cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Valve Design and Paravalvular Aortic Regurgitation New Insights from the French Registry

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an important treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are either inoperable or at high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Currently, 2 valves are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for inoperable patients, whereas 9 valves have received the CE (Conformite Europeenne) mark in Europe for TAVR. Article see p 1415 In a randomized trial of a balloon-expandable valve, TAVR was found to be noninferior to surgical aortic valve replacement for the primary end point of death but markedly inferior to the standpoint of aortic regurgitation (AR).1 Data from observational studies suggest even higher rates of AR after self-expandable valve implantation.1 Several studies reported increased mortality in patients with AR after TAVR, making it a clinically important end point. In the current issue of Circulation , Van Belle et al5 present an analysis from the French Registry that provides support for the previously published data and offers some new important insights. Van Belle et al report that, after TAVR, AR ≥ 2+ is 1.65 times (21.5% versus 13%) more frequent after self-expandable (CoreValve; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) implantation compared with the balloon-expandable TAVR (SAPIEN or SAPIEN XT; Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) based on a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) performed before discharge. These findings are concordant with most of the previous reports as detailed in our recent meta-analysis and confirmed by several European registries in which both valves are commercially available (Table). As shown in the Table,2–5 there is consistently greater incidence of post-TAVR AR in self-expandable TAVR compared with balloon-expandable TAVR. However, at the CoreValve Extreme Risk Trial presentation at the 2013 Transcatheter Therapeutics meeting, we learned recently that the paravalvular (PV)-AR was much less frequent at 1 year follow-up compared with that seen …
Growth rates of tree height six years after hurricane damage at four localities in eastern Nicaragua

Growth rates for 44 species of trees in a posthurricane forest in Nicaragua were measured. The pattern is consistent with the interpretation of succession as a two stage process: an initial building phase after the hurricane followed by a thinning phase. Localities that were damaged less from the hurricane are now entering the thinning phase of postdisturbance succession, while those subjected to the most severe damage appear to remain in the building phase.
Trends: Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

L'A. examine l'evolution aux Etats-Unis des attitudes par rapport a l'homosexualite. Il analyse les resultats des enquetes menees dans ce pays depuis le debut des annees 1970. Il souligne que, dans l'opinion publique americaine, l'homosexualite apparait de plus en plus comme etant d'origine genetique. Il etudie la maniere dont les americains envisagent les droits des homosexuels et la possibilite pour ces derniers de servir dans l'armee
High Temperature Storage of Spray-Dried Egg White 2. Electrophoretic Mobility, Conalbumin-Iron Complexing, Sulfhydryl Activity, and Evolution of Volatile Bases

Abstract INTRODUCTION LITTLE attention has been given to the effect of this heat treatment on chemical and physical properties of the proteins in desugared egg white. This paper reports the effect of added yolk, pH of the liquid prior to spray-drying, and storage temperature of the electrophoretic mobility of the proteins, conalbumin-iron complexing, sulfhydryl activity and the evolution of volatile bases from spray-dried white. The influence of these treatments on functional properties was previously reported by Baldwin et al. (1967). MATERIALS AND METHODS The procedures for the preparation of the egg white were the same as those described or cited by Hill et al. (1965) and by Baldwin et al. (1967). The sample pH levels referred to throughout the text represent the pH of the liquid prior to drying. The moisture content of the powder, storage conditions, and the pH of the reconstituted egg white solids were reported by Baldwin et . . .
Chronic ethanol treatment potentiates ethanol-induced increases in interstitial nucleus accumbens endocannabinoid levels in rats.

We employed in vivo microdialysis to characterize the effect of an ethanol challenge injection on endocannabinoid levels in the nucleus accumbens of ethanol-naive and chronic ethanol-treated rats. Ethanol (0.75 and 2 g/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently increased dialysate 2-arachidonoylglycerol (to a maximum 157 ± 20% of baseline) and decreased anandamide (to a minimum 52 ± 9% of baseline) in ethanol-naive rats. The endocannabinoid clearance inhibitor N-(4-hydrophenyl) arachidonoylamide (AM404; 3 mg/kg) potentiated ethanol effects on 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels but did not alter ethanol-induced decreases in anandamide. AM404 alone did not alter dialysate levels of either endocannabinoid. Then, we characterized the effect of ethanol challenge on nucleus accumbens endocannabinoid levels in rats previously maintained on an ethanol-containing liquid diet. Ethanol challenge produced a greater and more prolonged increase in 2-arachidonoylglycerol (to a maximum 394 ± 135% of baseline) in ethanol-experienced than in ethanol-naive rats. The profile in ethanol-experienced rats was similar to that produced by AM404 pre-treatment in ethanol-naive rats. AM404 in ethanol-experienced rats led to a further enhancement in the 2-arachidonoylglycerol response to ethanol challenge (to a maximum 704 ± 174% of baseline). Our findings demonstrate that ethanol-induced increases in nucleus accumbens 2-arachidonoylglycerol are potentiated in animals with a history of ethanol consumption.
Female sexual assault: the impact on the male significant other

