cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
186Re-Liposome Labeling Using 186Re-SNS/S Complexes: In Vitro Stability, Imaging, and Biodistribution in Rats

Liposomes are important carriers for controlling the spatial and temporal distribution of drug molecules or other bioactive molecules. Radiolabeled liposomes have potential applications in diagnostic imaging and radionuclide therapy. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical method for labeling liposomes with therapeutic rhenium radionuclides, using 186Re as an example. Methods: An SNS pattern ligand, N,N-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-N′,N′-diethylethylenediamine (BMEDA), and an S pattern ligand, benzene thiol (BT), were used to make 2 kinds of 186Re-SNS/S complexes, 186Re-BMEDA and 186Re-BMEDA + BT. These 186Re-SNS/S complexes were mixed with neutral liposomes encapsulating cysteine or (NH4)2SO4 to prepare 186Re-liposomes. The in vitro labeling stability of 186Re-liposomes was investigated by incubation in 50% fetal bovine serum/50% phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4, at 37°C. Rat distribution studies of 186Re-liposomes after intravenous injection were also performed. Results: The labeling efficiencies of 186Re-liposomes were 52.9%–81.3% depending on the 186Re-SNS/S complex chosen and whether cysteine- or (NH4)2SO4-encapsulated liposomes were used. 186Re-(NH4)2SO4 liposomes labeled with 186Re-BMEDA had the best in vitro labeling stability in serum with 89.8% ± 3.1% of the radioactivity associated with liposomes at 24 h and 76.2% ± 5.1% at 96 h. A specific activity of 1.85 GBq (50 mCi) of 186Re per 50 mg of phospholipid could be achieved with good labeling stability. Biodistributions were followed for 72 h and showed good in vivo stability for 186Re-liposomes that was characterized by a slow blood clearance and a gradually increasing spleen accumulation. 186Re-BMEDA alone had fast blood clearance and no accumulation in spleen. Conclusion: A practical method for labeling liposomes with 186Re using 186Re-SNS/S complexes is described. The labeled 186Re-liposomes were stable in serum and in vivo and could potentially be useful for radionuclide therapy.
AN INVESTIGATION OF INTERNAL LOGISTICS OF A LEAN BUS ASSEMBLY SYSTEM VIA SIMULATION: A CASE STUDY

This study involves the internal logistics of a chosen bus assembly plant that follows a lean assembly process dictated by takt time production. The assembly system works according to a rigid sequential order of assembly of different models of buses, called the String of Pearls. The logistics department is responsible for supplying kitted components to assembly workstations for the right model at the right time. A simulation model was developed to study this assembly system, with an objective of finding the minimum number of kit carts for multiple production rates and kitting methods. The implementation of JIT kitting was the ultimate goal in this case. The research focused on a specific assembly plant and therefore, the numerical results are applicable to the selected plant only. However, some of the trends in the output may be generalized to any assembly plant of similar type.
Care plans reduce ED visits in those with drug-seeking behavior.

Abstract Patients with drug-seeking behavior can be both labor and resource intensive to the emergency department (ED). Objective To determine the effectiveness of ED care plans for individuals at high risk for drug-seeking behavior on ED visits. Methods A retrospective, cohort observational study. Location A suburban teaching hospital with an annual census of 80,000 patients. The number of ED visits was determined 1 year before and 2 subsequent years following care plan initiation. Exclusion criteria Unclaimed letter, incomplete data, and/or non–drug-seeking care plan. Statistics Two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test with significance of P Results Sixty patients were enrolled and 7 were excluded, leaving 53 patients for analysis. Mean annual visits before care plan initiation were 7.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3-9.1). One year following implementation, mean visits decreased to 2.3 (95% CI, 1.5-3.1) ( P ≤ .0001). Two years following implementation, mean visits continued to decline to 1.5 (95% CI, 0.9-2.1) ( P ≤ .0001). A significant reduction in visits occurred 1 and 2 years following care plan implementation. Conclusions Emergency department care plans are an effective method to reduce ED visits in those with drug-seeking behavior.
Costs of quality and maintenance: Improvement approaches

The inclusion of maintenance-related costs in an organisation's financial reports, through the analysis of the costs of maintenance, helps management evaluate the relative impact of its maintenance problems on the organisation's profitability. A cost of quality (COQ)/cost of maintenance (COM) system, once implemented, provides us with an invaluable foundation for our efforts to improve the effectiveness of the maintenance function. This approach provides us with a common language for communication between top management and the maintenance function to draw attention to where management should provide resources to correct quality problems and make improvements. The system provides new channels for communication to share best practices and to coordinate the efforts of experts in quality management with those in maintenance to improve our understanding of the statistical capability and reliability of equipment.
Patient Safety Education: What Was, What Is, and What Will Be?

