cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular sieve studies of interacting protein systems. IX. Reaction boundary profiles for monomer-n-mer systems: comparison with sedimentation.

Abstract The transport of self-associating macromolecules on molecular sieve columns has been investigated by computer simulation. The chromatographic behavior of monomer-trimer, monomer-tetramer, and monomer-octamer systems has been simulated in order to study the effects of several important variables on reaction boundary shape. These variables include flow rate, gel porosity, gel particle diameter, development time, and equilibrium constant. A given self-associating solute can be expected to yield appreciably different boundary profiles on gels of different porosities and bead sizes or on the same column at different flow rates. Results of the simulations indicate that axial dispersion contributes substantially to the shape of solute profiles. The effect of axial dispersion on boundary shapes was evaluated by comparing the simulated profiles with quantitative predictions of the corresponding asymptotic equations in which axial dispersion is assumed to be absent. Substantial differences were found between equilibrium constants and centroid parameters predicted from the asymptotic equations and those of the simulated profiles. The role of axial dispersion was investigated further by simulations in which all nondispersive transport was assumed to be absent. It was found that bimodal derivative patterns can arise from simultaneous dispersive transport and chemical reaction in the absence of the translational components. Results of the simulated chromatographic cases were compared with simulations of velocity sedimentation of the same solute systems in order to evaluate similarities and differences between the two types of transport behavior.
Inaccuracies in initial growth and arborization of chick retinotectal axons followed by course corrections and axon remodeling to develop topographic order

The retinotectal projection is organized in a precise retinotopic manner. We find, though, that during development the growth and arborization of temporal retinal axons within the optic tectum of chick embryos is initially imprecise. Axonal targeting errors occur along the rostral-caudal and medial-lateral tectal axes, and arbors are formed at topographically inappropriate positions. Subsequent course corrections along both tectal axes and large-scale axonal remodeling lead to the retinotopic ordering of terminal arborizations characteristic of the mature projection. The trajectories and branching patterns of temporal retinal axons labeled with Dil or DiO were determined in whole mounts of retina and tectum from chicks ranging in age from embryonic day 9 to posthatching. Within the retina, labeled retinofugal axons travel in a compact bundle but do not maintain strict neighbor relations, as they course to the optic fissure. The axons enter the contralateral tectum at its rostral edge and grow caudally. Many extend well past their appropriate terminal zone within rostral tectum; a proportion of these later reverse their direction of growth. Many axons grow onto the tectum at incorrect positions along the medial-lateral tectal axis. Some correct this error in a directed manner by altering their trajectory or extending collateral branches at right angles. About 80% of the positional changes of this type are made in the direction appropriate to correct axon position, and thus are likely a response to tectal positional cues. After maturation of retinotopic order, about half of the axons that project to a mature terminal zone have made abrupt course corrections along one or both tectal axes, indicating that initially mistargeted axons can establish appropriately positioned arbors and survive. The development of temporal axons within the tectum is characterized by 3 phases: elongation, branch and arbor formation, and remodeling. After considerable rostrocaudal elongation, an axon typically develops numerous side branches and arbors, many at inappropriate locations. Most arbors are formed by side branches that develop as interstitial collaterals; few axons grow directly to their appropriate terminal zone and arborize. Aberrant arbors, and axons and axon segments that fail to form arbors in the appropriate terminal zone, are rapidly eliminated over about a 2 d period. Axon degeneration appears to play a role in this remodeling process.
Updated S 3 model of quarks

Abstract A model proposed in 2004 using the non-Abelian discrete symmetry S 3 for understanding the flavor structure of quarks and leptons is updated, with special focus on the quark and scalar sectors. We show how the approximate residual symmetries of this model explain both the pattern of the quark mixing matrix and why the recently observed particle of 126 GeV at the Large Hadron Collider is so much like the one Higgs boson of the Standard Model. We identify the strongest phenomenological bounds on the scalar masses of this model, and predict a possibly observable decay b → s τ − μ + ( B s → τ + μ − ), but not b → s τ + μ − ( B s → τ − μ + ).
Modified hydra bioassay to evaluate the toxicity of multiple mycotoxins and predict the detoxification efficacy of a clay-based sorbent.