In this existential-phenomenological investigation five men were interviewed about their experience of being a male significant other (MSO) of a female sexual assault victim. The purpose of the study was to understand the MSO's meaning of the rape and the emotional impact it had on him. The thematic structure of a man's response to having a female significant other sexually assaulted depicts an impact on his emotional life in four significant areas: (1) his immediate painful thoughts and feelings, (2) his relationship with the victim, (3) his world view on male attitudes, and (4) the long-term effects of the trauma. It is an experience that has left him feeling angry, helpless, and guilty, prompted him to self-inspection, and thus changed him forever.
Interaction of 5HTTLPR and marijuana use on property offending.

This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine whether a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) moderates the effects of marijuana use on property offending. The results reveal that 5HTTLPR interacts with marijuana use to predict significantly higher levels of property offending for African American females. The interaction coefficient is not statistically significant for Caucasian males, African American males, or Caucasian females. These findings suggest that marijuana use is associated only with higher levels of property offending among African American females who carry one or more copies of the 5HTTLPR short allele.
Science for All Nations

I n the world of the 21st century, critical issues related to science and technology (S&T) confront every nation. How can we stimulate growth in an information economy? How can we prevent global and regional environmental damage? What is the best way to introduce beneficial new technologies, thwart
Regional expression of the Wnt-3 gene in the developing mouse forebrain in relationship to diencephalic neuromeres

During early vertebrate development, a series of neuromeres divides the central nervous system from the forebrain to the spinal cord. Here we examine in more detail the expression of Wnt-3, a member of the Wnt gene family of secreted proteins, in the developing diencephalon, in comparison to the expression of the homeobox gene Dlx-1. In 9.5-day mouse embryos, Wnt-3 is expressed in a restricted area of the diencephalon before any morphological signs of subdivisions appear. Around embryonic day 11.5, Wnt-3 expression becomes restricted to one of the neuromeres of the diencephalon, the dorsal thalamus. Dlx-1 is expressed in a non-overlapping area immediately anterior to and abutting the Wnt-3 expressing domain, corresponding to the ventral thalamus. In addition, Wnt-3 is expressed in the midbrain-hindbrain region. In the adult mouse, Wnt-3 and Dlx-1 are expressed in subsets of neural cells derived from the original areas of expression in the diencephalon. Taken together, our results suggest that Wnt-3 and Dlx-1 provide positional information for the regional specification of neuromeres in the forebrain. The continued expression of these genes in the adult mouse brain suggests a distinct role in the mature CNS.
Strychnos puberula (Loganiaceae), a New Species from Panama

Strychnos puberula McPherson (Loganiaceae) is described as a new species from Panama, differing from the otherwise similar S. guianensis (Aubl.) Mart. in its indument of minute hairs, lack of leaf domatia, consistently 4-merous flowers, and short-stipitate, relatively thick-walled fruit.
Neuroticism and visual memory impairments as predictors of the severity of delusions in schizophrenia

This study examined whether levels of emotional distress and impairments in visual memory were uniquely associated with severity of delusions in schizophrenia. Severity of delusions was assessed using select items from the positive component of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale among 44 persons with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in a post-acute phase of illness. Emotional distress was assessed using the neuroticism subscale of the NEO Five Factor Inventory, and visual memory was assessed using the Rey Complex Figure Test. Controlling for executive function, visual attention, and verbal memory, a multiple regression analysis revealed that visual memory and neuroticism were each significantly related to severity of delusions, with the two combined accounting for one quarter of the variance. These same variables were unrelated to negative and excitement symptoms. Severity of delusions is linked to both higher levels of neuroticism and greater impairment in visual memory.
Analysis of 30-day readmission after aortoiliac and infrainguinal revascularization using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set.

Objective This study analyzed 30-day hospital readmissions after aortoiliac (AI) and infrainguinal (II) revascularization to further characterize readmissions and to identify modifiable targets for reducing readmission rates. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the large, multicenter, prospectively collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set from 2011. Readmissions were categorized as planned or unplanned and related or unrelated to the index procedure. The primary end point was unplanned readmissions for open and endovascular AI and II procedures. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine independent demographic and preoperative clinical and intraoperative risk factors for unplanned readmissions related to the procedure. Results A total of 8414 patients were discharged after AI or II revascularization with a 30-day readmission rate of 16.5%. Ninety percent of all readmissions were unplanned and 54% were unplanned and related to the index procedure. Reasons for unplanned readmissions related to the procedure were infection (43.1%), diabetic/ischemic wound complications (16.5%), graft complications (13.6%), cardiac events (3.6%), neurologic events (2.9%), and deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (2.4%). Procedures were performed in the minority of all readmissions (7.7%) and included vascular intervention (28.7%), amputation (24%), debridement (14%), and incision and drainage (10%). The rate of related readmission for open revascularizations (10.9%) was double the rate for endovascular revascularizations (4.7%). Multivariate analysis identified several independent risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions related to the procedure: open procedure (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; P = .43), operative time of more than 260 minutes (OR, 1.66; P P = .021), body mass index 30 to 35 (OR, 1.56; P P = .12). Interestingly, length of hospital stay and age were not independent predictors of unplanned readmissions related to the procedure. Conclusions AI and II revascularization procedures result in readmission of 16.5% of patients. The most frequent reason for readmission was surgical site infection. Interventions focused on wound care management and avoidance of infectious complications could help reduce readmission rates.
Conversational agreement and racial formation processes

