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Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tai chi on balance in patients with improved but persistent dizziness and imbalance following completion of traditional vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Method Patients who completed vestibular rehabilitation therapy with persistent imbalance were prospectively enrolled in a tai chi programme comprising eight weekly classes. Balance was assessed before the first and after the eighth session using the Dynamic Gait Index, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Results A total of 37 participants (34 females, 3 males) completed the programme with balance testing. Mean age was 76.8 years (range, 56–91 years). Mean Dynamic Gait Index significantly increased after completion of tai chi (p < 0.00001). Mean Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale score increased from 63.6 to 67.9 per cent (p = 0.046). A subset (n = 18) of patients completed a Dizziness Handicap Inventory without significant post-therapeutic change (p = 0.62). Most (36 of 37; 97.3 per cent) patients demonstrated post-therapy improvement on one or more assessments. Conclusion Tai chi is a viable adjunct to improve balance in patients who complete a vestibular rehabilitation therapy programme.

Phalangeal defects are often seen after tumor resection, infections, and in complex open hand fractures. In many cases, reconstruction is difficult and amputation is performed to avoid prolonged rehabilitation that is often associated with a poor outcome. In these cases, the maintenance of length and function presents a reconstructive challenge. We reviewed 11 patients who underwent extensive phalangeal reconstruction with non-vascularized bone graft from the iliac crest using a key-in-slot-joint technique to provide acceptable function and bony union. In each case, non-vascularized bone graft with a length of 1.4–6.0 cm was used to reconstruct the phalanx. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 5 months, and in all cases, there was bony union after 6 weeks. We evaluated range of motion, function, and as well pain and grip strength of the fingers. This case series suggests that a key-in-slot technique allows non-vascularized bone graft to be used in complex large phalangeal bone defects. Due to better bone contact, a sufficient perfusion and revascularisation of the non-vascularized bone graft can be achieved for a quicker and stable bony union. This method appears to be an alternative to amputation in selected cases with a satisfactory soft-tissue envelope.

The surgical management of congenital naevi is a difficult problem for the reconstructive surgeon. We present a technique where accurate perforations made in the outer silicone layer of Integra® using a punch-biopsy forceps, in combination with topical negative pressure therapy, reduces revascularisation time of the dermal substitute with a favourable outcome.

Computer-based virtual instrument (VI) software is used on six experiments in two upper-level mechanical engineering laboratory courses at Rice University. The students interface with the experiment through VIs on a computer screen running under LabVIEW® software. The software performs data acquisition, data storage, and graphic presentation, and in some cases, it controls system parameters. In one case, the experiment can even be run automatically. In almost all cases, the LabVIEW programs were developed as student projects, and in most cases, the experimental setups were done by the students, which provided them with very educational senior-design projects. Using these computer-based systems provides accurate data acquisition, reduced time to complete the lab, more opportunity for student observation, and time for lecture and discussion of the basic principles involved. The students relate well to these VI-run labs, and these VI systems have proved a reliable, beneficial teaching aid for the mechanical engineering department. © 1998 National Instruments. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lab Robotics and Automation 10: 83–87, 1998

The topography of amygdaloid projections to the visual cortices in the macaque monkey was examined by injecting the fluorescent tracers Fast Blue and Diamidino Yellow at different locations in the occipital and temporal lobes and mapping the distribution of retrogradely labeled cells in the amygdala. Injections involving regions from rostral area TE to caudal area V1 all resulted in labeled cells within the basal nucleus of the amygdala. Relatively few double-labeled cells were observed even when the two injections were separated by less than 3 mm. The projections were rostrocaudally organized such that projections to caudal visual areas originated from dorsal and caudal portions of the magnocellular division of the basal nucleus while projections to more rostrally situated visual areas originated in more rostral and ventral portions of the basal nucleus. When injections involved rostral and medial portions of area TE, retrogradely labeled cells were observed in the accessory basal and lateral nuclei in addition to the basal nucleus. These data confirm that the amygdala gives rise to feedback projections to all levels of the "ventral stream" visual pathway. The projections do not appear to be diffusely distributed since few double-labeled cells were observed. The largest cells of the basal nucleus, those located in the magnocellular division, project the farthest in the visual system and innervate all occipital and temporal levels. The smaller cells, in the intermediate and parvicellular regions, project to more rostral and medial portions of the visual cortex. These results suggest that the amygdala may have substantial modulatory control over sensory processing at all stages of the ventral-stream visual cortical hierarchy.

