cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypercapnia-Induced Modifications of Neuronal Function in the Cerebral Cortex of Newborn Piglets

There is significant controversy over the effects of hypercapnia on the human newborn brain. Previous studies have shown that 1 h of an arterial CO2 pressure (Paco2) of 80 mm Hg alters brain cell membrane Na+K+-ATPase enzyme activity in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets. The present study tests the hypothesis that hypercapnia (either a Paco2 of 65 or 80 mm Hg) results in decreased energy metabolism and alters neuronal nuclear enzyme activity and protein expression, specifically Ca++/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) IV activity, phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and expression of apoptotic proteins in cortical neuronal nuclei of newborn piglets. Studies were performed in 20 anesthetized normoxic piglets ventilated at either a Paco2 of 65 mm Hg, 80 mm Hg, or 40 mm Hg for 6 h. Energy metabolism was documented by ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) levels. Results show ATP and PCr levels were significantly lower in the hypercapnic groups than the normocapnic. CaMK IV activity, phosphorylated CREB density, and Bax protein expression were all significantly higher in the hypercapnic groups than the normocapnic group. Bcl-2 protein was similar in all three groups, making the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 significantly higher in the hypercapnic groups than in the normocapnic group. We conclude that hypercapnia alters neuronal energy metabolism, increases phosphorylation of transcription factors, and increases the expression of apoptotic proteins in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets and therefore may be deleterious to the newborn brain.
Pentose phosphate pathway activity of the chick embryo in ovo.

Using a novel radio-respirometer, the relative activity of the pentose phosphate pathway has been determined at various stages of development of the chick embryo, by comparing the recovery of C14O2 from glucose labeled in position one (G-1) to that from glucose labeled in position six (G-6). Resiprometry was performed on the intact embryo in ovo using concentrations of glucose within the range found in normal embryonic body fluids. Significantly greater recovery of C14O2 from G-1 relative to that from G-6 was obtained at 68–72 hours and again at 6–8 days. These periods correspond in temporal position with previously reported maxima in glucose-6-phosphate deydrogenase activity in the brain of the developing chick embryo and are considered to support the interpretation that patterns of the enzyme activity, determined on homogenates in vitro, reflect patterns of activity of the pentose phosphate pathway in ovo.
Experimental Evaluation of Δ S ° rxn , Δ H ° rxn , and Δ G ° rxn Using Voltaic Cells: A First-Year College Chemistry Laboratory

Six voltaic cells have been evaluated for their suitability in the determination of thermodynamic parameters. The cells were prepared with all species present at conditions that approximate standard-state conditions and cell potentials were measured as a function of temperature. From these measurements graphs of voltage versus temperature were prepared. From these graphs it was possible to determine the standard heats of reaction (ΔIIrxn), standard change in entropy or disorder (ΔS°rxn), and the Gibbs free energy (ΔG°rxn) for the spontaneous oxidation-reduction reactions. The standard cell potential (E°cell values were also calculated. Two cells with opposite temperature dependence of the cell potential were found to produce good agreement with the literature values of ΔG°rxn, ΔH°rxn, ΔS°rxn and E°cell. Criteria for identifying additional cells that may be suitable for potentiometric studies of thermodynamic parameters are also included.
Evaluation of Lipoid Pneumonia

SUMMARY In this study lipoid pneumonias are classified as (1) exogenous, manifested by paraffinomas or oil granulomas due to aspiration of mineral, vegetable, or animal oils; and (2) endogenous (cholesterol pneumonitis, Wegener's granuloma, etc.). Nine cases of lipoid granuloma treated surgically in the past 10 years were reviewed in the light of new etiological factors. All had been previously classified as oil granulomas or paraffinomas. Indeed, the gross appearance of the lesions in both types may look alike to the casual observer. However, histological studies revealed that five of our cases should be classified as endogenous, rather than exogenous, lipoid pneumonia. The source of exogenous lipids is obvious; the cause of cholesterol deposits is harder to evaluate and possible reasons for the presence of cholesterol are discussed. It seems likely that many cholesterol granulomas are absorbed spontaneously and only those lesions persist that have met with severe desmoplastic reaction. These may require thorocotomy if extensive cavitation occurs. Those lesions of an exogenous nature may be diagnosed by repeated sputum analyses and special stains, supported by history of the use of oils. Treatment consists of discontinuing the use of the offending oil and rarely is surgical removal necessary.
Some Results of NASA-Iowa State University Research on Axial-Flow Pumps

