cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ventricular Arrhythmias in the Absence of Structural Heart Disease

Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in structurally normal hearts can be broadly considered under non–life-threatening monomorphic and life-threatening polymorphic rhythms. Monomorphic VA is classified on the basis of site of origin in the heart, and the most common areas are the ventricular outflow tracts and left ventricular fascicles. The morphology of the QRS complexes on electrocardiogram is an excellent tool to identify the site of origin of the rhythm. Although these arrhythmias are common and generally carry an excellent prognosis, rare sudden death events have been reported. Very frequent ventricular ectopy may also result in a cardiomyopathy in a minority of patients. Suppression of VA may be achieved using calcium-channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, and class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs. Radiofrequency ablation has emerged as an excellent option to eliminate these arrhythmias, although certain foci including aortic cusps and epicardium may be technically challenging. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is rare and generally occurs in patients with genetic ion channel disorders including long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic VT, and short QT syndrome. Unlike monomorphic VT, these arrhythmic syndromes are associated with sudden death. While the cardiac gross morphology is normal, suggesting a structurally normal heart, abnormalities exist at the molecular level and predispose them to arrhythmias. Another fascinating area, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and early repolarization syndrome, are undergoing research for a genetic basis.
Phase Studies in the Binary System MgO–Ta2O5

The objective of this investigation was to determine subsolidus phase relations in the system MgO-- Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ and to obtain accurate crystallographic data on the compounds formed. MgO and Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ formed three compounds: 2/O/sub 6/. Mg/sub 4/Ta/sub 2/O/sub 9/ and MgTa/sub 2/O/sub 6/ appeared to be stable up to their melting points, whereas deg C. X-ray diffraction and density data are presented for the three compounds. (auth)
Willingness to use couples voluntary counseling and testing services among men who have sex with men in seven countries

The willingness of male-male dyads to use couples voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) has not been previously investigated globally among men who have sex with men (MSM). Using online advertisements, data were collected from 3245 MSM in seven countries who were ≥ 18 years of age and had ≥1 male sex partner in the previous 12 months. The analysis examined associations between individual characteristics and willingness to utilize CVCT. The willingness to utilize CVCT was compellingly high, ranging from 79% in Australia and UK to 90% in Brazil. Older MSM and those who reported not knowing their sero-status reported lower odds of willingness to use CVCT. The relationship between being in a relationship and willingness to use CVCT varied across countries, perhaps reflecting varied local understandings of the nature and content of CVCT. Further work is required to examine willingness to use CVCT among a more heterogeneous population of MSM, and to examine how CVCT services are locally perceived in order to provide information vital for the development of locally appropriate messages to promote CVCT for MSM.
Effect of surfactant Sb on In incorporation and thin film morphology of InGaN layers grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy

Abstract The effects of the surfactant Sb on InGaN grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) were studied. Eight samples of InGaN were grown with Sb concentrations ranging from 0% to 2.5%. Characterization was done by photoluminescence (PL) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). An abrupt change in PL emission peak energy and surface morphology occurred at a certain critical Sb concentration. Above and below this threshold concentration two distinct regimes of surface morphology and PL emission characteristics were observed. This effect was interpreted as due to a surfactant-induced change of surface phase on the InGaN films.
Spinodal Decomposition in the Linear Cahn‐Hilliard Model

This short contribution comments on parts of a series of two papers [2] and [3] on spinodal decomposition for the Cahn-Hilliard equation In a small neighborhood of a homogeneous equilibrium uo = μ of (1), with μ ϵ ℛ. in the spinodal region, we find that a strongly unstable manifold of uo has dominating effects. Although this is demonstrated here for the linearized equation only, it will be essential for the nonlinear situation as well (cf. [3]). Furthermore we comment on the notion of a characteristic wavelength for the strongly unstable directions. These patterns indeed correspond to typically observed spinodally decomposed states which arise for instance in materials sciences where u corresponds to the concentration of one of the components of a binary alloy (cf. [1] or the references in [2]). where Ω C ℛn, n ∈ {1,2,3}, is a bounded domain with sufficiently smooth boundary, 0 < ϵ <<1 is a small parameter, and f is cubic-like, for example f (u) = u - u3.
Amphetamine-induced changes in nigrostriatal terminal excitability are modified following repeated amphetamine pretreatment

