cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term Outcomes Following Development of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation During Sepsis

BACKGROUND New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with adverse outcomes during a sepsis hospitalization; however, long-term outcomes following hospitalization with sepsis-associated new-onset AF are unclear. METHODS We used a Medicare 5% sample to identify patients who survived hospitalization with sepsis between 1999 and 2010. AF status was defined as no AF, prior AF, or new-onset AF based on AF claims during and prior to a sepsis hospitalization. We used competing risk models to determine 5-year risks of AF occurrence, heart failure, ischemic stroke, and mortality after the sepsis hospitalization, according to AF status during the sepsis admission. RESULTS We identified 138,722 sepsis survivors, of whom 95,536 (69%) had no AF during sepsis, 33,646 (24%) had prior AF, and 9,540 (7%) had new-onset AF during sepsis. AF occurrence following sepsis hospitalization was more common among patients with new-onset AF during sepsis (54.9%) than in patients with no AF during sepsis (15.5%). Compared with patients with no AF during sepsis, those with new-onset AF during sepsis had greater 5-year risks of hospitalization for heart failure (11.2% vs 8.2%; multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16-1.34), ischemic stroke (5.3% vs 4.7%; HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10-1.36), and death (74.8% vs 72.1%; HR, 1.04; 95% CI,1.01-1.07). CONCLUSIONS Most sepsis survivors with new-onset AF during sepsis have AF occur after discharge from the sepsis hospitalization and have increased long-term risks of heart failure, ischemic stroke, and death. Our findings may have implications for posthospitalization surveillance of patients with new-onset AF during a sepsis hospitalization.
Three-Class Association Schemes on Galois Rings in Characteristic 4

Small feasible parameters for ``nontrivial'' symmetric three-class association schemes were listed in a paper of van Dam. This work addresses the question of existence for three-class association schemes on 4n vertices. Several families of three-class symmetric schemes are constructed in association schemes of Galois rings of characteristic 4.
New Prospects for Antifungal Chemotherapy

New advances have been made in the serodiagnosis and chemotherapy of fungal diseases and interest in these subjects is currently at peak level. However, the escalating incidence of opportunistic fungal infections, in patients who are debilitated, receiving immunosuppressive therapy, and those who are being treated aggressively for other dis-eases, dictate that improved procedures be developed for the rapid presumptive serologic diagnosis of these diseases along with better antifungal strategies to manage them. This need will continue to increase as a result of the growing number of individuals who are becoming afflicted with the human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS).Traditional serologic procedures based on detection of antibody are frequently misleading as a result of the changing patterns of disease in the susceptible population and tests that detect antigen have been helpful in identifying some cases, but problems still exist. The technic of DNA hybridization and polymerase chain reaction provide newer approaches worthy of exploitation.In parallel with the growing incidence of life-threatening fungal infections and efforts to devise tests that rapidly diagnose and monitor them has been the need for and development of new antifungal agents, elucidation of their mechanisms of action, and novel strategies for their delivery. While many improvements have been made there is still problems with toxicity, specificity of action, and efficacy. Research focused on detailing the molecular biology of fungal pathogens provides an alternative strategy for drug development.
The microstructure of Mg–4Zn–2Al–0.5Ca aged alloy ☆

Abstract In this study, we investigated the microstructure of a new Mg–4Zn–2Al–0.5Ca aged alloy with TEM and HRTEM. The age hardening process of Mg–4Zn–2Al–0.5Ca alloy aged at 120 °C or 160 °C follows a similar pattern: a period of fluctuation of hardness present before the alloy reaches its maximum hardness. The atomic arrangement is different in different areas of the microstructure possibly due to the difference of the segregated degree of the solute atoms in the alloy. The microstructure of alloy aged at 120 °C for 230 h consists of cellular textures, ordered zone, elongated precipitates and disc-like precipitates, while the microstructure of the alloy aged at 160 °C for 32 h consists of edge dislocations, ordered zones and moire fringe. No MgZn precipitates are found in the peak aged microstructures of alloys aged at 120 °C and 160 °C. It is reasonable to believe that Ca is a particularly effective trace addition in improving the thermal stability of precipitation in Mg–4Zn–2Al alloy aged at 120 °C and 160 °C.
Antimonide superlattice barrier infrared detectors

