cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hysteresis in Superconducting Alloys-Temperature and Field Dependence of Dislocation Pinning in Niobium Alloys

Critical current and pinning-force densities in a series of niobium alloys subjected to severe plastic deformation have been determined from measurements of complete hysteretic magnetization curves on alloys with Ginzburg-Landau parameter $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ between 1.3 and 13 at temperatures from the critical temperature ${T}_{c}$ down to $0.14{T}_{c}$. Systematic scaling rules were found that accurately describe all of the results over the entire range of fields and temperatures. The pinning-force density scales with magnetic induction as a single function of $\frac{B}{{H}_{c2}}$; it scales with temperature as the $\frac{5}{2}$ power of the upper critical field ${H}_{c2}(T)$, is roughly proportional to ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, where $1l\ensuremath{\gamma}l3$, and is otherwise independent of $T$. A model for the pinning process that takes into account deformation of the fluxoid lattice by the pinning forces is proposed to account for the observed scaling rules. The results are consistent with a pinning interaction based on a second-order elastic interaction between dislocations and the fluxoid lattice, but other mechanisms are not excluded. Cooperative effects seem to be an essential feature of the pinning process, leading to a dependence of the pinning-force density on the square of the pinning-point strength, and on the arrangement of pinning points.
Germinal centre B cells: antigen specificity and changes in heavy chain class expression

Germinal centres are histologically defined aggregates of blast cells that occur in B-cell areas of lymphoid tissues after antigenic stimulation. They are believed to be associated with the development of B-cell memory and plasma cell (especially secondary, IgG and IgA) responses. Recent studies of murine lymphoid tissues have defined cell-surface markers that distinguish germinal centre B cells from other mature B cells, permitting their identification and characterization in cell suspensions. Here we have used these markers to define and study germinal centre cells in lympho nodes, and have found that they constitute a unique population of B cells which (1) arises in response to antigenic stimulation, (2) contains nearly all of the demonstrably antigen-specific B cells in the stimulated organ, (3) bears surface IgM after primary stimulation and (4) as a population, demonstrates isotype switching to a predominant population, demonstrates isotype switching to a predominant surface IgG phenotype after secondary stimulation with specific surface IgG phenotype after secondary stimulation with specific antigen. These findings demonstrate that germinal centres are a major site of proliferation and differentiation of antigen-specific B cells in vivo, and suggest that the germinal centre microenvironment may have an important role in heavy chain class switching during B-cell responses.
Principal Component Analysis Optimization of a PM2.5 Land Use Regression Model with Small Monitoring Network

The use of land-use regression (LUR) techniques for modeling small-scale variations of intraurban air pollution has been increasing in the last decade. The most appealing feature of LUR techniques is the economical monitoring requirements. In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to optimize an LUR model for PM2.5. The PM2.5 monitoring network consisted of 13 sites, which constrained the regression model to a maximum of one independent variable. An optimized surrogate of vehicle emissions was produced by PCA and employed as the predictor variable in the model. The vehicle emissions surrogate consisted of a linear combination of several traffic variables (e.g., vehicle miles traveled, speed, traffic demand, road length, and time) obtained from a road network used for traffic modeling. The vehicle-emissions surrogate produced by the PCA had a predictive capacity greater (R2=.458) than the traffic variable, Traffic Demand summarized for a 1 km buffer, with best predictive capacity (R2=.341). The PCA-based method employed in this study was effective at increasing the fit of an ordinary LUR model by optimizing the utilization of a PM2.5 dataset from small-n monitoring network. In general, the method used can contribute to LUR techniques in two major ways: 1) by improving the predictive power of the input variable, by substituting a principal component for a single variable and 2) by creating an orthogonal set of predictor variables, and thus fulfilling the no colinearity assumption of the linear regression methods. The proposed PCA method, should be universally applicable to LUR methods and will expand their economical attractiveness.
Antinociceptive analogs of orphanin FQ/nociceptin(1-11).

Abstract The presence of pairs of basic amino acids within the sequence of orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) peptide, the endogenous ligand for the ORL 1 KOR-3 receptor, has raised the possibility that processing might generate pharmacologically important truncated peptides, including OFQ/N(1–11). OFQ/N(1–11) is pharmacologically active in vivo with a potency comparable to OFQ/N. Several tyrosine-containing analogs of OFQ/N(1–11) have been synthesized and examined for antinociceptive activity. Like OFQ/N(1–11), [Tyr 1 ]OFQ/N(1–11), [Tyr 10 ]OFQ/N(1–11) and [IodoTyr 10 ]OFQ/N(1–11) given supraspinally in mice were antinociceptive in the tailflick assay in mice. The tyrosine analogs showed similar potencies as OFQ/N(1–11) but longer durations of action. This response was readily reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone despite poor affinities for these analogs at opioid receptors. Another compound, [Tyr 11 ]OFQ/N(1–11) was highly epileptogenic, inducing naloxone-sensitive seizures in greater than 50% of the mice tested at doses comparable to those examined with the other analogs. These results indicate that it is possible to make analgesic OFQ/N(1–11) analogs. The activity of [IodoTyr 10 ]OFQ/N(l–l 1) suggests that it may prove useful as a radioligand in exploring potential OFQ/N(1–11) binding sites.
Promotion of growth and shift in the auxin dose/response relationship in maize roots treated with the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitors aminoethoxyvinylglycine and cobalt