This paper is a commentary on a small chapter in the recent history of turbomachinery research. It was written to describe the positive influence of an individual, Melvin J. Hartmann, working in a federal research center, on a particular university research program. However, in its final form, it cannot help but shed some light on the long-term effects of small-scale mission-oriented, federal agency funding of engineering research in universities. Secondarily, it will recall a series of experimental investigations of axial-flow pump configurations which produced data of possible relevance to current compressor and pump problems.Copyright © 1993 by ASME
Is there a need to continue anticoagulation following "successful" atrial fibrillation ablation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically significant arrhythmia worldwide, and its incidence is increasing. There has been increasing interest in ablation therapy to treat atrial fibrillation. One reason some patients undergo AF ablation might be to obviate the need for warfarin therapy, although current guidelines do not support this rationale. The current review shows that it is difficult to define a true “cure” postablation, as many of these patients will go on to experience future paroxysms of AF (either symptomatic or silent). The mechanism underlying embolism in patients with AF is not completely understood, and no long-term evidence exists that “successfully ablated” patients return to a baseline risk of stroke comparable to an AF-naive population. The authors recommend continued long-term anticoagulation post–AF ablation in patients satisfying CHADS criteria for elevated stroke risk.
DOES VALSALVA LEAK POINT PRESSURE PREDICT OUTCOME AFTER THE DISTAL URETHRAL POLYPROPYLENE SLING? ROLE OF URODYNAMICS IN THE SLING ERA

ABSTRACT Purpose: Recently sling procedures have been shown to be effective in the treatment of all types of incontinence. In this study we evaluated the role of preoperative Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) in predicting the outcome of sling surgery. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 174 consecutive patients who underwent a distal polypropylene sling procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Using SEAPI scores patients were divided by VLPP into group 1—60 patients who did not leak on urodynamics, group 2—27 patients with VLPP greater than 80 cm H 2 O, group 3—71 patients with VLPP 30 to 80 cm H 2 O and group 4—16 patients with VLPP less than 30 cm H 2 O. Surgical outcomes were determined by symptom, bother and quality of life questionnaires filled out by patients. The physicians were blinded to patient response. Results: Mean followup was 14.7 months (range 12 to 30) and mean patient age was 62 years (range 32 to 88). The groups were well matched before surgery with respect to age, number of previous surgeries, and severity of SUI symptoms and urge incontinence. The percentage of patients who were cured or improved was similar among groups. After surgery there was no statistical difference among patient mean self-reported symptoms of or bother from SUI or urge incontinence. Conclusions: The distal urethral polypropylene sling provides similar symptom improvement in all patients regardless of preoperative VLPP. VLPP is helpful in the diagnosis of SUI but appears to be of minimal benefit in predicting the outcome of the distal urethral polypropylene sling procedure.
Radiobiology of the oral tissues.

M. S. Burstone, of the University of Chicago, reviews the available information on injury to oral tissues caused by radiation. He summarizes the ways in which radioisotopes are used in experimental studies of cellular injury. The changes produced by radiation lead to cell death, alterations of organ function, and in some instances to neoplastic growth. Dr. Burstone summarizes the theories of injury to oral tissues by penetrating radiation and draws from personal experience for brief descriptions of the types of injuries produced.
Optimization of a Low-Gravity Two-Phase System for Lunar Heat Rejection

A mathematical model of a low-gravity reflux boiler system for lunar-surface heat rejection, including the performance of a single tube and a linear array of tubes, is described. Model verification is demonstrated throughcorrelation with NASA vacuum chamber test data. Performance comparisons are made between three manufactured configurations of the tubes for similar environmental conditions and with the tube dimensions normalized with respect to one another. Finally, the optimization of a linear array of composite tubes for operation in a worstcase lunar surface thermal environment is presented. A pitch-to-diameter ratio of between 4 and 5 is recommended because that choice provides over 95% of the maximum heat transfer with a more logistically feasible array.
Slurry reactor studies of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions

A dynamic model is derived for simultaneous, homogeneous and heterogeneous, first-order reactions in a slurry reactor. The theory is applied to experimental data for the oxidation (with gaseous oxygen) of aqueous sulfite solutions which is first order in oxygen and zero order in sulfite. The homogeneous reaction is very slow at low pH (2–3) where the sulfur exists as dissolved SO2 or HSO3−, even when cobalt is added as a homogeneous catalyst. At higher pH (7–8.5), considerable homogeneous reaction occurs with and without cobalt ions. Here the predominant species are SO3= and HSO3−. Activated carbon is not a heterogeneous catalyst at pH 7 or 8.5, but is responsible for nearly all the reaction at the low pH values. Analysis of the heterogeneous data indicates that the surface reaction between adsorbed oxygen and SO2 controls the rate rather than adsorption of oxygen.
Finding Reliable Shortest Paths in Dynamic Stochastic Networks

A reliable a priori shortest path (RASP) offers the least time budget and ensures that a traveler can arrive at the destination on time with the desired probability. A RASP is equivalent to enumerating all nondominated paths under the first-order stochastic dominance rule. Compared with the problem in static networks, the RASP problem becomes more complex in dynamic networks because it is more difficult to compute path travel time distributions. Two modules of process are the keys to solving the RASP problem. One module is the convolution scheme (how to compute a path travel time distribution from its member links' travel time distributions), and the other module is the stochastic dominance scheme (how to determine nondominated paths). This study aims to find an efficient solution algorithm for this problem. An alternative convolution method is developed on the basis of the adaptive discretization approach, which was originally proposed to solve the RASP problem in static networks. In contrast, the higher...
Compression of digital chest x-rays

