cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective localization of cardiac SCN5A sodium channels in limbic regions of rat brain.

Voltage-dependent sodium channels have a critical role in membrane electrogenesis and repetitive firing in excitable cells. Members of this gene superfamily exhibit diffuse, tissue-specific expression in nervous, muscle and cardiac tissues1. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitivity and resistance to zinc blockade were thought to distinguish brain from heart sodium channels, but neuronal Na+ currents with heart-like properties have been found in brain2.
Monkey see, monkey do: a tool for TCP tracing and replaying

The performance of popular Internet Web services is governed by a complex combination of server behavior, network characteristics and client workload-all interacting through the actions of the underlying transport control protocol (TCP). Consequently, even small changes to TCP or to the network infrastructure can have significant impact on end-to-end performance, yet at the same time it is challenging for service administrators to predict what that impact will be. In this paper we describe the implementation of a tool called Monkey that is designed to help address such questions. Monkey collects live TCP trace data near a server, distills key aspects of each connection (e.g., network delay, bottleneck bandwidth, server delays, etc.) and then is able to faithfully replay the client workload in a new setting. Using Monkey, one can easily evaluate the effects of different network implementations or protocol optimizations in a controlled fashion, without the limitations of synthetic workloads or the lack of reproducibility of live user traffic. Using realistic network traces from the Google search site, we show that Monkey is able to replay traces with a high degree of accuracy and can be used to predict the impact of changes to the TCP stack.
Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: Two- to Eight-Year Results*

We evaluated 18 of 23 patients who had undergone cryopreserved meniscal allograft transplantation for compartmental pain after total meniscectomy 2 to 8 years (mean, 5.4) after the operation. The Short Form-36 scores revealed a decrease in pain with a significant improvement in function, although function remained limited. There was no significant decrease in joint space on 45° posteroanterior weightbearing radiographs through the duration of the study. Eight of 22 allograft menisci (36%) tore during the study period, necessitating 6 partial and 2 total meniscectomies. Two patients subsequently underwent reimplantation. Histologic examination of the removed tissue revealed reduced cellularity as compared with normal or torn native menisci. Four specimens also underwent detailed cytokine evaluation and demonstrated reduced cytokine expression compared with controls. While successful in alleviating compartmental pain that may be a late consequence of major meniscectomy, allograft menisci are repopulated wit...
MODELS OF GERIATRICS PRACTICE: A University-Affiliated Community Hospital Inpatient Geriatrics Program Functioning in an Administrative and Educational Capacity*

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate an unusual form of inpatient geriatric assessment with unique outcomes. DESIGN: A prospective evaluation of patients admitted to a community hospital-based inpatient geriatrics unit utilizing traditional members of the assessment team along with educational assessment of nurses and satisfaction profiles of patients and/or families. SETTING: A non-profit community hospital in Northeast Washington, DC. PARTICIPANTS: All patients older than age 62 admitted to the 42- bed Geriatric Unit during a 4 1/2 year time period. MEASUREMENTS: Number of total and category recommendations taken by attending physicians from the Inpatient Geriatric Assessment Team, periodic evaluation of unit nurses' geriatric knowledge base and certification, and patient satisfaction through periodic surveys. RESULTS: More than 4500 patients have been evaluated during the past 4 1/2 years. The number of recommendations taken by attending physicians has averaged 31.3 to 50.7% during four consecutive chart reviews involving the first 25 consecutive patients for the month each performed every six months (n = 100). The average age of patients evaluated was 77.2 (minimum of 62 and maximum of 97); 67% were females and 33% males. The average number of recommendations communicated per patient was 4.1, and the average number adhered to 1.6/patient. The overall knowledge base and certification in geriatric nursing has increased significantly over a 2.5-year period. Composite monthly unit patient satisfaction survey scores increased as well. CONCLUSIONS: The program is unique in its development, limitations, and outcomes. Other than the cost of limited geriatric nurse practitioner and faculty salary support, the program has been implemented using only current hospital department personnel. The role of the assessment team is to educate attending nurses and staff physicians. It has not yet been possible to measure objective outcomes. However, the current program also serves the purpose of introducing a new medical program to a community hospital in a nonthreatening way and offers opportunities for research. In addition, the program offers further opportunity for expansion and change.
Alternative Management of Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are uncommon and frequently remain unde tected until they reach significant size. Often their first clinical presentation is with rupture of the aneurysm. Direct surgical intervention has been the usual mode of treatment. Successful treatment of iliac aneurysms by alternative approaches in two elderly, debilitated patients is reported. Extraanatomic bypass and catheter embolization were used in both resulting in a minimal in-hospital stay for the patients without morbidity or mortality.
Supervenience and infinitary property-forming operations

This paper provides an account of the closure conditions that apply to sets of subvening and supervening properties, showing that the criterion that determines under which property-forming operations a particular family of properties is closed is applicable both to the finitary and to the infinitary case. In particular, it will be established that, contra Glanzberg, infinitary operations do not give rise to any additional difficulties beyond those that arise in the finitary case.
A hybrid numerical boundary condition and its approximations for electromagnetic scattering problems