Diagnostic ultrasound in remote sites is limited by attendant delay in interpretation and reporting. Technology advances were incorporated in an ultrasound program based in Churchill, Manitoba, and designed to meet the needs of the Central Canadian Arctic. Still-frame ultrasound images are digitized via a sonographer's picture archiving and communications system (PACS) workstation, and as they are collected they are transmitted over a dial-up Internet protocol network in Dicom 3.0 format to a tertiary care center. Received images are routed to a physician's PACS workstation, where they can be reviewed prior to the patient leaving the remote clinic. The impact of existing technology on a northern ultrasound program is discussed. The implications of technology enhancement are reviewed, with specific reference to remote low bandwidth sites.

We have constructed a vector to assess the ability of heterologous signal sequences to function in the endophytic bacterium Clavibacter xyli subsp. cynodontis. This secretion reporter contains the phoA gene from Escherichia coli from which the promoter and signal sequences have been deleted. Signal sequences of streptomycete origin were cloned into the vector and the level of secreted alkaline phosphatase determined enzymatically and by Western blotting. We show that a number of the signal sequences of streptomycete origin function well in C. xyli subsp. cynodontis. By inoculating corn plants with C. xyli subsp. cynodontis expressing the sti2-phoA fusion, we demonstrated alkaline phosphatase activity in planta. Our data show that phoA can be used to detect endophytic bacteria in some locations in planta, and is therefore useful in the study of plant-microbe interactions. Furthermore, our data illustrate how phoA fusions can be useful as a reporter for protein secretion activity of C. xyli subsp. cynodontis in planta.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether intravenous nitroglycerin, when infused simultaneously through the same tubing with heparin, alters the anticoagulant effect of heparin as evidenced by partial thromboplastin time (PTT) values. A time series, cross-over design was used. The study included patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit with a diagnosis of unstable angina. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: (1) heparin/nitroglycerin infused in the same site or (2) heparin/nitroglycerin infused in separate sites. After 18 hours, treatments were reversed. PTT results were measured seven times per subject. Ninety-eight subjects, 70 males and 28 females, participated. Mean age was 62.4 +/- 9 years. Using repeated measures analysis of variance, there was no change in the patients' PTTs (p = 0.47). Prior to this study, research was divided on whether nitroglycerin interferes with heparin's activity. This study indicates no significant difference in PTT in subjects receiving these infusions via separate or the same intravenous sites.

CMV is a frequently occurring pathogen in recipients of solid organ transplants, and those receiving lung transplants seem to be affected more frequently and more severely. Because the duration of prophylactic ganciclovir may influence the incidence of CMV disease in solid organ transplant recipients, we evaluated the efficacy of a 6-week prophylactic regimen in lung transplant recipients. We also evaluated the ability of a fourfold rise in CMV antibody titer to predict the development of CMV disease. Twenty-one consecutive lung transplant recipients were enrolled: 15 were CMV antibody-positive at the time of transplantation, and six were CMV antibody-negative and received a lung transplant from CMV-positive donors. Mean +/- SD follow-up was 430 +/- 157 days (range 178-730 days, median 449 days). The 6-week ganciclovir regimen prevented neither CMV infection (which occurred in 17/21 patients, 81%) nor CMV disease (seen in 8/21 patients, 38%). A fourfold rise in CMV antibody titer only preceded the onset of CMV disease in 3/13 instances (23%). We conclude that a 6-week regimen of ganciclovir prophylaxis does not prevent CMV infection or disease in lung transplant recipients and that a rise in serially obtained CMV antibody titers rarely precedes the development of CMV disease.

