cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Q1(1290) and Q2 (1400) decay rates and their SU(3) implications

Abstract We summarize and combine the known information on the decay rates of the strangeness-one axial vector mesons, Q 1 and Q 2 . From this information and the rate for B→ωπ, we determine the Q A −Q B mixing angle and the S -wave, symmetric and antisymmetric octet couplings for vector-pseudoscalar decays of axial vector mesons. If we assume the D(1285) and the E(1420) belong to the J PC =1 ++ nonet, we find the A 1 to have a mass of ∼1.47 GeV and a large (>0.3 GeV) width.
Membership and wage impact of right-to-work laws

This paper examines the effects of “Right-to-Work” laws on union membership and on the earnings of union and nonunion members. Using regression analysis, we find that once the simultaneous equations bias between the degree of unionization and RTW laws is eliminated, RTW laws have no statistically significant influence on union membership. Similarly, using a human-capital earnings model, we find that RTW laws have no significant influence on the wages of all workers, union workers, or nonunion workers. However, we did find evidence that such laws may promote aggressive union wage policies resulting in a larger union/nonunion relative wages advantage in RTW states than in non-RTW states.
The Nielsen number as an isotopy invariant

Abstract Let M be a compact topological manifold of dimension at least 5 and let h : M → M be an embedding. The Nielsen number N ( h ) gives a lower bound for the number of fixed points of h . It is well known that h is homotopic to a self-map of M which has exactly N ( h ) fixed points. In this paper we strengthen this result by showing that h is isotopic to an embedding with N ( h ) fixed points.
Studies of background sources in liquid scintillation counting

Abstract In these studies it has been shown that there are two main segments of background measured in a liquid-scintillation counter. One segment is unquenchable and is the result of background events which occur outside of the scintillation solution. The other segment is quenchable and is the result of interactions of cosmic rays, natural radioactivity and radioactive sources in the vicinity of the counter with liquid-scintillator solution.
Mechanism of Diacylglycerol-induced Membrane Targeting and Activation of Protein Kinase Cδ

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a novel PKC that plays a key role in T lymphocyte activation. PKC has been shown to be specifically recruited to the immunological synapse in response to T cell receptor activation. To understand the basis of its unique subcellular localization properties, we investigated the mechanism of in vitro and cellular sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG)-mediated membrane binding of PKC. PKC showed phosphatidylserine selectivity in membrane binding and kinase action, which contributes to its translocation to the phosphatidylserine-rich plasma membrane in HEK293 cells. Unlike any other PKCs characterized so far, the isolated C1B domain of PKC had much higher affinity for DAG-containing membranes than the C1A domain. Also, the mutational analysis indicates that the C1B domain plays a predominant role in the DAG-induced membrane binding and activation of PKC. Furthermore, the Ca(2+)-independent C2 domain of PKC has significant affinity for anionic membranes, and the truncation of the C2 domain greatly enhanced the membrane affinity and enzyme activity of PKC. In addition, membrane binding properties of Y90E and Y90F mutants indicate that phosphorylation of Tyr(90) of the C2 domain enhances the affinity of PKC for model and cell membranes. Collectively, these results show that PKC has a unique membrane binding and activation mechanism that may account for its subcellular targeting properties.
Exploring mechanisms for agglomerate reduction in composite solid propellants with polyethylene inclusion modified aluminum

Abstract In composite solid propellants, shortening particle residence time at the burning surface and inducing particle microexplosions could decrease aluminum agglomeration, thus reducing two-phase flow losses in a rocket motor. We explore this by using aluminum particles modified with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) inclusion to drive intraparticle outgassing, which could break apart composite particles, yielding smaller and faster burning fragments during composite solid propellant combustion. We find that use of these particles in a propellant results in more prompt particle ignition, and surface residence time is decreased. For composite propellant burning at 6.9 MPa, mean coarse agglomerate diameter is decreased from 75.8 μm (spherical aluminum) to 29.0 μm (Al/LDPE 90/10 wt.% particles). Thermal analysis with DSC/TGA shows that 10 wt.% LDPE inclusion in aluminum (1.5% of propellant weight) results in enhanced oxidation characteristics that are more similar to nanoaluminum than neat spherical aluminum. Thermochemical equilibrium calculations indicate LDPE inclusion decreases specific impulse by 1.0% from 262.7 to 260.0 s, but it is expected that in a motor, LDPE inclusion could produce a net increase in specific impulse due to a substantially reduced agglomerate size. This work shows that reduced agglomeration is possible using gas generating inclusion materials that are only weakly reactive with aluminum.
A Reevaluation of the Trade Union Unity League, 1929–1934

