cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bivalirudin as a replacement for unfractionated heparin in unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Observations from the TIMI 8 trial

Abstract Background The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 8 trial was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin in a double-blind phase III trial of patients with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Methods All patients received aspirin and were randomized either to unfractionated heparin (bolus of 70 U/kg followed by an infusion of 15 U/kg/h) or bivalirudin (bolus of 0.1 mg/kg followed by an infusion of 0.25 mg/kg/h) for a minimum of 72 hours. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of all cause mortality or nonfatal recurrent MI. Results A total of 133 of the planned 5320 patients were enrolled, at which point the study was terminated by the sponsor because of a decision at the time to suspend further development of bivalirudin. Through 14 days, the incidence of death or nonfatal MI was 9.2% in the 65 patients in the unfractionated heparin group and was 2.9% in the 68 patients in the bivalirudin group, odds ratio (95% CI) 0.30 (0.06-1.53). Major hemorrhage occurred in 3 patients in the unfractionated heparin group (4.6%) but in none of the patients in the bivalirudin group ( P =.11). Conclusions The trend toward a lower rate of death or nonfatal MI in the bivalirudin group is consistent with a therapeutic effect of the drug and is consistent with other trials of bivalirudin in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The potential for clinically meaningful antithrombotic activity without an increased risk of bleeding and availablility of an alternative anticoagulation strategy in patients who cannot tolerate unfractionated heparin are particularly attractive and underscore the need for further evaluation of bivalirudin. (Am Heart J 2002;143:229-34.)
K-Theory for Partial Crossed Products by Discrete Groups

The notion of a partial crossed product of a C*-algebra by the group of integers introduced by R. Exel is generalized to a partial crossed product by any discrete group. A reduced partial crossed product is defined and some of the standard facts relating amenability and K-amenability to ordinary crossed products are extended to this case. The exact sequence of Pimsner and Voiculescu for reduced crossed products by the free group on n generators is generalized to this setting. This result is used to calculate the K-groups of an amalgamated product of two finite dimensional C*-algebras over a common maximal commutative subalgebra.
Defense reactions of mosquitoes to filarial worms: potential mechanism for avoidance of the response by Brugia pahangi microfilariae.

Abstract The melanization response of Aedes trivittatus and the black-eyed Liverpool (LVP) and Rocke-feller (RKF) strains of Aedes aegypti against intrathoracically inoculated Brugia pahangi microfilariae (mff) that previously had penetrated LVP, RKF, or A. trivittatus midguts in vitro was assessed at 1, 3, and 5 days postinoculation (PI). LVP and RKF midgut-derived mff almost totally avoided the melanization response and developed normally in LVP strain A. aegypti, and although over 90% of these mff died by 5 days PI in RKF mosquitoes, the majority of these were not melanized. A. aegypti midgut-derived mff also were able to avoid the response of A. trivittatus in 33–43% of the cases. Penetration through A. trivittatus midguts, however, did not significantly affect the ability of mff to avoid the melanization response in any of the mosquitoes examined. Allogeneic and xenogeneic tissue inplants were accepted by all three mosquito species examined. Data presented support the hypothesis that mff avoid immune recognition in compatible mosquitoes by coating themselves with midgut material(s) during penetration of the midgut in their migration to the hemocoel.
Chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome: A bladder dysfunction?

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is frustrating for both clinicians and patients. The prostate is not scientifically proven to cause the symptoms of CP/CPPS, yet the prostate continues to be the diagnosis of convenience in this complex syndrome in men. However, if the pain is not of prostatic origin, what causes it? A heterogeneous group of insults can result in a common neurogenic pain response, resulting in recurring pain and voiding or sexual dysfunction. To add to this dilemma, certain life-threatening diagnoses, such as carcinoma-in-situ, are in the differential diagnosis and must be excluded. Urodynamics may be useful in evaluating and treating patients whose voiding symptoms predominate, such as those with concomitant overactive bladder symptoms. However, many patients with CP/CPPS will not have measurable abnormalities by conventional methods and likely suffer from a functional somatic syndrome that is best treated with a multimodality approach.
The use and abuse of blood cultures

Abstract Blood cultures remain the “gold-standard” test for defining clinically significant bacteremia. Because the sensitivity and specificity of this test is highly physician-dependent, clinicians need to have a detailed knowledge of the factors that influence this test. With such knowledge, optimal use of blood cultures can be achieved without abuse. These factors are summarized in Tables 1–3.
Distribution and tectonic setting of plutonic rocks of the Arabian Shield

