cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
L’écho-Doppler carotidien préopératoire prédit les pressions résiduelles pendant l’endartériectomie chez les patients symptomatiques mais pas chez les asymptomatiques

Objectifs La pression carotidienne residuelle (PCR) est frequemment mesuree pour determiner le besoin d’utilisation d’un shunt pendant l’endarteriectomie carotide (EC). Nous avons presume que l’examen echo-Doppler carotidien preoperatoire est correle avec les symptomes preoperatoires et la PCR peroperatoire. Methodes Les patients subissant une EC sur une periode de sept ans ont ete identifies dans notre registre vasculaire. L’EC a ete realisee avec mise en place de shunt selective sur la base de la PCR peroperatoire Resultats Un total de 303 EC ont ete realisees. Les PCR ont ete documentees chez 284 patients, qui representent la population d’etude. Une stenose severe asymptomatique etait l’indication pour l’EC dans 179 cas (59.1%). Les patients symptomatiques (Sx) avaient des PCR sensiblement inferieures aux patients (ASx) asymptomatiques (40.72 ± 16.27 contre 45.8 ± 17.64 millimetre Hg, p = 0.0167). Cinquante-sept patients (19%) avaient une stenose severe ou une occlusion de l’AIC controlaterale. La stenose ou l’occlusion de l’AIC controlaterale donnait une PCR sensiblement inferieure que ceux avec peu de degres de stenose (39.24 ±15 contre 44.82 ± 17.62 millimetre Hg, p = 0.0267). La stenose severe ou l’occlusion de l’AIC controlaterale etait correlee avec une PCR inferieure chez les patients Sx (32.05 ± 8.24 contre 42.92 ± 16.95 millimetre Hg, p = 0.038) mais pas chez les patients ASx (43.2 ± 16 contre 46.29 ± 17.5 millimetre Hg, p = 0.39). La PCR etait Conclusions Les patients symptomatiques subissant une EC ont des PCR inferieures aux patients ASx de facon globale et egalement en presence d’une atteinte controlaterale. L’incidence des AVC peri-operatoires n’a pas ete prevue par la severite de la maladie controlaterale. Une strategie de mise en place de shunt selective semble appropriee meme chez les patients Sx presentant une stenose severe ou occlusion controlaterale. Bien qu’une cohorte a haut risque pour des evenements neurologiques peri operatoires existe et puisse inclure ceux avec une atteinte symptomatique et stenose severe ou occlusion controlaterale, d’autres etudes sont necessaires pour definir les patients qui tireront benefice du placement d’un shunt.
5 bit guided-wave SNS transfer characteristics

The experimental transfer characteristics of a three-channel 5 bit symmetrical number system (SNS) guided-wave ADC are reported. The SNS preprocessing provides resolution greater than 1 bit per interferometer. The results serve to demonstrate the feasibility of the SNS ADC concept.
Neuronal expression of a newly identified Drosophila melanogaster G protein alpha 0 subunit.

Abstract Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) mediate signals between activated cell-surface receptors and cellular effectors. A bovine G-protein alpha-subunit cDNA has been used to isolate similar sequences from Drosophila genomic and cDNA libraries. One class, which we call DG alpha 0, hybridized to position 47A on the second chromosome of Drosophila. The nucleotide sequence of the protein coding region of one cDNA has been determined, revealing an alpha subunit that is 81% identical with rat alpha 0. The cDNA hybridizes strongly to a 3.8 kb mRNA and weakly with a 5.3 kb message. Antibodies raised against a trp-E-DG alpha 0 fusion protein recognized a 39,000 Da protein in Drosophila extracts. In situ hybridization to adult Drosophila sections combined with immunohistochemical studies revealed expression throughout the optic lobes and central brain and in the thoracic and abdominal ganglia. DG alpha 0 message and protein were also detected in the antennae, oocytes, and ovarian nurse cells. The neuronal expression of this gene is similar to mammalian alpha 0, which is most abundantly expressed in the brain.
Oxygen consumption by tumor cells during membrane vesicle shedding

Abstract The incubation of mastocytoma P815 cells at low temperature (0 °C/1–2 hr), with a subsequent shift to ≥20 °C results in the formation and shedding of membrane vesicles from the tumor cell surfaces. This process, when occurring at physiologic temperature (37 °C), mimics the morphological and membrane permeability changes occurring during T-lymphocyte mediated cytolysis of tumor cells. The latter is an oxygen dependent event, but it is not known whether this requirement is at the effector T cell or at the tumor cell level. The present study investigated the oxygen consumption rates of mastocytoma P815 cells induced to shed membrane vesicles by a temperature shift (0 °C/1–2 hrs → ≥20 °C). Results showed that cells undergoing the membrane vesicle shedding process had significantly higher oxygen requirements than control non-shedding cells. Inhibition of the shedding process with deuterium oxide and hexylene glycol, reduced the oxygen consumption rates of low temperature treated cells to the level of control cells. The oxygen consumption rates of the latter were unaffected by these microtubule stabilizing agents. These data indicate that the oxygen required for immune T-cell mediated lysis of tumor cells may be at the target tumor cell level.
The mechanics of base excision repair, and its relationship to aging and disease

Base excision repair (BER) is the major pathway responsible for averting the mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of spontaneous hydrolytic, oxidative, and non-enzymatic alkylation DNA damage. In particular, this pathway recognizes and repairs base modifications, such as uracil and 8-hydroxyguanine, as well as abasic sites and DNA single-strand breaks. In this review, we outline the basic mechanics of the BER process, and describe the potential association of this pathway with aging and age-related disease, namely cancer and neurodegeneration.
Rapid reduction of Hg(II) by mercuric ion reductase does not require the conserved C-terminal cysteine pair using HgBr2 as the substrate.

