cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental determination of the radial dose function of 90Sr/90Y IVBT sources.

A series of measurements were undertaken using both high sensitivity radiochromic film and new lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters in a liquid water medium to define the radial dose function of Sr 90 ∕ Y 90 beta emitting intravascular brachytherapy sources more accurately. These measurements of a single 5 French source pellet served to verify current Monte Carlo transport models and extrapolation chamber measurements of the radial dose function, thus providing the recommended independent published measurements for g ( r ) of these sources. A slight deviation in the published radial dose function at depth leads the authors to recommend that treatment planning be performed using updated g ( r ) values from current Monte Carlo transport models verified by measurements such as those shown in this investigation.
Impact of political, scientific and non-technical issues on regional groundwater modeling: case study from Texas, USA.

Abstract Recent legislation required regional “grass-roots” water resources planning across the entire state of Texas. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the state's primary water resource planning agency, divided the state into sixteen planning regions. Each planning group developed plans to manage both groundwater and surface water sources and to meet future demands of various combinations of domestic, agricultural, municipal, and industrial water consumers. This presentation describes the challenges in developing a groundwater model for the Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group (LERWPG), whose region includes 21 counties in the Southern High Plains of Texas. While surface water is supplied to several cities in this region, the vast majority on the regional water use comes from the High Plains Aquifer System, often locally referred to as the Ogallala aquifer. Over 95 percent of the groundwater demand is for irrigated agriculture. The LERWPG had to predict the impact of future TWDB-projected water demands, as provided by the TWDB, on the aquifer for the period 2000 to 2050. If detrimental impacts were noted, alternative management strategies must be proposed. While much effort was spent on evaluating the current status of the groudwater reserves, an appropriate numerical model of the aquifer system was necessary to demonstrate future impacts of the predicted withdrawals, as well as the effects of the alternative strategies. The modeling effort was completed in the summer of 2000. This presentation concentrates on the political, scientific, and non-technical issues in this planning process that complicated the modeling effort.
Functional Genomics of Wood Formation

Wood is of primary importance to humans as timber for construction, and wood-pulp for paper manufacturing. It is also the most environmentally costeffective renewable source of energy. Resolving the dilemma of preserving forest ecosystems, while meeting the increasing demand of forest utilization, necessitates gaining a fundamental understanding of the biochemical processes involved in tree growth and development.
Thermal Resistance of Certain Oncogenic Viruses Suspended in Milk and Milk Products

Thermal destruction rate curves were determined for adenovirus 12, reovirus 1, and herpes simplex virus in sterile milk, raw milk, raw chocolate milk, and raw ice cream mix. At 40 to 60 C, the curves were asymptotic to the base line. At 65 C, which is near the pasteurization standard, the curves approached a first-order reaction. Thermal resistance studies, by means of in vivo assays, of Moloney and Rauscher leukemia viruses and Moloney and Rous sarcoma viruses indicated that Rous sarcoma was the most resistant. A comparison of the 12D processes of Rous sarcoma virus, reovirus 1, adenovirus 12, and herpes simplex virus in ice cream mix (the most protective of the suspending menstrua studied) with the U.S. Public Health Service pasteurization standard indicated an adequate safety factor in current pasteurization practices.
Flowing afterglow studies of electron-ion recombination using Langmuir probes and optical spectroscopy

For many years, the experimental data obtained for dissociative electron-ion recombination $$ AB{H^ + } + e \to A + BH $$ (1) have been limited to rate coefficients, αe, determined predominantly using stationary and flowing afterglow techniques, with the electron density being measured using microwave frequency shift and electrostatic Langmuir probe techniques1–4, and more recently infrared absorption.5 A body of data is also available from the merged beam technique, obtained by measuring reaction cross-sections and then integrating over a Boltzmann distribution to obtain the effective rate coefficients (note that, in this case, the integration is only over the kinetic energy of the reactants; the internal energy remaining constant).4,6 There is generally good agreement between the αe determined using different techniques, however, it has recently become apparent that there are several discrepancies remaining.7
All-optical-field-induced second-harmonic generation

Interferometric pump-probe spectroscopy is used to demonstrate all-optical second-harmonic generation from a polymer dielectric in a serrated nanogap structure. Strong optical frequency electric-fields from surface plasmons create ultrafast controllable nonlinear light pulses.
The Homophobic Sexual Harassment Claim and Sexuality Discrimination

In sexual harassment law scholarship, it is often argued that the reasonable person standard should give way to a reasonable victim (woman) standard. Yet, this latter standard may unintentionally invite homophobic employees to attempt to use a reasonable homophobe standard to charge gay supervisors with harassment merely for being openly gay at work. In response, I argue that we currently act on an unjustifiable distinction whereby we treat sexuality behavior (behavior that indicates one's sexuality) as necessarily sexualized only for GLBTQ behavior. By disallowing this discriminatory treatment, we can preserve the reasonable victim standard and undermine the homophobe's warrantless charges.
Methylation of a CTCF-dependent boundary controls imprinted expression of the Igf2 gene

