cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spreadsheets in copolymerization studies

A Lotus spreadsheet (LS) was utilized as part of a copolymerization study of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with N-phenylmaleimide (MP) and with some derivatives of MP, namely N-o-chlorophenylmaleimide (MOCP), N-p -tolylmaleimide (MPT), and N-o-tolylmaleimide (MOT). The use of LS provided a very rapid method to obtain values of copolymerization parameters which were in very good agreement with non-spreadsheet reported values. Further, a novel LS macro was developed which could be employed to ascertain the shape of the copolymer composition curve (copolymer composition as a function of monomer composition ). Monomer reactivity ratios, r 1 and r 2 , were determined as well as values of semi-empirical copolymerization parameters Q and e. An attempt was made to correlate the monomer structures used with the values of Q and e. An empirical decomposition temperature index (DTI) was also devised to measure the thermal stability of copolymers of MMA and MP as a function of MP content.
Quantum Monte Carlo study of a lattice-atom model for excitonic fluids

A lattice model of the atom is used to study the excitonic transition in dense fluids. With the use of a simple Hamiltonian for both atomic and interatomic interactions, simulations were made by allowing nuclei to move and by using hard-sphere configurations for the nuclei. The hard-sphere simulations are compared with several analytical theories. Rehybridization of atomic orbitals is found to occur in the hard-sphere systems, while clustering is present in the full simulations.
Cytotoxic effects of exogenous d-Galactosamine on experimental tumors.

In the present work the carcinostatic effect of exogenous D-galactosamine on Sarcoma-180 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells was examined in vitro. D-galactosamine exhibited a powerful anti-tumor effect on these tumor lines, resulting in a rapid loss of viability and transplantability. The toxic effect of D-galactosamine was not altered by addition of glucose or pyruvate. The effects of galactosamine were evident histologically even before the cells became stainable by trypan blue. The biochemical basis for the cytotoxic effect of galactosamine, at a concentration used for viability, transplantability and tissue-culture study, was investigated. Galactosamine was taken up very rapidly by the tumor cells, reaching a steady state rate within 60 min. Fifty-three μmoles of galactosamine were accumulated by 109 cells. About 98% of the intracellular acid-soluble galactosamine was present in the non-phosphorylated form. Galactosamine markedly inhibited the incorporation of thymidine-14C into the DNA of Sarcoma-180 ascites tumor cells. However, the effect of exogenous galactosamine on the incorporation of thymidine-14C into normal tissues was significantly less than that into neoplastic tissues. It is significant that N-acetylgalactosamine or D-galactose did not alter the cell viability and these cells developed tumors when inoculated into mice. Effets Cytotoxiques de la D-galactosamine Exogbne sur les Tumeurs Experimentales Les auteurs ont etudie in vitro l'effet carcinostatique de la D-galactosamine exogene sur les cellules de sarcome 180 et d'ascite d'Ehrlich. La D-galactosamine a un puissant effet antitumoral sur ces lignes, ce qui se traduit par une perte rapide de la viabilite et de la transplantabilite. l'effet toxique de la D-galactosamine n'est pas modifie par l'addition de glucose ou de pyruvate. La cytotoxicite peut ětre decelee histologiquement avant měme que les cellules ne deviennent permeables au bleu de trypan. Les auteurs ont etudie la base biochimique de l'effet cytotoxique de la galactosamine a une concentration utilisee pour les etudes de viabilite, de transplantabilite et de culture tissulaire. l'absorption de la galactosamine est tres rapide; elle atteint un palier en l'espace de 60 minutes; 109 cellules ont absorbe 53 μ moles de galactosamine. Environ 98% de la galactosamine intracellulaire acidosoluble n'etaient pas phosphoryles. La galactosamine inhibe nettement l'incorporation de thymidine-14C a l'ADN des cellules du sarcome 180. Par contre, l'effet de la galactosamine exogene sur l'incorporation de thymidine-14C aux tissus normaux est beaucoup moins important que dans le cas des tissus neoplasiques. II est significatif que la N-acetylgalactosamine et le D-galactose n'alterent pas la viabilite des cellules et que ces cellules developpent des tumeurs lorsqu'elles sont inoculees a des souris.
Measuring the effects of short-wavelength and IR lasers in medicine

