cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of Medicare capital prospective payment regulation: additional evidence from hospital financing decisions

Abstract This study investigates the impact of the 1992 Medicare capital prospective payment regulation on hospital financing decisions, using a sample of California hospitals. The regulation, which changed reimbursement for hospital inpatient capital costs from a cost-based to a fixed fee per patient system, eliminated previous regulatory incentives to use debt and eliminated implicit guarantees of hospital debt service. Overall, I find that hospitals decrease the use of long-term debt after implementation of the regulation and that Medicare share of business and the decrease in capital expenditures are significant in explaining this decrease. In addition, I find that the decline is substantially greater for high-cost than low-cost hospitals. Multivariate analyses suggest that some low-cost (high-cost) hospitals increase (decrease) debt, after controlling for other factors. For low-cost hospitals, the relation between Medicare share of business and debt becomes more negative after the regulatory change, suggesting that low-cost hospitals with greater dependence on Medicare business are more likely to decrease debt. For high-cost hospitals, the relation between capital expenditures and debt becomes less positive after the regulatory change, suggesting that a decrease in capital expenditures affects the need for debt financing. Combined with results from prior research that suggest that low-cost (high-cost) hospitals increase (decrease) capital expenditures following the regulation, results are consistent with changes in capital expenditures leading to differential needs for financing and with hospitals adjusting financing practices in response to the expected increase (decrease) in capital cost reimbursement.
Climate change: water rights and electric utilities

Abstract Continued accumulation of CO 2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may result in significant global warming and in altered patterns of precipitation and runoff within the next century. The impacts on electric utilities of possible reductions in runoff or change in its timing and reliability will depend on the pre-existing nature and distribution of water rights and on the adaptability of water institutions to changing conditions. The major features of the two systems of water rights in use in the USA, and a potential model for institutional adjustment to climate change are described.
Time-series studies of the murder and homicide rates in the USA

Summary.-Time-series analyses of the homicide rates (from mortality statistics) and murder rates (from crime statistics) for the period 1960 to 1985 gave identical magnitudes of association with measures of domestic social integration (marriage, divorce, and birth rates). Most regression analyses of the homicide rate in the USA utilize mortality statistics (e.g., Lester, 1988). The present study compared the results of time-series multiple regressions for both homicide rates (from mortality statistics) and murder rates (from crime statistics) for the period 1960 to 1985. Homicide rates were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (annual) and murder rates from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (annual). Birth, marriage, and divorce rates were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of the Census (annual). Time-series regressions were carried out using Doan's (1990) statistical package, using the Cochrane-Orcutt method to correct for serial autocorrelation. The homicide and murder rates were strongly associated (Pearson r = 0.996). The regression results were similar. Divorce rates were positively associated with homicide and murder rates (bs = 1.20 and 1.99, p< .02), whereas marriage rates (bs = 0.53 and 0.50) and birth rates (bs = 0.03 and 0.04) were not. The multiple R2s were both 0.96. Thus, use of mortality and crime statistics for homicide and murder gave almost identical results in this study.
A technique for measuring preferences for spending reductions

A question format for assessing people's preferences for spending reductions which can be used as part of telephone-administered surveys is discussed. Experiences with two field tests of the format are promising in that the response rates to question series as well as the validities of measures obtained from using the format compare favorably with similar assessments of rank-order formats. While cautionary use of the cutback technique is recommended, the findings reported here are encouraging enough to warrant further experimentation with it.
Anoikis Induction by Quinazoline Based α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonists in Prostate Cancer Cells: Antagonistic Effect of Bcl-2

ABSTRACTPurpose: The ability of the quinazoline derived α1-adrenoceptor antagonists doxazosin and terazosin to induce apoptosis in benign and malignant prostate cells has been established. In this study we investigated the effect of the 2 piperazidinyl quinazoline based α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and the methoxybenzene sulfonamide α1-antagonist tamsulosin on human prostate cancer cell adhesion.Materials and Methods: Androgen independent PC-3 prostate cancer cells and PC-3 transfectant clones over expressing the apoptosis suppressor bcl-2 were used as an in vitro model. Cells were treated with pharmacologically relevant doses of 1 of the 3 α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and the effect on cell viability/cell adhesion on various substrates was examined. Analysis of expression of key attachment factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia inducible factor-α, was performed.Results: Our results indicate a significant decrease in prostate cancer cell adhesion to gelatin and collagen but n...
The destination image of Russia : From the online induced perspective

