cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tympanoplasty: long-term hearing results with incus grafts.

The purpose of this study was to analyze long-term hearing results in 122 tympanoplasties with incus repositioning and in 64 tympanoplasties using a homograft incus. The mean postoperative follow-up period in the autograft incus group was 56 months (range 18 to 95 months) and in the homograft incus group 54 months (range 28 to 87 months). Results were compared after incus placement between the tympanic membrane-malleus complex and stapes head and placement between the tympanic membrane-malleus complex and stapes footplate. In each group, hearing results tended to be better after malleus-to-stapes head placement. There was no statistically significant difference in the results achieved when similar incus placements in the two groups were compared. When the data on malleus-to-stapes head tympanoplasty (152 patients) and malleus-to-stapes footplate tympanoplasty (34 patients) in each group were combined, the results with malleus-to-stapes head placements were considerably better (P = 0.01). The best hearing results were not satisfactory, however, with only 54 percent of the malleus-to-stapes head placements achieving a socially adequate hearing level and the air-bone gap being closed to within 15 db on only 32 percent. Hearing results were also analyzed for three subgroups. The autograft and homograft incus groups were combined. The first subgroup consisted of 30 patients who had no additional surgery other than ossicular chain reconstruction; the second subgroup consisted of 53 patients who in addition to ossicular chain reconstruction had closure of the tympanic membrane perforation; the third subgroup consisted of 103 patients who in addition to ossicular chain reconstruction had tympanic membrane perforation repair and mastoidectomy. There was no statistically significant difference in the hearing results among the three subgroups. Eleven percent of the autograft incus group and 13 percent of the homograft incus group initially had excellent hearing results and then, at various times after the operation, developed gradual deterioration in auditory acuity, which eventually resulted in an unsatisfactory hearing level. In revision operations, the most common cause of failure was non-attachment of the incus to the head of the stapes. Second in frequency was fixation of the ossicular chain by fibrous tissue and impaction of the incus against the posterior bony annular rim. The most serious complication was depression in cochlear reserve, which occurred in 5 percent of the 186 tympanoplasties. This analysis of the long-term hearing results achieved with incus grafts revealed that the results were far from satisfactory.
Spatial attenuation rates of interfacial waves: Field and numerical tests of Sommerfeld theory using ground-penetrating radar pulses

Abstract We tested the geometric amplitude attenuation rates predicted by classic Sommerfeld theory for horizontally polarized interfacial waves propagating over dielectric ground. We used ground-penetrating radar pulses, the brief time duration of which allowed different interfacial wave modes to separate. We tested rates in the intermediate range of tens of wavelengths, and for azimuthal and radial polarizations. For azimuthal polarization, a closed form solution predicts inverse range-squared rates, and for radial polarization, calculations suggest an inverse range exponent between 1 and 2. Over low loss frozen ground having a dielectric constant of 6.8 azimuthally polarized air waves centered at 46 MHz attenuated nearly in proportion to the square of range, as predicted, while the radial rate at 37 MHz was close to the 1.6 power of range, as generally expected. At 360–390 MHz, air wave rates were higher than expected and likely caused by scattering losses. Three D time domain modeling at 37 MHz confirmed the rate for azimuthal polarization and the qualitative difference in rates between the two polarizations, but the exponent may be about 26% too high for the radial case. Not readily extractable from Sommerfeld theory are rates for subsurface direct waves, for which our models show that both polarizations attenuate in proportion to the square of range after about 5 subsurface wavelengths. This suggests that geometric rates for all horizontally polarized subsurface interfacial waves spatially attenuate in proportion to range-squared in both intermediate and far field ranges, and so could be subtracted from actual rates to determine loss rates caused by intrinsic attenuation and scattering.
1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 sites of action in spinal cord and sensory ganglion.

Autoradiographic studies revealed concentration of 3H 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in nuclei of certain neurons in the spinal cord of adult and neonatal mice, fed a normal or a vitamin D deficient diet. Nuclear uptake and retention was strongest in motor neurons in lamina IX. Nuclear concentration also existed in neurons of lamina II, lamina VIII, lamina X and intermediate nucleus of the lateral column. The results indicate that these neurons are target neurons which contain nuclear receptors for 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3. this suggests that 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 has direct genomic actions on the innervation of skeletal muscle by exerting related trophic, secretory, and electrophysiological effects. In addition, these data point to direct genomic actions of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 on spinal sensory perception, and on certain autonomic functions. Nuclear binding in certain neurons in the peripheral ganglion of the trigeminal nerve further suggests that sensory perception is influenced by 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 not only at the level of the substantia gelatinosa, but also at the level of spinal ganglia.
Controlled electrochemical deposition of magnetostrictive Fe1 − xGax alloys