Abstract The laser field is rapidly creating improved ultraviolet laser, newwavelengths below 200 nm, new infrared lasers in the near infrared and somenew delivery systems suitable for medical applications. Carefully assessmentof the safety and effectiveness of these new advances for medical applicationsrequires accurate measurement of exposure at the target tissue and carefulcorrelation with the biological response. Introduction This paper discusses some future directions for laser development inboth the deep uv and the mid-ir, the possible uses for these lasers in medicalresearch and some of the questions and concerns that we will all have towork together to solve if lasers are to become safe effective and useful forsurgery.Ultraviolet LasersLaser development in the uv and vacuum ultraviolet continues to bean exciting challenge. Not only can the photophysics and photochemistry ofcomplicated molecules be studied, but the enhanced resolution of the shorterwavelengths can aid in imaging and identifying smaller biomolecules.In the vacuum ultraviolet spectral region, interest in dischargepumped rare gas excimer lasers continues in spite of difficulties inreproducing modest gains seen. if developable these lasers would be easier touse than electron beam pumped lasers and would simplify studies ofmutagenisis at shorter wavelengths.Currently, although the absorption of DNA at 193 nm is twice that at248 nm, mutagenic effects are less at 193 nm. This is because the cellcytoplasm optically shields the DNA in the nucleus, reducing mutations.DNA damage at 308 and 352 nm is about 2 and 4 decades less than at 248 nm.Comparison of 193 nm UV excimer and pulsed Er:YAG laser cutting showsless damage with the ArF lasers, despite higher absorption coefficients at 2.9tm, supporting the existence of a different, photochemical mechanism at 193
The palmaris brevis profundus. An anomalous muscle associated with ulnar nerve compression at the wrist

An anomalous muscle is uncommonly associated with ulnar nerve compression at the wrist. Anomalies of the palmaris longus, abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi, and flexor carpi u1naris have been described. Another case is presented in which the anomalous muscle would appear to be a duplication of the palmaris brevis. This muscle has been named the "palmaris brevis profundus."
Aboveground and belowground productivity ofSpartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) in natural and created Louisiana salt marshes

In Louisiana, salt marshes are being created in an effort to offset the large loss of such habitat that has occurred over the last 50 yr. Primary productivity is an important function and indicator of success for salt marsh creation and restoration projects. The aim of this study was to determine whether the aboveground and belowground productivity of the dominant salt marsh grassSpartina alterniflora in created marshes in southwest Louisiana began to approximate productivity levels in natural marshes, over time. Net annual aboveground primary productivity (NAPP) was measured by a harvest technique, while the ingrowth core method was used to estimate net annual belowground primary productivity (NBPP). NAPP levels were similar to those found in other, Louisiana salt marshes, while NBPP levels were similar to or higher than the reported range forS. alterniflora studied along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. NAPP tended to decrease as the created marshes aged, but the levels in the oldest, 19 year old, created marsh were still well above values measured in the, natural marshes. It was estimated that it would take 35 yr after marsh creation for NAPP in the created marshes to become equivalent to that in natural marshes. NBPP in the created marshes became equivalent to levels found in the natural marshes after 6–8 yr, but then belowground production increased with marsh age, reaching an asymptote that surpassed natural marsh levels. Equivalency in primary productivity has not been reached in these marshes. Elevation also affected productivity, as higher elevational sites with greater topographic heterogeneity had significantly lower aboveground and belowground biomass levels than those with elevations closer to mean sea level. This underscores the need to construct marshes so that their mean elevation and degree of topographic heterogeneity are similar to natural marshes.
918-21 Intravascular Ultrasound Evidence of Significant Oversizing of Angioplasty Balloons in Female Patients

Objectives Although women may have an increased risk of complications following interventions, the etiology of this gender-related effect remains uncertain. While oversizing of angioplasty balloons is associated with increased complications, no angiographic data have demonstrated inappropriate balloon sizing in women. Methods We performed intravascular ultrasound and quantitative angiography in 124 patients (101 males, 23 females) before and after coronary balloon angioplasty. In 51 patients, balloon angioplasty was the primary therapy, while in 73, balloon dilatation was performed as an adjunct to rotational or directional atherectomy. Separate core laboratories, blinded to outcome, measured angiographic and ultrasound dimensions in reference segments and target lesions. Results Men Women p value Angio Reference (mm) 3.50 3.29 NS Ultrasound Reference (mm) 3.37 2.85 0.001 Balloon Size (mm) 3.48 3.27 0.10 Balloon/Angio Ratio 1.00 1.02 NS Balloon/Ultrasound Ratio 1.06 1.17 0.05 These important differences in the ratio of balloon to ultrasound vessel diameter are partially explained by a greater plaque burden at reference sites in women (ultrasound area reduction of 43.7% vs. 37.6%). Conclusions Although balloons were appropriately sized in women when compared to angiographic diameter, significant oversizing of balloon catheters in women was apparent when compared to ultrasound reference segment dimensions. These findings have important clinical implications for coronary interventions in women.
Loudspeakers and negative impedances

A direct radiator moving coil loudspeaker driven by an amplifier whose output impedance approaches the negative of the blocked voice-coil impedance can be made to exhibit extended low-frequency response with reduced distortion. The results are not to be confused with the effects of a negative resistance source. In a typical case, neutralization of 70 per cent of the blocked voice-coil impedance completely damps the cone resonances as well as substantially reducing the nonlinear distortion below resonance. When the amplifier is compensated for the failing radiation resistance at low frequencies uniform output can be obtained to any arbitrary low frequency limited only by the ultimate power-handling capability of the amplifier and speaker. In this system, no additional amplifier power is required at frequencies down to the speaker resonance; additional power is required below that point.
First passage time stochasticity in a gene network with feedback regulation