Abstract Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in concentrations from 10 −12 M to 10 −9 M does not stimulate elongation when applied to intact roots of maize ( Zea mays L Bear Hybrid WF 9 × 38). Higher concentrations are inhibitory. In roots pretreated with the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitors, cobalt and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), IAA from 10 −10 M to 10 −8 M promotes growth. High concentrations of IAA (eg. 10 −6 M) strongly inhibit growth in either pretreated or non-pretreated roots. The data indicate that low concentrations of auxin are capable of stimulating the growth of intact roots in which ethylene biosynthesis is suppressed. This suggests that auxin-induced ethylene biosynthesis may account, at least in part, for auxin inhibition of root growth at high concentrations and for the failure of auxin to stimulate intact root growth at low concentrations.
PHB8 Cost‐Effectiveness of Hormone Therapy Versus Calcium Therapy: An Osteoporosis Markov Model

Osteoporosis is a chronic degenerative disease with concentrated prevalence in the most rapidly growing segment of the population, the elderly. Its clinical and economic consequences are substantial. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of two gold standard therapeutic approaches to reducing the impact of related fractures. OBJECTIVES: To determine the cost-effectiveness ratios of the two therapeutic approaches. To model the cohort progression through the Markov states. METHODS: Using published literature values, a Markov model was constructed. The model depicts a cohort of 1,000 women progressing from age 50 to 90 years or death, whichever comes first. The hormone therapy alternative includes calcium supplementation as part of the regimen. The model accounts for the following confounders: age dependent rate of death, predisposition to subsequent fracture, and the cardioprotective effect of hormone therapy. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on all relevant variables to assess the robustness of the findings. The primary outcome of interest was cost per fracture avoided. Additionally, Markov analysis of the model reports the distribution of women across each Markov state. RESULTS: The study revealed that hormone therapy is more cost-effective than calcium therapy. Cost-effectiveness ratios for the two alternatives were $43,729.82 and $87,003.53 per fracture avoided for hormone therapy and calcium therapy, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $32,828.60, indicating the cost of avoiding each additional fracture using the less desirable calcium therapy. The cardioprotective effect of hormone therapy accounted for nearly 3 additional years of life for each woman on therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Hormone replacement therapy in conjunction with calcium supplementation is far more cost-effective than calcium supplementation alone.
On competitive search games for multiple vehicles

We investigate the competitive search game where a group of vehicles compete to locate the target on a ring in ℝ2 where the probability density function of the target is known a priori. In order to compute Nash strategies for vehicles, we first perform a game reduction and determine an auxiliary Nash game which, on one hand, has a much smaller dimension, and on the other hand, is equivalent to the competitive search game. For the auxiliary Nash game, we first provide a counter-example where Nash equilibrium does not exist. Then we study computation algorithms to seek a class of constrained Nash equilibrium under certain sufficient conditions.
Some effects of overall rate of earning reinforcers on run lengths and visit durations

In a concurrent schedule, responding at each alternative is controlled by a pair of schedules that arrange reinforcers for staying at that alternative and reinforcers for switching to the other alternative. Each pair of schedules operates only while at the associated alternative. When only one pair of stay and switch schedules is presented, the rates of earning reinforcers for staying divided by the rates of earning reinforcers for switching controls the mean number responses in a visit and the mean duration of visits. The purpose of the present experiment was to see whether the sum of the rates of earning stay and switch reinforcers changed the way that run length and visit duration were affected by the ratio of the rates of stay to switch reinforcers. Rats were exposed to pairs of stay and switch schedules that varied both the ratio of the rates of earning stay and switch reinforcers and the sum of the rates of earning stay and switch reinforcers. Run lengths and visit durations were joint functions of the ratio of the rates of earning stay and switch reinforcers and the sum of the rates of earning stay and switch reinforcers. These results shows that the effect of the ratio of the sum of the rates of earning stay and switch reinforcers results from processes operating at the alternative, rather than from processes operating at both alternatives.
Monolithic III-V and hybrid polysilicon-III-V microelectromechanical tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We report our progress on the design and fabrication of electrostatically-actuated microelectromechanical (MEM) tunable wavelength filters and vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). We investigate both an all-semiconductor monolithic approach and a hybrid approach based on the combination of conventional polysilicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and III-V semiconductor thin-film distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and VCSEL structures. In the tunable hybrid structures the III-V semiconductor layers are flip-bonded onto specially designed polysilicon foundry MEMS structures and separated from their lattice-matched parent substrates by a novel post-bonding lift-off process.
ANALYSIS OF A HIGH‐PROBABILITY INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE AND TIME‐OUT IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILD NONCOMPLIANCE

