cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solid Short Circuit of D-C Motors and Generators

In this paper the current of d-c machines on solid short circuit is expressed in terms of constant impedances similar to X d ? and x d for synchronous machines. The outstanding advantage of this new result is that any number of d-c machines may be included in a network, with or without connection of batteries, rectifiers, or other machinery, and calculations may be made using a network analyzer, d-c calculating board or numerical calculation. The current in any machine, the total fault current, and so on, can be determined. Equations are given for d-c machines which are similar to the well-known equations for synchronous machines. Equations are given for the transient and steady-state resistances and for the decrement factors. The latter factors determine the rise and subsequent decline of current. Direct and simple expressions are given for the maximum rate of rise of current and for the maximum or peak value of current. Although design data is required for reliable calculations, useful preliminary estimates of current can be made using no data other than the resistance of the machine windings and a few dimensions which can be obtained from simple inspection of the machines. For this purpose, generalized values for design constants are given in the nomenclature.
Lateral stability of a periodically forced electrostatic comb drive

Constant-gap electrostatic comb drives are a commonly used MEMS actuator design. The operating range of these devices is limited by an instability called “side pull-in” that arises from the geometric nonlinearity of the electrostatic force. Side pull-in corresponds to a pitchfork bifurcation in the plane of the actuator, perpendicular to the intended travel direction. We refer to this as the lateral direction. This paper considers the effect of a periodic drive voltage on the side pull-in instability. Electrode flexibility, out-of-plane motion, and rotation are not considered. The planar translational behavior is modeled by two coupled second-order nonlinear systems. Considering small lateral perturbations and neglecting damping, the lateral dynamics may be approximated by a second-order, linear, periodic time-varying, model in the form of Hill's equation. Application of Floquet theory shows that a periodically time-varying drive voltage may be chosen to stabilize the linearized lateral dynamics about an equilibrium well beyond the side pullin point. Simulation of the fully coupled nonlinear ODEs shows good agreement with the linear stability map. In terms of the MEMS comb drive model, this corresponds to travel extension of up to 200% beyond the side pull-in point.
Exact Solution of the F Model of An Antiferroelectric

The F model, which was originally proposed by Rys1 as an interesting statistical mechanics problem, has since2 become a meaningful model of hydrogen bonded ferroelectrics (e.g., NH4H2PO4), at least in the sense that the two-dimensional Ising model is a reasonable model for an antiferromagnet. We have succeeded in solving this model by an extension of the method used to find the residual entropy of square ice.3
Design of Chipless RFID Tags Based on Characteristic Mode Theory (CMT)

The induced currents and consequently the scattered fields from chipless RFID tags can be analyzed in different ways. In singularity expansion method (SEM), the currents on the tag are expanded by a series of the complex natural resonances (CNRs) and frequency-independent natural currents and an entire-domain function including the early-time response. On the other hand, in eigen-mode expansion method (EEM), the currents are expanded versus the frequency-dependent eigen-modes of the structure, which can be obtained by solving the homogeneous differential equation governing the structure under consideration. In this paper, the theory of characteristic modes as a generalized eigen-mode expansion approach is efficiently employed for the analysis and design of the chipless RFID tags. Three important parameters usually considered in the design of multibit tags are the quality factors, resonant frequencies of the resonators (as a signature of the tag) and the radar cross–section (RCS) of the tag. A slotted-wavelength resonator is considered as a tag prototype in this paper. After a short theoretical description of SEM and CMT, the resonant and radiation modes of the tag are accurately investigated versus some design parameters. By studying the effects of various structural parameters of the tag on the aforementioned factors, some design rules are extracted which can be useful in the design and implementation of the tag and additionally the identification process.
Gas-liquid chromatography of protein amino acid trimethylsilyl derivatives.

Gas-liquid chromatographic separation applied in derivatization chemistry of protein amino acids as N-trimethylsilyl /TMS/ esters
Distribution and phylogeny of Penelope-like elements in eukaryotes.

Author Posting. © Society of Systematic Biologists, 2006. This article is posted here by permission of Oxford University Press for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Systematic Biology 55 (2006): 875-885, doi:10.1080/10635150601077683.
Comparison of surgical bypass with angioplasty and stenting of superficial femoral artery disease

