cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sarcomere Thin Filament Regulatory Isoforms: EVIDENCE OF A DOMINANT EFFECT OF SLOW SKELETAL TROPONIN I ON CARDIAC CONTRACTION *

Thin filament proteins tropomyosin (Tm), troponin T (TnT), and troponin I (TnI) form an allosteric regulatory complex that is required for normal cardiac contraction. Multiple isoforms of TnT, Tm, and TnI are differentially expressed in both cardiac development and disease, but concurrent TnI, Tm, and TnT isoform switching has hindered assignment of cellular function to these transitions. We systematically incorporated into the adult sarcomere the embryonic/fetal isoforms of Tm, TnT, and TnI by using gene transfer. In separate experiments, greater than 90% of native TnI and 40–50% of native Tm or TnT were specifically replaced. The Ca2+ sensitivity of tension development was markedly enhanced by TnI replacement but not by TnT or Tm isoform replacement. Titration of TnI replacement from >90% to
Pain interference impacts response to treatment for anxiety disorders

Background Anxiety disorders and pain are commonly comorbid, though little is known about the effect of pain on the course and treatment of anxiety. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial for anxiety treatment in primary care. Participants with panic disorder (PD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (N=191; 81% female, mean age 44) were randomized to either their primary-care physician's usual care or a 12-month course of telephone-based collaborative care. Anxiety severity, pain interference, health-related quality of life, health services use, and employment status were assessed at baseline, and at 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-up. We defined response to anxiety treatment as a 40% or greater improvement from baseline on anxiety severity scales at 12-month follow-up. Results The 39% who reported high pain interference at baseline had more severe anxiety (mean SIGH-A score: 21.8 versus 18.0, P /=1 hospitalization versus 12.0%, P Conclusions Pain that interferes with daily activities is prevalent among primary care patients with PD/GAD and associated with more severe anxiety, worse daily functioning, higher health services use, and a lower likelihood of responding to treatment for PD/GAD.
Chemical effects in sliding wear of aluminum

Abstract The mechanism of the sliding wear of metals in corrosive media was investigated. In particular, the role of chemical heterogeneities on chemical interactions between the sliding surface and its environment was studied using 2024 aluminum alloy and sodium chloride solutions of varying pH and NaCl concentration. Sliding wear tests with a cylinder-on-cylinder geometry were performed at a sliding speed of 1 m min −1 and a normal load of 9.8 N (1 kgf). The results show that at pH = 0 and pH = 14, the wear rate is dominated by the dissolution of aluminum into the NaCl solution. In the intermediate pH range, the wear rate is shown to be controlled by the conjoint actions of corrosion and delamination wear. Microscope examination of the worn specimens by means of a scanning electron microscope further confirms that the mode of corrosion is of a localized nature.
Academic Self-Efficacy, Coping, and Academic Performance in College

This study serves as a pilot study for a possible future study including the same variables. The purpose of the pilot study was to find a relationship in the college academic setting between academic self-efficacy, stress coping skills, and academic performance. Sixty-six undergraduate students, 17 male and 49 female, from a university in northwestern United States participated in the study. Stress was measured using the COPE Inventory (Carver, Scheier, & Weintraub, 1989). Self-efficacy was measured using the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (Chemers, Hu, & Garcia, 2001). Academic performance was measured using the participants’ college GPA. Academic Self-Efficacy and the Planning subscale of the COPE Inventory were positively correlated with GPA (r = .49, p Faculty Sponsor: Heath Marrs, Ed.D
Comparison Between Early High-Definition Television Owners and Non-Owners

A national random telephone survey was conducted to profile early high-definition television (HDTV) adopters based on demographics, media use, interpersonal communication, social participation, cosmopoliteness, perceived innovation attributes of new communication technologies, and ownership of communication technologies. Of all respondents, 21% reported owning an HDTV set at home. In the primary logistic regression, Web news reading, religious service attendance, complexity, trialability, and ownership of communication technologies were significant predictors of HDTV adoption.
Evaluating the Impact of the Humanities in Medical Education

The inclusion of the humanities in medical education may offer significant potential benefits to individual future physicians and to the medical community as a whole. Debate remains, however, about the definition and precise role of the humanities in medical education, whether at the premedical, medical school, or postgraduate level. Recent trends have revealed an increasing presence of the humanities in medical training. This article reviews the literature on the impact of humanities education on the performance of medical students and residents and the challenges posed by the evaluation of the impact of humanities in medical education. Students who major in the humanities as college students perform just as well, if not better, than their peers with science backgrounds during medical school and in residency on objective measures of achievement such as National Board of Medical Examiners scores and academic grades. Although many humanities electives and courses are offered in premedical and medical school curricula, measuring and quantifying their impact has proven challenging because the courses are diverse in content and goals. Many of the published studies involve self-selected groups of students and seek to measure subjective outcomes which are difficult to measure, such as increases in empathy, professionalism, and self-care. Further research is needed to define the optimal role for humanities education in medical training; in particular, more quantitative studies are needed to examine the impact that it may have on physician performance beyond medical school and residency. Medical educators must consider what potential benefits humanities education can contribute to medical education, how its impact can be measured, and what ultimate outcomes we hope to achieve.
Eukaryotic diversity at pH extremes.

