cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of office, home, and ambulatory blood pressure in heart transplant recipients.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the relationship between office, home, and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in heart transplant recipients. Methods and Results The study enrolled 30 adults ≥6 months after heart transplantation. Morning seated office BP was measured with the use of an automatic device at 3 outpatient visits. Seated home BP was measured in the morning and evening for 5 consecutive days. Ambulatory BP was measured over 24 hours with the use of a Spacelabs monitor. The strongest correlation was observed between home and 24-hour ambulatory BP ( r = 0.79 systolic; r = 0.72 diastolic). Office and home systolic BPs were significantly lower than daytime ambulatory BP (office, −3.7 mm Hg, P = .009; home, −2.6 mm Hg, P = .05). Ambulatory monitoring identified more participants with BP above hypertensive limits than did office or home measurements (63%, 50%, and 13%, respectively; P = .003). Ambulatory monitoring also revealed high BP loads, abnormal nocturnal BP patterns (eg, 30% nondippers), and a high percentage of masked hypertension (37% home, 50% ambulatory). Conclusions Office and home BP monitoring are acceptable but may underestimate BP burden in heart transplant recipients. Additional studies are needed to determine which BP method is superior for the management of hypertension and associated outcomes after heart transplantation.
Contrast two-dimensional echocardiography in congenital heart disease: techniques, indications and clinical utility

Abstract Saline contrast echocardiography was performed in 889 children from June 1976 through February 1988. One-third of these studies were in postoperative patients. A patent foramen ovale was identified by finding right to left shunting on venous contrast injection in 37% of 127 children studied with a structurally normal heart. The incidence of such shunting was greater at younger ages (55% younger than 1 month versus 22% older than 1 month). In most patients with an atrial or ventricular septal defect, some right to left shunting was demonstrable. The technique was useful in distinguishing different forms of atrial septal defect and identifying muscular ventricular septal defects that were difficult to image directly. The technique was used in the catheterization laboratory to aid in the identification of congenital coronary artery fistulas and was diagnostic in two cases of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. In patients with situs abnormalities, the technique was useful in identifying the systemic venous connections to the atria. Contrast echocardiography was also used in postoperative evaluations. The technique was useful in identifying patch leaks and residual defects after Senning, Mustard and Fontan operations, and after closure of atrial and ventricular septal defects. Most patients were found to have no superior vena cava obstruction by contrast echocardiography after the Senning or Mustard procedure. Contrast echocardiography continues to be a useful technique in the diagnosis of a wide spectrum of congenital heart disease, as well as in the postoperative evaluation of congenital heart surgery.
Clostridium Difficile Infection in Older Adults: A Review and Update on Its Management

Abstract Background Clostridium difficile is a main cause of health care-associated infections. The incidence and severity have been increasing. Elderly persons are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from C. difficile infection (CDI). Relatively few advances have been made in the treatment of CDI since it was first identified as a cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea more than 30 years ago. Objective This article reviews CDI and provides an update on its treatment, including recently published clinical practice guidelines and the recently approved drug, fidaxomicin. Methods English-language literature was identified through a search of PubMed (1966–October 2011), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966–October 2011), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–October 2011). Key search terms included Clostridium difficile , Clostridium infections , pseudomembranous colitis , antibiotic-associated diarrhea , Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea , elderly, geriatric, epidemiology , microbiology , diagnosis , risk factors , treatment , drug therapy, vancomycin, metronidazole, and fidaxomicin . Results Metronidazole and vancomycin remain the mainstays of CDI treatment. Current guidelines recommend oral metronidazole for initial mild to moderate episodes or first recurrence. Oral vancomycin is recommended for initial severe episodes, or first or second recurrence. Fidaxomicin was approved in 2011 for treatment of CDI, but its place in therapy has yet to be determined. Other antibiotics have been used with variable success. Saccharomyces boulardii is the only probiotic that has shown efficacy in CDI. Fecal transplants have been used successfully in some patients, but randomized studies are needed. Immune therapy with a vaccine and monoclonal antibodies is being studied in clinical trials. Conclusions Treatment of CDI is challenging due to the limited number of drugs that have proven to be effective, concerns about antibiotic resistance, and recurring disease. The recent approval of fidaxomicin provides a new alternative. Immune therapy will likely play a greater role in the future.
NEO: A Nonblocking Hybrid Switch Architecture for Large Scale Data Centers

As the scale of data centers and cloud computing applications increases, data center networks play a critical role in meeting the huge communication bandwidth requirement of such applications. The scalability of conventional electronic data center networks is limited by wiring complexity and reaching distance of links under fixed power budget. To overcome this problem, in this paper we propose a nonblocking hybrid switch architecture, called NEO (Nonblocking Electronic and Optical), which is able to provide nonblocking interconnections for as many as 1,000,000 servers in a data center. NEO maintains electronic interconnections for intra-pod networks, while providing interpod interconnections by optical core switches, which not only increases the scalability of the switch architecture, but also lowers the switch cost and power consumption compared to other existing optical switch architectures. We also design a packet scheduler for NEO, which adopts a credit flow control mechanism and a parallel scheduling algorithm to avoid packet loss, and provide low communication latency. Our simulation results demonstrate that NEO achieves very low average packet delay compared to other existing optical switching architectures under various traffic patterns.
Elevation of tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity, a marker for pulmonary hypertension in children with sickle cell disease.

