cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of pH on isometric force development and relaxation in skinned vascular smooth muscle.

The effects of pH (from pH values 6.50–7.10) on isometric tension development and relaxation were investigated in Triton X-100 “skinned” rat caudal artery. Helically cut skinned strips contracted in 21 μM Ca2+ were studied with respect to maximal isometric tension (Po) and rate of contraction (T0.5C), and following relaxation in 18 nm Ca2+, the rate of relaxation (T0.5R). Acidic pH (pH 6.50) decreased Po to 87% of isometric force obtained at pH 6.90, and increased the rate of contraction as shown by a decrease of T0.5C to 80%. In contrast, T0.5R increased 4.5-fold, indicating that with a change of only 0.40 pH units, relaxation rates were dramatically decreased. pCa-tension curves at pH values 6.50, 6.70, 6.90 and 7.10 indicated no significant shift in half maximal activation (pCa50) between pH 6.50 and 6.70, but a significant (P<0.01) shift in pCa50 between pH 6.70 ([Ca2+]=0.46 μM) and pH 7.10 ([Ca2+]=0.87 μM). Compared to contractions at pH 6.90, myosin light chain (LC20) phosphorylation at pH 6.50 was significantly greater at 30 and 60 s into contraction but not significantly different at 3–10 min. At both pH 6.50 and 6.90, dephosphorylation was rapid and substantially preceded relaxation; LC20 dephosphorylation and relaxation occurred more rapidly at pH 6.90 than at 6.50. At pH 6.50 and 6.90, relax solutions made with increased Ca2+ buffering capacity showed no effect in enhancing T0.5R, suggesting the difference between relaxation rates was not due to Ca2+ diffusion limitations from the skinned strip. We suggest pH changes can after the contractile and relaxation responses in vascular smooth muscle and these effects may be related to LC20 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation regulatory mechanisms.
Curvature-Bounded Traversability Analysis in Motion Planning for Mobile Robots

We consider the geometric problem of deciding whether a narrow planar passage can be traversed by a curve that satisfies prespecified upper bounds on its curvature. This problem is of importance for path- and motion-planning of autonomous mobile robots, particularly when vehicle dynamical constraints are considered during planning. For a special case of narrow passages, namely, rectangular channels, we present a fast numerical algorithm to determine if a given channel may be traversed via curvature- bounded paths. We demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can affirm traversability in cases where the most recent result in the literature fails.
Nucleation of metastable aragonite CaCO3 in seawater

Predicting the conditions in which a compound adopts a metastable structure when it crystallizes out of solution is an unsolved and fundamental problem in materials synthesis, and one which, if understood and harnessed, could enable the rational design of synthesis pathways toward or away from metastable structures. Crystallization of metastable phases is particularly accessible via low-temperature solution-based routes, such as chimie douce and hydrothermal synthesis, but although the chemistry of the solution plays a crucial role in governing which polymorph forms, how it does so is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate an ab initio technique to quantify thermodynamic parameters of surfaces and bulks in equilibrium with an aqueous environment, enabling the calculation of nucleation barriers of competing polymorphs as a function of solution chemistry, thereby predicting the solution conditions governing polymorph selection. We apply this approach to resolve the long-standing "calcite-aragonite problem"--the observation that calcium carbonate precipitates as the metastable aragonite polymorph in marine environments, rather than the stable phase calcite--which is of tremendous relevance to biomineralization, carbon sequestration, paleogeochemistry, and the vulnerability of marine life to ocean acidification. We identify a direct relationship between the calcite surface energy and solution Mg:Ca [corrected] ion concentrations, showing that the calcite nucleation barrier surpasses that of metastable aragonite in solutions with Mg:Ca ratios consistent with modern seawater, allowing aragonite to dominate the kinetics of nucleation. Our ability to quantify how solution parameters distinguish between polymorphs marks an important step toward the ab initio prediction of materials synthesis pathways in solution.
Locational differences in mercury and selenium levels in 19 species of saltwater fish from New Jersey

Individuals who fish, and their families that ingest self-caught fish, make decisions about where to fish, what type of fish to eat, and the quantity of fish to eat. While federal and state agencies often issue consumption advisories for some fish with high mercury (Hg) concentrations, advisories seldom provide the actual metal levels to the general public. There are few data for most saltwater fish, and even less information on variations in Hg levels in fish within a state or geographical region. The objective of this study was to provide Hg concentrations from 19 species of fish caught in different locations in New Jersey to (1) test the hypothesis that mean metal levels vary geographically, (2) provide this information to individuals who fish these coastal waters, and (3) provide a range of values for risk assessors who deal with saltwater fish exposure in the Northeastern United States. Selenium (Se) was also examined because of its purported moderating effect on the toxicity of Hg. Hg levels showed ...
Ovulation from Histamine Depleted Ovaries

