cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human lymphocyte-eosinophil interactions: I. Modulation of phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte proliferation by eosinophils

Abstract Do eosinophils modulate lymphocyte function? This question was studied by examining the effect of purified eosinophils (eos) on lectin-induced human lymphocyte proliferation. Intact resting or zymosan-stimulated eos or their extracts were cocultured with phytohemagglutininstimulated mononuclear cells in vitro and [ 3 H]thymidine uptake was measured at 72 hr. Zymosan-stimulated eos consistently suppressed (up to 90%) the lectin-induced proliferative response by a noncytotoxic mechanism. Freeze-thaw extracts from zymosan-stimulated eos also significantly suppressed lymphocyte proliferation to a similar degree. The amount of suppression was directly proportional to the number of eos or the amount of extract added to the lymphocyte cultures. Intact resting eos and their extracts occasionally exhibited suppressive effects (up to 40%) on lymphocyte proliferation; this suppression, however, was always less than that of activated eos or their extracts. Eos pretreated with the protein synthesis inhibitor, pactamycin, exhibited significantly less suppressive activity, suggesting that a protein was responsible in part for the reduction in proliferation. The addition of Superoxide dismutase or catalase to the eos-mononuclear cell cocultures did not reduce the amount of suppression observed, thus making it unlikely that active oxygen products were involved in the mechanism of suppression. Heating extracts from stimulated eos to 80 °C for 30 min resulted in partial loss of suppressive activity while extensive dialysis of the extracts had no effect. The studies reported here provide evidence that a nondialyzable and heat sensitive factor(s) produced by stimulated eos may exert feedback inhibition of lymphocyte function.
Instability and convergence under simple-majority rule: results from simulation of committee choice in two-dimensional space

Nondeterministic models of collective choice posit convergence among the outcomes of simple-majority decisions. The object of this research is to estimate the extent of convergence of majority choice under different procedural conditions. The paper reports results from a computer simulation of simple-majority decision making by committees. Simulation experiments generate distributions of majority-adopted proposals in two-dimensional space. These represent nondeterministic outcomes of majority choice by committees. The proposal distributions provide data for a quantitative evaluation of committee-choice procedures in respect to outcome convergence. Experiments were run under general conditions, and under conditions that restrict committee choice to several game-theoretic solution sets. The findings are that, compared to distributions of voter ideal points, majority-adopted proposals confined to the solution sets demonstrate different degrees of convergence. Second, endogenous agenda formation is a more important obstacle to convergence than the inherent instability of simple-majority rule. Third, if members maximize preferences in respect to agenda formation, a committee choice that approximates the central tendency of the distribution of voter preferences is unlikely. The conclusion is that the most effective way to increase the convergence of majority choice is to restrict the role of individual preferences in agenda formation: identification of proposals to be voted up or down by a committee.
Are There Limits to Oncology Care? (Futility)

Just when it looked like we had finally decided that patients were in charge, doctors and patients are again at odds over just “whose life it is anyway.” Not long ago it was the patients and their families taking the doctors and their hospitals to court for the right to have unwanted life support withdrawn.1 Now it seems that the tables have turned. It is the doctors and their hospitals who are going to court2,3,4,5,6 to “deal... with families who demand inappropriate medical treatment for moribund patients.”7
Cholesky Factorization on Heterogeneous CPU and GPU Systems

General-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) could bring huge performance improvements in scientific and numerical fields. We presented two approaches utilizing hybrid CPU/GPU system in Cholesky factorization. First, we analyzed the implementation of Cholesky factorization in MAGMA and identified the bottleneck of the current implementation, which is the use of fixed block size without considering any factors in the computing environment. So, we designed an algorithm, which could determine the optimal block size of Cholesky factorization based on multiple factors (input matrix size, CPU/GPU performance, and CPU/GPU bandwidth, etc.). Then, we presented a new improvement on MAGMA's implementation utilize the algorithm. Test results showed that our approach is more efficient than MAGMA's fixed block size implementation under some circumstance. After combining our implementation with MAGMA's implementation, the new hybrid implementation could outperform the current MAGMA implementation. Second, we identified that all the implementations of Cholesky factorization, to our best knowledge, that utilized the GPU do not fully utilized the multicore CPU. So, after studied other researchers approaches, we designed a new algorithm that could utilize multicore CPU and GPU simultaneously in Cholesky factorization. Our approach could keep the block size and workload distribution between CPU and GPU dynamically. Testing results showed the optimal data distribution ratio for our current implementation.
A differential cargo-loading model of ciliary length regulation by IFT