Abstract Although it is still not possible to model in detail the tectonic evolution of the Arabian Shield, its evolution can be interpreted in terms of the classic pattern of Phanerozoic plate tectonics (the ‘Wilson cycle’). During the first stage of evolution (900-630 Ma), plutonism was dominated by intermediate plutonic rocks (diorite, quartz diorite, tonalite and trondhjemite) and involved a progressive evolution from primitive tholeiitic series are rocks to mature calc-alkaline series rocks. These rocks formed in both ensimatic island arc and continental—marginal arc environments. The magmatic-arc stage was terminated by two collisions (680-630 Ma); between an accreted ensimatic arc terrane and a continental microplate and between the microplate and a continental(?) plate. These collisions resulted in a shift from arc magmatism dominated by intermediate plutonic rocks to collision-related granitic (granodiorite to monzogranite) magmatism (660-610 Ma). The final phase of plutonism within the Shield (610-510 Ma) was the formation of widespread postorogenic intracratonic evolved peraluminous to peralkaline alkali-feldspar granites. Such granites typically form during the terminal relaxation phase of continental collisions. Although minor amounts of evolved peraluminous granites are present in the eastern part of the Shield, well-developed S-type granites (tourmaline- or cordierite-bearing granite) appear to be lacking. Minor amounts of syenitic plutonic rocks were also emplaced throughout the Shield from about 620 to 550 Ma. The plutonic rock assemblage of the Arabian Shield is composed of approximately 37% granite, 19% granodiorite, 17% tonalite and trondhjemite, 1.3% dioritic rocks, 7% alkali-feldspar granite (including 2.3% alkali granite and 1.3% aluminous granite), 6% gabbro, and 1% syenitic rocks. Plutonic rocks compose approximately 55% of the outcrop area of the Shield.
Composition Semigroups and the Cesàro Operator OnHp

Received 16 April 1985.1980 Mathematics Subject Classification 47D05.The content of this paper is part of the author's Ph.D. thesis written under the supervision of ProfessorE. Berkson at the University of Illinois. I wish to express my gratitude to Professor Berkson for hisencouragement and help during the preparation of this work.J. London Math. Soc. (2) 36 (1987) 153-164
A nonselfadjoint dynamical system

This paper concerns criteria for assuring that every solution of a real fourth order nonselfadjoint differential equation is oscillatory at x = ∞. Our technique is a generalisation of that used by Whyburn ( 1 ) for the study of the selfadjoint equation, combined with the theory of H -oscillation of vector equations as introduced by Domslak ( 2 ) and studied by Noussair and Swanson ( 3 ). Whyburn's technique consists of representing (1.2) as a dynamical system of the form and then studying (1.3) in terms of polar coordinates in the y, z -plane. In Section 2 below we show how to represent (1.1) as a dynamical system of the form
Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites - VI: siderophile elements in ordinary chondrites

Abstract The abundances of Fe, Ni, Co, Au, Ir, Ga, As and Mg have been determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in 38 type 3 ordinary chondrites (10 of which may be paired) and 15 equilibrated chondrites. Classification of type 3 ordinary chondrites into the H, L and LL classes using oxygen isotopes and parameters which reflect oxidation state (Fa and Fs in the olivine and pyroxene and Co in kamacite) is difficult or impossible. Bulk compositional parameters, based on the equilibrated chondrites, have therefore been used to classify the type 3 chondrites. The distribution of the type 3 ordinary chondrites over the classes is very different from that of the equilibrated chondrites, the LL chondrites being more heavily represented. The type 3 ordinary chondrites contain 5 to 15 percent lower abundances of siderophile elements and a compilation of the present data and literature data indicates a small, systematic decrease in siderophile element concentration with decreasing petrologic type. The type 3 ordinary chondrites have, like the equilibrated ordinary chondrites, suffered a fractionation of their siderophile elements, but the loss of Ni in comparison with Au and Ir is greater for the type 3 chondrites. These siderophile element trends were established at the nebula phase of chondritic history and the co-variation with petrologic type implies onion-shell structures for the ordinary chondrite parent bodies. It is also clear that the relationship between the type 3 and the equilibrated ordinary chondrites involves more than simple, closed-system metamorphism.
The Reagan administration versus the Joint Committee on Printing: constitutional reflections

Abstract Several provisions of the United States Constitution, especially those dealing with parliamentary privileges, journals, accounts, and receipts, reflect a deep concern with the regular publication of accessible government information. Moreover, the provisions' constitutional history and judicial interpretation suggest that the Constitution's design contemplates a system characterized by citizen's close scrutiny of the conduct of public officials based on information contained in official documents. The text, constitutional history, and judicial interpretation of these provisions are analyzed as background for a study of the Reagan administration's attempts to limit the publication programs of federal agencies and the administration's claims that the Joint Committee on Printing lacks authority to supervise and coordinate the publication of government documents. The article also assesses the impact of the 1983 Supreme Court ruling in I.N.S. v. Chadha (invalidating the legislative veto) on the controversy over the status of the Joint Committee on Printing.
Effect of phospholipid on the redox potential and enzymic properties of cytochromes b.