The application of digital technologies to chest radiography holds the promise of routine application of intage processing techniques to effect image enhancement. However, due to their inherent spatial resolution, digital chest images impose severe constraints on data storage devices. Compression of these images will relax such constraints and facilitate image transmission on a digital network. We have evaluated image processing algorithms aimed at compression of digital chest images while improving the diagnostic quality of the image. The image quality has been measured with respect to the task of tumor detection. Compression ratios of as high as 2:1 have been achieved. This compression can then be supplemented by irreversible methods.
Inhibition of Sintering and Surface Area Loss in Phosphorus‐Doped Corundum Derived from Diaspore

The influence of magnesium, phosphorus, and iron additions on the low-temperature (≤1000°C) sintering of nanocrystalline α-Al 2 O 3 derived from α-AlOOH has been investigated. α-AlOOH powder with a surface area of 50 m 2 /g yielded α-Al 2 O 3 products with surface areas of 150 and 80 m 2 /g after dehydration at temperatures of 400° and 500°C, respectively. However, these products were prone to sintering at >600°C, and the surface area was reduced to 15 m 2 /g within only 1 h at 1000°C. Although magnesium and iron doping had no discernible effect, the presence of phosphorus inhibited sintering and surface-area loss significantly. Samples doped with 1%-2% phosphorus had surface areas of >31 m 2 /g after 100 h at 1000°C. Atomic force microscopy studies of α-Al 2 O 3 pseudo-morphs derived from α-AlOOH single crystals also demonstrated the inhibiting effect of phosphorus, as the rate of crack elimination was reduced on phosphorus-modified surfaces. The effects of the dopants are discussed with regard to their potential influence on a-Al 2 O 3 surface energy and diffusivity.
COCORP profiling across the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen: Overthrusting of the Wichita Mountains and compression within the Anadarko Basin

COCORP (Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling) deep reflection profiles recorded across the Wichita Mountains and Anadarko Basin suggest that significant crustal shortening occurred in the final stages of the evolution of the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen. The crystalline rocks of the Wichita Mountains were thrust in Pennsylvanian time northeastward over sedimentary rocks of the Anadarko Basin along a series of faults with moderate (average 30° to 40°) and southwesterly dips. These faults can be traced possibly as deep as 20 to 24 km. Listric thrust faults and hanging-wall anticlines developed in the sedimentary rocks of the basin. These features contrast with conventional interpretations of Pennsylvanian structures as the result of predominantly vertical movements along high-angle faults, and they suggest that Pennsylvanian downwarping of the Anadarko Basin was at least partially due to thrust loading. Truncations of reflections from Cambrian-Ordovician rocks in the deepest part of the basin suggest normal faulting, which would support ideas of an early extensional stage in the aulacogen cycle. The distinctive Precambrian layering seen on earlier COCORP data recorded south of the Wichita Mountains cannot be recognized under the Anadarko Basin, and the Proterozoic basin containing that layering may have been bounded on its north side by a Precambrian fault. This inferred fault was probably twice reactivated during formation of the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen—once during late Precambrian(?)-Early Cambrian extension, and again during Pennsylvanian compression. The popular view that aulacogens originated from radial rifting of updomed, homogeneous continental crust is probably too simplified, and a more important constraint on their location and development may be the nature of pre-existing lines of weakness.
Stereo display of CT images for lung cancer screening: a pilot study

To improve radiologist's performance in lesion detection and diagnosis on 3D medical image dataset, we have conducted a pilot study to test viability and efficiency of the stereo display for lung nodule detection and classification. Using our previously developed stereo compositing methods, stereo image pairs were prestaged and precalculated from CT slices for real-time interactive display. Three display modes (i.e., stereoscopic 3D, orthogonal MIP and slice-by-slice) were compared for lung nodule detection and total of eight radiologists have participated this pilot study to interpret the images. The performance of lung nodule detection was analyzed and compared between the modes using FROC analysis. Subjective assessment indicates that stereo display was well accepted by the radiologists, despite some uncertainty of beneficial results due to the novelty of the display. The FROC analysis indicates a trend that, among the three display modes, stereo display resulted in the best performance of nodule detection followed by slice-based display, although no statistically significant difference was shown between the three modes. The stereo display of a stack of thin CT slices has the potential to clarify three-dimensional structures, while avoiding ambiguities due to tissue superposition. Few studies, however, have addressed actual utility of stereo display for medical diagnosis. Our preliminary results suggest a potential role of stereo display for improving radiologists' performance in medical detection and diagnosis, and also indicate some factors likely affect the performance with new display, such as novelty of the display, training effect from projected radiography interpretation and confidence with the new technology.
Mars Aeronomy Explorer (MAX): study employing distributed microspacecraft

