cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of oscillations in systems obeying Mathieu's equation

Abstract Numerous relatively simple physical systems give rise under appropriate circumstances to oscillations which obey the equation y ″ + ϵ (1 + k cos t ) y = 0 (Mathieu's equation). These oscillations may be either stable, periodic, or unstable, depending upon parameters of the physical system as expressed by the parameters ϵ and k in the basic equation. It has been customary to distinguish between the stable and unstable states by diagrams of the type of Fig. 1, from which it is possible to tell whether a given set of values of the parameters ϵ, k will yield a stable or unstable solution. In this paper are given curves which not only present this information, but in addition give for an important part of the stable state the values of the characteristic exponent μ. The solution of the equation y ″ + ϵ (1 + k cos t ) y = 0 depends to a large extent on this exponent, and the availability of values of μ should greatly facilitate the practical application of the equation.
Ultrasound fiber guides and sensor applications

An overview of ultrasound fiber guides, their transmission properties, and their applications in sensing is presented. Ultrasound fiber guides are structures similar to optical fibers that are used for transmission of acoustic waves. They consist of a core region surrounded by a cladding layer to help confine the wave to the core. Ultrasound fiber guides may be fabricated with glass materials such as pure and doped fused silica, using fiber optics manufacturing technology. The underlying principles of fiber optic sensing in many cases are also applicable to ultrasound fiber guides, hence the potential applications of these waveguides in sensing and health monitoring of infrastructures. Propagation properties of ultrasound fiber guides are reviewed. Attention is focused on guides with small differences between the parameters of the core and cladding, often a necessary requirement for single-mode operation. Various types of guided modes including flexural, torsional, and radial modes are discussed. These modes are predominantly shear type. Ultrasound fiber guides also support another group of modes with complex propagation constants, which are referred to as leaky longitudinal modes. These modes lose power as propagate along the guide through radiation. Similarities and differences between optical and ultrasound modes in fiber guides are addressed.
WHICH PHASE OF THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM CORRELATES WITH THE STAR FORMATION RATE

Nearby spiral galaxies show an extremely tight correlation between tracers of molecular hydrogen (H2) in the interstellar medium and tracers of recent star formation, but it is unclear whether this correlation is fundamental or accidental. In the galaxies that have been surveyed to date, H2 resides predominantly in gravitationally bound clouds cooled by carbon monoxide (CO) molecules, but in galaxies of low metal content the correlations between bound clouds, CO, and H2 break down, and it is unclear if the star formation rate (SFR) will then correlate with H2 or with some other quantity. Here, we show that star formation will continue to follow H2 independent of metallicity. This is not because H2 is directly important for cooling, but instead because the transition from predominantly atomic hydrogen (H I) to H2 occurs under the same conditions as a dramatic drop in gas temperature and Bonnor-Ebert mass that destabilizes clouds and initiates collapse. We use this model to compute how SFR will correlate with total gas mass, with mass of gas where the hydrogen is H2, and with mass of gas where the carbon is CO in galaxies of varying metallicity, and show that preliminary observations match the trend we predict.
Cytokine Overexpression and Constitutive NFκB in Cancer

The NFkappaB family of transcription factors, central mediators of immune responses, are also involved in oncogenesis. Loss of regulation of the normally latent NFkappaB contributes importantly to the deregulated growth, resistance to apoptosis and propensity to metastasize observed in many cancers. Thus, pathways for activation of NFkappaB are promising targets for new agents that may help to prevent or treat cancer. We find that the abnormal secretion of multiple cytokines that activate NFkappaB by binding to cell-surface receptors is one of the major causes of constitutive NFkappaB activity in cancer. A novel finding is that the latent form of TGFbeta, secreted by some of these cells, can activate NFkappaB. To understand the basis of this abnormal cytokine secretion, we are using forward genetic methods to identify specific causative mutations in cancer cells.
Li+ induces hypertrophy and down regulation of myo-inositol monophosphatase in tomato

Lithium (Li + ) is known to disrupt the development of several different organisms, presumably through the inhibition of Li + -sensitive enzymes such as the myo-inositol monophosphatase (IMP) enzyme. In animal cells, decreases in IMP activity result in down regulation of phosphatidylinositol signaling, which can alter development. We characterized the effects of Li + on germinating tomato seedlings. It was found that an increase in cell size, termed hypertrophy, results from application of LiCI but not other tested salts. Hypertrophic growth was found to consist of greatly enlarged cells that originate from within the cortex of the seedling stem. Measurements of 44 elements within the hypertrophic tissue indicated that only Li + accumulated in a pattern consistent with the observed alterations in stem growth. We found that in response to Li + , the IMP activity and levels of the three isoforms of IMP were down regulated. These results suggest that down regulation of IMP via Li + is involved in the process of hypertrophic growth.
Age-related changes in human left and right atrial conduction.

