cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma-free homovanillic acid: within- and across-day stability in children and adults with Tourette's syndrome

Within- and across-day stability of plasma-free homovanillic acid (pHVA) was assessed in children and adults with Tourette's syndrome. A diurnal fall in pHVA was observed in 13 of 15 subjects. There was a small but significant (p less than .0001) decrease (8%) in mean morning pHVA levels obtained just 20 minutes apart (8:30 A.M. and 8:50 A.M.). A substantial and significant (p less than .001) mean decrease in pHVA (25%) was observed when samples obtained between 8:00 and 8:30 A.M. were compared with samples obtained at 12:00 noon. Changes in pHVA levels observed during the afternoon (between 12:00 noon and 4:00 P.M.) were small, nondirectional, and nonsignificant. Repeated measurement of morning pHVA in the same individual after 24 or more hours revealed marked increases or decreases in many individuals, suggesting that morning pHVA is not a stable measure. The results of this and previous studies suggest that pHVA obtained at 12:00 noon or later in the day may be a more reliable measure of centrally produced HVA. Further studies are needed regarding the stability of pHVA over time.
The loss or inactivation of pure gossypol in a mixed diet.

Abstract THE contrasting results of experiments by two different groups of investigators indicate the instability of pure gossypol in mixed diets. Boatner and co-workers (1948) reported that pure gossypol did not greatly retard the growth of young chickens when it was mixed in their diet, but Lillie and Bird (1950) found little difference in the toxicity of pure gossypol and pigment glands when both were administered to young chickens by capsule at equivalent levels of gossypol. Therefore, in the experiment of Heywang, Bird and Altschul (1950) on the effect of gossypol on egg hatchability and weight, the diets with which pure gossypol was mixed were fed only on the day of mixing and the following day. In that experiment, gossypol had an appreciable adverse effect on egg hatchability and weight when it was mixed with the diet at the .024 percent level and a still greater adverse effect at the .036 . . .
Thermal stability of the Al/PdxW100−x/Si contact systems

Interactions of thin films of Al and Pd‐W alloys (Pd80W20 and Pd20W80) deposited on Si and on SiO2 have been studied using Auger‐electron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, x‐ray diffraction, and forward current‐voltage measurements of Schottky‐barrier height. For the bilayer films deposited on the inert substrate of SiO2, Pd reacts with Al, forming Al‐rich Al‐Pd intermetallic compounds at 400 °C. Furthermore, in the Pd‐rich alloys (Pd80W20) Al permeates through the whole alloy film readily at 500 °C, while in the W‐rich Pd20W80 the integrity of the alloy film is preserved even following annealing at 600 °C. For the bilayer films deposited on single‐crystal Si, the results of annealing show extraction of Pd to both sides of the alloy, forming Pd2Si at the Si side and Al‐Pd intermetallic compounds at the Al side. In the case of the Pd‐rich alloy (Al/Pd80W20/Si) contact deterioration due to Al penetration to the substrate interface is observed at 500 °C and possibly at 400 °C. In the case...
Do the Infrared Emission Features Need Ultraviolet Excitation? The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Model in UV-poor Reflection Nebulae

One of the major challenges to identification of the 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3 μm interstellar infrared (IR) emission bands with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules has been the recent detection of these bands in regions with little ultraviolet (UV) illumination, since small, neutral PAH molecules have little or no absorption at visible wavelengths and therefore require UV photons for excitation. We show here that our "astronomical" PAH model, incorporating the experimental result that the visual absorption edge shifts to longer wavelength upon ionization and/or as the PAH size increases, can closely reproduce the observed IR emission bands of vdB 133, a UV-poor reflection nebula. We also show that single-photon heating of "astronomical" PAHs in reflection nebulae near stars as cool as Teff = 3000 K can result in observable emission at 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3 μm. Illustrative mid-IR emission spectra are calculated for reflection nebulae illuminated by cool stars with Teff = 3500, 4500, and 5000 K. These will allow comparison with future Space Infrared Telescope Facility observations of vdB 135 (Teff = 3600 K), vdB 47 (Teff = 4500 K), and vdB 101 (Teff = 5000 K). The dependence on the effective temperature of the exciting star of the observed 12 μm IRAS emission (relative to the total far-IR emission) is consistent with the PAH model for 3000 K ≤ Teff ≤ 30,000 K.
Sprouting of GABAergic and mossy fiber axons in dentate gyrus following intrahippocampal kainate in the rat

