cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-FF-J-129: Implementation and Special Considerations for Dedicated PET/CT Simulation in Radiation Oncology

Purpose: Our radiation oncology department has implemented PET/CT simulation having performed over 125 procedures in the past year. Dedicated PET/CT simulator eliminates the need to fuse outside PET studies and provides scans in the treatment position. However, PET/CT brings special challenges that must be managed to ensure image quality, spatial accuracy, efficient process flow, accurate target definition, and radiation safety.Materials/Methods: In January 2005 our department began providing F‐18 FDG PET/CT simulations on a GE Discovery ST hybrid scanner and GE Advantage Sim software (GE Healthcare, Waukesha WI). Patients were immobilized on a flat table insert, injected, scanned, and had isocenters placed. Phantom studies were performed to ensure spatial accuracy and image quality of the automated fusion software. Studies included measurement of displacement of table height due to patient weight. Due to the time spent adjacent to the patient and the expected high exposure rates, process flow was modified in order to reduce staff exposure. Results/Discussion: Our department was able to confirm spatial accuracy of the automated fusion via phantom studies to meet manufacturer specifications. However, we did reveal a significant table deflection of up to 10mm from the external lasers to the inside bore of the CT scanner which caused a change in scan protocol. Contouring window levels were studied with similar phantoms to determine appropriate settings. Process flow was aided by the hiring of an experienced, certified nuclear medicine technologist to assist the radiation therapists. Additionally, we implemented the process of immobilizing the patient prior to injection to reduce staff exposure. We determined in a separate study dose rates of up to 94μSv/hr at 15 cm from the patient. Conclusion: Dedicated PET/CT simulation in radiation oncology departments is a useful modality, but can add to time and complexity to the simulation workflow.
Surfactant (SF) Delivery with Conventional Mechanical Ventilation (CMV) and Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV) in Meconium Aspiration Injury

Surfactant (SF) Delivery with Conventional Mechanical Ventilation (CMV) and Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV) in Meconium Aspiration Injury
Pharmacological modulators of voltage-gated calcium channels and their therapeutical application.

Abstract Calcium channels (CCs) play an important role in the transduction of action potential to the cytosol. An influx of Ca2+ is essential for muscle contraction, neurotransmitter, and hormonal release. Level of cytosolic Ca2+ controls activities of many enzymes and regulatory proteins. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) serve as sensors for membrane depolarization. Blood pressure reduction is due to relaxation of actomyosine filaments in vascular smooth muscles. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are traditionally used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Neurotransmitter release from presynaptic neurons is triggered by Ca2+ influx. Blockers of neuronal CCs may be applied for pain treatment. Overload of neurons by Ca2+ is toxic. CCBs may be applied for prevention of some neurodegenerative disorders.
Relativistic Electron Beam Sources Of Electromagnetic Radiation

During the last few years, the application of intense, relativistic-electron beams to the generation of electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths ranging from 10 cm down to fraction of a millimeter has enabled significant advances to be made in peak power capabilities. The purpose of this review is to summarize the status of these advances and to describe briefly the nature of the several mechanisms involved.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Equilibrium gradient methods with nonlinear field intensity gradient: a theoretical approach.

Equilibrium gradient methods belong to a family of separation techniques in which analytes are forced to unique equilibrium points by a force gradient and a counter force along the separation pathway. The basic theory for equilibrium gradient methods where the force gradient is induced by a field gradient is developed in this paper. The results indicate that peak capacity can be dynamically improved by using a nonlinear field-intensity gradient in which the first section is steep, and the following section is shallow. Using electromobility focusing (EMF) as an example, a separation model is established. EMF is an equilibrium gradient method that uses an electric field intensity gradient to induce a force gradient on charged analytes, such as proteins, and a constant hydrodynamic flow as an opposing force. Equations relating operating parameters with separation performance are given. Although simulation results show that a peak capacity of over 10 000 is theoretically possible using a single channel in a s...
In-vitro activity of LY 146032, a novel cyclic lipopeptide, alone and in combination with gentamicin or tobramycin against enterococci

The in-vitro activity of LY 146032, a novel cyclic lipopeptide and the effect of the combination of LY 146032 and gentamicin or tobramycin against 25 strains of enterococci isolated from blood cultures were studied. All strains of enterococci were inhibited by less than or equal to 2 mg/l LY 146032. The minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations were within one dilution. In the time-kill study, there was slow bactericidal activity. Complete killing of 10(7) cfu/ml of enterococci at 48 h by LY 146032 alone occurred with two strains. There was synergism between LY 146032 and gentamicin or tobramycin; complete killing at 24 h and 48 h occurred with many strains. No antagonism was demonstrated.
Nuclear structure of neutron-rich 78 As

Excited states in the neutron-rich doubly-odd nucleus78As have been identified for the first time by proton-γ and γ-γ coincidence measurements via the76Ge(α, pn) reaction at 32, 36, and 40 MeV beam energy. Four levels have been found to decay with lifetimes in the nanosecond region. The 5(+) to (10+) states are ascribed to the (πg9/2⊗νg9/2) intruder two-quasiparticle configuration with some collective components in the 9(+) and (10+) states.
Proton, carbon‐13 and fluorine‐19 NMR studies of N‐alkyl‐8‐fluoroquinolinium halides: Relative signs of through‐space 1H19F and 13C19F coupling constants

