Combined-modality treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia with botulinum toxin and voice therapy

A combined-modality treatment program consisting of botulinum toxin injection (Botox) and voice therapy was used to treat 17 subjects diagnosed with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADD SD). Ten subjects with ADD SD served as the control and were given Botox only. Voice therapy after Botox injection was directed toward reducing the hyperfunctional vocal behaviors, primarily glottal overpressure at voice onset and anterior-posterior squeezing. The results indicated that subjects who underwent combined-modality treatment maintained significantly higher mean airflow rates for significantly longer periods. Moreover, there was a carryover effect in these patients when they received Botox only. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia is treated most effectively when intrinsic laryngeal muscle spasms are reduced or eliminated by Botox injection and extrinsic hyperfunctional vocal behaviors are treated with voice therapy     

Magnetic-Field-Dependent Electronic Relaxation of Gd3+ in Aqueous Solutions of the Complexes [Gd(H2O)8]3+, [Gd(propane-1,3-diamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate)(H2O)2]−, and [Gd(N,N′-bis[(N-methylcarbamoyl)methyl]-3-azapentane-1,5-diamine-3,N,N′-triacetate)(H2O)] of interest in magnetic-resonance imaging

EPR Spectra have been measured for aqueous solutions of a series of Gd³⁺ complexes at variable temperature and a range of magnetic fields; S-band (0.14 T), X-band (0.34 T), Q-band (1.2 T), and 2-mm-band (5.0 T). The major contribution to the observed line widths is magnetic-field-dependent and is interpreted as being due to the modulation of the zero-field splitting produced by distortion of the complexes from perfect symmetry. The transverse and longitudinal relaxation matrices for an ⁸S ion with such an interaction have been calculated using Redfield theory with vector-coupling methods, and diagonalised numerically to obtain relaxation rates and intensities for the degenerate transitions which contribute to the multiplet. The observed line width, which is inversely proportional to the magnetic field at low temperatures, is best described by the intensity-weighted mean transverse relaxation time for the four transitions with non-zero intensity. A least-squares fit of the data yields the square of the zero-field splitting tensor, Δ², and a correlation time, τ_v, with activation energy, E_v. The physical significance of these parameters and the extent of validity of the theoretical approach are considered. The parameters are used to predict the magnetic-field dependence of the longitudinal and transverse electronic relaxation times, which are discussed in the context of their relevance to ¹H-NMR relaxivity.     

Electron tuning of frequency in gyrotrons

Formulas for shifts of gyrotron autooscillation frequency due to change of electron beam parameters are presented. The frequency shifts can be commensurable with the frequency band of the beam-unloaded cavity. The autooscillation frequency is most sensitive to the change of the magnetic field, less to the change of the anode voltage and least to the the change of the beam voltage. Experiments presented are in satisfactory agreement with the theory.The authors wish to thank M.I. Petelin for his interest to the present work.     

1H and13C nuclear magnetic relaxation and local dynamics of lysozyme and synthetic polypeptides

The combined analysis of¹H and¹³C NMR relaxation data in solid lysozyme and some typical homopolypeptides was carried out by using “model-free” approach. Three types of relaxation transitions (γ’, γ and β) were revealed in the temperature range investigated. The microdynamical parameters of these motions were determined. From the comparison of these parameters with those of selected synthetic polymers it follows that the molecular motions in proteins and synthetic polymers are of the same nature. All these motions show pronounced anisotropic character. In the investigated temperature range no molecular motions corresponding to α-relaxation (liquid-like) transition were revealed. The hydration effects on parameters of the motions in proteins were considered. The most pronounced effect takes place for β-transition. The effect of Brownian rotation of protein molecule in solution on measured correlation function of local motions was also discussed.     

Structural study of methyl 2,6-diphenyl-N-methyl-4-oxopiperidine-3,5-dicarboxylate enolic forms

The methyl 2,6-diphenyl-1-methyl-4-oxopiperidine-3,5-dicarboxylates 1 were synthesized by the Mannich procedure from methyl 3-oxoglutarate, benzaldehyde and methylamine. Keto-enol tautomerism as well as configurational isomerism at C-2 were observed. The stereochemistry of the Ib and Ic enolic forms were determined by ¹H and ¹³C nmr data.     

Amplification of radiation due to the four-photon parametric process in potassium vapor

The results of the experimental investigation of the radiation amplification due to the stimulated four-photon parametric process in potassium vapor are reported. Two cells with active medium (an oscillatoramplifier system) are used in the experiments. The dominating role of IR radiation 6S → 5P (3.66 µm) in the amplification of violet radiation 5P → 4S (0.4 µm) generated due to the parametric process at two-photon excitation 4S → 6S is shown. This role is conditioned by optically pumped stimulated emission (OPSE). Optical conditions for the amplification of a seed radiation are determined in accordance with their intensity and the buffer gas (He) pressure. The problem of the image conversion from the IR to a visible one with quantum efficiency above 100% is discussed.     

Branched chain discotics Phase structure and orientation behaviour

Studies show that branching the side chains of hexakis(acoyloxy)-benzenes (HAB) and -cyclohexanes (HAChx) does not modify the structure of the discotic mesophase formed. Shear fields appear to act on entire columns, not on individual discs, thereby causing alignment of columns in the shear direction. X-ray diffraction patterns of samples at temperatures between 30°C and 40°C above the clearing temperature provide evidence for the presence of mesophase order.