Abstract To investigate neural mechanisms associated with behavioral sensitization to amphetamine, we studied the effect of an intrastriatal infusion of amphetamine on nigrostriatal axon terminal electrical excitability in rats following withdrawal from repeated systemic treatment. Rats were injected with amphetamine 2.5 mg/kg s.c. or saline daily for 4 days. Either 24 h or 14 days after the last injection, extracellular recordings were obtained from dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, in a blind design in which the experimenter did not know the pretreatment regime. In order to assess the electrical excitability of the nigrostriatal axonal field, neurons were activated antidromically by stimulating their terminal fields in the striatum. As previously reported, striatal infusion of amphetamine (1 μM/0.3 μl) in control animals resulted in a significant reduction in excitability as indicated by an increase in striatal stimulus current necessary to evoke antidromic activity. In contrast, intrastriatal amphetamine administration to amphetamine-pretreated animals did not decrease excitability. Spontaneous firing rates and patterns of cell discharge did not differ between saline and amphetamine-treated animals. The chronic amphetamine-induced change in the effect of an acute intrastriatal amphetamine infusion on nigrostriatal terminal excitability may be due to enduring alterations in the amphetamine-induced release of dopamine and other striatal neurotransmitters or to changes in the sensitivity of presynaptic hetero and/or autoreceptors on the dopaminergic axons.
Pioglitazone reduces monocyte activation in type 2 diabetes.

Inflammation is involved in the pathophysiologic process of atherosclerosis, a frequent complication of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of pioglitazone on systemic inflammatory markers and activation of circulating monocytes in type 2 diabetic patients through the dosage of IL-6. Twenty-four metformin-treated patients, in good glycemic control, were randomized to add pioglitazone for 8 weeks or to continue their previous treatment. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the study to evaluate: serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and leukocyte activation. IL-6 production of circulating monocytes after LPS stimulation was similar at baseline and showed a 54% reduction in pioglitazone-group at 8 weeks (9.1 pg/mL, range 0.0–24.3, P = 0.04 vs. baseline) while, in controls, did not change at 8 weeks (16.9 pg/mL, range 1.5–58.8). Treatment with pioglitazone, associated with metformin, showed a reduction of IL-6 monocyte production after their in vitro activation with LPS.
In vitro activity of E-1040, a novel cephalosporin with potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The in vitro activity of E-1040 [(6R,7R)-3-[(4-carbamoyl-1-quinuclidinio)methyl]-7-[2-(5-amino-1,2 ,4- thiadiazol-3-yl)-(Z)-2-methoxyiminoacetoamido]-8-oxo-5-thia- 1- azabicyclo(4,2,0)oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate], a novel cephalosporin, was compared with that of ceftazidime, cefpirome, cefepime, imipenem, and gentamicin. E-1040 inhibited 50% of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Haemophilus and Neisseria species at less than or equal to 0.25 microgram/ml, and the MIC for 90% of strains tested ranged from 0.06 to 2 micrograms/ml. It was two- to fourfold more active than ceftazidime and similar in activity to cefepime and cefpirome. It inhibited Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Serratia, and Morganella species that were resistant to ceftazidime. E-1040 inhibited imipenem-, piperacillin-, aztreonam-, and tobramycin-resistant P. aeruginosa. It was less active against Xanthomonas maltophilia and P. cepacia but inhibited other Pseudomonas species. The activity of E-1040 against staphylococci and hemolytic streptococci was similar to that of ceftazidime, but E-1040 was less active than cefepime and cefpirome. It did not inhibit Bacteroides spp. There was no inoculum effect or medium effect, and MBCs were within a dilution of MICs. Plasmid beta-lactamases TEM-1, TEM-2, TEM-3 (CTX-1), SHV-1, Staphylococcus aureus, PSE, and CARB did not hydrolyze E-1040. Chromosomal beta-lactamases P99 and K-1 did not hydrolyze E-1040; E-1040 had poor affinity for these enzymes, with a Ki of greater than 100 microM.
Reaction of gas phase OH with unsaturated self-assembled monolayers and relevance to atmospheric organic oxidations

The kinetics and mechanisms of the reaction of gas phase OH radicals with organics on surfaces are of fundamental chemical interest, as well as relevant to understanding the degradation of organics on tropospheric surfaces or when they are components of airborne particles. We report here studies of the oxidation of a terminal alkene self-assembled monolayer (7-octenyltrichlorosilane, C8 SAM) on a germanium attenuated total reflectance crystal by OH radicals at a concentration of 2.1 × 105 cm−3 at 1 atm total pressure and 298 K in air. Loss of the reactant SAM and the formation of surface products were followed in real time using infrared spectroscopy. From the rate of loss of the CC bond, a reaction probability within experimental error of unity was derived. The products formed on the surface include organic nitrates and carbonyl compounds, with yields of 10 ± 4% and ≤7 ± 4%, respectively, and there is evidence for the formation of organic products with C–O bonds such as alcohols, ethers and/or alkyl peroxides and possibly peroxynitrates. The yield of organic nitrates relative to carbonyl compounds is higher than expected based on analogous gas phase mechanisms, suggesting that the branching ratio for the RO2 + NO reaction is shifted to favor the formation of organic nitrates when the reaction occurs on a surface. Water uptake onto the surface was only slightly enhanced upon oxidation, suggesting that oxidation per se cannot be taken as a predictor of increased hydrophilicity of atmospheric organics. These experiments indicate that the mechanisms for the surface reactions are different from gas phase reactions, but the OH oxidation of surface species will still be a significant contributor to determining their lifetimes in air.
Balancing the Art and Technics of Teaching: Renewing the Profession