This study evaluated the effectiveness of high-probability requests and time-out as treatments for noncompliance that appeared to be maintained by contingent attention in 2 developmentally normal children. The introduction of high-probability requests increased compliance for 1 child but not the other. Time-out was effective with both children, and improvements in compliance were maintained at an 8-week follow-up.
Dynamical supersymmetry breaking in standardlike models with intersecting D6-branes

We address dynamical supersymmetry breaking within an $N=1$ supersymmetric standardlike model based on a ${Z}_{2}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{Z}_{2}$ type IIA orientifold with intersecting D6-branes. The model possesses an additional, confining gauge sector with the ${\mathrm{USp}(2)}_{A}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{USp}(2)}_{B}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{USp}(4)$ gauge group, where the gaugino condensation mechanism allows for the breaking of supersymmetry and stabilizes moduli. We derive the leading contribution to the nonperturbative effective superpotential and determine numerically the minima of the supergravity potential. These minima break supersymmetry and fix two undetermined moduli, which in turn completely specify the gauge couplings at the string scale. For this specific construction the minima have a negative cosmological constant. We expect that for other supersymmetric standardlike models with intersecting D6-branes, which also possess confining gauge sectors, the supersymmetry breaking mechanism would have qualitatively similar features.
Pseudofunction method: Application to a monolayer of CO and to the Si(111) surface.

The newly developed pseudofunction method has been developed to provide ab initio energy bands and binding-energy curves for molecules, surfaces, and bulk. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by computing the electronic properties of a CO molecule in a monolayer configuration. We find the CO bond length, dipole moment derivative, and the vibrational frequency are close to that of a free CO molecule. We have further demonstrated this new method by computing the surface relaxation of a Si(111)(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) four-layer film with one surface saturated by H. The unsaturated surface relaxes inwards by 0.086 A\r{} with a vibrational excitation of 0.038 eV, nearly identical to generalized-valence-bond cluster calculations.
The interaction of tactile information and movement amplitude in a multijoint bimanual circle-tracing task: Phase transitions and loss of stability

Adaptive behaviour in bimanual coordination was examined with the use of a bimanual circle-tracing task. Circle diameter and tactile information were manipulated to form four tracing conditions: tracing a pair of 3-cm diameter circles with the tips of the index fingers (3F) or hand-held styli (3S) and tracing a pair of 10-cm diameter circles with the tips of the index fingers (10F) or hand-held styli (10S). Movement frequency was increased in all conditions. In the 3F, 3S, and 10S tracing conditions, an abrupt transition from asymmetric to symmetric coordination was the main adaptive response, while in the 10F tracing condition, phase wandering was the main adaptive response. Enhancement of fluctuations in relative phase, a signature of loss of stability, occurred before the transition from asymmetric to symmetric coordination. Movement frequency and movement amplitude interact as control parameters in this task. The results are discussed with reference to tactile surface contact and joint motion as sourc...
Surgical Management of Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma Arising from the Inferior Vena Cava

Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas are uncommon tumors, with approximately 300 documented cases in the literature. Management necessitates complete surgical resection in order to offer patients a chance at long-term cure. Resection often presents a challenge as these tumors are often large, involving adjacent structures, and may require reconstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC). In this article, we will present background information on retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas and the technical aspects of surgical resection and vascular reconstructive options of the IVC.
Picosecond excite-and-probe absorption measurement of nonradiative transition dynamics in emerald

Abstract The nonradiative transition dynamics between the excited 4T2 state and the metastable 2E storage state of the trivalent chromium ion in emerald is investigated using the picosecond excite-and-probe absorption technique. An intra-4T2 state vibrational relaxation time of 23 ps, and a 4T2→2E electronic relaxation time of 20 ps are obtained. The thermal repopulation rate of the 4T2 state from the metastable 2E level is ~9.0×109 s-1.
Herpesvirus infections in the fetus and neonate: Epidemiology and clinical manifestations

The herpesvirus family includes several pathogens that can cause maternal and, therefore,fetal and neonatal infections. This review focuses on the following members of the herpesvirus family and their role in congenital and neonatal infections: herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). Epidemiology, modes of transmission, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, outcome, and methods of prevention are discussed. Congenital infection and disease can occur secondary to maternal VZV, CMV, and, less commonly, HSV infection. Neonatal disease can result from infection with HSV, VZV, and CMV. The role of EBV and HHV-6 in congenital and neonatal infections remains unclear, and more studies are needed to clarify the perinatal manifestations of these agents. Careful follow-up of infants with congenital or neonatal herpesvirus infection is important and includes serial audiologic, ophthalmologic, and neurodevelopmental assessments. The clinician needs to be aware of the possibility of late manifestations.
Effect of induction chemotherapy on estimated risk of radiation pneumonitis in bulky non–small cell lung cancer

