cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of the invasive Haemaphysalis longicornis tick with vertebrate hosts, other native tick vectors, and tick-borne pathogens in New York City, USA

Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, is an invasive ixodid tick that has rapidly spread across the northeastern and southeastern regions of the United States since first reported in 2017. The emergence of H. longicornis presents a potential threat for livestock, wildlife, and human health as the host associations and vector potential of this invasive pest in the United States are poorly understood. Previous field data from the United States has shown that H. longicornis was not associated with natural populations of small mammals or birds, but they show a preference for medium sized mammals in laboratory experiments. Therefore, medium and large sized mammals were sampled on Staten Island, New York, United States, to determine H. longicornis host associations and vector potential for a range of human and veterinary pathogens. A total of 97 hosts were sampled and five species of tick (Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, H. longicornis, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes cookei) were found feeding concurrently on these hosts. Haemaphysalis longicornis was found in the highest proportions compared with other native tick species on raccoons (55.4%), Virginia opossums (28.9%), and white-tailed deer (11.5%). Tissue, blood, and engorged larvae were tested for 17 different pathogens using a nanoscale PCR platform. Infection with five pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Mycoplasma haemocanis, and Bartonella spp.) was detected in host samples, but no pathogens were found in any larval samples. These results suggest that although large and medium sized mammals feed large numbers of H. longicornis ticks in the environment, there is presently a low potential for H. longicornis to acquire pathogens from these wildlife hosts.
Fight the Power: African Americans and the Long History of Police Brutality in New York City: , edited by Clarence Taylor, New York, New York University Press, 2019, 336 pp., $35 (hardcover)/$24 (paperback), ISBN: 978-1-4798-6245-0 (hardcover), e-ISBN: 978-1-4798-2235-5, ISBN: 978-1-4798-1108-3 (paperback, forthcoming April 2021)

Clarence Taylor’s (2019) historical account of police brutality in New York City (NYC) spans from the 1940s to 2018, in which he highlights the efforts of several groups and individuals to eliminat...
A Contemporary Population-Based Profile of Infective Endocarditis Using the Expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project.

Abstract Objective To develop a contemporary profile of infective endocarditis (IE) among a population in 6 counties of Olmsted, Dodge, Mower, Steele, Waseca, and Freeborn in southern Minnesota between 2014 and 2018. Patients and Methods All possible and definite cases of IE (≥18 years) among residents of 6 counties in southern Minnesota, including Olmsted County, diagnosed between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, were included in this retrospective, population-based investigation, using the Expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (E-REP). Results Overall, 137 patients with IE developed incident IE in the 6-county region, corresponding to an age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 11.9 per 100,000 person-years. Men had a significantly higher incidence of IE (17.9 vs 6.8 per 100,000 person-years), and rates increased exponentially with age in both sexes. The median age of incident cases was 68.2 years, and 67.9% were male patients. The percentage of patients with histories of injection-drug use was low, at 6.7%. Bicuspid aortic valve was the most common (9.6%) native valve predisposing condition. Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the predominant pathogen in the overall group (34.8%), with viridans-group streptococci accounting for only 19.3% cases. Central nervous system and musculoskeletal complications were common. The 30-day readmission rate was 27.9%, and the 6-month mortality rate was 31.8%. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first time that the population-based E-REP has been used to determine an age- and sex-adjusted IE incidence. Older male patients predominated, and S aureus was the most common pathogen. Based on these findings, it is not surprising that IE complications were frequently seen.
‘In our family, we don’t watch those things’: parents’ discursive constructions of decision-making connected with family media practices

This article examines the discursive construction of parents’ decision-making connected with screen media practices. Drawing on a dataset of 51 parent interviews conducted in 3 states in the US, th...
HIV and Ageing: Considerations for Older Adults Living with HIV

This chapter provides an overview of care considerations for older adults living with HIV. With the success of effective HIV antiretroviral therapy, persons living with HIV are now ageing into older adulthood. In the United Kingdom, approximately one-third of all persons living with HIV are age 50 or older [National AIDS Trust. HIV in the UK statistics–2018. https://www.nat.org.uk/we-inform/HIV-statistics/UK-statistics. Accessed 2 May 2020]. Similar trends are seen in other countries, including the United States, where it has been estimated that more than half of all persons living with HIV are 50 years or older [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV and older Americans. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/age/olderamericans/index.html. Accessed 2 May 2020]. As this population continues to grow, chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic complications, and malignancy will become priorities. Nurses caring for this population should be familiar with how these other conditions manifest in the context of HIV.
Meta-analysis of the effects of dietary inclusion of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) forage on performance, digestibility, and rumen fermentation of small ruminants