The present study examined the bilateral synaptic rearrangements of presumed gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) inhibitory axons and mossy fiber (presumed excitatory) recurrent collaterals following intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) injection. Glutamate decarboxylase immunoreactivity (GAD-IR) was used to study inhibitory axon terminal sprouting, following 0.5 microgram KA/0.2 microliter injected unilaterally into the posterior hippocampus of rats (n = 16), with survival periods of 14, 28, and 120 days. The age-matched control animals (n = 9) received intrahippocampal 0.2 microliter saline (sham, n = 4) or no injection (normal, n = 5). To study mossy fiber synaptic rearrangements, 0.5 microgram KA/0.2 microliter volumes were injected unilaterally into the posterior hippocampus of rats (n = 10), with survival periods from 14, 28, and 120 days, and Timm sulfide-stained tissue sections were compared to age-matched sham (n = 4) or normal controls (n = 4). At 14 through 120 days after posterior KA injection, GAD-IR puncta were significantly increased in the ipsi- and contralateral inner molecular layers (IML) of the fascia dentata (FD) when compared to sham or normal controls. KA lesion also induced mossy fiber recurrent collateral sprouting into the ipsi- and contralateral FD IMLs. The loss of both the commissural and ipsilateral associational afferents to the FD apparently induced sprouting into their ipsi- and contralateral termination zones by granule cell mossy fibers and GAD-IR axons, thus establishing an abnormal circuitry near the observed pathology in the kainate model of epilepsy. Although reactive synaptogenesis of mossy fibers producing monosynaptic excitation may be one mechanism for KA epileptogenicity, the concurrent sprouting of GABAergic terminals in the same IML zone of the FD suggests that anomalous inhibitory synapses may contribute to chronic KA hippocampal hyperexcitability.
Puremeap -- a mobile enterprise application platform: a bird's-eye view of the software architecture

Mobile enterprise applications are the next evolutionary step when combining the usage of enterprise applications and the widespread adoption of mobile computing by professionals in any organization. In a reality where applications are accessed from the user's personal mobile device (a phenomenon called "bring your own device" -- BYOD), enterprises face various challenges in order to properly leverage new opportunities without compromising data integrity. One approach to handle these challenges is to devise a platform that allows the creation and consumption of enterprise applications, without exposing the users and the organization to risks that are part of this new usage model. Here we describe some of the constraints, trade-offs and design decisions that compose the software architecture of a mobile enterprise application platform, one that allows the creation, deployment and management of hybrid mobile applications, all in a BYOD usage model without compromising the organizational security policies.
The lepton mixing matrix in a composite model

Abstract A generalized mixing matrix for leptons is presented based on a composite model of quarks and leptons. The mixing matrix is expressed in terms of one parameter, which is determined either by discussing that it is identical to that of the quark mixing matrix or by assuming that the observed solar neutrino flux results from neutrino oscillations.
Ionization cross sections by electron impact on halogen atoms, diatomic halogen and hydrogen halide molecules

The binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) model has been used to calculate electron-impact ionization cross sections of Br, I, Br2, I2, HCl, HBr and HI. The BEB single ionization cross sections of Br and I presented here agree generally well with experimental results with respect to low- and high-energy behaviour and peak values. In view of this generally good agreement, the BEB cross sections of the other molecules, for which no experimental results are available, are also expected to be reliable. We compare our results with those from alternative models, where available. We also explore the use of effective core potentials for the heavy atoms of these molecules within the context of the BEB model.
Velocity Interferometer System For Any Reflector (VISAR)

The Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector (VISAR) has become a widely used tool for measuring surface velocities of rapidly moving parts. The VISAR measures the velocity of a moving surface by measuring the velocity dependent phase change of laser light reflected from the surface. Experiments performed to date have measured velocities of several kilometers per second (millimeters per microsecond) to an accuracy of better than one percent.
Existence of almost periodic solutions to delay differential equations with Lipschitz nonlinearities

Differential equations whose nonlinearities depend upon both x(t) and x(t - r) arise in many settings. In this paper equations of this form subject to periodic and almost periodic forcing are studied: x’(t) + MtX x(t - 9) = e(t), -co<t<co. (‘9 A nonresonance type condition is found under which it is shown that (E) will have a unique Besicovitch almost periodic solution for any Besicovitch almost periodic forcing term e(t). These results are then generalized to systems of equations of the same form as (E). These results hold without any small parameter type restriction upon g. 0 1984 Academic Press, Inc.
Media multitasking performance: Role of message relevance and formatting cues in online environments

In this study, strategies involving use of message relevance and formatting cues were tested with the objective of enhancing media multitasking performance. Three memory measures, free recall, aided/cued recall, and recognition were used as dependent variables for the study. The results indicated that multitasking was associated with reduced memory performance for all the dependent measures. Similarly, the performance for high relevance messages was significantly higher than the performance for low relevance messages across all memory measures. Additional analyses revealed that people made more errors during recognition tasks during multitasking. Similarly, more people made errors in free recall tasks during multitasking. Overall, findings suggested that multitasking might have more negative influence on message processing in some contexts than others.
Examining Resource and Protective Factors in the Adjustment of Latino Youth in Low Income Families: What Role Does Maternal Acculturation Play?

