cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Actuarial Outcome After Catheter Balloon Commissurotomy in Patients With Mitral Stenosis

Background The goal of the present study was to determine the intermediate-term survival and the independent predictors of survival and event-free survival for patients who undergo catheter balloon commissurotomy (CBC). Methods and Results CBC for the treatment of mitral stenosis was performed in 132 patients from 1986 through 1994. The use of CBC increased the mitral valve area (MVA) from 1.0±0.3 to 1.9±0.6 cm2 (P<.001). There were six early deaths (4.5%) up to 1 month after CBC (“hospital” deaths). In the past 4.5 years, there have been no hospital deaths. Four late deaths occurred after elective mitral valve replacement (MVR). Actuarial 7-year survival was 95±1%; when mortality after MVR is included, 7-year survival was 83±6%. Actuarial 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year event-free survival (survival without MVR or repeat CBC) was 80±4%, 77±4%, 65±6%, and 65±6%. On multivariate analysis, the only two independent predictors (both after CBC) of 7-year event-free survival were MVA of ≥1.5 versus <1.5 cm2 (75±7% versu...
Speckle interferometry with nanoparticles

The sensitivity of one beam speckle interferometry (also called speckle photography) is the size of speckles that can be generated. In the early days of this technique, speckle size is essentially controlled by the aperture size of the recording camera. When laser speckle is used, the wavelength of the laser beam, the f/number of the recording lens and magnification of the system determines how small the laser speckles can be generated. When white light speckle is used, the size is determined by the resolution of the recording lens. The theoretical limits of these two approaches are actually the same in that no speckle smaller that 1/2 of the wavelength of the radiation can be recorded. However, speckles much smaller than lens resolution can be generated using either a chemical or a physical vapor deposition process. And they can be clearly recorded using an electron microscope. We have successfully created nanometer speckles and applied them to variety of solid mechanics problems of importance. Examples include characterization of mechanical properties of interphase in metal matrix composite, study of kinking failure mechanism of fibrous composite, measurement of thermal deformation of solder joint in electronic devices, etc. This nanospeckle technique has opened up a new field of investigation which heretofore was not accessible to experimentalist.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Perception of fluoroscopy last-image hold

Last-image hold (LIH) is used in x-ray fluoroscopy systems as a convenience and dose savings feature. In the case of an image sequence, temporal filtering in the human visual system (HVS) reduces perceived noise. In the case of a constant, single image frame, this phenomenon is not present: the image looks noisier, and low-contrast objects disappear. Using low-contrast, stationary cylinder and disk phantoms in noise, perception of single frames are compared with that of conventional 30 acq/s continuous fluoroscopy (continuous). The dose of continuous is fixed at Q/acq, and the dose of single-frame presentations is varied in order to determine an "equivalent-perception dose" for a paired-comparison task. The equivalent-perception dose depends upon the shape and size of an object. As cylinder diameter increases from 1 to 21 pixels, the equivalent-perception dose decreases from 4.6 to 2.8 Q/acq. At equal equivalent-perception dose values, the relationship between cylinder and disk diameters are determined; a cylinder diameter of 10 pixels is roughly equivalent to a disk diameter of 20 pixels. For interventional angiography, an average equivalent-perception dose of approximately 3.5 Q/acq for a single-frame presentation is predicted. Thus processing by the HVS effectively reduces noise variance by a factor of 3.5, corresponding to an effective averaging time of 3.5 frames or 120 ms. Several variance reduction techniques are suggested to create an LIH frame having perception equal to the fluoroscopy sequence.
Estimated Annual Perinatal Hepatitis B Virus Infections in the United States, 2000–2009

Background Ninety percent of perinatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections result in chronic HBV (CHBV), which carries 25% risk of premature death from progressive liver injury, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In 1990, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Programs (PHBPP) to ensure postexposure prophylaxis for exposed infants and accelerate elimination of perinatal CHBV in the United States. From 2000 to 2009, the annual rates of perinatal CHBV reported by PHBPP (0.8%-2.4%) were consistently lower than expected rates from CDC models (3.0%-4.1%), suggesting that rates of CHBV might be higher among infants whose outcomes were not identified by PHBPP. To better understand the factors impacting modeled expected number and rates of perinatal CHBV, we examined historic CDC models, applied updated inputs to the 2009 CDC model, and performed sensitivity analyses over a range of parameter values. Methods Models employed estimates of the annual number of births to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women, and data from PHBPP and National Immunization Surveys. Published literature provided prenatal HBsAg screening rates, efficacy of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), and perinatal HBV transmission rates. Results The updated 2009 model predicted 952 perinatal CHBV infections, equivalent to a baseline rate of 3.84%, among infants of HBsAg-positive women. Sensitivity analyses yielded a possible range of perinatal CHBV rates between 0.60% and 15.41%. The proportion of infants receiving timely PEP, the efficacy of PEP, and perinatal HBV transmission rate were major "drivers" of CHBV rates. Three-way sensitivity analysis yielded possible perinatal CHBV rates between 0.79% and 13.64%. Conclusions Modeling provided useful programmatic goals for achieving elimination of perinatal CHBV in the United States. Limitations of data inputs likely contributed to discrepancies between predicted and reported rates.
Genome Structure and Variability of a Virus Causing Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Abstract A previously unrecognized hantavirus (family Bunyaviridae ) has recently been detected and shown to be associated with a severe respiratory illness with high mortality, termed hantavirus pulmonary syndrome(HPS), This disease has now been identified throughout the western United States. We present nucleotide sequence characterization of the three RNA segments composing the HPS virus genome and address the question of the apparent emergence of this highly lethal virus. No evidence of genetic reassortment with previously recognized hantaviruses was found, each RNA segment being unique and approximately 30% different at the nucleotide level to the segments of the closest relative, Prospect Hill virus. These findings, together with the observed extensive genetic diversity of HPS viruses and examples of geographic clustering of distinct virus genotypes, suggest that HPS and associated virus have likely existed undetected for many years. The virus genome M segment was determined to be 3696 nucleotides in length and encode G1 and G2 proteins, 652 and 488 amino acids in length. The S segment was found to be 2059 nucleotides in length and to encode a nucleocapsid protein, 428 amino acids in length. S segment analysis also revealed an unusually long noncoding region with numerous repeats and evidence for a potential NS S protein encoded in an overlapping frame.
Efficient super-resolution via image warping