Background Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) is a potentially life-threatening complication, detected by echocardiographic evidence of elevated tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV). This condition has been described in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) and other hemolytic disorders; however, there is little information on the occurrence of this condition in pediatric patients. Methods Records for pediatric SCD patients were retrospectively reviewed to determine clinical characteristics and co-morbidities of patients with elevated TRV on echocardiograms obtained under steady state conditions as an outpatient. Correlation of TRV ≥2.5 m/sec with age, sex, type of SCD, number of outpatient echocardiograms per patient, episodes of vasoocclusive crisis (VOC) and acute chest syndrome (ACS), mean hemoglobin and reticulocyte count, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and hydroxyurea therapy was determined. Results Of 224 SCD patients, 44 had outpatient echocardiographic measurement of TRV. Patients (11 of 44) (26.2%) with TRV ≥2.5 m/sec were compared to 31 patients without elevated TRV. Significant differences were noted for percent with HbSS disease (P = 0.041), CVD (P = 0.021), hemoglobin (P = 0.003), % reticulocytes (P = 0.037), and number of echocardiograms performed (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for gender, age, asthma, or frequency of VOC and ACS. Conclusions Elevated TRV, a surrogate marker for PHTN, occurs in children with SCD and is associated with low hemoglobin, elevated reticulocyte count, and cerebral vasculopathy. Appropriate screening by echocardiography can lead to detection and treatment that may reduce TRV and potentially reverse the disease process, prevent the increased morbidity and mortality associated with PHTN. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluating Measured Tire Contact Stresses to Predict Pavement Response and Performance

Recent research has indicated that measured contact stress distributions under radial truck tires are highly complex. These stress distributions help to explain near-surface distresses that have become more prevalent since the inception of radial tires, indicating that realistic contact stresses must be considered when pavement response and performance are evaluated. However, because of the complexities involved in measuring contact stresses under tires, obtaining these measurements directly on real pavements is not possible. Consequently, contact stress measurements have been made on systems having rigid foundations with embedded sensors. Therefore, determining whether tire contact stresses measured on a rigid foundation are significantly different from contact stresses under the same tire on an actual pavement is critical. Finite element analyses conducted indicated that both vertical and lateral tire contact stresses measured on rigid foundations accurately represent the contact stresses for the same tire on typical asphalt pavement structures. Some minor differences were observed for thin (50-mm surface) pavements on weak bases, but the correspondence in terms of both distribution and magnitude was still very good. The conclusion was that contact stresses measured by devices with rigid foundations appear to be suitable for predicting response and performance of highway pavements.
Introduction: Television as Text

10.1080/01956051.2012.654089-F0001 Jeopardy! (syndicated) TV show, 1984–2010. Shown: studio set with host Alex Trebek and contestants. Photo courtesy of King World Productions/Photofest. (Color fig...
Sarcomere length-induced alterations of capillary hemodynamics in rat spinotrapezius muscle: vasoactive vs passive control.

Abstract Skeletal muscle blood flow is reduced as fibers are stretched longitudinally. Neither the underlying cause(s) of this decrement in blood flow nor the consequences in terms of capillary red blood cell (rbc) hemodynamics has been established clearly within the physiological range of muscle sarcomere length. Using intravital microscopy, this investigation determined arteriolar diameter and capillary rbc velocity ( V rbc ), flux ( F rbc ), and hematocrit (Hct t ) in the rat spinotrapezius muscle at shortened/resting (2.6 μm) and physiological extended (3.2 μm) sarcomere lengths under control ( c ) and local maximally vasodilated ( v, phentolamine, 1 μmol/L; prazosin, 0.1 μmol/L; nitroprusside, 10 μmol/L) conditions. The hypothesis tested was that muscle stretch would reduce V rbc and F rbc proportionally such that Hct t would remain unchanged and that these reductions in V rbc and F rbc would be attenuated following maximal vasodilation. V rbc and F rbc were increased significantly following maximal vasodilation at 2.6-μm (59 and 84%) and 3.2-μm (64 and 104%) sarcomere lengths, respectively. Irrespective of sarcomere length, Hct t was elevated significantly following vasodilation ( c, 0.20 ± 0.01; v, 0.27 ± 0.01). At 3.2 μm compared with the 2.6-μm sarcomere length, V rbc and F rbc were both reduced significantly under control and vasodilated conditions as expected. However, the percent reduction in either V rbc ( c, 27%, and v, 29%) or F rbc ( c, 26%, and v, 33%) was not significantly different between the 2.6- and 3.2-μm sarcomere lengths. In addition, arteriolar diameter was not altered discernably as sarcomere length was increased from 2.7 μm ( c, 29.0 ± 4.5; v, 37.9 ± 6.7 μm) to 3.2 μm ( c, 29.4 ± 4.5; v, 37.3 ± 6.2 μm). These data suggest that increasing sarcomere length from resting to the upper extreme of the physiological range in the rat spinotrapezius muscle reduces V rbc and F rbc (at constant hematocrit) by a mechanism that is independent of stretch-activated arteriolar vasoconstriction.
THE ARTIFACT ISSUE IN DETERRENCE RESEARCH