Objective To evaluate the contemporary outcome of femoral-popliteal bypass compared with angioplasty and stenting in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in terms of patency and reintervention rates. Methods We identified all patients evaluated at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with the presumptive diagnosis of PAD from September 2005 to September 2010. In this group, we selected all symptomatic patients after failing medical management who received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/stenting of the superficial femoral artery or femoral-popliteal bypass. We compared the overall patency and reintervention rates between the two groups as well as patency within TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II subgroups. Descriptive analyses were performed using χ 2 and two-sided t -tests. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare distributions of continuous variables and the Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the treatment effect within each lesion type, using bypass as the reference group. Results Out of 1237 patients evaluated at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for PAD from September 2005 to September 2010, we identified 104 symptomatic patients who received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/stenting of the superficial femoral artery or femoral-popliteal bypass after failing medical management. There were 61 male patients (56%), and the mean age was 68 years in both groups. Both treatment groups had similar risk factors. Overall, 77% of patients with TASC II A and B lesions underwent angioplasty and stenting, whereas 73% of patients with TASC C and D lesions underwent bypass ( P P = .05). The rate of reintervention within the 2-year period was higher in the bypass group compared with the stent group (54% vs 31%; P = .02). TASC A and B lesions combined demonstrated a reduced hazard of patency failure compared with TASC C or D lesions combined (hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.26, 4.65; P Conclusions This is the first study that documents higher reintervention rates for femoral-popliteal bypass compared with angioplasty and stenting. We believe that the main reason for this finding is the fact that the bypass patients had significantly more advanced disease. This, emphasizes that one must consider the patient population undergoing intervention when comparing revascularization procedures. A prospective randomized trial is needed to determine the overall better treatment option.
yadBC of Yersinia pestis, a New Virulence Determinant for Bubonic Plague

In all Yersinia pestis strains examined, the adhesin/invasin yadA gene is a pseudogene, yet Y. pestis is invasive for epithelial cells. To identify potential surface proteins that are structurally and functionally similar to YadA, we searched the Y. pestis genome for open reading frames with homology to yadA and found three: the bicistronic operon yadBC (YPO1387 and YPO1388 of Y. pestis CO92; y2786 and y2785 of Y. pestis KIM5), which encodes two putative surface proteins, and YPO0902, which lacks a signal sequence and likely is nonfunctional. In this study we characterized yadBC regulation and tested the importance of this operon for Y. pestis adherence, invasion, and virulence. We found that loss of yadBC caused a modest loss of invasiveness for epithelioid cells and a large decrease in virulence for bubonic plague but not for pneumonic plague in mice.
ESR probing of macromolecules: Spin label study of the conformational integrity and transitions in modified α-chymotrypsin☆

Abstract The spin-labeling method has been used to probe the effect of specific modification of α-chymotrypsin on the conformational integrity of this enzyme's active center. Labels on either the serine 195 hydroxyl or methionine 192 thioether or both provide spectral data which indicate the following: (1) alkylation of one or both of the methionines in α-chymotrypsin with all reagents tried causes a loss of “structure” of the active center; (2) conversely, oxidation of these residues has little effect; and (3) this loss of structure has little effect on the poising of the catalytically functional groups, but diminishes the productivity of substrate binding via steric inhibition. Associated with this latter point is evidence that methionine 192 moves in response to the ionization of aspartic acid 194 and isoleucine 16. The relationship of this evidence to the crystallographic model of the enzyme and its catalytic operation is discussed.
Integrated Computational and Experimental Framework on Advanced Flow Battery for Renewable Power Plant Applications

A study has been conducted to develop advanced vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) for renewable energy storage applications using integrated computational and experimental framework. Analytical modeling has been performed to predict electrical outputs based on combined approach including fluid mechanics, electrochemistry, and electric circuit. A lab-scale experimental setup has been designed and built to validate the modeling results.The VRFB project has been collaborated between Arkansas State University Jonesboro and University of Arkansas Fayetteville to focus on pin pointing the transient characteristics of the vanadium redox flow battery in terms of chemical reaction, fluid flow, and electric circuit by obtaining exact solutions from the associated governing differential equations using a numerical approach. To obtain comparable experimental data, a test bed made of two half cells is constructed and joined together by a permeable membrane designed to facilitate ion transfer between two separate vanadium electrolytes, and then the system will be scaled up to multiple cell stacks.This research aims to better understand the transient characteristics of the VRFB in order to refine the system in hopes of improving efficiency. In turn alternative energy such as multi megawatt wind and solar farms should gain more support as the ability to store energy becomes more reliable and economically feasible. This paper will focus on the steps taken to validate the supporting mathematical models, and the preliminary results of the tests conducted using the VRFB test bed. Future work will be addressed to develop a pilot-scale VRFB with enhanced efficiency and temperature limits.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Hemophagocytic syndrome occurring in an adult liver transplant recipient having Still’s disease

