cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concentration and temperature dependence of the counterion self-diffusion coefficient in aqueous solutions of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide

Abstract The concentration and temperature dependence of the counterion self-diffusion coefficient, D Br − , have been measured for aqueous solutions of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB), from below the critical micelle concentration (CMC = 0.036 wt%) to 17.3 wt% CTAB. The radiometric-porous frit method was used. The concentration dependence of D Br − and of the activation energy for self-diffusion both apparently exhibit extrema near the CMC. However, above about 1% CTAB D Br − is a linear function of the concentration, and this concentration dependence continues even at high surfactant concentrations where the viscosity of the solution becomes very large. The data are analyzed in terms of a “two-site” model which has been applied to the NMR linewidths of Br − in CTAB solutions, and it is shown that within the model the accepted interpretation of the linewidths is inconsistent with the bromide self-diffusion coefficient.
Function and dysfunction: A historical critique of the literature on menstruation and work

Historically, menstruation has often been cited as the source of women's inferiority as workers. It has been argued that, given the physical and emotional demands of menstruation, the performance of certain jobs might cause a woman to hurt herself or to disrupt the orderly and efficient production of goods. Despite the influence that this reasoning has had on women's lives, the validity of its conclusions have never been demonstrated by scientific inquiry. This paper argues that, in general, scientists have failed to consider the topic of menstrual dysfunction in the workplace as one requiring scientific scrutiny and that when research has been conducted, beliefs about menstruation have systematically biased the results. These failures have led not only to the perpetuation of myths about women as workers, but they have also thwarted the search for organic causes of menstrual dysfunction. A redefinition of the question concerning work and menstrual dysfunction is proposed.
The Geometry of Wide Curves in the Plane

This article treats the problem: Given the positive number Δ and two points of the plane, determine the shortest planar curves of minimal width Δ joining these points.
Pinocchio coin: building zerocoin from a succinct pairing-based proof system

Bitcoin is the first widely adopted distributed e-cash system and Zerocoin is a recent proposal to extend Bitcoin with anonymous transactions. The original Zerocoin protocol relies heavily on the Strong RSA assumption and double-discrete logarithm proofs, long-standing techniques with known performance restrictions. We show a variant of the Zerocoin protocol using instead elliptic curves and bilinear pairings. The proof system makes use of modern techniques based on quadratic arithmetic programs resulting in smaller proofs and quicker verification. We remark on several extensions to Zerocoin that are enabled by the general-purpose nature of these techniques.
Effect of simultaneous state–parameter estimation and forcing uncertainties on root-zone soil moisture for dynamic vegetation using EnKF

Abstract In this study, an EnKF-based assimilation algorithm was implemented to estimate root-zone soil moisture (RZSM) using the coupled LSP–DSSAT model during a growing season of corn. Experiments using both synthetic and field observations were conducted to understand effects of simultaneous state–parameter estimation, spatial and temporal update frequency, and forcing uncertainties on RZSM estimates. Estimating the state–parameters simultaneously with every 3-day assimilation of volumetric soil moisture (VSM) observations at 5 depths lowered the average standard deviation (ASD) and the root mean square error (RMSE) for RZSM by approximately 1.77% VSM (78%) and 2.18% VSM (93%), respectively, compared to the open-loop ASD where as estimating only states lowered the ASD by approximately 1.26% VSM (56%) and the RMSE by 1.66% VSM (71%). The synthetic case obtained RZSM estimates closer to the observations than the MicroWEX-2 case, particularly after precipitation/irrigation events. The differences in EnKF performance between MicroWEX-2 and synthetic observations may indicate other sources of errors in addition to those in parameters and forcings, such as errors in model biophysics.
A young man with Propionibacterium acnes-induced shunt nephritis.

SUMMARY This case illustrates in a striking manner the potential renalcomplications associated with chronic, unrecognized VAshunt infection. The diagnosis of shunt nephritis is challen-ging and, as exempliﬁed by this case, may be overlooked forseveral years, resulting in signiﬁcant morbidity in the form ofongoing renal injury with proteinuria and renal failure. Theﬁnding of hematuria, proteinuria and even mild renalinsufﬁciency in a patient with a VA shunt should promptan aggressive microbiologic diagnostic evaluation to excludesubacute infection. Renal biopsy should be considered todocument the pathognomonic membranoproliferative lesionand to assess the relative degrees of acute versus chronicinjury. Further, this case highlights the critical importance ofexcluding secondary forms of disease in any patient with anephritic presentation and biopsy ﬁndings demonstratingmembranoproliferative features, as identiﬁcation and treat-ment of the underlying condition may lead to remission ofproteinuria and normalization of renal excretory function,even in patients with a baseline biopsy ﬁnding of signiﬁcantsclerosis alongside ongoing active inﬂammation, as was thecase in this patient. Finally, in this exciting era where theelucidation of entire microbial genome sequences has becomepossible, future studies correlating bacterial genomes andproteomes with speciﬁc mechanisms of disease may holdpromise for identifying speciﬁc antigens involved in thepathogenesis of immune-mediated conditions, such as shuntnephritis.
Distribution automation for the association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives-a statewide evaluation of load management