Patient safety is an important topic that has been receiving more attention in the current health care climate. Patient safety as a curriculum topic in medical schools has only become apparent in the late 1990 s, and much more needs to be done. This article summarizes patient safety curricular content as it occurred (or did not occur) in medical education circles in the past (pre-1990 s), and present. It also makes some recommendations for the future of medical education curricula in the area of patient safety, using a framework for the development of expertise using the Dreyfus educational model.
Generalized Cuts in Diophantine Programming

In the generation of an additional constraint or cut for integer programming introduced by Ralph Gomory, there is a certain parameter whose value is customarily chosen so that one of the original variables has a zero coefficient in the cut-equation. In this paper we consider alternative values of the parameter and refer to any linear combination of the original source equation and this cut as a “generalised cut”. Attention is then focused, as customary, on those cuts of this type for which the original variable has a zero coefficient. In particular, we show how to determine values for Gomory's parameter so that only a subset of the feasible solutions to the cuts used by Gomory's method of integer forms are feasible for the generalised cuts.
Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy of Sorbed HDTMA and the Mechanism of Chromate Sorption to Surfactant-Modified Clinoptilolite

We examined sorption of the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA) to clinoptilolite zeolite and the subsequent sorption of the chromate anion to surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ). We used Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy and batch sorption methods to elucidate the structure of sorbed HDTMA and to determine the mechanisms of chromate sorption. At high HDTMA loading levels (above the zeolite's external cation exchange capacity, ECEC), the Raman spectra indicated that sorbed HDTMA was similar in conformation to solution micelles and, thus, may contain anion exchange sites. Sorbed HDTMA showed less structuring of tail groups and a decrease in head group hydration. At lower loadings, the sorbed HDTMA tail groups tended to have more disorder, similar to solution monomers. When HDTMA loading rates were greater than 100% of the ECEC, chromate sorbed onto SMZ with near-equivalent Br- counterion exchange. A peak in the Raman spectrum at 902 cm-1 indicated the presence of sorbed Cr2...
Novel solvent systems for the preparation of phase‐inversion cellulose acetate size exclusion membranes: Voltammetric investigations

Novel solvent systems have been developed for the casting of size exclusion electrode modifications by the phase-inversion process. Solvent systems studied were (solvent/nonsolvent): pyridine/2-octanol, pyridine/cyclohexanol, acetone/2-octanol, tetrahydrofuran/aqueous Mg(ClO4)2, and tetrahydrofuran/toluene. These were compared to modifications made from the solvent system acetone/aqueous Mg(ClO4)2. The membranes were cast onto Pt microelectrodes embedded in glass. Cyclic voltammograms were recorded once per min after immersing the membrane-modified electrode into a solution containing an electroactive species. Modified electrode response time to a concentration perturbation is correlated with the percent nonsolvent and percent polymer in the casting solution. The magnitude of the current from a solution of a 1500 dalton polyethylene glycol ferrocene carboxylate ester solute, and good casting reproducibility. This formulation is recommended for permselective coating applications; applications to biosensors are envisioned.
Dynamical system visualization and analysis via performance maps

Visualization techniques are common in the study of chaotic motion. These techniques range from simple time graphs and phase portraits to robust Julia sets, which are familiar to many as 'fractal images.' The utility of the Julia sets rests not in their considerable visual impact, but rather, in the color-coded information that they display about the dynamics of an iterated function. In this paper, a paradigm termed the performance map is presented, which is derived from the familiar Julia set. Performance maps are generated automatically for control or other dynamical system models over ranges of system parameters. The resulting visualizations require a minimum of a priori knowledge of the system under evaluation. By the use of color-coding, these images convey a wealth of information to the informed user about dynamic behaviors of a system that may be hidden from all but the expert analyst.
Patient-oriented presentation of results of radiological procedures using DICOM-compliant DVD media

Some institutions have adopted digital media such as CD ROMs to provide patients and referring physicians with results of radiological procedures. These systems require a computer to review the images and lack the supporting explanations and guidance for patients to properly understand the results. We developed a hybrid DVD encoding format that combines DICOM-compliant image storage format with video streams viewable on any consumer DVD players. The addition of the video material allows radiologists to provide explanations, disclaimers and guidance to the patients regarding the results of the study. The diagnostic report is also included on the DVD as a PDF file and as a set of video frames that can be viewed on a DVD player. The native high-resolution images are also included in DICOM format on the DVD and can be accessed by any workstation equipped with a DICOM viewer. The DVD that can be reviewed on any consumer DVD player overcomes the limitation of CD ROMS that require the use of a personal computer. The results of the radiological procedures become more accessible patients that could be reluctant or unable to use a computer. Also, live video clips add a more personalized note and allow radiologists to convey important messages to the patients. This is particularly useful for self-referred screening procedures where results should always be accompanied with education material and explanations of the findings.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Enhancing Illumination Coverage of VSP Data by Crosscorrelogram Migration