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a potentially fatal complication that rarely occurs after liver transplantation. We present a 25-year-old man with a history of Still’s disease who presented with fever, arthralgia, and elevated serum ferritin levels 6 months after undergoing liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure due to autoimmune hepatitis potentially triggered by infliximab therapy. Liver biopsy demonstrated features consistent with hemophagocytic syndrome. The patient was successfully treated with a course of high dose steroids and had complete resolution of his symptoms and normalization of liver chemistry test abnormalities. Patients with Still’s disease may rarely complicate with fulminant hepatic failure with infliximab therapy. Hemophagocytic syndrome a rare potentially life threatening condition may occur in such patients following liver transplantation.
CITIES AND DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT This paper starts with a “primer” on what we know about the conceptual and empirical links between development and urbanization. While historical experience of developed countries is reviewed, today's rapid urbanization in developing countries offers an intense set of challenges. Rapid urbanization requires massive population movements and enormous local and inter-city infrastructure investments in a modern context of heavy government interventions in economies. This context raises under-researched issues, discussed in the second part of the paper. First concerns the spatial form of development. How much development should be focused in mega-cities, or huge urban clusters, as opposed to being more spatially dispersed, a critical question facing China and India today? How do we conceptualize and measure both the benefits and costs of increased urban concentration; and how are they linked to a country's evolving national industrial composition? Second, what is the evolution of spatial income inequality under massive rural-urban migration? Is inequality heightened today relative to the past by national government policies which “favor” certain cities and regions and by local government policies in those cities that may try to deflect migrants by offering them poor living conditions?
Localization of erythropoietin mRNA in the rat kidney by polymerase chain reaction

Erythropoietin (Epo) is a glycoprotein secreted by kidney cells which plays an important role in the regulation of erythropoiesis. Localization of the Epo production by immunohistochemical studies and in situ hybridization has not been definitively established and is still a matter of controversy. Epo and glyceraldehyde 3-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA levels were determined in total RNA isolated from control and CoCl2-treated rats using a coupled reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction method (RT/PCR). As indicated by the amount of amplification product, Epo mRNA levels were several-fold higher in CoCl2-treated rat kidney. In contrast, GAPDH mRNA levels were similar in control and CoCl2-treated rats. This RT/PCR method was also used to assess the level of Epo and GAPDH mRNA in microdissected nephron segments. All nephron segments tested lacked any detectable levels of Epo mRNA in either control or CoCl2-treated rats. On the other hand, peritubular cells (capillary fraction: afferent/efferent arteriole, vasa recta) were the only cells where the Epo mRNA was detected. Using a specific primer for GAPDH, the RT/PCR method could identify GAPDH mRNA in all microdissected nephron segments where the Epo mRNA was not expressed. Thus, a combination of microdissected nephron segments and RT/PCR enabled us to detect GAPDH mRNA populations in all nephron segments, whereas the failure to detect Epo mRNA in all segments but the capillary fraction, is due to the specific and localized expression of the Epo gene to this fraction.
Management of alcohol abuse

This article reviews the spectrum of alcohol use disorders. The pharmacologic properties of ethanol and its metabolism, and the historical, physical, and laboratory elements that may help diagnose an alcohol use disorder are examined. The concepts of motivational interviewing and stages of change are mentioned, along with the American Society of Addiction Medicine patient placement criteria, to determine the best level of treatment for alcoholism. Various therapeutic management options are reviewed, including psychological, pharmacologic, and complementary/alternative choices. This article provides a basic understanding of available tools to diagnose and treat this cunning and baffling brain and multisystem disease.
The direct reduction of astronomical x-ray spectra

A matrix method is outlined for the reduction of astronomical X-ray spectral data which includes the effects of detector resolution and fluorescent escape phenomena. The differences between this method and the ‘backward reduction’ or multiple grid methods presently employed are discussed.
Gamma‐Irradiated Cationic Starches: Paper Surface‐Sizing Agents

Cationic starches, precisely depolymerized by gamma-irradiation (60Co), were dispersed in mild alkali and evaluated as surface sizes for bond paper on a pilot paper machine. The irradiated products had excellent dispersion properties, were well retained on fibers when sized wastepaper (broke) was repulped and had an ability to enhance paper properties that was comparable to that of starch-based materials used commercially. A yellow corn flour, cationized by an essentially dry reaction process recently developed at this Center, was also radiolyzed and evaluated as a size. This latter product was unique in that all drying steps were eliminated in the preparation of a cationic ceral product of reduced viscosity. Gammabestrahlte kationische Starken: Oberflachenbeschichtungsmittel fur Papier Durch Gammabestrahlung (60Co) genau depolymerisierte kationische Starken wurden in schwachem Alkali dispergiert und als Oberflachenbeschichtungen fur Banknotenpapier in einer Pilot-Papiermaschine gepruft. Die bestrahlten Produkte zeigten ausgezeichnete Dispersionseigenschaften, wurden auf den Fasern gut festgehalten, wenn beschichtetes Abfallpapier wiedervermahlen wurde, und verbesserten die Papiereigenschaften in einer Weise, die mit handelsublichen, auf Starke basierenden Materialien vergleichbar war. Ein gelbes Maismehl, das durch einen kurzlich entwickelten, im wesentlichen Trockenreaktionsprozes kationisiert war, wurde ebenfalls bestrahlt und beurteilt. Dieses Produkt war insofern einzigartig, als alle Trocknungsstufen der Darstellung eines kationischen Getreideproduktes mit verminderter Viskositat eliminiert wurden.
How do we change practice when we have the evidence