Conditions are described under which the nonphysiological substrate mercuric bromide (HgBr2) is rapidly turned over, both by the wild type (CCCC) and by an active site double mutant (CCAA) of mercuric reductase in which the C-terminal cysteines 557' and 558' are replaced by alanine and only the redox-active pair Cys135 and Cys140 are available for catalysis. A maximum rate of turnover kcatapp of approximately 18 s-1 (at 3 degreesC) for both enzymes is observed, and at high [HgBr2]/[enzyme] ratios, inhibition is found. The UV-vis spectral changes during turnover are closely similar in both enzymes, indicating that catalysis follows the same enzymatic mechanism. Single-turnover analysis of the mutant enzyme shows that after binding of HgBr2, two further rapid events ensue, followed by reduction of the metal ion (kobs approximately 23.5 s-1). It is shown that under multiple-turnover conditions, completion of the catalytic cycle must occur via an ordered mechanism where rapid binding of a new molecule of HgBr2 to EH2.NADP+ precedes exchange of the pyridine nucleotide. Binding of HgBr2 to the active site triple mutant C135A/C557A/C558A (ACAA) is ca. 100-fold slower compared to that of the CCAA mutant and results in no detectable turnover. It is concluded that in the reducible enzyme.Hg(II) complex, the metal ion is coordinated to Cys135 and Cys140 and that for efficient catalysis both residues are required. Furthermore, the data imply that binding to EH2.NADPH occurs via initial rate-limiting attack of Cys135, followed by reaction with Cys140.
Actin-binding proteins regulate the work performed by myosin II motors on single actin filaments

Regulation of actin/myosin II force generation by calcium [Kamm and Stull, Annu. Rev. Physiol. 51:299–313, 1989] and phosphorylation of myosin II light chains [Sellers and Adelstein, “The Enzymes,” Vol. 18, Orlando, FL: Academic Press, 1987, pp. 381–418] is well established. However, additional regulation of actin/myosin II force generation/contraction may result from actin-binding proteins [Stossel et al., Ann. Rev. Cell Biol. 1:353–402, 1985; Pollard and Cooper, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 55:987–1035, 1986] as they affect the gel state of the actin cytomatrix [reviewed in Taylor and Condeelis, Int. Rev. Cytol., 56:57–143, 1979]. Regulation of the gel state of actin may determine whether an isotonic or isometric contraction results from the interaction between myosin and actin. We have extended the single actin filament motility assay of Kron and Spudich [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83:6272–6276, 1986] by including filamin or α-actinin on the substrate with myosin II to examine how actin-crosslinking proteins regulate the movements of single actin filaments. Increasing amounts of actin-crosslinking proteins inhibit filament velocity and decrease the number of filaments moving. Reversal of crosslinking yields increased velocities and numbers of moving filaments. These results support the solation-contraction coupling hypothesis [see Taylor and Fechheimer, Phil. Trans. Soc. London B 299:185–197, 1982] which proposes that increased crosslinking of actin inhibits myosin-based contraction. This study also illustrates the potentially varied roles of different actin-crosslinking proteins and offers a novel method to examine actin-binding protein activity and their regulation of motility at the single molecule level. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cell Fate Plug and Play: Direct Reprogramming and Induced Pluripotency

Building on the discovery that MyoD expression reprograms fibroblasts into muscle, three papers (Vierbuchen et al., 2010; Ieda et al., 2010; Szabo et al., 2010) recently reported the reprogramming of fibroblasts into neurons, cardiomyocytes, and blood cell progenitors without first passing the cells through a pluripotent state. Here we discuss the advantages and challenges of harnessing this direct reprogramming method for regenerative medicine.
Response Learning versus Place Learning

The purpose of this study, modified from an earlier experiment by Tolman, Ritchie, and Kalish, was to test Hull's theory of response learning and Tolman's theory of place learning. 10 female albino rats were trained to run an elevated T-maze. Preliminary training consisted of 6 trials per day for 4 days, emphasizing the alternation of left and right turns on successive trials. The experiment proper commenced on the fifth day and continued until each rat had reached the criterion of 11 out of 12 successive errorless trials of turning to the right, with food serving as the reinforcement. After reaching the criterion, each rat was given a test trial which consisted of a run from a new starting point, located exactly 180° from the original starting point, to either the previously rewarded goal box now located to the animal's left or to the previously unrewarded goal box now located to the animal's right. It was found that on the test trials 8 of the rats ran to the previously rewarded place and only 2 made th...
The Sandia Airborne Computer (SANDAC)

