cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATING INTERNATIONAL ROUGHNESS INDEX FROM PAVEMENT DISTRESSES TO CALCULATE VEHICLE OPERATING COSTS FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

Incorporating models that estimate road user costs and user benefits or both from different management strategies would increase the road network asset management system capabilities. Vehicle operating cost (VOC) can be a major part of road user costs, and pavement surface roughness is a major factor that affects VOC. This study was based on an effort to establish a correlation between pavement roughness and pavement distresses for asphalt concrete surface with the objective that the developed roughness model could be utilized to estimate VOCs for the streets in the cities and counties of the San Francisco Bay Area directly from pavement distresses. Due to the lack of roughness data for Bay Area city streets, Strategic Highway Research Program distress data for California Long-Term Pavement Performance sites were used as an initial effort to establish the model. A systematic approach was used to come up with a reasonable correlation between international roughness index (IRI) and pavement condition. The current roughness model can be used to estimate surface roughness if the pavement surface distress data are available. This model could be included, along with an additional incorporation of established relations between VOC and IRI, in the Bay Area agencies' pavement management system, to estimate VOC directly from pavement distresses. Finally, some recommendations are provided to the agencies in the Bay Area cities and counties on how to utilize the model and how to refine the initially established model in the future.
A comparison of the actions of H1 and H2 antihistamines on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction and cutaneous wheal response in asthmatic patients.

Abstract The effect of an H 1 antihistamine, an H 2 antihistamine, and the combination of the two drugs on both histamine-induced bronchoconstriction and dermal whealing was examined in five patients with mild asthma. Chlorpheniramine 8 mg, cimetidine 300 mg, the combination of both, and placebo were administered orally to each patient for a single dose and for seven consecutive doses given every 6 hr after a double-blind, randomized protocol. The airway response to inhaled histamine and the wheal size induced by the intradermal injection of histamine were determined in every patient 2 hr after the final drug dose. The results indicate that a single dose of chlorpheniramine produces a significant increase in the threshold of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction as measured by the provocative histamine dose producing 20% decrease in 1-sec forced expiratory volume (PD 20 -FEV 1 ), and this effect was significantly enhanced after seven doses. Cimetidine caused a significant decrease in the threshold of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, but this was not augmented by seven doses. Only chlorpheniramine, when given for seven doses, improved the baseline FEV 1 and forced expiratory flow during middle half of forced vital capacity (FEF 25%–75% ). Chlorpheniramine in both single and multiple doses and the combination of chlorpheniramine and cimetidine given for seven doses produced a significant inhibition of histamine-induced dermal wheals, whereas cimetidine alone had no effect. These results confirm our previous observation that both H 1 and H 2 receptors are present in the airways of asthmatic patients and that they mediate opposite effects. We also demonstrated a cumulative effect with the repeated administration of chlorpheniramine but not with cimetidine. Finally, the results suggest that the role of H 1 and H 2 receptors differs in the bronchi from that seen in the dermal vessels of asthmatic patients and are in contrast to these of normals. The H 2 receptor effect on histamine-induced skin wheals appears deficient, further supporting earlier suggestions of the presence of an H 2 receptor defect in asthmatic patients.
Cloning and characterization of histamine dehydrogenase from Nocardioides simplex

Histamine dehydrogenase (NSHADH) can be isolated from cultures of Nocardioides simplex grown with histamine as the sole nitrogen source. A previous report suggested that NSHADH might contain the quinone cofactor tryptophan tryptophyl quinone (TTQ). Here, the hdh gene encoding NSHADH is cloned from the genomic DNA of N. simplex, and the isolated enzyme is subjected to a full spectroscopic characterization. Protein sequence alignment shows NSHADH to be related to trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH: EC 1.5.99.7), where the latter contains a bacterial ferredoxin-type [4Fe-4S] cluster and 6-S-cysteinyl FMN cofactor. NSHADH has no sequence similarity to any TTQ containing amine dehydrogenases. NSHADH contains 3.6+/-0.3 mol Fe and 3.7+/-0.2 mol acid labile S per subunit. A comparison of the UV/vis spectra of NSHADH and TMADH shows significant similarity. The EPR spectrum of histamine reduced NSHADH also supports the presence of the flavin and [4Fe-4S] cofactors. Importantly, we show that NSHADH has a narrow substrate specificity, oxidizing only histamine (K(m)=31+/-11 microM, k(cat)/K(m)=2.1 (+/-0.4)x10(5)M(-1)s(-1)), agmatine (K(m)=37+/-6 microM, k(cat)/K(m)=6.0 (+/-0.6)x10(4)M(-1)s(-1)), and putrescine (K(m)=1280+/-240 microM, k(cat)/K(m)=1500+/-200 M(-1)s(-1)). A kinetic characterization of the oxidative deamination of histamine by NSHADH is presented that includes the pH dependence of k(cat)/K(m) (histamine) and the measurement of a substrate deuterium isotope effect, (D)(k(cat)/K(m) (histamine))=7.0+/-1.8 at pH 8.5. k(cat) is also pH dependent and has a reduced substrate deuterium isotope of (D)(k(cat))=1.3+/-0.2.
Families' perceptions of psychiatric hospitalization of relatives with a severe mental illness