Introduction: Advancing age is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), which is considered to be initiated by ectopic triggers and maintained by an arrhythmogenic substrate. It is not known whether substrate changes produce this age-related increase in propensity toward AF. We addressed the hypothesis that advancing age is associated with changes in biatrial electrophysiology even in patients with no history of atrial arrhythmias. Methods and Results: Patients with left-sided accessory pathways and requiring routine electrophysiological studies were recruited. Electroanatomic mapping was performed in the left and right atria of 23 patients (age ranging from 17 to 75 years) with structurally normal hearts and no history of AF during sinus rhythm and pacing. Unlike previous studies, a trigonometric method was used to quantify wavefront propagation velocities (WPV) precisely in the direction of propagation. Refractoriness was measured at 2 cycle lengths, at three different atrial sites. Both right (r =−0.77, P < 0.0001) and left (r =−0.79, P < 0.001) atrial WPV demonstrated strongly inverse correlation with age. Furthermore, left and right WPVs were highly correlated (r = 0.66, P < 0.01), with velocities being 6.4 ± 2.2 cm/sec higher in the right atria (P < 0.01). Refractoriness was significantly correlated with increasing age only at the septum (r = 0.53, P < 0.01). Left atrial wavelength was inversely correlated with increasing age (r =−0.56, P = 0.03). P wave duration was associated with age (r = 0.42, P = 0.04) and left atrial size (r = 0.44, P = 0.04) but not atrial WPV. Conclusion: Aging human atria demonstrate progressive decline in WPV and increase in septal refractoriness. These age-related changes in biatrial electrophysiology are likely to be important factors in the age-related increase in AF prevalence.
Long-term outcomes after staged-volume stereotactic radiosurgery for large arteriovenous malformations

Background Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective treatment modality for small arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain. For larger AVMs, the treatment dose is often lowered to reduce potential complications, but this decreases the likelihood of cure. One strategy is to divide large AVMs into smaller anatomic volumes and treat each volume separately. Objective To prospectively assess the long-term efficacy and complications associated with staged-volume radiosurgical treatment of large, symptomatic AVMs. Methods Eighteen patients with AVMs larger than 15 mL underwent prospective staged-volume radiosurgery over a 13-year period. The median AVM volume was 22.9 mL (range, 15.7-50 mL). Separate anatomic volumes were irradiated at 3- to 9-month intervals (median volume, 10.9 mL; range, 5.3-13.4 mL; median marginal dose, 15 Gy; range, 15-17 Gy). The AVM was divided into 2 volumes in 10 patients, 3 volumes in 5 patients, and 4 volumes in 3 patients. Seven patients underwent retreatment for residual disease. Results Actuarial rates of complete angiographic occlusion were 29% and 89% at 5 and 10 years. Five patients (27.8%) had a hemorrhage after radiosurgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis of cumulative hemorrhage rates after treatment were 12%, 18%, 31%, and 31% at 2, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. One patient died after a hemorrhage (5.6%). Conclusion Staged-volume radiosurgery for AVMs larger than 15 mL is a viable treatment strategy. The long-term occlusion rate is high, whereas the radiation-related complication rate is low. Hemorrhage during the lag period remains the greatest source of morbidity and mortality.
A Case of Malingering: Feigning a Painful Disorder in the Presence of True Medical Illness

The potential for malingering must always be considered among patients presenting with pain. When malingering is identified, care may be discontinued. This case report describes a patient who feigned sickle cell crisis, a painful condition, in the presence of other identifiable and potentially painful medical illnesses.
Dynamic networks are as fast as static networks

An efficient simulation is given to show that dynamic networks are as fast as static ones up to a constant multiplicative factor. That is, any task can be performed in a dynamic asynchronous network essentially as fast as in a static synchronous network. The simulation protocol is based on an approach in which locality is perceived as the key to fast adaptation to changes in network topology. The heart of the simulation is a technique called a dynamic synchronizer, which achieves 'local' simulation of a global 'clock' in a dynamic asynchronous network. Using this result, improved solutions to a number of well-known problems on dynamic networks are obtained. It can also be used to improve the solution to certain static network problems. >
Seasonal flooding in Bangladesh – variability and predictability

At present, Bangladesh has a flood forecasting lead time of only 3 days or so. There is demand for a forecasting lead time of a month to a season. The primary objectives of this paper are to study the variability and predictability of seasonal flooding in Bangladesh, as revealed by large-scale predictors of the climate across the watersheds. To explore the source of predictability, accessible Bangladesh hydrological indicators are related to large-scale oceanic variability and to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns predicted by general circulation models (GCMs). Correlation analyses between the flood-affected area (FAA) for July–September and tropical sea-surface temperature (SST) indicate connections to tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean SSTs, at a short lead time of a month or so. These are related to El Nino–southern oscillation (ENSO). Correlations between the SSTs of the preceding October–December and the July–September FAA are weaker but notable. Forecasts of the FAA using the leading principal components (PCs) of SST were made, which provided good skill with a lead time of a month or so. The streamflows and rainfall observed in Bangladesh have been added to these prediction models. Finally, the SST PCs were replaced with PCs of GCM prediction fields (precipitation). The prediction models at short lead time that were constructed for FAA were of generally similar levels of skill to that for SST. This is encouraging, as it suggests that linkages with SST can be successfully recovered in a physical model of the climate system in Bangladesh. This study concludes that seasonal flood prediction in Bangladesh is possible from the unusually warm or cold SST in parts of the tropics. This predictability can be enhanced with the information achievable from monitoring the downstream streamflows (which are generated mainly from upstream rainfall conditions) in advance of the flooding season. Finally, this study recommends formalizing a regional cooperation among the countries in the principal co-basin areas of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna to achieve this goal. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemicals for Prevention of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation‐induced Damages

