supplementary information and being strongly encouraged by their nephrologists to seek transplant. All participants acknowledged "independence" as the main advantage of transplantation. Increased freedom to travel and improved life expectancy were mentioned only among the urban groups. The main themes in all groups regarding perceived barriers to transplant were the tedious pre-transplant testing and workup expenses. Among rural groups, there was a perception that distance from transplant centers impedes transplant evaluation. Religious reasons favoring and opposing transplant were mentioned by participants in a rural group. Some members contended that since illness is God's will, we should not change it. Others in the same group argued that "God is not ready for us to give up". Praise and gratitude for the living donor were expressed in all groups, but concerns about donor's outcome were discussed only within the rural groups. In discussing preference about known or anonymous donors, members of an urban group mentioned favoring an anonymous donor, citing unease with a sense of life-long indebtedness. Conclusions Observed differences in perceptions among rural and urban patients about aspects of transplant may contribute to geographic disparities in transplant. The findings could be helpful to guide future individualized, culturally sensitive educational interventions about transplant for patients with CKD.
The signature of parallel electric fields in a collisionless plasma

The presence of a parallel electric field in the magnetosphere should be apparent through its effect on particles. An analysis is made of particle trajectories in phase space for a steady state collisionless plasma. The analysis utilizes the concepts of distribution function, total energy, and magnetic moment because all three quantities are conserved in a steady state situation in the absence of collisions. Two methods are presented for using particle data to gain information on the potential distribution. The first method involves the use of measurements of both ion and electron distribution functions and invokes the principle of quasi-neutrality. The second method involves the observation of discontinuities in velocity space which can be interpreted in terms of the effect of the electric field on the apparent loss or source cone.
MRI using piecewise‐linear spiral trajectory

A new generation of high power gradient systems which allow much faster MR imaging as well as shorter echo times has recently become available. Some of these high-speed gradient systems impose limits on the percentage of time during which the gradient can change in amplitude (slewing duty cycle). While this limitation may be immaterial to many 2DFT and echo planar imaging methods, a traditional circular spiral trajectory is difficult to use on these systems because its gradient waveforms change during the entire course of the trajectory so that the slewing duty cycle during the readout period is 100%. We describe a piecewise-linear spiral trajectory which is composed of linear segments and rounded corners. This trajectory reduces the slewing duty cycle while maintaining the desirable imaging properties of circular spirals including interleaving by simple gradient rotation. For one representative example, the slewing duty cycle is reduced to 46%. A conventional gridding method was used for image reconstruction, but a new numerical algorithm to calculate the density compensation factor was required. Use of piecewise-linear spiral trajectories reduces the impact imposed by limited gradient slewing duty cycle.
Increased Alcohol Consumption in Urocortin 3 Knockout Mice Is Unaffected by Chronic Inflammatory Pain

Aims: Stress neurocircuitry may modulate the relationship between alcohol drinking and chronic pain. The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system is crucial for regulation of stress responses. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of the endogenous CRF ligand Urocortin 3 (Ucn3) in the relationship between alcohol drinking behavior and chronic pain using a genetic approach. Methods: Ucn3 (KO) and wildtype (WT) littermates were subjected to a 24-h access drinking procedure prior to and following induction of chronic inflammatory pain. Results: Ucn3 KO mice displayed significantly increased ethanol intake and preference compared with WT across the time course. There were no long-term effects of chronic pain on alcohol drinking behavior, regardless of genotype, nor any evidence for alcohol-induced analgesia. Conclusion: The increased drinking in Ucn3 KO supports a role for this peptide in alcohol-related behavior. These data suggest the necessity for more research exploring the relationship between alcohol drinking, chronic pain and the CRF system in rodent models.
Decentralized variable structure control of a two‐arm robotic system

The control problem for a two-arm robotic system in coordinated motion is addressed. A hierarchical framework, employing two levels of control hierarchy, is utilized, and the decentralized model reference adaptive control approach using variable structure controllers (DMRA-VSC) is applied. Within the control hierarchy, the DMRA-VSC strategy is accomplished at the lower level, where control is responsible for the servoing of each joint. These local controllers are coordinated by the high-level, central controller, whose task is to provide the local controllers with the upper bound on the dynamical interactions with other subsystems. The local controllers are responsible for making each link follow the prescribed local reference subsystem in moving from one position to another. This is done using the local measurements and the information provided by the central controller. Advantages of the DMRA-VSC approach for multiple manipulator control include the inherent robustness properties to nonlinearities and interaction effects, the decentralization structure facilitating ease in multiple manipulator system programming and implementation, and the general structure of the controller which allows further extensions such as force feedback.
Identification of the insulin signaling cascade in the regulation of alpha-class glutathione S-transferase expression in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.