Administration of compound 48-80 (condensation product of formaldehyde and p-methoxyphenethylmethylamine) a histamine-releasing compound of rats pretreated with pregnant mare serum (PMS)-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) caused an inhibition of ovarian weight increase due to the stimulation by HCG. Benadryl caused a slight reduction in ovarian response but when combined with 48/80 there was a great inhibition. All the rats ovulated but the number of ova shed were reduced by the combined treatment. There was a decrease in ovarian histamine content and an increase in blood histamine after treatment with HCG. The role of histamine in ovarian weight increase and in ovulation was discussed.
Effect of metal binding on the hydrogen-tritium exchange of conalbumin

Abstract 1. 1. The rates of hydrogen-tritium exchange of chicken egg conalbumin and its metal complexes have been studied by the gel-filtration technique7 at pH 8, 4°. 2. 2. Iron-conalbumin retains approx. 50 more tritium atoms than does the apoprotein at all times during the course of exchange; both rapidly and slowly exchanging classes of hydrogen are shown to be affected by metal binding. 3. 3. Manganese- and copper-conalbumin also exchange more slowly than does the apoprotein, but these metals retard exchange less than does iron. 4. 4. The effect of iron on the hydrogen-tritium exchange of human serum transferrin is similar to that observed for conalbumin. 5. 5. These data suggest that the apo- and metalloproteins differ in conformation and that the structure of the latter is more compact.
Efficient rounding of approximate designs

SUMMARY Discretization methods to round an approximate design into an exact design for a given sample size n are discussed. There is a unique method, called efficient rounding, which has the smallest loss of efficiency under a wide family of optimality criteria. The efficient rounding method is a multiplier method of apportionment which otherwise is known as the method of John Quincy Adams or the method of smallest divisors.
A PREFORMULATION STUDY OF NICOTINIC ACID WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE EFFECT OF COMPACTION AND GRINDING ON ITS THERMAL BEHAVIOR

Nicotinic acid belongs to the B group of vitamins and is often referred to as Vitamin B3. It is an essential component of a balanced diet and is prescribed as tablet, and in parenteral dosage forms in cases of vitamin deficiency. This study involves a preliminary preformulation study to assess whether nicotinic acid is a good candidate for tablet and capsule manufacture. The manufacturing process for solid dosage forms involves high energy-intensive processes, which mainly include grinding and compaction. The effect of these high-energy processes on the stability of nicotinic acid was evaluated using thermogravimetry (TG) as the primary analytical tool. The initial stage involved characterizing the thermal behavior of the material. It was found that nicotinic acid shows a solid-solid state phase transition, which is reversible. This transition appears as a small endothermic peak on the differential thermal analysis (DTA) curve, just before the dual sublimation-evaporation stage. This was followed by study...
Concanavalin A binding of the cell surface of Duchenne muscle in vitro.

Ultrastructural examination of concanavalin A (Con A) binding sites in cultured skeletal muscle from six patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) revealed no abnormalities at the cell surface when compared to normal cultured skeletal muscle. Reaction product at the cell surface appeared regular and continuous in both normal and dystrophic cultured muscle cells. These findings indicate that the abnormalities of Con A surface binding found in biopsied muscle of DMD are not present in aneurally cultured dystrophic muscle cells.
Reimagining Our Inexperienced Adolescent Readers: From Struggling, Striving, Marginalized, and Reluctant to Thriving

What strategies did you use to make sense of your reading of this text, the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States? What caused you to slow down or reread? Under what circumstances might a teacher introduce this document to students even those thought to be struggling with reading? What challenges might young people representing an array of reading abilities encounter as they read? How could a teacher help those young people to address any challenges and weigh the text's possible meanings? What knowledge and strategies might young people extrapolate from this experience to other reading? The purpose of our commentary is to invite you to confront with us the travesty that typically passes for literacy instruction for older youth in the United States who struggle with reading. In too many U.S. schools, these young people face an impoverished curriculum, receiving literacy instruction that is ill suited to their needs, or worse, receiving no literacy instruction at all. We invite you to consider, in contrast, teaching that helps young people to read a wide range of texts more effectively, including the text with which we began this article. As important, we ask you to reimagine instruction that acknowledges such young people and that helps them to acknowledge themselves, as thriving, literate, intelligent human beings with important contributions to make including interpreting the First Amendment. In this article we explain why we believe dramatic change is essential, we introduce you to one young man who struggles with reading but who has begun to thrive, and we consider the implications of his growing success for future policy, research, and classroom practice. 4
LLSS: toward system support for plugging privacy leaks

Imagine that two users, Alice and Bob, have a conversation about a sensitive subject over email. Alice is vigilant about protecting the secrecy of the discussion and encrypts all copies of her sent and received emails. Bob, on the other hand, is well-meaning but negligent, and does not bother to encrypt any of his on-disk files. Worse, he unwittingly stores his email files in the portion of his hard drive that is shared with the rest of the Internet via a peer-to-peer client. One night, unbeknownst to either Alice or Bob, someone on the peer-to-peer network peruses Bob's shared space, finds his email files, and reads their private conversation. Despite Alice's best efforts and Bob's best intentions, the privacy of their discussion has leaked.
Adaptive control of redundant multilink robot using fuzzy logic

