cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrotactile threshold measurement for detecting neurotoxicity: reliability and determination of age- and height-standardized normative values.

Abstract Damage to the peripheral nervous system by neurotoxic agents can result in elevated sensory thresholds. In this study, the results of two studies in a program of validation of vibrotactile threshold test performance are presented. First, the test-retest reliability and time efficiency of two methods for generating vibrotactile thresholds were determined in a sample of subjects known to be at risk for peripheral neuropathy, 22 diabetics. Specifically, a forced-choice method was compared to a method-of-limits procedure. The method of limits was found to be as reliable as the forced-choice procedure and required less time to administer. The second study was undertaken to determine the magnitude of major effect modifiers on vibrotactile thresholds. Vibration thresholds were determined using a method-of-limits procedure in 131 blue-collar workers who were 29–76 y of age. Equations relating vibrotactile threshold estimated by the method-of-limits procedure to age and height are presented for the upper ...
Life history of a malaria parasite (Plasmodium mexicanum): independent traits and basis for variation

Plasmodium mexicanum, a malaria parasite of lizards, exhibits substantial variation among infections in the life-history traits which define its blood-dwelling stages. Such variation in life histories among infections is common in Plasmodium and may influence the ecology and evolution of the parasite's transmission success and virulence. Insight into these issues requires identification of independent traits (some traits may be bound by developmental trade-offs) and the importance of genetic versus host effects producing the variation. We studied 11 life-history traits in 120 induced infections of P. mexicanum in its natural lizard host (20 each from six donor infections). The traits varied among infections and fell into three clusters: rate/peak (rate of increase and peak parasitaemia of asexuals and gametocytes), time (duration of pre-patent period and the infection's growth) and maturity (timing of first gametocytes). Thus, few life-history traits define an infection in the lizard's blood. Donor effects were significant for ten traits and two trait clusters (maturity was the exception) suggesting genetic differences among infections may influence the rate of increase and peak parasitaemia, but not the timing of the first production of gametocytes.
Pharmacodynamics of Mycophenolate Mofetil after Heart Transplantation: New Mechanisms of Action and Correlations with Histologic Severity of Graft Rejection

The primary mechanism of action in vivo of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is believed to be inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. We used novel assays of lymphocyte functions (pharmacodynamics, PD) in whole blood collected from rat heart allograft recipients treated with MMF to investigate the mechanisms of action of the active metabolite of MMF, mycophenolate acid (MPA) in vivo. Allograft recipients were treated orally once daily with 3 different doses of MMF. Seven days after transplantation, blood was collected 24h after the penultimate dose and several timepoints after the last dose, after which grafts were removed for microscopic grading of rejection. Lymphocytes in whole blood samples were mitogen stimulated through calcium-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Inhibition of PD was measured by lymphocyte proliferation and expression of several surface antigens on T cells, and was calculated as area under the time-inhibition of immune function effect curve (AUE0-24h). We found that inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and antigen expression by MPA correlated highly with MMF-dose, MPA level and with the histologic severities of graft rejection (p <0.05). In summary, MPA suppressed lymphocyte proliferation and expression of T-cell surface antigens in whole blood collected from MMF-treated allograft recipients, thus demonstrating the multiple mechanisms of suppression of rejection on peripheral blood T cells after MMF treatment.
Electrochemical and Electrochromic Properties of Nanoworm-shaped Ta2O5-Pt Thin-Films

A Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5}-Pt nanostructure electrode was fabricated by means of cosputtering. Worm-like Pt nanoparticles were produced in Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} matrix as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). The electrochemical and electrochromic properties of nanoworm-shaped Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5}-Pt electrode are compared with those of Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin-film electrode without Pt nanoparticles.
A Comparison of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and On-Line Multivariate Analyses (MVA) for Injection Molding

Abstract Manufacturing process automation is often impeded by limitations related to automatic quality assurance. Many plastics manufacturers use univariate statistical process control (SPC) for quality control by charting the critical process states relative to defined control limits. Alternatively, principal component analysis (PCA) and projection to latent stuctures (PLS) are multivariate methods that measure the process variance by the distance to the model (DModX) and the Hotelling t-squared (T2) values. A methodology for robust model development is described to perturb the manufacturing process for process characterization based on a design of experiments; best subset analysis is used to provide an optimal set of regressors for univariate SPC. Four different statistical models were derived from the same data set for a highly instrumented injection molding process. The performance of these models was then assessed with respect to fault diagnosis and defect identification when the molding process was ...
The molecular g values, magnetic susceptibility anisotropies, and the molecular quadrupole moments in ethylene sulphide