An overview of a Mars Aeronomy Explorer (MAX) mission design study performed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is presented herein. The mission design consists of ten microspacecraft orbiters launched on a Delta IV to Mars polar orbit to determine the spatial, diurnal and seasonal variation of the constituents of the Martian upper atmosphere and ionosphere over the course of one Martian year. The spacecraft are designed to allow penetration of the upper atmosphere to at least 90 km. This property coupled with orbit precession will yield knowledge of the nature of the solar wind interaction with Mars, the influence of the Mars crustal magnetic field on ionospheric processes, and the measurement of present thermal and nonthermal escape rates of atmospheric constituents. The mission design incorporates alternative design paradigms that are more appropriate for - and in some cases motivate-distributed microspacecraft. These design paradigms are not defined by a simple set of rules, but rather a way of thinking about the function of instruments, mission reliability/risk, and cost in a systemic framework.
Multiple cis- and trans-acting elements mediate the transcriptional response to phorbol esters.

Protein kinase C is important in the transduction of signals generated at the plasma membrane. The physiological activators of protein kinase C are diacylglycerols1, and the tumour-promoting phorbol esters, such as 12-O-tetradecanoyI-phorbol-14 acetate (TPA), constitute another group of specific activators1,2. Many cellular substrates for phosphorylation by protein kinase C have been described1,3, but proteins that directly control transcription in response to protein kinase C activation are yet to be identified. TPA treatment leads to induction of various proto-oncogenes4–7, growth factor genes7,8, and genes encoding secreted proteases9. In addition. TPA increases the activity of viral enhancer elements10–13. To identify trans-acting factors that mediate the transcriptional response to TPA we chose the simian virus 40 (SV40) enhancer14 as a model, because it is known to be composed of several discrete cis-acting elements15–18 which are recognized by multiple trans-acting factors19–21. We report here that the SV40 enhancer contains at least four different TPA responsive elements whose activity is dependent on cell-type. The induction response is likely to involve at least two distinct post-translational steps which modulate the activity of the proteins that recognize these elements.
A Bacterial Acetyltransferase Capable of Regioselective N-Acetylation of Antibiotics and Histones

The Salmonella enterica chromosomally encoded AAC(6')-Iy has been shown to confer broad aminoglycoside resistance in strains in which the structural gene is expressed. The three-dimensional structures reported place the enzyme in the large Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily. The structure of the CoA-ribostamycin ternary complex allows us to propose a chemical mechanism for the reaction, and comparison with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis AAC(2')-CoA-ribostamycin complex allows us to define how regioselectivity of acetylation is achieved. The AAC(6')-Iy dimer is most structurally similar to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hpa2-encoded histone acetyltransferase. We demonstrate that AAC(6')-Iy catalyzes both acetyl-CoA-dependent self-alpha-N-acetylation and acetylation of eukaryotic histone proteins and the human histone H3 N-terminal peptide. These structural and catalytic similarities lead us to propose that chromosomally encoded bacterial acetyltransferases, including those functionally identified as aminoglycoside acetyltransferases, are the evolutionary progenitors of the eukaryotic histone acetyltransferases.
Nutrition Education in Six Congregate Meal Sites Improves Participant's Nutrition Knowledge

Providing relevant nutrition education at federally funded senior centers is one way of increasing nutrition knowledge of older adults. The purpose of this study was to present three nutrition education sessions on the revised Food Guide Pyramid, dietary protein, and dietary fiber to older adults at six senior centers in Atlanta, Georgia. Three 20-minute lesson plans were developed and delivered at six senior centers over the course of 3 weeks. Forty-eight matched pre- and post-nutrition knowledge tests were analyzed and a significant difference (p < .01) in nutrition knowledge was found for the total score and three subtest scores.
3D Inverse Method for Turbomachine Blading With Splitter Blades

The use of a full 3D and viscous inverse method for turbomachine blading with splitter blades is demonstrated by carrying out a design modification of a transonic axial stator blade row with splitter blades. In this design modification study, the goal is to improve the aerodynamics of the full blade and the splitter blade, including weakening of shock wave and control of flow incidence. The improved blade design is “validated” using a well-known 3D Navier-Stokes analysis solver.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
The effects of intended audience on message production and comprehension: Reference in a common ground framework

Abstract Subjects performed a two-stage referential communication task. First, they created referring expressions for abstract figures either for another student (Social condition) or for themselves (Nonsocial condition). Second, the same subjects tried to identify the intended referents of their own expressions and those of other subjects who encoded in the Social and Nonsocial conditions. Expressions intended for another student were longer, employed less diverse vocabularies, and were less likely to describe the stimuli figuratively than expressions intended for oneself. The intended addressee of a message also affected its comprehensibility to others: while all subjects identified the largest proportion of their own messages, they did significantly better with others' messages when they were intended for another student rather than for the encoder him- or herself. Both sets of findings are discussed within a common ground framework of communication.
Magnetic relaxation studies of the motion of hydrogen and deuterium in iron