The often-observed negative correlation between crime rates and estimates of the objective certainty of a legal punishment is interpreted by some as support for the deterrence doctrine. Others, however, characterize the correlation as inherently artifactual because the variables being correlated have a common term (number of crimes is the numerator of the crime rate and the denominator of the objective certainty variable). Still others argue that the correlation is not inherently artifactual but is nevertheless spurious because of measurement error. This paper shows that the negative correlation is not inherently artifactual and provides evidence to support the measurement error interpretation. Unfortunately, however, there is no definitive way to demonstrate whether the negative correlation between the crime rate and the objective certainty of punishment rejects deterrence or merely measurement error.
The automorphism group of a circle geometry

Abstract The following is proved: Theorem . Let n be an integer, n ⩾ 2. Let F be a field with at least Max( n , 3) distinct elements and let K be a separable extension field of dimension n over F. Then the group of all automorphisms of the n-dimensional circle geometry CG( F , K ) is the group induced on the 1-dimensional vector subspaces over K of the underlying 2-dimensional vector space V over K by the semi-linear permutations of V over K for which the associated automorphisms of K induce automorphisms of F. With the hope of broadening the interest in the foundations of geometry, the author attempts to give anough detail so that, without consulting the literature, any attentive algebraist can understand clearly both the content of the theorem and the pattern of its proof and can identify easily any gaps in his knowledge which might prevent him from viewing this paper as a contribution to geometry. Adequate references are given.
On Traits and Values: With Special Reference to Openness to Experience

Abstract In three samples (total N = 583), the Rokeach Values Survey correlates of the five-factor model (NEO-PI, NEO-FFI, and NEO-PI-R) were examined with a particular focus on the openness to experience dimension, regarded as the least-understood of the “Big Five” factors. Using both individual values items and value composites (ratings and rankings), replicable correlates were identified. Among the 36 values, openness had nine replicable correlates, most notably the terminal value of world of beauty and the instrumental value imaginative. Openness also was reliably related to the positive valuing of being broadminded as well as negative valuing of social recognition, salvation, being clean, obedient, responsible, and self-controlled. Moreover, openness correlated positively in all three samples with the maturity and self-direction values composites, and negatively with the achievement and restrictive conformity composites. Results suggest that, more than the other dimensions of personality, openness to experience best accounts for what people value in their lives. The results also imply that people value qualities that they already possess. We conclude with a discussion of how traits and values relate more broadly and with speculations on the possible origins of openness.
The Role of a School Psychologist in Concussion

School psychologists historically have received little training on topics such as mild traumatic brain injury or concussion, yet they could play a significant role in assessment, consultation, and intervention with students who have sustained a concussion. The purpose of this article is to educate school psychologists with regard to definition, prevalence, characteristics, and management of concussion in children, especially the various services that a school could provide to assist these students with their recovery. The article includes a case study that highlights the personal challenges faced by a student with concussion.
Single-Disk and Double-Disk Viscous Micropump

The development and testing of two novel micropumps called the single-disk and double-disk viscous pumps are described. A single disk and the top pump housing, or two disks are separated by a small gap that forms a fluid passage. A wiper, that is the height of this gap, is placed between the two disks, or between the single disk and top pump housing, and extends from the outer diameter of the disk(s) to the center region of the disk(s). The movement of the disk(s) induces viscous stresses on the fluid that forces the fluid through the pump area above the single disk, or between the two disks. The wiper acts to “wipe” the fluid from the disk(s) toward the outlet channel. The fluid flow through the double-disk pump is visualized using a red Rhodamine dye that is injected into the fluid passage upstream of the pumping area. Experimental flow rate for the single-disk and double-disk pumps are obtained for a disk diameter of 2.381 mm, and a gap height of 103 μm. The maximum flow rates obtained are 0.74 ml/min and 2.1 ml/min for the single-disk and double-disk pumps, respectively, for a rotational speed of 5000 rpm. Advantages of the disk pumps include simplicity of design, planar structure, continuous flow, well controlled flow rate, and mixing characteristics.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Rapid and complete hitless defragmentation method using a coherent RX LO with fast wavelength tracking in elastic optical networks