This paper reports the experience with psychiatric inpatient care of families with mentally ill relatives. Most families report great dissatisfaction with their involvement with the staff and treatment at psychiatric hospitals. Recommended methods of reducing the family burden and improving a productive alliance are engaging the family at admission, inclusion in the treatment process, family education, proactive engagement and training which addresses the family perspective.
Combined endovascular and surgical (hybrid) repair of type B aortic dissection with aneurysmal degeneration involving Kommerell's diverticulum and aberrant right subclavian artery.

A 44-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of type B aortic dissection. A computerized tomographic scan revealed a type B aortic dissection with a 4.1-cm proximal descending thoracic aneurysm involving a Kommerell’s diverticulum with an aberrant right subclavian artery. Eleven months later, the aneurysm had enlarged to 6 cm (Cover, posterior view; A, anterior view). The patient had intermittent chest pain, dysphagia, and left upper-extremity swelling secondary to innominate vein compression. A two-stage hybrid approach was recommended. The first stage consisted of a right carotid subclavian bypass with endovascular occlusion of the aberrant right subclavian artery and a left carotid subclavian bypass. Two months later, the repair was completed with a proximal ascending aorta-to-right common carotid and left common carotid bypass through a median sternotomy (B) and endovascular repair of the distal aortic arch and proximal thoracic aneurysm with an endovascular graft originating in the distal ascending aorta. Two years later, the patient is asymptomatic with good blood pressure control and normal kidney function, and the left arm swelling has resolved. On follow-up computerized tomographic scan, the proximal descending aneurysm has decreased to 5.2 cm, with no endoleak, and stable distal aortic dissection (C). Aberrant right subclavian artery is the most common aortic arch anomaly. Endovascular and hybrid repairs of aneurysmal degeneration of Kommerell’s diverticulum, the anomalous artery, and/or the aorta have been reported. When aneurysmal degeneration of the anomalous right subclavian artery occurs, a concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm is present in 25% of cases. Type B aortic dissection in the presence of an anomalous right subclavian artery with Kommerell’s diverticulum is rare. A single case has been reported using extra-anatomic bypasses for the subclavian arteries and an endovascular graft distal to the left common carotid. The case herein reported is the first report of complete arch debranching for hybrid repair of a type B aortic dissection with aneurysmal degeneration in the presence of an anomalous right subclavian artery with a Kommerell’s diverticulum.
An Integrated Course Design Model for Beginning Faculty

It is rare that faculty members begin their first full-time teaching position with an integrated and consciously constructed practical model for course design, teaching, and learning. The purpose of this article is to offer new faculty members a starting point for constructing an integrated model of the course design and teaching and learning processes. The model begins with the instructor’s choice of course learning goals, objectives, and outcomes and progresses through the translation of those learning goals and objectives into articulated evaluation and feedback rubrics, the choice of specific learning activities and materials reflected in a learner-centered syllabus, the conduct of the in-class activities, and the choices of learning assessments. These elements are highly interactive and iterative, as well as contextualized with respect to such issues as course location in a program, class size, student learning development and diversity, and individual faculty differences. We provide resources and us...
5-Nitrosothio-2-nitrobenzoate: A Reagent for the Nitrosation of Thiol Groups in Proteins

TheS-nitroso derivative of 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoate was synthesized from 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and partially characterized. Although relatively unstable, it is easy to prepare and reacts very rapidly with thiols and thiol groups of proteins to give correspondingS-nitrosothiols and 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoate dianion. The latter's easy spectrophotometric detection makes such reactions easy to follow and to quantitate.
On the stress singularity at an interface crack

The plane elastostatic stress field near an interface crack is considered and a model developed for the interface crack tip which is free from the inter-penetration of the crack flanks present in some earlier investigations, yet permits propagation in a crack opening mode along or near the interface. The basis of the model lies in taking, as the configuration to which the loads are applied, a crack tip which subtends an opening angle. By means of an asymptotic eigen-analysis, the main features of this departure from the norm in LEFM are identified and some examples presented which demonstrates its potential usefulness.
Morphotectonic evolution of two depressions at the southern border of the Baikal rift system