Summary Background During the assembly and maintenance of cilia, precursor proteins need to be transported from the cell body into the organelle. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is assumed to be the predominant protein transport pathway in cilia, but it remains largely unknown how ciliary proteins use IFT to reach their destination sites in the cilium and whether the amount of cargo transported by IFT is regulated. Results Single-particle imaging showed that DRC4, a structural protein of the axoneme, moves in association with IFT particles inside Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cilia. IFT is required for DRC4 transport both into and within the cilium. DRC4 cargoes dissociate from IFT trains at the tip as well as at various sites along the length of the cilium. Unloaded DRC4 diffuses before docking at its axonemal assembly site. In growing cilia, DRC4 transport by IFT was strongly increased over the steady-state level, and the frequency decreased linearly with the increasing ciliary length. The frequency of DRC4 transport was similarly elevated in short growth-arrested cilia and remained high even when the amount of DRC4 available in the cell body was reduced. Conclusions DRC4 is a bona fide cargo of IFT. Incompletely assembled cilia trigger an increase in the amount of DRC4 cargo transported by IFT particles, and DRC4 transport is downregulated as cilia approach their steady-state length. We propose a model in which ciliary length is controlled by regulating the amount of cargo transported by IFT particles.
Replicating the chronic disease score (CDS) from automated pharmacy data

Abstract Michael Von Korff and colleagues at the Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative (GHC) of Puget Sound created a measure of chronic disease status (CDS) using automated outpatient pharmacy data. They reported the measure appeared to provide a stable and valid measure of health status. The availability of such a measure could become a new tool for a variety of applications, including screening, resource allocation, and quality assurance. The measure was replicated for its reliability and construct and predictive validity in the KPNW membership using automated pharmacy data. Reliability and validity were tested using correlation and regression techniques. The CDS showed test-retest reliability over time. It showed construct validity with the RAND-36 instrument and the BSI-8 depression screener. It showed predictive validity with health care visits and hospitalizations. The results were similar to those at GHC. The findings indicated that the CDS can serve, with certain precautions, as a readily accessible low cost measure of health status.
Failure to thrive: a case obvious to physicians is perplexing to the court.

Abstract Proving a failure to thrive case in court can be difficult unless all professionals prepare in advance for consistent testimony which educates the court in a simple and straightforward manner. This case highlights the importance of a physician being alert to non-organic failure to thrive, as a cause of abuse or neglect. A bizarre array of confusing biological and psychosocial facts may prove difficult to categorise for forensic purposes. Physicians can themselves complicate future court presentations by failing to use growth charts to evaluate children and using non-speaking phrases such as ‘well-nourished’. Although non-organic failure to thrive can often be determined medically; attorneys, police and other healthcare personnel may benefit from the review of physical, psychosocial, and familial characteristics of failure to thrive children. A multi-disciplinary team approach best serves the interests of these abused children as well as the interests of justice.
Separation of factors responsible for lysozyme catalysis.

Abstract The four major factors contributing to lysozyme facilitation of acetal hydrolysis are general acid catalysis, distortion, electrostatic stabilization of the transition state and entropy effects. The importance of general acid catalysis is assessed from the Bronsted relationship using an a coefficient of 0·5 based on model compounds. The degree of electrostatic stabilization is assessed from the electric field interactions of Asp 52 and Glu 35. Interaction of lysozyme with transition state analogs is used to calculate the contribution of distortion to catalysis. The remaining acceleration factor is assigned to entropy effects. The value of the entropy effect suggests that the transition state has some freedom of motion on the enzyme.
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that commonly affects young adults. It is characterized by demyelination and glial scaring in areas disseminated in the brain and spinal cord. These lesions alter nerve conduction and induce the disabling neurological deficits that vary with the location of the demyelinated plaques in the CNS (e.g. paraparesis, paralysis, blindness, incontinence). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a model for MS. EAE was first induced accidentally in humans during vaccination against rabies, using viruses grown on rabbit spinal cords. Residues of spinal injected with the inactivated virus induced the CNS disease. Following these observations, a first model of EAE was described in non-human primates immunized with a CNS homogenate by Rivers and Schwenther in 1935. EAE has since been generated in a variety of species and can follow different courses depending on the species/strain and immunizing antigen used. For example, immunizing Lewis rats with myelin basic protein in emulsion with adjuvant induces an acute model of EAE, while the same antigen induces a chronic disease in guinea pigs. The EAE model described here is induced by immunizing DA rats against DA rat spinal cord in emulsion in complete Freund's adjuvant. Rats develop an ascending flaccid paralysis within 7-14 days post-immunization. Clinical signs follow a relapsing-remitting course over several weeks. Pathology shows large immune infiltrates in the CNS and demyelination plaques. Special considerations for taking care for animals with EAE are described at the end of the video.
Differences in red blood cell choline and lipid-bound choline between patients with Alzheimer disease and control subjects.