Abstract For more than 20 years, the nutraceutical forage sericea lespedeza ‘AU-grazer’ (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) has been used as an alternative to anthelmintic drugs for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants, but with little attention to animal performance. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of SL on performance, digestibility, and rumen fermentation of small ruminants using a meta-analytic approach. A total of 24 peer-reviewed manuscripts (sheep = 6 and goats = 18) from 2000 to 2020 met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Raw mean differences between dietary SL and control treatments weighted by inversed variance were compared with a robust variance estimation. Diet characteristics like crude protein content, NDF content, condensed tannin (CT) content, and inclusion level of SL in the diet (0% to 100%) were used as covariates in a metaregression and subgrouping analysis. Compared to the control, dietary inclusion of SL decreased (P 50), no significant bias was detected (funnel test; P > 0.05). The dose-response analysis revealed that SL-based diets should not include more than 60% in the diet to prevent negative effects in DMD and ADG. Likewise, low inclusion level of SL in the diet (from 30 to 40%) linearly increased propionate concentrations in the rumen but reduced CH4 emissions. In addition to the nutraceutical benefits of this forage, SL inclusion improved rumen fermentation (increased propionate, reduced CH4) at low rates of inclusion, but reduced ADG in small ruminants at higher rates, with these effects minimized if dietary inclusion rate for SL is 60% or less. Further research is needed to determine the optimum inclusion rate to balance nutritional and pharmaceutical effects of SL in the diet of small ruminants.
Bisphenol A alters the cardiovascular response to hypoxia in Danio rerio embryos

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if the cardiovascular response to hypoxia was altered by the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in Danio rerio embryos. It was expected that BPA exposure would affect cardiovascular parameters during hypoxia more than normoxia due to an interaction between BPA and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) pathway. We demonstrate that BPA exposure has a minimal effect during normoxia but can severely affect the cardiovascular system during a hypoxic event. Cardiovascular response was measured in vivo using video microscopy and digital motion analysis. RBC density increased 35% in hypoxia alone but decreased 48% with addition of 0.25 mg/L BPA. Tissue vascularization (% coverage) was unaffected by hypoxia alone but decreased 37% with addition of 0.25 mg/L BPA. The diameter and RBC velocity of arteries were more sensitive than veins to BPA exposure during both normoxia and hypoxia. Arterial RBC velocity decreased 42% during normoxia and 52% during hypoxia with 1 mg/L BPA. This decrease in velocity may in part be due to the 86% decrease in heart rate (ƒH) observed during co-exposure to hypoxia and 5 mg/L BPA. While stroke volume (SV) was unaffected by treatment, cardiac output (Q) decreased by 69% with co-exposure. ƒH and Q were not affected by BPA exposure during normoxia. Development ultimately slowed by 146% and mortality rates were 95% during hypoxia when exposed to 5 mg/L BPA. Our results show for the first time that BPA exposure alters the cardiovascular system during hypoxia more so than normoxia.
Charge transfer and storage in nanostructures

Abstract Efficient storage and conversion of electrical charge in materials, to a voltage and current, provides the basis for batteries and capacitors. Given the widespread usage of portable electronics there is a continual need to further enhance the energy and power density of such devices, which could be accomplished through the use of nanostructured materials. The large surface area to volume ratio and the possibilities of new materials physics and chemistry provide the rationale for their use and is discussed. The former aspect considers the relevance to the area-dependent capacitance as well as the parasitic elements that reduce the charge and energy delivery from the theoretical maximum values. Specific instances of electrode materials, as well as the electrode–electrolyte interface and electrolyte properties, with respect to their capability and prospects are examined. Alternate internal and external surface dependent Faradaic reactions and concomitant pseudocapacitance based mechanisms, seem to have the ability to bridge the large energy densities of batteries to the power density of the capacitors perhaps helping in realizing a truly useful hybrid device. While much of the report relates to presently used devices such as Li-ion batteries and activated carbon based electrochemical capacitors, the relevant principles are shown to be valid for other types of charge conversion agents such as photoelectrochemical and dye-sensitized solar cells. The review also considers perspectives on alternate materials and architectures.
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents for Parkinson’s Disease

This chapter considers the biology and medical chemistry-based treatment of Parkinson’s disease, the second most common of the major neurodegenerative neuropsychiatric disorders. It surveys basic clinical features, neuropathology, and etiological theories based on genetics, maturational and oxidative-metabolic degenerative processes, and environmental neurotoxins including MPTP. Treatments reviewed include l-dopa as a replacement therapy, direct dopaminergic agonists and their structure-activity relationships, and agents that potentiate dopamine by preventing the metabolism of dopa or dopamine by peripheral aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, catechol-O-methyltransferase, or monoamineoxidase. Drugs acting on nondopaminergic systems considered include anticholinergic, adenosine agonist, glutamate antagonist, and serotonin agonist agents. Agents useful for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and monitoring progression of the disease include radioactive dopa and dopamine transporter labeling agents for use in brain imaging. Finally, future directions of efforts to improve the treatment of Parkinson’s disease are considered, with an emphasis on the continued central importance of medicinal chemistry. Keywords: adenosine antagonists; basal ganglia; COMT inhibitors; decarboxylase inhibitors; dopamine; dopamine agonists; D1 agonists; D2 agonists; ergolines; glutamate antagonists; levodopa; MAO inhibitors; MPTP; neurodegeneration; oxidation; Parkinson’s disease; parkinsonism; pramipexole; radiodiagnostic agents; receptors; ropinirole; serotonin agonists
Neighborhood disorder, fear, and mistrust : The buffering role of social ties with neighbors