Patients with bulky non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be at a high risk for radiation pneumonitis (RP) if treated with up-front concurrent chemoradiation. There is limited information about the effect of induction chemotherapy on the volume of normal lung subsequently irradiated. This study aims to estimate the reduction in risk of RP in patients with NSCLC after receiving induction chemotherapy. Between 2004 and 2009, 25 patients with Stage IV NSCLC were treated with chemotherapy alone (no surgery or radiation therapy [RT]) and had computed tomography (CT) scans before and after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Simulated RT plans were created for the prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy scans so as to deliver 60Gy to the thoracic disease in patients who had either a >20% volumetric increase or decrease in gross tumor volume (GTV) from chemotherapy. The prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy scans were analyzed to compare the percentage of lung volume receiving≥20Gy (V20), mean lung dose (MLD), and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Eight patients (32%) had a GTV reduction >20%, 2 (8%) had GTV increase >20%, and 15 (60%) had stable GTV. In the 8 responders, there was an absolute median GTV decrease of 88.1cc (7.3 to 351.6cc) or a 48% (20% to 62%) relative reduction in tumor burden. One had >20% tumor progression during chemotherapy, yet had an improvement in dosimetric parameters postchemotherapy. Among these 9 patients, the median decrease in V20, MLD, and NTCP was 2.6% (p 20% volumetric tumor reduction from chemotherapy alone. Even with that amount of volumetric reduction, the 5% reduced risk of RP was only modest and did not convert previously ineligible patients to safely receive definitive thoracic RT.
Malformins from Aspergillus ficuum, A. awam ori and A. phoenicis

Abstract Malformins were isolated from culture filtrates of Aspergillus ficuum, A. awamori and A. phoenicis . They were characterized as malformin A (a mixture of malformins A 1 and A 2 ) on the basis of biological activity, chromatographic behavior, i.r. and mass spectrum, optical rotation and amino acid analysis.
The effect of folic acid on cAMP-elicited cAMP production in Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract In Dictyostelium discoideum, folic acid serves as a chemoattractant, accelerates the appearance of several developmentally regulated enzymes, alters the phase of spontaneous light-scattering oscillations, and elicits increases in cGMP and cAMP. The effect of folic acid and pteridine analogs on rates of [3H]cAMP secretion, monitored by rapid perfusion, was studied. At low cell densities folic acid elicited only minimal [3H]cAMP secretion. At high cell densities, folic acid elicited greater increases in cellular cAMP and rates of [3H]cAMP secretion than did maximally effective doses of cAMP. Following pretreatment with 10−8 M cAMP for 10 min or 10−6 M cAMP for 2 min, no [3H]cAMP was secreted in response to folic acid. Conversely, pretreatment with folic acid did not impair subsequent responsiveness to 5 × 10−9 M cAMP. Simultaneous addition of folic acid and cAMP increased the release of [3H]cAMP two- to threefold compared to control stimuli of the same concentration of cAMP. Pretreatment with a mixed stimulus attenuated the response to a subsequent increment in the cAMP concentration only if the higher cAMP stimulus did not include folic acid. The effects of folic acid are mimicked by the pteridine ring alone; analogs substituted at the 2- or 5-position are ineffective; non-reducible analogs are partially active. The observations presented here suggest significant differences in the mechanisms by which cAMP and folic acid stimulate cAMP production. Rather than there being separate receptors for each chemoattractant that interact in the same way with an intracellular pathway, it appears that folic acid and pteridine analogs potentiate the response to cAMP.
Colpocleisis and tension-free vaginal tape sling for severe uterine and vaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence under local anesthesia.

(J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 10(2):276‐280, 2003) Study Objective. To describe the technique, complications, and outcomes of vaginal repair of concomitant advanced uterine and vaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence using colpocleisis and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and pubovaginal sling under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia in elderly and/or medically compromised patients. Design. Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting. Large tertiary care hospital with university affiliation. Patients. Thirty consecutive women. Intervention. Colpocleisis and TVT-pubovaginal sling. Measurements and Main Results. Data were obtained by retrospective chart review of office and surgical records and followup physical examinations. All 30 patients had the procedure completed without general anesthesia. Mean estimated blood loss was 56 ml (range 10‐150 ml), mean operating time 97.3 minutes (range 65‐135 min), and mean hospital stay 1.62 days (range 1‐12 days). No intraoperative complications occurred, although one woman experienced a postoperative myocardial infarction. Average follow-up was 19.1 months. Three women required reoperation for minor prolapse (2 posterior repairs, 1 anteroposterior repair) and 94% were cured of stress incontinence. Conclusion. Preliminary data suggest that surgical correction of concomitant severe pelvic organ relaxation and stress urinary incontinence using a proved procedure (pubovaginal sling) coupled with colpocliesis can be performed rapidly and safely with local anesthesia and mild sedation, thus limiting the potential risks of general anesthesia and more invasive surgical procedures.
Statistical and Steric Effects on Pyrene Pyrolysis Product Distributions at High Temperature

