cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A day in the life of a nebulizer: surveillance for bacterial growth in nebulizer equipment of children with cystic fibrosis in the hospital setting.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronic lung infection. Minimizing exposure to pathogens is important. Treating a CF pulmonary exacerbation includes nebulizer therapies, but little is known about pathogen exposure from nebulizer equipment in CF. OBJECTIVE: To assess microbial growth in nebulizer equipment used by hospitalized CF patients. HYPOTHESIS: The small-volume nebulizer would not support the growth of the important CF pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Burkholderia cepacia. METHODS: During a 6-month period, we prospectively enrolled 30 patients who were admitted for pulmonary exacerbation of CF and were prescribed an aerosolized bronchodilator 4 times daily. Bronchodilator was administered via disposable small-volume nebulizer, prior to airway clearance. The nebulizer was not cleaned or disinfected between treatments, but instead was replaced after 24 hours. Sputum or throat cultures were obtained prior to admission or on the day of admission, and standard culture techniques were used for CF microbes. After the first bronchodilator treatment, a sample was taken from the residual fluid inside the nebulizer cup. The second, third, and fourth samples were taken from the nebulizer cup after it was filled with a unit dose of the bronchodilator but prior to administering the bronchodilator. At the 24th hour, the nebulizer was filled with 3 mL of sterile water, from which the fifth sample was obtained, then the nebulizer was disposed of. RESULTS: On respiratory culture, ten patients had Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5 had both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, 6 had only S. aureus, and 1 had both S. aureus and H. influenzae. Three had other organisms, 4 had normal flora, and 1 had no culture data. Of the 150 nebulizer sample cultures, only 3 showed bacterial growth. Bacillus species, Corynebacterium, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Candida albicans were isolated at low colony counts. CONCLUSIONS: We suspect that the organisms identified were caused by skin contamination of the samples rather than contamination of the nebulizer cup. We conclude that there is a low risk of microbial contamination with CF pathogens from the interior of a disposable nebulizer over a 24 hour period.
Insulin like growth factor 1 increases vascular smooth muscle nitric oxide production

Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) vasodilates, increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure; nitric oxide (NO) has been suggested to mediate some of these effects. We studied the role of IGF-1 in the regulation of NO production in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). IGF-1 induced a concentration and time-dependent increase in NO release from endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Pre-incubation with cycloheximide or aminoguanidine blocked IGF-1-stimulated NO release. In addition, a six-fold increase in NO production by VSMC was seen upon incubation with IGF-1. These results suggest that IGF-1 induces NO release in VSMC through a process that involves new protein synthesis and the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase.
Disruption of arginase II alters prostate tumor formation in TRAMP mice.

BACKGROUND Arginase II (AII) is involved in the polyamine synthetic pathway, and elevated levels of expression have been found in a high proportion of prostate cancer samples and patients. However, the biological function of arginase II in prostate cancer still remains to be elucidated. In this study, we utilized the TRAMP mouse prostate cancer model to better understand the contribution of AII on tumor development. METHODS AII expression was determined in prostates from TRAMP mice at 23 weeks of age by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Additionally, AII expression was disrupted in the TRAMP model by crossbreeding arginase II knockout (AII KO) mice with TRAMP mice in order to generate the TRAMP/AII KO line. In each group, genito-urinary (GU) tract weights were determined and a pathological evaluation of the tumors was completed. RESULTS AII expression was only detectable in those mice without the presence of macroscopic tumors; it was also absent in the TRAMP-C2 cell line, which is characteristic of an advanced prostate tumor. Assessment of the GU weights revealed larger average GU weights in the TRAMP/AII KO mice compared to TRAMP mice. Additionally, a greater percentage of more advanced pathology was found in the TRAMP/AII KO group compared to the TRAMP cohort. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, AII deficiency in the TRAMP model seems to accelerate prostate tumor progression, leading to an overall more advanced cancer stage in these mice. These findings support the possibility that prostatic arginase II could be a potentially useful marker of disease progression. Prostate 68: 1561–1569, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spectroscopic studies of the anodic semiconducting films on cadmium electrodes