Abstract The effects of phospholipid on the redox behavior of b cytochromes in succinate-cytochrome c reductase, the cytochrome b-c 1 complex, and an isolated cytochrome b preparation were investigated by the oxidative and reductive titrations. Three E m values of cytochrome b were observed in the phospholipid-sufftcient and -depleted succinate-cytochrome c reductase. Their midpoint potentials at pH 7.4 are 75, 75, and −100 mV for the sufficient and 10, −30, and −160 mV for the depleted reductase. The molar distribution of the b cytochromes of these E m values correspond to 30, 30, and 40%, respectively. The E m values of the isolated cytochrome b preparations were not affected by addition of phospholipids. The isolated b preparation contained two components of equal concentration with E m values of −85 and −200 mV. No direct correlation between enzymic activity and the amount of high potential b cytochromes present in the systems was demonstrated. Very little difference was observed in redox behavior of b cytochromes between the aged inactive preparations of phospholipid-depleted reductase and that of freshly prepared reconstitutively active enzyme.
A theory for the core of a three-dimensional leading-edge vortex

A theory is presented for the flow in the core of a separation-induced leading-edge vortex. The theory is based on matching inner and outer representations of the vortex. The inner representation models continuously distributed vorticity and includes an asymptotic viscous subcore. The outer representation models concentrated spiral sheets of vorticity and is fully three dimensional. A parameter is identified which closely tracks the vortex breakdown stability boundary for delta, arrow, and diamond wings.
Kinetic Analysis of Nonisothermal Crystallization

A realistic computer model for polymorphic crystallization under isothermal and nonisothermal conditions, which takes proper account of time-dependent nucleation behavior and cluster-size-dependent growth, is presented. A new correction to the standard Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) statistical analysis that takes account of finite sample size is incorporated to simulate data taken from fine particles and nano-structured materials. Model predictions compare well with experimental data obtained from calorimetric studies of the polymorphic crystallization of lithium disilicate glass. The computer model is employed to evaluate commonly used methods of analysis for calorimetric data and to suggest new approaches for extracting kinetic parameters.
Hierarchical control via approximate simulation and feedback linearization

This paper considers the problem of hierarchical trajectory planning and control for a class of nonlinear systems which are feedback linearizable. The proposed hierarchy builds on the notion of approximate simulation relations. We use the diffeomorphic transformation between the feedback linearized system and the nonlinear system, along with the associated interface between the abstraction and the linearization of the concrete system obtained via feedback, to recast the problem of trajectory planning and control for the nonlinear system into a reduced dimensional space. The formal abstraction framework then enables the control to be mapped to the space of the concrete nonlinear system using the feedback linearized system as a “bridge”. Two different hierarchical control architectures are proposed for this framework and the method is demonstrated with a quadrotor system.
Late complication of stent fragmentation related to the "lever-arm effect".

PURPOSE To report an unusual case of dramatic nitinol stent strut fractures with resultant complete loss of stent integrity in a cadaveric lower limb graft. CASE REPORT A 73-year-old man had the clinical stigmata of graft versus host response to a cadaveric femoral-tibioperoneal graft and suspected inflammation-induced stent corrosion culminating in fracture. The long continuous stented segment and station of the distal anastomosis below the knee resulted in preferential displacement of force to the proximal stent edge as the knee bends, making mechanical stress the most likely primary cause for these findings. CONCLUSION This case provides insight into some of the unique mechanical issues in vessels traversing the knee joint and how the problem is amplified by increasing the distance between the knee (fulcrum) and the stented vessel (lever arm). This lever-arm effect would also apply to the native superficial femoral artery when vessel compliance is changed by multiple stents.
Deregulated NOTCH signaling in acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: new insights, questions, and opportunities.

Recent work has shown that the majority of human acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemias and lymphomas (T-ALL) have gain-of-function mutations in NOTCH1, a type I transmembrane receptor that normally signals through a 7-secretase-dependent mechanism that relies on ligand-induced regulated intramembranous proteolysis. Cleavage by 7-secretase releases the intracellular domain of NOTCH1 (ICN1), permitting it to translocate to the nucleus and form a short-lived transcriptional activation complex that is essential for normal T-cell development. Two types of mutations are prevalent in human T-ALL: extracellular domain mutations that increase ICN1 production and C-terminal mutations that sustain ICN1 action. Inhibitors of ICN1 production and activity abrogate the growth of established T-ALL cell lines, and a clinical trial of a NOTCH pathway inhibitor in patients with refractory T-ALL has opened recently. These insights raise a number of new questions relevant to T-ALL pathogenesis and offer exciting opportunities for rational targeted therapy.
Maintenance and regeneration of cytoplasmic organelles in hybrid amebae formed by nuclear transplantation