A hybrid numerical boundary condition (HNBC) with the same accuracy as surface integral methods, applicable to an absorbing boundary with an arbitrary shape, is proposed. The HNBC is a global boundary condition resulting in a dense submatrix due to the coupling of all boundary nodes. In many cases, the HNBC can be approximated by another set of boundary conditions where only a few boundary nodes are coupled together to preserve the sparsity of the resulting matrix equation. One special approximation will result in the measured equation of invariance (MEI) method. Another approximation will result in a nonlocal numerical boundary condition (NNBC), of which the MEI method is a subset. For the NNBC, the sparsity of the resulting finite element matrix is preserved, although the boundary condition is nonlocal. Numerical results for a class of 2-D problems are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the original global hybrid numerical boundary condition and the nonlocal numerical boundary condition.
Recovery of structure and function of inner ear afferent synapses following kainic acid excitotoxicity

Abstract The present study was conducted to examine the re-establishment of IHC/VIII nerve synapses following kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity and to discern if the re-organized afferents could render not only a normal auditory threshold but also a normal suprathreshold function. KA (60 mM) applied to the intact round window membrane in chinchilla destroyed postsynaptic endings of the auditory nerve, depressed the input-output (I/O) functions of auditory evoked potentials (EVP) and produced an average loss of sensitivity of over 80 dB at 4, 8, and 16 kHz, with less substantial losses (40–60 dB) at lower frequencies. However, there was no significant difference in 2f1−f2 distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) before and after the application of KA. The nerve endings went through a sequence of swelling, degeneration and recovery over a 3–5 day period at higher frequency. Auditory sensitivity and supra-threshold response returned accordingly. In contrast, complete recovery at lower frequencies (1 and 2 kHz) required more than 5 days. The results provide strong evidence that (1) excitotoxically damaged cochlear afferent neurons can recover and render both a normal EVP threshold and EVP I/O function and (2) afferent innervation to IHCs is not necessary for DPOAE generation.
Young cochlear implant users’ response to delayed auditory feedback

This investigation determined whether the signal provided by the Cochlear Corporation Nucleus cochlear implant can convey enough speech information to induce a response to delayed auditory feedback (DAF), and whether prelingually deafened children who receive a cochlear implant relatively late in their speech development are susceptible. Ten children with the Nucleus cochlear implant spoke simple phrases, first without and then with DAF. Three prelingually deafened subjects and the only two postlingually deafened subjects demonstrated longer phrase durations when speaking with DAF than without it. Two of the prelingually deafened subjects who demonstrated a response received their cochlear implants at the age of 5 years.
Asymmetric strategic interaction: Democracy, dictatorship and the Euromissile dispute in West Germany

(1990). Asymmetric strategic interaction: Democracy, dictatorship and the Euromissile dispute in West Germany. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 52-81.
Electron attachment time-of-flight mass spectrometry reveals fcc bulk-like packing in CO2 aggregates

Abstract Electron attachment time-of-flight mass spectrometry reveals geometrical shell closings in (CO 2 ) 70⩽ N ⩽350 van der Waals aggregates. Quantitative structural parameters obtained from the observed geometrical shell closing pattern are compared to theory. These parameters are consistent with bulk-like distorted face-centered-cubic (fcc) packing of CO 2 aggregates in this size range. A magic number is seen in the mass spectrum at N =116 which was previously shown to result from a nearly spherical object with bulk-like fcc packing. These results confirm that the critical value for the cluster-to-bulk packing transition lies below N ∼100, in qualitative agreement with prior experimental and theoretical work.
Raman study of aluminum speciation in simulated alkaline nuclear waste.

The chemistry of concentrated sodium aluminate solutions stored in many of the large, underground storage tanks containing high-level waste (HLW) at the Hanford and Savannah River Nuclear Reservations is an area of recent research interest. Not only is the presence of aluminate in solution important for continued safe storage of these wastes, the nature of both solid and solution aluminum oxyhydroxides is important for waste pretreatment. Moreover, for many tanks that have leaked high aluminum waste in the past, little is known about the speciation of Al in the soil. In this study, Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the speciation of the aqueous species in the Al2O3−Na2O−H2O system over a wide range of solution compositions and hydration. A ternary phase diagram has been used to correlate the observed changes in the spectra with the composition of the solution and with dimerization of aluminate that occurs at elevated aluminate concentrations (>1.5 M). Dimerization is evidenced by growth of n...
Evaluation of suture caliber in flexor tendon repair