Recent scholarship on the working of racial formation processes underscores the intersection between discursive and structural components in the emergence of “race,” and the agency of individuals at the local and global level in articulating its meaning. This article offers a link toward understanding how racial formation processes operate in face-to-face interaction, by highlighting how people do racialization. Based on fieldwork in Italy, it explores how conversationalists deploy agreement to co-construct a racialized image of immigrants to Italy. It is argued that this deployment leads to reinforcement of the racist stances expressed in the conversation itself, and possibly beyond it. In addition, the repeated occurrence of agreement during the co-construction of utterances produces a spiral effect around racializing discourse, a progressive deepening of the racialization itself. At the same time, agreement leads to a decrease of personal responsibility for the statements made, which come to be co-constructed among conversationalists. (Agreement, racialization, immigration, Italy)
Identifying Abnormalities of Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Asymptomatic Carriers of Dystrophin Mutations: Getting Better... but Not There Yet

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive myopathy that occurs in 1 in 3500 live-born male infants. DMD results from a mutation in chromosome Xp21.1, leading to a deficiency in the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Dystrophin is critical for sarcolemmal membrane stability, and its absence results in membrane disruption, altered intracellular calcium metabolism, and eventual myocyte necrosis and fibrosis. Clinically, this results in a myopathy, most notably of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Cardiac symptoms have historically been noted late in the disease course in patients with DMD. The hallmark cardiovascular disease in DMD is dilated cardiomyopathy, with mortality of $30% reported in patients with DMD secondary to heart failure. Early recognition of myocardial dysfunction in patients with DMD is of significant clinical importance. Recent studies have shown the potential for reverse remodeling of detrimental changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and performance in patients with DMD, with improved longevity and clinical outcomes in these patients. The identification of cardiovascular disease in patients with DMD has been the focus of considerable clinical interest for decades. Electrocardiographic abnormalities are common in patients with DMD. Sinus tachycardia is a frequent finding on 12-lead electrocardiography, as are conduction abnormalities including QT prolongation and right bundle branch block. An anterior QRS pattern is a classic finding and likely reflects the presence of myocardial fibrosis in the posterobasal LV wall. Although electrocardiographic abnormalities often suggest the presence of cardiac disease, serial noninvasive surveillance for evidence of myocardial dysfunction has traditionally relied on the evaluation of LV shortening fraction and ejection fraction. Similar to other diseases affecting LV performance, decreases in LV shortening fraction and ejection fraction in patients with DMD are often late findings and are not well suited to identify subclinical abnormalities of myocardial performance. Diastolic filling abnormalities have been reported in patients with DMD. Diastole is an active myocardial process that is influenced by alterations in cytosolic calcium concentration and flux. The lack of dystrophin in patients with DMD disrupts sarcolemmal membrane integrity, resulting in altered intracellular calcium homeostasis and impaired ventricular relaxation. Adverse myocardial remodeling then follows, culminating in myocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis with decreased ventricular compliance. These changes in diastolic function often precede other more readily characterized changes in systolic performance, even in very young patients with DMD. Diastolic dysfunction is often present in
Reported use of communication strategies by SHHH members: client, talker, and situational variables.

Two hundred and twelve members of the Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) organization completed a survey that evaluated their use of communication strategies Reported use of strategies was...
Induced expression of dominant-negative c-jun downregulates NFκB and AP-1 target genes and suppresses tumor phenotype in human keratinocytes

