cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plane waves in thermoelasticity and magnetothermoelasticity

Abstract An exact solution of the frequency equation for plane thermoelastic waves is given. The solutions for large and small frequencies and for small coupling can be obtained by approximate expansions. The range of validity of approximate solutions for large and small frequencies is also given and numerical verification is presented. The earlier work[l] predicted that the specific loss is maximum for an elastic wave at Ω = (1 + ϵ) 1 2 , and is minimum for Ω = (1 − ϵ) 1 2 for the thermal wave. Where Ω is a dimensionless frequency and ϵ is the coupling parameter. It is shown here that these values are correct only up to the first term, i.e. up to zero degree of ϵ. The correct values are found to be Ω = 1 + ϵ for both the cases. These values are corroborated by numerical evidence obtained from the exact values of the specific loss. Finally the values of Ω for extremum values of specific loss for the three dilatational waves occurring in magnetothermoelasticity are also calculated.
Effects of Early Season Immigration on Cyhexatin and Formetanate Resistance of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Strawberry in Central California

Twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch, on new strawberry plantings near Watsonville and Salinas, Calif., were surveyed to detect the influence of immigrants from nursery plants or surrounding vegetation on resistance development to cyhexatin and formetanate. Susceptible mites (cyhexatin LC50 = 0.0039% AI; formetanate LC50 = 0.0018% AI) from nurseries initially colonized new strawberry fields, after they had survived cold storage in diapause (mean = 0.068 mites per plant) and on plants thereafter transplanted (mean = 0.0051 mites per plant) in fields.Often, these mites were subsequently outnumbered by resistant mites (mean cyhexatin LC50 = 0.064% AI; mean formetanate LC50 = 0.086% AI) that immigrated from surrounding vegetation. Occasionally, susceptible mites predominated until acaricides were applied. At three field sites, resistance to cyhexatin and formetanate resulted from immigration of resistant mites from surrounding vegetation. Such immigration resulted in moderate resistance levels to cyhexatin and formetanate by mid-March. At one isolated site without significant immigration of resistant mites, LC50’s of only 0.0035 and 0.0074% AI occurred for formetanate and cyhexatin, respectively, during the same time period. Alternative crop-production practices to improve management of immigrant T. urticae and subsequent acaricide resistance in this species are discussed.
A shot of myobloc: An answer to 25-year battle with Tics?

Objective : To discuss the use, safety, and efficacy of Myobloc in Tics associated with pruritus. Introduction : Tics are voluntary movements in response to an urge. Although rare, complaints of a “horrible” sensation, similar to an “itch”, which always preceded the tic movements have been described. This sensation would thus be viewed as a trigger for the movements. Method : Case report. Result : The patient with annoying left scapular itch (pruritus) for more than 25 years describes her symptoms as very irritating, embarrassing, and distracting. Scratching does not alleviate the sensation but she receives transient relief whenever she pulls her left platysma, lower mouth, and trapezius. She concluded that the itch is similar to an irresistable urge to move her body. And although the movements are voluntary, attempts to suppress the movements usually result in a stronger itch and urge to move. Prior to her consultation at our department, she had an extensive evaluation by a dermatologist and a rheumatologist. After a discussion, she opted for off-label trial of myobloc rather than oral medication. Myobloc was administered to the left scapularis, platysma, and trapezius. She reported at least 50% improvement in both sensation and movement at week 1 that lasted for 12 weeks without adverse effect. Conclusion : This suggests that Myobloc may potentially be used as an antipruritic.
South of the border: The NBC and CBS Radio networks and the Latin American venture, 1930–1942

In 1930 two American radio networks, NBC and CBS, first extended their programming activities to Latin American countries. By the end of the decade theirs were the only informational sources countering the anti‐American voices beamed to these neutral countries. By 1942, in light of the continuing barrage of Nazi‐Fascist propaganda, U.S. national policy shifted from isolationism to a more active position in the shortwave field. As a result, our Government entered this field in a unique partnership with both networks. The NBC‐CBS venture was important in providing the technological and programming foundation for wartime shortwave activity (and the eventual outreach of The Voice of America); it also gave the networks a clearer perception of the program tastes of foreign audiences toward non‐slanted news and entertainment programs —which some critics have viewed as the roots of the cultural dependency of foreign markets on American programming.
'Chasing the dragon': new knowledge for an old practice

Heroin administration by "chasing the dragon," whereby the user places freebase heroin on aluminum foil, heats it below with a flame, and inhales the pyrolysate through a straw, can be associated with the rare development of a delayed-onset spongiform leukoencephalopathy. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with a psychiatric diagnosis of depression and heroin dependence by "chasing the dragon" admitted with features of altered mental status and later development of catatonia, abulia, and akinetic mutism. A brain magnetic resonance image evidenced bilateral symmetric high-signal lesions in the white matter of the cerebrum and cerebellum on T2-weighted images compatible with toxic leukoencephalopathy. The patient's condition resolved after a hospital stay of 2 months with supportive treatment. Acute onset of neurobehavioral changes, including confusion, apathy, and cerebellar signs in a person with exposure to heroin, should prompt one to consider toxic leukoencephalopathy as a cause of presentation.
Isolation and development of 12 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis)