The first and second-order Zeeman effect has been observed in the rotational transitions in ethylene sulphide to yield the molecular g values and magnetic susceptibility anisotropies. These data are and The a axis bisects the CSC angle and the b axis is also in the molecular plane. Only the relative signs of the molecular g values can be obtained experimentally. However, by comparing the molecular quadrupole moments calculated with both sets of g values, we can assign the signs as shown above. The molecular quadrupole moments are and all in units of 10-26 e.s.u. cm2. These molecular quadrupole moments are compared to other similar molecules. The values of the diagonal elements in the paramagnetic susceptibility tensor are and all in units of 10-6 erg/g 2 mole. The anisotropies in the second moment of the electronic charge distributions are and all in units of 10-16 cm2.
Sex Ratio, Age and Ethnicity in the Atlantic Slave Trade: Data From French Shipping and Plantation Records

This article examines the age and sex composition of the Atlantic slave trade in the belief it was of considerable significance in shaping black society in both Africa and the Americas. Focusing on the French slave trade, two main samples are analysed. One is composed of 177,000 slaves transported in French ships during the years 1714–92, which is taken from the Repertoire des expeditions negrieres of Jean Mettas and Serge Daget. The other, derived from nearly 400 estate inventories, consists of more than 13,300 Africans who lived on Saint Domingue plantations in the period 1721–97. The results are compared with existing knowledge of the demo-graphic composition of the Atlantic slave trade to show the range of variation that existed through time between different importing and exporting regions, and to shed light on the forces of supply and demand that determined the proportions of men, women and children who were sold as slaves across the ocean. Significant and consistent contrasts are found between different ethnic groups in Africa and different slaveholding societies in the New World, many of them thus far unnoticed in the scholarly literature.
Parallelization offissionand fusion+ operations for high throughput generation of combinatorial droplets

We present a highly parallelized, programmable droplet-based device for high throughput generation of combinatorial droplets. The device features a multichannel, parallel architecture. Throughput is increased by two orders of magnitude compared to conventional devices [1]. With 32 Hz droplet generation, the projected throughput of this parallelized design is nearly 3 million sample-probe droplets per day on a single device (with 4 replicates of 750 thousand different mixtures). This translates to 240 unique sample-probe mixtures with 4 replicates per minute. This device has the potential to meet the need for low-cost, high throughput screening applications.
Alterations in in vivo knee joint kinematics following a femoral nerve branch block of the vastus medialis: Implications for patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Abstract Background A potential source of patellofemoral pain, one of the most common problems of the knee, is believed to be altered patellofemoral kinematics due to a force imbalance around the knee. Although no definitive etiology for this imbalance has been found, a weak vastus medialis is considered a primary factor. Therefore, this study's purpose was to determine how the loss of vastus medialis obliquus force alters three-dimensional in vivo knee joint kinematics during a volitional extension task. Methods Eighteen asymptomatic female subjects with no history of knee pain or pathology participated in this IRB approved study. Patellofemoral and tibiofemoral kinematics were derived from velocity data acquired using dynamic cine-phase contrast MRI. The same kinematics were then acquired immediately after administering a motor branch block to the vastus medialis obliquus using 3–5ml of 1% lidocaine. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to test the null hypothesis that the post- and pre-injection kinematics were no different. Findings The null hypothesis was rejected for patellofemoral lateral shift ( P =0.003, max change=1.8mm, standard deviation=1.7mm), tibiofemoral lateral shift ( P P Interpretation The loss of vastus medialis obliquus function produced kinematic changes that mirrored the axial plane kinematics seen in individuals with patellofemoral pain, but could not account for the full extent of these changes. Thus, vastus medialis weakness is likely a major factor in, but not the sole source of, altered patellofemoral kinematics in such individuals.
Corrupting the rule of law

A Russian, a Cuban, an American, and a layer are seated in the same compartment on a train. The Russian takes a bottle of vodka out of his luggage, pours some into a glass, drinks it, and firmly states: “In Russia, we have best wodka in the vorld, nowhere in the vorld you can find wodka as good as one we make in mother Russian. And, we have much of it, so much we can just throw it away like vater.” That said, the Russian opens the train's window and hurls the vodka out of the train. The others in the compartment are quite impressed. Then the Cuban removes a box of Havana cigars from his luggage, takes one, lights it, and begins to smoke. “In Kooba, we have de best cigars of de world, habanas, nowhere in de world are dere such many and good cigars, and we have much of dem also, such many dat we can just trow dem away.” Making that bold statement, the Cuban sends the box of Havanas the way of the vodka. Once again, the compartment's occupants are quite impressed. Then, not to be outdone, the American abruptly stands up, opens the window wide, and throws out the lawyer.
Antihypertensive therapy with calcium-channel blockers: Comparison with beta blockers