A large perineal fatty tissue mass shown to be an encapsulated xanthogranulomatous reaction was found in a spinal cord injured man whose neuropathic bladder was for a long time being managed by clean intermittent catheterization, but who had chronic urinary tract infection. He was also known to be a chronic alcoholic. We would say that an alcohol numbed sensorium and multiple catheterizations led to recurrent small urethral perforations which in the setting of chronic bacteriuria promoted the unusual inflammatory mass. Appreciating the increasing use of clean intermittent catheterization for the spinal cord injured, we suspect that similar cases of 'xanthogranulomatous pseudotumors' will be found, and therefore we describe this most unusual clinical presentation.

A bacterial endophyte was engineered for insecticidal activity against the European corn borer. The cryIA(c) gene from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki was introduced into the chromosome of Clavibacter xyli subsp. cynodontis by using an integrative plasmid vector. The integration vectors pCG740 and pCG741 included the replicon pGEM5Zf(+), which is maintained in Escherichia coli but not in C. xyli subsp. cynodontis; tetM as a marker for selection in C. xyli subsp. cynodontis; and a chromosomal fragment of C. xyli subsp. cynodontis to allow for homologous recombination between the vector and the bacterial chromosome. Insertion of vector DNA into the chromosome was demonstrated by DNA hybridization. Recombinant strains MDR1.583 and MDR1.586 containing the cryIA(c) gene were shown to produce the 133,000-kDa protoxin and several smaller immunoreactive proteins. Both strains were equally toxic to insect larvae in bioassays. Significant insecticidal activity was demonstrated in planta. The cryIA(c) gene and the tetM gene introduced into strain MDR1.586 were shown to be deleted from some cells, thereby giving rise to a noninsecticidal segregant population. In DNA hybridization experiments and insect bioassays, these segregants were indistinguishable from the wild-type strain. Overall, these results demonstrate the plausibility of genetically engineered bacterial endophytes for insect control.

PDGF is a powerful mitogen initially identified within platelets, but also shown to be produced by a wide variety of cell types. PDGF is encoded on two separate genes. These give rise to three polypeptides, PDGF B and two forms of PDGF A (SA and LA), resulting from alternative splicing of the PDGF A gene primary transcript. We report that in CHO cells transfected with PDGF gene constructs and producing moderate levels of PDGF homodimers, much of the PDGF LA and B produced, but little if any SA, is found in the matrix laid down beneath the cells. Immunoreactive PDGF in cells, and in matrix below expressing cells, was visualized by laser confocal microscopy. Western blotting of protein in matrix extracts, cell extracts, and secreted into the growth medium was used to demonstrate that the range of PDGF A polypeptides seen in the matrix was overlapping with those reported previously to be cell associated in cell types such as NIH3T3 and COS 7. This suggests that attachment to matrix or cell surface may be alternative fates for these polypeptides, with fate dependent on the characteristics of the producing cells. Immunoreactive PDGF A and B could be partially released by incubation of matrix material with heparin but not with other glycosaminoglycans. Digestion of matrix with chondroitin ABC lyase but not heparitinase or collagenase displaced some PDGF from its attachment sites. The results indicate attachment of PDGF to matrix proteoglycans, at least partly through the glycosaminoglycan moieties, and perhaps to additional components. The significance of matrix deposition for PDGF action is discussed.

This abstract highlights a novel method of releasing an anterior neck contracture, with a high percentage graft take over artificial neodermis.

A seemingly innocuous penetrating injury from the blackthorn may result in longterm continued disability Early presentation for treatment is recommended.

Antisera directed against the purified 145,000-dalton subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial RNA polymerase have been used to immuno-screen a library of yeast genomic inserts constructed in the fusion protein expression vector, lambda gt11. A 4-kilobase pair yeast DNA fragment inserted into one of the recombinant bacteriophages appears to contain most or all of the gene that encodes the 145,000-dalton subunit.