Abstract The Sandia Airborne Computer (SANDAC) is a small, modular, high performance, multi-processor computer originally designed for aerospace applications. It can use a combination of Motorola 68020 and 68040 based processor modules along with AT&T DSP32C based signal processing modules. The system is designed to use up to 15 processors in almost any combination and a complete system can include up to 20 modules. Depending on the mix of processors, total computational throughput can range from 2.5 to greater than 225 million instructions per second (MIPS). The system is designed so that processors can access all resources in the machine and the inter-processor communication details are completely transparent to the software. In addition to processors, the system includes input/output, memory, and special function modules. Because of its ease of use, small size, durability, and configuration flexibility, SANDAC has been used on applications ranging from missile navigation, guidance and control systems to medical imaging systems.
A Second Look At Fulgentius's Alexander

Le but de ce bref travail est de corriger quelques points de la traduction par Christoph Stocker, publiee en 1979, du Livre X du De aetatibus mundi et hominis de Fulgence, et de suggerer des solutions concernant plusieurs aspects qui l'interrogeaient.
What's the Use of Theory?

The barriers to the use of theory in health education practice are addressed by exposing common misperceptions of the nature and usefulness of theory. First, the mystique of theory is addressed through a discussion of theory development and the roots of theory in everyday experience. Two characteristics of theory, generalizability across settings or situations and testability, are described and linked to benefits for practice. Second, a guide for practitioners in applying theory to each stage of the intervention process is provided. A case example illustrates how theory can guide practice as well as the benefits to be gained by applying theory to program development. Finally, the bases for common negative misperceptions of theory are identified and clarified, and the beneficial nature of theory reviewed.
Initiation and evolution of blowouts within Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Abstract Blowouts once covered the entire northern section of North Padre Island as a result of overgrazing, but are now restricted to a 5.5 km length of beach where driving is permitted between the low water line and the toe of the foredune. A comparison between this driving section and a directly adjacent non-driving section of the beach reveals a significant difference in the ratio of storm run-up (Rhigh) to the elevation of the dune toe (Dlow), suggesting that the foredunes within the driving section are more susceptible to scarping and blowout development. Where driving is permitted, blowouts are located in areas where Rhigh/Dlow ratio is locally large, suggesting that the location of blowouts depends on the alongshore variation in storm surge. Results of a cluster analysis reveal two distinct blowout types, in which the relatively small blowouts of Cluster 1 are characterized by a small throat and limited expansion beyond the foredune. The large and more active blowouts of Cluster 2 tend to be found closer to the access road, where driving on the beach is more concentrated and the larger Rhigh/Dlow suggests a greater potential for scarping during relatively small storms. The development of these blowouts feeds back on the height of the foredune, making it susceptible to scarping and washover during tropical storms and hurricanes. It is argued that historical overgrazing and recent beach driving have significantly altered this landscape and represents a long-term threat to island resilience and have the potential to hasten island transgression with sea level rise.
Relation between Apparent Shapes of Monoenergetic Conversion Lines and of Continuous β-Spectra in a Magnetic Spectrometer

A method has been worked out for correcting distortions which affect the apparent shape of a continuous $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray spectrum. Internal conversion lines are studied in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-spectrometer and found to have a finite width and in the case of 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} focusing an unsymmetrical shape.
Sequences of phase formation in multiphase stressed plates

A Cahn-Hilliard equation is derived and used to explore the effect of compositional strain on the sequence of phase formation in a binary alloy capable of sustaining five distinct, but isostructural, phases in its stress-free state. The system is configured as a thin plate capable of bending and initially has a layered composition profile. The system evolves to reduce the sum of its chemical and elastic energies when strains arise from the nonlinear dependence of the lattice parameter on composition. The compositional strain can stabilize the growth of phases that are nonequilibrium in the absence of stress, give different phase trajectories to various equilibrium states depending on the initial configuration of the system, and can induce a sequence of phase formation in which only one or two intermediate phases grow at any time. These sequences are especially pronounced when deviations from Vegard’s law are realized.
Kinetics of the Reductive Half-Reaction of the Iron−Sulfur Flavoenzyme CDP-6-deoxy-l-threo-d-glycero-4-hexulose-3-dehydrase Reductase†

