cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of partial occlusion of circulation on frequency and amplitude of surface electromyography

Abstract We examined two distinct questions. First, would the amplitude and frequency changes characteristic of fatigue produced by an isometric exercise be produced by fatiguing isotonic exercise? Second, are the frequency shifts produced during fatiguing exercise the result of increased metabolite concentration? Ten subjects (five men and five women, aged 22–43 years) performed two sets of 25 biceps curls at between 50 and 60% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). One set was performed with the circulation to the arm unimpaired (NO); during the other set, a blood pressure (BP) cuff held midway between systolic and diastolic pressure was used to partially occlude (PO) circulation. Both the NO and PO conditions produced significant changes in root mean square (rmsEMG) of the amplitude and the mean power frequency (MPF) of the signal. Both the increase in amplitude and the downward shift in MPF of the frequency power spectrum characteristic of fatigue were significantly greater for the PO versus NO condition (PO = 29.47 Hz, NO = 7.39 Hz). These results indicate that the changes in amplitude and frequency characteristic of fatigue observed during isometric exercise can be produced to a lesser degree during dynamic exercise. In addition, these changes can be amplified by addition of occlusion caused by external compression. Because the compressive force used for occlusion allowed blood flow into the working muscle while impairing venous return, this degree of change appears to be directly related to reduced metabolite washout.
RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY. HOW OFTEN DO EXPERIENCED SURGEONS HAVE POSITIVE SURGICAL MARGINS WHEN THERE IS EXTRAPROSTATIC EXTENSION IN THE REGION OF THE NEUROVASCULAR BUNDLE

ABSTRACTPurpose:: We determined the frequency of positive surgical margins (PSMs) in patients with extraprostatic extension (EPE) in the region of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) who underwent open radical retropubic prostatectomy by 2 experienced surgeons.Materials and Methods:: A total of 204 men with EPE in the region of the NVB underwent surgery by 2 experienced surgeons. The frequency of PSMs in the area of the NVB as well as the nerve sparing status of each lobe of the prostate were determined through a retrospective investigation of the pathology database as well as the physician’s database. The recovery of sexual function was determined and compared to controls.Results:: The age, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason sum and serum prostate specific antigen of the patients operated on by surgeons 1 and 2 were similar. Surgeon 1 widely excised at least 1 neurovascular bundle in 16% of the patients and surgeon 2 in 63%. The overall frequency of PSMs at the NVB was 5.9% for surgeon 1 and 5.8% for surgeon 2. O...
Thiol density-dependent classical potential for methyl thiol on a Au(111) surface

A classical potential for methyl thiol on a Au(111) surface has been developed using density functional theory electronic structure calculations. Energy surfaces between methyl thiol and a gold surface were investigated in terms of symmetry sites and thiol density. Geometrical optimization was employed over all the configurations, while minimum energy and thiol height were determined. Finally, an interatomic potential has been generated as a function of thiol density, and applications to coarse-grained simulations are presented.
Methylation of cottontail rabbit papillomavirus DNA and tissue-specific expression in transgenic rabbits.

Abstract Transgenic rabbits carrying multiple copies of CRPV genomic DNA were described previously (Peng et al. (1993) J. Virol. 67, 1698–1701). CRPV DNA was detectable in all tissues of the transgenic rabbits, howeverm the transcripts of CRPV genes only were found in skin and skin tumors. Tumor development was also restricted to skin. To study the mechanism involving tissue-specific expression of CRPV genes in rabbits, cellular DNAs, isolated from different normal tissues and skin tumors, were digested with the two isoschizomeric restriction endonucleases Msp I (methylation resistant) and Hpa II (methylation sensitive), respectively, and analyzed by Southern blot. CRPV DNA, especially its upstream regulatory region (URR), was extensively methylated in all normal tissues, but methylation was remarkably reduced in skin tumors. These data suggest that extensive methylation of CRPV genome, especially in the URR, might be a factor in controlling its tissue-specific expression.
Heteroscedasticity and other misspecification issues in the market model

In this paper the authors attempt to analyse the validity of the traditional market model in the complex environment of emerging and bullish markets where heteroscedasticity and other misspecification issues are detected through application of a wide range of appropriate empirical tests and tools. The issue which the authors investigate is generally related to excess volatility caused either by market over-reaction or by changes in the market regime accompanied by changes in the systematic risk (beta) or by short-period non-informational ‘noise’ accompanied by violations of the classical assumptions on the residuals of the market model. The results of this work highlight and reveal several sides of relatively unknown and empirically confused areas regarding market efficiency and appropriateness and adequacy of the market model, as well as certain unusual features of investor behaviour.
The effect of multiple nucleation events on heterogeneous nucleation rates

The influence on the overall heterogeneous nucleation rate of multiple nucleation events on impurity particles is investigated. A simple model based upon coupled consecutive chemical reactions is used to describe the time dependence of the heterogeneous nucleation rate. Also, the kinetics are illustrated for a particular example in which the intrinsic nucleation probability is assumed to vary inversely with the impurity particle occupancy.
On systems of bilinear forms whose minimal division-free algorithms are all bilinear