An RNA polymerase was purified 6500-fold to near homogeneity from a whole cell extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The purified enzyme consists of a single 145,000-dalton polypeptide. By subcellular fractionation, the enzyme was localized to the mitochondria. The RNA polymerase activity is alpha-amanitin- and rifampicin-resistant. With single-stranded DNA templates, the enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of polyribonucleotide chains with lengths ranging from less than 10 to greater than 100 residues. It is inactive with double-stranded DNA. Specific antisera inhibit the RNA polymerase activity and recognize the 145,000-dalton polypeptide. The antisera relate this enzyme to previously described yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase preparations capable of initiation of transcription at mitochondrial promoter sequences (Winkley, C. S., Keller, M. J., and Jaehning, J. A. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 14214-14223). It therefore appears that the enzyme is a subunit of the yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase.

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of gamma radiation on the corrosion of AISI 1018 mild steel in deaerated brine solutions of various sodium, magnesium, and chloride ion concentrations. Immersed metal specimens were irradiated at an exposure rate of 3×105 R/h (0.3 MR/h) for up to 1250 h at a temperature of −25 C. The corrosion rates of the irradiated specimens were found to be roughly a factor of 10 greater than the rates for the non-irradiated specimens. The radiation-enhanced corrosion rate was also found to have increased with the chloride concentration. Electron micrographs revealed that the surface morphology of the specimens exposed to irradiated brines differed greatly from the non-irradiated specimens. The non-irradiated specimens had undergone uniform corrosion, while the irradiated specimens exhibited intergranular corrosion (IGC), a phenomenon not yet observed in mild steel. An explanation for this observation is offered in terms of the relative rates of formation and...

The partition coefficient of hypoiodous acid at 20 °C has been determined to be ∼930. This determination is based on measured values of the instantaneous iodine partition coefficient /IPC/ vs. time after the introduction of molecular iodine into an air-water system at pH=9.

Expressions for the velocities of elastic waves in stressed solids are derived using Murnaghan's theory of finite deformations and third-order terms in the energy. For isotropic materials, in addition to the Lam\'e constants $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and $\ensuremath{\mu}$, three additional constants, $l$, $m$, and $n$, are required to describe the material.By measuring the transmission time of elastic pulses through the material, the velocities of longitudinal and shear waves are determined as a function of applied stress. By subjecting the material to hydrostatic pressure as well as simple compression, it is found that seven functions of the three constants $l$, $m$, and $n$ can be measured and thus numerical values calculated. Results are given for polystyrene, iron, and Pyrex glass.

If the input symbols to a communication channel represent the outcomes of a chance event on which bets are available at odds consistent with their probabilities (i.e., "fair" odds), a gambler can use the knowledge given him by the received symbols to cause his money to grow exponentially. The maximum exponential rate of growth of the gambler's capital is equal to the rate of transmission of information over the channel. This result is generalized to include the case of arbitrary odds. Thus we find a situation in which the transmission rate has significance even though no coding is contemplated. Previously this quantity was given significance only by a theorem of Shannon's which asserted that, with suitable encoding, binary digits could be transmitted over the channel at this rate with an arbitrarily small probability of error.

A precise theory of the simultaneous meaSllrement of a pair of conjugate observables is necessary for obtaining the classical limit from the quantum theory, for determining the limitations of coherent quantum mechanical amplifiers, etc. The uncertainty principle, of course, does not directly address this problem, since it is a statement about the variances of two hypothetical ideal measurements. We will adopt the approach that there exist instantaneous inexplicable ideal measurements of a single observable. Just as von Neumann1 uses an ideal measurements together with all interaction to explain an indirect observation, we use ideal measurements together with iuteractions to explain the simultaneous measurements of an observable and its conjugate.