Abstract Detailed study of two dry depressions in the Baikal rift system: the E–W Khoito Ghol-Tunka-Bistraya depression and the SW–NE Gusinoje–Ivolga depression, aims to provide a better understanding of tectonic control on the intershoulder relief evolution after the rift opened. Both depressions are grabens and both feature a suite of 10–20 km-wide basins alternating with more or less massive highs. Field and laboratory analysis shows that this pattern is of recent tectonic origin and that local breaking-up and subsidence followed the general sinking which originally formed the grabens. The subsidence belts seem to have gradually shifted north and northeastwards. Geomorphological analysis reveals that in both depressions the highs are remnants of a former pediment which was broken up. The young basins display numerous relevant hydrographic anomalies of the secondary channels and a general water-logging. They also suggest that the subsidence belts have gradually shifted north-and northeastwards. In the Gusinoje–Ivolga depression evidence was found of a Plio-Pleistocene river course, parallel to the Selenga river, which was later dismantled by the breaking-up. This depression, parallel to the Baikal rift and belonging to the Mesozoic system of grabens in the Caledonian fold belt, seems to have been included into the general system of rifts during the Pliocene tectonic phase. As for the main hydrographic axes, the Selenga river was set on a Palaeogene-age planation surface before the first tectonic phase and kept its original course. The Irkut river flowed in the Khoito Gol–Tunka–Bistraya depression after the first tectonic phase and was not affected by the later breaking-up. In contrast, the secondary drainage network is largely discordant. Despite their different geotectonic contexts, the two depressions show a similar development of relief pattern , which poses the question of the style of rift dynamics after the main Pliocene tectonic phase.
Complex Lorenz system for collisional inhomogeneous plasmas.

A complex Lorenz system for convection due to interchange instability in collisional plasmas is derived from the classical two-fluid equations, including, among others, the effects of magnetic field curvature, finite ion gyroradius, and compressibility. The correspondences and differences between the presently derived system and the Lorenz system are discussed. For a wide regime of physical parameters the system is found to evolve towards a nonlinear equilibrium, but chaotic behavior is observed for the regime in which the real Lorenz system is chaotic.
Why Don’t Patients Enroll in Hospice? Can We Do Anything About It?

United States hospice organizations aim to provide quality, patient-centered end-of-life care to patients in the last 6 months of life, yet some of these organizations observe that some hospice-eligible patients who are referred to hospice do not initially enroll. Primary objective: To identify reasons that eligible patients do not enroll in hospice (phase 1). Secondary objective: To identify strategies used by hospice providers to address these reasons (phase 2). Semi-structured interviews analyzed using content analysis. In phase 1, we interviewed 30 patients and/or family members of patients who had a hospice admissions visit, but who did not enroll. In phase 2, we interviewed 19 hospice staff and national experts. In phase 1, we asked participants to describe the patient's illness, the hospice referral, and why they had not enrolled. We performed a content analysis to characterize their reasons for not enrolling in hospice. In phase 2, we enrolled hospice admissions staff and hospice experts. We asked them to describe how they would respond to each reason (from phase 1) during an admissions visit with a potential new hospice patient. We identified key phrases, and summarized their recommendations. Reasons that patients hadn’t enrolled fell into three broad categories: patient/family perceptions (e.g., “not ready”), hospice specific issues (e.g., variable definitions of hospice-eligible patients), and systems issues (e.g., concerns about continuity of care). Hospice staff/experts had encountered each reason, and offered strategies at the individual and organizational level for responding. In hopes of increasing hospice enrollment among hospice-eligible patients, non-hospice and hospice clinicians may want to adopt some of the strategies used by hospice staff/experts for talking about hospice with patients/families and may want to familiarize themselves with the differences between hospice organizations in their area. Hospices may want to reconsider their admission policies and procedures in light of patients’ and families’ perceptions and concerns.
Response of Periodic Structures by the 2-Transform Method

Periodic structures are defined as structures consisting of identical substructures connected to each other in identical manner. The response of periodic structures to harmonic excitation can be described by a matrix difference equation. The solution of the matrix difference equation can be obtained by the Z-transform method and it yields the response to both end conditions and external excitations. The method developed necessitates the eigenvalues of the transfer matrix for a typical substructure, so that the procedure is capable of analyzing a periodic structure with the same computational effort necessary to analyze a single substructure. Added ad- vantage is derived from the fact that the method does not require the eigenvectors of the transfer matrix. PERIODIC structure is a structure consisting of iden- tical substructures connected to each other in an identical manner. Many physical systems in natural state possess properties that are periodic in space. A typical example is the single crystal in which identically arranged atoms form an infinite or semi-infinite lattice. Many other physical systems are built in the form of periodic structures by design, the object being to reduce cost or to save time or both. For example, a segment of an aircraft fuselage is often made of identical bays connected by identical circumferential frames. Even the circumferential frames in an aircraft fuselage can be looked upon as periodic structures. Monorail tracks, or pontoon bridges can be regarded as examples of periodic structures. Continuous systems with periodic properties can often be treated as discrete periodic systems. The mathematical formulation for discrete periodic systems can be effected by means of the finite element method. The for- mulation consists of a set of simultaneous ordinary dif- ferential equations. There is no single approach to the mathematical analysis of periodic structures. Indeed, the approach depends very much on the nature of the substructure. In particular, it is possible to distinguish between a scalar approach and a matrix ap- proach to the problem formulation. This is related directly to the order of the substructure. More specifically, the scalar approach is suitable for the case in which the substructure represents a single-degree- of-freedom system, whereas the matrix approach is recommended for the case in which the substructure represents a multi-degree-o f-freedom system. The scalar analysis of periodic structures is in a relatively advanced stage of development. Much progress has been made in the matrix analysis of periodic structures but much progress remains to be made. In the following we present a survey of selected works on the subject. A classical example of a simple periodic structure is the one- dimensional array of identical linear springs. Hence, the substructure is the simple harmonic oscillator. Using such a mathematical model, Brillouin' has studied the propagation of harmonic waves in discrete crystal lattices. The same problem is discussed in the text by Morse and Ingard2 who present solutions to both sinusoidal wave motion and tran-
Experimental measurements of nonequilibrium and equilibrium radiation from planetary atmospheres.