Abstract The motion of hydrogen and deuterium in iron at low temperatures was studied using magnetic relaxation techniques. A number of relaxations were observed which could be interpreted as due to H(D) mobility in various configurations. Relaxations at about 29, 34, 39 K (75, 93, 104 K) were identified as the reorientation motion of H-H (D-D) clusters while at 52 K (122 K) the relaxation was due to long range diffusion of H-H (D-D) clusters. Impurity trapping of H by C and N was studied and values for the C-H and N-H binding enthalpies were obtained. The motion of H around a C trapping site was observed to give a low temperature relaxation, the kinetics of which obeyed the Flynn-Stoneham tunneling theory. Trapping of H by dislocations was also observed and a H cold work peak was studied.
Nicardipine reduces the cardio-respiratory toxicity of intravenously administered bupivacaine in rats.

The purpose of our study was to examine the effect of intravenous (IV) nicardipine pretreatment (30 μg · kg−1), given three minutes before an IV bolus of bupivacaine to determine its effect on the incidence of fatal bupivacaine cardio-respiratory toxicity in adult male Sprague Dawley rats anaesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbital. Fifty rats were divided into four groups. Groups I and II (n = 10 each) received 3.5 mg · kg−1 0.5 per cent bupivacaine and Groups III and IV (n = 15 each) received 5.0 mg· kg−1, 0.5 per cent bupivacaine. Groups I and III received pretreatment with normal saline before bupiva-caine, whereas Groups II and IV were given pretreatment with nicardipine, 30 mg·kg−1. There was no difference in the incidence of survival between the nicardipine pretreatment group and the saline placebo pretreatment group given 3.5 mg· kg−1, 0.5 per cent bupivacaine (no fatalities in either group). However, there was significant protection by nicardipine pretreatment in the group given 5 mg · kg−1, 0.5 per cent bupivacaine (13 of 15 survived, compared with only 4 of 15 in the saline pretreatment group, P < 0.001). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that in rats given 0.5 per cent bupivacaine, 5 mg· kg−1, nicardipine pretreatment protected against fatal cardio-respiratory toxicity.
Estimation of fructokinase in crude tissue preparations

Abstract An assay for fructokinase activity is described that permits an accurate estimation of specific fructokinase in crude tissue preparations without interference of hexokinase activity. It utilizes two properties of hexokinases which differentiate hexokinase from fructokinase: (1) hexokinase activity is more labile to [H+] than is fructokinase, and (2) hexokinase activity is markedly inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine while fructokinase activity is relatively unaffected.
Advance in overset grid schemes - From Chimera to DRAGON grids

A new approach that uses nonstructured mesh to replace the arbitrarily overlapped structured regions of embedded grids is presented. The present methodology uses the Chimera overlapped structured grids that are independently generated and body fitted, yielding a high-quality grid readily accessible for efficient solution schemes. A hybrid grid scheme is then proposed that maximizes the advantages of the Chimera scheme and adapts the strengths of the unstructured grid while at the same time keeps its weaknesses minimal. This new adaptation to the Chimera thinking is the direct replacement of arbitrary grid overlapping by nonstructured (DRAGON) grid. The nonstructured grid region sandwiched between the structured grids is limited in size, resulting in only a small increase in memory and computational effort. The DRAGON grid method has three important advantages: 1) preserving strengths of the Chimera grid, 2) eliminating difficulties sometimes encountered in the Chimera scheme, and 3) making grid communication in a fully conservative and consistent manner insofar as the governing equations are concerned. Numerical results on representative two-dimensional steady and unsteady inviscid flows are demonstrated.
Cell Donor Influences Success of Producing Cattle by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

To assess sources of variation in nuclear transfer efficiency, bovine fetal fibroblasts (BFF), harvested from six Jersey fetuses, were cultured under various conditions. After transfection, frozen-thawed lung or muscle BFF donor cells were initially cultured in DMEM in 5% CO2 and air and some were transferred to MEM, with 5% or 20% O2 or 0.5% or 10% serum and G418 for 2‐3 wk. Selected clonal transfected fibroblasts were fused to enucleated oocytes. Fused couplets (n 5 4007), activated with ionomycin and 6-dimethylaminopurine, yielded 927 blastocysts, and 650 were transferred to 330 recipients. Fusion rate was influenced by oxygen tension in a fetus-dependent manner (P , 0.001). Blastocyst development was influenced in a number of ways. Hip fibroblast generated more blastocysts when cultured in MEM (P , 0.001). The influence of serum concentration was fetus dependent (P , 0.001) and exposing fibroblast to low oxygen was detrimental to blastocyst development (P , 0.001). Cells from two of the six fetuses produced embryos that maintained pregnancies to term, resulting in eight viable calves. Pregnancy rates 56 days after transfer for the two productive donor fetuses, was at least double that of other recipients and may provide a fitness indicator of BFF cell sources for nuclear transfer. We conclude that a significant component in determining somatic cell nuclear transfer success is the source of the nuclear donor cells. early development, embryo
Heart Failure and Lung Disease