Unipolar barriers can block one carrier type but allow the un-impeded flow of the other. They can be used to implement the barrier infra-red detector (BIRD) design for increasing the collection efficiency of photo-generated carriers, and reducing dark current generation without impeding photocurrent flow. In particular, the InAs/GaSb/AlSb material system, which can be epitaxially grown on GaSb or InAs substrates, is well suited for implementing BIRD structures, as there is considerable flexibility in forming a variety of alloys and superlattices, and tailoring band offsets. We describe our efforts to achieve high-performance long wavelength InAs/GaSb superlattice infrared photodetectors based on the BIRD architecture. Specifically, we report a 10 μm cutoff device based on a complementary barrier infrared detector (CBIRD) design. The detector, without anti-reflection coating, exhibits a responsivity of 1.5 A/W and a dark current density of 1×10-5 A/cm2 at 77K under 0.2 V bias. It reaches 300 K background limited infrared photodetection (BLIP) operation at 101 K, with a black-body BLIP D* value of 2.6×1010 cm-Hz1/2/W for 2π field of view under 0.2 V bias.
Effects of neonatally administered monosodium glutamate on the sexually dimorphic profiles of circulating growth hormone regulating murine hepatic monooxygenases

Abstract Neonatal male and female mice were treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG) at either 2.0 or 4.0 mg/g body weight on alternate days during the first 9 days of life. As adults, mice were catheterized to obtain unstressed, serial blood samples for the determination of ultradian profiles of circulating growth hormone. In addition, monooxygenase levels (i.e. steroi d hydroxylasesand drug-metabolizing enzymes) were measured in hepatic microsomes. Generally, both doses of MSG produced the same developmental defects. Mice neonatally exposed to the amino acid developed a syndrome characterized by retarded growth, obesity and reduced organ weights. While vehicle-treated mice secreted growth hormone in sexually dimorphic patternss defined by pulse frequency (i.e. F>M), hormone concentrations in plasma samples obtained during 8 continuous hr of serial blood collections from both male and female MSG-treated mice were barely detectable at best, and exhibited no pulsatility. Approximately 15% of the measured monooxygenases were male-predominant, 35% were female-predominant and 50% had no sex differences. The enhanced expression of the hepatic monooxygenases in response to MSG-induced depletion of plasma growth hormone indicates that the hormone basically functions as a suppressor of the murine enzyme system.
Placement of the Small-Carrion penile prosthesis to enable maintenance of an exdwelling condom catheter

Four patients in our Medical Center underwent placement of a Small-Carrion penie prosthesis for the primary purpose of maintaining an exdwelling condom catheter. The major benefits of being able to carry on daily activities, while maintaining satisfactory perineal hygiene, without the need for an indwelling Foley catheter is a most significant factor in the consideration of prosthetic surgery.
Phase changes induced by deformation in isothermal elastic crystals

Abstract A F inite-difference computer program is used to investigate equilibrium boundary value problems involving permanent elastic deformations in plane strain. The hypothetical materials studied have strain energy density functions possessing multiple local minima. These minima represent the stress-free conditions of the separate phases. Metastable phases are predicted, and the influence of the relative stability of the phases on the equilibrium configurations is demonstrated. The numerical solutions show phenomena similar to martensitic transformation and twinning.
Interpersonal influences and educational aspirations in 12 countries: The importance of institutional context

Research in the United States has found that peers and parents play an important role in shaping students' educational aspirations. Little research has examined the extent to which these findings apply in other countries or whether the role of significant others varies according to the organization of national educational systems. This article examines the effects of peers' and parents' attitudes regarding academic performance on students' educational aspirations in 12 countries. The results indicate that peers and parents influence educational aspirations in countries with relatively undifferentiated secondary schooling, like the United States, while the influence of significant others is negligible in societies with more differentiated secondary education. In these latter systems, it appears that aspirations are largely determined by the type of school the student attends; there is little room for interpersonal effects. The effects of significant others on students' aspirations depend, in large part, on the structural features of the educational systems in which they operate
Targeted immunotherapy trials for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of muscle diseases with complex immunopathogenesis that varies between disease subgroups, and possibly between patients within the same subgroup. There exists no universal consensus on optimum management, so that no “standard” therapy has been developed. Treatment-refractive IIM remains a clinical challenge. Progress in the development and application of molecular biology techniques and biological therapeutics are evolving into a new scientific frontier in the management of autoimmune diseases. This review offers an update on those components of the humoral and cellular immunity deemed potential targets for biological therapeutics (monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins) that have been approved by the US FDA for treatment of immunological disorders. A futuristic approach is envisioned in which each individual will receive targeted therapy tailored to patient-specific immune mechanisms. Risk–benefit and cost analyses should determine whether such targeted therapy is appropriate and feasible for refractive and/or newly diagnosed disease.
Interpreting Estimated Environmental Kuznets Curves for Greenhouse Gases

This article examines the question of how to interpret a relationship between income and carbon emissions in a country (the environmental kuznets curve [EKC] for carbon). A very simple and graphical structural model of an EKC is developed, and the problems of applying the concept to carbon are discussed. A major issue is the weak link between demand to avoid damage from climate change and regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions at the country level. The article goes on to interpret three recent papers in this journal in the context of this structural model.
Boulder Damage Symposium annual thin-film laser damage competition