How can we better understand the essential nature of the crisis in education? The answer is the basis for the discussion here. The author believes today's emphasis by the professions on tech niques at the expense of goals and values is the heart of the problem.
Domain interplay concept in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders: A new strategy for high-throughput neurophenotyping research

Abstract Genetic and environmental factors play a key role in psychiatric disorders. While some disorders display exceptionally high heritability, others show gene × experience × personality interactions, contributing complexity to psychiatric phenotypes. As some brain disorders frequently overlap and co-occur (representing a continuum or spectrum of phenomena), modern psychiatry is shifting from “artificial” heterogeneity to the recognition of common elements in the pathogenesis of emotional, personality and behavioral disorders. Genetic animal models of these disorders represent an important direction of research, and are widely used to explore the role of different genes in brain mechanisms. Several concepts (such as endophenotypes, gene × environment interactions, and cross-species trait genetics) have been suggested for animal experimentation in this field. Here we develop a new concept based on targeting the complex interplay between different behavioral domains, meant to foster high-throughput phenotyping and integrative modeling of psychiatric disorders.
Resuscitation of amebae deprived of essential symbiotes: Micrurgical studies*

SYNOPSIS. The effect of depletion and restoration of obligatory bacterial endosymbiotes on Amoeba proteus strain xD was studied. Removal of the symbiotes by culturing the amebae at 26.5 C resulted in loss of viability of the host cells, indicating that this strain is dependent on its endosymbiotes for survival. Amebae depleted of bacteria could initially be resuscitated by injection of isolated symbiotes, but prolonged deprivation led to irreversible changes. Nuclei of aposymbiotic amebae were viable when transplanted into the cytoplasm of normal cells, but the symbiote-depleted cytoplasm of heat-treated amebae could not be resuscitated by renucleation. No immediate ultrastructural changes were detected in aposymbiotic amebae except for clumping of nucleoli. Thus it appears that the symbiote performs an essential function as a cytoplasmic constituent.
Short lag times for invasive tropical plants: evidence from experimental plantings in Hawai'i.

Background The lag time of an invasion is the delay between arrival of an introduced species and its successful spread in a new area. To date, most estimates of lag times for plants have been indirect or anecdotal, and these estimates suggest that plant invasions are often characterized by lag times of 50 years or more. No general estimates are available of lag times for tropical plant invasions. Historical plantings and documentation were used to directly estimate lag times for tropical plant invasions in Hawai'i. Methodology/Principal Findings Historical planting records for the Lyon Arboretum dating back to 1920 were examined to identify plants that have since become invasive pests in the Hawaiian Islands. Annual reports describing escape from plantings were then used to determine the lag times between initial plantings and earliest recorded spread of the successful invaders. Among 23 species that eventually became invasive pests, the average lag time between introduction and first evidence of spread was 14 years for woody plants and 5 years for herbaceous plants. Conclusions/Significance These direct estimates of lag times are as much as an order of magnitude shorter than previous, indirect estimates, which were mainly based on temperate plants. Tropical invaders may have much shorter lag times than temperate species. A lack of direct and deliberate observations may have also inflated many previous lag time estimates. Although there have been documented cases of long lag times due to delayed arrival of a mutualist or environmental changes over time, this study suggests that most successful invasions are likely to begin shortly after arrival of the plant in a suitable habitat, at least in tropical environments. Short lag times suggest that controlled field trials may be a practical element of risk assessment for plant introductions.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in childhood brainstem tumors

Five children with brainstem tumors and two control patients had magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of the brainstem. Two of the malignant tumor patients had magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies before and after radiation therapy. The third was irradiated 14 years earlier but developed new symptoms and a new brainstem lesion on MRI. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated a different degree of malignancy between the old and new lesion. The fourth patient had magnetic resonance spectroscopy of a chronic, large pontine lesion 6 years after diagnosis and radiation. The spectral pattern suggested a low degree of malignancy. The fifth patient had neurofibromatosis type 1 with brainstem lesions. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggested neoplastic tissue of low malignancy. These results suggest that magnetic resonance spectroscopy offers additional information for anticipating the degree of anaplasia in children with brainstem tumors.
In Search of Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusiveness: Communication Strategies Used in Rural HIV Prevention Campaigns Designed for African Americans

Recently, rates of HIV and AIDS are rapidly and disproportionately increasing among minority communities in the rural South. Culturally specific health communication about HIV and inclusion of minority voices in the administration and implementation of HIV programs have been found to be the most effective methods for prevention. The purpose of this discussion is to examine these health communication strategies in HIV prevention programs designed for African American communities in rural Alabama. Effective, culturally sensitive, and inclusive prevention efforts documented in health communication literature are identified, and the use of these efforts through a case study of rural Alabama's minority-focused HIV prevention programs is examined The research reveals that, although the state is making use of culturally tailored communication strategies, educators continue to encounter problems connecting with and involving target populations. Reasons for these problems and recommendations for changes are discussed.
Survival signaling mediated by c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinase in transformed B lymphoblasts