A crosscorrelogram migration method is applied to 2-D synthetic data associated with the SEG/EAGE model and to eld VSP data from Friendswood, Texas. The remarkable feature in this method is that both the source positions in the RVSP data or the drill-bit or the receiver positions in the VSP data and the pilot signals do not need to be known. The crosscorrelation method is rst applied to synthetic data from the SEG/EAGE salt model. Test results show an accurate reectivity image obtained by migrating crosscorrelated seismic-data traces generated by a source moving along a drilling hole, even in the presence of severe static shift errors. The resulting migration images from the eld data are compared with well data adjacent to the well rig. The results show that the crosscorrelogram migration image correlates reasonably well with the well log. In addition, examples from both synthetic and eld data demonstrate that this new migration method extends the illumination coverage beyond that of the standard migration method. It can be used for VSP, RVSP, and drill-bit passive seismic imaging when we have little information about the source position and the pilot signal.
First stereospecific total synthesis of (-)-affinisine oxindole as well as facile entry into the C(7)-diastereomeric chitosenine stereochemistry

The first synthesis of (−)-affinisine oxindole was completed in an enantiospecific fashion from commercially available d-(+)-tryptophan in 10% overall yield. The asymmetric Pictet–Spengler reaction, diastereospecific oxidative-rearrangement of a tetrahydro-β-carboline, and stereospecific enolate-mediated palladium-catalyzed cross coupling process were key steps in the sequence. This represents the first example of a total synthesis via stereospecific entry into either the alstonisine related or epimeric chitosenine related oxindole stereochemistry depending on the presence or absence of an Nb-benzyl protecting group.
Involvement of arginine residues in glutathione binding to yeast glyoxalase I

Abstract Yeast glyoxalase I was inactivated by arginine-specific reagents. Inactivation by 2,3-butanedione, phenylglyoxal and camphorquinone 10-sulfonic acid followed pseudo first-order kinetics with the rate dependent upon modifier concentration. Extrapolation to complete inactivation showed modification of approx, two of the ten total arginyl residues in the native enzyme, with approx, one residue protected by glutathione (GSH) as determined by [ ring - 14 C ]phenylglyoxal incorporation. GSH protected the enzyme from inactivation, whereas methylglyoxal, glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and dithlothreitol afforded partial protection. The hemimercaptal of methylglyoxal and GSH and the catalytic product, S -lactoylglutathione provided substantial protection from inactivation. A methyl ester placed on the glycyl carboxyl moiety of GSH abolished all protective capability which suggests that this functionality is responsible for binding to the enzyme. These results provide the first evidence concerning the molecular binding mode of GSH to an enzyme. Arginyl residues are proposed as anionic recognition sites for glutathione on other GSH-utilizing enzymes.
A Shoebox Polarimeter: An Inexpensive Analytical Tool for Teachers and Students

A polarimeter can determine the optical activity of an organic or inorganic compound by providing information about the optical rotation of plane-polarized light when transmitted through that compound. This Journal has reported various construction methods for polarimeters. We report a unique construction using a shoebox, recycled office supplies, and equipment commonly available in any academic science laboratory. The sample volume requirement is only 20 mL and the instrument and operation have been greatly simplified. This instrument was developed and successfully tested during a high school chemistry teachers’ workshop.
Multifunctional nanogels for siRNA delivery.

The application of RNA interference to treat disease is an important yet challenging concept in modern medicine. In particular, small interfering RNA (siRNA) have shown tremendous promise in the treatment of cancer. However, siRNA show poor pharmacological properties, which presents a major hurdle for effective disease treatment especially through intravenous delivery routes. In response to these shortcomings, a variety of nanoparticle carriers have emerged, which are designed to encapsulate, protect, and transport siRNA into diseased cells. To be effective as carrier vehicles, nanoparticles must overcome a series of biological hurdles throughout the course of delivery. As a result, one promising approach to siRNA carriers is dynamic, versatile nanoparticles that can perform several in vivo functions.Over the last several years, our research group has investigated hydrogel nanoparticles (nanogels) as candidate delivery vehicles for therapeutics, including siRNA. Throughout the course of our research, we h...
Identification of a His54Gln substitution in von Willebrand factor from a patient with defective binding of factor VIII.

A patient with type 2N (“Normandy” variant) von Willebrand's disease is described. Her von Willebrand factor level was borderline low, while her factor III was markedly decreased to 7%. Her plasma von Willebrand factor demonstrated a decreased ability to complex with factor VIII in vitro, binding less than 10% when compared to normal plasma von Willebrand factor. The factor VIII released into the circulation after the patient received DDAVP had a shortened survival in vivo. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a T-to-A transition at nucleotide 2451 on both alleles. This transition results in a substitution of Gln for His at amino acid 54 in the mature subunit of von Willebrand factor. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interaction of the TAZ1 domain of the CREB-binding protein with the activation domain of CITED2: regulation by competition between intrinsically unstructured ligands for non-identical binding sites.