Abstract This paper introduces a new algorithm for enhancing image resolution from an image sequence. The approach we propose herein uses the integrating resampler for warping. The method is a direct computation, which is fundamentally different from the iterative back-projection approaches proposed in previous work. This paper shows that image-warping techniques may have a strong impact on the quality of image resolution enhancement. By coupling the degradation model of the imaging system directly into the integrating resampler, we can better approximate the warping characteristics of real sensors, which also significantly improve the quality of super-resolution images. Examples of super-resolutions are given for gray-scale images. Evaluations are made visually by comparing the resulting images and those using bi-linear resampling and back-projection and quantitatively using OCR as a fundamental measure. The paper shows that even when the images are qualitatively similar, quantitative differences appear in machine processing.
Fock space formulation of gauge invariant interacting field theories of open and closed strings

Abstract We derive the conditions that must be satisfied by three string vertex operators, in order to have a gauge invariant Chern-Simons type action as proposed by Witten for the open bosonic string, in a Fock space formulation. Given a vertex which satisfies these conditions for the open string, we show how to construct an invariant action for the closed string.
Sanskrit and the morning after: The metaphorics and theory of intellectual change

This article offers critical reflection on the work of Sheldon Pollock and Sudipto Kaviraj in connection with the project, ‘Sanskrit Knowledge-Systems on the Eve of Colonialism’. While both Pollock...
Characterization of a novel 14 kDa bile acid-binding protein from rat ileal cytosol

A 14 kDa polypeptide in rat ileal cytosol has been identified as the major intestinal cytosolic bile acid-binding protein (I-BABP) by photoaffinity labeling with the radiolabeled 7,7-azo derivative of taurocholate (7,7-azo-TC). To further characterize I-BABP, the protein was purified by lysylglycocholate Sepharose 4B affinity and DE-52 anion-exchange chromatography. The purified I-BABP contained a single 14 kDa band on SDS-PAGE. The 14 kDa protein showed a 26-fold increase in binding affinity for [3H]7,7-azo-TC compared to cytosolic protein. Immunoblotting of protein fractions separated by affinity chromatography showed that neither liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) nor intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) bind to the affinity column and that the 14 kDa protein which bound to the column and was subsequently eluted with detergent did not cross-react with anti-L-FABP or anti-I-FABP. The 14 kDa protein labeled with [3H]7,7-azo-TC was radioimmunoprecipitated from cytosol by rabbit antiserum raised against purified I-BABP. I-BABP was shown to have a blocked N-terminus; however, its mixed internal sequence generated from cyanogen bromide-cleaved protein and amino acid composition indicated that it was related to (although clearly distinct from) both I-FABP and L-FABP. These studies have isolated a 14 kDa bile acid-binding protein from rat ileal cytosol which is immunologically and biochemically distinct from I-FABP and L-FABP.
Biochemical Indicators of Environmental Pollution

The practical use of biological indicators to monitor environmental quality has a long history dating back to the miner’s canary; to the recognition4 about 100 years ago of the effect of sulfur dioxide on the vegetation surrounding smelters; and to the observation,19 around the turn of the century, of the effect of pollutants on the population of flora and fauna living in natural waters. Since that time, our knowledge of the biological effects of the various environmental pollutants has increased enormously, and monitoring schemes employing biological indicator organisms have been proposed and are in fact in daily use.1 There are certain intrinsic advantages in biological indicators as compared to chemical analysis for individual compounds. Biological indicators are screening agents in that they respond to many different compounds, and they are integrating devices in that they show the cumulative effects over a period of time or over some spatial area; but their primary advantage is that the bio-indicator directly measures the property that we are really interested in — is there something in the air or water that is harmful to life?
The Symmetric Eigenvalue Problem