This longitudinal study examined whether the risk and positive factors contributing to the delinquent behaviors and internalizing problems of 454 Latino adolescents varied across maternal linguistic acculturation and adolescent gender. Although the level of cumulative risk to which the 10-to-14-year old adolescents were exposed did not vary by maternal linguistic acculturation, the factors contributing to their subsequent adjustment 16 months later varied substantially. Multiple regression analyses showed that for boys, maternal monitoring offset cumulative risk effects in the high acculturation group, but was unrelated to adjustment in the low acculturation group. Social competence served a protective function for boys in the high acculturation group, but was detrimental for boys in the low acculturation group and mother-son relationship quality directly predicted more subsequent delinquent behaviors among boys in the low acculturation group. Maternal monitoring was the only positive factor contributing to girls’ adjustment, directly predicting fewer delinquent behaviors for all girls.
Using the Blooms–Banks Matrix to Develop Multicultural Differentiated Lessons for Gifted Students:

Many classrooms are comprised of students with differing abilities ranging from students with disabilities to students with gifts and talents. While these students are sharing the same space, their differing cognitive levels must be met. Therefore, curricula must be used to meet the needs of the cognitive level that is represented within the class. The Ford–Harris Matrix, introduced in 1999, which merges the works of Benjamin Bloom and James Banks, will be re-introduced using a color code to conceptualize the model. Sample of activities using the Ford–Harris Matrix, along with pros and cons of instructing students within particular quadrants of the matrix, will also be provided.
The melting point depression of tin in mechanically milled tin and germanium powder mixtures

A melting point depression, δT M, has been observed for Sn in Ge/Sn (50 at.% Sn) dispersions which were prepared by mechanical milling of Ge and Sn powders. Sn and Ge are immiscible and form a fine dispersion of the pure components when milled in a high energy ball mill. The magnitude of δT M, as measured by DSC, increases with milling time, i.e., with refinement of the dispersion. Melting is observed to begin as low as 36 °C below the equilibrium bulk melting temperature. The magnitude of δT M is reduced by about 25% after melting the Sn. Subsequent remelts do not change δT M further. Impurities cannot account for δT M. While stored energy of cold work may contribute to 25% of δT M before Sn is melted, it is concluded that the major contribution to δT M comes from the nucleation of disorder/melting at the Ge/Sn interfaces.
Creating a New Library Facility for Ayerst Laboratories Research, Inc.

The Ayerst Laboratories Research Library was relocated from Montreal, Canada to Ayerst's new research center in Princeton, New Jersey. The author describes the history, planning, move, and establishment of the new library facility. Special problems relating to a long distance move and the creation of library services are discussed.
Using key informant data in comparative community research: an empirical assessment.

Among the obstacles confronting community researchers are difficulties in conducting comparative research involving more than a small number of communities. This is especially true when research is...
Exaggerated increases in blood pressure during isometric muscle contraction in hypertension: role for purinergic receptors

Physical activity is a cornerstone therapy for the primary prevention and treatment of hypertension, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in modern societies. During exercise, heart rate and blood pressure (BP) increase in order to acutely meet the metabolic demands of the working skeletal muscle. In hypertensive adults, isometric exercise-induced increases in BP are excessive, potentially increasing the risk of an acute cardiovascular event during or after physical activity. Recently, the skeletal muscle metaboreflex has emerged as a significant contributor to the development of aberrant cardiovascular control during isometric exercise in this clinical population. Our laboratory has conducted a series of studies characterizing the skeletal muscle metaboreflex in hypertensive humans. We and others have demonstrated that hypertension is characterized by greater increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity and BP during selective activation of the metaboreflex during post-exercise muscle ischemia compared to the increases noted in healthy age-matched normotensive adults, suggesting that the skeletal muscle metaboreflex is exaggerated in human hypertension. The focus of this review is the skeletal muscle metaboreflex (i.e., the metabolic component of the exercise pressor reflex) in hypertension, with particular emphasis on the potential role of purinergic receptors in mediating the exaggerated responses to muscle metaboreflex activation.
Midlife transformation in literature and film: Jungian and Eriksonian perspectives

Midlife transformation in literature and film: Jungian and Eriksonian perspectives by Steven F. Walker, London and New York: Routledge, 2012, 244, pp. £22.99/U.S. $37.99 (paperback). ISBN 978-04156...
Urologic concerns in women with spinal cord injury

There are a significant number of promising new and existing devices, procedures, and medications for the management of the neurogenic bladder in women with spinal cord injury. Scientific facts and trends, however, need to be balanced against a patient's current and potential functional status as well as that person's desires and expectations. Careful consideration should be given to the impact of urologic concerns on the social, sexual, medical, and practical aspects of a patient's life.
A complication of the Greenfield filter: fracture and distal migration of two struts--a case report.