Equilibrium and nonequilibrium stagnation point shock layer radiation in simulated planetary atmospheres of varying composition
Atmospheric infrared fast transmittance models: a comparison of two approaches

The next generation of atmospheric temperature and humidity sounders will have thousands of radiometrically accurate spectral channels throughout the infrared. The retrieval of atmospheric parameters from these radiances will stress both the accuracy and efficiency of forward model radiative transfer algorithms. We are developing a forward model for the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) which will fly on the EOS PM platform. The work presented here is based on algorithms developed over a number of years by McMillin, Fleming, and others for low resolution infrared sounders (HIRS) and microwave sounders. We have developed tow 'high resolution' AIRS forward model algorithms for water vapor, one based on atmospheric layers with fixed pressures and variable water amounts, and other based on layers of fixed absorber amount but with variable pressures. These algorithms are compared for speed, accuracy, ease of development, and other factors that must be considered in developing a complex operational retrieval system.
Factors related to integrating persons with chronic mental illness into a peer social milieu

Client characteristics and their perceptions of the milieu in a psychosocial rehabilitation program were used to predict the clients' level of involvement in the peer-based social network. 81 clients in a psychosocial rehabilitation program participated in the study. The results indicated that client perceptions of higher support and clarity in the staff-client milieu, and being female, were strongly related to higher peer social involvement. Milieu factors were generally more important than client characteristics in predicting client social functioning. The implications of these findings for psychosocial intervention and for research on the social functioning of this population are discussed.
Characterization of atomic force microscopy and electrical probing techniques for IC metrology

A novel atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to image a microlithographic sample. The AFM operates in the non destructive non-contact mode, uses glass tips as opposed to tungsten or silicon, and has an optical interferometric detection system. Its estimated lateral resolution is under 10 nanometers and much better in the z direction. A sample consisting of chrome features on quartz was produced for measurements using AFM and electric probe techniques. The features are single and grouped lines on the order of 1 micrometers incorporated into an electric probe pad layout. Dimensions of these features are determined from the AFM images by relating their sizes in pixels to the excursions of the scanners during the formation of the images. These results are compared with measurements obtained through electric probing techniques.
Analysis of the GAD1 promoter: Trans-acting factors and DNA methylation converge on the 5′ untranslated region

GAD67 corresponds to one of two enzymes that decarboxylates glutamate to produce γ-aminobutyric acid, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, hence defining the cellular phenotype of a diverse set of inhibitory interneurons of the brain. Reduced cortical GAD67 mRNA levels have consistently been reported in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychosis. The human gene encoding GAD67, GAD1, is located on chromosome 2q31.1 and the transcriptional start site resides within a large CpG island that spans a region extending from upstream through the first exon. We have analyzed the GAD1 promoter using transient transfection analysis of upstream and downstream sequences in NT2 cells, a human neuroprogenitor cell line. Interestingly, results from these studies show that cis-acting regulatory elements are located downstream of the RNA start site and are in the region corresponding to the first exon. Trans-acting factors such as Pitx2 and the Dlx family of transcription factors are active in promoting downstream reporter expression even when all of the 5' flanking sequences are removed. However, those constructs that contain an internal deletion from +66 to +173 bp fail to support expression even when these factors are provided in trans. We have previously shown that the Class I histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 potently activates GAD1 mRNA expression in NT2 cells suggesting the possibility that the promoter is sensitive to drugs that induce chromatin remodeling. Using methyl DNA immuneprecipitation of MS-275-treated NT2 cells, we provide data showing that Class I HDAC inhibition mediated an increase in GAD1 expression and that this was accompanied by decreased GAD1 promoter methylation. Moreover, the reduced levels of GAD1 DNA methylation are highest in those regions proximal to the location of the in vitro defined cis-acting regulatory elements. Our data suggest that changes in promoter methylation associated with gene regulation are not random but overlap the locations of proximal cis-acting elements. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.
Anisotropy of the Reynolds stress tensor in the wakes of wind turbine arrays in Cartesian arrangements with counter-rotating rotors