According to Parlett, 'Vibrations are everywhere, and so too are the eigenvalues associated with them. As mathematical models invade more and more disciplines, we can anticipate a demand for eigenvalue calculations in an ever richer variety of contexts.' Anyone who performs these calculations will welcome the reprinting of Parlett's book (originally published in 1980). In this unabridged, amended version, Parlett covers aspects of the problem that are not easily found elsewhere. The chapter titles convey the scope of the material succinctly. The aim of the book is to present mathematical knowledge that is needed in order to understand the art of computing eigenvalues of real symmetric matrices, either all of them or only a few. The author explains why the selected information really matters and he is not shy about making judgments. The commentary is lively but the proofs are terse.
Expression, Purification, and Spectroscopic Characterization of Human Thromboxane Synthase

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a potent inducer of vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. Large scale expression of TXA2 synthase (TXAS) is very useful for studies of the reaction mechanism, structural/functional relationships, and drug interactions. We report here a heterologous system for overexpression of human TXAS. The TXAS cDNA was modified by replacing the sequence encoding the first 28 amino acid residues with a CYP17 amino-terminal sequence and by adding a polyhistidine tag sequence prior to the stop codon; the cDNA was inserted into the pCW vector and co-expressed with chaperonins groES and groEL in Escherichia coli. The resulting recombinant protein was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by affinity, ion exchange, and hydrophobic chromatography. UV-visible absorbance (UV-Vis), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra indicate that TXAS has a typical low spin cytochrome P450 heme with an oxygen-based distal ligand. The UV-Vis and EPR spectra of recombinant TXAS were essentially identical to those of TXAS isolated from human platelets, except that a more homogenous EPR spectrum was observed for the recombinant TXAS. The recombinant protein had a heme:protein molar ratio of 0.7:1 and a specific activity of 12 micromol of TXA2/min/mg of protein at 23 degreesC. Furthermore, it catalyzed formation of TXA2, 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid, and malondialdehyde in a molar ratio of 0.94:1.0:0.93. Spectral binding titrations showed that bulky heme ligands such as clotrimazole bound strongly to TXAS (Kd approximately 0.5 microM), indicating ample space at the distal face of the heme iron. Analysis of MCD and EPR spectra showed that TXAS was a typical low spin hemoprotein with a proximal thiolate ligand and had a very hydrophobic distal ligand binding domain.
Broad-band visual capacities are not selectively impaired in Alzheimer's disease

Histological examination of the optic nerves of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients has revealed a selective degeneration of large axon ganglion cells. This morphological abnormality raises the possibility of a selective impairment of broad-band channel visual function. To test this hypothesis, we administered visual psychophysical tests associated with either the color-opponent or the broad-band retinocortical channel to 14 AD patients and 29 elderly control subjects (ECS). In previous studies in monkeys, these tests had been sensitive to the effects of either parvocellular or magnocellular LGN lesions. In the present study, the color-opponent channel was assessed by tests of texture and color discrimination; the broad-band channel was assessed by tests of flicker and motion detection. Logistic regression analysis indicated that all tests collectively discriminated diagnostic groups at a borderline level of significance (p = 0.09). ANOVA also indicated a trend towards overall depressed function for AD patients on some capacities tested. Analyses comparing the prevalence of deficits in the AD and ECS groups showed that a significantly greater number of AD patients than ECS had deficits on texture discrimination, blue-violet discrimination, and 4.72°/s motion detection. No individual subject demonstrated a selective impairment of broad-band channel function. The visual deficits in AD did not resemble those caused by lesions of magnocellular LGN in monkeys, indicating that the visual impairment in AD is not a functional reflection of damage limited to the broad-band channel. Rather, the perceptual deficits we observed may be due to neuropathological changes in visual association cortices, particularly the ventral visual pathway, in which parvocellular as well as magnocellular capacities are represented. The deficits are found in a subset of AD patients, suggesting that they are not an obligatory correlate of mild to moderate AD but, instead, reflect individual differences in the distribution of neuropathological changes in visual cortices.
X-ray crystal structure and raman spectrum of tribromine(1+) hexafluoroarsenate(V), Br3+AsF6−, and raman spectrum of pentabromine(1+) hexafluoroarsenate(V), Br5+AsF6−†‡