An in-depth technical and economic feasibility study utilizing one- and two-way management systems for statewide load control and distribution automation is presented. Included are: (1) an evaluation of the generation and transmission load patterns of the state cooperatives and the determination of the amount of controllable load for use by a load management system; (2) an in-depth economic cost-benefit study of the implementation of a load management system on a statewide basis; (3) communication alternatives for implementing the statewide load management and distribution automation system; (4) an investigation into using an existing statewide microwave communications system for direct load control, local control, or distribution automation; and (5) a cost-benefit study using new technologies such as fiber optics, AM and FM broadcast, ripple, and carrier modulation for system control. >
Growth temperature dependence of optical modal gain and loss in GaN:Eu active medium on Si.

The dependence of optical modal gain and loss on GaN:Eu growth temperature is reported. GaN:Eu thin films were grown on Si substrates with AlGaN transition and cladding layers at temperatures ranging from 600°C to 850°C. The modal gain and loss in the GaN:Eu layer were a strong function of the optically active Eu atomic concentration and of the interface quality between the active layer and the top cladding layer, which in turn depended on the growth temperature. Optimum optical properties of maximum modal gain of ~100 cm-1 and minimum loss of ~46 cm-1 were obtained for growth at 800°C.
On the role of two-phonon processes in the energy relaxation of a heated-electron distribution

Abstract An investigation is made of the role of multiple acoustical phonon scattering of carriers as a mechanism contributing to increased efficiency of energy loss in “warm” electron phenomena. The method adopted compares the single- and two-phonon contributions to power lost to a cold lattice by a warm Maxwellian distribution of carriers. The model of electron-phonon interaction developed is a kind of rigid-ion model, which for one-phonon processes coincides with the usual standard single-valley model for semiconductors. Two-phonon processes arising for first- and second-order perturbation theory are considered, and account is taken of their statistical interference. Expressions for the contribution to power loss from one-phonon processes and from the various kinds of two-phonon processes are developed and reduced to quadratures. The quadratures are estimated numerically by random sampling (Monte Carlo) and by Gauss-Legendre approximation. The estimates suggest that the two-phonon processes involving an intermediate state (secondorder perturbation theory) give a power loss comparable to that of one-phonon processes. The contributions to power loss from the two-phonon processes of first-order perturbation theory and from the statistical interference between the two types of two-phonon processes are insignificant.
Chapter 4 Vitreous fluorophotometry

Abstract Vitreous Fluorophotometry (V.F.) is a method developed to study intraocular fluid dynamics and the permeability of the barriers that serve as boundaries for the intraocular fluids. The method is particularly appropriate for examining vitreous dynamics and the permeability of the blood - retinal barrier which is the principal boundary surrounding the vitreous. Before presenting the technique of vitreous fluorophotometry and analyzing its results, there will be a brief introduction on intraocular fluid dynamics and blood ocular barriers.
Effect of solution properties, competing ligands, and complexing metal on sorption of tetracyclines on Al-based drinking water treatment residuals

In the current batch study, we investigated the effect of solution properties, competing ligands (phosphate (P(V)) and sulfate), and complexing metal (calcium (Ca2+)) on tetracycline (TTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) sorption by Al-based drinking water treatment residuals (Al-WTR). The sorption behavior for both TTC and OTC on Al-WTR was pH dependent. The sorption in absence of competing ligands and complexing metal increased with increasing pH up to circum-neutral pH and then decreased at higher pH. The presence of P(V) when added simultaneously had a significant negative effect (p 0.1). The presence of sulfate had a minimal/negligible effect on the sorption of TCs by Al-WTR. A significant negative effect (p < 0.001) on the adsorption of TCs by Al-WTR was observed in the pH range below 5 and at higher TCs:Ca2+ ratios, probably due to TCs-Ca2+ complex formation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated the possibility of inner-sphere-type bonding by the functional groups of OTC/TTC on Al-WTR surface. Results from the batch sorption study indicate high affinity of Al-WTR for TCs in the pH range 4–8 (majorly encountered pH in the environment) in the presence of competing ligands and complexing metal.
An approximate analysis of a large prestressed concrete cylindrical section

Abstract A straighforward procedure for calculating the radial and tangential stresses in a prestressed concrete cylindrical section is described and illustrated. A comparison with more sophisticated procedures is presented. The diminution in thermal stress due to the decrease in Young's modulus with temperature is also shown.
Optimal charging of plug-in electric vehicles for a car park infrastructure