A new approach to fuzzy distance and restriction measures is used to obtain the appropriate orientations of the links for avoiding obstacles in the robot trajectories. This approach eliminates the classical task of solving highly coupled, nonlinear equations describing the ill- posed inverse problems of multilink robot motion at a much less demanding computational time. Such clear advantage of fuzzy logic based adaptive controller are illustrated by simulation results of guidance of a multilink robot in target positioning and trajectories tracking. The simulation results involve a three-link robot arm with capability of moving from one position to any desired position and tracking a defined trajectories accurately. A modified fuzzy rule based distance measure allows the robot to follow trajectories within hitting the obstacles in the path. The simulation results indicate the advantage of fuzzy logic based adaptive controllers in multiple criteria decision-making tasks.
Flow injection analysis of nanomolar silicate using long pathlength absorbance spectroscopy.

Abstract Determination of silicate at low concentrations (i.e., nanomolar levels) is an important analytical objective for both marine science and the semiconductor industry. Here we report the use of flow injection analysis (FIA) in combination with long pathlength liquid core waveguide (LCW) spectrometry to achieve detection limits for dissolved silica on the order of 10 nM. Sample throughput for the simple, automated analytical apparatus used in this work is 12 h−1 at low levels of dissolved silica; this rate can be increased by a factor of three for higher (micromolar) levels of dissolved silica. The analytical protocol is based on the reaction of silicate with ammonium molybdate to form a yellow silicomolybdate complex, which is subsequently reduced to silicomolybdenum blue by ascorbic acid. Optimization of the FIA procedure included consideration of the compositions and concentrations of reagents, volume of the injection loop, flow rate conditions, and lengths of mixing coils. The interference by phosphate was examined and eliminated through addition of oxalic acid. The dissolved silica detection limit of 7.2 nM in pure water is consistent with the strictest standard for the semiconductor industry, and the 9.0 nM detection limit for seawater shows that this analytical method is also suitable for oligotrophic ocean waters. The targeted analytical range of 10 nM to 5 μM can be easily extended to higher concentrations without altering the experimental hardware—i.e., by simply changing flow rates or selecting alternative analytical wavelengths. Compared to previously published LCW-based spectrophotometric methods, this analytical system exhibits improved sensitivity, reduced sample consumption, and higher sample throughput.
Public sector layoffs, credibility and the dynamics of inflation in a simple macromodel

Abstract The impact of public sector layoffs is analyzed in a simple perfect foresight model that incorporates the main elements of the conflict between adjustment and the pursuit of long-run efficiency. Permanent layoffs are normally welfare improving even when they give rise to a lengthy phase of high unemployment. The transitional problems are much more acute, however, when doubts exist about the permanency of the layoffs. Self-fulfilling failure is frequently an equilibrium when it is known that a return of inflation to its previous level will provoke the government to reverse the reform. Moreover, reform may be most difficult to sustain precisely when it promises the greatest benefits.
Large amplitude vibration of buckled beams and rectangular plates

It is noted that Eqs. (22, 24, and 25) are essentially those obtained by Beckwith 1 except for the coefficient constants. Finally, for the case of similar flows in the plane of symmetry of an inclined axisymmetric body with zero streamwise pressure gradient and insulated walls, the following conditions prevail: e\ = 1, e» = r(x), KI = 0, ft = 0, and dgr/d^ = 0. In order to transform the resulting equations into a familiar form, we first differentiate Eq. (14) with respect to f *, which is defined as rf * = f. Then, with the aid of the following definitions:
A simple direct method for finding persistence times of populations and application to conservation problems.

Abstract The computation of persistence times of populations has become a central focus in conservation biology. We describe a simple, direct method for finding the statistics of persistence times by assuming that there is a maximum population size. Thus, even though the population dynamics may be very complex for population sizes below the maximum, it is possible to write a finite set of equations from which the mean and second moment of the persistence time can be found by using simple, algebraic methods. We apply the method to compute the mean and coefficient of variation of persistence times of populations that suffer large decrements (catastrophes). Our results show that in the presence of catastrophes, the increase in mean persistence time with large populations is not nearly as rapid as other theories suggest and that catastrophes occurring at even modest rates can considerably increase the risk of extinction.
Novel pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as cannabinoid-1 (CB1) antagonists: Journey from non-polar to polar amides

The synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as CB1 antagonists are described. As a part of eastern amide SAR, various chemically diverse motifs were introduced. In general, a range of modifications were well tolerated. Several molecules with high polar surface area were also indentified as potent CB1 receptor antagonists. The in vivo proof of principle for weight loss is exemplified with a lead compound from this series.
Surface oxidation of polycrystalline cadmium telluride thin films for Schottky barrier junction solar cells