A single crystal of Br3+AsF6− was isolated from a sample of BrF2+AsF6− which had been stored for 20 years. It was characterized by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that Br3+AsF6− (triclinic, a = 7.644(7) A, b = 5.641(6) A, c = 9.810(9) A, α = 99.16(8)°, β = 86.61(6)°, γ = 100.11(7)°, space group P1 R(F) = 0.0608) is isomorphous with I3+AsF6−. The structure consists of discrete Br3+ and AsF6− ions with some cation-anion interaction causing distortion of the AsF6− octahedron. The Br3+ cation is symmetric with a bond distance of 2.270(5) A and a bond angle of 102.5(2)°. The three fundamental vibrations of Br3+ were observed at 297 (ν3), 293 (ν1), and 124 cm−1 (ν2). The Raman spectra of Cl3+AsF6− and I3+AsF6− were reinvestigated and ν3(B1) of I3+ was reassigned. General valence force fields are given for the series Cl3+, Br3+, and I3+. Reactions of excess Br2 with either BrF2+AsF6− or O2+AsF6− produce mixtures of Br3+AsF6− and Br5+AsF6−. Based on its Raman spectra, the Br5+ cation possesses a planar, centrosymmetric structure of C2h symmetry with three semi-ionically bound, collinear, central Br atoms and two more covalently, perpendicularly bound, terminal Br atoms. Kristallstruktur und Raman-Spektrum von Tribrom(1+) Hexafluoroarsenat(V), Br3+AsF6−, und Raman-Spektrum von Pentabrom(1+) Hexafluoroarsenat(V), Br5+AsF6− Ein Einkristall von Br3+AsF6−, gebildet wahrend 20jahriger Aufbewahrung einer BrF2+AsF6− Probe, wurde isoliert und mittels Rontgenstrukturanalyse und Raman-Spektren charakterisiert. Es wird gezeigt, das Br3+AsF6− (triklin, a = 7,644(7) A, b = 5,641(6) A, c = 9,810(9) A, α = 99,16(8)°, β = 86,61(6)°, γ = 100,11(7)°, Raumgruppe P1, R(F) = 0,0608) isomorph mit I3+AsF6− ist. Die Struktur besteht aus diskreten Br3+- und AsF6−-Ionen mit schwachen Anion-Kation-Wechselwirkungen, die in einer Verzerrung der AsF6−-Oktaeder resultieren. Das Br3+-Kation ist symmetrisch mit einem Bindungsabstand von 2,270(5) A und einem Bindungswinkel von 102,5(2)¨. Die drei Grundschwingungen von Br3+ wurden bei 297 (ν3), 293 (ν1) und 124 cm−1(ν2) gefunden. Raman-Spektren von CI,+AsF6− und I3+AsF6− wurden neu aufgenommen, und v3(B1) von I3+ wurde neu zugeordnet. Allgemeine Valenzkraftkonstanten wurden fur die Reihe Cl3+, Br3+ und I3+ berechnet. Umsetzungen von uberschussigem Brom mit BrF2+AsF6− oder O2+AsF6− resultieren in einem Gemisch von Br3+AsF6− und Br5+AsF6−. Auf Grund der beobachteten Raman Spektren besitzt das Br5+-Kation eine planare. zentrosymmetrische C2h Struktur mit drei halb-ionisch gebundenen. kollinearen, zentralen Bromatomen und zwei mehr kovalent und rechtwinklig gebundenen, endstandigen Bromatomen.
Communicating Subjectivity: Leadership as Situated Construction

This article argues that context, situation, and the subjective experiences of organizational members are integral to investigating leadership as a multifaceted phenomenon. The article includes a qualitative study conducted at a large suburban church that investigates the extent to which the subjective experiences of selected organizational members, as revealed in their talk, reveals co-constructed conceptions about leadership in the organization. The study finds that the organization has co-constructed conceptions that are interdependent and crucial to defining the meaning of the organization for members.
Divergent effects of supraphysiologic Notch signals on leukemia stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells

The leukemia stem cell (LSC) hypothesis proposes that a subset of cells in the bulk leukemia population propagates the leukemia.We tested the LSC hypothesis in a mouse model of Notch-induced T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in which the tumor cells were largely CD4+ CD8+ T cells. LSC activity was enriched but rare in the CD8+ CD4 HSA(hi) immature single-positive T-cell subset. Although our murine T-ALL model relies on transduction of HSCs, we were unable to isolate Notch-activated HSCs to test for LSC activity. Further analysis showed that Notch activation in HSCs caused an initial expansion of hematopoietic and T-cell progenitors and loss of stem cell quiescence, which was followed by progressive loss of long-term HSCs and T-cell production over several weeks. Similar results were obtained in a conditional transgenic model in which Notch activation is induced in HSCs by Cre recombinase. We conclude that although supraphysiologic Notch signaling in HSCs promotes LSC activity in T-cell progenitors, it extinguishes self-renewal of LT-HSCs. These results provide further evidence for therapeutically targeting T-cell progenitors in T-ALL while also underscoring the need to tightly regulate Notch signaling to expand normal HSC populations for clinical applications.
Individual strategies in a market entry game

Quantitatively trained Ph.D. students participated in three replications of a 20-trial market entry game in which each agent has two pure strategies—to “enter the market” or “stay out of the market”—and the individual payoff depends on the size of the set of active agents entering the market. With experience, subjects adhered more strictly to pure strategies, which although markedly different from one to the other combined to form distributions supporting a Nash equilibrium solution to the game.
Identification of potential barriers to nurse-sensitive outcome demonstration.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine differences in chief nursing officer, Magnet(®) program director, nurse leader, and direct care RN perspectives of potential barriers to demonstration of nurse-sensitive outcomes. Background The Magnet Recognition Program(®) and other designations are focusing on patient outcomes. No evidence is available addressing barriers to demonstration of nursing outcomes at multiple levels of practice. Methods A Likert scale tool was developed and administered to 526 attendees at the 2012 national Magnet conference. Questions related to available resources, benchmarks, outcome demonstration process understanding, perception of value, and competing priorities. Results Significant perception differences by role were demonstrated related to available resources, competing priorities, and process understanding supporting demonstration of nurse-sensitive outcomes. No significant differences were identified related to benchmarks or perception of process value to the organization. Conclusion This study provides new information demonstrating potential barriers to demonstration of nurse-sensitive outcomes differing by role. Opportunity exists to develop systems and processes to reduce perceived barriers among the nursing workforce.
Leonardo's Mona Lisa: Iconic Center of Male Melancholic Religion