A 4 × 3 wind turbine array in a Cartesian arrangement was constructed in a wind tunnel setting with four configurations based on the rotational sense of the rotor blades. The fourth row of devices is considered to be in the fully developed turbine canopy for a Cartesian arrangement. Measurements of the flow field were made with stereo particle-image velocimetry immediately upstream and downstream of the selected model turbines. Rotational sense of the turbine blades is evident in the mean spanwise velocity W and the Reynolds shear stress −vw¯. The flux of kinetic energy is shown to be of greater magnitude following turbines in arrays where direction of rotation of the blades varies. Invariants of the normalized Reynolds stress anisotropy tensor (η and ξ) are plotted in the Lumley triangle and indicate that distinct characters of turbulence exist in regions of the wake following the nacelle and the rotor blade tips. Eigendecomposition of the tensor yields principle components and corresponding coordinate s...
Limitations of tissue differentiation by spectral measures of backseattered ultrasound

A set of spectral measures and two decision algorithms have been investigated with respect to classification accuracy and robustness to measurement variables. Liver and spleen in normal subjects were selected as test tissues. Tissue classification was based on eight conventional measures derived from the digital Fourier transform of the signal. Decision algorithms based on both Euclidean and Mahalanobis distances were investigated. Classification accuracy of 80 percent was achieved with the latter. Classification accuracy is limited by inter and intra-subject variance as well as by the interdependence of the measures. Nearly all the data lie in a two dimensional plane within the eight dimensional feature space. Further improvement in classification accuracy requires identification of a discriminant measure which is more orthogonal to that data plane.
Thermal and photochemical aspects of the system 18-molybdodiphosphate and Fe2+

Abstract 18-Molybdodiphosphate [P2Mo18O62]6−, (Mo6−18), and Fe2+ react fast until an equilibrium is established: The hydrogen ion cocentration affects both the equilibrium position and the equilibrium constant, since E(Mo 6− 8− 18) is a function of pH. Visible and UV light drives the equilibrium 15% towards the reactants, whereas in the dark the original position is re-established. The photolytic “cycle” was repeated more than 30 times with no sign of decomposition.
Preliminary study of an esterase‐susceptible water‐soluble agent (S‐73) for regional chemotherapy

This is a preliminary report on the experimental and clinical use of a new alkylating agent (S-73) which is water soluble, stable to hydrolysis for hours, but with esterase-susceptible linkages, which results in inactivation of the agent by esterase in the blood. S-73 is a potent cytotoxic agent when injected near its target but much larger doses are required to produce cytotoxic effects when injected farther away from it, because of rapid inactivation and dilution. In no instance is bone marrow depressed.
Creating and Developing a Program of Global Research

This is the first part of a two-part paper that describes and analyzes a program of research (PR) in international IT studies begun in the fall of 1992 and continuing through 2004. The paper presents the first two stages which span the years of 1992 through 2000, focusing on the creation and development process for a PR, examining the concept of a PR, the inception of our PR and its maturation both in terms of theory and methodology, research team dynamics, and program implementation. We offer guidelines for initiating and maintaining programs of research, highlighting the inevitable trade-offs that occur when high administrative work loads and intensive data gathering in the global setting, often involving long periods of time abroad, have to be balanced against the ability to carry out the research at all and the rarity of the data.
Earth: A wandering

Earth is the name of our planet and of an element from which we emerge. Pre-modern and non-modern traditions show us how to live at this conjunction better than many modern simulacra. This reflection examines in particular early medieval Christian tradition, set in dialogue with the emerging twenty-first-century field of ecosemiotics, while wandering from the Susquehanna Valley to Middle-earth.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract Background. Both non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR). Except for a few case reports, there are no systematic assessments of NASH in PCOS patients. Aim. To determine the prevalence of NASH and independent factors associated with NASH in a cohort of patients with documented PCOS. Methods. Patients with established diagnosis of PCOS and matched controls (matched for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI)) were included in the study. Causes of other liver diseases were systematically excluded by clinical and laboratory tests. Excessive alcohol use was defined as alcohol consumption of greater than 10 g/day. All liver biopsies were read by a single pathologist blinded to the clinical data. Histologic NASH was defined as steatosis with lobular inflammation and ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes with or without Mallory–Denk bodies or pericellular fibrosis. Univariate and multivariate analyse...
The interplay of local and distant control in the cure of cervical cancer.