Food shortages and a lack of food supply regulation in developing countries often leads to chronic exposure of vulnerable populations to hazardous mixtures of mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1). A refined calcium montmorillonite clay (i.e. uniform particle size NovaSil (UPSN)) has been reported to tightly bind these toxins, thereby decreasing bioavailability in humans and animals. Hence, our objectives in the present study were to examine the ability of UPSN to bind mixtures of AFB1 and FB1 at gastrointestinally relevant pH in vitro, and to utilize a rapid in vivo bioassay to evaluate AFB1 and FB1 toxicity and UPSN efficacy. Isothermal sorption data indicated tight AFB1 binding to UPSN surfaces at both pH 2.0 and 6.5, but substantially more FB1 bound at pH 2.0 than 6.5. Site-specific competition occurred between the toxins when exposed to UPSN in combination. Importantly, treatment with UPSN resulted in significant protection to mycotoxin-exposed hydra maintained at pH 6.9-7.0. Hydra were exposed to FB1 ,A FB1 and FB1/AFB1 combinations with and without UPSN. A toxic response over 92 h was rated based on morphology and mortality. Hydra assay results indicated a minimum effective concentration (MEC) of 20mgml -1 for AFB1, whereas the MEC for FB1was not reached. The MEC forco-exposure was 400 m gm l -1 FB1+10m gm l -1 AFB1. This study demonstrates that UPSN sorbs both mycotoxins tightly at physiologically relevant pH levels, resulting in decreased bioavailability, and that a modified hydra bioassay can be used as an initial screen in vivo to predict efficacy of toxin-binding agents. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pain control in sickle cell disease patients: use of complementary and alternative medicine.

Objective To examine the factors associated with the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as reported by patients attending an adult sickle cell clinic at a tertiary institution. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting This study was conducted in a university tertiary care adult sickle cell clinic. Subjects Adult sickle cell patients. Method Following Institutional Review Board approval, a questionnaire was administered to patients in a sickle cell clinic to examine their use of CAM for managing pain at home and while admitted to the hospital. Results Of the 227 respondents who completed the questionnaire, 92% experienced pain lasting from 6 months to more than 2 years. Two hundred and eight (91.6%) indicated that they have used CAM within the last 6 months to control pain. The frequency of CAMs use was higher among females, singles, those with more education, and higher household income. Conclusions This study shows that a substantial majority of sickle cell patients live with pain on a regular basis and that there is substantial CAM use in the adult Sickle cell disease population. Being female and having a high school or higher education were significantly correlated with the use of CAM in sickle cell patients. A variety of CAM therapies are used, with the most common being prayer.
Wear of cast chromium steels with TiC reinforcement

Wear resistance of a series of new titanium carbide reinforced cast chromium steels was investigated under various wear conditions. The steels which were melted in a vacuum induction furnace contained 12 Cr, 3-5 Ti, 1-2 C in weight percent. Microstructure of these materials was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, light optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Microstructure of steels consisted of TiC phase dispersed in a martensitic matrix. High-stress and low-stress abrasion tests, and an erosion test, were utilized to understand the wear behavior of these materials under different environments. The steels were tested in as-cast and heat treated conditions. Wear rates of the cast Cr/TiC steels were compared to those of an AISI type 440C steel and P/M composites reinforced with TiC.
Graded-Index Optical Fiber Sound Sensor

We describe an optical fiber sound detector based on the effect of diffraction of light that occurs at the exit end of a graded-index fiber. We provide experimental evidence of the sensor high sensitivity
COLLAGEN ALTERATIONS IN CHRONICALLY SUN‐DAMAGED HUMAN SKIN

The major histological characteristic of sun-damaged skin is the accumulation of an elastotic material that appears to replace collagen. This elastotic material consists primarily of elastin and histological studies suggest a large loss of collagen in the dermis of chronically sun-damaged skin. In this study, we examine the content and distribution of collagen and procollagen in sun-damaged human skin. The total collagen content of sun-damaged skin was 20% less than nonsolar-exposed skin (524 micrograms collagen per mg total protein in sun-damaged skin and 667 micrograms collagen per mg total protein in nonsolar-exposed skin). In addition, there was a 40% decrease in the content of intact amino propeptide moiety of type III procollagen in sun-damaged skin (0.68 U per 50 mg wet weight) as compared to nonsolar-exposed skin (1.12 U per 50 mg wet weight). The data suggest that this change in collagen content is due to increased degradation. The distribution of collagen in sun-damaged skin was examined by indirect immunofluorescence. Mild digestion of sun-damaged skin with elastase removed the elastin and revealed the presence of collagen in the elastotic material. Therefore, the elastin appears to mask the presence of collagen fibers in the dermis of sun-damaged skin.
A NOVEL MULTIPLY-MUTATED HSV-1 STRAIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN BRAIN TUMORS

ABSTRACT A promising approach for the therapeutic treatment of brain tumors utilizes replication-competent, neuroattenuated herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) mutants. This approach requires mutation of HSV-1 to eliminate killing of normal, nondividing cells of the brain (e.g., neurons). We have generated a HSV-1 double-mutant, designated 3616UB, by interrupting the uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) gene in a previously studied ICP34.5 mutant, R3616. The HSV-1-encoded UNG gene is required for efficient HSV-1 replication in nondividing cells, but is dispensable for replication in rapidly dividing cells. The specific function of the HSV-1 ICP34.5 gene is not completely clear, but it is thought to be necessary for viral replication in cells of the nervous system, because, when mutated, the resultant viral strains are fully neuroattenuated. Strain 3616UB did not replicate in primary neuronal cultures in vitro or in mouse brain, but efficiently killed six of six human tumor cell lines within 6 days in vitro and success...
Kinetics of Particle Codeposition of Nanocomposites

In this paper we describe a kinetic model for electrochemical deposition of nanocomposites composed of a metal matrix and inert particles. The model takes into account both the diffusion force as well as the gravitational force acting on the particles. The gravitational force is shown to he important for the codeposition of 300 nm Al 2 O 3 particles in Ni, but negligible for codepositing 50 nm particles.
Volume of pharmaceutical powders probed by frequency-domain photon migration measurements of multiply scattered light.