This paper proposes that individuals who report that they live in neighborhoods characterized by disorder—by crime, vandalism, graffiti, danger, noise, dirt, and drugs—have high levels of fear and mistrust. It further proposes that an individual's alliances and connections with neighbors can buffer the negative effects of living in a neighborhood characterized by disorder on fear and mistrust. Results from a representative sample of 2482 Illinois residents collected by telephone in 1995 support the propositions. Living in a neighborhood with a lot of perceived disorder significantly affects mistrust and the fear of victimization, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Perceived neighborhood disorder and social ties significantly interact: informal social ties with neighbors reduce the fear- and mistrust-producing effects of disorder. However, formal participation in neighborhood organizations shows little buffering effect.
Induction of Tyrosine Aminotransferase by Dexamethasone, Insulin, and Serum CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INDUCED ENZYME

Abstract Dexamethasone induces the synthesis of tyrosine aminotransferase in hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) cells, an established line of rat hepatoma cells in tissue culture. The addition of insulin or dialyzed serum to cells previously induced with dexamethasone in a serum-free medium causes a further doubling in tyrosine aminotransferase activity, which is not dependent on concomitant RNA synthesis. The simultaneous addition of maximally effective concentrations of both insulin and serum causes an additive stimulation of tyrosine aminotransferase activity. This result suggests that insulin and serum might either affect different aspects of the control of a single enzyme, or alternatively the synthesis of different isozymes of tyrosine aminotransferase. Crude extracts of HTC cells induced with dexamethasone alone, dexamethasone plus insulin, or dexamethasone plus serum have been analyzed by titration with antibody to purified rat liver tyrosine aminotransferase, by heat stability, and by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. These methods readily distinguish tyrosine aminotransferase of HTC cell origin from that of renal cell origin. By all three of the techniques used in this study, the tyrosine aminotransferase induced by dexamethasone, insulin, and serum appears to be identical. Thus these three humoral factors all appear to enhance the synthesis of the same enzyme, possibly by affecting different aspects of its post-transcriptional control.
Effects of Vestibular Loss on Head Stabilization in Response to Head and Body Perturbations

Control of head position during postural responses is important to facilitate both the interpretation of vestibular signals and the stabilization of gaze. In these experiments, we compared head stabilization for two different postural tasks: 1) in response to perturbations at the head, and 2) in response to perturbations induced at the support surface, which perturb both body and head position. To determine whether normal vestibular function is necessary for head stabilization in these two tasks, responses to forward and backward mechanical perturbations of the head and body were compared for 13 normal subjects and 4 patients with profound bilateral vestibular loss (two with vestibular loss in adulthood and two in infancy). Normal subjects showed little neck muscle activity for body perturbations, but large, early activations in both neck extensors and flexors for head perturbations. In contrast, vestibular patients showed excessive neck muscle activation for body perturbations and reduced or absent neck muscle activity for head perturbations. Patients with vestibular loss in adulthood also showed increased head acceleration in response to both head and body perturbations, but patients with vestibular loss in infancy showed more normal head accelerations. For body perturbations, the differences in head acceleration between patients and normals were greater for later head acceleration peaks, indicating poor head control during the execution of the postural response. Trunk angle changes were also higher in the patients for forward body perturbations, indicating that poorer control of trunk position could have contributed to their poorer head stabilization. These results indicate that the vestibular system plays an important role in head and trunk stabilization for both head and body perturbations. However, the more normal head accelerations of the patients with infant vestibular loss also indicate that other mechanisms, possibly involving neck reflexes, can at least partially substitute for the vestibular system to provide head and trunk stabilization.
Rapid heterogeneous ad hoc connection establishment: accelerating Bluetooth inquiry using IrDA

Bluetooth device discovery is a time-intensive phase of the Bluetooth connection-establishment procedure. In this paper we propose a technique that integrates existing IrDA technology with Bluetooth technology to improve the ad hoc connection establishment time of Bluetooth devices. We accomplish this improvement by first establishing an IrDA connection between two devices equipped with both Bluetooth and IrDA capabilities and then exchanging Bluetooth device discovery information via the established IrDA connection. As a result of this cooperative exchange, the devices are able to bypass the time-intensive Bluetooth device discovery procedure. Our research shows that IrDA-assisted Bluetooth connection establishment is up to four times faster than the normal ad hoc Bluetooth connection establishment procedure. In addition, it provides other time-savings in subsequent device selection procedures.
Prospecting in Hückel-space: From Hinokitiol to Non-benzenoid Organic Electronics