In order to analyze population genetic structure at multiple spatial scales, 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 to 12 (mean of 9.25 per locus) and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.645 to 0.935 among 31 individuals. Two loci exhibited significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No evidence for linkage disequilibrium was detected between pairs of loci. These markers will be used to examine population genetic structure across the geographic range of this declining species.
Stability of supported metal and supported metal oxide combustion catalysts

Abstract Catalysts used for high-temperature combustion of light hydrocarbons must maintain high activity over long time intervals by avoiding excessive sintering and deactivation in the hot and corrosive combustion environment. The sintering resistance and chemical stability of catalytically active phases is a key technical problem that must be solved for the development of commercially viable combustion catalysts. All noble metals and transition metal oxides that are catalytically active rapidly sinter at temperatures required for high combustion rates. Advanced materials used in the development of stable catalysts include highly sintering-resistant hexaaluminate supports for dispersion of noble metals, chemically and thermally stable supporting oxides for active transition metal oxides, and single-phase, substitutionally activated, sintering-resistant complex metal oxides. This paper will review deactivating phenomena, such as sintering and vapor transport and assess recent progress in the development of durable combustion catalysts.
Performance of polarization-maintaining single-mode optical fiber for IFOG applications

An account is given of the design parameters of the polarization-maintaining single-mode optical fibers currently under development for incorporation in interferometric FOGs (IFOGs). Attention is given to a fiber design that satisfies IFOG requirements; optical performance parameters that encompass coil and splice results are presented. The polymer coating is found to play a substantial role in the maintenance of coil performance over a range of temperatures.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Conformation of blood-group and virus receptor glycoproteins from red cells and secretions.

Optical rotatory dispersion of human blood-group and virus receptor glycoproteins from erythrocytes and secretions was studied in the far-ultraviolet. Erythrocyte membrane blood-group glycoproteins, with potent virus receptor activities, contained significant alpha-helical and extended beta conformations, whereas the glycoproteins of secretions were largely disordered. These conclusions were supported by determination of the Moffitt constants (b) and by measurements of circular dichroism.
All-Optical Micromirrors From Nanotube MOMS With Wavelength Selectivity

The photomechanical properties of carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) enable the construction of CNT-based optical actuators. Employing a microelectromechanical systems-compatible nanotube-patterning process by plasma etching, CNT ensembles are integrated into microsystems to realize microoptomechanical systems (MOMS) (CNT-MOMS), where nanotubes behave as both the structural materials and the actuation mechanism. In this paper, following the CNT-MOMS principle, we report on all-optical micromirrors from the CNTs. Photomechanical actuation of single-wall CNTs from polymer-/nanotube-fllm bimorph structures is designed to actuate the micromirrors. A large mirror angular displacement of 19deg is obtained under laser illumination. Bidirectional rotation of the micromirrors is realized by the incorporation of two symmetrical serpentine bimorph actuators with the mirror surface. Furthermore, to add controllability to the micromirror rotations, absorptive-type optical filters are combined with the mirror structure in a "suspended" filter assembly. With green and red optical filters incorporated in the micromirrors, they show rotational selectivities of 10:1 and 20:1 for the 532-and 658-nm lasers, respectively. Depending on the wavelength of the incoming light, it could be selectively modulated into opposite directions by the micromirror.
Applications of terminating nonhomogeneous renewal processes in family planning evaluation

Abstract A terminating nonhomogeneous renewal process is formulated and studied in relation to the development of quantitative methods in family planning evaluation. The motivation underlying the results presented here was to satisfy a need, which arose during computer studies, to complete and extend a stochastic model of human reproduction reported previously. The paper is divided into seven sections detailing the nature of changes made in previous work. Two novel developments in the paper are the formulation of the waiting time between live births in terms of an absorbing semi-Markov process and the waiting time to conception in populations utilizing several methods of contraception as an absorbing Markov chain. These formulations not only permit the accommodation of many family planning variables but also lead to greater conceptual simplification than formulations used in previous work.
Cancer prevention research — then and now

Throughout history, humankind has won the battle against deadly diseases, including small pox and polio, by defeating them through prevention. Cancer prevention is a global priority, but studying history suggests that the journey towards achieving this goal is difficult and full of detours and roadblocks. Epidemiology and clinical evidence clearly indicate that specific genetic, environmental and behavioural factors are associated with an increased risk for cancer development. What can we learn from the past that is applicable to the reality of successful cancer prevention?
When should we look for amebae in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Amebic colitis can mimick Crohn's disease of the colon and ulcerative colitis. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients can also be carriers of amebae. Since steroids can provoke amebic activity and even cause a fulminating colitis, it is necessary to determine that amebae do or do not exist. Furthermore, amebae can be easily eliminated by drug therapy but it is hard to eradicate IBD. Despite the above, diagnostic modalities for IBD are as effective as those for amebiasis, particularly for Crohn's disease with ileal involvement. Problems in differential diagnosis arise with IBD grossly limited to the colon. In these cases, false negative stool studies are increased by diarrhea and preparation for examinations, and both stool studies and serologies are compromised by steroids. If the clinical course of IBD is downhill, the clinician is justified in starting steroids even if evaluation for amebiasis incomplete. If, however, the index of suspicion is high, concomitant treatment with Metronidazole would be reasonable.
Strategies for the preservation of residual renal function in pediatric dialysis patients

In adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the preservation of residual renal function (RRF) has been shown to be associated with decreased mortality and improved control of complications of chronic kidney disease. However, less is known on the benefits of RRF in the pediatric dialysis population. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical significance of RRF and to discuss strategies for the preservation of RRF in children with ESRD.
Using Student Performance Data to Identify Effective Classroom Practices

Many people, experiences and structures contribute to an individual student’s achievement. Increasingly, the contribution of teachers has become a focal point as a number of studies have found large differences in teachers’ effectiveness at increasing student achievement. For example, Robert Gordon, Kane, and Douglas O. Staiger (2006) ranked teachers according to their historical ability to raise student achievement growth and found that students assigned to a top-quartile ranked teacher scored ten percentile points higher on standardized tests of achievement than otherwise similar students assigned a bottom-quartile ranked teacher. Other researchers have found similar-sized variation in teacher effects on student achievement (Jonah E. Rockoff 2004; Steven Rivkin, Eric Hanushek, and John Kain 2005; Daniel Aaronson, Lisa Barrow, and William Sander 2007). Unfortunately, beyond experience in the classroom, little is known about which skills, characteristics, and practices of a teacher cause these observed differences. This knowledge gap curtails the policy and management levers available for creating an effective teacher work force. In this paper we provide initial evidence on the relationship between classroom management and instructional skills and gains in student achievement. We do so using data from the Cincinnati Public School (CPS) system which, Using Student Performance Data to Identify Effective Classroom Practices
Compatible injection and detection systems for studying the kinetics of excess electron transfer.

A design for fast kinetic studies of electron transfer in radical anions is reported. α-Hydroxy radicals formed by 355 nm laser flash photolysis of α-phenacyl alcohols are deprotonated under basic conditions to give ketyl radical anions that serve as electron injectors in inter- and intramolecular electron-transfer reactions. The 2,2-diphenylcyclopropyl group serves as a reporter. When an electron is injected and transferred such that spin character is adjacent to the reporter, cyclopropyl ring opening gives a readily detected diphenylalkyl radical.
Biodegradability of inhaled p-aramid respirable fibre-shaped particulates: representative of other synthetic organic fibre-types?

Objectives: Biopersistence, or alternatively, biodegradability (i.e., low biopersistence) represents an important concept in fibre toxicology. The studies described below were undertaken to investigate the mechanisms through which inhaled para-aramid (p-aramid) respirable, fibre-shaped particulates (RFP) are biodegraded in the lungs of exposed rats and hamsters; in contrast, cellulose fibres, another organic fibre-type, are known to be biopersistent. To investigate the mechanisms of RFP biodegradation, we have hypothesized that lung fluids activate p-aramid RFP following deposition, and the RFP are then vulnerable to enzymatic attack in the lungs. Methods: To test the hypothesis, p-aramid RFP or cellulose RFP were instilled into the lungs of rats and the lungs digested 24 h post-exposure using two different digestion techniques: (1) a conventional ethanolic KOH method, and (2) an enzymatic method which simulates lung enzymes. Results: The enzymatic but not the KOH method artificially cleaved the p-aramid RFP recovered from rat lungs. Next, p-aramid RFP or cellulose RFP were incubated with saline or lung fluids and then processed by one of the two digestion techniques. Mean lengths of p-aramid RFP processed with KOH and evaluated by SEM were 13.4 μm; in contrast, mean lengths of p-aramid RFP samples, incubated in lung fluids and treated with the enzymatic method were 8.8 μm. The enzymatic digestion method had no discernible effect on shortening of cellulose RFP, indicating that the results with p-aramid were specific. Conclusions: Our data indicate that components of lung fluids coat and catalyze the p-aramid, thereby predisposing the RFP to enzymatic cleavage. This could play a significant mechanistic role in facilitating the transverse cleavage or shortening of inhaled p-aramid RFP in the lungs of exposed rats and hamsters.
Renal vasoconstriction during inhibition of NO synthase: Effects of dietary salt