Abstract With the Internet becoming a prominent means of destination marketing and promotion, this study compared US and Russian website materials related to travel to Russia to determine whether the two sides differed in: (1) most frequently mentioned places within the country; and (2) descriptions of Russia as a travel destination. These different perspectives can contribute to a better understanding of the induced component of Russia's destination image in the online environment and their analysis resulted in important marketing implications. The research approach for this study was to view every website as a case in the selected sample of the whole population of US and Russian websites. Two software programs, CATPAC II and WORDER, were applied to analyze the content of website materials and solve the technical issues of destination counting. This study clearly suggests that US tour operators are narrowly positioning Russia as mainly being a historic and cultural destination, with a relatively tight geographic emphasis on the western portion of the country. Technically and content-wise, the Russian websites require the greatest improvements. They tend to be loaded with information and not particularly well targeted to specific countries of visitor origin or market segments by travel interests.
Subcutaneous implantation of human post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease lesions in SCID mice

The tumorigenic potential of six post-transplant B-cell lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) lesions was evaluated in SCID mice. Three animals developed local subcutaneous B cell tumours, two of which contained Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA. Two animals developed CD3 positive thymic neoplasms, and one mouse developed an uncharacterized spontaneously regressing subcutaneous tumour. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangements studies with a JH probe, and EBV clonality studies with a Bam NJ fused terminal probe, showed only one mouse tumour to be genealogically related to the corresponding clinical lesion. It is concluded that lymphoid clones which constitute human PTLD are not autonomous, but sustained by host-derived growth stimuli distinct from those operating in the SCID mouse mileu.
Determination of omega phase volume fraction in single crystals of beta titanium alloys

Abstract Single crystals of metastable BCC Ti-6.5 at.% Mo alloy have been aged at 350°C for varying times to precipitate the omega phase. The variation in volume fraction of precipitate was determined by a quantitative X-ray diffraction technique and correlated with transmission electron microscopy from thin foils. For Ti-Mo alloys the lattice misfit between omega and beta phases is small; reflections from parallel planes of both phases overlap necessitating the use of reflections from nonparallel planes. The 310 beta reflection and 31 4 1 and 30 3 2 omega reflections were selected. These two omega reflections occurred at 96° and 105° 2θ angles with CuKα radiation and required a 14° reorientation of the crystal.
REGULATORY ROLE OF INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID AND GIBBERELLIC ACID IN VEGETATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF XANTHIUM PENNSYLVANICUM

A single application of gibberellic acid to young internodes significantly accelerated the rate of internode growth and the rate of leaf production in shoots of Xanthium pennsylvanicum Wallr. The average duration of one plastochron in treated plants was reduced to 43% of control levels. Gibberellic acid also had a pronounced morphogenetic effect on leaves so that the area and leaf length of treated plants were both significantly reduced. Depending upon concentration, auxin had both inhibitory and promotive effects on Xanthium shoots. Indole-3-acetic acid markedly altered the response of the gibberellic acid-treated internodes and those located above and below the site of application. In addition, high auxin concentrations induced the formation of adventitious roots in treated internodes. Auxin also brought about significant reductions in the length and area of leaves developed under the influence of this hormone. GIBBERELLIC acid (GA3) produces striking changes in the apical shoot of Xanthium pennsylvanicum Wallr. A growth analysis of control and treated plants has shown that GA3 treatment accelerates the rate of leaf production with the plastochron duration being shortened from an average of 3.3 days to 1.9 in the treated plants (Maksymowych and Maksymowych, 1973).
Micro- and nanofluidics for energy conversion

The application of micro- and nanotechnology in energy conversion is discussed. Fundamental understanding of micro- and nanoscale transport has significantly improved the operation reliability, durability, and system simplicity of fuel cell systems. On the other hand, energy harvesting from streaming potential holds the hope to be practical if the efficiency can be further improved to the level predicted by current theory. The development of micro- and nanofluidics has been consistently fast in pace and radical in progress. It can be expected to open many doors for the exploration of new energy conversion technologies.
Neutron therapy for head and neck cancer: I. A final report of the MDAH-TAMVEC pilot studies.

Abstract Between October 1972 and December 1979, 142 patients with advanced head and neck cancer were treated in neutron-therapy pilot studies. Forty-nine patients were treated with neutron irradiation twice weekly, 17 with neutron irradiation four times per week, 31 with mixed-schedule irradiation (two neutron and three photon fractions per week), and 45 with conventional treatment (surgery, photon irradiation, or combined surgery and photon irradiation). The tumor was locally controlled in 47 % of patients treated with neutron irradiation twice weekly, in 29 % of those treated with neutron irradiation four times per week, in 45 % of those treated with mixed-schedule irradiation, and in 44% of those treated with conventional modalities. The complications rates were 18%, 6%, 0%, and 20%, respectively. On the basis of this experience, a prospective randomized trial comparing mixed-schedule and photon irradiation for advanced head and neck cancer was initiated in January, 1977.
Effects of 76 Hz electromagnetic fields on forest ecosystems in northern Michigan: Tree growth