This paper proposes an intelligent workplace parking garage for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The system involves the developed smart power charging controller, a 75kW photovoltaic (PV) panel, a DC distribution bus and the AC utility grid. Stochastic models of the power demanded by PHEVs in the parking garage and output power of PV are presented. In order to limit the impact of PHEVs' charging on the utility AC grid, a fuzzy logic power flow controller is designed. Based on their power requirements, PHEVs were classified into five charging priorities with different rates according to the developed controller. The charging rates depend on the predicted PV output power, the power demand by the PHEVs and the price of energy from the utility grid. The developed system can dramatically limit the impacts of PHEVs on the utility grid and reduce the charging cost. The system structure and the developed PHEVs smart charging algorithm are described. Moreover, a comparison between the impacts of the charging process of the PHEVs on the grid with/without the developed smart charging technique is presented and analyzed.
Chondrocytic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells sequentially exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 in monolayer and insulin-like growth factor-I in a three-dimensional matrix

This study evaluated chondrogenesis of mesenchymal progenitor stem cells (MSCs) cultured initially under pre-confluent monolayer conditions exposed to transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and subsequently in three-dimensional cultures containing insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Bone marrow aspirates and chondrocytes were obtained from horses and cultured in monolayer with 0 or 5 ng of TGF-beta 1 per ml of medium for 6 days. TGF-beta 1 treated and untreated cultures were distributed to three-dimensional fibrin disks containing 0 or 100 ng of IGF-I per ml of medium to establish four treatment groups. After 13 days, cultures were assessed by toluidine blue staining, collagen types I and II in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, proteoglycan production by [35S]-sulfate incorporation, and disk DNA content by fluorometry. Mesenchymal cells in monolayer cultures treated with TGF-beta1 actively proliferated for the first 4 days, developed cellular rounding, and formed cell clusters. Treated MSC cultures had a two-fold increase in medium proteoglycan content. Pretreatment of MSCs with TGF-beta1 followed by exposure of cells to IGF-I in three-dimensional culture significantly increased the formation of markers of chondrocytic function including disk proteoglycan content and procollagen type II mRNA production. However, proteoglycan and procollagen type II production by MSC's remained lower than parallel chondrocyte cultures. MSC pretreatment with TGF-beta1 without sequential IGF-I was less effective in initiating expression of markers of chondrogenesis. This study indicates that although MSC differentiation was less than complete when compared to mature chondrocytes, chondrogenesis was observed in IGF-I supplemented cultures, particularly when used in concert with TGF-beta1 pretreatment.
Chemotactic response of bovine neutrophils to Pasteurella haemolytica culture fluid.

Abstract Bovine neutrophil chemotactic activity was detected in the supernatant fluid of logarithmic phase cultures of P. haemolytica serotype 1. The chemoattractant was produced under culture conditions suitable for P. haemolytica leukotoxin production. An inverse correlation existed between the leukotoxin LC50 and the chemotactic activity in the culture fluid. Elimination of leukotoxin activity by heating, dilution or ultrafiltration, exposed the chemotactic activity in the culture fluid. The chemoattractant was partially resistant to heating (60°C, 30 min), and had an apparent molecular weight greater than 100 000. Detection of chemotactic activity in both the concentrate and filtrate after XM300 filtration suggested that there might be more than one component with chemotactic activity or else that polymerization was occurring. Production of a potent neutrophil chemoattractant by P. haemolytica may explain the rapid infiltration of neutrophils that occurs during the early stages of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis.
The C‐Terminus of the β Protein is Critical in Amyloidogenesisa

The beta amyloid protein found in extracellular deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is heterogeneous at its C-terminus; proteins ending at residues 40, 42, and 43 have been identified in neuritic deposits, while protein in vascular amyloid appears to end at residue 39 or 40. Studies of synthetic beta proteins (beta 1-39, beta 1-40, beta 1-42), and model peptides (beta 26-39, beta 26-40, beta 26-42, beta 26-43) demonstrate that amyloid formation is a nucleation-dependent phenomenon. Peptides ending at residues 39 or 40 were kinetically soluble for hours to days, while peptides ending at residues 42 or 43 aggregated immediately; all eventually reached similar thermodynamic solubility. The kinetically soluble variants could be seeded with the kinetically insoluble variants. The secondary structure of beta 26-39 fibrils was different from that of beta 26-42 fibrils, however, seeding beta 26-39 with beta 26-42 produces mixed fibrils with structure similar to beta 26-42. These results suggest that neuritic plaques may be seeded by their minor component; this may determine the structure and properties of amyloid in AD.
Variation in the Female Frenulum in Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) Part 1. Chlidanotinae

Abstract This paper, treating the tortricid subfamily Chlidanotinae (comprised of Chlidanotini, Hilarographini, and Polyorthini), represents the first in a proposed three-part series examining variation in the number of bristles in the frenulum of female tortricid moths. Based on an examination of 86 described species and 11 undescribed species representing 31 genera of Chlidanotinae, the vast majority of females of Chlidanotini and Hilarographini have a two-bristled frenulum, whereas a three-bristled frenulum is the more common state in Polyorthini. When the character states are mapped on a composite, schematic phylogeny of the subfamily, the change from three to two bristles appears to have evolved once at the base of the Chlidanotini + Hilarographini clade and twice within Polyorthini. The consistency of this character within Chlidanotini and Hilarographini provides further evidence for the exclusion of Mictocommosis Diakonoff, Mictopsichia Hubner, and Tortrimosaica Brown and Baixeras from Hilarographi...
On the mechanism of production of the heart sounds