Abstract The fine structure of cytoplasmic organelles was studied in hybrid amebae that were formed by transplanting the nucleus from one kind of ameba into the cytoplasm of a different type of ameba. Four different species or strains of amebae were utilized; Amoeba proteus, A. discoides, A. dubia, and A. amazonas. The fine structure of A. discoides was indistinguishable from that of A. proteus, but A. dubia and A. amazonas had distinctive features. To determine if the fine structure of cytoplasmic organelles in hybrid cells is like that of the nuclear parent or the cytoplasmic parent, nuclei were transferred between A. proteus and A. amazonas, which differ in their cytoplasmic ultrastructure, especially in the morphology of mitochondria. The cytoplasm of these hybrids resembled most closely that of the cytoplasmic parent. The degree to which different heterologous nuclei are capable of maintaining normal cytoplasmic organization was then studied by replacing an A. proteus nucleus with a nucleus from one of the other kinds of amebae. An A. discoides nucleus maintained A. proteus cytoplasm for several weeks. A nucleus from A. dubia or A. amazonas was able to maintain A. proteus cytoplasm for a few days, but then the cytoplasm began to show ultrastructural changes characteristic of enucleated amebae. The ability of a heterologous nucleus to promote the regeneration of Golgi bodies and endoplasmic reticulum after their decline in the absence of the nucleus was tested by transplanting a heterologous nucleus into A. proteus cytoplasm that had been enucleate for 5 days. A. discoides was the most effective heterologous nucleus donor but was less successful than normal A. proteus. Insertion of a nucleus from either A. amazonas or A. dubia resulted in “reactivation” of the cytoplasm with extension of pseudopods and resumption of motility but little or no regeneration of cell organelles. Thus, the ability of a heterologous nucleus both to maintain and to regenerate normal features of cytoplasmic organelles varied with the type of heterologous nucleus and was related to the degree of morphological resemblance between the donor and recipient cells. The role of the nucleus in motility and its role in regeneration of cytoplasmic organelles were dissociated from one another in the case of some hybrid renucleates.
Nanofiltration studies of larger organic microsolutes in methanol solutions

Abstract Multistep organic solvent-based pharmaceutical syntheses of larger organic microsolutes having molecular weights (MW) in the range of 300–1000 generally require athermal separation processes because the active molecules and the intermediates are thermally labile. To that end, nanofiltration (NF) of methanol solutions of three selected solutes, safranin O (MW 351), brilliant blue R (MW 826) and vitamin B12 (MW 1355) has been studied in a batch stirred cell for a dilute solution of each individual solute at 3034 kPa (440 psig). The solvent-resistant membranes investigated and their manufacturer-specified molecular weight cut-offs (MWCO) are MPF-44 (250), MPF-50 (700) and MPF-60 (400). During an initial transient period, the solvent flux decreased with time and the solute rejection increased with time for every membrane reaching a steady state after about 12 h. This behavior resulting from membrane compaction and pore size reduction was partially reversible. Additional studies using higher feed solute concentrations (1 and 3 wt.%) show considerable reduction in solvent flux and increase in solute rejection; the effect appears to be far more than that due to an increase in osmotic pressure and possible reasons for such a behavior have been suggested. The observed solute rejection values are generally significantly lower than the manufacturer-specified MWCO values. Additional studies varying the feed solution pressure through the membrane MPF-60 indicate that the variation of the percent rejection of solutes safranin O and brilliant blue R with the solvent flux tends to follow the relation suggested by the Finely Porous Model.
Molecular karyotyping and chromosome length polymorphism in Cochliobolus sativus

Fungi are known to have variable genomes that can generate new virulence types capable of attacking important crop plants. To assess chromosome length polymorphisms in the barley spot blotch pathogen (Cochliobolus sativus), we analyzed the karyotypes of 16 isolates using contour-clamped homogeneous electric field (CHEF) electrophoresis. The collection of isolates studied were from diverse regions of the world (USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Uruguay, and Poland) and included representatives comprising the three known C. sativus pathotypes of 0, 1, and 2. Under two different running conditions, the number of CHEF bands observed ranged from 8 to 13 with a size range of 0.85 to 3.80 mega-bases (Mb). Each of the 16 isolates showed a unique banding pattern, except for two North Dakota isolates ND90Pr and ND91-Bowman, which were very similar. Single-copy DNA probes, previously assigned to each of the 15 chromosomes identified in reference isolate ND93-1, were hybridized to Southern blots of CHEF-separated chromosomes and revealed highly polymorphic chromosomes among isolates. Chromosomal rearrangements (translocations, deletions, duplications) were found in several isolates. DNA markers previously found linked to VHv1, a gene in pathotype 2 isolates conferring virulence on barley cultivar Bowman, also were used as probes in hybridizations with the CHEF blots. The results showed that the chromosome carrying the virulence gene in pathotype 2 isolates is larger than its counterpart without the gene in other isolates. This suggests that the genomic region carrying the virulence locus VHv1 is unique to pathotype 2 isolates. This study provides useful information on genome structure and divergence, which is essential for advancing our understanding of the genetics and biology of C. sativus.
Optimal CDMA Network Design with Uplink and Downlink Rate Guarantees

In this paper, we propose an optimization framework for the design of CDMA based cellular networks. The framework incorporates both the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) quality of service (QoS) constraints to determine the base station (BS) selection and base station to mobile user association. The framework also allows the network planner the flexibility to trade-off the net profitwith the total transmission power. The framework also allows the network operator to examine the effect of varying number of service classes and frequency reuse factor. Representative numerical results of the optimization are given.
The use of interphase FISH for prenatal diagnosis of Pallister-Killian syndrome.

