cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The usefulness of chronic heart failure treatments in chronic cardiac graft failure

Following cardiac transplantation, registry data has demonstrated a gradual improvement in survival over the last several decades, which is testament to continual improvement in aftercare strategy. However, a significant number of patients will eventually develop a new syndrome of chronic heart failure, owing to the multitude of physiological processes that occur after transplantation. This condition, referred to as chronic graft failure (CGF) should be regarded as a unique illness rather than one that is simply analogous with chronic heart failure. In particular, the unique pathophysiological (and pharmacological) environment in the setting of CGF presents a challenging situation to the transplant physician. There is uncertainty over which treatments to offer given a paucity of clinical trial data to support the use of standard heart failure treatments in CGF. In this review, we discuss which chronic heart failure treatments could be considered in the setting of CGF based on their mechanisms of action, benefits within the native heart failure setting, and the relevant issues within the posttransplant environment.
Palliative Medicine: From Paradigm to Best Practice

PALLIATIVE CARE ATTRACTS PHYSICIANS from diverse backgrounds and interests. My interest began with pain management. During my residency in neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, I was fortunate to meet Dr. Ronald Kanner, who was Dr. Kathleen Foley’s first Fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and had recently joined the neurology faculty to work in pain management. When he told me during our first meeting that he was a pain specialist, I asked him whether he was sure. Pain is a symptom and not a disease, I believed, and I assumed that Dr. Kanner was joking. I then followed him on rounds. I saw that there was nothing funny about pain and that physicians who could bring comfort to the suffering had a high calling and a fascinating job. After a fellowship with Dr. Foley and a brief stint on the faculty of Albert Einstein College Of Medicine, I joined the Pain Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 1987, first as the Director of Analgesic Studies and then as Co-Chief of the service. We were initially cancer pain specialists, but the late 1980s yielded insights that profoundly altered our perspective. With nudging from European colleagues, we came to realize that the narrow focus on pain in a population with lifethreatening illness was inadequate, and was truly best viewed as a wedge into the broader and more complex array of problems associated with serious illness. The unsettling sense that a deep knowledge of a symptom still left a profound ignorance of the patient brought me and my ilk (pain specialists with interest in the medically ill) into the fold of palliative medicine. My interest in palliative medicine highlighted the uncomfortable reality that years of training had left me woefully ignorant about the key concepts and skills that are foundational to palliative care. I also needed to learn how to manage refractory symptoms other than pain; how to address the psychosocial and spiritual impact of advanced illness (particularly noncancer illnesses, and particularly among minority cultures); how to communicate well about devastating illness, and support goal setting and shared decision making; how to do bedside ethical analysis; how to manage caregiver burden and bereavement; how to address the medical and other needs of the imminently dying (particularly at home); and how systems like hospice, home care and nursing homes work. Oddly, it was easier to study and be mentored into greater competence in an array of challenging clinical domains than it was to create an intellectual framework on which I could hang my skills and my interests in program development and research. Like the discipline overall, I struggled with the definition of palliative care even as I did its work.
Peptide pheromone-induced transfer of plasmid pCF10 in Enterococcus faecalis: probing the genetic and molecular basis for specificity of the pheromone response.

Abstract The tetracycline resistance plasmid pCF10 represents a class of unique mobile genetic elements of the bacterial genus Enterococcus, whose conjugative transfer functions are inducible by peptide sex pheromones excreted by potential recipient cells. These plasmids play a significant role in the dissemination of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes among the enterococci, which have become major nosocomial pathogens. Pheromone response by plasmid-carrying donor cells involves specific import of the peptide signal molecule, and subsequent interaction of the signal with one or more intracellular regulatory gene products. The pheromones are chromosomally encoded hydrophobic octa- or hepta-peptides, and different families of homologous plasmids encode the ability to respond to each pheromone. Among the four pheromone-responsive plasmids that have been characterized in some detail, there is considerable conservation in the genes encoding pheromone sensing and regulatory functions, and the peptides themselves show considerable similarity. In spite of this, there is extremely high specificity of response to each peptide, with virtually no “cross-induction” of transfer of non-cognate pheromone plasmids by the pheromones. This communication reviews the evidence for this specificity and discusses current molecular and genetic approaches to defining the basis for specificity.
Modeling constituent redistribution in U–Pu–Zr metallic fuel using the advanced fuel performance code BISON