Two sets of isomer products of pyrene pyrolysis at high temperatures are the six bipyrenes and their five cyclodehydrogenation products. Thermodynamic distributions of these isomer sets were computed using the AM1 semiempirical molecular model. Two properties of molecular structure, symmetry and steric hindrance associated with bonding between pyrene units, were found to govern these thermodynamic distributions. Distributions produced by pyrene pyrolysis, on the other hand, support a simple kinetic model of aryl addition and cyclodehydrogenation pathways in which reaction path degeneracy is a first-order effect and steric hindrance is of secondary importance.
Spinal Cord Trauma: In Search of the Meaning of Granular Axoplasm and Vesicular Myelin

The rapid appearance of selective axonal calcification following experimentally induced spinal cord impact injury has suggested that there is a sudden influx of intracellular calcium which mediates many of the pathological changes subsequent to the trauma. Granular dissolution of axoplasm and vesicular disruption of myelin are the most characteristic alterations in the affected white matter. These changes, which appear early and progress, are identical to those that can be induced by exposing myelinated axons to increased extracellular calcium or to calcium ionophores. These observations have led us to develop the hypothesis that calcium mediates the destruction of traumatized axons in the spinal cord by stimulating calcium-activated neutral proteinases (CANP), which in tum degrade axonal and myelin proteins. A rapid increase in CANP activity has been demonstrated in our experimental rat trauma model and a CANP has been isolated from rat spinal cord myelin which degrades both neurofilament and myelin proteins. However, the interpretation of the role of calcium has been complicated by the fact that granular axoplasm and vesicular myelin can be induced under conditions other than those favorable for CANP enhancement. The ultimate proof of the calcium hypothesis will depend on analyzing early intracellular ionic fluxes and correlating these with the localization of calciummediated enzymes and the evolution of pathological events.
The nuclear hormone receptor Ftz-F1 is a cofactor for the Drosophila homeodomain protein Ftz

Homeobox genes specify cell fate and positional identity in embryos throughout the animal kingdom1. Paradoxically, although each has a specific function in vivo, the in vitro DNA-binding specificities of homeodomain proteins are overlapping and relatively weak. A current model is that homeodomain proteins interact with cofactors that increase specificity in vivo2,3. Here we use a native binding site for the homeodomain protein Fushi tarazu (Ftz) to isolate Ftz-Fl, a protein of the nuclear hormone-receptor superfamily and a new Ftz cofactor. Ftz and Ftz-Fl are present in a complex in Drosophila embryos. Ftz-Fl facilitates the binding of Ftz to DNA, allowing interactions with weak-affinity sites at concentrations of Ftz that alone bind only high-affinity sites. Embryos lacking Ftz-Fl display ftz-like pair-rule cuticular defects. This phenotype is a result of abnormal ftz function because it is expressed but fails to activate downstream target genes. Cooperative interaction between homeodomain proteins and cofactors of different classes may serve as a general mechanism to increase HOX protein specificity and to broaden the range of target sites they regulate.
H-infinity optimal filters for a class of nonlinear models

The design of an H-infinity filter or observer based on a nonlinear model involves the solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi inequality. Alternatively, this paper uses the expansion of the nonlinear model as a series of linear ones and provides a sufficient condition, in the form of a set of bilinear matrix inequalities, for the solution of the H-infinity state estimation problem.
Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery From Pulmonary Artery: Recovery of Left Ventricular Function After Dual Coronary Repair

Abstract Objectives. We reviewed our institutional experience with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) after dual coronary repair to assess preoperative variables predictive of outcome, the time course for postoperative recovery of cardiac function, the short- and long-term complications and our experience with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in these patients. Background. Outcome after surgical repair of ALCAPA remains incompletely defined. Methods. The surgical records and echocardiograms of 42 patients were reviewed. Left ventricular function was assessed by fractional shortening z-score (FSz) and stress-velocity index. Results. The overall survival rate was 86%. All six patients who died were Conclusions. The degree of preoperative MR was predictive of outcome, whereas the severity of preoperative cardiac dysfunction and ventricular dilation were not. Mild and moderate MR tended to improve without mitral valvuloplasty. Complete recovery from myocardial dysfunction is expected after dual coronary repair of ALCAPA.
Perinatal toxicity of maneb, ethylene thiourea, and ethylenebisisothiocyanate sulfide in rodents.