Extremely acidic (pH 9) environments support a diversity of single-cell and to a lesser extent, multicellular eukaryotic life. This study compared alpha and beta diversity in eukaryotic communities from seven diverse aquatic environments with pH values ranging from 2 to 11 using massively-parallel pyrotag sequencing targeting the V9 hypervariable region of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. A total of 946 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were recovered at a 6% cut-off level (94% similarity) across the sampled environments. Hierarchical clustering of the samples segregated the communities into acidic and alkaline groups. Similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis followed by indicator OTU analysis (IOA) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were used to determine which characteristic groups of eukaryotic taxa typify acidic or alkaline extremes and the extent to which pH explains eukaryotic community structure in these environments. Spain's Rio Tinto yielded the fewest observed OTUs while Nebraska Sandhills alkaline lakes yielded the most. Distinct OTUs, including metazoan OTUs, numerically dominated pH extreme sites. Indicator OTUs included the diatom Pinnularia and unidentified opisthokonts (Fungi and Filasterea) in the extremely acidic environments, and the ciliate Frontonia across the extremely alkaline sites. Inferred from NMDS, pH explained only a modest fraction of the variation across the datasets, indicating that other factors influence the underlying community structure in these environments. The findings from this study suggest that the ability for eukaryotes to adapt to pH extremes over a broad range of values may be rare, but further study of taxa that can broadly adapt across diverse acidic and alkaline environments, respectively present good models for understanding adaptation and should be targeted for future investigations.
Asymptotic expansion for small magnetic fields of acoustoelectric attenuation in nondegenerate semiconductors

The semiclassical analysis of acoustoelectric effects involves an infinite sum S(c,x) = ic exp (-x) Σn=-∞+∞ (n + ic)-1 In(x), in which both arguments c and x depend on the magnetic field B. Recently Lebwohl, Carlson, and Mosekilde have found an integral-representation for this sum, through which now we identify S(c,x) as a generalized hypergeometric function. Moreover we derive an asymptotic series for S(c,x) in the limit of small B, whose coefficients, in a parameter z, involve the iterated integrals of the complementary error function.
A Crustal Thickness Constraint for Central Pennsylvania

The timing and amplitude of long-period Ps conversions observed on the radial component of ground motion from a suite of teleseismic events were used to place constraints on crustal structure under the WWSSN station SCP (State College, Pennsylvania). Radial P waveforms from impulsive deep earthquakes were modeled in the time domain after corrections for instrument miscalibration. In addition, the Ps conversion from the Moho was extracted directly from the data from an equalization procedure which removed the instrument response and effective source time function. Using velocities obtained from a nearby refraction profile as a control, the timing of the Moho Ps conversions and later arriving reverberations suggested that the crustal thickness under SCP is 41 km rather than the previous refraction estimate of 33 km.
A Theoretical Framework for Global Policy Studies

It is not only appropriate, but also of critical importance, that the theoretical approach of policy studies be extended to the global sphere of human activity. Mankind faces numerous challenges which cannot be effectively addressed by nation-states acting on their own, several of which are avoiding war, constraining arms races, managing the world economy, reducing the prevalence of poverty and hunger, promoting the observance of human rights, preventing the spread of contagious diseases, refereeing competing uses of the oceans and outer space, and preserving the natural environment. Policy studies offer a theoretical framework for analyzing and evaluating the collective efforts of both governmental and non-governmental, actors to address these and many other global problems within the context of international institutions, such as the United Nations and its affiliated specialized agencies.
Comparison of Diffusion of Carbon Dioxide into Hydrocarbon Systems and Polymeric Solutions

METZNER recently reported diffusion coefficients of ethylene and carbon dioxide into polymeric and colloidal solutions1. We have measured absorption rates of carbon dioxide in mixtures of hydrocarbons of molecular weight 160–360. In this work, for a twenty-four-fold increase in viscosity the diffusion coefficients varied from 0.73 × 10−5 to 2.50 × 10−5 cm2/sec. These data can be interpreted by existing theories on diffusion2. The values quoted by Metzner for diffusion of carbon dioxide into dilute solutions of carbopol and carboxy methyl cellulose are all within this range (1.8–2.4 × 10−5 cm2/sec) although the apparent viscosities of these solutions will be very much greater than that of the highest molecular weight hydrocarbon investigated (25 centipoise).
A Structural Model of Academic Performance, Socioeconomic Status, and Spearman's g:

The study of psychometric g, a focus of research in both educational and occupational settings, recently has been raised to new levels by advances in covariance structure modeling, which allows relations among observed and latent variables to be investigated. This type of modeling was applied to the study of psychometric g in relation to collegiate academic performance and socioeconomic status. The results showed that psychometric g accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in academic performance. The addition of the socioeconomic latent variable into any of the covariance structure models did not improve fit.
Hereditary Error in Epidermal Growth Factor Prohormone Metabolism in a Rat Model of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Normal Sprague Dawley (SPRD) rats of both sexes secrete an 165 kDa EGF prohormone in urine. Sexually mature Hannover-Sprague Dawley rats (Han:SPRD) heterozygous males and females with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) secrete a prohormone of similar molecular mass in urine. The male, but not the female, also secretes two variant prohormone isoforms with molecular masses close to 200 kDa. Both the 165 and 200 kDa EGF prohormone isoforms are totally absent, in urine, at 11 months of age in male but not in female heterozygous Han:SPRD rats. At this age, the male kidneys exhibit numerous cysts filled with colorless fluids and these fluids contain abundant quantities of a 66 kDa EGF prohormone metabolite. Homozygous Han:SPRD rats which are born with cystic disease secrete only trace amounts of 165 kDa EGF prohormone in their urine while their normal looking littermates secrete the 165 kDa EGF prohormone in abundant quantities. The cyst fluids of homozygous rats contain trace amounts of 165 and 154 kDa EGF prohormone isoforms while the 66 kDa EGF prohormone metabolites present in abundant quantities. The massive amounts of 66 kDa EGF prohormone metabolite in cyst fluids of PKD rats suggests that EGF prohormone and its isoforms undergo aberrant proteolysis in association with cyst pathogenesis both in heterozygous and homozygous kidneys. The specific retention of the 66 kDa EGF prohormone metabolite within the cyst suggests that this molecule may function as a cystogen.
Memory on the move

The author describes how, competing for the US $ 11 billion portable electronic device memory market are several venerable but revitalized memory systems as well as new storage technologies: flash memory cards; PC memory cards; and small disk drives. Flashers, a relatively young technology contain one or more nonvolatile solid-state memory chips. They have no moving parts and retain data in the absence of power. Like these, but an industry unto itself, is the PC Card; now almost 10 years old, the business-card-sized memory and application device is heavily used to add functions to mobile computers. The spinners are a completely upgraded group of rotating disk drive systems based on both magnetic and optical technologies.
Nuclear lifetimes in 37Ar

Abstract The nuclear lifetimes of ten levels of 37 Ar with energies from 1.41 to 3.61 MeV have been measured by the attenuated Doppler-shift method using the 37 Cl(p, nγ) 37 Ar reaction.
Influence of sediment in copper toxicity tests with the polychaete Neanthes arenaceodentata

Abstract Adult male Neanthes arenaceodentata were exposed to measured concentrations of 0.04, 0.06, 0.10, 0.16 and 0.26 mg l −1 Cu in a continuous-flow bioassay system, with and without a clean sand, to assess the influence of sand on Cu induced mortality. The presence of sand did affect the results. The 28-day LC50 was lower for polychaetes exposed without sand than those with sand, 0.044 and 0.10 mg l −5 Cu, respectively. The reasons for this difference are discussed.
Do Midas cichlids win through prowess or daring? it depends

Individual Midas cichlids (Cichlasoma citrinellum) show persistent differences in aggressive behavior toward dummy fish. The starting question was whether the level of such behavior can be used to predict the winner of a fight. In the first (long-term) experiment two fish were matched for size, color, and sex. After 24 h the opaque barrier separating the 2 fish was removed; they immediately behaved aggressively. Scores for aggression toward dummies did not predict the winners, nor did taking the initiative in escalation. But weight did foretell the winners, who averaged only 2% heavier than their opponents. The conventional display phase of such fights was brief (20% of total duration), and escalation was rapid. Both winners and losers sustained damage, but losers accumulated damage faster than winners. In the subsequent (short-term) experiment the fish were separated only 1–2 h. Now aggression scores predicted winners, and winners were the fish who escalated. Weight of fish had no effect. The conventional phase was relatively much longer, about half the length of the fight. Losers accumulated damage at the same rate as the losers in the long-term experiment, but the fights were shorter; winners suffered little damage. The fish had difficulty assessing one another. Fighting prowess was remarkably uniform when weight was factored out. Daring to escalate, in contrast, varied among individuals and correlated with aggression scores. Prowess (=weight) determined the outcome in the long-term experiment, which may find its parallel in nature in intraterritorial disputes. Daring to escalate determined the winner in the short-term experiment; this may be comparable to establishing a territory in nature. Prowess probably results from strong directional selection because it has low costs and high benefits. In contrast, daring is subject to bi-directional selection because both costs and benefits are high. Resource holding potential is conventionally viewed as deriving from prowess of self and opponent and value of resource; to that one must add the individual's inherent aggressiveness.
The Healthy Way of Homeopathy: Similia Similibus Curentur or "Let Likes Cure Likes"

This review includes Web sites that can help one learn about the holistic healing practice of homeopathy. The focus is on sites that include freely available information about the current status, history, and philosophy of homeopathy and provide information about practitioners. Also included is a list of selected schools where homeopathy can be studied.
Nuclear-spin statistics of C60, C60H60 and C60D60