While solar light is indispensable for sustenance of life, excessive exposure can cause several skin-related disorders. The UV part of solar radiation, in particular, is linked to disorders ranging from mild inflammatory effects of the skin to as serious as causing several different types of cancers. Changes in lifestyle together with depletion in the atmospheric ozone layer during the last few decades have led to an increase in the incidence of skin cancer. Skin cancers consisting of basal and squamous cell carcinomas are especially linked to the UVB part of solar radiation. Reducing excessive exposure to solar radiation is desirable; however, as this approach is unavoidable, it is suggested that other novel strategies be developed to reduce the effects of solar radiation to skin. One approach to reduce the harmful effects of solar radiation is through the use of phytochemicals, an approach that is popularly known as "Photochemoprotection." In recent years many phytochemicals with potential antioxidant properties have been identified and found to be photoprotective in nature. We describe here some of the most popular phytochemicals being studied that have the potential to reduce the harmful effects associated with solar UV radiation.
Acoustic Emission Study of Fatigue Cracks in Materials Used for AVLB

The Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge (AVLB) is subjected to cyclic loading during launching as well as during tank crossings. The cyclic loading causes cracks to initiate in critical bridge components, and then to propagate. Unless these cracks are detected and repaired before they rapidly grow to reach their critical stage of propagation, the failure of bridge components can occur. Three AVLB components, the splice doubler angle, the splice plate, and the bottom chord, are susceptible to fatigue damage. In the present study, laboratory fatigue tests on the materials used for the components, aluminum 2014-T6, aluminum 7050-T765, and ASTM A36 steel, were conducted using the acoustic emission (AE) fatigue crack monitoring technique. A total of fourteen compact-tension specimens were prepared in this study: six aluminum 2014-T6, four aluminum 7050-T76511, and four ASTM A36 steel specimens. The characteristics of AE signals associated with the stress intensity factor, K, were obtained to understand AE behavior corresponding to the fatigue crack growth in the materials. Several AE parameters, such as AE counts, energy, and hits, have been shown to be useful tools for detecting cracks, providing early warnings, and preventing failure of the AVLB structures. A major jump in AEcount rate as well as AE hit rate occurred when Kmax reached a value of about 30~MPa√m (27 ksi√in.) for aluminum 2014-T6 specimens and about 50 MPa√m (46 ksi√in.) for aluminum 7050-T76511 specimens. Also, AE source location techniques were able to successfully locate the path ofcrack propagation.
Comparative effects of fibrates on drug metabolizing enzymes in human hepatocytes.

Purpose. The induction potential of different fibric acid derivatives on human drug metabolizing enzymes was evaluated to help assess the role of enzyme induction on pharmacokinetic drug interactions.
La flor de mi secreto (Almodóvar, 1995): La literatura como seducción

The multiple references to writing in Pedro Almodovar’s La flor de mi secreto (1995) have arguably made this film his most literary. Reading and writing function as the structural axis of the movie because they define the existence of the main character - Leo/Amanda Gris. But beyond the constant literary allusions, what makes the “literarity” of this film is, on the one hand, the construction of the protagonist according to literary models and on the other the exploration of her subjectivity through her writing. Leo as a character is created as a replica of the tormented writers that she admires. In their stereotypical tradition, she is an alcoholic, addicted to sleeping pills, suicidal, obsessed with her loneliness and installed in her writing as a survival space. Furthermore, the spectator accesses her subjectivity through her career as a writer because her melodramatic life gets entangled with her novels. Almodovar projects his literary ghosts in La flor de mi secreto and in the process, subverts the parameters of literature, the canon, the gender and genre categories and the question of authorship. He also resists a stable definition of literature as art by inserting it in a filmic text, favoring a complex intertextuality which contributes to dissolving the frontiers between high and low culture and to opening a common ground for the arts.
Hepatitis C virus-like particles combined with novel adjuvant systems enhance virus-specific immune responses.