Abstract In this paper we prove that for a certain class of systems of bilinear forms, all minimal division-free algorithms are essentially bilinear. This class includes systems for computing products in finite algebraic extension fields, and systems for computing the products of Toeplitz and Hankel matrices with vectors. Our results, together with the classification theorems of S. Winograd ( Theoret. Comput. Sci. 8 (1979), 359–377; Math. Systems Theory 10 (1977) , 169–180) completely describe all minimal division-free algorithms for computing these systems. We also prove, as an immediate consequence of our results, that the multiplicative complexity of the quaternion product over a real field is 8.
Cutaneous reactive hyperemia: Viscoelasticity determines response

Two theories, myogenic and metabolic, have been proposed for reactive hyperemia. Since the metabolic theory implies that the changes in flow rate during reactive hyperemia must be explained in terms of changes in concentration of a vasodilator metabolite produced during anoxia, the rate of rise to peak reactive hyperemic flow should discriminate between these two possible mechanisms. Accordingly, changes in human cutaneous blood flow were monitored during postocolusive reactive hyperemia. The absolute values of both the rate of rise from zero blood flow to peak reactive hyperemic flow and the rate of recovery from peak reactive hyperemic flow to resting levels decrease with increasing durations of arterial occlusion. The time-dependent decrease in both rates is compatible with viscoelastic characteristics of the wall of resistance vessels and is not consistent with changes in concentration of a hypothesized vasodilator metabolite produced during occlusion.
Fast rendezvous for cognitive radios by exploiting power leakage at adjacent channels

Cognitive radio is considered as a promising technology that enables dynamic spectrum access and improves spectrum utilization. To bootstrap the communication, rendezvous process is crucial for cognitive radio users to establish communication links among each other. Blind rendezvous is a representative technology for rendezvous purpose without relying on a common control channel. Existing works mainly focus on channel hopping (CH) sequence design to speed up or guarantee users meeting on the same channel, while largely ignored the MAC overhead and PHY layer characteristics. This paper proposes new blind rendezvous protocols that take into account the handshaking overhead and power leakage at adjacent channels. Our basic idea is that a cognitive radio user can infer the transmission at adjacent channels by exploiting adjacent channel power leakage, then it can launch a local channel search to find the other user even when they are not on the same channel initially, thus speeding up the rendezvous process. We analyze the time to rendezvous (TTR) of our protocols with two-user and multi-user settings, and identify the conditions under which our protocols outperform the existing ones. We have conducted extensive simulations to evaluate our protocols. Both analytical and simulation results show that our protocols can significantly decrease the time to rendezvous (TTR) by by 53.5% over the packets decoding based rendezvous.
Validation of satellite-based soil moisture algorithms

Validation is an important but particularly challenging task for passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture from Earth orbit. The key issue is spatial scale; conventional measurements of soil moisture are made at a point whereas satellite sensors provide an integrated area/volume value for a much larger spatial extent. For microwave remote sensing from space it is necessary to consider the kilometer to 40 km scale, which presents new challenges. This issue of spatial scale is common to both current and future satellite missions. Regardless of the degree of difficulty, ground based sampling must remain a core component of validation. An integrated approach using in situ networks, field campaigns and comparison to other satellite products is described.
Diminished thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion associated with neonatal thyrotoxicosis

lobacter may stimulate their production/ Alternatively, Campylobacter antibodies that penetrate the C S F may be responsible for neural damage. Kaldor and Speed have shown that patients with Guillain-Barr6 syndrome associated with Campylobacter gastroenteritis are more likely to have elevated C S F IgG titers than are similar patients with no history of Campylobacter infection. Another possibility is that the choleralike enterotoxin produced by C. jejum ~ may bind to neural tissue in a similar way to cholera toxin, causing neural damage. I~ Erythromycin therapy was not used initially because the child had made an uneventful recovery from her original illness. It was introduced later in her illness when she developed a febrile illness with exacerbation of diarrhea and was known to be still excreting Campylobacter. There is no evidence to suggest that erradication of the organism limits or prevents the neurologic syndrome2.5 We believe pediatricians should be more aware of the Campylobacter-Guillain-Barr6 syndrome association and that in patients with Guillain-Barr6 syndrome, particularly when associated with a gastrointestinal tract illness, C. jejuni should be sought as a possible etiologic agent.
A possible role for nitric oxide in glutamate (MSG)-induced Chinese restaurant syndrome, glutamate-induced asthma, ‘hot-dog headache’, pugilistic Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders

Endogenous glutamate is thought to be a major neurotransmitter. After binding to a cell membrane receptor there can be a stimulation of what can be called the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated neurotransmission pathway (NO-MNP). The activity of the enzyme that produces NO from arginine, NO synthase, and the level of NO become elevated. NO has little activity within the cell in which it is produced, but it rapidly leaks out of that cell and produces effects in neighboring cells. The NO-MNP can be activated to release NO in endothelial cells which in turn acts on neighboring vascular smooth muscle cells to induce vasodilation. Therefore, we suggest that exogenous, ingested glutamate, like endogenous glutamate, can lead to the same stimulation of the NO-MNP in sensitive individuals which would then cause the symptoms of the Chinese restaurant syndrome and/or glutamate-induced asthma. Further, since ingested nitrite and related compounds can be metabolized to NO, NO may more directly cause the symptoms of 'hot dog headache'. In addition, it has been suggested that NO production can also be controlled in endothelial cells by fluid forces that stimulate pressure receptors. Therefore, elevations of NO and stimulation of the NO-MNP may occur due to sudden, local, alterations of blood pressure during pugilistic activities and play a role in the symptoms of pugilistic Alzheimer's disease. If these ideas are correct, then inhibitors of the NO-MNP and/or temporary reduction of the plasma level of arginine may be useful in preventing at least some of the symptoms of these disorders.
Nature of adhesive bonding via interchain transesterification reactions (ITR)

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to determine the nature of the adhesive bonding which occurs through interchain transesterification (ITR) in thermosetting polyester materials (TS) and in liquid crystalline polyester polymers (LCP). An all aromatic copolyester thermoset was prepared as a deuterated and undeuterated film. These films were cured and then consolidated using heat and pressure to form a good adhesive bond. SIMS produced no direct observation of interdiffusion indicating that the length scale over which it occurred must be less than 500 A (the resolution of the technique). A similar set of experiments was carried out using a deuterated and non-deuterated film of a liquid crystalline copolyester (LCP) consisting of 73/27 p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. In this case, the deuterated units diffused throughout the entire undeuterated films within less than one hour at 280 °C.
Climate Impacts of Making Evapotranspiration in the Community Land Model (CLM3) Consistent with the Simple Biosphere Model (SiB)

Abstract In recent climate sensitivity experiments with the Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3), a wide range of studies have found that the Community Land Model, version 3 (CLM3), simulates mean global evapotranspiration with low contributions from transpiration (15%), and high contributions from soil and canopy evaporation (47% and 38%, respectively). This evapotranspiration partitioning is inconsistent with the consensus of other land surface models used in GCMs. To understand the high soil and canopy evaporation and the low transpiration observed in the CLM3, select individual components of the land surface parameterizations that control transpiration, canopy and soil evaporation, and soil hydrology are compared against the equivalent parameterizations used in the Simple Biosphere Model, versions 2 and 3 (SiB2 and SiB3), and against more recent developments with CLM. The findings of these investigations are used to develop new parameterizations for CLM3 that would reproduce the functiona...
Multilevel Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for the Revision of Congenital Dislocation of the Spine Following In Situ Fusion: A Case Report.

Abstract Background Context Congenital dislocation of the spine (CDS) is a rare condition. Invariably, sagittal or coronal vertebral translation and an angulated neural canal exist. Mechanical instability, encroachment on the canal by the involved vertebrae, and coexistent spinal cord malformations have all been implicated in CDS-related neurologic deficit. Single-level vertebrectomy through a posterior midline approach has been recently described as first-line surgical intervention for CDS. Purpose To illustrate the use of multilevel posterior vertebral column resection (pVCR) for the postsurgical revision of CDS-centered spinal deformity. Design Case report. Methods Review of 2 cases in which CDS was reconstructed with pVCR. Results A 6-year-old boy developed a 104° cervicothoracic kyphosis and myelopathy. An 11-year-old boy male developed a 92° thoracolumbar deformity but experienced only back pain. Both patients had undergone previous in situ fusion for CDS, and both presented with progressive, rigid, angular kyphosis. Two-level pVCRs were performed. At ultimate follow-up, imaging revealed sagittal correction of 75° (72%) in the 6-year-old child and 64° (70%) in the 11-year-old, and both were neurologically intact. Conclusions Multilevel pVCR is a technically demanding but feasible option for the treatment of CDS that has proven recalcitrant to in situ fusion.
Olfaction as a traumatic reminder in posttraumatic stress disorder: case reports and review.

