cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in African Americans: effects of steroids and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

ABSTRACT Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common primary glomerulopathy in African Americans. In this report, we present data on 40 African American patients with FSGS from our medical center. Methods: Patients were identified from a review of all charts seen in our conservative management renal clinic in 1996, a review of renal biopsy rolls (1994–1998), and a review of patients entering the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) program with a primary diagnosis of FSGS (1993–1997). Charts were reviewed for demographic, biopsy, and treatment data. Patients who were observed for at least 4 months (range, 4–125 months) were included. ESRD was used as the primary endpoint (n = 12). Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox hazards and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Twenty-four patients were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Similarly, 24 patients were treated with corticosteroids for a mean of 8.75 ± 2.6 months and a total dose of 9.3 ± 2.2 g. Results: On univariate analysis, factors found to be significant determinants for reaching ESRD were the initial creatinine ( P = 0.0001), interstitial fibrosis ( P = 0.032), the percentage of globally sclerosed glomeruli ( P = 0.0018), and the mean arterial blood pressure over the course of follow-up ( P = 0.05). Neither the ACE inhibitors nor the corticosteroids had a significant impact on reaching ESRD. The patients reaching ESRD (n = 12) were analyzed separately. The mean time from biopsy to ESRD was 24.7 ± 9.8 months. ACE inhibitors prolonged renal survival ( P = 0.023), but steroids did not. Initial creatinine was the only factor found to be a significant determinant for ESRD. Conclusions: We conclude that FSGS is common in African Americans. Early diagnosis and blood pressure control are important, but the beneficial effects of steroids and ACE inhibitors in this population are still unclear.
Gender differences in smoking and cessation behaviors among young adults after implementation of local comprehensive tobacco control.

Objectives. We sought to study gender differences in young adult smoking declines and enrollment in populationwide cessation services.Methods. The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene implemented populationwide cessation programs to distribute free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); demographic data were collected from enrollees. Smoking prevalence was assessed using data from the Community Health Survey, an annual population-based survey.Results. Between 2002 and 2005, smoking among young adults in NYC declined from 23.8% to 18.8%, which was explained entirely by a 41.8% decline among young adult women (23.2% to 13.5); prevalence remained at 24% among young adult men. More young adult women enrolled in cessation services than did men, although once enrolled, the likelihood of using NRT was high among both groups.Conclusions. Among young adults, women have been responsive to comprehensive tobacco control, but men require more-intensive strategies. Population-wide NRT distribution c...
Preparation and characterization of synthetic models for the dense bodies of human platelets

Abstract Calcium-pyrophosphate-nucleotide precipitates have been formed in vitro with a composition which is essentially identical to that reported for the dense bodies (storage vesicles) of human platelets. The solution composition and effect of pH on precipitate formation, as well as the dissolution behavior and degree of protonation of the various species, were determined. The precipitates have a similar composition and form equally well at pH 5.7 or 7.4, or with various monovalent counter ions in the starting solutions. In all cases, the adenine nucleotides appear to be associated with fewer protons than the corresponding species in free solution, and all precipitate components can exchange or dissolve rapidly unless the precipitate is maintained in a solution relatively rich in calcium and adenine nucleotides. These precipitates may serve as useful models for examining the relative contributions of the dense-body membrane and core constituents to the uptake and storage of biogenic amines by human platelets.
Correlates of Dietary Intake in Youth with Diabetes: Results from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

Abstract Objective To explore demographic, socioeconomic, diabetes-related, and behavioral correlates of dietary intake of dairy, fruit, vegetables, sweetened soda, fiber, calcium, and saturated fat in youth with diabetes. Methods Cross-sectional study of youth 10-22 years old with type 1 (T1DM, n = 2,176) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM, n = 365). Association of dietary intake, demographics, socioeconomic status, behavioral, and diabetes-related measures was explored with quantile regression. Results T1DM males had lower consumption of vegetables, fruit, and fiber, and higher consumption of soda and saturated fat than females ( P P P Conclusions and Implications Identified demographic and behavioral correlates may help dietitians to focus on groups of youth with diabetes who have lower adherence to a healthful diet. Diet counseling groups may be tailored according to these major determinants.
Visual clues to emotional states: Rodin's “Burghers of Calais”