The "Third Period" trade union activities of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), especially the creation of in- dependent "red" industrial unions as opposed to continuing to work within the craft-oriented American Federation of Labor (AFL) unions, has been widely criticized in the literature. The recent opening of the CPUSA archives has made it possible to reevaluate the Party's activities during this era. While the TUUL unions suffered major defeats and had difficulties in organizing in the heavy and mass production industries such as mining, tex- tile, maritime and steel, these unions experienced considerable organizing success in light industries in New York City, particu- larly after the passage of the National Industrial Recovery Act in June 1933. Besides promoting industrial organization, the TUUL's vision of union organization was structurally different from that of the AFL. Specifically, the red industrial unions, unlike the AFL unions, attempted to promote democratic, rank- and-file participation in union affairs as opposed to leaving such activities solely in the hands of the union officialdom.
Revealing the copy and paste habits of end users

Transferring data across applications is a common end user task, and copying and pasting via the clipboard lets users do so relatively easily. Using the clipboard, however, can also introduce inefficiencies and errors in user tasks. To help researchers and tool developers understand and address these problems, we studied how end users interact with the clipboard through cut, copy, and paste actions. This study was performed by logging clipboard interactions while end users performed everyday tasks. From the clipboard usage data, we have identified several usage patterns that describe how data is transferred within the desktop environment. Such patterns help us understand end user behavior and indicate areas in which clipboard support tools can be improved.
Probing the activation sequence of NMDA receptors with lurcher mutations.

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation involves a dynamic series of structural rearrangements initiated by glutamate binding to glycine-loaded receptors and culminates with the clearing of the permeation pathway, which allows ionic flux. Along this sequence, three rate-limiting transitions can be quantified with kinetic analyses of single-channel currents, even though the structural determinants of these critical steps are unknown. In inactive receptors, the major permeation barrier resides at the intersection of four M3 transmembrane helices, two from each GluN1 and GluN2 subunits, at the level of the invariant SYTANLAAF sequence, known as the lurcher motif. Because the A7 but not A8 residues in this region display agonist-dependent accessibility to extracellular solutes, they were hypothesized to form the glutamate-sensitive gate. We tested this premise by examining the reaction mechanisms of receptors with substitutions in the lurcher motifs of GluN1 or GluN2A subunits. We found that, consistent with their locations relative to the proposed activation gate, A8Y decreased open-state stability, whereas A7Y dramatically stabilized open states, primarily by preventing gate closure; the equilibrium distribution of A7Y receptors was strongly shifted toward active states and resulted in slower microscopic association and dissociation rate constants for glutamate. In addition, for both A8- and A7-substituted receptors, we noticed patterns of kinetic changes that were specific to GluN1 or GluN2 locations. This may be a first indication that the sequence of discernible kinetic transitions during NMDA receptor activation may reflect subunit-dependent movements of M3 helices. Testing this hypothesis may afford insight into the activation mechanism of NMDA receptors.
Investigating the Feedback Path in a Jet-Surface Resonant Interaction

A resonant interaction between an 8:1 aspect ratio rectangular jet and flat-plates, placed parallel to the jet, is studied experimentally. For certain locations of the plate relative to the jet, the resonance takes place with a loud accompanying tone. The sound pressure level spectra are often marked by multiple peaks. The frequencies of the spectral peaks are studied as a function of the streamwise length of the plate, its relative location to the jet as well as the jet Mach number. It is demonstrated that the tones are not due to a simple feedback between the plate's trailing edge and the nozzle's exit; the leading edge of the plate also comes into play in the frequency selection. With parametric variation, it is found that there is an order in the most energetic spectral peaks; their frequencies cluster in distinct bands. The 'fundamental', i.e., the lowest frequency band is explained by an acoustic feedback involving diffraction at the plate's leading edge.
The General Appearance of Edema and Hemorrhage on CT, MR and US (Including a General Introduction to CT, MR and US Scanning)

This chapter begins with a discussion of the terminology and hardware of computed ­tomographic (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), and ultrasound (US) imaging. This includes an introduction to CT numbers and very basic MR image formation, sequence types, and sequence usages.
Radial basis approximation and its application to biharmonic equation

Order of approximating functions and their derivatives by radial bases on arbitrarily scattered data is derived. And then radial bases are used to construct solutions of biharmonic equations that approximate potential integrals for the exact solutions with the order of approximation derived.
The dynamics of adapting, unregulated populations and a modified fundamental theorem

A population in a novel environment will accumulate adaptive mutations over time, and the dynamics of this process depend on the underlying fitness landscape: the fitness of and mutational distance between possible genotypes in the population. Despite its fundamental importance for understanding the evolution of a population, inferring this landscape from empirical data has been problematic. We develop a theoretical framework to describe the adaptation of a stochastic, asexual, unregulated, polymorphic population undergoing beneficial, neutral and deleterious mutations on a correlated fitness landscape. We generate quantitative predictions for the change in the mean fitness and within-population variance in fitness over time, and find a simple, analytical relationship between the distribution of fitness effects arising from a single mutation, and the change in mean population fitness over time: a variant of Fisher's ‘fundamental theorem’ which explicitly depends on the form of the landscape. Our framework can therefore be thought of in three ways: (i) as a set of theoretical predictions for adaptation in an exponentially growing phase, with applications in pathogen populations, tumours or other unregulated populations; (ii) as an analytically tractable problem to potentially guide theoretical analysis of regulated populations; and (iii) as a basis for developing empirical methods to infer general features of a fitness landscape.
Attitudes toward AIDS, Herpes II, and Toxic Shock Syndrome