This paper demonstrates a rapid and full hitless defragmentation method in elastic optical networks exploiting a new technique for fast wavelength tracking in coherent receivers. This technique can be applied to a single-carrier connection or each of the subcarriers forming a super-channel. A proof-of-concept demonstration shows hitless defragmentation of a 10 Gb/s QPSK single-carrier connection from 1547.75 nm to 1550.1 nm in less than 1 µs. This was obtained using a small (0.625 kB) link-layer transmitter buffer without the need for any additional transponder. We also demonstrated that the proposed defragmentation technique is capable of hopping over an existing connection, i.e. 10 Gb/s OOK at 1548.5 nm, without causing any degradation of its real-time Bit Error Rate (BER) value. The proposed scheme gives advantages in terms of overall network blocking probability reduction up to a factor of 40.
Development of interferon-beta as a therapy for multiple sclerosis

The introduction of interferon (IFN) therapy represents a milestone in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. This class of drugs is part of an evolving area of MS therapy that utilises immunomodulating agents to alter the immune processes thought to be integral to the development of MS. IFN-beta has been developed in three different formulations that have proven benefit in reducing exacerbations in relapsing-remitting MS. Two of the formulations consist of the naturally-occurring amino acid sequence of IFN-beta and are referred to as IFN-beta(1a). One is delivered intramuscularly (IM IFN-beta(1a)), and the second form of IFN-beta(1a) is delivered subcutaneously (SC IFN-beta(1a)). The third formulation of IFN-beta, known as IFN-beta(1b), consists of a modified amino acid sequence containing a cysteine to serine mutation at amino acid 17 and a deletion of the amino terminal methionine. This review describes the evolution of IFNs as therapeutics for MS.
The Impact of Prenatal Genetic Testing on Quality of Life in Women

The techniques of prenatal genetic diagnosis are being used with increasing frequency in the provision of prenatal care. One aim of such testing is to benefit pregnant women. Inadequate data exist, however, to indicate whether testing provides benefits for or imposes burdens upon the women involved. The influence of testing on anxiety during pregnancy, on a woman's sense of control over the progress and outcome of pregnancy, and on a woman's relationships with her partner and future child are all of concern. Investigation of these questions should be integral to studies undertaken to assess prenatal genetic testing.
A Phase II Trial Tetrathiomolybdate (TM), a Copper Depleting Compound, and Its Effect on Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) in Patients with Breast Cancer (BC) at High Risk of Recurrence.

Background : EPCs are critical to tumor angiogenesis, are increased in BC patients (pts) and are probably an early marker for paclitaxel response. Copper is required for angiogenesis, and pre-clinical data suggest that TM, a copper-depleting compound, inhibits angiogenesis and maintains tumor dormancy. We sought to measure the effect of TM on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in pts at high risk of BC recurrence and to evaluate the effect of copper depletion on EPCs. Methods: This analysis is part of an ongoing phase II study of TM in BC pts at high risk of recurrence defined as any node positive triple negative (TN) BC, Stage III or IV with no evidence of disease (NED). All therapy other than hormonal was completed at least 6 weeks prior to study. Treatment: TM 180 mg daily to achieve a target ceruloplasmin (Cp) level of 5-15 mg/dL (copper depletion), and then 100 mg daily. We monitored levels of EPCs (CD45dim, CD133+, VEGFR2+), CEA, CA15-3, and Cp at baseline and monthly. Imaging studies are done every 6 months (mos). Results : 28 pts are enrolled and 304 cycles of TM have been administered. Adjuvant: 20 pts, Stage 4 NED: 8 pts, Triple negative: 8 pts (5 stage IV NED, 3 Adjuvant) The median age is 51 years (range: 29-64), median number of positive lymph nodes among Stage III patients is 7 (4-42). The median baseline Cp level was 28 mg/dL (21-43). Among 21 patients who have reached target Cp, the median time to target is 6 weeks (2-16 weeks). Two pts discontinued treatment before reaching target. The median baseline EPCs is 17.38 cells/ml (0.0-286.1) Although there was a trend toward increased EPCs at month 1, this was not statistically significant (p=0.8964) and the majority of pts EPCs were maintained below baseline over time when Cp levels were below target (ie. copper depleted). Toxicity : Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 3 patients (0.02%) with 1 pt with febrile neutropenia. All resolved 5-13 days later with TM held and resumed at a lower dose in 2 patients. No other grade 3/4 toxicity was observed. Three patients were diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer at 1, 9 and 10 mos. An EPC rise preceded an abnormal marker or overt relapse by 3-5 months in 2 of 3 pts. Conclusions : TM is well tolerated in breast cancer patients. TM might contribute to maintaining EPCs below baseline in pts who are copper depleted. We postulate that the increased EPCs noted in both patients with recurrent disease 2-4 months prior to overt relapse could represent the turning on of an angiogenic switch, resulting in an outpouring of CEPCs to the new site of metastasis. Other studies geared toward understanding the mechanism for metastases are underway. The trial continues to accrue.Supported by the Susan B Komen for the Cure, NY Community Trust, Breast Cancer Alliance of Greenwich and the Madeline and Stephen Anbinder Foundation. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6090.
Synthesis, crystal structure and a spectroscopic study of bistriphenylphosphine)gold(I)+ TCNQ−

