cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic messenger RNA responses to striatal deafferentation in male rat.

Abstract This investigation describes the schedule and regional distribution of astrocytic responses in striatum following deafferentation by unilateral frontal cortex ablation. In the ipsilateral deafferented striatum, glial fibrillary acidic protein and clusterin (sulfated glycoprotein-2) messengerRNA showed peak elevations by 10 days postlesioning (Northern blots). Vimentin messengerRNA responded faster, with a transient elevation by three days postlesioning. The messengerRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein, clusterin and vimentin returned toward control levels by 27 days postlesioning. However, the neuronal marker growth-associated protein messengerRNA, was decreased at all postlesion times. By in situ hybridization, the increased glial fibrillary acidic protein messengerRNA and clusterin messengerRNA signals were localized mainly to the dorsal half of the ipsilateral deafferented striatum and followed the same schedule as found by Northern blots. Glial fibrillary acidic protein messengerRNA was widely diffused in the dorsal striatum and was excluded from fascicles of the internal capsule; a similar distribution was found for glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunopositive astrocytes. While clusterin messengerRNA signal showed a distinct clustering, its immunoreactivity appeared as deposits in the deafferented striatal neuropil; Western blots confirmed the immunocytochemical results. By in situ hybridization, vimentin messengerRNA was mostly localized to the cortical wound cavity dorsal to the deafferented striatum and overlapped the distribution of vimentin-immunopositive cells. These findings suggest a coordination of striatal astrocytic messengerRNA responses with the degeneration of corticostriatal afferents. We also compared these same parameters with those from published reports on the hippocampus after deafferenting lesions. Certain astrocyte molecular responses to deafferentation are detected about five days earlier in the hippocampus than in the striatum. This different schedule in response to decortication may pertain to differences in synaptic remodeling in the hippocampus vs striatum.
Weighted frame averaging for motion compensation of laser radar image data

Recent interest in the collection of laser radar imagery has motivated the development of automatic, accurate image registration techniques to reduce laser speckle, increase image signal to noise ratio, decrease the deleterious effects of atmospheric tip/tilt, and enhance image detail. This research seeks a new method to assign weights to each of the frames that have been previously registered using an arbitrary translational registration algorithm. Frames with poor registration are assigned low weights according to a maximum likelihood cost function, allowing such frames to be either discarded from the ensemble or re-registered using an alternate algorithm. The estimator is based on the underlying statistics of the intensity distribution of partially coherent illumination, which has found to be well modeled by the negative binomial probability mass function. Simulated and experimentally collected data is presented to support the development and performance of the misregistered frame detector.
Intrauterine contraception as an alternative to interval tubal sterilization.

In countries where levonorgestrel-releasing IUD use has increased the incidence of female surgical sterilization procedures has decreased. Will the same inverse relationship appear in the United States and if so what would be the medical implications of such a transition in long-term contraception? A recent UK review compared long-term contraception with IUDs vs. surgical sterilization; here we compare these two approaches from a US perspective. We focus on interval tubal sterilization by laparoscopy or laparotomy and will not consider postpartum sterilization. (excerpt)
Effect of Contact Time and Contact Pressure on the Transfer of Oil to Surface Sample Media

Abstract Wipe sampling is common practice for the assessment of surface contamination; however, several different wipe sampling methods are currently being used. When the results of one study are compared with those of other studies, it is important to understand the effect of sampling parameters on the collection of contaminants from surfaces. A review of the literature addressing the subject of wipe sampling revealed that while several authors were concerned with parameters such as the contact time and contact pressure, no information was provided on the effect of these parameters on the collection of wipe samples. This study examines the effect of contact time, contact pressure, and surface concentration on the transfer (collection) of oil from contaminated surfaces to wipe sample media. An exposure jig was designed and built that allowed contact time, contact pressure, and surface concentration to be varied individually. This jig was used to test the effect of these parameters on the mass of oil trans...
“Yes and...”: Introducing Improvisational Theatre Techniques to the Management Classroom:

Improvisational theatre techniques can help management educators enhance class discussion and role-play, build teamwork, encourage risk taking, and stimulate creativity. This article draws from the existing body of work on improvisation found in organization theory and creates a framework for improvisation’s use in the management classroom. Specific exercises are presented and their benefits are discussed.
Implicit motor sequence learning is not purely perceptual

Many reports have indicated that implicit learning of sequences in a choice response time task is primarily perceptual; subjects learn the sequence of stimuli rather than the sequence of motor responses. Three experiments tested whether implicit motor sequence learning could be purely perceptual; no support was found for that hypothesis. Subjects who merely watched stimuli did not learn the sequence implicitly (Experiment 1), and sequence learning transferred robustly to a different set of stimulus cues (Experiment 2). In the final experiment, the stimulus-response mapping was changed at transfer so that one group of subjects pushed the same sequence of keys but saw new stimuli, whereas another group pushed a different sequence of keys but saw the same stimuli. Transfer to the new mapping was shown only if the motor sequence was kept constant, not the perceptual sequence. It is proposed that subjects learn a sequence of response locations in this and similar tasks.
Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Isotope Anomalies in the Mesosphere and Stratosphere