The purposes of this study were to determine by questionnaire current attitudes about AIDS, herpes, and Toxic Shock Syndrome and to what extent concern about these diseases affected behavior of 232 volunteers from classes in a midwestern university. The majority of the respondents expressed relatively little concern about any of these diseases. Except for a few respondents who expressed extreme concern, there were also no changes in current self-reported rates of sexual activity compared to a year ago. Male homosexuals expressed more concern about AIDS than other sexual preference groups. However, this did not appear to affect their level of sexual activity. Female respondents expressed relatively more concern about Toxic Shock Syndrome than either AIDS or herpes but the majority of them were still users of tampons. Previous media reports had indicated there was significant curtailment in sexual activity as a result of herpes and AIDS. It is hypothesized that the media reports were based on surveys of are...
Coupling fluvial-hydraulic models to predict gravel transport in spatially variable flows

This study investigated spatial-temporal variations of shear stress and bed load transport at three gravel bed river reaches of the Williams Fork River, Colorado. A two-dimensional flow model was used to compute spatial distributions of shear stress (τ) for four discharge levels between one third of bankfull (Qbf) and Qbf. Results indicate that mean τ values are highly variable among sites. However, the properties of the mean-normalized distributions of τ are similar across sites for all flows. The distributions of τ are then used with a transport function to compute bed load transport rates of individual grain size fractions. Probability distributions of the instantaneous unit-width transport rates, qb, indicate that most of the bed load is transported through small portions of the bed with high τ. The mean-normalized probability distributions of qb are different among sites for all flows except at Qbf, when the distributions overlap. We also find that the grain size distribution (GSD) of the bed load adjusts with discharge to resemble the grain size distribution of the subsurface at Qbf. We extend these results to 13 locations in the basin, using the mean-normalized distributions of shear stress and measured subsurface grain sizes to compute bed load transport rates at Qbf. We found a remarkably similar shape of the qb distribution among sites highlighting the basin-wide balance between flow forces and GSD at Qbf and the potential to predict sediment flux at the watershed scale.
Using Movies to Teach Family Systems Concepts

This article reflects a review of research relevant to family systems training and the use of films in the teaching of family systems theory. Advantages and disadvantages of using movies in an introductory-level graduate family therapy course are discussed. An outline of family therapy training objectives, as well as examples of a movie-based assignment, is provided.
Correlation between limiting oxygen index and phosphorus/nitrogen content of cotton fabrics treated with a hydroxy‐functional organophosphorus flame‐retarding agent and dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea

The combination of a hydroxyl-functional organophosphorus flame-retarding agent (FR) and dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) was used as a durable flame-retardant finish system for cotton fabrics. DMDHEU functions as a binder between FR and cotton cellulose, thus making this flame-retarding system durable to home laundering. DMDHEU also provides nitrogen to this system, therefore enhances its performance. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) is one of the most commonly used parameters to indicate the flammability of textiles and other polymeric materials. In this research, we investigated the correlation between LOI and phosphorus/nitrogen content on the cotton fabric treated with that durable flame-retardant system. Phosphorus concentration on the fabric was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, whereas the nitrogen content was determined indirectly by measuring the carbonyl band intensity in the infrared spectra of the treated fabric. We developed a statistical model to predict LOI of the cotton fabric treated with FR and DMDHEU based on the phosphorus concentration and the intensity of carbonyl band of DMDHEU on cotton. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1885–1890, 2003
Asymptotic expansions for sequential confidence levels in inverse linear regression

Non-linear renewal theory is used to derive second order asymptotic expansions for the coverage probability of a fixed-width sequential confidence interval for an unknown parameter xin the inverse linear regression model. These expansions are obtained for a two-stage sequential procedure, proposed by Perng and Tong (1974) for the construction of a confidence interval for x.
DITPA, A Thyroid Hormone Analog, Reduces Infarct Size and Attenuates the Inflammatory Response Following Myocardial Ischemia

Background Thyroid hormone can have positive effects on the cardiovascular system but its therapeutic potential is limited secondary to its adverse effects. DITPA (3,5-diiodothyroproprionic acid) is a synthetic thyroid hormone analog with positive inotropic effects similar to thyroid hormone but with minimal systemic effects. DITPA has previously been shown to reduce pathologic remodeling and improve cardiac output following myocardial infarction; however, few studies have examined the role of DITPA in determining infarct size or the early inflammatory response following myocardial ischemia. We examined the role of DITPA in the acute phase following infarction. Materials and Methods Mice were subjected to surgical induction of myocardial infarction and were then randomized to receive daily injections of DITPA or vehicle control. After 3 d, animals were sacrificed and infarct size was determined by H and E staining. Myocardial macrophage and neutrophil accumulation was determined by immunofluorescent staining. Immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to examine the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in homogenates from the ischemic tissue. Results Compared with vehicle control, DITPA treated animals had smaller infarcts (52.1% ± 5.7% versus 37.3% ± 3.6%, P Conclusions Treatment with DITPA attenuates the acute inflammatory response and reduces myocardial infarct size. The reduction in myocardial ICAM-1, KC, and IL-6 levels in the DITPA group was associated with a decrease in macrophage and neutrophil accumulation.
Low Frequency Sound as a Navigational Tool for People with Visual Impairments