As a result of concern about the safety and long-term toxicity of diuretics, there is a growing trend toward the use of alternative agents as initial therapy in essential hypertension. Worldwide, beta blockers and vasodilators, especially the calcium-channel blockers, are the most commonly used alternative agents. Several studies comparing these 2 classes of medications are reviewed. These studies indicate that verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem are all comparable in efficacy to beta blockers. When combined, calcium-channel blockers and beta blockers produce additive responses. These agents may differ in the relation between the magnitude of their antihypertensive effect and patients' pretreatment plasma renin activity and age. Younger persons and those with high plasma renin activity tend to respond better to beta blockers; older subjects and those with low plasma renin activity are more consistently responsive to calcium-channel blockers. The choice of agent should be individualized, based upon accompanying illnesses, adverse-effect profile and demographic factors.
Late Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Toxicity and Quality of Life After Treatment for Localized Prostate Cancer: Redefining Optimal Rectal DVH Parameters for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

6 patients with standard and segmented DWI presented with visible distortion of the posterior prostate boundary abutting the endorectal coil relative to T2w on standard, but not on segmented DWI. In 2 of 4 patients with posterior tumors abutting the prostate boundary, tumors were erroneously displaced outside of the prostate boundary in standard DWI, which was corrected using segmented DWI. Conclusions: Readout-segmented DWI improves the geometric performance of clinical endorectal coil prostate DWI at 3T, and should reduce uncertainties in tumor delineation for dose escalation. Author Disclosure: W. Foltz: None. T. Stanescu: None. J. Lee: None. A. Simeonov: None. D. Jaffray: None. T. Craig: None. P. Chung: None. C. Menard: None.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of taxol in mouse plasma

A simple and selective high-performance liquid chromatographic technique was developed for the determination of taxol in mouse plasma. This technique employs a single extraction step followed by isocratic chromatography on a C18 analytical column and ultraviolet detection at 227 nm, and is suitable for the analysis of microsamples (50 μl plasma). A series of aromatic and aliphatic benzamides were synthesized as internal standards; N-octylbenzamide was evaluated most extensively. The calibration curve is linear within the range 0.15–10 nmol/ml. The intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variation were below 7%. The specificity of the assay was confirmed by comparing the chromatographic properties of samples with authentic taxol, using a diode-array detector. The assay was used to conduct pharmacokinetic studies of taxol in mice after administration in different formulations.
Improve service by acting small

Can businesses that deliver services through multiple distribution points significantly improve their reputations for quality? Yes, but these businesses must overcome the common perception that chain operations do not care about quality as much as locally‐owned firms. Explores the idea of large companies acting like small ones to improve their quality reputation.
Stabilization of Factor VIII by Glycerol

THE lability of the blood coagulation substance, factor VIII (antihaemophilic globulin, AHG, AHF), has hindered its investigation and has thus led to a search for techniques to stabilize it. Additions of glycerol1,2, gelatine3,4, human serum4, and human serum albumin4 were all found to stabilize factor VIII activity, but the degree of effectiveness of such additions has not been denned. The investigation reported here was an attempt to evaluate the action of glycerol in quantitative terms.
Dietary protein requirements in athletes

Abstract Current dietary protein requirements were determined using essentially sedentary individuals and, therefore, are designed for the general population. Unfortunately, the recommendations from these studies have been applied to athletes as well. Because of the vast differences in daily energy expenditure alone this would seem to be a naive approach. Moreover in recent years, considerable evidence has accumulated on athletes, primarily those involved at each end of the exercise intensity-duration continuum, i.e., strength (weight lifting) to endurance (running, cycling, or swimming), suggesting that dietary protein needs may be greater by as much as 125% in comparison to sedentary individuals. The additional protein may be necessary for use as an auxiliary fuel for endurance exercise and as a supplementary source of amino acids to build and/or maintain the large muscle mass present in those who strength train. In addition, although more speculative, it is possible that other constituents in high quality protein sources, i.e., creatine, conjugated linoleic acid, carnosine, etc. may also be beneficial. Definitive dietary recommendations for various athletic populations must await further study, but the mass of current evidence indicates that individuals involved in strength/power/speed activities may benefit from intakes of about 1.7 to 1.8 g protein · g body mass −1 · day −1 (approximately 112–125% higher than the sedentary recommendation) and those who participate in endurance activities from about 1.2–1.4 g · kg −1 · d −1 (approximately 50 to 75% higher than the sedentary recommendation). Assuming total energy intake is sufficient to cover expenditure, these intakes can be obtained from a diet consisting of about 10% energy intake as protein. Some athletes may not consume this amount of protein, especially those who consume inadequate energy (dieters or those trying to maintain an arbitrary body mass for their activity, i.e., gymnasts, dancers, wrestlers, etc.), those who are growing (children, adolescents, women who are pregnant), or those who select diets which may exclude high quality protein sources (vegetarians and seniors). Despite the common practice of consuming greater amounts of protein (2–4 g · kg −1 · d −1 ) among strength athletes in particular, few data exist suggesting that this has any further benefit, i.e., there appears to be a ceiling effect. Finally, the concerns expressed routinely about liver or kidney problems with high protein diets have little scientific support; however, the easy accessibility of individual amino acid supplements poses a potentially serious threat because there are likely a variety of confounding interactions and the effects of mega doses of single amino acids are largely untested. Future studies are needed to fine tune these recommendations.
Probing the physicochemical and structural requirements for glycogen synthase kinase-3α inhibition: 2D-QSAR for 3-anilino-4-phenylmaleimides

Glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha (GSK-3alpha) was recently found to be an attractive target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease due to its dual action in the formation of both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. It is also a viable target for many other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Reported herein is a 2D-QSAR exploration of the physicochemical (hydrophobic, electronic, and steric) and structural requirements among 3-anilino-4-phenylmaleimides toward GSK-3alpha binding. Using Fujita-Ban and Hansch QSAR analysis, electronic and steric interactions at the 4-phenyl ring and hydrophobic interactions at the 3-anilino ring are shown to be crucial. Analysis of the 4-phenyl ring of these compounds using common aromatic substituent constants showed electron-withdrawing and bulky ortho substituents as imperative for GSK-3alpha inhibition.
Palinspastic restoration of NAVDat and implications for the origin of magmatism in southwestern North America

[1] Simultaneous palinspastic restoration of deformation and volcanism illuminates relationships between magmatism and tectonics in western North America. Using ArcGIS, we retrodeformed the NAVDat (North American Volcanic Database, navdat.geongrid.org) using the western North America reconstruction of McQuarrie and Wernicke (2005). From these data sets we quantitatively compare rates of magmatism and deformation and evaluate the age, composition, and migration of Cenozoic volcanism from 36 Ma to present. These relationships are shown in a series of palinspastic maps as well as animations that highlight migrating extension and volcanism with time. Western North America is grouped into eight different regions with distinct relationships between strain and volcanism to evaluate competing hypotheses regarding the relationship of extension to continental magmatism. A first-order observation from this study is that magmatism throughout the Basin and Range appears to be primarily driven by plate boundary effects, notably subducting and foundering slabs as well as slab windows. Exceptions include the Yellowstone hotspot system along the northern border of our study area and late-stage (<8 Ma) passive, extension-related asthenospheric upwelling along the eastern and western margins of the Basin and Range. The palinspastic reconstructions presented here highlight that the classic, high-angle, Basin and Range faulting that comprises most of the physiographic Basin and Range Province commenced during a magmatic lull. More broadly, with the exception of the Rio Grande rift we find that pulses of magmatism lag the onset of extension. These observations largely contradict the active rifting model where magmatism triggers Basin and Range extension.
Electrical and hydrophilic properties of fish corneas.

Abstract The electrical properties, thickness and swelling of corneas of an elasmobranch (the shark Squalus acanthias) and some teleosts (Myoxocephalus octodecim spinosus, M. scorpius and Gadus callarias) were examined. In shark eyes protected from damage during collection the resistance was 1010 ohm. cm2 and the potential 0·2 mV, and in unprotected eyes, 161 ohm.cm2 and 0·2mV, with erratic orientation of the potential. In teleosts, the resistance was 1540 ohm.cm2 and the potential 1·6 mV always oriented epithelial side negative (as in amphibians and mammals); the current was 1·35 μA/cm2. Shark corneas measured 161 μm and did not swell at room temperature or exposure to 2°C overnight. The teleost corneas measured 242 μm and swelled at room temparature and cold. Five images in the specular microscope were obtained from the teleost cornea and three from the shark's. Thickness values for the epithelium and other layers were computed. It is concluded that the corneal stroma has a tendency to swell and the electrical properties already known in mammals and amphibians originate in the teleost group of aquatic fishes and are not present in the more primitive elasmobranchs.
Growth Failure and Decreased Bone Mineral of Newborn Rats with Chronic Furosemide Therapy