Since 1984, the possible effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic (EM) fields generated by a 76 Hz communication antenna on the growth and productivity of four deciduous and one coniferous species have been studied in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Results from two research sites are discussed here: one site near an antenna element and a control site located 50 km from the communication system. Growth models for individual tree diameters were developed for northern red oak (Quercus rubra), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), aspen (Populus tremuloides with a few individuals ofP. grandidentata), and red maple (Acer rubrum). A growth model for individual tree height was developed for young red pine (Pinus resinosa). Average differences between the observed and predicted growth were calculated for each growing season and then compared between the study sites and across the study periods to evaluate changes in growth patterns which could be attributed to EM field effects. For aspen and red maple, the results showed a stimulation of diameter growth at magnetic flux density levels of 1 to 7 milliGauss; height growth of red pine was increased at about the same exposure levels. There are no clear indications of an EM field effect on total annual diameter growth for either of the other two species.
Mutation load and rapid adaptation favour outcrossing over self-fertilization

The tendency of organisms to reproduce by cross-fertilization despite numerous disadvantages relative to self-fertilization is one of the oldest puzzles in evolutionary biology. For many species, the primary obstacle to the evolution of outcrossing is the cost of production of males, individuals that do not directly contribute offspring and thus diminish the long-term reproductive output of a lineage. Self-fertilizing ('selfing') organisms do not incur the cost of males and therefore should possess at least a twofold numerical advantage over most outcrossing organisms. Two competing explanations for the widespread prevalence of outcrossing in nature despite this inherent disadvantage are the avoidance of inbreeding depression generated by selfing and the ability of outcrossing populations to adapt more rapidly to environmental change. Here we show that outcrossing is favoured in populations of Caenorhabditis elegans subject to experimental evolution both under conditions of increased mutation rate and during adaptation to a novel environment. In general, fitness increased with increasing rates of outcrossing. Thus, each of the standard explanations for the maintenance of outcrossing are correct, and it is likely that outcrossing is the predominant mode of reproduction in most species because it is favoured under ecological conditions that are ubiquitous in natural environments.
Forming limits of AL 6022 sheets with material damage consideration: theory and experimental validation

Abstract Characteristics of localized necking in sheet metals are examined with anisotropic plasticity as well as anisotropic damage developed progressively after load application. The vertex theory is employed to describe basic mechanisms of localized necking. Anisotropic plasticity is accounted for by Hill's quadratic yield criterion. An anisotropic damage model based on Continuum Damage Mechanics is reviewed and expanded. The anisotropic damage model is combined with a modified vertex theory to generate damage-coupled localized necking criteria on both sides of forming limit diagram (FLD). The criteria lead to explicit expressions of critical hardening modulus on both sides of FLD. It is shown that the damage-coupled FLD model can be readily reduced and used to predict the forming limit strains of damage-free materials satisfying power hardening law given by other researchers (Hill, J. Mech. Phys. Solids. (1952)1,19; Zhu et al., ASME J. Eng. Mater. Tech. (2001) 123, 329). Critical damage value at localized necking can be computed from the damage-coupled localized necking criteria as a function of stress/strain states and strain paths. Tests on the formability and material properties of Al 6022, such as hardening and damage law, anisotropic plasticity parameter, have been performed. The measured FLD of the material are compared with the predictions based on the damage-coupled localized necking criteria for validation of the proposed FLD model. Material damage is observed to have a definite effect on the forming limits of Al 6022, thus providing a more accurate prediction than that of the conventional models.
A Current Algebra for Some Gauge Theory Amplitudes

Abstract The classical amplitude for scattering of two positive helicity and n −2 negative helicity (or the other way) gauge bosons is shown to be generated by a Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) model for N =4 supersymmetric gauge theory; i.e. the current algebra of the WZW model (with central charge k =1) gives a Kac-Moody algebra as the symmetry behind these amplitudes.
Consistency in Regular Plans for Mobile Clients

The broadcast problem including the plan design is considered. The data are inserted and numbered into customized size relations at a predefined order. The server ability to create a full, regular Broadcast Plan (RBP) with single and multiple channels after some data transformations is examined. The Basic Regular Algorithm (BRA) prepares an RBP and enables users to catch their items while avoiding wasting energy by their devices. In the case of multiple channels, a dynamic grouping solution is proposed, called the Partition Value Algorithm (PVA). under a multiplicity constraint. In order to provide consistency in data values the Rebroadcasting of Regular Data Algorithm (RRD) is presented. This last property, in addition to the self-monitoring, and self-organizing, can be offered by servers today providing also channel availability and lower energy consumption by using a smaller, with equal bandwidth, number of channels. Simulation results are provided.
Analysis of the 3-omega method for thermal conductivity measurement