The concentrations of red blood cell choline, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine and lipid-bound choline were measured in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and in normal elderly controls. Red blood cell choline in the Alzheimer group (41.4±9.2 nmol/ml) was significantly higher (p<0.023) than in the elderly controls (17.7±2.3 nmol/ml). Red blood cell lipid-bound choline (1387±58 nmol/ml) in the AD group was significantly lower (p<0.0022) than in the age-matched controls (1667±65), while there were no significant differences in glycerophosphocholine or phosphocholine. Plasma choline and lipid-bound choline did not differ significantly between the groups. The mechanisms for these changes still need further study, although the finding of decreased lipid-bound choline supports the concept of altered phospholipid metabolism in patients with AD.
Ptyalism in Pregnant Women

Ptyalism affects few pregnant women. Those who suffer from it, however, find it to be a little-known, but major irritant. This article presents several possible etiologies and discusses some vexatious cases of ptyalism. Nursing interventions are also offered. More nursing research must be conducted so that nurses can better understand this problem.
Transcriptional Analysis of Walleye Dermal Sarcoma Virus (WDSV)

Walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV) is a complex retrovirus associated with dermal sarcomas of walleye that develop and regress on a seasonal basis. WDSV contains, in addition to gag, pol, and env, three open reading frames (ORFs) designated ORF A, ORF B, and ORF C. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used to amplify and clone cDNAs representing subgenomic viral mRNAs isolated from developing (fall) and regressing (spring) tumors. Nine different singly or multiply spliced viral transcripts were identified and all were found to utilize a common 5' leader sequence. This leader sequence is spliced to the pol/env junction or downstream of env to generate singly spliced transcripts. Multiply spliced transcripts contain the 5' leader, the pol/env junction, and sequences derived from the 3' end of the genome. One multiply spliced transcript was isolated with the potential to encode the full-length ORF A protein. In addition, WDSV produced mRNAs that utilize alternative splice acceptor sites which would allow synthesis of five variant forms of the ORF A protein. In contrast, the ORF B protein is postulated to arise from a singly spliced transcript with the potential to encode the entire open reading frame. Spliced subgenomic transcripts representing ORF C mRNAs were not identified, suggesting that ORF C may be encoded from the full-length viral genomic transcript. We estimate that at least a 100-fold lower amount of the accessory/regulatory subgenomic transcripts exists in developing vs regressing tumors. These results demonstrate that WDSV undergoes an elaborate pattern of mRNA splicing similar to that of other complex retroviruses.
The selective effect of visual deprivation on receptive field shape determined neurophysiologically.

Abstract This paper and the succeeding one report an investigation of visual behavior and neurophysiological analysis performed on the same visually deprived animals. One group of kittens was reared from 8 days of age on with the lids of one eye shut for 1–6 months. Another group was reared in total darkness for 12–18 months. After the deprivation period, the b-wave component of the electroretinogram was reduced in magnitude by 40% in the deprived eye when compared to the normal eye. However, temporal resolution and spatial integration were not found to be different in the two eyes. The ERG of the dark-reared cats showed deterioration of temporal resolution. Single-cell recording from the visual cortex of the monocular group showed a drastic reduction in binocular summation. Furthermore, the responses of the binocularly stimulated cells, when obtained, were smaller in number and more easily fatigued when the deprived eye was stimulated than when the experienced eye was stimulated. Cortical cells that could only be driven through the deprived eye had larger receptive fields and were less selective with regard to the shape, orientation, and direction of motion of the stimuli, than cortical cells that could only be driven by the experienced eye. These differences were not present in lateral geniculate cells. We concluded that the lack of pattern vision in one eye of a young kitten induces a selective and rather permanent change in the connections of visual radiation fibers onto cortical cells.
Fine structure of the Malpighian tubules in the housefly, Musca domestica

Abstract The epithelium of the Malpighian tubules in the housefly is comprised of four distinct cellular types. Type I cells are characterized by the presence of intimate associations between infoldings of basal plasma membrane and mitochondria. On the luminal surface, cytoplasm is extended into microvilli which contain mitochondria. Membrane-bound vacuoles in the cytoplasm seem to progressively accumulate granular material. Type II cells have dilated canaliculi. Microvilli lack mitochondria. The Type III cell has not been reported previously in Malpighian tubules. It has very well-developed granular endoplasmic reticulum which contains intracisternal bundles of tubules. Cytoplasm contains numerous electron dense bodies. Type IV cells occur in the common duct region of the Malpighian tubules. Mitochondria do not extend into the microvilli.
Detection of military vehicles using infrared spectral radiometric signatures