Abstract Polycrystalline CdTe thin films grown on graphite or tungsten-coated graphite substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were exposed to the air at room temperature in a natural atmosphere of about 60% air humidity for 6 months. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) of the films indicate that a tellurium dioxide (TeO2) overlayer has formed from this process. The effects of such an overlayer on the electrical property of polycrystalline CdTe-based Schottky barrier junction solar cells have also been discussed for the first time. It is shown that a solar cell formed on a CdTe film with TeO2 overlayer has considerably higher open-circuit voltage and fill factor than that formed on a CdTe film without TeO2 overlayer. Our study further indicates that using a polycrystalline CdTe film which is thermally oxidized at above room temperature (100–400°C) does not provide any improvement on the solar cell efficiency.
Cystic Intramedullary Neoplasms of the Spinal Cord

Some of the less common, but extremely important, causes of cystic lesion within the confines of the spine are spinal cord neoplasms. The cystic component can be from within the neoplasm itself or from the syrinx cavity created by the tumor. Understanding the imaging characteristics of the lesion will aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis and will better prepare the surgeon for a successful resection at the time of surgery. Recent advances in surgical technique and surgical equipment have drastically lowered the morbidity of resection of intramedullary lesions of the spinal cord.
“By any means necessary”: Re‐reading malcolm X's MECCA conversion

Many scholars have misunderstood and misinterpreted Malcolm X's pilgrimage to Mecca in the spring of 1964. Instead of treating the conversion within its historical moment, scholars have de‐politicized this crucial event by ignoring the historical, political, and rhetorical dynamics of the situation. In this essay, I argue for a rhetorical reading of Malcolm's Mecca pilgrimage. Malcolm's conversion to orthodox Islam facilitated his attempts to actualize his political mission of internationalizing the battle for civil rights. Converting to orthodox Islam also enabled Malcolm to appropriate the rhetoric of the Koran to legitimate his political mission of indicting the United States on human rights violations at the United Nations.
Do Flow Rates Respond Asymmetrically to Water Level? Evidence from the Edwards Aquifer

Abstract This research examines the time series relationship between the Comal Springs flow rate and the water level in the Edwards Aquifer (Well J-17). The empirical methodology utilizes threshold autoregression (TAR) and momentum-TAR models that allow for asymmetry in responses and adjustments to a disequilibrium in the long-run cointegrating relationship. Based on the results, an asymmetric error-correction model (AECM) is proposed to characterize the short-run and long-run dynamic relationship between spring flow and water level. The results have implications for the management of water resources, water demand, and ecosystems.
Visualization techniques in computed tomographic coronary angiography.

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans can produce enormous datasets (>3,000 images), making traditional axial image interpretation unworkable. Previously existing and new techniques including multiplanar reformats, volume rendering, maximum intensity projections, curved multiplanar reformats, and "4D" (time-resolved) methods have all been used to increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce interpretation times. The methods and applications of these techniques to cardiac anatomy will be reviewed and discussed with an eye toward practical film interpretation.
Classification rules under autoregressive and general circulant covariance

We develop classification rules for data that have an autoregressive circulant covariance structure under the assumption of multivariate normality. We also develop classification rules assuming a general circulant covariance structure. The new classification rules are efficient in reducing the misclassification error rates when the number of observations is not large enough to estimate the unknown variance–covariance matrix. The proposed classification rules are demonstrated by simulation study for their validity and illustrated by a real data analysis for their use. Analyses of both simulated data and real data show the effectiveness of our new classification rules.
Human breast milk stimulates rat liver cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity in vitro

Abstract Human breast milk at concentrations of (40 μl/ml) markedly stimulates the activity of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (rate limiting enzyme involved in cholesterol catabolism) in rat liver microsomal preparations. This activity persisted after a) cold acetone extraction (to remove cholesterol) b) dialysis and c) boiling and trypsin treatment of milk. Homogenized cow's milk and infant formula (Similac) also possessed the stimulating activity. These results suggest that milk might provide some factor(s) for the development of cholesterol catabolic process which is immature at birth.
Antisense oligonucleotides to CRABP I and II alter the expression of TGF-beta 3, RAR-beta, and tenascin in primary cultures of embryonic palate cells.

The cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABPs) are thought to modulate the responsiveness of cells to retinoic acid (RA). We have previously shown that primary cultures of murine embryonic palate mesenchymal (MEPM) cells express both CRABP-I and CRABP-II genes and that this expression is regulated by RA and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). These cells also express high levels of TGF-β3, which is also regulated by RA and TGF-β. We have used an antisense strategy to investigate the role of the CRABPs in retinoid-induced gene expression. Subconfluent cultures of MEPM cells were treated for several days with phosphorothioate modified 18-mer oligonucleotides antisense to CRABP-I or CRABP-II and then with all-trans-retinoic acid at a concentration of 3.3 µM or 0.33 µM for 5 or 22 h. Total RNA was then extracted and the expression of TGF-β3, retinoic acid receptor β (RAR-β), and tenascin was assessed by northern blot analysis. Antisense oligonucleotides to CRABP-I partially inhibited the RA-induced TGF-β3, RAR-β, and tenascin mRNA expression. The corresponding mis-sense oligonucleotides were without effect. Antisense oligonucleotides to CRABP-II also partially inhibited RA-induced expression of these genes. As with the CRABP-I antisense, mis-sense oligonucleotides to CRABP-II had no effect. These data suggest that both CRABPs modulate the responsiveness of MEPM cells to retinoic acid. Inhibition of endogenous CRABP expression renders MEPM cells less responsive to RA with respect to induction of TGF-β3, RAR-β, and tenascin gene expression. These results have important implications for our understanding of the role of the CRABPs in retinoid teratology.
Traumatic myxomatous degeneration of a peripheral nerve.