The 3ω method for measurement of thermal conductivity of a solid usually consists of a strip heater above a substrate, and the method is based on an approximate solution of the heat conduction problem in which the heater thickness is neglected. We establish a two-dimensional heat conduction model for the heater-on-substrate 3ω method which takes into account the finite thickness of the heater. Analytical solutions for the finite-heater problem and the vanishing heater-thickness problem are presented utilizing the method of separation of variables. It is found that neglecting the heater thickness is not accurate at low or high frequencies, but works well in between. This frequency range becomes narrower when the heater thickness increases.
Chemical distance geometry: Current realization and future projection

Since the 1988 monograph “Distance Geometry and Molecular Conformation” by Crippen and Havel, there have been significant changes in the application of distance geometry to problems of chemical interest. This review attempts to outline what the current state of the art is, in both the underlying mathematical methods and chemical applications, and to indicate future developments. Rather than go into details concerning algorithms and theorems, the emphasis is on defining the kinds of problems we can solve or would like to, and then guiding the interested reader to the recent literature. Special emphasis is given to the problem of determining macromolecular conformation in solution by NMR, including energy functions, and dealing with conformational flexibility.
A β-glucuronidase (GUS) Based Cell Death Assay

We have developed a novel transient plant expression system that simultaneously expresses the reporter gene, β-glucuronidase (GUS), with putative positive or negative regulators of cell death. In this system, N. benthamiana leaves are co-infiltrated with a 35S driven expression cassette containing the gene to be analyzed, and the GUS vector pCAMBIA 2301 using Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 as a vehicle. Because live cells are required for GUS expression to occur, loss of GUS activity is expected when this marker gene is co-expressed with positive regulators of cell death. Equally, increased GUS activity is observed when anti-apoptotic genes are used compared to the vector control. As shown below, we have successfully used this system in our lab to analyze both pro- and anti-death players. These include the plant anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 Associated athanoGene (BAG) family, as well as, known mammalian inducers of cell death, such as BAX. Additionally, we have used this system to analyze the death function of specific truncations within proteins, which could provide clues on the possible post-translational modification/activation of these proteins. Here, we present a rapid and sensitive plant based method, as an initial step in investigating the death function of specific genes.
Minimum‐weight cycles in 3‐separable graphs

This paper presents a polynomial-time algorithm for the minimum-weight-cycle problem on graphs that decompose via 3-separations into well-structured graphs. The problem is NP-hard in general. Graphs that decompose via 3-separations into well-structured graphs include Halin, outer-facial, delta-wye, wye-delta, flat, and twirl-wheel graphs. For each of these classes of graphs, given the decomposition, the algorithm runs in linear time.
The reliability and validity of a structured interview for the assessment of infectious illness symptoms

Respiratory infections are the leading cause of morbidity in community populations. We developed a structured interview based on the Health Review (Roseet al., Psychosom. Med. 40: 142–165, 1978) to provide a simple method for periodic assessment of infectious illness, particularly upper respiratory infections. Congruence between interview data and physician diagnoses demonstrated excellent agreement regarding the presence or absence of an infection. Subjects who showed a clinically significant increase in antibody titers to an influenza virus vaccine reported fewer than half as many respiratory infections in the subsequent year as subjects who did not show a significant response. Interrater and test-retest reliabilities were satisfactory. These data support the reliability and validity of this method of assessing infectious illnesses.
Efficient clinical-scale enrichment of lymphocytes for use in adoptive immunotherapy using a modified counterflow centrifugal elutriation program

Background aimsClinical-scale lymphocyte enrichment from a leukapheresis product has been performed most routinely using costly magnetic bead separation systems that deplete monocytes, but this procedure may leave behind residual beads or antibodies in the enriched cell product. Counterflow centrifugal elutriation has been demonstrated previously to enrich monocytes efficiently for generation of dendritic cells. This study describes a modified elutriation procedure for efficient bead-free economical enrichment of lymphocytes from leukapheresis products from healthy donors and study subjects with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or malignancy.MethodsModified program settings and conditions for the CaridianBCT Elutra® device were investigated to optimize lymphocyte enrichment and recovery. Lymphocyte enrichment was measured using a novel approach utilizing cell sizing analysis on a Beckman Coulter Multisizer™ and confirmed by flow cytometry phenotypic analysis.ResultsEfficient enrichment and rec...
Acoustic determinants of infant preference for motherese speech

Three experiments investigated possible acoustic determinants of the infant listening preference for motherese speech found by Fernald (1985). To test the hypothesis that the intonation of motherese speech was sufficient to elicit this preference, it was necessary to eliminate lexical content and to isolate the three maior acoustic correlates of intonation: (1) fundamental frequency (Fo), or pitch: (2) amplitude, correlated with loudness; and (3) duration, related to speech rhythm. Three sets of auditory reinforcers were computer-synthesized, derived from the FO (Experiment 1). amplitude (Experiment 2). and durotion (Experiment 3) characteristics of the infant- and adult-directed natural speech samples used by Fernald (1985). Thus, each of these experiments focused on particular prosodic variables in the absence of segmental variation. Twenty 4-month-old infants were tested in on operant ouditory preference procedure in each experiment. Infonts showed a significant preference for the FO-patterns of motherese speech, but not for the amplitude or duration patterns of motherese.
Involuntary memory chains: What do they tell us about autobiographical memory organisation?