The confusing and complex interplay of factors leading to "cor pulmonale" may be somewhat clarified if the effects of excessive pulmonary hypertension causing right heart overloading ("pulmonary hypertensive heart disease") are separated from the ventilatory defects that result in arterial desaturation, erythrocytosis, and moderate pulmonary hypertension ("emphysema heart"). In the former group, heart failure dominates the clinical picture; in the latter, it is assumed that heart failure occurs on the basis of a "myocardial factor"—presumably arteriosclerotic heart disease—whose manifestations are colored and modified by the coexisting and contributing respiratory dysfunction. Overlapping of these two distinct forms occurs frequently, and pulmonary hypertension may be severe enough to be the chief precipitating cause of failure in emphysema, particularly in young subjects and in patients with kyphoscoliosis. Respiratory disturbances, fibrosis, and loss of pulmonary elasticity may accompany heart failure secondary to right ventricular overloading which may ultimately lead to significant arterial desaturation at rest and the development of polycythemia, even in this group. It is typical, however, that the disturbances leading to cor pulmonale rarely, if ever, involve the actual pulmonary function of alveolar-capillary gas exchange; they are confined to the abnormalities of the precapillary pulmonary vasculature and to the mechanical apparatus of the chest cage and of the pulmonary parenchyma concerned with breathing mechanisms. Pulmonary hypertensive heart disease, whatever its cause, has a monotonous symptomatology that is dominated by the signs of heart failure. In cor pulmonale due to emphysema and its allied types, the clinical picture is varied, and oxygen deficiency with arterial desaturation is of central significance. It raises pulmonary artery pressure by a mechanism not fully understood, and it stimulates erythropoiesis. When erythrocytosis has occurred, heart failure from cor pulmonale will soon make its appearance. Unless the arterial oxygen content falls sharply on exercise, resting oxygen saturation values in excess of 80 per cent do not cause this type of polycythemia; nor does polycythemia as such, as in erythremia ("vera"), result in significant arterial desaturation, pulmonary hypertension, or heart failure. However, little is known concerning the hemodynamic load imposed by an increase in blood viscosity. The management of cor pulmonale must recognize the multiplicity of factors that are concerned and should weigh their relative significance in any given subject. The kaleidoscopic appearance of cor pulmonale requires flexibility of therapy based on a grasp of the individual pathophysiologic interrelations, which may differ from patient to patient.
Preservation of Rhythmic Clocking in Cochlear Implant Users: A Study of Isochronous Versus Anisochronous Beat Detection

The capacity for internal rhythmic clocking involves a relationship between perceived auditory input and subsequent cognitive processing by which isochronous auditory stimuli induce a temporal beat expectancy in a listener. Although rhythm perception has previously been examined in cochlear implant (CI) users through various tasks based primarily on rhythm pattern identification, such tasks may not have been sufficiently nuanced to detect defects in internal rhythmic clocking, which requires temporal integration on a scale of milliseconds. The present study investigated the preservation of such rhythmic clocking in CI participants through a task requiring detection of isochronicity in the final beat of a four-beat series presented at different tempos. Our results show that CI users performed comparably to normal hearing (NH) participants in all isochronous rhythm detection tasks but that professionally trained musicians (MUS) significantly outperformed both NH and CI participants. These results suggest that CI users have intact rhythm perception even on a temporally demanding task that requires tight preservation of timing differences between a series of auditory events. Also, these results suggest that musical training might improve rhythmic clocking in CI users beyond normal hearing levels, which may be useful in light of the deficits in spectral processing commonly observed in CI users.
Thiopental attenuates hypoxic changes of electrophysiology, biochemistry, and morphology in rat hippocampal slice CA1 pyramidal cells.

Background and Purpose—Thiopental has been shown to protect against cerebral ischemic damage; however, it has undesirable side effects. We have examined how thiopental alters histological, physiological, and biochemical changes during and after hypoxia. These experiments should enable the discovery of agents that share some of the beneficial effects of thiopental. Methods—We made intracellular recordings and measured ATP, sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations from CA1 pyramidal cells in rat hippocampal slices subjected to 10 minutes of hypoxia with and without 600 μmol/L thiopental. Results—Thiopental delayed the time until complete depolarization (21±3 versus 11±2 minutes for treated versus untreated slices, respectively) and attenuated the level of depolarization at 10 minutes of hypoxia (−33±6 versus −12±5 mV). There was improved recovery of the resting potential after 10 minutes of hypoxia in slices treated with thiopental (89% versus 31% recovery). Thiopental attenuated the changes in sodium ...
Generic Security Policy Transformation Framework for WS-Security

