cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Mediated DNA Damage in Terrestrial Plant Models

Engineered nanoparticles, due to their unique electrical, mechanical, and catalytic properties, are presently found in many commercial products and will be intentionally or inadvertently released at increasing concentrations into the natural environment. Metal- and metal oxide-based nanomaterials have been shown to act as mediators of DNA damage in mammalian cells, organisms, and even in bacteria, but the molecular mechanisms through which this occurs are poorly understood. For the first time, we report that copper oxide nanoparticles induce DNA damage in agricultural and grassland plants. Significant accumulation of oxidatively modified, mutagenic DNA lesions (7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine; 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine; 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine) and strong plant growth inhibition were observed for radish (Raphanus sativus), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) under controlled laboratory conditions. Lesion accumulation levels mediated by copper ions and macroscale copper particles were measured in tandem to clarify the mechanisms of DNA damage. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of multiple DNA lesion formation and accumulation in plants. These findings provide impetus for future investigations on nanoparticle-mediated DNA damage and repair mechanisms in plants.
Burnout and compassion fatigue among hospice caregivers.

Burnout is a word currently used in discussions about the present nursing shortage. Hospice staff, because of their work with the terminally ill, are considered a high-risk group for burnout. Too frequently, the reason behind the decision to leave or take a sabbatical from hospice work is that the staff member reached the limits of his or her capacity to care and “couldn’t take it any more.” It is, therefore, important to discuss the concept of burnout and how it can affect hospice staff as well as the primary caregivers for hospice patients to ascertain the reasons behind it and take steps to lessen caregiver stress.
Forging parameter optimization considering stress distributions in products through FEM analysis and robust design methodology

Residual stress distribution forgings directly affect material stability, resistance to deformation, accuracy, and the fatigue life of products. In order to extend the operating life of products and satisfy the quality of operation during the customer usage, it is necessary to monitor residual stresses during the forging operations. The finite element method and robust design methodology were utilized to identify the controlling process parameters which can monitor the residual stresses in forged products. In the optimizing process of the forging operation, experimental planning was performed by using the orthogonal array and concept of the signal-to-noise ratio. Frictional coefficient, length of die land, reduction percentage, inlet angle and corner fillet were selected as process parameters. The ANOVA analysis showed that the inlet angle, friction coefficient and length of die land have the most significant effects on the optimum residual stresses.
Femtosecond laser-assisted posterior lamellar keratoplasty: Initial studies of surgical technique in eye bank eyes

Objective To perfect the technique of femtosecond laser–assisted cutting of the lamellar corneal disc in posterior lamellar keratoplasty. Design Experimental study. Methods The femtosecond laser was used to make the posterior corneal lamellar interface and trephine (side) cut in 20 eye bank globes and 9 eye bank corneoscleral buttons. Laser parameters were energy 7.4±0.1 μJ (lamellar cut) and 8.7±0.1 μJ (trephination cut), spot size 2.4 μm, firing rate 15 kHz, and trephination diameter 6.0 to 8.0 mm. The thicknesses of the excised corneal discs were measured with a digital micrometer and compared with values calculated from the laser treatment parameters and the preoperative ultrasound pachymetric readings. The cut surfaces were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In globes, the corneal disc was removed from the eye after laser treatment through a blade incision in the peripheral cornea. In corneoscleral buttons, the posterior disc was peeled off the cornea with forceps after laser treatment on an artificial anterior chamber device. In simulated transplantation, the excised corneal disc was placed into the posterior stromal bed in 7 globes. Results The femtosecond laser was successful in making posterior lamellar and trephination cuts in cornea. The cut surfaces were of very good quality with straight, orthogonal edges, albeit with a mild stucco texture of the lamellar stromal surfaces. In 3 globes, the lamellar surface showed shallow concentric ridges. The measured thickness of the excised discs was 55±61 μm thicker than the preoperatively predicted values. Conclusions These preliminary studies show that the femtosecond laser can make nonmechanical cuts for posterior lamellar keratoplasty with relative ease and reliability, thus facilitating the most technically difficult step in this surgery.
Progress against follicular lymphoma.

Purpose of review We wish to share recent progress in research and new therapies against follicular lymphoma (FL) and highlight exciting opportunities to improve the treatment of FL.
Bayesian Interval Estimates of Variance Components Used in Quality Improvement Studies

﻿[This abstract is based on the author’s abstract.] Gage R&R studies and nested sampling studies are used in quality assurance and process improvement to estimate variance components. While there are several methods available to analyze data from these..
Lateral cephalometric analysis of asymptomatic volunteers and symptomatic patients with and without bilateral temporomandibular joint disk displacement