Since dietary salt loading enhances nitric oxide (NO) generation in the kidney, we investigated the hypothesis that changes in salt intake have specific effects on vascular resistance in the kidney mediated by the L-arginine-NO pathway. We contrasted changes in renal and hindquarter vascular resistances (RVR and HQVR) in anesthetized rats during intravenous infusions of graded doses of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Groups (N = 8 to 10) of rats were maintained on a high salt (HS) or low salt (LS) diet for two weeks. Compared to those on LS, rats on HS had a greater increase in mean arterial pressure (delta MAP; +32 +/- 4 vs. +22 +/- 3%; P = 0.05) and RVR (+160 +/- 17 vs. +83 +/- 10%; P < 0.005) and a greater fall in renal blood flow (delta RBF; -47 +/- 3 vs. -32 +/- 4%; P < 0.01); changes in HQVR were similar in the two groups. The enhanced RVR response to L-NAME in HS rats could not be ascribed to the higher renal perfusion pressure (RPP) since it persisted in rats whose RPP was controlled by adjustment of a suprarenal aortic clamp. Changes in RVR with an NO donor (SIN-1) were similar in HS and LS rats. L-NAME reduced plasma renin activity in both HS and LS rats. After inhibition of ACE with captopril, or of angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor with losartan, the increase in RVR with L-NAME remained greater in HS than LS rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of hypoxia on the intracellular K+ of clustered and isolated glomus cells of mice and rats

Abstract Carotid bodies of rats and mice were used to measure the intracellular potassium activity,a i (K), of clustered and isolated glomus cells normally oxygenated (pO 2 102–139 Torr), and during hypoxia (pO 2 2–82 Torr) induced by Na-dithionite.a i (K) was measured with intracellular ion-selective microelectrodes, and the resting potential (E M ) with KCl-filled micropipettes. Under normoxia, thea i (K) of clustered cells in both species was higher than that of isolated cells. This resulted in more negative potassium equilibrium potentials (E K 's). There was no correlation betweena i (K) andE M in clustered cells, but this correlation was significant in isolated cells. Hypoxia significantly decreaseda i (K) in clustered and single mouse cells, and in clustered rat cells, although its effects on single rat cells were variable.a i (K) decreases were accompanied by cell depolarization and positive shifts inE K . During hypoxia, there were significant correlations betweena i (K) andE M in all cells. It is suggested thata i (K) did not influence theE M of clusstered cells under normoxia because of interference by K + pumping mechanisms toward glomus cells from surrounding sustentacular processes. This hindrance is not present when glomus cells are isolated. During hypoxia K + pumping from sustentacular cells is disrupted, allowing theE M of clustered glomus cells to follow theira i (K) and behave like isolated cells. The different effects of hypoxia on isolated rat and mouse cells may be due to activation of different types of glomus cells.
Developments In Fabrication Of Binary Optical Elements

We have produced highly efficient binary diffraction gratings -- 94% first order diffraction efficiency measured in the infrared (10.6 μm) on straight binary gratings and on binary holographic off-axis lenses. The observed point-spread functions of these lenses (F/10, f = 25 cm) were limited only by diffraction. To fabricate gratings we adapted IC production techniques. Our work brings together three independent developments: (1) theories on binary diffraction gratings operating in the EM domain, (2) large-scale integration (LSI) advances in pattern generation and substrate depositions, and (3) improvements in reactive ion-beam etching techniques.
On the additive decomposition for polynomic maps

A polynomic operator can be represented as T= L\tau where τ is an imbedding of the input Hilbert resolution space into the appropriate Hilbert scale, and L is a mapping of the Hilbert resolution space that results from closing the span of the Hilbert scale with respect to a naturally defined inner product, into the output Hilbert resolution space. This paper demonstrates the relationship between the strongly causal (strongly anticausal, memoryless) components of L and T .
Doing two things at once: The role of temporal compatibility

Performance in a periodically repeating keypress response was measured as a function of the relation between the response patterns required of the two hands. Compared to identical left- and right-hand responses, performance was degraded when the temporal periods of the left- and right-hand responses were not harmonically related. By contrast, performance was not degraded compared to the identical task control when the left- and right-hand responses had the same or harmonically related periods. These findings suggest a limitation in parallel generation of multiple time frames that is assumed to be associated with a late stage of central processing in which response commands are generated.
Pulse train dynamics in actively modelocked lasers

A new model for the active modulation of a modelocked laser cavity shows pulsetrains can be stabilized only if adjacent pulses are out-of-phase, whereas instabilities destroy the pulsetrain or give Q-switching.
Gulf Stream energy resources: North Atlantic flow volume increases create more power

Abstract The North Atlantic subtropical gyre appears to offer a significant resource for recovery of marine hydrokinetic energy, especially from its western boundary current, the Florida Current, as it passes through the Straits of Florida. Because the volume of water flowing through the Straits is consistent with the integrated wind forcing over the basin, limitations on power extraction can be related to energy input by the wind. Farther north, however, the volume flow in the Gulf Stream northeast of Cape Hatteras is much higher than this due to the dynamics of the main current as well as the Worthington and Slope Sea Gyres. This suggests that another source of energy is in play. This brief review discusses this additional energy resource for marine renewable energy applications and outlines the technological implications and challenges involved.
After Jews and Arabs: Remaking Levantine Culture