Translating research findings into practice includes myriad pragmatic realities, including understanding the suitability of the data to a particular patient group, writing new guidelines for occupational therapy practitioners, facilitating adoption of the guidelines, and instituting new patterns of care for patients. The process is more than a matter of disseminating the information to practitioners and expecting immediate change in patient treatment. Indeed, the field of implementation science is devoted to the identification of the numerous barriers and supports that constrain or expedite practice change in response to research. Moving forward and adopting evidence-based findings will require a focused understanding of the particular setting where change is warranted. Among the issues to address are the health system levels involved in change (professional, legislative, administrative, practitioner, and patient and family members), the values and beliefs of the participants, and knowledge of the communication channels that exist in the setting and how information and new ideas make their way through the setting.
Meralgia paresthetica: 3-Tesla magnetic resonance neurography

Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy and observer performance of 3-Tesla magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in the evaluation of meralgia paresthetica (MP).
Brain electrical activity mapping (BEAM): computerized access to complex brain function.

(1981). Brain Electrical Activity Mapping (BEAM): Computerized Access to Complex Brain Function. International Journal of Neuroscience: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 55-65.
SARS: political pathology of the first post-Westphalian pathogen.

In March 2003, the world discovered, again, that I humanity's battle with infectious diseases continues. The twenty-first century began with infectious diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, being discussed as threats to human rights, economic development, and national security. Bioterrorism in the United States in October 2001 increased concerns about pathogenic microbes. The global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the spring of 2003 kept the global infectious disease challenge at the forefront of world news for weeks. At its May 2003 annual meeting, the World Health organization (WHO) asserted that SARS is “the first severe infectious disease to emerge in the twenty-first century” and “poses a serious threat to global health security, the livelihood of populations, the functioning of health systems, and the stability and growth of economies.”
Performance of flexible retaining walls supporting dry cohesionless soils under cyclic loads

A finite element model is proposed for studying the seismic response of a flexible retaining wall/soil system. The model accounts for nonlinear hysteretic soil behaviour, and also for the increase in lateral stresses and settlement related to grain slip caused by cyclic loads. The response computed by the proposed method was compared with responses recorded at the Cambridge centrifuge facility, and found to be in reasonable agreement. The model was then used to identify the importance of factors such as flexibility of the wall and relative density of the backfill. The study reveals that the maximum bending moments given by current design procedures are nonconservative for stiffer walls. Deflections of flexible walls are of major concern. Flexible walls supporting a sand of medium density yield the greatest deflection. (Author/TRRL)
Immune Regulation during Helminth Infections

Helminth is a nonphylogenetic term that refers to multicellular animals (or metazoans) that have adopted a parasitic lifestyle in mammalian hosts. They are more commonly referred to as parasitic worms. These worms generally (with the exception of Strongyloides stercoralis) cannot replicate within the host, and they have evolved distinct methods to co-exist with their host through the activation of an immune regulatory network. Until quite recently in human history, the majority of Homo sapiens were likely colonized by one type of worm or another, just like many mammals are in the wild. This close relationship has led to the evolution of ‘‘disease tolerance’’ by the host [1,2], in the presence of these parasites [3]. In other words, the mammalian host has evolved mechanisms to minimize the virulence of helminths, even without necessarily reducing worm burden. While helminths cause disease in hundreds of millions of people [4], nonetheless a large proportion of infected individuals are relatively tolerant to colonization with helminths.
Linear dynamic output feedback: Invariants and stability

A full invariant under linear dynamic output feedback is derived. Some of its applications to the design of internally stable feedback control systems are considered.
Deadly Dilemmas III: Some Kind Words for Preventive Detention

This paper explores the role of assessments of dangerousness in the criminal law, arguing that they are ubiquitous not only in setting sentences and guiding bail and parole decisions but, far more importantly, in determining which activities are criminalized and which are not. While many theorists of the criminal law continue to assert that prospective judgments of dangerousness have no legitimate role in the criminal law (since persons are to be punished supposedly only retrospectively for harms already committed), we argue that it is entirely appropriate to punish people for harms that they are likely to commit, provided that pertinent due process demands are satisfied. More generally, we deny both the existence and the desirability of a sharp distinction between the aims of criminal law and the aims of other forms of legal control and regulation.
Clinical significance of inducible atrial flutter during pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Objectives This study was designed to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of atrial flutter (AFL) that occurs during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Background Atrial flutter frequently occurs in patients with AF. Methods Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in 133 consecutive patients (age 52 ± 11 years) for paroxysmal (n = 112) or persistent (n = 21) AF. A clinical episode of AFL was documented in 40 of the 133 patients (30%). During the ablation procedure, AFL occurred in 86 patients (65%), either spontaneously (n = 36) or by rapid atrial pacing (n = 50), with AFL being typical in the majority (80%). Cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation was performed in 28 of the 133 patients. Results Among the 105 patients who did not undergo isthmus ablation, 25 patients (24%) were documented to have symptomatic AFL during a mean follow-up of 609 ± 252 days. Among the clinical variables of age, gender, history of clinical AFL, ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, duration of AF, and occurrence of AFL during ablation, only a history of clinical AFL (p = 0.05) and occurrence of typical AFL during the ablation (p = 0.01) were independent predictors of symptomatic AFL during follow-up. The incidence of symptomatic AFL during follow-up was similar among patients who did and did not have long-term freedom from recurrent AF. Conclusions In patients with AF who have either a history of AFL or an episode of typical AFL during an electrophysiologic study, symptomatic AFL is common after pulmonary vein isolation. Therefore, cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation is appropriate during pulmonary vein isolation if AFL has been observed clinically or in the electrophysiology laboratory.
Denitrification in shallow, sublittoral Gulf of Mexico permeable sediments