Abstract Few studies of dentofacial and orthodontic structural relationships relative to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction have been reported. We undertook this investigation to determine any correlation of orthodontic and dentofacial characteristics with TMJ bilateral disc displacement. The population of patients was selected from a TMJ clinic where a control group of asymptomatic volunteers had been previously established and standardized. Differences in skeletal structural features were determined among three study groups: (1) asymptomatic volunteers with no TMJ disk displacement, (2) symptomatic patients with no TMJ disc displacement, and (3) symptomatic patients with bilateral TMJ disk displacement. Thirty-two asymptomatic volunteers without disk displacement (25 female, 7 male) were compared with the same number each of symptomatic patients without TMJ disk displacement and symptomatic patients with bilateral TMJ disk displacement. All subjects had undergone a standardized clinical examination, bilateral TMJ magnetic resonance imaging, and lateral cephalometric radiographic analysis. The groups were matched according to sex, TMJ status, age, and Angle classification of malocclusion. Seventeen lateral cephalometric radiographic cranial base, maxillomandibular, and vertical dimension variables were evaluated and compared among the study groups. The mean angle of SNB, or the intersection of the sella-nasion plane and the nasion–point B line (indicating mandibular retrognathism relative to cranial base), of the symptomatic patients-with-displacement group was significantly smaller than that in the asymptomatic volunteers and symptomatic patients without bilateral disk displacement ( p p p
Lightening the load in synthetic biology

A new biological device known as a 'load driver' improves the performance of synthetic circuits by insulating genetic parts from each other.
Rho GEFs and Cancer: Linking Gene Expression and Metastatic Dissemination

Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that promote GTP loading onto the guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) Rho and Rac are prominent players in cancer progression. Recent studies have highlighted the relevance of several GEFs, including the phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate Rac exchangers P-Rex1 and P-Rex2a, in breast tumorigenesis. New evidence suggests that the exchange factors Vav2 and Vav3 play synergistic roles in breast cancer by sustaining tumor growth, neoangiogenesis, and metastasis. The identification of a Vav-regulated transcriptome and Vav-related genes that control specific steps of metastatic dissemination of breast cancer cells to the lungs highlights the complexities of the signaling networks regulated by Rho/Rac GTPases and may lead to novel therapeutic targets.
A Review of Clinical Tests and Signs for the Assessment of Ulnar Neuropathy

Abstract Narrative Review As part of a comprehensive assessment for suspected ulnar neuropathy, clinical testing plays an important role in the initial identification of a lesion and determining subsequent changes from baseline. The purpose of this article was to review ulnar nerve provocative testing and the substantial collection of diagnostic signs and tests. Administration procedures for each maneuver are described as well as the resulting positive and negative outcomes. The clinical tests described constitute only one aspect of the examination and should not substitute for other key components, such as taking a thorough medical and occupational history. Empirical research studies are indicated to further quantify the relationship between the testing outcomes and the severity of a lesion as well as to determine the most robust motor signs seen in the early stages of the disease. Level of Evidence 5.
Hormonal factors influence the onset of maternal aggression in laboratory rats

This experiment addressed the hypothesis that aggressiveness toward conspecifics is stimulated by hormonal factors known to mediate the onset of maternal care. Subjects included both pregnant and virgin females. Sixteen-day pregnant rats were hysterectomized (H), hysterectomized-ovariectomized and injected with estrogen (HO-EB), or subjected to sham procedures. Nonpregnant females were HO-EB or sham operated. The females were sensitized by continuous exposure to pups and were judged to have initiated maternal care when all pups were retrieved and grouped, Aggressiveness was observed during 5-min intruder tests using unfamiliar males, administered (a) 10 min prior to the introduction of test pups, (b) following the first 3 hr of pup exposure, and (c) after females had initiated maternal care. The results revealed that treatments known to reduce sensitization latencies also increased aggressiveness even prior to exposure to pups. Aggressiveness was displayed before sensitization only in groups having elevated estrogen levels. After initiating maternal behavior, pregnant and pregnancy-terminated females increased further in aggressiveness whereas nonpregnant females did not. Pregnancy-terminated, HO-Oil females became aggressive (only) after initiating maternal behavior, indicating that factors other than estrogen also influence the onset of maternal aggression.
SNIFTIRS study of the behavior of the spectrum of carbon monoxide adsorbed on a platinum electrode in alcoholic solvents

Abstract The vibrational spectrum of carbon monoxide as a function of coverage in various alcoholic solvents was investigated using the SNIFTIRS technique. At low coverage the potential dependence of the band position was found to be linearly dependent on the inverse of the bulk dielectric constant of the solvent. An electrostatic model was developed to represent the interaction between adjacent adsorbate molecules. This model provides evidence in support of an island formation mechanism.
Decomposition Numbers and Cartan Invariants of S p(4,q), q = 2 n , for p = 2*

Let G be the 4-dimensional sympletic group on a finite field of q elements, q a power of 2. We find all the decomposition numbers of G in characteristic 2, corresponding to the unipotent characters of G. We also find some of the Cartan invariants of G for p = 2.
Transient Annealing of Boron Implanted Devices