Note from the Editor: Science is about connections. Some of these are connections between dreams and reality. Surely, dreams are the source of energy necessary to produce great science. In chemistry, the most obvious connections are the bonds: bonds between atoms, bonds between people. It was this metaphor that inspired the title “Bonding Beyond Borders” for the Nozoe Autograph Book publication project. In the following essay accompanying the publication of the ninth segment of the Nozoe Autograph Books, J. D. Tovar of Johns Hopkins University illustrates many connections. He connects some of the signatory's dreams, in the form of their real or projected novel compounds written decades ago, to today's state-of-the-art. He connects theory with experiment. He connects structure with novel optoelectronic or electrical properties. He broadly and firmly connects his own research program with that of the greater novel aromatics community, a remarkable demonstration of progress given that he is barely a decade from receipt of his Ph.D. degree. We are pleased to have this splendid contribution to the Nozoe Autograph Books project. — Jeffrey I. Seeman Guest Editor University of Richmond Richmond, Virginia 23173, USA E-mail: jseeman@richmond.edu
Next-generation optics manufacturing technologies

Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) technology developments have been redefining the capabilities and competitive dimension of the precision optics manufacturing industry. These developments include computer-controlled deterministic microgrinder and magnetorheological finishing systems that can produce spherical, aspheric and freeform optical surface form and figure accuracy in minutes, compared to the traditional manufacturing techniques that can take weeks. COM developed computer numerically controlled machining and finishing systems are a basic necessity in the manufacturer's battle to maximize flexibility, increase competitiveness, and achieve consistent high-yield product quality.
Crystallization kinetics of thermosensitive colloids probed by transmission spectroscopy.

The kinetics of crystallization of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) particles has been investigated using the UV−visible transmission spectroscopy. Since the particle size decreases with the increase in temperature, microgel dispersions of different volume fractions have been obtained by varying the temperature of a single sample. It is found that the rates of the change in crystallinity, the average crystallite size, and the number density of crystallites at the most rapid stage over a certain time interval at various temperatures can be described by the power-law relations. At 19 °C, the PNIPAM system behaves as a hard sphere system under microgravity. The hard sphere theory based on Monte Carlo simulation has been used as a reference point to compare with conventional hard spheres, soft spheres, and PNIPAM spheres.
Graphite-CH4-H2O-CO2 equilibria at low-grade metamorphic conditions

Equilibrium calculations and published phase equilibria are used to show that at temperatures below 400 °C and pressures above 300 bar, the fluids coexisting with graphite in the C-O-H system consist either of CO2-H2O mixtures or CH4-H2O mixtures. Bulk fluid compositions consisting of CH4-H2O will unmix to methane-rich fluid and H2O-rich liquid at temperatures below about 325 °C. Compositions on the CO2-H2O join will unmix only at temperatures below about 275 °C. Oxygen fugacity in the CH4-H2O-graphite three-phase region is fixed (at constant P and T ) and approximately equal to that of the quartz-magnetite-fayalite assemblage. In the CO2-H2O-graphite three-phase region, oxygen fugacity is about three orders of magnitude greater. From the end stages of diagenesis to temperatures of 300 °C (and possibly 400 °C in salt-rich systems), many metamorphic rocks may contain CH4-H2O fluids rather than CO2-H2O mixtures. Thus, metamorphic reactions involving carbonate minerals would involve CH4, graphite, and H2O rather than CO2. The immiscibility between CH4 and H2O could result in the common occurrence of methane (natural gas) in low-grade metamorphic terrains.
Clinical Utility of Selective Esophageal Manometry in a Tertiary Care Setting

Purpose To evaluate the utility of selective esophageal manometry in clinical practice. Results Retrospective data from 200 subjects was reviewed. Manometry was considered to be (1) high clinical utility when specific abnormality was identified resulting in therapeutic intervention, (2) low clinical utility when specific abnormality was identified without alteration of therapy, (3) limited clinical utility when manometry was normal. High, low, and limited clinical utility was noted in 47, 40, and 13% of instances. Manometry was of high utility in patients with dysphagia or non-cardiac chest pain (P < 0.05), and low utility in gastroesophageal reflux (P < 0.05). Conclusions (1) Esophageal manometry has high clinical utility in dysphagia after exclusion of structural disorders; and non-cardiac chest pain after careful exclusion of reflux. (2) Ineffective motility disorder has high association with gastroesophageal reflux disease but low clinical utility except in preoperative assessment for fundoplication. (3) Esophageal manometry is of high utility in clinical practice when used in conjunction with other diagnostic exclusions.
Testing of novel sorbents for H2S removal from coal gas