Because of experimental and theoretical interest in long-range 1H19F and 13C19F coupling constants between proximate atoms, a series of N-alkylfluoroquinolinium compounds was synthesized and the NMR parameters were accurately measured. By means of spin tickling and selective population inversion difference spectroscopy, the 5J(HF) and 4J(CF), which are associated with the proximate fluorine and methyl groups, were shown to be of the same (positive) sign as the directly bonded 13C1H and vicinal 1H1H coupling constants. In N-methyl-8-fluoroquinolinium iodide (1a) and chloride (1b) 5J(HF)=+8.8 and 4J(CF)=+16.3 Hz, and in N-ethyl-8-fluoroquinolinium iodide 5J(HF)=+3.0, 6J(HF)=+1.5, 4J(CF)=(+)15.8 and 5J(CF)=±5.2 Hz. Calculated molecular orbital results, which were based on the INDO-FPT method and a molecular geometry from the x-ray diffraction data for 1b, were in reasonable agreement with the 4J(CF) values, but the 5J(HF) values were of the wrong sign and magnitude.
Vertical junction silicon microdisk modulators at 25Gb/s

We demonstrate the first vertical junction microdisk modulator to achieve an open eye diagram at 25Gb/s. The result was achieved using a circularly contacted microdisk with a 3μm radius and a 1.2Vpp drive for ~13fJ/bit.
Employee Fitness Programs: Their Impact on the Employee and the Organization

Employers are investing large amounts in employee fitness programs; unfortunately, the value of physical exercise and lifestyle programs has yet to be established. This paper provides a critique of the applied and experimental research related to the impact of employee fitness programs on work-related variables and discusses future research directions.
Phase I Trial of Fixed Dose Rate Infusion Gemcitabine with Gefitinib in Patients with Pancreatic Carcinoma

Purpose: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of gemcitabine using a fixed dose rate infusion (FDRI) in combination with gefitinib in patients (pts) with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PCa). Patients and methods: Patients with advanced PCa were given gemcitabine at the FDRI of 10 mg/m2/min IV on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Dose levels of 1000, 1200, and 1500 mg/m2 were evaluated. Oral gefitinib 250 mg was given daily. DLTs were defined as 2 instances of Grade 3 hematologic or 4 nonhematologic or any Grade 4 hematologic toxicity. At least 4 patients were treated at each dose level. Dose escalation occurred in the absence of DLTs. Results: Five women and 8 men were enrolled. Median age was 59 and performance status 1. All had metastatic disease. Four patients received prior adjuvant chemoradiation for PCa, and one chemotherapy for lung cancer. Median cycles were 4 per patient. The MTD was 1,200 mg/m2. Toxicity was predominantly hematologic. At 1,500 mg/m2, 1...
A procedure for rapid visual screening for seismic safety of wood-frame dwellings with plan irregularity

Abstract This paper highlights the development of a rapid visual screening (RVS) tool to quickly identify, inventory, and rank residential buildings that are potentially seismically hazardous, focusing on single-family, wood-frame dwellings with plan irregularity. The SAPWood software was used to perform a series of nonlinear time-history analyses for 480 representative models, covering different combinations of plan shapes, numbers of floors, base-rectangular areas, shape aspect ratio, area percentage cutoffs, window and door openings, and garage doors. The evolutionary parameter hysteresis model was used to represent the load–displacement relationship of structural panel-sheathed shear walls and a 10 parameter CUREE hysteresis model for gypsum wallboard sheathed walls. Ten pairs of ground motion time histories were used and scaled to four levels of spectral acceleration at 0.167, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g. An average seismic performance grade for each model was generated based on the predicted maximum shear wall drifts. Five seismic performance grades: 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0, are associated with the 1% immediate occupancy drift limit, 2% life safety limit, 3% collapse prevention limit, 10% drift, and exceeding 10% drift, respectively. The obtained average seismic performance grades were used to develop a new RVS tool that is applicable for checking the seismic performance of either existing or newly designed single-family, wood-frame dwellings. It examines the adequacy of the structure’s exterior shear walls to resist lateral forces resulting from ground motions, including torsional forces induced from plan irregularity.
The Effects of Feed Form, Grinding Method, Energy Level, and Gender on Broiler Performance in a Moderate (21 C) Environment

Abstract Corn ground with either a hammer mill (HMC) or a roller mill (RMC) was used in a starter diet with 3142 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg (fed 0 to 21 days) and in grower diets with 3032 and 3109 kcal ME/kg (fed 22 to 47 days). The diets were fed in either mash or crumble form to broilers reared sexes separate in a moderate (21 C) environment. For the 21-day starter period, mash prepared with HMC yielded significantly (P
BCL2 interaction with actin in vitro may inhibit cell motility by enhancing actin polymerization