Automatic detection of time-critical mobile targets using non- imaging, spectral infrared radiometric target signatures is explored. A novel set of classification features is developed for the spectral data and utilized in a Bayesian classifier. The processing results are presented, and sensitivity of the class separability to target set, target configuration, diurnal variations, mean contrast, and ambient temperature estimation errors is explored. This work introduces the concept of atmospheric nor- malization of classification features, in which feature values are normal- ized using an estimate of the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the target. The probability of detection, false alarm rate, and total error rate associated with this detection process is presented. Testing on an array of U.S. and foreign military assets reveals a total error rate near 5% with a 95% probability of detection and a concurrent false alarm rate of 4% when a single classification feature is employed. Sensitivity analysis in- dicates that the probability of detection is reduced to 70 to 75% in the hours preceding daylight, and that for the total error rate to be less than 10%, the target-to-background mean contrast must be greater than 0.025. Analysis of the atmospheric normalization technique reveals that to keep the total error rate less than 10%, the ambient temperature must be estimated with less than 3 K absolute accuracy. © 1996 Society of Photo- Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
HIV Induces TRAIL Sensitivity in Hepatocytes

Background HIV infected patients have an increased susceptibility to liver disease due to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), alcoholic, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Clinically, this results in limited options for antiretroviral therapy and accelerated rates of liver disease, causing liver disease to be the second leading cause of death for HIV infected patients. The mechanisms causing this propensity for liver dysfunction during HIV remains unknown.
A first generation dynamic ingress, redistribution and transport model of soil track-in: DIRT

This work introduces a spatially resolved quantitative model, based on conservation of mass and first order transfer kinetics, for following the transport and redistribution of outdoor soil to, and within, the indoor environment by track-in on footwear. Implementations of the DIRT model examined the influence of room size, rug area and location, shoe size, and mass transfer coefficients for smooth and carpeted floor surfaces using the ratio of mass loading on carpeted to smooth floor surfaces as a performance metric. Results showed that in the limit for large numbers of random steps the dual aspects of deposition to and track-off from the carpets govern this ratio. Using recently obtained experimental measurements, historic transport and distribution parameters, cleaning efficiencies for the different floor surfaces, and indoor dust deposition rates to provide model boundary conditions, DIRT predicts realistic floor surface loadings. The spatio-temporal variability in model predictions agrees with field observations and suggests that floor surface dust loadings are constantly in flux; steady state distributions are hardly, if ever, achieved.
Relational Effects of Reading Motivation and Academic Achievement among Adolescent Boys.

This study explores the relationship between academic achievement and reading motivation among adolescent boys. We seek to understand (1) if motivational construct scores change meaningfully over time, (2) what relationship exists between the achievement scores and reported reading motivation, and (3) if students who report higher reading motivation initially have greater gains in achievement over time than students who report lower reading motivation. Results suggest some variation in construct scores over time. Achievement scores obtained in eighth grade were predictive of numerous motivational construct scores in ninth grade; limited results suggest that motivation in ninth grade may affect later achievement.
Amyoplasia congenita (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita)

Summary A case of amyoplasia congenita, with congenital ptosis of both eyelids,which improved under physiotherapy, is reported.
TOPO III: a FORTRAN program for terrain analysis

Abstract TOPO III is a FORTRAN program that operates with rectangular arrays of equally spaced elevations, producing lists of terrain parameters (coordinates, elevation, average and maximum relief, average and maximum slope, azimuth of maximum slope, and topographic shape: slope, ridge, valley, knob, sink, saddle), point-frequency distributions of maximum and average slope, symbolic slope maps, frequency distributions of areas comprising contiguous points with the same topographic shape, and topographic shape maps with point-frequency distributions of shape types. The program compares a central elevation with interpolated elevations around the perimeter of a circular “window”, and the radius of the window may be increased in successive passes through the array. The results have been used for slope studies, for analysis of terrain factors in environmental studies, and for terrain classification.
Coupled ocean wave/atmosphere mesoscale model simulations of cyclogenesis

The impact of wind-generated ocean waves upon the structure and evolution of an idealized cyclone is investigated. High-resolution numerical experiments were performed with a constant surface roughness, roughness length from Charnock's formula, and from a coupled ocean-wave/atmosphere mesoscale model. Results indicate that young ocean waves increase the effective surface roughness, increase the surface stress, significantly decrease the 10-m wind speeds and modulate the heat and moisture transport between the atmosphere and ocean. These effects are maximized along the warm front and to the rear of the cyclone near the southwestern quadrant. As a result of this boundary layer modification, the mesoscale structures associated with the cyclone are perturbed. Regions of young windsea act to locally enhance the low-level frontogenesis, convergence and rainfall. Roughness effects associated with ocean waves modulate the deepening rate during rapid cyclogenesis and enhance the cyclone filling process. Kinetic energy of the entire cyclone system is reduced significantly near the surface and by 3–8% above the boundary layer as a result of enhanced roughness associated with young ocean waves. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1995.00119.x
Microfluidic pressure measurements with optical trapping

We demonstrate a novel technique to measure pressure in microfluidic chips using optical trapping. The pressure drop across a single oil or water droplet is determined from the position of an optically-trapped bead.
Preprocessing of electron micrographs of nucleic acid molecules for automatic analysis by computer.