Using probability distribution analysis to describe the propagation of multiply scattered light between a point source and point detector located a known distance apart, mathematical expressions predicting the volume of sampled powder were determined for infinite and semi-infinite powder beds and then compared to experimental measurements of frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM). Our results show that the volume of powder sampled varies with optical properties and, when using FDPM techniques, with modulation frequency. For a typical measurement in lactose powder, the volume of powder sampled by multiply scattered light propagating between a 1000-μm-diameter point source and point detector pair separated by 8 mm is predicted to be 1.8 and 1.5 cm3 at modulated frequencies of 50 and 100 MHz, respectively. Experimental measurements in lactose powder confirm the predictions.
Methane, ethane, and mixed clouds in Titan's atmosphere : Properties derived from microphysical modeling

Abstract Theoretical arguments point to and recent observations confirm the existence of clouds in Titan's atmosphere, yet we possess very little data on their particle size, composition and formation mechanism. A time-dependent microphysical model is used to study the evolution of ice clouds in Titan's atmosphere. The model simulates nucleation, condensational growth, evaporation, coagulation, and transport of particles in a column of atmosphere. A variety of cloud compositions are studied, including pure ethane clouds, pure methane clouds, and mixed methane–ethane clouds (all with tholin cores). The abundance of methane cloud particles may be limited by the number of ethane coated tholin nuclei rather than the number of tholins with hydrocarbon coatings. However, even the condensation of methane onto these relatively sparse ethane/tholin cloud particles is sufficient to keep the methane close to saturation. Typical methane supersaturations are of order 0.06 on the average. For simulations which take into account recent lab measurements indicating it is relatively easy for methane to nucleate onto tholin particles without an ethane-layer present, the three types of clouds (methane, ethane, and mixed) exist simultaneously. Pure methane clouds are the most abundant cloud type and serve to lower the supersaturation to about 0.04. Cloud production does not require a continuous surface source of methane. However, clouds produced by mean motions are not the visible methane clouds seen in recent Cassini and ground-based observations. Ethane clouds in the troposphere almost instantaneously nucleate methane to form mixed clouds. However, a thin ethane ‘haze’ remains just above the tropopause for some scenarios and the mixed clouds at the tropopause remain ⩽ 50 % ethane by mass. Also, evaporation of methane from the mixed cloud particles near the surface leaves a thicker layer of ethane cloud particles at ∼ 10 km . Nevertheless, the precipitation rate of methane to Titan's surface is between 0.001 and 0.5 cm/terrestrial-year, depending on various initial conditions such as critical saturation, size and abundance of cloud condensation nuclei, surface sources and eddy diffusion.
Human Territoriality: A Theory

ABSTRACT Territoriality is a means of affecting (enhancing or impeding) interaction and extends the particulars of action by contact. Territoriality is defined here as the attempt to affect, influence, or control actions, interactions, or access by asserting and attempting to enforce control over a specific geographic area. A theory of territoriality is developed that contains ten potential consequences and fourteen primary combinations of consequences to territorial strategies. It is hypothesized that any instance of territoriality will draw from among these. Specific consequences and combinations are predicted to occur in particular social-historical contexts.
Creasing Singularities in Compressible Elastic Materials

The deformation and stress fields near a crease in the surface of an isotropic, compressible elastic body in equilibrium are in general singular. The order of the singularity depends on the constitutive behavior in the limit of zero volume. In this paper the problem of the creasing of a semicircular cylinder folded about its axis is solved exactly for a family of materials that includes the Blatz-Ko material (a foam rubber). Conditions under which strong ellipticity is lost are derived.
Structure of cyclic nucleoside phosphonate ester prodrugs: an inquiry.

The configuration at phosphorus in cyclic (S)-HPMPC (1, cidofovir) and (S)-HPMPA (2) phenyl ester (5 and 6, respectively) diastereomers ((Rp)-5, (Rp)-6, (Sp)-6) was determined by X-ray crystallography and correlated to their 1H and 31P NMR spectra in solution. (Rp)-5 and (Rp)-6 have chair conformations with the nucleobase substituent equatorial and the P-OPh axial. Perhaps surprisingly, (Sp)-6 is (a, a) in the crystal and exists largely as an equilibrium of (a, a)/(e, e) conformers in chloroform or acetonitrile.
Thyroid hormone and hemodynamic regulation of beta-myosin heavy chain promoter in the heart.