This biomechanical study investigated the effect of suture caliber variation on tensile strength in 3 types of 2-strand flexor tendon repairs. Each type of repair was constructed with 5-0, 4-0, 3-0, and 2-0 braided polyester suture. Linear distraction was performed on 120 repaired human cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons until tensile failure occurred. Ten trials of each repair construct were tested. Analysis of variance revealed significant main effects of caliber and technique. Mean repair strength increased as suture caliber increased. A 4-0 suture was 66% stronger than a 5-0 suture, a 3-0 suture was 52% stronger than a 4-0 suture, and a 2-0 suture was 51% stronger than a 3-0 suture. The technique effected repair strength only with the larger 2-0 and 3-0 suture calibers, which tested the technique's capacity to hold the tendon.
Interaction of endrin and dieldrin with hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 from the rat, mouse, and endrin-susceptible and resistant pine voles☆

Abstract Studies were undertaken to determine whether binding of endrin and dieldrin to hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 was related to the pesticide resistance phenomenon demonstrated in two strains of pine voles. Both endrin and dieldrin produce type I spectral changes upon interaction with cytochrome P-450 in both strains of vole as well as in the rat and the mouse. The K s or Δ A max /nmol P-450 for the binding of both endrin and dieldrin to vole cytochrome P-450 did not differ for these two strains of vole which were shown to differ in their resistance to these pesticides. The differences in endrin toxicity in the vole do not appear to be related to its interaction with cytochrome P-450 at the type I binding site.
Probabilistic programming with discrete distributions and precedence constrained knapsack polyhedra

We consider stochastic programming problems with probabilistic constraints involving random variables with discrete distributions. They can be reformulated as large scale mixed integer programming problems with knapsack constraints. Using specific properties of stochastic programming problems and bounds on the probability of the union of events we develop new valid inequalities for these mixed integer programming problems. We also develop methods for lifting these inequalities. These procedures are used in a general iterative algorithm for solving probabilistically constrained problems. The results are illustrated with a numerical example.
An operator expansions method for computing Dirichlet-Neumann operators in linear elastodynamics

Abstract The propagation of linear elastic waves arises in a wide array of applications, for instance, in mechanical engineering, materials science, and the geosciences. Many configurations of interest can be effectively modeled as layers of isotropic, homogeneous materials separated by thin interfaces across which material properties vary rapidly. In the frequency domain one must solve a system of coupled elliptic partial differential equations, however, this can be greatly simplified in the instance of layered media by considering interface unknowns. To realize this one must be able to produce normal stresses (tractions) at these interfaces and Dirichlet–Neumann Operators accomplish this. In this contribution we discuss a novel Boundary Perturbation approach to compute these operators in a rapid, high-order, and robust fashion.
What Children Bring to the Classroom: Learning Science From Experience

Extracurricular science-related experiences of young students were examined. The sample consisted of 539 elementary school students between the ages of 9 and 13. Students completed the Science Experiences Survey (SES) to identify the number of common scientific materials and activities they experienced outside of the classroom. The factor analysis isolated three underlying factors of extracurricular science-related experiences: life science-related experiences, physical science-related experiences, and general learning attributes related to science. Further analysis identified differences in reported experiences by gender. The data indicate that young girls tend to participate in nurturing life science-related activities, and young boys favor hands-on, action-oriented physical science-related experiences. The research suggests that the gender disparity in science follows a continuuum that begins with the experiences of elementary school students.
Comments on “Corundum-bearing garnet peridotite from northern Dominican Republic: A metamorphic product of an arc cumulate in the Caribbean subduction zone,” by Hattori et al. [Lithos 114 (2010) 437-450]

Abstract The Cuaba Gneiss in northern Dominican Republic hosts an unusual suite of Grt-ultramafites. Two hypotheses for their origin are distinguished by the depth of crystallization of an igneous protolith. In the first hypothesis the protolith crystallized under ultra high pressure (UHP) magmatic conditions (> 3.2 GPa) in the field of stability for Grt + Spl + Crn. The protolith was then modified by subsolidus processes. In a new hypothesis the protolith crystallized under low pressure (LP) magmatic conditions (
Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines and Alkenes and Direct Reductive Amination of Aldehydes Catalyzed by Triazole-Derived Iridium(I) Carbene Complexes

A series of new iridium(I) triazole-based NHC complexes [(cod)Ir(NHC)L]BF4 (L = PPh3, pyridine) were prepared and showed good activity for transfer hydrogenation on CO, CN, and CC double bonds in 2-propanol with K2CO3. The phosphine series was shown to be more active than the pyridine series in the case of imine transfer hydrogenation. A neopentyl wingtip substituent on the NHC gave the best catalytic activity with the following competitive order: aldehyde > ketone > imine. In a substrate containing both aldehyde and ketone functionalities, only the aldehyde was reduced. Of great interest, the transfer hydrogenation of polarized and nonpolarized CC bonds was also proved possible. In a useful organic synthetic application, direct, one-pot reductive amination of RCHO with R‘NH2 to give RCH2NHR‘ was shown for a variety of cases.
Classification of the Gait Patterns of Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Their Relationship to Function