In previous writings, I have argued that a three-to-five-year-old boy's emotional separation from his mother is the key experience in his development of a melancholic orientation to life, and that men's religious proclivities (based on honor, hope, and humor) reflect this emotional separation. In the present essay, I argue that Leonardo da Vinci's {Mona Lisa} is the iconic center of the religion of male melancholia, and thus displaces the Virgin Mary of traditional Christianity in this regard. I provide evidence in support of this argument by focusing on Walter Pater's essay on Leonardo da Vinci, and interpreting Vincent Peruggia's theft, Hugo Villegas's stoning, and Marcel Duchamp and others' humorous assaults on the dignity of Mona Lisa as expressions of male melancholia. I conclude that the painting aids in the difficult task of transforming melancholia into mourning.
Microcomputer Based Methods For Dyadic Interaction Research in Marketing

Microcomputer based methodologies offer new dimensions to the study of dyadic interaction in marketing. This article explores the role of the microcomputer as a dyadic interaction research tool in the contexts of buyer-seller negotiation and buyer-seller communication processes. The authors conclude that microcomputer applications represent a promising new direction in the study of dyadic behavior. Moreover, the microcomputer’s potential for improved experimental control and measurement is relatively untapped.
Intrapartum anaphylaxis to penicillin in a woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had no prior penicillin allergy

Background Little is known about the development of drug allergy during pregnancy or in patients with altered immune status. Objective To report a case of new-onset penicillin allergy during pregnancy in a woman with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods A 39-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis developed intrapartum anaphylaxis that led to fetal demise. She had previously received penicillin-based antibiotics without any allergic reactions. Because of group B streptococcus colonization, an intravenous infusion of penicillin G was started during labor. Within minutes, she developed severe anaphylaxis. Results A fluorescent enzyme immunoassay revealed a moderate level of specific IgE to penicilloyl G and penicilloyl V (3.15 kU/L and 2.77 kU/L, respectively). Given the patient's history, these positive results were considered confirmatory of penicillin allergy. This case raises a number of salient points. First, patients can develop severe allergy to penicillin despite having safely received penicillins in the past. Possible factors that influenced the development of severe penicillin sensitivity in this patient are discussed. Second, unexpected intrapartum anaphylaxis can occur, which can be life threatening to the mother or fetus. Third, safe and reliable methods for diagnosis of drug allergy must be available. Conclusions This case illustrates that during the current unavailability of skin testing reagents in the United States, a positive result on in vitro testing can be helpful in confirming penicillin allergy in cases in which drug challenge is deemed unsafe.
The Routledge Handbook of Hispanic Applied Linguistics

The Routledge Handbook of Hispanic Applied Linguistics is an edited volume comprising an introductory chapter written by the editor, Manel Lacorte, and 36 thematic chapters written by 52 internatio...
4469 Transoral endoscopic suturing for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a multicenter trial.

Louis, MO; Mayo Clin, Rochester, MN; Indiana Univ, Indianapolis, IN; Park Plaza Med Ctr, Houston, TX; Dartmouth Hitchcock Med Ctr, Lebanon, NH; Colorado Univ, Denver, CO; Emory Univ, Atlanta, GA; C R BAAD, Inc, IN. Introduction: A totally transoral outpatient procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) would be appealing to physicians and patients. Methods: A multicenter trial was initiated for 64 patients suffering from symptomatic GERD. Inclusion criteria were 3 or more heartburn episodes per week while off medication, dependency on antisecretory medicine and documented acid reflux by pH monitoring (pH 40kg/ meter2) previous esophageal surgery and hiatus hernia >2 cm. Patients underwent esophageal manometry, endoscopy, 24 hour pH monitoring and completed a MOS SF-36 quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and symptom severity scoring. Patients were then randomized to a linear or circumferential plication configuration group. After the endoscopic valvuloplasty patients repeated the (QOL) questionnaire and underwent endoscopy, manometry and 24 hour pH monitoring at 3 months and 6 months. All adverse procedural events were recorded. Symptom change scores were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Procedural success was defined as patients that were symptom free with fewer than 4 doses of acid reduction medicine per month. Results: Sixty-two percent of patients experienced success at 3 months. Six month data are pending. Mean three month symptom change scores demonstrated procedural efficacy. GROUP MEAN VALUES Baseline, 3 months p (sign rank test): Heartburn score 62.5, 16.6, 0.0001, Heartburn frequency 2.8, 1.4, 0.0001, Heartburn severity 22.8, 9.2, 0.0001, Regurgitation 1.8, 0.6, 0.0001 respectively, Of those patients suffering with regurgitation (80%), more than one half (55%) reported they no longer suffer from this problem. Only patients with preprocedure acid reflux time >10% had an improvement in % time pH
The Effect of Payment Methods on Risk Aversion