In addition to its well-defined role as an antagonist in apoptosis, we propose that BCL2 may act as an intracellular suppressor of cell motility and adhesion under certain conditions. Our evidence shows that, when over-expressed in both cancer and non-cancer cells, BCL2 can form a complex with actin and gelsolin that functions to decrease gelsolin-severing activity to increase actin polymerization, and, thus, suppress cell adhesive processes. The linkage between increased BCL2 and increased actin polymerization on the one hand, and suppression of cell adhesion, spreading, and motility on the other hand, is a novel observation that may provide a plausible explanation for why BCL2 over-expression in some tumors is correlated with improved patient survival. In addition, we have identified conditions in vitro in which F-actin polymerization can be increased while cell motility is reduced. These findings underscore the possibility that BCL2 may be involved in modulating cytoskeleton reorganization, and may pro...
Intrinsic Room-Temperature Ferromagnetic Properties of Ni-Doped ZnO Thin Films

We report on room temperature intrinsic ferromagnetism in Ni doped ZnO films grown on Si (100), c-sapphire, and r-sapphire substrates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data ruled out precipitation of Ni. The microstructural dependence of coercivity pointed to an intrinsic origin of ferromagnetic behavior in Ni-doped ZnO. It was observed that doping with Ni did not significantly affect the electrical and optical properties of ZnO. Resistivity measurements down to 0.04 K (−272.96 °C) showed metallic conducting behavior in Ni-doped ZnO films, indicating the formation of a shallow donor band.
Serological relationships of five nuclear polyhedrosis viruses from lepidopterous species

Abstract The serological relationships of five nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPV) were investigated using the immunodiffusion technique with intragel absorption. Reciprocal tests demonstrated that virion fractions from Autographa californica multiple embedded virus (MEV), Heliothis armigera MEV, and H. zea single embedded virus (SEV) are not related to each other or to virions from Trichoplusia ni SEV and Pseudoplusia includens SEV. Virion fractions of T. ni and P. includens NPV were shown to be closely related, sharing several antigens. Matrix fractions possessed a common group antigen and one or two antigens specific for the individual NPV with the exception that T. ni and P. includens NPV shared one of these antigens. The specific antigens of the matrix fraction were also shared with the homologous virion fraction.
Active collagen synthesis by pulmonary arteries in pulmonary hypertension complicated by congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract The high mortality rate for patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been attributed to pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). The factors that cause vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling in PPH are not fully understood. Immunohistochemistry was performed on lung tissue obtained from postmortem CDH patients with pulmonary hypoplasia and PPH (n = 21) using the following antibodies: alpha smooth muscle-actin (ASMA), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), isoform specific (TGF-β 1 , -β 2 , -β 3 ), and M-57. Normal lung tissues from age-matched sudden infant death syndrome patients (SIDS, n=8) were obtained as controls. TGF-β 3 immunoreactivity was observed in the adventitia but not in the media of pulmonary muscular arteries in patients with CDH. TGF-β 1 , -β 2 immunoreactivity was either absent or faintly expressed in pulmonary arteries in CDH patients. No TGF-β staining was observed in the pulmonary vasculature of SIDS patients. Newly synthesized procollagen (M-57) was easily detected in the media and adventitia in a large number of pulmonary arteries in all patients with CDH and in the neointima in two patients with long standing PPH. No M-57 staining was seen in the media of pulmonary arteries of the lungs of SIDS patients. These observations suggest a potential role of TGF-β 3 but not TGF-β 1 or TGF-β 2 in pulmonary vascular remodeling and that smooth muscle cells in muscular pulmonary arteries are actively synthesizing collagen in patients with CDH complicated by PPH.
Geology and biology of Oceanographer submarine Canyon

Abstract We investigated Oceanographer Canyon, which is on the southeastern margin of Georges Bank, during a series of fourteen dives in the “Alvin” and “Nekton Gamma” submersibles. We have integrated our observations with the results of previous geological and biological studies of Georges Bank and its submarine canyons. Fossiliferous sedimentary rocks collected from outcrops in Oceanographer Canyon indicate that the Cretaceous—Tertiary boundary is at 950 m below sea level at about 40°16′N where at least 300 m of Upper Cretaceous strata are exposed; Santonian beds are more than 100 m thick and are the oldest rocks collected from the canyon. Quaternary silty clay, deposited most probably during the late Wisconsin Glaciation, veneers the canyon walls in many places, and lithologically similar strata are present beneath the adjacent outer shelf and slope. Where exposed, the Quaternary clay is commonly burrowed by benthic organisms that cause extensive erosion of the canyon walls, especially in the depth zone (100–1300 m) inhabited by red crabs (Geryon) and/or jonah crabs (Cancer). Bioerosion is minimal on high, near-vertical cliffs of sedimentary rock, in areas of continual sediment movement, and where the sea floor is paved by gravel. A thin layer of rippled, unconsolidated silt and sand is commonly present on the canyon walls and in the axis; ripple orientation is most commonly transverse to the canyon axis and slip-faces point downcanyon. Shelf sediments are transported from Georges Bank over the eastern rim and into Oceanographer Canyon by the southwest drift and storm currents; tidal currents and internal waves move the sediment downcanyon along the walls and axis. Large erratic boulders and gravel pavements on the eastern rim are ice-rafted glacial debris of probable late Wisconsinan age; modern submarine currents prevent burial of the gravel deposits. The dominant canyon megafauna segregates naturally into three faunal depth zones (133–299 m; 300–1099 m; 1100–1860 m) that correlate with similar zones previously established for the continental slope epibenthos. Faunal diversity is highest on gravelly sea floors at shallow and middle depths. The benthic fauna and the fishes derive both food and shelter by burrowing into the sea floor. In contrast to the nearby outer shelf and upper slope, Oceanographer Canyon has not been extensively exploited by the fishing industry, and the canyon ecosystem probably is relatively unaltered.
Developing a Systems Approach to Engineering Problem Solving and Design of Experiments in a Racecar‐Based Laboratory Course