Corticosteroids have recently been shown to reduce expected loss of muscle strength in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and extend the time they can walk. We evaluated 43 boys with the condition to determine whether taking corticosteroids is associated with differences in gait pattern, gross motor skills, energy efficiency, and timed motor performance. We used the gait deviation index to quantify the degree of gait pathology and a single measure of gait quality. There were minimal differences in gait pattern, gross motor skills, energy efficiency, or timed motor performance in boys who took corticosteroids compared with those who did not. Clustering by gait deviation index, however, revealed subtle differences between groups in gait patterns, gross motor skills, and energy efficiency. We conclude that, in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, gait pattern deviations are related to function, which can provide further insight into the understanding of disease progression and treatment options to enhance function and maintain ambulation.
Pairwise agreement of gradient directions in interactive multicriterion optimization

Statistical tests involving mean directions have in the past been limited to two- and three-dimensional settings, perhaps owing to their primary applications to such fields as geology, meteorology and related earth sciences. In the study of interactive multicriterion optimization it becomes necessary to compare gradient directions obtained from decision makers by two or more methods. Typically these direction vectors are in a higher-dimensional space. This paper provides a general procedure based on Householder transformations which is potentially suitable for any finite dimension. An illustration and comparison of the method are provided.
Design relationships and failure theories in probabilistic form

Abstract The engineering profession has become increasingly concerned with the adequacy of design calculations. This concern indicates a need for critical evaluation of designs based on arbitrary multipliers, such as safety factors or worst-case treatment. Design has customarily been based on applied loading, geometry, and handbook property values to give a deterministic solution. This paper presents (1) the Soderberg, Goodman, Gerber, and elliptical design relationships; and (2) the maximum shear and distortion energy failure theories in probabilistic form. Inherent in these equations are the facts that (a) design variables are generally characterized by spectra of values, rather than unique values; and (b) a small, but finite, probability of failure must be recognized in any design. By coupling the mean static and mean alternating stresses (and their standard deviations) with the strengths available in a material (and their standard deviations) in one of the four design relationships using an appropriate theory of failure, the reliability of a given design can be calculated. Conversely, for a given reliability, the appropriate size can be determined. Illustrations are provided. The influence of range (different standard deviations) of variables on reliability is demonstrated. A comparison is made between safety factor and reliability.
Spectral Properties of a Single-Mode Ruby Laser: Evidence of Homogeneous Broadening of the Zero-Phonon Lines in Solids

According to several recent studies, the width of the sharp zero-phonon lines in the electronic spectra of impurities in solids, such as the $R$ lines of ruby, is due to Raman scattering of phonons by the impurity ions. The question whether such zero-phonon lines are homogeneously broadened is an important one, both for its own interest and for optical-maser applications. From a detailed study of the stimulated-emission spectra of a ruby laser operating in the traveling-wave modes, we obtain conclusive evidence that such zero-phonon lines are homogeneously broadened. Because the ${R}_{1}$ line of ruby is essentially homogeneously broadened at room temperature, the traveling-wave laser oscillates for all practical purposes only in a single mode. The spectral width of the laser emission is extremely sharp. It is less than 0.005 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at room temperature as compared to a width of the order of 1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for conventional ruby lasers of comparable intensity. In addition, the output intensity no longer shows random spikes but shows a predictable train of regularly spaced spikes which agree well with theory.
Development of a random access multiphoton microscope for fast three-dimensional functional recording of neuronal activity

Over the past two decades, the dendritic processes of neurons have been shown to possess active and dynamic properties that give them the ability to modulate synaptic integration and shape individual synaptic responses. Effectively studying these properties at multiple locations on a live neuron in highly scattering brain tissue requires an imaging/recording mechanism with high spatiotemporal resolution as well as optical sectioning and random access site selection capabilities. Our lab has made significant steps in developing such a system by combining the spatial resolution and optical sectioning ability of imaging techniques such as confocal and multi-photon microscopy with the temporal resolution and random access capability provided by acousto-optic laser scanning. However, all systems that have been developed to date restrict fast imaging to two-dimensional (2D) scan patterns. This severely limits the extent to which many neurons can be studied since they represent complex three-dimensional (3D) structures. We have previously demonstrated a scheme for fast 3D scanning which utilizes a unique arrangement of multiple acousto-optic deflectors and does not require axial movements of the objective lens. Here we couple this scanning scheme to a modified commercial research microscope and use the combined system to effectively image user-defined sites of interest on fluorescent 3D structures with positioning times that are in the low microsecond range. The resulting random-access scanning mechanism allows for functional imaging of complex 3D cellular structures such as neuronal dendrites at frames rates on the order of tens of kilohertz.
Estrogen-dependent E2a/Pbx1 myeloid cell lines exhibit conditional differentiation that can be arrested by other leukemic oncoproteins