Risk aversion experiments such as those by Holt and Laury (2002, 2005) measure risk aversion by examining subjects’ responses to a series of probability-ordered choices. Subjects are paid real money rewards, using the random round payment method in which the amount is determined by one randomly selected decision. The findings reported here were obtained from 119 subjects who confronted the same choice set and payment amounts, but 60 of these subjects were paid using the random-round method while the remaining 59 were paid based on an average of all their choices, the accumulated value method. The accumulated value payment method simulates portfolio returns, as opposed to returns from stand alone investments. Results indicate that accumulated value subjects took more risk and made more inconsistent decisions.
A geometrical analysis of fitness in triply allelic systems

Abstract All possible configurations of relative fitnesses can be obtained by drawing an arbitrary triangle and marking a point on two sides. The lines of equal fitness become circles for hyperbolas and the point of maximum fitness (if any), and the ultimate destiny of the population can be seen at a glance. The new method may be helpful for purposes of analysis and to avoid calculations, but the paper otherwise contains no new results.
Estimating the Magnitude and Phase Response of a 50 GHz Sampling Oscilloscope Using the "Nose-to-Nose" Method

We describe estimation of the magnitude and phase response of a sampling oscilloscope with 50 GHz bandwidth using the nose-to-nose method. The measurements are corrected for the non-ideal properties of the oscilloscope and calibration apparatus, including mismatch and time-base distortion, drift, and jitter. The mean and standard deviation of repeated measurements of an ensemble of three oscilloscope samplers are reported, along with attempts to verify the magnitude calibration using a swept sine-wave method.
Structure sensitive selectivity of the NO−CO reaction over Rh(110) and Rh(111)

We have studied the effects of temperature, NO conversion, and NO-CO ratio on the activity and selectivity of the NO-CO reaction at high (1 Torr < P < 100 Torr) pressures over the Rh(110) and Rh(111) surfaces. Under the conditions used in this study, the NO-CO activity, as measured by the rate of NO loss, is between 1.3 and 6.3 times faster over Rh(110) than over Rh(111). The (110) surface exhibits a lower apparent activation energy (Ea), 27.2 vs 34.8 kcal/mol, than does the (111) surface. We attribute this behavior to a slightly more facile NO dissociation process on the more open (110) surface. Although the turnover numbers for NO reaction can be quite similar on the two different surfaces, we find large differences between Rh(110) and Rh(111) with regard to their selectivities for the two competitive nitrogen-containing products, N2O vs N2. The more open Rh(110) surface tends to make significantly less N2O than Rh(111) under virtually all conditions that we probed with these experiments. This can be understood in terms of the relative surface coverages of adsorbed NO and N atoms on the two surfaces. Notably, more facile NO dissociation on Rh(110) appears to lead to greater steady-state concentrations of adsorbed N atoms than is present on the (111) surface. Higher N atom coverages on the (110) surface favor N atom recombination (N2 formation) more than the NO + N reaction (N2O formation) on Rh(110) relative to Rh(111). Indeed, Rh(110) surfaces were found to be largely composed of adsorbed N atoms and lesser quantities of NO in postreaction XPS measurements. In contrast, Rh(111) surfaces showed only X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy features due to adsorbed NO.
Rupture Directivity of Moderate Earthquakes in Northern California

We invert peak ground velocity and acceleration (PGV and PGA) to estimate rupture direction and rupture velocity for 47 moderate earthquakes (3.5≥ M ≥5.4) in northern California. We correct sets of PGAs and PGVs recorded at stations less than 55–125 km, depending on source depth, for site amplification and source–receiver distance, then fit the residual peak motions to the unilateral directivity function of Ben-Menahem (1961). We independently invert PGA and PGV. The rupture direction can be determined using as few as seven peak motions if the station distribution is sufficient. The rupture velocity is unstable, however, if there are no takeoff angles within 30° of the rupture direction. Rupture velocities are generally subsonic (0.5 β –0.9 β ); for stability, we limit the rupture velocity at v =0.92 β , the Rayleigh wave speed. For 73 of 94 inversions, the rupture direction clearly identifies one of the nodal planes as the fault plane. The 35 strike-slip earthquakes have rupture directions that range from nearly horizontal (6 events) to directly updip (5 events); the other 24 rupture partly along strike and partly updip. Two strike-slip earthquakes rupture updip in one inversion and downdip in the other. All but 1 of the 11 thrust earthquakes rupture predominantly updip. We compare the rupture directions for 10 M ≥4.0 earthquakes to the relative location of the mainshock and the first two weeks of aftershocks. Spatial distributions of 8 of 10 aftershock sequences agree well with the rupture directivity calculated for the mainshock.
Image registration underwater for fluid flow measurements and mosaicking