Optical instruments and laser systems are often fluence-limited by multilayer thin films deposited on the optical surfaces. When comparing publications within the laser damage literature, there can be confusing and conflicting laser damage results. This is due to differences in testing protocols between research groups studying very different applications. In this series of competitions, samples from multiple vendors are compared under identical testing parameters and a single testing service. Unlike a typical study where a hypothesis is tested within a well-controlled experiment with isolated variables, this competition isolates the laser damage testing variables so that trends can be observed between different deposition processes, coating materials, cleaning techniques, and multiple coating suppliers. This series of damage competitions has also been designed to observe general trends of damage morphologies and mechanisms over a wide range of coating types (high reflector and antireflector), wavelengths (193 to 1064 nm), and pulse lengths (180 fs to 13 ns). For each of the competitions, a double blind test assured sample and submitter anonymity so only a summary of the deposition process, coating materials, layer count and spectral results are presented. In summary, laser resistance was strongly affected by substrate cleaning, coating deposition method, and coating material selection whereas layer count and spectral properties had minimal impact.
The ultrastructure of neuromuscular and neural-neural relationships in in vitro maintained Dirofilaria Immitis

Abstract Relationships of neuromuscular junctions of the somatic musculature and associated neural-neural synapses in the ventral nerve trunk of the canine adult heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The heartworms were maintained in vitro prior to study. Nerve fibres in the trunk were highly invaginated into the cytoplasm of hypodermal cells and connected through the intercellular spaces via mesaxons. The nerve fibres contained neurotubules, neurofilaments and ribosomes. The nerve trunk and the muscle arms were separated by an epineurium averaging 250 nm in width. At the junctional site, a marked reduction in width of the epineurium was noted at the synaptic cleft. Often when two adjacent nerve fibres had adjacent neuromuscular junctions, an axo-axonal synapse and common mesaxon between the adjacent fibres were present. Varicosities were evident on some cross-sections through nerve fibres and ranged from a simple outward swelling against the muscle arm mass to exaggerated outgrowths measuring several micrometers in length.
Allograft Survival: Effect of Antiserums to Thymus Glands and Lymphocytes

Although antiserums to lymphocytes and thymus cells have similar effects on lymphocytes and thymocytes in vitro, the antiserum to thymus has more persistent lymphopenic effect in vivo and prolongs allograft survival time more markedly. Since only thymus glands of animals treated with antiserum to thymus showed depletion of small lymphocytes, antibody to thymic humoral factor may be operational.
A Lifecycle-Cost Model for Set-based Concept Testing

This article presents a lifecycle-cost model for set-based concept testing. The proposed model calculates the optimum number of concepts to be prototyped before committing to a single concept and developing detail design. In the proposed model, a product lifecycle is divided into four stages (marketing, concept generation, concept testing, and design and manufacturing) and a product lifecycle cost is expressed as a sum of costs of these stages. Based on modeling assumptions in this article, the expected lifecycle cost is described by the number of concepts to be prototyped, costs of lifecycle stages, and engineers’ experiences. The optimum number of prototypes to be prototyped, which is a function of parameters describing the costs of lifecycle stages and engineers’ experiences, is obtained by minimizing the expected lifecycle cost.
The role of cysteine oxidation in DJ-1 function and dysfunction.

Abstract DJ-1 is a member of the large and functionally diverse DJ-1/PfpI superfamily and has homologs in nearly all organisms. Because of its connection to parkinsonism and cancer, human DJ-1 has been intensely studied for over a decade. The current view is that DJ-1 is a multifunctional oxidative stress response protein that defends cells against reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial damage, although the details of its biochemical function remain unclear. A conserved cysteine residue in DJ-1 (Cys106) is both functionally essential and subject to oxidation to the cysteine-sulfinate and cysteine-sulfonate. Consequently, the oxidative modification of Cys106 has been proposed to allow DJ-1 to act as a sensor of cellular redox homeostasis and to participate in cytoprotective signaling pathways in the cell. This review explores the current evidence for the role of cysteine oxidation in DJ-1 function, with emphasis on emerging models for how oxidative modification may regulate DJ-1's protective function an...
TOTAL CROSS SECTION OF HELIUM FOR FAST NEUTRONS

The total neutron cross section of helium has been determined at energies from 40 kev to 4.9 Mev by comparison of the transmission of neutrons through a helium-filled cylinder with the transmission through an identical empty cylinder. The observed cross section increases smoothly from 0.8 barn at 40 kev to 6.7 barns at 1.15 Mev, and then decreases smoothly to 2.3 barns at 4.9 Mev. No splitting of the peak at 1.15 Mev was observed.
Beliefs and Attitudes in a Gubernatorial Primary: Some Limitations on the Fishbein Model1

In order to investigate hypothesized limitations on a portion of the Fishbein expectancy-value model, a three wave panel survey was conducted during the 1978 Texas Democratic gubernatorial primary. The survey elicited respondents' beliefs about the candidates, attitudes toward the candidates, and commitment to the candidates. Analyses revealed that the correlations between evaluative beliefs about candidates (Σeibi) and global attitudes toward them (Ao) were affected to varying degrees by three factors extraneous to Fishbein's model. There was evidence that belief-attitude correspondence was affected by (1) respondent education and income, (2) degree of commitment to the candidates, and (3) familiarity with the candidates (salience).
Regulation of murine MHC class II molecule expression. Identification of A beta residues responsible for allele-specific cell surface expression.