We examined nitrogen cycling over a 1-yr period in shallow, sandy sediments at two contrasting sites near a barrier island in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, and we provide here the direct determination of dinitrogen gas (N2) production at ambient nitrate concentrations in permeable marine sediments. Nitrogen-stable isotope tracer techniques were used to quantify N2-production rates and pathways in sediment cores and slurries. To simulate pore-water advection, the dominant transport process in the upper layer of the permeable sand beds, intact sediment cores were perfused with aerated seawater. This perfusion increased denitrification rates up to 2-fold in Apalachicola Bay sands and up to 17-fold in Gulf of Mexico sublittoral sands, respectively, relative to static cores. Seasonal N2-production rates were highest in spring and fall. Denitrified nitrate originated almost entirely from benthic nitrification at the exposed Gulf site, whereas water-column nitrate dominated sedimentary denitrification at the sheltered Bay site. Sediment incubations in stirred chambers were used to determine net fluxes of oxygen (O2), N2, nitrate, and ammonium across the sediment–water interface during varied degrees of continuous pore-water exchange. Rates of N2 efflux correlated with rates of pore-water flow increasing from 0.12 mmol N m22 d21 under diffusion-limited transport conditions up to 0.87 mmol N m22 d21 with pore-water advection. Mineralized nitrogen was completely converted to N2 gas in Gulf of Mexico sediments. Our results demonstrate that advective pore-water circulation will accelerate benthic N2 production by coupled nitrification– denitrification and that substantial nitrogen loss occurs from coastal permeable sediments.
Utilization-Bound Based Schedulability Analysis of Weighted Round Robin Schedulers

Schedulability analysis is a cornerstone of modern real-time scheduling theory development. Utilization- bound based schedulability test is considered one of most efficient and effective schedulability tests, because of its extremely low runtime overhead. Deriving the utilization bound for a given real-time system has, nevertheless, been a challenging task as it usually requires comprehensive modeling and understanding of the system and payload tasks. This paper is focused on deriving utilization bounds for weighted round robin schedulers. We demonstrate how to establish a unified modeling framework and then use it to derive utilization bounds. We obtain the optimal parameter selection that maximizes the utilization bound, then compare the new bound with those of fixed priority schedulers, and timed token ring schedulers. The new bound is further extended to systems with sporadic job requests. We argue that our modeling framework is highly versatile, and hence, can be easily tailored for analysis of other types of real-time systems.
One-time lithium dose in early gestation causes placental and cardiac dysfunction

CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION MARIA SERRANO, KERSTI LINASK, GANESH ACHARYA, JIZHEN CHEN, MINGDA HAN, JAMES HUHTA, University of South Florida, Pediatrics, St. Petersburg, Florida OBJECTIVE: Lithium exposure in early gestation is known to affect human cardiac development and cause structural cardiac malformations. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of early, one-time lithium exposure on mouse embryonic cardiovascular function using Doppler (echo). STUDY DESIGN: Thirteen time-dated pregnant mice (C57BL/6J) received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 ml of 6.5 mg/mL lithium chloride (Li) or 0.9% sodium chloride (C) on ED 6.75. On ED15.5 the mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and embryo echo was performed using color directed pulsed Doppler and the pulsatility index (PI) was calculated from blood velocity waveforms of the uterine artery (UtA), descending aorta (DAo), umbilical artery (UA), and ductus venosus (DV). From the inflow-outflow velocity waveforms the outflow velocity (OFV) and the cardiac cycle time intervals including isovolemic relaxation time (IRT) were measured and myocardial performance index (MPI) computed. Semilunar (SL) or atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation (VR) was noted. RESULTS: Thirty-six (36) Li and 29 C embryos were studied. Maternal HR was higher (499 vs 449 beats/min; p!0.0001) and the UtA PI (1.55 vs 2.33; p = 0.003) was lower in the Li vs. C. DAo PI (1.76 vs 1.39; p = 0.001) and UA PI (1.35 vs 1.14; p = 0.004) were higher in Li embryos. Cardiac velocities and DV PI were not significantly different between groups. None in the C group had VR, but 21/36 (58%) of the Li group had VR: semilunar VR in 17 (47%) and both AV and SL VR in 4 (11%). Four embryos that had SLVR also had an abnormal monophasic ventricular inflow. Subgroup analysis showed that Li with VR had higher UAPI vs C (1.36 vs 1.14; p = 0.041) and increased IRT% (18.4 vs 12.4; p = 0.021) and MPI (0.66 vs 0.49; p=0.020): without VR, OFV and IRT% were similar. CONCLUSION: Pulse Li exposure in early gestation raised placental resistance and increased afterload. SLVR occurred with Li exposure and embryos with VR showed evidence of impaired diastolic and preserved systolic function. Li affects the outflow and inflow valve function. *Supported by HL67306 to KKL.
Agreement Measure Comparisons between Two Independent Sets of Raters