Abstract The nuclear-spin statistical weights of the rotational levels of 13C60, C60H60 and C60D60 were obtained using the generalized-character-cycle indices of the Ih group. The nuclear-spin statistical weights approximately follow the 1:3:3:4:5 ratio for Ag (Au), T1g (T1u), T2g (T2u), Gg (Gu) and Hg (Hu) symmetries, respectively. The overall nuclear-spin statistical weights of the Jth rotational level of C60H60 and C60D60 are found to vary approximately as (2J+1) × 19 215 358 678 900 736 and (2J+1)×706 519 304 586 988 199 183 738 259, respectively.
Tcf3 inhibits spinal cord neurogenesis by regulating sox4a expression

The Lef/Tcf factor Tcf3 is expressed throughout the developing vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), but its function and transcriptional targets are uncharacterized. Tcf3 is thought to mediate canonical Wnt signaling, which functions in CNS patterning, proliferation and neurogenesis. In this study, we examine Tcf3 function in the zebrafish spinal cord, and find that this factor does not play a general role in patterning, but is required for the proper expression of Dbx genes in intermediate progenitors. In addition, we show that Tcf3 is required to inhibit premature neurogenesis in spinal progenitors by repressing sox4a , a known mediator of spinal neurogenesis. Both of these functions are mediated by Tcf3 independently of canonical Wnt signaling. Together, our data indicate a novel mechanism for the regulation of neurogenesis by Tcf3-mediated repression.
N-carbamoyl analogs of zafirlukast: Potent receptor antagonists of leukotriene D4

Exploration of the indole nitrogen region of Zafirlukast (1) has uncovered a potent series of cysteinyl leukotriene D4 (LTD4) antagonists. These studies showed that a variety of functionality could be incorporated in this region of the molecule without sacrificing potency. Efforts to exploit this site in order to improve oral efficacy are discussed.
The influence of allopurinol and size of dose on the metabolism of phenylbutazone in patients with gout

Administration of allopurinol 300 mg/day produced minimal changes in the disappearance of phenylbutazone in each of five subjects following single doses (6 mg/kg) in clinical range and caused some prolongation (21%, 52%) of drug half-lives in two of six subjects after single small doses (0.5 mg/kg); mean half-life was not significantly altered by allopurinol at either dose level (means of 52 versus 48 at 0.5 mg/kg and 68 versus 70 h at 6 mg/kg). Size of dose altered half-life when phenylbutazone was used alone; three subjects showed considerably longer half-lives at the higher dose (86 versus 47, 91 versus 41, 65 versus 38 h). Allopurinol caused a greater than 50% prolongation of half-lives in two of five subjects who received single 0.5 g doses of probenecid. These preliminary data do not indicate a need to change the dose of phenylbutazone when subjects are receiving allopurinol.
Absence of 3-cocycles in the Dirac monopole problem

Abstract The relation between 3-cocyles and violation of Jacobi identity is investigated for the quantum mechanical system of a charge in the field of a magnetic manopole. We show that, in the string description, there is no violation even without Dirac charge quantization. The alternative description of the vector potential on coordinate patches, which presupposes quantization, also preserves the Jacobi identity.
Effects of Low Frequency Ultrasound on Properties of Restructured Beef Rolls

The effects of low frequency ultrasound on exudate yield, breaking strength, cooking yield, water-holding capacity, color, and muscle microstructure were investigated by exposing pieces of lean muscle to slow tumbling and low frequency ultrasonic waves. Results indicated that beef rolls exposed to low frequency ultrasound without added salt were superior in breaking strength and cooking yield to those tumbled with neither ultrasound nor salt and were comparable in breaking strength, cooking yield, exudate yield and water-holding capacity to those tumbled with salt and no ultrasound exposure. Furthermore, the beef rolls exposed to ultrasound and no salt were superior in color to those to which salt was added. Low frequency ultrasound caused muscle fiber disruption and separation of up to approximately 1 cm in depth in muscle micro-structure in the pieces of lean muscle.
Samuel L. Katz: pioneer in development of and international advocate for vaccines.

Dr Samuel Katz has led an illustrious career in Pediatrics. This review chronicles his educational path and love of teaching, the creativity of his scientific approach, his outstanding performance as the beloved chairman of a large academic department of pediatrics, and his astonishing record both as the developer of vaccines at the bench and as an international advocate for vaccination of children. He has demonstrated a unique ability to make the world a better place for children and remains an inspiration to many. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
COITAL FREQUENCY AND DOWN'S SYNDROME

Since German speculated about coital frequency and Downs syndrome several ideas have emerged about the feasibility of testing this notion. 1 of the suggestions is that illegitimacy would result in more cases of Downs syndrome. Lack of rhythmicity and a crude use of the safe-period method would be associated with a greater chance of an aged ovum being fertilized. Of 31 cases of Downs syndrome seen for genetic counsellsing in the past 1 1/2 years 9 were illegitimate children born to mothers below age 20. Among these 9 young mothers illegitimacy with associated coital irregularity stands out as a likely determinant. It is noteworthy that the illegitimacy rate among these 31 mothers is 29% in contrast 3% for a socioeconomically comparable population of unaffected children. (Authors modified)
Multiscaling behavior of transition economies before and after 1998 Russian financial crisis