The inherent probabilistic nature of the biochemical reactions, and low copy number of species can lead to stochasticity in gene expression across identical cells. Interestingly, this would lead to stochasticity in the event timing as well. We investigate a gene expression model for stochasticity in event timing, specifically the events that occur when a critical protein threshold is achieved for the first time, called the first passage time (FPT). We first consider an unregulated gene expression model, and examine the conditions under which stochasticity in FPT will be minimum, given a fixed threshold and mean of FPT. We find that stochasticity in FPT decreases with a decrease in mean burst size (number of proteins produced from an mRNA before it degrades) in the gene expression. Further, we study effect of feedback regulation of transcription rate, a regulation motif known to affect stochasticity in gene expression, on the stochasticity of FPT. Our analysis reveals that such a regulation would rather result into higher stochasticity of FPT as compared with no regulation case. We relate the results obtained with time taken by λ phage-infected E. coli cells to lyse and infer the regulatory motif responsible for preciseness of the lysis time.
Effects of gamma irradiation of Pinus baksiana lamb. Seed as expressed by M1 trees over a 10-year period

Abstract Trees grown from seed gamma-irradiated at exposures of 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 14,400, and 19,200 R, and a control were evaluated for survival, growth, flowering, and cone and seed production over a 10-yr period following seed irradiation. The ld 50 for seed germination was approximately 16,000 R, but that for tree survival was 12,600 R at six months, and 11,300 R after 10 yr. Shoot growth in surviving trees was significantly reduced at seed exposures as low as 7200 R during the first 2 yr and differences in tree height among exposure levels were still significant after 10 yr. Earliness of flowering and number of cones per tree were not significantly related to seed exposure. However, total seeds per cone and percent of filled seed differed significantly among exposures through at least the first 6 yr, indicating persistent radiation induced genetic changes.
An inequality for matrices whose symmetric part is positive definite

Abstract If H( A ) = ( A + A ∗ )/2 and c is real, it is determined when cH ( A -1 − H ( A ) -1 is positive definite when A is a matrix for which H ( A ) is positive definite. Motivation is given by considering the classical adjoint, and the result is applied to A -1 A ∗ and A 2 .
On the ratio between shifts in the eddy-driven jet and the Hadley cell edge

This study explores the relationship between latitudinal shifts in the eddy-driven jet and in the Hadley cell edge as depicted in models and reanalyses. We calculate an interannual shift ratio of approximately 1.5:1 between the eddy-driven jet and the Hadley cell edge over the Southern Hemisphere during austral summer in model data. We further find that the ratio varies from season to season, with similarities between corresponding seasons over each hemisphere. Ratios are broadly consistent between models in this study, and appear to be realistic when compared to those from reanalyses. Mean tropical SSTs and the strength of zonal winds in the tropics appear to be critical to determining the ratio, while sea surface temperature variability is not. We argue that conditions in the tropics act to modulate the effect of midlatitude eddies on the Hadley cell, and the action of eddies in turn explains most of the correlated shifts from year to year. In contrast, the mean state of the tropics is a poor predictor of both the ratio of observed trends in reanalyses and the ratio of modeled externally forced shifts. We show that the ratios of modeled shifts are dependent on the type of external forcing.
Variations in concentration of oxytocin and vasopressin in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus during the estrous cycle in rats

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine-8-vasopressin (AVP) were measured by radioimmunoassay in micropunched hypothalamic neurosecretory nuclei of estrous cycling female Sprague-Dawley rats. In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN): the concentration (pg/microgram protein) of OT was significantly higher in rats in diestrus than during proestrus, estrus, or metestrus, while the concentration during metestrus was significantly greater than in proestrus and estrus; the concentration of AVP was significantly lower in animals in estrus than during the other three stages; because the paraventricular OT levels dropped before proestrus, the AVP/OT ratio was significantly greater in animals in proestrus than in diestrus, metestrus, and estrus. In the supraoptic nucleus (SON) a similar trend was noted: the concentration of OT was highest during diestrus, and AVP was lowest during estrus, though neither was significantly different from other stages. Because the OT and AVP cycles in the SON were asynchronous, the ratio of AVP to OT was significantly higher in proestrus than in metestrus or diestrus and significantly greater in estrus than during diestrus. In contrast to these two areas, peptide concentrations did not vary significantly across the estrous cycle in other sites of nonapeptide synthesis, i.e. the anterior commissural nucleus (ACN) and the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN).
Lockean Self‐Ownership: Towards a Demolition

Self-ownership is the moral principle that one ought to be left free to do whatever one chooses so long as non-consenting other persons are not thereby harmed, in specified ways. The principle is f...
Spectral Analysis for Discrete Longitudinal Data

Abstract We develop a Fourier type of analysis for data consisting of many short strings X 1 , X 2 , ..., X n , with X i = ( X i 1 , ..., X ip ). The paper offers an approach testing and residual analysis based on a group theoretic decomposition of the sample space. This is illustrated on a physical chance type data set where it is natural to allow each string to have its own parameter (i.i.d. coin-tossing with parameter varying from string to string). The usual model is rejected.
Developing thermal energy computing tools for sonic infrared imaging