Application of the regenerable mixed metal oxide, zinc ferrite for removal of H/sub 2/S from hot coal derived gas streams is limited to a maximum temperature of about 1,250/sup 0/F (677/sup 0/C) and to a minimum H/sub 2/S concentration of about 5 ppmv in the cleaned gas. Four novel sorbents which have shown potential for overcoming the limitations of zinc ferrite, were selected for development and bench-scale testing. The chemical formulae of these sorbents, which were prepared as strong 3/16'' (4.76 mm) extrudates, were 1. (ZnO)/sub 0.86/(CuO)/sub 0.14/(Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/), 2. (ZnO)/sub 0.8/(TiO/sub 2/), 3. (CuO)/sub 3/(Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/)(Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/), and 4. (CuO)(Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/). Several variations of these mixed metal oxides were prepared using different amounts of binders and were tested in the presence of simulated coal gas using a thermogravimetric reactor (TGR) for selection of preparations possessing an adequate combination of reactivity, regenerability, capacity and strength. Limited bench-scale tests were conducted in the presence of simulated fluidized-bed coal gasifier product gases at pressures from 1 to 2 MPa, temperatures from 525/sup 0/C to 625/sup 0/C and space velocities from 1,000 to 3000 Nm/sup 3//(m/sup 3/ . h). Sorbents 1 and 2 were found to be capable ofmore » reducing the H/sub 2/S concentration in coal gas from 1.5 percent to <1 and 7 ppmv, respectively. Sorbent 1 adsorbed 13.5 percent by weight sulfur prior to sulfur breakthrough at 100 ppmv while sorbent 2 adsorbed 7.2 percent prior to breakthrough at 500 ppmv. Little reduction in capacity was apparent for either sorbent over two sulfidation cycles with an interim air-steam regeneration at temperatures up to 800/sup 0/C.« less
Short Term Load Forecasting improved by ensemble and its variations

The implementation of an effective Short Term Load Forecasting (STLF) method with minimal error has been one key goal of the power industry. By accomplishing the goal, electrical utilities can effectively plan economical scheduling of generating capacity, scheduling of fuel purchases, security assessment, and planning for energy transactions. Various developments have been done to improve the forecasting accuracy, of Neural Network, Auto Regression, and Multiple Regression, which are the major forecasting methods used for load forecasting. In this paper, Short Term Load Forecasting by Ensemble method is proposed and evaluated on the actual load and metrological data in PJM in the USA with encouraging results.
A Protein Antibiotic in the Phage Qβ Virion: Diversity in Lysis Targets

A2, a capsid protein of RNA phage Qβ, is also responsible for host lysis. A2 blocked synthesis of murein precursors in vivo by inhibiting MurA, the catalyst of the committed step of murein biosynthesis. An A2-resistance mutation mapped to an exposed surface near the substrate-binding cleft of MurA. Moreover, purified Qβ virions inhibited wild-type MurA, but not the mutant MurA, in vitro. Thus, the two small phages characterized for their lysis strategy, Qβ and the small DNA phage φX174, effect host lysis by targeting different enzymes in the multistep, universally conserved pathway of cell wall biosynthesis.
Infrared thermometry: A remote sensing technique for predicting yield in water-stressed cotton

Abstract A crop water stress index (CWSI) was derived from air temperatures, air vapor pressure deficits and the midday radiant leaf temperatures of cotton plants that were exposed to different early-season irrigation treatments at Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A. To calculate the CWSI, an infrared thermometer was used to measure leaf temperatures which were then scaled relative to minimum and maximum temperatures expected for no-stress (CWSI=0) and extreme drought-stress conditions (CWSI=1). Results showed the CWSI behaved as expected, dropping to low levels following an irrigation and increasing gradually as the cotton plants depleted soil moisture reserves. The final yield of seed cotton was significantly inversely correlated with the average CWSI observed over the interval from the appearance of the first square until two weeks following the final irrigation.
Hybrid electrooptical power cepstrum analyzer

The power cepstrum (power spectrum of the log of the power spectrum) of a signal in a multipath environment provides information on echo amplitudes and delay times. An electrooptical power cepstrum analyzer, which displays this information in real time, is described. The basic system approach is to use optics to provide the power spectrums and electronics to provide the logarithm function. The design and experimental results of a working system are presented.
Pulmonary autografts in patients with aortic annulus dysplasia

Background. Pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve is indicated in the young, in patients with an active life style, and when anticoagulation is contraindicated. Its use in patients with a dilated aortic annulus or sinotubular junction has historically had a less satisfactory result. Methods. To extend the advantages of the pulmonary autograft to this group of patients, we performed the Ross operation as a root replacement and "fixed" and narrowed the aortic annulus with external woven Dacron in 12 patients, Teflon felt in 5, and pericardium in 3. Twenty patients, aged 7 to 47 years (median, 27 years), are reported to assess the effectiveness of this operative technique. Preoperative aortic annulus diameter was 23 to 33 mm (13 were >27 mm). Results. There were no operative or late deaths. Early postoperative, echocardiographic evaluation of autograft valve function revealed no significant obstruction, grade 0 aortic insufficiency in 5, trace to 1+ in 12, and 2+ in 2. Late evaluation of 1 to 4 years is available in 12 patients. and has shown no increase in autograft insufficiency. Conclusions. This experience suggests that operative fixation of the aortic annulus with an external Dacron cuff is effective and is recommended in patients with an aortic annulus that is significantly greater than normal for their body size.
Synthesis, optical, thermal, and redox properties of 2,3,9,10-tetrasubstituted- 6,13- dialkynylpentacenes