Pallister–Killian syndrome (tetrasomy 12p) is a relatively rare aneuploidy syndrome characterized by the presence of mosaicism for an isochromosome 12p [i(12p)]. We report two new cases diagnosed following chorionic villus sampling and an abnormal ultrasound, respectively. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to enumerate the number of interphase cells containing the isochromosome. The results of these studies illustrate the importance of the use of interphase FISH to detect the presence of the i(12p) in uncultured, non-dividing cells. A review of the literature identified 23 additional cases of Pallister–Killian syndrome diagnosed prenatally. Approximately 50 per cent of these cases were associated with the presence of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. We suggest that a perinatal-lethal form of Pallister–Killian syndrome is underdiagnosed and recommend that all cases of prenatally detected diaphragmatic hernia be tested for Pallister–Killian syndrome using interphase FISH on uncultured amniocytes. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and inflammatory stress: an interview with Dr. Pál Pacher.

The manuscript “Cannabinoid-2 receptor agonist HU-308 protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis” was selected as a Pivotal Advance because it considers the role of endocannabinoids, generally understood for their psychoactive features alone, as biochemical modulators of systemic inflammation. In this manuscript, Dr. Pal Pacher and his colleagues explore the role of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist, HU-308, in preventing tissue damage in an experimental model of tissue ischemia / reperfusion injury.
Shared Memory Cache Organizations for Reconfigurable Computing Systems

The best interface between CPUs and reconfigurable hardware in heterogeneous systems remains an open question. The trend in multi-core processors is to communicate through a shared memory hierarchy; but cache organizations that work best for general-purpose multi-core systems may not be best for heterogeneous systems. In this paper we explore a variety of cache topologies for connecting a CPU with reconfigurable hardware through a shared memory hierarchy. We demonstrate that in our modeled heterogeneous system, like in general multi-core systems, sharing at least one level of the cache is important for performance and multiple cache levels can reduce the dynamic power consumption of the memory hierarchy.
Neuromuscular disorder in response to anterior cruciate ligament creep.

Objective. To determine the effect of creep developed in the anterior cruciate ligament and other viscoelastic knee structures on the function of the flexor and extensor muscles of males and females. Design. Static load applied to the proximal tibia of young healthy male and female subjects in a laboratory setting with maximal voluntary knee flexion and extension performed before and after the load application. Background. Static loads applied to various joints during occupational and sports activities are epidemiologically linked to higher than normal rates of disability reports. The physiological and biomechanical processes active in the development of such a neuromuscular disorder are not known. We hypothesize that creep developed in the anterior cruciate ligament due to prolonged static load will have pronounced impact on the reflexive activation of the associated musculature in a manner that may increase the risk of injury. Females are expected to be exposed to higher risk than males. Methods. Male and female groups performed maximal voluntary knee flexion and extension before and after applying 200 and 150 N, respectively, to the proximal tibia for a 10 min period. Flexion and extension forces as well as electromyograph from agonist and antagonist muscles were measured at 35 and 90 knee flexion. Data was analyzed through repeated measures of analysis of variance. Results. It was found that in extension, quadriceps electromyographic activity increased significantly after anterior cruciate ligament creep while hamstrings co-activation did not change. There was also a trend towards increased extension force after creep was developed, with significant effect of gender (larger increase in females). Similarly, significant increase in hamstrings electromyographic activity and a trend towards increased force during knee flexion was observed but with no effect of gender. Electromyographic spasms from the flexors and extensors were recorded in 30% of the subjects during the 10 min static loading period at 90 angle and from the flexors only at 35. Creep in the ligament was marginally greater in females than in males with a significant effect of angle, being greater at 35 than in 90 knee flexion. Conclusions. The results suggest that ligament creep may develop a neuromuscular disorder consisting of spasms, increased electromyography and force in the agonist muscles without compensation from the antagonist. Static loading of a joint, therefore, may develop a neuromuscular disorder compounded with laxity of the ligaments and subject the individual to increased risk of injury.
Regulation of the glucose concentration for diabetic individuals

A proposed state feedback controller is applied to a fourth-order model presenting a glucose homeostasis system. The role of this controller is to assign a certain number of poles to the location of zeros while the rest of the poles are assigned to the origin. Consequently, the glucose concentration presenting the output of the compensated system has a regulated response. >
Beneficial effects of soy protein consumption for renal function

Alterations in dietary protein intake have an important role in prevention and management of several forms of kidney disease. Using soy protein instead of animal protein reduces development of kidney disease in animals. Reducing protein intake preserves kidney function in persons with early diabetic kidney disease. Our clinical observations led us to the soy-protein hypothesis that "substitution of soy protein for animal protein results in less hyperfiltration and glomerular hypertension with resulting protection from diabetic nephropathy." These components of soy protein may lead to the benefits: specific peptides, amino acids, and isoflavones. Substituting soy protein for animal protein usually decreases hyperfiltration in diabetic subjects and may reduce urine albumin excretion. Limited data are available on effects of soy peptides, isoflavones, and other soy components on renal function on renal function in diabetes. Further studies are required to discern the specific benefits of soy protein and its components on renal function in diabetic subjects.
Prevalent attitudes regarding residency training in ocular anesthesia.