For decades, a mistaken assumption in the habilitation of travel for people with visual impairments has been that the use of "echolocation" is a dominant feature of acoustic information for the guidance of locomotion. This paper outlines a theoretical model of acoustic information available in many travel situations. The acoustic information consists of a build up of low frequency sound along large structures such as walls. Useful frequencies are low enough that the experience of this build up is often one of feeling rather than hearing. Experimental validation of this model was accomplished by having participants with visual impairments walk along walls with varying types of auditory occlusion and through laboratory based manipulations of acoustic information. Results indicate that the model is appropriate. Useful acoustic information appears to extend up to 1 m from a wall. There is strong evidence that participants make use of binaural information, gauging the similarity of acoustic information reachin...
On Estimation Accuracy of Desynchronization Attack Channel Parameters

In this paper, we study some fundamental performance limits of blind data hiding against desynchronization attacks. These attacks are modeled in addition to independent Gaussian noise to the marked signal, followed by linear, time-invariant filtering. We study a joint estimator-decoder which estimates the desynchronization attack parameters and uses these estimates in the decoding step. We propose a coding scheme based on distortion-compensated quantization index modulation and derive the estimation accuracy of the attack parameters via Fisher information and a Cramer-Rao type bound. For illustration purposes, we report estimation and decoding results on several attacks, including classical ones (scaling and fractional shifts) and some new ones. The results are in close agreement with our bounds and tightly quantify the performance loss due to desynchronization and the influence of code block length. Thus our results demonstrate the high performance of a joint estimation-decoding approach.
Light-induced crosslinkable semiconducting polymer dots

This paper describes a synthetic approach for photocrosslinkable polyfluorene (pc-PFO) semiconducting polymer dots, and demonstrates their superior ability to crosslink and form 3-D intermolecular polymer networks. The crosslinked pc-PFO Pdots are equipped with excellent encapsulating ability of functional small molecules. Optimum conditions of light irradiation on pc-PFO Pdots were investigated and clarified by using polymer thin films as a model. By employing the optimal light irradiation conditions, we successfully crosslinked pc-PFO Pdots and studied their particle sizes, photophysical, and colloidal properties. Single-particle imaging and dynamic-light-scattering measurements were conducted to understand the behaviors of photocrosslinked Pdots. Our results indicate pc-PFO Pdots can be easily photocrosslinked and the crosslinked species have excellent colloidal stability, physical and chemical stability, fluorescence brightness, and specific binding properties for cellular labeling. Considering that optical stimulus can work remotely, cleanly, and non-invasively, this study should pave the way for a promising approach to further develop stimuli-responsive ultrabright and versatile Pdot probes for biomedical imaging.
Detection of fentanyl and its analogs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

A prototype enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for fentenyl, a potent synthetic narcotic analgesic, was used to detect the presence of fentenyl and its analogs in human urine. Human drug-free urine was spiked with 0.02 to 100 ng/mL of fentanyl or with 0.1 to 500 ng/mL of.each analog and used as a sample in the ELISA. Sensitivity and precision of the assay were analyzed specifically for detection of fentenyl. Cross-reactivities of fentanyl and nine analogs, acetylfentanyl, p-methylfentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, butyrylfentanyl, ( + )trans.3-methylfentanyl, ( + )cis-3methylfentanyl, ,~-methylfentanyl, benzylfentanyl, and alfentanil for this assay were also determined. The results indicate that the ELISA was capable of detecting urinary fentanyl with a limit of detection of 0.25 ng/mL and a reasonable "working cutoff" of 0.5 ng/mL. The assay was moderately precise with within-run precision, determined at fentanyl concentrations of 10.0 and 2.5 ng/mL, showing coefficients of varlatlon from 7.7 to 10.4% and between-run precision, determined at concentrations of I0.0 and 2.5 ng/mL, showing coefficients of variation from 14.2 to 23.7%. Acetylfentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, p-methylfentanyl, and butyrylfentanyl show good cross-reactivity in the assay relative to fentanyl. The cross-reactlvltles equivalent to 2 ng/mL of fentanyl for acetylfentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, p-methylfentanyl, butyrylfentanyl were 111, 93, 87, and 77%, respectively. The (+)trena-3-methylfentanyl, o-methylfentanyl, and ( :I: )cis-3-methylfentanyl show less cross-reactivlty; their percent cross-reactivities equlvalent to 2 ng/mL of fentanyl were 50, 19, and 3%, respectively. Benzylfentanyl and alfentanil, however, do not show any cross-reactivlty. The data suggest that the ELISA may be useful in screening urine for fentanyl and certain of its analogs.
Myelin Galactolipid Synthesis in Different Strains of Mice