The molecular pathways of normal myeloid differentiation, as well as the mechanisms by which oncogenes disrupt this process, remain poorly understood. A major limitation in approaching this problem has been the lack of suitable cell lines that exhibit normal, terminal, and synchronous differentiation in the absence of endogenous oncoproteins and in response to physiologic cytokines, and whose differentiation can be arrested by ectopically expressed human oncoproteins. This report describes clonal, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent myeloid cell lines that exhibit these properties. The cell lines were established by conditional immortalization of primary murine marrow progenitors with an estrogen-regulated E2a/Pbx1-estrogen receptor fusion protein. Clones were identified that proliferated as immortalized blasts in the presence of estrogen, and that exhibited granulocytic, monocytic, or bipotential (granulocytic and monocytic) differentiation on estrogen withdrawal. Differentiation was normal and terminal as evidenced by morphology, cell surface markers, gene expression, and functional assays. The differentiation of the cells could be arrested by heterologous oncoproteins including AML1/ETO, PML/RARα, PLZF/RARα, Nup98/HoxA9, and other Hox proteins. Furthermore, the study examined the effects of cooperating oncoproteins such as Ras or Bcr/Abl, which allowed for both factor-independent proliferation and differentiation, or Bcl-2, which permitted factor-independent survival but not proliferation. These myeloid cell lines provide tools for examining the biochemical and genetic pathways that accompany normal differentiation as well as a system in which to dissect how other leukemic oncoproteins interfere with these pathways.
Enhancement of video signal transmission using fine-structure pre-emphasis with modulo limiting

Fine-structure pre-emphasis for video signal transmission exploits the three-dimensional redundancy of video signals. Companding is required in fine-structure pre-emphasis to realize SNR improvement. Fine-structure pre-emphasis is modeled as an open-loop predictive system. Analysis shows that a modulo limiter can be incorporated in the preemphasis filters to limit the peak amplitude of the pre-emphasized signal. The reduced dynamic range will alleviate stringent requirement on companding.
Prasugrel reduced ischemic outcomes more than did clopidogrel in patients receiving stents for ACS.

Source Citation Wiviott SD, Braunwald E, McCabe CH, et al. Intensive oral antiplatelet therapy for reduction of ischaemic events including stent thrombosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes...
Clinical evaluation and comparison of erythropoietic growth factors for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA)

Background CIA is a significant problem in> 50% of cancer pts, impacting quality of life. Our objective was to evaluate & compare the use of epoetin (E) & darbepoetin (D) for CIA at our institution. Methods In this observational study, demographics, doses, hemoglobin (Hgb), transfusions, & chemotherapy use were followed× 12 wks in 108 adults (54 D, 54 E). By an intent to treat analysis, successful clinical response was defined as a Hgb (g/dL) increase≥ 2 or Hgb ≥12 at wk 12. Practice patterns were compared to clinical guidelines. Results The usual starting dose was 200 mcg QOW for D & 40K units Q7D for E. Demographics were similar between groups: mean (SD) age 52(1.4) yr, 57.8% female, 65.6% had solid tumors. Mean (SD) baseline Hgb was 10.2 (1.4) for D, & 10.0 (1.3) for E (p=0.3). At 12 wks, mean (SD) Hgb increase was: D, 1.1 (1.9); E, 0.8 (1.7), p=0.7. In all pts, the mean (SD) 12 wk Hgb was 11.0 (1.5); D, 11.4 (1.6); E, 10.7 (1.4) (p=0.04). The overall clinical response rate at the end of therapy was 38.9% (42.6% D, 35.2% E, p= 0.4). No dose changes occurred with D; 8 E pts were dose escalated. Therapy was rarely discontinued in non-responders. Conclusions The effectiveness of erythropoietic growth factors in clinical practice was lower than reported in clinical trials, due in part to underutilization of clinical guidelines & dose escalations. Both D & E provided equivalent responses in our population. Due to high cost of therapy, future plans are to implement a prospective monitoring program for use of these agents in our institution. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P17–P17; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.068
The design of cardiac muscle and the mode of metabolism in molluscs

Abstract 1. 1. The structure of the squid cardiac myofiber differs fundamentally from that of lamellibranchs, most notably in mitochondrial and tubule density. 2. 2. These properties are correlated with a very high rate of oxidative metabolism in the intact animal, little capacity for anaerobiosis and an exceedingly high performance capability of the muscle. 3. 3. It is suggested that the redesign of the cardiac myofiber was a critical step in the transition from a sedentary to a highly pelagic way of life.
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Treatment: Abstract and Commentary