Abstract Anodic films were formed on smooth chemipolished Cd electrodes in alkaline electrolytes (0·1-5 M KOH) at constant electrode potential by stepping rapidly from -0·7 to different potentials between 0·03 and 1·0 V referred to a hydrogen electrode in the same solution. The film formation was followed by measuring the current as a function of time. Spectra of the films on the electrode were recorded after the electrodes were removed from the solution as a function of time and potential. The intensity of characteristic bands in the ir region gives an estimation of the amount of Cd(OH) 2 in the film. If the film is formed in the vicinity of the thermodynamic potential for Cd(OH) 2 formation, it contains a substantial amount of Cd(OH) 2 . The Cd(OH) 2 formation decreases with increase of anodic polarization under the above conditions. Uv spectra of the same films appear characteristic for cadmium oxide and may be a function of the electronic conductivity of the films.
Stereologic investigations of human gastric mucosa. II: Oxyntic mucosa from patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Biopsy specimens from the oxyntic mucosa were obtained on 210 occasions from 76 patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) before and during omeprazole treatment. One-micrometer sections were examined by light microscopy, and in 5% linear hyperplasia of endocrine cells was observed. Morphometry was carried out in 91 of the specimens and showed a significant increase of the mean endocrine cell density in comparison with both young, healthy subjects and patients suffering from active peptic ulcer disease (PUD). No metaplasia, dysplasia, or neoplasia was detected in patients with ZES, and the mean mucosal thickness and parietal cell density remained normal. The parietal cells often displayed endosome-like structures, and occasionally there were Ungulate cytoplasmic projections into the gland lumen. Electron microscopic morphometry was carried out in specimens from nine patients with ZES and did not show any significant differences in the parietal cells in comparison with healthy subjects.
The right place at the right time: novel B7 family members regulate effector T cell responses.

Recent identification of novel members of the B7-family of costimulatory ligands has illustrated their importance for costimulation, not only for initiation of adaptive immune responses, but also for regulation of activated effector lymphocytes. Two key features that distinguish these novel molecules from classical B7.1 and B7.2 costimulatory ligands are their broader expression in non-lymphoid tissues and their binding to receptors induced on activated T cells. Whereas B7.1/B7.2-CD28 interactions are important for priming naive T cells, novel costimulatory interactions appear critical in regulating effector lymphocytes at sites of infection in the periphery.
Adopting hybrid CDN-P2P in IP-over-WDM networks: An energy-efficiency perspective

Content-based services are gaining tremendous popularity recently with the proliferation of a wide range of contents. Traditionally, hosting and distribution of these ubiquitous contents are accomplished using content distribution networks (CDNs). CDNs distribute contents in multiple hosting locations for load balancing, availability, and easy access. However, scalability and cost of CDNs are becoming major challenges due to the increase of content-based services. To combat these problems, peer-to-peer (P2P) systems are being considered in combination with CDNtocomplement each other in ahybrid system. Research works and practical deployments have shown that hybrid CDN-P2P systems are feasible, inexpensive, and scalable. However, P2P-based content distribution systems are known to consume more system-wide energy than traditional CDNs. Hence, energy efficiency of such a hybrid system must be taken into consideration before wider implementation. In our study, we analyze the energy consumption of a hybrid CDN-P2P system in an IP-over-WDM network and show that, due to its hybrid nature, it is possible to exploit the P2P system to significantly reduce load on the CDN and at the same time constrain-and in some cases reduce-energy consumption. We propose energy-aware as well as energy-unaware content source selection mechanisms to help service providers achieve this win-win situation. Using simulations, we show that, for example, in case of a moderately popular content the server load can be reduced by 30%?40% while reducing the system-wide energy consumption by 10%?20% whencompared with a traditional CDN.
High-index low-loss gallium phosphide thin films fabricated by radio frequency magnetron sputtering