The TAZ1 domain of the homologous transcriptional coactivators CREB-binding protein (CBP) and p300 forms a complex with CITED2 (CBP/p300-interacting transactivator with ED-rich tail), inhibiting the activity of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) and thereby attenuating the cellular response to low tissue oxygen concentration. We report the NMR structure of the CBP TAZ1 domain bound to the activation domain of CIT-ED2. The structure of TAZ1, consisting of four α-helices (α1-α4) stabilized by three zinc atoms, is very similar in the CITED2 and HIF-1α complexes. The activation domain of CITED2 is unstructured when free and folds upon binding, forming a helix (termed αA) and an extended structure that wraps around TAZ1. The CITED2 αA helix packs in the TAZ1 α1/α4 interface, a site that forms weak interactions with the poorly defined aminoterminal α-helix of HIF-1α. CITED2 and HIF-1α both contain a four residue motif, LP(E/Q)L, which binds in the TAZ1 α1/α2/α3 junction in each complex. The carboxyl-terminal region of CITED2 forms an extended structure with hydrophobic contacts in the TAZ1 α1/α3 interface in the site occupied by the HIF-1α αB helix. CITED2 does not bind at all to the TAZ1 site occupied by the HIF-1α carboxyl-terminal helix. The HIF-1α and CITED2 domains utilize partly overlapping surfaces of TAZ1 to achieve high affinity binding and to compete effectively with each other for interaction with CBP/p300; CITED2 and HIF-1α use these binding sites differently to maintain similar binding affinities in order to displace each other in a feedback loop during the hypoxic response.
New ideas for solving size-structured population models

The paper outlines new ideas for solving a class of models that describe the evolution of a size-structured population. The decomposition method to be presented avoids the cumbersome calculations of other approximation techniques. Some test models are investigated to illustrate the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Long-term results of amiodarone therapy in patients with recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation

Four hundred sixty-two patients, all with either documented spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia or cardiac arrest unresponsive to other antiarrhythmic drugs (2.6/patient), were treated with amiodarone. Thirty-five patients (7.6%) failed to respond or died during the initial oral or intravenous loading phase. The remaining 427 patients were discharged on treatment with oral amiodarone and followed up for up to 98 months. Recurrence of ventricular tachycardia or sudden cardiac death at 1, 3 and 5 years by life-table analysis was 19%, 33% and 43%, respectively, for patients discharged on amiodarone therapy. The sudden cardiac death rate was 9%, 15% and 21%, respectively, at 1, 3 and 5 years. Side effects were reported by 45% of patients after 1 year, by 61% after 2 years and by 86% after 5 years. Amiodarone was discontinued because of side effects in 14%, 26% and 37% of patients after 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Incidence rates of recurrence of arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death and side effects were highest in the early months and then decreased. By multivariate analysis, advanced age, low ejection fraction and a history of cardiac arrest were independent risk factors for sudden cardiac death during amiodarone therapy.
Ingestion and killing of Pasteurella haemolytica A1 by bovine neutrophils in vitro.

Abstract In this study, various parameters affecting the ability of bovine neutrophils to ingest and kill a virulent strain of Pasteurella haemolytica A1 in vitro were examined. Ingestion of P. haemolytica was serum dependent (optimal serum concentration 10%) and was mediated principally by heatstable opsonins, presumably antibodies, that could be removed by adsorption with formalin-killed P. haemolytica . Ingested P. haemolytica were killed by neutrophils within 1–4 h incubation; the magnitude of killing being directly dependent on the number of neutrophils present. The number of viable P. haemolytica was reduced by ∼ 1.5 log at bacterial concentrations of 0.01–100 P. haemolytica per neutrophil; a concomitant reduction in neutrophil viability was observed at the highest bacterial concentration (100:1). Bovine neutrophils underwent a vigorous luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence response after ingesting opsonized. P. haemolytica , thus indicating that reactive oxygen intermediates were being formed that could have contributed to the intracellular killing of P. haemolytica .
Microstructure and Mechanical Anisotropy of Crab Cancer Magister Exoskeletons

In this study, the microstructure and mechanical anisotropy of a crab Cancer magister exoskeleton – including both the claw and body shell - were studied by using systematic scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and nanoindentation. The exoskeleton was observed to have a layered microstructure on the cross sections with hierarchically stacked chitin-protein fibrous planes, and porous structures on the in-plane sections. The elastic modulus and hardness decrease with increasing distance from the exoskeleton surface. When comparing the same cuticle layer, higher mechanical properties were measured in the claw than the body shell. A pronounced mechanical anisotropy is observed between the in-plane and cross-section directions – higher modulus and hardness on the in-plane sections than the cross sections, with the exception for the claw endocuticle which shows significantly higher mechanical properties on the cross-sections. Possible mechanisms leading to the observed microstructural and mechanical anisotropy were discussed.
Tagatose 6-phosphate formation from galactosamine 6-phosphate by cell-free extracts of Latcobacillus casei

Abstract Dialyzed cell-free extracts of Lactobacillus casei deaminated galactosamine 6-phosphate to tagatose 6-phosphate and ammonia.
Self-Reported Comorbid Pains in Severe Headaches or Migraines in a US National Sample