Neoplastically transformed mouse and human keratinocytes elevate transactivation of both activator protein 1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) transcription factors. The present study addresses the question of whether elevated NFκB in addition to elevated AP-1–dependent gene expression is necessary for maintaining the tumor cell phenotype. When a tetracycline-regulatable dominant-negative c-jun (TAM67, having a truncated transactivation domain) was expressed in tumorigenic human keratinocytes, AP-1- and NFκB- but not p53-dependent reporter activity was inhibited by 40–60%. Tumor phenotype, as measured by anchorage-independent growth, was inhibited by 90%. Neither AP-1/NFκB activation nor expression of tumor phenotype was inhibited in TAM67-harboring keratinocytes under noninducing conditions. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis showed that induction of TAM67 expression slightly increased AP-1- but reduced NFκB DNA-binding activity. Immunoprecipitation showed that TAM67 interacted in keratinocyte nuclei with NFκB p65, suggesting that inhibition of NFκB by TAM67 is mediated by direct protein-protein interactions, possibly producing decreased binding to DNA or inactivating p65. To analyze the putative effector genes that may be targeted by TAM67, expression of genes responsive to AP-1 or NFκB was measured by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in TAM67 transfectants with or without TAM67 induction. Induction of TAM67 inhibited or reduced the expression of collagenase I, stromelysin I (AP-1 responsive), and interleukins 1 and 6 (NFκB responsive). These results indicate that genes controlled by NFκB and by AP-1 may be transformation-relevant targets of TAM67 and that TAM67 may inhibit NFκB activation through direct interaction with NFκB p65. Moreover, the findings provide proof for the principle of using inducible TAM67 as a gene therapy to suppress tumor phenotype in human carcinoma cells. Mol. Carcinog. 29:159–169, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Specific Heat Capacity and Electrical Resistivity of a Carbon-Carbon Composite in the Range 1500- 3000 K by a Pulse Heating Method

Measurements are described of specific heat capacity and electrical resistivity of a 2-2-3 T-50 carbon-carbon composite in the temperature range 1500–3000 K by a subsecond duration pulse heating technique. The results are represented by the relations 1 $$C\rho = 1.691 + 2.598{\text{x10}}^{{\text{ - 4}}} T - 2.691{\text{x10}}^{{\text{ - 8}}} T^2 $$ 2 $$\rho = 733.0 + 6.594{\text{x10}}^{{\text{ - 2}}} T$$ where c p is in J · g−1 · K−1, ρ is in ΜΩ · cm, and T is in K. Inaccuracy of specific heat capacity and electrical resistivity measurements is estimated to be not more than ±3%.
On the generation of stabilized low-valent metallocene derivatives. The direct synthesis and reductive coupling reactions of 1-methylthioalkyne-zirconocene complexes

Abstract 4-Dimethylaminopyridine has been found to be a remarkably effective ligand for the formation of stabilized zirconocene complexes. The latter species mediate efficientcoupling reactions between 1-methylthioalkynes and a variety of unsaturated organic substrates.
Who Did It First

field of radiology. First, let us consider the X-ray itself. We all know Roentgen discovered its use in i895, but consider this from Roger Bacon (ca. 1220-1 292) [11: “No substance is so dense as to prevent rays from passing. Thus the rays of heat and sound penetrate through the walls of a vessel of gold or brass. . . . There are many dense bodies which altogether interfere with the visual and other senses of men so that rays can not pass with such energy as to produce an effect on the human senses and yet nevertheless rays do really pass through without our being aware of it.” Now, let us approach another area of controversy. Who was America’s first medical radiologist? There are several claimants, but the one who seems to fit the scientific and medical definition of a radiologist best is Francis H. Williams (1 852-1 936) of Boston. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Williams worked at Boston City Hospital and published his first paper on radiology in the Boston Medicaland SurgicalJournal(predecessor to the New England Journa!ofMedicine) as early as February 20, 1896. He established criteria for radiologic-pathologic correlation and broke away early from treating the X-ray as a curiosity by teaching, To use the Roentgen rays successfully in practice, it is first essential that the physician becomes familiar with the appearances in the fluoroscope which present themselves in health.” Early recognition of the danger of the X-ray saved Dr. Williams from sharing the martyr’s crown with so many other pioneers. He described very early the radiologic abnormalities to be expected in pneumonia, tuberculosis, aortic aneurysm, and pneumothorax [2]. Grigg [3] makes a strong case that the first medical radiologist was William James Morton of New York, who probably entered the field before Williams. Morton was involved in electrotherapy and had electrical equipment available to him for the production of films, but he never developed Williams’ scientific approach. In later life he was involved in a bunco scheme and served time in prison, although his civil rights were reinstated through a pardon from President Wilson. His reputation remains tarnished, however. Who exposed the first X-ray film in the United States? The key to this one is documentation. Many, including Morton and Grubbe, have claimed priority, but the credit must go to Arthur Williams Wright, professor of experimental physics at Yale, who made his exposure on January 27, i 896, and reported the event 4 days later, with diagrams and reproductions in the February 1 , 1896, issue of Engineering and Mining Journal. This is a target that our present-day editors might choose to emulate [2]. Which was the first radiologic society? The British Roentgen Society, founded in 1897, is established as the oldest in the world [1]. The American Roentgen Ray Society is the oldest by far in this country and, depending on which side of the Greenwich meridian the
Cell transformation by Herpesvirus saimiri.