The expression of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) and H19 genes is imprinted. Although these neighbouring genes share an enhancer, H19 is expressed only from the maternal allele, and Igf2 only from the paternally inherited allele. A region of paternal-specific methylation upstream of H19 appears to be the site of an epigenetic mark that is required for the imprinting of these genes. A deletion within this region results in loss of imprinting of both H19 and Igf2 (ref. 5). Here we show that this methylated region contains an element that blocks enhancer activity. The activity of this element is dependent upon the vertebrate enhancer-blocking protein CTCF. Methylation of CpGs within the CTCF-binding sites eliminates binding of CTCF in vitro, and deletion of these sites results in loss of enhancer-blocking activity in vivo, thereby allowing gene expression. This CTCF-dependent enhancer-blocking element acts as an insulator. We suggest that it controls imprinting of Igf2. The activity of this insulator is restricted to the maternal allele by specific DNA methylation of the paternal allele. Our results reveal that DNA methylation can control gene expression by modulating enhancer access to the gene promoter through regulation of an enhancer boundary.
Fifteen Famous Supreme Court Cases from Georgia

Professor Dan T. Coenen shares his selection of 15 important U.S. Supreme Court cases that originated in the state of Georgia.
Heterogeneous nuclear RNA promotes synthesis of (2',5')oligoadenylate and is cleaved by the (2',5')oligoadenylate-activated endoribonuclease.

Abstract Heterogeneous nuclear RNA contains double-stranded regions that are not found in mRNA and that may serve as recognition elements for processing enzymes. The double-stranded regions of heterogeneous nuclear RNA prepared from HeLa cells promoted the synthesis of (2',5')oligoadenylate [(2',5')oligo(A) or (2'5')An] when incubated with (2',5')An polymerase. This enzyme is present in elevated levels in interferon-treated cells, and labeled heterogeneous nuclear RNA incubated with extracts of these cells is preferentially cleaved, since mRNA included in the same incubations is not appreciably degraded. The cleavage of heterogenous nuclear RNA is caused by the synthesis of (2'5')An and by a "localized" activation of the (2',5')An-dependent endonuclease, since it was enhanced by ATP, the substrate of the (2',5')An polymerase, and inhibited by 2'-dATP and ethidium bromide. Both of these compounds suppress the synthesis of (2',5')An, the first by competitive inhibition and the latter by intercalating into double-stranded RNA. The possible role of double-stranded regions and of the (2',5')An polymerase-endonuclease system in the processing of heterogeneous nuclear RNA is discussed.
Tree restructuring and fitting approach for layout problem in cellular-architecture FPGAs

The research, addressed in this paper will focus on developing a design methodology for Fine-Grain Cellular-Architecture FPGAs. Routing within such FPGAs is either by bus or by direct connections between neighboring cells. Busses support fast, efficient communication over medium and long distances. We discuss the tree structures obtained by a new logic synthesis method. A tree restructuring method for routing-driven technology mapping is shown. The results obtained from this new tree restructuring approach are very encouraging.
Study on knowledge and attitude of college students majoring in physical therapy and physical therapists towards elderly with dementia

plane (p< 0.05). According to results of post-hoc analysis using LSD, peak knee angle in 0◦ was different from one in 10◦, 15◦, and 20◦ in the sagittal plane, and only 20◦was significantly different from 0◦ in the horizontal plane. However, no significant difference was observed at any conditions of orthotic angles in transverse plane. Conclusion(s): According to the results of this study, more than 10◦ adjustment of the orthotic angle could incur changes in the knee joint angle at themid-stance in the sagittal plane and horizontal plane. Implications: An orthotic device is an important tool to aid functional activities and daily living for patients with gait disturbance due to various diseases. Therefore, it seems that it can be basis data of posture change for hemiparetic stroke patients with hyperextension gait or spastic gait.
Comparison of different methods to measure structural damping

Structural damping indicates the energy loss in materials and systems respectively. Hereby, different loss mechanisms must be distinguished: namely internal losses or material damping due to conversion of kinetic energy into heat and coupling losses due to transmission of energy to adjoining systems. The reverberation time was obtained by exciting the specimen with a small force hammer at three positions using three repeats and measuring the acceleration at eight points distributed over the specimen. Schroeder Plots. A very simplistic approach is used assuming a circular bending wave front around a point source on an isotrupic infinite plate in the far field. The low agreement of the drawaway method is explained by the multiple simplifications made by the model. Even in the midrange frequency bands, reflections make detecting a clear decay impossible. At low frequencies the near field additionally distort the vibration pattern especially closer to the excitation point.
Creating an Optimal Language Learning Environment: A Focus on Family and Culture.