Background Memory for odors that are associated with intense emotional experiences is often strongly engraved. Odors are claimed to be more closely connected to affect than other sensory experiences. They can serve as potent contextual cues for memory formation and emotional conditioning and can also serve as cues for olfactory flashbacks. Though trauma-related smells have long been noted by clinicians to be precipitants of traumatic memories in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), very few reports have been published that document this. Case reports We review olfactory memories and olfactory flashbacks by presenting 3 cases that illustrate the role of olfaction in PTSD. In these cases olfaction is either a precipitant of PTSD symptoms or an important component of reexperiencing. Discussion In PTSD, seemingly nonspecific cues have the potential to precipitate traumatic memories with strong emotional components. These conditioned responses in PTSD are hypothesized to be mediated by specific brain areas, i.e., amygdala, hippocampus, and orbitofrontal cortex. Questions about smells as a traumatic reminder should be part of the routine assessment of intrusive memories in PTSD. In addition, smells may have the potential to provide cues to exposure situations in therapy or to facilitate de novo conditioning.
Comparison of the CH⋯N and CH⋯O interactions involving substituted alkanes

Abstract The CH⋯N interaction between F n H 3− n CH (proton donor) and NH 3 , CH 3 NH 2 , and CH 2 NH (acceptor) is examined by ab initio calculations and compared with the comparable CH⋯O systems. The interaction is strengthened by 1.2 kcal/mol with each F added to the donor, slightly larger than the 1.0 kcal/mol increment for CH⋯O. Like CH⋯O, the CH⋯N interaction behaves like a conventional H-bond in terms of electron density shifts and the magnitudes of the various components of the interaction energy. The CH⋯N interactions are also like CH⋯O in that they both die off more slowly as the H-bonds are stretched, in comparison to corresponding conventional H-bonds. Contrary to the behavior of the OH donor, the CH bond contracts and undergoes a blue shift upon forming a complex with either N or O acceptor, although these changes are somewhat smaller for CH⋯N and not as systematic. The differing trends are attributed to the level of cancellation between opposing forces, and not due to any fundamental difference between the two types of interaction.
Phenolic profile, antioxidants, and sensory acceptance of bioactive-enhanced peanuts using ultrasound and UV

Abstract Phenolic antioxidant compounds, including resveratrol, are associated with reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and delayed ageing. This study aims to quantify synergistic enhancement of phenolics and antioxidants in peanuts by combinations of ultrasound (US)–UV treatments, compared to either US or UV, and determine optimum parameters for combined US–UV process. LC–MS confirmed the bioactive phenolics: trans-resveratrol, trans-piceid, and p-coumaric-, caffeic-, and ferulic-acids, which achieved maximum increases, with combined US–UV, compared to US or UV; as did total phenolics (TP), TEAC, and ORAC. Optimum parameters for a combined US–UV process will provide up to 4.8 μg/g trans-resveratrol, 170 μg/g p-coumaric acid, and 150 μM TE/g ORAC or >100% that found in red wines; 1.0 μg/g trans-piceid, 2.6 μg/g ferulic acid, 1.48 mg GAE/g TP, and consumer acceptance ⩾5. Optimum combined US–UV resulted in 1.3× or 2.3× the trans-resveratrol concentrations in US or UV, respectively, suggesting synergistic effect of UV and US in enhancing resveratrol in peanuts.
Modeling the active process of the cochlea: phase relations, amplification, and spontaneous oscillation

The high sensitivity and sharp frequency selectivity of acoustical signal transduction in the cochlea suggest that an active process pumps energy into the basilar membrane's oscillations. This function is generally attributed to outer hair cells, but its exact mechanism remains uncertain. Several classical models of amplification represent the load upon the basilar membrane as a single mass. Such models encounter a fundamental difficulty, however: the phase difference between basilar-membrane movement and the force generated by outer hair cells inhibits, rather than amplifies, the modeled basilar-membrane oscillations. For this reason, modelers must introduce artificially either negative impedance or an appropriate phase shift, neither of which is justified by physical analysis of the system. We consider here a physical model based upon the recent demonstration that the basilar membrane and reticular lamina can move independently, albeit with elastic coupling through outer hair cells. The mechanical model comprises two resonant masses, representing the basilar membrane and the reticular lamina, coupled through an intermediate spring, the outer hair cells. The spring's set point changes in response to displacement of the reticular lamina, which causes deflection of the hair bundles, variation of outer hair cell length and, hence, force production. Depending upon the frequency of the acoustical input, the basilar membrane and reticular lamina can oscillate either in phase or in counterphase. In the latter instance, the force produced by hair cells leads basilar-membrane oscillation, energy is pumped into basilar-membrane movement, and an external input can be strongly amplified. The model is also capable of producing spontaneous oscillation. In agreement with experimental observations, the model describes mechanical relaxation of the basilar membrane after electrical stimulation causes outer hair cells to change their length.
Staff‐Resident Communication in Nursing Homes: A Factor Analysis of Staff Attitudes and Resident Evaluations of Staff

This study investigated one important aspect of the physical and mental welfare of patients receiving care in institutional and semi-institutional settings. The study focussed upon the attitudes, assumptions, and sentiments which serve as a basis for a communication between staff members and patients. Beginning with a series of open-ended interviews with staff members of a 400-bed private nursing home, the researchers identified the range of attitudes existing among the staff. Instruments were constructed from these interviews, and the researchers attempted to identify, through factor analysis of staff attitudes and patient evaluations of staff, those attitudes which characterized staff members who were perceived as having beneficial effects on the patients.
Alternative Nucleon form Factors