We have previously described the generation of hepatitis C virus–like particles (HCV-LPs) in insect cells and shown that immunization with HCV-LPs elicited both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. To further characterize the HCV-LPs as a vaccine candidate, we evaluated the effects of adjuvant AS01B (monophosphoryl lipid A [MPL] and QS21), CpG 10105, and the combination of the 2 adjuvants on the immunogenicity of HCV-LPs in AAD mice (transgenic for HLA-A2.1). All HCV-LP–immunized mice (with or without adjuvant) developed high titers of anti-HCV E1/E2 antibodies after 4 injections intramuscularly. However, antibody titers in mice immunized with HCV-LP plus AS01B, plus CpG 10105, or plus the combination of AS01B and CpG 10105 were 4, 3, and 10 times higher, respectively, than that of HCV-LP alone. Isotype analysis of the induced anti-envelope antibodies showed that HCV-LP alone induced a predominant immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 response. In contrast, when the 2 adjuvants AS01B and CpG 10105 were combined, the response became predominantly IgG2a whereas HCV-LP plus AS01B or CpG 10105 gave a mixed IgG1 and IgG2a response, indicating that AS01B and CpG 10105 promote a more T-helper type 1 (Th1) response and that combining the 2 adjuvants results in an additive or synergistic interaction. These observations were further confirmed by the results of CD4+ enzyme-linked immunospot assay for interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 and intracellular cytokine staining of IFN-γ producing CD8+ cells. In conclusion, HCV-LP is a promising vaccine candidate against HCV infection and the adjuvants used are potent immune enhancers for this approach. (HEPATOLOGY 2003;37:52-59.)
Agile beam steering using phased-arraylike binary optics

A method is demonstrated for two-dimensional steering of a laser beam by way of the mechanical translation of two phased-arraylike binary optics elements. The elements are translated over a 320-μm distance, resulting in the steering of a green He–Ne laser (λ = 0.543 μm) over a 6-deg field of view. Both theoretical development and experimental verification are presented.
Posterior wall capture and resultant common femoral occlusion complicating StarClose access closure.

Vascular closure devices have been shown to decrease hemostasis and ambulation time after percutaneous transcatheter procedures. The StarClose Vascular Closure System (Abbott Vascular, Redwood City, Calif) is a shape memory clip–mediated device that is designed to provide extraluminal mechanical closure without compromising the arterial lumen. We report a case of iatrogenic arterial occlusion secondary to mechanical closure of the anterior and posterior walls of the common femoral artery with a StarClose device. We provide objective observations from the rescue surgical intervention and discuss potential mechanisms of device failure.
Polarity and “Accuracy” of Ratings and the Meaningfulness of Personality Dimensions

Summary This study investigated the relative polarity and “accuracy” of ratings on personally meaningful versus meaningless personality dimensions. In contrast to previous studies, ratings on dimensons regarded as meaningful were no more polar than ratings on dimensions regarded as meaningless. With respect to accuracy, ratings on the least meaningful personality dimensions were significantly more accurate than ratings on meaningful dimensions when personality test scores and self-ratings were used as criteria. When mean peer ratings were used as criteria, accuracy was higher regardless of the meaningfulness of the dimensions. The results were interpreted in terms of the kinds of dimensions selected as most and least meaningful.
Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease is associated with NOD2/CARD15 gene polymorphisms, particularly L1007P homozygosity

Limited data exist on the specific association between gastroduodenal Crohn's disease (GDCD) and NOD2/CARD15gene polymorphisms. The aim of this study was to assess the association between NOD2polymorphisms and GDCD, and to assess the specific association between each of the 3 major allelic variants G908R, L1007P, and R702Wand the clinical features of Crohn's disease. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 202 patients with confirmed Crohn's disease and complete data was performed. Seventy-one patients (35%) had at least 1 allelic variant: 55 had 1 variant, 4 were homozygous for L1007fs, 2 homozygous for R702W, and 10 were compound heterozygous. Eighteen patients with confirmed GDCD were identified; 10 (56%) had wild type, 4 (22%) had 1 variant, and 4 (22%) had 2 allelic variants (2 were L1007Phomozygous and 2 compound heterozygous). Compared to patients without gastroduodenal involvement, those with GDCD were more likely to have 2 allelic variants (22% vs. 6%; odds ratio [OR] 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–7.3) and to be homozygous for L1007P(11% vs. 1%; OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.5–9.4). G908Rheterozygosity was associated with ileal involvement (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1–2.9) and smoking habits (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2–3.8), whereas L1007Phomozygosity was associated with GDCD (OR 5.8; 95% CI 2.6–10.8). L1007Pvariation was associated with younger age at diagnosis as well. There was no specific association between R702Whomo- or heterozygosity and any of the characteristics examined. In conclusion, GDCD is associated with double dose of the NOD2/CARD15gene variants, particularly L1007Phomozygosity. There is evidence of specific variant-phenotype associations. G908Rheterozygosity is associated with ileal involvement and smoking, whereas L1007Phomozygosity is strongly associated with GDCD and younger age at diagnosis.
Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in the bovine anterior pituitary.