Involuntary memory chains are spontaneous recollections of the past that occur as a sequence of associated memories. This memory phenomenon has provided some insights into the nature of associations in autobiographical memory. For example, it has shown that conceptually associated memories (memories sharing similar content, such as the same people or themes) are more prevalent than general-event associated memories (memories from the same extended event period, such as a trip). This finding has suggested that conceptual associations are a central organisational principle in the autobiographical memory system. This study used involuntary memories chains to gain additional insights into the associative structure of autobiographical memory. Among the main results, we found that general-event associations have higher rates of forgetting than conceptual associations, and in long memory chains (i.e., those with more than two memories) conceptually associated memories were more likely to activate memories in their associative class, whereas general-event associated memories were less likely to activate memories in their associative class. We interpret the results as further evidence that conceptual associations are a major organising principle in the autobiographical memory system, and attempt to explain why general-event associations have shorter lifespans than conceptual associations.
MO‐D‐I‐6B‐02: Active Matrix, Flat‐Panel Imagers: From Rigid and Simple to Flexible and Smart

Almost two decades of intensive research and development have transformed the concept of capturing x‐ray images with large area, solid‐state devices based on active matrix addressing into a wide range of highly useful technologies. These digital technologies are based on the use of two‐dimensional matrices of thin‐film transistors utilizing amorphous siliconsemiconductors, along with scintillator‐ or photoconductor‐based x‐ray converters. The numerous advantages of this general approach have led to the widespread introduction of active matrix, flat‐panel imagers for projection and cone‐beam tomographic applications in mammography,radiography,fluoroscopy,radiotherapy and other medical and industrial applications. However, it has become apparent that current devices suffer from a number of intrinsic limitations that affect their cost, performance, robustness, and form factor. Intriguingly, technologies emerging from on‐going advances in displays offer the potential of enabling the creation of fundamentally different forms of active matrix x‐ray imagers. These imagers would incorporate such innovations as flexible, plastic substrates or sophisticated in‐pixel circuitry. In this presentation, an overview of possible directions for active matrix imager development will be presented, along with a description of the underlying advances in semiconductors and processing techniques that will drive these changes. In addition, the potential impact of such radically different forms of imagers upon performance, use and availability will be discussed. Educational Objectives: 1. Review strengths and limitations of present‐day active matrix x‐ray imagers. 2. Describe semiconductor‐ and processing‐based enhancements that could circumvent these limitations 3. Summarize likely effects of the application of such innovations to active matrix imager design
Protein Malnutrition during Pregnancy in C57BL/6J Mice Results in Offspring with Altered Circadian Physiology before Obesity

The mechanisms linking intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) with adulthood obesity and diabetes are unclear. These studies investigated energy homeostasis in 8- and 20-wk-old male and female mice subjected to protein deficiency in utero. Pregnant C57BL/6J female mice were fed a protein-deficient diet (6% protein). Undernourished offspring (UO) and controls (CO) were cross-fostered to lactating dams fed a 20% control diet. The 24-h profiles of energy expenditure, feeding behavior, physical activity, and whole-body substrate preference was assessed using 8-wk UO and CO weaned onto control diet. Blood chemistries, glucose tolerance, and expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism were analyzed in 8- and 20-wk-old CO and UO fed control or a high-fat diet. UO exhibited IUGR with catch-up growth at 8 wk of age and increased severity of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by 20 wk of age. Therefore, fetal malnutrition in the C57BL/6J mouse increases sensitivity to diet-induced obesity. Abnormal daily rhythms in food intake and metabolism, increased lipogenesis, and inflammation preceded obesity in the UO group. Arrhythmic expression of circadian oscillator genes was evident in brain, liver, and muscle of UO at 8 and 20 wk of age. Expression of the clock-associated nuclear receptor and transcription repressor Rev-erbalpha was reduced in liver and muscle of UO. Altered circadian physiology may be symptomatic of the metabolic dysregulation associated with IUGR, and altered feeding behavior and substrate metabolism may contribute to the obese phenotype.
Prediction of Turbulent Source Flow Between Corotating Disks With an Anisotropic Two-Equation Turbulence Model