Abstract This is a case report of a 41-year-old woman who required surgical removal of a Greenfield filter 7 months after placement. The filter developed several complications. Two struts were noted to be completely separated from the filter and lodged in the infrarenal vena cava. The filter had migrated to a resting position in the right renal, vein with two struts perforating the renal vein and inferior vena caval junction. The perforating struts were intraperitoneal and were found to impinge on the right ureter with seromuscular involvement of the second portion of the duodenum. No free perforation was noted at the time of exploration. (J Vasc Surg 1992;16:96–9.)
It Is Time to Attack Pneumonia Head-On

See related article, p 1202. Pneumonia is one of the most frequent serious complications of stroke. It is independently associated with a 3-fold increase in in-hospital mortality,1 higher hospital costs,2 and worse functional outcomes.3 Given the clinical impact, efforts to reduce this complication are important. Pneumonia prediction models have been developed for clinical use4–6 and various interventions to prevent pneumonia have been evaluated,7–11 but more research in these areas is needed. The ability to synthesize the literature is difficult because of the variability in the frequencies of pneumonia reported across studies, which is further complicated by differences in definitions of pneumonia used in clinical studies. The study by Kishore et al12 is an important initial step in organizing the approach to study this important stroke issue. The authors are a part of the multidisciplinary group Pneumonia In Stroke ConsEnsuS (PISCES), whose goal is to develop operational criteria for standardized terminology and diagnostic criteria for pneumonia after stroke. For this analysis, they performed a systematic review of criteria used to define pneumonia occurring after stroke in published research studies. They then evaluated the heterogeneity in reported pneumonia occurrence, focusing on the studies that used standard criteria for diagnosis, which the authors defined as those who used existing published respiratory or other society diagnostic criteria. Literature was reviewed …
Averaging Internal Consistency Reliability Coefficients

Seven approaches to averaging reliability coefficients are presented. Each approach starts with a unique definition of the concept of “average,” and no approach is more correct than the others. Six of the approaches are applicable to internal consistency coefficients. The seventh approach is specific to alternate-forms coefficients. Although the approaches generally produce unequal averages, a Monte Carlo study found little difference among the average reliabilities calculated by the first six approaches. The first three approaches may be especially useful for reliability generalization studies.
Single-mode VCSEL operation via photocurrent feedback

On-axis current channeling through the use of photoactive layers in VCSEL cavities is proposed to counteract hole burning and mode switching. The photoactive layers act as variable resistivity screens whose radial aperture is controlled by the light itself. It is numerically demonstrated that absorption of a small fraction of the light intensity suffices for significant on axis current peaking and single mode operation at currents many times threshold, with minimum efficiency loss and optical mode distortion. Fabrication is implemented during the molecular beam epitaxy phase without wafer post processing, as for oxide apertures.
Ising Model of Cardiac Thin Filament Activation with Nearest-Neighbor Cooperative Interactions

We have developed a model of cardiac thin filament activation using an Ising model approach from equilibrium statistical physics. This model explicitly represents nearest-neighbor interactions between 26 troponin/tropomyosin units along a one-dimensional array that represents the cardiac thin filament. With transition rates chosen to match experimental data, the results show that the resulting force-pCa (F-pCa) relations are similar to Hill functions with asymmetries, as seen in experimental data. Specifically, Hill plots showing (log(F/(1-F)) vs. log [Ca]) reveal a steeper slope below the half activation point (Ca50) compared with above. Parameter variation studies show interplay of parameters that affect the apparent cooperativity and asymmetry in the F-pCa relations. The model also predicts that Ca binding is uncooperative for low [Ca], becomes steeper near Ca50, and becomes uncooperative again at higher [Ca]. The steepness near Ca50 mirrors the steep F-pCa as a result of thermodynamic considerations. The model also predicts that the correlation between troponin/tropomyosin units along the one-dimensional array quickly decays at high and low [Ca], but near Ca50, high correlation occurs across the whole array. This work provides a simple model that can account for the steepness and shape of F-pCa relations that other models fail to reproduce.
Transient thermal Ansys analysis of dry contacts – Application to automotive braking

Braking operation is a process which converts the kinetic energy and the potential energy of the vehicle into other energies. The major part of the mechanical energy is transformed into heat. During the braking phase, the frictional heat generated at the interface disc–pads can lead to high temperatures. This phenomenon is even more important that the tangential stress as well as the relative sliding speeds in contact are important. The objective of this study is to analyse the thermal behavior of the full and ventilated brake discs of the vehicles using computing code ANSYS. The modeling of the temperature distribution in the disc brake is used to identify all the factors and the entering parameters concerned at the time of the braking operation such as the type of braking, the geometric design of the disc and the used material. The results obtained by the numerical simulation are satisfactory compared with those of the specialized literature.
Aging, religion, and spirituality: Advancing meaning in later life