Understanding the family systems and structures of our diverse populations is one of the most important tasks of professionals in education. Children learn from their family, school, and community....
Privatised Firms and Labour Outcomes in Emerging Markets

Abstract A recent large firm-level dataset is analysed to compare labour indicators of privatised, private, and public firms around the world, in particular differences relating to wages, benefits, labour composition, education and training, unionisation, and quality of management. We find that labour productivity and the ratio of permanent to temporary workers increase after privatisation.
The Symmetry Lessons from Froebel Building Gifts

The symmetry properties of the Froebel building gifts are discussed in detail. A special emphasis is given to the cycle indices of their permutation groups. They are used in the enumeration of n ≤ 3 colour assignments on the faces of the building blocks.
Mutations at the Signature Sequence of CFTR Create a Cd2+-gated Chloride Channel

The canonical sequence LSGGQ, also known as the signature sequence, defines the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter superfamily. Crystallographic studies reveal that the signature sequence, together with the Walker A and Walker B motifs, forms the ATP-binding pocket upon dimerization of the two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) in a head-to-tail configuration. The importance of the signature sequence is attested by the fact that a glycine to aspartate mutation (i.e., G551D) in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) results in a severe phenotype of cystic fibrosis. We previously showed that the G551D mutation completely eliminates ATP-dependent gating of the CFTR chloride channel. Here, we report that micromolar [Cd2+] can dramatically increase the activity of G551D-CFTR in the absence of ATP. This effect of Cd2+ is not seen in wild-type channels or in G551A. Pretreatment of G551D-CFTR with the cysteine modification reagent 2-aminoethyl methane thiosulfonate hydrobromide protects the channel from Cd2+ activation, suggesting an involvement of endogenous cysteine residue(s) in mediating this effect of Cd2+. The mutants G551C, L548C, and S549C, all in the signature sequence of CFTR's NBD1, show robust response to Cd2+. On the other hand, negligible effects of Cd2+ were seen with T547C, Q552C, and R553C, indicating that a specific region of the signature sequence is involved in transmitting the signal of Cd2+ binding to the gate. Collectively, these results suggest that the effect of Cd2+ is mediated by a metal bridge formation between yet to be identified cysteine residue(s) and the engineered aspartate or cysteine in the signature sequence. We propose that the signature sequence serves as a switch that transduces the signal of ligand binding to the channel gate.
Paediatric critical incident analysis: lessons learnt on analysis, recommendations and implementation

The objectives of this study were to identify causal and contributing factors of serious patient safety incidents in a paediatric university hospital, to report on ensuing recommendations and to assess the extent of implementation of the recommendations. The possible causal and contributing factors identified in 17 incidents were classified by a system devised by Vincent et al. Proposed recommendations were classified by the same system, and degrees of implementation were established. A median of 5 causal and contributing factors per incident were identified. Twenty-two percent of all factors were related to teamwork and 22 % to task factors. A median of 5 recommendations per analysis were formulated. Most recommendations were related to task factors (36 %). The time load of each analysis was a mean of 27 h. One third of the recommendations have been acted upon, mostly those related to task and team factors. Conclusion: Incident analysis is time-consuming but yields indispensable information on causal and contributing factors, presenting numerous opportunities for quality improvement. The value of these analyses could be improved by appointing responsibilities and setting up time frames for implementation. A bottom-up approach with managerial support appears to be a key to turning incident analysis and quality improvement into an ongoing process.
Control of Activity through Oxidative Modification at the Conserved Residue Cys66 of Aryl Sulfotransferase IV

Oxidation at Cys66 of rat liver aryl sulfotransferase IV alters the enzyme's catalytic activity, pH optima and substrate specificity. Although this is a cytosolic detoxication enzyme, the pH optimum for the standard assay substrate 4-nitrophenol is at pH 5.5; upon oxidation, the optimum changes to the physiological pH range. The principal effect of the change in pH optimum is activation, which is manifest by an increase in K′cat without any major influence on substrate binding. In contrast, with tyrosine methyl ester as a substrate, the enzyme's optimum activity occurs at pH 8.0; upon oxidation, it ceases to be a substrate at any pH. The presence of Cys66 was essential for activation to occur, thereby providing a putative reason underlying the conserved nature of this cysteine throughout the phenol sulfotransferase family. Mapping of disulfides by mass spectrometry showed the critical event to be the oxidation of Cys66 to form a disulfide with either Cys232 or glutathione, either one is effective. These results point to a mechanism for regulating the activity of a key enzyme in xenobiotic detoxication during cellular oxidative stress.
Mechanical factors in the initiation of eccentric contraction-induced injury in rat soleus muscle.