Abstract An improved robust formulation for constituent distribution in metallic nuclear fuels is developed and implemented into the advanced fuel performance framework BISON. The coupled thermal diffusion equations are solved simultaneously to reanalyze the constituent redistribution in post irradiation data from fuel tests performed in Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II). Deficiencies observed in previously published formulation and numerical implementations are also improved. The present model corrects an inconsistency between the enthalpies of solution and the solubility limit curves of the phase diagram while also adding an artificial diffusion term when in the 2-phase regime that stabilizes the standard Galerkin finite element (FE) method used by BISON. An additional improvement is in the formulation of zirconium flux as it relates to the Soret term. With these new modifications, phase dependent diffusion coefficients are revaluated and compared with the previously recommended values. The model validation included testing against experimental data from fuel pins T179, DP16 and T459, irradiated in EBR-II. A series of viable material properties for U–Pu–Zr based materials was determined through a sensitivity study, which resulted in three cases with differing parameters that showed strong agreement with one set of experimental data, rod T179. Subsequently a full-scale simulation of T179 was performed to reduce uncertainties, particularly relating to the temperature boundary condition for the fuel. In addition a new thermal conductivity model combining all available data covering 0–100% zirconium concentration and a zirconium concentration dependent linear heat rate solution derived from Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations were developed. An iterative calibration process was applied to obtain optimized diffusion coefficients for U–Pu–Zr metallic fuels. Optimized diffusion coefficients suggest relative improvements in comparison to previous reported values. The most influential or uncertain phase is found to be the gamma phase, followed by alpha phase, and thirdly the beta phase; indicating separate effect testing should concentrate on these phases.
Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes

Unlike type 1 diabetic patients, who have no significant insulin secretion and require insulin therapy from the disease onset, a prominent feature in the early stages of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance with hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, improving insulin sensitivity by diet, exercise, and weight management will benefit type 2 diabetic patients. When these measures fail, glycemic goals may be achieved with oral agents. However, at the late stage of disease,most patients require exogenous insulin therapy to achieve optimal glucose control. The American Diabetes Association recommends that the objective of normalizing glycemia and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations for patients with type 2 diabetes should be similar to that for type 1 diabetes.
Harvest and storage of adult human photoreceptor cells: the vibratome compared to the excimer laser.

Purpose. To develop a method using the vibratome and the excimer laser to harvest a sheet of human photoreceptor cells from the retinas of cadaveric donors.Methods. Adult human photoreceptor cells were harvested as intact sheets from the retinas of cadaver eyes using a vibratome or excimer laser. The sheets were embedded in 50% gelatin (in minimum essential medium and 300 mM sucrose) and stored at 4°C. The morphology, integrity, viability and sterility of the harvested photoreceptor cells was studied.Results. Light and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated sheets of adult human photoreceptor cells with an outer nuclear layer and inner and outer segments with either method of harvest. The initial viability of the outer nuclear layer, harvested an average of 28.2 h after death, was ≥94.7%. Sheets stored up to 72 h after harvest maintained a viability of ≥86.5%. The sheet of cells harvested with the vibratome frequently fragmented (n = 25, 35%) during passage through the delivery cannula in contrast to t...
Fatou's theorem for the harmonic functions of two-dimensional ornstein-uhlenbeck processes

On demontre des theoremes de type Fatou sur les valeurs limites des fonctions harmoniques a la frontiere de Martin
The Levites in Exile: A Response to L. S. Tiemeyer

Some scholars have contested the presence of Levites among the communities that endured exile to Mesopotamia during the 6th century BCE. The present study examines a number of post-exilic texts that presuppose the existence of Levites in the Eastern Diaspora, attesting to the likelihood that during the Neo-Babylonian period, many Levites were indeed taken captive along with other Judahites, even as other Levite groups remained in the homeland. This led to a diversity of sacral and social purviews within/between the different Jewish communities of the Persian period and their respective religious representatives.
Neural network earnings per share forecasting models: A comparison of backward propagation and the genetic algorithm

Zhang, Cao, and Schniederjans [W. Zhang, Q. Cao, M. Schniederjans, Neural Network Earnings Per Share Forecasting Models: A Comparative Analysis of Alternative Methods. Decision Sciences 35(2) (2004), 205-237, hereafter ZCS] examined the relative ability of neural network models to forecast earnings per share. Their results indicate that the univariate NN model significantly outperformed four alternative univariate models examined in prior research. The authors also found that a neural network forecasting model incorporating fundamental accounting signals outperformed two variations of the multivariate forecasting model examined by Abarbanell and Bushee [J.S. Abarbanell, B.J. Bushee, Fundamental Analysis, Future EPS, and Stock Prices. Journal of Accounting Research 35(1) (1997), 1-24]. To estimate the neural network weights of their neural network models, ZCS used backward propagation (BP). In this paper we compare the forecasting accuracy of neural network weights estimated with BP to ones derived from an alternative estimation procedure, the genetic algorithm [R.S. Sexton, R.E. Dorsey, N.A. Sikander, Simultaneous Optimization of Neural Network Function and Architecture Algorithm. Decision Support Systems 36(3) (2004), 283-296]. We find that the genetic algorithm produces models that are significantly more accurate than the models examined by ZCS.
IMMUNOGLOBULINS ON THE SURFACE OF LYMPHOCYTES : I. DISTRIBUTION AND QUANTITATION