In the well-known, recorded Gsell-Rodin conversations of 1911, Gsell summarized Rodin's theory of the expressiveness of the human image: "Generally the face alone is considered to be the mirror of the soul: the mobility of the features of the face seems to us the unique exteriorization of the spiritual life. In reality, there is not one muscle of the body that does not express variations within. Each speaks of joy or sadness, enthusiasm or despair, calm or rage. Out-stretched arms, an unrestrained torso can smile with as much sweetness as eyes or lips. But in order to be able to interpret all aspects of the flesh, one must be trained patiently in the spelling and reading of the pages of this beautiful book" (Art: Conversations With Paul Gsell. Translated by deCaso J, Sanders PB. Berkeley, CA, University of California Press, 1984, p 10). The question thus arises, how can we as students of the human condition undertake this necessary training? How might we develop the aesthetic senses to appreciate the legibility of the human face and form more fully? For assistance in this undertaking we naturally turn to the artist. For the artist "sees" the world through eyes trained to acutely appreciate color, light and shadow, surface and volume, and inner truth. In particular, the education and training of Rodin, and the development of his artistic technique and insight, offer the health care professional rich intellectual material for this study. A closer look at the conception and evolution of Rodin's masterpiece, "The Burghers of Calais," amply illustrates this vision.
Interactions of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder therapeutic agents with the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential interactions of the drug transporter P-glycoprotein with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) therapeutic agents atomoxetine — and the individual isomers of methylphenidate, amphetamine, and modafinil utilizing established in vitro assay. An initial ATPase assay indicated that both d- and l-methylphenidate have weak affinity for P-glycoprotein. The intracellular accumulation of P-glycoprotein substrates doxorubicin and rhodamine123 in the P-glycoprotein overexpressing cell line LLC-PK1/MDR1 was determined to evaluate potential inhibitory effects on P-glycoprotein. The results demonstrated that all compounds, except both modafinil isomers, significantly increased doxorubicin and rhodamine123 accumulation in LLC-PK1/MDR1 cells at higher concentrations. To investigate the P-glycoprotein substrate properties, the intracellular concentrations of the tested compounds in LLC-PK1/MDR1 and P-glycoprotein negative LLC-PK1 cells were measured in the presence and absence of the P-glycoprotein inhibitor PSC833. The results indicate that the accumulation of d-methylphenidate in LLC-PK1 cells was 32.0% higher than in LLC-PK1/MDR1 cells. Additionally, coadministration of PSC833 leads to 52.9% and 45.6% increases in d-modafinil and l-modafinil accumulation, respectively, in LLC-PK1/MDR1 cells. Further studies demonstrated that l-modafinil transport across LLC-PK1/MDR1 cell monolayers in the basolateral-to-apical (B–A) direction was significantly higher than in the apical-to-basolateral (A–B) direction. PSC833 treatment significantly decreased the transport of l-modafinil in B–A direction. In conclusion, our results suggest that all tested agents with the exception of modafinil isomers are relatively weak P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Furthermore, P-glycoprotein may play a minor role in the transport of d-methylphenidate, d-modafinil, and l-modafinil.
Influence of growth and adrenocorticotropic hormones on the body composition of hypophysectomized rats.

a. the influence of growth hormone The changes in the body composition of animals after treatment with pituitary growth extracts have been studied by several investigators. Both Downs (1930) and Wadehn (1932) obtained accelerated growth in mice with a pituitary preparation and found that the treated animals contained more water and protein but less fat than did the controls. Bierring and Nielsen (1932) induced increase in body weight in rats by an alkaline anterior pituitary extract and showed that the body weight increment was not entirely due to retention of water. Using the pair-fed technique, Lee and Schaffer (1934) conclusively demonstrated that the growth in rats caused by injection of pituitary growth extract is chiefly due to increase in the protein and water content and that there is a decrease in fat. Recent studies of Young 1945) have confirmed these findings.
Physical fitness, endurance training, and the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor I system in adolescent females.

We examined the relationship between physical fitness and circulating components of the GH-insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) system [i.e. GH, GH-binding protein (GHBP), IGF-I, and IGF-binding proteins 1-5 (IGFBP-1 through-5)] in adolescent females (age range, 15-17 yr). The study consisted of 1) a cross-sectional protocol (n = 23) in which GH-IGF-I components were correlated with fitness, as estimated by thigh muscle volume and maximal O2 uptake; and 2) a prospective study in which fitness, GH-IGF-I system components, and osteocalcin were examined before and after a 5-week period of endurance-type training (control, n = 6; trained, n = 10). The cross-sectional analysis revealed significant (P < 0.05) positive correlations between fitness and 1) mean 12-h overnight GH levels, 2) GHBP, and 3) IGF-I. Muscle volume was negatively correlated with both IGFBP-2 and -4. The prospective training study was associated with 1) increases in circulating osteocalcin (39 +/- 14%; P < 0.007), and 2) decreases in IGF-I (-14 +/- 5%; P < 0.05) and IGFBP-5 (-10 +/- 4%; P < 0.04). Unexpectedly, IGFBP-3 fell in both control (-8 +/- 2%; P < 0.01) and trained subjects (-5 +/- 3%; P < 0.05), and GHBP was reduced only among control subjects (-10 +/- 7%; P < 0.04). In summary, fitter adolescent girls tended to have increased mean serum GH, GHBP, and IGF-I. In contrast, brief endurance training led to increases in muscle mass and serum osteocalcin that were not accompanied by increases in GH or IGF-I. In fact, training may, in the short term, have led to a catabolic state hormonally expressed by reductions in IGF-I and IGFBP-5.
An intravesical device for the sustained delivery of lidocaine to the bladder.