The potential of the fungicide maneb and two of its metabolites, ethylenebisisothiocyanate sulfide (EBIS) and ethylene thiourea (ETU), to induce perinatal toxicity in four species of rodents was investigated. The compounds were administered to rats and mice during the period of organogenesis, and ETU was also administered by oral gavage for a similar period to hamsters and guinea pigs. Treatment also continued through the lactational period in groups of rats that were allowed to give birth. Fetuses were examined for signs of toxicity, including terata, and neonates for reflex development and open‐field behavior. Maneb produced hydrocephalus in fetuses in litters of rats receiving 480 mg/kg • d. No fetotoxic effects were noted in litters of rats receiving EBIS at doses as high as 30 mg/kg • d. ETU proved to be a potent teratogen in the rat. Among the effects seen at doses of 40 mg/kg • d or greater were hydrocephalus, encephalocele, kyphosis, and various defects of the digits. Neither maneb (up to 1500 mg/...
Slow egress of a mouse MHC class I molecule to the cell surface despite its strong association with β2-microglobulin

Two H-2D region class I genes from the wild-derived mouse strain B10.GAA37 provisionally encoding the Dw16 and Lw16 molecules, respectively, were transfected into mouse L cells, and the expressed gene products were analyzed serologically by flow cytometry. As expected from nucleotide sequence comparisons, these analyses revealed that several Ld-reactive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognize Lw16 and not Dw16. As detected by flow cytometry of intact L.Lw16 cells and B10.GAA37 splenocytes, and by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of immunoprecipitates from splenocyte lysates, the alpha 2 domain-reactive mAb 30-5-7 detected less Lw16 than did the alpha 3 domain-reactive mAb 28-14-8, suggesting the existence of two populations of Lw16 molecules: 30-5-7+ 28-14-8+ and 30-5-7- 28-14-8+. Sequential immunoprecipitation studies provided further evidence for these two Lw16 subsets; furthermore, the 30-5-7- 28-14-8+ subset was found predominantly on the cell surface and in association with beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m). Pulse-chase studies of B10.GAA37 splenocytes revealed that Lw16, like Ld, is trafficked slowly to the cell surface, whereas Dw16 is trafficked quickly, like most other mouse K and D region class I molecules. Despite these similarities, Lw16 and Ld differ in their association with beta 2-m, in that the immunoprecipitates of Lw16 contained much higher levels of radiolabeled beta 2-m per heavy chain. Together, these studies indicate that the slower trafficking of Lw16 to the surface does not result from a weaker association with beta 2-m, suggesting that other factors, such as peptide ligand-induced assembly, and/or retention by ER-resident proteins play an important role in the trafficking of major histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecules to the cell surface.
Effects of radiothyroidectomy and various replacement levels of thyroxine on growth, organ and gland weights of Cornish Cross chickens.

A method is described whereby Cornish Cross chickens were rendered hypothyroid by 131I thyroidectomy. L-T4 replacement levels of from 0.25 to 3.00 μg/100 gm bw daily were administered for eight months until autopsy. Effects on body weight, organs, and glands are described in male and female birds. It was concluded that there may be differences between males and females as to their sensitivity to varying levels of L-T4 replacement. It is suggested that in the male in particular, varying levels of thyroid hormone may play a more significant role in development and function of the reproductive system.
Nonrobustness of the information test in detecting heterogeneity

In data sets that consist of a large number of clusters, a frequent goal of the analysis is to detect whether heterogeneity exists between clusters. A standard approach is to model the heterogeneity in the framework of a mixture model and to derive a score test to detect heterogeneity. The likelihood function, from which the score test derives, depends heavily on the assumed density of the response variable. This paper examines the robustness of the heterogeneity test to misspecification of this density function when there is homogeneity and shows that the test size can be far different from the nominal level. Lorsque l'on soupconne la presence d'heterogeneite entre un grand nombre de groupes, on teste generalement cette hypothese au moyen d'une statistique score apres avoir suppose que les observations sont generees par un melange. La vraisemblance sur laquelle s'appuie cette procedure depend bien sǔr de la loi de la variable reponse. L'auteur montre ici que la validite du test, et plus particulierement son seuil, peut ětre affectee lorsque cette loi est mal specifiee sous l'hypothese nulle d'homogeneite entre les groupes.
Omental Wrap: A Simple Technique for Reinforcement of the Gastrojejunostomy during Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Anastomotic leak is one of the most dreaded complications following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). A simple technique for reinforcement of the gastrojejunal anastomosis using an omental wrap during laparoscopic RYGBP is described.We recommend this technique particularly in those patients at high risk for gastrojejunal leak. A 20 ml vertically-oriented gastric pouch, based on the lesser curvature of the stomach, is created using linear cutter staplers (endo-GIA).The gastrojejunal anastomosis is reinforced with an omental wrap (omental flap). The jejunojejunostomy is created 100–150 cm from the gastrojejunostomy, depending on the BMI. 124 laparoscopic RYGBPs were performed by the same surgeon. The omental wrap was successfully performed in all patients but two. There were no mortalities, leakages, or stenoses noted during follow-up. During RYGBP, reinforcement of the gastrojejunostomy with an omental wrap is a simple, feasible, and protective adjunctive maneuver that can minimize the risk of gastrojejunal leak.
Combined reflection and transmission thin-film ellipsometry: a unified linear analysis.