Shallow-junction semiconductor devices have been fabricated using ion implantation and transient annealing with a Varian IA-200 isothermal annealer. Boron implanted diodes, npn bipolar transistors and CMOS ring oscillators have been fabricated and are compared to furnace annealed devices. Boron implanted diodes have been annealed with the RIA and yield acceptably low leakage currents, comparable to furnace annealed devices. The RIA devices have recombination lifetimes of ∼10 μsec. The bipolar transistors subjected to a transient anneal have good base-collector and emitterbase junctions as well as gains of ∼100 in good agreement with the design of the device. MOSFETs and CMOS ring oscillators were fabricated using self-aligned polysilicon gates. The transient annealed devices were equal or superior to devices which were furnace annealed at 800°C for 10 min. The low temperature furnace anneal was necessary to minimize short channel effects. The transient anneal resulted in ring oscillators which were a factor of two faster than furnace samples that were annealed.
Matrix protein mRNA levels in canine meniscus cells in vitro

The resident cells of the meniscus synthesize a fibrocartilaginous extracellular matrix in vivo composed predominantly of type I collagen fibers. To increase our understanding of matrix biosynthesis by meniscus cells in vitro, we examined matrix protein mRNA levels in cultured meniscus cells isolated from skeletally mature dogs. The mRNA levels of five matrix protein genes (COL1A1, COL2A1, aggrecan, COL6A1, and fibronectin) were measured in meniscus cells by Northern blotting and compared with those of patellar tendon fibroblasts and femoral articular cartilage chondrocytes. In freshly isolated cells (Day 0 cells), COL1A1, COL2A1, and aggrecan mRNA levels were low or undetectable in both meniscus cells and tendon fibroblasts. In intact meniscus tissue, COL1A1 mRNA levels were also low or undetectable. COL2A1 and aggrecan mRNA transcripts were readily observed, however, in Day 0 articular chondrocytes. The levels of expression of COL6A1 and fibronectin mRNA transcripts in Day 0 meniscus cells were intermediate between higher articular chondrocyte levels and lower tendon fibroblast levels. After 1 week in monolayer culture (Day 7 cells), meniscus cells expressed readily detectable levels of COL1A1 mRNA transcripts, similar to that observed for cultured tendon fibroblasts. COL1A1 mRNA transcripts were either not detected or detected at very low levels in monolayer cultures of articular chondrocytes. COL2A1 and aggrecan mRNA transcripts were readily detected in cultured articular chondrocytes but not in meniscus cells or in tendon fibroblasts. All three types of cells continued to express COL6A1 and fibronectin mRNA transcripts after 1 week in culture. These results demonstrate that the patterns of expression of COL1A1 and COL2A1 mRNA transcripts by meniscus cells are similar to those of tendon fibroblasts and dissimilar to those of articular chondrocytes both in freshly isolated cells and in monolayer cultured cells. This mRNA expression pattern supports the idea that monolayer culture of meniscus cells results in the expression of a predominantly fibroblastic phenotype.
Insomnia, alcohol and drug use in community-residing elderly persons

This paper describes and discusses the concurrent use of alcohol and medications in a retrospective sample of community-residing elderly persons with sleep complaints who reported daily alcohol consumption in a geriatric assessment clinic. Insomnia is a common complaint of older persons and frequently alcohol and over-the-counter and/or prescription medications are used as sedatives. The potential for adverse drug/alcohol interactions is a serious threat to health and functional status. The sample consisted of 19 persons ranging in age from 65 to 88 years. The most commonly voiced reason for seeking care related to problems of the central nervous system, including depression, anxiety and memory loss/forgetfulness. Other problems included urinary incontinence/retention, unexplained falls, bruises, trauma and pain. Eighteen of the 19 persons (95%) were using medications that adversely interact with alcohol. Sixteen of the 19 (84%) reported sleep problems, with sleep maintenance as the most common complaint....
Reference solution for thermal mine signature modeling

Predicting the thermal signature of a buried land mine requires modeling the complicated inhomogeneous environment and the structurally complex mine. It is useful, both in checking such models and in making rough calculations of expected signatures, to have an accurate, easily computed solution for a relatively simple geometry. In this paper, a reference solution is presented for the integral equation that governs the temperature distribution. Our solution procedure uses the method of weighted residuals. The problem comprises a homogeneous cylindrical body (the mine model) buried in an infinite homogeneous half space (the soil model) with a planar interface. Using periodic boundary conditions in time at the planar interface, the temperature distribution in the lower-half space is expanded in a Fourier series. A volume integral equation for the Fourier series coefficients is obtained via Green's second identity. The Green's function for the Fourier coefficients is derived and reduced to a computationally efficient form. The integral equation is reduced to a matrix equation, which is then solved for the unknown temperature distribution. The integral equation solution is compared with a finite element model.
Subjective or objective binge: Is the distinction valid?