A panel of mutant class II genes have been constructed using site-directed mutagenesis and DNA-mediated gene transfer. Using this technique, Ak beta polypeptides have been altered by substituting one or more Ad beta-specific residues at polymorphic positions in the beta 1 domain. Transfection of M12.C3 B lymphoma cells with most mutant Ak beta* genes results in the expression of Ak beta* Ad alpha molecules on the cell surface. However, the substitution of a single d allele residue at position 78 or 86 in the Ak beta polypeptide results in either the complete absence or very low levels, respectively, of cell surface expression of the Ak beta* Ad alpha molecule, but does not alter Ak beta* Ak alpha expression. The T.86 Ak beta* Ad alpha is expressed primarily in an intracellular compartment while the T.78 Ak beta* molecule does not appear to be produced. The core-glycosylated T.78 Ak beta* polypeptide does, however, form a complex intracellularly with the core-glycosylated Ii polypeptide. Substitution of the combination of d allele residues at Ak beta polymorphic positions 9, 12, 13, 14, and 17 results in the absence of Ak beta* Ak alpha cell surface expression but does not alter the expression of this mutant Ak beta* polypeptide with the Ad alpha polypeptide. These allele-specific expression mutants demonstrate that substitution at certain beta 1 domain positions may result in the alteration of Ia cell surface expression and that the transport of Ia molecules from the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface may be regulated by signals that are determined by the interaction of polymorphic residues in both the alpha and beta polypeptides.
Multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and popliteal pseudoaneurysm complicating a sessile osteochondroma

Synergistic use of ultrasonography, radiography, multidetector CT (MDCT) and MRI enabled a prompt and accurate diagnosis of a nonocclusive popliteal vein thrombus (deep venous thrombosis, DVT) and a pseudoaneurysm complicating a sessile osteochondroma in an 11-year-old boy who presented in the emergency department with sudden-onset nontraumatic pain in the posterior aspect of the knee.
Flavonoid genetics of the 28-chromosome “Siberian” Iris

A Chromatographic survey of flavonoids in the various flower color mutants of the 28-chromosome “Siberian” Iris (series Sibiricae subseries Sibiricae) was conducted using mutants of known genotype (Vaughn 1974). Mutants at the C locus contain the malvidin glycoside ensatin, indicating that this gene locus may control methylation of delphinidin. Clear white, a mutation at the W locus, results in the production of flavones in excess.
Financial Regulatory Reform: Challenges Ahead

Today's financial system is dominated by markets with institutions connected by short-term financing, securitization, derivatives, and other means. Yet regulations have focused on depositories, leaving regulators unprepared for the 2008 crisis. We suggest two key principles for regulatory reform. First, some changes in the financial system came as institutions lowered the burden of regulations through "regulatory arbitrage." Reform needs to avoid driving businesses "into the shadows," where risks may accumulate and sow seeds of future crises. Second, reform ought to improve transparency to reduce uncertainty and inter-linkages between players. We evaluate some of Dodd-Frank Act in light of these principles.
The decline in the suspended load of the Lower Mississippi River and its influence on adjacent wetlands

Since 1850, there has been an overall decrease in excess of 70 percent in the suspended load transported by the Lower Mississippi River. A decrease of 25 percent between the earliest measurements and 1950 may be partly the result of a decline in discharge and partly the result of a change in land use practices. The largest decrease occurred in 1952–53 following construction of major main-stem reservoirs on the Missouri River. Similar construction on the Arkansas River has resulted in a further decrease in 1962–63. The decrease in suspended load, combined with the artificial levee construction program and the overall enhancement of the river channel for navigation has been accompanied by an accelerating decline in land area of the Louisiana coastal zone from 17 km2/yr in 1913 to 102 km2/yr in 1980.
Detection of the expansion at a large angle [001] twist boundary using electron diffraction

Abstract 1. 1. A diffraction technique was developed to detect the expansion at a grain boundary, based on the model of a boundary as a uniform thin crystal. 2. 2. Specimens containing an [001] twist boundary in the edge-on orientation in Au suitable for study by electron diffraction, were produced by epitaxial growth on a NaCl substrate containing an edge-on [001] twist boundary. 3. 3. Under the assumption of the uniform thin crystal model of a grain boundary, the average expansion at the 0=22° [001] twist boundary in gold was determined to be 5% ± 3%.
Quantitative analysis of the dendritic branching pattern of granule cells from adult rat dentate gyrus