Aims.— To compare prevalence of self-reported comorbid temporomandibular joint muscle disorder-type, neck, back, and joint pains in people with severe headache or migraine; and analyze these self-reported pains in the 2000-2005 US National Health Interview Survey by gender and age for non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic blacks (African Americans). Methods.— National Health Interview Survey data included information on gender, age, race, ethnicity, health status, and common pain types: severe headache or migraine, temporomandibular joint muscle disorder-type, neck, and low back in the last 3 months, as well as prior-month joint pains. Analyses included survey prevalence estimation and survey logistic regression to obtain odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results.— The study included 189,967 adults: 48% males, 52% females; 73% white, 12% Hispanic, and 11% black. Of the entire sample, 29,712 (15%) reported severe headache or migraine, and 19,228 (64%) had severe headache or migraine with at least 1 comorbid pain. Two or more comorbid pains were reported in 10,200 (33%), with no gender difference, and with Hispanics (n = 1847 or 32%) and blacks (n = 1301 or 30%) less likely to report 2 or more comorbid pains than whites (n = 6747 or 34%) (odds ratio = 0.91, P = .032; OR = 0.82, P < .001, respectively). This group also reported significantly lower ratings of self-rated health (P < .001). Differences in type of comorbid pain by age patterns were found. Conclusions.— Severe headache or migraine is often associated with other common pains, seldom existing alone. Two or more comorbid pains are common, similarly affecting gender and racial/ethnic groups.
The importance of the role of women in social development

. two-fotd : to recognize the past and present achievements of women in world societies and to encourage further growth and development of women’s potential on an ,indivi-. dual os well as on a societal and global basis. Althoug’h women’s contributions in the history of regional and national developmen.t have been numerous, it is apparent that their participation in social development is still very limi-ted in scope and that expanded opportunities are essential (UN Report, 1970).
Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves from Concentric Infinite Cylinders

The solution for the scattering of radiant energy in the form of electromagnetic waves by concentric isotropic infinitely long circular cylinders is given for the incident energy traveling perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
Exploration of the relationships among medical health history variables and aspiration.

Abstract Objectives (1) Determine the relationships among a family's specific answers to health history questions and their child's risk for aspiration as determined by a swallow study. (2) Identify key factors which may predict a child's risk for aspiration. Methods Answers to questions and results of Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) and/or Video Swallow Study (VSS) for a sample of 198 children were collected. Subjects were categorized into groups: “aspiration”, “penetration” or “no aspiration or penetration”. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine the contribution of certain characteristics to the odds of aspiration. A model for predicting aspiration or penetration based on those characteristics was assessed. The sensitivity and specificity of the model in predicting aspiration and penetration was determined. Results One hundred ninety eight subjects had a FEES or VSS. Of these, 18% (n = 36) aspirated and 21% (n = 42) were found to have penetration. Many of the factors identified in the health history were found to be significantly associated with aspiration or penetration. The variables “demonstrated aspiration” (this included parent or caregiver seeing food in the tracheotomy tube or aspiration noted on a previous FEES or VSS) (p = 0.02), “hypotonia” (p = 0.02) and “tracheotomy” (p = 0.001) were most predictive of aspiration. History of tracheotomy was found to have an inverse relationship with aspiration. “gastroesophageal reflux” (GER) (p = 0.0007) was most significantly associated with penetration, followed by “prematurity” (p = 0.03) and “developmental delays” (p = 0.04). Based on the prediction model, the probabilities for a child with a history of combinations of the above variables to have aspiration or penetration were calculated. Conclusions Significant relationships exist between aspiration or penetration and the family's answers about their child's medical history. Practitioners should consider a swallow assessment whenever a child has a history which includes variables with a strong association with aspiration or penetration.
Voice quality after laryngotracheal reconstruction.

Objective: To ascertain changes in laryngeal anatomy and function associated with poor voice outcome after laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) and to specifically describe dysphonia in pediatric patients treated for subglottic stenosis. Design: A survey was undertaken of patients having undergone LTR for subglottic stenosis. Twelve patients were recruited during the year 1990-1991. Nine patients were able to complete the endoscopic portion of the protocol that included fiberoptic and direct laryngoscopy. Speech samples were qualitatively evaluable in only six of nine patients (vocal quality, loudness, and intelligibility) and objectively in five of nine patients (fundamental frequency and pitch perturbation). Patients: All patients in this consecutive sample had undergone LTR for congenital or acquired subglottic stenosis. The average age was 6 years. Each patient had previously undergone an average of two prior open laryngeal procedures and five endoscopic procedures. Outcome Measures: Correlation between anatomic and functional changes in the post-LTR larynx and voice outcome. Results: Endoscopic evaluation of the post-LTR larynx showed a 78% incidence of altered anatomy and 44% incidence of altered function. Speech sample analysis showed the following: 100% decreased vocal quality, 50% decreased intelligibility, 100% decreased volume, and 80% low fundamental frequency and increased jitter. Conclusions: Children with high-grade subglottic stenosis and multiple prior surgeries are at high risk for poor voice outcome after LTR. Future prospective studies will allow substantiation of this observation and clarification of which changes in laryngeal structure and function arise from surgery per se. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1994;120:641-647)
The Immunostimulatory Power of Acute Viral Infection