Abstract In this study, using steady-state electrochemistry at a rotating disk electrode, a deposition mechanism for giant magnetostrictive Fe 1 − x Ga x alloys is proposed in which the formation of an adsorbed monovalent [Fe(I)] ads intermediate is determined to be the rate-determining step. In subsequent steps, this intermediate either gets reduced to iron or catalyzes the reduction of gallium by forming an adsorbed [Ga(III)–Fe(I)] ads intermediate. In line with the proposed mechanism, it was experimentally shown that the differences in the mass-transport rates of Fe(II) species determined the thin film composition. Therefore, this study has made possible a controllable and reproducible deposition of Fe 1 − x Ga x thin films with compositions in the entire range of interest (15%–30% Ga). As-grown Fe 80 Ga 20 thin films were found to have magnetostriction constants of ~ 112 ppm.
On the Possible Influence of the Mosaic Structure of Crystals on the Determination of Avogadro's Number.

The experimental determination of Avogadro's number is very closely related to the determination of the charge of the electron on the one hand and to the absolute determination of the wave-length of x-rays on the other hand. Millikan, as is well known, measured the charge of the electron directly by the oil drop method, long before absolute measurements of the wave-lengths of x-rays were attempted.
Mutations in the Type II 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Gene in a Patient with Classic Salt-Wasting 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Inherited adrenal and gonadal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) deficiency is most likely caused by a mutation of the type II 3 beta-HSD gene. Cloning and sequencing of exons I-II, III, and IV and portions of the adjacent introns, amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the type II gene, in one male pseudohermaphrodite with salt-wasting classic 3 beta-HSD deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia revealed the same mutation in all nine clones of exon IV consisting of a missense mutation at codon 248 [GTC(Val)-->AAC(Asn)] followed by a frameshift mutation at codon 249 [CGA (Arg)-->TA], resulting in a stop codon TAG, and normal sequences of exon I-II and III and the adjacent portions of introns. The same codon 248 and 249 mutations were found on one clone of his mother's DNA, but two other clones revealed normal sequences. These data indicate a homozygous combined missense/frameshift mutation in exon IV of the type II 3 beta-HSD gene resulting in severe salt-wasting adrenal and gonadal 3 beta-HSD deficiency in the patient.
Developing musculoskeletal education programs for physicians and the general public: findings from a needs assessment.

Objective. To assess the educational needs and learning preferences of primary care physicians and the general public in receiving musculoskeletal health education. Methods. Prospective surveys were mailed simultaneously to 2,250 primary care physicians and 2,250 members of the general public. The surveys included questions about demographics, motivation for attending programs, and preferred education program formats. Results. The 68 responding physicians attend continuing medical education programs mainly based on topics, speakers, and timing. They prefer lectures and find question and answer sessions least helpful in supporting learning. The 96 responding members of the general public attend programs mainly based on topics, speakers, and fees. The general public stated that question and answer sessions best support learning in programs. A large percentage of responding physicians provide health education to their patients, but a small percentage of the general public respondents stated that they receive health education from physicians. Discussion. Responses from physicians and the general public were generally not surprising but revealed interesting contrasts between learning preferences. While physicians and the general public both value speakers and topics, the physicians want to increase their knowledge about disease, whereas the general public wants practical information. Physicians and the general public also appear to take different approaches to learning. The contrast between availability and provision of health education is also striking. We cannot generalize our results with absolute confidence because the return rates for the surveys were so low. Nonetheless, we support the need to educate physicians and the general public in ways that match their preferred learning methods and educational needs.
Kraus-Weber Scores and Personality Adjustment of Nursery School Children

Abstract Twenty-eight children aged 43 to 61 months were given the Kraus-Weber Test of Muscular Fitness, scored in a modified form, and the Stanford-Binet, Form L-M. Ratings by nursery school teachers on characteristics used by Langdon and Stout to select well-adjusted children were available. The personality variables correlated zero with chronological age, low and positively but insignificantly with mental age, and positively at a level beyond chance with the Kraus-Weber scores. A factor analysis yielded a first factor, tentatively named an age factor, and a second factor, tentatively named adjustment, or lack of emotional disturbance. The Kraus-Weber scores had a high positive loading in the second factor. Explanations of this factor loading are explored.
Spying with Maps: Surveillance Technologies and the Future of Privacy

At a time when satellite imagery is readily available online and handheld devices can track our every move, it is no surprise that “surveillance” is a buzzword. Privacy is being redefined by the in...
A New Look at an Old Problem: Newton’s Cradle

In this paper we consider the most basic multi-impact system, the so-called Newton's Cradle. The task of developing an analytical method to predict the post impact velocities of the balls in the cradle has baffled investigators in the field of impact research for many years. The impulse-based rigid-body body as well as the alternative compliance-based time-base approaches have failed to produce valid solutions to this problem. Here, we present a new method that produces energetically consistent solutions to the problem. Our method is based on the traditional impulse-momentum-based rigid-body approach. We do, however, resolve the nonuniqueness difficulty in the rigid-body approach by introducing a new constant called the Impulse Transmission Ratio. Finally, we verify our method by conducting a set of experiments and comparing the theoretical predictions with the experimental outcomes.
Plasma thyroid hormones during smoltification of yearling and underyearling coho salmon and yearling chinook salmon and steelhead trout