A capstone mechanical engineering laboratory course is being implemented at the University of South Carolina that develops the student's abilities to analyze complex mechanical and thermal systems, to design experiments, and to develop their professional skills. The course is based upon an integrated sequence of laboratory experiments on a Legends-class racecar. This vehicle is chosen as the system of study because it provides opportunities for the students to apply the spectrum of their mechanical engineering knowledge. It's also exciting to the students. As the students progress through the series of experiments, they are increasingly involved in experimental design (selecting sensors, sensor locations and experimental operating conditions). The course culminates in a truly open-ended design of an experiment of their choosing. This course development project is supported by the National Science Foundation's Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Program, the NSF's Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement Program, and the University of South Carolina. This paper describes the work in progress.
Absence of circadian clock regulation of horizontal cell gap junctional coupling reveals two dopamine systems in the goldfish retina

In fish and other vertebrate retinas, although dopamine release is regulated by both light and an endogenous circadian (24-hour) clock, light increases dopamine release to a greater extent than the clock. The clock increases dopamine release during the subjective day so that D2-like receptors are activated. It is not known, however, whether the retinal clock also activates D1 receptors, which display a much lower sensitivity to dopamine in intact tissue. Because activation of the D1 receptors on fish cone horizontal (H1) cells uncouples the gap junctions between the cells, we studied whether the clock regulates the extent of biocytin tracer coupling in the goldfish retina. Tracer coupling between H1 cells was extensive under dark-adapted conditions (low scotopic range) and similar in the subjective day, subjective night, day, and night. An average of approximately 180 cells were coupled in each dark-adapted condition. However, bright light stimulation or application of the D1 agonist SKF38393 (10 μM) dramatically reduced H1 cell coupling. The D2 agonist quinpirole (1 μM) or application of the D1 antagonist SCH23390 (10 μM) and/or the D2 antagonist spiperone (10 μM) had no effect on H1 cell coupling in dark-adapted retinas. These observations demonstrate that H1 cell gap junctional coupling and thus D1 receptor activity are not affected by endogenous dopamine under dark-adapted conditions. The results suggest that two different dopamine systems are present in the goldfish retina. One system is controlled by an endogenous clock that activates low threshold D2-like receptors in the day, whereas the second system is controlled by light and involves activation of higher threshold D1 receptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:243–253, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pressure and temperature dependences of the ionic conductivities of the thallous halides TlCl, TlBr, and TlI

Detailed studies of the pressure and temperature dependences of the ionic conductivities of TlCl and TlBr have allowed determination of the lattice volume relaxations and energies associated with the formation and motion of Schottky defects in these crystals. The volume relaxations deduced from the conductivity are found to be comparable in magnitude with values calculated from the strain energy model and a dynamical model. The association energy of Tl/sup +/ vacancies and divalent impurities was also determined for TlBr. A particularly important result is the finding that for these CsCl-type crystals the relaxation of the lattice associated with vacancy formation is outward. Earlier studies on ionic crystals having the NaCl structure have yielded a similar result. This outward relaxation thus appears to be a general result for ionic crystals of both the NaCl and CsCl types (and possibly other ionic lattice types), in disagreement with earlier theoretical calculations which show that the relaxation should be inward for all models of ionic vacancies investigated. The conductivity of TlI was studied in both the (low temperature and pressure) orthorhombic phase as well as in the cubic CsCl-type phase. There is a large electronic contribution to the conductivity in the orthorhombic phase. Anmore » interesting result for all three materials is the observation in the cubic phase of a pressure-induced transition from ionic to electronic conduction. This is in qualitative agreement with what is known about the pressure dependences of the electronic structure of these materials.« less
Deficit irrigation effects on head cabbage production