Sonic IR Imaging is a novel NDE technique, which combines a short ultrasonic pulse excitation and infrared imaging to detect defects in materials and structures. The ultrasound pulse, typically a fraction of a second long, causes heating in the defects, which results in the change of IR radiation from the target. This change can be detected by infrared sensors, and thus, defects can be identified. One key objective in developing this technology is to maximize the IR signal so that the probability of detection (POD) of defects is optimized. From our work, we learned that the ultrasonic frequency, coupling medium between the ultrasonic transducer and the target, the pressure from the transducer on the target, the characteristics of the target itself, etc. are all factors that affect the IR signals. In addition, different IR sensors have different responses for the same IR radiation. To develop Sonic IR Imaging technology, it is important to study the relationship between the IR signal and the input acoustic energy for different system configurations. In this paper, we'll describe the thermal energy computing tools developed for analyzing data from different sets of parameters in Sonic IR Imaging.
Experimental Simulation of Fish-Inspired Unsteady Vortex Dynamics on a Rigid Cylinder

The unsteady hydrodynamics of the tail flapping and head oscillation of a fish, and their phased interaction, are considered in a laboratory simulation. Two experiments are described where the motion of a pair of rigid flapping foils in the tail and the swaying of the forebody are simulated on a rigid cylinder. Two modes of tail flapping are considered: waving and clapping. Waving is similar to the motion of the caudal fin of a fish. The clapping motion of wings is a common mechanism for the production of lift and thrust in the insect world, particularly in butterflies and moths. Measurements carried out include dynamic forces and moments on the entire cylinder-control surface model, phase-matched laser Doppler velocimetry maps of vorticity-velocity vectors in the axial and cross-stream planes of the near-wake, as well as dye flow visualization. The mechanism of flapping foil propulsion and maneuvering is much richer than reported before. They can be classified as natural or forced. This work is of the latter type where discrete vortices are forced to form at the trailing edge of flapping foils via salient edge separation. The transverse wake vortices that are shed, follow a path that is wider than that given by the tangents to the flapping foils
TV and the Black Child: What Black Children Say about the Shows They Watch:

This study assessed the impact of Black TV programs on a group of Black children in central North Carolina. Inverviews with 78 7-, 10-, and 12-year-old children concerning their TV preferences indicated a strong preference for predominantly Black programs, the most popular of which was "Good Times." After viewing a popular episode of the show, 50% of the children in dicated that the show reflected negatively on Black people. The remaining 50% thought the show made Black people look good. Older children were better than the younger children in deducing and remembering certain motives and emotions communicated by the characters. The results of the study are discussed in terms of the potential influence that Black situation commedies can have on the role-modeling, socialization, and self-esteem of Black children.
Akt2 Regulates Metastatic Potential in Neuroblastoma

Activation of PI3K/AKT pathway correlates with poor prognosis in patients with neuroblastoma. Our previous studies have demonstrated that PI3K/AKT signaling is critical for the oncogenic transformations induced by gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor, GRP-R, in neuroblastoma. Moreover, PI3K/AKT-dependent oncogenic transformations require N-myc, an extensively studied oncogene in neuroblastoma. Whether AKT directly regulates the expression of N-myc oncogene is yet to be determined. Here, we report a novel finding that of the three AKT isoforms, AKT2 specifically regulated N-myc expression in neuroblastoma cells. We also confirmed that GRP-R is upstream of AKT2 and in turn, regulated N-myc expression via AKT2 in neuroblastoma cells. Functional assays demonstrated that attenuation of AKT2 impaired cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth, and decreased the secretion of angiogenic factor VEGF in vitro. Furthermore, silencing AKT2 inhibited migration and invasion of neuroblastoma cells in vitro. Xenografts established by injecting AKT2 silenced human neuroblastoma cells into murine spleen expressed decreased levels of AKT2 and resulted in fewer liver metastases compared to controls in vivo. Hence, our study highlights the potential molecular mechanism(s) mediating the oncogenic role of GRP/GRP-R and demonstrates a novel role for AKT2 in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis, indicating that targeting the GRP/GRP-R/AKT2 axis may be important for developing novel therapeutics in the treatment of clinically aggressive neuroblastoma.
Towards new Mediapolis: networks, identities, and agents

The discourse within the public realm and, to some extent, the physical shape of the urban spaces are defined by contemporary electronic culture. Electronic devices augment our daily lives and the ways we function within them. Distributed sensory networks connect individual data nodes into an interdependent system-organism that monitors its own behaviours as well as its participants. At the same time, individual users and their mobile devices extend these data networks through location-based and personal content to form user-centred data landscapes. Peer-to-peer user-powered networks allow for direct, yet often anonymous communication that leads to new forms of social participation. They provide unique opportunities for creativity and respond to our new expectations of globally connected, locally situated lives. This new urban dimension is enabled by ubiquitous mobile devices. Always connected, context-aware mobile devices serve as gateways into these multimodal data-infused landscapes. Social networks li...
Genocide in the African Diaspora: United States, Brazil, and the Need for a Holistic Research and Political Method