The authors present a unified framework of increasing complexity that handles image registration ranging from translation only motion between images, to a full eight parameter projective transformation. Their formulation deals specifically with the constraints that are peculiar to these applications underwater. To examine the role of translation only motion across images they look at video imagery from fluid flow across a flange at a hydrothermal vent site in Guaymas Basin in Mexico. They then show the extensions to this algorithm that are required to handle the case for 2D mosaicing, which involves translations, rotations, scale, and shear in an unstructured three dimensional underwater world. Finally, they show the effectiveness of these techniques on data acquired during photographic surveys of an ancient Roman shipwreck located in the Skerki Bank region in /spl sim/800 m of water in the Mediterranean.
Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis Agent Inhibits Superoxide Anion Generation by Human Neutrophils

ABSTRACT The human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) agent, which replicates in neutrophils, was found not to induce superoxide anion (O2−) generation or extracellular release by human peripheral blood neutrophils, as measured by a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay or a cytochrome c reduction assay, respectively. Furthermore, the HGE agent completely prevented O2− release by neutrophils upon stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, or Escherichia coli. The inhibition was HGE agent dose dependent, required ehrlichial contact with the host cells, and was reversible upon removal of the extracellular HGE agent bound to the host cells prior to PMA stimulation. Structural integrity of or new protein synthesis by the HGE agent was not required for the inhibition; carbohydrate but not surface protein of the HGE agent was required. The HGE agent did not prevent O2− generation in human peripheral blood monocytes derived from the same individual. This neutrophil-specific prevention of O2−generation by the HGE agent would be critical in survival of the HGE agent. This is the first demonstration of the rapid inhibition of preexisting NADPH oxidase in human neutrophils by the HGE agent.
Carjacking, Streetlife and Offender Motivation

For all of the media attention it has received in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, carjacking remains an under-researched and poorly understood crime. In this article, we explore the decision-making processes of active carjackers in real-life settings and circumstances, focusing on the subjective foreground conditions that move such offenders from an unmotivated state to one in which they are determined to act. Drawing from semi-structured ethnographic interviews with 28 active carjackers in St Louis, Missouri, we argue that while the decision to commit a carjacking stems most directly from a situated interaction between particular sorts of perceived opportunities and particular sorts of perceived needs and desires, this decision is activated, mediated, and shaped by participation in urban street culture.
Politics, institutions and entrepreneurship: city decisions leading to inventoried GHG emissions

Local governments in the USA and around the globe are increasingly active in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability both in their governmental operations and in the wider community. Although in many countries, it is cities rather than the national government that have taken the lead role in reducing GHG emissions, we know little about what factors account for local adoption of climate protection at city level. In response, this article investigates how political and institutional factors, as well as various public entrepreneurs affect the adoption of GHG inventories in cities and differences in policies directed at emissions from the larger community versus governmental operations. The results confirm that elected mayors and civic entrepreneurs promote carbon reduction in the larger community, but managers and bureaucratic entrepreneurs focus their efforts on carbon emissions of governmental organizations.
A Gas Chromatographic Method for the Determination of Methadone and Its Metabolites in Biological Fluids and Tissues

A gas chromatographic procedure is presented for routine detection and quantltatlon of methadone and its metabolltes in biological fluids and tissues. The method employs an extraction of drugs with n-butyl chloride at approximately neutral pH and chromstogrephlc Identification on 3% OV-17 using SKF-525-A and n-docosane as Internal standards. A modified extraction apparatus and the recovery of methadone, 1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenyl~,ethylidene-pyrrolidine (Mbl), and SKF-525-A from s variety of fluids and tissues are described. The method is sensitive to 20 ng/ml or g and is applicable to other basic drugs.
Product Responsibility in the US Electronics Industry

Electronics firms are subject to a proliferation of international environmental policies and standards that go beyond traditional concerns about manufacturing process wastes and releases to impact corporate management practices, product design and marketability, and post-consumer product disposal. Their suppliers and customers are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues such as energy efficiency, material use (e.g., recycled content, ozone depleting substances concerns), and environmentally-sound product disposal and recycling, motivating electronics firms to manufacture and supply appropriate products and services.
Cannabinoid receptor type 2 activation induces a microglial anti-inflammatory phenotype and reduces migration via MKP induction and ERK dephosphorylation

Background: Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CBR2) inhibits microglial reactivity through a molecular mechanism yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized that CBR2 activation induces an antiinflammatory phenotype in microglia by inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, via mitogen-activated protein kinase-phosphatase (MKP) induction. MKPs regulate mitogen activated protein kinases, but their role in the modulation of microglial phenotype is not fully understood. Results: JWH015 (a CBR2 agonist) increased MKP-1 and MKP-3 expression, which in turn reduced p-ERK1/2 in LPS-stimulated primary microglia. These effects resulted in a significant reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) expression and microglial migration. We confirmed the causative link of these findings by using MKP inhibitors. We found that the selective inhibition of MKP-1 by Ro-31-8220 and PSI2106, did not affect p-ERK expression in LPS+JWH015-treated microglia. However, the inhibition of both MKP-1 and MKP-3 by triptolide induced an increase in p-ERK expression and in microglial migration using LPS+JWH015-treated microglia. Conclusion: Our results uncover a cellular microglial pathway triggered by CBR2 activation. These data suggest that the reduction of pro-inflammatory factors and microglial migration via MKP-3 induction is part of the mechanism of action of CBR2 agonists. These findings may have clinical implications for further drug development.
LOB and Geographic Segment Disclosures: An Analysis of the Impact of IAS 14 Revised