: Previous studies have indicated that the brains of DBA/2J (D2) mice have a more heavily myelinated CNS than those of C57BL/6J (B6) at postnatal days 17–21. However, the amount of myelin in the brains of F1 (B6 × D2) hybrids is even higher than in their parental strains. To investigate further factors involved in regulating myelino-genesis in these mice, we have focused on the synthesis of cerebrosides and sulfatides, galactolipids enriched in myelin. Brain slices from 14-, 17-, and 21-day-old D2, B6, and F., mice were incubated with [3H]galactose and [35S]sulfate. After incubation, microsomes, myelin, and oligodendroglial cells were isolated, and the galactolipids were analyzed. At 21 days of age, the labeling of cerebrosides in F1 mice was higher than in D2 and B6 mice when the results were expressed as microsomal or myelin radioactivity per gram wet weight. At 14 and 17 days of age, the labeling of cerebrosides in F1 animals was similar to that in D2 mice and was considerably higher than that in B6 mice. The labeling of sulfatides in F1 animals was significantly higher than in the B6 parent at all ages studied, whereas it remained higher than that in the D2 parent only at 17 days of age. A similar relationship among the strains was observed when the synthesis of myelin galactolipids was estimated by measuring the in vitro activity of UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase and 3′-phosphoadenylyl sulfate:galactosylceramide 3′-sulfotransferase. The results indicate that the increased accumulation of myelin galactolipids previously reported in the F1 mice is partially due to enhanced synthetic activity.
Interactions Between Halide Ions and Ammonia in Water under UV Light from Low Pressure Mercury Lamps

The impact of low pressure UV lamps on the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) in the presence of individual halide ions (bromide (Br - ), chloride (Cl - ) and iodide (I - ) was investigated and revealed that the ions have the potential to accelerate ammonia photo-oxidation. The process was found to be dependent on solution pH, the type of halide ion and the concentrations of halide ion and aqueous ammonia. Protons are released during the reaction while the halide ion concentrations remain unchanged. Nitrite (NO2 - ) and nitrate (NO3 - ) are produced as final stable nitrogen species, with the yield being dependent on the initial pH of the irradiated solution. NH3 oxidation occurred with Br - and Cl - at all pH levels, but in the presence of I - it proceeded only at basic pH. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) was used as an electron (e - ) scavenger to demonstrate that ammonia oxidation generates e - in solutions containing halide ions. The process was confirmed with the formation of fluoride (F - ) and sulfate (SO4 2- ) ions.
Thermoregulation by Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in Arid Rangelands of Southcentral Washington

Temperature-sensitive, radiotelemetry transmitters were used to measure body temperatures of six free-ranging, adult, female mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) in the semi-arid shrub-steppe of southcentral Washington from 1988 to 1990. Body temperatures ranged from 37.5 to 39.7°C and were similar to rectal temperatures reported for Odocoileus . Temperatures followed distinct circannual and circadian patterns unrelated to changes in air temperature or solar radiation. Behavioral thermoregulation may have been important in helping deer avoid thermal stress at environmental temperatures that often exceeded 25°C. On hot, clear days, deer sought beds that provided refuge from solar radiation yet permitted radiative heat loss.
A minimum thickness gate valve with integrated ion optics for mass spectrometry

A minimum thickness gate valve design for mass spectrometry is described in detail. The ion optics required to transmit ions from the source to the ICR cell are integrated into the design to minimize fringe field effects on the ions as they travel through the gate valve. The total thickness of the complete gate valve assembly is 1.03 in. (26.2 mm) with a maximum fringe field distance of 0.065 in. (1.7 mm). The gate valve is able to maintain a vacuum of 95%.
A Wavenumber-Frequency Spectrum of Upper Ocean Shear

Abstract In May 1980 an 18-day sequence of oceanic velocity profiles was obtained off the coast of Southern California. The measurements were made using a pair of Doppler sonars mounted on the research platform FLIP and angled downward 45°. The profiles extend to a depth of 600 m. Depth resolution is approximately 30 m. From these profiles the vertical wavenumber-frequency spectrum of the oceanic shear field, Φ(κ, ω)≡〈(∂u/∂z)2〉/dκdω is estimated. The shear spectrum is resolved between vertical wavenumbers 1/530 and 1/28 cpm. It is band-limited in wavenumber in the frequency region encompassing near-inertial waves and semidiurnal tides. Motions of vertical wavelength between 100 and 300 m have the greatest shear spectral density. As frequency increases, the band of most energetic motion shifts to ever higher wavenumbers. At frequencies above 8 cpd only the low-wavenumber side of the energetic band can be resolved by the sonars. The wavenumber dependence here appears blue. It is unlikely that the high-frequ...
“What is Palliative Care?”: Variability in Content of Palliative Care Informational Web Pages