Abstract The mechanisms of the heart sounds have been investigated by means of animal experiments and the recording of tracings in normal human subjects. Simultaneous tracings of pressure have been recorded in dogs from the two ventricles, from one ventricle and its respective atrium, and from the aorta and pulmonary artery. The time relationship of the motion of the various valves was revealed by these tracings plus simultaneous external phonocardiograms. Simultaneous intracardiac phonocardiograms confirmed these data. Selective phonocardiograms have been recorded through various filters in man, together with low-frequency tracings of the precordium, carotid and aortic tracings, and jugular tracings. The following conclusions have been reached (Fig. 11): 1. 1. The first sound is made of 3 phases: low-pitched beginning, due to 2. myocardial tension; higher-pitched central phase, due to valvular events; lowpitched final phase, due to vascular phenomena. The central phase contains at least 4 vibrations which correspond to the motion of the 4 valves in the following order: mitral closure, tricuspid closure, pulmonic opening, aortic opening. Whenever one or more large vibrations correspond to the phase of ejection, they are likely to be of a vascular nature. 3. 2. The second sound is made of 3 phases: low-pitched beginning, due to eddies preceding the valvular closure; higher-pitched central phase, due to closure of the semilunar valves; and low-pitched final phase, due to final vibrations plus opening of the A-V valves. The central and final phases correspond, firt, to the closure of the semilunar valves and, then, to the opening of the A-V valves, in this order: aortic closure, pulmonic closure, tricuspid opening, mitral opening. 4. 3. Rapid filling of the ventricles is usually nonsimultaneous, in this order: rapid filling of right ventricle, rapid filling of left ventricle. These data confirm some interpretations of previous workers but exclude others. Time intervals for the various phases are given for large dogs. Measurements taken in phonocardiograms of normal persons, recorded with a technique which is identical to that used in dogs, indicate that similar figures can be used in man.
Three-dimensional quantification of mossy-fiber presynaptic boutons in living hippocampal slices using confocal microscopy.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to visualize presynaptic elements of mossy-fiber synapses in living rat hippocampal slices. Mossy fiber (mf) axons and their boutons were labeled in transverse hippocampal slices by injecting one of three fluorescent dyes (diI, diA, or fast diI) into stratum granulosum of the dentate gyrus and/or stratum lucidum of CA3. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the mf boutons were obtained from serial optical sections in stratum lucidum. The 3D data were used to quantify and characterize the size and shape of the boutons based on their volumes (V) and surface areas (A), and the latter were compared with conventional 2D analyses. Various geometric models were fitted to the V-A relationship, one of which provided a reasonable approximation to the data. The results demonstrate that this approach is useful for quantifying and characterizing the size and shape of mf expansions and raise the possibility of detecting and analyzing in real time activity-dependent modifications in presynaptic structure. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prospective evaluation of topical versus retrobulbar anesthesia: A converting surgeon's experience

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of topical versus retrobulbar anesthesia for cataract surgery performed by a surgeon newly converting to the topical technique. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Methods: Ninety patients were prospectively assigned by permuted block restricted randomization to receive topical (Group 1; n=45) or retrobulbar (Group 2; n=45) anesthesia. Group 1 received topical bupivacaine 0.75% and intravenous midazolam and fentanyl for anesthesia. Group 2 received intravenous methohexital followed by retrobulbar block with an equal mixture of lidocaine 2% and bupivacaine 0.75% plus hyaluronidase 150 units. A visual pain analog scale was used to assess the degree of pain during anesthesia administration and surgery and postoperatively. The degree to which eye movement, touch, and light caused patient discomfort was assessed. Intraoperative conditions and complications were recorded. Results: Intraoperative operating conditions were significantly better in Group 2 ( P P Conclusion: Cataract surgery was safely performed by a surgeon converting to topical anesthesia. After a distinct learning curve, the procedure was performed with minimal patient discomfort. Surgical training and patient preparation are the key to safe use of topical anesthesia.
Leiomyosarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava: Survival After Aggressive Management