Abstract To better satisfy important information needs of users of financial statements, as set forth in the IASC Framework , the IASC issued IAS 14 revised (IAS 14R), Segment Reporting , in 1997. IAS 14R became effective for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 1998. This research examines the pre-IAS 14R and post-IAS 14R line of business (LOB) and geographic disclosures of a global sample of companies that refer to IAS to ascertain the impact and effectiveness of IAS 14R in practice. Specifically, this research considers whether the new requirements resulted in (1) a greater number of LOB segments for some enterprises, particularly those that previously claimed to operate in one LOB, (2) more meaningful, transparent geographic groupings, as opposed to the vague groupings associated with the original version of IAS 14, (3) companies reporting more items of information about each LOB and/or geographic segment, and (4) improved consistency of primary segment information with other parts of the annual report. Additionally, the research examines the extent to which IAS companies provided voluntary segment disclosures and suggests some problems associated with compliance. The findings indicate IAS 14R resulted in a significant increase in the number of items of information disclosed for each primary and secondary segment. Additionally, the consistency of segment information with introductory annual report material increased significantly and the number of companies claiming to operate in one LOB declined significantly. On a less positive note, the results reveal that many companies continued to utilize broad, vague geographic groupings. And, a significant minority continued to report segment information on a basis inconsistent with other sections of the annual report. The research also identified several instances where it appears companies may not be fully complying with the all the new disclosure guidelines. As the IASB’s new work program includes a convergence project on segmental reporting, recommendations are made regarding possible modifications to IAS 14R.
Effects of Ocean Temperature on Nesting Phenology and Fecundity of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)

Abstract Ocean temperature is a key determinant of the distribution and phenology of marine life, particularly poikilotherms. We examined effects of ocean temperature on nesting phenology and fecundity for Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in the northern Gulf of Mexico using long-term nesting survey data from northwest Florida. The first clutch of the year was deposited earlier when sea surface temperature in months prior to the nesting season was warmer and this resulted in a longer nesting season. Nest abundance and clutch size were associated with the monthly mean temperature just prior to the nesting season, with higher fecundity occurring in warmer years. Higher nest success was associated with higher February temperature and lower May temperature. Median nest date was not associated with monthly temperature prior to the nesting season. Our results provide further details about the impacts of the thermal environment on Loggerhead Sea Turtle life history and suggest that altered ocean temperat...
Integration of environmental factors in process modelling for printed circuit board manufacturing. II. Fabrication

This paper presents a set of thermo-mechanical process models for unit processes in inner and outer layer circuitization. By assessing the thermal, mechanical and chemical behavior of these processes, energy utilization and raw waste mass streams can be estimated from process and board design parameters. The processes modeled through this methodology include laminate core fabrication, resist coating, exposure, development, copper etch, resist strip, oxide treatment, lamination, drilling, desmear/copper plating and solder masking. For each process, key solid, liquid and vapor waste streams are predicted through mass balance and thermal and fluid losses determined, The raw mass outputs can be weighted through a multi-criteria health hazard assessment to determine comparisons for waste stream "quality" within the control volume of the facility. In this manner, hazard assessment for products or facilities can be evaluated from the unit process level. A case study of a six-layer PCB design for a computer workstation is presented to illustrate design trade-off analyses and integration of the process models within a computer-aided design environmen.,.
Economic Evaluation of Pregnancy Diagnosis in Dairy Cattle: A Decision Analysis Approach

Cost-benefit evaluations of several pregnancy diagnosis schemes were performed. The strategy using on-farm milk progesterone test on d 19 after service, followed by treatment of nonpregnant cows with prostaglandin, was the most profitable returning $10.50 per cow above the cost of the intervention. An increase in efficiency of detection of estrus of greater than 20% among cows diagnosed nonpregnant and an error rate in pregnancy diagnosis of less than or equal to 3% were needed to ensure profitability. Pregnancy diagnosis by uterine palpation per rectum on d 35 after service, combined with the use of pressure-sensitive mounting devices on nonpregnant cows was the second most profitable strategy and returned $5.10 per cow. An increase in efficiency of detection of estrus of greater than or equal to 20% was required to ensure profitability. Embryonic mortality was also critical and an increase from a baseline value of 10% to 12%, as a result of early uterine palpation, made this scheme unprofitable ($-4.80 per cow). Pregnancy diagnosis by uterine palpation per rectum at 50 or 65 d was less profitable, with a return of $2.50 and $.10 per cow, respectively.