Background and Aim:Americans rely on the Internet for health information, and people are likely to turn to online resources to learn about palliative care as well. The purpose of this study was to analyze online palliative care information pages to evaluate the breadth of their content. We also compared how frequently basic facts about palliative care appeared on the Web pages to expert rankings of the importance of those facts to understanding palliative care.Design:Twenty-six pages were identified. Two researchers independently coded each page for content. Palliative care professionals (n = 20) rated the importance of content domains for comparison with content frequency in the Web pages.Results:We identified 22 recurring broad concepts about palliative care. Each information page included, on average, 9.2 of these broad concepts (standard deviation [SD] = 3.36, range = 5-15). Similarly, each broad concept was present in an average of 45% of the Web pages (SD = 30.4%, range = 8%-96%). Significant discre...
A differential magnetoelectric heterostructure: Internal noise reduction and external noise cancellation

A differential heterostructure design which has a capability to reduce the internal noise and reject the external vibration noise for Metglas magnetostrictive foils/Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 piezofiber based-magnetoelectric (ME) laminated composite has been studied. The internal noise reduction is equivalent to that offered by sensor array stacks, and the external noise cancellation is based on a differential method (i.e., ME signal is in-phase but vibration noise is anti-phase). The ability of the structure to reduce the internal noise, and cancel the external vibration noise by a 10-fold attenuation factor, allows for practical applications of these sensors in real-world environments where contamination of magnetic signals by external vibrational noise increases the equivalent magnetic noise.
FGFR signaling as a target for Lung cancer therapy

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in developed countries. Recently, molecular targeted therapies have shown promising results in the management of lung cancer. These therapies require a clear understanding of the relevant pathways that drive carcinogenesis and maintenance of the malignant phenotype. The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling axis is one such pathway that plays a central role in normal cellular function. Alterations in this pathway have been found in many cancers. In this review article, we focus on the role of this pathway in lung cancer. We present the molecular structure of FGFR, the interaction of the receptor with its ligands (the fibroblast growth factors), its downstream signaling, and aberrations in the FGFR pathway. We also discuss clinical trials involving selective and multikinase FGFR inhibitors in lung cancer treatment.
Ventral onlay graft bulbar urethroplasty using buccal mucosa

Objective: To assess the ongoing role of ventral onlay oral mucosa free graft in the treatment of bulbar urethral stricture. Methods: Detailed review of technical consideration and outcomes from the author’s institution along with review of other peer reviewed literature. Results: Of 62 patients undergoing ventral onlay buccal mucosa urethroplasty, 19% had recurrence of stricture, and an additional 5% exhibited diverticulum formation. Complications were self-limited. Previously published case series and meta-analysis demonstrate similar results. Conclusion: Ventral onlay remains an effective and versatile part of the armamentarium for bulbar urethral stricture. Keywords: Urethra; Stricture; Free graft; Substitution
Elongated Uvula Causing Chronic Cough Role of the Modified Uvulopalatoplasty Procedure

Objective:A subset of patients previously diagnosed with idiopathic chronic cough were found to have an elongated uvula contacting the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis and inducing a cough refle...
Exciter Instability

1. The form of equation for exciter voltage and current is the same as the well known equation for the electric circuit containing resistance, inductance and capacity. Hence the same form of oscillations and transients are involved, the only difference being that in the present case the duration of the transients is much longer. 2. Instability may occur when the exciter is operating on the straight part of the saturation curve, if in addition some combination of the following conditions exists: (a) very low residual voltage-say 1 per cent or so. (b) a relatively large voltage drop in the armature. (c) large inductance in the load circuit, as always exists in the alternator field. (d) alternator transient of greater duration than the exciter transient. (e) excessive series field strength. 3. Instability may be classed, for convenience, under two headings: (a) voltage ``creeping,'' and (b) ``double-energy'' transients. The former may be caused by slight speed transients of the exciter; or by temperature transients causing corresponding resistance transients in the shunt field circuit; or by hysteresis effects which may be caused by small undulations in the exciter voltage. The ``double energy'' transients, such as oscillations and reversal of excitation, may be initiated by a shock, such as a short circuit on the alternator, or sudden, relatively large change circuit in constants, for instance a large change in resistance in the shunt field circuit. 4. The exciter can be stabilized against voltage ``creeping,'' (a) by special design to increase the angle ? Fig.
Myocardial ASL-CMR perfusion imaging with improved sensitivity using GRAPPA

Background Myocardial arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a non-contrast CMR technique for measuring myocardial blood flow (MBF), but has relatively low signal-to-physiological noise (PN). Therefore perfusion measurements are made over several averaged pixels within left ventricular (LV) segments and not individual pixels. Shorter image acquisition times using SENSE parallel imaging has been shown to significantly reduce PN and improve sensitivity to MBF. However, SENSE is unable to reconstruct images at a field of view (FOV) smaller than the object being imaged and requires a large FOV, which leads to fewer number of pixels for averaging in the LV. In this study, we demonstrate that GRAPPA parallel imaging (rate 1.6), which has no such FOV restrictions, reduces PN even further than SENSE (rate 2), despite having a longer image acquisition window.
Selective inhibition of VEGFR2 activity with a human anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody decreases tumor growth and macrophage infiltration in an orthotopic model of breast cancer.