After Jews and Arabs: Remaking Levantine Culture. Ammiel Alcalay. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1993. xi + 336 pp., notes, index.
Effect of Pre-strain on Nonlinear Deformation of Reinforced Polymer/Aluminum Laminates

An analytical model to predict the effect of pre-strain on nonlinear defor mation of Reinforced Polymer/Aluminum Laminates (RPALL) is proposed. The devel oped model incorporates the constituent properties of the fiber/polymer layers and the alu minum layers and the RPALL thermal-mechanical processing parameters. The model can be applied to predict the RPALL laminate initial yielding and subsequent deformation. The theoretical predictions are compared with available experimental data for RPALL systems. Some parametric predictions for RPALL nonlinear deformation response under different pre-straining levels are also presented.
GROWTH AND BRANCHED HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION IN A STRAIN OF BOTRYOCOCCUS BRAUNII (CHLOROPHYTA)1

A strain Botryococcus braunii Kutz. that produces high levels of branched hydrocarbons (botryococcenes) was grown under different environmental conditions to investigate the relationship between growth and hydrocarbon production. Carbon dioxide concentration had the most significant influence on growth; 0.3% CO2-enriched cultures demonstrated a minimum mass doubling time of ca. 40 h, compared to ca. 6 days for ambient air cultures grown on the same buffered growth medium. The botryococcene fraction, which consisted of 10 identified compounds (CnH2n-10; n = 30–34), usually constituted ca. 25–40% of the culture dry weight under various growth regimes, including nitrogen- and/or phosphate-deficiencies. CO2 enrichment initially favored the production of the lower botryococcenes (C30–C32), whereas relatively slow-growing ambient air cultures accumulated C33 and C34 compounds. Colony color changed in response to different light intensities. High light increased the carotenoid/chlorophyll ratio, which resulted in orange colonies. Cultures exposed to low light intensity appeared green. This change in coloration was reversible over a period of a few days, and at no time were the linear hydrocarbons characteristic of the other form of the alga detected. Ostensible colony color is not, therefore, a reliable indicator of qualitative hydrocarbon content. Sequential solvent extraction experiments indicated that up to ca. 7% of the botryococcene fraction was intracellular and that the remainder was located within the colonial matrix. The internal (cellular) pool principally consisted of C30–C32 botryococcenes, whereas the external (colonial matrix) pool contained >99% of the C33 and C34 compounds, in addition to large amounts of the lower botryococcenes. These results, taken in conjunction with other data, are compatible with the hypothesis that the C30 botryococcene is the precursor, presumably via methylation, of the higher botryococcenes.
Restrained and unrestrained eating

Nisbett's (1972) model of obesity implies that individual differences in relative deprivation (relative to set-point weight) within obese and normal weight groups should produce corresponding within-group differences in eating behavior. Normal weight subjects were separated into hypothetically deprived (high restraint) and non-deprived (low restraint) groups. The expectation that high restraint subjects' intake would vary directly with preload size while low restraint subjects would eat in inverse proportion to preload size, was confirmed. It was concluded that relative deprivation rather than obesity per se may be the cirtical determinant of individual differences in eating behavior. Consideration was given to the concept of "restraint" as an important behavioral mechanism affecting the expression of physiologically-based hungar.
Electronic brachytherapy for postsurgical adjuvant vaginal cuff irradiation therapy in endometrial and cervical cancer: A retrospective study

Abstract Purpose A new platform for brachytherapy called electronic brachytherapy (EBT) has been developed, which uses a miniature X-ray source to generate low-energy radiation. A retrospective study of adverse events and clinical outcomes in patients treated with EBT to the vaginal cuff, either as monotherapy or in combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), was conducted. Methods and Materials Medical records were reviewed from 16 patients treated with postoperative EBT for endometrial ( n = 13) or cervical cancer ( n = 3) between February 2009 and November 2010. Patients received either intracavitary vaginal EBT alone or EBT in combination with EBRT. The radiobiologic effectiveness of EBT was assumed to be one. Results Median follow-up was 20.5 months (range, 7–36 months). When EBT was used alone ( n = 5), the median dose per fraction, number of fractions, and total dose delivered were: 6 Gy (range, 5.5–6.2 Gy), 5 fractions (range, 5–6), and 30 Gy (range, 30–34 Gy), respectively. When EBT was combined with EBRT, the EBT component median dose per fraction, number of fractions, and total dose delivered were: 5 Gy (range, 4.5–7 Gy), 2 fractions (range, 2–4), and 14 Gy (range, 9–20 Gy), respectively. The median EBRT dose was 45 Gy (range, 45–49.2 Gy). Our local control rate, locoregional (pelvic) control rate, and overall survival rate were 94%, 94%, and 88%, respectively. Of the 16 patients, 4 patients reported Grade 2 or greater toxicity (25%); however, there were no Grade 4–5 adverse events. Gynecologic, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal adverse events accounted for 57% ( n = 4), 43% ( n = 3), and 0% ( n = 0) of all Grade 2 or greater side effects. No Grade 2 or higher toxicities were noted in patients treated with EBT alone. Conclusion EBT is an acceptable means of delivering postoperative vaginal brachytherapy and appears comparable with other methods; as the sole method of treatment, the toxicity rates of EBT are low.
The prevalence of laryngeal disease in a large population of competition draft horses.