Abstract Yield response of head cabbage ( Brassica oleracea capitata ) to 10 different trickle irrigation rates was determined in 1983–1987 at Kula, Hawaii. Treatments were arranged in a gradient irrigation design replicated three times, and were irrigated daily with amounts ranging from 0.42 to 1.94 mm. Yield response from a 0 treatment, equal to rainfall, was also measured. Plant density was 17 424 plants/ha from 1983 until the summer 1985 when planting density was decreased to 8712 plants/ha. Marketable yield increased linearly with increased water application up to 49.3 Mg/ha, with an associated irrigation plus rainfall application of 196 mm. The relationship between relative yield (yield divided by maximum yield) and relative evapotranspiration (evapotranspiration divided by maximum evapotranspiration) was linear, with a response coefficient of 0.95. Maximum yield for each experiment was linearly related to the cumulative growing degree days up to final harvest. Marketable percentage of total potential production decreased linearly with a decrease in marketable yield. Marketable yield was linearly related to head weight, but a different linear relationship was derived for the two planting densities.
Tissue specific protein heterogeneity in keratin structures

Electrophoretic analysis of soluble φ-keratin protein of beaks (ramphotheca) revealed differences in individuals among maxillary, mandibular and palatal portions. There were no differences in tissue between individual parrots (Psittacus). In morphologically more complex feathers, no differences were found in the molecular mass of the φ-proteins, but greater numbers of charge isomers were present. The distribution of polypeptide size and structural complexity can be related to function, ontogeny, or both.
Characterization of a cytoplasmically inherited yellow foliar mutant (cyt-Y3) in soybean

Genetic analysis of a yellow foliar mutant in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) showed maternal inheritance of the mutant phenotype designatedcyt-Y3. The mutant was grown beside normal green sibs (cyt-G3) under three different photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD), and samples were collected to determine pigment content and for electron microscopy analyses of plastid ultrastructure. The plastid ultrastructure ofcyt-Y3 appeared normal at low PPFD and the carotenoid level ofcyt-Y3 was also normal, but the chlorophyll content was only approximately one-third that ofcyt-G3. Under medium and high PPFD,cyt-Y3 plastids lacked a structured thylakoid, and total chlorophyll content was only 28% and 1% of normal, respectively; the carotenoid levels ofcyt-Y3 also dropped to 33% and 2% of normal, respectively. These data indicate that the effect of high PPFD oncyt-Y3 might result from a deficiency in a plastid membrane protein. The resulting changes in membrane configuration could then interfere with the accumulation or stabilization of chlorophylls and carotenoids, thereby resulting in the subsequent photooxidation of both at medium and high PPFD. This mutant could be useful in the study of thylakoid biosynthesis and pigment stabilization, or could provide a source of conditionally identifiable plastids for organelle segregation studies.
Near-infrared fluorescence detection permits accurate imaging of loading controls for Western blot analysis.

Abstract Housekeeping proteins are typically chosen as internal loading controls for Western blot analysis because of their high, relatively constant expression. It was previously reported that antibodies against β-actin did not reliably identify differences in sample loading, and extended antibody incubations caused a failure to discriminate differences in target protein levels. Here, β-actin and GAPDH were evaluated as loading controls using near-infrared fluorescence. A load-dependent response in signal intensity was observed over a 250-fold range of sample concentrations, with R 2 values as high as 0.9939. Longer antibody incubations continued to detect differences in protein level and load-dependent responses became more linear.
Estimates and regularization for solutions of some ill-posed problems of elliptic and parabolic type

In this paper, we examine, in a systematic fashion, some ill-posed problems arising in the theory of heat conduction. In abstract terms, letH be a Hilbert space andA: D (A)⊂H→H be an unbounded normal operator, we consider the boundary value problemu(t)=Au(t), 0<t<∞,u(0)=u 0∈D(A), $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{t \to 0} \left\| {u\left( t \right)} \right\| = 0$$ . The problem of recoveringu 0 whenu(T) is known for someT>0 is not well-posed. Suppose we are given approximationsx 1,x 2,…,x N tou(T 1),…,u(T N) with 0<T, <…<T N and positive weightsP i,i=1,…,n, $$\sum\limits_{i = 1}^N {P_i = 1} $$ such that $$Q_2 \left( {u_0 } \right) = \sum\limits_{i = 1}^N {P_i } \left\| {u\left( {T_i } \right) - x_i } \right\|^2 \leqslant \varepsilon ^2 $$ . If ‖u t(0)‖≤E for some a priori constantE, we construct a regularized solution ν(t) such that $$Q\left( {\nu \left( 0 \right)} \right) \leqslant \varepsilon ^2 $$ while $$\left\| {u\left( 0 \right) - \nu \left( 0 \right)} \right\| = 0\left( {ln \left( {E/\varepsilon } \right)} \right)^{ - 1} $$ and $$\left\| {u\left( t \right) - \nu \left( t \right)} \right\| = 0\left( {\varepsilon ^{\beta \left( t \right)} } \right)$$ where 0<β(t)<1 and the constant in the order symbol depends uponE. The function β(t) is larger thant/m whent<T k andk is the largest integer such that $$(\sum\limits_{k = 1}^N {P_i (T_i )} )< (\sum\limits_{k = 1}^N {P_i (T_i )} = m$$ , which β(t)=t/m on [T k, m] and β(t)=1 on [m, ∞). Similar results are obtained if the measurement is made in the maximum norm, i.e.,Q ∞(u 0)=max{‖u(T i)−x i‖, 1≤i≤N}.
Influence of GABA on neurons of the gustatory zone of the rat nucleus of the solitary tract