Intravesical instillation is a single compartment therapy providing high drug concentration at the bladder and reduced systemic exposure. Therapies based on this method, however, often require repeated instillations with intermittent transurethral catheterizations due to the short drug residence time in the bladder. Here we describe an intravesical device to achieve extended and localized delivery of lidocaine to the bladder. The device is a non-resorbable system that can be non-surgically deployed into the bladder. An in vivo rabbit study showed that lidocaine concentration in the bladder tissue was higher than 0.1 μg/g during the 3 day period of device release while a single instillation yielded immeasurable amounts within 24 h. The device can be used for the delivery of other therapeutic agents, currently delivered to the bladder by intravesical instillations.
Factors contributing to the integration of textural qualities: evidence from virtual surfaces.

Two experiments involving indirect touch were carried out to explore the relationships among perceptual dimensions of haptically examined surfaces. Subjects in both experiments used a stylus to evaluate the properties of virtual surfaces created by a force-feedback device; four surface properties (resistance to normal force, coefficient of friction, texture scale, and vibration amplitude) were manipulated in various combinations. In Experiment 1, the extent to which there was a one-to-one relationship between specific stimulus properties and perceptual qualities (“perceptual separability”) was evaluated. A substantial failure of separability was demonstrated, with friction tending to be more separable from the other properties than they were from one another. The pattern of results suggests that the amount of measured separability depends crucially on the way stimulus properties are defined (e.g., force versus displacement). In Experiment 2, surfaces with known perceptual properties were used to study the...
Early Detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Radionuclide Lung-Imaging Procedures

One hundred subjects answered a respiratory questionnaire and underwent a physical examination, tests of pulmonary function, and three radionuclide lung-imaging procedures. The results of the radionuclide procedures were compared with each other and with pulmonary function tests and other diagnostic findings to determine their relative sensitivity for detecting evidence of early obstructive airway disease. Perfusion lung imaging was less sensitive than most of the other diagnostic tests evaluated. The aerosol and xenon lung-imaging procedures revealed abnormalities with approximately the same frequency as each other, but more often than any one group of pulmonary function tests, including spirometric data, maximal expiratory flow-volume curves, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, or indices derived from single-breath nitrogen washout. We concluded that xenon and aerosol lung-imaging studies are sensitive and useful screening procedures for detecting evidence of early localized obstructive airway disease and for locating regional abnormalities in the airways of patients with respiratory disease.
Genetic Relationships and Fission Yields of Members of the Mass-115 Decay Chain

The 21-minute ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{115}$ has been found to decay to both ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{115}$ isomers, 9 percent going to the 43-day state and 91 percent to the 53-hour state. No evidence was found for the decay of either cadmium isomer to the other. The 53-hour cadmium isomer decays to the 4.5-hour ${\mathrm{In}}^{115m}$, but 0.02 percent of the 43-day cadmium decays to ${\mathrm{In}}^{115m}$. The ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$ thermal neutron fission yields of the 21-minute silver, 53-hour cadmium, and 43-day cadmium were determined to be 0.0078 percent, 0.0098 percent, and 0.00071 percent, respectively. All of the 43-day cadmium isomer formed in fission grows from the 21-minute silver, but 28 percent of the 53-hour isomer is formed by some other path. The fission yield of each of the cadmium isomers increases one hundred-fold when the energy of the neutrons is increased to 14 Mev. Evidence is presented for the formation of 3.5-year ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{113m}$ in approximately 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ percent yield from the thermal-neutron fission of ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$.
The principle of constituted identities and the obligation to include

Most analysts agree that democratic theorists have not offered a persuasive answer to the question of how the boundaries of a demos, a democratic people, should legitimately be defined. Some contend that boundaries should be maintained in ways that preserve sufficient sense of common identity to sustain support for redistributive policies. Many others endorse the “principle of all affected interests,” but it has been widely criticized as unrealistically destructive of too many existing community boundaries. This essay argues for an alternative “principle of constituted identities.” It holds that, subject to certain important qualifications, modern constitutional democracies, at least, are morally obligated to extend the option of full membership to all those whose identities have been substantially constituted through such regimes’ coercive policies. Keywords : civic boundaries; principle of affected interests; constitutional democracy; stories of peoplehood; cultural identity (Published online: 25 August, 2008) Citation: Ethics & Global Politics 2008. DOI: 10.3402/egp.v1i3.1860
Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgery: Does Day of Surgery Matter?