Abstract #1034 In general tumor associated macrophages confer a negative prognosis in patients with breast cancer. This is due in part to the fact that macrophages can promote angiogenesis and mediate the angiogenic switch in tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a primary stimulant of angiogenesis as well as a macrophage chemotactic protein. Inhibition of VEGF is an attractive therapeutic strategy that has shown to be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy for some breast cancer patients. However, the mechanism by which inhibition of VEGF affects tumor growth appears to involve more than its effect on endothelial cells. We have previously shown that 2C3 (PGN-310), a mouse monoclonal antibody that prevents VEGF from binding to VEGF receptor 2, decreases tumor growth, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration into pancreatic tumors. In this study, we test a fully human version of 2C3, termed r84 (PGN-311), for its effect on established orthotopic MDA-MB-231 breast tumors in SCID mice. Orthotopic tumors were established by injecting one million MDA-MB-231 cells into the mammary fat pad of SCID mice. Therapy with saline (n=5), bevacizumab (n=8), 2C3 (n=5), or r84 (n=9) at 250 μg/ip injection twice weekly was initiated on day 26 post tumor cell injection (mean initial tumor volume = 150 mm 3 ) and continued for approximately 3 weeks. Upon sacrifice, tumor weight was determined and the tumor and other organs were snap frozen or fixed in formalin and paraffin-embedded for histology. Anti-VEGF therapy inhibited growth of orthotopic breast tumors (on day 48, Mean ± SEM: control, 822 ± 160; bevacizumab, 344 ± 29; 2C3, 309 ± 69; r84, 368 ± 38 mm 3 ;all p Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1034.
Vaccination for Newcastle Disease in Drinking Water with LaSota Strain in Relation to Dosage and Revaccination with the Homologous and Heterologous Strains

Abstract GAGLIARDI (1953) successfully immunized against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) via the oral tract. The work was corroborated and supplemented by the experiments of Luginbuhl, Jungherr and Chomiak (1954 Luginbuhl, Jungherr and Chomiak (1955), who demonstrated the feasibility of immunizing against NDV through the drinking water, using the B1 strain. Kohn (1955) stated that “the natural portal of entry of NDV is the respiratory system; the smallest quantity of virus was required to infect chickens by this way. The relative sensitivity of chickens to infection by NDV (HP) by various routes follows the sequence: (1) intramuscular, (2) aerosal-respiratory, (3) intratracheal, (4) intranasal, (5) alimentary.” Wadsworth and Young (1955) compared two vaccination procedures and their data indicate that two vaccinations via the drinking water resulted in better immunity to NDV than a single exposure in a vaccinating machine. It is presumed that the B1 strain was used for this study. Winterfield and Seadale (1957a) found that…
Antibody response of adult mice to virus of foot-and-mouth disease.

SummaryNormal adult female mice were inoculated with the virus of foot-and-mouth disease, and serums obtained from these animals at intervals up to 3 months after inoculation were tested for their neutralizing capacities. Neutralizing antibody was detected as early as 3 days after inoculation and increased gradually until a maximum was reached at 20–30 days. The antibody persisted at a high level throughout remainder of 84-day period.
X-ray Casebook

With this issue, Hospital Practice inaugurates one of several new features planned to offer the practitioner case presentations from the teaching files of leading medical centers. “X-ray Casebook” is designed as a communication between the radiologist and physicians belonging to other disciplines, for whom radiology is a major diagnostic resource.“X-ray Casebook” is edited by William B. Seaman, professor and chairman of the department of radiology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York City.The first case presentation is from Dr. Seaman's files.
Palliative urinary diversion for malignant ureteral obstruction.

AbstractAn analysis of 62 palliative urinary diversions for malignant ureteral obstruction is presented. The average postoperative survival was 187 days. Cell type, duration of known disease, tumor grade and stage, renal function and previous therapy did not strongly influence survival. Renal function returned to normal in 64 per cent of the azotemic patients. Morbidity and mortality rates were high, largely because of underlying disease and adjuvant therapy. Nearly two-thirds of the patients left the hospital and this group subsequently spent 84 per cent of their remaining survival time at home. A criterion is presented for patient selection and suggestions are made for the selection of an operative procedure.
An Affinity-to-Commons Model of Public Support For Environmental Energy Policy

Abstract As atmospheric CO 2 continues to rise above 450 PPM, policymakers struggle with uncertainty concerning predictors of citizen support for environmental energy policies (EEPs) and preferences for their design, topics which have received limited attention in empirical literature. We present an original model of policy support based on citizens’ affinity-to-commons: pathways by which individuals enjoy natural public goods that in turn shape preferences between alternative policy mechanisms. We evaluate this model using a survey of southern California electricity customers, with results indicating the model's utility in predicting public support of EEP. Stronger community ties are associated with preferences for “pull”-type subsidies, whereas stronger connections to natural commons are linked to support for both “pull” and “push”-type sanctions. Findings have implications for coalition building as advocates may engender support for green energy policy by framing sanctions as protecting natural commons, and framing subsidies either in this same way and/or as producing benefits for communities.
Human Resource Management in East Asia: Should You Speak Out During Company Meetings?**Adopted from Li, S. (2009a). Managing international business in relation-based versus rule-based countries. New York, NY: Business Expert Press.