A series of 2,3,9,10-tetrasubstituted-6,13-dialkynylpentacenes was synthesized and their properties evaluated. Various alkynes with different substituents were chosen to explore the effects of substitution on acene properties. The addition of alkyl groups to the pentacene 2,3,9,10-positions showed significant effects on the absorption, emission, and redox properties versus the non-alkylated (R = H) materials. The acenes exhibited excellent solubility in numerous solvents, and HOMO energy levels matched well with the work function of gold, an important electrode material. Crystallographic characterization of the methoxymethylene derivative showed it to adopt a 1-dimensional π-stacked arrangement, with good overlap of the aromatic faces.
The formation of interfaces on GaAs and related semiconductors: A reassessment

Abstract A critical review is presented of the available data of interface formation on cleaved III–V compound semiconductors which challenges unconfirmed structural assumptions that seriously affect spectroscopic interpretations. The results for GaAs indicate that many, if not most interfaces are probably abrupt for room-temperature formation. It is shown that the heat of condensation of Ag and Al is not sufficient to promote interactions at room temperature on most GaAs surfaces. For noble metals on GaAs defect formation does not appear to be a likely mechanism for Schottky barrier formation, and an alternative mechanism based on intrinsic adatom states is suggested. The available data of the oxidation of the GaAs(110) surface is reviewed. Further arguments of the involvement of Ga during the early stages of oxidation are given. Recent data for large oxygen exposures is reinterpreted in terms of both subsurface oxidation occurring prior to monolayer coverages, and oxygen coverages far exceeding a monolayer for extreme exposures.
Numerical studies of motion and decay of vortex filaments

A computational code is developed for the integro-differential equations governing the motion of the centerlines of vortex filaments submerged in a background potential flow. These equations, which are derived from the method of matched asymptotic analysis, include the effect of decaying large-magnitude circumferential and axial velocity components in the vortical cores. Numerical examples are presented to assess the effect of large axial velocity and of nonsimilar initial profiles in vortical cores. The initial configurations of the filaments are chosen so as to fulfill the basic assumption of asymptotic analysis, which is the effective vortical core size is much smaller than all other length scales in the flowfield, e.g., the radius of curvature and interfilament distance. The computations are continued until the basic assumption is no longer valid, that is, when the merging or intersection of filaments have begun. Various types of local or global merging or intersection of filaments are classified and demonstrated by numerical examples.
Recurrent focal glomerulosclerosis in pediatric renal allografts: the Miami experience.

Recurrence of focal glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) following renal transplantation is a common cause of allograft loss and clinical morbidity. Recent attempts to control proteinuria and morbidity with plasmapheresis (PP) have met with limited success. Our experience with the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and angiotensin blockade (AB) in the management of refractory FSGS pre transplant suggested its potential benefit in post-transplant recurrence. This report presents our 25-year experience in pediatric renal transplantation of patients with FSGS divided into two treatment eras: Era 1—prior to use of daclizumab (anti-IL-2R) and Era 2—after daclizumab. A total of 179 pediatric patients were transplanted during the 25-year period. FSGS was confirmed in 27 (15%); 16 of 28 allografts (57%) had recurrence of FSGS during the post-transplant period. In Era 1, only 6 of 16 (38%) recurred in the allograft, while 10 of 12 (83%) recurred during Era 2. The odds ratio of recurrence of FSGS in the allograft after induction with anti-IL-2R was 8.3 (95% confidence interval=1.3–52, P =0.02). Only 2 patients in Era 1 received PP, while 10 in Era 2 were entered into an intensive PP protocol followed by maintenance with AB consisting of angiotensin receptor blockers alone, or in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Although proteinuria decreased an average of 80±16% with PP, the response was variable and severe morbid edema persisted in poor responders. Maximum benefit occurred with the addition of AB and MMF. After a follow-up of 27±15 months, proteinuria has shown a sustained decrease of 94±8% below baseline. In conclusion, our experience suggests that, with recurrent FSGS, a limited course of PP followed by maintenance therapy with AB and MMF improves symptoms and may preserve allograft function.
Paralytic Poliomyelitis: Old Dogmas and New Perspectives

No poliovirus vaccines can be expected to eliminate the paralytic poliomyelitis that is caused by nonpolio enteroviruses or the cases that have been and continue to be diagnosed erroneously as paralytic poliomyelitis. Polioviruses have been recovered from the feces of patients with paralytic disease that is definitely not poliomyelitis, and very rare cases of so-called "vaccine-associated" paralytic disease cannot be regarded as having been caused by the vaccine virus when it is present in the feces and even more so when no virus is recovered. Surveys for residual poliomyelitis paralysis in tropical countries indicate an average annual incidence that is as high or higher than in the United States in the prevaccine era. Oral poliovirus vaccine has eliminated paralytic poliomyelitis caused by polioviruses in many temperate-climate countries in which a large proportion of children remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Oral poliovirus vaccine can also eliminate paralytic poliomyelitis from tropical countries but a different strategy is needed for using the vaccine.
Evolution of integer price clustering of IPOs in the aftermarket