Abstract The complex of the bis(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) cation and the radical anion of 2,2′-(2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-diylidene)bispropanedinitrile, (TCNQ), has been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic methods. The solid state structure consists of the linear (PAuP) cation bis(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) and the approximately planar radical anion of TCNQ. The bond lengths are: AuP 2.300(2); PC 1.800(11), 1.789(11), 1.800(11); CN 1.175(16), 1.128(16). The infrared spectrum of the complexes exhibits bands at 2176 and 2150 cm−1 in the nitrile region. The electron spin resonance spectrum of this compound, in benzene, is consistent with a structure in which the TCNQ radical anion is symmetrically oriented about the bis (triphenylphosphine)gold(I) cation. The hyperfine coupling constants are: aN = 0.981, aH = 1.379, aP = 0.095 gauss.
Asymptotic distribution of two-protected nodes in random binary search trees

Abstract We derive exact moments of the number of 2-protected nodes in binary search trees grown from random permutations. Furthermore, we show that a properly normalized version of this tree parameter converges to a Gaussian limit.
Trust Estimation in Autonomic Networks: A Message Passing Approach

Abstract The ability to maintain belief relationship among entities in autonomic networks is considered a major challenge. In this work we tackle the problem by casting it into the framework of Estimation Theory as an inference problem on a Markov Random Field. A fully distributed algorithm based on message passing techniques is then proposed, where messages are not considered as abstract intermediate results of a computation, but as real messages exchanged by the nodes in the network. With this case study we therefore demonstrate that Markov Random Field theory used in combination with Message Passing algorithms constitutes a powerful theoretical framework for the development of algorithms for information distribution and fusion.
Random walks in octants, and related structures

Abstract A diffusion walk in Z 2 is a (random) walk with unit step vectors → , ↑ , ← , and ↓ . Particles from different sources with opposite charges cancel each other when they meet in the lattice. This cancellation principle is applied to enumerate diffusion walks in shifted half-planes, quadrants, and octants (a three-dimensional version is also considered). Summing over time we calculate expected numbers of visits and first passage probabilities. Comparing those quantities to analytically obtained expressions leads to interesting identities, many of them involving integrals over products of Chebyshev polynomials of the first and second kind. We also explore what the expected number of visits means when the diffusion in an octant is bijectively mapped onto other combinatorial structures, like pairs of non-intersecting Dyck paths, vicious walkers, bicolored Motzkin paths, staircase polygons in the second octant, and { → ↑ } -paths confined to the third hexadecant enumerated by left turns.
Efficacy and safety of mixing azoxystrobin and starter fertilizers for controlling Rhizoctonia solani in sugar beet

Rhizoctonia damping-off and crown and root rot of sugar beet caused by Rhizoctonia solani are serious problems in Minnesota and North Dakota. Timely application of azoxystrobin fungicide effectively controls R. solani. Many growers use starter fertilizers at planting as an economic way to apply phosphate and will like to know if mixing azoxystrobin with starter fertilizers is safe and effective. The objective of this research was to determine the efficacy and safety of mixing azoxystrobin with starter fertilizers for controlling R. solani of sugar beet. Research was conducted in a greenhouse maintained at 20 ± 2° C. Three different starter fertilizers 10-34-0, 6-24-6 and Redline were each used at 28.05 L ha-1 and azoxystrobin was used at 167 g a.i. ha-1. Treatments were applied to ten sugar beet seeds planted in a furrow of Sunshine Mix 1 peat filled tray. There were 13 treatments including a non-inoculated and an inoculated control; starter fertilizers used without and with inoculation; azoxystrobin used alone without and with inoculation; and azoxystrobin mixed with each of the different starter fertilizers followed by inoculation. Plants were watered daily and evaluated 28 days after treatments. The non-inoculated control and treatments where only starter fertilizers were used resulted in significantly higher percentages of healthy surviving plants compared to the inoculated control. Azoxystrobin provided similar effective control of R. solani when used alone compared to when it was mixed with starter fertilizers and there was no phytotoxicity. This study suggests that mixtures of azoxystrobin with different starter fertilizers evaluated under greenhouse conditions resulted in no phytotoxicity observed in this study and effectively controlled R. solani.
The evolution of modern theory and therapy for heart failure

Abstract Although there have been a number of attempts to develop a unifying theory that explains all aspects of the clinical syndrome of heart failure, none of these conceptual paradigms has withstood the test of time. The foregoing review will discuss four conceptual models that have informed the modern approach to treating heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, including the cardiorenal model, the cardiocirculatory model, the neurohormonal model and the biomechanical model. The hope is that this historical rendering of the evolution of modern theory and therapy for heart failure will be of some use to the growing field of pediatric heart failure.
Degeneracy, Derivative Rule, and Green’s Functions of Anisotropic Elasticity