Thyroid hormone exerts marked effects on cardiovascular function. Expression of cardiac alpha- and beta-myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms can be altered in response to thyroid hormone as well as by hemodynamic changes imposed on the heart. The molecular mechanisms that mediate these changes are not completely known. We studied the contractile and thyroid hormone responsiveness of the betaMHC promoter in both cultured cardiac myocytes and in vivo by direct DNA transfer. Using transient transfection of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, the activities of recombinant reporter plasmids containing betaMHC 5'-flanking sequences terminating at positions -2250, -1145, -670, and -354 were decreased significantly in cultures containing L-T3 (50 nM). Similar deletion analysis showed that 5'-flanking regions terminating within -2250 to -151 bp were contractility responsive; however, deletion to position -126 attenuated this response. In vivo betaMHC promoter activity, determined by injecting the recombinant plasmid into th...
The effects of gamma radiation sterilization and ageing on the structure and morphology of medical grade ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that had been sterilized with 25 kGy of gamma radiation and non-sterile material processed from the same batch were studied following five years of ageing in air. Differential scanning calorimetry, small angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and density gradient column measurements were used to characterize the changes in structure and morphology of the UHMWPE as a result of sterilization and shelf ageing. Significant changes were observed. The UHMWPE oxidized and increased in crystallinity as well as density, with chain scission the dominant response to irradiation. The applicability of the results of this study to the evolution of mechanical properties and structural integrity of medical grade UHMWPE for total joint replacement is addressed.
Performance of an inverted pendulum model directly applied to normal human gait.

Abstract Background In clinical gait analysis, we strive to understand contributions to body support and propulsion as this forms a basis for treatment selection, yet the relative importance of gravitational forces and joint powers can be controversial even for normal gait. We hypothesized that an inverted pendulum model, propelled only by gravity, would be inadequate to predict velocities and ground reaction forces during gait. Methods Unlike previous ballistic and passive dynamic walking studies, we directly compared model predictions to gait data for 24 normal children. We defined an inverted pendulum from the average center-of-pressure to the instantaneous center-of-mass, and derived equations of motion during single support that allowed a telescoping action. Forward and inverse dynamics predicted pendulum velocities and ground reaction forces, and these were statistically and graphically compared to actual gait data for identical strides. Findings Results of forward dynamics replicated those in the literature, with reasonable predictions for velocities and anterior ground reaction forces, but poor predictions for vertical ground reaction forces. Deviations from actual values were explained by joint powers calculated for these subjects. With a telescoping action during inverse dynamics, predicted vertical forces improved dramatically and gained a dual-peak pattern previously missing in the literature, yet expected for normal gait. These improvements vanished when telescoping terms were set to zero. Interpretation Because this telescoping action is difficult to explain without muscle activity, we believe these results support the need for both gravitational forces and joint powers in normal gait. Our approach also begins to quantify the relative contributions of each.
Retention-temperature and endurance characteristics of the MNOS capacitor with processing variations as parameter

Abstract The p+-gridded MNOS capacitor, which enables us to simulate the operational characteristics of the MNOS FET, was used to study the effects of temperature on the retention characteristics and of endurance stress on the Si/SiO2 interface-state density and retention characteristics of the MNOS capacitors fabricated under four different processing conditions. The differences in the retention characteristics of these devices were interpreted in terms of the chemical compositions and structures arising from the different processing conditions and were used to infer relative nitride trap depths in these devices. The increase in the Si/SiO2 interface-state density and the deterioration in the retention characteristics resulting from endurance stress were explained in terms of variations in chemical composition and structure.
Picometer Level Modeling of a Shared Vertex Double Corner Cube in the Space Interferometry Mission Kite Testbed

The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) is a microarcsecond interferometric space telescope that requires picometer level precision measurements of its truss and interferometer baselines. Single-gauge metrology errors due to non-ideal physical characteristics of corner cubes reduce the angular measurement capability of the science instrument. Specifically, the non-common vertex error (NCVE) of a shared vertex, double corner cube introduces micrometer level single-gauge errors in addition to errors due to dihedral angles and reflection phase shifts. A modified SIM Kite Testbed containing an articulating double corner cube is modeled and the results are compared to the experimental testbed data. The results confirm modeling capability and viability of calibration techniques.
The high cost of implantable defibrillators

Increased use of ICDs in patients with cardiac disease has the potential to strain national health care budgets because of the large numbers of eligible patients and the high cost of the ICDs. Randomized trials show ICDs increase life-expectancy in some groups of patients and also increase total medical costs significantly. ICDs exemplify the role of new technology as the main force behind rising health care costs. ICDs have not been used in all eligible patients, in part because of cost, but also because of patient resistance and a shortage of specialists able to implant and manage complex ICDs. The cost-effectiveness of ICDs would be improved by development of simpler and cheaper devices, and by better tools to identify patients who benefit from an ICD.
A computational method for feedback control optimization

A class of algorithms, which are linear feedback control equations in structure, are derived for the iterative solution of nonlinear two-point boundary-value problems. The flexibility of this class permits the use of previously published algorithms based on first and second variations as special cases. However, this class also includes new algorithms that circumvent previously encountered numerical difficulties and allow considerable flexibility in real-time applications.
Insulin-like growth factors and binding proteins in the fetal rat: alterations during maternal starvation and effects in fetal brain cell culture.