Purpose: To determine the current level of formal training in ocular anesthesia provided to nonophthalmologist physicians, the rationale for this training or lack thereof, and the perceived need for this training by anesthesia residency training programs. Methods: A two-page survey questionnaire was forwarded to all residency directors of ophthalmology and anesthesia training programs listed with the American Medical Association. A second mailing followed 2 months after the initial mailing if no response was received from a particular program. Results: An overwhelming response of 92% of ophthalmology programs and 76% of anesthesiology programs was achieved. In 93% of ophthalmology programs and 77% of anesthesiology programs, no formal training was provided to nonophthalmologist physicians in retrobulbar or peribulbar anesthesia. In addition, 78% of ophthalmology and 65% of anesthesiology programs denied having any plans to provide this training even though 40% of the anesthesia departments wanted to initiate and coordinate such training. Conclusions: Currently, few ophthalmology programs offer formal training to anesthesiology residents in ocular anesthesia. Following are the predominant factors involved in this decision: (1) the operating surgeon is ultimately responsible for any complications; (2) there is a lack of knowledge of orbital anatomy and axial eye length by anesthesia personnel; and, most importantly, (3) there is a brief episodic nature in which anesthesia residents encounter ophthalmologic procedures resulting in minimal opportunities for training and experience from which the residency training program could ensure quality outcome and proper credentialling.
Long-term incidence and timing of intraocular hypertension after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection.

Purpose To describe the long-term incidence and timing of steroid-induced ocular hypertension after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) therapy. Design Retrospective case series of 929 eyes of 841 patients. Participants Patients with a variety of posterior segment disorders in a single group practice. Intervention Pars plana injection of IVTA. Main Outcome Measures Intraocular pressure (IOP) and requirement for glaucoma surgery. Results Overall, 929 eyes received ≥1 injections (mean, 1.6) of 4 mg of IVTA. During a mean follow-up period of 14±6.9 months, the Kaplan–Meier cumulative incidences of IOP elevations >21 mmHg at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-injection were 28.2%, 34.6%, 41.2%, and 44.6%, respectively; similarly, the incidences of eyes with IOP measurements >25 mmHg were 14.6%, 19.1%, 24.1%, and 28.2%, respectively. At the same time points, IOP-lowering medications were required by 13.0%, 16.9%, 20.7%, and 24.2% of eyes, respectively. Only 3 eyes (0.3%) required IOP-lowering surgery. Preexisting glaucoma, younger age, and a history of an IOP elevation after a previous IVTA injection were risk factors for IOP elevations after IVTA injection. The minimum and maximum follow-up were 3 weeks and 37 months. The mean rate of attrition in this study was 3% per month. Conclusions Elevations in IOP after IVTA injection are common. Younger patients and eyes with preexisting glaucoma or a history of a steroid response should be monitored more closely for IOP elevations after IVTA therapy. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this paper.
Cyclic Feature Based Wideband Spectrum Sensing Using Compressive Sampling

Dynamic spectrum access has emerged as a promising paradigm for improving the Dynamic spectrum utilization efficiency of wireless networks. To enable this new paradigm, fast and accurate spectrum sensing has to be performed over very wide bandwidth in noisy channel environments under energy constraints. Cyclic feature based sensing approach works well under noise uncertainty, but requires very high sampling rates in the wideband regime, and hence incurs high energy consumption and hardware costs. This paper aims to alleviate the sampling requirements of cyclic detectors by utilizing the compressive sampling principle and exploiting the sparsity structure in the two-dimensional cyclic spectrum domain. A technical challenge lies in the fact that the compressive samples collected in the time domain does not have a direct linear relationship with the two dimensional sparse cyclic spectrum of interest, which is a major departure from existing sparse signal recovery techniques for linear sampling systems. This paper solves this challenge by reformulating the vectorized cyclic spectrum into a linear form of the autocorrelation of the compressed samples. Further, based on the recovered cyclic spectrum, new cyclic-based detectors are developed to estimate the spectrum occupancy when multiple sources are present. Simulation shows that the proposed spectrum sensing algorithms can substantially reduce sampling rate with little performance loss, and is robust to the unpredictable noise uncertainty in wireless networks.
The role of concepts in program comprehension

The paper presents an overview of the role of concepts in program comprehension. It discusses concept location, in which the implementation of a specific concept is located in the code. This process is very common and precedes a large proportion of code changes. The paper also discusses the process of learning about the domain from the code, which is a prerequisite of code reengineering. The paper notes the similarities and overlaps between program comprehension and human learning.
Effect of deposition chemistry and annealing on charge in HfO/sub 2/ stacks

Charge in HfO/sub 2/ gate stacks grown from various metal-organic chemical vapor deposition sources has been studied using nMOS capacitors with a damage-free Cr gate process. It is found that the charge in the stack is mainly concentrated at the interfaces between materials. The effect of postdeposition anneal depends on the high-/spl kappa/ film-deposition chemistry. A forming gas anneal can reduce interface charge, hysteresis, and interface state densities for HfO/sub 2/ films grown from various sources. The marked difference in the annealing response of similar films deposited from different precursors, however, strongly suggests that charge in these stacks is related to the deposition chemistry and may be due to residual impurities or defects left in the film from the deposition.
Volume of neuroradiology studies read by neurologists: implications for fellowship training.