The distribution, and quantity of immunoglobulins on the surface of lymphocytes has been studied by means of immunofluorescence and a quantitative radio-immunoassay. Surface immunoglobulins were found on approximately 45% of spleen and marrow lymphocytes and 7–14% of lymphocytes from lymph nodes, peripheral blood, and peritoneal exudate. Thymic lymphocytes contained undetectable amounts of immunoglobulin. In the spleen the different immunoglobulins were present in the following order: γG2 > γG1 > M > γA > γG3. The surface immunoglobulin was largely removable by brief treatment with trypsin. Quantitative analysis indicated that 50,000–150,000 molecules of immunoglobulin were present on an individual cell. A variety of observations make it likely that this lymphocyte-associated immunoglobulin. is a product of the cell to which it is attached rather than a form of cytophilic antibody.
Endoscopic Placement of Radiopaque Markers for Focused Evaluation of Intestinal Motility

Using traditional techniques in novel ways often can improve management of common surgical problems. Additionally, established products may find new utility when deployed in a slightly different fashion to enhance patient care in a clinically relevant way. This article describes endoscopic placement of radiopaque markers into the proximal small intestine as a means to evaluate motility in a focused fashion. A method to delineate the location of dysmotility in a patient with several potential sites is described. This technique is safe, feasible, reasonably inexpensive, and is easily performed by a skilled endoscopist. Moreover, this technique has the added benefit of providing functional data in a timely fashion.
Studies on the cellular localization of spinal cord substance P receptors.

Substance P-immunoreactivity and specific substance P binding sites are present in the spinal cord. Receptor autoradiography showed the discrete localization of substance P binding sites in both sensory and motor regions of the spinal cord and functional studies suggested an important role for substance P receptor activation in autonomic outflow, nociception, respiration and somatic motor function. In the current studies, we investigated the cellular localization of substance P binding sites in rat spinal cord using light microscopic autoradiography combined with several lesioning techniques. Unilateral injections of the suicide transport agent, ricin, into the superior cervical ganglion reduced substance P binding and cholinesterase-stained preganglionic sympathetic neurons in the intermediolateral cell column. However, unilateral electrolytic lesions of ventral medullary substance P neurons which project to the intermediolateral cell column did not alter the density of substance P binding in the intermediolateral cell column. Likewise, 6-hydroxydopamine and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, which destroy noradrenergic and serotonergic nerve terminals, did not reduce the substance P binding in the intermediolateral cell column. It appears, therefore, that the substance P binding sites are located postsynaptically on preganglionic sympathetic neurons rather than presynaptically on substance P-immunoreactive processes (i.e. as autoreceptors) or on monoamine nerve terminals. Unilateral injections of ricin into the phrenic nerve resulted in the unilateral destruction of phrenic motor neurons in the cervical spinal cord and caused a marked reduction in the substance P binding in the nucleus. Likewise, sciatic nerve injections of ricin caused a loss of associated motor neurons in the lateral portion of the ventral horn of the lumbar spinal cord and a reduction in the substance P binding. Sciatic nerve injections of ricin also destroyed afferent nerves of the associated dorsal root ganglia and increased the density of substance P binding in the dorsal horn. Capsaicin, which destroys small diameter primary sensory neurons, similarly increased the substance P binding in the dorsal horn. These studies show that the cellular localization of substance P binding sites can be determined by analysis of changes in substance P binding to discrete regions of spinal cord after selective lesions of specific groups of neurons. The data show the presence of substance P binding sites on preganglionic sympathetic neurons in the intermediolateral cell column and on somatic motor neurons in the ventral horn, including the phrenic motor nucleus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Topical microbicides to prevent the transmission of HIV: formulation gaps and challenges

The efforts of the topical microbicide field to identify a safe and effective topical microbicide were realized in July of 2010 with the reporting of the results of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa 004 trial. In this trial, a 1% tenofovir gel was found to reduce women’s risk for HIV acquisition by 39% compared to placebo. To understand the impact of this trial on future microbicide development, we must view it from the historical perspective of previous phases 2 and 3 clinical trials with detergents and sulfated polyanions. This knowledge and emerging information must then be parlayed into the next steps needed to create a safe, effective, and acceptable topical microbicide. This review will look at the lessons learned from preclinical and clinical development of topical microbicides, focusing on two significant future challenges: (1) topical microbicide formulation safety and (2) the critical role that adherence to product use has in determining safety and efficacy in clinical trials and ultimately commercial viability of the licensed product. In addition to framing these issues within our current understanding of formulation and prevention of HIV acquisition, recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism of HIV transmission and how it informs on future formulation strategies will be briefly discussed.
Visual navigation of large environments using textured clusters

A visual navigation system is described which uses texture mapped primitives to represent clusters of objects to maintain high and approximately constant frame rates. In cases where there are more unoccluded primitives inside the viewing frustum than can be drawn in real-time on the workstation, this system ensures that each visible object, or a cluster that includes it, is drawn in each frame. The system supports the use of traditional “level-of-detail” representations for individual objects, and supports the automatic generation of a certain type of level-of-detail for objects and clusters of objects. The concept of choosing a representation from among those associated with an object that accounts for the direction from which the object is viewed is also supported. The level-of-detail concept is extended to the whole model and the entire scene is stored as a hierarchy of levels-of-detail that is traversed top-down to find a good representation for a given viewpoint. This system does not assume that visibility information can be extracted from the model and is thus especially suited for outdoor environments.
Subcritical Hopf bifurcation in a NMR laser with an injected signal.