Maternal malnutrition adversely affects fetal body and brain growth during late gestation. We utilized a fetal brain cell culture model to examine whether alternations in circulating factors may contribute to reduce brain growth during maternal starvation; we then used specific immunoassay and western blotting techniques, and purified peptides to investigate the potential role that altered levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) may play in impaired growth during maternal nutritional restriction.
Shoulder dystocia: etiology, common risk factors, and management

Shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury occur in 0.5% to 1.5% of all births. Risk factors for both include maternal obesity, excessive prenatal weight gain, maternal diabetes, protracted labor, and fetal macrosomia. These factors are involved in only about 50% of births complicated by shoulder dystocia or brachial plexus injury. Shoulder dystocia has a low recurrence rate (9.8%–16.7%), although history of previous shoulder dystocia is the most reliable predictor of occurrence. Brachial plexus injury is the most common morbidity associated with shoulder dystocia, but 50% of newborns who present with this injury were not subject to shoulder dystocia at birth. Most brachial plexus injuries are transient, although 5% to 22% become permanent. Shoulder dystocia followed by permanent brachial plexus injury or mental impairment is one of the leading causes of malpractice allegations. Prompt assessment and management of shoulder dystocia and preparation to maximize the efficiency of shoulder dystocia maneuvers are critical. Documentation of the appropriate use of maneuvers to relieve shoulder dystocia demonstrates standard of care practice, thereby decreasing the potential for successful malpractice allegations.
Plasma insulin assay and adipose tissue metabolism.

The in vitro response of epididymal adipose tissue to insulin is conditioned by the type of diet fed. The epididymal fat pad of the rat responded to the feeding of a fat-free diet by: 1) an increased endogenous metabolism, as reflected by a 50 % increase in oxygen consumption, 2) an increased capacity for fatty acid synthesis, as reflected by a doubling of the net excess CO2 production in the presence of excess insulin, and 3) the same sensitivity to minimal quantities of insulin (25 μU), but a much greater sensitivity to larger amounts of insulin. Approximately 10 times as much insulin was required to give a maximal in vitro insulin response when the rats were fed chow. By using the epididymal fat pad from rats fed a fatfree diet for 7 days and weighing 160–180 g, the procedure for assaying insulin was greatly improved: the magnitude of the CO2 measurement was doubled, the response was more uniform, and the accuracy was increased by the smaller amount of insulin which was required to give a maximal respo...
The effects of sorafenib on liver regeneration in a model of partial hepatectomy

Background Sorafenib is currently approved for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is presently being studied as an adjuvant treatment for HCC following resection. The effects of sorafenib on liver regeneration have not been clearly defined. Our objective was to identify the effects of sorafenib on liver regeneration in a murine partial hepatectomy (PH) model.
Transformations to automate model change evolution

As models are elevated to first-class artifacts within the software development lifecycle, new approaches are needed to address the accidental complexities associated with current modeling practice (e.g., manually evolving the deep hierarchical structures of large system models can be error prone and labor intensive). This research abstract presents a model transformation approach to automate model evolution and testing tools to improve the quality of model transformation.
How common are overdominant mutations

RECENTLY, [Peters et al. (2003)][1] reported that hybrids between EMS-mutagenized lines of Caenorhabditis elegans and the ancestral line in some cases had higher productivity and relative fitness than either parental line. They interpreted this as evidence for overdominance (heterozygote superiority
Physically short linear impedance transformers

Matching transmission lines of different characteristic impedances with two stratified transmission line sections in cascade are demonstrated. The characteristic impedances of each of these sections will be identical to the impedances to be matched. The overall length of this linear transformer is significantly shorter than one quarter wavelength.
An analytical study of residual stress effects on uniaxial deformation of whisker reinforced metal-matrix composites

Abstract Finite element modeling was utilized to simulate the stress-strain response of discontinuous SiC whisker reinforced aluminium-matrix composites, accounting for the thermal residual stresses (TRS) generated during solution treatment. The contributions of various micro-mechanisms to overall composite strengthening and deformation, and the impact of TRS on each mechanism were explicitly evaluated. It was inferred that constrained matrix plastic flow and matrix-to-fiber load transfer are the predominant sources of strengthening, with enhanced matrix dislocation density playing a secondary role. Residual stresses were found to significantly affect each of the operative strengthening mechanisms and hence the composite properties. Comparison with experiments revealed that the trends predicted by the model are generally consistent with actual composite behavior, although the model overpredicts work hardening rate. A parametric study of the effects of whisker volume fraction, aspect ratio and spacing on tensile and compressive deformation was also conducted. The results showed that increasing volume fraction, close end-to-end spacing and large aspect ratios result in greater strength and stiffness.
Hard to swallow: management of dysphagia in nursing home residents