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) were characterized in bovine anterior pituitary tissue, pituitary conditioned media, and serum collected during the preovulatory and early luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Effects of in vitro treatments of pituitaries with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), estradiol, and progesterone on IGFBP secretion were also evaluated. Predominant IGFBPs detected in anterior pituitary tissue by immunoprecipitation, ligand blotting, and Northern blotting were IGFBP-5 (29 kDa), IGFBP-2 (32 kDa), and IGFBP-3 (36 and 39 kDa doublet). Conditioned culture media contained IGFBP-5, a slightly larger form of IGFBP-3 (33 kDa), the 36- and 39-kDa forms of IGFBP-3, and a more extensively glycosylated form of IGFBP-3 (44 kDa). In serum, IGFBP-5 was not readily detected, and IGFBP-3 (40- and 44-kDa doublet) and IGFBP-2 (34 kDa) were larger than in pituitary tissue. Levels of IGFBP-2,-3, and-5 in pituitary tissue decreased during the preovulatory period and were lowest in the early luteal phase. Treatment with LHRH increased IGFBP-2 levels in media twofold. Estradiol or progesterone did not alter IGFBP secretion in vitro. Predominant IGFBPs produced and released by anterior pituitary tissue were IGFBP-2,-3 and-5. The activity of IGFBPs fluctuates in the pituitary in association with changes in stage of estrous cycle, implicating IGFBPs as potential regulators of gonadotrope function.
Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal Analysis

High rates of depression have been documented in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), but few studies have examined depression over time. This analysis considered data from 607 persons with MS in a 7-year period as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of quality of life in chronic illness. Latent growth curve analysis was used to examine trajectories in depression and the effects of covariates such as age, time since diagnosis of MS, type of MS, and functional limitations on the extent to which depression changed in the study period. Results of the analysis indicated that depressive symptoms fluctuated over time for individuals but did not show a tendency to an overall significant increase or decrease for the group as a whole. Younger age, longer time since diagnosis of MS, progressive forms of MS, and greater extent of functional limitation were predictive of greater depressive symptoms at Time 1. With the exception of functional limitation, which showed an association with depression at all periods, these variables did not predict changes in depressive symptoms over time. Gender was not a significant predictor of changes in depressive symptoms, nor did women have higher rates of depression as expected from previous research. The results of this analysis indicate the importance of screening for depression in all persons with MS.
Mountain and subpolar glaciers show an increase in sensitivity to climate warming and intensification of the water cycle

Abstract The time-series of all available records of seasonal and annual glacier mass balances, equilibrium line altitude, accumulation area ratio and change in surface area of about 300 glaciers have been compiled, digitized, quality checked and analyzed over the period of almost four decades (1961–1998). These time-series show significant changes towards loss in glacier area and volume in global scale with accelerated rate, especially since the end of 1980's. The remarkable feature in this change is the increase of both winter and summer balances, which implies that glaciers are intensifying the water cycle in time of global warming. The sensitivity of glacier mass balance in regard to temperature and precipitation has also increased which resulted in an increase of glacier contribution to sea level rise from 0.15 mm/yr in 1961–1976 (10% of total sea-level rise) to 0.41 mm/yr in 1988–1998 (27% of total sea-level rise). Glacier contribution to the ocean has the potential to grow due to increasing snow accumulation and involving into the water cycle larger areas of individual glaciers around the Antarctic ice sheet.
Perceived acquaintanceship and interpersonal trust: The cases of Hong Kong and China

The relationship between a person's perception of others and how many acquaintances he thinks he has is analyzed with data from a quota sample of 978 respondents in Hong Kong and 94 in China. Respondents in Hong Kong perceive one another as not trustworthy, selfish and unfair, much as in Japan, but this is not the case for China, nor for the U.S. It is competitiveness rather than culture that seems to account for this. People who don't trust one another tend not to perceive themselves as having many acquaintances.
Recent trends in U.S. mammography use from 2000-2006: a population-based analysis.

Abstract Objective We previously reported a decrease in regular mammogram use from 2000 through 2005. To determine whether a downward trend continued in 2006 we re-examined mammography utilization reported in Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2000 through 2006. Methods Age-adjusted percentages of women who reported having had a mammogram in the past 2 years were estimated by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Logistic regression was used to assess the linear time trends. Results The total age-adjusted proportion of all women aged ≥ 40 years who reported having had a mammogram within the 2 preceding years did not change when comparing data from 2000 (76.5% [95% CI: 75.9–77.0]) to 2006 (76.1% [75.7–76.6]). However, among those with health care coverage, a statistically significant decline in utilization occurred among women age 40 through 59 years, and non-Hispanic white women. Conclusions A substantial proportion of women are not being screened by mammography as recommended. Recent data suggest that patterns of utilization have leveled off or declined among certain subgroups of women. These data underscore the need to more effectively address current barriers to the utilization of mammography.
Vibration of Thick Rectangular Plates of Bimodulus Composite Material.