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the distinction between objective and subjective binge episodes. Method: Data were analyzed from 101 women who received 12 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for binge eating in a previous treatment study. Binges recorded by participants on daily food records were rated as either subjective or objective according to the Eating Disorder Examination rating guidelines. Unpaired t tests were performed to determine the relationship between type of binge, psychopathology, and other descriptive measures, including response to treatment. Results: These analyses revealed no significant differences between types of binge episodes. Of note is the observation that objective binge episodes appeared to decrease more rapidly than subjective episodes during treatment. Discussion: Future research should continue to investigate whether “large amount of food” is an appropriate criterion for the diagnosis of binge eating. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 22:291–298, 1997.
Aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of left ventricular dysfunction and other risk factors on short- and mid-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. Methods From January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2007, 773 consecutive patients underwent primary aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis at a single institution; concomitant coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) was performed in 45.4% (351 of 773). Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality, with ejection fraction (EF) as the primary variable of interest. After discharge, survival status was determined using the Social Security Death Index. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictors of mid-term mortality. Results On univariable analysis, EF (odds ratio [OR] 0.979, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.960 to 0.999, p = 0.044) but not concomitant CABG emerged as a predictor of in-hospital mortality. However, on multivariable analysis, neither EF nor concomitant CABG was associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Multivariable predictors of in-hospital mortality included age, emergent status, and prolonged bypass time. On univariable analysis, mid-term mortality was associated with EF and concomitant CABG (OR 0.979, 95% CI: 0.966 to 0.991, p = 0.001, and OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.36, p = 0.013, respectively). However, after multivariable adjustment, only EF was associated with mid-term mortality (adjusted OR 0.985, 95% CI: 0.970 to 1.00, p = 0.049). Other multivariable predictors of mid-term mortality included age, dialysis-dependent renal failure, previous stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Conclusions Left ventricular dysfunction, in addition to other patient comorbidities, may negatively impact survival after aortic valve replacement. Careful consideration of the cumulative effect of these multiple risk factors is necessary to optimize patient outcomes.
First Spark Spectrum of Thorium—Infra-Red Spectrum and Further Classification of Th II*

Investigations of the infra-red spectra of thorium were undertaken in order to establish a correlation between the two previously established but unconnected energy groups in the Th II term structure. Specially sensitized infra-red plates were exposed in a thirty-five foot Wadsworth stigmatic grating spectrograph to sparks between metallic thorium rods and to high current arcs of thoria in carbon and copper electrodes. Many strong arc and spark lines were recorded in the region λ8665A to λ11230A. The desired combination lines were observed and readily established the correlation between the two previously distinct groups of levels. The separation of the low levels D2112 (from 6d7s2) and F2°212 (from 5f7s2) was found to be only 4490.29 cm−1. Infra-red quartet multiplets as well as quartet multiplets involving the most sensitive lines of Th II are presented and discussed. Tables of infra-red wave-lengths and of spectral terms are given in detail.
A torsional method for the evaluation of tensile properties of ceramic materials: dental porcelain.

Abstract A torsional test was applied to porcelain specimens to determine if this would be a feasible and accurate method for determining tensile properties of brittle materials. The results indicate that the method was more accurate than other tests with less inherent difficulties in specimen preparation. These included a lessening of the dependence on parallelism in specimen walls and the ability to accurately measure glazed specimens. Data showed that the 4 porcelains were comparable to each other and that the values obtained were higher than those obtained with the diametral test but lower than that found with the transverse bending test. Rationale for these differences are presented.
Identification of the Ca(2+)-dependent calmodulin-binding region of chromogranin A.

Abstract Chromogranin A (CGA), the most abundant protein in bovine adrenal chromaffin granules, is a high-capacity, low-affinity Ca(2+)-binding protein found in most neuroendocrine cells, and binds calmodulin (CaM) in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. The binding of chromogranin A to calmodulin was determined by measuring the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of chromogranin A in the presence and absence of Ca2+. Binding was specifically Ca(2+)-dependent; neither Mg2+ nor Mn2+ could substitute for Ca2+. Chelation of Ca2+ by EGTA completely eliminated the chromogranin A-calmodulin interaction. CaM binding was demonstrated by a synthetic CGA peptide representing residues 40-65. When the CGA peptide and CaM were mixed in the presence of 15 mM CaCl2, the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence emission underwent a substantial blue-shift, shifting from 350 to 330 nm. Like the intact CGA, the peptide-CaM binding was specifically Ca(2+)-dependent, and neither Mg2+ nor Mn2+ could induce the binding. Calmodulin bound both to CGA and to the synthetic CGA peptide with a stoichiometry of one to one. The dissociation constants (Kd) determined by fluorometric titration were 13 nM for the peptide-CaM binding and 17 nM for intact CGA-CaM binding. The Kd values are comparable to those (approximately 10(-9) M) of other CaM-binding proteins and peptides, demonstrating a tight binding of CaM by CGA. The CaM-binding CGA residues 40-65 are 100% conserved among all the sequenced CGAs in contrast to 50-60% conservation found in the entire sequence, implying essential roles of this region.
Space-group symmetry fractionalization in a family of exactly solvable models with Z 2 topological order