Abstract The influence of the1998 Russian financial crisis on the statistical properties of currencies in transition economies has been studied. Essential changes before and after crisis were discovered. All effects are essentially nonlinear and differ from the ones in advanced economies.
Comparison of BN and AlN Substitution on the Structure and Electronic and Chemical Properties of C60 Fullerene

A comparative study on BN and AlN substitution patterns in C60 fullerene and the chemical and electronic properties of these substitutionally doped heterofullerenes has been carried out using semie...
Nonlinear characterization of robust multimaterial chalcogenide nanotapers for infrared supercontinuum generation

We present the results of an investigation of the nonlinear characteristics of a new class of robust, multimaterial, all-solid chalcogenide nanotapers prepared from high-index-contrast chalcogenide fibers. The fiber is drawn from a preform produced by multimaterial coextrusion and consists of chalcogenide core and cladding (which dictate the optical properties) and a built-in thermally compatible polymer jacket that provides mechanical stability to the fibers and nanotapers. We measure the nonlinear refractive indices both in the bulk chalcogenide glasses using the Z-scan method and directly in the nanotapers from spectral broadening resulting from self-phase modulation using both picosecond and femtosecond pulses. Such robust nanotapers offer many opportunities for dispersion engineering to optimize nonlinear optical fiber applications such as infrared supercontinuum generation. Low-power femtosecond pulses (∼100 W peak power, corresponding to ∼40 pJ energy per pulse) centered at 1.55 μm wavelength launched into the nanotapers generated a supercontinuum extending over a full spectral octave, 1–2 μm. A computational model that takes into account the relevant linear and nonlinear optical parameters provides simulations that are in good agreement with the supercontinuum measurements.
Antecedents of Repurchase Intention: Propositions Towards Using Marketing Strategy to Mitigate the Attrition of Online Students

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between customer satisfaction, service quality, and the repurchase intention dimension of consumer loyalty within higher education. The influence of switching costs as a mediating variable is also examined. The setting for the study is the online learning facet of the higher education market. While the relationship between satisfaction, service quality, and loyalty are well known, there is a gap in the literature examining this relationship within higher education. A new research framework is proposed to illustrate the relationship between the independent, mediating, and the dependent variables, and five propositions are put forth.
The biopsy-proven benign thyroid nodule: is long-term follow-up necessary?

Background Thyroid nodules are common, and of those biopsied by fine-needle aspiration (FNA), the majority will be benign colloid nodules (BCN). Current guidelines suggest these BCN should be followed by ultrasonographic examination (US) every 3 years, with no endpoint specified. This study evaluated if long-term follow-up of benign thyroid nodules was associated with change in treatment or improvement in diagnosing a missed malignancy compared with short-term follow-up. Study Design All patients with FNA-based diagnosis of BCN at our institution from 1998 to 2009 were identified. Patients observed after the diagnosis were divided into short-term follow-up ( Results Of 738 patients with BCN, 92 patients underwent thyroid resection after the initial US. Six hundred forty-six patients were observed, of which 366 returned for 1 or more follow-up US: 226 in the short-term group (median 13 months) and 140 in the long-term group (median 57 months). There were more follow-up US in long-term vs short-term (medians 4 vs 2, p 0.99). For all patients undergoing surgery, pathology was malignant in 2 of 136 (1.5%). Conclusions Long-term follow-up of patients with BCN is associated with increased repeat FNA and US without improvement in the malignancy detection rate. After 3 years of follow-up, consideration should be given to ceasing long-term routine follow-up of biopsy-proven BCN.
Role of β-Arrestin-mediated Desensitization and Signaling in the Control of Angiotensin AT1a Receptor-stimulated Transcription

Heptahelical G protein-coupled receptors employ several mechanisms to activate the ERK1/2 cascade and control gene transcription. Previous work with the angiotensin AT1a receptor has shown that G(q/11) activation leads to a rapid and transient rise in ERK1/2 activity, whereas beta-arrestin binding supports sustained ERK1/2 activation by scaffolding a Raf.MEK.ERK complex associated with the internalized receptor. In this study, we compared the role of the two beta-arrestin isoforms in AT1a receptor desensitization, ERK1/2 activation and transcription using selective RNA interference. In HEK293 cells, both the native AT1a receptor and a G protein-coupling deficient DRY/AAY mutant recruited beta-arrestin1 and beta-arrestin2 upon angiotensin binding and internalized with the receptor. In contrast, only beta-arrestin2 supported protein kinase C-independent ERK1/2 activation by both the AT1a and DRY/AAY receptors. Using focused gene expression filter arrays to screen for endogenous transcriptional responses, we found that silencing beta-arrestin1 or beta-arrestin2 individually did not alter the response pattern but that silencing both caused a marked increase in the number of transcripts that were significantly up-regulated in response to AT1a receptor activation. The DRY/AAY receptor failed to elicit any detectable transcriptional response despite its ability to stimulate beta-arrestin2-dependent ERK1/2 activation. These results indicate that the transcriptional response to AT1a receptor activation primarily reflects heterotrimeric G protein activation. Although beta-arrestin1 and beta-arrestin2 are functionally specialized with respect to supporting G protein-independent ERK1/2 activation, their common effect is to dampen the transcriptional response by promoting receptor desensitization.
Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of severe subaortic obstruction produced by an abscess cavity.