The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the rostral, gustatory zone of the nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST) was examined using whole cell recordings in brain slices of the adult rat medulla. Superfusion of GABA resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in input resistance in 68% of the neurons in rNST. The change in input resistance was often accompanied by membrane hyperpolarization. The effect of GABA was a direct action on the postsynaptic membrane since it could be elicited when synaptic transmission was blocked by tetrodotoxin or in a low Ca2+ and high Mg2+ perfusing solution. The mean reversal potential of the GABA effect was about -60 mV, determined by applying GABA at different holding potentials, or from the intersection of current-voltage curves measured in control saline and saline containing GABA. When neurons were separated into groups based on intrinsic membrane properties, some neurons in each group responded to GABA. Superfusion of the slices with either the GABAA agonist, muscimol, or the GABAB agonist, baclofen, caused a decrease in input resistance accompanied by membrane hyperpolarization. The GABAA antagonist bicuculline either totally or partially blocked the neuronal response to GABA and blocked the response to muscimol but did not antagonize responses to baclofen. Superfusion of the GABAB antagonist phaclofen depressed the membrane responses to GABA. The use of the GABAA and GABAB agonists and antagonists demonstrates that some neurons in rNST have both GABAA and GABAB receptors. Since most rNST neurons studied respond to GABA, inhibition probably plays a major role in sensory processing by the rNST.
Preoperative variables predict persistent type 2 endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair

Objective Persistent type 2 endoleaks (PT2, present ≥6 months) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are associated with adverse outcomes. This study evaluated the preoperative risk factors and natural history of PT2 in order to define a population at high risk. Methods From January 1999 to December 2007, 595 of 832 EVAR patients had long-term computed tomography follow-up and comprised the study cohort. Preoperative anatomic and clinical variables were correlated with PT2 using Cox regression. Composite hazard ratios (HRs) were constructed with clusters of high-risk preoperative variables. Primary end points, including spontaneous resolution, sac enlargement >5 mm, and freedom from reintervention, were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results There were 136 PT2 patients (23%) with a median follow-up of 34.8 months (range, 6.4-121.2 months). Positive predictive factors included patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA; HR, 4.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62-9.90; P = .003), increasing number of patent lumbar arteries (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.10-1.41; P = .0006), increasing age (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P = .005), and increasing luminal diameter on CT-contrast opacified lumen (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05; P = .0001). During follow-up, spontaneous PT2 resolution occurred in 34 patients (25%), sac diameter remained stable in 63 (46%), and rupture occurred in 2 (1.5%). Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated that 35.2% ± 5.6% (95% CI, 23.8%-46.2%) of PT2 resolve spontaneously at 5 years after the index procedure. Freedom from sac enlargement >5 mm was 54.6% ± 7.2% (95% CI, 40.6%-69.4%) at 5 years. Fifty-nine reinterventions were performed in 39 patients with PT2. Freedom from reintervention was 67.3% ± 5.0% (95% CI, 57.0%-77.0%) at 5 years. The combination of a patent IMA and one risk factor of more than six patent lumbar arteries, maximum luminal diameter >30 mm, or age >70 years increased the odds of PT2 approximately ninefold. The combination of a patent IMA and any two risk factors increased the odds of PT2 approximately 18-fold. Conclusions Several readily identifiable preoperative variables are associated with PT2 whose natural history was benign in but 35% of patients. On the basis of the composite high-risk HRs, there is accordingly a cohort of patients in whom perioperative interventions to preclude PT2 should be considered.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE PROFILES OF VARIOUS RAW SAUSAGE MATERIALS

21 different sausage meats were chemically analyzed to determine the amounts of total collagen, insoluble collagen, and percentage soluble collagen present in each meat. A simple cookout test was also conducted to determine its usefulness in evaluating the bind characteristics of raw sausage materials. Values for total collagen, insoluble collagen, and percentage soluble collagen were quite variable among the meats sampled. Of the three collagen profile components studied, only percentage soluble collagen was observed to, be highly related to the binding characteristics of meat. Values for milliliters of fat and water lost during cooking were not significantly related to bind values. This study indicates a need for additional research to investigate the role of collagen profile components in the I formation of sausage batters.
Future global warming from atmospheric trace gases

Human activity this century has increased the concentrations of atmospheric trace gases, which in turn has elevated global surface temperatures by blocking the escape of thermal infrared radiation. Natural climate variations are masking this temperature increase, but further additions of trace gases during the next 65 years could double or even quadruple the present effects, causing the global average temperature to rise by at least 1 °C and possibly by more than 5 °C. If the rise continues into the twenty-second century, the global average temperature may reach higher values than have occurred in the past 10 million years.
Comparison of Submerged Aerator Effectiveness