Isotopic (δ 17 O and δ 18 O) measurements of stratospheric and mesospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and oxygen (O 2 ), along with trace species concentrations (N 2 O, CO, and CO 2 ), were made in samples collected from a rocket-borne cryogenic whole air sampler. A large mass-independent isotopic anomaly was observed in CO 2 , which may in part derive from photochemical coupling to ozone (O 3 ). The data also require an additional isotopic fractionation process, which is presently unidentified. Mesospheric O 2 isotope ratios differed from those in the troposphere and stratosphere. The cause of this isotopic variation in O 2 is presently unknown. The inability to account for these observations represents a fundamental gap in the understanding of the O 2 chemistry in the stratosphere and mesosphere.
A CONTINUOUS FLOW BIOASSAY SYSTEM FOR THE EXPOSURE OF MARINE ORGANISMS TO OIL

ABSTRACT A continuous flow-through bioassay system is described for exposing marine test organisms and their various life stages to oil. The apparatus consists of two principal stages—one for administering the water-accommodated fractions of oil (WAF) and the second for administering “whole” oil fractions (WF), including the soluble as well as nonsoluble fractions. The oil-contaminated effluent from the system first passes through a chamber to skim off separated oil and finally through a filter which lowers the oil concentration to below one part per million (1 ppm). Short-term lethal and chronic sublethal bioassays of several months duration were conducted in the system and are summarized briefly herein. Biological effects observed during bioassays have ranged from lethal toxicity at oil concentrations of approximately 10 parts per million (ppm) to sublethal behavioral modifications at approximately 10 parts per billion (ppb).
Rotational spectrum and structure of H2COHCl

Abstract Rotational spectra of H 2 COH 35 Cl, H 2 COH 37 Cl, D 2 COH 35 Cl, and D 2 COH 37 Cl have been observed using a pulsed-nozzle Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. For H 2 COH 35 Cl the following spectroscopic constants have been determined (in MHz): B = 2687.856(23), C = 2527.412(23), Δ J = 0.0105(12), Δ JK = −0.223(10), eQq aa = −41.424(14), and eQq bb = 14.106(19). HCl is bonded to the oxygen of H 2 CO through a nonlinear hydrogen bond. For the H 2 COH 35 Cl complex, the distance between the centers of masses of the HCl and H 2 CO moities is 3.3487 A giving an O--Cl distance of 3.21 A. From the quadrupole coupling constant, eQq aa , an effective vibrationally averaged angle between the HCl axis and the a -axis of the complex is determined to be 30.5°. Centrifugal distortion analysis yields estimates of the weak bond stretching force constant and stretching frequency as 0.069(8) mdyn/A and 85(4) cm −1 , respectively. The structural results are compared with the electrostatic predictions of A. D. Buckingham and P. W. Fowler ( J. Chem. Phys. 79 , 6426–6428 (1983)).
Prescription drug misuse and sexual risk taking among HIV-negative MSM.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) misuse prescription drugs at high rates. Little research has examined the connection between prescription drug misuse and HIV risk in this population. With a community sample of MSM, the authors assessed prescription drug misuse—not including erectile dysfunction medications—and sexual risk behaviors among HIV-negative MSM. The findings indicate that recent prescription drug misusers had higher odds of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI; OR = 1.63), specifically receptive UAI (OR = 1.58), and more likely to have UAI with a higher number of seroconcordant partners (b = 0.268). MSM who reported recently misusing prescription drugs during sexual encounters were more likely to engage in UAI (OR = 2.02), specifically insertive UAI (OR = 1.86). There was no association between prescription drug misuse and identification as a barebacker. This research indicates that prescription drug misusing MSM are a risk group who may benefit from HIV prevention and intervention efforts.
A theoretical study of propagation and extinction of nonsteady spherical flame fronts

Freely propagating expanding spherical flame fronts are studied analytically using the method of activation energy asymptotics. Effects of Lewis number, curvature, heat loss, and thermal expansion, on propagation rates and extinction conditions are examined. The behavior of spherical flame fronts is found to be determined primarily by the values of the Lewis number (Le) and a heat loss parameter. Results are compared to recent experimental observations of spherical flame fronts in mixtures near the flammability limits; for ${\text{Le}} 1$, unrealistic dynamic behavior is predicted due to the nature of diffusive-thermal instabilities under these conditions.
Efficacy of Gloves in Reducing Blood Volumes Transferred during Simulated Needlestick Injury