A FORTRAN program is described that calculates the probability of an observed difference between agreement measures obtained from two independent sets of raters.
The Impact of Online Teaching on Faculty Load: Computing the Ideal Class Size for Online Courses

This study examined the impact of substituting didactic instruction, face-to-face advisement, and conventional evaluation with distance-based delivery of content, electronic counseling, and online assessment. It analyzed the impact of distance learning demands on faculty teaching loads and computed the ideal class size for an online course. Specifically, this article sought answers to the following questions. 1. What are the teaching demands of an online course? 2. What is the impact of distance learning demands on faculty teaching loads? Does teaching at a distance require more or less of an instructor’s time? 3. What is the ideal class size for an online course versus the traditional classroom? The research reflected in this study found that online teaching demanded a minimum of 14% more time than traditional instruction, most of which was spent presenting instructional content. The weekly impact on teaching load also varied considerably between the two formats. Traditional teaching was more stable across the semester while online teaching fluctuated greatly during periods of advisement and assessment. Finally, the ideal class size was calculated for both instructional formats.
Pattern and frequency of recurrent transient ischemic attacks.

Objectives. Natural history studies and stroke prevention trials in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) have focused primarily on stroke or death outcomes and not recurrent TIA, yet treatment decisions are often based on recurrences. This study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency and pattern of recurrent TIAs in patients presenting with their first TIA. Methods. We monitored TIA recurrence for an average of 16 months in 47 consecutive patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center within 3 weeks of their first TIA. Treatment in 22 patients was aspirin or ticlopidine alone, and 12 underwent endarterectomy. Remaining patients received warfarin, dipyridamole, or pentoxifylline alone or with aspirin, including two who underwent endarterectomy. Treatment was changed in only four patients during the follow-up period. Results. Thirty-four patients (72%) had more than one TIA; 23 of these (68%) had two to five recurrences and 11 (32%) had more than five TIAs. Nineteen of the 34 patients with multiple TIAs had recurrences within 1 month of the initial TIA. Only four patients (12%) had recurrent TIAs throughout the follow-up period. Stroke occurred in five patients (11%); one patient had a single prior TIA, and the rest had multiple TIAs. No risk factors or treatments predicted which patients had single or multiple TIAs. Conclusions. Most patients have few recurrent TIAs, and recurrences usually occur within the first month of the initial TIA. The patterns of TIA recurrence identified should aid in treating patient and in devising appropriate outcome measures in treatment trials in which TIA is an endpoint.
Impact of drug-eluting stents on the comparative effectiveness of coronary artery bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Drug-eluting stents (DES) have largely replaced bare-metal stents (BMS) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It is uncertain, however, whether introduction of DES had a significant impact on the comparative effectiveness of PCI versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) for death and myocardial infarction (MI). Methods We identified Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥66 years who underwent multivessel CABG or multivessel PCI and matched PCI and CABG patients on propensity score. We defined the BMS era as January 1999 to April 2003 and the DES era as May 2003 to December 2006. We compared 5-year outcomes of CABG and PCI using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for baseline characteristics and year of procedure and tested for a statistically significant interaction (Pint) of DES era with treatment (CABG or PCI). Results Five-year survival improved from the BMS era to the DES era by 1.2% for PCI and by 1.1% for CABG, and the CABG:PCI hazard ratio was unchanged (0.90 vs 0.90; Pint = .96). Five-year MI-free survival improved by 1.4% for PCI and 1.1% for CABG, with no change in the CABG:PCI hazard ratio (0.81 vs 0.82; Pint = .63). By contrast, survival-free of MI or repeat coronary revascularization improved from the BMS era to the DES era by 5.7% for PCI and 0.9% for CABG, and the CABG:PCI hazard ratio changed significantly (0.50 vs 0.57, Pint ≤ .0001). Conclusions The introduction of DES did not alter the comparative effectiveness of CABG and PCI with respect to hard cardiac outcomes.
Mutation of the surface-exposed amino acid Trp2313 to Ala in the FVIII C2 domain results in defective secretion of the otherwise functional protein