We present perturbational formulas necessary to calculate the amplitude of the rotating nuclear magnetization and its angular frequency in a ruby NMR laser with an injected signal exhibiting subcritical Hopf bifurcation (R. Holzner, B. Derighetti, M. Ravani, and E. Brun, Phys. Rev. A 36, 1280 (1987)). These formulas apply, in general, to any system reducible to a two-dimensional system with quadratic nonlinearity through application of the adiabatic elimination technique. For this laser model, in particular, we find that near the bifurcation point, the magnetization exhibits a hard transition without bistability or hysteresis.
Peripheral Pulmonary Artery Stenosis: Acute and Mid‐term Results of High Pressure Balloon Angioplasty

Surgical angioplasty for branch pulmonary arterial stenosis (BPAS) is associated with a low success rate and a high mortality rate. The success rate of balloon angioplasty using low pressure balloon catheters is about 60%. Little data are available on the success rate using high-pressure balloon (HPB) catheters. Therefore, our goal is to report the procedural and mid-term success rates using HPB catheters for the treatment of BPAS and those factors associated with success. 38 patients (25 boys/13 girls) with BPAS underwent at least one attempt (48 procedures) of balloon angioplasty using HPB catheters. Their median age was 1.1 years (range, 0.1–22.1 year), and their median weight was 9.6 kg (range, 3.7–61 kg). Thirty patients (79%) had BPAS following surgical intervention for their cardiac defects (mostly post tetralogy of Fallot), and eight (21%) patients had the BPAS associated with Williams syndrome (2 patients), Alagille syndrome (one patient), unoperated tetralogy of Fallot (one patient), and congenital BPAS (4 patients). Twenty-six procedures involved the left pulmonary artery (LPA), and 22 procedures involved the right pulmonary artery (RPA). The overall acute success rate was 56% (27 of 48 vessels). The mean ± SD of the gradient across the stenotic segment decreased from 37 ± 20 to 23 ± 20 mmHg (P < 0.001), and the diameter of the narrowest segment improved from 3.5 ± 1.6 to 5.7 ± 2.5 mm (P < 0.001). The median RV/AO pressure ratio decreased from 0.64 to 0.52 (P = 0.009). The median ratio of balloon size to the diameter of the narrowest segment was 2.67 (range, 1.3–7.8). Lesion location (RPA) was associated with higher acute success rate (P = 0.03), but not with mid-term outcome. Acute (P = 0.006) and mid-term (P = 0.04) success were related to balloon diameter to vessel diameter ratio. At mid-term follow-up (median interval 2.5 years), 16 vessels (33%) were widely patent. Complications included perforation of a small branch pulmonary artery in one patient, resulting in hemoptysis with complete recovery. One patient developed pulmonary artery hypertension; two patients developed an aneurysm of the dilated segment; one patient developed femoral vein thrombosis; and one patient had a paradoxical embolus associated with a cerbrovascular accident. There were no procedure-related deaths. We conclude that BPAS is challenging to treat. The use of HPB angioplasty may avoid surgery or the permanence of stem implantation and should be the first intervention for this condition in the pediatric patient. Other interventions should be reserved for refractory stenosis.
CORRELATION EFFECTS IN MANY FERMION SYSTEMS. II. LINKED CLUSTERS

In a previous paper a set of coupled equations was derived for the ground-state wave function and energy of a finite system of interacting Fermions. The equations are now modified so as to be more applicable to systems in which the number of particles becomes large. The resulting equations are shown to be equivalent to those obtained from many-body perturbation theory.
Volatility Forecasting With Range-Based EGARCH Models

We provide a simple, yet highly effective framework for forecasting return volatility by combining exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity models with data on the range. Using Standard and Poor's 500 index data for 1983–2004, we demonstrate the importance of a long-memory specification, based on either a two-factor structure or fractional integration, that allows for some asymmetry between market returns and volatility innovations. Out-of-sample forecasts reinforce the value of both this specification and the use of range data in the estimation. We find substantial forecastability of volatility as far as 1 year from the end of the estimation period, contradicting the return-based conclusions of West and Cho and of Christoffersen and Diebold that predicting volatility is possible only for short horizons.
Mechanisms of fragmentation of cationic peptide ions