Objectives— (1) To determine the effect of age, height, weight, breed, sex, and specific use on the prevalence of idiopathic left laryngeal hemiplegia (ILH) in a population of draft performance horses; (2) to determine the association between tracheal mucus and laryngeal dysfunction, and the prevalence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in a population of draft performance horses. Study Design— Cross-sectional. Animals— Draft horses competing at the 2005 Michigan Great Lakes Draft Horse Show. Methods— Endoscopic examinations were performed on horses competing at the 2005 Michigan Great Lakes Draft Horse Show. Signalment, height, and weight were obtained from the owners and trainers. Results— Belgian, Percheron, and Clydesdale horses (n=183) were studied. Prevalence of ILH was 35%. Horse height was significantly associated with the risk of ILH in Belgian and Percheron horses but not Clydesdales. There was a significantly different prevalence of ILH among the breeds such that 42% Belgians, 31% Percherons, and 17% Clydesdales were affected. Laryngeal disease was a risk factor for increased tracheal mucus. None of the horses had acute evidence of EIPH. Conclusions— The prevalence of ILH in draft horses has increased or is higher in competition horses compared with previously studied groups. Tracheal and/or pulmonary inflammation may be more common in draft horses with ILH based on our findings that horses with ILH have more tracheal mucus than horses with normal laryngeal function. Clinical Relevance— Selection pressure for large, taller, longer-necked horses may be responsible for a seemingly increased incidence of ILH in competitive draft horses.
Fusion algebras, symmetric polynomials, and Sk-orbits of ZNk

Abstract A method of computing fusion coefficients for Lie algebras of type A N − 1 on level k was recently developed by A. Feingold and M. Weiner [A. Feingold, M. Weiner, Type A fusion rules from elementary group theory, in: S. Berman, P. Fendley, Y.-Z. Huang, K. Misra, B. Parshall (Eds.), Recent Developments in Infinite-Dimensional Lie Algebras and Conformal Field Theory, Proceedings of an International Conference on Infinite-Dimensional Lie Theory and Conformal Field Theory, May 23–27, 2000, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, in: Contemp. Math., vol. 297, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, RI, 2002, pp. 97–115] using orbits of Z N k under the permutation action of S k on k-tuples. They got the fusion coefficients only for N = 2 and 3. We will extend this method to all N ⩾ 2 and all k ⩾ 1 . First we show a connection between Young diagrams and S k -orbits of Z N k , and using Pieri rules we prove that this method works for certain specific weights that generate the fusion algebra. Then we show that the orbit method does not work in general, but with the help of the Jacobi–Trudi determinant, we give an iterative method to reproduce all type A fusion products.
Quantifying thixotropy in starch-thickened, strained apricots using mixer viscometry techniques

Starch-thickened, strained apricots were found to exhibit irreversible thixotropy. Shear stress and shear rate were estimated from mixer viscometer data. A structural parameter, yield stress, flow behavior index and a consistency coefficient were determined to quantify the rate of breakdown and equilibrium structure of the product. The techniques developed in this study are useful in describing the time-dependent behavior of suspensions because the slip at the wall is minimized.
Synthesis and solution properties of poly(trans‐5‐ethylproline). A slow mutarotating substituted polyproline

An optically active polypeptide, poly(trans-5-ethylproline) (PT5EP) was synthesized and its solution properties were observed to investigate the conformational changes with various conditions. The trans-5-ethyl substitution on polyproline showed noticeable perturbed effects on the conformations of the polypeptide as well as mutarotation of the polypeptide in solution. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra suggested that the polypeptide existed in a poly(L-proline) form-I-type helix and mutarotated slowly to an intermediate conformation in which some of the amide bonds had rotated to a trans conformation. In trifluoroethanol (TFE) solution the polymer took more than 20 days to change from a form-I-type helix conformation, in which CD bands for D-PT5EP are at 199.5 ± 1.0 (positive), 115.5 ± 0.5 (negative), and around 238 nm (positive), to an intermediate conformation. Upon addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to a TFE solution, the polymer was transformed to form-II-type polymers. Even a greater change in conformation was observed in a solution of TFA or in LiClO4-TFE. The overall change of the intensity ratio RCD of positive to negative CD bands of D-PT5EP was from 0.6–0.7 to 30. Reverse mutarotation toward the original form I was observed when n-butyl alcohol, water, or THF was added to a solution containing the form II polymer. A blue shift of the UV spectra and a change in the NMR spectrum also supported the concept of this conformational change.
Changes in rational beliefs among treated alcoholics.