The C2 domain of factor VIII (FVIII) is important for FVIII-phospholipid (PL) and FVIII-von Willebrand factor (VWF) interactions. A FVIII structural model, derived by electron crystallography, suggests four hydrophobic loops at the FVIII C2 domain-PL interface. Within loop four, the solvent-exposed amino acid, Trp(2313), is believed to contribute to FVIII-PL binding. To analyse this interaction, the amino-acid exchange Trp(2313) to Ala (W2313A) was introduced into the C2 domain of B-domain-deleted FVIII (dBFVIII). Both proteins, dBFVIII and W2313A, were expressed in a mammalian expression system. Labelling experiments showed that the mutation W2313A resulted in reduced secretion but did not affect intracellular synthesis of the protein. Specific activity, kinetic parameters, binding to VWF and haemostatic potential in a murine model of haemophilia A were found to be similar for both proteins. Binding studies to synthetic 4% phosphatidyl-l-serine vesicles showed, however, a 28-fold higher K(D) for W2313A, indicating the important role of Trp(2313) in the FVIII-PL interaction. In conclusion, the C2-domain-surface-exposed residue Trp(2313), is critical for secretion of the protein. The W2313A mutation weakens binding to phosphatidyl-l-serine vesicles but the mutant protein has the same effector function as dBFVIII in vitro and in vivo.
Simulated annealing for selection of experimental regions in response surface methodology applications

In this paper we describe a methodology that includes the complementary use of simulated annealing and response surface methodology (RSM). The methodology was developed for analysis of simulations to help determine procedures for the employment of superheterodyne surveillance receivers. In this methodology, we use simulated annealing to determine near optimal solutions and to help select an initial search region from which to begin experimentation and analysis. By using this technique, we are able to take the results of an otherwise obscure function, over a limited range of the variable values, and develop a simplified, more under-standable model which closely represents the actual system over the limited solution space.
Development of ultrafast spectroscopic techniques to study rapid chemical and physical changes in materials under extreme pressure and temperature conditions

In the study of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures, there is an enduring need to extend the range of experiments to previously inaccessible regimes. To accomplish this, improvements in diagnostics for in situ material characterization at extremes must proceed in parallel with techniques used to generate extreme states. Simultaneously, there is a need to study material phenomena – e.g. phase transformations and chemical reactions triggered by the application of extreme conditions – on their natural timescales. Here we report on recent developments in the application of ultrafast laser spectroscopic techniques to high-pressure hightemperature experiments on materials confined in a diamond-anvil cell. Using a bright broadband source coupled to ultrafast detection to discriminate signal from high thermal and fluorescent backgrounds, we conducted broadband optical spectroscopy up to 60 GPa and 1560 K. By coupling the broadband source to a monochromatic pulse, nonlinear Coherent Anti- Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) with high signal brightness was achieved. Optical absorption data in hot compressed O2 and CARS data in N2 at extreme pressures are reported.
Breaking with the model: creating approaches to interactive distance learning

Newsgroups and list servers provide a means for extending Internet dialogues beyond the one-on-one telephone model. While much of the discourse in these new media is chatter, a small percentage of valuable information is generated. Frequently asked question (FAQ) pages provide a means of distributing such information usefully, but require a considerable editing effort. New approaches use the interactivity of the World Wide Web to generate, preserve, and publish useful information. Web software makes it easy for a teacher or instructional designer to guide debate and focus discussion following a Socratic model, but the use of this technology is creating new instructional models.
Use of Angular Vessels in Head and Neck Free-Tissue Transfer A Comprehensive Preclinical Evaluation

ImportanceThe angular artery, its perforating branches, and their zones of tissue perfusion have been described extensively for facial reconstruction. Various cutaneous and mucosal flaps with eithe...
Targeting of Cytotoxic Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analogs to Breast, Ovarian, Endometrial, and Prostate Cancers

Targeted chemotherapy is a modern approach aimed at increasing the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy and reducing its side effects. The peptide receptors expressed primarily on cancerous cells can serve as targets for a selective destruction of malignant tumors. Binding sites for LHRH (now known in genome and microarray databases as GNRH1), were found on 52% of human breast cancers, about 80% of human ovarian and endometrial cancers, and 86% of human prostatic carcinoma specimens. Because LHRH receptors are not expressed on most normal tissues, they represent a specific target for cancer chemotherapy with antineoplastic agents linked to an LHRH vector molecule. To test the efficacy of targeted chemotherapy based on LHRH analogs, we recently developed a cytotoxic analog of LHRH, designated AN-152, which consists of [D-Lys6]LHRH covalently linked to one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin (DOX). In addition, we designed and synthesized a highly active derivative of DOX, 2-pyrrolino-DOX (AN-201), which is 500-1000 times more potent than DOX in vitro. AN-201 is active against tumors resistant to DOX, and noncardiotoxic. As in the case of DOX, AN-201 was coupled to carrier peptide [D-Lys6]LHRH to form a superactive targeted cytotoxic LHRH analog, AN-207. Both AN-152 and AN-207 can effectively inhibit the growth of LHRH receptor-positive human breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate cancers xenografted into nude mice. DOX-containing cytotoxic LHRH analog AN-152 is scheduled for clinical phase I/IIa trials in patients with advanced ovarian and breast cancers in 2005.
A 55-year-old male immigrant with lymphoma and Gram-negative sepsis.