Abstract A technique is proposed for computer preprocessing of digitized electron micrographs of adenovirus type 2 RNA strands to facilitate their automatic segmentation and subsequent analysis. This technique, the notch filter, is able to remove image shading errors due partly to sample preparation, electron microscope optics, photographic processing, and electronic acquisition of the digital image.
Hepatic metastasis in granulosa cell tumor of the ovary

Hepatic metastases occur rarely in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and also appear to be unusual in malignant stromal tumors of the ovary (granulosa cell tumors). Recently two patients with extensive hepatic metastasis from this primary tumor, were treated. Review of the experience at the City of Hope National Medical Center provided three additional patients with a confirmed diagnosis of granulosa cell tumor of the ovary, one of whom is alive and disease-free. A review of clinical and pathologic data revealed that both of the other patients died of their disease and had hepatic metastases proven at autopsy. Hemorrhagic events complicating the clinical course of these patients were frequent. It is believed that the frequency of hepatic metastasis in granulosa cell tumor of the ovary may be higher than has been appreciated in the past, and that the cystic-hemorrhagic nature of these lesions contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with granulosa cell tumors of the ovary.
Control of electro-rheological fluid based resistive torque elements for use in active rehabilitation devices

In this paper we present control algorithms for novel electro-rheological fluid based resistive torque generation elements that will be used to drive the joint of a new type of portable and controllable active knee rehabilitation orthotic device (AKROD) for iso-inertial, isokinetic, and isometric exercising as well as gait retraining. The AKROD is composed of straps and rigid components for attachment to the leg, with a central hinge mechanism where a gear system is connected. The key features of AKROD include: a compact, lightweight design with highly tunable torque capabilities through a variable damper component, full portability with on-board power, control circuitry, and sensors (encoder and torque), and real-time capabilities for closed loop computer control for optimizing gait retraining. The variable damper component is achieved through an electro-rheological fluid (ERF) element that connects to the output of the gear system. Using the electrically controlled rheological properties of ERFs, compact brakes capable of supplying high resistive and controllable torques are developed. In this project, a prototype for the AKROD has been developed and tested. The AKROD's ERF resistive actuator was tested in laboratory experiments using a custom-made ERF testing apparatus (ETA). ETA provides a computer-controlled environment to test ERF brakes and actuators in various conditions and scenarios including emulating the interaction between human muscles involved with the knee and the AKROD's ERF actuators/brakes. The AKROD's ERF resistive actuator was tested in closed loop torque control experiments. A hybrid (non-linear, adaptive) proportional-integral (PI) torque controller was implemented to achieve this goal.
Female sexual function and the clitoral complex using pelvic MRI assessment

Abstract Objective To report basic measurements of clitoral anatomy, and explore potential relationships between the clitoral complex and female sexual function using MRI assessment. Study design In this retrospective descriptive study, 20 sexually active women (≥18 years) who had a recent pelvic MRI for various gynecologic concerns were invited to participate. Outcome measures included demographic data, medical and sexual history, quality of life questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ), and Short Form Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-12). These data were then compared to detailed clitoral MRI measurements and analyzed using the Pearson correlation and Chi square test. Results FSFI domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm were inversely correlated with clitoral size (p = 0.01–0.04), as were SF-12 physical composite scores (p = 0.003), suggesting improved sexual function and physical health in women with smaller clitoral structures (specifically the clitoral body and crus). Conclusion Sexual function was improved in women with a smaller-sized clitoris, specifically the clitoral body and crus.
Intermittent Shedding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Semen: Implications for Sexual Transmission

AbstractPurpose: We attempt to increase our understanding of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) shedding in semen.Materials and Methods: We followed 16 seropositive men for up to 27 months by HIV cocultivation, with a subset evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction.Results: The proportion with at least 1 HIV positive semen culture increased from 3 of 16 subjects (19 percent) at visit 1 to 10 (63 percent) by visit 5. Overall, HIV was cultured from 25 of 114 specimens (22 percent). Shedding was intermittent for each of the 10 men with at least 1 positive culture and seminal shedding patterns were highly variable.Conclusions: By culture and polymerase chain reaction, HIV is shed intermittently in the semen. If cultures are performed often enough most seropositive men shed HIV in the semen.
The impact of the M2 internal tide on data-assimilative model estimates of the surface tide

Abstract We use a synthetic data experiment to assess the accuracy of ocean tides estimated from satellite altimetry data, with emphasis on the impact of the phase-locked internal tide, which has a surface expression of several centimeters near its sites of genesis. Previous tidal estimates have regarded this signal as a random measurement error; however, it is deterministic and not scale-separated from the barotropic (surface) tide around complex bathymetric features. The synthetic data experiments show that the internal tide has a negligible impact on the barotropic tidal fields inferred under these circumstances, and the barotropic dissipation (a quadratic functional of the tidal fields) is in good agreement with the energetics of the three-dimensional regional primitive equations model which is the source of the synthetic data.
Intensity Distribution of the Continuous Spectrum of Hydrogen in Mixtures with Helium and with Neon