Herpesvirus saimiri (Saimiriine herpesvirus-2), a γ2-herpesvirus (rhadinovirus) of non-human primates, causes T-lymphoproliferative diseases in susceptible organisms and transforms human and non-human T lymphocytes to continuous growth in vitro in the absence of stimulation. T cells transformed by H. saimiri retain many characteristics of intact T lymphocytes, such as the sensitivity to interleukin-2 and the ability to recognize the corresponding antigens. As a result, H. saimiri is widely used in immunobiology for immortalization of various difficult-to-obtain and/or -to-maintain T cells in order to obtain useful experimental models. In particular, H. saimiri-transformed human T cells are highly susceptible to infection with HIV-1 and -2. This makes them a convenient tool for propagation of poorly replicating strains of HIV, including primary clinical isolates. Therefore, the mechanisms mediating transformation of T cells by H. saimiri are of considerable interest. A single transformation-associated protein, StpA or StpB, mediates cell transformation by H. saimiri strains of group A or B, respectively. Strains of group C, which exhibit the highest oncogenic potential, have two proteins involved in transformation—StpC and Tip. Both proteins have been shown to dramatically affect signal transduction pathways leading to the activation of crucial transcription factors. This review is focused on the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of action of proteins involved in H. saimiri-dependent transformation. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Performance modeling using the Motorola PowerPC timing simulator

Published and projected benchmark numbers do not necessarily help predict the behavior of a user application on a particular microprocessor system. The real test comes when a user application is executed and timed on the microprocessor[5], which usually stresses the system in a different fashion than most benchmarks do. Unfortunately, the lack of stable platforms in earlier stages of system design prevents a developer from performing such evaluation tasks. This paper illustrates how application developers looking for a head start can use the Motorola Timing Simulator for the PowerPC 603™ microprocessor to analyze the expected behavior of a user program for various memory subsystems and gather fairly accurate timing information. A study of some SPEC™ benchmarks is also done in this respect.
Dynamics of Computational Islet Simulations: Islets with majority mutated open KATP channels retain bursting

AbstractThe study of pancreatic beta-cells comprises a crucial part of the study of the group of diseases known as diabetes. These cells exist in groups known as islets of Langerhans and are responsible for storing and producing insulin. They exhibit electrical bursting behavior during insulin production that correlates with the rate at which insulin is secreted into the bloodstream. Coupling is a natural process within islets that enables the cells to communicate with one another and transfer various ions and electrical currents; coupling of both voltage and metabolites can occur. We model multicellular islets using an existing system of seven ordinary differential equations to model beta cell function. We simulate cells with mutated KATp channels that remain open indefinitely, which have been described in experimental studies but not yet modeled. Simulations ran with these mutations reveal the existence of a bursting death threshold, described by the least percentage of cells in the islet that must be m...
Flow in networks with amplification and coupling

The network model presented in an earlier paper [1] is generalized by introducing amplification in arcs and coupling between arcs. The appropriate modifications of the earlier results are stated and the usefulness of the new model is illustrated by examples.
Decentralized control of drone comb construction in honey bee colonies

Honey bee colonies furnish their nests with two types of comb distinguished by cell size: large cells for rearing males (drone comb) and small cells for rearing workers (worker comb). The bees actively regulate the relative quantity of each type, a behavior likely to be important in setting a colony's sex ratio. Experimental analysis of the information pathways and control mechanisms responsible for this regulation found the following results. The amount of drone comb in a nest is governed by negative feedback from drone comb already constructed. This feedback depends on the workers having direct contact with the drone comb in their nest, but does not depend on the queen's contact with the comb. The comb itself, rather than the brood within it, is sufficient to provide the negative feedback, although the brood may also contribute to the effect. These findings show that drone comb regulation does not depend on the queen acting as a centralized information gatherer and behavioral controller. Instead, the evidence points to a decision-making process distributed across the population of worker bees, a control architecture typical of colony organization in honey bees and other large-colony insect societies.
Class-based target classification in shallow water channel based on Hidden Markov Model

This paper presents a class-based classification approach for targets in a shallow water channel, based on a waveguide propagation model and a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). We utilize the time-frequency properties of wave propagation in a shallow water channel to extract the channel-parameter-independent features, then build a class-based HMM to realize target classification based on multi-aspect scattering data. The accuracy of this approach is demonstrated by simulated results.
Multiple sclerosis: urinary amine measurement for orthomolecular diagnosis.