We study square lattice space-group symmetry fractionalization in a family of exactly solvable models with ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ topological order in two dimensions. In particular, we have obtained a complete understanding of which distinct types of symmetry fractionalization (symmetry classes) can be realized within this class of models, which are generalizations of Kitaev's ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ toric code to arbitrary lattices. This question is motivated by earlier work of Essin and one of us (M. H.) [Phys. Rev. B 87, 104406 (2013)], where the idea of symmetry classification was laid out, and which, for square lattice symmetry, produces 2080 symmetry classes consistent with the fusion rules of ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ topological order. This approach does not produce a physical model for each symmetry class, and indeed there are reasons to believe that some symmetry classes may not be realizable in strictly two-dimensional systems, thus raising the question of which classes are in fact possible. While our understanding is limited to a restricted class of models, it is complete in the sense that for each of the 2080 possible symmetry classes, we either prove rigorously that the class cannot be realized in our family of models, or we give an explicit model realizing the class. We thus find that exactly 487 symmetry classes are realized in the family of models considered. With a more restrictive type of symmetry action, where space-group operations act trivially in the internal Hilbert space of each spin degree of freedom, we find that exactly 82 symmetry classes are realized. In addition, we present a single model that realizes all ${2}^{6}=64$ types of symmetry fractionalization allowed for a single anyon species (${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ charge excitation), as the parameters in the Hamiltonian are varied. The paper concludes with a summary and a discussion of two results pertaining to more general bosonic models.
Parametrial implant in stage III B cancer of the cervix III. A five‐year study

Since 1975, the Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Maryland Hospital initiated a policy of supplementing the dose to the affected parametrium by using radium needles implants in conjunction with a protruding tandem preferably, or Manchester ovoid in the case of absence of the lower segment of the uterus. The authors have noted a remarkable improvement in local control as well as an improved three-year survival rate with minimal immediate complications. Additional Stage IIIB (FIGO) cases were collected and they were treated by the same technique and have a close follow-up since 1975. Forty-nine cases studied, 32 (65%) survived with disease-free status for a minimum of five years with no loss to follow-up. Local control was excellent, as expected, at the level of 84% (41/49). There were 8% major complications as a consequence of radiation treatment and the majority of them required surgical intervention with excellent success. Paraaortic metastasis remains a major problem and requires further study. The current plan will include retroperitoneal exploratory laparotomy and para-aortic node sampling with extension of the external beam portals to include the positive node region and followed by interstitial and intracavitary brachytherapy.
Humor Scholarship and TESOL: Applying Findings and Establishing a Research Agenda.

Washington State UniversityPullman, Washington, United StatesResearch in the areas of second language (L2) pragmatics and ofconversational humor has increased in recent decades, resulting in astrong base of knowledge from which applied linguists can drawinformation for teaching purposes and undertake future research. Yet,whereas empirical findings in L2 pragmatics are beginning to find theirway into textbooks, recommendations and activities, intended tointegrate humor into the L2 classroom with the goal of increasinglearners’ proficiency in the use and understanding of L2 humor,remain based on intuition alone. Despite parallel developments in L2pragmatics and humor studies, the two areas of scholarship have largelyignored each other, with humor scholars focusing mainly on nativelanguage uses of humor, and applied linguists avoiding the study ofhumor by L2 users. The purpose of this paper is to bring these twofields together by outlining some major linguistic and sociolinguisticfindings of humor scholarship, discussing how these understandingsmight help us integrate humor into the L2 classroom in a principledmanner, and suggesting directions for future research on humor andL2 learners.doi: 10.5054/tq.2010.240857
Review article: approaches to the long-term management of adults with GERD-proton pump inhibitor therapy, laparoscopic fundoplication or endoscopic therapy?