Length of stay (LOS) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) impacts the expense to the hospital. Our purpose was to evaluate the impact that day of surgery has on postoperative LOS. 547 patients who had a primary TJA at two tertiary care hospitals were identified retrospectively. TJA patients admitted on day of surgery and who had primary elective surgery were included in our sample. Patients were subdivided into one of four groups: those who had operations on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday respectively. Patients who had surgery on Thursday and Friday had significantly longer LOS when compared to Monday and Tuesday. This variation in LOS between the groups may be due to inconsistencies in weekend functionality, less experienced part-time staffing, and inaccessibility of rehabilitation personnel.
RNA-driven genetic changes in bacteria and in human cells

As recently demonstrated in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae model organism using synthetic RNA-containing oligonucleotides (oligos), RNA can serve as a template for DNA synthesis at the chromosomal level during the process of double-strand break (DSB) repair. Herein we show that the phenomenon of RNA-mediated DNA modification and repair is not limited to yeast cells. A tract of six ribonucleotides embedded in single-strand DNA oligos corresponding to either lagging or leading strand sequences could serve as a template to correct a defective lacZ marker gene in the chromosome of the bacterium Escherichia coli. In order to test the capacity of RNA to modify DNA in mammalian cells, we utilized DNA oligos containing an embedded tract of six ribonucleotides, as well as oligos mostly made of RNA. These oligos were designed to repair a chromosomal break generated within a copy of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene randomly integrated into the genome of human HEK-293 cells. We show that these RNA-containing oligos can serve as templates to repair a DSB in human cells and can introduce base changes into genomic or plasmid DNA. In both E. coli and human cells, the strand bias of chromosomal gene correction by the single-strand RNA-containing oligos was the same as that obtained for the corresponding DNA molecules. Therefore, the RNA-containing oligos are not converted into a cDNA before annealing with complementary DNA. Overall, we demonstrate that in both bacterial and human cells, as in yeast, RNA sequences can have a direct role in DNA genetic modification and remodeling.
Purification and properties of Moniezia cytochrome c550

Abstract 1. 1. Enzymatically active cytochrome c 550 was extracted from the tapeworm ( Moniezia expansa ) of sheep with 0·3% aluminium sulphate and purified by chromatography with carboxymethyl cellulose (CM-52). 2. 2. Moniezia cytochrome c is a basic hemoprotein. It has an isoelectric point of about pH 9·4 and a molecular weight of about 12,000. 3. 3. At 22°C, the cytochrome shows absorption bands at 550, 521 and 415 nm in the reduced form, and at 560, 526 and 410 nm in the oxidased form. At —196°C, the reduced form shows only two α-bands at 547 and 538 nm, with the satellite β-bands appearing at 526, 519, 512, 508 and 503 nm. These spectral characteristics are different from those of mammalian cytochrome c which normally has three reduced α-bands (Estabrook, 1966). The ratio of the absorbance at 410 to 280 nm (oxidized) is 4·83 and that at 550 nm (oxidized) to 550 nm (reduced) is 0·296. 4. 4. Moniezia cytochrome c is capable of restoring the cytochrome oxidase (E.C.1.9.3.1) activity of cytochrome c-deficient intact mammalian mitochondria. Its restoring ability is less that that of horse heart cytochrome c.
Vegetative stabilization of retorted oil shale on a steep, south-facing slope in Northwestern Colorado

Abstract This study was designed to determine the feasibility of vegetative stabilization of Union Oil Company Process B retorded shale on a 57% south-aspect slope. Treatments consisted of Process B retorded shale, soil over Process B shale and soil over subsoil, all seeded with a mixture of native grasses, forbs and shrubs. Parameters examined were vegetative cover, run-off quantity and quality and salt movement within the profiles. After three growing seasons, total vegetative cover was similar for all treatments. Vegetation composition had made a strong shift from grasses and forbs toward shrubs by the third growing season. The major species on all treatments was fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens). Examination of salt movement in the profiles indicated a significant accumulation of salt after three growing seasons at the 30–60-cm depth range in Process B shale treatments.
Two-level additive Schwarz preconditioners for C 0 interior penalty methods

We study two-level additive Schwarz preconditioners that can be used in the iterative solution of the discrete problems resulting from C0 interior penalty methods for fourth order elliptic boundary value problems. We show that the condition number of the preconditioned system is bounded by C(1+(H3/δ3)), where H is the typical diameter of a subdomain, δ measures the overlap among the subdomains and the positive constant C is independent of the mesh sizes and the number of subdomains.
Relationship between uptake capacity and differential toxicity of the herbicide atrazine in selected microalgal species

Microalgal species vary in their sensitivity to the triazine herbicide, atrazine. This study examined both atrazine uptake and cellular characteristics of microalgae to determine if either can be used to predict algal sensitivity. Standard toxicity tests were performed on five microalgal species, each representing a different algal division or habitat. Test species listed in order of increasing sensitivity were: Isochrysis galbana, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and Synechococcus sp. Each species was exposed to 14C-atrazine at its growth rate EC50 concentration (44-91 microg/L). At five time-points over 96 h, samples were filtered to collect algae and washed with unlabeled atrazine to displace labeled atrazine loosely absorbed to the cell surface. Radioactivity present on filters and in the growth medium was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Relationships between algal species-sensitivity to atrazine and compound uptake, cell dry weight, cell volume, and cell surface area were determined by linear regression analysis. Cell size measurements (based on dry weight, biovolume, and surface area) were significantly correlated with atrazine uptake (R2 > 0.45, P-value < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between atrazine uptake and species-sensitivity to atrazine (R2 = 0.5413 , P-value = 0.0012). These results indicate that smaller cells with greater surface area to volume ratios will incorporate more atrazine, and in general, will be more sensitive to atrazine exposure. However, I. galbana, with small cell size and relatively high atrazine uptake was the least sensitive species tested. This species and others may have mechanisms to compensate for atrazine stress that make predicting responses of microalgal communities difficult.
The polarization and intensity of thermal radiation from a planetary surface