Abstract A twenty-one-year-old man presented with an unresolved radial palsy of five months' duration. Surgical exploration revealed a cystic ganglion-like swelling within the radial nerve in the midarm. Histological examination of this mass demonstrated myxomatous degeneration of the nerve. A high incomplete radial nerve palsy resulted which necessitated tendon transfers. Myxomatous swelling and degeneration should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumourous conditions of peripheral nerve.
Some properties of the millimolar Ca2+-dependent proteinase from bovine cardiac muscle

Abstract Three to six mg of the millimolar Ca 2+ -requiring proteinase (m-calpain) were obtained from 1 kg bovine cardiac muscle (fresh wt) and some enzymatic properties of this proteinase were determined. Activity of bovine cardiac m-calpain decreases as ionic strength increases from 75 to 1000 m m . Maximal activation of m-calpain by Ca 2+ , La 3+ , Ba 2+ , and Mn 2+ occurs at 2 to 3 m m concentrations of each of these divalent cations, but La 3+ activation is only 20 to 25% and Ba 2+ and Mn 2+ activation only 6 to 10% as great as Ca 2+ activation. Maximum Sr 2+ activation occurs at 20 m m Sr 2+ and is 90 to 95% of maximum Ca 2+ activation. Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Cr 2+ , and Cd 2+ do not activate m-calpain when added alone; Mg 2+ does not affect, but Zn 2+ inhibits, Ca 2+ -stimulated activity. The nonionic detergents, Triton X-100 and Brij 35, activate m-calpain 1.6- to 2.0-fold but do not change its Ca 2+ requirement. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea inhibit m-calpain completely at 0.045% and 2.0 m , respectively. Because they bind Ca 2+ needed for activation, ATP, ADP, and ITP inhibit m-calpain. The trypsin inhibitors, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, ovomucoid trypsin inhibitor, ovoinhibitor, aprotinin, α 1 -antiproteinase inhibitor, soybean trypsin inhibitor, and lima bean trypsin inhibitor do not affect m-calpain activity; m-calpain does not release measureable quantities of acid-soluble peptides from a rabbit skeletal sarcoplasmic protein fraction but does degrade rabbit skeletal myofibrils and casein.
Experimental 0.1 mu m p-channel MOSFET with p/sup +/-polysilicon gate on 35 AA gate oxide

Very-high-transconductance 0.1 mu m surface-channel pMOSFET devices are fabricated with p/sup +/-poly gate on 35 AA-thick gate oxide. A 600 AA-deep p/sup +/ source-drain extension is used with self-aligned TiSi/sub 2/ to achieve low series resistance. The saturation transconductances, 400 mS/mm at 300 K and 500 mS/mm at 77 K, are the highest reported to date for pMOSFET devices. >
Model for superconductivity in graphite intercalation compounds

The observed superconductivity in the stage-1 graphite---alkali-metal intercalation compounds (GIC's) is modeled using both graphite $\ensuremath{\pi}$ bands and intercalate $s$ bands. The anisotropy observed in the superconducting properties is explained in terms of the anisotropy of the Fermi surfaces of the GIC's.
Formal Boundary Spanning and Informal Boundary Spanning in Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing: A Case Study

The paper expands theoretical and empirical understanding of the interaction between formal boundary spanning mechanism (i.e. individuals formally nominated to span boundaries for knowledge sharing) and informal boundary spanning mechanism (i.e., informal seeking of information via social ties crossing boundaries) in a far-flung operation of a global company. Through a case study of engineering groups at a U.S. based manufacturing plant, we found that both formal and informal boundary spanning mechanisms had a positive effect on the ability of dispersed groups to identify and transfer remotely situated knowledge from other sites. However, we also found that the formal boundary spanning mechanism may have a suppressing effect on the informal boundary spanning mechanism when jointly pursued in certain circumstances. The findings call into question the implicit view of the boundary spanner and virtual team literatures that has largely portrayed the effects of both mechanisms on cross-boundary knowledge transfer as independent or complementary.
Imagery and fear influence height perception