High-index low-loss Gallium Phosphide thin films for visible light have been produced by radio frequency magnetron sputtering in an argon environment. This broadens the high refractive index limit of transparent optical materials using a physical deposition process. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis and spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to characterize the stoichiometry and optical properties. A post-deposition high-temperature anneal was found to be necessary to restore the proper stoichiometric ratio and to reduce the absorption. The annealing conditions were optimized by an in-situ fiber-optic transmission spectrum monitoring system. The films exhibit a high refractive index (N = 3.23) and a low extinction coefficient (K = 0.029) at 633 nm. Such high index GaP films have broad applications in nanophotonic device designs.
Observations on the Relationship Between Key Strike Force and Typing Speed

This article explores the relationship between repetition/typing speed and force in keyboarding. Based on analysis of data collected on the job from professional keyboard operators and experimental laboratory data, the following observations are presented: (1) Individuals typing at preferred speeds tend not to exhibit a relationship between typing speed and average peak force; (2) across individuals typing at preferred speeds, there is no relationship between typing speed and force; (3) when an individual's typing speed is affected by external influences, typing force tends to increase or decrease with similar changes in typing speed.
Stream-floodwave propagation through the Great Bend alluvial aquifer, Kansas: Field measurements and numerical simulations

Abstract The hypothesis is explored that groundwater-level rises in the Great Bend Prairie aquifer of Kansas are caused not only by water percolating downward through the soil but also by pressure pulses from stream flooding that propagate in a translatory motion through numerous high hydraulic diffusivity buried channels crossing the Great Bend Prairie aquifer in an approximately west to east direction. To validate this hypothesis, two transects of wells in a north-south and east-west orientation crossing and alongside some paleochannels in the area were instrumented with water-level-recording devices; streamflow data from all area streams were obtained from available stream-gaging stations. A theoretical approach was also developed to conceptualize numerically the stream-aquifer processes. The field data and numerical simulations provided support for the hypothesis. Thus, observation wells located along the shoulders or in between the inferred paleochannels show little or no fluctuations and no correlations with streamflow, whereas wells located along paleochannels show high water-level fluctuations and good correlation with the streamflows of the stream connected to the observation site by means of the paleochannels. The stream-aquifer numerical simulation results demonstrate that the larger the hydraulic diffusivity of the aquifer, the larger the extent of pressure pulse propagation and the faster the propagation speed. The conceptual simulation results indicate that long-distance propagation of stream floodwaves (of the order of tens of kilometers) through the Great Bend aquifer is indeed feasible with plausible stream and aquifer parameters. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that the extent and speed of pulse propagation is more sensitive to variations of stream roughness (Manning's coefficient) and stream channel slope than to any aquifer parameter.
New Cd(II)-, Co(II)-, and Cu(II)-containing coordination polymers synthesized by using the rigid ligand 1,2-bis(3-pyridyl)ethyne (3,3'-DPA).

Four new organic/inorganic coordination polymers, [Cd(C10H8N2)2(H2O)2(NO3)2]n (1), [Co(C10H8N2)(H2O)NO3CH3OH]n (2), [Cu(C10H8N2)(CH3OH)(NO3)2]n (3), and [Cu(C10H8N2)(hfac)2]n (4), were synthesized by using the rigid ligand 1,2-bis(3-pyridyl)ethyne (3,3‘-DPA). Complex 1 crystallizes in space group P2/n: a = 12.462(2) A, b = 9.485(1) A, c = 13.383(2) A, β = 96.629(2)°, V = 1559.6(3) A3, Z = 4. Complex 2 crystallizes in space group Fddd: a = 9.248(4) A, b = 19.982(7) A, c = 35.093(16) A, V = 6485.0(4) A3, Z = 8. Complex 3 crystallizes in space group I2/a: a = 18.315(2) A, b = 8.517(1) A, c = 20.494(3) A, β = 104.042(2)°, V = 3101.2(7) A3, Z = 8. Complex 4 crystallizes in space group P21/c: a = 6.576(1) A, b = 16.189(1) A, c = 11.653(1) A, β = 91.337(1)°, V = 1240.3(2) A3, Z = 2. The coordination polymers display a variety of structural architectures, ranging from sinusoidal and zigzag chains (1, 3, 4) to two-dimensional channel-type architectures (2). The effects of the orientation of the nitrogen atom i...
Production of a Higgs boson plus two jets in hadronic collisions