From 1978 to 1986, 183 women with cervical cancer received definitive radiation therapy after extraperitoneal surgical staging. Relapse-free rates were strong functions of pelvic lymph node metastases and cervical size. the recurrence distribution consisted of 4% isolated local, 13% isolated distant, and 17% combined local and distant failures. With the assumption of independent local and distant failure probabilities, Suit et al.'s method was extended to assess potential improvement in cure attainable with perfect local and distant control, yielding local (LSA) and distant (DSA) survival advantages of 17% and 28%. Various subsets of clinical stage, cervical size, pelvic node metastases, periaortic metastases, and peritoneal metastases had LSA from 12% to 27% and DSA from 12% to 71%. For any prognostic group, LSA never exceeded DSA, showing that effective systemic therapy would have a greater impact on improving survival than would advances in local and regional tumor control. Therapeutic implications and limitations of the extended LSA-DSA model are discussed. This form of analysis can be used to guide the intensity of local and distant treatment to maximize the cure of the patient with cancer.
Infectious complications of the hemodialysis access.

Infectious complications of the hemodialysis access. Infectious complications of the vascular access are a major source of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Numerous reports implicate the vascular access in up to 48 to 73% of all bacteremias in HD patients. The incidence of vascular access-related infection is highest when central venous dialysis catheters are employed. Native arteriovenous fistulas carry the lowest risk of infection. Unfortunately, prosthetic arteriovenous grafts, which represent the most common type of HD access in the United States, have been repeatedly shown to be a risk factor for bacteremic and nonbacteremic infections. Silent infection in old nonfunctional clotted prosthetic arteriovenous grafts has recently been recognized as a frequent cause of bacteremia and morbidity among HD patients. High proportions of infections related to the vascular access are caused by staphylococcal organisms, which carry high rates of mortality, recurrence, and metastatic complications. Management of vascular access-related infection has two aspects: The first relates to the choice, duration, and mode of administration of antibiotic therapy. Empiric antibiotic therapy, guided by demographic data and severity of illness, should be employed when the causative organisms are unknown. Prolonged administration of specific parenteral antibiotics is crucial in decreasing complications of infection, especially in cases of staphylococcal bacteremia. The second aspect relates to management of the vascular access. Efforts directed toward bacteriological cure should be concurrent with efforts to preserve native venous access sites whenever possible. Efforts to prevent vascular access-related infection should focus on increasing placement of arteriovenous fistulas and minimizing insertion of central venous dialysis catheters. Careful inspection and monitoring of the vascular access is of paramount importance in early detection of vascular access site-related infections. Several new approaches aimed at preventing catheter and prosthetic graft-related infection are being explored.
Materials characterization for high temperature transformers

Various transformer core materials have been characterized in order to evaluate their potentialities for fabrication of electronic transformers capable of operating at elevated temperatures. Temperature and annealing time dependence of pertinent magnetic parameters such as saturation flux density, B s , permeability, μ, and hysteresis loss, W h , are reported here. Based on these investigations transformers employing Deltamax and 2V Permendur core materials have been built and they perform well at high temperatures. The maximum operating temperature for 2V Permendur transformers is about 500°C whereas for Deltamax transformers it is about 360°C.
Managing inventories in a two-echelon dual-channel supply chain

We present a two-echelon dual-channel inventory model in which stocks are kept in both a manufacturer warehouse (upper echelon) and a retail store (lower echelon), and the product is available in two supply channels: a traditional retail store and an Internet-enabled direct channel. The system receives stochastic demand from two customer segments: those who prefer the traditional retail store and those who prefer the Internet-based direct channel. The demand of retail customers is met with the on-hand inventory from the bottom echelon while the demand in the Internet-enabled channel is fulfilled through direct delivery with the on-hand inventory from the upper echelon. When a stockout occurs in either channel, customers will search and shift to the other channel with a known probability. A one-for-one inventory control policy is applied. In order to develop operational measures of supply chain flexibility, we define a cost structure which captures two different operational cost factors: inventory holding costs and lost sales costs. We discuss several insights that are evident from the parametric analysis of the model. We also examine the performance of two other possible channel distribution strategies: retail-only and direct-only strategies. Computational outcomes indicate that the dual-channel strategy outperforms the other two channel strategies in most cases, and the cost reductions realized by the flexibility of the dual-channel system may be significant under some circumstances.
Retethering of sectioned fibrolipomatous filum terminale in an adult: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Background context Recurrent tethering of the spinal cord is a rare late complication after sectioning of a fibrolipomatous filum terminale that has only been reported in two pediatric cases. Purpose To report adult-onset recurrent tethering of the spinal cord after surgical sectioning of a fibrolipomatous filum terminale and review the literature in an attempt to identify similar cases. Study design/setting The study was designed to be a case report and literature review. Methods A 21-year-old woman with a history of previous surgical repair for a tethered spinal cord secondary to a fibrolipomatous filum terminale presented with low back and right lower extremity pain, urinary frequency, and fecal incontinence. Progressive bladder and sphincter dysfunction was confirmed on urodynamic testing. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a low-lying and dorsally positioned conus medullaris. Results The patient underwent neurosurgical exploration of the previous site of sectioning with rerelease of the proximal fatty filum stump from dorsal dural adhesions. Postoperatively, her pain resolved, and her bowel and bladder control improved. Conclusions Sectioning of both abnormal and apparently normal fila has become a relatively common procedure in pediatric neurosurgery. As more children with this surgical history mature and present for neurosurgical consultation as adults, retethering must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Stress Intensity Factors