The conversion of CDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-glucose to CDP-4-keto-3,6-dideoxy-D-glucose is a key step in biosynthesis of ascarylose, the terminal dideoxyhexose of the O-antigen tetrasaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis V. This transformation is catalyzed by two enzymes: CDP-6-deoxy-L-threo-D-glycero-4-hexulose-3-dehydrase (E1), which contains a pyridoxamine and a [2Fe-2S] center, and an NADH-dependent CDP-6-deoxy-L-threo-D-glycero-4-hexulose-3-dehydrase reductase (E3), which contains both an FAD and a [2Fe-2S] center. E1 reacts to form a Schiff base with CDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-glucose and catalyzes the elimination of the hydroxyl at position 3 of the glucose moiety, resulting in the formation of a covalently bound CDP-6-deoxy-delta(3,4)-glucoseen intermediate. E3 transfers electrons from NADH to E1, which uses these to reduce the delta(3,4)-glucoseen bond to produce CDP-4-keto-3,6-dideoxy-D-glucose. In this work, we have investigated the reductive half-reaction of E3 using both single wavelength and diode array stopped flow absorbance spectroscopy. We find that NADH binds to both oxidized (Kd = 52.5 +/- 2 microM) and two-electron-reduced (Kd = 12.1 +/- 1 microM) forms of E3. Hydride transfer from NADH to the FAD moiety occurs at 107.5 +/- 3 s-1 and exhibits a 10-fold deuterium isotope effect when (4R)-[2H]NADH is substituted for NADH. Following the hydride transfer reaction, NAD+ is released at 42.5 +/- 1 s-1 and electron transfer from the reduced FAD to the [2Fe-2S] center occurs rapidly. The extent of the intramolecular electron transfer reaction is pH-dependent with a pKa of 7.3 +/- 0.1, which may represent the ionization state of the N-1 position of the FAD hydroquinone of E3. Finally, E3 is converted to the three-electron-reduced state in a slow disproportionation reaction that consumes NADH: The [2Fe-2S] center of E3 was selectively disassembled by titration with mersalyl to give E3(apoFeS). The properties of this form of the enzyme are compared to those of the holoenzyme. Similarities and differences of the reductive half-reactions of E3 and related iron-sulfur flavoenzymes are discussed.
Application of the MC SCF method to the π-π* excitation energies of ethylene

Abstract The MC SCF method is employed to calculate the N → T and N → V π → π * vertical excitation energies of ethylene. To obtain accurate excitation energies it is found to be necessary to utilize an expanded valence space containing two π and two π * orbitals. Relatively small MC SCF calculations, allowing at most one-electron excitations from the sigma space, are found to yield excitation energies and spatial extents of the excited states in excellent agreement with the predictions of large multi-reference or iterative-natural-orbital CI calculations. These results show that within an MC SCF framework σ-σ correlation is unimportant for describing the π → π * processes. We also conclude that the neglect of the effects of unlinked cluster terms in some of the CI calculations may have introduced small, but important, errors in the excitation energies and predictions of the spatial extent of the V state.
Absent event-related potential (ERP) word repetition effects in mild Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Objective We hypothesized that an ERP word repetition paradigm, which reliably elicits and modulates the P600 and N400 components, would be particularly sensitive to the memory deficits and altered synaptic plasticity in mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). The P600 (a late positive component, or ‘LPC’), and the N400, are sensitive indices of memory encoding and semantic processing, respectively. Methods We studied 11 patients with mild AD (mean MMSE=22.9) and 11 elderly (mean age=77.1) normal controls (NC) on a paradigm in which semantically ‘congruous’ category statement/exemplar pairs (50%) and ‘incongruous’ category statement/non-exemplar pairs (50%) repeat at 10–140 s intervals. A minimum of 19 channels ERP data were recorded and submitted to split-plot ANOVAs. Results Normal ERP data showed: (1) a significant word repetition effect for congruous words, with a wide-spread late positivity between ∼300 and 800 ms post-stimulus (P600) that is larger for New than Old words; (2) a significant N400 repetition effect for incongruous words, with a right posterior negativity that is reduced for Old relative to New words. By contrast, neither of these word repetition effects was reliably present in the mild AD group. Good group discrimination was achieved by requiring that both these repetition effects were ≥ the 10th percentile, with 100% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Conclusions We found significant abnormalities of the N400 and P600 in mild AD, with both potentials showing markedly reduced sensitivity to word repetition. Significance The absence of normal N400 and LPC/P600 word repetition effects suggests impaired functioning of their neural generators, several of which are located in medial temporal lobe predilection sites (e.g. anterior fusiform, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus) for AD/tau pathology.
Abnormal signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) in obesity