Background: Sustained-release, intraocular implants that deliverganciclovir are an alternative method for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency sydrome (AIDS). Methods: We conducted a randomized study of 188 patients with AIDS and newly diagnosed cytomegalovirus retinitis. The patients were randomly assigned to treatment with an implant delivering 1μg of ganciclovir per hour, an implant delivering 2μg of ganciclovir per hour, or intravenous ganciclovir. The primary outcome we studied was propression of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Results: The median time to propression of retinitis was 221 days with the 1-μg-per-hour implant (75 eyes), 191 days with ganciclovir administered intravenously (76 eyes; P Conclusions: For the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis, thesustained releasse ganciclovir implant is more effective than intravenous ganciclovir, but patients treated with a ganciclovir implant alone remain at greater risk for the development of cytomegalovirus disease outside of the treated eye.
Management Options in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading respiratory disease in the world and third leading cause of death in United States. COPD is not recognized as an isolated respiratory disease anymore; in fact it is one of the dreaded diseases with significant systemic involvement and complications. Treatment of COPD requires team work and efforts among physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and physical therapists. Treatment of patients with frequent exacerbations is a heavy burden on healthcare network. In the last few years, some improvements in the management of COPD have been made, owing to new drugs and management strategies, along with non-pharmacologic treatment of COPD with pulmonary rehabilitation and surgical interventions. Smoking cessation is still the best strategy to prevent COPD and prevent further progression of disease. In this review, we discuss pharmacotherapy of COPD including management of acute exacerbations, pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation and role of vaccination in COPD patients.
Detection and characterization of laterally phase separated cholesterol domains in model lipid membranes

Abstract We present evidence that laterally phase separated cholesterol domains constitute a new, equilibrium phase in biological membranes. The domains are characterized in multi-lamellar vesicles (MLV) made of cholesterol and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) but are also shown to exist in biologically relevant, egg lecithin systems containing a mixture of phospholipids. This work utilizes the fluorescent membrane probes 1-acyl-2-[12-[(5-dimethylamino-1-naphthalenesufonyl)amino]dodecanoyl]-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DANSYL), and ergosta-5,7,9(11),22-tetraen-3β-ol (ERGO), which have been shown to be minimally invasive mimics of native membrane lipids. The highlight of the work is a heating-induced alleviation of a DANSYL blue shift at relatively high (but undersaturated) cholesterol loadings, which is reversible through at least three heating and cooling cycles. Comparison of the DANSYL spectral shifts with published DMPC–cholesterol phase diagrams shows unequivocally that the spectral results cannot be explained in terms of previously understood phase behavior. Rather, a lateral phase separation occurs within the vesicle bilayer, giving rise to cholesterol micro-domains. The cholesterol domains appear to coexist with, and should not be confused with, the well-known liquid-order phase that arises because of the cholesterol condensation effect. Additional studies involving ERGO–DANSYL energy transfer show a sequestration of probes within the bilayer, confirming the DANSYL spectral data, and a model that includes domains provides the best description of measured energy transfer efficiencies. Best fits of the energy transfer data, using a mathematical model developed to account for the presence of domains, indicates the domain size to be in the range 10–20 nm.
The effect of chemical reaction on the breakup of liquid jets

Abstract Linear stability analysis predicts that a chemical reaction occurring at or near a liquid jet interface may strongly influence its breakup into droplets. Jet length is shown to depend primarily on the site of the reaction (at the interface or in one of the bulk phases), the transfer rates of the various species, and the interfacial tension dependence on composition and secondarily on a number of other factors. Experiments with silicone oil jets (containing various carboxylic acids) in water (containing a range of concentrations of sodium hydroxide) confirm qualitatively the principal predictions of the analysis.
Identity management systems

Most organizations have difficulty keeping track of and controlling all the user identifiers and passwords across their systems. Identity management (IdM) systems are designed to help manage user identifiers across multiple systems as well as providing a way to manage user access over their lifecycle of roles in the organization. They are tightly integrated with other systems such as those that provide a single sign-on mechanism and the checking of their credentials. As such, these IdM systems have become extremely common in information technology infrastructure.
Memory of chirality trapping of low inversion barrier 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one enolates

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that chiral, enantiopure 3-substituted 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones undergo retentive deprotonation/trapping at −78 °C, if the N1-substituent is sufficiently large (e.g., i-Pr). Stereocontrol in this reaction is attributed to the formation of an enantiopure, conformationally chiral enolate; at −78 °C a large N1 substituent (e.g., i-Pr) is needed to impart a sufficient barrier to enolate racemization. Herein, we report strategies to achieve high enantiomeric excess in deprotonation/alkylation of low inversion barrier 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones featuring small N1 substituents.
Preserving fertility in children treated for cancer.

The survival rate for children and adolescents with cancer has improved dramatically in recent years, 1 2 so that increasing numbers of successfully treated children and adolescents are growing up into adults. One estimate is that they represented 1 in 900 people aged 15–44 in the United States in 2000.3 Among the many concerns of these young people as they grow up is their fertility. Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are subfertile. A large study (the five centre study) of survivors treated between 1945 and 1975 showed an adjusted relative fertility in survivors of 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.92) compared with that of their siblings.4 The adjusted relative fertility of male survivors (0.76, 0.68 to 0.86) was slightly lower than that of female survivors (0.93, 0.83 to 1.04). The most dramatic declines in relative fertility rates were in male survivors who …
A High-Order Characteristic Basis Function Algorithm for an Efficient Analysis of Printed Microwave Circuits and Antennas Etched on Layered Media

In this letter, we present a characteristic basis function method (CBFM) algorithm for an efficient “full-wave” analysis of printed microwave circuits and antennas etched on layered media. The main contribution of the proposed approach is a technique for the generation of the primary characteristic basis functions (PCBFs) in conjunction with the employment of high-order characteristic basis functions (CBFs), which enables us to implement a totally general decomposition scheme of the circuit under analysis. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed approach.
Statistical limitations to the Cornell model of latent tuberculosis infection for the study of relapse rates.