Difficulties with swallowing are common in the nursing home population. Almost any condition that produces general muscle weakness or any condition that is associated with neurological impairment of the swallowing mechanism can produce a swallowing disorder. Difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia) is most often a symptom of an underlying condition, rather than a primary disorder. There are 2 major consequences of dysphagia. First, the inability to coordinate the complex, sequential swallowing mechanism slows eating, results in leaving food in the mouth, and may result in failure to ingest adequate nutrients and fluids. Second, failure to adequately protect the airway allows inhalation of stomach contents or oropharyngeal secretions colonized by pathogenic bacteria leading to aspiration pneumonia. In this issue of the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA), Campbell-Taylor et al 1 tackle the complex issue of the diagnosis and interventions for dysphagia. The paper is controversial and the opinions will not be necessarily acceptable to people on many sides. The Journal accepted this as a starting place for an ongoing dialogue. This article does not represent the editorial viewpoint. The conclusions reached in this review are consistent with other previously published reviews in this Journal, 2‐4 and in other reviews. 5 There appears to be a developing consensus regarding the important clinical controversies in the management of dysphagia. HOW BEST TO DIAGNOSE SWALLOWING DISORDERS? Either a modified barium swallow or a videofluoroscopy swallowing study is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of swallowing disorders. However, dysphagia is often clinically apparent from the patient’s symptoms or by a bedside swallowing testing. Among patients with various neurological conditions associated with a high risk of dysphagia, a symptom index score and a bedside swallowing evaluation was compared to a videofluoroscopy swallowing study. 6 Among all the clinical signs evaluated, a history of cough with swallowing was predictive of aspiration documented by videofluoroscopy (sensitivity 75%, specificity 74%, positive predictive value 71%, negative predictive value 77%). In the bedside test, subjects were asked to drink 3 ounces (90 mL) of water. Symptoms on the bedside swallowing test had a higher predictive value than the clinical symptoms, but had a lower sensitivity (sensitivity 52%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 76%, negative predictive value 68%). Having both the symptom of cough with swallowing and an abnormal bedside swallowing test gave a positive predictive value of 84%, and a negative predictive value of 78%. Thus, the presence of cough with swallowing and a positive bedside swallowing test has a very high predictive value for dysphagia. The clinician can be reasonably sure that dysphagia is present when the patient has cough with swallowing and a positive bedside swallowing test.
Radiative decay of weakly nonlocal solitary waves

A nanopteron is similar to a classical solitary wave except that it does not decay to zero as | x |→ 0, but to some form of radiation. It is a coherent structures which is independent of time except for a steady translation at a phase speed c. The amplitude of the wings is α, the “radiation coefficient”. For nanopterons, α is an exponential function of 1/∈ where ∈ is a small parameter that measures the amplitude and width of the core of the solitary wave.
Factor Structure of a Children's Health Locus of Control Measure: A Confirmatory Maximum-Likelihood Analysis

The present study evaluated the validity of a revised version of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales when the measure is employed with older elementary school children. Confirmatory maximum-likelihood factor analysis employed data from 876 students. The factor structure of the measure matched expected structure fairly closely, although a few deviations from expectation were noted. Thus, the results supported the validity of the measure when it is employed with children.
Warp Stability of Magnetically Supported Disks

Cold, magnetically supported, self-gravitating disks are evolutionary precursors of protostars. Magnetic tension balances self-gravity in these systems, so the magnetic field lines kink as they cross the disk. Previously, we have shown that such disks are marginally stable to in-plane perturbations. Here, we show that a sufficient condition for stability of such disks to out-of-plane, warping or tilting, perturbations is that the azimuthal current in the disk have one polarity as a function of radius. This corresponds to the gravitational acceleration in the disk pointing radially inward for all radii. This criterion is not necessary, however, and can be violated as long as the vertical magnetic field exceeds the radial magnetic field (in magnitude) everywhere in the disk.
Interaction of Molecular Oxygen with a Magnetic Field