An anisotropic form of a low-Reynolds-number two-equation turbulence model has been implemented in a numerical solution for incompressible turbulent flow between corotating parallel disks. Transport equations for turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate were solved simultaneously with the governing equations for the mean-flow variables. Comparisons with earlier mixing-length predictions and with measurements are presented. Good agreement between the present predictions and the measurements of velocity components and turbulent kinetic energy was obtained. The low-Reynolds-number two-equation model was found to model adequately the near-wall region as well as the effects of rotation and streamline divergence, which required ad hoc assumptions in the mixing-length model.
Humeral avulsions of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex involving the axillary pouch in professional baseball players

Humeral avulsion of the inferior glenohumeral ligament is a rare injury in athletes and can involve different parts of the complex. Axillary pouch avulsion, in particular, has only recently been recognized in the literature, but has never been described in professional baseball pitchers. A retrospective review of professional baseball players presenting to our institution over 5 years was performed. Patients with Bankart lesions or fractures were excluded. Preoperative MRI was retrospectively correlated with the clinical and arthroscopic findings, as available. Four professional baseball pitchers were identified, all who had axillary pouch humeral avulsions of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. There was a concomitant avulsion of the anterior band in one patient. Associated findings included labral tears (n = 2) and partial thickness tear of the rotator cuff (n = 2). Three patients ultimately had their axillary pouch avulsions repaired at most recent follow-up. APHAGL lesions can be seen in overhead athletes such as baseball pitchers and should be carefully considered as a potential cause of disability. Appropriate diagnosis is important to ultimately elucidate the optimal management of these lesions.
Primary roles for secondary compounds

Abstract Although the proposed roles for secondary compounds in plants are varied, recent investigators have emphasized their defensive properties. However, because these compounds exist in dynamic equilibrium and may be recycled to primary metabolities, natural selection may be for their role in primary metabolic processes as well as in defence.
Nitric oxide synthase activity in genetic hypertension

A porphyrinic sensor was used to monitor nitric oxide released from cultured endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells obtained from genetically hypertensive rats and from a normotensive reference strain of rats. Endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (the constitutive enzyme) was stimulated with bradykinin, and vascular smooth muscle cell nitric oxide synthase (the inducible enzyme) was induced with interleukin-1 beta. Both types of cells from hypertensive rats released less nitric oxide than did cells from normotensive rats. The observed deficient nitric oxide release from endothelial and smooth muscle cells may contribute to the elevated vascular tone and increased cell growth described in hypertension.
Myofibroblast Differentiation by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Is Dependent on Cell Adhesion and Integrin Signaling via Focal Adhesion Kinase

Myofibroblast differentiation and activation by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a critical event in the pathogenesis of human fibrotic diseases, but regulatory mechanisms for this effect are unclear. In this report, we demonstrate that stable expression of the myofibroblast phenotype requires both TGF-beta1 and adhesion-dependent signals. TGF-beta1-induced myofibroblast differentiation of lung fibroblasts is blocked in non-adherent cells despite the preservation of TGF-beta receptor(s)-mediated signaling of Smad2 phosphorylation. TGF-beta1 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) including that of its autophosphorylation site, Tyr-397, an effect that is dependent on cell adhesion and is delayed relative to early Smad signaling. Pharmacologic inhibition of FAK or expression of kinase-deficient FAK, mutated by substituting Tyr-397 with Phe, inhibit TGF-beta1-induced alpha-smooth muscle actin expression, stress fiber formation, and cellular hypertrophy. Basal expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin is elevated in cells grown on fibronectin-coated dishes but is decreased on laminin and poly-d-lysine, a non-integrin binding polypeptide. TGF-beta1 up-regulates expression of integrins and fibronectin, an effect that is associated with autophosphorylation/activation of FAK. Thus, a safer and more effective therapeutic strategy for fibrotic diseases characterized by persistent myofibroblast activation may be to target this integrin/FAK pathway while not interfering with tumor-suppressive functions of TGF-beta1/Smad signaling.
Cellular ITAM-containing proteins are oncoproteins in nonhematopoietic cells

Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) are involved in the transduction of signals necessary for activation, differentiation, and survival in hematopoietic cells. Several viruses have been shown to encode ITAM-containing transmembrane proteins. Although expression of these viral proteins has in some cases been shown to transform nonhematopoietic cells, a causal role for a functional ITAM in this process has not been elucidated. To examine the potential transforming properties of ITAM-containing proteins, a recombinant protein consisting of ITAM-containing cytoplasmic regions of the B-cell antigen receptor was expressed in immortalized murine mammary epithelial and fibroblast cells. Mammary epithelial cells expressing this construct exhibited depolarized morphology in three-dimensional cultures. This transformed phenotype was characterized by a loss of anchorage dependence and hallmarks of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Fibroblasts expressing this ITAM construct also lost contact inhibition and anchorage dependence. The transformed phenotype seen in both cell types was abrogated upon tyrosine to phenylalanine substitutions of the ITAMs. Inhibition of Syk tyrosine kinase, which associates with the ITAM, also prevented cell transformation. Our results indicate that expression of a nonviral ITAM-containing protein is sufficient for cell transformation. Despite lacking intrinsic enzymatic activity, ITAM-containing proteins can function as potent oncoproteins by scaffolding downstream mediators.
Reduced-order estimation Part 2. Smoothing