Degenerate and extra-degenerate anisotropic elastic materials have repeated material eigenvalues whose multiplicity is greater than the number of independent eigensolutions. Using basic elasticity relations, a simple, direct proof is given to show that higher-order eigensolutions may be obtained from the analytical expressions of the zeroth-order eigensolutions according to the derivative rule. These higher-order eigensolutions contribute to the complexity of the general solutions of degenerate and extra-degenerate materials, and to the analytical difficulties inherent in such cases including isotropic elasticity For all types of anisotropic materials, the general solution is given specific forms to obtain Green 's functions of several domains with straight or elliptical boundaries. These results, presented in fully explicit expressions, extend Green's functions of nondegenerate materials to degenerate and extra-degenerate cases that have not been explored previously.
Seasonal and monthly variation in occurrence of hypertensive urgency

Dear Editor, We read with a great interest the article published by Marchesi et al. [1] in the journal ‘‘Internal and Emergency Medicine’’ entitled ‘‘Seasonal and monthly variation in occurrence of hypertensive urgency’’. The authors have demonstrated from a hospital-based study of 360 subjects in Italy that the peak number of hypertensive urgency episodes occurred in December and the nadir in May. We have recently published an analysis of 456,259 hypertensive emergency hospitalizations from 2000 to 2007 in the United States where a similar pattern with winter peak and summer trough was noted [2]. The mean number of hospitalizations each day (averaged over the 8 years study frame) was least in June and maximum in February. Although, a seasonal fluctuation in blood pressure has been known for decades [3, 4], their translation into hospitalizations is reflected for the first time in our study. Winter peak in hypertensive urgency/emergency could also be a trigger for stroke and acute myocardial infarction. Over the last decade, the number of hospitalizations for hypertensive emergency has consistently increased [5]. The authors have correctly pointed out that such seasonal fluctuations are interesting to know as closer follow-up of the blood pressure during winter months may help prevent hypertensive crisis related hospitalizations and the health care costs associated with this.
What's beneath the Floorboards: Three Competing Metavoices in the Footnotes of Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves

ABSTRACT The three voices found in the footnotes of House of Leaves compete for authority and contradict one another with a mixture of misleading, fabricated, and truthful information, citations, and references. The footnotes engage Raymond Federman's method of critifiction, which combines fiction with critical discourse to arrive at a formally innovative text of post-postmodern contemporary fiction. There are three competing metavoices in the footnotes, each demanding authority, yet each is unreliable because the footnotes frustrate the reader with lies, false literary and cultural references, and the uncertainty to whom these voices belong. Danielewski follows Derrida's method of the bifurcated text in Glas, which is presented vertically, whereas House of Leaves is horizontal: the footnotes, sometimes going on for pages, draw attention away from the main text. House of Leaves is also an example of Avant-Pop: art that infiltrates corporate business and subverts it.
Diel patterns of algae and water quality constituents in the San Joaquin River, California, USA

Abstract The San Joaquin River (SJR) is a hypereutrophic river that contributes to hypoxia in the downstream Stockton Deep Water Ship Channel. Oxidizable materials, in the form of algal biomass from upstream sources, contribute to the hypoxic conditions, especially from July to October. Our earlier work demonstrated the existence of strong chlorophyll-a diel cycles which complicated the calculation of algal loads for the watershed-scale monitoring program, necessary to address the total maximum daily load (TMDL) for dissolved oxygen (DO). The purpose of this study was to determine if diel patterns existed for other water quality constituents, and to determine the role of algal growth dynamics in driving these diel changes. Studies conducted between 30 June and 15 October 2004 evaluated temporal changes for several water quality constituents over four, 48 h studies at two sites along the mainstem of the SJR. Strong diel (24 h) patterns were observed for chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a (algal pigments), temperature, DO, pH, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN, NH4+-N + NO3−-N), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), and volatile suspended solids (VSS). Patterns of DIN and SRP were inverse of those observed for algal pigments, temperature, DO, pH, and VSS. The observed diel patterns of algal pigments and temperature were greater in the beginning of the summer (June/July) and diminished by the end of summer (September/October) due to the decreased photoperiod. Within a 24 h period the fluctuations observed in algal pigments and nutrients suggest that growth of algae during daylight hours and depletion at night are largely responsible for the observed diel patterns. Due to the observed diel variability in these water quality constituents, the samples collected for TMDL programs may not be representative unless samples are collected at the daily mean for a system.
Mercury-199 NMR studies of thiacrown and related macrocyclic complexes: the crystal structures of [Hg(18S6)](PF6)2 and [Hg(9N3)2](ClO4)2.