Abstract The Cornell model has been extensively used as a mouse model for studying the latent stage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In this model mice are infected and then given a course of chemotherapy prior to reactivation of infection. We discuss here the importance of using adequate mouse numbers in a Cornell model for the study of relapse rates in order to obtain sufficient statistical power to confirm a hypothesis. Experiments with small sample sizes are useful for ‘screening' experiments, but will have very little value in ‘confirming' the objective. When the objective of the experiment is confirmation of an effect through establishment of statistical significance, power calculations are critical in order to assure that the sample size will be sufficient to meet that objective.
Invariant imbedding and time-dependent diffuse reflection by a finite inhomogeneous atmosphere

Abstract An integral equation fo the scattering function for a finite, plane-parallel inhomogeneous, nonemitting and anisotropically scattering atmospheres is derived in the case of time-dependent monodirectional illumination of the lower boundary. For use in subsequent computational studies, the corresponding equation for the Laplace transform is also given. The derivations are based on the use of invariant imbedding techniques.
Defining “System” – an Engineering Point of View

Having observed different terminology, emphases, and concepts being used by writers from various disciplines to define “system,” this analyst hypothesized that an analysis of these definitions will identify diversity in the current uses and applications of the word “system,” and provide a basis for a definition that is applicable to the engineering community. This analysis involved a preliminary review of definitions of “system” from a wide variety of sources, and selecting a set which seemed to apply to engineering work for more detailed analysis. Fourteen definitions, which satisfy this criterion, are discussed in this paper. While varying extensively in terminology, level of details, applicability, and scope, these definitions of “system” are remarkably consistent in conveying some fundamental concepts, such as: wholeness, order, interrelationships among parts, and purpose.
Access to the Nucleus and Functional Association with c-Myc Is Required for the Full Oncogenic Potential of ΔEGFR/EGFRvIII

ΔEGFR is a potent glioblastoma oncogene which has been studied primarily as a plasma membrane kinase. Using intracranial xenograft studies in mice, we show that blocking ΔEGFR access to the nucleus attenuates its tumorigenicity and, conversely, that promoting nuclear accumulation enhances this, providing the first in vivo evidence that the nuclear actions of ΔEGFR contribute strongly to its oncogenic function. Nuclear actions of ΔEGFR include regulation of gene expression by participation in chromatin-bound complexes, and genome-wide mapping of these sequences by chromatin immunoprecipitation and massively parallel sequencing identified 2294 peaks. Bioinformatic analysis showed enrichment of the E-box motif in the dataset, and c-Myc and ΔEGFR were corecruited to the promoters of and transcriptionally activated a subset of nuclear ΔEGFR chromatin targets. Knockdown of c-Myc decreased the expression of these targets and diminished ΔEGFR-stimulated anchorage-independent colony formation. We conclude that transcriptional regulation of target genes by association with gene regulatory chromatin in cooperation with c-Myc by nuclear ΔEGFR makes a unique contribution to its oncogenicity and propose that this venue provides new targets for therapeutic intervention. Background: Expression of ΔEGFR, a mutant of EGFR in gliomas, correlates with poor prognosis. Results: Access to the nucleus is required for full oncogenicity of ΔEGFR, and nuclear ΔEGFR regulates transcription of target genes via c-Myc. Conclusion: Functional association of nuclear ΔEGFR with c-Myc is necessary for ΔEGFR-induced oncogenicity. Significance: These data show a novel activity of ΔEGFR and offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Hemothorax: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Most cases of hemothorax are related to blunt or penetrating chest trauma. Criteria for surgical intervention for initial hemothorax are well defined. Appropriate management of retained hemothorax following initial trauma management is critical, and the best approach remains controversial. Spontaneous hemothorax is much less common and results from a variety of pathologic processes. This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic and spontaneous hemothorax in modern practice.
Water-Soluble Fe(II)–H2O Complex with a Weak O–H Bond Transfers a Hydrogen Atom via an Observable Monomeric Fe(III)–OH