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is exceedingly rare. The role of adjuvant therapy remains undefined. This study evaluated outcomes after aggressive management. Records on 20 patients undergoing surgery for IVC LMS between January 1990 and April 2006 were retrieved. Histology was confirmed upon re-review. Most patients received perioperative chemotherapy (CT), radiation therapy (RT), or both (CRT). Disease-free and overall survival (DFS, OS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Twenty patients (60% women, median age 57 years) with primary IVC LMS were treated with curative intent. Median follow-up was 41 months. All patients underwent resection of the primary tumor; one was found to have unresectable liver metastases. The IVC was managed with ligation (3), primary repair (12), or prosthetic graft (5). Additional organs were resected in 14 (70%) patients. Chemotherapy and/or RT were administered to 9 (45%) patients preoperatively (CT 2, RT 6, CRT 1) and 8 (40%) postoperatively (CT 4, RT 1, CRT 3). Median DFS was 21 months. Of 13 (68%) patients who developed recurrence, 4 underwent surgery, and 11 received CT. Median OS for 19 patients who underwent complete resection was 71 months. Tumor size was associated with disease recurrence (P = .004). No variables were prognostic for OS. Patients with IVC LMS treated with curative intent develop early recurrent disease. Nevertheless, long-term OS can be achieved even in the setting of metastatic disease. The independent impact of perioperative CT, RT, or CRT treatments cannot be adequately determined.
Obstruction of the large bowel in newborninfants due to congenital bands

Summary 1. Two unusual cases of large bowel obstruction in newborn infants due to congenital bands extending from the undersurface of the liver to the hepatic flexure of the colon are presented 2. The similarity of the symptom complex to that found in adults with lesions obstructing the colon is discussed. 3. The early recognition of the possibility of such bands producingintestinal obstruction is emphasized.
Otologic complications of cotton swab use: one institution's experience.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To evaluate the indications for observation versus surgery in the management of cotton swab-induced tympanic membrane perforations (TMP). Study Design: Institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study of 1,540 patients with a diagnosis of TMP from 2001 to 2010. Patients with a cotton swab injury were subdivided into two groups: observation and surgery. Methods: Data collection included demographics, symptoms, surgery type, and pre- and postintervention audiometry. Successful outcomes were defined as healed TMP; resolution/improvement of vertigo, tinnitus, or facial nerve paralysis; and/or closure of the air-bone gap (ABG). Results: Fifty-four of 1,540 patients presented with a cotton swab-induced TMP. Four of the 54 patients (7.4%) underwent delayed surgical repair with 100% success. Preoperatively, one patient had a facial nerve paralysis and two had vertigo with confirmed perilymphatic fistulae (PLF). Postoperatively, the facial nerve paralysis resolved, and one patient had mild vertigo. Fifty of 54 patients opted to forego surgery with 35 patients available for follow-up. Thirty-four (97%) of the 35 patients had spontaneous healing. The average time to perforation closure was 1.75 months. Twelve of 35 patients had no ABG after healing. Conclusions: Observation is an appropriate consideration for patients who have a TMP due to a cotton swab injury. Surgical intervention should be offered early when a PLF is suspected, or if facial paralysis, severe vertigo, and/or profound sensorineural hearing loss are present. As otolaryngologists, we should be reluctant to offer surgical intervention of an acute injury without significant symptoms as most patients will heal spontaneously within 2 months.
Integrated control of brown rot of sweet cherry fruit with a preharvest fungicide, a postharvest yeast, modified atmosphere packaging, and cold storage temperature

Abstract An integrated approach was studied for control of postharvest brown rot of sweet cherry fruit. System components included a preharvest application of propiconazole, a postharvest application of a wettable dispersible granular formulation of the yeast Cryptococcus infirmo-miniatus (CIM) Pfaff and Fell, storage in modified atmosphere, and storage at 2.8 °C for 20 days or −0.5 °C for 42 days. Preharvest propiconazole and postharvest CIM were similarly effective for control of brown rot. A significant propiconazole–CIM synergism was observed. Modified atmosphere significantly reduced brown rot compared to air-stored fruit. The storage temperature regime effect was inconsistent. This integrated decay control approach was effective and is especially relevant since postharvest fungicide options for cherry are limited.
Evaluation and management of early stages of carcinoma of prostate

Abstract If the current treatment modalities are to be used effectively in the management of prostatic cancer, the clinician must be aware of the anatomic extent of the disease prior to initiating therapy. The use of the A, B, C, D staging classification is no longer adequate. Because of the growth characteristics and varying metastatic potential, the staging classification should be subdivided. Also clinical staging of the tumor by use of digital rectal examination, transurethral resection tissue examination, and routine x-ray examination findings are not reliable and are associated frequently with understaging of the actual extent of tumor. While therapeutic benefits of bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection remain controversial, the diagnostic importance is clearly recognized in the early stages of prostatic cancer. Clinical Stage A 1 adenocarcinoma is unlikely to have either lymph node or capsular extension, but this is not true with higher stage malignancies. It is therefore imperative that Stage A 2 through Stage B 2 tumors have pathologic examinations of the pelvic lymph nodes. In general, the higher the clinical stage, the more likely tumor positive lymph nodes will be found. Similarly, it is important to distinguish the high-grade tumor from the low-grade malignancies since less differentiated cancers are associated more frequently with tumor extension to the lymph nodes. Evaluation of past experience in the treatment of localized prostatic carcinoma is difficult since most studies are not randomized; prospective double blind and long-term survival figures are based on inaccurate clinical staging. The time-honored radical surgery using either perineal or retropubic total prostatectomy is appealing since the objective is removal of all malignant tissue. This surgery remains the standard by which all other treatments are compared. For those clinicians who would prefer one of the less invasive techniques, one can find support for either the external beam radiotherapy or the use of interstitial radioactive sources. The early results of radiotherapy are encouraging despite the appearance of recognizable malignant cells in follow-up biopsy specimens. Whether or not the radiotherapy measures up to or exceeds that of radical surgery, can be judged only when long-term survival statistics based on anatomic staging and careful grading are known.
Ontogeny of architectural complexity in embryonic quail visceral arch muscles.