A scheme of combined reflection and transmission ellipsometry on light-transmitting ambient–film–substrate systems is proposed and the required sample design and instrument operation are investigated. A comparative study of the sensitivity of external and internal reflection and transmission ellipsometry is carried out based on unified linear approximations of the exact equations. These approximations are general in that an arbitrary initial film thickness is assumed. They are simple, because a complex sensitivity function is introduced whose real and imaginary projections determine the psi (ψ) and delta (Δ) sensitivity factors. Among the conclusions of this paper are the following. (1) External reflection ellipsometry near the Brewster angle of a transparent ambient–substrate system is extremely sensitive to the presence of very thin interfacial films. For example, films as thin as 10−5 A of gold are readily detectable on glass substrates at an angle of incidence 0.3° below the Brewster angle, assuming a measuring wavelength of 5461 A with an ellipsometer of 0.05° precision. (2) The formation of thin nonabsorbing films at the interface between transparent ambient and substrate media is not detectable, to first order, as a change in the ellipsometric angle ψ by either internal or external reflection or transmission ellipsometry. (3) The film-detection sensitivity of transmission ellipsometry increases monotonically with angle of incidence. (4) For each angle of external incidence there is a corresponding angle of internal incidence that leads to the same values of the reflection and transmission sensitivity functions. These angles are interrelated by Snell's law. (5) The ranges of validity of the linear approximation in reflection and transmission ellipsometry are comparable. The case of total internal reflection ellipsometry may lead to strong nonlinear behavior of ψ and Δ as functions of the film thickness in the range below 0.05 of the wavelength of light.
BβGlu397 and BβAsp398 but not BβAsp432 are required for B:b interactions

We synthesized three fibrinogen variants, BbetaE397A, BbetaD398A, and BbetaD432A, with substitutions at positions identified in crystallographic studies as critical for binding the "B" peptide, Gly-His-Arg-Pro-amide (GHRPam), to the "b" polymerization site. We examined thrombin- and batroxobin-catalyzed polymerization by turbidity measurements and found that BbetaE397A and BbetaD398A were impaired while BbetaD432A was normal. Changes in polymerization as a function of calcium were similar for variant and normal fibrinogens. We determined crystal structures of fragment D from the variant BbetaD398A in the absence and presence of GHRPam. In the absence of peptide, the structure showed that the alanine substitution altered only specific local interactions, as alignment of the variant structure with the analogous normal structure resulted in an RMSD of 0.53 A over all atoms. The structure also showed reduced occupancy of the beta2 calcium-binding site that includes the side chain carbonyl of BbetaD398, suggesting that calcium was not bound at this site in our polymerization studies. In the presence of peptide, the structure showed that GHRPam was not bound in the "b" site and the conformational changes associated with peptide binding to normal fragment D did not occur. This structure also showed GHRPam bound in the "a" polymerization site, although in two different conformations. Calcium binding was associated with only one of these conformations, suggesting that calcium binding to the gamma2-site and an alternative peptide conformation were induced by crystal packing. We conclude that BbetaE397 and BbetaD398 are essential for the "B:b" interaction, while BbetaD432 is not.
Effect of divalent metal ion binding on the Raman spectrum of ATP in aqueous solution

Abstract The apparent dissociation constants for the secondary H+ of HATP−3, CaHATP−1, MgHATP−1 and ZnHATP−1 were determined by studying the pH dependent frequency of a particular line in the Raman spectrum of ATP. We obtained the following values for the pKa: 6.50 for ATP alone and 5.48, 4.43, 4.21 for the Zn, Mg and Ca complexes respectively. The Raman technique yields the above results more directly than methods previously employed. The order of binding strengths for the three cations to the triphosphate moiety inferred from the present results is reversed from earlier published data.
Perturbation theory for a Dirac particle in a central field: Inclusion of the anomalous-magnetic-moment term

Recent work on the perturbation theory for the central-field Dirac equation is extended to include potential coupling of the anomalous-magnetic-moment type. A combination of general parity-conserving central fields is also considered. A method of transforming such a general perturbation to a specific type of perturbation is also demonstrated. All corrections to the energies and wave functions, including corrections to the positions of the nodes in excited states, are expressed in quadrature in a hierarchical scheme, without the use of either the Green's function or the sum over intermediate states.
Development and Testing of Hypotheses in Engineering Design Research

Engineering Design Research (EDR) has yet to be fully established as a legit- imate field of inquiry. Design Researchers don't often cast their efforts into the scientific paradigm of hypothesis creation and testing, resulting in the present sit- uation where analysts and Scientists find little justification for EDR. The apparent lack of scholarly or intellectual content appears to be related to a number of factors: Rigor and scholarship in the technical arena have become associated with skillful analysis.
Differentiation of Cryptosporidium parvum Isolates by a Simplified Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique

Genomic DNA was isolated from Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts by a specific immunomagnetic separation-in vitro excystation procedure and subjected to randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis using sequence-independent primers. An estuary C. parvum isolate was easily differentiated from several bovine isolates, while five bovine isolates of the same origin were indistinguishable from each other.
A 5-year followup study of asymptomatic men with testicular microlithiasis.