Inspired by the multidimensional concept of genocide suggested by Patterson and his collaborators in 1951, I advance an argument for the necessity of coming to terms with the deadly, often state- and society-sanctioned, yet seldom overt contemporary campaigns against peoples of African descent. Approached from various angles, genocide allows us to understand seemingly disparate phenomena as they relate to each other, contributing to the continued oppression and death of Black people in Africa and its diaspora. Building on critical analyses of and comparisons between the US and Brazil, I propose a heuristic framework around which we can not only recognize but also combat the multiple forms that anti-Black genocide has acquired in late capitalist polities.
Digital filters associated with bivariate box spline wavelets

Battle-Lemarie's wavelet has a nice generalization in a bivariate setting. This generalization is called bivariate box spline wavelets. The magnitude of the filters associated with the bivariate box spline wavelets is shown to converge to an ideal high-pass filter when the degree of the bivariate box spline functions increases to ∞. The passing and stopping bands of the ideal filter are dependent on the structure of the box spline function. Several possible ideal filters are shown. While these filters work for rectangularly sampled images, hexagonal box spline wavelets and filters are constructed to process hexagonally sampled images. The magnitude of the hexagonal filters converges to an ideal filter. Both convergences are shown to be exponentially fast. Finally, the computation and approximation of these filters are discussed.
Variation in kafirin and alcohol-soluble glutelin chromatograms of sorghum inbred lines revealed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Separations of kafirin and alcohol soluble glutelin proteins by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) from 7 inbreds and one hybrid of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and one source of Johnsongrass [Sorghum halapense (L.) Pers.] were compared. Objectives were to assess the stability of protein profiles for seed sources produced at different locations and in different environments to examine the potential of RP-HPLC to provide genotypic profiles for sorghum. Analyses of variance data showed that levels of variation due to environments and locations were small; the majority of variation (93%) was among genotypes. Associations among inbreds revealed by multivariate and cluster analysis showed similarity with those that would be expected on the basis of pedigree. A chi-square analysis showed no deviation in the hybrid profile from the expected 2∶1 ratio of peaks from the female and male inbred parents, respectively. Improvements in the ability to correctly assign common peaks are necessary before associations among numerous sorghum genotypes can be reliably demonstrated by analysis of data from reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).
Report on the Second International Symposium on Leukotrienes and Prostanoids in Health and Disease, Jerusalem, October 1988

Arachidonic acid metabolites of both the lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways have been implicated in biological mechanisms in a variety of tissues. Their real significance in the pathophysiology of disease, particularly as mediators of inflammation and in the regulation of the immune response, is poorly understood. In this review Oliver Cromwell focuses on those topics discussed at the meeting which were of particular relevance to allergy and asthma.
More but not less uncertainty makes adult humans' tool selections more similar to those reported with crows.

In this study, we examined whether adult humans’ tool selections in a stick-and-tube problem might resemble previously published results of crows’ selections if people had more experience solving the problem or were presented with a more ambiguous problem. In Experiments 1a and 1b, when given multiple opportunities to select a stick from a set of 10 to retrieve a candy located either 8 or 16 cm from the opening of a tube, the participants always selected a stick that was long enough to retrieve the candy; however, they did not generally select either the stick whose length matched the object’s distance or the longest stick in the set—two outcomes reported in studies with crows. In Experiment 2, participants who were allowed only a brief period of time to study the problem selected a longer stick than did participants allowed unlimited time to do the same. However, only when the candy’s distance was 16 cm did these people reliably select the longest stick in the set. It seems that increasing, but not decreasing, people’s uncertainty about a problem can make humans’ tool selections more similar to those reported with crows.
Catheter thrombosis and superior/inferior vena cava syndrome are rare complications of long term parenteral nutrition

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of catheter thrombosis and superior/inferior vena cava (SVC IVC ) syndrome in a large population of patients receiving home total parenteral nutrition (TPN), using retrospective data collection and analysis. 527 patients including 138 children who were discharged on home TPN and followed in the UCLA home TPN program for a minimum of one week between April, 1973 and October, 1991. There was a total of 1154 years of patients follow-up, including 241 years in children. Fifty-seven patients (11%) developed 81 episodes of catheter thrombosis excluding SVC IVC syndrome with an incidence of 0.07 episodes per catheter year. The median catheter duration prior to thrombosis was 7 months. Twenty-one thromboses occured in children with an incidence of 0.09 per catheter year. Eleven percent of thrombotic episodes were associated with catheter sepsis. Thirty-nine percent of patients had a PTT less than control values. Twenty-two patients including 6 children developed SVC IVC syndrome with an incidence of 0.02 per catheter year. SVC IVC syndrome was not associated with catheter sepsis in any patient. Sixty-eight percent of patients had catheter thrombosis at some point prior to developing SVC IVC syndrome. It is concluded that catheter-related thrombotic events are rare complications of home TPN and are uncommonly associated with infection. However, we recommend warfarin anticoagulation following an initial thrombotic event, in the absence of catheter malposition, for all such patients as long as they maintain a central venous catheter.
A comparison of solution techniques for impact response of composite plates