A set of form factors G/sub e/ and G/sub m/ to describe electron scattering data is proposed. Error correlations are reduced, and scattering with spin flip is separated from that without. It is suggested that dispersion theory relates this with the same separation in other physical situations. THe fit to G/ sub MV/ includes the rho meson and a core and leads to a diffraction minimum in electron scattering between 40 and 80 fermi /sup -2/. The two-photon exchange becomes dominant at 40 fermi/sup -2/, and the recoil proton should then be polarized with the polarizaion changing sign at the minimum. (L.N.N.)
The effects of binders and heating temperatures on the properties of preforms

The use of binders in fabricating ceramic fiber preforms is essential when producing metal-matrix com-posites via squeeze casting or liquid metal infiltration. The binder is not only used to stabilize the shape of the preform, but also to increase its strength. A strong preform is needed to make a net shape or near-net shape casting so that many post-machining processes can be reduced or eliminated. However, very lit-tle attention has been paid to preform fabrication, subsequent processing, and its characterization. This work focuses on the relation between preform processing (selection of binder, heat treatment of the pre-form, etc.) and the properties of the resulting preforms. Silica and phosphate binders were used to make short alumina fiber preforms. The use of binders and the heat treatments used were correlated to the properties of the resulting preforms. The results showed that the heat treating temperature, as well as the amount of binder, is relevant to the resulting properties of the preform. Correlations among the use of binders, heat treatment condition, composition of the binders, and the properties of the preforms were investigated.
Tight Gas Sand Production from the Almond Formation, Washakie Basin, Wyoming

Gas production from the Almond Formation in the Standard Draw trend can only be accounted for by draining numerous layers of tight gas sands via the permeable upper bar sand. Discovery of this field originally focused upon production from this bar sand. But continued development cannot be explained simply by considering depletion of a 30 foot sand. Gas volumetrics verify the need to include lower sands in reservoir analysis. Core obtained from the Almond bar sand confirm petrophysical constants used in the authors` models. Their results imply that economic levels of gas production should be possible wherever a similar horizontal conduit can be tied into gas saturated layers through massive hydraulic fracturing.
Dielectric Properties of Fibrous Insulation As Affected by Repeated Voltage Application

It is believed by many that the most plausible explanation of fibrous insulation failure is the pyro-electric theory. Under this theory as elaborated by Steinmetz, Wagner and others, insulation under stress is heated by the transformation of electric energy to thermal energy. Insulations are considered as of the nature of poor conductors and subject to the same characteristics. The transformation of electric to thermal emergy is therefore dependent upon the inherent electrical and thermal conducting properties of the material. This transformation proceeds at a rate proportional to the stress applied, until such a voltage value is reached where the heat is generated in the insulation at a rate faster than it is dissipated to the surrounding medium. Further increase in voltage leads to a rapidly mounting temperature with ultimate insulation failure. A strict interpretation of this theory would indicate that insulation failure is a matter of the insulation resistance?temperature relation. Therefore, as the heat stored in a dielectric during stress is allowed to dissipate, care being taken to prevent injury from the testing electrodes, etc., the orignial properties of the material should be restored. This has been found to be true only to a limited extent. The present paper deals largely with the effect of relatively high-voltage applications on sheet insulation tested between parallel plate electrodes. It is shown that the question of the mechanism of insulation failure can be separated into two parts.
Fluorescence microscopy of DES-induced morphologic transformation in unfixed, cultured cells

Cultured baby Syrian hamster kidney cells (BHK 21), synchronized with hydroxyurea (HU), were treated with varying amounts of the carcinogen diethylstilbestrol (DBS) during the first mitosis. DES-induced morphologic transformation was assessed by fluorescence microscopy of acridine orange, supravitally stained cells. Traditional karyotyping techniques were used to monitor DES-induced aneuploidy in parallel cell cultures. A total of 618 photomicrographs were obtained by systematic manual scanning of three replicate experiments each using three different DBS treatment levels and a no DES control. These photomicrographs were randomized and graded blind by three independent observers. Each photomicrograph was graded for cellular morphologic transformation and a judgement as to whether DES treatment had been used. A definite dose-response relationship for both morphologic transformation, as well as for aneuploidy was observed. These findings portend a significance for use of fluorescence microscopy of morphologic transformation of unfixed supravitally stained mammalian cells, for the rapid assessment (24 h or less) of compounds that promote aneuploidization and carcinogenesis.
Wire Bonder Mis-Process Reduction and Productivity Improvement with Full Automation System by Cross Regional Team

This paper will discuss an approach and solution to effective used software automation to improve productivity and product quality in all TI assembly plants. The project team include members from United States, Malaysia, Philippine, Republic of China, Mexico and Japan. As ONE IT team, project members developed this system and fan-out the software to their respective plant. With developers from many countries, a good project management is a must to execute the plan. The team used weekly teleconference and net-meeting to update the status and discuss any obstacles facing by each member, until the success of the project.
Strong mitochondrial DNA similarity but low relatedness at microsatellite loci among families within fused colonies of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes

We performed a molecular survey of colonies of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes in order to identify colonies which had undergone mergers with one or more colonies of conspecifics, and to provide a detailed description of the breeding system within such fused colonies. By combining the results of previously published studies on R. flavipes with unpublished work undertaken for other studies, we compiled a database of 354 colonies from which we identified eight (2.3%) colonies which appeared to have undergone fusion. In the majority of these colonies (six of eight, 75%)we could assign nearly all individuals to one of two (or more) unrelated families (r between families= 0.016, SE=0.048, P=0.37), while no individuals had genotypes consistent with interbreeding between cohabiting families. Such intermediate genotypes were also lacking from two colonies sampled during multiple years of the survey, and analysis of immatureindividuals from these latter colonies further indicated that only one of the cohabiting families had actively reproducing kings or queens. The lack of relatedness between families based on microsatellite markers implies that kin selection does not play a role in the formation of these merged colonies, while the short-lived nature of any increase in genetic diversity suggests that its role is also likely to beminimal. We cannot rule out the hypothesis that some other selective force governs the formation of these mixed-family colonies within the populations that we studied, nor can we exclude the possibility that selection plays a more prominent role in this trait within different populations of R. flavipes. Interestingly, we found that merged families had identical or near identical mtDNA haplotypes suggesting a maternally inherited basis to nestmate recognition and colony fusion. Given the lack of detailed information on the recognition system in this termite, we suggest that this phenomenon should serve to encourage further studies on the mechanisms of recognition within this model termite system.
Angioplasty of long or tandem coronary artery lesions using a new longer balloon dilatation catheter: a comparative study.

To determine whether or not a new 3 cm long angioplasty balloon was more effective in treatment of long (15-25 mm) or tandem (less than 25 mm overall length) coronary lesions, 44 consecutive patients with suitable lesions were alternately assigned to treatment with shorter, standard, 2 cm length, or long, 3 cm balloons. Primary success of PTCA was achieved in 95%. Those treated with long balloons required fewer inflations (3.3 +/- 1.5 vs. 5.7 +/- 2.1, P = .0001) and showed fewer moderate or severe intimal dissections of the lesions (4/22 vs. 12/22, p = .028). The use of 3 cm PTCA balloons in long or tandem lesions appears to be efficacious and less likely to cause dissections than shorter, 2 cm length devices.
Seedlings of the introduced invasive shrub Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) outperform those of its native and introduced non-invasive congeners in Florida

One particularly compelling explanation for the success of invasive species is the ability to outperform other species in characteristics affecting fitness. Past studies have compared native or introduced non-invasive species to their invasive counterparts, while a system incorporating both native and introduced non-invasive congeners provides an opportunity for multiple controls. We used such a system of Eugenia congeners in Florida to compare seedling performance. In order to determine if invasive Eugenia uniflora seedlings outperform those of its congeners, we sowed seeds in the field and a common garden and quantified seedling emergence, growth, and survival, as well as foliar damage by insect herbivores. We obtained similar results in the field and garden experiments. Although there were no differences in seedling emergence for E. uniflora seedlings when compared to some of its introduced congeners in certain years, emergence of E. uniflora seedlings was consistently high across years. However, emergence, growth, and survival rates of native species were consistently low. In addition, E. uniflora outperformed its introduced and native congeners in growth and survival traits in most comparisons, even when sustaining higher levels of herbivore damage by an introduced weevil, Myllocerus undatus Marshall. Our results support our predictions, indicating that invasive E. uniflora may possess a competitive advantage because its seedlings perform better than or equivalently to its congeners in all of the attributes quantified. Our study further suggests that measurements of such traits may be useful in determining the likelihood of invasion by newly introduced woody plant species.
The Rosseland Mean Opacity of a Mixture of Gold and Gadolinium at High Temperatures.

Radiation transport through high-opacity materials can be described using the Rosseland mean opacity of the medium, which is dominated by low-opacity regions in the frequency-dependent opacity. By mixing gold and gadolinium, we can fill in low-opacity regions of one material with high-opacity regions of another material, resulting in a material with a Rosseland mean opacity 1.5{times} higher than either of the constituents. For a given laser energy, this can raise the temperature of the laser heated {ital Hohlraums}, or for a given desired temperature, require less laser energy. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Artistic expressions as primary modes of inquiry

Art-Based Research (McNiff, 1998a) introduced the idea of using artistic expressions by researchers as ways of knowing and methods of inquiry as distinguished from approaching art made by subjects as data which are interpreted by discursive methods, a practice that has been widely used in various disciplines studying human behaviour. Popularisation of the idea of art-based research (ABR) has diverted attention from its new and distinct qualities together with the challenges they present. Examples drawn from four decades of integrate examinations of personal and empirical phenomena encourages a revisiting of social science research typologies and the training of researchers.
Effect of load pulse shape on predicted damage accumulation in wood