The current study tested whether height overestimation is related to height fear and influenced by images of falling. To assess perceptual biases, participants high (n = 65) versus low (n = 64) in height fear estimated the vertical extents of two balconies using a visual matching task. On one of the balconies, participants engaged in an imagery exercise designed to enhance the subjective sense that they were acting in a dangerous environment by picturing themselves falling. As expected, we found that individuals overestimated the balcony’s height more after they imagined themselves falling, particularly if they were already afraid of heights. These findings suggest that height fear may serve as a vulnerability factor that leads to perceptual biases when triggered by a stressor (in this case, images of falling).
Time, Trust and Hazard: Hairdressers' Symbolic Roles

Field work on five hairdressers in a small, suburban beauty shop shows that routine hazards provide an organizational justification to establish and maintain processes which create and sustain trust, both with coworkers and clients. The study analyzes data from interviews and weekly observations, and details the types of workers and clients; the hairdressers' roles as caretakers, friends and riskbearers; the necessity of establishing “professional” identities with clients by scheduling appointments; and the construction of shared futures among “regulars.” In the course of observing the symbolic and temporal processes associated with trust, hazards to hairdressers from chemicals, equipment, and procedures are examined, followed by the kinds of risks effecting clients from chemicals, equipment, and hairdressers' technical competence and moral responsibility, as framed by their “honorific” professional roles.
Are Product Returns a Necessary Evil? Antecedents and Consequences

Abstract The firm–customer exchange process consists of three key parts: (1) firm-initiated marketing communications, (2) customer buying behavior, and (3) customer product return behavior.To date, the literature in marketing has largely focused on how marketing communications affect customer buying behavior and, to some extent, how past buying behavior affects a firm's decisions to initiate future marketing communications. However, the literature on product returns is sparse, especially in relation to analyzing individual customer product return behavior. Although the magnitude of the value of product returns is known to be high ($100 billion per year), how it affects customer buying behavior is not known because of a lack of data availability and understanding of the role of product returns in the firm–customer exchange process. Given that product returns are considered a hassle for a firm's supply chain management and a drain on overall profitability, it is important to study product return behavior. T...
Discovery of novel splice forms and functional analysis of cancer‐specific alternative splicing in human expressed sequences

We report here a genome-wide analysis of alternative splicing in 2 million human expressed sequence tags (ESTs), to identify splice forms that are up-regulated in tumors relative to normal tissues. We found strong evidence (P < 0.01) of cancer-specific splice variants in 316 human genes. In total, 78% of the cancer-specific splice forms we detected are confirmed by human-curated mRNA sequences, indicating that our results are not due to random mis-splicing in tumors; 73% of the genes showed the same cancer-specific splicing changes in tissue-matched tumor versus normal datasets, indicating that the vast majority of these changes are associated with tumorigenesis, not tissue specificity. We have confirmed our EST results in an independent set of experimental data provided by human-curated mRNAs (P-value 10(-5.7)). Moreover, the majority of the genes we detected have functions associated with cancer (P-value 0.0007), suggesting that their altered splicing may play a functional role in cancer. Analysis of the types of cancer-specific splicing shifts suggests that many of these shifts act by disrupting a tumor suppressor function. Sur prisingly, our data show that for a large number (190 in this study) of cancer-associated genes cloned originally from tumors, there exists a previously uncharacterized splice form of the gene that appears to be predominant in normal tissue.
A kinetic theory of catalysis and mass transfer in a cylinder

The diffusion and mass transfer of a trace component in a background gas in a cylinder, is treated according to a relaxation transport equation. The system is assumed isothermal and at rest. An expression for an effective axial diffusivity is found which goes to the appropriate high and low density limits. Numerically, this diffusivity is similar to one half of the harmonic mean of the high density diffusivities, which is often used as an empirical extrapolating formula. The radial mass transfer problem results in an integral equation which is solved numerically for all Knudsen numbers. The case of catalytic reaction on the walls is considered in detail. Rarefaction effects become important under conditions of fast reaction. The problem of sublimation or evaporation from a cylinder wall can be treated by the same equations.
TRANSPORTATION AND TOURISM IN HAWAII: COMPUTABLE GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODEL

Using data from the state of Hawaii input-output (I-O) table, the economic impact of the transportation sector in Hawaii was described, modeled, and forecast under a number of alternative scenarios. Transportation is compared with the key economic sectors in the state in output, exports, household consumption, visitor spending, number of employees, and compensation of employees. Next, the overall transportation sector was disaggregated into key activities and functions to present a more complete picture of the important role of transportation in Hawaii. A computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the economy with a special focus on transportation is developed. Because tourism is the state's leading sector, the effects of both an increase and a decrease in visitor expenditures were modeled. Both measuring the economic importance of transportation in Hawaii and estimating probable consequences of potential economic changes are of interest. The visitor industry dominates Hawaii's economy, with small increases in visitor expenditures contributing significantly to the gross state product. Transportation industries, along with restaurant and accommodation services, account for a disproportionately large share of this growth. Key residential transportation sectors (transit and motor vehicles) contract in response to cost increases generated by a growth in visitor demand. The use of the I-O table and CGE modeling provides a useful analytical and planning tool for evaluating economic scenarios within a region such as Hawaii. The increased availability of both data sets and new modeling techniques offers opportunities to planners, engineers, and transportation policy makers.
Current and Future Directions in Social Work Research with Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders

This special issue evolved from the need to understand the health and social issues of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs), coupled with the lack of empirical research in national...
Adhesive capsulitis and dynamic splinting: a controlled, cohort study.