To test the hypothesis that chronic furosemide treatment in otherwise healthy newborn animals may lead to lowered bone mineral [calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)] content, healthy littermates within each litter of Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly assigned to three groups: control, low dose furosemide (5 mg/kg/day), and high dose furosemide (15 mg/kg/day). The pups were treated between days 4 and 28 postnatally. The wet and dry weights of kidneys and tibiae significantly correlated with body weights at sacrifice. Furosemide-treated pups demonstrated a dose-dependent growth delay, decreased total bone (tibiae) Ca and Mg, increased urine Ca and Mg concentration, and a significant inverse correlation between bone Ca and urine Ca concentration. There was no significant difference among the groups when bone Ca and Mg were normalized to per gram of bone dry weight. There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to bone phosphorus or urinary phosphorus concentration; kidney and serum Ca and Mg; or serum sodium, potassium, alkaline phosphatase and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentration. We conclude that chronic furosemide therapy leads to growth failure and to increased urinary losses of Ca and Mg. Total bone Ca and Mg in the furosemide-treated pups were diminished in proportion to growth retardation but the bone mineral content per unit of dry weight remained similar to control pups.
Investigating the factor structure of the Questionnaire on Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief)

This study was designed to investigate the proposed two-factor structure of the 10-item Questionnaire on Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief) and to provide evidence for the psychometric properties of this questionnaire using the seven-point scoring set from the original QSU study [Tiffany, S.T., Drobes, D.J. (1991). The development and initial validation of a questionnaire on smoking urges. British Journal of Addiction, 86, 1467-1476.]. The study sample (N=576) was comprised of smokers presenting for treatment. Although an initial exploratory factor analysis appeared to replicate the original factor analytic findings of Cox et al. [Cox, L.S., Tiffany, S.T., Christen, A.G. (2001). Evaluation of the brief questionnaire of smoking urges (QSU-Brief) in laboratory and clinical settings. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 3, 7-16.], when subjected to confirmatory factor analyses, a five-item, two-factor model using the most robust items from the original QSU-Brief factor analysis was the best explanation of the data in the present study. Good internal consistency reliability estimates were also obtained with this model. These results suggest that this shortened form of the QSU-Brief can be used with the original seven-point scoring set as a reliable assessment of the dual nature of smoking urges in a treatment-seeking population.
A CLASS OF INTERACTING MARKED POINT PROCESSES: RATE OF CONVERGENCE TO EQUILIBRIUM

In this paper we obtain the rate of convergence to equilibrium of a class of interacting marked point processes, introduced by Kerstan, in two different situations. Indeed, we prove the exponential and subexponential ergodicity of such a class of stochastic processes. Our results are an extension of the corresponding results of Bremaud, Nappo and Torrisi. The generality of the dynamics which we take into account allows the application to the so-called loss networks, and multivariate birth and death processes.
Challenging Expectations: Case Studies of High-Potential, Culturally Diverse Young Children

For an array of complex reasons, minority students and students from low-income backgrounds are typically underrepresented in programs for learners identified as gifted. Project START, a university...
Natural variation in gestational cortisol is associated with patterns of growth in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix geoffroyi).

High levels of prenatal cortisol have been previously reported to retard fetal growth. Although cortisol plays a pivotal role in prenatal maturation, heightened exposure to cortisol can result in lower body weights at birth, which have been shown to be associated with adult diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This study examines the relationship between natural variation in gestational cortisol and fetal and postnatal growth in marmoset monkeys. Urinary samples obtained during the mother’s gestation were analyzed for cortisol. Marmoset body mass index (BMI) was measured from birth through 540 days in 30- or 60-day intervals. Multi-level modeling was used to test if marmoset growth over time was predicted by changes in gestational cortisol controlling for time, sex, litter, and litter size. The results show that offspring exposed to intra-uterine environments with elevated levels of cortisol had lower linear BMI rates of change shortly after birth than did offspring exposed to lower levels of cortisol, but exhibited a higher curvilinear growth rate during adolescence. Average daily change in gestational cortisol during the first trimester had a stronger relationship with postnatal growth than change during the third trimester. Higher exposure to cortisol during gestation does alter developmental trajectories, however there appears to be a catch-up period during later post-natal growth. These observations contribute to a larger discussion about the relationship of maternal glucocorticoids on offspring development and the possibility of an earlier vulnerable developmental window.
Identification of breast cancer in patients with pathologic nipple discharge: does ductoscopy predict malignancy?

Abstract Objective The purpose of the current study was to review characteristics of patients with nipple discharge who underwent ductoscopy-assisted excisional biopsy who had a final diagnosis of carcinoma. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients presenting with pathologic nipple discharge (PND) who underwent ductoscopy-assisted excisional biopsy and had a final diagnosis of carcinoma. Results A total of 14 (7%) of 188 patients who underwent ductoscopy-assisted excision had a final pathology of ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) (12/14, 86%) or invasive breast cancer with DCIS (2/14, 14%). Duct wall irregularities or intraluminal growths were visualized during ductoscopy in 8 of the 14 (57%) breast cancer patients. There were no visual abnormalities noted during ductoscopy that accurately predicted a final diagnosis of malignancy. Conclusions Although occult malignancies can be identified in patients undergoing ductoscopy-assisted biopsy for PND, no clear morphologic changes visualized during ductoscopy definitively indicated the presence of malignancy.
Synthetic long‐chain alkyl maltosides and alkyl sucrose esters as enhancers of nasal insulin absorption