Model-driven security is a framework to configure WS-security easily. It generates a security policy written in WS-security policy to be transformed into platform-specific configuration files. Since the WS-security policy specification is quite complicated, it is difficult to directly map between a security policy and a configuration. We propose a generic security policy transformation framework using an intermediate model. The intermediate model structure is designed based on the WS-security message structure, because both a security policy and the configuration files correspond to one WS-security message, even though the WS-security policy is flexible in specifying security requirements. Our contributions are simpler transformation rules compared to direct mapping, the support for various platforms, and more flexible updates if the WS-security policy specification changes. We demonstrate the transformation using the intermediate model for WebSphere application server 6.0.
Regression methods in the empiric analysis of health care data.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this paper is to provide health care decision makers with a conceptual foundation for regression analysis by describing the principles of correlation,regression,and residual assessment. SUMMARY:Researchers are often faced with the need to describe quantitatively the relationships between outcomes and pre d i c t o r s ,with the objective of ex p l a i n i n g trends,testing hypotheses,or developing models for forecasting. Regression models are able to incorporate complex mathematical functions and operands (the variables that are manipulated) to best describe the associations between sets of variables. Unlike many other statistical techniques,regression allows for the inclusion of variables that may control for confounding phenomena or risk factors. For robust analyses to be conducted,however,the assumptions of regression must be understood and researchers must be aware of diagnostic tests and the appropriate procedures that may be used to correct for violations in model assumptions. C O N C L U S I O N :Despite the complexities and intricacies that can exist in re gre s s i o n , this statistical technique may be applied to a wide range of studies in managed care settings. Given the increased availability of data in administrative databases, the application of these procedures to pharmacoeconomics and outc o m e s assessments may result in more varied and useful scientific investigationsand provide a more solid foundation for health care decision making.
MEASUREMENT OF B(t→Wb)/B(t→Wq)

We measure the ratio R = B(t→Wb)/B(t→Wq) in top-quark decays at CDF. R is determined from the relative rates of identified b jets in decays reconstructed both in the lepton-plus-jets and dilepton final states. We obtain R>0.62 at the 95% CL, consistent with Standard Model expectations.
Psychotherapy: A Guided Tour Down the Yellow Brick Road of Life

This book begins with a metaphorical reminder of the story of the Wizard of Oz. As Dorothy and her friends travel down the yellow brick road, they encounter challenges that require them to unknowingly practice a variety of skills that, when brought to the characters’ conscious awareness by the Wizard and the Good Witch at the end of the story, ultimately lead to their success in achieving the goals they set for themselves. As Glickman reveals throughout his book, the role of the therapist is similar to that of these magical individuals. Clients traveling down the yellow brick roads of their lives encounter many challenges. An effective therapist points out skills that clients are already using for these challenges, assists them in discovering how these skills can be used more effectively, and reminds them that ultimately the power to make a difference in their lives already exists within. Glickman’s approach called Skills and Stories uses life stories to develop necessary skills for coping with life’s challenges. Glickman provides a useful research-based description of deaf and hearing persons with language and learning challenges, otherwise referred to by the author as the ‘‘traditionally underserved.’’ This timely and easyto-read book brings necessary attention to the potential ramifications of a lack of visual access to communication in the formative years. Language skill influences the ability to problem-solve as well as the inner-stories people tell themselves when they encounter challenge or conflict thereby dictating how they perceive, react to, and choose to cope with daily challenges. Recognizing that long-term language dysfluency can impact attention, behavior, social, and psychosocial functioning, Glickman emphasizes that language skill, not hearing loss, is the key distinguishing variable between deaf and hearing clientele; however, the focus of the book is on the subset of deaf clientele who are ‘‘low functioning’’ rather than Deaf/deaf individuals with fully developed language and literacy skills. For this subset of the population, simply adding an interpreter to the therapeutic environment is not sufficient. Clinicians must understand the culture and experiences of the individuals they serve. Drawing on the practices of established approaches to therapy, modifications are suggested to align with the specialized needs of individuals who experience communicative challenges. Given the difficulty this target population is likely to experience with the written word, a valuable CD is provided that includes over 1,500 gender/race-neutral drawn images of a variety of concepts related to daily living, mental health, and substance abuse that can be used in therapy settings or classrooms to teach challenging concepts to low-language individuals. An appendix describes the contents of the CD with suggestions on how it may be used in therapeutic settings. This book is an excellent resource for therapists,
Prevalence of physical health issues of youth with school identified disabilities in residential settings: A brief report