Purpose The ACGME recognizes radiology's neuroradiology fellowship programs as the pathway to neuroradiology expertise. Members of the American Society of Neuroimaging have called for the expansion of neuroradiology fellowships for neurologists with informal accreditation through the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. The aim of this study was to investigate the number of neuroradiologic studies read by neurologists to assess their capacity to support fellowship positions at ACGME training criteria. Methods The numbers of neuroradiologic studies interpreted by radiologists and neurologists in the inpatient and hospital outpatient settings were determined from the CMS Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files for 1996 to 2008. The ACGME requirements of 1,500 neuroradiologic CT and 1,500 neuroradiologic MR scans per fellow per year were used to calculate the number of fellowship positions that could be supported by each specialty. Results In 2008, in the inpatient and hospital outpatient setting, radiologists interpreted 9,287,768 (98.3% of the total) and neurologists interpreted 43,107 (0.5% of the total) neuroradiologic examinations on Medicare patients. Per ACGME requirements, on the basis of CT volumes, radiologists could potentially train 4,256 neuroradiology fellows, compared with neurologists' 12 fellows, assuming a single fellow was exposed to every Medicare case. On the basis of MR volumes, radiologists and neurologists could train 1,935 and 16 fellows, respectively. Conclusions Radiologists are responsible for interpreting the vast majority (98.3%) of neuroradiologic studies. Neurologists have a limited exposure to neuroradiologic CT and MR and could support only 12 fellowship positions by ACGME criteria on the basis of reading available 1996 to 2008 Medicare cases.
Spectral Calibration at the Picometer level on SCDU (Spectral Calibration Development Unit)

SCDU (Spectral Calibration Development Unit) is a vacuum test bed that was built and operated for the SIM-Planetquest Mission and has successfully demonstrated the calibration of spectral instrument error to an accuracy of better than 20 picometers. This performance is consistent with the 1 micro-arc second goal of SIM. The calibration procedure demonstrated in the test bed is traceable to the SIM flight instrument. This article is a review of all aspects of the design and operation of the hardware as well as the methodology for spectral calibration. Spectral calibration to better than 20 picometers and implications for flight are discussed.
Plasticity of Brain Networks in a Randomized Intervention Trial of Exercise Training in Older Adults

Research has shown the human brain is organized into separable functional networks during rest and varied states of cognition, and that aging is associated with specific network dysfunctions. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine low-frequency (.008<.08 Hz) coherence of cognitively relevant and sensory brain networks in older adults who participated in a one-year intervention trial, comparing the effects of aerobic and non-aerobic fitness training on brain function and cognition. Results showed that aerobic training improved the aging brain’s resting functional efficiency in higher-level cognitive networks. One year of walking increased functional connectivity between aspects of the frontal, posterior, and temporal cortices within the Default Mode Network and a Frontal Executive Network, two brain networks central to brain dysfunction in aging. Length of training was also an important factor. Effects in favor of the walking group were observed only after 12 months of training, compared to non-significant trends after six months. A non-aerobic stretching and toning group also showed increased functional connectivity in the DMN after six months and in a Frontal Parietal Network after 12 months, possibly reflecting experience-dependent plasticity. Finally, we found that changes in functional connectivity were behaviorally relevant. Increased functional connectivity was associated with greater improvement in executive function. Therefore the study provides the first evidence for exercise-induced functional plasticity in large-scale brain systems in the aging brain, using functional connectivity techniques, and offers new insight into the role of aerobic fitness in attenuating age-related brain dysfunction.
Human germinal center T cells are unique Th cells with high propensity for apoptosis induction.

Collaborative interactions between Th cells and B cells are necessary for the production of antibody responses to most protein antigens and for the generation of memory B cells in germinal centers (GCs). Although it is well established that Th cells are pivotal for the GC reaction, the mechanisms that control the homeostasis of Th cells during the GC response remain largely unknown. Here we show that, unlike other effector T cells, a significant number of CD4 1 CD45RO 1 CD57 1 T cells, which are the major Th cells residing in the GCs, are undergoing apoptosis in vivo. CD4 1 CD45RO 1 CD57 1 GC T cells exhibit similar sensitivities to apoptotic signals and to caspase inhibitors as immature thymocytes. Moreover, CD4 1 CD45RO 1 CD57 1 GC T cells express a unique profile of genes that control apoptosis and cell cycle, providing possible molecular mechanisms for the high rates of apoptotic death of these Th cells in the GCs.
Generalized Schwinger model and a theory of interacting photons and Majorana fermions.