Abstract The brightness temperature of an element of a planetary disk is dependent both on the direction of linear polarization to which the observing antenna is sensitive and the inclination of the element to the line-of-sight. Instruments of high resolution can be used to measure this dependence, providing values for the dielectric constant and emissivity of the planet's surface. The behavior of theoretical models, to which observations may be compared, is given. Observations of the Moon and Venus are presented as examples of application of this theory. The dielectric constant of the Moon at 21 cm is found to be 2.1, in good agreement with the radar results. This implies the emissivity at the center of the disk is 0.97, yielding 241 ± 26°K as the actual surface temperature at the center of the disk. The radiometric data for Venus show the expected behavior but the dielectric constant obtained is inconsistent with the value obtained from radar experiments.
Granular cell "myoblastoma" of vagus nerve.

An example of granular cell myoblastoma arising within a major nerve (vagus) has been described and the evidence incriminating the cell of Schwann as the source of granular cells presented. A peculiar metabolic disturbance affecting the latter cells, rather than a true neoplasia, is thought to be operative in the pathogenesis of these lesions.
Elastic and inelastic scattering of protons by Li7

Abstract The differential cross section for the elastic and inelastic scattering of protons by Li7 has been measured. A resonance observed in the elastic cross section at an incident proton energy of 4.2 MeV is interpreted as an almost pure single-particle level in Be8 at an excitation energy of 20.9±0.2 MeV, with a width of 1.57±0.18 MeV and a total angular momentum and parity Jπ = 4−. It is suggested that this level is of the configuration [(1 s 1 2 ) 4 (1 p 3 2) 3 ] + 1 d 5 2 in jj-coupling notation.
Formation and decay of hadronic resonances in the QGP

Abstract Hadronic resonances can play a pivotal role in providing experimental evidence for partial chiral symmetry restoration in the deconfined quark–gluon phase produced at RHIC and the LHC. Their lifetimes, which are comparable to the lifetime of the partonic plasma phase, make them an invaluable tool to study medium modifications to the resonant state due to the chiral transition. In this Letter we show that the heavier, but still abundant, light and strange quark resonances K ∗ , ϕ , Δ and Λ ∗ have large probability to be produced well within the plasma phase due to their short formation times. We demonstrate that, under particular kinematic conditions, these resonances can be formed and will decay inside the partonic state, but still carry sufficient momentum to not interact strongly with the hadronic medium after the QCD phase transition. Thus, K ∗ , ϕ , Δ and Λ ∗ should exhibit the characteristic property modifications which can be attributed to chiral symmetry restoration, such as mass shifts, width broadening or branching ratio modifications.
High Surface Area Calcium Carbonate: Pore Structural Properties and Sulfation Characteristics

Limestone or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) used as a sorbent in the removal of acid gas precursors (SO2) from combustion systems suffers from poor pore structural properties which causes low reactivity and incomplete utilization. The surface area and pore size distribution of CaCO3, if tailored appropriately, can considerably enhance its reactivity for SO2. This study focuses on the optimization of pore properties of CaCO3 particles and the enhancement of SO2 reactivity and ultimate utilization. The carbonate is produced by precipitation from an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide by injecting CO2. The influence of operating parameters, suspension concentration, gas flow rate, and additives (surfactant) on the surface area and pore volume is investigated. The surface area of the carbonate powder can be controlled in the range of 10−70 m2/g by varying the operating parameters. The SO2 reactivity and the ultimate utilization of the calcium carbonate indicate a dramatic improvement and can be correlated with...
Bidirectional spread of disease via the subperitoneal space: the lower abdomen and left pelvis.

In early fetal life a persistent interconnection between the peritoneum and retroperitoneum of the abdomen and pelvis is formed-the subperitoneal space (SS). This paper serves to complete the description of the specific anatomical nuances of the SS as they relate to the bidirectional direct spread of disease in the left lower abdomen and pelvis. Described are the two avenues of communication (central and lateral pathways) within this portion of the SS. Selected cases illustrating the bidirectional spread of disease processes within this portion of the SS are reported.
Leadership development in healthcare: a qualitative study

Challenges associated with leading a $1.7 trillion industry have created a need for strong leaders at all levels in healthcare organizations. However, despite growing support for the importance of leadership development practices across industries, little is known about leadership development in healthcare organizations. An extensive qualitative study comprised of 35 expert interviews and 55 organizational case studies included 160 in-depth, semi-structured interviews and explored this issue. Across interviews, several themes emerged around leadership development challenges that were particularly salient to healthcare organizations. Informants described how the relative newness of leadership development practices in a majority of healthcare organizations contributes to an overall perception of haphazard practices throughout the industry. In addition, respondents noted challenges associated with developing leaders who would be representative of the patient community served, and commented on the pressure to segregate different professional groups for leadership development. Framed by these challenges, I propose a conceptual model of commitment to leadership development in healthcare organizations as influenced by three factors—strategy, culture, and structure. These, in turn, influence program design decisions and can impact organizational effectiveness. In the context of inherently complex healthcare organizations where leaders must respond to multiple stakeholders and meet performance goals across multiple dimensions of effectiveness, addressing these reported challenges and considering the importance of organizational commitment to leadership development can help ensure that programs are effectively designed, delivered, and sustained. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fractions metabolized in a triangular metabolic system: cinromide and two metabolites in the rhesus monkey.