In this work the concept of the stress intensity factor, the underlying mechanics problem leading to its emergence, and its physical relevance, particularly its relation to fracture mechanics are discussed. The reasons as to why it has become nearly an indispensable tool for studying such important phenomena as brittle fracture and fatigue or corrosion fatigue crack propagation in structural solids are considered. A brief discussion of some of the important methods of solution of elastic crack problems is given. Also, a number of related special mechanics problems are described. 24 references.
A photoelastic material with variable modulus of elasticity

Instructions are given in this paper to manufacture a photoelastic material (polyurethane rubber) exhibiting a linearly variable modulus of elasticity. In the examples given, the range ofE is of the order of 1 to 2.5. Illustrations of applications in stress analysis are included. The new material should be particularly useful in the solution of soil-mechanics problems and it can be used for its photoelastic properties, or as base for grid and moire analysis.
Countering terrorism through information technology

Developing the information-analysis tools for an effective multi-agency information-sharing effort.
Magnetic Behavior of Nanocomposites Prepared in a Vitreous Alumina Gel

Homogeneous gelled composites of iron and vitreous alumina containing 10-40% Fe have been prepared by room temperature polymerization of aqueous aluminum alkoxide solutions containing ferric nitrate and nitric acid at low pH. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Mossbauer spectroscopy demonstrated that this bulk material is comprised of nanometer-sized regions of iron compounds embedded in a vitreous alumina gel matrix. Magnetization data showed that in the as-cured condition these nanocomposites are paramagnetic at room temperature and become either superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic on cooling to 10 K. The magnetic susceptibility increased with the Fe content and with decreasing temperature. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility indicated the magnetic moment per Fe atom was 1.87 μB for the 10% Fe nanocomposite and that it increased linearly with composition to 1.96 μB for the 40% Fe material. Mossbauer effect data showed that subsequent treatment of these materials in a gaseous environment of hydrogen at elevated temperatures (T<400 C) changed the form of the iron in the magnetic regions. These results are compared to that observed for similar nanocomposites prepared using a silica gel matrix.
On the elastic stability of Coriolis-coupled oscillations of a rotating disc

Abstract Consideration is given to the dynamical instabilities of a thin disc under the influence of Coriolis and centrifugal forces. The solutions are represented by a pair of simultaneous integral equations whose kernels are Green's functions. They are expanded in terms of the eigenfunctions of the kernels in order to obtain the secular equation. An appropriate eigenfunction approximation to the secular equation reveals that there is a range of dynamical instabilities in which the oscillational frequency becomes complex. Numerical results are presented to substantiate the linearized theory.
Dynamics of grain boundary motion coupled to shear deformation: An analytical model and its verification by molecular dynamics

Many atomically ordered grain boundaries (GBs) couple to applied mechanical stresses and are moved by them, producing shear deformation of the lattice they traverse. This process does not require atomic diffusion and can be implemented at low temperatures by deformation and rotation of structural units. This so-called coupled GB motion occurs by increments and can exhibit dynamics similar to the stick-slip behavior known in atomic friction. We explore possible dynamic regimes of coupled GB motion by two methods. First, we analyze a simple one-dimensional model in which the GB is mimicked by a particle attached to an elastic rod and dragged through a periodic potential. Second, we apply molecular dynamics (MD) with an embedded-atom potential for Al to simulate coupled motion of a particular tilt GB at different temperatures and velocities. The stress-velocity-temperature relationships established by both methods are qualitatively similar and indicate highly nonlinear dynamics at low temperatures and/or large velocities. At high temperatures and/or slow velocities, the character of the GB motion changes from stick slip to driven random walk and the stress-velocity relation becomes approximately linear. The MD simulations also reveal multiple GB jumps due to dynamic correlations at high velocities, and a transition from coupling to sliding at high temperatures.
Isotope effects in the photolysis of methanethiol

Abstract Quantum yields for the formation of hydrogen and methane in the photolysis of partially deuterated methanethiol (CH3SD) have been measured at 185 and 254 nm. The sum of the quantum yields of these two products is unity, independent of thiol pressure, at both wavelengths. Adding n-butane or perfluorodimethylcyclobutane causes an increase in the hydrogen quantum yield, a decrease in the methane quantum yield, but no change in the sum of the two. These results are interpreted in terms of a hot atom mechanism involving cleavage of the CS and SD bonds in the parent molecule. Compared with earlier work using CH3SH, replacing H by D causes a significant increase in the probability of CS cleavage suggesting that the photodissociation process is strongly influenced by the masses of the two species attached to the central sulfur atom.
Dissection of the role of the stable signal peptide of the arenavirus envelope glycoprotein in membrane fusion.