Summary We would not be relevant in the 21st century if we did not visit religion and spirituality in the field of aging. This essay first examines the agist society and challenges its present mind‐set to dispel ageism and engage in intervention designed to enhance quality of living. It next moves to a consideration of aging and meaning and the role of religion and spirituality in advancing meaning in later life. It concludes with a brief discussion of meaning‐making and soul‐nourishment of the able‐old and frail‐old, affirming the value of spiritual development continuing throughout old age.
Oral health care for the patient with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder affecting 1%of the United States population. Conceptualizing the disorder as consisting of “positive” and “negative” symptoms has led to improved treatment modalities. Medications used in managing the “positive” symptoms have numerous systemic and orofacial adverse side effects that must be recognized by the dentist. Dental treatment strategies for the identification and management of these side effects art! described. “Negative” symptoms are responsible for chronicity of the disorder and frequently impede rehabilitation. These symptoms are potentially devastating to oral health as they impair a patient's desire and ability to invoke preventive oral hygiene. Treatment strategies to improve compliance with oral hygiene techniques are outlined. A medication specifically indicated for patients with treatment- resistent disease and marked “negative” symp toms has recently been approved for use in the United States. The systemic and orofacial adverse side effects of this medication and its influence on dental management are reviewed.
Laser frequency shifts in picosecond laser-produced plasmas

The evolution of density profiles in picosecond laser plasmas have been inferred from frequency shifts of reflected probe laser beams. The frequency shifts are caused by two mechanisms: hydrodynamic expansion and ionization front motion. Both time-resolved expansion velocities and ionization rates are presented for plasmas produced by 1 0 Wcm2, 1 ps, 580 nm laser irradiation.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Autosomal Dominant Form of Progressive Hearing Loss, DFNA2

Despite advances in identifying deafness genes, determination of the underlying cellular and functional mechanisms for auditory diseases remains a challenge. Mutations of the human K+ channel hKv7.4 lead to post-lingual progressive hearing loss (DFNA2), which affects world-wide population with diverse racial backgrounds. Here, we have generated the spectrum of point mutations in the hKv7.4 that have been identified as diseased mutants. We report that expression of five point mutations in the pore region, namely L274H, W276S, L281S, G285C, and G296S, as well as the C-terminal mutant G321S in the heterologous expression system, yielded non-functional channels because of endoplasmic reticulum retention of the mutant channels. We mimicked the dominant diseased conditions by co-expressing the wild-type and mutant channels. As compared with expression of wild-type channel alone, the blend of wild-type and mutant channel subunits resulted in reduced currents. Moreover, the combinatorial ratios of wild type:mutant and the ensuing current magnitude could not be explained by the predictions of a tetrameric channel and a dominant negative effect of the mutant subunits. The results can be explained by the dependence of cell surface expression of the mutant on the wild-type subunit. Surprisingly, a transmembrane mutation F182L, which has been identified in a pre-lingual progressive hearing loss patient in Taiwan, yielded cell surface expression and functional features that were similar to that of the wild type, suggesting that this mutation may represent redundant polymorphism. Collectively, these findings provide traces of the cellular mechanisms for DFNA2.
Weaponized Media, Legitimacy and the Fourth Estate: A Comment

The relationship between media, security and conflict is perhaps one of the most important topics discussed in the field of communication today. The rapid evolution of communications technologies a...
Digital planimetry in APLSF

Cet article decrit un programme APL non iteratf qui utilise l'algorithme numerique sur lequel le planimetre mecanique est base, et calcule la surface exacte de chaque polygone
Effects of rapid cerebellectomy on adaptive gain control of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in alert goldfish.

In goldfish, adaptive gain control of the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) is blocked by cerebellectomy. The operation was rapidly performed on alert goldfish before and after extended periods of adaptive gain training of the VOR produced by sinusoidal oscillation in the horizontal plane. The VOR in these conditions was abolished by sectioning the horizontal semicircular canals. Removal of the cerebellum from naive goldfish resulted in VOR gains significantly greater than 1 at all frequencies tested, with an average value near 1.4 at 1/8 Hz. This value represents an increase of about 65% over the initial VOR gain of 0.85. Changes in phase of the reflex were negligible. Cerebellectomy in animals previously trained to higher or lower gains immediately produced the same mean gain as in cerebellectomized naive animals; gains were increased in animals trained to lower gains and decreased in animals trained to higher gains. As little as 1 min separated aspiration and subsequent gain measurements. These results suggest that the cerebellum not only acts on extracerebellar circuitry during the training, but that it is also involved in retaining the altered VOR gain. Adaptive gain control could not be achieved with prolonged training after cerebellectomy; in addition, cerebellectomy did not affect the response to visual stimulation at the onset of training to decrease or increase gain.
The Underground Directional Drilling Technology and Equipments for Kilometer Deep Borehole with MWD in Coalmine