Summary The goals of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment are to control symptoms, heal the injured oesophageal mucosa, and prevent complications. Pharmacological therapy is effective in producing acute symptom relief and mucosal healing, as well as the long-term maintenance of remission. Proton pump inhibitors are the mainstay of GERD therapy. However, the need for daily administration, failure to provide complete symptom relief and costs of these agents may limit their use in some patients, prompting a consideration of alternative treatment strategies. Laparoscopic fundoplication may achieve symptom relief and healing of the oesophagitis in these individuals, but its invasiveness, cost and inherent surgical risks have created an interest in endoscopic therapies for GERD, with several emerging during the past few years. These interventions may either be viewed as an alternative therapy or as ‘bridge’ therapy, with patients still choosing to be treated with acid anti-secretory drugs or fundoplication if the endoscopic procedure fails to provide adequate symptom relief or if symptoms recur. Patient selection is critical for the success of fundoplication as well as endoscopic procedures, with ideal candidates being those with well-established endoscopically documented GERD, abnormal pH monitoring, normal oesophageal motility studies, and who have experienced at least partial symptom relief with proton pump inhibitor therapy. Hiatal hernia is not a contra-indication to fundoplication, while endoscopic intervention is best suited for those with a hiatal hernia of less than 3 cm in length. The long-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and impact of endoscopic procedures on extra-oesophageal manifestations of GERD and risk for GERD-related complications has not been determined.
Lifestyles of Older Adults: Can We Influence Cardiovascular Risk in Older Adults?

Influences of lifestyle habits on cardiovascular disease risk among older adults are not well established. The authors present evidence from the Cardiovascular Health Study that dietary, physical activity, and smoking habits assessed late in life are associated with cardiovascular disease risk among adults aged 65 years or older. Persons consuming fatty fish twice per week had a 47% lower risk of coronary death compared with those who consumed fatty fish less than once per month, while cereal fiber intake (about two whole-grain bread slices per day) was associated with a 14% lower risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Modest alcohol intake (1-6 drinks per week) predicted the fewest subclinical cerebrovascular abnormalities. Compared with little activity, moderate and high leisure-time activity predicted 28% and 44% lower mortality, respectively, while compared with nonexercisers, low, moderate, and high exercise intensity predicted 30%, 37%, and 53% more years of healthy life, respectively. Former and current smokers had 25% and 44% fewer years of healthy life than those who never smoked; lifetime smoking (pack-years) predicted higher mortality. Clinical practice and public health implications, gaps in knowledge, and future research directions are summarized.
Numerical Differentiation of Analytic Functions

It is well known that the classical difference formulas for evaluating high derivatives of a real function f(ζ) are very ill-conditioned. However, if the function f(ζ) is analytic and can be evaluated for complex values of ζ, the problem can be shown to be perfectly well-conditioned. An algorithm that performs this evaluation for an arbitrary analytic function f(~) is described. A short FORTRAN program for generating up to 50 leading derivatives is to be found in the algorithm section of this issue. To use this program, no knowledge is required either of the method or of the analytical nature (e.g., position of nearest singularity, its type) of the function.
Fabrication and Low Temperature Transport Studies of Sub-Micron, In-Plane Gated Fets Defined by Low Energy Ion Exposure

Nanoscale gated quantum wires in GaAs MODFET material with the conduction channel and gates in the plane of the 2DEG have been fabricated and studied. Electron beam lithography was used for mask definition followed by flood exposure to low energy argon ions (ISO eV) for pattern transfer into the 2DEG. Compared to metal top-gate designs the in-plane design simplifies fabrication and reduces device capacitance, promising ultra-fast operation. This method of pattern transfer produced devices having channel-to-gate isolation of 1014Ω and breakdown fields above 106 V/cm at 4.2 K. In addition to exhibiting standard FET characteristics, including gating to pinchoff, the devices showed significant negative differential resistance (NDR) in the saturation region.
Achieving adoption and innovation in Australia's beef industry.

Beef CRC uses industry value-add and impact as the guiding principle to identify the most appropriate ‘Path to Adoption’ for each one of the practices, tools and technologies it develops. This approach recognises that, regardless of the product type or the method of commercialisation, all Beef CRC’s decisions aimed at achieving commercialisation, utilisation, and/or adoption are designed to achieve and demonstrate maximum value for Australian beef businesses. This is achieved by customising commercialisation approaches to ensure that (1) all Beef CRC technologies are specifically designed to maximise industry adoption and utilisation and (2) all Beef CRC processes aiming to achieve industry adoption and innovation are specifically designed and implemented for that purpose. This paper presents case studies outlining the different approaches used by Beef CRC to maximise adoption, innovation and impact of different product types and different processes (or ‘delivery vehicles’) to achieve demonstrable adoption and impact of complex knowledge-based technologies among the tens of thousands of small-to-medium beef enterprises located throughout Australia.
The Dilemma of the Solitary Thyroid Nodule: Resolution Through Decision Analysis