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of Golgi-impregnated cells of the hippocampal dentate gyrus was studied using modern data-collecting techniques. Branch length and branch angle distributions were examined and found to have a wide range of observed values. The distributions imply a stochastic design for the branching pattern of dendrites. Examination of the ordered branch lengths suggests that the local dendritic branching probability may be dependent on the density or specificity of afferent projections. Analysis of the total branch lengths and number of branch nodes strongly suggests that quantitative parameters related to the total dendritic arborization may be more important in the structural design than parameters related to the individual dendrites.
Performance evaluation of the SGI Altix 3700

SGI recently introduced the Altix 3700. In contrast to previous SGI systems, the Altix uses a modified version of the open source Linux operating system and the latest Intel IA-64 processors, the Intel Itanium2. The Altix also uses the next generation SGI interconnect, Numalink3 and NUMAflex, which provides a NUMA, cache-coherent, shared memory, multi-processor system. In this paper, we present a performance evaluation of the SGI Altix using microbenchmarks, kernels, and mission applications. We find that the Altix provides many advantages over other non-vector machines and it is competitive with the Cray XI on a number of kernels and applications. The Altix also shows good scaling, and its globally shared memory allows users convenient parallelization with OpenMP or pthreads.
Design, synthesis and protein-targeting properties of thioether-linked hydrogen bond surrogate helices

Appropriately-placed hydrogen bond surrogates have been demonstrated to efficiently nucleate helical conformations. Herein we describe an efficient method for the synthesis of thioether-based hydrogen bond surrogate (teHBS) helices. A teHBS helix is shown to adopt a stable conformation and target its cognate protein receptor with high affinity.
Towards automatic functional test execution

As applications are developed, functional tests ensure they continue to function as expected. Nowadays, functional testing is mostly done manually, with human testers verifying a system's functionality themselves, following hand-written instructions. While there exist tools supporting functional test automation, in practice they are hard to use, require programming skills, and do not provide good support for test maintenance. In this paper, we take an alternative approach: we semi-automatically convert hand-written instructions into automated tests. Our approach consists of two stages: first, employing machine learning and natural language processing to compute an intermediate representation from test steps; and second, interactively disambiguating that representation to create a fully automated test. These two stages comprise a complete system for converting hand-written functional tests into automated tests. We also present a quantitative study analyzing the effectiveness of our approach. Our results show that 70% of manual test steps can be automatically converted to automated test steps with no user intervention.
Commentary on a "Blueprint for developing the advanced practice psychiatric nurse workforce".

48. Brooten D, Youngblut JM, Deatrick J, et al. Patient problems, advanced practice nurse (APN) interventions, time and contacts among five patient groups. J Nurs Scholarsh 2003;35: 73-9. 49. Hanrahan NP, Sullivan-Marx EM. Practice patterns and potential solutions to the shortage of providers of older adult mental health services. Policy Polit Nurs Pract 2005;6:236-45. 50. Hanrahan NP, Hartley D. Employment of advanced-practice psychiatric nurses to stem rural mental health workforce shortages. Psychiatr Serv 2008;59:109-11.
The Multifractal Characterization of R-R Intervals in Atrial Fibrillation

We used the method of wavelet packet transform to decompose the R-R intervals of normal sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation ECG. We analyzed the generalized Hurst exponents for the decompose signals used the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) method. The results show that the R-R intervals sequences have multi-fractal properties. The method of wavelet packet translation can reduce the arithmetic complexity of MF-DFA comparing with using original signals. There are diversification between the generalized Hurst exponents h(q) of normal sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation
Effect of Oscillations of the Case on the Rate of a Watch

Eighty years ago Lord Kelvin1 presented an interesting paper on the effect of the mode of suspension on the rate of a clock or chronometer. This paper reported on, and gave the correct machanical interpretation of, the effects observed. The problem constitutes an interesting example of the theory of coupled oscillations, which readily lends itself to use in a junior course in mechanics as a laboratory experiment. For that reason it seemed to us that a modern presentation of the subject might be of interest.
A 40 GHz communication link with IF-assisted self-heterodyne direct down conversion

A 40 GHz communication link was demonstrated using a combination of super-heterodyne mixing and self-heterodyne direct down conversion. The broadcast carrier and modulated signals inherent in self-heterodyne transmission were first mixed down from 40 GHz to an IF of 1.5 GHz using a 10.375 GHz LO and a novel, low LO power 4/sup th/ harmonic diode mixer. These IF signals passed through an amplifier chain with a total gain of G=75 dB and noise figure of NF=1.21 dB prior to direct down conversion with a self-mixer. It was shown analytically and experimentally that the phase noise cancellation inherent in self-heterodyne detection is preserved independent of the phase noise of the additional LO signal. The input and output IF signals had the same phase noise up to 100 kHz carrier offset for a transmission distance of 2 meters.
Prime-Boost Immunization with DNA and Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Vectors Expressing Herpes Simplex Virus–2 Glycoprotein D Elicits Greater Specific Antibody and Cytokine Responses than DNA Vaccine Alone