A series of new glycosides with extended alkyl side-chains (C(13-16)) linked to maltose or sucrose were synthesized and tested for their efficacy in enhancing nasal insulin absorption in anesthetized rats. The new reagents were compared to previously tested alkylglycosides with shorter alkyl side chains (C(8-12)). Dose-response studies revealed that within the family of alkylmaltoside derivatives, (C(8-16)), maximal increases in insulin absorption took place when tetradecylmaltoside (C(14)) was added to the formulation. Pentadecylmaltoside (C(15)) and hexadecylmaltoside (C(16)) were less potent at increasing insulin absorption, although both reagents achieved maximal effects when used at higher concentrations. Within the family of alkanoylsucrose derivatives, tridecanoylsucrose (C(13)) and tetradecanoylsucrose (C(14)) were most potent at increasing insulin absorption. Cross-comparisons between alkylmaltoses and alkanoylsucroses showed that the alkyl chain length had a greater impact than the glycoside moiety in determining the potency of a potential insulin-absorption enhancing agent. When tetradecylmaltoside was applied to the nasal mucosa 15 min before insulin was applied, the enhanced insulin absorption was still observed.
A continuum theory of cohesive zone models: Deformation and constitutive equations

A general three-dimensional continuum constitutive theory of cohesive zone models is presented. This development is part of a larger theory in which fracture is studied using elements of continuum theories of interfacial evolution. The main thrust of this work is the establishment of a systematic procedure for deriving cohesive interphase constitutive equations, where crack deformation is accounted for not only via the opening displacement, but also via crack surface strain tensors. The material frame indifference axiom is used to show that in traditional cohesive zone models, where the opening displacement is the only crack deformation descriptor, cohesive forces must be pointwise parallel to the opening displacement itself. This result indicates that the use of additional crack surface strain measures is required for the description of realistic crack-tip microstructures with possible anisotropic behavior.
Evaluation of underdosage in the external photon beam radiotherapy of glottic carcinoma: Monte Carlo study.

Abstract Purpose Underdosage in the human larynx may be the true factor behind the decrease in local control rates. Patients and methods To evaluate underdosage with Monte Carlo a CT-based geometrical model of the patient's neck (mathematical neck) was created. Dose was calculated for a pair of 6 Me V parallel-opposed photon beams modulated with 15 degree steel wedges. Results At least 5% of volume of 3.5 cm 3 hypothetical tumor near the air wall of the larynx receives less than 86% of the maximum tumor dose. The same volume received less than 91% of the maximum tumor dose when the mathematical neck had no air cavities. Conclusions We conclude the significant underdosage at the air-tissue interface in the larynx occurs in traditional radiotherapy treatments, especially in the glottic part of the larynx.
A theory of leadership for quality: Lessons from TQM for leadership theory1

Abstract Despite their implications for the management of quality in organizations, leadership theories have not explicitly focused on quality and on the role of leaders as managers of quality. Building on recent attempts in the leadership and total quality management literatures, this article develops a theory of leadership for quality, focusing on leader traits, values, and behaviours based on underlying TQM principles. Contributions of the TQM literature to the leadership literature are identified and discussed. A set of leader traits, values, and behaviours are extracted from the TQM philosophy and integrated into an articulation of a theory of leadership based on these constructs. The core principles of TQM are addressed and a number of propositions are developed, identifying both generic and specific leader behaviours in the domains of customer focus, teamwork and participation, and continuous improvement. The theory developed here makes incremental contributions by examining these hitherto unexamin...
Number Concentration and Mass Concentration as Determinants of Biological Response to Inhaled Irritant Particles

Particulate pollutants are mixtures of a variety of chemical species. Sulfuric acid aerosol is a highly irritating component of particulate matter less than 10 μm (PM-10) that can produce adverse h...
Wide frequency range sine wave VCO with a tunable inductor and capacitor

A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with sine wave output has been built using a tunable inductor along with a tunable capacitor to operate at frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to over 20 MHz. The method of tuning the inductor by changing the permeability of its ferrite core and the ability to extend the frequency response of the core are discussed. Dynamic characteristics of the VCO are explained with examples of a parallel and series tank implementation. >
Broadband flat-base Luneburg lens antenna for wide angle scan