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to, using a large sample of NASDAQ initial public offerings (IPOs), examine the evolution of integer price clustering of IPOs in the aftermarket trading. Design/methodology/approach – Consistent with Harris’s (1991) costly negotiation hypothesis, clustering on integer prices is a positive function of price level and various stock valuation uncertainty proxies, and it is a negative function of trading activities for IPOs and seasoned stocks. Findings – It was found that, after controlling for price level, daily return volatility, number of trades, trading volume, number of market makers and the effect of price support, the integer price frequency of IPOs converge to that of seasoned stocks immediately, and whether IPOs have integer offer prices does not affect their integer price clustering in the aftermarket trading after the effect of price support is controlled for. Originality/value – These results suggest that the IPO pricing process significantly reduce the diff...
Three-dimensional dynamic analysis for multi-component earthquake spectra

At the present time, there is a need for a rational approach for the analysis and design of three-dimensional structures subjected to multi-component earthquake motions. In this paper, a general design criterion for multi-component earthquake input is proposed. A new method for three-dimensional dynamic analysis is presented which estimates maximum displacements, forces or stresses for specified points within a structure. For each maximum value calculated, the corresponding critical angle of earthquake input is evaluated. The method is readily incorporated into existing computer programs for earthquake analysis, allowing one computer run to produce mean maximum response values for all possible angles of earthquake input. Combined axial and bending stresses are calculated at the modal level. It is shown that combining modal stresses yields lower estimates than if stresses are evaluated from maximum axial forces and moments. In addition, the method can be used without modifications to perform design checks for arbitrary blast or seawave spectra.
Ultraviolet radiation-induced mutability of uvrD3 strains of Escherichia coli B/r and K-12: a problem in analyzing mutagenesis data.

— The involvement of the uvrD gene product in UV-induced mutagenesis in Escherichia coli was studied by comparing wild-type and uvrA or uvrB strains with their uvrD derivatives in B/r and K-12(W3110) backgrounds. Mutations per survivor (reversions to prototrophy) were compared as a function of surviving fraction and of UV fluence. While recognizing that both methods are not without problems, arguments are presented for favoring the former rather than the latter method of presenting the data when survival is less than 100%. When UV-induced mutation frequencies were plotted as a function of surviving fraction, the uvrD derivatives were less mutable than the corresponding parent strains. The B/r strains exhibited higher mutation frequencies than did the K-12(W3110) strains. A uvrB mutation increased the mutation frequency of its parental K-12 strain, but a uvrA mutation only increased the mutation frequency of its parental B/r strain at UV survivals greater than ˜ 80%. Both the uvrA and uvrB mutations increased the mutation frequencies of the uvrD strains in the B/r and K-12 backgrounds, respectively. Rather different conclusions would be drawn if mutagenesis were considered as a function of UV fluence rather than of survival, a situation that calls for further work and discussion. Ideally mutation efficiencies should be compared as a function of the number of repair events per survivor, a number that is currently unobtainable.
Interstitial cells of Cajal mediate enteric inhibitory neurotransmission in the lower esophageal and pyloric sphincters.

Abstract Background & Aims: Previous studies have suggested that a specific class of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) act as mediators in nitrergic inhibitory neurotransmission. The aim of this investigation was to examine the role of intramuscular ICC (IC-IM) in neurotransmission in the murine lower esophageal (LES) and pyloric sphincters (PS). Methods: Immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology were used to study the distribution and role of IC-IM. Results: The LES and PS contain spindle-shaped IC-IM, which form close relationships with nitric oxide synthase–containing nerve fibers. The PS contains ICC within the myenteric plexus and c-Kit immunopositive cells along the submucosal surface of the circular muscle. IC-IM were absent in the LES and PS of c- kit ( W/W v ) mutant mice. Using these mutants, we tested whether IC-IM mediate neural inputs in the LES and PS. Although the distribution of inhibitory nerves was normal in W/W v animals, NO-dependent inhibitory neurotransmission was reduced. Hyperpolarizations to sodium nitroprusside were also attenuated in W/W v animals. Conclusions: The data suggest that IC-IM play an important role in NO-dependent neurotransmission in the LES and PS. IC-IM may be the effectors that transduce NO signals into hyperpolarizing responses. Loss of IC-IM may interfere with relaxations and normal motility in these sphincters. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;115:314-329
Excitation of triply excited Be+ (2lnl′n′l″) states in 300 and 500 keV-Be+ + CH4 collisions

Abstract We have studied high resolution beryllium Auger electron spectra in the 120–160 eV projectile electron energy range following intermediate energies (1.2 and 1.5 a.u. impact velocities) in Be + + CH 4 ion–molecule single collisions [Comments At. Mol. Phys. D 14 (1984) 117]. The major focus of this study is the double K-shell excitation of the Be + projectile forming triply excited BeII*** states (hollow atoms) and BeIII** K shell ionization plus excitation of BeII doubly excited states with two inner shell vacancies. In such intermediate velocity ion-molecular collisions, the CH 4 target plays an important role in the enhancement of the population of BeII*** triply excited states when compared to a more tightly bound He (1s 2 ) 1 S ground state target. Due to the pioneering theoretical work of Gou and Chung [Phys. Rev. A 29 (1996) 6103] most line structures can now be unambiguously identified. The main triply excited states are associated with the 2s 2 2p, 2s2p 2 and 2p 3 and 2 l 2 l ′ n ′ l ″ ( n =3 and 4) configurations decaying to different final BeIII (1snl) ionic states. The line identification method used here is based on Auger energy levels, decay channels and branching ratios.
On the application of Job's method of continuous variation to the stoichiometry of protein-ligand complexes.