We consider the production of a standard model Higgs boson accompanied by two jets in hadronic collisions. We work in the limit that the top quark is much heavier than the Higgs boson and use an effective Lagrangian for the interactions of gluons with the Higgs boson. In addition to the previously computed four-gluon process, we compute the amplitudes involving two quarks, two gluons, and the Higgs boson and those involving four quarks and the Higgs boson. We exhibit the form of our results in the small-${p}_{H}$ and factorization limits. We present numerical results for $\sqrt{S}=14$ TeV and $\sqrt{S}=2$ TeV. We find that the dominant processes are $\mathrm{gg}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{ggH}$ and $\mathrm{qg}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{qgH}$ with the former (latter) contributing about 60% (40%) of the cross section at $\sqrt{S}=14$ TeV and the two processes each contributing about half the cross section at $\sqrt{S}=2$ TeV. All other processes are negligible at both energies.
Effect of different drying methods and storage time on the retention of bioactive compounds and antibacterial activity of wine grape pomace (Pinot Noir and Merlot).

: The effects of different drying methods (40 °C conventional and vacuum oven, 25 °C ambient air and freeze dry) on the stability of two red wine grape (Pinot Noir, PN and Merlot, M) byproducts, pomace containing skins and seeds (P) and pomace containing skins only (S) were investigated. Freeze dried samples retained the highest bioactive compounds with total phenolic content (TPC) of 21.19–67.74 mg GAE/g d.m., anthocyanin content (ACY) of 0.35–0.76 mg Mal-3-glu/g d.m., DPPH antiradical scavenge activity (ARS) of 22.01–37.46 mg AAE/g d.m., and total flavanol content (TFC) of 30.16–106.61 mg CE/g d.m., followed with ambient air dried samples. All samples lost significant amount of bioactive compounds during 16 wk of storage at 15 ± 2 °C, in which ambient air and freeze dried samples had TPC reduction of 32–56% and 35–58%, respectively, but ARS in PN-P and M-P still remained more than 50 mg TE/g d.m. Overall, TPC, ARS, and TFC were higher in PN than in M, and higher in pomace than in skins, while reverse results were observed in ACY. Pomace extracts showed higher antibacterial efficiency against Listeria innocua ATCC 51142 than Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of 3%, 6%, 4%, and 9% against E. coli, and 2%, 7%, 3%, and 8% against L. innocua for PN-P, PN-S, M-P, and M-S samples, respectively. Dietary fiber content of samples was 57–63% of total dry matter. This study demonstrated that Pinot Noir and Merlot pomace are good sources of antioxidant dietary fibers and may be incorporated into various food products as a functional ingredient. Practical Application: Wine grape pomace (WGP), the byproduct of wine making, is a good source of polyphenols and dietary fibers and may be incorporated into various food products as a functional ingredient. This study reported the effect of four drying methods and storage at 15 ± 2 °C up to 4 months on the retention of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in two types of red WGP (with and without seeds). Antibacterial activity, dietary fiber content and the basic physicochemical properties of dried pomace powder were also reported. The information is essential for developing specific applications of the pomace.
Effect of layer age and interfacial relaxations on the self-exchange kinetics of poly(ethylene oxide) adsorbed on silica

The interfacial states in adsorbed PEO layers on silica were probed through the self-exchange of coumarin-tagged chains and native analogues. New evidence for nonequilibrium interfacial behavior is presented, though prior studies supported local equilibrium for adsorbed PEO. Results suggest that entanglements or high numbers of segment−surface contacts can be as important as a high bulk Tg in leading to trapped interfacial chains. Interfacial “glasses” can occur for systems where bulk (solution or melt) states are not glassy. For the specific PEO−water−silica system, measurable relaxations persisted for the first 10 h of layer incubation in pure solvent. Additional relaxations may have occurred beyond this time; however, such additional interfacial evolution was not detectable by self-exchange. Self-exchange was generally incomplete, often revealing a population of chains whose attachment to the surface appeared irreversible and suggesting that various interfacial states, differing in their extent of surf...
Implantable penile prostheses in impotent males.