A previous study of the metabolic fate of cinromide (3-bromo-N-ethylcinnamamide) in rhesus monkey established that half of a dose is metabolized byN-deethylation to an active metabolite, 3-bromocinnamamide. Both cinromide and its proximal metabolite can be metabolized by amide hydrolysis to a second metabolite, 3-bromocinnamic acid, resulting in a triangular metabolic problem. This investigation was undertaken to distinguish between these two nonexclusive possibilites. A preliminary study was carried out to characterize the pharmacokinetics of 3-bromocinnamic acid. In the main study, six monkeys received an intravenous dose of cinromide, 3-bromocinnamamide, and 3-bromocinnamic acid in a randomized order. The time courses of compound administered and corresponding metabolites were followed. The following fractions of dose metabolized (mean±SD) were obtained: cinromide to 3-bromocinnamide: 0.53 ±0.24; 3-bromocinnamamide to 3-bromocinnamic acid: 0.53 ±0.21; cinromide to 3-bromocinnamic acid directly: 0.48 ±0.32. Thus, it was found that 3-bromocinnamic acid is formed directly from cinromide and from 3-bromocinnamamide. Also, as primary metabolites, 3-bromocinnamic acid and 3-bromocinamamide account for all of a cinromide dose with a mean value of 1.00±0.34. The observed variability in these fractions metabolized was explained by the fact that in the solution of the triangular metabolic problem, three clearances are assumed to remain constant over three studies.
Pulsed-addition ring-opening metathesis polymerization: catalyst-economical syntheses of homopolymers and block copolymers.

Poly(tert-butyl ester norbornene imide) homopolymers and poly(tert-butyl ester norbornene imide-b-N-methyloxanorbornene imide) copolymers were prepared by pulsed-addition ring-opening metathesis polymerization (PA-ROMP). PA-ROMP is a unique polymerization method that employs a symmetrical cis-olefin chain transfer agent (CTA) to simultaneously cap a living polymer chain and regenerate the ROMP initiator with high fidelity. Unlike traditional ROMP with chain transfer, the CTA reacts only with the living chain end, resulting in narrowly dispersed products. The regenerated initiator can then initiate polymerization of a subsequent batch of monomer, allowing for multiple polymer chains with controlled molecular weight and low polydispersity to be generated from one metal initiator. Using the fast-initiating ruthenium metathesis catalyst (H_2IMes)(Cl)_2(pyr)_2RuCHPh and cis-4-octene as a CTA, the capabilities of PA-ROMP were investigated with a Symyx robotic system, which allowed for increased control and precision of injection volumes. The results from a detailed study of the time required to carry out the end-capping/initiator-regeneration step were used to design several experiments in which PA-ROMP was performed from one to ten cycles. After determination of the rate of catalyst death, a single, low polydispersity polymer was prepared by adjusting the amount of monomer injected in each cycle, maintaining a constant monomer/catalyst ratio. Additionally, PA-ROMP was used to prepare nearly perfect block copolymers by quickly injecting a second monomer at a specific time interval after the first monomer injection, such that chain transfer had not yet occurred. Polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography with multiangle laser light scattering.
Purification of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase and orotidylate decarboxylase by affinity chromatography on Sepharose dye derivatives

Abstract Blue Dextran-Sepharose and Cibacron Blue F3GA-Sepharose (Blue Sepharose) were found to act as affinity adsorbents for orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (PRTase) and orotidine 5′-monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase from bakers' yeast. Experiments with columns of Blue Dextran-Sepharose and partially purified preparations of the PRTase and decarboxylase revealed that both enzymes were selectively eluted by a low concentration (0.1–2 m m ) of their respective substrate or immediate product. On the other hand, a much higher concentration (50–400 m m ) of NaCl was required to displace these two enzymes from the above columns. Larger scale experiments showed that OMP decarboxylase in crude extracts was purified about 5700- and 6600-fold on Blue Sepharose using 0.5 m m OMP and 2 m m uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP) as the eluting ligand, respectively. In contrast, orotate PRTase did not bind to Blue Sepharose unless crude extracts were first subjected to gel filtration. The resulting preparation of orotate PRTase, purified about sixfold with respect to cell-free extracts, was purified an additional 200- and 40-fold when the enzyme was eluted from Blue Sepharose with 0.5 m m OMP and 1 m m 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PP-ribose-P), respectively. Blue Dextran-Sepharose, on the other hand, was found to provide a lower degree of enzyme purification and exhibited a lower sample-binding capacity. Samples of the PRTase and decarboxylase that had been purified about 200- and 6000-fold, respectively, on Blue Sepharose displayed a major protein band and one or more minor bands when subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Enzyme activity coincided with the major band in all cases.
Deutron magnetic resonance in (CD)x