Abstract Calculations of impact response in composite material structures are important in damage-tolerant design. In general, impact of composite structures is a complicated event, and it is important to assess the accuracy of the calculation. The present work attempts to address this point by comparing the results of different solution techniques. One of the techniques is based on a Rayleigh-Ritz approach with numerical integration in time, and another is an analytical approach using Laplace transformation of the governing differential equations, but requiring a linearization of the contact deformation. The results are also compared with finite element calculations and experimental measurements. The results show the range of numerical parameters required to give good accuracy of solution.
Models of dynamically broken gauge theories

We examine dynamical symmetry breaking in gauge theories with special emphasis on the solutions to the Hammerstein integral equations. Various simple gauge models are examined. In vector electrodynamics ${\mathrm{U}}_{V}(1)$ we show there is no Schwinger mechanism in 3 + 1 dimensions if the coupling is below a fixed point. Likewise, in axial-vector electrodynamics ${\mathrm{U}}_{A}(1)$ there is no dynamical Higgs mechanism. For the ${\mathrm{U}}_{V}(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{U}}_{A}(1)$ model of Cornwall and Norton and Jackiw and Johnson we have the known result that for the irregular solution to the Bethe-Salpeter equation the fermion-gauge-boson mass ratio is $\frac{{{m}_{F}}^{2}}{{{m}_{A}}^{2}}\ensuremath{\sim}O(1)$; however, for the regular solution there is an interesting new result that $\frac{{{m}_{F}}^{2}}{{{m}_{A}}^{2}}\ensuremath{\sim}O(\frac{{g}^{2}}{8{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}})$, where $g$ is a gauge coupling. For right-left-symmetric gauge theories, $\frac{{{m}_{F}}^{2}}{{{m}_{B}}^{2}}\ensuremath{\sim}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{b}{{g}^{2}})$ and the self-consistent integral equations are Fredholm type. We also discuss non-Abelian models $\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{U}}_{V}(n)$ and $\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{U}}_{R}(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{U}}_{L}(2)$ and some implications of the renormalization group. Dynamical ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{5}$ breaking in quantum chromodynamics is briefly reviewed. We show how the weak interactions of heavy quarks interacting with light quarks can give rise to the current-quark mass matrix with current-quark masses of a few MeV and larger. Finally, we discuss the possibility of dynamically broken vacuum $T$ invariance in gauge theories without scalars. No attempt is made in this article to construct a realistic dynamically broken gauge theory of quarks and leptons. However, what this work suggests is that the leptoquark spectrum may be the manifestation of a dynamical rather than kinematic symmetry.
Time domain integral equation method applied to antenna problems

In this work, time domain integral equation solution approach is presented to calculate the radiation from arbitrarily shaped, three-dimensional conducting antennas fed by a time-varying electromagnetic pulse. The antenna structure is discretized using triangular patches. Using equivalence principle, the electric field integral equation (EFIE) is formulated which is applicable to both open and closed bodies. Finally, sample results showing various geometries are presented to illustrate the versatility of this method.
Reality modeling and visualization from multiple video sequences

A reality modeling and visualization system called Immersive Video uses multiple videos of an event from different perspectives to generate a 3D digital sequence of object movement. Given appropriate camera coverage, full 3D digital videos can be generated using today's technology. The potential for photorealistic videos from arbitrary perspectives exists, although the coverage and degree of realism in virtual views will ultimately be determined by the application. Many issues demand resolution before one will see practical and realistic 3D digital video, including more robust shape recovery methods, broadcast-quality virtual views, and real-time interactive rendering of long 3D sequences.
Preparation and characterization of composite electrolytes based on PEO(375)-grafted fumed silica

Abstract Recent developments in polymer electrolytes have focused on preparation of composites using nano/micron size ceramic particles such as SiO 2 , TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , BaTiO 3 , and MgO. We report here the preparation and characterization of an all-solid state polyethylene oxide (PEO) composite electrolyte from PEO(375)–SiO 2 , high molecular weight PEO (MW = 600 K) and LiClO 4 (O/Li = 16/1). Oligomeric PEOs, with ethylene oxide (EO) repeat units 6–9 ( = 375 g/mol), were chemically grafted (~ 30 wt.%) to fumed silica (A380) using a trimethoxy PEO(375)-silane. The surface grafted PEO chains were disordered (no crystallization) and less mobile than the free chains, with the glass transition temperature ( T g ) increasing from − 90 °C [PEO(375)-silane] to − 54 °C [PEO(375)–SiO 2 ]; addition of LiClO 4 (O/Li = 8/1) further raised T g to − 34 °C. Nanocomposite electrolytes with good dimensional stability were obtained by blending 14-wt.% PEO(375)–SiO 2 with semicrystalline PEO(600 K)/LiClO 4 (O/Li = 16/1). Conductivities ( σ ) were 10 to 4 times greater [between 10 °C ( σ = 2.1 × 10 − 8 S/cm) and 40 °C ( σ = 1.1 × 10 − 5 S/cm), respectively] than for neat PEO(600 K) or for composite electrolytes having the same amount of native fumed silica, SiO 2 . No conductivity improvements were observed above T m or for amorphous PEO(600 K)/LiClO 4 (O/Li = 8/1) with addition of SiO 2 or PEO(375)–SiO 2 .
Lobed Mixers Using Simultaneous Laser-Induced Fluorescence and Mie Scattering