Objective: The occurrence of small high-frequency electrocardiogram (ECG) potentials (1 to 20 μV) seen at the end of the QRS complex and into the ST segment have been correlated with increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Computer-assisted analysis of these “late potentials” by signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) has been studied and utilized to predict the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmias in various clinical states. Obesity is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and sudden death. Ventricular arrhythmias are postulated causes. We studied the occurrence of late potentials in a randomly selected group of obese patients and healthy volunteers. Research Methods and Procedures: We performed SAECG on 105 subjects. Of these, 62 were obese ambulatory patients with body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg/m2, whereas 43 were healthy asymptomatic volunteers with a BMI of 114 ms, high-frequency low amplitude >38 ms, and root-mean-square voltage <20 μV. Patients were divided into four subgroups based on BMI values. The prevalence of SAECG abnormalities in each BMI subgroup was studied. We utilized multiple logistic regression analysis to study the effect of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus on abnormal SAECG results. Results: Compared to age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers with BMI of 30 kg/m2 had significantly more abnormalities on SAECG (4.6% vs. 55%). In the obese group, the prevalence and number of abnormalities increased with increase in BMI (35% in the BMI 31 to 40 kg/m2 subgroup, 86% in the BMI 41 to 50 kg/m2 subgroup, and 100% in patients with BMI of >50 kg/m2). Multiple logistic regression analysis shows that BMI is an independent predictor variable of abnormal SAECG results in obese patients (n = 62) with BMI of >30kg/m2 as well as in all study subjects (n = 105). BMI also predicts abnormality of each abnormal SAECG criterion in both obese and all subjects. Hypertension was found to influence the QRS duration alone in obese and all subjects. Discussion: Obesity is associated with increased occurrence of abnormal SAECG results. These abnormalities are found both in obese patients with and without hypertension and/or diabetes. Obesity is an independent predictor variable of abnormal SAECG results. A history of hypertension predicts abnormality of QRS duration only.
Cardiac metastases and tumor embolization: A rare sequelae of primary undifferentiated liver sarcoma.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Primary hepatic sarcomas are uncommon malignant neoplasms; prognostic features, natural history, and optimal management of these tumors are not well characterized. PRESENTATION OF CASE This report describes the management of a 51-year-old patient that underwent a right trisectionectomy for a large hepatic mass found to be a liver sarcoma on pathology. He subsequently developed tumor emboli to his lungs and was discovered to have cardiac intracavitary metastases from his primary tumor. The patient underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and resection of the right-sided heart metastases to prevent further pulmonary sequela of tumor embolization. DISCUSSION The lack of distinguishing symptoms or imaging characteristics that clearly define hepatic sarcomas makes it challenging to achieve a diagnosis prior to pathologic examination. Metastatic spread is frequently to the lung or pleura, but very rarely seen within the heart. Failure to recognize cardiac metastatic disease will ultimately lead to progressive tumor embolization and cardiac failure if left untreated. CONCLUSION The most effective therapy for primary liver sarcomas is surgery; radical resection should be performed if possible given the aggressive nature of these tumors to progress and metastasize.
Search for correlation of radon levels and incidence of salivary gland tumors

Studies were undertaken to determine if there is a statistical correlation between radon levels and the incidence of salivary gland tumors because of high levels of radon in Pennsylvania. In Part I of the study, the incidence of minor salivary gland tumors accessioned by Temple University, Emory University, and University of Southern California from 1986 to 1988 were correlated with average radon levels in the three locations with the use of standard statistical analyses. In Part II, the occurrence of malignant salivary gland tumors was obtained for each of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania from 1986 to 1988 and correlated statistically with radon levels and population figures in each of those counties. A statistically significant correlation between radon levels and incidence of salivary gland tumors could not be demonstrated in either case.
A STUDY OF THE ULTRASTRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION OF HAIR KERATIN SYNTHESIS UTILIZING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC AUTORADIOGRAPHY IN A MAGNETIC FIELD.

The sites of the incorporation of labeled cystine into keratinizing structures were studied in electron microscopic autoradiographs. The tracer used was cystine labeled with S35 emitting long-range ionizing particles. During exposure for 1 to 2 months, according to our method of electron microscopic autoradiography, emulsion-coated specimens were exposed to a static magnetic field which appeared to result in a marked increase in the number of reacted silver grains. In young Swiss mice receiving intraperitoneal injections at 1, 3, and 6 hours before biopsy, conventional autoradiography demonstrated that S35-cystine was intensely localized in the keratogenous zone of anagen hair follicles, and that the radioactivity there increased in intensity progressively with time while the radioactivity in the hair bulb always remained very low. Our observations with electron microscopic autoradiography in a magnetic field appeared to indicate that at 3 and 6 hours after injection the S35-cystine was directly and specifically incorporated into tonofibrils in the hair cortex and into amorphous keratin granules of the hair cuticle layer, possibly without any particular concentration of this substance in the other cellular components. There seemed to be an appreciable concentration of cystine in tonofibrils of the cuticle of the inner root sheath. However, trichohyalin granules in the hair medulla and inner root sheath failed to show any evidence of cystine concentration. The improved sensitivity of the electron microscopic autoradiography with S35-cystine appeared to be partly due to the application of a static magnetic field. However, the reason for this could not be explained theoretically.
Mechanically Tunable Single-Channel Wavelength Demultiplexer

A commercial miniature monochromator, adapted with GRIN lens optics, has been characterized as a mechanically tunable wavelength demultiplexer for use in fiber optic transmission systems. The device is capable of selectively demultiplexing a single channel from a plurality of wavelength multiplexed channels over a broad spectral range (750 to 900 nm), with an insertion loss less than 3.5 dB, and an optical crosstalk rejection greater than 20 dB at wavelengths ±6 nm from the transmission peak of the tuned channel.
Quality improvement of patient care - Forensic pathologists' perspective