This study was designed to evaluate factors that affect blood volumes transferred to skin during simulated needlestick injuries in an in vitro paper prefilter model and an ex vivo porcine tissue model. The effect of needle type and size, penetration depth, and glove use on the volume of radiolabeled blood transferred was determined in each model. Blood volumes ranged from 0.47 +/- 0.26 microL (30-gauge needle, 0.5-cm depth, in vitro model) to 5.88 +/- 1.45 microL (18-gauge needle, 2.0-cm depth, in vitro model). Needle size and penetration depth were significantly associated with transfer volume. Glove material reduced the transferred blood volume by 46%-86% in both models. Transfer volumes were within the same order of magnitude for all conditions. Hence, virus titer in the source blood may be a better predictor of needlestick infectivity than is exposure volume. Regardless, gloves may exert some protective effect and should be worn whenever needles are handled.
Diagnosis of Tracheoesophageal Fistula by Analysis of Gastric Air

Two patients receiving positive pressure ventilation experienced marked gaseous abdominal distension. Analysis of gases from the stomach, ventilator, and room air suggested that the gastric gases came from the ventilator in one patient. The diagnosis of tracheoesophageal fistula was confirmed by esophagoscopy. Analysis of gases in the other patient did not support the suspicion of tracheoesophageal fistula, and no fistula was found at autopsy. The technique of gastric air analysis is presented as a simple supporting tool for the clinical diagnosis of tracheoesophageal fistula in patients receiving positive pressure ventilation.
Imperfect Osteogenesis and Osteoporosis

Olaus Jacob Eckman, in defending his doctoral thesis at the University of Uppsala on May 10, 1788, reported on the presence of a hereditary bone fragility, termed congenital osteomalacia, in four generations of a family living in Uppland. This was the first description of osteogenesis imperfecta, a heritable disorder of connective tissue that is characterized by blue sclerae, deafness, and fragile bones. Osteogenesis imperfecta has recently been the subject of intensive investigative efforts by both clinicians and molecular biologists. Recognized approximately once in 20,000 live births, it is an uncommon but by no means rare disorder. Both orthopedic surgeons and . . .
Comparative development and gametophyte morphology of the hart's-tongue fern, Asplenium scolopendrium L

Abstract Gametophyte morphology and development of the federally listed American hart’s tongue fern Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum L. was examined and compared to the old world variety Asplenium scolopendrium var. scolopendrium. The North American variety is critically threatened and many populations in the Southeastern US have gone extinct while the number of plants in all northeastern populations is plummeting. The ultimate goal of this work was to compare gametophyte biology of these two varieties to understand better potential characters that may help separate plants in North America from those in the old world and generate a better picture of the biology of the North American populations. The two varieties differed significantly in gametophyte ontogeny, morphology, and propensity for sexual and asexual reproduction. Gametophytes of the American variety germinated earlier, grew significantly slower, and produced sporophytes much later (166 d vs. 119 d) than the old world variety. In addition,...
Of What Charges? (Luke 16:1-2)

This essay explores one of Jesus' parables, arguably his most complex: that of the dishonest steward. The emphasis here is on the charges against the steward. The facts that only Luke includes this parable and that he uses a verb found only here to express the steward's supposed wrongdoing raise pivotal questions. What motivates those who have brought the charges? What choices for defending and protecting himself does the steward consider? Does the owner's call for accountability preserve his reputation of honor? Complex relationships existed between owners, stewards, and tenants in Roman-occupied agrarian settings. The probability that the steward is irresponsible or derelict in his duties rather than guilty of immoral or criminal actions significantly affects how other elements of this parable are understood.
Comment re: Temozolomide Preferentially Depletes Cancer Stem Cells

To the Editor: Beier and colleagues ( [1][1]), in contrast to previous studies ( [2][2]– [4][3]), show that temozolomide depletes clonogenic and highly tumorigenic cells in glioblastoma cultures and reduces tumorigenicity in vivo . The in vivo studies, however, raise concerns. Tumor xenografts
LXXX. On a method of showing fluorescent absorption directly if it exists

(1908). LXXX. On a method of showing fluorescent absorption directly if it exists. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 16, No. 96, pp. 940-944.
Load dependence of the single beat maximal pressure (stress)/volume ratios in humans

Abstract To determine whether the slopes of the single beat maximal pressure (stress)/volume ratios are sensitive to changes in loading conditions in humans, 16 patients without cardiac disease were studied with simultaneous micromanometerdetermined left ventricular pressures and biplane contrast cineangiograms under control conditions and during methoxamine and nitroprusside infusions. Left ventricular volumes were calculated with use of a Simpson9s rule algorithm, wall thickness was obtained iteratively, and both midwall circumferential and meridional stresses were computed frame by frame. The maximal pressure/volume and both circumferential and meridional maximal stress/volume ratios were calculated using a single beat from each loading condition assuming a zero volume-axis intercept. Mean left ventricular systolic pressure increased 47% during the methoxamine infusion and decreased 22% during the nitroprusside infusion compared with control (p In contrast, mean single beat circumferential and meridional maximal stress/volume ratios were 3.15 ± 1.83 and 1.40 ± 0.82 g/cm2 per ml at control; they increased to 4.47 ± 2.44 and 2.21 ± 1.25 g/cm2 per ml during the methoxamine infusion (p It is concluded that the single beat maximal pressure/volume ratio and both midwall circumferential and meridional maximal stress/volume ratios are variably affected by left ventricular loading conditions. These ratios, therefore, should not be used to represent simple load-independent measures of contractile state in humans.
Femoral Artery Perfusion for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients with Aortoiliac Artery Obstruction