The c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) is implicated in the apoptotic response of cells exposed to stress, but the JNK signal transduction pathway may not act exclusively in apoptosis. In some studies of tumor cells, JNK has been implicated in signaling cell survival. The possibility that JNK might mediate a survival signal in tumor cells is consistent with the observation that it is activated in response to some oncogenes, such as the leukemogenic oncogene BCR-ABL, which is created by a reciprocal translocation between human chromosomes 9 and 22 (ref. 2). The BCR-ABL protein activates the JNK signaling pathway in hematopoietic cells and increases transcriptional activity mediated by the transcription factor AP1 (ref. 3). Also, inhibition of c-Jun or JNK prevents BCR-ABL-induced cell transformation in vitro. Although this implicates the JNK signaling pathway in transformation by BCR-ABL, the possible role of JNK in this process is unclear. We find that disruption of the JNK ortholog Mapk8 (also known as Jnk1) in mice causes defective transformation of pre-B cells by BCR-ABL in vitro and in vivo. The Jnk1 protein is required for the survival of the transformed cells in the absence of stromal support. Failure to survive is associated with decreased expression of Bcl2, and the effect of Jnk1 deficiency can be rescued by transgenic expression of Bcl2. Our results show that Jnk1 signals cell survival in transformed B lymphoblasts and suggest that it may contribute to the pathogenesis of some proliferative diseases.
The English Sabbath: A Study of Doctrine and Discipline from the Reformation to the Civil War

Acknowledgements Abbreviations 1. The case for a reappraisal 2. Medieval sabbatarianism and Reformation reaction 3. Early Elizabethan sabbatarianism: 1558-82 4. Late Elizabethan and Jacobean sabbatarianism: 1583-1617 5. The Book of Sports controversy: 1617-18 6. The 1620s: continued consensus 7. The sabbatarian controversy Epilogue Appendix Bibliography Index.
Comment on “Aggregation, Fragmentation, and the Nonlinear Dynamics of Electrorheological Fluids in Oscillatory Shear”

A Comes on the Letter by James E. Martin and Judy Odinek, Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 2827 (1995). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN URANIUM SALTS

Paramagnetic resonance has been observed in ${\mathrm{U}}^{+3}$ and ${\mathrm{U}}^{+4}$ ions in powdered samples of U${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ and U${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$, respectively. The resonance curve in U${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ was found to be asymmetric, with two unresolved peaks yielding ${g}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}\ensuremath{\approx}2.1$ and ${g}_{\mathrm{II}}\ensuremath{\approx}2.8$. The resonance is broad and weak; the over-all half-width is about 5 kilogauss at room temperature. The curve obtained for U${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ is symmetric and yields $g={2.1}_{5}$. Its half-width is about 3.5 kilo-gauss at room temperature. Although the resonance in U${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ appeared somewhat stronger at liquid air than at room temperature, that in U${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ could be detected only at room and at elevated temperatures. The results favor the interpretation that the two unpaired electrons in ${\mathrm{U}}^{+4}$ are $6d$ electrons, that the crystalline field in U${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ is essentially cubic, and that either the lowest component of the Stark multiplet is a nonmagnetic singlet or that the electrons have a high degree of antiferromagnetic alignment. The results on U${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ show that the crystalline field has an axially symmetric component.
Effects of age on muscarinic agonist-induced contraction and IP accumulation in airway smooth muscle

The effects of age on carbachol-stimulated force development and [3H]inositol phosphate production was studied in tracheal rings from guinea pigs aged 1 month and 25 months of age. The pD2 for the contractile response to carbachol was significantly reduced in tracheal tissues from old animals as compared to that of the young tissues (6.49 +/- 0.04, 7.09 +/- 0.04, n = 12), respectively. In contrast, inositol phosphate formation was not altered with increasing age when stimulated by carbachol or NaF, a direct activator of G proteins. Carbachol-induced inositol phosphate accumulation was inhibited by treatment with 1 micrograms/ml pertussis toxin, suggesting that IP1 accumulation is coupled to a pertussis-toxin-sensitive protein. The pD2 values for contraction (7.09 +/- 0.09, 6.49 +/- 0.04) were significantly different from the pD2 values for IP1 accumulation (4.72 +/- 0.14, 5.10 +/- 0.18) in both young and old tissues, respectively. These data suggest that IP1 accumulation is not responsible for the decreased contractile ability in tracheal smooth muscle during aging.
Heat pump harmonic evaluation