1. Hollander JE, Quick G. Aortoesophageal fistula: a comprehensive review of the literature. Am J Med 1991;91:279-8’7. 2. Bogey, WM Jr, Thomas JH, Hermreck AS. Aortoesophageal fistula: report of a successfully managed case and review of the literature. J Vast Surg 1992;16:90-5. 3. von Oppell UO, de Groot M, Thierfelder C, Zilla P, Ode11 JA. Successful management of aortoesophageal fist& due to thoracic aortic aneurysm. Ann Thorac Surg 1991;52:1168-70. 4. West AB, Nolan N, O’Briain DS. Benign peptic ulcers penetrating pericardium and heart: clinicopathological features and factors favoring survival. Gastroenterology 1988;94:1478-87. 5. Fmelli FC, Piasio M, Mahfood S, Keshishian JM, Golocovsky M. Esophageal rupture complicated by a gastrocardiac fistula: review of the literature and report of a successfully treated case. Ann Thorac Surg 1989;48:582-3. 6. Grande JP, Pelliika PA, Edwards WD, Puga FJ. Cardiogastric fistula occurring 9 years after resection of left ventricular aneurysm. Int J Cardial 1990;27:327-31. 7. Bell MD, Tate LG, Hensley GT. Esophageal-atrial fistula resulting in systemic “meat and vegetable” emboli. Am J Forensic Med Path01 1992;13:137-41. 8. Mott JM, Austin GE. Cerebral embolization resulting from esophageal-atrial fistula. Arch Intern Med 1976;136:718-20. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of severe subaortic obstruction produced by an abscess cavity
Modifying turbulent structure with drag-reducing polymer additives in turbulent channel flows

New power spectra computed from LDA measurements of the fluctuating u- and v-velocity signals in a turbulent channel flow with and without drag-reducing polymer (polyethylene oxide) injection are presented. LDA data rates were sufficiently high to reconstruct the simultaneous time-dependent u- and v-velocity signals along with the time-dependent Reynolds stress signal. Time-averaged statistics of the turbulent flow are presented in conjunction with the power spectral measurements which show a dramatic reduction in both the v-velocity fluctuations and Reynolds stress fluctuations throughout the channel over all frequencies. There is also a redistribution of energy in the u-velocity fluctuations from high frequencies to low frequencies throughout the channel. Different injection conditions were examined: different polymer concentrations were injected at different flow rates such that the total amount of polymer in the channel remained constant. For certain polymer concentrations, ‘large’ negative Reynolds stress, -〈uv〉/uτ2 ≈ − 0.2, was measured in the near-wall region. In addition, there is a marked difference in the u-velocity spectra and the Reynolds stress spectra close to the wall for the different injection conditions.
Average speckle size as a function of intensity threshold level: comparison of experimental measurements with theory

Speckle phenomena result whenever spatially coherent radiation is reflected from a rough surface or propagated through a random medium such as atmospheric turbulence. Speckle characteristics are therefore a major concern in many laser-imaging or wave-propagation applications. We present the results of experimental measurements of target-induced speckle patterns produced in the laboratory from a variety of targets and illumination conditions. We then compare these experimental measurements with a theoretical model for the average speckle size as a function of intensity threshold level. Excellent agreement is obtained for intensity threshold levels greater than approximately twice the mean intensity level.
Management of male breast cancer in the United States: a surveillance, epidemiology and end results analysis.

Purpose To analyze the stage-specific management of male breast cancer (MBC) with surgery and radiation therapy (RT) and relate them to outcomes and to female breast cancer (FBC). Methods and Materials The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for all primary invasive MBC and FBC diagnosed from 1973 to 2008. Analyzable data included age, race, registry, grade, stage, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, type of surgery, and use of RT. Stage was defined as localized (LocD): confined to the breast; regional (RegD): involving skin, chest wall, and/or regional lymph nodes; and distant: M1. The primary endpoint was cause-specific survival (CSS). Results A total of 4276 cases of MBC and 718,587 cases of FBC were identified. Male breast cancer constituted 0.6% of all breast cancer. Comparing MBC with FBC, mastectomy (M) was used in 87.4% versus 38.3%, and breast-conserving surgery in 12.6% versus 52.6% ( P −4 ). For males with LocD, CSS was not significantly different for the 4.6% treated with lumpectomy/RT versus the 70% treated with M alone (hazard ratio [HR] 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-3.61; P =.57). Postmastectomy RT was delivered in 33% of males with RegD and was not associated with an improvement in CSS (HR 1.11; 95% CI 0.88-1.41; P =.37). There was a significant increase in the use of postmastectomy RT in MBC over time: 24.3%, 27.2%, and 36.8% for 1973-1987, 1988-1997, and 1998-2008, respectively ( P P =.0004). Conclusions Surgical management of MBC is dramatically different than for FBC. The majority of males with LocD receive M despite equivalent CSS with lumpectomy/RT. Postmastectomy RT is greatly underutilized in MBC with RegD, although a CSS benefit was not demonstrated. Outcomes for MBC are improving, attributable to improved therapy and its use in this unscreened population.
Isospin dependence of mechanical and chemical instabilities in neutron-rich matter