The Rational Behavior Inventory pre- and posttreatment was administered to 62 male veteran alcoholic patients in a comprehensive medical-psychoeducational treatment program. Statistically significant increases in patients' rational thinking were noted on six of the 11 factors. Tentative support for the utility of Rational Emotive Therapy as a treatment intervention for alcoholic patients was noted. The Rational Behavior Inventory is a sensitive psychometric indicator of changes in alcoholic patients' rational beliefs.
A novel approach to assess mean lethal radiation dose with water proton spin lattice relaxation times

The assessment of mean lethal radiation dose (D0) in human organs, using multi-target and linear quadratic models, with water proton nuclear magnetic resonance spin lattice relaxation time yields a correlation coefficient of 0.90 and 0.82, respectively. Results of this study reveal that as the spin lattice relaxation time increases, the D0 decreases.
Cost-driven selection of parity trees

We discuss the problem of parity tree selection for lossless compaction of the output responses of a circuit. Earlier methods assume off-chip storage of the correct compacted responses and therefore minimize the number of necessary parity trees. In contrast, our method targets on-chip generation of the correct compacted responses and therefore minimizes the actual implementation cost of the corresponding parity prediction functions. We present a systematic search approach that exploits the correlation between the hardware cost of a function and its entropy, in order to select parity trees that minimize the incurred cost, while achieving lossless compaction. Experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves significant hardware reduction over methods that minimize the number of parity trees.
Self-Assembling Hydrogels

The overview focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of peptide/protein-containing polymers, which self-assemble into stimuli-sensitive hydrogels. Hybrid hydrogels are composed of two classes of molecules, synthetic and biological. They self-assemble from graft copolymers, block copolymers and by association of soluble polymers and protein domains. Genetic engineering provides a powerful tool to produce biomaterials (macromolecules) with precise control of composition, length, and three-dimensional structure. Minimal changes in the composition of the coiled-coil forming protein domains in genetically produced triblock copolypeptides result in dramatic changes in the properties of the copolymers and, ultimately, the self-assembled hydrogels. The application of self-assembling hydrogels as biomaterials has been investigated and has shown a promising future.
The dynamic linear exponential Gaussian team problem

The dynamic team problem for a linear system with Gaussian noise, exponential of a quadratic performance index, and one-step delayed sharing information pattern is considered. It is shown, via dynamic programming, that the multistage problem can be decomposed into a series of static team problems. Moreover, the optimal policy of the i th team member at time k is an affine function of both the one-step predicted Kalman filter estimate and the i th team member's observation at time k . Efficient algorithms are available for determining the gains of this affine controller. This model and solution are applied to an approximate resource allocation problem associated with a defense network, and a numerical example is discussed.
Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Clinical Isolate VRE3, with a Sequence Type 16 Pattern and Novel Structural Arrangement of Tn1546

ABSTRACT Multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium has emerged as a nosocomial pathogen that may infect the body at various sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, and has serious implications in human health and disease. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of clinical strain VRE3, which exhibited a sequence type 16 (ST16) pattern and carried truncated Tn1546, a mobile genetic element encoding a high level of vancomycin resistance.
Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) and ERK kinase (MEK) in brain: regional distribution and regulation by chronic morphine

Quantitative blot immunolabeling techniques were used to determine the concentrations of ERK1 (M(r) 44 kDa) and ERK2 (M(r) 42 kDa), the two major extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases, in different regions of rat brain. The aggregate ERK concentrations (ERK1 and ERK2) were relatively high in each of the brain regions studied, ranging from approximately 0.35 ng/microgram protein in cerebellum to approximately 1.2 ng/microgram protein in nucleus accumbens. However, differences in the regional distributions of ERK1 and ERK2 resulted in ratios of their relative abundance that differed by close to 10-fold among the regions studied. The ratios of ERK1 protein to ERK2 protein varied along a rostral-caudal gradient from a low of 0.16 in frontal cortex to a high of 1.5 in pons/medulla. In hypotonic homogenates from regions at either extreme of the gradient, ERK1 and ERK2 were both found to be predominantly (> 80%) soluble. In subcellular fractions prepared from sucrose homogenates of frontal cortex and pons/medulla, both ERK1 and ERK2 were enriched in the synaptosomal and cytosolic fractions, whereas ERK2 was also enriched in the microsomal fraction. By contrast, in subfractions containing purified nuclei, levels of ERK1 and ERK2 were about one-third of those seen in homogenates and, in subfractions enriched in mitochondria, both ERK1 and ERK2 were barely detectable. The catalytic activity of the ERKs paralleled their protein levels in all of the brain regions except the hippocampus, in which the activity and phosphotyrosine content were disproportionately high. As a possible explanation for this apparent disparity, the regional distribution of ERK kinase (MEK), which phosphorylates and activates the ERKs, was also investigated. The levels of immunoreactivity of the M(r) 45 kDa ERK kinase band differed by about threefold among the brain regions, with the highest levels being present in nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, substantia nigra, and caudate/putamen. Therefore, a higher concentration of ERK kinase immunoreactivity did not appear to account for the disproportionate levels of ERK activity and phosphotyrosine content in the hippocampus. Potential regulation of ERK and ERK kinase levels was also investigated in rats subjected to chronic morphine treatment. ERK1 and ERK2 levels were increased selectively in locus coeruleus and caudate/putamen after chronic morphine treatment, whereas ERK kinase immunoreactivity remained unchanged in all of the brain regions analyzed. In summary, the regional differences in ERK and ERK kinase expression and the region-specific regulation of ERK expression suggest that ERK-related signaling may play an important role in CNS function and its adaptive responses.
Silicon-based aromatic transferring linkers for traceless solid-phase synthesis of aryl-, polyaryl-, and heteroaryl-containing compounds