Several reports have indicated that prime-boost strategies of vaccination can enhance the level of specific immunity induced by nucleic acid vaccines. The present report describes such a strategy with herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 glycoprotein D (gD), using combinations of plasmid vector that expresses gD (pgD2) and a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vector that expresses gD (MVA-gD2). The IgG antibody response to gD and the HSV-2 neutralizing antibody response were greatest when the MVA-gD2 vector was used as the priming immunization and then was boosted with either pgD2 or MVA-gD2. Determination of the isotype profile of MVA-gD2-primed mice revealed a much broader distribution of isotypes than that seen after DNA vaccination. In addition, antigen-stimulated spleen cells from mice primed with MVA-gD2 and boosted with either MVA-gD2 or pgD2 produced higher levels of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma than did those from pgD2-primed mice, indicating that a prime-boost immunization strategy that uses the MVA and plasmid DNA vector dramatically enhances and diversifies the humoral and cellular immune response to HSV-2 gD.
Regular processor arrays

The author defines regularity for processor array structures in two dimensions and enumerates eleven distinct regular topologies. The analysis of the regular processor arrays is based on their ability to emulate the other members of the class. Space and time emulation schemes among the regular processor arrays are constructed to compare their geometric and performance characteristics. The hexagonal array is shown to have the most efficient emulation capabilities. >
Right side implant of the unipolar single lead defibrillation system

The active can defibrillator has been designed for implantation in the left prepectoral region. Whether this system can be successfully implanted on the right side is unknown. We describe six cases in which placement of the unipolar single lead defibrillation system was successfully attempted in the right prepectoral region due to impediments on the left side. The mean age of the patients was 62 +/- 12 years. Five patients had ischemic heart disease and one idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The endocardial defibrillation electrode was placed in the right ventricle through the right subclavian vein and positioned at the apex in two patients and in the septal position in four patients. Defibrillation threshold testing was performed using a step-up/step-down protocol beginning at 12 J with 3-J increments or decrements. Defibrillation threshold was defined as the lowest energy of the first shock able to terminate ventricular fibrillation. The generator models used were the Medtronic 7218C in 1 patient, the Medtronic 7219C in 3 patients, and the Ventritex Cadet 115 AC in 2 patients. The mean defibrillation threshold was 15 +/- 3 J. The defibrillation thresholds were retested at 1, 3, and 6 months, and showed no significant change in five patients but decreased from 15 J to 12 J in one patient. The presence of impediments on the left side should not preclude attempts to place the unipolar active can system in the right prepectoral region.
China's Changing Regional Disparities during the Reform Period*

Abstract: I examine regional disparities in China during the reform period (1978–94) based on the latest measures of provincial per capita GDP. Results reveal a “U-shaped” pattern in regional inequality over time. Regional inequality in per capita GDP among the 30 provinces of China diminished as reforms progressed until 1990, after which it started widening. This diminishing trend was due to a significant decline in income inequality among provinces in the coastal region. A further test indicates that an increase in per capita GDP in the southern coastal provinces is the main reason for declining regional inequality in China during the early reform period (1978–90). Rising GDP in the southern coastal belt also led to widening regional disparities between coastal and interior regions after 1978. As a result, regional inequality in per capita GDP among the 30 provinces has worsened since 1990. From 1992 to 1994, regional disparities between coastal and interior provinces became more significant than the traditional North-South inequality in the Chinese space economy within the context of uneven regional development.
Applications of advanced materials technologies to vacuum electronic devices

The applications of advanced engineering materials in modern vacuum electronic devices are reviewed. Unique materials with desirable thermal, mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties are playing a crucial role in raising the average power capability, bandwidth, and efficiency of microwave and millimeter wave amplifiers and oscillators. Five major materials-related topics and technologies are covered in this article: diamond electromagnetic windows and electrode supports; electromagnetically lossy composite ceramics for control of instabilities; methods of cooling metal structures; pyrolytic graphite beam collectors and electron-gun modulation grids; and rare-earth permanent magnets for confining electron beams. For each topic, this article reviews the background physics. describes the importance of the technology to vacuum electronics, presents illustrative examples of how such technologies perform, and reviews current results from the literature.
Benign Solitary Non-Parasitic Cyst of the Liver

Summary A case of a large non-parasitic solitary cyst of the liver in an adult male is reported. A brief review of the literature and classification is presented. It is suggested that punch biopsy may establish diagnosis preoperatively.
In Vitro Regulation of the Anamnestic Antibody Response Upon Addition of Heterologous Antigens to Primed Lymphoid Cells