Abstract Both yearling and underyearling (zero-age) coho salmon in fresh water showed spring- and/or summer increases in plasma thyroid hormone concentrations. The peak in plasma thyroxine (T 4 ) was larger and occurred earlier during the spring in yearling fish compared to zero-age fish. Both groups had similarly elevated plasma triiodothyronine (T 3 ) during the summer months. Groups of yearling and zero-age fish transferred serially to seawater net-pens showed differential rates of survival in seawater. In the zero-age fish, the greatest survival seemed coincident with the progression of the elevation of plasma T 3 in fish in fresh water. Success in seawater of yearling fish correlated with the progression of the plasma peak of T 4 in fish in fresh water. Peaks of thyroid hormones were also observed in chinook salmon and steelhead trout in fresh water. Although the survival of the chinook salmon in seawater net-pens was comparable to that of coho salmon, steelhead trout showed unexpectedly poor survival in seawater. These data suggest that analysis of changes in plasma thyroid hormones provides useful information regarding the optimal time to transfer coho salmon from fresh water to seawater. Whether this information can be applied in a similar manner to other species of salmonids requires further investigation.
Comment on “Thermodynamic stability conditions for the Tsallis and Rényi entropies” by J.D. Ramshaw

Abstract Ramshaw [Phys. Lett. A 198 (1995) 119] has recently shown that if one considers the generalized entropy S q ≡k (1−∑ i p i q ) (q−1) (q ∈ R ; q = 1 corresponds to standard thermostatistics) and the standard internal energy U1≡∑ipiϵi, then thermodynamic stability of the system is not guaranteed for all values of q. We show here that the (physically desirable) thermodynamic stability is restored if, instead of U1, one uses the (consistently) generalized internal energy Uq≡∑ipiqϵi.
The Management of End-User Computing Documents: The Urgent Task of Keeping Track

End User Computing, now spearheaded by microcomputer applications, has been growing and spreading in largely ad hoc ways. The orderly development of norms and conventions governing the generation, ...
The epidemiology of Parkinson's disease. A case-control study of young-onset and old-onset patients.

• While the cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown, recent evidence suggests that certain external factors, ie, environmental agents, may act as neurotoxins, initiating the chain of oxidative reactions that ultimately destroy neurons in the substantia nigra. Young-onset PD might result from greater exposure to a putative neurotoxin. This hypothesis has rekindled interest in the epidemiology of PD. We therefore conducted a detailed analysis of various environmental exposures and early life experiences in 80 patients with old-onset PD (at an age older than 60 years), 69 young-onset patients (younger than 40 years), and 149 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Contrary to previous reports, we were unable to implicate well water or exposure to herbicides, pesticides, or industrial toxins as significant PD risk factors. A residential history of rural living was reported by more patient cases than control subjects and was marginally significant. On the other hand, at least one episode of head trauma "severe enough to cause vertigo, dizziness, blurred or double vision, seizures or convulsions, transient memory loss, personality changes, or paralysis" occurred significantly more often prior to disease onset in patients with both young-onset and old-onset PD than in control subjects (odds ratio=2.7). When adjusted for head trauma and rural living, smoking was inversely associated with PD, as has been previously reported (odds ratio=0.5). There were no significant differences in early life experiences or environmental exposures between young-onset and old-onset patients. We suggest that the risk of developing PD is influenced by a variety of factors. While we were unable to link specific environmental agents with PD, our study suggests that head trauma should be reassessed as a potential risk factor for PD.
Chemical depth profiling of multi-layer automotive coating systems

Abstract Detailed chemical analysis of high performance automotive coating systems can be done with a relatively available and affordable set of measurement technologies, including infrared (IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and optical microscopy (OM) based methods. These tools are very versatile in the ability to do both surface and interface characterization, as well as depth profiling. Their utility is illustrated using a broad range of applications: surface-specific defect analysis; stratification/segregation of network components; mechanisms/kinetics leading to coating degradation and material loss; UVA permanence in coating systems; and UVA interphase mixing between clearcoats and BCs. Many of the studies were conducted as a function of exposure time and conditions (i.e., outdoor/field environments; accelerated aging via QUV, UV only, CHC or xenon borosilicate/borosilicate protocols) or application conditions. Albeit the focus of this work is on chemistry and associated changes while in use, correlations to appearance, physical properties, and mechanical performance will be noted to underscore significance of the changes in chemical composition. Also, sampling techniques used in isolating chemical species or isolating bulk material from a given depth locus will be shown for each application. Since the approaches described herein do not require expertise/equipment that is available to only a few, these works should highlight the potential utility of such tools.
Polarization potentials and elementary excitations in liquid 3He