In this issue of Immunity, Miller et al. (2008) use multiple independent techniques to demonstrate that antiviral T cell responses after acute human infection are much larger than previously realized.
Electroreduction and oxidation of terephthalaldehyde and the role of hydration

Abstract Electroreduction of terephthalaldehyde (benzene-1,4-dicarboxaldehyde) (I) in protic media is complicated by acid–base and hydration–dehydration equilibria. At pH 0–5.5 the diprotonated form of I is reduced in a reversible two-electron step to a diradical-quinonemethide. This species is at pH 1–3 converted into an aldol (4-HOCH 2 C 6 H 4 CHO), which is further reduced at a more negative potential. At pH 5.5–8.5 the monoprotonated form is reduced. The protonated formyl group is reduced first and then, at a more negative potential, the second formyl group in the aldol, formed in the first step, is further reduced. As terephthalaldehyde is in aqueous solutions present in about 15% as a monohydrate, the limiting currents in this pH range are controlled by the hydration–dehydration equilibrium, the establishment of which is acid and base-catalyzed. The reduction of the unprotonated form occurs at pH > 8.5. At pH > 10 addition of OH − ions takes place. The formation of a geminaldiol anion results in a decrease of reduction waves of the aldehyde, but an increase in the oxidation anodic wave of the diol. Dependence of anodic waves on activity of OH − ions indicates a consecutive addition of OH − ions to the two formyl groups. The understanding of the sequence of chemical (protonation, hydration) and electrochemical reaction steps enabled application of changes of polarographic i–E curves with time as an analytical method for following (in real time) concentration changes of the parent compound, its monohydrazones and monoximes as well as dihydrazones and dioximes.
Enantioselective autocatalysis. IV. Implications for parity violation effects.

Historically, parity violation at the contemporary biomolecular level (i.e., only L-amino acids in proteins and D-sugars in DNA and RNA) has been postulated to be the inevitable result of parity violations at the elementary particle level, involving eitherβ-decay electrons or parity violating energy differences (PVEDs)between enantiomers. These two chiral biases have in turn allegedly impressed a small but persistent chirality onto prebiotic chemistry which, after appropriate amplification, has culminated in our contemporary homochiral biopolymers. Experiments and controversies pertaining to the efficacy of these two chiral biases are reviewed briefly, with the conclusions that: a) there is no experimental evidence supporting the capability ofβ-decay electrons or other spinpolarized chiral particles to generate chiral molecules, and b) only theoretical calculations, but no experimental evidence, support the allegation of a causal relation between PVEDs and biomolecular homochirality. We here attempt to examine the latter allegation experimentally. Spontaneous resolution under racemization conditions (SRURC) during the crystallization of the bromofluoro-1,4-benzodiazepinooxazole derivativeI is capable of affording products of high enantiomeric purity. This process, which involves very efficient stereoselective autocatalysis, has now been examined statistically. If PVED effects are operative, the SRURC of racemicI should provide, either exclusively or with a strong and consistent bias, only one enantiomer of crystallineI. However, crystallization experiments of racemicI showed no bias in its SRURC, leading to the conclusion that PVED effects are ineffective in dictating a preferred chirality in this system. Several earlier experiments in the literature leading to a similar conclusion as to the inefficacy of PVED effects in promoting a preferred chirality are noted.
Two distinct gating mechanisms in gap junction channels: CO2-sensitive and voltage-sensitive

The chemical gating of single-gap junction channels was studied by the dual whole-cell voltage-clamp method in HeLa cells transfected with connexin43 (HeLa43) and in fibroblasts from sciatic nerves. Junctional current (Ij), single-channel conductance, and Ij kinetics were studied in cell pairs during CO2 uncoupling and recoupling at small transjunctional voltages (Vj 40 mV: Vj gating strongly activated). In the absence of Vj gating, CO2 exclusively caused Ij slow transitions from open to closed channel states (mean transition time: approximately 10 ms), corresponding to a single-channel conductance of approximately 120 pS. At Vj > 40 mV, Vj gating induced fast Ij flickering between open, gamma j(main state), and residual, gamma j(residual), states (transition time: approximately 2 ms). The ratio gamma j(main state)/gamma j(residual) was approximately 4–5. No obvious correlation between Ij fast flickering and CO2 treatment was noticed. At high Vj, in addition to slow Ij transitions between open and closed states, CO2 induced slow transitions between residual and closed states. During recoupling, each channel reopened by a slow transition (mean transition time: approximately 10 ms) from closed to open state (rarely from closed to residual state). Fast Ij flickering between open and residual states followed. The data are in agreement with the hypothesis that gap junction channels possess two gating mechanisms, and indicate that CO2 induces channel gating exclusively by the slow gating mechanism.
Comparison of bromo- and iodoalkyl triflates for 18F-radiolabeling of amines.