Abstract The underground nearly-horizontal directional drilling technology and equipments, which are firstly developed by Xi’an Research Institute of China Coal Technology & Engineering Group from 2005, are the most advanced in the industry of mining. The directional drilling equipment came into use in 2008, and up to now has obtained the good effect in China's coalmine. Three hole-depth records of 1046m, 1059m and 1111.6m have been made continuously in underground in-seam directional drilling. In this paper, the technical contents, features and application of the directional drilling technology and equipments are introduced, the future work and trends are subsequently presented.
A randomized trial of low-dose beta-blockade therapy for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Beta-blockade therapy to improve survival in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) has been both advocated and criticized. However, randomized studies have not been performed. Thus, 50 patients with IDC were randomized in pairs to standard therapy (C) alone or with beta blockade (BB). Beta-blockade therapy with metoprolol was titrated from 12.5 to 50 mg twice daily as tolerated (final average dose, 61 mg/day). Groups were comparable in age (C, 50 +/- 15 years; BB, 51 +/- 13 years), gender (C, 76% male; BB, 56% male), entry functional class (C, 2.8 +/- 0.8; BB, 2.7 +/- 0.7), and left ventricular ejection fraction (C, 27 +/- 12%; BB, 29 +/- 10%). Follow-up averaged 19 months (range 1 to 38). One subject in each group was lost to follow-up. There were 3 early BB dropouts (within 2 days) due to low-output syndrome (2 patients) or fatigue (1 patient). Eleven patients died. By intention to treat, 5 BB and 6 C patients died (difference not significant). By actual treatment, 3 BB patients died, including 2 late dropouts (at 0.2, 10 and 17 months), and 8 C patients died (at 2, 9, 9, 15, 18, 24, 29 and 32 months, p = 0.12). In additional, functional evaluation on follow-up (functional class, San Diego questionnaire and exercise time) all tended to favor those receiving BB. Low-dose BB is tolerated in 80% of IDC patients on a long-term basis. Those continuing to take BB have a good prognosis. Mortality in C patients, however, is less than in some retrospective studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparison of Analytical and Empirical Models to Capture Variations in Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics

This paper develops two analytical models that describe the yaw dynamics of a farm tractor and can be used to design or improve steering control algorithms for the tractor. These models are verified against empirical data. The particular dynamics described are the motions from steering angle to yaw rate. A John Deere 8420 tractor, outfitted with inertial sensors and controlled through a PC-104 form factor computer, was used for experimental validation. Conditions including different implements at varying depths, as would normally be found on a farm, were tested. This paper presents the development of the analytical models, validates them against empirical data, and gives trends on how the model parameters change for different configurations.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
CCA removal from treated wood using a dual remediation process

Novel approaches to remediate chromated-copper-arsenate (CCA)-treated waste wood are needed to divert this material from landfills. In this study, CCA-treated wood wafers were treated with a two-step remediation process to remove copper, chromium and arsenic. Process conditions, involving an acid extraction and bacterial culture with a metal-tolerant bacterium, were optimized. It was determined that 18 h of exposure to 1.0% oxalic acid was an optimal exposure time for the size of wood used in this study. Oxalic acid concentration was then varied to determine optimal concentration for metal removal. Increasing concentrations of oxalic acid removed increasing quantities of copper, chromium and arsenic. Acid extraction at 0.80% and bacterium exposure resulted in a total reduction of 78% copper, 97% chromium and 93% arsenic. An 0.8% of oxalic acid followed by bacterial culture with Bacillus licheniformis CC01 afforded the best conditions for maximum removal of copper, chromium, and arsenic from treated wood w...
A new view of avian life-history evolution tested on an incubation paradox

Viewing life-history evolution in birds based on an age-specific mortality framework can explain broad life-history patterns, including the long incubation periods in southern latitudes documented here. I show that incubation periods of species that are matched phylogenetically and ecologically between Argentina and Arizona are longer in Argentina. Long incubation periods have mystified scientists because they increase the accumulated risk of time-dependent mortality to young without providing a clear benefit. I hypothesize that parents of species with low adult mortality accept increased risk of mortality to their young from longer incubation if this allows reduced risk of mortality to themselves. During incubation, songbird parents can reduce risk of mortality to themselves by reducing nest attentiveness (percentage of time on the nest). Here I show that parents of species with lower adult mortality exhibit reduced nest attentiveness and that lower attentiveness is associated with longer incubation periods. However, the incubation period is also modified by juvenile mortality. Clutch size variation is also strongly correlated with age-specific mortality. Ultimately, adult and juvenile mortality explain variation in incubation and other life-history traits better than the historical paradigm.
Early-Age Cracking Tendency and Ultimate Degree of Hydration of Internally Cured Concrete