The results of a generalized polarization potential calculation of the particle and spin density fluctuation excitation spectra of 3He in the low-temperature limit are described and compared with the recent neutron scattering experiments of Skold and Pelizzari. The extent to which the range and shape of the effective repulsive interaction between particles of parallel and antiparallel spin may differ is explored, and it is shown that changes of only a few percent have experimentally observable consequences. Good agreement with experiment is found for the dispersion of zero sound; the wave vector dependence of the enhancement of the low-frequency part of the spin density fluctuation excitations, and the coherent and incoherent static structure factors, are examined and compared with experiment for identical and slightly different repulsive parallel and antiparallel spin interactions. Simple qualitative arguments are presented which suggest that for wave vectors 0.4⩽q⩽ 1.2»-1, the zero-sound mode will be little affected as the temperature is raised to 1.2K, while the low-frequency spin fluctuation excitation spectrum undergoes considerable broadening, again in accord with experiment. Changes in the zero-sound dispersion relation with pressure are shown to be sensitive to the range of the repulsive part of the effective quasiparticle interaction, and it is suggested that experiments at 20 atm will help determine the physical origin of the comparatively large range (∼3 ») required to explain the experimental results for 3He at SVP.
Is the use of viscous test solution in the upright position appropriate for esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM)?

Is the use of viscous test solution in the upright position appropriate for esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM)?
Emotional Reactions to Strong Stimuli

Resume On a essaye dans cette experience d'etudier tres soingneusement de certaines reactions physiologiques a des stimuli forts dans le but de decouvrir des changements significatifs. Un sphygomomanometre faisant des notations, un pneumographe, et le galvanometre ont ete employes pour faire des notations du pouls, de la respiration, et du reflexe de la peau sur le tambour enfume. On a etudie les reactions de vingt sujets a un coup de revolver, a un choc electrique, et a un coup d'epingle come notees par les instruments cites ci-dessus. Outre la computation de la vitesse et de l'amplitude du pouls et de la respiration on a trouve utiles plusieurs nouveaux indices. On a fait une mesure soingneuse des distances horizontales entre les cretes des ondes respiratoires. On a compare une determination de la distance moyenne et des ecarts de la moyenne et des ecarts de la moyenne pour une periode immediatement precedant chaque stimulus a celle pour la periode immediatement apres. On a traite d'une maniere semblabl...
Fat and Cardiotoxicity in Hereditary Pulmonary Hypertension

After decades of focused interest on the pulmonary vascular component of pulmonary hypertension (PH), there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing the mechanisms of the failing right ventricle (RV) in the disease (1). This awareness has occurred as several of the therapies developed to treat the pulmonary vascular component of PH, although they improve quality of life and prolong survival, do not lead to resolution of the underlying vascular lesions (2); moreover, it has been suspected that some therapies, particularly prostanoids, may promote RV function, rather than inhibit or regress pulmonary vascular disease.
Regulation of the MDCK cell tight junction.

The sodium flux across individual tight junctions (TJ) of low-resistance MDCK cell monolayers grown on glass coverslips was determined as a measure of paracellular permeability. Increases in perfusate glucose concentration from 5 to 25 mm decreased tight junction Na permeability. This permeability decrease was not specific as nonmetabolizable analogues of glucose caused similar diminutions in TJ Na permeability. Stimulation of protein kinase A increased TJ Na permeability, and inhibition of protein kinase A decreased TJ Na permeability. Transepithelial electrical resistance of monolayers grown on permeable supports did not change as predicted from the observed alterations in TJ Na permeability of monolayers grown on glass coverslips. Fluorescent labeling of cell F-actin showed that increased F-actin in the perijunctional ring correlated with higher TJ Na permeability. Although a low dose of cytochalasin D did not change TJ Na permeability, it disrupted the cytoskeleton and blocked the decrease in TJ Na permeability caused by glucose. Cytochalasin D failed to block the effects of protein kinase A stimulation or inhibition on TJ Na permeability. We conclude that tight junction sodium permeability is regulated both by protein kinase A activity and by other processes involving the actin cytoskeleton.
Quantum dots in quantum well structures

Abstract Recent progress toward fabricating and characterizing quantum dots in III–V quantum well structures is reviewed. Quantum dots made by use of lithography and etching, including deep-etched, barrier-modulated, strain-induced and interdiffused quantum dots, are described. Quantum dots fabricated by growth, including natural quantum dots, dots on patterned substrates, and self-assembled dots, are discussed. Dot sizes and uniformity, energy-level splittings, and luminescence efficiencies that are now being achieved are discussed. The status of key issues, such as the energy relaxation in quantum dots, is mentioned.
Dextran induced changes in the electrophoretic mobility of rat bone marrow erythrocytes.