Abstract Background Each year a number of youth with a school identified disability are placed in residential care. It has been well documented that these youth enter with elevated rates of behavioral, emotional, educational, mental health, and familial challenges. However, the physical and medical condition of these youth remains unstudied. Objective The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of health and medical problems among a group of youth with school identified disabilities at entrance to a residential care center. Methods Archival medical, demographic, and disability status data were obtained for 346 youth served in a large residential care center in the Midwest. Chi-square and correlation tests, and relative risk ratio estimates, were used to evaluate the relationship between medical condition and hypothesized correlates. Results Findings revealed that over one-third of the sample had at least one medical condition, with asthma being the most prevalent (15.6%). Rates of medical condition differed by disability type and prevalence of asthma differed by race/ethnicity. Conclusions Youth with a school identified disability in care demonstrate health care needs that need to be addressed while in care and following community reintegration. Intervention programs and targeted curriculum are needed to teach youth how to manage their health specific needs and how to independently navigate the health care system.
Adjuvant Properties of Montanide CSA 720 with a Recombinant HIV P17 gag Protein and Synthetic Peptide Antigens

The adjuvant properties of Montanide CSA 720 were assessed in a comparison with alum. BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant HIV-1 gag protein p17 administered in either of the two adjuvants. The serum antibody response to p17 with Montanide CSA 720 appeared faster and reached a higher titre than with alum. The serum antibody response to p17 in Montanide CSA 720 was further characterized by a higher titre antibody directed against a 30 amino acid segment from the entire protein. The Montanide CSA 720 adjuvant was sufficiently strong to induce an antibody response against a weak synthetic peptide immunogen after two immunizations, while immunization with the peptide in alum generated no detectable serum antibody. The p17-specific proliferative response of splenocytes from animals immunized with recombinant protein in either adjuvant was similar.
In vivo human retinal and choroidal vasculature visualization using differential phase contrast swept source optical coherence tomography at 1060 nm

A differential phase contrast (DPC) method is validated for in vivo human retinal and choroidal vasculature visualization using high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) at 1060 nm. The vasculature was identified as regions of motion by creating differential phase variance (DPV) tomograms: multiple B-scans were collected of individual slices through the retina and the variance of the phase differences was calculated. DPV captured the small vessels and the meshwork of capillaries associated with the inner retina in en face images over 4 mm^2 in a normal subject. En face DPV images were capable of capturing the microvasculature and regions of motion through the inner retina and choroid.
We must not forget what we once knew: an exemplar for helping nurses reconnect with their history and rediscover their passion for nursing.

Whether it is adhering to the latest regulatory requirements, measuring performance, evaluating the patient’s experience of care, or preventing pressure ulcers, nothing is more vital to the success...
Association between nonrandom X-chromosome inactivation and BRCA1 mutation in germline DNA of patients with ovarian cancer.

Background: Most human female cells contain two X chromosomes, only one of which is active. The process of Xchromosome inactivation, which occurs early in development, is usually random, producing tissues with equal mixtures of cells having active X chromosomes of either maternal or paternal origin. However, nonrandom inactivation may occur in a subset of females. If a tumor suppressor gene were located on the X chromosome and if females with a germline mutation in one copy of that suppressor gene experienced nonrandom X-chromosome inactivation, then some or all of the tissues of such women might lack the wild-type suppressor gene function. This scenario could represent a previously unrecognized mechanism for development of hereditary cancers. We investigated whether such a mechanism might contribute to the development of hereditary ovarian cancers. Methods: Patterns of X-chromosome inactivation were determined by means of polymerase chain reaction amplification of the CAG-nucleotide repeat of the androgen receptor (AR) gene after methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease digestion of blood mononuclear cell DNA from patients with invasive (n = 213) or borderline (n = 44) ovarian cancer and control subjects without a personal or family history of cancer (n = 50). BRCA1 gene status was determined by means of single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results and Conclusions: Among individuals informative for the AR locus, nonrandom X-chromosome inactivation was found in the DNA of 53% of those with invasive cancer versus 28% of those with borderline cancer (P = .005) and 33% of healthy control subjects (P = .016). Nonrandom X-chromosome inactivation can be a heritable trait. Nine of 11 AR-informative carriers of germline BRCA1 m utations d emonstrated n onrandom X chromosome inactivation (.0002 < P < .008, for simultaneous occurrence o f b oth). Implications: Nonrandom X chromosome inactivation may be a predisposing factor for the development of invasive, but not borderline, ovarian cancer. [J Natl Cancer Inst 1999;91:339‐46]
Conditional linear planning

In this paper we present a sound and complete linear planning algorithm which accomodates conditional actions: actions whose effects cannot be predicted with certainty. Conditional linear planning is significantly simpler than conditional non-linear planning in conception and implementation. Furthermore, the efficiency tradeoffs which favor non-linear planning do not necessarily carry over with the same force to planning with conditional actions. We have applied our conditional linear planner, PLINTH, to the problem of planning image processing actions for NASA's Earth Observing System. We discuss the extension of PLINTH to probabilistic planning.