1. Mechanical factor(s) associated with the initiation of eccentric contraction-induced muscle injury were investigated in isolated rat soleus muscles (n = 180; 42 protocols with 4-6 muscles per protocol). Five eccentric contractions were performed with 4 min between contractions. Three levels of peak eccentric contraction force (100, 125 and 150% of pre-injury maximal isometric tetanic tension, P0), length change (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 muscle length, L0) and lengthening velocity (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 L0/s) were utilized. Force was varied with stimulation frequency (10-150 Hz). The eccentric contractions were initiated at muscle lengths of 0.85 or 0.90 L0. Following the fifth eccentric contraction, the muscle was incubated in Krebs-Ringer buffer for 60 min. Peak isometric twitch tension (PT), P0, maximal rate of tension development (+ dP/dt), maximal rate of relaxation (-dP/dt), and creatine kinase (CK) release were measured prior to the five eccentric contractions and at 15 min intervals during the incubation period. Total muscle [Ca2+] was measured after 60 min incubation. 2. The mean (+/- S.E.M.) initial decline in P0 for the muscles performing the most injurious protocol was 13.6 +/- 4.8% (n = 6); P0 in control muscles immediately following performance of five isometric contractions was elevated 1.2 +/- 1.0% (n = 8). These means were different at probability, p = 0.005. Mean [ATP] in muscles immediately following the isometric control and most injurious protocols, respectively, were 16.30 +/- 1.49 and 19.84 +/- 1.38 mumol/g dry wt (p = 0.229). 3. Decrements in P0, PT, +dP/dt, and -dP/dt immediately after the injury protocol were related most closely to the peak forces produced during the eccentric contractions; greater initial declines in P0, +dP/dt and -dP/dt were also observed at higher lengthening velocities independent of peak force. Slow declines in P0 and -dP/dt during the 60 min incubation following the injury protocol were greatest for muscles performing contractions at the longer initial length. CK release was independent of all mechanical factors with the exception of lengthening velocity. CK activity at 45 and 60 min into the incubation period was greater for muscles lengthened at the highest velocity used (1.5 L0/s). Mean total muscle [Ca2+] for muscles performing the eccentric contractions was elevated by 38% over isometric control muscles but the elevation was unrelated to any of the four mechanical factors. 4. These data support the hypothesis that eccentric contraction-induced injury is initiated by mechanical factors, with muscle tension playing the dominant role.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Endogenous lectin secretion into the extracellular matrix of early embryos of Xenopus laevis.

Abstract An endogenous galactoside-binding lectin with subunit molecular weight of 43,000–45,000, previously detected in unfertilized eggs of Xenopus laevis, persists at high levels in embryos through gastrulation. During embryonic development the lectin is found in cytoplasmic vesicles, and then is secreted into extracellular matrix which is prominent around the blastopore and on the roof of the blastocoel. The lectin is also found in the extracellular material in the developing neural fold. The presence of lectin at sites of active morphogenetic movements raises the possibility that it participates in the formation of an extracellular matrix that influences these processes.
Misspecified skedastic functions in grouped-data models

Abstract Common procedures for incorporating heteroskedasticity in models estimated with grouped data may use an incorrect specification of the skedastic function. Sampling experiments suggest that there may be severe costs, both in a loss of efficiency and in biased hypothesis tests.
Biodegradable microparticles of influenza viral vaccine: comparison of the effects of routes of administration on the in vivo immune response in mice.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the comparative immune response following administration of biodegradable microparticles loaded with influenza viral vaccine using subcutaneous and oral routes. Influenza viral vaccine was entrapped in poly( d,l -lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) and poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) (PIBCA) microparticles. Stability and immunogenicity of entrapped antigen were retained, as evaluated by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot. Microparticles in the size range of
Blood glucose extraction as a mediator of perceived exertion during prolonged exercise.

The effect of blood glucose extraction on the perception of exertion was examined during prolonged arm exercise. Eight male subjects consumed in counterbalanced order a standard daily diet containing either (1) 75 g dihydroxyacetone and 25 g sodium pyruvate (DHAP) or (2) an isocaloric amount of placebo, to manipulate blood glucose extraction. Following each 7-day diet, subjects exercised to exhaustion at 60% of peak arm oxygen consumption. Ratings of perceived exertion (Borg, CR-10 scale) were obtained for the arms (RPE-A), legs (RPE-L), chest (RPE-C) and overall body (RPE-O) every 10 min of exercise. After 60 min of continuous exercise, blood samples were drawn from the radial artery and axillary vein. Ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between trials during the first 50 min of exercise. At the 60-min time point, perceived exertion was lower (P < 0.01) in the DHAP than placebo trials for the arms (RPE-A: 4.25 vs 5.50) and overall body (RPE-O: 3.25 vs 4.00). These differences persisted throughout exercise. RPE-L and RPE-C did not differ between trials. Whole-arm arterial-venous glucose difference was higher (P < 0.05) in the DHAP (1.00 mmol · 1−1) than placebo (0.36 mmol·1−1) trials, as was fractional extraction of glucose (22.5 vs 9.0%). Respiratory exchange ratio was the same between trials. Triceps muscle glycogen was (1) higher in the DHAP than placebo trial at pre-exercise (P < 0.05), (2) decreased during exercise and (3) did not differ between trials at exercise termination. Free fatty acids, glycerol, β-hydroxybutyrate, lactic acid, pH, norepinephrine and epinephrine did not differ between trials. These findings suggest that blood glucose extraction mediates the perceived intensity of exertion arising from active limbs during prolonged arm exercise.
PLASMA PROTEIN INTERACTIONS WITH PLURONIC-TREATED COLLOIDS

Abstract Hydrophobic polystyrene colloids are known to rapidly take up numerous proteins from solution, including the key plasma proteins albumin and fibrinogen. However, when coated with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-containing block copolymers these particles become much less prone to protein adsorption. The noted protein repulsion is thought to be influenced by three important factors: the surface concentration of the adsorbed polymers, the thickness of the adsorbed layer and the surface mobility of the polymer chains. At a given surface concentration, the increase in both thickness and dynamics is directly correlated with a decrease in protein adsorption, as seen from the interactions of selected copolymer adsorption complexes with human fibrinogen. The significant suppression of fibrinogen adsorption to polystyrene (PS) colloids coated with Pluronic™ F108, which has the highest molecular weight and longest PEO chains among the studied block copolymers, prompted a detailed examination of the interaction of such surfactant-treated particulate surfaces with other proteins. Exposure of the coated particles to whole plasma gives rise to a certain polymer displacement with concomitant uptake of a limited amount of protein. This uptake does not result in aggregation nor does it add to the size of each particle. Rather, as shown in a companion study, the repulsion layer established by the stable F108 coating appears to be correlated with the prolonged blood circulation of such coated PS colloids.
Infinite-temperature dynamics of the equivalent-neighbor XYZ model.