Shift of intensity in the continuous spectrum of hydrogen by admixture of rare gases. The continuous spectrum of hydrogen emitted in mixtures with helium and with neon was studied. The effect of these gases was to shift the maximum of intensity to longer wave-lengths. The ratio of intensity of the spectrum emitted in pure hydrogen to that emitted in the presence of helium as a function of the wave-length was determined by photographic photometry. In order to establish the reasons for this change in distribution of energy with wave-length in the continuous spectrum, a study of the intensity distribution of the many-line spectrum in the presence of helium was made. 20 cm of helium were sufficient to reduce the vibration in the excited states to practically zero. Hence the continuous spectrum emitted in the presence of helium must come from transitions from the lowest vibrational level of its upper state.Measurement of intensity distribution of the continuous spectrum of hydrogen in the presence of helium. The wavelength distribution of energy in the continuous spectrum for 0.6 mm of hydrogen and 21 cm of helium was determined by comparison with the radiation emitted from the positive crater of the carbon arc, taken as the best available approximation of the ultraviolet black-body radiation. Under these conditions the maximum intensity of the continuous spectrum was in the neighborhood of 3200A in contrast with about 2500A for the spectrum under ordinary conditions. The position of this maximum is in agreement with the results of Finkelnburg and Weizel. The broadness of the maximum, however, does not agree with their results nor with the theoretical curves of James, Coolidge and Present. Another possible maximum noted at 4500A suggests that more than one electronic state contributes to the observed continuum.
The use of internal two gear epicyclic trains as mechanical harmonic function generators

Abstract The use of epicyclic gear mechanisms as mechanical function generators for generating a controlled rectilinear motion is extended to include internally contacting gears. The design procedures for mechanisms using this type of gear train are developed. Although both internal and external contacting gear trains serve equally well for packages generating low-ordered harmonics, the packages containing internal gears must be used whenever higher ordered terms of the Fourier series are required in defining the function being generated.
Pilot trial of low-dose naltrexone and quality of life in multiple sclerosis.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of 4.5mg nightly naltrexone on the quality of life of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods This single-center, double-masked, placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluated the efficacy of 8 weeks of treatment with 4.5mg nightly naltrexone (low-dose naltrexone, LDN) on self-reported quality of life of MS patients. Results Eighty subjects with clinically definite MS were enrolled, and 60 subjects completed the trial. Ten withdrew before completing the first trial period: 8 for personal reasons, 1 for a non–MS-related adverse event, and 1 for perceived benefit. Database management errors occurred in 4 other subjects, and quality of life surveys were incomplete in 6 subjects for unknown reasons. The high rate of subject dropout and data management errors substantially reduced the trial's statistical power. LDN was well tolerated, and serious adverse events did not occur. LDN was associated with significant improvement on the following mental health quality of life measures: a 3.3-point improvement on the Mental Component Summary score of the Short Form-36 General Health Survey (p = 0.04), a 6-point improvement on the Mental Health Inventory (p < 0.01), a 1.6-point improvement on the Pain Effects Scale (p =.04), and a 2.4-point improvement on the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (p = 0.05). Interpretation LDN significantly improved mental health quality of life indices. Further studies with LDN in MS are warranted. ANN NEUROL 2010
Cashman receives 2006 N. L. Bowen Award

Katharine Cashman received the N. L. Bowen Award at the 2006 AGU Fall Meeting. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology. It is a privilege and an honor to present the N. L. Bowen citation for Kathy Cashman. She is richly deserving of this recognition owing to her unique and original contributions to the field of volcanology.
Incorporation and distribution of rhenium in a borosilicate glass melt heat treated in a sealed ampoule

Abstract We investigated a mass balance of rhenium (used as a surrogate for technetium-99) in a borosilicate glass that was mixed with excess Re source (KReO4) beyond its solubility and heat treated in a vacuum-sealed fused silica ampoule. Distribution of Re in the bulk of the glass, in a salt phase formed on the melt surface, and in condensate material deposited on the ampoule wall was evaluated to understand the Re migration into different phases during the reaction between the molten glass and KReO4. The information gained from this study will contribute to an effort to understand the mechanism of technetium retention in, or escape from, glass melt during early stages of glass batch melting, which is a goal of the present series of studies.
Evaluation of the 'mean frequency' technique