ABSTRACT A fixed-interval reduced-order linear smoother is presented for continuous-parameter Markov processes. The smoother is a combination of two reduced-order linear niters. The Mayne-Fraser full-order smoother is shown to be a special case of this reduced-order smoother.
Rigex: Preliminary Design of a Rigidized Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment

Abstract : As space structures grow in size and complexity, their weight and cost increase considerably. The use of inflatable and rigidizable structures offers drastic improvements in all areas of spacecraft design. The goal of this experiment is to verify and validate ground testing of inflation and rigidization methods for inflatable space structures. The Rigidized Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment is an autonomous, self-contained space shuttle experiment that will inflate and rigidize several structures. After inflation, the experiment will perform a structural analysis by exciting the rigidized structures and collecting vibration data. A systems engineering approach is utilized to make design decisions based on a total system and life-cycle perspective.
On the Link Space of a Gorenstein Quasihomogeneous Surface Singularity

Let (X, o)C (C", 0) be a normal quasihomogeneous surface singularity and M be its link space. Recall that M is a compact smooth 3-manifold obtained by interesting X with a small (2n 1)-sphere centered at the origin or by dividingX* = X {0} by the action of the subgroup IR+ of •*. It is known [8] that the analytic structure on X* defines a geometric structure on M, i.e. a complete locally homogeneous riemannian metric of finite volume on M. In particular, the universal cover of M is a homogeneous space. It was shown by Milnor [4] that in the special case, where Of, o) is given by an equation z~ + ~ + z~ = 0 the link space M is homogeneous itself and diffeomorphic to a coset space F\G. Here G is a simply connected 3-dimensional Lie group and 1" its discrete cocompact subgroup. In this paper we prove the following generalization of this result:
Thermal conversion of [Fe(phen)3](SCN)2 thin films into the spin crossover complex Fe(phen)2(NCS)2

Heating the spin-crossover (SCO) complex FeII(phen)2(NCS)2 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) under high vacuum results in the formation of red films that have been identified as [FeII(phen)3](SCN)2 by IR, Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. After annealing the red films to ∼140 °C under vacuum, purple (paramagnetic) films form and have been identified as Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 by SQUID magnetometry, X-ray photoelectron, Raman and IR spectroscopy. The Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 films exhibit a SCO transition at ∼180 K with a broadened transition temperature range between the high-spin and low-spin states (∼20 K) when compared to the bulk phase, which is ascribed to a broad distribution of molecular environments.
Ultra-wideband radio

The application of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to low-cost short-range communications presents unique challenges to the communications engineer. The impact of the US FCC's regulations and the characteristics of the low-power UWB propagation channels are explored, and their effects on UWB hardware design are illustrated. This tutorial introduction includes references to more detailed explorations of the subject.
Carbonic anhydrase: a spectrophotometric assay☆

Abstract 1. 1. A spectrophotometric method for the determination of carbonic anhydrase activity has been described. In this method a recording Beckman spectrophotometer model DK-1 has been used. 2. 2. The use of bicarbonate, barbiturate, and Tris buffers has been evaluated; the Tris buffer was found to be superior to both bicarbonate and barbiturate buffers in our experimental conditions. 3. 3. The method has been compared to previously published methods, and its advantages have been discussed.
A case of neck pain: The presentation of Chairi 1 malformations in children

Chiari 1 malformations (CIM) in children can develop into a debilitating disease, however, they usually present with apparently benign symptoms, such as moderate headache and neck pain. Early identification and treatment of this condition can lead to an overall decrease in morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. We are reporting on a child that initially presented with neck pain and no neurological findings.
Not whale-fall specialists, Osedax worms also consume fishbones

Marine annelid worms of the genus Osedax exploit sunken vertebrate bones for food. To date, the named species occur on whale or other mammalian bones, and it is argued that Osedax is a whale-fall specialist. To assess whether extant Osedax species could obtain nutrition from non-mammalian resources, we deployed teleost bones and calcified shark cartilage at approximately 1000 m depth for five months. Although the evidence from shark cartilage was inconclusive, the teleost bones hosted three species of Osedax, each of which also lives off whalebones. This suggests that rather than being a whale-fall specialist, Osedax has exploited and continues to exploit a variety of food sources. The ability of Osedax to colonize and to grow on fishbone lends credibility to a hypothesis that it might have split from its siboglinid relatives to assume the bone-eating lifestyle during the Cretaceous, well before the origin of marine mammals.
Aerogel antennas communications study using error vector magnitude measurements