In this paper we present the design of a Luneburg type of lens antenna, with a flat base, designed for wide angle scan. The antenna consists of a 11-layer lens, fed at its base by a 6×6 array of waveguides. The lens is broadband and has a very high aperture efficiency, only 1 dB below that of a reference aperture antenna with a uniform amplitude and phase. Its sidelobe level is good, only -21 dB at boresight and -13 dB for a scan angle of 64°. Its performance is shown to be considerably superior to that of a flat Luneburg lens previously reported in the literature, both in terms of the gain and scan capability, as well as the ease of fabrication.
New solid-state table: estimating d-band characteristics for transition metal atoms

A tight-binding model parameterised by a database of density functional theory calculations is presented and used to estimate the d-band characteristics of bulk systems as well as mono- and bimetallic surface structures. The model incorporates the effects of both electronic and geometric contributions. A d-band width formalism relating surface reactivity with the surface electronic structure is presented and it is shown that the proposed model can be used to estimate the surface electronic structure as well as to explain trends in catalytic properties of metal and alloy surfaces in terms of surface and adsorbate orbital properties.
Environmental Factors Affecting the Critical Potential for Pitting in 18–8 Stainless Steel

The concept of a critical potential below which pitting of 18–8 and other passive alloys does not occur in aqueous Cl− media is affirmed. Increasing Cl− concentration shifts the critical potential to more active values. The potential is shifted to more noble values by presence of other anions, e.g., , , , , sufficient concentrations of which act as pitting inhibitors. Lowering of temperature similarly enobles the critical potential. The shift at 0°C exceeds the oxidation‐reduction potential for accounting for resistance of 18–8 to pitting in solutions at ice temperature but not at room temperature. The critical potential is not affected appreciably in the acid pH range; it moves markedly in the noble direction in the alkaline range corresponding to observed resistance to pitting in alkaline Cl− media. These results are interpreted in terms of competitive adsorption of Cl− and other anions for sites on the alloy surface. Only at a sufficiently high surface concentration of Cl− is oxygen, making up the passive film, displaced locally, and passivity thereby destroyed resulting in a pit. The special behavior of inhibition and factors affecting reproducibility of measurements are discussed.
PET/CT in the Evaluation of Neuroblastoma

I-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is the most commonly used functional imaging agent in patients with neuroblastoma, but use of [F-18]- FDG PET is increasing. MIBG is useful for defining the extent of disease at diagnosis, following response to treatment, and localizing residual and recurrent disease. In early-stage disease, FDG is often better concentrated in tumor sites than MIBG. In all stages, disease extent in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis and local metastases may be better delineated by FDG. In advanced-stage disease, MIBG is superior for following the treatment response of metastatic tumor in the marrow and bone. Several C-11- and F-18-labeled tracers may be equal to or superior to I-123-MIBG if supply problems can be resolved.
Unsteady Transonic Nozzle Flow with Heat Addition

Transonic flows are very sensitive to heat release due to condensation, combustion, or electrical heating. The governing unsteady small disturbance equations for such flows are formulated in this paper. In particular, a slowly time-varying regime in which the characteristic disturbance time is much larger than a characteristic flow time is considered. In the case in which the unsteady heat release is spatially homogeneous, a similarity solution for flow in a converging-diverging nozzle has been found. The response of the flow to various forms of unsteady heat input has been computed, and the role of shock waves within the nozzle is considered.
Sex differences in antiretroviral therapy-associated intolerance and adverse events

Although women account for a substantial proportion of the global population infected with HIV, most clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of specific antiretroviral therapy regimens have been preformed in predominantly male cohorts. Our knowledge of the sex differences associated with responses to these treatments is therefore limited. Potentially sex-specific influences, such as endogenous or exogenous hormones, could impact antiretroviral tolerance. Women also have different pharmacokinetic profiles for selected antiretrovirals compared with men. These factors could influence how women respond and react to antiretrovirals. Several observational studies have described a higher frequency of antiretroviral-related adverse effects among women compared with men. Women appear to be at an especially high risk for lactic acidosis, nevirapine-associated rashes and hepatotoxicity, and fat redistribution after highly active antiretroviral therapy exposure. Although a statistical association between antiretroviral toxicity and pregnancy has not been described, pregnancy may provide an additional influence on the toxicity of several antiretrovirals or antiretroviral combinations. Potential tolerability should be an important component in discussions of antiretroviral options among women.
A Method for Associating Cocoons and Marked Last-Stage Larvae

While we conducted studies of the selection of the sites in which larvae of Hyalophora cecropia (L.) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) spin their cocoons we devised what we believe to be a novel variation of the mark, release, and recapture technique. We wished to determine whether or not the larvae migrate in selecting a spinning site, and the average distance from the feeding site to the spinning site. This determination was accomplished by using the simple technique described below to associate cocoons with last-stage larvae which had been marked and released at known sites in the field.
Coplanar-grid CdZnTe detector with three-dimensional position sensitivity

A 3-dimensional position-sensitive coplanar-grid detector design for use with compound semiconductors is described. This detector design maintains the advantage of a coplanar-grid detector in which good energy resolution can be obtained from materials with poor charge transport. Position readout in two dimensions is accomplished using proximity-sensing electrodes adjacent to the electron-collecting grid electrode of the detector. Additionally, depth information is obtained by taking the ratio of the amplitudes of the collecting grid signal and the cathode signal. Experimental results from a prototype CdZnTe detector are presented.
Endoscopic anatomy of the parasellar region.