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of three different submerged aerators (diffusers), a membrane diffuser, a coarse bubble diffuser, and a soaker hose, is compared by analyzing their performance parameters at varying gas flow rates and water depths of up to 10 meters. The type of diffuser chosen for a specific application depends on aeration characteristics such as the total mass transfer coefficient, standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR), standard oxygen transfer efficiency (SOTE), and standard aeration efficiency (SAE). From experimental data, the effects of the gas flow rate and submerged depth on the total mass transfer coefficient and SOTR are determined up to a 10 meter depth. As the flow rate and diffuser depth are increased, the mass transfer coefficient and the SOTR increase for all three diffusers. At low gas flow rates, the segment of soaker hose transfers oxygen at the highest rate. The coarse bubble diffuser transfers oxygen at a lesser rate than the soaker hose but is capable of performing at higher ...
Long-term Postinjury Functional Recovery: Outcomes of Geriatric Consultation

Importance Functional recovery is an important outcome following injury. Functional impairment is persistent in the year following injury for older trauma patients. Objective To measure the impact of routine geriatric consultation on functional outcomes in older trauma patients. Design, Setting, and Participants In this pretest-posttest study, the pretest control group (n = 37) was retrospectively identified (December 2006-November 2007). The posttest geriatric consultation (GC) group (n = 85) was prospectively enrolled (December 2007-June 2010). We then followed up both groups for 1 year after enrollment. This study was conducted at an academic level 1 trauma center with adults 65 years of age and older admitted as an activated code trauma. Intervention Routine GC. Main Outcomes and Measures The Short Functional Status survey of 5 activities of daily living (ADLs) at hospital admission and 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury. Results The unadjusted Short Functional Status score (GC group only) declined from 4.6 preinjury to 3.7 at 12 months postinjury, a decline of nearly 1 full ADL ( P P Conclusions and Relevance Functional recovery for older adults following injury may be improved by GC. Early introduction of multidisciplinary care in geriatric trauma patients warrants further investigation.
Correlates of union membership and joining intentions in a unit of federal employees

Correlates of membership and joining intentions in the federal sector, where union representation is broadly available but membership is relatively low, are examined. Key independent variables — attitude toward joining, normative influence, perceived instrumentality of joining, union activism, and satisfaction with the union — are all positively correlated with both membership and joining intentions. In regression analyses, attitude toward joining predicted both membership and intentions. Union satisfaction and activism predicted membership, but normative influence and instrumentality did not; and normative influence and instrumentality predicted joining intentions, but union satisfaction and activism did not. Other important variables include: general attitude toward unions, which predicted both membership and intentions; membership in the previous union, which predicted intentions, but not membership; race, which predicted intentions, but not membership; satisfaction with pay, which predicted (negatively) joining intentions, but not membership; and satisfaction with fellow workers, which predicted membership, but not intentions. We attempt to explain why determinants of membership might differ from determinants of joining intentions.
Long-term visual prognosis in children after corneal transplant surgery for Peters anomaly type I.

Purpose To evaluate the long-term visual prognosis in children with corneal transplant surgery for Peters anomaly type I. Design Retrospective review of interventional case series. Methods Twenty-four children treated in a university-based practice were divided into two groups for analysis: a younger preverbal group and an older group of children three years of age or older. Children underwent corneal transplantation surgery (penetrating keratoplasty [PKP]) for Peters anomaly type I as infants (age range, two to 18 months). Visual acuity using Snellen or Allen charts and glaucoma and other complications were tabulated. Results Twenty-four patients had Peters anomaly; 16 had unilateral disease, eight had bilateral disease. Thirty eyes underwent PKP. Average age at PKP was five months. The mean follow-up from PKP to the most recent visit was 78.9 months. Fifteen eyes (50%) were treated for glaucoma. Five transplants (17%) had graft rejection episodes; two of these failed and were regrafted. Six eyes (20%) required cataract surgery. One eye had a retinal detachment. Currently, 27 eyes (90%) have clear grafts. In the younger group of children, five of six grafts are clear (83%). In the older group of 24 eyes of verbal children, seven eyes (29%) have visual acuity ranging from 20/20 to 20/50, six (25%) have visual acuity ranging from 20/60 to 20/100, nine (38%) have visual acuity ranging from 20/200 to counting fingers, and two eyes (8%) have visual acuity of hand movements. In this group, nine of 12 eyes without glaucoma had visual acuity better than 20/100; only four of 11 eyes with glaucoma were better than 20/100. Conclusions Many children with PKP for Peters anomaly type I can experience good or functional vision in their operated eye. Children with glaucoma have a poorer visual prognosis.
Solar wind behavior throughout the heliosphere

Observations and interpretations of solar wind behavior in the heliosphere are reviewed. The spiral magnetic field, the heliospheric vortex street, multifractals and large-scale fluctuations, and intermittent turbulence are examined. Voyager observations of the outer heliosphere are stressed.
Membrane effects of retinoids: possible correlation with toxicity.