We study the asymptotic behavior of the most general renormalizable theory of {ital N} charged fermions interacting with photons in 1+1 dimensions. We also show that in 1+1 dimensions Majorana fermions can interact with photons through a nonminimal coupling and we investigate the asymptotic behavior of such a theory with {ital N} flavors.
Expression of Mucosal Homing Receptor α4β7 Is Associated with Enhanced Migration to the Chlamydia-Infected Murine Genital Mucosa In Vivo

The CD4 T helper cell type 1 (Th1) response is essential for the resolution of chlamydial genital infection in mice. However, not all Th1 clones are equally protective in eradicating the infection. Since oral immunization regimens produce protective immunity, we evaluated the role of the mucosa-associated homing receptor, alpha4beta7, in trafficking to the genital mucosa. Using a panel of CD4, Th1 cell lines and clones, we compared the lymphocyte homing patterns of a Chlamydia-specific, protective clone (P-MoPn), a nonprotective clone (N-MoPn), and a keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific cell line (KLH-1). T cells were labeled with the fluorescent dye PKH-26, adoptively transferred into Chlamydia-infected mice, and monitored at different time points throughout the course of a genital infection. We found that clones P-MoPn and N-MoPn migrated to similar extents to the genital tract and in significantly greater numbers than the KLH-specific T-cell line. Both clones and the KLH-1 line expressed similar levels of the adhesion molecules alpha4, beta1, CD44, and CD11a. However, clones P-MoPn and N-MoPn expressed higher levels of the mucosal homing receptor, alpha4beta7. Also, clones P-MoPn and N-MoPn but not the KLH-1 line migrated to the mesenteric lymph node, suggesting a mucosal recirculation pattern. Moreover, blocking alpha4beta7 adhesion interaction in vivo significantly reduced the recruitment of P-MoPn but not KLH-1 to the genital tract. These findings show that the mucosal homing receptor alpha4beta7 is utilized by a subset of CD4 cells during migration to the Chlamydia-infected genital tract.
Contrasting bedrock incision rates from snowmelt and flash floods in the Henry Mountains, Utah

Hydrograph variability and channel morphology influence rates of fluvial bedrock incision, but little data exist on these controls in natural channels. Through field monitoring we demonstrate that (1) short-term bedrock channel incision can be rapid, (2) sustained floods with smaller peak discharges can be more erosive than flash floods with higher peak discharges, due to changes in bed alluviation, and (3) bedrock channel morphology varies with local bed slope and controls the spatial distribution of erosion. We present a three-year record of flow depths and bedrock erosion for a human-perturbed channel reach that drains the Henry Mountains of Utah, USA. Starting from a small and steep (∼30% slope), engineered knickpoint in Navajo sandstone, erosion has cut a narrow, deep, and tortuous inner channel in ∼35–40 years. Along the inner channel, we measured up to 1/2 m of vertical incision into Navajo sandstone over ∼23 days, caused by the 2005 season of exceptional snowmelt flow. In contrast, flash floods caused little bedrock incision even when peak discharges were much higher than the peak snowmelt flow. Flash floods were net depositors of coarse sediment while snowmelt flow cleared alluvial cover. We document the formation of a pothole and interpret that it was abraded by bedload rather than fine suspended sediment. Finally, several slot canyons (Peek-a-boo, Spooky, and Coyote Gulch narrows) in the nearby Escalante River drainage basin have erosional morphologies similar to the monitored channel reach. Feedbacks between flow, sediment transport, and transient erosion provide a plausible explanation for the evolution of channel slope, width, and bed roughness of these natural bedrock channels.
Development of conductive adhesives for solder replacement

Develops conductive adhesives with stable contact resistance and desirable impact performance. Effects of purity of the resins and moisture absorption on contact resistance are investigated. Several different additives (oxygen scavengers and corrosion inhibitors) on contact resistance stability during elevated temperature and humidity aging are studied, and effective additives are identified. Then, several rubber-modified epoxy resins and two synthesized epoxide-terminated polyurethane resins are introduced into ECA formulations to determine their effects on impact strength. The loss factor, tan /spl delta/, of each formulation is measured using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and impact strength is evaluated using the National Center for Manufacturing Science (NCMS) standard drop test procedure. Finally, high performance conductive adhesives are formulated by combining the modified resins and the effective additives. It is found that 1) purity of the resins and moisture absorption of the formulation affect the contact resistance stability of an ECA; 2) the oxygen scavengers and corrosion inhibitors can delay contact resistance shift; 3) one of the corrosion inhibitors is very effective in stabilizing the contact resistance; 4) some rubber-modified epoxy resins and the epoxide-terminated polyurethane resins can provide the conductive adhesives with superior impact performance; and 5) conductive adhesives with stable contact resistance and desirable impact performance are developed.