We wish to report the first measurements of 1 9 9 Hg NMR chemical shift data for a series of homoleptic Hg(ll) complexes with thiacrown ligands and related aza and mixed thia/aza macrocycles. In mercury(II) complexes containing trithiacrown through hexathiacrown ligands, we observed 1 9 9 Hg NMR chemical shifts in the range of -298 to -1400 ppm. Upfield chemical shifts in these NMR spectra are seen whenever (a) the number of thioether sulfur donors in the complex is decreased, (b) a thioether sulfur donor is replaced by a secondary nitrogen donor, and (c) the size of the macrocycle ring increases without a change in the nature or number of the donor atoms. Changes in noncoordinating anions, such as hexafluorophosphate and perchlorate, have little effect on the 1 9 9 Hg chemical shift. For several complexes, we observed 3 J( 1 9 9 Hg- 1 H) coupling in the range of 50-100 Hz, the first example of proton-mercury coupling through a C-S thioether bond. Also, we obtained unusual upfield 1 3 C NMR chemical shifts for methylene resonances in several of the thiacrown complexes which correspond to distortions within the five- and six-membered chelate rings bound to the mercury ion. We report the X-ray crystal structure of the complex [Hg(18S6)](PF 6 ) 2 (18S6 = 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiacyclooctadecane). The molecule crystallizes in the rare trigonal space group P3m1 with hexakis(thioether) coordination around the Hg(ll) center confirming previous X-ray photoemission spectroscopic data on the compound. The lack of an observable 1 9 9 Hg NMR signal for the complex is the result of the identical length (2.689(2) A) of all six Hg-S bonds. We additionally report the X-ray structure of the complex [Hg(9N3) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 (9N3 = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane) which shows hexakis(amine) coordination of the 9N3 to form a distorted trigonal prismatic structure. Solution dissociation of the one of the 9N3 ligands from the mercury ion is confirmed by multinuclear NMR experiments. For six-coordinate macrocyclic Hg(ll) complexes, N6 donor sets have a preference for trigonal prisms while S6 donor sets favor octahedral structures.
Ultrahigh-resolution differential ion mobility separations of conformers for proteins above 10 kDa: onset of dipole alignment?

Biomacromolecules tend to assume numerous structures in solution or the gas phase. It has been possible to resolve disparate conformational families but not unique geometries within each, and drastic peak broadening has been the bane of protein analyses by chromatography, electrophoresis, and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The new differential or field asymmetric waveform IMS (FAIMS) approach using hydrogen-rich gases was recently found to separate conformers of a small protein ubiquitin with the same peak width and resolving power up to ∼400 as for peptides. The present work explores the reach of this approach for larger proteins, exemplified by cytochrome c and myoglobin. Resolution similar to that for ubiquitin was largely achieved with longer separations, while the onset of peak broadening and coalescence with shorter separations suggests the limitation of the present technique to proteins under ∼20 kDa. This capability may enable one to distinguish whole proteins with differing residue sequences or...
A lattice of continuities for fuzzy topological spaces

Abstract Several continuities are defined for fuzzy topological spaces and characterizations of these continuities are obtained. It is shown that these continuities form a lattice ordered by implication whose supremum is fuzzy continuity and whose infimum is the continuity of general topology.
The unpredictable past of Plasmodium vivax revealed in its genome

Until quite recently, very little information has been available about the genome content and structure of parasitic protozoa. This inadequacy has been rectified by the advent of high-throughput strategies that permit sequencing of whole genomes and enhanced computational capacities that render this information tractable. The current list of complete or near-complete genomes includes some of the greatest scourges of humans and their domesticated companions. Among these miscreants are several members of the genus Plasmodium , the agents of malaria. Scores of species of Plasmodium have been described and comprise pathogens of every major group of terrestrial vertebrates. At present, no less than seven of these species are subjects of major genome-sequencing projects, and it is anticipated that the comparison of these genomes will provide invaluable insights as to how genomic contents may mediate the interaction of the parasite with its host (1). Our understanding of genome structure and function has been facilitated by models of evolutionary biology, and these findings validate theoretical predictions about genome evolution that predate by several decades our ability to collate their contents (2). Coupled with these comparative approaches to understand how genomes have shaped different species are studies that use the new information about genome polymorphism to better under understand the population structure and evolutionary history of individual species. The article by Leclerc et al. (3) in a recent issue of PNAS exemplifies how “population genomics” provides a means of examining the evolutionary forces acting, in both the past and present, on a species. The authors assayed polymorphism at several genetic loci of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium vivax , and compared the extent of this polymorphism with that of other closely related primate malaria species. Like previous reports of a paucity of genetic polymorphism in the malignant malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (4, 5 …
Power comparisons of tests of two multivariate hypotheses based on individual characteristic roots

In this paper, power comparisons are made for tests of each of the following two hypotheses based on individual characteristic roots of a matrix arising in each case: (i) independence between ap-set and aq-set of variates in a (p+q)-variate normal population withp≦q and (ii) equality ofp-dimensional mean vectors ofl p-variate normal populations having a common covariance matrix. At first, a few lemmas are given which help to reduce the central distributions of the largest, smallest, second largest, and the second smallest roots in terms of incomplete beta functions or functions of them. Since the central distribution of the largest root has been discussed by Pillai earlier in several papers ([6], [8], [9], [11], [12], [13]) cdf’s of the three others in the central case are given. Further, the non-central distributions of the individual roots forp-3 are considered for the two hypotheses and that of the smaller root forp=2; that of the largest root forp=2 has been obtained by Pillai earlier, (Pillai [11], Pillai and Jayachandran [14]).
Dipole Moments of Partially Bound Lewis Acid−Base Adducts