A patient with type I aortic dissection, ascending aortic aneurysm, and infrarenal aortic occlusion was managed by inserting an infrarenal bifurcation graft and using one limb as arterial access for cardiopulmonary bypass. Following ascending aorta and aortic arch repair, the aorto-bi-common femoral artery bypass was completed. In patients with severe aortoiliac occlusive disease, graft replacement can provide access for both cardiopulmonary bypass and intraaortic balloon pump insertion.
Morphological and physiological responses to increased salinity in marsh and dune ecotypes ofSporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth.

Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth is a halophytic grass native to tropical and warm temperate coasts throughout the world. A rhizomatous perennial with erect culms,S. virginicus occurs as two genetically distinct growth forms, which are designated by their characteristic habitats as “marsh” and “dune”. What accounts for the specific distribution and maintenance of two separate ecotypes ofS. virginicus is not known. The present study examined the effects of seawater salinity on several morphological and physiological responses of hydroponically cultivated marsh and dune plants to determine whether differential tolerance to substrate salinity might contribute to the observed pattern of habitation. Both marsh and dune form plants survived prolonged exposure to full-strength seawater and reproduced vegetatively via culms and rhizomes. Salinity-induced reductions in culm height, internode length, and leaf size led to a miniaturization of marsh and dune plants. Sodium ion levels were low (<1.0 mmol/g dry weight) in various organs of salinized plants irrespective of ecotype, and potassium ion content increased in all salt-challenged plants, as did quarternary ammonium compounds and proline. Significant differences, however, between marsh and dune plants with respect to the effects of salinity on resource allocation, flowering phenology, and protein composition suggested that external salt concentration has a role in determining ecotype distribution.
FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCIES OF A MEMBRANE STRIP WITH PERIODIC BOUNDARY CONSTRAINTS

The present note studies the effect of a large boundary perturbation, i.e., a long membrane strip with additional periodic constraints at boundaries. These constraints may be de to membrane mounting or structural stiffening or used to increase the fundamental frequency. The method of eigenfunction expansion and point match is used
A trade-off result for preference revelation

Abstract If the social choice rule g selects from one up to k alternatives (but not more), then there exists a coalition H of k individuals such that for each profile r , the choice set g ( r ) is the collection of the top-most alternatives in the orderings of the individuals in H . Consequently, g is independent of the preferences of individuals not in H , forcing a disagreeable trade-off: Either some choice sets are very large, or most individuals never have any say in the social choice.
Installation Effects on the Flow and Noise of an Under-the-Wing Mounted Dual Stream Jet

It is known experimentally that a jet mounted under a wing generates more noise than the same jet in isolation. The excess noise is referred to as installation noise. Installation noise is largely of aerodynamic origin. The principal mechanism is believed to be the impact of the downwash of the wing-flap on the jet flow. The downwash causes the jet to deflect downward and to distort laterally. This brings about an increase in turbulence in the jet. The increase in the level of turbulence, in turn, leads to the emission of additional noise. The modeling and computation of the downwash, the distorted jet flow and the excess noise radiation are the objectives of this investigation. It will be shown that calculated results at high frequencies compare well with experimental measurements. I. Introduction T is known experimentally, since the late seventies, that a jet installed under a wing of an aircraft radiates more noise than the same jet in a stand-alone condition. The excess noise is the propulsion-airframe integration noise or commonly referred to as installation noise. When a jet is placed near a wing, there is an increase in noise in the flyover directions because of the reflection of sound by the wing. Here, installation noise includes not merely the noise increase due to the reflection of sound by the wing. The major part of this noise is generated aerodynamically by the nonlinear interaction between the flow around the wing-flap and the jet. In this work, our primary interest is to model and to predict installation noise of aerodynamic origin. Installation noise increases not only the total aircraft noise in the fly-over plane but also in the sideline directions. It is especially important during landings and take-offs when the flaps are down. During the eighties, a number of experiments were carried out trying to quantify the characteristics and intensity of installation noise
TEACHERS' REJOINDERS TO STUDENTS' RESPONSES IN READING LESSONS