The dominant interaction of ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ with a magnetic field is through the electronic spin magnetic moment. However, a precise comparison with experiment of the results of calculating the microwave paramagnetic spectrum, assuming only this interaction, shows a systematic discrepancy. This discrepancy is removed by introducing two corrections. The larger (approximately 0.1 percent, or 7 gauss) is a correction for the second-order electronic orbital moment coupled in by the spin-orbit energy. Its magnitude is proportional to the second-order term ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$ in the spin-rotation coupling constant. The smaller (approximately 1 gauss) is a correction for the rotation-induced magnetic moment of the molecule. Since the dependence of this contribution on quantum numbers is quite unique, this coefficient can also be determined by fitting the magnetic spectrum. A total of 120 $X$-band and 78 $S$-band lines were observed. The complete corrections have been made on 26 lines with a mean residual error of roughly 0.5 Mc/sec. This excellent agreement confirms the anomalous electronic moment to 60 parts per million (ppm) and also confirms the validity of the Zeeman-effect theory.A new result is the rotational magnetic moment of -0.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 nuclear magnetons per quantum of rotation. Knowledge of this moment allows the electronic contribution to the effective moment of inertia to be determined. Making this correction of 65 ppm, and using the latest fitting of the universal atomic constants, the equilibrium internuclear distance is recomputed to be ${R}_{e}=1.20741\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00002$ A. We can also deduce that the magnitude of ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$, the second-order spin-orbit contribution to the coupling of the spin to the figure axis, is 465\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}50 Mc/sec, or less than one percent of the total coupling constant $\ensuremath{\lambda}$.Theoretical intensities of a number of the microwave transitions are calculated and successfully compared with experiment over a range of 100 to 1 in magnitude. It turns out that $\ensuremath{\Delta}M=0$ transitions are over a hundred times weaker than the $\ensuremath{\Delta}M=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ transitions and thus are too weak to observe. Also, $J$ breaks down as a quantum number in the presence of a magnetic field. This allows $\ensuremath{\Delta}J=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2$ transitions to comprise roughly half of all lines observed.
How does mass lesion detection vary with display window width and radiation exposure in computed radiography

In this study, we investigated lesion detection using a computed radiography (CR) imaging system in the absence of any anatomical background. Parameters investigated were the lesion size, display window width, and radiation exposure. Uniform CR exposures were obtained for an air kerma at the receptor between approximately 1 μGy and 10 μGy, which are typical values for radiographic imaging. We added simulated spherical lesions ranging from 1 to 5.5 mm. Observer detection performance was measured using a 4 Alternate Forced Choice (4-AFC) method that determines the lesion intensity (contrast) needed to achieve 92% accuracy (I 92% ). We generated contrast detail curves (I 92% vs lesion size) for the various radiation doses, and display contrast settings that were varied by a factor of approximately eight. All contrast-detail curves showed a linear relationship between detection threshold intensity (I 92% ) and lesion size. Measured contrast detail slopes were -0.65 at 1 μGy, and -0.71 at 10 μGy. Increasing the radiation exposure by a factor of ten improved detection of 1 mm size lesions by a factor of 2.25 and 5.5 mm lesions by a factor of 1.8. Decreasing display contrast by a factor of four reduced lesion visibility by ~25% for exposures > 5 μGy, and by ~10% for exposures of 1 μGy. Reductions in lesion visibility with lower display contrast were similar for all lesion sizes. Detection performance generally improves when the radiation dose and/or display contrast are increased. At the lowest radiation dose (1 μGy), display contrast is less important than at doses above 5 μGy.
An amyloid protein: the amino-terminal variable fragment of an immunoglobulin light chain.

Abstract The amino-terminal amino acid sequence of a purified amyloid protein has been determined. The sequence data establish that the origin of this amyloid protein is from the amino-terminal segment of an immunoglobulin kappa chain.
Micronema deletrix-induced granulomatous osteoarthritis in a lame horse

Necropsy of a chronically lame 16-year-old thoroughbred gelding revealed granulomatous osteomyelitis and polyarthritis due to a widely disseminated infection by Micronema deletrix. Diagnosis was based upon the nematode's morphology with its characteristic rhabditiform oesophagus. Granulomata, often containing one or more centrally located M. deletrix, were observed histologically in sections prepared from femur, kidney, stomach, lung, adrenal gland and sublumbar lymph nodes. Neither verminous meningo-encephalitis nor cephalic granulomata, which are the more commonly described lesions, was found.
The passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test in cryptococcosis.

The PCA test appeared to be a useful indicator of past infection due toCryptococcus neoformans when the extracellular starch antigen was used. The whole cell antigen, crude cell wall antigen, ruptured cell antigen, crude carbohydrate antigen and the crude capsular polysaccharide antigen were not found to be effective.
Mumps Associated with Coma or Exanthems A Clinical Study Including an Instance of Dual Mumps and Varicella Infection

Mumps should be included in the differential diagnosis of a comatose patient, particularly when mumps is prevalent in the community. Mumps encephalitis sometimes occurs with normal CSF cell count and protein content.Some exanthems associated with mumps may represent dual infections. That mumps virus alone may produce a rash is suggested by a report cited and by one patient in this series.
Passive mode locking of a ruby laser using a birefringent crystal and a fractional-commensurate cavity length