Abstract Urinary amines from 53 people who have multiple sclerosis and 58 controls have been separated and measured quantitatively by means of low-resolution ion-exchange procedure. Dependences on multiple sclerosis and on sex have been detected. The multiple-sclerosis-dependent pattern has been tested for diagnostic value by means of the weighted non-correlation index method.
Voicing, vowel, and stress mispronunciations in continuous speech.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptual effects of three types of mispronunciations, affecting the voicing of obstruents, the front-back dimension of stressed vowels, and the stress pattern of words. Subjects were instructed to shadow prose passages containing mispronunciations. Words containing voicing mispronunciations typically were repeated in their original form; words with vowel and stress pattern mispronunciation led instead to other response types.
Switchability in Discontinuous, Discrete Dynamical Systems

Tin this paper, a theory for switchability and singularity of discontinuous, discrete dynamical systems. G-functions for the discrete dynamical systems are introduced through the boundary, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for the switchability of discrete mappings are presented.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Cholesterol content of muscle and adipose tissue from crossbred bulls and steers.

Cholesterol content (mg/100g wet weight) of muscle and adipose tissue from crossbred bulls (N = 34) and steers (N = 35) was determined by spectrophotometry. Sampling site effects were highly significant, with subcutaneous adipose tissue (101·7) and perinephric adipose tissue (89·7) containing the most cholesterol, and longissimus muscle (58·3) containing the least. Semitendinosus and triceps brachii muscles were similar in cholesterol content (63·9 mg/100g and 63·7 mg/100g, respectively). Although sex condition differences within sampling sites were non-significant, steer carcasses may have more total cholesterol than bull carcasses because steers contain a higher percentage of fat than bulls raised under similar conditions.
Management and Financing of Vertical Coordination in Agriculture: An Overview

common in agriculture. Farmer-owned cooperatives are a familiar, widespread form of vertical integration. Farmers form cooperatives to enhance and coordinate markets for the inputs they use and the products they produce. Contractual arrangements in the poultry, swine, fruit, and vegetable industries are examples of vertical coordination achieved through contracts rather than through expanded ownership and control. For processors and retailers, these arrangements can help ensure predictable supplies and consistent quality. For producers, they can offer price stability and access to specialized expertise, information, and inputs. Vertical coordination has long been a focus of inquiry for agricultural economists. This session examines the challenges managers face in organizing, directing, and financing vertically coordinated enterprises in light of recent changes in industry structure and important new developments in the theory of the firm. In this brief introduction, I will set the stage for the longer papers and discussant remarks that follow by identifying three general classes of problems that are of central importance for the managers of vertically coordinated systems and for economists who study those systems. The first problem is that of establishing appropriate boundaries for the firm-of determining which activities should be incorporated into the firm, which should be coordinated through formal contracts, and which should be accomplished through open market transactions. A firm's size and span of control can affect production costs, procurement and marketing expenses, financing alternatives, and access to information. This makes decisions about firm boundaries a critical element in an organization's strategy. While these decisions have important long-term implications, managers must also realize that appropriate firm boundaries can be influenced by technical and institutional changes. Both the search for increased efficiency and the effects of a changing business environment on firm boundaries are evident to-
A correspondence of blunt-body nonequilibrium shock layers.

Blunt body nonequilibrium shock layers characteristics calculation, discussing flow fields streamline paths and pressure distribution correspondence
Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition Route to GaN Nanowires with Triangular Cross Sections

High-quality gallium nitride nanowires have been synthesized via metal-initiated metalorganic chemical vapor deposition for the first time. Excellent substrate coverage was observed for wires prepared on silicon, c-plane, and a-plane sapphire substrates. The wires were formed via the vapor−liquid−solid mechanism with gold, iron, or nickel as growth initiators and were found to have widths of 15-200 nm. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the wires were single-crystalline and were oriented predominantly along the [210] or [110] direction. Wires growing along the [210] orientation were found to have triangular cross-sections. Transport measurements confirmed that the wires were n-type and had electron mobilities of ∼65 cm2/V·s. Photoluminescence measurements showed band edge emission at 3.35 eV (at 5 K), with a marked absence of low-energy emission from impurity defects.
Discodermolide, a cytotoxic marine agent that stabilizes microtubules more potently than taxol.

Computer-assisted structure analysis indicated (+)-discodermolide, a polyhydroxylated alkatetraene lactone marine natural product, was an antimitotic compound, and we confirmed this prediction. Previous work had shown an accumulation of discodermolide-treated cells in the G2/M portion of the cell cycle, and we have now found that discodermolide arrests Burkitt lymphoma cells in mitosis. Discodermolide-treated breast carcinoma cells displayed spectacular rearrangement of the microtubule cytoskeleton, including extensive microtubule bundling. Microtubule rearrangement that occurred with 10 nM discodermolide required 1 μM taxol. Discodermolide had equally impressive effects on tubulin assembly in vitro. Near-total polymerization occurred at 0 °C with tubulin plus microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) under conditions in which taxol at an identical concentration was inactive. Without MAPs and/or without GTP, tubulin assembly was also more vigorous with discodermolide than with taxol under every reaction cond...
Personal perception on mentoring.