Abstract Surgical experience with thirty-one implantable Silastic penile prostheses patients is reviewed, with success in all but 2 patients. Surgical technique, indications for the procedure, postoperative complications, and results are reviewed. It is suggested that consideration be made for use of an implantable penile prosthesis in patients with organic or psychogenic impotence unresponsive to other therapeutic techniques.
Sound stimulus qualities and severe auditory neglect

We report the case of a patient who developed severe left auditory neglect following a cerebral vascular accident with infarction of areas in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes of the right hemisphere. The severity of neglect was documented using pure tones, speech, and environmental stimuli, administered binaurally and dichotically. Acuity examination and unilateral presentation of stimuli allowed exclusion of primary hearing deficit. A dichotic word test was used to evaluate the effects of implicit and explicit cuing. Contrary to our expectations, implicit semantic cues did not attenuate the neglect, and explicit manipulation of sound volume, consisting of increasing the volume in the left ear while maintaining right ear volume at a minimum did not increase the perception of neglected stimuli on the left. Explicit commands to selectively attend to the left ear also failed to improve left ear perception. These findings suggest that some manifestations of auditory neglect are not affected by attrib...
Effects of Calcium Salts on the Cranberry Fruit Rot Disease Complex

Calcium salts were applied during the growing season to fresh-fruit cranberry beds to test their effects on cranberry fruit rot incidence and the incidence of specific fungi isolated from rotten and sound cranberry fruit at the time of harvest and after storage. Calcium salts did not affect fruit rot incidence, nor did they affect the recovery of specific fungi from berries. The field treatments did not result in higher calcium content in mature berries, nor did they affect the force required to penetrate the berry epidermis. Calcium propionate inhibited growth in vitro of Allantophomopsis cytisporea, A. lycopodina, Coleophoma empetri, Fusicoccum putrefaciens, and Physalospora vaccinii. Calcium chloride and calcium nitrate inhibited growth of Coleophoma empetri and Fusicoccum putrefaciens, but these salts enhanced growth of Physalospora vaccinii. P. vaccinii was the fungus most frequently isolated from rotten berries at the time of harvest. The fungi most frequently isolated from rotten berries after several weeks in storage varied among sites. P. vaccinii, which was common in sound fruit at harvest, persisted in sound fruit in storage but was also isolated frequently from rotten berries after storage. A. lycopodina and F. putrefaciens, which were isolated infrequently from sound berries at the time of harvest, were isolated frequently from rotten berries after storage. In two of four trials, no fungi were isolated from a large proportion of fruit that decayed in storage.
Evaluation of transesophageal atrial pacing in the prone and lateral positions.

Abstract Objective: To develop recommendations for positioning the second-generation pacing esophageal stethoscope for transesophageal atrial pacing in patients positioned prone (P), right lateral decubitus (RLD), and left lateral decubitus (LLD). Design: Prospective; patients assigned consecutively. Setting: Tertiary and university hospitals. Participants: Thirty (10 in each position group) adult patients undergoing surgery. Interventions: The optimal depths of insertions (DOI) where pacing current threshold was minimal (THmin) were determined first when supine, then after positioning. Measurements and Main Results: Transesophageal atrial pacing was successful in all patients supine and after positioning. The optimal DOI varied from 2 cm less deep to 4 cm deeper in positioned patients compared with supine patients. Patients positioned P required equal or up to 8 mA greater current outputs to achieve transesophageal atrial pacing; LLD and RLD patients may require up to 8 mA greater or lesser current compared with supine patients. Conclusion: Transesophageal atrial pacing can be used safely and effectively in patients positioned P, RLD, and LLD. Recommendations are presented for positioning the pacing esophageal stethoscope. Emphasis is given to using the lowest DOIs and smallest currents to reduce the chance of transesophageal ventricular pacing. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Chemopreventive effects of metformin on obesity-associated endometrial proliferation