The dynamics of the classical XYZ model with uniform interaction is investigated by the recursion method and, in part, by exact analysis. The time evolution is anharmonic for arbitrary N (number of spins); only the cases N=2 and \ensuremath{\infty} are completely integrable. For the special (uniaxially symmetric) equivalent-neighbor XXZ model, the nonlinearities in the equations of motion disappear in the limit N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}, and the spin autocorrelation functions are determined exactly for infinite temperature: The function 〈${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{i}}^{\mathit{z}}$(t)${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{i}}^{\mathit{z}}$〉 exhibits a Gaussian decay to a nonzero constant, and the function 〈${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{i}}^{\mathit{x}}$(t)${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{i}}^{\mathit{x}}$〉 decays to zero, algebraically or like a Gaussian, depending on the amount of uniaxial anisotropy. For the general XYZ case, the T=\ensuremath{\infty} dynamical behavior includes four different universality classes, categorized according to the decay law of the spectral densities at high frequencies. That decay law governs the growth rate of the sequence of recurrents that determine the relaxation function in the continued-fraction representation. The four universality classes may serve as prototypes for a classification of the dynamics of classical and quantum many-body systems in general.
Response of harpacticoid copepods to habitat structure at a deep-sea site

Given the quiescent physical environment and the low rates of bioturbation in the deep sea, biologically produced structures, such as animals tubes, may play an important role in creating habitat heterogeneity. In San Diego Trough, the cirratulid polychactc Tharyx luticastellus builds and inhabits a robust mud concretion (a mudball). Mudballs are abundant and persist after the worm has died or abandoned them. Our analysis of twelve 6.6-cm-diamcter cores from 32° 51.02’ N, 117° 46.97’ W, taken with the submersible SEA CLIFF, indicate that one of 29 spccics of harpacticoids common in San Diego Trough is associated with Tharyx mudballs. This species (of the genus Heteropsyllus) responded only to mudballs containing worms, suggesting that any effects of the inanimate structure were not the cause of the association. We could dctcct no difference in bacterial numbers in sediments between control and occupied-mudball samples. This result suggests that the response does not result from gross differences in food levels near a mudball, but the possibility that there are differences in some preferred food cannot be discounted. An univestigatod possibility is that Heteropsyllus responds to occupied mudballs because the worm’s presence deters some (presumably small) predator.
Undergraduate Research at the Research Universities

Snapshots of undergraduate research programs at research universities offer models and ideas as benchmark programs.
The anodic amperometric titration of low concentrations of nitrite with sulphamic acid or ceriumIV ion

Abstract Nitrite at a concentration of approximately 6 × 10 −4 M in 0.05 M sulphuric acid can be titrated amperometrically at a rotating platinum micro-anode with sulphamic acid or cerium IV ion. Results with sulphamic acid are free from bias and have a standard deviation of about 1%. Titration with cerium IV is less precise, giving results that are high or low according to the method used for end-point location, but is applicable to lower nitrite concentrations than is titration with sulphamic acid.
Traumatic avulsion of the ureter: computed tomography correlation.

Abstract Avulsion of the ureter is a rare but significant traumatic injury, and there is often a delay in diagnosis and treatment (1). Radiologic signs have been described for intravenous urography but are not always present (2). To our knowledge, the computed tomographic appearance of avulsion of the ureter has not been described. Herein, we report the contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings in a case of traumatic avulsion of the ureter.
Wilderness related musculoskeletal injury: role of bone scintigraphy

Musculoskeletal pain is a common sequela of wilderness related activities. X-ray analysis of persistent musculoskeletal pain often reveals no specific etiology. Nuclear medicine bone scintigraphy has the ability to detect several types of abnormalities which can be missed by plain film techniques. These abnormalities include: 1) stress fracture, 2) enthesopathy, 3) occult fracture. Scintigraphic diagnosis of these injuries can lead to proper and timely treatment while a negative bone scan can effectively rule out osseous injury.
Effect of the mixed bacterial vaccine on the immune response of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and refractory malignancies