Abstract The mechanism of toxicity of vitamin A and other retinoids is unknown. One theory holds that these compounds disrupt cellular function by acting on membranes as detergents would. Using rat erythrocyte ghosts labeled with fluorescent probes, we studied the changes in fluorescence polarization effected by detergents and retinoids. Fluorescence lifetime measurements allowed us to calculate apparent microviscosities. Sodium dodecyl sulfate, Triton X-100, and lysophosphatidylcholine seemed to cause a structural transition in the membrane where the apparent microviscosity was reduced by half at a detergent concentration of approximately 10−3 m ; the same transition point was reported by 1,6-diphenylhexatriene or perylene. In contrast, retinoic acid reduced membrane microviscosity by half at a concentration of only 10−5 m or lower. Furthermore, the results obtained with DPH were very different from those obtained with perylene as the probe. The effect of retinoic acid was prevented by d-α-tocopherol acetate. Other retinoids were also effective in reducing membrane microviscosity, and the order of their effectiveness exactly paralleled the order of their toxicities, as determined by others using bioassays. These results suggest that retinoid toxicity may indeed be related to a membrane effect, but the action of retinoids on membranes is unlike that of simple detergents.
Amygdala activation in response to facial expressions in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder

Background: Exaggerated amygdala activation to threatening faces has been detected in adults and children with anxiety disorders, compared to healthy comparison (HC) subjects. However, the profile of amygdala activation in response to facial expressions in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) may be a distinguishing feature; a prior study found that compared with healthy adults, adults with OCD exhibited less amygdala activation to emotional and neutral faces, relative to fixation [Cannistraro et al. (2004). Biological Psychiatry 56:916–920]. Methods: In the current event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, a pediatric OCD sample (N=12) and a HC sample (N=17) performed a gender discrimination task while viewing emotional faces (happy, fearful, disgusted) and neutral faces. Results: Compared to the HC group, the OCD group showed less amygdala/hippocampus activation in all emotion and neutral conditions relative to fixation. Conclusions: Like previous reports in adult OCD, pediatric OCD may have a distinct neural profile from other anxiety disorders, with respect to amygdala activation in response to emotional stimuli that are not disorder specific. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Saturn's pole - geometric correction based on voyager UVS and radio occultations

Measurements of of the opacity of Saturn's rings acquired during occultation experiments at radio (3.6 cm) and ultraviolet wavelengths were initially reduced to radial position rho using a standard pole vector. Common features in the two data sets from this reduction were offset by distances Delta rho(i). These offsets have been attributed to an error in the pole direction. Because the viewing geometries were quite different for the two experiments, the set of differences of Delta rho(i) provides a sensitive measure of corrections needed to refine the Saturn pole direction. The new standard pole vector in 1950.0 coordinates has right ascension alpha = 38.409 + or - 0.016 deg and declination delta = 83.324 + or - 0.002 deg.
Autoregulation of the Coronary Circulation

Coronary autoregulation appears to be closely coupled to myocardial oxidative metabolism. Recent data suggest that coronary autoregulation depends on the prevailing balance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. It seems likely that pO2 within a critical range may be the initial metabolic stimulus for coronary autoregulation. Whether adjustments in vascular resistance result from changes in myocardial pO2 directly or indirectly through changes in vasoactive metabolites remains unclear. The observation that intracoronary infusion of adenosine deaminase in concentrations sufficient to attenuate myocardial reactive hyperemia has no effect on coronary autoregulation strongly suggests that adenosine is not essential for autoregulation in the blood-perfused dog heart. This is supported by the recent finding that the interstitial concentration of adenosine (estimated from epicardial exudate) remained unchanged during autoregulation. Prostaglandins may play a role in autoregulation in buffer-perfused rabbit hearts but do not appear to be involved in blood-perfused dog hearts. Potassium is probably not involved in autoregulation. It is also unlikely that changes in tissue pressure can account for coronary autoregulation. The role of adenine nucleotides, hydrogen ion, carbon dioxide, and intermediate metabolites of the citric acid cycle, in coronary autoregulation has not been examined. The possibility that a myogenic mechanism contributes to coronary autoregulation has not been directly tested. Finally, it is entirely possible that coronary autoregulation may result from the concerted interaction of several different mediators or mechanisms. In this regard, it should be emphasized that blocking or destroying one mediator could elicit a compensatory increase in the contribution of another.
Deriving exposure limits

Historically many different agencies and standards organizations have proposed laser occupational exposure limits (EL1s) or maximum permissible exposure (MPE) levels. Although some safety standards have been limited in scope to manufacturer system safety performance standards or to codes of practice most have included occupational EL''s. Initially in the 1960''s attention was drawn to setting EL''s however as greater experience accumulated in the use of lasers and some accident experience had been gained safety procedures were developed. It became clear by 1971 after the first decade of laser use that detailed hazard evaluation of each laser environment was too complex for most users and a scheme of hazard classification evolved. Today most countries follow a scheme of four major hazard classifications as defined in Document WS 825 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The classifications and the associated accessible emission limits (AEL''s) were based upon the EL''s. The EL and AEL values today are in surprisingly good agreement worldwide. There exists a greater range of safety requirements for the user for each class of laser. The current MPE''s (i. e. EL''s) and their basis are highlighted in this presentation. 2. 0