Adhesive Capsulitis (AC) affects patient of all ages, and stretching protocols are commonly prescribed for this condition. Dynamic splinting has been shown effective in contracture reduction from pathologies including Trismus to plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of dynamic splinting on patients with AC. This controlled, cohort study, was conducted at four physical therapy, sports medicine clinics in Texas and California. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with Stage II Adhesive Capsulitis were grouped by intervention. The intervention categories were as follows: Group I (Control); Group II (Physical Therapy exclusively with standardized protocols); Group III; (Shoulder Dynasplint system exclusively); Group IV (Combined treatment with Shoulder Dynasplint and standardized Physical Therapy). The duration of this study was 90 days for all groups, and the main outcome measures were change in active, external rotation. Significant difference was found for all treatment groups (p < 0.001) following a one-way ANOVA. The greatest change with the smallest standard deviation was for the combined treatment group IV, (mean change of 29°). The difference for the combined treatment group was attributed to patients' receiving the best PT combined with structured "home therapy" that contributed an additional 90 hours of end-range stretching. This adjunct should be included in the standard of care for adhesive Capsulitis. Trial Number: NCT00873158
The Evolution of Medical Research Writing from 1735 to 1985: The Case of the "Edinburgh Medical Journal.".

A crucial event in the historical evolution of scientific English was the birth of the scientific journal. This event, and its early rhetorical consequences, have been well described in recent research. In contrast, few details are known concerning subsequent developments in scientific writing from the eighteenth century onward. In this paper, the changing language and rhetoric of medical research reporting over the last 250years are characterized and the underlying causes of these changes investigated.Research articles from the Edinburgh Medical Journal, the oldest continuing medical journal in English, constitute the corpus in this study. Sampling took place at seven intervals beween 1735 and 1985, with two types of data analysis being performed: rhetorical analysis focusing on the broad genre characteristics of articles; and linguistic analysis of these articles' registral features using Biber's system of text analysis.Results indicate that the linguistic/rhetorical evolution of medical research writing can be accounted for on the basis of the changing epistemological norms of medical knowledge, the growth of a professional medical community, and the periodic redefinition of medicine vis-a-vis the non-medical sciences.
Bonding of Bi 2 Te 3 chips to alumina using Ag-In system for high temperature applications

Bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ) and its alloys are the most commonly used materials for thermoelectric devices. In this research, Bi 2 Te 3 chips of 9mm×9mm were coated with 100nm titanium (Ti) and 100nm gold (Au) as barrier layer and plated with 10μm Ag layer. Alumina substrates with 40nm TiW and 2.5μm Au were plated with 60μm Ag, followed by 5μm In and thin Ag cap layer for oxidation prevention. The Bi 2 Te 3 chips were bonded to alumina substrates at 180oC in 0.1 torr vacuum with 100 psi static pressure. Despite significant difference in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) among materials used, the resulting joint did not break. It consists of five regions: Ag, (Ag), Ag 2 In, (Ag), and Ag, and has a melting temperature higher than 660oC. The bonded sample was annealed at 250oC for 200 hours. The barrier layer and the joint remain of high quality without any breakage. After annealing, the Ag 2 In compound region turns to a Ag-rich alloy layer with melting temperature higher than 690oC. Our bonding results demonstrate the superior characteristics of Ag-In system in high temperature applications. The success of this research opens the door of building thermoelectric modules for power generating or cooling applications, which require long-term operations at high temperature on the hot side.
Multiple excitations of atomic electrons

The development of nonperturbative techniques to deal with multiple-electron perturbations in atomic spectra is reviewed. Through the joint use of quantum-defect theory and of a finite-volume channel interaction method, numerous spectral regularities have emerged. The analysis of hyperspherical coordinate maps for many-electron atoms extends many of our intuitive notions about separable systems to strongly correlated electron motion, which is inherently nonseparable.
Pediatrics, Surfactant, and Cystic Fibrosis in AJRCCM 2002

Pediatrics (62) Pulmonary Function Testing and Diagnostic Techniques (13) Normative Values (1) Thoracoabdominal Compression (1) Spirometry (4) Forced Oscillation (3) Exhaled Nitric Oxide (1) Respiratory Muscles and Mechanics (3) Mechanical Ventilation (4) Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis (8) Sleep and Control of Breathing (5) Pediatric Asthma (23) Epidemiology (6) Risk Factors: Air Pollution (1) Risk Factors: Aeroallergens (2) Risk Factors: Parental Asthma and Exposure (1) Airway Inflammation (6) Airway Hyperreactivity (3) Clinical Issues (1) Treatment (3) Other Pediatric Issues (9) Passive Smoking (2) Lung Development (2) Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (5) Surfactant Biology and Disorders (11) Pathophysiology (7) Treatment (3) Workshop (1) Cystic Fibrosis (12) Genetics (1) Lung Inflammation (2) Microbiology (1) Pathophysiology and Exercise Performance (3) Treatment (3) Gene Therapy (1) Lung Transplantation (2) Outcome (2)
A finite element free boundary formulation for the problem of multiphase heat conduction