The current authors discuss mentoring as an important volunteer activity. The roles and responsibilities of the mentor and the protege are described. The mentor's role consists of teaching, coaching, supporting, counseling, and sharing information with the protege. The protege responsibilities are to understand the value of the mentor and seek his or her advice. The importance of mentoring underrepresented minorities, potential and present medical students in orthopaedic surgery is specifically described. The personal experience of one author is given as an example of what can be accomplished and why the current authors think mentoring is important.
Radio frequency spectral characteristics of an HVDC converter station

Abstract The radio frequency (RF) energy levels in a DC converter switchyard and valve halls have been measured in order to gain insight into the RF performance of converter stations. Detailed extended spectral records were taken at selected points within the valve halls, and at selected points and traverses in the DC yard to establish the converter station characteristic or signature. The purpose of the study is the detection and absolute quantification of the electric and magnetic field strengths at the test locations. To obtain the maximum amount of information about a converter pole when it is considered as an RF source, swept frequency (broad band) noise measurements were selected as the prime records for the analysis of the performance. The principal source of the RF noise is clearly the igniting valve. Several observations were made based on the measurements related to the initial slope of the voltage collapse recorded within the valve hall, the role of the distant grounding electrode, and the ignition pulse that produces an ω −2 spectral decay. The information will prove useful for (a) identification of the phenomena or station components shaping the station signature, (b) potential RF filtering applications in transmission line carrier bands, (c) the comparison of field and model tests performed by similar but scaled instrumentation systems.
A comparative experimental study of the autoignition characteristics of alternative and conventional jet fuel/oxidizer mixtures

Abstract Autoignition characteristics of an alternative (non-petroleum) and two conventional jet fuels are investigated and compared using a heated rapid compression machine. The alternative jet fuel studied is known as “S-8”, which is a hydrocarbon mixture rich in C 7 –C 18 linear and branched alkanes and is produced by Syntroleum via the Fischer–Tropsch process using synthesis gas derived from natural gas. Specifically, ignition delay times for S-8/oxidizer mixtures are measured at compressed charge pressures corresponding to 7, 15, and 30 bar, in the low-to-intermediate temperature region ranging from 615 to 933 K, and for equivalence ratios varying from 0.43 to 2.29. For the conditions investigated for S-8, two-stage ignition response is observed. The negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behavior of the ignition delay time, typical of higher order hydrocarbons, is also noted. Further, the dependences of both the first-stage and the overall ignition delays on parameters such as pressure, temperature, and mixture composition are reported. A comparison between the autoignition responses obtained using S-8 and two petroleum-derived jet fuels, Jet-A and JP-8, is also conducted to establish an understanding of the relative reactivity of the three jet fuels. It is found that under the same operating conditions, while the three jet fuels share the common features of two-stage ignition characteristics and a NTC trend for ignition delays over a similar temperature range, S-8 has the shortest overall ignition delay times, followed by Jet-A and JP-8. The difference in ignition propensity signifies the effect of fuel composition and structure on autoignition characteristics.
Experimental measurements of heat and mass transfer during convective drying of southern pine

The transport of heat and moisture during the convective drying of southern pine was examined experimentally. Moisture distribution within the wood samples was measured using gamma attenuation. The accuracy of these measurements was found to be moisture content dependent with estimated uncertainties ranging from 29.5% at 10% moisture content to 6.8% at 120% moisture content. Local moisture content measurements reveal large inflections at high moisture contents. Peaks in moisture content are closely correlated with low fwood density and vice versa. Above the fiber saturation point the measured drying rate is not a well defined function of the moisture content. This is perhaps due to the biological variability of wood as well as grain orientation, although no definite conclusions could be drawn from the data with regard to the effect of grain orientation. The drying rate does not appear to be highly temperature dependent at high moisture contents. Below the fiber saturation point where diffusion is expected to be the dominant transport mechanism, the drying rate is less affected by biological variability and grain orientation, however, the effects of temperature are evident.
Upstream Stimulatory Factor Family Binds to the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latency-Associated Transcript Promoter

Abstract The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency-associated transcript (LAT) promoter 1 (LP1) is the only viral promoter that exhibits detectable transcriptional activity during a latent HSV infection. The LAT promoter-binding factor (LPBF) regulatory sequence (nucleotides −65 to −72 relative to the transcriptional start site of the 8.3-kb primary transcript) closely resembles the core recognition sequence required for binding members of the upstream stimulatory factor (USF)/major late transcription factor (MLTF) family. In this analysis, we demonstrate that oligonucleotides containing either the LPBF recognition sequence or the USF/MLTF recognition sequences from previously described promoters bind cellular factors which exhibit very similar mobilities in electrophoretic mobility shift (EMS) analyses. We also observe a high degree of similarity in competition profiles obtained in competition EMS analyses utilizing oligonucleotides containing recognition sequences for either LPBF or USF/MLTF. Furthermore, antibody supershift EMS analyses have demonstrated that the factors binding the LPBF or USF/MLTF recognition sites in these oligonucleotides are antigenically related, if not identical, and that greater than 90% of the LPBF-binding activity is antigenically related to USF. In addition, we demonstrate that both forms of in vitro -translated USF proteins (43 and 44 kDa) bind to the LPBF recognition sequence within HSV-1 LP1. Taken together, these data indicate that USF is capable of binding to the HSV-1 LPBF recognition sequence and that USF is a major LPBF-binding activity in cells of neuronal and nonneuronal lineage. These data further support the hypothesis that USF may indeed play a significant role in the transcriptional activity of HSV-1 LP1.
Correct positioning for cardiac angiography: insights from MRI.