Abstract Fragmentation mechanisms for formation of several commonly occurring product ions in high-energy collision-induced induced decomposition spectra of either (M + Cat 2+ − H) + ions of peptides cationized with alkaline earth metal ions, (M + Ca + ) + ions cationized with alkali metal ions, or (M + H) + ions are evaluated by using deuterium-labelled peptides. The different sources of hydrogen transferred in the reactions are identified. Our study supports some previously proposed mechanisms but also provides evidence for others.
Evaluation of the Economic Impact of Proposed Non-Indigenous Species Control Measures for the St Lawrence Seaway Using Multi-Attribute Decision Theory

Mandatory ballast water management, resulting in an increase of required freight rates (RFR) on the St Lawrence Seaway, may cause modal shifts from the marine transportation mode to other modes. However, the modal shifts could well produce several undesirable side effects, such as worse air pollution, lower transportation safety, etc. To evaluate the trade-off between these and the positive ballast water management effects, a multi-attribute decision problem is formulated and solved, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process method, fuzzy set theory, and utility theory. A numerical example is presented. The results indicate that such modal shifts should be avoided, since the more the cargo is shifted from the marine mode to other modes, the more unfavourable the consequences are for the system.
The Influence of Noise on Stutterers' Different Disfluency Types

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of noise on the types of disfluencies of stutterers. Seventeen adult stutterers read prose aloud in the presence of a white noise (95 dB SPL)....
Stimulus Vividness and Anxiety Level in Intentional—Incidental Learning

High (Ha) and low (La) scorers on the MAS were instructed to alphabetize a deck of 30 words, 10 each of which were high, medium, or low vivid. Group I had 3 trials with incidental instructions (told only to sort), a recognition test of the words, three more trials with instructions to learn the words, and a second recognition test. Group II had 6 incidental sorting trials followed by a recognition test. It was hypothesized that Ha Ss would sort more efficiently and recognize fewer words because of a greater tendency to focus on fewer available cues. Findings in support of the hypothesis were that Ha Ss sorted more rapidly and more accurately, recognized fewer words, and showed greater disruption in the sorting task when instructed to learn the words. In addition, Ha Ss evidenced a “sensitized” reaction to medium vivid words.
Computational Towing Tank Procedures for Single Run Curves of Resistance and Propulsion

A procedure is proposed to perform ship hydrodynamics computations for a wide range of velocities in a single run, herein called the computational towing tank. The method is based on solving the fluid flow equations using an inertial earth-fixed reference frame, and ramping up the ship speed slowly such that the time derivatives become negligible and the local solution corresponds to a quasi steady-state. The procedure is used for the computation of resistance and propulsion curves, in both cases allowing for dynamic calculation of the sinkage and trim. Computational tests are performed for the Athena R/V model DTMB 5365, in both bare hull with skeg and fully appended configurations, including two speed ramps and extensive comparison with experimental data. Comparison is also performed against steady-state points, demonstrating that the quasisteady solutions obtained match well the single-velocity computations. A verification study using seven systematically refined grids was performed for one Froude number, and grid convergence for resistance coefficient, sinkage, and trim were analyzed. The verification study concluded that finer grids are needed to reach the asymptotic range, though validation was achieved for resistance coefficient and sinkage but not for trim. Overall results prove that for medium and high Froude numbers the computational towing tank is an efficient and accurate tool to predict curves of resistance and propulsion for ship flows using a single run. The procedure is not possible or highly difficult using a physical towing tank suggesting a potential of using the computational towing tank to aid the design process.
Highlights of contemporary research on host immune responses to ticks.

Abstract Host immune responses to ticks have been known since the early part of this century. This research has emanated from throughout the world with the most detailed studies originating from Australia and the United States. A review of all the studies to date indicates a diverse tick species list consisting primarily of Ixodid ticks, but a few Argasid species have been examined. Typically, research on this topic during the first half of this century has utilized the bovine host, whereas research over the past 20 years has concentrated on the rodent host. The emphasis of this research has been to define host resistance in terms of behavioral and physiological changes in the host, accompanied by changes in the feeding and reproductive potential of the ticks. The primary objective of this research is to develop an innovative tick control strategy that will allow greater and safer control than that afforded by acaricides. This paper highlights the study of host immune responses to ticks over the century to date. However, owing to the great growth in the fields of immunology and molecular biology, the greatest gains have been made from 1970 to 1985. Therefore, the emphasis of this review is on research reported during the last 15 years.
Spin–orbit coupling of the NaK 33Π and 31Π states: Determination of the coupling constant and observation of quantum interference effects