The problem of heat conduction in a multiphase medium is a free boundary problem in which the free boundary is the phase transition line. The solution to this problem is highly irregular in that the temperature gradient is discontinuous at the free boundary. Two-dimensional, discontinuous, space–time finite elements are introduced to obtain a finite element, free boundary formulation for this problem. The jump in heat flux and position of the phase transition line become dependent variables in the finite element model. The resulting models give accurate results while allowing the calculation of free boundary problems with a fixed finite element mesh.
Novel structures in marginal and intermediate cells presumably relate to functions of apical versus basal strial strata.

Abstract Prior ultrastructural studies showed that K + supplied to the stria vascularis came from recycling ions from the organ of Corti or perilymph to strial basal cells. A newly distinguished basal subtype of intermediate cell (BIC) completely covered the basal cells with a leaf-like horizontal process and appeared situated to absorb from them all of the recycled K + . The basal region of marginal cells (MCs) projected foot-like and enlarged processes to border BICs opposite an unique ca. 150 A space. These basal MC processes appeared positioned to resorb part of the K + recycled to BICs. A second, upper subtype of IC (UIC), occupying middle to upper strial strata, contacted BIC’s extensively. UICs were thus located to resorb from BICs the portion of the recycled K + not forwarded to basal MC processes. The apical segment of MCs projected mitochondria-filled primary processes and numerous associated secondary processes. The Na,K-ATPase-rich secondary processes populated mid to upper stria where they could siphon K + from UICs and resorb and secrete the ions thus generating the150 mM [KCl] of endolymph. The morphologic relationship of basal marginal cell processes to BICs differed so strikingly from the relation of upper MC processes to UICs as to suggest a different function for basal stria, one possibly concerned with generating the endocochlear potential.
28 GHz millimeter wave cellular communication measurements for reflection and penetration loss in and around buildings in New York city

In this paper, we present reflection coefficients and penetration losses for common building materials at 28 GHz for the design and deployment of future millimeter wave mobile communication networks. Reflections from walls and buildings and penetration losses were measured for indoor and outdoor materials, such as tinted glass, clear glass, brick, concrete, and drywall at 28 GHz in New York City. A 400 Mega-chip-per-second sliding correlator channel sounder and 24.5 dBi steerable horn antennas were used to emulate future mobile devices with adaptive antennas that will likely be used in future millimeter wave cellular systems [1]. Measurements in and around buildings show that outdoor building materials are excellent reflectors with the largest measured reflection coefficient of 0.896 for tinted glass as compared to indoor building materials that are less reflective. We also found that penetration loss is dependent not only on the number of obstructions and distance between transmitter and receiver, but also on the surrounding environment. The greatest penetration loss containing three interior walls of an office building was found to be 45.1 dB, with 11.39 m separation between the transmitter and receiver.
A comparison of two laboratories for the measurement of wood dust using button sampler and diffuse reflection infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS).

The current measurement method for occupational exposure to wood dust is by gravimetric analy sis and is thus non-specific. In this work, diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) for the analysis of only the wood component of dust was further evaluated by analysis of the same samples between two laboratories. Field samples were collected from six wood product factories using 25-mm glass fiber filters with the Button aerosol sampler. Gravimetric mass was determined in one laboratory by weighing the filters before and after aerosol collection. Diffuse reflection midinfrared spectra were obtained from the wood dust on the filter which is placed on a motorized stage inside the spectrometer. The metric used for the DRIFTS analysis was the intensity of the carbonyl band in cellulose and hemicellulose at ~1735 cm −1 . Calibration curves were constructed separately in both laboratories using the same sets of prepared filters from the inhalable sampling fraction of red oak, southern yellow pine, and western red cedar in the range of 0.125–4 mg of wood dust. Using the same procedure in both laboratories to build the calibration curve and analyze the field samples, 62.3% of the samples measured within 25% of the average result with a mean difference between the laborato ries of 18.5%. Some observations are included as to how the calibration and analysis can be improved. In particular, determining the wood type on each sample to allow matching to the most appropriate calibration increases the apparent proportion of wood dust in the sample and this likely provides more realistic DRIFTS results.
Evolving role of galectin-3 as a cardiac biomarker: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and renal function, important pieces of the puzzle.

For more than a decade, galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been known to be an important mediator in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) predominantly by promoting fibrosis [(1)][1]. Several years after that finding, levels of Gal-3 in the blood were recognized to be prognostic for death or recurrent