Abstract This paper analyzes the characteristics of harmonics produced by variable-speed electric heat pumps. Tests were performed to produce the worst-case harmonics, to determine the relationship between percent distortion and load, and to measure the propagation effects of harmonics and the filtering effects on harmonics by the lines and transformers.
Bank failures as Poisson variates

Abstract The elasticity of bank failures with respect to a set of explanatory variables is estimated using a maximum-likelihood Poisson estimator. The resulting estimates are compared with their OLS counterparts.
Massive intracardiac thrombosis during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Thrombosis is a potential life-threatening complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Various clinical and heritable conditions, like cancer, trauma, immobilization, the presence of factor V Leiden or prothrombin 20210A, deficiency of or resistance to the inhibitor proteins C, S, or antithrombin, elevated levels of coagulation proteins, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, pregnancy, and the use of exogenous hormones, may contribute to catastrophic thrombosis. Massive thrombi with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events develop in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). However, thrombus formation in the cardiac chambers is extremely rare. We report a case of massive intracardiac thrombosis in a patient undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
The effect of smoking on bariatric surgical outcomes

Bariatric surgery is an effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity. Although smoking is known to increase postoperative complications, the independent effect of smoking on bariatric surgical outcomes is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of smoking on bariatric surgical outcomes using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Bariatric patients from 2005 to 2010 were identified in NSQIP for all types of bariatric procedures except adjustable gastric banding. Pre-treatment variables’ univariate associations with smoking were examined with chi-square and t tests. Association of smoking with outcomes, corrected for relevant covariates, was tested with logistic regression within laparoscopic and open treatment groups. A total of 41,445 patients underwent bariatric surgery (35,696 laparoscopic; 5,749 open). After controlling for covariates, smoking significantly increased the risk of organ space infection, prolonged intubation, reintubation, pneumonia, sepsis, shock, and longer length of stay in all patients undergoing bariatric surgery. In the open bariatric surgery subgroup, smoking was associated with a significantly higher incidence of organ space infection, prolonged intubation, pneumonia, and length of stay. In the laparoscopic surgery subgroup, smokers had a significantly increased incidence of prolonged intubation, reintubation, sepsis, shock, and length of stay. Smoking did not significantly increase the risk of mortality for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. These data suggest that smoking is a modifiable preoperative risk factor that significantly increases the incidence of postoperative morbidity but not mortality in both laparoscopic and open bariatric surgery. Smoking cessation may minimize the risk of adverse outcomes. Future investigation is needed to identify the optimal length of preoperative smoking cessation.
Writing Muslim identity

, by Geoffrey Nash, London, Continuum, 2012, 160 pp., £19.99, ISBN 978 1 4411 3666 4 Writing Muslim Identity explores post-1980 British and North American writing on Islam, highlighting how a diasp...
Proton induced X-ray emission of spherical particles: Corrections for X-ray attenuation

Abstract The intensity of X-rays from PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission) analysis of particulate matter may be reduced relative to that expected from thin samples because of two effects: reduced X-ray cross sections due to proton energy loss, and X-ray attenuation. An equation has been derived for the correction of reduced X-ray intensities emitted from spherical particles. An arbitrary but homogeneous particle composition is assumed. A single particle size or a particle size distribution may be selected. The angle of X-ray detection relative to the incident beam may also be selected. Calculations for X-ray emission lines from sodium to tin have been made for several particle compositions, several radius values and a particle size distribution. It was surprising to find that attenuation corrections were independent of detection angle for all emission lines and particle sizes studied.
Interleukin-1 beta mediates both myocardial post-ischemic dysfunction and acute preconditioning by lipopolysaccharide

Abstract Introduction: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury produces proinflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) that are associated with post-ischemic dysfunction. Delayed, but not acute, preconditioning against I/R has been demonstrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which by itself induces a proinflammatory state. We hypothesized that IL-1 mediates functional I/R injury in the myocardium and that LPS can promote acute preconditioning through a pathway requiring IL-1. Methods: Wild-type (WT) and IL-1 deficient (KO) mouse hearts were perfused by the Langendorff technique and received either 1 mcg/cc LPS (WT/LPS, KO/LPS) or carrier (WT/C, KO/C) for 30 min followed by 20 min ischemia and 60 min reperfusion. Recovery of the baseline left ventricular developed pressure (rLVDP) at the end of reperfusion was compared. Tissue IL-1 was measured after I/R by ELISA. Results: In carrier-treated hearts, IL-1 knockouts (KO/C) had higher rLVDP compared to WT/C (mean 44% vs. 27%, p Conclusions: LPS induces acute myocardial preconditioning by a mechanism requiring IL-1. In hearts not preconditioned by LPS, however, IL-1 aggravates post-ischemic dysfunction.
Doppler evaluation of changing cardiac dynamics during Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