The rapid advance in experiments with rare isotopes has opened up several new frontiers in nuclear science @1#. The planned Rare Isotope Accelerator ~RIA! will further enhance the exploration of these forefronts dramatically @2#. Besides detailed information on the structure of exotic nuclei in many unexplored regions of the periodic chart, it is now possible to study novel properties of isospin-asymmetric nuclear matter with extreme neutron to proton ratios. Prospects for discovering new physics in warm neutron-rich matter of various densities that can be created transiently in nuclear reactions induced by exotic neutron-rich nuclei have generated much interest in the nuclear science community @3‐9#. In particular, the density dependence of the symmetry term in the equation of state ~EOS! has recently received much attention since it is among the most important but very poorly known properties of neutron-rich matter @10‐15#. This term is very important to the mechanisms of type II supernova explosions and neutron-star mergers. It also determines the proton fraction and electron chemical potential in neutron stars at b equilibrium. These quantities consequently influence the cooling rate of protoneutron stars and the possibility of kaon condensation in dense stellar matter @16 ‐20#. Based on the EOS obtained from various microscopic many-body theories and phenomenological models @21‐26#, it has long been predicted that isospin-asymmetric nuclear matter under certain conditions can be mechanically or chemically unstable, i.e.,
Characterization of a comprehensive type a measure for children in a biracial community: The Bogalusa heart study

To evaluate the development of Type A-like behavior in children, responses to the Hunter-Wolf Instrument were studied in 2128 children in Bogalusa, Louisiana, a biracial community. Test-retest reliability measures were generated by retesting a random subsample of 387 children 2 weeks after the initial testing. Norms were tabulated for each of the age, race, and sex groups. Increases in total and subscale scores with age were noted except for the Hostility subscale, which decreased dramatically in the older groups. White males had higher average scores during the entire period than other groups and scored significantly higher than other groups on subscales, created from principal-components analysis, measuring Eagerness and Hostility. Low test-retest correlations were observed in children younger than 13 years of age. Of the four race-sex groups studied, white males appear to accrue the highest risk for coronary heart disease from type A-like behavior.
Tripwire system for fixed line array processing

We have devised a system to automatically detect, manage and track contacts with a stationary line array. The array has a large number of elements, and the ability to process any subset of these elements (up to a fixed number) at any given time. Detection is accomplished by fixed detection apertures spaced along the array such that the apertures create a "tripwire" range parallel to the length of the array. Contacts crossing the tripwire range are handed off to an automated tracking aperture which adjusts its aperture size and aperture center along the array to track the contact using the best subset of elements. The adaptive detection scheme conserves limited tracker resources by limiting the trackers to those contacts which appear to be heading towards the line array. This system has been0 implemented on a Mercury Adapdev system and has been tested using simulation of multiple approaching contacts with interfering distant contacts.
Use of wood energy in the United States - an opportunity.

Abstract The use of wood for energy — including the burning of solid wood and black liquor from pulping — has been growing at a rate significantly greater than that for all other uses such as lumber, pulp, or particleboard. In the United States, the end of most wood is not lumber or pulp and paper but feed for energy. In 1983, 155·5 M Mg of wood were used for energy. This could threaten to increase the price of wood for those other uses, or it can stimulate us to seek more creative ways of using untapped wood resources for fuel. On the basis of estimates of heavy wood energy use relative to other uses for wood, and estimates of continuing high costs for fossil fuels, we suggest here the feasibility of meeting the demand for fuelwood through small-scale cooperatives. Such an approach can improve forestry practices and can avoid unduly increasing the cost of wood for other end uses.
The Time Delay to Start Evacuating upon Hearing a Fire Alarm

An experiment was designed to observe the evacuation drills of occupants in four mid-rise apartment buildings. Each mid-rise building contained approximately 100 apartments, with 1 to 4 persons per apartment. All printed fire safety procedures stated that upon hearing the fire alarm all occupants should leave the building or move to an area of refuge, which means the movement of 100 to 200 people for each drill. The buildings chosen for this project were characterized as mixed-occupancy buildings; that is, they included adults, children, seniors and people with handicaps.Occupants received a memo that an evacuation drill would take place during the upcoming week. The evacuations were planned and carried out with the full participation of the local fire departments. The evacuation drills were recorded on video-cameras located throughout the buildings. This paper presents the results regarding the time at which each occupant started to evacuate which varies between 30 seconds to over 24 minutes. Most occupa...
Egg Size as a Factor in Intergeneric Hybrid Success of Centrarchids

Abstract The diameter of eggs was measured for 4 species of sunfishes representing 4 genera. The egg size was compared to hybridization success reported for these species to evaluate egg size as a factor determining hybridization success. Average diameters were: Pomoxis nigromaculatus (Lesueur), black crappie (0.95 mm); Chaenobryttus gulosus (Cuvier), warmouth (1.01 mm); Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, bluegill (1.09 mm); and Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede), largemouth bass (1.74 mm). Highly significant differences (.01 level) existed between P. nigromaculatus and L. macrochirus eggs and between M. salmoides eggs and all other species measured. Hybrid success (hatching, deformities, embryonic death, etc.) did not show relationship to egg size for crosses among these species. Reciprocal cross data for L. macrochirus eggs, in particular, indicated that the causative factors determining hybridization success involve factors other than egg size.
The significance of an unique pH-profile for trypsin catalysis.