The recommended angiographic projections for optimally demonstrating various cardiac structures vary, and do not always achieve their aim. To determine the most appropriate radiographic projections to optimally demonstrate cardiac structures, we reviewed the orientations of major cardiac structures and the associated great vessels, as demonstrated by axial MRI. Measurements were made from 187 MRI examinations of the heart. These measurements confirmed that the optimum angiographic projections for various cardiac structures are at variance with a number of the recommended views. Recommendations for the angiographic projections most likely to provide optimum display of various cardiac structures and associated great vessels in different patient populations are presented. © 1993 Wiiey-Liss, Inc.
Salt Concentration Determines 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3Dependency of Vitamin D Receptor–Retinoid X Receptor–Vitamin D-Responsive Element Complex Formation

Abstract The electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to determine in vitro formation of the vitamin D receptor–retinoid X receptor β (VDR–RXRβ) heterodimer complex on vitamin D-response elements (VDREs) from rat osteocalcin, mouse osteopontin, rat 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 24-hydroxylase, and human parathyroid hormone (PTH) genes. Baculovirus-expressed rat VDR was used as VDR and the binding reactions were performed at salt concentrations ranging from 50 to 170 m m KCl. Without ligand, optimum complex formation was observed at 50 m m KCl and markedly decreased with increasing KCl for all VDREs. In the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 , optimum complex formation occurred between 110 and 130 m m KCl for positive (enhancer) VDREs. At low salt concentrations (50–70 m m KCl), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 did not increase complex formation and actually caused a slight decrease. However, above 90 m m KCl, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 markedly increased complex formation and at 150–170 m m KCl, a concentration that presumably mimics physiologic nuclear levels, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 appeared to be required for complex formation. With the suppressive cis -acting sequence, i.e., PTH–VDRE, optimum detection of VDR complexes in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 occurred at a lower salt concentration (90–110 m m KCl). Moreover, no specific complexes were formed at high salt concentrations, even when 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 was added. Thus, when analyzing an effect of ligand on VDR–RXR–VDRE complex formation, it is essential that the reaction be carried out with a range of salt concentrations. Further, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 appears to be required for formation of the VDR–RXRβ–VDRE complex at salt concentrations approaching physiological.
Concepts: Where Fodor Went Wrong

In keeping with other recent efforts, Fodor's CONCEPTS focuses on the metaphysics of conceptual content, bracketing such epistemological questions as, "How can we know the contents of our concepts?" Fodor's metaphysical account of concepts, called "informational atomism," stipulates that the contents of a subject's concepts are fixed by the nomological lockings between the subject and the world. After sketching Fodor's "what else?" argument in support of this view, we offer a number of related criticisms. All point to the same conclusion: Fodor is ultimately not merely bracketing the epistemology of conceptual content; his theory makes answers to the epistemological questions impossible.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in pediatric patients.

Objective Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension that can lead to progressive right heart failure and death. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery is the treatment of choice resulting in significant improvements in functional status, cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, and survival. This study reports the largest case series of pediatric patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery at one institution. Patient and Methods The University of California, San Diego, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension database identified patients 18 years or younger at the time of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery (n = 17). Medical charts were reviewed for hemodynamics, thromboembolic risk factors, and postoperative outcomes. Results Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery in pediatric patients resulted in improved functional status and significantly improved cardiopulmonary hemodynamics: mean arterial pressure decreased from 45.5 mm Hg ± 20.7 to 27.3 ± 13.0 mm Hg ( P = .00073), pulmonary vascular resistance decreased from 929 ± dynes · s · cm −5 to 299 ± 307 dynes · s · cm −5 ( P = .0012), and cardiac output improved from 3.8 ± 1.1 L/min to 5.6 ± 1.6 L/min ( P = .0061). There were no deaths during surgery or 30 days after surgery, and long-term survival (5+ years) was achieved in 87.5%. As compared to adults with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, there was a higher rate of rethrombosis in pediatric patients (38% vs 1%–4%). Conclusions This study demonstrates that pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery in pediatric patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is well tolerated with improved postoperative hemodynamics, functional status, minimal postoperative complications, and low perioperative mortality, similar to that reported for adults with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, with the notable exception being a higher rate of rethrombosis in pediatric patients.