1Department of Internal Medicine; 2Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of internal medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA Correspondence: Dr Faisal A Khasawneh, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 South Coulter Street, Amarillo, Texas 79106, USA. Telephone 806-690-7074, fax 806-354-5765, e-mail faisal.khasawneh@ttuhsc.edu CASE PRESENTATION A 55-year-old male immigrant from Iraq presented with progressive shortness of breath and hypotension. The illness started with diarrhea and headache, and began three weeks after the first cycle of chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) was administered for the patient’s newly diagnosed lymphoma. On presentation, he was in septic shock and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient had altered sensorium and neck rigidity. He had no rashes and no lymphadenopathy. His white blood cell count was 16.9×109 cells/L with 8% eosinophilia. Chemistry tests showed acute kidney injury with a creatinine level of 168.0 μmol/L. Chest x-ray showed multilobar pneumonia. His blood and sputum cultures grew Escherichia coli. Lumbar puncture performed 24 h after presentation showed pleocytosis and elevated protein level; however, the culture was negative. A diagnostic test was performed. What is your diagnosis?
State Estimation for Constrained Systems with Redundant Coordinates

Classically, a minimal coordinate representation of a dynamical system is found before applying a Kalman filter to estimate the system states. For many applications, it is more desirable to instead use a redundant coordinate representation of the system due to physical geometry, control design, or location of sensors and control actuators. However, a redundant coordinate description necessitates the introduction of holonomic constraints to augment the governing differential equations for an accurate model of the system dynamics. In this paper, a new approach for applying the Continuous-Discrete Extended Kalman Filter to dynamical systems with redundant coordinates is presented as an alternative to the traditional minimal coordinate process. A two-armed robotic manipulator is presented as a relevant, complex example for which implementation of this estimation technique for redundant coordinates is advantageous.
Abstract C86: Tethered Hsp90 inhibitors carrying optical or radioiodinated probes reveal selective internalization of ectopic Hsp90 in malignant breast tumor cells.

Hsp90 inhibitors have demonstrated unusual selectivity for tumor cells despite its ubiquitous expression. This phenomenon has remained unexplained but could be influenced by ectopically expressed Hsp90 in tumors. We have synthesized novel Hsp90 inhibitors that can carry optical or radioiodinated probes via a PEG tether. We show that these tethered inhibitors selectively recognize cells expressing ectopic Hsp90 and become internalized. The internalization process is blocked by Hsp90 antibodies, suggesting that active cycling of the protein is occurring at the plasma membrane. In mice, we show exquisite accumulation of the fluor-tethered versions within breast tumors at very sensitive levels. Cell-based assays with the radiolabeled version showed picomolar detection in cells that express ectopic Hsp90. Our findings show that fluor-tethered or radiolabeled inhibitors targeting ectopic Hsp90 can be used to detect breast cancer malignancies through non-invasive imaging. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C86. Citation Format: Jared J. Barrott, Aaron P. Smith, Takuya Osada, Nimmi Ramanujam, Michael R. Zalutsky, Kim Lyerly, Timothy A. J. Haystead. Tethered Hsp90 inhibitors carrying optical or radioiodinated probes reveal selective internalization of ectopic Hsp90 in malignant breast tumor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C86.
Lassa fever--new issues raised by field studies in West Africa.

Lassa fever was first described in 1969, when three missionary nurses in northern Nigeria were sequentially infected by person-to-person spread [1] of a virus subsequently found to be morphologically and antigenically related to lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) and viruses causing hemorrhagic fever in Bolivia (Machupo virus) and Argentina (Junin virus) [2]. In 1970, these viruses, together with six other related agents from South America, were placed in a new taxon (family, Arenaviridae; genus, Arenavirus), the name describing the fine granules (Arena, sand in Latin) seen within virions by electron microscopy [3]. At present, the Arenavirus genus contains 13 viruses, of which three (Lassa, Toure, and Ippy) are found in Africa; in addition, two antigenic variants of Lassa virus have been described from central and southern Africa. Aside from LCM, however, only Lassa virus sensu strictu, Machupo virus, and Junin virus have been implicated as causes of naturally acquired human disease. In 1970 and again in early 1972, explosive nosocomial outbreaks of Lassa fever occurred at mission-
Europe and Japan into the 21st Century

It was no coincidence that the Commission chose the five hundredth anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the Western hemisphere as the year for European unification.1 For almost five hundred years, the world experienced an ‘Age of Europe’ in which the ‘great powers’ at one time or another either directly colonized or indirectly influenced virtually every region around the world. European hegemony finally collapsed with the devastation of World War Two. The ‘Age of America’ (or the ‘American century’ as some optimistically called it) took off in 1945 and lasted little more than a quarter-century. By the 1980s, the costs of rebuilding and serving the global political economy and containing communism had left the United States the world’s greatest debtor nation.