Objective Obesity is a significant contributing factor to endometrial cancer risk. We previously demonstrated that estrogen-induced endometrial proliferation is enhanced in the context of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. In this study, we investigate whether pharmacologic agents that modulate insulin sensitivity or normalize insulin levels will diminish the proliferative response to estrogen. Study Design Zucker fa/fa obese rats and lean controls were used as models of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Insulin levels were depleted in ovariectomized rats following treatment with streptozotocin, or modulated by metformin treatment. The number of BrdU-incorporated cells, estrogen-dependent proliferative and antiproliferative gene expression, and activation of mTOR and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling were studied. A rat normal endometrial cell line RENE1 was used to evaluate the direct effects of metformin on endometrial cell proliferation and gene expression in vitro. Results Streptozotocin lowered circulating insulin levels in obese rats and decreased the number of BrdU-labeled endometrial cells even in the presence of exogenous estrogen. Treatment with the insulin-sensitizing drug metformin attenuated estrogen-dependent proliferative expression of c-myc and c-fos in the obese rat endometrium compared to untreated controls and was accompanied by inhibition of phosphorylation of the insulin and IGF1 receptors (IRβ/IGF1R) and ERK1/2. In vitro studies indicated metformin inhibited RENE1 proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion These findings suggest that drugs that modulate insulin sensitivity, such as metformin, hinder estrogen-mediated endometrial proliferation. Therefore, these drugs may be clinically useful for the prevention of endometrial cancer in obese women.
Effects of clonidine and propranolol on separation-induced distress in infant rhesus monkeys

Abstract In primates, separation of an infant from its mother is a naturally occurring stressor resulting in activation of behavioral, endocrine, and autonomic systems. When separated from their mothers, infant rhesus monkeys emit frequent species-typical distress vocalizations (‘coos’). In earlier work we demonstrated that opiate and benzodiazepine systems influence the frequency of coos induced by separation in infant rhesus monkeys. The present studies assessed the role of α2- and β-adrenergic systems in mediating distress vocalizations. We found that the α2 agonist, clonidine (33 and 67 μg/kg), reduced activity levels without affecting separation-induced coos. Only at 100 μg/kg were distress vocalizations reduced, and this was associated with behavioral sedation. In the same animals, morphine (0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg) selectively reduced distress vocalizations without affecting activity. Thus, the effects of clonidine, 100 μg/kg, appear to be due to non-specific sedation. We next assessed whether antagonism of β-adrenergic receptors reduces separation distress. We administered propranolol over a wide dosage range to a different group of animals and found that a high dose (20 mg/kg) increased separation-induced coos while decreasing the activity levels. That such a high dose was necessary to affect coo vocalizations suggests that effects on vocalizations are due to non-specific effects of the drug. Unlike propranolol, morphine administered to these animals did not affect activity levels but did selectively reduce distress vocalizations. These findings suggest that α2- and β-adrenergic systems do not specifically mediate separation-induced coos in infant rhesus monkeys. However, as demonstrated in an earlier study, opiate systems have a prominent role.
Looking good at the retailer's expense: investigating unethical retail disposition behavior among compulsive buyers

To date, the majority of consumer research has focused on exploring product acquisition. Consequently, the discipline knows considerably less regarding the nature of product disposition (Hanson, 1980; Price et al., 2000), more specifically, the act of consumers returning purchased products to retailers (Jacoby et al., 1977; Strutton et al., 1994). Although the literature regarding disposition is sparse, it is replete with studies that encourage retailers to maintain lenient return policies. For example, research findings espouse that retailers realize competitive advantages by offering liberal return policies; examples include improved retention, the formation of long-term relationships, the ability to sell expensive products, ‘‘insurance’’ against future service breakdowns, and enhanced goodwill (Che, 1996; Hart, 1988; Zeithaml et al., 1996). Liberal return policies have been a staple of major retailers for some time. In fact, the corporate adage, ‘‘Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back,’’ originated in the late 1800s when the now defunct retailer, Montgomery Ward (Strasser, 1989) implemented the guarantee. During the 20th century, most leading department stores, such as Sears, Nordstrom, and Marshall Field, also employed the guarantee by offering
Effects of acute and chronic morphine on rotational behavior in nigral-lesioned rats