In the U.S. today, the pathologists, both hospital-based and forensic, are regularly involved in quality assurance (QA) programs, the evaluation of patient safety at all levels of medical care, including treatments in walk-in clinics and medical offices. In the United States, official death investigations are conducted by the Medical Examiner's Office. The Medical Examiner's Office is aided in its work by a network of coordinating agencies to provide complete, comprehensive reporting and investigation of deaths placed under its jurisdiction. Those agencies are the Health Department, the Registrar of Vital Statistics on Births and Deaths, Division of Health Facilities, the Hospital Office of Decedent Affairs and the State medical licensing agencies, as well as the various law enforcement and regulatory agencies and the prosecuting attorney's office. Forensic pathologists are witnesses to the fatal results of often avoidable untoward events. They need to use their experiences to address and emphasize overall prevention programs to improve the quality of life in the community, to publicize the avoidable actions which can lead to untoward results. In the current growing atmosphere of threatening chemical, biological and radiation terrorist attacks, the health care system, especially hospitals, including emergency services, are mobilizing to develop plans to meet possible anticipated need for disaster preparedness.
The Emerging Black Middle Class: Single and Living Alone

The literature on the black middle class has focused predominantly on married-couple families with children, reflecting a conception of the black middle class as principally composed of this family type. If that conception is correct, then declining rates of marriage and childrearing would imply a decline in the presence and vitality of the black middle class. Indeed, this is the implication that researchers typically draw from the decline in black marriage rates. However, an alternative view suggests that the decline in marriage and childrearing is producing a shift in the types of households comprising the black middle class. This paper assesses – and affirms – that alternative view. This research shows that, indeed, never-married singles who live alone (Love Jones Cohort) constitute a rapidly growing segment of the black middle class, a development which requires rethinking how the black middle class is conceptualized and studied.
Restriction of placental vasculature in a non-human primate: A unique model to study placental plasticity

The limits of placental plasticity, i.e., the ability of the placenta to adapt and alter its growth trajectory in response to altered fetal requirements, are not known. We report fetal and placental hemodynamic adaptations in a novel non-human primate model in which the fetal inter-placental bridging vessels were surgically ligated. Doppler ultrasound studies showed that the rhesus placenta compensates for an approximate 40% reduction in functional capacity by increased growth and maintenance of umbilical volume blood flow. This unique experimental animal model has applications for mechanistic studies of placental plasticity and the impact on fetal development.
Convergence of the Child Behavior Checklist with structured interview-based psychiatric diagnoses of ADHD children with and without comorbidity.

Abstract— We evaluated the convergence of CBCL scales with the diagnosis of ADHD and comorbid disorders in 133 ADHD and 118 normal control boys, aged 6–17 years old. We evaluated the strength of association between each CBCL scale and structured-interview derived diagnoses with Total Predictive Value (TPV) and the odds-ratio (OR). Excellent convergence was found between the GBGL Attention Problems scale with the diagnosis of ADHD, between the Delinquent Behaviour scale and the diagnosis of CD, and between die Anxiety/Depression scale and the diagnoses of Anxiety Disorders. These findings indicate that the CBCL could serve as a rapid and useful screening instrument to identity comoribid and non-comorbid cases of ADHD.
C-C-Fragmentierung: Herkunft und jüngste Anwendungen

Sechzig Jahre sind vergangen, seit Eschenmoser und Frey den Archetyp der C-C-Fragmentierung beschrieben. Rasch folgten neue Fragmentierungen und mehrere Varianten des Originals. Viele dieser Variationen, einschlieslich der Beckmann-, Grob-, Wharton-, Marshall- und der Eschenmoser-Tanabe-Fragmentierungen, sowie weiteren, wurden im Laufe der Jahre in Ubersichten besprochen, eine genaue Untersuchung des Ursprungs von Fragmentierungen steht aber noch aus. Vor kurzem tauchten neue nutzliche Methoden auf, insbesondere Fragmentierungen, die zu Alkinen und Allenen fuhren, und solche Reaktionen wurden auf eine Reihe an komplexen Leitmotiven und Naturstoffe angewendet. Dieser Aufsatz verfolgt die Entwicklung der Fragmentierungen und bietet eine Zusammenfassung der Methoden, Anwendungen und neue Einblicke in heterolytische C-C-Fragmentierungen der letzten zwanzig Jahre.
Pericardial cells for graft seeding: Isolation, culture and identification

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using the pericardium as a source of endothelial cells. Nineteen pieces of fresh pericardium were obtained from nine mongrel dogs. Cells were prepared by collagenase digestion of the pericardium for 24 minutes followed by centrifugation. The cells were divided into three groups: The supernatant subjected to no further steps, Group I (N = 6); filtration through a 15 micron porous mesh, Group II (N = 6); and Percoll gradient separation with medium 199, Group III (N = 7). The cells obtained were cultured for seven days in tissue culture media. Yield (cells × 105/gram fresh tissue) was determined with Methods I, II, and III, producing 32.4 ± 25.9 (SD), 0.96 ± 0.6 and 0.57 ± 0.5, respectively (I vs II or III, p < 0.01). Fibroblast contamination determined by phase contrast light microscopy was demonstrated in 6/6 cultures with Method I, 3/6 with II and 1/7 for III (I vs III, p < 0.01). An assay for endothelial cells (Factor VIII) was positive in 2/6 cultures with Method I, 5/6 with II and 7/7 for III (I vs III, p < 0.01). The pericardium is a suitable organ for procurement of endothelial cells. Though reducing yield, filtration and Percoll gradient separation allows for isolation of a relatively pure culture of endothelial cells.
Heat capacity jump at Tc and pressure derivatives of superconducting transition temperature in the Ba1−xNaxFe2As2 (0.1≤x≤0.9) series