The rejoinders that teachers give to students' responses in the questioning phase of comprehension lessons were examined with respect to their type and their function. Thirty-seven lessons taught by six second-grade teachers conducting small group sessions organized by students' reading ability (high, average, and low) were transcribed and analyzed. Eight types of rejoinders appeared: the null rejoinder, as well as explicit evaluation of the students' response, repetition of it, elaboration of it, and combinations of these three. The null rejoinder predominated; types involving repetition were the next most favored. The teachers showed individual preferences in choosing one type over another, lending varying movement to the quality of the questioning sessions, but as a group showed negligible differences with respect to readers of varying abilities. In this study we will examine the responses that teachers give to students' answers in the questioning phase of reading lessons. As teachers and students review the passages that they have read together, the usual pattern is for the teacher to ask questions and the students to answer. Yet before going on to ask another question, teachers often give pointed and sometimes elaborate rejoinders. Our goal is to describe the types and incidence of such teacher rejoinders and assess their significance in light of the current concern about comprehension instructional practice and student performance. To achieve this goal, we will examine a set of transcripts from second-grade reading lessons. Setting teachers' rejoinders apart from the rest of the speech event may seem unjustified, but we do so precisely in order to confirm their place in the structure of
Incidence and Predictors of Pacemaker Implantation in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative treatment for patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. The development of conduction abnormalities is a major complication in the postprocedural period of TAVR. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the development of postprocedural conduction abnormalities and the requirement of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation in patients undergoing TAVR. Methods Data from 137 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR (Edwards SAPIEN valve, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) between June 2008 and October 2012 were reviewed. Patients with prior history of PPM (n = 27) were excluded. The role of various predictors for pacemaker implantation after TAVR, including the valve index (calculated as [valve size/left ventricular outflow tract diameter] × 100) was investigated. Results A total of 31/110 (28.2%) patients required implantation of a PPM after TAVR. The median time to implantation of a PPM was 5 days after the procedure. The development of postprocedural complete heart block was the most common indication for implantation of a PPM (16/31; 51.6%). On multivariate analysis, the presence of preexisting right bundle branch block (RBBB) was found to be a strong predictor of PPM implantation after TAVR (adjusted odds ratio: 4.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.29–18.46, P = 0.020). Using the receiver operated curve analysis, a cut-off value of valve index of 128 was found to be a strong predictor for PPM implantation with a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 61% (c statistic = 0.68). Conclusions This study identified the presence of prior RBBB and a valve index of 128 as important risk factors for PPM implantation after TAVR. A larger implanted valve size relative to left ventricular outflow tract diameter leads to a greater compression of the intrinsic conduction system, increasing the need for pacemaker placement.
Integrating co-training and recognition for text detection

Training a good text detector requires a large amount of labeled data, which can be very expensive to obtain. Co-training has been shown to be a powerful semi-supervised learning tool for solving many problems using a large amount of unlabeled data. However, augmented data from a co-training process could potentially degrade the performance of classifiers due to added noises from unlabeled data. This paper makes two contributions by proposing a modified co-training scheme for text detection. First, to get cleaner augmented data, the new algorithm integrates some authority knowledge of unlabeled data into co-training. Text recognition output of each selected unlabeled image patch is used as the authority that is combined with classifier prediction to decide if the sample will be added to the augmented set. Second, instead of evenly combining predictions of two co-training classifiers, a weighted combination is learned and used to produce the final prediction. Contributions of the new algorithm have been evaluated on a standard text detection dataset.
Fitness consequences of long-term pair bonds in barnacle geese: monogamy in the extreme

In barnacle geese Branta leucopsis, pair-bond members generally remain together every day, each year, often for life. Geese that maintain long-lasting pair bonds during their lifetime produce more offspring than those with shorter pair durations. This result was shown while statistically controlling for the birds’ life span and the proportion of life spent without a partner, two variables that also influence lifetime reproductive success. I argue that continuous partnerships are maintained in highly competitive goose societies because of the constant need for female–male cooperation, without which acquiring adequate resources for reproduction would be prohibitive for both sexes. Key words: barnacle geese, Branta leucopsis, cooperation, monogamy, lifetime reproductive success, mate familiarity, mate fidelity, pair bonds, partnerships, site fidelity. [Behav Ecol 12:640–645 (2001)]
Detection and prognostication of reversible perfusion abnormalities and scar in patients with suspected coronary ischemia: Results from a pilot study comparing stress cardiac magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography

Methods Consecutive patients who underwent stress PET Rubidium perfusion were prospectively enrolled to undergo stress CMR for assessment of ischemia and infarction. Sum rest and sum stress scores were qualitatively graded using a 16-segment model in both PET and CMR. CMR protocol consisted of cine steady-state free precession imaging for left ventricular function, rest and adenosinestress first pass perfusion at 0.075 mmol/kg, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging for myocardial scar. Results Ninety patients were enrolled and underwent CMR within 60 days of the PET. Mean age was 61 years and 60% were male. Thirty-one had a significant reversible perfusion defect(ReVPD)seen on stress CMR. Concordance rate for presence of ReVPD was 71% (see Table 1). For the 26 patients with discordant findings for perfusion, 23 (88%) patients were noted to have a RevPD by CMR. Concordance rate for the presence of myocardial scar was 71% (Table 2). In the 26 patients with discordant findings for scar, 24 (92%) patients were noted to have subendocardial scar by CMR. At a medium follow-up of 3.0 years (IQR 2.2 years), RevPD by both PET and CMR were associated with all major adverse events (PET: HR 2.7, P = 0.05; CMR: HR 6.9, P < 0.001). With absence of RevPD and absence of scar, PET and CMR were associated with a negative hard-event (cardiac death or acute myocardial infarction) rate of 96% and 99%, respectively. Among the 25 patients with abnormal CMR (reversible defect or scar) but normal PET, there were 3 cardiac deaths and 3 AMIs during the follow-up.
Extracting Analytical Models of Coupled Airwake- Downwash Turbulence from a Database for Simulation and Engineering Analysis