This presentation discusses an aerogel antennas communication study using error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements. The study was performed using 2x4 element polyimide (PI) aerogel-based phased arrays designed for operation at 5 GHz as transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) antennas separated by a line of sight (LOS) distance of 8.5 meters. The results of the EVM measurements demonstrate that polyimide aerogel antennas work appropriately to support digital communication links with typically used modulation schemes such as QPSK and 4 DQPSK. As such, PI aerogel antennas with higher gain, larger bandwidth and lower mass than typically used microwave laminates could be suitable to enable aerospace-to- ground communication links with enough channel capacity to support voice, data and video links from CubeSats, unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and commercial aircraft.
Procainamide absorption in short bowel syndrome.

Oral procainamide was administered to a 68-year-old male with short bowel syndrome resulting from small bowel infarction. Therapeutic procainamide levels were achieved in this patient with a markedly reduced absorptive surface. The limited data regarding absorption of other drugs in short bowel syndrome are also reviewed.
Characterization of the molecular phenotype of two arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)-related plakophilin-2 (PKP2) mutations

Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) has been linked to mutations in desmosomal proteins, including plakophilin-2 (PKP2). Little is known about the changes in cellular function and structure that follow expression of ARVC-relevant PKP2 mutations. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the function and distribution of an ARVC-relevant PKP2 mutant where arginine at position 79 was replaced by a stop codon (R79x). Methods Results were compared with those obtained with mutation 179fs (frameshift at position 179). Mutant constructs were introduced by adenoviral infection into neonatal rat ventricular myocytes in culture. Results Both mutant proteins failed to preferentially localize to sites of cell-cell apposition. Their expression did not disrupt localization of endogenous PKP2, connexin-43 (Cx43), or desmoplakin (DP). However, we observed reduced abundance of Cx43 after R79x expression. Early truncation of PKP2 at position 79 also prevented its physical interaction with both DP and Cx43. Finally, R79x expression correlated with loss of expression of HSP90, a protein relevant to cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Conclusion These results provide the first observations of the cellular/molecular phenotype consequent to these PKP2 mutations and give insight into the possible cellular substrates that lead to ARVC.
Extended volume retinal vascular imaging with phase variance contrast optical coherence tomography

We present recent developments from a phase variance based motion contrast method of retinal vascular OCT imaging, called phase variance contrast optical coherence tomography (PV-OCT). Using a 25 kHz spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) system, the vascular visualization capabilities of this contrast method are demonstrated with composite images created from multiple data sets. Wide field vascular images extending over the fovea and optic nerve head are presented as well as microvascular retinal images over the fovea to demonstrate the trade-offs between imaging speed and vascular visualization.
Choroid plexus, brain and kidney Na+, K+-ATPase: Comparative activities in fetal, newborn and young adult rabbits☆

Abstract We have studied maturation of brain barrier systems in fetal, newborn, juvenile and adult rabbits. We have compared choroid plexus and brain Na + , K + -ATPase levels in eacc age group, as well as serum and CSF Na + concentration as a measure of the ability of the choroid plexus to generate a gradient from blood to CSF. The choroid plexus appears functionally mature at all ages studied, both in ability to produce a Na + gradient and in ATPase levels. In contrast, brain ATPase levels rose markedly with age. Kidney ATPase measured for comparison showed a pattern similar to brain.
Models for MHC-restricted T-cell antigen recognition.

Current models for T-cell recognition of foreign antigen depict the T-cell receptor as having a single antibody-like combining site which binds a complex of MHC and antigen. An alternative hypothesis is presented here; it is proposed that the first domains of the MHC function as inverted V-like regions to complement the TcR V-regions in creating antigen binding sites.
Classically conditioned compound-element discrimination as a function of length of training, amount of testing and CS-UCS interval

Abstract Three expriments investigated the development of a classically conditioned compound-element differentiation as reflected in the paw withdrawal response of the cat. In Experiments 1 and 2, the effects of length of training, the CS-UCS interval, and the presence or absence of test trials during acquisition were studied. Differentiation between compound (a light and a tone with simultaneous onset and termination) and its elements developed only if tests to the elements were given during the 12-week acquisition period. There was some evidence that differentiation was better with a 2000-msec ISI than with one of 500 msec. Experiment 3 investigated the effects of CS-UCS interval in a within-subjects design. The eight different CS-UCS intervals used ranged from 150 to 3000 msec. In general, the longer the ISI, the better was the discrimination. At a given interval, extinction procedures clearly demonstrated better discrimination than the acquisition measures. The authors present some theoretical implications of their results for compounding and for the effects of ISI. A configural rather than a summation theory of compounding is favored.