Since 1984, 13 patients were entered into our study and 12 patients have completed one or more cycles of treatment with mixed bacterial vaccine (MBV), a natural biologic response modifier derived from Streptococcus pyogenes and Serratia marcescens. Eight patients with refractory malignancy were treated with MBV only (0.1 ml intravenously [IV]) twice weekly for 3-16 weeks (colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, chronic lymphatic leukemia, hepatoma [two patients], sarcoma [three patients]). Four patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were treated with MBV in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide, day 1; cisplatin, day 15; and MBV, 0.1 ml IV, days 5, 7, and 9. Two patients in this study received cyclophosphamide and cisplatin alone. The cycle was repeated every 28 days. Plasma interferon levels, interleukin-2 production by peripheral lymphocytes, and lymphocyte subpopulations were monitored. Interferon levels and interleukin-2 production showed increased or sustained values in general. In some patients, B-cells and helper T-cell populations increased, whereas T-suppressor cell numbers declined. With one exception, side effects were mild and consisted of fever greater than 37.8 degrees C (nine of 13), chills (11 of 13), increased respiratory rate (nine of 13), minor changes in blood pressure (seven of 13), and nausea (three of 13). One patient with non-small cell lung cancer had a partial response. Two patients with non-small cell lung cancer and one patient with refractory malignancy had stable disease and performance status at the end of 8 weeks of treatment; one patient with refractory malignancy was stable at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. In this pilot study, cancer patients treated with MBV showed objective evidence of immune stimulation with acceptable toxicity.
PROLONGED SHOCK AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION RELIEVED BY ACTH AND CORTISONE.

S hock is a frequent complication of severe attacks of myocardial infarction and requires energetic therapeutic measures. Vasopressor drugs have been of great value, but treatment is still unsatisfactory. It has been demonstrated that a marked diminution in cardiac output accompanies shock associated with myocardial infarction, as in other types of shock,l but in cardiogenic shock this is believed to be due to a marked weakness in myocardial contraction. Usually, in cardiogenic shock there is an increase in peripheral resistance, but in certain cases this is normal or decreased, which suggests the probability that a peripheral vascular mechanism may also play a large role. The action of the adrenal corticoids in shock has not been convincing, although hydrocortisone is often used in an effort to potentiate the vasoconstrictor action of norepinephrine. The case to be presented is of interest because of the long duration of shock-20 to 22 days-in a patient with myocardial infarction. (The term “shock” is used in the strictest sense, in that severe hypotension was associated with a cold, clammy skin, rapid thready pulse, and marked weakness.) Also, the electrocardiogram was not of the type usually associated with cardiogenic shock. Moreover, the dramatic response to ACTH and subsequently to prednisone suggests the possibility of temporary pituitary insufficiency and/or adrenocortical failure.
Impact of Ribosomal Modification on the Binding of the Antibiotic Telithromycin Using a Combined Grand Canonical Monte Carlo/Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approach

Resistance to macrolide antibiotics is conferred by mutation of A2058 to G or methylation by Erm methyltransferases of the exocyclic N6 of A2058 (E. coli numbering) that forms the macrolide binding site in the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Ketolides such as telithromycin mitigate A2058G resistance yet remain susceptible to Erm-based resistance. Molecular details associated with macrolide resistance due to the A2058G mutation and methylation at N6 of A2058 by Erm methyltransferases were investigated using empirical force field-based simulations. To address the buried nature of the macrolide binding site, the number of waters within the pocket was allowed to fluctuate via the use of a Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) methodology. The GCMC water insertion/deletion steps were alternated with Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to allow for relaxation of the entire system. From this GCMC/MD approach information on the interactions between telithromycin and the 50S ribosome was obtained. In the wild-type (WT) ribosome, the 2′-OH to A2058 N1 hydrogen bond samples short distances with a higher probability, while the effectiveness of telithromycin against the A2058G mutation is explained by a rearrangement of the hydrogen bonding pattern of the 2′-OH to 2058 that maintains the overall antibiotic-ribosome interactions. In both the WT and A2058G mutation there is significant flexibility in telithromycin's imidazole-pyridine side chain (ARM), indicating that entropic effects contribute to the binding affinity. Methylated ribosomes show lower sampling of short 2′-OH to 2058 distances and also demonstrate enhanced G2057-A2058 stacking leading to disrupted A752-U2609 Watson-Crick (WC) interactions as well as hydrogen bonding between telithromycin's ARM and U2609. This information will be of utility in the rational design of novel macrolide analogs with improved activity against methylated A2058 ribosomes.
Effect of application mode on interfacial morphology and chemistry between dentine and self-etch adhesives.

Abstract Objective To investigate the influence of application mode on the interfacial morphology and chemistry between dentine and self-etch adhesives with different aggressiveness. Methods The occlusal one-third of the crown was removed from un-erupted human third molars, followed by abrading with 600 grit SiC under water. Rectangular dentine slabs were prepared by sectioning the tooth specimens perpendicular to the abraded surfaces. The obtained dentine slabs were treated with one of the two one-step self-etch adhesives: Adper Easy Bond (AEB, pH ∼ 2.5) and Adper Prompt L-Pop (APLP, pH ∼ 0.8) with (15 s, active application) or without (15 s, inactive application) agitation. The dentine slabs were fractured and the exposed adhesive/dentine (A/D) interfaces were examined with micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results The interfacial morphology, degree of dentine demineralization (DD) and degree of conversion (DC) of the strong self-etch adhesive APLP showed more significant dependence on the application mode than the mild AEB. APLP exhibited inferior bonding at the A/D interface if applied without agitation, evidenced by debonding from the dentine substrate. The DDs and DCs of the APLP with agitation were higher than those of without agitation in the interface, in contrast to the comparable DD and DC values of two AEB specimen groups with different application modes. Raman spectral analysis revealed the important role of chemical interaction between acid monomers of self-etch adhesives and dentine in the above observations. Conclusion The chemical interaction with dentine is especially important for improving the DC of the strong self-etching adhesive at the A/D interface. Agitation could benefit polymerization efficacy of the strong self-etch adhesive through enhancing the chemical interaction with tooth substrate.
Altered Carbohydrate Recognition Specificity Engineered into Surfactant Protein D Reveals Different Binding Mechanisms for Phosphatidylinositol and Glucosylceramide

Pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the collection subgroup of the C-type lectin superfamily that binds glycosylated lipids such as phosphatidylinositol (PI) and glucosylceramide (GlcCer). We have previously reported that the carbohydrate recognition domain of SP-D plays an essential role in lipid binding. However, it is unclear how the carbohydrate binding property of SP-D contributes to the lipid binding. To clarify the relationship between the lectin property and the lipid binding activity of rat SP-D, we expressed wild-type recombinant rat SP-D (rSP-D) and a mutant form of the protein with substitutions Glu-321-->Gln and Asn-323-->Asp (SP-DE321Q,N323D) in CHO-K1 cells. The indicated mutations have previously been shown to change the carbohydrate binding specificity of surfactant protein A and mannose-binding protein from mannose > galactose to the converse. rSP-D expressed in mammalian cells was essentially identical to native rat SP-D in its lipid and carbohydrate binding properties. In contrast, SP-DE321Q,N323D was unable to bind GlcCer, but retained binding activity toward PI liposomes and solid-phase PI. The efficiency of SP-DE321Q,N323D binding to PI liposome was approximately 50% of that of rSP-D in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+, but equivalent at 20 mM Ca2+. Carbohydrates competed for SP-D binding to PI such that maltose > galactose for rSP-D, and the order was reversed for SP-DE321Q,N323D. Furthermore, SP-DE321Q,N323D could bind to digalactosyldiacylglycerol more effectively than rSP-D. These results suggest the following. 1) The carbohydrate binding specificity of SP-DE321Q,N323D was changed from a mannose-glucose type to a galactose type; 2) the GlcCer binding property of SP-D is closely related to its sugar binding activity; and 3) the PI binding activity is not completely dependent on its carbohydrate binding specificity.
To Injection Mold, to Stamp, or to Assemble? A DFM Cost Perspective

This paper presents a DFM cost comparison of injection molding and stamping, the processes most commonly used in the production of consumer oriented special purpose components. The general guidelines obtained and conclusions drawn in order to determine if a component should be injection molded or stamped, and/or if several components should be combined into a single component or not, are discussed. The cost evaluation and comparison are primarily in terms of the functional equivalence of feature, component, and assembly.
Wafer mapping of the transverse piezoelectric coefficient, e31,f, using the wafer flexure technique with sputter deposited Pt strain gauges

Abstract Measurement of the transverse piezoelectric coefficient ( e 31,f ) in thin films is crucial for the development of microfabricated sensors, actuators, and transducers. Here, a method is described such that lithographically defined strain gauges enable non-destructive, position-dependent characterization of e 31,f in conjunction with the wafer flexure technique. Measurements of 100 nm thick Pt gauges deposited on 1 μm thick PbZr 0.52 Ti 0.48 O 3 thin films yield gauge factors of 6.24, with a gauge-to-gauge variation that is 5% of this value. The system allows for simultaneous measurement of the charge and strain, improving the overall accuracy of measurement. The small footprint of the combined strain gauge array/electrode pattern used for determining e 31,f , allows for a non-destructive mapping of the transverse piezoelectric coefficient across large-area wafers. Due to the clamping configuration used in wafer flexure experiments, e 31,f values can accurately be obtained within the central ∼2/3 of a full wafer. Measurements performed on a 1.3 μm thick randomly oriented polycrystalline PbZr 0.52 Ti 0.48 O 3 film made deposited on a 4 in. platinized silicon wafer by the sol–gel process show a high degree of uniformity, with e 31,f of −6.37 ± 0.60 C/m 2 for points measured within r = 3 cm.
A simple BASIC language laboratory control system for microcomputers patterned after SKED

Microcomputers such as the TRS-80, when equipped with a simple digital input-output interface, become capable of completely controlling laboratory experiments. BASIC language software has been developed that allows simplified programming of experiments using the “state” concepts of the SKED system.
Restenosis after eversion vs patch closure carotid endarterectomy.