For the purpose of elucidating the mechanisms and/or effects of the cardiovascular changes occurring during Cheyne-Stokes respiration, we utilized Doppler echocardiography to determine intracardiac flow velocity profiles during the changing phases. Left ventricular inflow (LVI) and outflow (LVO) were examined in ten patients, nine with heart failure and one with a cerebrovascular accident. The mean LVI, peak early (E) and late diastolic (A) and LVO velocities were measured at the end of both the hyperpneic and apneic phases. The phasic hemodynamic changes observed during Cheyne-Stokes respiration by Doppler profile could be explained by the development of LV diastolic dysfunction and a decrease in LV stroke volume during the apneic phase of Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Alternatively, an increase in Pco 2 during the apneic phase may increase pulmonary vascular resistance lowering preload and stroke volume, whereas during the hyperpneic phase, pulmonary vascular resistance is reduced with resultant increase in left ventricular preload and increase in stroke volume. Both theories are speculative and the precise hemodynamic changes. associated with Cheyne-Stokes respiration requires further investigation.
Simulation tests of a lidar-based spacecraft pose determination algorithm

The autonomous close-in maneuvering necessary for the rendezvous and docking of two spacecraft requires a relative navigation sensor system that can determine the relative position and orientation (pose) of the controlled spacecraft with respect to the target spacecraft. Lidar imaging systems offer the potential for accurately measuring the relative six degree-of-freedom positions and orientations and the associated rates. In this paper, we present simulation results generated using a high fidelity modeling program. A simulated lidar system is used to capture close-proximity range images of a model target spacecraft, producing 3-D point cloud data. The sequentially gathered point-clouds are compared with the previous point-cloud using a real-time point-plane correspondence-less variant of the Iterative Closest Points (ICP) algorithm. The resulting range and pose estimates are used in turn to prime the next time-step iteration of the ICP algorithm. Results from detailed point-plane simulations and will be presented. The implications for real-time implementation are discussed.
On optimal order in modeling sequence of letters in words of common language as a Markov chain

Abstract In recognition of words of a language such as English, the letter sequences of the words are often modeled as Markov chains. In this paper the problem of determining the optimal order of such Markov chains is addressed using Tong's minimum Akaike information criterion estimate (MAICE) approach and Hoel's likelihood ratio statistic based hypothesis-testing approach. Simulation results show that the sequence of letters in English words is more likely to be a second order Markov chain than a first order one.
The study of UCAV layered variable structure flight control arithmetic

To solve the question that the UCAV independent flight, a kind of layered fight control arithmetic, based on discrete variable structure control, is brought out. The arithmetic uses a kind of guidance law bring the contrail which should be flight. The guidance law is based on variable structure control and restrict by enter angle. And then make discrete mode on airplane and trace point, compute the control element of flight control. The arithmetic has realized the UCAV independent flight. The simulation results show that the discrete layered variable structure flight control arithmetic meet the tactical guide line of UCAV.
How Does Vibrational Energy Flow Fill the Molecular State Space

The experimental and theoretical evidence suggests that vibrational wave functions at high energy or in large molecules are not mixed to the maximum extent possible. One consequence is that average...
A Model for Assessing the Impact of Combat-Related Deployments on U.S. Army Spouses

Cognitive appraisal and coping theory were used to examine parental stress, family stress, and personal stress among wives of deployed soldiers. A random sample of wives of U.S. Army personnel deployed to Iraq provided evidence that length of deployment, rank of deployed soldier, and number of previous deployments, impacted these wives during deployments. Results suggest that rank of deployed soldiers and number of deployments influenced the spouse's perception of family stress; whereas rank and length of the deployment influenced her experience of parental stress. All three factors served as indicators of the personal stress experienced during deployments by these wives.
In Search of the Best Clock — an Update

Because of the increased need for better clock performance than is currently available, this paper addresses some fundamental questions regarding clock metrology. Heretofore, most work has focussed on improving the clocks to meet the increased need. Though this is fundamental, we will show that significant gains are also available through the algorithms (computational methods for optimally combining the information) which process the readings of the clocks and through international comparisons now available via satellite. Proper algorithms for processing seem to be more important than the proportionate attention generally given them. In fact, to date, the only way we have been able to investigate some of the outstanding time predictability in long-term of the millisecond pulsar, PSR 1937+21, is by using such optimization algorithms.
FOXL2 and SOX9 Distinguish the Lineage of the Sex Cord–Stromal Cells in Gonadoblastomas:

Gonadoblastomas are mixed germ cell sex cord-stromal tumors that arise in dysgenetic gonads and are composed of immature germ cells and sex cord-stromal cells of indeterminate differentiation. FOXL2 is one of the first genes expressed in female gonad development, and it is required for proper granulosa cell differentiation during folliculogenesis. SOX9 , a downstream target of SRY , the gene in the Y chromosomal sex-determining region, is required for testicular development and for the formation and maintenance of (pre-)Sertoli cells. This study characterized the sex cord-stromal cells of gonadoblastoma by evaluating the expression of these counteracting transcription factors. Archival paraffin-embedded material of 7 gonadoblastomas, 5 of which were overgrown by dysgerminoma, was examined by immunohistochemistry for expression and localization of FOXL2 and SOX9. The sex cord-stromal cells revealed strong nuclear staining for FOXL2 and were negative for SOX9 expression. Germ cells in the gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma components showed no FOXL2 and SOX9 expression. Areas of transition between gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma revealed nests with a gradual reduction of FOXL2 expression. Our results support the hypothesis that the sex cord-stromal cell component of gonadoblastomas is of granulosa cell origin. In addition, FOXL2 appears to be a useful marker for the evaluation of overgrowth by dysgerminomas and for the identification of the transition zone of "dysgerminoma in situ." As FOXL2 and SOX9 are differentially expressed, they also should be useful for distinguishing gonadoblastomas from intratubular germ cell neoplasias and can help to differentiate those with a Sertoli cell component from gonadoblastoma with a granulosa cell component.
Role of PACS-1 in Trafficking of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B and Virus Production

The final envelopment of herpesviruses during assembly of new virions is thought to occur by the budding of core viral particles into a late secretory pathway organelle, the trans-Golgi network (TGN), or an associated endosomal compartment. Several herpesvirus envelope glycoproteins have been previously shown to localize to the TGN when expressed independently from other viral proteins. In at least some cases this TGN localization has been shown to be dependent on clusters of acidic residues within their cytoplasmic domains. Similar acidic cluster motifs are found in endogenous membrane proteins that also localize to the TGN. These acidic cluster motifs interact with PACS-1, a connector protein that is required for the trafficking of proteins containing such motifs from endosomes to the TGN. We show here that PACS-1 interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of the HCMV envelope glycoprotein B (gB) and that PACS-1 function is required for normal TGN localization of HCMV gB. Furthermore, inhibition of PACS-1 activity in infected cells leads to a decrease in HCMV titer, whereas an increase in expression of functional PACS-1 leads to an increase in HCMV titer, suggesting that PACS-1 is required for efficient production of HCMV.
One thousand points of light seeking a number: A case study of CBO's search for a discount rate policy

Abstract Several years ago, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published several studies in quick succession each of which employed a discount rate to convert future values into present ones. Each study used a different discount rate. No rationale was given for the choices, and it did not seem sensible to let dealer's choice be the regime for CBO “discount rate policy”. This paper describes how CBO established a provisional policy, how that policy confronted subsequent demands for analysis, and where we now stand.
Carbon nanotubes increase the electrical conductivity of fibroblast-seeded collagen hydrogels.

Abstract Carbon nanotubes are attractive as additives in fiber-reinforced composites due to their high aspect ratio, strength and electrical conductivity. In the present study, solubilized collagen Type I was polymerized in the presence of dispersed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF) to produce collagen–SWNT composite biomaterials with HDF embedded directly in the matrix. The resulting constructs, with SWNT loadings of 0 (control), 0.8, 2.0 and 4.0 wt.% SWNT, were cultured and electrical properties were evaluated in the frequency range 5–500 kHz at days 3 and 7. All collagen–SWNT hydrogel matrices underwent HDF-mediated gel compaction over time in culture, but the presence of SWNT significantly decreased the rate and extent of gel compaction. Viability of HDF in all constructs was consistently high and cell morphology was not affected by the presence of SWNT. However, cell number at day 7 in culture decreased with increasing SWNT loading. Electrical conductivity of the constructs varied from 3 to 7 mS cm −1 , depending on SWNT loading level. Conductivity increased uniformly with increasing wt.% of SWNT ( R = 0.78) and showed a modest frequency dependence, suggesting that the electrical percolation threshold had not been reached in these materials. These data demonstrate that the electrical conductivity of cell-seeded collagen gels can be increased through the incorporation of carbon nanotubes. Protein–SWNT composite materials may have application as scaffolds for tissue engineering, as substrates to study electrical stimulation of cells, and as transducers or leads for biosensors.
Upper and Lower Bounds on the Number of Faults a System Can Withstand Without Repairs

We consider the following scheduling problem. A system is composed of n processors drawn from a pool of N. The processors can become faulty while in operation and faulty processors never recover. A report is issued whenever a fault occurs. This report states only the existence of a fault, but does not indicate its location. Based on this report, the scheduler can reconfigure the system and choose another set of n processors. The system operates satisfactorily as long as at mostf of the n selected processors are faulty. We exhibit a scheduling strategy allowing the system to operate satisfactorily until approximately (N/n) f faults are reported in the worst case. Our precise bound is tight.
Satellite-PCS channel simulation in mobile user environments using photogrammetry and Markov chains