The velocity of dilatational waves in four sandstones has been measured as a function of pressure in the range 50 to 1000 bars at room temperature and at 100°C. At least two cores from each sample were run, one dry and one saturated with water. In addition two cores from one sample were run at several partial saturations. The porosities of the samples varied from about 8 to 20 percent. The effect of water content is dependent on pressure. At low pressures (50 bars) the velocity rises sharply at small saturations (0–10 percent), remains constant with saturation 10 to 90 percent and then decreases as the saturation approaches 100 percent. At 50 bars the velocity at 100 percent saturation is generally higher than that at 00 percent saturation. Even for the one exception an extrapolation would indicate this to be true at atmospheric pressure. As the pressure is increased the rise at low saturations decreases; at 500 bars it disappears. The velocity is almost constant with saturation until about 90 percent saturation is reached. It then decreases rapidly as 100 percent saturation is approached. A qualitative explanation of these results is given.

There is frequently more or less acrimonious discussion about artificial intelligence and intelligent machines and their place in science. Usually the discussion settles down to the reiteration of two points of view. This paper is concerned with the difference between them. Do they merely reflect two emotional or ethical biases, or is there an underlying technical judgment on which they disagree? The authors claim the latter and purport to show what that judgment is.

An RNA polymerase was purified 6500-fold to near homogeneity from a whole cell extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The purified enzyme consists of a single 145,000-dalton polypeptide. By subcellular fractionation, the enzyme was localized to the mitochondria. The RNA polymerase activity is alpha-amanitin- and rifampicin-resistant. With single-stranded DNA templates, the enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of polyribonucleotide chains with lengths ranging from less than 10 to greater than 100 residues. It is inactive with double-stranded DNA. Specific antisera inhibit the RNA polymerase activity and recognize the 145,000-dalton polypeptide. The antisera relate this enzyme to previously described yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase preparations capable of initiation of transcription at mitochondrial promoter sequences (Winkley, C. S., Keller, M. J., and Jaehning, J. A. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 14214-14223). It therefore appears that the enzyme is a subunit of the yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase.

An aviator with prolonged right sided low back pain is described. The diagnostic workup is presented leading to diagnosis of HLA B27 positive reactive sacroiliitis. Trial of sulfasalazine lead to resolution of his pain. The spondylarthropathies are briefly reviewed. Implications on his aeromedical status are discussed.

Forty-eight upper and 44 lower extremities of 52 stroke patients were treated using a clinical emg biofeedback training approach. The age, sex, hemiparetic side, duration of stroke or previous rehabilitation, and number of biofeedback training sessions had no significant relationship to treatment outcomes. Lower extremities responded more favorably to training than upper extremities, and the prospects for successful treatments in the upper limb were further diminished when proprioceptive impairments were present. Possible explanations for the poorer responsiveness of the upper extremity to emg biofeedback training are provided, the importance of a motivational element is stressed, and a suggestion is offered for the direction of future work designed to predict the value in applying this modality.

The present experiments assessed the contribution of tone height, melodic contour, and tone chroma to melody recognition. Rather than using highly familiar folk songs as in earlier studies, subjects were taught new melodies. Novel melodies were used to (a) more precisely control potential cues (e.g., rhythm) that are not of present interest, (b) eliminate unison intervals that cannot be transformed appropriately, (c) provide a direct analysis of the nature of confusion errors, (d) test whether recently learned melodies are recognized differently than highly overlearned melodies, and (e) evaluate the extent to which practice in the experimental task alters the process of recognition. The results replicate previous studies using familiar folk songs. Transformations of the original melodies were accurately recognized when tone height was violated, but both melodic contour and tone chroma were maintained. Violating both tone height and contour while maintaining chroma produced extremely poor recognition. Performance was intermediate when just melodic contour was preserved. There is now good evidence to support the idea that melodic contour and tone chroma, in addition to tone height, contribute to recognition of both highly familiar and recently learned melodies.

The CTHR conceptual design consists of a magnetically confined (tokamak) fusion reactor fitted with a fertile uranium blanket. The fusion driver concept was based on an ignited plasma. All concepts and parameters were selected on the basis that technical feasibility would be achieved by 1995 to assure a viable commercial operation in the early to mid-21st century. The reactor was designed to achieve good fissile fuel production, with electricity production being a second order priority. However, the resulting concepts that evolved were all excellent power producers which significantly improved the economic performance. The subsystems discussed in the following paragraphs provide a background of the application for the TF coil design described in this report.