Early-age cracking in bridge decks is a severe problem that may reduce functional life of the structure. The effect of lightweight fine aggregate on the cracking tendency of bridge deck concrete was evaluated using cracking-frame testing techniques. Water for internal curing is provided by incorporating prewetted absorptive lightweight aggregate (LWA) into the mixture during batching. The absorbed water within the LWA is desorbed at early ages as hydration progresses. The release of the internal curing water increases cementing material hydration and reduces capillary stress caused by self-desiccation. Cracking frames measure the development of stresses due to thermal and autogenous shrinkage effects from setting until the onset of cracking. Restrained concrete specimens were tested under temperature conditions that match those of an in-place bridge deck and under isothermal curing conditions to determine the stress development due to autogenous shrinkage. Internal curing from LWA increased the time to initial cracking, reduced autogenous shrinkage stress development, and increased the degree of hydration in bridge deck concretes.
On the complexity of testing for odd holes and induced odd paths

Abstract The following problems, of possible interest with regards to perfect graphs, are shown to be NP-Complete. 1. (1) Does a graph contain an induced odd cycle of length greater than three, passing through a prescribed vertex? 2. (2) Does a graph contain an induced odd path between two prescribed vertices? 3. (3) Does a graph contain an induced odd path between every two vertices?
The multifunctional role of IGF-1 in peripheral nerve regeneration

AbstractThe elements of peripheral nerve regeneration comprise a complex combination of nerve growth, muscle satellite cells proliferation and differentiation and vessel growth. There is also increasing evidence that growth factors may act at multiple levels in the regenerative response. One such factor affecting multiple cell processes is insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). As a neurotrophic factor IGF-1 is known to promote nerve elongation and branching. As a myogenic factor, IGF-1 promotes satellite cell proliferation, differentiation and muscle hypertrophy.As an angiogenic factor, IGF-1 is known to promote angiogenesis in regenerating skeletal muscle by activating VEGF and VEGF receptors. Additionally, recent studies show that IGF-1 may also promote the activation of muscle stem cells during the regenerative process. This review will outline the pathways by which IGF-1 affects multiple layers of the regenerative response and how these pathways converge to promote the regeneration of nerves.
Reliable data fusion in wireless sensor networks under Byzantine attacks

In this paper, Byzantine attacks in wireless sensor networks with mobile access (SENMA) points is considered, where a portion of the active sensors are compromised to send false information. One effective method to combat with Byzantine attacks is the q-out-of-m scheme, where the sensing decision is based on q sensing reports out of m polled nodes. In this paper, first, by exploiting the approximately linear relationship between the scheme parameters and the network size, we propose a simplified q-out-of-m scheme which can greatly reduce the computational complexity, and at the same time keeping good performance. We show that for a fixed percentage of malicious sensors, the detection accuracy of the simplified q-out-of-m scheme increases almost exponentially as the network size increases. Second, we propose a simple but effective method to detect the malicious sensors before decision making. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated under both static and dynamic attacking strategies. It is observed that with the pre-detection procedure, the performance of the q-out-of-m scheme can be improved significantly under various attacking strategies. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Processing of the intron-containing thymidylate synthase (td) gene of phage T4 is at the RNA level

The interrupted T4 phage td gene, which encodes thymidylate synthase, is the first known example of an intron-containing prokaryotic structural gene. Analysis of td-encoded transcripts provides evidence in favor of maturation at the RNA level. Northern blotting with T4 RNA and with region-specific probes revealed three classes of RNA: diffuse premessage (ca. 2.5 kb), a low-abundance mature mRNA (ca. 1.3 kb), and an abundant free intron RNA (ca. 1.0 kb). The existence of covalently joined mature mRNA was suggested by hybridization and S1 protection experiments and was confirmed by primer extension analysis of the splice junction. In analogy to expression of interrupted eukaryotic genes, these results are consistent with an RNA processing model that would account for the direct gene transcript serving as precursor for both free intron RNA and a spliced mRNA that is colinear with the thymidylate synthase product.
Gene therapy progress and prospects: RNA aptamers

Aptamers are oligonucleotides evolved in vitro or in nature to bind target ligands with high affinity and specificity. They are emerging as powerful tools in the fields of therapeutics, drug development, target validation and diagnostics. Aptamers are attractive alternatives to antibody- and small-molecule-based therapeutics owing to their stability, low toxicity, low immunogenicity and improved safety. With the recent approval of the first aptamer drug Macugen by the US FDA, there is great impetus to develop therapeutic aptamers that can target a wide array of disease states. The recent demonstration that aptamer activity can be reversed by the administration of a simple antidote greatly enhances the potential value of aptamers as therapeutic agents.
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: Educational challenge

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) training is unique in that it crosses specialty lines and most practitioners do not possess both the knowledge and skill to perform the procedures in their current form. The learning process becomes even more complex because the field is in constant evolution with advances in technology and technique being introduced almost daily! The challenges of learning NOTES illustrates a larger problem in all procedurally based medical specialties today-the pace of change has become so rapid that a practicing physician's technical skills become out of date within five to ten years of completing residency or fellowship training. As a result, practicing physicians must develop a strategy to rapidly learn about a new technique or technology and introduce it safely into their practice while satisfying the concerns of their hospital's credentialing committee. This chapter will explore the options for learning new procedures and discuss the rapidly expanding armamentarium of education institutes and the developing technology to measure procedural competence.
Some Model Theory of Abelian Groups