Abstract The pH-profiles for the trypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of non-N-acylated α-amino substrates were found to be complex. The profile for L-lysine methyl ester gave two rate constants and four acid-base equilibrium constants. The rate constants arise from two different ionic forms (structures) of the site which are reactive. The pKa values calculated from the profile are indicative of an ionizable amino, imidazoyl and carboxyl group at the site, and the free α-amino group in the substrate. A negative heat of ionization was obtained for the group with the smallest pKa, which is kinetic evidence for the existence of a free carboxyl at or near the site.
Molecular mapping and characterization of BLMC , a locus for profuse wax (bloom) and enhanced cuticular features of Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.)

Sorghum is distinct from other cereal crops due to its ability to produce profuse amount of epicuticular wax (EW or bloom) on its culm and leaves along with less permeable cuticle which are considered to be important traits contributing to abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we report the molecular mapping and characterization of BLOOM-CUTICLE(BLMC), a locus associated with production of profuse wax, using a mutant mapping population developed from a cross between BTx623 (wild type with profuse wax) and KFS2021 (a mutant with greatly reduced wax). The F2 progenies were genotyped using known and newly developed microsattelite markers to establish a molecular map of BLMC. The locus mapped to a 3.6-centimorgans (cM) interval in the terminal end of sorghum chromosome 10 with flanking markers Xsbarslbk10.47 and Xcup42. Targeted mapping delimited BLMC to as small as 0.7 cM region and facilitated identification of three cosegregating markers with the trait. The BLMC region corresponds to approximately 153,000 bp and candidate genes identified include among others an acyl CoA oxidase (a gene involved in lipid and wax biosynthesis) and seven other putative transcripts. Phenotypic characterization showed that in addition to disrupting the EW production, BLMC mutation reduced culm and leaf cuticle, increased plant death rating in the field at anthesis and significantly reduced the C:28 to C:30 free fatty acid fractions of culm and leaf EW. These results clearly support the important role of BLMC in the expression of profuse wax and enhanced cuticular features of sorghum. Genetic mapping of BLMC opened avenues for identification of genes involved in the cuticle/wax pathway of sorghum and their application for improvement of abiotic stress tolerance.
Tracing groundwater with low-level detections of halogenated VOCs in a fractured carbonate-rock aquifer, Leetown Science Center, West Virginia, USA

Abstract Measurements of low-level concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and estimates of groundwater age interpreted from 3 H/ 3 He and SF 6 data have led to an improved understanding of groundwater flow, water sources, and transit times in a karstic, fractured, carbonate-rock aquifer at the Leetown Science Center (LSC), West Virginia. The sum of the concentrations of a set of 16 predominant halogenated VOCs (TDVOC) determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detector (GC–ECD) exceeded that possible for air–water equilibrium in 34 of the 47 samples (median TDVOC of 24,800 pg kg −1 ), indicating that nearly all the water sampled in the vicinity of the LSC has been affected by addition of halogenated VOCs from non-atmospheric source(s). Leakage from a landfill that was closed and sealed nearly 20 a prior to sampling was recognized and traced to areas east of the LSC using low-level detection of tetrachloroethene (PCE), methyl chloride (MeCl), methyl chloroform (MC), dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE). Chloroform (CHLF) was the predominant VOC in water from domestic wells surrounding the LSC, and was elevated in groundwater in and near the Fish Health Laboratory at the LSC, where a leak of chlorinated water occurred prior to 2006. The low-level concentrations of halogenated VOCs did not exceed human or aquatic-life health criteria, and were useful in providing an awareness of the intrinsic susceptibility of the fractured karstic groundwater system at the LSC to non-atmospheric anthropogenic inputs. The 3 H/ 3 He groundwater ages of spring discharge from the carbonate rocks showed transient behavior, with ages averaging about 2 a in 2004 following a wet climatic period (2003–2004), and ages in the range of 4–7 a in periods of more average precipitation (2008–2009). The SF 6 and CFC-12 data indicate older water (model ages of 10s of years or more) in the low-permeability shale of the Martinsburg Formation located to the west of the LSC. A two-a record of specific conductance, water temperature, and discharge recorded at 30-min intervals demonstrated an approximately 3-month lag in discharge at Gray Spring. The low groundwater ages of waters from the carbonate rocks support rapid advective transport of contaminants from the LSC vicinity, yet the nearly ubiquitous occurrence of low-level concentrations of halogenated VOCs at the LSC suggests the presence of long-term persistent sources, such as seepage from the closed and sealed landfill, infiltration of VOCs that may persist locally in the epikarst, exchange with low-permeability zones in fractured rock, and upward leakage of older water that may contain elevated concentrations of halogenated VOCs from earlier land use activities.