Abstract We have studied the mutually perturbing 3 3 Π Ω =0 ( v = 32, J = 19) ∼ 3 1 Π Ω =1 ( v = 6, J = 19) levels of NaK that are coupled together by the spin–orbit interaction. We note that this coupling is nominally forbidden by the Δ Ω = 0 selection rule for spin–orbit perturbations. However 3 3 Π levels labeled by different values of Ω are mixed by rotational coupling; i.e. the 3 3 Π Ω levels are best described by a coupling scheme intermediate between Hund’s cases (a) and (b). Thus the 3 1 Π Ω =1 level couples to the 3 3 Π Ω =0 level via the small admixture of 3 3 Π Ω =1 character in the latter. The 3 3 Π Ω =0 ( v = 32, J = 19) ∼ 3 1 Π Ω =1 ( v = 6, J = 19) f symmetry pair is of particular interest since it appears to be very close to a 50–50 mixture of triplet and singlet character, and the splitting between these levels provides a direct measure of the 3 3 Π ∼ 3 1 Π spin–orbit coupling constant. On the other hand, excitation spectra of the 3 3 Π Ω =0 ( v = 32, J = 19) ∼ 3 1 Π Ω =1 ( v = 6, J = 19) e symmetry pair through the mixed “window” levels 1( b ) 3 Π Ω =0 ( v = 17, J = 18, 20) ∼ 2( A ) 1 Σ + ( v = 18, J = 18, 20) display dramatic quantum interference effects associated with “singlet” and “triplet” excitation channels. Almost complete cancellation for populating one or the other of the two upper states is observed for excitation from the predominantly triplet members of the window level pairs.
Effect of Glycosylation on MUC1 Humoral Immune Recognition: NMR Studies of MUC1 Glycopeptide-Antibody Interactions †

MUC1 mucin is a large transmembrane glycoprotein, of which the extracellular domain is formed by a repeating 20 amino acid sequence, GVTSAPDTRPAPGSTAPPAH. In normal breast epithelial cells, the extracellular domain is densely covered with highly branched complex carbohydrate structures. However, in neoplastic breast tissue, the extracellular domain is underglycosylated, resulting in the exposure of a highly immunogenic core peptide epitope (PDTRP in bold above) as well as the normally cryptic core Tn (GalNAc), STn (sialyl R2-6 GalNAc), and TF (Gal ‚1-3 GalNAc) carbohydrates. In the present study, NMR methods were used to correlate the effects of cryptic glycosylation outside of the PDTRP core epitope region to the recognition and binding of a monoclonal antibody, Mab B27.29, raised against the intact tumor-associated MUC1 mucin. Four peptides were studied: a MUC1 16mer peptide of the sequence Gly1-Val2-Thr3-Ser4-Ala5-Pro6-Asp7-Thr8-Arg9-Pro10-Ala11-Pro12-Gly13-Ser14-Thr15-Ala16, two singly Tn-glycosylated versions of this peptide at either Thr3 or Ser4, and a doubly Tn-glycosylated version at both Thr3 and Ser4. The results of these studies showed that the B27.29 MUC1 B-cell epitope maps to two separate parts of the glycopeptide, the core peptide epitope spanning the PDTRP sequence and a second (carbohydrate) epitope comprised of the Tn moieties attached at Thr3 and Ser4. The implications of these results are discussed within the framework of developing a glycosylated second- generation MUC1 glycopeptide vaccine.
Implementation of cyclic exercise protocol in people having AIDS

Traditional exercise regimens are based on maintaining a prolonged increase in heart rate, followed by a single recovery period. The cyclic exercise protocol is a novel protocol that is designed to create a series of parabolic waves of exercise and recovery. It is a known fact that the magnitude of the ultradians and the heart rate variability are reduced in people having diseases. Ultradians are the waves that occur every one and half-hours in a 24-hour circadian rhythm. By implementing this cyclic exercise protocol on people having AIDS, an increase in the slope base parameter, is seen. This parameter is of considerable importance because, it directly reflects on the magnitude of the ultradians and therefore also on the magnitude of the circadian rhythm.
Injecting Creativity into Teaching Simulation Modeling to Computer Science Students

The computer simulation classes in the Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering Department at the University of Florida emphasize a skill set focusing on dynamic system model construction, syntax, and execution. Simulation models are treated as types of formal languages, resulting in instruction that concentrates on key facets of language such as syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. For the past 12 years, the class was predicated on learning a collection of model types and their applications. In the Fall of 2004 and 2005, we modified the class to emphasize student creativity in model construction, allowing students to design their own model representations for a fixed model structure. This experiment resulted in significant positive student feedback, and has the potential to suggest visual language exploration in other computer science classes as a means of comprehending the relevant topical material.
Persuading lions: Problems of transferring insights from track-two exercises undertaken in conditions of asymmetry

“Second-track” methods of resolving or mitigating interstate and intergroup conflicts have gained increased credence in recent years, but a continuing problem has been to persuade “first-track” diplomats to heed the results of these less formal, more analytic processes, especially if they represent the stronger party in an asymmetric conflict situation. Older theory suggests four conditions in which these “lions” can be persuaded: official endorsements of second-track processes; transferability of participants from the second track to the first; novelty of the insights produced; and strong follow-up. A comparison of the Maryland workshops (1983–83) focusing on British-Argentine conflict after the Falklands/Malvinas War with the more successful Canterbury workshops (1994–94) on civil conflict in Moldova suggests that, in addition to the classical “substitution” model relating track two to track one, two other models exist: role-switching (as in the Canterbury process) and demonstration (when a third-party ...
Synthesis of mosesin-4, a naturally occurring steroid saponin with shark repellent activity, and its analog 7-β-galactosyl ethyl cholate