We study the relations between abelian groups B and C that every universal (resp. universal-existential) sentence true in B is also true in C , and give algebraic criteria for these relations to hold. As a consequence we characterize the inductive complete theories of abelian groups and prove that they are exactly the model-complete theories.
The photoelectric cross sections of Sn, Ta and Au at 2.62 MeV

Abstract The photoelectric cross sections of Sn, Ta and Au at 2.62 MeV have been measured in terms of the differential Compton scattering cross section at the same energy. The measured cross sections are (in b) 0.11±0.03, 0.47±0.05 and 0.74±0.06 for Sn, Ta and Au, respectively. These cross sections are considerably smaller than those tabulated by Grodstein and are somewhat smaller than theoretical cross sections calculated by Pratt.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy preceding cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Background: Occult micrometastasis at the time of radical cystectomy leads predominantly to distant failures in patients with locally advanced, muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Objectives: Data supporting neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced bladder cancer are reviewed. Results: Studies evaluating adjuvant chemotherapy have been limited by inadequate statistical power. However, randomized clinical trials have demonstrated a survival benefit for neoadjvuant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. Trials employing neoadjuvant therapy are particularly valuable in the development of novel systemic therapy regimens, since pathological complete remission appears to be a powerful prognostic factor for long-term survival. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard for the therapy of locally advanced bladder cancer, and the neoadjuvant paradigm may assist in accelerating novel agent development.
Principles of Genetics in the Molecular Era: A Primer for Dermatologists

Advances in technology have resulted in an explosion of information about the molecular bases of human inheritance and human disease. Much of the new terminology is daunting, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain current. This article briefly reviews some of the changes in our understanding of the rules of inheritance and recurrence risks for genetic disorders. Further readings are suggested, and a glossary of technical terms is provided. ( Arch Dermatol. 1993;129:1409-1416) You and I grew up in simpler times when the laws of Mendel the geneticist were immutable and pure. (As Melodie Williams and F. Clarke Fraser pointed out in their article on Clouston ectodermal dysplasia [ Can Med Assoc J. 1967;96:36-38], the laws of Mendel the monk are frequently transgressed.) Peas were round or wrinkled, eyes were blue or brown, and your parents' blood groups were, hopefully, compatible with yours. Once we had mastered the concepts of autosomal
Mass transfer from fixed surfaces to gas fluidized beds

Abstract Mass transfer coefficients were measured for the diffusion of water vapor from a saturated porous sphere into various air-fluidized beds of solid particles. Naphthalene diffusion from a coated flat plate into fluidized beds was also studied. The results of control runs in empty tube situations with the porous sphere and coated plate agreed with published equations. For those cases in which particle adsorption is negligible (as in the case of water vapour experiments) the Sherwood number could be correlated by Sh = Sh e +Φ( Y ), in which Sh e is the predicted Sh for forced convection in the absence of particles but at the increased Reynolds number Re e of the fluidized bed and Φ( Y ) describes the effect of particle motions on transfer rates. If particle adsorption is significant (as in the naphthalene experiments), the Sh values can be considerably higher than for those cases in which bed particles have negligible adsorption capacity. The value of Sh increases with increased volumetric mass capacity of the solids and increased gas (particle) velocity. The above equation for negligible particle adsorption describes a minimum value of Sh for any practical instance.
Some Aspects of the Biological Role of Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (Cyclic AMP)

Cyclic AMP (adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate or cyclic adenylate) has now been established as a second messenger mediating many of the effects of a variety of hormones. Several of the metabolic effects mediated by cyclic AMP are discussed, and it is suggested that certain other ("functional" or "mechanical") hormonal effects may be similarly mediated. In particular, the evidence presented supports the hypothesis that the positive inotropic response to the catecholamines is mediated by cyclic AMP. Although knowledge of the biological role of cyclic AMP has not been widely applied clinically, sufficient knowledge has now accumulated to make research in this area desirable.
Dynamic stabilization of an optomechanical oscillator

Quantum optomechanics offers the potential to investigate quantum effects in macroscopic quantum systems in extremely well-controlled experiments. In this paper we discuss one such situation, the dynamic stabilization of a mechanical system such as an inverted pendulum. The specific example that we study is a ``membrane-in-the-middle'' mechanical oscillator coupled to a cavity field via a quadratic optomechanical interaction, with cavity damping the dominant source of dissipation. We show that the mechanical oscillator can be dynamically stabilized by a temporal modulation of the radiation pressure force. We investigate the system both in the classical and quantum regimes highlighting similarities and differences.