The 'mean frequency' technique, a simple procedure introduced by Bebb and Gold for the approximate evaluation of sums occurring in high-order perturbation theory, represents a useful approximation method. Its predictions compare favorably to exact results obtained by Gontier and Trahin for multiphoton bound-bound transitions in hydrogen. However, the technique can be in error if the 'mean frequency' lies near certain integers.
Accelerated Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration Without Indwelling Balloon Occlusion for Gastric Varices With Small Gastrorenal Shunts Using a Terminal Gelfoam Plug

OBJECTIVE. We performed balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration in three consecutive patients with small gastric varices without indwelling balloon catheter occlusion. Foam of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate mixed with iodized oil and room air was injected retrograde through the gastrorenal shunt, followed by a thick absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam, Pfizer) plug under only 10-minute balloon occlusion. CONCLUSION. Because complete obliteration of gastric varices was achieved in all patients without any complications, our technique is considered to be safe and effective for small gastric varices.
Evaluation of coagulation in pediatric bone marrow transplantation patients.

A hypercoagulable state is frequently described in adult patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In this study, the coagulation profile of 29 children was prospectively investigated in the pre- and post-transplant period. A significant rise in the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values was detected on days 7 and 14 after transplantation. Moreover, an increase in the D-dimer level was also notable, regardless of the clinical condition of the patients. The other coagulation parameters investigated (i.e. protein S, protein C, antithrombin III, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, and prothrombin time) remained essentially unchanged. However, hyper-fibrinogenemia was observed in all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (n=5) before and after transplantation. In summary, in the present study pediatric bone marrow transplantation patients did not show a hypercoagulable state after marrow infusion. However, a significant rise in PTT and D-dimer values were noted.
Particle Retention by the Renal Glomerular Capillaries in the Generalized Shwartzman Reaction.

SummaryDuring the development of the generalized Shwartzman reaction elicited by colchicine in the pregnant Syrian hamster, intravenously administered carbon particles are trapped in the renal glomeruli. The carbon particles are attached to underlying deposits of an amorphous material within the glomerular capillaries. It is concluded that this material is responsible for the capture of circulating carbon particles.
Potentiation of 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine in hepatoma cells by 2′-deoxyadenosine or 2′-deoxyguanosine

Abstract A 2-hr pretreatment with 2′-deoxyadenosine (AdR), 2′-deoxyguanosine (GdR), or thymidine (TdR) synergized the growth-inhibitory effect of subsequent arabinosylcytosine (Ara-C) treatment in rat hepatoma cell lines N1S1 and 3924A and in the rat fibroblast line BF5. In addition, the sequence of 100 μM AdR or GdR for 2 hr followed by 15 μM Ara-C for 6 hr resulted in reduction of N1S1 and 3924A colony formation to 13 per cent of control values, representing synergistic killing when compared with treatment by any of these agents alone. Measurements in N1S1 hepatoma cells showed that AdR caused increased dATP (221 per cent) and decreased dCTP and dTTP (23 and 41 per cent respectively) in comparison with untreated controls. GdR caused increases in dGTP (351 per cent control) and dATP (191 per cent control) and decreased dCTP (36 per cent control) and dTTP (37 per cent control). Pretreatment with AdR (but not GdR) caused increased cellular Ara-CTP concentration. Pretreatment with AdR (100 μM) for 2hr increased the incorporation of [3H]Ara-C into DNA by 2-fold, and 2-hr pretreatment with GdR (100 μm) increased [3H]Ara-C incorporation into DNA 3-fold. AdR also increased incorporation of [3H]Ara-C into RNA, but GdR did not have this effect. In all three cell lines, AdR treatment decreased the concentrations of cellular UTP and CTP. Of the three deoxynucleosides, AdR, GdR and TdR, the most potent synergism with Ara-C was given by GdR. It was concluded that for all three nucleosides the potentiation was primarily a consequence of decreased cellular pools of dCTP.
Cholesterol Embolisation after Thrombolytic Therapy

Cholesterol embolisation has been reported in 27 patients receiving thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (MI). Since cholesterol embolisation is so difficult to diagnose ante mortem, it is possible that these cases represent the 'tip of the iceberg', and that cholesterol embolisation in this setting is far more common than usually suspected. However, the risks of cholesterol embolisation are far outweighed by the survival benefits of thrombolytic therapy in patients with MI. Nevertheless, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion when clinical manifestations suggestive of cholesterol embolisation appear after thrombolytic therapy, as the risk of morbidity and mortality can be high.
A Unified Framework for Calcium Channel Modulation by Calcium Binding Proteins