Patients with solitary thyroid nodules evoke a therapeutic dilemma: to excise or to manage without operation. The dilemma can be resolved rationally for individual patients through decision analysis. Available probabilities of specific events affecting the outcomes subsequent to each treatment are, in some instances, uncertain, but reasonable assumptions should still lead to logical conclusion. Life utilities are computed in a new way. Abbreviated life and morbidity are valued in terms of losses on the same scale; losses from morbidity equal the years of life a patient would trade for an existence free of morbidity. In the decision analysis tree, a threshold level for decision, the point of therapeutic indifference, is computed. For the thyroid nodule, the threshold level for decision is a probability of benign disease within the nodule. If, frem experience, the a priori probability for benign disease exceeds the threshold level for benignancy, the analysis directs no operation to be the better choice. Surgical excision is preferred if the opposite is determined, i.e., the a priori probability of a nonmalignant nodule, based on knowledge from previous patients, is less than the calculated threshold level for the same histological process. In the latter case, which fits most patients with thyroid nodules, a useful diagnostic test must have the capacity to increase the probability of benign disease above the threshold level for decision. In this way, the test appropriately alters the choice of treatment. A radioiodine image portraying good function in the nodule increases the probability of benign disease sufficiently to warrant changing the prescription for operation to no operation. The demonstration of a wholly cystic nodule by ultrasound also correctly redirects the management of some patients. Diagnostic procedures are clinically useful only if they have the potential to change or direct therapeutic decisions, and, thereby, provide better patient care. Through decision analysis of a specific clinical situation, and with knowledge of true positives and false positives for a diagnostic test, the limitations of usefulness can be determined for the test as it is applied to the clinical situation.
Evaluating Rain Barrel Storm Water Management Effectiveness across Climatography Zones of the United States

AbstractStorm water management is becoming increasingly important as communities seek to mitigate the problems of accelerated storm water runoff. Using rain barrels to capture roof runoff is one strategy being advocated, but to be effective, this requires a beneficial use for the captured water such as garden irrigation. A previous analysis of this strategy based on the meteorological conditions of Cleveland, Ohio indicated that this would only yield a modest runoff reduction. The results presented here extend analysis to the wide range of meteorological conditions experienced across the continental United States. Theoretical rain barrel performance at seventy locations was evaluated using 2000–2009 daily precipitation records and local growing season durations. Simulations indicated that rain barrel performance would have been highly variable. The use of 235 L (64 gal.) rain barrels would have achieved total roof service area runoff reductions of 3 to 44%. The largest reductions would have occurred in so...
Zeolite-templated Pt/C electrocatalysts

In an effort to reduce the amount of platinum required in low temperature fuel cells, we have prepared electrocatalysts of platinum nanoparticles-on-carbon through zeolite-templating methods. Several different zeolite structure-types, as well as clays and mesoporous silicas were investigated as hosts for the preparation of small Pt clusters through thermal decomposition of ion exchanged (NH{sub 3}){sub 4}Pt{sup 2+}. Several factors relating to cluster confinement and mobility influence cluster size, and clusters below 1 nm with narrow size distribution have been prepared. To enable electrochemical application, the pores of the Pt cluster-containing zeolite were filled with electrically conductive carbon via infiltration with carbon precursors, polymerization, and pyrolysis. The zeolite host was then removed by acid digestion, to leave a micro-/mesoporous Pt/C electrocatalyst possessing Pt clusters of controlled size. Preliminary electrochemical evaluation of these catalysts is reported. The energetics of thermal decomposition of (NH{sub 3}){sub 4}Pt{sup 2+} to form Pt clusters in zeolite X have been investigated through Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and apparent activation energies calculated. The relationship between (NH{sub 3}){sub 4}Pt{sup 2+} decomposition and conditions of calcination has been explored in an effort to better control Pt cluster sizes.
SIMPLIFIED MODEL FOR SEISMIC PILE BENDING AT SOIL LAYER INTERFACES

ABSTRACT The curvatures and subsequent bending imposed to piles by the surrounding soil during the passage of seismic waves is studied. This type of bending develops even in the absence of a superstructure and is referred to as “kinematic” bending, to distinguish it from pile bending generated from inertia forces in the superstructure (termed “inertial” bending). Although kinematic bending may be severe in the presence of sharp stiffness discontinuities in the profile and may lead to damage, it has received little attention by engineers. The scope of this paper is threefold: (1) to review some existing design methods; (2) to present an improved analytical model for estimating kinematic pile bending moments at an interface between two thick soil layers under dynamic SH-wave excitation; and (3) to propose a simplified analysis procedure to be used for designing piles against kinematic loading. To this end, a dimensionless bending strain parameter (instead of the commonly-used bending moment) and a strain transmissibility function relating pile bending strain and corresponding soil shear strain are introduced. The two indices provide insight into the physics of the problem which is often obscured by the use of bending moments. Results from the model are in good agreement with more rigorous solutions. Numerical examples are presented.
Multiple forms of solubilized and partially resolved cytochrome P-450 from rats induced by 2,3,5,2′,3′,5′- and 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyls

Summary Solubilized cytochrome P-450 from control rats and rats treated with two hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) isomers was resolved into three major fractions (peaks) by anion exchange chromatography at room temperature. 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-HCB increased the specific content of cytochrome P-450 in fractions 2 and 3, and induced proteins in these fractions with subunit molecular weights of 52,000 and 55,500 respectively utilizing sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). 2,3,5,2′,3′,5′-HCB increased the specific content of fraction 3 and induced a protein in this fraction with a subunit molecular weight of 52,000. These three fractions differed spectrally and catalytically. Our results indicate that 2,3,5,2′,3′,5′-HCB induced a form of cytochrome P-450 with a subunit molecular weight of 52,000 with a high specific activity toward benzphetamine. 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-HCB induced a form of cytochrome P-448 with a subunit molecular weight of 55,500 and high specific activity toward ethoxyresorufin. However, the major portion of the cytochrome induced by 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-HCB had a subunit molecular weight of 52,000 an did not metabolize either benzphetamine or ethoxyresorufin. This cytochrome may be another form of cytochrome P-448.
Properties of HDPE/Clay/Wood Nanocomposites

Composites based on high density polyethylene (HDPE), pine flour, and organic clay were made by melt compounding and injection molding. The influence of clay on crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, water absorption, and thermal stability of HDPE/pine composites were investigated. The HDPE/pine composites containing exfoliated clay were made by a two-step melt compounding procedure with a maleated polyethylene (MAPE) as a compatibilizer. Adding 2% clay to a HDPE/pine composite without MAPE decreased the crystallization temperature (Tc ) and rate, and the crystallinity level. When 2% MAPE was added, the Tc and crystallization rate increased, but the crystallinity level was lowered. The flexural strength and the tensile strength of HDPE/pine composites increased 19.6% and 24.2% respectively with addition of 1% clay but then decreased slightly as the clay content was increased to 3%. The tensile modulus and tensile elongation were increased 11.8% and 13% respectively with addition of 1% clay but the storage and loss moduli barely change as the clay content was increased to 3%. The impact strength was lowered 7.5% by adding 1% clay, but did not decrease further as more clay was added. The moisture content and thickness swelling of the HDPE/pine composites was reduced by the clay, but did not improve the thermal stability.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Failure of acute hypoxia to alter pulmonary prostaglandin metabolism in dogs.

We studied the effects of acute hypoxia (Fi02=0.09–0.11, 20 min,.) on transpulmonary plasma prostaglandin (PG) concentrations in ten anaesthetized, paralyzed, artificially ventilated dogs. Concentrations of 6-keto-PGF1α, TxB2, PGE2, PGF2α, and 13, 13-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α were measured from the pulmonary artery and abdominal aorta using radioimmunoassay. In an additional six dogs, the effects of arachidonic acid (AA) infusions (100 mg/kg/min) during normoxia and acute hypoxia were determined. Compared to normoxic conditions, acute hypoxia increased pulmonary artery pressure (p<0.0), decreased both the arterial oxygen tension (Pa02) and the alveolar-to-arterial oxygen tension gradient (A-aD02) (p <0.05), but did not affect transpulmonary plasma PG concentrations. AA infusions significantly (p <0.05) increased 6-keto-PGF1α independent of Fi02. Acute hypoxia failed to elicit a pulmonary pressor response in the AA-treated animals although Pa02 and A-aD02 decreased (p<0.5). These data in healthy dogs suggest that (1) acute hypoxia does not alter net pulmonary PG metabolism, (2) prostacyclin synthesis is stimulated by increased plasma AA concentrations and (3) this effect may block normal pressor responses to hypoxic stimuli.
On the transmission of information by orthogonal time functions

In a digital communication system each digit of a character may be represented by one function of an orthogonal set of functions. This function is multiplied by + 1 or ? 1 if binary digits are being used. All functions of the character are added and transmitted in parallel. This sum of functions is correlated in the receiver with each function of the orthogonal set and voltages of amplitude + 1 or ? 1 are obtained. No interference between the digits of a character occurs if the signal is not band limited. The crosstalk between the digits because of band limitation is computed for a system of orthogonal sine and cosine functions. The results show that a binary Teletype system transmitting 60 words per minute can be operated with about 25 cps (cycles per second) bandwidth. This figure decreases to the theoretical minimum of 15 cps per channel for a multichannel system. Tests of experimental equipment have shown very good agreement with the theory.
On the Evolution of Ultracompact H II Regions

The classic model for the pressure-driven expansion of H II regions is reevaluated to include the gravitational force of the star responsible for the H II region. The model shows that the gravitational attraction of the star maintains a steep density gradient and accretion flow within the ionized gas and prevents the H II region from expanding hydrodynamically unless the radius of ionization equilibrium is beyond the radius where the sound speed of the ionized gas approximates the escape velocity. Once past this critical radius, the H II region will expand rapidly and the accretion flow through the H II region is quickly reduced. However, in contrast to the model without gravity in which the velocity of the ionized gas is everywhere outward, in the model with gravity, the velocity within the H II region is always inward. Newly formed massive stars within dense molecular cores may initially form very small H II regions that at first evolve slowly through an increase in ionizing flux, as would be caused by an increase in the mass or number of stars through continuing accretion through the H II region.