Stark effect measurements have been performed on six Lewis acid−base complexes containing 32SO3 and 11BF3. The following dipole moments have been obtained: HC14N−SO3 (4.4172 ± 0.0031 D); CH3C14N−SO3 (6.065 ± 0.018 D); HC15N−BF3 (4.1350 ± 0.0073 D); H315N−BF3 (5.9027 ± 0.0093 D (A state), 5.917 ± 0.010 (E state)); (CH3)315N−BF3 (6.0157 ± 0.0076 D); and (CH3)315N−B(CH3)3 (4.5591 ± 0.0097 D). Across a series of complexes with a common acid, the induced dipole moment increases sharply as the dative bond shortens. Contributions to the total molecular dipole moment arising from distortion, polarization, and charge transfer have been estimated for these and a number of related complexes, using the block-localized wave function energy decomposition analysis of Mo, Gao, and Peyerimhoff. Mulliken and natural population analyses are presented, as are electron density difference maps for HCN−SO3, (CH3)3N−BF3, and (CH3)3N−SO3. Theoretical values for the degree of charge transfer are compared with experimental estimat...
Valence Isomerism in Selected Heterocyclic Systems

Valence isomerization and the phenomenologically related principle of valence tautomerism, as they apply to several nitrogen-containing heterocyclic systems, are discussed herein. Attention is called first to 1H-azepines and the reluctance of such substances to isomerize to azanorcaradienes. The role of homo-1H-azepines in this context is then briefly outlined. Azocines (azacyclooctatetraenes) are seen to occupy an interesting position in the sense that pronounced shifts in the position of equilibrium (from almost entirely monocyclic to virtually completely bicyclic) occur with substitutional alterations of various types. The capability of azabullvalenes for degenerate valence isomerization is the next presented, and contrast is made with the properties of benzazabullvalenes and an azasemibullvalene derivative.
THE EFFECT OF BODY POSITION ON GASTRIC RESIDUAL IN HEALTHY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT(LBW) INFANTS. † 887

To study the effect of body position on GR and to determine the best time after feeding to place LBW infants in Supine (S) position for prevention of SIDS, 45 studies were performed in 15 infants who were randomized into 6 sequences. Each infant had 3 studies performed on the same day; 5 were randomized to start in the Right Lateral Decubitus (RLD), 5 in Prone (P) and 5 in S position. BW was 1158±382g (Mean±SD), GA 30±3wks and age at time of study, 28±17d (range 6-45d); 60% were male, Apgar scores were >3 at 5 min in all infants. Infants were included if they were off the ventilator and were taking at least 25% of fluid requirement via enteral route. Undiluted 20 cal/oz Special Care Formula (Ross) at the same volume as the previous feeding (17±5 cc/kg/feed) was given by nasogastric tube which was kept in place during the entire study. To obtain the maximum amount of GR possible, the infant was rotated in all 3 positions at the time of measurement. GR, expressed as% of volume given, is shown according to primary position assignment. Table
Food shopping behaviors and food use by well-educated young parents

Abstract In this study we examined the relationships between food shopping behavior and food patterns in two-parent families who had at least one child of preschool age. Our sample had lower incomes and more education compared with the average two-parent family with young children in the United States, but it appeared to typify the young family where one or both parents are pursuing a college degree. The respondents reported that cost, family preferences, and nutritive value were the most important factors influencing their food choices. However, neither cost nor nutritive value considerations appeared very important with respect to food shopping behavior or food use. We suggest further exploration of relationships between food shopping behavior and food selection as a means of establishing a basis for nutrition education programs.
When Stereotypes Hurt: Three Studies of Penalties for Sex-Role Reversals.

Abstract Three studies that demonstrate penalties for sex-role reversals are reported. In each study, subjects evaluated men and women who behaved either in line with sex-role stereotypes or counter to them. The results show that popularity ratings and perceived psychological adjustment of both passive-dependent men and aggressive-assertive women were adversely affected. The findings are discussed in terms of their contribution to recent theories about women's achievement motivation.
Distribution and inheritance of scopolin and herniarin in some Prunus species

Abstract Leaves and bark of a wide range of Prunus species were surveyed for the presence of coumarins. Herniarin was found in leaves of all three species ( P. mahaleb, P. pensylvanica, P. maximowiczii ) previously reported to contain this compound, but the bark of P. maximowiczii contained scopolin. Herniarin was also found in the leaves of P. maackii and P. cerasus cvs. Montmorency and Northstar, but the bark of these species contained only scopolin. Scopolin, and sometimes scopoletin, occurred in the bark of P. cyclamina, P. nipponica var. kurilensis, P. serotina, P. verecunda, P. virginiana and three grafted cultivars of P. avium (‘Bing’, ‘Black Tartarian’, ‘Lambert’) but not in P. avium seedlings. The inheritance of scopolin in bark was determined in control-pollinated interspecific progenies of P. cyclamina, P. maackii, P. nipponica var. kurilensis , and P. verecunda . The inheritance of herniarin in leaves was determined in several MXM (Mahaleb X Mazzard) rootstocks and a few other progenies.