Elektrophoretische Zellbeweglichkeit von Rattenknochenmarkzellen in Tyrodelosung mit verschiedenen Konzentrationen und Molekulargewichten von Dextran wurde mit derjenigen von Zellen in isologem Serum und in Tyrodelosung verglichen. Steigerungen in der elektrophoretischen Zellbeweglichkeit gegenuber dem Vergleichswert des isologen Serums zeigten sich in Tyrode- und Dextran-Losungen. Die elektrophoretische Beweglichkeit des Erythrozyts schien mit der Grosse und der Konzentration des Dextranmolekuls, das in suspendierenden Medien verwendet wurde, verknupft zu sein.
The existence and structure of Irr(X)

It has been shown that, for a compact totally ordered set X, the category of irreducible semigroups with idempotents X and idempotent separating homomorphisms has a generator, Irr(X) [7]. In this article we outline the proof of the existence of Irr(X), along with the results obtained previously about the existence of Irr(X). We also survey the known results about the structure of an Irr(X) and about its uniqueness. These latter results were obtained by K. H. Hofmann and the author in a seminar on compact semigroups at Tulane University during the academic year 1970–1971.
Deep and quantitative top-down proteomics in clinical and translational research

It has long been understood that it is proteins, expressed and post-translationally modified, that are the primary regulators of both the fate and the function of cells. The ability to measure differences in the expression of the constellation of unique protein forms (proteoforms) with complete molecular specificity has the potential to sharply improve the return on investment for mass spectrometry-based proteomics in translational research and clinical diagnostics.
The unipolar brush cell: a neglected neuron of the mammalian cerebellar cortex.

We describe with a variant of the Golgi method a new type of neuron that is prominently represented in the granular layer of the mammalian vestibulocerebellum but is presently neglected in all major accounts on the cerebellum. These neurons, here termed unipolar brush cells, are intermediate in size between granule cells and Golgi cells. They typically have a thin and presumably myelinated axon, and a single and stubby dendrite whose tip forms a tightly packed group of branchlets resembling a paintbrush. The branchlets often intertwine with the digitiform claws of granule cell dendrites and are occasionally approached by Golgi cell dendrites, indicating that the unipolar brush cells may share the input of the other granular layer neurons. Branchlets of neighboring unipolar brush cells converging into the same neuropil island also occur. The brush-like tip of the unipolar cell engulfs one or two mossy fiber rosettes to form an extensive synapse that appears to close recurrent loops involving the vestibular nuclei. Positive feedback in these loops could help to explain several motor responses and drive mechanisms of extended duration that are controlled by the ventral cerebellum. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An 8,500-hp gas-turbine-electric locomotive

AFTER almost a decade of development of the gas-turbine-electric locomotive in practical service, this type of motive power has emerged from the experimental stage. One result of its acceptance in heavy through-freight service has been the demand for a unit considerably more powerful than those previously built. This has been designed and is now under construction. It embodies the same basic design principles found in the smaller units now in service. Wherever possible, advantage has been taken of the lessons already learned to design the new locomotive for increased efficiency, greater reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
Patterns of new drug detection in the Drug Abuse Warning Network

The structure of the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) a, broadly-based system designed to collect information an drug- related deaths and medical emergencies, is described. Likely reporting patterns for various drugs and a methodology for involves the calculation of the number of days between the fist and fiftieth reports of a drug to DAWN. The value resulting for each drug is considered its 'Emergence Index' (EI) EIs for drugs reaching their fiftieth mentions in successive months are compared to detect those substances displaying unusual initial activity patterns. Between July 1973 and February 1976 very few drugs were determined to have atypical EIs. Accordingly, it is concluded that there are relatively free truly 'new' drugs appearing on the drug abuse scene. Language: en
Algorithms for the inverse and a generalization of the state space approach to finite automata

The inverse of the state space approach to finite automata is developed. Both the obverse and converse aspects of the state space approach are extended to the general case in which the alphabet of a finite automaton consists of 2 m symbols wherem is any positive integer. Relevant algorithms are designed and analyzed. State equations having or not having rational-function solutions are investigated and discussed.
The effects of task and practice on search for invisibly displaced objects

Abstract The ability to successfully search for an invisibly displaced object is frequently assumed to relate to the emergence of mental representation at around 2 years of age. However, little is known about what is actually being measured in the typical “stage 6” object permanence search task. Two studies examined the effects of task factors and practice on invisible displacements and systematic search tasks to show that simple variations in ways of hiding an object change the child's ability to find it. Experiment 1 compared two common methods of presenting invisible displacements items to 36 children, approximately 2 years of age. One task was significantly easier than the other, despite the fact that they contained identical items that varied only in their order of presentation. Experiment 2 tested the effects of short-term practice on 18- and 24-month-olds' success on invisible displacements trials and on two systematic search tasks. Results indicate that too little practice inhibited performance in 18-month-olds, but that practice beyond an optimum level did not further affect their scores. In contrast, 24-month-olds continued to benefit from increased practice until they reached the maximum possible score. The findings are interpreted to mean that invisible displacements tasks may require only sensorimotor search strategies rather than representation. The findings also have implications for (a) research that attempts to relate object permanence to other variables and (b) programs that use object permanence as an assessment or screening measure.
Novel Engineering Methods for Ozone Reduction in Gas Metal Arc Welding of Aluminum