We present the evolution of the initial (up to $\ensuremath{\sim}10$ kbar) hydrostatic pressure dependencies of ${T}_{c}$ and of the ambient pressure, and the jump in the heat capacity associated with the superconducting transition as a function of Na doping in the Ba${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Na${}_{x}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ family of iron-based superconductors. For Na concentrations $0.15\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.9$, the jump in specific heat at ${T}_{c}$, $\ensuremath{\Delta}{C}_{p}{|}_{{T}_{c}}$, follows the $\ensuremath{\Delta}{C}_{p}\ensuremath{\propto}{T}^{3}$ (the so-called BNC scaling) found for most BaFe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$-based superconductors. This finding suggests that, unlike the related Ba${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$K${}_{x}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ series, there is no significant modification of the superconducting state (e.g., change in superconducting gap symmetry) in the Ba${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Na${}_{x}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ series over the whole studied Na concentration range. Pressure dependencies are nonmonotonic for $x=0.2$ and $0.24$. For other Na concentrations, ${T}_{c}$ decreases under pressure in an almost linear fashion. The anomalous behavior of the $x=0.2$ and $0.24$ samples under pressure is possibly due to the crossing of the phase boundaries of the narrow antiferromagnetic tetragonal phase, unique for the Ba${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Na${}_{x}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ series, with the application of pressure. The negative sign of the pressure derivatives of ${T}_{c}$ across the whole superconducting dome (except for $x=0.2$) is a clear indication of the nonequivalence of substitution and pressure for the Ba${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Na${}_{x}$Fe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ series.
Brain Arterial Diameters as a Risk Factor for Vascular Events.

Background Arterial luminal diameters are routinely used to assess for vascular disease. Although small diameters are typically considered pathological, arterial dilatation has also been associated with disease. We hypothesize that extreme arterial diameters are biomarkers of the risk of vascular events. Methods and Results Participants in the Northern Manhattan Study who had a time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography were included in this analysis (N=1034). A global arterial Z ‐score, called the brain arterial remodeling (BAR) score, was obtained by averaging the measured diameters within each individual. Individuals with a BAR score −2 and 2 SDs had the largest diameters. All vascular events were recorded prospectively after the brain magnetic resonance imaging. Spline curves and incidence rates were used to test our hypothesis. The association of the BAR score with death ( P =0.001), vascular death ( P =0.02), any vascular event ( P =0.05), and myocardial infarction ( P =0.10) was U‐shaped except for ischemic stroke ( P =0.74). Consequently, incidence rates for death, vascular death, myocardial infarction, and any vascular event were higher in individuals with the largest diameters, whereas individuals with the smallest diameters had a higher incidence of death, vascular death, any vascular event, and ischemic stroke compared with individuals with average diameters. Conclusions The risk of death, vascular death, and any vascular event increased at both extremes of brain arterial diameters. The pathophysiology linking brain arterial remodeling to systemic vascular events needs further research.
THE CROONIAN LECTURE 1997. The phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine: its role in cell growth and disease

The reversible phosphorylation of tyrosines in proteins plays a key role in regulating many different processes in eukaryotic organisms, such as growth control, cell cycle control, differentiation, cell shape and movement, gene transcription, synaptic transmission, and insulin action. Phosphorylation of proteins is brought about by enzymes called protein–tyrosine kinases that add phosphate to specific tyrosines in target proteins; phosphate is removed from phosphorylated tyrosines by enzymes called protein–tyrosine phosphatases. Phosphorylated tyrosines are recognized by specialized binding domains on other proteins, and such interactions are used to initiate intracellular signalling pathways. Currently, more than 95 protein–tyrosine kinases and more than 55 protein–tyrosine phosphatase genes are known in Homo sapiens . Aberrant tyrosine phosphorylation is a hallmark of many types of cancer and other human diseases. Drugs are being developed that antagonize the responsible protein–tyrosine kinases and phosphatases in order to combat these diseases.
A Method Based on Genetic Algorithm for Anti-ship Missile Path Planning

This paper presented a novel approach to search and optimize path points for anti-ship missile path planning. We utilized the method of MAKLINK graph to construct free space, and then, a global state connected graph is built up for searching for all possible routes. Genetic Algorithm is used to search and optimize path points severally in these local routes. According to flight rules and technique characteristics of anti-ship missile, a coding measure and the fitness function are proposed. By introducing constraints selection strategy, the method in this paper guaranteed that all paths resulted could satisfy constraints. The results by simulation revealed that the method proposed in this paper is effective in solving the path planning problem with constraints.
Making the Empire Work: London and American Interest Groups, 1690-1790.