Abstract The use of 3-bromopropyl-1-trifluoromethanesulfonate and 3-iodopropyl-1-trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflates) as precursors for 18 F-labeling of a secondary amine is described. This simple two step procedure, [ 18 F]fluoride triflate displacement followed by N-alkylation, has been optimized using N -nordiprenorphine as the model substrate. The highest radiochemical yields (85%) for the triflate displacement reaction were obtained in THF using n-Bu 4 NOH as the base. In comparing the two triflates no differences in the yields for this step were observed. In contrast, the yields for the fluoroalkylation step were increased more than 75% by using 1-[ 18 F]fluoro-3-iodopropane rather than 1-bromo-3-[ 18 F]fluoropropane. The highest yields for this N-alkylation reaction (35%) were achieved in DMF using N , N -diisopropylethylamine as the base. For both steps the observed yields are strongly dependent on the relative concentrations of the major reactants.
Reflection and refraction of hydromagnetic waves at the magnetopause

Reflection and transmission coefficients of MHD waves are obtained at a stable, plane interface which separates two compressible, perfectly conducting media in relative motion to each other. The coefficients are evaluated for representative conditions of the quiet-time, near-earth magnetopause. The transmission coefficient averaged over a hemispherical distribution of incident waves is found to be 1-2%. Yet the magnitude of the energy flux deposited into the magnetosphere in a day averaged over a hemispherical distribution of waves having amplitudes of say 2-3 gamma, is estimated to be of the order 10 to the 22-nd power erg. Therefore the energy input of MHD waves must contribute significantly to the energy budget of the magnetosphere. The assumption that the boundary surface is a tangential discontinuity with no curvature limits the present theory to hydromagnetic frequencies higher than about .1 Hz.
Packet acquisition for time-frequency hopped random multiple access

This paper investigates packet acquisition in a random multiple access (RMA) environment. An analytical approach to performance evaluation is provided, which enables the waveform designer to set design parameters quickly such that the required performance is achieved without over-design. RMA is a medium access methodology used for time-frequency hopped signaling and has been widely considered in the literature for mobile ad-hoc networking. It has a number of desirable characteristics, including low latency, frequency diversity and robustness against undesirable interferences. However, a major difficulty exists: in order to demodulate a packet, the receiver must Arst determine its arrival time. The difficulty is exacerbated with multiple access interference, a situation for which the receiver performance has not been well quantified. To illustrate the accuracy of the analytical results, simulations are performed over a wide range of design parameters, e.g., the pulse length, pulse duty factor and the number of synchronization pulses, and various operation-time variables such as the number of users and the relative power levels of the signal, interference, and noise.
Interaction of polyomavirus internal protein VP2 with the major capsid protein VP1 and implications for participation of VP2 in viral entry

A complex of the polyomavirus internal protein VP2/VP3 with the pentameric major capsid protein VP1 has been prepared by co-expression in Escherichia coli. A C-terminal segment of VP2/VP3 is required for tight association, and a crystal structure of this segment, complexed with a VP1 pentamer, has been determined at 2.2 A resolution. The structure shows specific contacts between a single copy of the internal protein and a pentamer of VP1. These interactions were not detected in the previously described structure of the virion, but the location of VP2 in the recombinant complex is consistent with features in the virion electron-density map. The C-terminus of VP2/VP3 inserts in an unusual, hairpin-like manner into the axial cavity of the VP1 pentamer, where it is anchored strongly by hydrophobic interactions. The remainder of the internal protein appears to have significant flexibility. This structure restricts possible models for exposure of the internal proteins during viral entry.
Income Inequality: An Inter-Industry Analysis

This paper offers new evidence that inter-industry inequality has increased since the early seventies. An examination of de industrialization, segmented labor market, and international competition explanations of this increase shows that the growth of inequality is accounted for mainly by growing wage differentials among industries, notably between primacy and secondary sectors. Employment shifts out of middle-wage industries and employment and wage effects of international trade do not explain the inequality increase.
Nonlinear dynamics of the firehose instability in a magnetic dipole geotail

[1] The nonlinear dynamics of the firehose instability provides a possible explanation for the onset of the magnetic fluctuations associated with bursty bulk flows and substorms. Magnetic fluctuations called Pi2 geomagnetic pulsations are associated with bursty flows in the geotail plasma, where the plasma pressure exceeds the magnetic pressure. These strong magnetic fluctuations are often associated with substorms and start a few minutes before the arrival of the dipolarization pulse. Motivated by these observations, we have derived a nonlinear partial differential equation and developed an initial value code to investigate the firehose anisotropy-driven turbulence in the Earth's geotail. We show that Hall MHD and dispersive ion kinetic effects limit the range of unstable parallel wavenumbers and determine the frequency spectrum of the turbulence. Nonlinear saturation is caused by the nonlinear weakening at large magnetic field line distortions of the destabilizing magnetic curvature force driven by the pressure anisotropy.
Recognition and inhibition of dorsal horn nociceptive signals within a closed-loop system