Abstract : A finite-element analysis is carried out for small-amplitude free vibration of laminated, anisotropic, rectangular plates having arbitrary boundary conditions, finite thickness-shear moduli, rotatory inertia, and bimodulus action (different elastic properties depending upon whether the fiber-direction strain is tensile or compressive). The element has five degrees of freedom, three displacements and two slope functions, per node. An exact closed-form solution is also presented for the special case of freely supported single-layer orthotropic and two-layer, cross-ply plates. This provides benchmarks to evaluate the validity of the finite-element analysis. Both solutions are compared with numerical results existing in the literature for special cases (all for ordinary, not bimodulus, materials) and good agreement is obtained. (Author)
Geochemical evolution of lacustrine brines from variable-scale groundwater circulation

Abstract Evaporative groundwater-fed lakes in the glaciated North American Great Plains vary widely in chemistry. A contributing cause is chemical variability of source groundwater intercepted by specific lakes, caused in part by differing depths of groundwater circulation. Aqueous chemical characteristics of 61 lakes and 160 groundwater samples were compared for an area where such lakes are common in eastern Montana-western North Dakota. Results indicate that groundwater chemistry varies according to depth in a similar fashion within different aquifers. Lake water evaporation from initial groundwater solutions typical of three depths was geochemically modeled using PHRQPITZ, based on a Pitzer treatment of activities and equilibria. Results show that chemistry of most lake waters in the study area may correspond to that predicted from evaporation of shallow- and intermediate-depth groundwater, but not of deep groundwater as postulated in some previous investigations. Lakes in shallow surface depressions receive water primarily from shallow (local) groundwater flow; lakes located in deep or broad topographic depressions may additionally receive groundwater from deeper circulation. In the field area studied, relative dominance of anions (sulfate vs. carbonate) in brines is a signature for inferred depth of source. Also diagnostic is the suite of brine salts formed (NaSO4Mg salts for shallow flow; these plus NaCO3 salts for intermediate depth flow). Such source signatures will vary from area to area according to depth variations in groundwater chemistry and in stratigraphy. Chemical evolution of lake water is a two-stage process, with a groundwater path (influenced by residence time, depth of circulation, aquifer mineralogy, and related factors) and a surface path (influenced by evaporation rates, lake-aquifer hydraulics, and lake geochemical reactions). Groundwater flow patterns may affect the former set of factors, thereby indirectly controlling lake water chemistry.
Myocardial Extracellular Volume by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients Treated With Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy

We aimed to determine whether the myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), measured using T1 measurements obtained during cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were increased in patients treated with anthracyclines. We performed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography and measured the ECV in 42 patients treated with anthracyclines. The data from the cardiac magnetic resonance study were compared to those from healthy volunteers. The anthracycline-treated cohort consisted of 21 men and 21 women with a mean age of 55 ± 17 years, who presented a median of 84 months after chemotherapy with a cumulative anthracycline exposure of 282 ± 65 mg/m(2) and a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 52 ± 12%. The ECV was elevated in the anthracycline-treated patients compared to the age- and gender-matched controls (0.36 ± 0.03 vs 0.28 ± 0.02, p <0.001). A positive association was found between the ECV and left atrial volume (ECV vs indexed left atrial volume, r = 0.65, p <0.001), and negative association was found between the ECV and diastolic function (E' lateral, r = -0.64, p <0.001). In conclusion, the myocardial ECV is elevated in patients with previous anthracycline treatment and is associated with the diastolic function and increased atrial volumes.
Effects of nutrition on length of stay and survival for burned patients

Abstract From a clinical series of 49 patients, statistical models are developed to predict length of hospital stay and survival based on the extent of the injury (total body surface area and third degree burn), dietary intake and age. Models predicting length of hospital stay among survivors were significant, explaining 70 per cent of the variation in observed stay. For all patients the predictability was much less. A logit model developed for survival analysis correctly predicted 94 per cent of patient outcomes (97 per cent of the survivors, 80 per cent of the deaths). An analysis of recommended ideal caloric intake, based on total burn size and patient weight, could not be shown to be significantly related to patient outcomes. It appears from this analysis that the relationship between outcome and diet would be strengthened if the amount of third degree burn was also included in calculations of the ideal caloric intake.
Pontic design of posterior fixed partial prostheses: Is it a microbial misadventure?

A pontic that preserves the periodontal health of abutments in a fixed partial denture requires careful consideration and execution. In the past the considerations involved in the making of pontics included the material or design. ‘-‘O Most of the discussion focused on plaque accumulation in the gingival area and determination of which method best restricted plaque formation. Preferential choices for pontic material or design have enjoyed the preeminent role as the factor least subject to modification or as the principle that was inviolate. Bacterial plaque plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis, severity, and prevalence of caries and periodontal disease.“-19 Avoiding “endemic plaque niches” in pontics is a biologic requirement. The surface smoothness of pontics has been considered more important in maintenance of tissue health than the material itself.6-*, ‘O, 2o-23 However, the anatomy of pontics still has differing conceptual advocates. 5, S,22-27
Modeling and control of a high-purity double-effect distillation column

Abstract A rigorous dynamic model of a high-purity double-effect distillation column is developed to study loop interactions as well as the impact of modeling errors on the effectiveness of multiloop PI controllers. Our results indicate the severity of interactions and control performance degradation associated with high-purity specifications.
Evidence for multiple terminal oxidases, including cytochrome d, in facultatively alkaliphilic Bacillus firmus OF4.