Alum-precipitated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and polymerized human serum albumin (HSA) were injected into the hind foot pads of rabbits. Many months later the popliteal lymph nodes were removed and cell cultures prepared and incubated in media containing different concentrations of KLH or native HSA. These primed cells responded to some concentrations of KLH with the synthesis not only of homologous antibody but of heterologous IgG antibody to HSA. They also responded to some concentrations of HSA with the production of heterologous antibody to KLH as well as homologous antibody. In some experiments the addition of KLH induced the cells to synthesize as much antibody to HSA as did the addition of HSA itself. The nonspecific stimulation of the anamnestic antibody response to HSA required the cultures to contain KLH, HSA, KLH-reactive memory cells and, presumably memory cells reactive with HSA.The suspension of KLH-and HSA-primed cells responded to other concentrations of KLH or egg albumin (EA) with i...
Pathologic quiz case. A 49-year-old white man with a nodular mass in the liver.

A white man presented with a complaint of increased shortness of breath, which was progressive over 2 weeks. He also said he had a history of night sweats and chills, but no significant weight loss. His past medical history was significant for smoking 1 pack per day for 25 years and 30 years of occupational exposure to toxins, including asphalt and polyvinyl chloride. Abdominal computed tomography showed a single low-density lesion, measuring 4 3 3 cm, in the right lower part of the liver (Figure 1 [view is looking toward the head, from below, taken at the level of the fourth lumbar
Imaging deformation of adherent cells due to shear stress using quantitative phase imaging

We present a platform for detecting cellular deformations from mechanical stimuli, such as fluid shear stress, using rapid quantitative phase imaging. Rapid quantitative phase imaging was used to analyze changes in the optical path length of adherent skin cancer cells during mechanical displacement. Both the whole-cell phase displacement and the resultant shift of the cellular center of mass were calculated over the duration of the stimulus. Whole-cell phase displacement images were found to match expectation. Furthermore, center-of-mass shifts of adherent cells were found to resemble that of a one-dimensional Kelvin-Voigt (KV) viscoelastic solid. Cellular steady-state displacements from step fluid shear stimuli were found to be linearly related to the shear stress. Shear stiffness constants for cells exposed to a cytoskeletal disrupting toxin were found to be significantly lower than unexposed cells. This novel technique allows for elastographic analysis of whole-cell effective shear stiffness without the use of an exogenous force applicator, a specialized culture substrate, or tracking net perimeter movement of the cell.
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist Curriculum: Statistics as a Tool in Problem Solution

Structured curricula in nuclear medicine technology often are inflexible and unable to respond rapidly to the expansion in complexity and sophistication of nuclear medicine technology. Curricula must remain flexible to provide an opportunity to meet changing needs in a rapidly expanding science. The development of new radionuclides, intricate instrumentation, and new nuclear medicine procedures requires that nuclear medicine technologists be provided with an educational experience in evaluating test results and providing quality control in a quantitative rather than a qualitative manner. We have responded to this need by the early introduction of statistics into the curriculum and the integration of statistics teaching with the teaching of physical and clinical problems of nuclear medicine. Statistics has been used as a tool to provide criteria for evaluating in vitro laboratory techniques, instrument quality control, and the intercomparison of test results generated by varied methodology.
Using Impenetrable Borders in a Graphical Web Browser: How Does Distance Influence Target Selection Speed?

Impenetrable borders are edges of graphical user interface targets (e.g., buttons, scroll bars) that the mouse cursor cannot cross. Research has shown that targets with impenetrable borders (edge targets) are selected faster than targets without impenetrable borders (non-edge targets). In addition, prior research determined that the effectiveness of impenetrable borders is maximal between .50 and 11.75 cm distance from the cursor's origin to the target. However, this is a broad range and a more specific estimate of distance would be useful for designers wishing to maximize the effectiveness of impenetrable borders. Accordingly, the reported experiment searched for the critical distance where impenetrable border effectiveness asymptotes using a graphical web browser interface. Results indicate that impenetrable border effectiveness asymptotes between .50 cm and 3.50 cm distances. These results support past research and make a more detailed design recommendation. An example of a redesigned interface incorpo...
A PHYLOGENETIC PERSPECTIVE ON THE EVOLUTION OF SEXUAL DICHROMATISM IN TANAGERS (THRAUPIDAE): THE ROLE OF FEMALE VERSUS MALE PLUMAGE.