The British government had few imperial administrators in the American colonies and perhaps fewer ways to exert its authority by force, yet Americans rarely questioned that authority until the eve of the American Revolution. The empire worked and Americans accepted British rule not because they feared the government, but rather because they had effective methods for influencing it to their own benefit. Alison Olson reveals a source of that influence in networks of interest groups working cooperatively in England and America. Between 1640 and 1790 voluntary interest groups emerged in English politics. They began in London and gradually formed loose connections with smaller but similar interests in the English and American provinces. When the London groups became capable of lobbying the national government, they were willing to use their influence on behalf of the provincials as well. This "representation" of the Americans, though never official, was crucial to keeping the colonists content within the empire. The type of interest groups that could accommodate colonial participation was the associational, identified by the voluntary character of its membership. It included religious and ethnic communities - Presbyterians, Jews, Lutherans, Quakers, Baptists, Huguenots - and merchant groups. London lobbyists, acting as intermediaries between the colonies and the imperial government, gave American interests a vitally important role in the making of English imperial decisions and gave the English government a key source of information on just what decisions would and would not provoke American resistance. When these connections collapsed, the dissolution of the first British empire was not far away.
Coulomb and viscous friction fault detection with application to a pneumatic actuator

Generally, fault detection is the process of monitoring a physical dynamic system accompanied by conformation and assessment of any degradation of system performance. These systems are modelled and terms that are representative of a specific fault are identified and monitored for detection. In this paper, a fault detection algorithm is developed to isolate and detect friction changes in a high precision positioning mechanism. The designed fault detection algorithm addresses dynamic model estimation, dynamic filtering and recursive parameter estimation techniques to monitor online friction changes. The procedure is illustrated on a high precision servo pneumatic cylinder that drives a translational air bearing apparatus, designed to permit the addition of friction. Side loading of the cylinder rod induced by a friction fault causes significant loss of performance in these applications. It therefore serves to design a simple and effective online fault detection and isolation scheme for the designed experimental set-up.
Far-Infrared Spectrum Analysis Using Plasmon Modes in a Quantum-Well Transistor

Excitation of resonant plasmon modes by far-infrared (FIR) radiation in a quantum-well transistor is used to analyze the spectral content of FIR illumination at frequencies between 0.58 and 0.99 THz. A split grating gate design that allows localized pinch-off of the transistor channel greatly enhances FIR response and allows completely electrical tuning of the plasmon resonance, enabling broadband FIR spectrum analysis without moving parts. A voltage ramp applied to the gate can generate a spectrum at video rate
The Prevalence and Predictors of Teaching Courses in Doctoral Psychology Programs

Graduate students in psychology frequently receive training to prepare them for teaching responsibilities. However, little is known about the different types of teaching courses that exist or what leads graduate programs to offer such courses. This study explores archival data to determine the prevalence and predictors of formal teaching coursework in doctoral psychology programs. The archival data included department size, university size, university research productivity, university mission, and teaching course offerings. A majority of programs (65%) offered a course related to teaching. The courses tended to be offered by public universities with a smaller percentage of graduate students but a higher number of undergraduates and department faculty. The results suggest widespread but varied access to teacher training in psychology programs.
Direct comparison of the rapid axonal transport of norepinephrine and dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase activity

Stop-flow techniques were used to examine the rapid axonal transport of norepinephrine in rabbit sciatic nerves. When the midpoint of a nerve incubated in vitro was cooled to 2°C while the remainder was kept at 37°C, norepinephrine accumulated proximal to the cooled region at a rate corresponding to an average transport velocity between 5 and 6 mm/hr in a distal direction. Since only about half of the norepinephrine appeared to be free to move, the mean velocity of the moving fraction was probably twice as great. No norepinephrine accumulated distal to a broad cooled region under conditions in which there would have been a significant accumulation of dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity. Therefore, unlike dopamine-β-hydroxylase, norepinephrine may not be subject to rapid retrograde transport. When nerves that had been locally cooled for 1.5 hr were rewarmed uniformly to 37°C, a wave of norepinephrine moved exclusively in a distal direction. The peak of this wave moved at a velocity of 12.2 ± 0.5 mm/hr or 293 ± 12 mm/day; the front of the wave moved at about 18 mm/hr. or 430 mm/day; and the tail probably moved faster than 6 mm/hr. This spectrum of velocities was virtually identical to the one displayed by the wave of dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity that was generated under the same conditions. Our results are consistent with the conclusion that all axonal structures containing norepinephrine also contain dopamine-β-hydroxylase, but they are not consistent with the converse.
Low D it optimized Interfacial Layer using High-Density Plasma Oxidation and Nitridation in Germanium High-κ Gate stack

Low Dit interfacial GeOx, and GeOxNy are grown on Germanium using high density slot plane antenna (SPA) plasma oxidation and nitridation respectively. Excellent MOS characteristics are demonstrated for the Ge high-kappa gate stack with interfacial GeOx, and GeOxNy. GeOx interfacial layer significantly reduced interface state density (Dit) to as low as 3times1011 cm-2 eV-1.