The terminal oxidase content of Bacillus firmus OF4, a facultative alkaliphile that grows well over the pH range of 7.5 to 10.5, was studied by difference spectroscopy. Evidence was found for three terminal oxidases under different growth conditions. The growth pH and the stage of growth profoundly affected the expression of one of the oxidases, cytochrome d. The other two oxidases, cytochrome caa3 and cytochrome o, were expressed under all growth conditions tested, although the levels of both, especially cytochrome caa3, were higher at more alkaline pH (P.G. Quirk, A.A. Guffanti, R.J. Plass, S. Clejan, and T.A. Krulwich, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, in press). These latter oxidases were identified in everted membrane vesicles by reduced-versus-oxidized difference spectra (absorption maximum at 600 nm for cytochrome caa3) and CO-reduced-versus-reduced difference spectra (absorption maxima at 574 and 414 nm for cytochrome o). All three terminal oxidases were solubilized from everted membranes and partially purified. The difference spectra of the solubilized, partially purified cytochrome caa3 and cytochrome o complexes were consistent with these assignments. Cytochrome d, which has not been identified in a Bacillus species before, was tentatively assigned on the basis of its absorption maxima at 622 and 630 nm in reduced-versus-oxidized and CO-reduced-versus-reduced difference spectra, respectively, resembling the maxima exhibited by the complex found in Escherichia coli. The B. firmus OF4 cytochrome d was reducible by NADH but not by ascorbate-N,N,N9,N9-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine in everted membrane vesicles. Cytochrome d was expressed under two conditions: in cells growing exponentially at pH 7.5 (but not at pH 10.5) and in cells stationary phase at either pH 7.5 or 10.5. Protein immunoblots with antibodies against subunit I of the E. coli cytochrome d complex reacted only with membrane vesicles that contained spectrally identifiable cytochrome d. Additional evidence that this B. firmus OF4 cytochrome is related to the E. coli complex was obtained with a solubilized, partially purified fraction of cytochrome d that also reacted with antibodies against the subunits of the E. coli cytochrome d. Images
Geometrical non-Abelian bosonization approach for the two-dimensional Hubbard model.

A geometrical non-Abelian bosonization for the Fermi surface excitations is constructed. We introduce a unitary operator which generates the deformation of the Fermi surface which obeys non-Abelian Kac-Moody-Poisson brackets. We study the Hubbard model for d\ensuremath{\ge}1, the charge part is a Fermi liquid at finite temperature and a Luttinger liquid for d=1 at T=0. The spin part is described by an 0(3) nonlinear sigma model. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A compact fiber optic scanner using electromagnetic actuation

Electromagnetic actuation shows promising suitability for constructing actuators and sensors with an optical fiber in terms of speeds, device dimensions, and power consumption. In this work we invented a fiber scanner which is composed of an optical fiber coated with nickel powder based ferromagnetic gel. The optical scanner, in which the optical fiber is mechanically steered with external electromagnetic fields, satisfies the applications that require small sizes, precise optics, low power consumption and prefers non-electrical control in the device. The device architecture makes the scanner dimensions in the same scales of an optical fiber diameter and the optics is well preserved in the fiber. In addition, the external actuation eliminates the needs of voltage or current in the scanner. Magnetization hysteresis curve of the nickel based ferromagnetic gel, which gives relevant magnetic material properties, is characterized in order to carry out the calculation of static and dynamic responses. A rotary gel coating technique is used to construct fiber optical scanners. The material preparation and fabrication method is described in this paper. We characterized the scanner in two modes. The static scanning results showed a 0.5 mm displacement under the influence of static magnetic field of 14.5 KA/m. At the first peak of resonant frequency in dynamic scanning, a linear displacement of 0.75 mm with a magnetic field amplitude of 6.69 KA/m was demonstrated. In this paper, we discussed the fabrication procedures and performance characterization of the fiber scanner as well as some of the potential applications.
Intermediate outcomes after the Fontan procedure in the current era.