Understanding the mechanisms of muscle pattern formation requires that the complete sequence of ontogenetic events be defined, particularly in the emergence of architectural complexity and in the spatial relations between muscles and skeletal elements. This analysis of visceral arch myogenesis in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) embryos identifies the location of premuscle condensations and subsequent segregation of individual muscles, documents the initial orientation of myofibers and changes in alignment associated with maturation, and describes the spatial and temporal relations between muscle development and the formation of connective tissues. Premuscle condensations form within the visceral arches on embryonic days 2–4, before skeletal elements make their appearance. Discrete muscles may form from the subdivision of a muscle mass after fiber orientations have been established (e.g., jaw adductor and hyobranchial muscles) or by the segregation of a mesenchymal cluster from the condensation prior to the appearance of oriented fibers (e.g., protractor, muscle of the columella). The rate and pattern of subsequent muscle maturation are closely associated with the development of the hard tissues. Myogenesis in 4–9-day embryos centers around the quadrate cartilage, the retroarticular process of the mandibular (Meckel's) cartilage, and the epibranchial cartilage. Muscles form attachments on these elements and remain without additional attachments until the appropriate elements (e.g., otic capsule, pterygoid bone) develop. No single description of myogenic events applies to all visceral arch muscles, nor is there an arch-specific pattern of ontogeny. Rather, each muscle has distinctive characteristics based on its spatial relations within the developing head.
Addison's disease followed for nine years; case report with autopsy.

BECAUSE of the newer methods of treatment, the life of patients with Addison's disease has been extended for several years. The influence this new form of therapy has on longevity, and its effects on body tissues, warrants reporting a case followed for nine years. Furthermore, the fact that this patient's pigmentation underwent marked changes, either spontaneously or because of the therapy, is an additional reason for this report. This case was previously reported in the October 1940 issue of Endocrinology (2), at which time it was summarized as follows: “A case is reported in a 31 year old male patient who presented all the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of Addison's disease. The patient had been on adrenal cortex extract and sodium chloride, discontinuance of which resulted in an Addisonian crisis. Desoxycorticosterone acetate was given six times a week in 5 mg. doses for two months. Subsequent to this, 600 mg. of desoxycorticosterone acetate, in the form of four pellets of 150 mg. each, were impla...
Cancer nursing: weaving the tapestry for our second century.

It is an honour and a privilege to have been invited to give the closing address for your twelfth annual national conference on “Weaving the new tapestry for oncology nurses: Our future is now.”
A local weakening of the brittle-ductile transition can explain some intraplate seismic zones

Abstract A decrease in the strength of a localized area of the lower crust would decrease the depth to the brittle-ductile transition and concentrate stress in the stronger elastic crust around and above the zone of decreased strength. Deformation within the zone of weakened lower crust would occur through viscous or dislocation creep in response to regional plate stress as well as by elastic failure in small earthquakes. Two-dimensional finite-element models of zones of weakness subjected to a regional plate stress predict stress amplification of 10–100% surrounding the local decrease in strength. A finite-element model for an irregular zone of weakness in the lower crust can generate stress directions and relative magnitudes that satisfy the focal mechanisms and seismicity of southeastern Tennessee. An analysis of the displacements and stresses in the central area of decreased crustal strength suggests that strike-slip faulting should dominate. Above this zone the strike-slip faulting should exhibit a strong thrust component. The compression and extension of the crust surrounding the weakened zone at the level of the brittle-ductile transition predicts that the dominant strike-slip faulting should exhibit components of normal faulting on the edges of the weak zone which are near a line through the weak zone parallel to the regional stress and reverse faulting on the edges which are near a line transverse to the regional stress. The seismicity of southeastern Tennessee is diffused over a narrow elliptical zone trending NE. The greatest concentration of activity is near the center. The central zone is characterized by deep-focus strike-slip events with predominantly N or E striking nodal planes. These events are responding directly to compression in the direction of the regional compressive stress and extension perpendicular to the regional compressive stress within the weak zone. The area surrounding the central zone is characterized by focal mechanisms with larger components of reverse or normal fault movements. Events with normal components are dominant on the edges in line with the regional stress as predicted by the stress model for a weak central zone under stress. The agreement between observed earthquake focal mechanisms in southeastern Tennessee and models of crustal stress surrounding a zone of weakness suggests that these events may be caused by a zone of weakness in the lower crust.
In vivo and in vitro kinetics of ethylene oxide metabolism in rats and mice