Understanding the metal ion properties that favor O-H bond formation versus cleavage should facilitate the development of catalysts tailored to promote a specific reaction, e.g., C-H activation or H2O oxidation. The first step in H2O oxidation involves the endothermic cleavage of a strong O-H bond (BDFE = 122.7 kcal/mol), promoted by binding the H2O to a metal ion, and by coupling electron transfer to proton transfer (PCET). This study focuses on details regarding how a metal ion's electronic structure and ligand environment can tune the energetics of M(HO-H) bond cleavage. The synthesis and characterization of an Fe(II)-H2O complex, 1, that undergoes PCET in H2O to afford a rare example of a monomeric Fe(III)-OH, 7, is described. High-spin 7 is also reproducibly generated via the addition of H2O to {[Fe(III)(O(Me2)N4(tren))]2-(μ-O)}(2+) (8). The O-H bond BDFE of Fe(II)-H2O (1) (68.6 kcal/mol) is calculated using linear fits to its Pourbaix diagram and shown to be 54.1 kcal/mol less than that of H2O and 10.9 kcal/mol less than that of [Fe(II)(H2O)6](2+). The O-H bond of 1 is noticeably weaker than the majority of reported M(n+)(HxO-H) (M = Mn, Fe; n+ = 2+, 3+; x = 0, 1) complexes. Consistent with their relative BDFEs, Fe(II)-H2O (1) is found to donate a H atom to TEMPO(•), whereas the majority of previously reported M(n+)-O(H) complexes, including [Mn(III)(S(Me2)N4(tren))(OH)](+) (2), have been shown to abstract H atoms from TEMPOH. Factors responsible for the weaker O-H bond of 1, such as differences in the electron-donating properties of the ligand, metal ion Lewis acidity, and electronic structure, are discussed.
Color algebra of three quarks

The color algebra with the outer product (u,v)/sup A/=if/sup A/BC(u/sup B/v/sup C/+v/sup C/u/sup B/) is studied for the case of three-quark sources. It is shown to contain two Abelian elements which annihilate the color-singlet state and a sixteen-element ideal which contains an eight-element subalgebra isomorphic to u(2) direct-sum u(2). The Jacobi identity is not satisfied on the whole algebra. The quantity that measures the breakdown of the Jacobi identity is calculated.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies on 2-carba- nido-hexaborane(9) derivatives

Abstract Using multiple resonance techniques the proton and boron-11 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra are intercorrelated and assignments are made for the resonances of 2-, 3-, and 4-methyl-2-carba-nido-hexaborane derivatives. Of special note is the individual observation and assignment of each type of bridge hydrogen in each derivative. From these and other assignments the chemical shift values are correlated among related proton and boron environments in the pentagonal pyramidal series CnB6−nH10−n (n = 0–4).
A comparison of the UCD/CIT air quality model and the CMB source-receptor model for primary airborne particulate matter

Abstract Source contributions to primary airborne particulate matter calculated using the source-oriented UCD/CIT air quality model and the receptor-oriented chemical mass balance (CMB) model are compared for two air quality episodes in different parts of California. The first episode occurred in the San Joaquin Valley on 4–6 January 1996, with peak 24 h average PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 100 μg m−3. This episode was characterized by low photochemical activity and high particulate nitrate concentrations, with localized regions of high particulate carbon concentrations around urban centers. The second episode occurred in the South Coast Air Basin on 7–9 September 1993, with peak 4 h average PM2.5 concentrations reaching 86 μg m−3. This episode was characterized by high photochemical activity and high secondary organic aerosol concentrations. The results from the two independent source apportionment calculations show strong agreement for source contributions to primary PM2.5 total organic mass at 7 receptor sites across the two studies, with a correlation slope of 0.84 and a correlation coefficient ( R 2 ) of 0.70. Agreement for source contributions to primary PM2.5 total mass was similarly strong, with a correlation slope of 0.83 and a correlation coefficient ( R 2 ) of 0.55. Wood smoke was identified as the dominant source of primary PM2.5 at urban locations in the SJV by both source apportionment techniques. Transportation sources including paved road dust, gasoline engines, and diesel engines, were identified as the dominant source of primary PM2.5 at all locations in the SoCAB by both models. The amount of secondary particulate matter (organic and inorganic) was in good agreement with the measured values minus the primary material identified by the CMB calculation. The UCD/CIT air quality model is able to predict source contributions to airborne particulate matter at all locations and times throughout the study domain. The regional plots of source contributions to primary PM2.5 mass concentrations generated by the UCD/CIT air quality model suggest that high concentrations (25 μg m−3) of primary PM2.5 mass released from the combustion of fuel with high sulfur content exist in areas adjacent to the Los Angeles International Airport and the port of Los Angeles. Emissions profiles for these sources should be developed so that they can be included in future CMB calculations.
Vibrational assignments and isomerization rate-constants from time-dependent F.t.-i.r. spectra of sugars.

Abstract Time-dependent F.t.-i.r. absorption spectra of α- d -galactose, α- d -fucose, α- d -glucose-1-d1, α- d -glucose-2-d1, and α- d -glucose-5,6,6-d3 were measured. The spectral changes were interpreted in terms of anomeric isomerization, and possible vibrational origins were suggested. The intensity changes seen for α-fucose were found to follow a reversible first-order rate-equation and the rate constants obtained from different vibrational bands were found to be consistent among themselves and in reasonable agreement with those obtained by other techniques.