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) of aluminum results in the emission of ultraviolet radiation which then causes the production of ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Two novel methods were developed; one to suppress the ozone at the arc, and one to suppress it for protection of nearby personnel while providing a controlled flow of local ventilation to minimize ozone reaching the operator's breathing zone. Without these control methods, the ozone levels were in excess of the TLV® of 0.1 ppm, but with these devices, the levels were maintained well below the TLV.
Smac mimetic-derived augmentation of chemotherapeutic response in experimental pancreatic cancer

Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy, in part due to the overexpression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). Smac is an endogenous IAP-antagonist, which renders synthetic Smac mimetics attractive anticancer agents. We evaluated the benefits of combining a Smac mimetic, JP1201 (JP), with conventional chemotherapy agents used for PDAC management.
A mathematical model of salt-sensitive hypertension: the neurogenic hypothesis

Abstract Salt sensitivity of arterial pressure (salt-sensitive hypertension) is a serious global health issue. The causes of salt-sensitive hypertension are extremely complex and mathematical models can elucidate potential mechanisms that are experimentally inaccessible. Until recently, the only mathematical model for long-term control of arterial pressure was the model of Guyton and Coleman; referred to as the G-C model. The core of this model is the assumption that sodium excretion is driven by renal perfusion pressure, the so-called ‘renal function curve’. Thus, the G-C model dictates that all forms of hypertension are due to a primary shift of the renal function curve to a higher operating pressure. However, several recent experimental studies in a model of hypertension produced by the combination of a high salt intake and administration of angiotensin II, the AngII–salt model, are inconsistent with the G-C model. We developed a new mathematical model that does not limit the cause of salt-sensitive hypertension solely to primary renal dysfunction. The model is the first known mathematical counterexample to the assumption that all salt-sensitive forms of hypertension require a primary shift of renal function: we show that in at least one salt-sensitive form of hypertension the requirement is not necessary. We will refer to this computational model as the ‘neurogenic model’. In this Symposium Review we discuss how, despite fundamental differences between the G-C model and the neurogenic model regarding mechanisms regulating sodium excretion and vascular resistance, they generate similar haemodynamic profiles of AngII–salt hypertension. In addition, the steady-state relationships between arterial pressure and sodium excretion, a correlation that is often erroneously presented as the ‘renal function curve’, are also similar in both models. Our findings suggest that salt-sensitive hypertension is not due solely to renal dysfunction, as predicted by the G-C model, but may also result from neurogenic dysfunction.
Low magnetic field dependence of A.C. susceptibility in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract We have performed high resolution low magnetic field dependent ac susceptibility measurements on a single phase superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ sample. Below the onset temperature T c , a knee in the susceptibility and a peak in the dissipation curve were observed upon cooling but not upon warming after field sweeps at low temperatures. It is suggested that weak links may be responsible for this response. For the field dependent diamagnetic curves, the position of a major change in slope at very low fields may be identified as the critical field of the weak links, which may be fit by H 1 = H 1 (0) [1 − ( T / T c ) 2 ]; the position of a small slope change at higher fields may be identified as H c1 for the grain and which may be fit by H c 1 = H c 1 (0) [1 − ( T / T c ) 2 ], where H c 1 (0) = 460 Oe .
On selecting a measure of labour activity: evidence from registered nurses, 1981 and 1989

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effects of the selection of measures of labour activity on the conclusions that are derived from the analysis of individual labour supply. The results of the analysis using three commonly specified single measures (Annual Hours Worked, Hours Worked per Week, and Weeks Worked per Year) as the dependent variable in TOBIT equations are compared with those obtained using a PROBIT-2SLS in which the individual labour supply is measured by Hours Worked per Week and Weeks Worked per Year. The RHS variables are those that are used in earlier individual labour supply studies and are the same in all of the models analysed. Among the findings are (1) wage rate effects that are quite strong in single equation models and disappear when a multi-equation approach is used, (2) the effects of children on labour supply is more complex than in indicated in single equation results and (3) duration dependence is much stronger than indicated results using a single measure of indiv...
Adolescent and Adult Learning Disability Subgroups Based On Wais-R pErformance

The WAIS-R was administered to a group of learning disabled (LD) adolescents and adults, and the results were factor analyzed. Factor scores were derived for each subject and used in a cluster analysis. The analysis indicated a seven-group solution. Results are discussed in terms of the sen sitivity of the WAIS-R to LD subgroup patterns.
Orientational Ordering of Polymers on a Fluctuating Flexible Surface