Abstract A number of arylsilane-based linkers are prepared for traceless solid-phase synthesis. General methodologies for introduction of the silyl group and various functional groups to aromatic, polyaromatic, and heteroaromatic rings are developed. Also, broad utilities of the linkers are demonstrated by on-resin preparation of small organic molecules and subsequent cleavage of the products either by protiodesilylation (TFA) or ipso-substitution (Br 2 ).
Therapeutic effects of electromagnetic fields in the stimulation of connective tissue repair

The therapeutic effects of electric and magnetic fields have been studied largely for their promotion of connective tissue repair. The most widely studied application concerns bone repair and deals with acceleration of the healing of fresh fractures, delayed and non-unions, incorporation of bone grafts, osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis. More recently the effects of these fields upon the repair of cartilage and soft fibrous tissues have been described. In all these experimental systems and clinical applications an acceleration of extracellular matrix synthesis and tissue healing has been observed. A degree of specificity, in terms of the parameters of applied energy and biological response, is hypothesized. ~ 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Therapeutic effects of electromagnetic fields are largely concerned with the promotion of tissue repair. The molecular architecture of the extracellular matrix is critical to the functioning of connective tissues, and successful repair implies the synthesis and organization of an extracellular matrix appropriate to the functioning of the tissue in its biophysical environment. A previous Prospect review dealt with the augmentation of endochondral ossification by electric stimulation. This biological process is central to the repair of skeletal fractures. This review will discuss the therapeutic effects of electromagnetic fields on clinical bone repair and will also present information on the synthesis of bone extracellular matrix (osteoid) in adaptation and remodeling, cartilage matrix reconstitution, and soft tissue repair. The regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis and repair is of major interest, both clinically and biologically. Matrix homeostasis and repair of defects have been shown to be subject to regulation by chemical agents (cytokines, morphogens, and growth factors) and physical agents, primarily mechanical and electrical signals. A number of laboratories have explored the
217: Caregivers of Lung Transplant Recipients Exhibit High Risk for Psychological Symptoms

The PF group had a higher mortality rate while on the waiting list. Of those that were transplanted, LOS in ICU and LOS in hospital were significantly longer and overall morality rates were higher. Preoperatively the PF group received the greatest benefit from rehabilitative interventions that promoted symptom management. Postoperatively the rate of recovery for mobility and independence with self-care was slower than the other groups but the overall improvements in quality of life were similar at 1and 5 years. Conclusions: Observing trends in functional outcomes following lung transplantation can inform clinicians and patients considering the procedure about the potential clinical course. Our data indicates that PF patients ultimately achieve similar improvements in quality of life and other measures of function and mobility. While patients with PF benefit from transplant, their potential mortality pre and perioperatively is higher and their duration to recovery post-transplant is longer than other diagnostic groups.
Risk factors for onset of disability among older persons newly diagnosed with heart failure: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Background As the heart failure population continues to age, disability is becoming an increasingly important issue. Our objective was to identify risk factors for the onset of disability in activities of daily living among older persons with heart failure.
Evolution on a Dancing Landscape: Organizations and Networks in Dynamic Blau Space

This article develops and tests an evolutionary model of the growth, decline, and demographic dynamics of voluntary organizations. The model demonstrates a strong analogy between the adaptive landscape of Sewall Wright (1931) and the exploitation surfaces generated by a model of member selection and retention for voluntary associations. The article connects the processes of membership recruitment and loss to the social networks connecting individuals. The model generates dynamic hypotheses about the time path of organizations in sociodemographic dimensions. A key idea in this model is that membership selection processes at the individual level produce adaptation in communities of organizations. The article concludes with an empirical example and some discussion of the implications of the model for a variety of research literatures. Predicting the behavior of empirical systems has proven to be an elusive goal for the social sciences. This article outlines a theory that predicts the growth, decline, and demographic changes of social groups. The theory posits a Darwinian mechanism of systematic variation, selection, and retention of members in groups. Social network theory provides a framework for understanding how social evolution (the transitions from hunting and gathering societies through the intervening stages to the contemporary industrial stage) has created the conditions for the Darwinian mechanism of the model. This study takes a brief tour through the macroevolutionary foundations of the theory to set the stage for the microevolutionary test of the model. The predictions tested in the article are in the short term - over a period of less * Work on this article was supported by National Science Foundation grants SES-8120666, SES