Abstract Temperature independent (5–300 K) quadrupole coupling constants have been determined for trans-(CD) x (157 ± 4 kHz) and iodine doped (9 at%) trans-(CD) x (145 ± 4 kHz); chain or atomic motions are thus slow on this scale. Spin-lattice relaxation times for both decrease an order of magnitude as temperature is raised, in a manner similar to that of protons in (CH) x .
Trends in Antihypertensive Drug Advertising, 1985–1996

Background —Over the past decade, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and ACE inhibitors have been used increasingly in the treatment of hypertension. In contrast, β-blocker and diuretic use has decreased. It has been suggested that pharmaceutical marketing has influenced these prescribing patterns. No objective analysis of advertising for antihypertensive therapies exists, however. Methods and Results —We reviewed the January, April, July, and October issues of the New England Journal of Medicine from 1985 to 1996 (210 issues). The intensity of drug promotion was measured as the proportion of advertising pages used to promote a given medication. Statistical analyses used the χ2 test for trend. Advertising for CCBs increased from 4.6% of advertising pages in 1985 to 26.9% in 1996, while advertising for β-blockers (12.4% in 1985 to 0% in 1996) and diuretics (4.2% to 0%) decreased (all P <0.0001). A nonsignificant increase was observed in advertising for ACE inhibitors (3.5% to 4.3%, P =0.17). Although the total number of drug advertising pages per issue decreased from 60 pages in 1985 to 42 pages in 1996 ( P <0.001), the number of pages devoted to calcium channel blocker advertisements nearly quadrupled. Conclusions —Increasing promotion of CCBs has mirrored trends in physician prescribing. An association between advertising and prescribing patterns could explain why CCBs have supplanted better-substantiated therapies for hypertension.
Linguistic transfer of human assembly tasks to robots

We demonstrate the automatic transfer of an assembly task from human to robot. This work extends efforts showing the utility of linguistic models in verifiable robot control policies by now performing real visual analysis of human demonstrations to automatically extract a policy for the task. This method tokenizes each human demonstration into a sequence of object connection symbols, then transforms the set of sequences from all demonstrations into an automaton, which represents the task-language for assembling a desired object. Finally, we combine this assembly automaton with a kinematic model of a robot arm to reproduce the demonstrated task.
EFFECT OF COPPER ON GROWTH, SILICIC ACID UPTAKE AND SOLUBLE POOLS OF SILICIC ACID IN THE MARINE DIATOM, THALASSIOSIRA WEISFLOGII (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

The toxicity of Cu to Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) was investigated, focusing on the internal soluble pool of silicic acid. Silicic acid uptake and growth rates were found to be functions of both the cupric ion activity and the concentration of silicic acid in the growth medium. The soluble pool of Si per cell depended on the balance between the uptake rate and the division rate. The soluble pool in non-dividing cultures reflected simply the uptake rate (and inhibition by copper of the uptake rate), but in dividing cultures the soluble pools had complex patterns with time depending on uptake rates and timing of division. Intracellular soluble pools of silicic acid are a good indicator for the relative inhibition of uptake and growth processes.
Germanium at high pressures.

X-ray diffraction experiments have been carried out on germanium in a diamond anvil cell to 26 GPa. The pressure at the transition to the metallic phase (II) has been studied in different pressurizing media, giving 10.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 GPa in a quasihydrostatic medium (4:1 methanol:ethanol mixture), 9.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 GPa in NaCl, and 8.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 GPA when the sample was compressed directly between the anvils. The compression curve for phase II has been fitted to a modified Murnaghan equation. Upon release of pressure the transformation from phase II to III (tetragonal) was found at 7.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 GPa. It was found that the details of the transition depended on the stress condition and rate of decompression.
Generating Optical Near-Fields from Afar via Absorbance Modulation

We present experimental results validating absorbance modulation, a technique to overcome the far-field diffraction barrier. Potential applications abound in optical nanopatterning and optical nanoscopy.
Comparative bioavailability study of capecitabine tablets of 500 mg in metastatic breast cancer and colorectal cancer patients under fed condition

Capecitabine (oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil) is the first-line treatment for the metastatic breast and colorectal cancer. The objective of the study was to determine the bioequivalence between the test product (capecitabine tablets 500 mg) of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited relative to that of reference product XELODA® (capecitabine) 500 mg tablets of Roche Registration Inc. in patients of metastatic breast or colorectal cancer stabilized with twice daily dosing of capecitabine monotherapy. This was an open-label, randomized, single dose, two-way cross-over bioequivalence study under fed conditions. The subjects received either of the treatments (test or reference) 30 min after consumption of a high fat, high calorie breakfast as a single morning dose of 2000 mg on two separate days (days 1 and 2) based on their body surface area. Blood samples were collected up to 10 h post-dose and analyzed for capecitabine using the validated liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method. The least squa...
Stability of a Spinning Rotor Subjected to a Distributed Traction