The evolution of sexual dichromatism in tanagers (family Thraupidae) was studied from a phylogenetic perspective using a molecular-based phylogeny. Mapping patterns of sexual dimorphism in plumage onto the phylogeny reveals that changes in female plumage occur more frequently than changes in male plumage. Possible explanations for this pattern include sexual selection acting on female plumage and natural selection for background matching. The results of this study and other recent phylogenetic and comparative studies suggest that factors affecting female plumage are important in shaping patterns of sexual dimorphism.
Insights on the Climatic Constraints on the Beetle Fauna of Coastal Alaska, U.S.A., Derived from the Mutual Climatic Range Method of Paleoclimate Reconstruction

The Mutual Climatic Range (MCR) method of paleoclimate reconstruction uses the climatic parameters associated with the modern range of species to produce climate envelopes for taxa found in fossil ...
Operators on Banach Space

The Feynman operator calculus and the Feynman path integral develop naturally on Hilbert space. In this chapter we develop the theory of semigroups of operators, which is the central tool for both. In order to extend the theory to other areas of interest, we begin with a new approach to operator theory on Banach spaces. We first show that the structure of the bounded linear operators on Banach space with an S-basis is much closer to that for the same operators on Hilbert space. We will exploit this new relationship to transfer the theory of semigroups of operators developed for Hilbert spaces to Banach spaces. The results are complete for uniformly convex Banach spaces, so we restrict our presentation to that case, with one exception. In the Appendix (Sect. 5.3), we show that all of the results in Chap. 4 have natural analogues for uniformly convex Banach spaces.
Junctions Between Cells

Each of the three main types abounds in anatomic situations where its distinctive structure appears physiologically appropriate: the desmosome, where resistance to mechanical stress is important; the tight junction, where a sharp physical separation is required between two compartments; and the gap junction, where a need for separation is accompanied by a need for intercellular, intercytoplasmic communication.
The structured core of human β tubulin confers isotype-specific polymerization properties

Diversity in cytoskeleton organization and function may be achieved through variations in primary sequence of tubulin isotypes. Recently, isotype functional diversity has been linked to a “tubulin code” in which the C-terminal tail, a region of substantial sequence divergence between isotypes, specifies interactions with microtubule-associated proteins. However, it is not known whether residue changes in this region alter microtubule dynamic instability. Here, we examine recombinant tubulin with human β isotype IIB and characterize polymerization dynamics. Microtubules with βIIB have catastrophe frequencies approximately threefold lower than those with isotype βIII, a suppression similar to that achieved by regulatory proteins. Further, we generate chimeric β tubulins with native tail sequences swapped between isotypes. These chimeras have catastrophe frequencies similar to that of the corresponding full-length construct with the same core sequence. Together, our data indicate that residue changes within the conserved β tubulin core are largely responsible for the observed isotype-specific changes in dynamic instability parameters and tune tubulin’s polymerization properties across a wide range.
Advanced Technologies in Pediatric Critical Care/Surgery and Fetal Surgery

The pediatric surgeon specializes in the surgical care of infants and children. The scope of operative practice ranges from the correction of congenital anomalies to the resection of malignant tumors and to the management of injured trauma patients. The surgeon must appreciate the physiologic differences and anatomic consideration of infants and children. As in all of medicine, the data and understanding in the field of pediatric surgery continue to evolve. New discoveries and technologic advancements are occurring constantly. This chapter focuses on major technologic advancements in the areas of critical care, minimally invasive surgery, and fetal surgery. Many of these contributions have dramatically changed the practice of modern pediatric surgery and have improved the care of pediatric patients.
Targeting Secondary Hematoma Expansion in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage – State of the Art

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH), defined broadly as intracerebral hemorrhage not related to trauma, results in long-term disability or death in a large proportion of afflicted patients. Current management of this disease is predominantly supportive, including airway protection, optimization of hemodynamic parameters, and management of intracranial pressure. No active treatments that demonstrate beneficial effects on clinical outcome are currently available. Animal models of SICH have allowed for the elucidation of multiple pathways that may be attractive therapeutic targets. A minority of these, such as aggressive blood pressure management and recombinant activated factor VII administration, have lead to large-scale clinical trials. There remains a critical need for further translational research in the realm of SICH.
An urban observatory for quantifying phosphorus and suspended solid loads in combined natural and stormwater conveyances

Water quality in urban streams and stormwater systems is highly dynamic, both spatially and temporally, and can change drastically during storm events. Infrequent grab samples commonly collected for estimating pollutant loadings are insufficient to characterize water quality in many urban water systems. In situ water quality measurements are being used as surrogates for continuous pollutant load estimates; however, relatively few studies have tested the validity of surrogate indicators in urban stormwater conveyances. In this paper, we describe an observatory aimed at demonstrating the infrastructure required for surrogate monitoring in urban water systems and for capturing the dynamic behavior of stormwater-driven pollutant loads. We describe the instrumentation of multiple, autonomous water quality and quantity monitoring sites within an urban observatory. We also describe smart and adaptive sampling procedures implemented to improve data collection for developing surrogate relationships and for capturing the temporal and spatial variability of pollutant loading events in urban watersheds. Results show that the observatory is able to capture short-duration storm events within multiple catchments and, through inter-site communication, sampling efforts can be synchronized across multiple monitoring sites.