Fig. 5 Thrust coef cient predictions. experimental results in predicting the pressure variation behind the shock. In general, the two-equation turbulence models gave the best overall agreement with the experimental results for the pressure distribution and thrust coef cient at overexpanded conditions. Figure 4 compares the computed pressure distribution over the  ap using the k-v model to the experimental results at the centerline and near the end wall at  ve overexpanded NPRs. The computed thrust coef cients using the two-equation turbulence models are compared to the experimental results in Fig. 5 and Table 1. One can see that the thrust coef cient was predicted within 1.0 and 2% of the experimental values for NPRs above 50 and 30% design, respectively. At lower nozzle pressure ratios, two-dimensional  ow predictions are inadequate because of the strong three-dimensional  ow effects behind the shock, which are observed in the experimental results.
Attenuation of the rectus sheath in inguinal herniation.

Summary During the preperitoneal approach to groin hernias in the adult, the abdominal aponeuroses but not the musculature appeared thinner than normal. This impression was investigated by weighing samples of constant area. A disk of rectus sheath just lateral to the linea alba, one fingerbreadth below the anterior superior iliac spine, was trephined in a series of hernias along with "controls." Mean wet weight (gm) in these fifty-four control patients operated on for abdominal disease, whose average age was 56.9 years, was 0.174 ± 0.34 (SD). This differed significantly (p value .01 and .001) from both that of 0.164 ± .036 obtained in 188 veterans (average age 54.9) with indirect herniation, and a mean of 0.138 ± .031 found in 134 men (average age 55.8) having direct hernias. Thirty-four patients with mixed hernias either unilateral (pantaloon) or bilateral had intermediate results. In each hernial type, patients with bilateral defects had "lighter" aponeuroses compared to those with unilateral defects. Water content (64 to 74 per cent) was comparable. Surprisingly, biopsy weight did not relate to age (nineteen to ninety-five years) or muscle mass. These results indicate that in inguinal herniation the rectus sheath unrelated to the defect is thinner than normal. A patent processus vaginalis allows herniation with less atrophy than in direct defects. Presenile aponeurotic atrophy, whose etiology is unknown, explains the development and recurrence rate of inguinal herniation in the adult. Biochemical studies are underway to characterize the nature of the fascial deficiency which may be a form of premature aging.
Comparison between Freeze-dried and Ready-to-use AlloDerm in Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: AlloDerm, a brand of acellular dermal matrix, is commonly used as an internal hammock to support the tissue expander or permanent implant in breast reconstruction. The aim of our study is to evaluate the complication rates associated with the freeze-dried (FD) AlloDerm and the ready-to-use (RTU) AlloDerm. METHODS: This institutional review board-approved retrospective study involved 103 patients who underwent immediate postmastectomy breast reconstructions from June 2011 to August 2012. The first 51 patients underwent 96 immediate breast reconstructions with FD AlloDerm. The subsequent 52 patients underwent 100 immediate breast reconstructions with RTU AlloDerm. Patient demographics, postoperative complication rates in study cohort, and complication rates stratified by body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. RESULTS: Multiple patient demographics in the 2 cohorts are closely matched (P > 0.05). RTU AlloDerm was associated with higher rates of seroma and cellulitis compared with FD AlloDerm (22.0% vs 18.8%, P = 0.599 and 21.0% vs 12.5%, P = 0.129, respectively). Significantly higher rates of seroma and cellulitis were found in patients with BMI ≥ 30 compared with BMI < 30 (34.5% vs 9.2%, P < 0.001 and 29.9% vs 6.4%, P < 0.001, respectively). A generalized linear mixed model shows that obesity and RTU AlloDerm are statistically significant predictors of cellulitis (adjusted odds ratio = 10.413, P < 0.001 and adjusted odds ratio = 3.712, P = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a clinically higher postoperative complication rate in immediate breast reconstruction with RTU AlloDerm compared with FD AlloDerm and highlights the unfavorable risk factor correlation with significant obesity.
Administration of a hemoglobin solution decreases hypoxia and increases radiation response in a rat mammary carcinoma