Compared to their counterpart in the West, business leaders in Asia are more authoritarian and use more personal relationships to govern. This chapter discusses the cost and benefit of relation-based management in comparison with the rule-based management practiced in the United States. It highlights four scenarios of working relations between managers and employees in a rule-based and a relation-based environment, and offers strategies to deal with each scenario.
Canine Distemper Virus

This chapter provides an overview of the classification and description of the canine distemper virus (CDV), its hosts, the key developments regarding the virus, and the diagnostic techniques and reagents. Canine distemper virus causes fever, gastro intestinal (GI), respiratory, and central nervous signs in young dogs primarily. The hosts that are infected by canine distemper virus include dogs, foxes, wolves, coyotes, ferrets, mink, skunks, raccoons, coatimundis, binturongs, jackals, badgers, stoats, weasels, grisons, lesser pandas, and kinkajous. Viral etiology was first described in 1905 but not characterized until 1926. The virus has cross reactivity with measles virus and Rinderpest virus. A variant of the disease was called hard pad disease. The virus may be transmitted in utero and may persist in the brain.
Agent Interaction as a Source of Discretion for the EU High Representative

Rivalry with the European Commission characterized the first years of the newly created High Representative, leading to a limited discretion of the incumbent Catherine Ashton. The empirical analysis suggests that agent interaction has an independent effect on the room for maneuver of multiple agents. The discretion of an agent is not just a function of the delegation and control relationship with the principal, but also a function of the interaction with other agents. While the member states (principals) delegated tasks of agenda management, strategic planning, crisis management as well as communication to the High Representative (agent), competition with the European Commission caused a situation in which the High Representative enjoyed less room for maneuver than originally granted by member states.
Non-contrast quantitative pulmonary perfusion using flow alternating inversion recovery at 3 T: A preliminary study

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate the initial feasibility of non-contrast quantitative pulmonary perfusion imaging at 3 T using flow alternating inversion recovery (FAIR), and to evaluate the intra-session and inter-session reliability of FAIR measurements at 3 T. Materials and methods Nine healthy volunteers were imaged using our own implementation of FAIR pulse sequence at 3 T. Quantitative FAIR perfusion, both with and without larger pulmonary vessels, was correlated with global phase contrast (PC) measured blood flow in the right pulmonary artery (RPA). The same volunteers were also imaged with SPECT perfusion using technetium-99 m-macroaggregated albumin and relative dispersion (RD) was assessed between FAIR and SPECT perfusion. Four additional healthy volunteers were evaluated for FAIR repeatability, using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. p Results FAIR perfusion across all subjects was 858 ± 605 mL/100 g/min (with vessels) and 629 ± 294 mL/100 g/min (without vessels) and correlated significantly with the PC measured blood flow in the RPA (r = 0.62, p Conclusions Non-contrast quantitative pulmonary perfusion imaging using FAIR is feasible at 3 T. This may serve as a reliable method to assess regional lung perfusion at 3 T to characterize and monitor treatment response in chronic lung disease without the concerns of repeated exposure to ionizing radiation or the accumulation of exogenous contrast agent.
The Automatic Ant: Compassless Constructions

Most readers of this book are no doubt familiar with John Conway’s famous Game of Life. Life is an example of what have come to be called cellular automata. I will discuss here another such automaton, called the ant, and though it is very easy to describe, its behavior is interesting and somewhat mysterious.
Bringing Down the Rear: The Decline in the Relative Economic Position of Single-Mother Families

Poverty has gradually become an issue of particular concern to women because families composed of single mothers and their children are the fastest-growing segment in the poverty population. By 1978, 49% of all families in poverty were headed by a single woman, and 56% of all children (under age 18) in poverty were in single-mother families.
How Do License Prices Affect Participation in Recreational Fishing? Evidence from Pennsylvania

The long-run sustainable management of recreational fisheries in North America relies on license revenues to pay for conservation. This article examined the effect of changing license prices on pur...
Exploring Transformative Usability in the Business and Professional Writing Classroom

This article addresses the importance of teaching transformative usability and accessibility concepts through the lens of disability studies in general business and professional communication cours...
Clinical Usefulness of Imaging and Blood Cultures in Cellulitis Evaluation

This cohort study examines the clinical usefulness and cost of blood cultures and imaging in patients with presumed cellulitis.