The arenavirus envelope glycoprotein (GPC) retains a stable signal peptide (SSP) as an essential subunit in the mature complex. The 58-amino-acid residue SSP comprises two membrane-spanning hydrophobic regions separated by a short ectodomain loop that interacts with the G2 fusion subunit to promote pH-dependent membrane fusion. Small-molecule compounds that target this unique SSP-G2 interaction prevent arenavirus entry and infection. The interaction between SSP and G2 is sensitive to the phylogenetic distance between New World (Junin) and Old World (Lassa) arenaviruses. For example, heterotypic GPC complexes are unable to support virion entry. In this report, we demonstrate that the hybrid GPC complexes are properly assembled, proteolytically cleaved, and transported to the cell surface but are specifically defective in their membrane fusion activity. Chimeric SSP constructs reveal that this incompatibility is localized to the first transmembrane segment of SSP (TM1). Genetic changes in TM1 also affect sensitivity to small-molecule fusion inhibitors, generating resistance in some cases and inhibitor dependence in others. Our studies suggest that interactions of SSP TM1 with the transmembrane domain of G2 may be important for GPC-mediated membrane fusion and its inhibition.
Antagonism by DDT of the Effect of Valinomycin on a Synthetic Membrane

The potassium conductance which is induced by 10(-6) molar valinomycin in a lecithin-decane membrane is reversed by 3 x 10(-6) molar DDT. Membranes not treated with valinomycin are not affected by DDT. This blockade of potassium conductance parallels the effect of DDT on axonic conduction. Dieldrin and lindane, whose physiological actions are in some ways like those of DDT, do not affect valinomycin-induced conductance of lecithin-decane membranes.
Crop response in salt-affected soils

ABSTRACT Salt-affected soils, those on which plant growth is limited by an excess of salts, are of three types: (i) saline soils in which electrical conductivity is > 4 dSm−1; (ii) sodic soils in which the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) is > 15; and (iii) saline-sodic in which the electrical conductivity (EC) is > 4 dSm−1 and ESP is > 15. Salt-affected soils are most common in aridic moisture regimes, and secondary salinization (due to anthropogenic activities such as irrigation) may occur by improper management of irrigation. Estimates of the area of salt-affected soils vary widely, ranging from 6% to 10% of earth's land area, and 77 million hectares (Mha) of irrigated lands. Crop yields are drastically affected due to lack of availability of water, nutrients, and oxygen in the root zone. The magnitude of yield reduction depends on the crop, soil type, and management. The reduction in yield normally ranges from 10% to 90% for wheat, 30% to 50% for rice, 50% to 75% for cotton, and 30% to 90% for sug...
Chronic disseminated alveolar diseases of the lung

Abstract Chronic diseases producing a disseminated alveolar roentgen pattern are not common, representing either infrequent manifestations of widespread diseases, or rare conditions. Symptomatology frequently bears little relation to the degree of abnormality on the roentgenogram. Both pathologically and radiologically, the alveolar phase of the disease is not stationary, but tends to regress, leaving normal lungs, or to progress to interstitial fibrosis. The presence of alveolar disease does not mean that interstitial disease is absent. Interlobular septal thickening frequently accompanies these diseases, and may appear prior to the development of obvious pulmonary fibrosis. Many of the diseases producing an alveolar pattern are difficult to diagnose clinically, and the detection of this pattern on the roentgenogram may be a most important diagnostic clue.
Texture evolution in tape cast lead metaniobate

Lead metaniobate ceramics were tape cast with inclusions of acicular seed particles. The effects of seed particle concentration, slurry viscosity, and casting velocity on the shear behavior of the tape cast slurry were quantified based on a model using the ratio of pressure driven forces to viscous driven forces. Texture was quantified using a combination of X-ray diffraction with the Lotgering factor and neutron diffraction with Rietveld refinement. The shear behavior of the individual slurries was linked to the amount of texture that is induced from given slurry.
Peroxyl radical clocks

A series of peroxyl radical clocks has been developed and calibrated based on the competition between the unimolecular β-fragmentation (kβ) of a peroxyl radical and its bimolecular reaction with a hydrogen atom donor (kH). These clocks are based on either methyl linoleate or allylbenzene and were calibrated directly with α-tocopherol or methyl linoleate, which have well-established rate constants for reaction with peroxyl radicals (kH-tocopherol = 3.5 × 106 M-1 s-1, kH-linoleate = 62 M-1 s-1). This peroxyl radical clock methodology has been successfully applied to determine inhibition and propagation rate constants ranging from 100 to 107 M-1 s-1.