Administration of an ultrapurified bovine hemoglobin solution (8 ml/kg, iv) to female Fisher 344 rats bearing the 13672 mammary carcinoma implanted subcutaneously in the hind leg reduced the hypoxic fraction of the tumor from 49 to 36% with normal air breathing and to 28% with carbogen (95% oxygen/5% carbon dioxide) breathing. When administration of the hemoglobin solution was followed by single dose (10, 20, or 30 Gray) local radiation therapy, the dose modifying factor was 1.5 with air breathing and 2.7 with carbogen breathing. For fractionated radiation therapy, 2, 3, or 4 Gray was delivered locally daily for 5 days. When the hemoglobin solution was administered prior to each radiation fraction and air breathing maintained, there was a 1.8-fold increase in tumor growth delay. When daily hemoglobin solution administration was accompanied by carbogen breathing, there was a 2.6-fold increase in tumor growth delay. Less frquent administration of the hemoglobin solution (alternate days, twice weekly or once weekly) resulted in 1.5- to 1.7-fold increases in tumor growth delay. The greatest increases in tumor oxygenation occurred shortly after administration of the hemoglobin solution; in fact at 12 h post administration of the hemoglobin solution, the tumors appeared to be more hypoxic than prior to administration of the hemoglobin solution. By 24 h post administration of the hemoglobin solution, the oxygen tension profile of the tumors were returning to pretreatment levels. Further investigation of this ultrapurified hemoglobin solution in cancer is warranted. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mental rotation and the perspective problem

Abstract Experiment I contrasts the difficulty of problems in which a child must anticipate the appearance of an array of objects that is rotated (rotation problems) to the difficulty of problems in which a child must anticipate the appearance of a fixed array to an observer who has been rotated with respect to it (perspective problems). Perspective problems are much more difficult and show a different error pattern. Experiment II contrasts standard perspective problems, in which a child must anticipate the appearance of the array to an observer whose position differs from his own, to “perspective-move” problems, in which a child must anticipate the appearance of the array from his own new position; i.e., he himself moves. The latter problems are much easier, and the error pattern is much like that for rotation problems. The mental operations involved in solving these various types of problems are discussed.
The age at which women begin mammographic screening

BACKGROUND The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammographic screening for women starting at the age of 40 years. The authors examined the age at which women began screening at a large tertiary care center. METHODS Utilization of mammography was assessed in a population of 72,417 women who received 254,818 screening mammograms at the Massachusetts General Hospital Avon Comprehensive Breast Center from January 1, 1985 to February 19, 2002, of which 940 received their first mammogram between January 16, 2000 and February 19, 2002. RESULTS The median age at first mammogram for women in the population as a whole was 40.4 years. Sixty percent of women had their first mammogram by the end of their 40th year, and almost 90% had begun screening by age 50 years. However, these reassuring findings were not seen in several specific subpopulations of women. Black women began screening at a median age of 41.0 years, 0.7 years later than white women. Hispanic women began screening at a median age of 41.4 years, 1.1 years later than non-Hispanic women. Obese women began screening at a median age of 41.2 years, 1.6 years later than thin women. Women without a primary care physician began screening at a median age of 42.1 years, 1.8 years later than women with a primary care physician. Women without private health insurance began screening at a median age of 46.6 years, 6.3 years later than women with private health coverage. Women who did not speak English began screening at a median age of 49.3 years, 9.0 years later than women for whom English was the primary language. Women who both lacked private health insurance and spoke a language other than English began screening at a median age of 55.3 years, 15.2 years later than women without these characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The analysis presented in the current study provided one of the most detailed descriptions of the age at screening initiation to be performed to date. Most women in the study population began screening by the end of their 40th year. This contrasted with the widespread failure of women to return promptly for subsequent annual examinations. However, specific subpopulations of women were at risk for not beginning screening on time, including women without private insurance, women without a primary care physician, and women who did not speak English. These findings suggest that there is little to be gained from populationwide efforts to encourage entry into the screening process, and that public health efforts should be focused on those subpopulations of women at highest risk for not using screening. These results also indicate that public health efforts to encourage women to start screening may be less critical than interventions to improve prompt return once they have entered the screening system. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
EC50 and IC50 Measurements of TRPM8 in Lipid Bilayers

Ensemble measurements of ion channel currents, made in the presence of pharmaceutical compounds, enable determination of compound activity and potency in the form of IC50 and EC50 values, and are traditionally performed with Patch Clamp. An alternative platform for ion channel study involves the formation of artificial bilayers from the contact of lipid monolayers at aqueous/oil interfaces. This technique has the potential for automation and parallel measurements. Previous work with this platform has demonstrated measurements of physiologically relevant ion channels at the single molecule level. Here we present measurements of the cold and menthol receptor TRPM8 at the single channel and ensemble level. We studied the effect of menthol and temperature on the open probability of TRPM8 and found a single-channel conductance of 64 ± 6 pS, comparable to previous work. In addition, we measured ensemble activity of TRPM8 as a function of temperature and varying PI(4,5)P2 concentration. Our apparatus enables introduction of pharmaceutical compounds to the solution surrounding the bilayer during measurement. We introduced solutions containing menthol and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) at variable concentration to bilayers during ensemble TRPM8 measurements, enabling us to efficiently and repeatedly measure an IC50 value of 4.9 μM for 2-APB and an EC50 value of 111.8 μM for menthol, both in agreement with literature. These developments indicate that artificial bilayers may play an expanded role in future ion channel studies, including drug discovery and safety screening.