In this paper, we present a system that models the land-mobile satellite communication channel with a Markov chain approach supported by images of the mobile Earth station's (MES) environment. Our method employs a video camera with a fish-eye lens capturing image sequences of the user environment from the position of the moving MES, image and signal processing algorithms to recognize propagation path states and extract their duration and transition probabilities, and modeling of the communication channel characteristics using the theory of Markov stochastic processes combined with statistical fade distributions appropriate for given path states. The results demonstrate that the procedure provides a full statistical characterization of the narrow-band land-mobile satellite propagation channel in several environments.
A magnetically controllable valve to vary the resistance of hydraulic dampers for exercise machines

While the majority of exercise machines use weights, springs or spinning fans to generate motion resistance, a large number of machines also utilize linear fluid damping. Similar to a shock absorber, linear dampers are compact, extremely reliable, and produce "double positive" resistance (resistance to both directions of motion). However, they are difficult to adjust for higher or lower resistance. This paper illustrates a mechanism to vary the resistance of a linear damper, and illustrates with experimental data certain properties of the damper
The impact of trade in services on factor incomes : results from a global simulation Model

Indian gross domestic product per capita increased rapidly between 2001 and 2006 in a climate of increasing services trade, with the export-oriented services sector responsible for rising shares of growth in gross domestic product. Due to its contribution to aggregate economic growth, there is a great need for empirical examination of the distributional consequences of this growth, especially in light of the challenges in obtaining theoretical solutions that can be generalized. This paper fills this gap in the literature by using a global simulation model to examine how sensitive factor incomes across different industries may have been to the historical changes in India's services exports and imports, and provides insight on the distribution of the national income growth attributable to the expansion of the services industry. Rent on capital in the service sector and wages of all workers would have increased as a result of greater services trade in this period, while income from capital specific to agriculture and manufacturing would have declined. The factors involved with the urban-based services sector may thus benefit from the services trade growth, while the total factor income involved in rural agriculture may decline.
A Robust AlGaN/GaN HEMT Technology for RF Switching Applications

The authors report results suggesting that GaN HEMTs developed for RF switching applications do not suffer from an inverse piezo effect related reliability failure mechanism. A critical voltage was not observed prior to breakdown voltage, suggesting a robust GaN HEMT technology well suited for RF switching applications.
Functional analysis of the Rubisco large subunit ÂN-methyltransferase promoter from tobacco and its regulation by light in soybean hairy roots

The ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/ oxygenase (Rubisco) large subunit (LS) ɛ N-methyltransferase (Rubisco LSMT) catalyzes post-translational methylation of the ɛ-amino group of lysine-14 in the LS of Rubisco. The entire nucleotide sequence for the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Rubisco LSMT (rbcMT-T) gene including the putative promoter region was recently reported, and sequence analysis of the promoter region revealed seven GT-1 motifs. The ability of several truncated rbcMT-T promoter fragments to confer light responsiveness to reporter gene expression in transgenic soybean (Glycine max) hairy roots was examined. Chimeric constructs consisting of the rbcMT-T promoter fused to a bacterial β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and transferred to soybean via Agrobacterium rhizogenes were evaluated. The rbcMT-T promoter fragments conferred expression of the reporter gene in transgenic hairy roots, callus, and cell suspension cultures based on histochemical and fluorometric GUS analyses. The results suggest a quantitative role for the number of GT-1 motifs in determining differential expression between light and dark conditions.
Impact of patient cost sharing on medication adherence among asthmatic patients on dual-controller therapy

Introduction Asthmatic patients are at risk for poor medication adherence when cost sharing keeps patients from accessing required controller medications. The risk for poor medication adherence would be even higher when asthmatic patients are in need of multiple controller drugs. This study aimed to quantify the effect of cost-sharing levels on medication adherence among asthmatic patients in the USA who were initiated on dual-controller therapies. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort study. Using a large administrative commercial claims and encounters dataset (MarketScan), patients who were initiated on dual-controller therapy (inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-2-agonist or inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonist) during 1 July 2000 and 30 June 2001 were identified from pharmacy claims. For asthmatic patients aged 6–65 years, medication adherence (i.e., medication possession ratio) was measured in a 1-year follow-up period. Patients' average out-of-pocket expenses were determined for a month's supply and then stratified into the following four categories: US$0–15, US$16–30, US$31–45 and >US$45. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) for medication adherence. Results Altogether, 1447 patients met the study criteria. Of these patients, 898 (62.1%) were initiated on inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-2-agonist, and 549 (37.9%) were initiated on inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonist. The study showed significant association of cost-sharing levels and poor medication adherence. Compared with patients on US$0–15 cost-sharing level, patients on US$16–30 (OR = 0.449, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.312–0.616), US$31–45 (OR = 0.246, 95% CI = 0.168–0.358) and US$46 or higher (OR = 0.131, 95% CI = 0.084–0.206) levels all had lower odds of acceptable medication adherence. Conclusions Cost sharing was associated with poor medication adherence among asthmatic patients who needed dual controllers. Healthcare providers and payers should take caution when asthmatic patients face increased levels of cost sharing to fill prescription for dual controllers.