We implemented an integrated system that can acquire neuronal signals from spinal cord dorsal horn neurons, wirelessly transmit the signals to a computer, and recognize the nociceptive signals from three different mechanical stimuli (brush, pressure and pinch). Positive peak detection method was chosen to distinguish between signal spikes. The inter spike intervals (ISIs) were calculated from the identified action potentials (APs) and fed into a numerical array called cluster. When the sum of the ISIs in the cluster reached a critical level, the program recognized the recorded signals as nociceptive inputs. The user has the flexibility to tune both the cluster size and critical threshold for individual's need to reach optimization in pain signal recognition. The program was integrated with a wireless neurostimulator to form a feedback loop to recognize and inhibit nociceptive signals.
Effects of Stratification on Thermal Convection in Horizontal Porous Layers With Localized Heating From Below

The purpose of the present work is to study numerically the natural convection in a horizontal porous layer in the presence of a stable, linear thermal gradient. The geometry considered is a two-dimensional horizontal cavity filled with a fluid-saturated porous medium whose bottom surface is cooled at a constant temperature {Tc}, except for a central portion of the surface where isothermal heat source exists. The temperature on the side walls varies linearly from the bottom surface temperature {Tc} to the top wall temperature T{sub t}. Detailed flow and temperature field solutions are obtained for various values of thermal stratification ratio S. When S = 0, the present problem reduces to natural convection in horizontal porous layers with localized heating from below.
THINK! Being a student of Frank B. Livingstone.

When I began my adult life as a programmer in 1961, IBM used to hand out little orange desk-top signs with their corporate motto in big letters: THINK (Figure 1). This comes to mind as I try to provide a sense of what it was like, thirty-some years later, to be one of Frank Livingstone's students. Frank was one of the legends of biological anthropology, as prominent and influential as any anthropologist with an interest in genetics, and indeed in all of anthropology. He was one of few in his generation who worked squarely within anthropology in its most profound sense, but had a fully professional understanding of genetics and the evolutionary theory of his day.
The use of prognostic factors in predicting survival for breast cancer patients.

Abstract There were 375 cases in the series of breast cancer patients diagnosed from 1921 to 1953 at the Yale-New Haven Medical Center for which information was available for the following four variables: axillary lymph node status, nuclear grade, sinus histiocytosis and tumor size. Patients were classified according to a favorable or unfavorable status with respect to each of these four variables. With one exception, the survival distribution for the 16 resulting groups of patients could be reasonably approximated by a simple exponential distribution. This implies that the mortality rate can be used for analytical purposes as a summary of the survival pattern for a group of cases. Using statistical methods for analyzing factorial experiments, we found that each of the four variables influenced survival and that the order of importance was axillary node status, tumor size, sinus histiocytosis and nuclear grade. No interaction was judged important. Based on an assumption of exponential survival, a mathematical model was developed which made meaningful survival prediction possible (by taking disease status at time of mastectomy into account). The mathematical model was further used for ranking combinations of conditions of the four variables in order of prognostic importance.
Patient-Centered Models of Care: Closing the Gaps in Physician Readiness

Nearly every medical student and practicing physician aspires to provide the best possible patient-centered care. They went into medicine to do so and are trained to place patients’ wellbeing at the center of their work. What physicians are not trained to do, however, is to engage with and change the powerful systems that shape their ability to provide patient-centered care: funding models, organizational structure, information technology, and others. The messy business of leading change is, more often than not, handled by managers, accountants and legislators, most of whom are adept at looking at the bottom line, but are ill-equipped to understand the reality of providing patient-centered medical care. Physicians can play a key role in delivery system reform, and must now achieve fluency in domains beyond medical knowledge and technical skills.1
Pearls & Oy-sters: Neurosyphilis presenting as mesial temporal encephalitis

Neurosyphilis can present with a myriad of signs and symptoms. Mesial temporal lobe inflammation is a rare and under-recognized presentation of neurosyphilis that may mimic viral or limbic encephalitis. Concomitant HIV infection is common and may change the presentation of neurosyphilis.
Free flap transfers in rats using an irradiated recipient site.

Abstract As clinical experience with free flaps increases, new applications have been discovered. Recently Panje and Krause (1977) have used them to reconstruct extensive oropharyn-geal defects at the time of tumour resection. In their report of 8 flaps, 2 failures were in recipients of preoperative irradiation. If free flaps are to be employed in the reconstruction of patients with head and neck malignancies, the effect of radiation to the recipient bed and vessels must be known. Tanet al. (1978) found only a 50 per cent success rate in free flap transfers in rabbits using 2,000 rad irradiated recipient vessels. However, Baker and Krause (1978) have recently demonstrated good patency in arterial anastomoses performed on rat arteries following therapeutic dose irradiation. The present study was designed to demonstrate the effect of therapeutic dose irradiation on the recipient bed vasculature and in particular its influence on the viability of free flap isografts in laboratory rats.