Mode-locked operation has been observed in a Q-switched, ruby laser using a quartz crystal as the passvie mode-locking element and a laser cavity length which is a whole fraction of that which is commensurate in mode-frequency spacing with the lowfrequency stimulated Brillouin scattering (lf S BS) in the crystal element. In addition, high-bit-rate operation has been observed, suggesting that the passive modulation of the lf S BS process is sufficiently strong to maintain a fixed-phase relation between several neighboring oscillating modes of the laser.
Closed-Loop Identification of Hammerstein Systems with Application to Gas Turbines

Abstract Many practical applications, such as the fuel control of a gas turbine engine, can be modeled by a feedback connection of a linear controller in series with a Hammerstein system, where the nonlinearity provides a representation of the control element or actuator. An iterative gradient-based method is proposed to simultaneously identify the nonlinear fuel valve characteristic and a low-order linear plant model in gas turbine applications that leverages a priori knowledge of both the nonlinearity and engine dynamics. The identification is a nonlinear prediction error minimization method in a closed-loop Hammerstein model framework. It is applied to data from a high-fidelity simulation of a 5 megawatt Taurus TM 60 industrial gas turbine.
Multiplicative characters and the discrete Fourier transform

Multiplicative character theory will be used to reprove results from a paper of Auslander-Feig-Winograd (Adv. in Appl. Math.5 (1984), 31-55) on the multiplicative complexity of the discrete Fourier transform. The Fourier transform F"A acting on the space L(A) of all complex-valued functions on A = Zn, n an integer, is decomposed relative to ''rational'' subspaces of L(A) naturally described by multiplicative characters of A. This decomposition is the main tool needed to understand the ad hoc constructions in the Auslander-Feig-Winograd (op cit.) paper.
Simulation of a Multiprocessing System Using GPSS

A large General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS) model has been developed to simulate the throughput and capacity of an application-oriented multiprocessing system. The model represents the system in terms of the hardware and software resources and the competitors for these resources. This paper discusses the size of the model, the running time of the model, and the development cycle. It also tabulates the hardware and software resources and the mapping of these resources into GPSS. Some of the possible applications of a model of this nature are discussed as well as some of the GPSS features that were used to conserve computer running time. Finally, some conclusions are drawn based on having developed a model of a large real-time multiprocessing system.
Oral midazolam compared with diazepam-droperidol and trimeprazine as premedicants in children.

Ninety children were assigned randomly to one of three groups for premedication with oral midazolam 0.5 mg.kg-1, diazepam 0.25 mg.kg-1 with droperidol 0.25 mg.kg-1, or trimeprazine 2 mg.kg-1. On arrival at the anaesthetic room, anxiolysis was satisfactory in 26 out of 29 (90%) children who received midazolam compared with 23 out of 29 (79%) who received diazepam-droperidol and 18 out of 29 (62%) who received trimeprazine (P < 0.05); at induction of anaesthesia these proportions were 24 out of 29 (83%), 16 out of 29 (55%) and 11 out of 29 (40%) respectively (P < 0.001). When individual groups were compared, anxiolysis was significantly greater in the midazolam group compared with the trimeprazine group on arrival in the anaesthetic room (P < 0.05) and significantly greater in the midazolam group than in either the diazepam-droperidol or the trimeprazine groups at induction of anaesthesia (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). There were no significant differences in times to early recovery between the groups (25.4, 24.4 and 28.5 min). Analysis of behavioural questionnaires completed two weeks after hospitalization showed a trend towards fewer postoperative behavioural disturbances in children who received midazolam or diazepam-droperidol compared with trimeprazine (47 and 44% vs 75%); when the results for the benzodiazepine-containing premedicants were combined, the difference between these groups and trimeprazine was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
A new metabolite of butylated hydroxyanisole in man

Butylated hydroxyanisole (I) is one of the most commonly used food antioxidants. Its use has been suggested to inhibit a variety of carcinogenic responses. The present study on the disposition kinetics of (I) in man indicates that contrary to previous reports, (I) undergoes significant O-demethylation in the body yielding a tert-butyl hydroquinone. It is suggested that this metabolic conversion may be responsible for some of the in vivo activities of (I) against chemical carcinogens.
On the classification of Clifford algebras and their relation to spinors in n dimensions

A classification of all the Clifford algebras is given in terms of Kronecker products of the quaternion and dihedral groups. The relationship to spinors in n dimensions is explicitly determined. We show that the real Clifford algebra in Minkowski spacetime is distinct from both the algebra of Dirac matrices and the algebra of Majorana matrices, and cannot be realized by the spinor framework. The matrix representations of Clifford algebras are discussed, and are utilized to give a classification of the real forms of Lie algebras. We are thus able to relate Clifford, Lie, and spinor algebras in an intrinsic geometrical setting.
Assertion and non-assertion supported by arousal reduction☆

Abstract Subjects imagined assertive conflict situations and imagined responding in an assertive, aggressive or non-assertive manner. Plethysmographic data suggest that for non-assertive subjects non-assertive behavior is most arousal reducing; while for assertive subjects assertive and aggressive behavior is most arousal reducing. These findings are related to assertive training.