Arguments are presented to the effect that embedding semi-flexible (wormlike) ideal polymers into a fluctuating, flexible surface leads to an effective attractive orientational interaction between polymer segments that precipitates an orientational ordering transition of the polymer chains on the surface even in the case of otherwise ideal (noninteracting) chains. The orientational interaction is analogous to the (zero order) Casimir force and is due to the energy change in surface conformational fluctuations in the presence of embedded semi-flexible
A framework for forms processing using an enhanced-line-shared-adjacent format

The objective of this paper is to introduce a novel framework for forms processing that provides seamless processing of two different kinds of formats: physical formats, whose fields have rigidly defined positions and sizes, and topological formats, in which variations in the positions and sizes of fields are acceptable as long the topological relations between pairs of fields are preserved. A line-shared adjacent (LSA) cell relation and an LSA format are introduced to define topological formats, and are then enhanced to describe physical information as enhanced LSA (e-LSA) and an enhanced line oriented (e-LO) format. The e-LSA format has good flexibility for defining nor only physical and topological formats but also hybrid formats, on which our framework is based. It has characteristics of both physical and topological formats, and enables the framework to handle the two kinds of information seamlessly. The framework consists of four modules: a format generator; a format converter; a format class manager; and a form processor which perform all the processes for field detection on which our research focuses. In this paper the way in which these modules collaborate is illustrated with some examples, which confirms the effectiveness of our framework.
The applicability of NMR methods to solution structure of nucleic acids

Abstract The usefulness of NMR spectroscopy in determining qualitative features of nucleic acid structure has been demonstrated in a variety of systems. Aspects of secondary structure, and the general positioning of bases can be determined reliably from NMR data. Highly quantitative structure analyses, particularly relating to detailed local geometry, must be viewed as quite questionable at this time.
Worldview and the Use of the Near White Heroine in Pauline Hopkins's Contending Forces

I first became aware of Pauline Hopkins in 1976 while researching my dissertation, The Mulatto Woman as Major Female Character in Novels by Black Women: 1892-1937 (Lewis, 1981), in American Studies at the University of Iowa. I found a disturbing trend of the exclusive depiction of women of African descent in the works of Hopkins, Frances Ellen Harper, Jessie Redmon Fauset, and Nella Larsen-a trend that can now include Harriet Wilson's (1859/1983) Our Nig. The most difficult times in my research were with the novels of Hopkins. None of her four works depict a dark-skinned African American major female character, although in her last novel, Of One Blood, she gives considerable significance to an Ethiopian queen, but she is not recognizably African (Hopkins, November 1903-January 1904). Harper (1892/1969), her older contemporary, had contrasted the near-White image of Iola Leroy with a minor character who is a recognizable full-blooded African woman of great beauty and dignity. Major female characters in Fauset's novels are never more than bronze colored, but she presents as many females who cannot pass for White as she does those who can. Larsen's (1929/1969) Passing is clearly concerned solely with the passing phenomenon, and of necessity, major female characters look White; the tensions in life of the heroine in Larsen's (1928) Quicksand are a result of her being a recognizable Black woman, albeit exotic, in predominantly White communities.
Evolution of host innate defence: insights from Caenorhabditis elegans and primitive invertebrates

The genetically tractable model organism Caenorhabditis elegans was first used to model bacterial virulence in vivo a decade ago. Since then, great strides have been made in identifying the host response pathways that are involved in its defence against infection. Strikingly, C. elegans seems to detect, and respond to, infection without the involvement of its homologue of Toll-like receptors, in contrast to the well-established role for these proteins in innate immunity in mammals. What, therefore, do we know about host defence mechanisms in C. elegans and what can they tell us about innate immunity in higher organisms?
Lemierre syndrome: two cases requiring surgical intervention.

1 s i 1 r ( 2 m b ( t a b n 5 Lemierre syndrome, also known as postanginal sepsis or human necrobacillosis, is a severe complication of an acute oropharyngeal infection that results in septic thrombophlebitis of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (IJV) followed by sepsis. The infections are frequently complicated by metastatic infections spread from an infection originating in the mouth or pharynx. The most common causative organism is Fusobacterium necrophorum, a commensal organism of the oral cavity. After the widespread use of antibiotic therapy, largely with penicillin in the 1960s and 1970s for oropharyngeal infections, Lemierre syndrome was referred to as the “forgotten disease.” Today, with the decreased use of antibiotics for oropharyngeal infections and the increased numbers of antibiotic-resistant organisms, the disease has reemerged. We describe 2 cases of Lemierre syndrome that required surgical intervention. Courmant Cade, in 1900, and then Schottmuller, in 1918, made a correlation between oropharyngeal infection and the occurrence of sepsis. Andre Leierre, a French microbiologist, was the first to fully escribe the syndrome in 1936. The syndrome is haracterized by anaerobic septicemia, internal juguar vein (IJV) thrombosis, and septic emboli that arise econdary to infections in the head and neck. Leierre described 20 cases; of those 20, 18 patients ied. The mortality was 90% in the preantibiotic era. Classic Lemierre syndrome, as coined by Sinave et al, usually involves 4 symptoms for an appropriate
K + waves in brain cortex visualized using a long-wavelength K + -sensing fluorescent indicator

