Adaptive Optics Imaging of the CLASS Gravitational Lens System B1359+154 with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope.

We present adaptive optics imaging of the CLASS gravitational lens system B1359+154 obtained with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) in the infrared K band. The observations show at least three brightness peaks within the ring of lensed images, which we identify as emission from multiple lensing galaxies. The results confirm the suspected compound nature of the lens, as deduced from preliminary mass modeling. The detection of several additional nearby galaxies suggests that B1359+154 is lensed by the compact core of a small galaxy group. We attempted to produce an updated lens model based on the CFHT observations and new 5 GHz radio data obtained with the MERLIN array, but there are too few constraints to construct a realistic model at this time. The uncertainties inherent with modeling compound lenses make B1359+154 a challenging target for Hubble constant determination through the measurement of differential time delays. However, time delays will offer additional constraints to help pin down the mass model. This lens system therefore presents a unique opportunity to directly measure the mass distribution of a galaxy group at intermediate redshift.

Direct Angioplasty for Myocardial Infarction: One-Year Experience in a Center with Surgical Back-up 220 Miles Away.

AIMS: To report the outcome of patients undergoing angioplasty for myocardial infarction in a general hospital in a city without cardiac surgery serving an extended population of 500,000. The nearest cardiac surgical facilities are 220 miles away. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive, unselected patients with myocardial infarction associated/complicated by: cardiogenic shock (n=10), a contraindication to thrombolysis (n=16), anterior site (n=27), stent or vein graft thrombosis (n=7) or failed thrombolysis (n=11) comprised the study group (n=71) who underwent angioplasty as a reperfusion strategy. In patients presenting without cardiogenic shock, the primary procedural success rate (absence of complications, TIMI 3 flow and a residual diameter stenosis <50%) was 93.4%. In those presenting in cardiogenic shock (CGS) the procedural success rate was 40%. Seven patients (6 with CGS) died prior to hospital discharge for reasons unrelated to the angioplasty procedure (6 progressive shock, one neurological sequelae because of delayed resuscitation). Four additional patients had recurrent infarctions, all were successfully treated by repeat PTCA. Two patients were transferred emergently, by air, to the regional cardiothoracic unit in a stable state in case surgery was required. In neither instance was this the result of a direct complication of angioplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Direct angioplasty for myocardial infarction may be safely performed by trained operators in centers without nearby surgical backup.