Ethylene oxide (EO) is a direct-acting mutagen and animal carcinogen used as an industrial intermediate and sterilant with a high potential for human exposure. Kinetics of EO metabolism in rodents can be used to develop human EO dosimetry models. This study examined the kinetics of EO metabolismin vivoandin vitroin male and female F-344 rats and B6C3F1 mice.In vivostudies measured blood and tissue EO levels during and 2–20 min following whole-body inhalation exposure (4 hr, 100 or 330 ppm EO). At 100 ppm EO, the half-life of elimination (t1/2) in rats was 13.8 ± 0.3 (mean ± SD) and 10.8 ± 2.4 min for males and females, respectively, compared to at1/2in mice of 3.12 ± 0.2 and 2.4 ± 0.2 min in males and females, respectively. On exposure to 330 ppm EO, thet1/2in mice increased approx twofold, while no change int1/2was observed in rats.In vitrokinetic parameters (VmaxandKM) of EO metabolism were determined using tissue cytosol and microsomes. EO metabolismin vitrooccurred primarily via cytosolic glutathioneS-transferase-mediated EO–GSH conjugation (cGST–EO), with highest activity in the liver. Liver cGST–EO activity (Vmax) was 258 ± 86.9 and 287 ± 49.0 nmol/mg protein/min (mean ± SD) in male and female mice, respectively, compared to 52.7 ± 10.8 and 29.3 ± 4.9 in male and female rats, respectively. In rats, but not mice, there was a statistically significant (p< 0.05) gender difference in theVmaxfor liver cGST. TheKMfor liver cGST–EO was approximately 10 mMin both species. The higherVmaxvalues observed in mice are consistent with the more rapid elimination of EO observed for this speciesin vivocompared to rats.
Potential applicability of recombinant factor VIIa for intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background and Purpose— To date, there are no proven, effective treatments for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) beyond supportive medical care. A recent randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) administered intravenously within 4 hours of ICH onset reported a reduction in morbidity and mortality compared with placebo. We sought to determine the potential applicability of rFVIIa in a large, population-based cohort of ICH patients. Methods— All of the patients age ≥18 years hospitalized with nontraumatic ICH in the Greater Cincinnati region were identified from May 1998 to July 2001 and August 2002 to April 2003. Patient demographics were compared with the inclusion and exclusion criteria from the rFVIIa trial to determine eligibility for treatment and reasons for exclusion. Mortality in the eligible patient group was compared with the placebo group in the rFVIIa trial. Results— Over 4 calendar years, 1018 ICH patients were identified; of these, 133 (13.1%) had no excl...
Computational Studies of a pH Responsive Histidine-Modified Cardiac Troponin I

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) functions as the molecular switch of the thin filament. Studies have shown that a A164H button engineered into cTnI enhances inotropic function under pathophysiological challenges. In vitro studies of myofilament calcium sensitivity and sarcomere shortening kinetics in intact and permeablized myocytes at baseline (pH 7.4) indicated similar cellular contractile function and myofilament calcium sensitivity between myocytes expressing wildtype cTnI and cTnI A164H while A164R showed a hypercontractile phenotype associated with increased myofilament calcium sensitivity. Under acidic conditions, compared to depressed function in myocytes with wildtype cTnI, myocytes expressing cTnI A164H maintained myofilament calcium sensitivity and contractile performance comparable to the calcium sensitizer cTnI A164R. The role of histidine modified cTnI was assessed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and pKa calculations of the wildtype and histidine or arginine-modified cTnI (148-173): cTnC (1-90) complex. The simulations showed similar conformations between the wildtype and the deprotonated cTnI A164H variant. In contrast, simulations of protonated cTnI A164H and cTnI A164R showed diverse conformation changes, both of which included the formation of a cTnI His 164 and cTnC Glu 19 salt bridge. pKa calculations showed no significant pKa shift for all ionizable residues except for cTnI His 164 and cTnC Glu 19 when the salt bridge is formed. The data shed light into the potential mechanism of pH activation of cTnI A164H and the importance of electrostatic interactions in governing the biophysical adjustments in troponin function necessary for nuanced modulation of myofilament function in response to changes in the cytosolic milieu.
Using microwave-assisted metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions and mass spectrometry to increase the rate at which the copper-binding sites of a protein are determined.