Objective This study was undertaken to investigate the intermediate outcomes after the Fontan operation in the current era. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed by using data gathered between October 13, 2003, and February 22, 2005, on all 310 survivors of the Fontan procedure between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1999. Medical records were reviewed, and a customized questionnaire was administered to caregivers. Outcome variables included failure of the Fontan operation (ie, death, takedown of Fontan, or transplantation), number of cardiac-related rehospitalizations, parental assessment of health, school performance, and cardiac functional status. Results A total of 332 patients underwent the Fontan procedure during the study period. A lateral tunnel was constructed in 281 (85%), and an extracardiac Fontan procedure was performed in 51 (15%). A total of 210 (63%) children had undergone previous stage I reconstruction, and 162 (49%) had received an initial diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. There were 310 hospital survivors of the Fontan procedure (93.4%), with an additional 16 deaths (5.2%) during follow-up and 1 living heart transplant patient before the cross-sectional period. For initial hospital survivors, Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from death or transplantation were 98.0% (95% confidence interval, 95.6%-99.1%) at 1 year after the Fontan procedure, 94.9% (91.6%-97.0%) at 5 years, and 93.9% (90.1%-96.2%) at 8 years. Questionnaires were completed for 240 (81.9%) of the 293 available patients. By parental recollection, a total of 130 (54.2%) children required cardiac-related rehospitalization at some point during the follow-up period. At a median follow-up of 8.6 years (range, 4.1-12.8 years), 94.6% of guardians described their child's overall health as excellent or good, and 5.4%, as fair or poor. School performance was described as above average in 30.2%, average in 39.9%, and below average in 29.8%. With regard to cardiac functional status, 34.2% responded that their child had no limitations to physical activity, 52.5% reported a slight limitation, 12.1% reported a significant limitation, and 1.2% reported a severe limitation. Conclusions Acceptable survival outcomes have been observed at intermediate follow-up of the Fontan operation in this cohort; a significant proportion of patients had hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Although cardiac-related rehospitalization is common, the parents and guardians believed that overall health, school performance, and cardiac functional status were good to excellent for most patients.
Spatial and numerical abilities without a complete natural language

We studied the cognitive abilities of a 13-year-old deaf child, deprived of most linguistic input from late infancy, in a battery of tests designed to reveal the nature of numerical and geometrical abilities in the absence of a full linguistic system. Tests revealed widespread proficiency in basic symbolic and non-symbolic numerical computations involving the use of both exact and approximate numbers. Tests of spatial and geometrical abilities revealed an interesting patchwork of age-typical strengths and localized deficits. In particular, the child performed extremely well on navigation tasks involving geometrical or landmark information presented in isolation, but very poorly on otherwise similar tasks that required the combination of the two types of spatial information. Tests of number- and space-specific language revealed proficiency in the use of number words and deficits in the use of spatial terms. This case suggests that a full linguistic system is not necessary to reap the benefits of linguistic vocabulary on basic numerical tasks. Furthermore, it suggests that language plays an important role in the combination of mental representations of space.
"Naturally-occurring" anti-K1: possible association with mycobacterium infection.

We report a case of "naturally-occurring" (nonred blood cell stimulated) anti-K1. The patient had never received a blood transfusion. Red blood cell antibody screening panels showed agglutination with K:1 red blood cells at room temperature and not in the anti-globulin test. Testing with 2-mercaptoethanol showed the antibody to be IgM. The antibody is "naturally-occurring" and may be associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Synthesis and electrochemistry of a vanadium-pillared manganese oxide

Abstract A new manganese dioxide pillared by vanadium oxide species has been synthesized hydrothermally from permanganate. It has the electrochemically active MnO 2 layer structure, which has been extensively studied as a battery cathode. The vanadium oxide ions, together with the water molecules, reside in between the oxide sheets; dehydration occurs without structural change. The (VO y ) 0.1 MnO 2 · n H 2 O has a rhombohedral structure, with hexagonal parameters a =2.843(6) A, c =22.08(2) A. It reacts readily with lithium with a capacity around 150 mAh g −1 ; the pillar ions do not appear to impede reaction.
Glucose disappearance in infants of diabetic mothers. III. Relationship of spontaneous glucose disappearance to glucose tolerance, neonatal hypoglycemia and lowest blood glucose

Spontaneous glucose disappearance in the first 90 min of life and glucose disappearance following an intravenous injection of 1 g/kg dextrose were measured in 23 infants of insulin-dependent diabetic mothers. Spontaneous disappearance was log-linear in 12/23 infants, providing for calculation of an endogenous Kt which correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with the exogenous Kt determined after the dextrose injection, r = 0.74. Hypoglycemia < 20 mg/dl occurred in 4/23 infants, and was identified during the spontaneous glucose disappearance (3 infants) and/or predicted by an endogenous Kt greater than or equal to 3.0%/min (2 infants). There was also a significant inverse correlation (P < 0.01) of the lowest blood glucose obtained within the first 24 h of life with the endogenous Kt, r = 0.61. There was no correlation of the endogenous or exogenous Kt, lowest blood glucose or hypoglycemia with White's classification of the maternal diabetes, diabetic control during pregnancy, the maternal blood glucose at delivery or the cord blood glucose. These data indicate that determination of spontaneous glucose disappearance within the first 90 min of life is useful in identifying infants of diabetic mothers with hypoglycemia or those who will subsequently develop hypoglycemia.