Load-duration (creep-rupture) effects in wood are often modeled using cumulative damage theory. In application, such as for duration of load reliability analyses, incremental damage owing to stochastic load pulse models is summed over an assumed reference period (e.g., 50 years), with failure defined in terms of the damage state variable. The effect of load pulse shape on cumulative damage is examined herein through the use of one such proposed damage accumulation model. An exponential damage rate model (EDRM) is used to calculate the damage owing to a rectangular load pulse (RECT), a triangular load pulse (TRI), and two trapezoidal load pulses (TRAP1 and TRAP2). The differences in the calculated damage predicted by the EDRM and resulting from the four load pulse shapes are presented and the effect of critical load parameters (e. g., load intensity and duration) are illustrated. Also, the effect of neglecting ramp loading and unloading is discussed; that is, the error in assuming RECT versus either TRAP1 or TRAP2 load pulses is assessed.
Theoretical predictions for cosmic ray secondary antiprotons

Abstract We calculate the flux of secondary antiprotons produced by cosmic rays during propagation in the interstellar medium. We illustrate with several examples how the resulting antiproton to proton ratio as measured depends on the assumed primary spectrum and on propagation. We give particular attention to the kinematic suppression of secondary antiprotons below 1 GeV, which is a signature of secondary production.
Phase behavior applications of SAFT based equations of state—from associating fluids to polydisperse, polar copolymers

The statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT) equation of state has been shown to accurately predict the effects of molecular weight, intermolecular association, and compressibility on the phase behavior of mixtures containing solvents, monomers, and polymers. In this paper, we briefly review the physical basis for the SAFT approach and present recent extensions of the equation of state. An advantage of theoretically based equations of state is that the theory can be systematically improved to address weaknesses or to extend the theory to more complex fluid systems. Recent developments beyond SAFT allow us to predict the effects of multiple polar groups on the phase behavior of polar copolymers, model the effects of intramolecular association, and efficiently calculate phase equilibrium for polydisperse polymer solutions. These points are illustrated through comparisons with phase equilibria data for monomers, solvents, and copolymer systems.
Plasma cell granuloma of the brain: An unusual case

Abstract Plasma cell granuloma is a rare and unusual process of unknown etiology characterized by non-neoplastic polyclonal proliferation of mature plasma cells and other mononuclear cells. The disease occurs most frequently in the lung and upper respiratory tract, while the involvement of the central nervous system is very rare. We present MRI findings of a plasma cell granuloma of the brain in a 47-year-old female patient with history of recurrent seizures.
Palaeoanthropology: Neanderthal teeth lined up.

A huge amount of biological information is preserved in the growth records of teeth. Tapping into those records provides a tantalizing look at how quickly Neanderthals grew up and reached maturity.
Composition and Distribution of a Bat Assemblage During the Dry Season in a Naturally Fragmented Landscape in Bolivia

We investigated species composition of the bat assemblage in continuous forest and natural forest islands in a savanna ecosystem in northern Bolivia. We captured 396 bats of 24 species. Five species accounted for almost 70% of the captures: Sturnira lilium, Artibeus obscurus, Carollia brevicauda, Carollia perspicillata, and Artibeus lituratus. Species composition of the bat assemblage differed between continuous forest and forest islands; Artibeus jamaicensis and S. lilium were captured more often in islands, whereas Platyrrhinus helleri and Mesophylla macconnelli were more common in the continuous forest. The distribution of species over the forest islands and the continuous forest revealed a nested distribution pattern, with the continuous forest having the highest number of species, and the smallest island having the fewest species. However, bats were almost 5-fold more abundant in forest islands than in continuous forest. Examination of recapture data indicated movements of bats among forest islands and between islands and continuous forest. Our results suggest that bat populations, especially in the fruit-eating guild, can persist in a naturally fragmented landscape.
The Computation of π to 29,360,000 Decimal Digits Using Borweins’ Quartically Convergent Algorithm

In a recent work [6], Borwein and Borwein derived a class of algorithms based on the theory of elliptic integrals that yield very rapidly convergent approximations to elementary constants. The author has implemented Borweins’ quartically convergent algorithm for 1/π, using a prime modulus transform multi-precision technique, to compute over 29,360,000 digits of the decimal expansion of π. The result was checked by using a different algorithm, also due to the Borweins, that converges quadratically to π. These computations were performed as a system test of the Cray-2 operated by the Numerical Aerodynamical Simulation (NAS) Program at NASA Ames Research Center. The calculations were made possible by the very large memory of the Cray-2.
Micromechanical studies of mitotic chromosomes