Background The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the cavernous sinus and adjoining parasellar regions and their relationships to the sphenoid sinus. Methods An endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland and posterior skull base was performed on three fresh frozen cadaver heads (six sides). Neural and vascular anatomic landmarks of the cavernous sinus and parasellar regions were identified and correlated with sphenoid surface anatomy. Results The posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus presents several surface landmarks allowing the identification of the sella, carotid artery, and optic nerve. Identification of the optic-carotid recess allows reflection of the internal carotid artery medially and access to the cavernous sinus. Further lateral dissection allows for easy identification of the oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, and abducens nerves. The ophthalmic artery then can be followed from its origin on the internal carotid artery coursing anteriorly into the orbit. The optic chiasm also can be easily identified superiorly. Posteriorly, careful dissection allows access to the basilar artery along the clivus. Conclusion As endoscopic surgeons continue to expand their procedures to involve areas of the skull base outside the paranasal sinuses, knowledge of the endoscopic anatomy of the sella, parasellar, and adjacent areas is paramount. Critical landmarks are readily evident in the sphenoid sinus providing good access to neural and vascular structures of this region of the skull base.
Quantitative analysis of correlations among flower traits in Gerbera hybrida, Compositae. III. Genetic variability and structure of principal component traits

A sample of 36 flower traits consisting of six morphological categories in the Davis population of gerbera was restructured into phenotypic and genetic principal component traits. The first 5 phenotypic principal component traits accounted for 62% of the total phenotypic variance of the 36 traits and have moderate to high heritablities. The first 5 genetic principal component traits account for 97% of total genetic variance and all have high heritability. Morphological structure of these component traits suggest an underlying process identified by the first genetic principal component involving largely trans and disk floret traits. The results of this study indicate that the quantitative genetic structure of the gerbera flower is controlled by a few independent components and that principal component analysis is a useful tool to reveal variation in this structure. These composite traits are heritable and are expected to respond to selection.
Water-saturation Estimation From Seismic And Rock-property Trends

Summary The ability to estimate water saturation for a thin-bed reservoir from seismic is greatly enhanced if two rockproperty transforms are employed. One transform linearly relates the wet normal-incident reflectivity [NI(wet)] to the hydrocarbon NI. The other transform relates the far-trace amplitude to NI for each saturation state. These transforms are derived from rock-property trends that are local to the prospect. With these two transforms and the AVO gathers at the prospect and at the down-dip water-equivalent reservoir, a test statistic can be developed that differentiates economic gas from fizz saturation. The methodology doesn’t require a calibration well that ties the seismic unless the bed thickness is desired.
"Jeune Syndrome" (Asphyxiating Thoracic Dystrophy) Report of a Case, a Review of the Literature, and an Editor's Commentary

Respiratory distress with congenital narrowing of the thorax in a baby with short-limbed dwarfism should suggest the rare, and often fatal, Jeune or in fantile thoracic dystrophy syndrome.
Sub-micrometer dropwise condensation under superheated and rarefied vapor condition.

Phase change accompanying conversion of a saturated or superheated vapor in presence of subcooled surfaces is one of the most common occurring phenomena in nature. The mode of phase change which follows such a transformation is dependent upon surface properties like as of contact angle and thermodynamic conditions of the system. In present studies, an experimental approach is used to study the physics behind droplet growth on a partially wetting surface. Superheated vapor at low pressures of 4–5 torr was condensed on subcooled silicon surface with static contact angle as of 60° in absence of non-condensable gases, and the condensation process monitored using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) with submicroscopic spatial resolution. The condensation process was analyzed in the form of size growth of isolated droplets for before a coalescence event ended the regime of single droplet growth. Droplet growth obtained as a function of time reveals that the rate of growth decreases as the droplet increases in size. This behavior is indicative of an overall droplet growth law existing over larger time scales of which the current observations in their brief time intervals could be fitted in. A theoretical model based on kinetic theory further support the experimental observations indicating a mechanism where growth occurs by interfacial mass transport directly on condensing droplet surface. Evidence was also found which establishes the presence of submicroscopic droplets nucleating and growing in between microscopic droplets for partially wetting case.