Abstract The application of the method of continuous variation to protein-ligand complexes is critically examined for the case of a nonassociating protein which has n equivalent and independent ligand-binding sites. It is shown that in order to obtain a reliable estimate of the stoichiometry, the sum of protein and ligand concentrations must be kept large relative to the dissociation constant.
Concerns Over the Allocation Methods Employed in the US Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the largest federal energy assistance program in the United States and forms an important component of the social safety net for low-income households. The manner in which LIHEAP funds are allocated to states has been a contentious issue since the inception of the program. The distribution of funds among states is not proportionate to the need for assistance based on commonly accepted standards of fairness, with states in the Northeast and Midwest receiving more, and states in the South and West, less than they should. We derived and evaluated the formula by which states receive LIHEAP funding, and we found that unanticipated circumstances, not congressional intent, have perpetuated an inequitable distribution. In 1984, Congress corrected the formula it had hastily enacted in 1981 using a rational and equitable allocation system. It also added provisions, however, that prevented the improved system from being activated. As Congress considers future reauthorizations of LIHEAP, it has three options: to fully implement the intent of the 1984 reform of the program; to acknowledge that LIHEAP is primarily a heating-assistance program and adopt a heating-only formula to distribute LIHEAP funding; or to significantly increase LIHEAP funding. The history of LIHEAP appropriations does not imply that the reforms incorporated in the 1984 legislation should be thwarted; it implies that Congress should remove or reduce the legislative provisions that have produced the unintended result. Congress can fully implement the 1984 reform by removing the trigger appropriation or reducing the threshold to $1 billion or less.
Spatiotemporal maturation patterns of murine brain quantified by diffusion tensor MRI and deformation-based morphometry

Highly heterogeneous spatiotemporal patterns of maturation of the murine brain during the first 80 postnatal days were examined by high-dimensional deformation-based morphometry applied to high-resolution diffusion tensor MRIs. The maturation profile revealed a sharp contrast between tissue anisotropy changes in the cortex and in major white-matter fibers. Radially oriented tissue anisotropy was measured during the first postnatal week in cortical regions, reflecting the underlying columnar organization of the cortex. Subsequently, tissue anisotropy reduced rapidly, potentially reflecting the growth of randomly oriented dendritic trees that reduce tissue coorientation. Distinct anisotropy patterns were also observed along layer I of the cortex and were attributed to thin fibers oriented parallel to the outer surface. Last, spatially complex patterns of maturation were measured in all major axonal pathways and in the hippocampus, caudate putamen, and cerebellum. This analysis provides a framework for quantifying normative maturation patterns against which phenotypes of mice of different genetic and environmental backgrounds can be contrasted.
A quantum mechanical study of the reactivity of methyl chloride on magnesium clusters

Abstract Quantum mechanical calculations that model the reaction of CH3Cl on Mg surfaces have been performed at the B3LYP/6-31G** level. The model clusters that were studied contained from 4 to 21 Mg atoms. Although there were large variations in the basic shapes of the clusters investigated, the results seemed to indicate that a site with two separate Mg atoms is involved in the breaking of the C–Cl bond. Previous investigations have speculated on the nature of transition state for an alkyl halide reacting with the magnesium surface. The current work seems to support the idea that the TS involves the simultaneous breaking of the C–Cl bond and the formation of Mg–C and Mg–Cl bonds. The activation energies for the largest clusters are calculated to be on the order of 10 kcal mol−1, which is in reasonable agreement with the recently measured Δ H ‡ of 8 kcal mol−1. The current results do not seem to show any evidence for large amounts of charge transfer from the Mg to the alkyl halide in the precursor complex or even in the transition state. The results do indicate, however, a significant charge transfer in the products that have a chlorine atom bridging two magnesium atoms.
The conduct and principles of randomized clinical trials.

Abstract Some of the guiding principles as well as the pitfalls of long-term randomized clinical trials are presented. Examples have been chosen from trials in the cardiovascular field. A typical long-term clinical trial is divided into five phases: planning, preparation, recruitment, clinical follow-up and termination, and finally analysis. Administrative, legal, and ethical aspects of a trial are discussed, as well as the cost of clinical trials. Organization patterns are described and some prevalent ones are criticized. Further, practical matters such as recruitment techniques, obtaining informed consent from the patients, determining drug dosage and formulation as well as the problem of interaction with nonstudy drugs are referred to. Adherence testing remains a problem, because of our inability to test for placebo adherence.