We synthesized a water-soluble, long-wavelength K+ sensor, TAC-Red, consisting of triazacryptand coupled to 3,6-bis(dimethylamino)xanthylium, whose fluorescence increased 14-fold at 0–50 mM K+ with K+-to-Na+ selectivity >30. We visualized K+ waves in TAC-Red–stained brain cortex in mice during spreading depression, with velocity 4.4 ± 0.5 mm/min, and K+ release and reuptake half-times (t1/2) of 12 ± 2 and 32 ± 4 s, respectively. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) deletion slowed K+ reuptake about twofold, suggesting AQP4-dependent K+ uptake by astroglia.
The Emerging Role of Higher Education in Educating and Assessing Future Leaders for Disaster Relief

As the frequency and intensity of disasters throughout the world increase, so do the demands for humanitarian relief and the need for effective disaster-based leadership training. Numerous organizations are poised to act in response to disasters that necessitate a significant amount of leadership and logistics support. Although there are many entities often involved in disaster relief, the symposium outlines the emerging role higher education can play in improving response outcomes, not only by providing “boots on the ground” but also by developing skilled disaster relief leaders in both curricular and cocurricular venues. Institutions of higher education provide experiential learning opportunities offering critical service for immediate disaster relief while developing the skills of future leaders. During these experiences, students develop disaster-based leadership and logistics acumen. Similarly, programmatic assessment is critical in measuring student leadership growth during the experiential learning process of providing disaster relief. The education and assessment of these trainings provides an important dimension of disaster leadership as it examines the leaders in action and fosters a commitment to adequately prepare them to lead in a time of disaster. A qualitative approach is recommended for assessing experiential leadership learning to better inform teaching and to cultivate future disaster leadership that meets ongoing global needs.
An index-based approach to assessing recalcitrance and soil carbon sequestration potential of engineered black carbons (biochars).

The ability of engineered black carbons (or biochars) to resist abiotic and, or biotic degradation (herein referred to as recalcitrance) is crucial to their successful deployment as a soil carbon sequestration strategy. A new recalcitrance index, the R50, for assessing biochar quality for carbon sequestration is proposed. The R50 is based on the relative thermal stability of a given biochar to that of graphite and was developed and evaluated with a variety of biochars (n = 59), and soot-like black carbons. Comparison of R50, with biochar physicochemical properties and biochar-C mineralization revealed the existence of a quantifiable relationship between R50 and biochar recalcitrance. As presented here, the R50 is immediately applicable to pre-land application screening of biochars into Class A (R50 ≥ 0.70), Class B (0.50 ≤ R50 < 0.70) or Class C (R50 < 0.50) recalcitrance/carbon sequestration classes. Class A and Class C biochars would have carbon sequestration potential comparable to soot/graphite and un...
Performance evaluation and design trade-offs for wireless network-on-chip architectures

Massive levels of integration are making modern multicore chips all pervasive in several domains. High performance, robustness, and energy-efficiency are crucial for the widespread adoption of such platforms. Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) have emerged as communication backbones to enable a high degree of integration in multicore Systems-on-Chip (SoCs). Despite their advantages, an important performance limitation in traditional NoCs arises from planar metal interconnect-based multihop links with high latency and power consumption. This limitation can be addressed by drawing inspiration from the evolution of natural complex networks, which offer great performance-cost trade-offs. Analogous with many natural complex systems, future multicore chips are expected to be hierarchical and heterogeneous in nature as well. In this article we undertake a detailed performance evaluation for hierarchical small-world NoC architectures where the long-range communications links are established through the millimeter-wave wireless communication channels. Through architecture-space exploration in conjunction with novel power-efficient on-chip wireless link design, we demonstrate that it is possible to improve performance of conventional NoC architectures significantly without incurring high area overhead.
An Imaging Method for Concealed Targets

A novel microwave imaging method to detect and possibly characterize nonaccessible targets concealed into a wall or a floor from the measured backscattered field is proposed. The problem is cast as an inverse scattering one aimed at imaging a piecewise homogeneous target embedded in a layered structure. The proposed method is based on a linear sampling method (LSM), a general and computationally effective shape-reconstruction approach that determines the targets morphology through an indicator defined as the regularized solution of a linear inverse problem. However, LSM cannot discern between homogeneous and inhomogeneous targets; hence, it may retrieve the cache but not characterize its content. To overcome this drawback, we propose a two-step approach in which the cache is first imaged by using the standard LSM indicator. Then, by taking advantage of the physical interpretation of the LSM and of the first step's result, a modified indicator is defined and exploited to detect the inclusions possibly hidden in the retrieved cache. Numerical examples are provided as a proof of concept.