In this paper, the stability of a spinning rotor loaded by a circumferentially distributed frictional traction is examined. Typical engineering applications include automotive and aircraft disc brakes and circular saws. The frictional traction, which is always directed tangent to the instantaneous deflection curve of the rotor, is decomposed into in-plane and transverse components. The in-plan component is equilibrated by the in-plane stresses while the transverse component is a slope-dependent nonconservative followertype force that is the major source of dynamic instability of the rotor in this study. The rotor is modeled as a spinning annular plate that includes the effects of rotary inertia and shear deformations in the context of the Mindlin thick plate theory. A thick plate model is employed to ensure an accurate estimation of the eigenvalues when the rotor vibration involves high circumferential modes (eighth or ninth) that are often observed in unstable automotive disc brakes. The pad or stator is represented as a viscoelastic subgrade that reacts to both transverse and shearing motion of the rotor. The degree of instability is measured by examining the resulting complex eigenvalues. Effects of various system parameters such as frictional traction, geometry of the rotor, pad size, spinning speed, and viscoelastic properties of the pad on the dynamic instability are discussed. Results, when compared with those from the classical thin plate model of the rotor, are significantly different.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The role of glutamate in the locus coeruleus during opioid withdrawal and effects of H-7, a protein kinase inhibitor, on the action of glutamate in rats

To investigate the role of glutamate in the locus coeruleus (LC) during opioid withdrawal, rats were continuously infused with morphine (a μ-opioid receptor agonist, 26 nmol/µl/h) or butorphanol (a μ/δ/κ-mixed opioid receptor agonist, 26 nmol/µl/h) intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) via osmotic minipumps for 3 days. A direct LC injection of glutamate (1 or 10 nmol/5 µl) or naloxone (an opioid receptor antagonist, 24 nmol/5 µl) induced withdrawal signs in morphine- or butorphanol-dependent animals. However, these agents failed to precipitate any withdrawal signs in saline-treated control animals. On the other hand, the expression of withdrawal signs precipitated by the administration of glutamate or naloxone in opioid-dependent animals was completely blocked by concomitant infusion with 1 or 10 nmol/µl/h of an inhibitor of adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C, H-7 [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine]. In animals that had been infused with opioids in the same manner, i.c.v. injection of naloxone (48 nmol/5 µl) precipitated withdrawal signs and increased extracellular fluid levels of glutamate in the LC of morphine- or butorphanol-dependent rats measured by in vivo microdialysis method. However, concomitant infusion with H-7 inhibited the increases of glutamate levels in the LC. These results strongly suggest that an expeditious release of glutamate in the LC region plays an important role in the expression of physical dependence on opioids. Furthermore, the action on glutamate release might be increased by the enhancement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and/or protein kinase C activity.
Autogenous composite vein bypass graft for infrainguinal arterial reconstruction

Abstract Purpose: Lower extremity arterial reconstruction in the absence of adequate greater saphenous vein remains a challenging problem in contemporary vascular practice. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the long-term results of autogenous composite vein grafts used for infrainguinal arterial bypass grafting. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a prospective vascular registry and reviewed inpatient and office records. Results: From June 1983 to September 1999, 165 autogenous composite vein infrainguinal bypass grafts were performed in 154 patients (87 men, 67 women; mean age, 69 years). The mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 3-147). Patients had the usual risk factors, including a 30% incidence of prior coronary bypass grafting. Forty-eight percent of bypass grafts were performed after failed previous reconstructions, and 90% were performed for limb salvage. The conduits were comprised of 2 segments (75%), 3 segments (23%), and 4 segments (2%). The distal anastomosis was at the popliteal level in 17% and the tibial/pedal level in 83%. The 30-day operative mortality rate was 1.8%. Perioperative graft failure ( P P Conclusions: Infrainguinal reconstruction with autogenous composite vein results in durable graft patency and limb salvage rates in patients with few alternatives for revascularization. Intensive graft surveillance with aggressive graft revision is necessary to achieve these results. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:259-65.)
Atom-scattering study of Ar+ ion damaged GaAs(110)

Abstract Helium atom scattering has been used to probe the surface damage created on GaAs(110) by Ar + ion bombardment. The scattering cross section, Σ, of a single monovacancy is found to be ~150 A 2 . The average number of defects comprising isolated impact craters, estimated from the scattering cross section per crater, is found to decrease with increasing crystal temperature during bombardment. This decrease occurs during or shortly following the bombardment event, and is different from simple thermal annealing. We propose that thermal accommodation of target adatom energy, which requires the number of adatom hops before freezing to increase with increasing crystal temperature, increases the adatom-vacancy recombination probability. Increasing the ion energy from 600 to 2400 eV does not change the cross section per single crater, but apparently impedes the probability of recombin