Controlled microwave irradiation has been used to accelerate metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) reactions that site-specifically oxidize the amino acids bound to Cu in a metalloprotein. When combined with mass spectrometry, these MCO reactions provide a sensitive method for determining Cu−protein binding sites. In this work, we demonstrate that microwave irradiation can increase the rate of these site-specific oxidation reactions for Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase by at least 15-fold. By choosing the appropriate microwave power, changes to the protein's structure can be avoided while still accelerating the oxidation reactions. The maximum microwave power suitable for maintaining the protein's structural integrity can be readily determined by measuring the oxidation extent of different peptide fragments as a function of microwave power. Such determinations require several measurements and thus limit the overall throughput of this approach; however, these microwave-assisted reactions do provide good time resolutio...
Electroretinographic (ERG) responses in pediatric patients using vigabatrin

The antiepileptic drug vigabatrin is known to cause retinal and visual dysfunction, particularly visual field defects, in some patients. Electroretinography (ERG) is used in an attempt to identify adverse effects of vigabatrin (VGB) in patients who are not candidates for conventional perimetry. We report data from 114 pediatric patients taking VGB referred for clinical evaluation; median age at test was 22.9 (2.4 to 266.1) months, and median duration of VGB use was 9.7 (0.3 to 140.7) months. Twenty-seven of them were tested longitudinally (3 to 12 ERG tests). ERG responses to full-field stimuli were recorded in scotopic and photopic conditions, and results were compared to responses from healthy control subjects. We found that abnormalities of photoreceptor and post-receptor ERG responses are frequent in these young patients. The most frequently abnormal scotopic parameter was post-receptor sensitivity, log σ, derived from the b-wave stimulus-response function; the most frequently abnormal photopic parameter was the implicit time of the OFF response (d-wave) to a long (150 ms) flash. Abnormal 30-Hz flicker response amplitude, previously reported to be a predictor of visual field loss, occurred infrequently. For the group as a whole, none of the ERG parameters changed significantly with increasing duration of VGB use. Four of the 27 patients tested longitudinally showed systematic worsening of log σ with duration of VGB use. In a subset of patients who underwent perimetry (N = 39), there was no significant association of any ERG parameter with visual field defects. We cannot determine whether the ERG abnormalities we found were due solely to the effects of VGB. We caution against over-reliance on the ERG to monitor pediatric patients for VGB toxicity and recommend further development of a reliable test of peripheral vision to supplant ERG testing.
Clotrimazole inhibits cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo

Cell proliferation is critically dependent on the regulated movement of ions across various cellular compartments. The antimycotic drug clotrimazole (CLT) has been shown to inhibit movement of Ca2+ and K+ across the plasma membrane. Our results show that CLT inhibits the rate of cell proliferation of normal and cancer cell lines in a reversible and dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, CLT depletes the intracellular Ca2+ stores and prevents the rise in cytosolic Ca2+ that normally follows mitogenic stimulation. In mice with severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) and inoculated intravenously with MM-RU human melanoma cells, daily subcutaneous injections of CLT induced a significant reduction in the number of lung metastases. Modulation of early ionic mitogenic signals and potent inhibition of cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo are new and potentially useful clinical effects of CLT.
Reactions of SF6 with exploding metals

Abstract Sulphur hexafluoride reacts readily with electrically exploded Al, Zr, Ag and Pt to form SF 4 and metal fluorides. Ordinarily SF 6 is relatively inert toward these metals at fairly high temperatures. The extent of reaction and chemical efficiency of the process is correlated with reaction energetics and a physical model of metal explosions into surrounding gases. In each of the reactions studied herein self-pyrolysis of SF 6 did not occur, although sufficient energy had been provided for that purpose. This technique appears to offer promise as a method for preparing lower fluorides of those transition metals that exhibit multiple valencies in their halides.
A new diffusion-inhibited oxidation-resistant coating for superalloys

A concept for enhanced protection of superalloys consists of adding an oxidation- and diffusion-resistant cermet layer between the superalloy and the outer oxidation-resistant metallic alloy coating. Such a duplex coating was compared with a physical-vapor-deposited (PVD) NiCrAlY coating in cyclic oxidation at 1150 C. The substrate alloy was MA 754 - an oxide-dispersion-strengthened superalloy that is difficult to coat. The duplex coating, applied by plasma spraying, outperformed the PVD coating on the basis of weight change and both macroscopic and metallographic observations.
Behavioral responses of the chronically instrumented sheep fetus to chemosensory stimuli presented in utero.

Fetal sheep were surgically prepared on Days 113-114 of gestation with an array of chronic instruments for recording electromyographic data (EMG) in oral-facial, axial, and limb muscles and heart rate (FHR). Fetuses also were fitted with an intraoral catheter for infusion of chemosensory fluids (isotonic saline, quinine, colostrum, sucrose) onto the surface of the tongue. Individual subjects received chemosensory infusions on Days 134-137. Fetuses showed consistent oral responses to quinine and milk, but did not respond to isotonic saline or sucrose. Different patterns of motor responses suggested that fetuses discriminated among different concentrations of quinine. The expression of tachycardia to quinine and bradycardia to milk also suggested differential responding to chemosensory fluids that differ in hedonic qualities. Detailed characterization of fetal responses to these stimuli in utero confirm the functionality of the gustatory system in the sheep fetus near term.
Growth of a large single crystal of orthorhombic BaBr2

Growth of a large single crystal of orthorhombic BaBr2 is reported. A Bridgman technique was used which was modified for slow cooling and careful annealing of the crystal through the cubic-orthorhombic transformation. X-ray diffraction photographs and vibrational Raman spectra were used to characterize the structure of the 1 cm diameter X 10 cm crystal.