Objectives Recurrent stenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA), previously reported to occur in 1%/year after operation, is the finite limitation of CEA. Eversion endarterectomy has a perceived lower incidence of recurrent stenosis, although data to support this contention are conflicting. The goal of the present study was to compare the late anatomic results of patch closure (PC) vs eversion CEA. Methods Between January 1, 1995 and June 30, 2005, 950 CEA were performed by the senior author with adoption of eversion (EV) as the primary technique as of January 1, 2001. With minimum of 1-year follow-up by study inclusion criteria, complete follow-up data (including a duplex scan) was available for 155 PC and 135 EV patients. Incidence of moderate (50% to 70%) and severe (>70%) restenosis was examined at ≤2 months and >1 year after operation. Study end-points included late stroke, survival, and freedom from restenosis (moderate and severe) and were assessed by actuarial methods. Results There were no differences in relevant demographic/clinical parameters, indication for surgery (69% overall asymptomatic) or early perioperative stroke/death (1.1% overall; P = .25) between PC and EV. After correction for different mean follow-up intervals (PC = 5.5 years vs EV=3.5 years) by actuarial methods, there was no significant difference in late moderate ( P = .91) or severe ( P = .54) recurrent stenosis between PC and EV. In the group of patients with at least 1-year follow-up, 11/290 (3.8%) patients (4/135 EV, 7/155 PC; P = .39) required reintervention on their operated carotid artery at a cumulative follow-up interval of 4.5 years. Three strokes (3/290; 1.1%) occurred during late follow-up, all in the PC group, with only one related to the operated carotid artery. Late survival was similar between EV and PC, ( P = .86). Female gender (odds ratio [OR] 3.72[1.02-13.5], P = .046) was associated with severe restenosis irrespective of surgical technique. Univariate analysis also showed that female gender (OR 7.6[CI: 0.88-66.7], P = .042) was associated with late stroke. Conclusion These findings indicate that restenosis rates are similar between eversion and patch CEA and likely represent biological remodeling phenomenon rather than technical variations of operations. While EV offers distinct advantages in certain anatomic circumstances, adoption of EV with the hope of decreasing restenosis is not warranted.
Complex Stain Morphologies

We examine the morphology of crystal, precipitate, and colloidal aggregate stains left by microliter drops evaporated on hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces. An understanding of such morphologies is important in the design of high-density stain libraries for high-throughput drug screening. Unlike classical homogeneous crystallization patterns, we find that the film and solutal flux dynamics of such small drops at their contact lines can induce macroscopic concentration segregation and produce distinct large-scale stain patterns such as concentric rings on hydrophilic surfaces and latticed crystals on hydrophobic ones. Coupling between these bulk segregation instabilities and the classical Mullins−Sekerka crystallization instability results in a large variety of crystal patterns with interwoven complex structures of two length scales. Furthermore, low-density crystals can occupy a larger area than the initial drop, and gravitational drainage on inclined substrates can change the larger length scale. The mo...
A one-dimensional theory of high base resistivity tandem-junction solar cells in low injection

A one-dimensional theoretical model of the Tandem-Junction Solar Cell (TJC) with high base resistivity and under low-level injection is derived. The model provides a theoretical basis for a previously published conceptual model and allows for the calculation of the spectral response and other performance parameters, namely, I sc , V oc , P m , FF , and η, under variation of one or more of the geometrical and material parameters and 1-MeV electron fluence. Sample calculation results of computer simulation of this model are presented.
Purine biosynthesis in archaea: variations on a theme

Background The ability to perform de novo biosynthesis of purines is present in organisms in all three domains of life, reflecting the essentiality of these molecules to life. Although the pathway is quite similar in eukaryotes and bacteria, the archaeal pathway is more variable. A careful manual curation of genes in this pathway demonstrates the value of manual curation in archaea, even in pathways that have been well-studied in other domains.
Treatment of an adolescent with urticaria, using reserpine as an adjunct to therapy.

1. An adolescent from a low-status family economically was treated successfully for chronic hives. 2. Three important therapeutic aids were: (a) an initial remission of symptoms, simultaneous with the administration of reserpine; (b) the patient's willingness from the start to be a captive audience; and (c) the relating of the therapist to the patient at the patient's own level.
A note on best constants in discrete inequalities

In this paper, optimization theory is used for the determination of best constants in certain discrete inequalities. An example is given.
Resonant Integrable Galactic Models

Les phenomenes de resonance dans les galaxies en rotation sont etudies sur des modeles integrables resonants
Precision Measurement Method for Branching Fractions of Excited P 1 / 2 States Applied to Ca + 40

We present a method for measuring branching fractions for the decay of $J=1/2$ atomic energy levels to lower-lying states based on time-resolved recording of the atom's fluorescence during a series of population transfers. We apply this method to measure the branching fractions for the decay of the $4^{2}P_{1/2}$ state of $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}^{+}$ to the $4^{2}S_{1/2}$ and $3^{2}D_{3/2}$ states to be 0.935 65(7) and 0.064 35(7), respectively. The measurement scheme requires that at least one of the lower-lying states be long lived. The method is insensitive to fluctuations in laser light intensity and magnetic field and is readily applicable to various atomic species due to its simplicity. Our result distinguishes well among existing state-of-the-art theoretical models of ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{+}$.
A New Series Capacitor Protection Scheme Using Nonlinear Resistors

A new series capacitor protection scheme that limits capacitor overvoltages by inserting a nonlinear resistor in parallel with the capacitor bank during faults is presented. The concept of operation, prototype installationad field test performance evaluation are discussed.