1 Autospectrum models of airwake-downwash turbulence are extracted from a database. These extracted models are interpretive models with a simple analyt ical structure that aids delineation, routine simul ation, and application as a predictive tool. Airwake refer s to turbulence shed from the ship superstructure, and the database, to a set of autospectral points of flow v elocity data from experimental and CFD-based investigations. The model extraction is based on an earlier-proposed framework developed from first principles, which addresses all three velocity comp onents. For each component, the autocorrelation is represented by a separate perturbation series in wh ich the first term has a form of von Karman longitu dinal or lateral correlation function. These series are t hen transformed into equivalent perturbation series of autospectra. The perturbation coefficients are eval uated by satisfying the algorithmic constraints and fitting a curve on a set of selected spectral data points in the low frequency bandwidth (0 < fHz < 1.6). In this paper, the focus is on extracting vertical turbulence auto spectrum models and designing white-noise-driven shaping filters for this bandwidth, as required in flight d ynamics applications. Generally, a second-order perturbation correction (a three-term perturbation series) is ad equate, and the extracted models lend themselves well to construction of shaping filters. The strengths and weaknesses of the database and the extracted models are discussed as well.
Class D Switching Power Amplifiers: Theory, Design, and Performance

Switching, or class D, amplifiers represent a source of untapped potential for efficient, high power amplification. They are mostly suited for mobile and portable applications. In an effort to better understand these amplifiers, this project examines the theory, design, and performance of these circuits. As a result, it was determined that Class D amplifiers are not as difficult to design and build as commonly believed. The output sound quality of a well-designed class D audio amplifier is comparable to many high fidelity conventional sound systems. D class amps typically have 90-95% efficiency at rated power compared to conventional audio amps, which have 65-70% efficiency ratings. Most importantly, these benefits are available in a smaller, more cost-effective package due to the switching amplifier?s high efficiency and capability for integration.
Evolutionary Studies Illuminate the Structural-Functional Model of Plant Phytochromes

A synthesis of insights from functional and evolutionary studies reveals how the phytochrome photoreceptor system has evolved to impart both stability and flexibility. Phytochromes in seed plants diverged into three major forms, phyA, phyB, and phyC, very early in the history of seed plants. Two additional forms, phyE and phyD, are restricted to flowering plants and Brassicaceae, respectively. While phyC, D, and E are absent from at least some taxa, phyA and phyB are present in all sampled seed plants and are the principal mediators of red/far-red-induced responses. Conversely, phyC-E apparently function in concert with phyB and, where present, expand the repertoire of phyB activities. Despite major advances, aspects of the structural-functional models for these photoreceptors remain elusive. Comparative sequence analyses expand the array of locus-specific mutant alleles for analysis by revealing historic mutations that occurred during gene lineage splitting and divergence. With insights from crystallographic data, a subset of these mutants can be chosen for functional studies to test their importance and determine the molecular mechanism by which they might impact light perception and signaling. In the case of gene families, where redundancy hinders isolation of some proportion of the relevant mutants, the approach may be particularly useful.
Maternal Fever and Neonatal Depression: Preliminary Observations

The objectives of this study were to determine in term infants: (1) the importance of maternal fever (maternal temperature > 38 degrees C) as a risk factor for neonatal depression and (2) the clinical course of infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) born to mothers with fever. For 2 years, 59 (0.24%) of 25,000 term infants had a 5-minute Apgar score 38 degrees C including 13 (11%) with an initial temperature > 39 degrees C. Twelve (10%) infants remained intubated on admission and five required ventilator support > 24 hours. One blood culture was positive although all mothers were pretreated with antibiotics. One infant developed hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy including seizures. Maternal fever is the perinatal event most frequently associated with a 5-minute Apgar score < or = 5 and a common association with the need for CPR. Clinicians attending the delivery of a mother with fever should anticipate the potential for neonatal depression; such awareness should facilitate appropriate preparation before delivery and potentially reduce the need for more intensive resuscitation.
Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus and Primary and Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension

Background Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been implicated as a factor in the pathogenesis of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). We conducted a case-control study of patients with PPH and pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with other disorders (secondary PH) to look for evidence of KSHV infection Materials and methods The study population was composed of patients with a diagnosis of PH at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center Department of Cardiology between July and November 2003. Serologic testing for KSHV was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays based on peptides from open reading frame-65 and K8.1, using sera from 19 patients with PPH, 29 patients with secondary PH, and 150 control subjects Results The overall seroprevalence of KSHV among all study participants was 2.0%. The rate among control subjects was 0.7% (1 of 150 subjects); among the study participants with PPH, we found no evidence of KSHV infection (0 of 19 patients). There was no significant difference between the observed seroprevalence of KSHV among patients with PPH compared to control subjects (p = 0.89). Of the 29 patients with a diagnosis of secondary PH, 3 patients (10.3%) were KSHV seropositive. Significantly, two of the three KSHV-infected secondary PH patients were also HIV positive, a known independent risk factor for KSHV infection and secondary PH Conclusion Our data do not support KSHV infection having a significant role in PPH or non-HIV-associated secondary PH compared to age-and gender-matched control subjects
Effective thermal expansivity of Maxwellian oceanic lithosphere

Abstract The thermal expansivity of oceanic lithosphere is a key mineral physics parameter that controls the rate of seafloor subsidence. Because of strongly temperature-dependent mantle rheology, effective expansivity for lithosphere as a whole could be substantially lower than indicated by mineral physics data. Viscoelastic modeling indicates that this reduction in expansivity could be as high as ∼ 15–30% for a plausible range of mantle viscosity. Though brittle relaxation by thermal cracking is likely to alleviate this reduction, tension cracking results in fractured lithosphere with finite crack porosity, thereby prohibiting the recovery of fully equilibrated density. Even with complete brittle relaxation, effective thermal expansivity could still be lower by up to ∼ 20%.
Harm reduction’s first principle: “the opposite of hatred”

(Hunt, 2004), Neil Hunt asks which comes first in harm reduction, public health or human rights. His answer is honest and thoughtful, but this is the wrong question. Both public health and human rights offer principles for organizing social relations that are far preferable to the alternatives prevailing across the globe today – but harm reduction does not begin with a principle. The impetus for harm reduction is the acceptance of the simple humanity of the drug user, her connection to the rest of us. The Dead White Male I would quote is not John Stuart Mill, but James Joyce. There is a moment in Ulysses when Bloom is talking about social justice. To the disgust of the nationalists in the pub, however, Bloom refuses to “stand up to it then with force like men”.
Failure of chloroquine and amodiaquine to suppress Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract Weekly doses of 300 mg. of chloroquine or 400 mg. of amodiaquine failed to cure or to suppress mosquito-transmitted infections of the Colombia, South American strain of Plasmodium falciparum . Proguanil appeared to cure the two infections treated, and pyrimethamine the three treated, indicating no cross-resistance between them and the 4-aminoquinoline group. Mepacrine (Atabrine) removed the parasitaemias temporarily, but four of six patients treated have relapsed.
Cephalopod species richness in the wider Caribbean region

The cephalopods of the wider Caribbean region (western central Atlantic) were examined in terms of distribution and ecological importance. In all, 4190 preserved cephalopod specimens were identified and catalogued to produce regional maps of cephalopod distribution within the wider Caribbean. Regional species richness was examined with respect to Rapoport’s rule (RR) and to determine possible cephalopod hotspots in the region. Rarefaction curves were used to normalize the samples of various size collected throughout the wider Caribbean. Cephalopods of the wider Caribbean within latitudinal bands from 8 to 308N do not support RR because they exhibit increasing species richness with increasing latitude. Eight subareas were chosen to compare species richness. Regionally, species richness appears to be patchy, with cephalopods concentrated more off the eastern Florida coast. There is a need for increased sampling throughout the wider Caribbean. Areas were lacking in samples, especially the central and southeastern parts of the region. There is a need to explore the systematics, life histories, and distribution patterns for this group of organisms in future.
Reducing Campylobacter jejuni Colonization of Poultry via Vaccination

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading bacterial cause of human gastrointestinal disease worldwide. While C. jejuni is a commensal organism in chickens, case-studies have demonstrated a link between infection with C. jejuni and the consumption of foods that have been cross-contaminated with raw or undercooked poultry. We hypothesized that vaccination of chickens with C. jejuni surface-exposed colonization proteins (SECPs) would reduce the ability of C. jejuni to colonize chickens, thereby reducing the contamination of poultry products at the retail level and potentially providing a safer food product for consumers. To test our hypothesis, we injected chickens with recombinant C. jejuni peptides from CadF, FlaA, FlpA, CmeC, and a CadF-FlaA-FlpA fusion protein. Seven days following challenge, chickens were necropsied and cecal contents were serially diluted and plated to determine the number of C. jejuni per gram of material. The sera from the chickens were also analyzed to determine the concentration and specificity of antibodies reactive against the C. jejuni SECPs. Vaccination of chickens with the CadF, FlaA, and FlpA peptides resulted in a reduction in the number of C. jejuni in the ceca compared to the non-vaccinated C. jejuni-challenged group. The greatest reduction in C. jejuni colonization was observed in chickens injected with the FlaA, FlpA, or CadF-FlaA-FlpA fusion proteins. Vaccination of chickens with different SECPs resulted in the production of C. jejuni-specific IgY antibodies. In summary, we show that the vaccination of poultry with individual C. jejuni SECPs or a combination of SECPs provides protection of chickens from C. jejuni colonization.
Remediation of low ABSITE scores.