Mitotic chromosomes respond elastically to forces in the nanonewton range, a property important to transduction of stresses used as mechanical regulatory signals during cell division. In addition to being important biologically, chromosome elasticity can be used as a tool for investigating the folding of chromatin. This paper reviews experiments studying stretching and bending stiffness of mitotic chromosomes, plus experiments where changes in chromosome elasticity resulting from chemical and enzyme treatments were used to analyse connectivity of chromatin inside chromosomes. Experiments with nucleases indicate that non-DNA elements constraining mitotic chromatin must be isolated from one another, leading to the conclusion that mitotic chromosomes have a chromatin 'network' or 'gel' organization, with stretches of chromatin strung between 'crosslinking' points. The as-yet unresolved questions of the identities of the putative chromatin crosslinkers and their organization inside mitotic chromosomes are discussed.
Lopinavir Cerebrospinal Fluid Steady-State Trough Concentrations in HIV-Infected Adults

Background:The central nervous system may act as a sanctuary site for viral replication in the setting of low antiretroviral penetration. Data on lopinavir cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) trough concentration (Ctrough) values have yet to be reported.Objective:To describe lopinavir CSF Ctrough values and compare them with a measure of HIV susceptibility.Methods:In a prospective, open-label design, HIV-infected adults whose regimen included lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100-mg soft-gel capsules twice daily for at least 4 weeks were enrolled. Each subject had 8 plasma lopinavir concentrations determined over a 12-hour dosing interval and 1 CSF lopinavir Ctrough value determined at the end of the study. Linear regression methods tested for associations between CSF or CSF to plasma concentration ratio and covariates including pharmacokinetic parameters and CSF protein.Results:Ten patients (7 male; median [range] ± SD age 45.3 ± 2.8 y) completed the study. Median (intraquartile range [IQR]) lopinavir plasma 0- to 12-hour a...
Empirical Identification of Dimensions of Religiousness and Spirituality

Numerous measures of Religiousness and Spirituality (R/S) exist, but the number and type of dimensions represented by these measures remain unclear. We used exploratory and confirmatory analyses in two U.S. college-student samples to identify five dimensions of R/S: Religious/Spiritual Involvement, Search for Meaning, Religious Struggle, Quest, and Spiritual Well-Being. Over half of the measures loaded on the first factor (Religious/Spiritual Involvement). In bivariate and multivariate analyses, the factors had unique patterns of relationships with each other, with alcohol use and problems, and with measures of affect and personality. Although this study utilized a college-student sample, the factors obtained are similar to those found in studies using other samples. While R/S can be represented as a global characteristic, additional dimensions also exist and may have significance for understanding how R/S are related to health and well-being.
Adaptation and Testing of Instruments to Measure Diabetes Self-Management in People With Type 2 Diabetes in Mainland China

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of instruments used to measure diabetes self-management (DSM) that were modified and translated into Chinese. Method: A co...
Scattering from a finite array of microstrip patches

A full-wave solution to the problem of plane wave scattering by a finite array of rectangular microstrip patches printed on a grounded dielectric slab is presented. The electric field integral equation is solved using the spectral-domain Green's function/moment method approach. Derivations for the elements of the impedance and voltage matrices are presented. An efficient massively parallel computer implementation of the moment method solution is described. Computed radar cross section (RCS) data for microstrip patch antenna arrays are presented as a function of incident signal frequency and angle of incidence. >
Reliability of listener transcriptions of compensatory articulations.

Abstract Objective: This study examined the ability of speech-language pathologists to transcribe compensatory articulation errors. Design: Speech-language pathologists phonetically transcribed audiorecordings of 130 monosyllabic words, 70 of which contained compensatory articulations. Participants: The participants for this study were two groups of 10 speech-language pathologists. Group I included speech-language pathologists who were experienced in evaluating children with cleft palate, and group II speech-language pathologists were not. Results: Marked variability was evident across listeners, with percentages of agreement ranging from 19 to 71 (mean agreement = 41%). The experienced listeners performed significantly better on the transcription task than the inexperienced listeners, but poor interjudge agreement was evident across both groups. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that speech-language pathologists may differ in their understanding of the auditory perceptual characteristics of ...
Choice of Foreign Market Entry Mode: Impact of Ownership, Location and Internalization Factors

Firms interested in servicing foreign markets face a difficult decision with regards to the choice of an entry mode. The options available to a firm include exporting, licensing, joint venture and sole venture. Several factors that determine the choice of a specific foreign market entry mode have been identified in previous literature. These factors can be classified into three categories: ownership advantages of a firm, location advantages of a market, and internalization advantages of integrating transactions. This study examines the independent and joint influences of these factors on the choice of an entry mode. Multinomial logistic regression model is employed to test the hypothesized effects.
Health Spending In OECD Countries In 2004: An Update

In 2004, U.S. health care spending per capita was 2.5 times greater than health spending in the median Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country and much higher than health spending in any other OECD country. The United States had fewer physicians, nurses, hospital beds, doctor visits, and hospital days per capita than the median OECD country. Health care prices and higher per capita incomes continued to be the major reasons for the higher U.S. health spending. One possible explanation is higher prevalence of obesity-related chronic disease in the United States relative to other OECD countries.