Abstract The first synthesis of mosesin-4 ( 13 ), a naturally occurring steroid saponin with shark repellent activity, and its analog 19 , isdescribed. They both possess a free galactose residue attached axially at the 7α position of the steroidal aglycon. Methyl cholate 3-cathylate (2) was used as a model for exploring various several methods to glycosidate the severely hindered 7α-position. Best results were obtained with β-galactose pentacetate ( 3a ), using trimethylsilyl triflate as a promoter, in 1,2-dichloroethane, at −20°C, for 14 hours.
A study of changes in apparent ionospheric reflection height within individual lightning flashes

Abstract Ionospheric reflection heights estimated using the zero-to-zero and peak-to-peak methods to measure skywave delay relative to the ground wave were compared for 108 first and 124 subsequent strokes at distances greater than 100 km. For either metric there was a considerable decrease in average reflection height for subsequent strokes relative to first strokes. We showed that the observed difference cannot be explained by the difference in frequency content of first and subsequent return-stroke currents. Apparent changes in reflection height (estimated using the peak-to-peak method) within individual flashes for 54 daytime and 11 nighttime events at distances ranging from 50 km to 330 km were compared, and significant differences were found. For daytime conditions, the majority of the flashes showed either decrease (57%) or non-monotonic variation (39%) in reflection height with respect to the immediately preceding stroke. With respect to the first stroke, 91% of the flashes showed monotonic decrease in height. For nighttime flashes, patterns in reflection height changes with respect to the immediately preceding stroke were as follows: 46% no change, 27% monotonic decrease, and 27% non-monotonic variation. When changes were measured with respect to the first stroke, 54% of nighttime flashes showed monotonic decrease and 46% no change. Ionospheric reflection height tends to increase with return-stroke peak current. The observed daytime effects can be explained by (a) the dependence of EMP penetration depth on source intensity, which decreases with stroke order, (b) additional ionization associated with elves, or (c) combination of (a) and (b) above.
Transcaval repair of the sinus venosus syndrome

Abstract Background: Surgical correction of the sinus venosus syndrome has been associated with sinus node dysfunction and venous obstruction postoperatively. We present the long-term follow-up of a lateral transcaval approach, which closes the atrial communication and corrects the partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava with the use of a simple pericardial patch. Methods: The records of 66 patients undergoing repair between April 1981 and April 1997 were examined. Mean age at repair was 10.2 years (range, 1.5-65 years; median, 5 years). Six patients had a left superior vena cava, 4 had an additional atrial septal defect, and 2 had coronary artery bypass grafts. Immediate and long-term follow-up included physical examination, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and use of a 24-hour ambulatory Holter monitor. Sinus node function, incidence of significant arrhythmia, and evidence of mechanical venous obstruction were assessed. Results: Follow-up data were available for 64 (97%) patients for a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (range, 1-9 years). There were no deaths. No evidence of residual atrial septal defect, superior vena cava, or venous obstruction were found by echocardiography. On electrocardiography all patients were in sinus rhythm, with no arrhythmia seen. Holter monitoring was performed at a mean of 7.3 years postoperatively. All patients had normal sinus node function, and no sustained atrial arrhythmia was seen. Conclusion: Transcaval repair is a simple technique that does not interfere with sinus node function. There is no evidence to suggest that this approach leads to venous obstruction. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:741-4)
The lin-41 RBCC gene acts in the C. elegans heterochronic pathway between the let-7 regulatory RNA and the LIN-29 transcription factor.

Abstract Null mutations in the C. elegans heterochronic gene lin-41 cause precocious expression of adult fates at larval stages. Increased lin-41 activity causes the opposite phenotype, reiteration of larval fates. let-7 mutations cause similar reiterated heterochronic phenotypes that are suppressed by lin-41 mutations, showing that lin-41 is negatively regulated by let-7. lin-41 negatively regulates the timing of LIN-29 adult specification transcription factor expression. lin-41 encodes an RBCC protein, and two elements in the lin-41 3′UTR are complementary to the 21 nucleotide let-7 regulatory RNA. A lin-41::GFP fusion gene is downregulated in the tissues affected by lin-41 at the time that the let-7 regulatory RNA is upregulated. We suggest that late larval activation of let-7 RNA expression downregulates LIN-41 to relieve inhibition of lin-29.
The direct costs of nosocomial catheter-associated urinary tract infection in the era of managed care.