Purpose In 2000, a program was initiated to improve American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam (ABSITE) scores below the 40th percentile (PGY-1 and -2) and the 30th percentile (PGY-3 and -5) for categorical residents. The goal of this program is to maintain scores above this standard. Methods One faculty member was designated to meet with each resident with ABSITE scores below the standard described above. In April, individual study plans were designed with each resident, which emphasized practice questions and strategic planning for study, and the ABSITE test structure and results were reviewed. Two subsequent meetings were held between November and December to monitor progress. Emphasis was placed on minimizing the stigma of poor scores and on maximizing the efficiency of study time. If the resident scored above-standard that year, further support was not required. Results From 2000 to 2004, 12 (9.5%) ABSITE scores were below-standard, which resulted in 8 (20.5%) residents receiving program support 9 times. All but 1 program encounter resulted in above-standard scores the following year (improvement range, 16 to 65 percentile points; average, 34 points). Two residents had recurrent below-standard scores in subsequent years despite above-standard scores immediately after the program. One resident did not participate in the program, despite it being designated as mandatory. During the same interval, the ABSITE scores of residents not involved in the program decreased by an average of 3.7 percentile points per examination (improved scores 31 times; 39.2%, range 1 to 46, average 13.5, worse scores 45 times; 57%, range 1 to 65, average 15.2, and no change 3 times, 3.8%). Conclusions An individualized program that minimizes the stigma of poor test results, the time commitment required by the residents, and maximizes the benefits of a question-based study system and the knowledge of approach to the ABSITE resulted in significant improvements in scores the next year. However, maintenance of these results needs continued evaluation because 3 residents had recurrent poor scores in subsequent years.
A multi-level, LIGA-like process for three dimensional actuators

Design and fabrication of an electrostatic vertical actuator is reported. This actuator has been constructed using a multi-level, LIGA-like process. The process uses diamond lapping and polishing for replanarization of electroplated surfaces after the first LIGA cycle. This allows a second layer of photoresist to be bonded to the surface and therefore a second LIGA cycle can follow. In this actuator, force outputs in the milli-Newton range, and a vertical displacement of hundreds of microns appear to be feasible.
ONE-STEP GROWTH CURVES OF VARIOUS STRAINS OF INFLUENZA A AND B VIRUSES AND THEIR INHIBITION BY INACTIVATED VIRUS OF THE HOMOLOGOUS TYPE

One-step growth curves of five strains of influenza A, one strain of swine influenza, and three strains of influenza B virus have been analyzed. The influenza A and swine influenza strains showed constant periods of 5 to 6 hours before newly formed virus was liberated from the infected cells, whereas 8 to 10 hours elapsed in the case of the influenza B strains. The yield of virus in the allantoic fluids, i.e. the number of ID(50) released for every ID(50) of seed virus adsorbed, was consistently higher in the case of the influenza A and swine influenza strains than in that of the influenza B viruses. Interruption of the cycle by injection of inactivated virus subsequent to infection can be achieved by any of the strains of the homologous type. However, cross-tests between influenza A and swine influenza virus led only to partial inhibition of virus growth.
Salmonella Vaccine Vectors Displaying Delayed Antigen Synthesis In Vivo To Enhance Immunogenicity

We have developed a regulated delayed antigen synthesis (RDAS) system for use in recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine (RASV) strains to enhance immune responses by reducing the adverse effects of high-level antigen synthesis. This system includes a chromosomal repressor gene, lacI, expressed from the arabinose-regulated araC PBAD promoter. LacI serves to regulate expression from a plasmid promoter, Ptrc, that directs antigen synthesis. In the presence of arabinose LacI is produced, which binds to Ptrc, blocking antigen synthesis. In vivo, an arabinose-poor environment, the concentration of LacI decreases with each cell division, allowing increased antigen synthesis. To optimize the system and for comparison, we altered the lacI ribosome-binding site, start codon, and/or codon content to construct RDAS strains chi9095, chi9959, and chi9241, synthesizing from low to high levels of LacI, respectively, and non-RDAS strain chi9555 as a control. We evaluated this system with two test antigens, the green fluorescent protein for initial in vitro assessment and the Streptococcus pneumoniae PspA protein for validation of our system in mice. All RASV strains expressing PspA generated high antilipopolysaccharide antibody titers, indicating that expression of lacI did not interfere with the capacity to induce an immune response. Strain chi9241 induced significantly higher anti-PspA IgG and IgA antibody titers than strain chi9555, which expressed PspA constitutively. Anti-PspA antibody titers were inversely correlated to the level of LacI synthesis. Strain chi9241 also induced significantly greater protective efficacy against challenge with virulent S. pneumoniae. These results suggest that regulated delayed antigen synthesis is useful for improving immunogenicity of RASV strains.