Purpose: Testicular microlithiasis is an imaging entity of the testicle with questionable significance as a marker for testicular cancer. In 2001 we reported on a large prospective screening study establishing the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis to be 5.6% in a healthy asymptomatic population of Army volunteers 18 to 35 years old. In contrast, testicular cancer develops in only 5 of 100,000 men. Two-year followup of 63 of the 84 patients with testicular microlithiasis showed that none of these men had testicular cancer or scrotal masses. Here we report the 5-year followup in this cohort of men with testicular microlithiasis at risk for testicular cancer.Materials and Methods: According to the original parameters of the screening study we performed a history, genitourinary examination and scrotal ultrasound on 1,504 healthy army volunteers 18 to 35 years old during summer military training. Testicular microlithiasis was defined as greater than 6 echogenic signals found on ultrasound. We identified ...
A Malformation Incidence Dose‐Response Model Incorporating Fetal Weight and/or Litter Size as Covariates

A dose-response model is often fit to bioassay data to provide a mathematical relationship between the incidence of a developmental malformation and dose of a toxicant. To utilize the interrelations among the fetal weight, incidence of malformation and number of the live fetuses, a conditional Gaussian regression chain model is proposed to model the dose-response function for developmental malformation incidence using the litter size and/or the fetal weight as covariates. The litter size is modeled as a function of dose, the fetal weight is modeled as a function of dose conditional on both the litter size and the fetal weight, which itself is also conditional on the litter size, and the malformation incidence is modeled as a function of dose conditional on the litter size. Data from a developmental experiment conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research to investigate the growth stunting and increased incidence of cleft palate induced by Dexamethasone (DEX) exposure in rats was used as an illustration.
Regulation of c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase ( Jnk) Gene Expression during T Cell Activation

The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs) are a group of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases that participate in signal transduction events mediating specific cellular functions. Activation of JNK is regulated by phosphorylation in response to cellular stress and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we demonstrate that JNK is regulated by a second, novel mechanism. Induction of Jnk gene expression is required in specific tissues before activation of this signaling pathway. The in vivo and in vitro ligation of the T cell receptor (TCR) leads to induction of JNK gene and protein expression. TCR signals are sufficient to induce JNK expression, whereas JNK phosphorylation also requires CD28-mediated costimulatory signals. Therefore, both expression and activation contribute to the regulation of the JNK pathway to ensure proper control during the course of an immune response.
Hodgkin's disease presenting as “idiopathic” thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombocytopenic purpura of the ITP type is an unusual and poorly documented complication of Hodgkin's disease. In a 5-year period, three patients with Hodgkin's disease presented a clinical picture indistinguishable from classic ITP. Each exhibited marked thrombocytopenic purpura without marrow replacement by tumor or fibrosis, and the number of marrow megakaryocytes was increased. In two, isologous platelet survival was less than 2 hours. Spleens were not palpable and splenectomy resulted in one partial and one complete remission. When thrombocytopenia first appeared, the presence of Hodgkin's disease was often unsuspected, and, in two, the spleen was the only site of clinical involvement. Patients with Hodgkin's disease who present this picture are easily confused with patients who have true ITP, may have an occult recurrence, and are likely to have spleen involvement. This complication appears to be managed best by splenectomy.
The Cognitive Multiple Access Wire-Tap Channel

A cognitive Multiple Access Channel with a Wire-tapper (cMAC-WT) is studied, where one of the two encoders is cognitive, in the sense that it knows a priori the message of the other encoder. Both the discrete and Gaussian models are considered. General achievable rates and outer bounds to the secrecy capacity region are derived, and the secrecy capacity region is identified for the special cases of less noisy discrete cMAC-WT, degraded Gaussian cMAC-WT and degraded Gaussian cMAC-WT with orthogonal components. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the main findings.
Measuring Dissent in Electoral Authoritarian Societies: Lessons From Azerbaijan’s 2008 Presidential Election and 2009 Referendum

Although authoritarian regimes assert control over electoral processes, election returns can yield valuable information about dissent. Using election data from two votes in Azerbaijan, this article assesses hypotheses about the sources of antiregime results. The analysis indicates that dissenting votes may be produced by a combination of elite interference at the national and local levels, and through the expression of citizen preferences under the conditions of a limited choice set. Although results must be interpreted with care, authoritarian elections may provide useful insights into hidden elite conflict and/or citizen grievances. The approach to assessing dissenting votes described in the article not only yields information about Azerbaijan’s internal politics but also could be applied to elections in other electoral authoritarian states.