Distinguishing between allostery and competition among modulating ligands is challenging for large target molecules. One key example of such ambiguity concerns calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) that tune signaling molecules regulated by calmodulin (CaM). In L-type Ca2+ channels, CaBPs can potently eliminate CaM-dependent inactivation (CDI). However, the mechanism for this modulation remains controversial. In past, using a live-cell holomolecule approach, we resolved a cyclical allosteric binding scheme for CaM and CaBP4 to CaV1.3 channels. In this scheme, both CaBP4 and CaM can simultaneously bind, resulting in strong inhibition of CDI despite the presence of a covalently attached CaM (a), supporting an allosteric regulatory mechanism. By contrast, Findeisen et al (J Mol. Biol. 425(17):3217-34) showed that fusion of CaM to CaV1.2 channels prevents CaBP1 modulation, thus arguing for a competitive regulatory mechanism. These results are confounded by limited delivery of CaBPs through pipet dialysis. Here, we show that the CDI of CaV1.2 channels with a fused CaM is robustly inhibited by recombinantly expressed CaBP1 and CaBP4 (b). Thus, it appears that the cyclical allosteric scheme first resolved in CaV1.3 now stands as a common framework for CaBP modulation of L-type calcium channels.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Ascorbic acid blunts oxidant stress due to menadione in endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells are exposed to potentially damaging reactive oxygen species generated both within the cells and in the bloodstream and underlying vessel wall. In this work, we studied the ability of ascorbic acid to protect cultured human-derived endothelial cells (EA.hy926) from oxidant stress generated by the redox cycling agent menadione. Menadione caused intracellular oxidation of dihydrofluorescein, which required the presence of D-glucose in the incubation medium, and was inhibited by intracellular ascorbate and desferrioxamine. At concentrations of 100 microM and higher, menadione depleted the cells of both GSH and ascorbate, and ascorbate loading partially prevented the decrease in GSH due to menadione. Menadione increased L-arginine uptake by the cells, but inhibited endothelial nitric oxide synthase, an effect that was prevented by acute loading with ascorbate. Ascorbate blunts menadione-induced oxidant stress in EA.hy926 cells, which may help to preserve nitric oxide synthase activity under conditions of excessive oxidant stress.
Influence of obesity and surgical weight loss on thyroid hormone levels

Abstract Background The pathophysiologic relationship between morbid obesity and thyroid hormones is not well understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of obesity and weight reduction after bariatric surgery on thyroid hormone levels. Methods Patients who underwent gastric bypass or adjustable gastric banding at our institution, had no previous diagnosis of thyroid disorder, were not taking medication that could affect the thyroid function evaluation, and who were nonsmokers were included in this retrospective evaluation. The association between the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T 4 ) levels and body mass index (BMI), and the influence of weight loss after bariatric surgery on these hormones were investigated at different points (preoperatively and 6 and 12 months after bariatric surgery). Results A total of 86 patients met the study criteria. The TSH levels correlated positively with BMI ( P r = .91) within the BMI range of 30–67 kg/m 2 . The mean BMI change from 49 to 32 kg/m 2 after bariatric surgery was associated with a mean reduction in the TSH level from 4.5 to 1.9 μU/mL. Free T 4 showed no association with BMI and was not significantly influenced by weight loss. Before bariatric surgery, 10.5% of the subjects had laboratory values consistent with subclinical hypothyroidism. After bariatric surgery, 100% of these patients experienced significant weight reduction with simultaneous resolution of their subclinical hypothyroidism. Conclusion The results of our study have demonstrated a statistically significant positive association between serum TSH within the normal range and BMI. No association was found between BMI and free T 4 serum levels. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in study group was 10.5%. Weight loss after bariatric surgery improved or normalized thyroid hormone levels.
Condylar repositioning following osteotomies for correction of mandibular prognathism

SURGICAL repositioning of the mandible for correction of prognathism has become an increasingly popular procedure. Bilateral subeondylar vertical osteotomy is one of many techniques employed. The surgical procedure is relatively easy, and the reported resultP have been excellent. One of the factors which help simplify the technique is the observation that overlapping of the bony edges results in satisfactory osseous union (Fig. 1). Remodeling and healing proceed in a similar fashion, regardless of whether or not the appositional bone is decorticated.5, 6 Interosseous wiring is generally unnecessary if the condylar fragment is positioned lateral to the ramus of the mandible. Because of these observations, the ease and speed with which the operation can be performed have been greatly increased. The bone can be sectioned by either of two techniques : (1) The osteotomy can be performed through a submandibular incision by means of either a nasal saw or dental burs and engine. (2) It can also be performed via a “blind” approach, and the bone can be sectioned with a Gigli saw, It is natural to expect some compensatory changes following surgical intervention. The temporal, geniohyoid, digastric, and mylohyoid muscles are shortened as a result of the mandibular retrusion. The pull of the masseter and internal pterygoid muscles, if not lengthened, is at least altered in direction. The external pterygoid mm&e acts without opposition on the condylar fragment. Changes in the mandibular muscle complex would predispose to secondary mandibular adjustments and remodeling of bone. It was reported earlier* that when the mandible was positioned posteriorly,