Objective:To determine the additional direct costs of hospitalization attributable to catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in 1,497 newly catheterized patients.Design:Prospective observational and laboratory study.Setting:University hospital.Methods:Data were collected on risk factors for CAUTI (defined as > 103 colony-forming units [CFU]/mL), severity of illness, and diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in consenting newly catheterized patients. Daily urine cultures were obtained from each newly catheterized patient, but the results of these cultures were not revealed to his or her physician. During the study, one of the investigators (DGM) reviewed each patient's record and made a judgment as to which of the diagnostic tests and treatments ordered and what incremental length of stay could reasonably be ascribed to his or her CAUTI. The total hospital costs for each patient were also obtained.Results:Overall, 235 patients acquired CAUTIs during the study; most of the CAUTIs were completely asymptomatic, and only 52% were diagnosed by the patients' physicians using the hospital laboratory. Only 1 patient with a CAUTI had a secondary bloodstream infection. Thirty-three (13%) of the CAUTIs were caused by Escherichia coli; 63 (25%) by Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or other antibiotic-resistant, gram-negative bacilli; 87 (35%) by enterococci or staphylococci; and 67 (27%) by Candida species. The 123 CAUTIs diagnosed by the hospital laboratory were judged to have been responsible for an additional 434.8).Conclusions:The extra direct costs associated with nosocomial CAUTI found in this prospective study, which was done in the era of managed care during the late 1990s, are substantially lower than those reported in the largest comparable studies done more than 15 years ago, most of which were retrospective, reflecting the powerful impact of cost-containment measures that are now implemented in managed care.
Analysis and Design of Energy and Slew Aware Subthreshold Clock Systems

In this paper, we analyze the effect of clock slew in subthreshold circuits. Specifically, we address the issue that variations in clock slew at the register control can cause serious timing violations. We show that clock slew variations can cause frequency targets to deviate by as much as 28% from the design goals. Based on these observations, we recognize the importance of clock slew control in subthreshold circuits. We propose a systematic approach to design the clock tree for subthreshold circuits to reduce the clock slew variations while minimizing the energy dissipation in the tree. The combined approach, including the wire sizing and dynamic nodal capacitance control, can achieve better slew control (and better timing control) at lower energy in subthreshold circuits.
Moonlighting and the emergency medicine resident

Abstract [Kaji A, Stevens C. Moonlighting and the emergency medicine resident. Ann Emerg Med. July 2002;40:63-66.]
The effect of polymer network structure upon the bond strength of epoxy–aluminum joints

The bond strength to aluminum of Epon 828 cured with various amounts of methylene dianiline has been investigated as a function of the resin network structure. In order to meet this objective, a torsional test for bond shear strength was developed, and fully cured resins with different network structures were prepared. The effects of the rate of loading of the joint and the aluminum surface pretreatment on the bond strength were also examined. Very high bond shear strengths, in excess of 9000 psi, were found for joints which after machining had been polished, vapor degreased, and treated with dilute sulfuric acid–potassium dichromate solution. It was found for these joints that the average bond strength decreased as the molecular weight between crosslinks increased. For the joints without acid–dichromate treatment, the failures were adhesive, and the network structure did not seem to significantly affect the bond strength. There are indications that chemical bonding occurred in the case of the acid–dichromatetreated joints; the decrease in bond strength as per cent excess amine and Mc increased is possibly associated with a decreased amount of chemical bonding. The bond strength increased to a limiting value as the rate of testing increased.
Moving object detection by multi-view geometric constraints and flow vector classification

Moving object detection with moving camera is a difficult and hot issue. In order to detect moving object effectively and rapidly, this paper proposes a moving object detection algorithm by flow vector classification and multi-view geometric constraints. First, corner feature points with large eigenvalue are searched, and the feature points of present frame is matched with the previous one to compute the fundamental matrix of two images with pairs of points. From geometric aspect, the points which are far from epipolar lines are thought to be moving points. Second, due to the great different vector mode between the static points and the moving points, a flow vector classification method is adopted to lower the errors separated by geometric method. Third, removing the noise points, the moving points detected by epipolar lines and the flow vector classification determine the moving area. Experimental results show that the algorithm is accurate and real-time, processing a frame in 1ms, meeting to the real-time detection of moving object.
Optimizing the high power input to the LBL 400 MHz proton RFQ

Based on the initial design values and results of the alignment and low-power testing of the novel 400-MHz RF quadrupole (RFQ) produced at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, the RF input power requirement at design gradient with full beam loading is approximately 160 kW. As the quadrant size and design limit the RF drive loop dimensions, the drive port was chosen to accept commercially available equipment of 1 5/8 in. in diameter. Available RF power sources provide 3 1/8 in. diameter coax at the output. The interface between the two coax sizes was chosen to be a 1/4 wavelength tapered section with a constant Zo of approximately 500 Omega . The 1 5/8-in. end of the tapered section is mounted directly to the RFQ cavity body. The following items are described: the method used to distribute the power handling limits more evenly; gradients and relative safety factors along the length of the tapered section; impedance matching sections; limiting factors and their subsequent treatment; and high-power test results. >