We reported previously that insulin elevated alpha-class glutathione S -transferase (GSTs) protein levels in primary cultured rat hepatocytes (Kim et al., 2003b). In contrast, glucagon down-regulated alpha- and pi-class GST expression, and mechanistic research implicated cAMP and protein kinase A in this process (Kim et al., 2003b). The present study examines the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of alpha-class GST in response to insulin in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Protein levels of GSTA1/2 and GSTA3/5 and activity of GST toward 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) were increased in an insulin concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of cells with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4 H -1-benzopyran-4-one] or rapamycin, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin and ribosomal p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) phosphorylation, or with an adenovirus containing green fluorescent protein and a dominant-negative and kinase-dead Akt, effectively inhibited the insulin-mediated increase in alpha-class GST expression and GST activity toward NBD. In contrast, PD98059 (2′-amino-3′-methoxyflavone), an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, SP600125 (1,9-pyrazoloanthrone), an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1 H -imadazole], an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, or bisindolylmaleimide, a broad spectrum inhibitor of protein kinase C, did not inhibit the insulin-mediated increase in alpha-class GST protein levels in hepatocytes. These results show that PI3K/Akt/p70S6K signaling is active in the insulin-mediated up-regulation of the antioxidant defense system and that low insulin levels, as encountered in diabetes, potentially increase the susceptibility of hepatocytes to xenobiotic-mediated and/or oxidative stress-mediated damage.
Always aware (Siempre pendiente): Latina mothers' parenting in high-risk neighborhoods.

Poor mothers contend with numerous economic and environmental stressors that may severely tax their resources for parenting. This study relied on qualitative interviews with 49 low-income Latina mothers to examine how parenting practices are used when facing neighborhood poverty and the threat of community violence. Several themes emerged in the interviews regarding mothers' approaches to parenting. First, Latina mothers in our sample relied on three strategies previously identified in the literature: (a) strict monitoring, (b) physical and/or social withdrawal from the neighborhood, and (c) engagement in positive, enriching activities for children. In concert with these strategies, these mothers also emphasized the importance of (d) establishing strong parent-child communication as essential to effective parenting in challenging environments. Furthermore, two overarching, culturally salient parental goals were identified: (a) fostering principles of educacion in their children and (b) maintaining astute parental awareness (estar pendiente) of children's physical as well as emotional states. Our findings illuminated culturally specific meanings that accompany parenting practices for low-income Latina mothers and underscored the importance of adapting culturally sensitive interventions for parents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Linear measurement of polyps in CT colonography using level sets on 3D surfaces

CT colonography has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to optical colonoscopy for the screening of polyps which are the precursors to colon cancer. Accurate polyp measurement is crucial as the size of a polyp is considered an indication of its potential for malignancy. We present a novel method for the automatic measurement of polyps. It is based on a level set algorithm capable of evolving on the surface of a 3D object represented by a triangular mesh. It is guided by curvature features and is capable of segmenting the polyp neck, that is, the ridgeline/crestline formed around the polyp by its merging to the colon wall. Our method was validated on 40 polyp surfaces obtained from real clinical data. A 3D manual measurement was used as the reference standard. A correlation of 0.825 was found between polyp measurements from our new method and the reference standard.
Use of digital infrared thermal imaging to assess feed efficiency in Angus bulls1

ABSTRACT Feed intake, ADG, and feed efficiency were measured for 84 d on 277 yearling Angus bulls, from 60 to 81 bulls each year, for 4 yr. Digital infrared thermal images of areas of the left ribs, with hair or with hair removed by clippers, were recorded for each bull. The bulls were housed in groups of 12 and were individually fed once daily a TMR of corn silage and supplement. Initial BW was 273 ± 42 kg, daily DMI was 7.83 ± 0.99 kg of DM/d, ADG was 1.53 ± 0.23 kg/d, and G:F was 0.196 ± 0.027. Residual feed intake ranged from −2.17 to 3.07 kg/d, with a SD of 0.55. Residual feed intake was positively correlated (P
Transcapillary solute exchange: A comparison of the Kedem-Katchalsky convection-diffusion equations with the rigorous nonlinear equations for this special case

Abstract For single-membrane elements, there is an appropriate linearization for the nonlinear convection-diffusion (NL CD) equation for any range of volume flow, membrane parameters, or particle sizes. For the situation of transcapillary flux of solutes smaller than inulin, the Kedem-Katchalsky (KK) solute flow equation is a good approximation to the NL CD equation when the membrane concentration profile is very close to a diffusion profile. This is seen to be the case for all physiologically reasonable volume flows across skeletal muscle capillaries. For certain situations it is justifiable simply to use Fick's law to calculate solute flow, but the accuracy of this procedure depends on the volume flow and concentration ratios. When the volume flow varies, it is probably more trouble than it is worth to check each case for the applicability of Fick's law, since the range of validity of the KK linear equations covers this and a significantly wider range of possibilities.
Using multiple knowledge sources for word sense discrimination

This paper addresses the problem of how to identify the intended meaning of individual words in unrestricted texts, without necessarily having access to complete representations of sentences. To discriminate senses, an understander can consider a diversity of information, including syntactic tags, word frequencies, collocations, semantic context, role-related expectations, and syntactic restrictions. However, current approaches make use of only small subsets of this information. Here we will describe how to use the whole range of information. Our discussion will include how the preference cues relate to general lexical and conceptual knowledge and to more specialized knowledge of collocations and contexts. We will describe a method of combining cues on the basis of their individual specificity, rather than a fixed ranking among cue-types. We will also discuss an application of the approach in a system that computes sense tags for arbitrary texts, even when it is unable to determine a single syntactic or semantic representation for some sentences.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons practice guideline on the prophylaxis and management of atrial fibrillation associated with general thoracic surgery: executive summary.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Thoracic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, and the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California