Abstract Stimulation of mu-opioid receptors located on dopaminergic neurons in the striatum and the nucleus accumbens increases dopamine release, which may account for some of the behavioral effects of morphine. In this study, we examined the effects of acute and chronic morphine treatment on rotational behavior in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway. Rats receiving morphine acutely (0.3–10 mg/kg) did not show a significant bias toward contralateral or ipsilateral turning. Mini osmotic pumps dispensing morphine continuously (20–24 mg/kg/day) were implanted SC in these animals. This treatment induced tolerance to the behavioral depression produced by the highest dose of morphine (10 mg/kg) when it was given acutely. A slight but significant increase in ipsilateral turning occurred over the range of morphine doses examined. The effects of morphine on rotational behavior are slight, and do not correlate well with the reported increase in locomotor activity or extraneural dopamine in the striatum that are produced by doses of morphine similar to the ones tested in this study.
Cool Water Coal Gasification-a Progress Report

On May 20, synthetic gas made by gasifying coal was burned in a commercial size gas turbine in Daggett, CA and the electricity produced from that coal flowed into the Southern California Edison system. This event marked the initial operational phase of the Cool Water Coal Gasification Program that expects to demonstrate that the integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant can burn coal in an environmentally superior manner while also meeting a utility system's operational and reliability requirements.
Management of the injured patient: Identification of research topics for systematic review using the delphi technique

Background Systematic reviews of controlled clinical trials in the form of meta-analyses can serve as an important guide to direct clinical practice. This study identifies the most important research questions pertaining to the acute care of the injured patient using a Web-based Delphi technique to achieve consensus of expert opinion. Methods Experts in trauma care from the United States and Canada (n = 68) were asked to generate structured research questions and were then required to rank these questions in order of importance and estimate the amount of research currently published. Results The questions ranking in the highest tertile are presented along with an estimate of their importance and the amount of research published using an ordinal scale. Only 9 of 16 (56%) questions had some or a substantial amount of research available on which to perform a systematic review. Conclusion This study identifies the areas of trauma care in which research efforts might best be directed. In the absence of sufficient data for systematic reviews, these research topics represent important areas for the design and implementation of clinical trials.
Utilization of Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty by Age and Payer

Elective joint arthroplasty improves the quality of life for patients with severe arthritis. In the United States, utilization of services varies with insurance status. We asked the following questions: (1) Is there an increase in the utilization of elective hip and knee arthroplasty after age 65? (2) Does the difference in utilization between the insured and general populations decrease at age 65 (the age at which Medicare provides near universal coverage)? (3) Does Medicare become the primary payer of elective hip and knee arthroplasty after the age of 65? We used the National Inpatient Sample to identify patients and payers of elective hip and knee arthroplasties by age. We analyzed these data using regression models. At age 65, there was an upward shift in the incidence of arthroplasties in the general and the insured populations and the difference between these two populations decreased. Medicare was the primary payer for the majority of arthroplasties after age 65. We conclude at age 65 the following occurs: (1) utilization of elective joint arthroplasty increases; (2) the difference between the insured population and the general population decreases; and (3) Medicare becomes the primary payer of arthroplasties.
Evidence for enhanced mass transfer and synergistic catalysis of aqueous phase sulfur dioxide oxidation by mixtures of manganese and iron

Abstract Experimental evidence is presented for the synergistic catalysis of aqueous phase sulfur dioxide oxidation by mixtures of manganese and iron in water drops falling through S02. These results are compared to data from experiments without added catalyst and experiments catalyzed by manganese alone and iron alone. The synergism reported here is comparable to that found by Martin et al (1981) in the absence of mass transfer.
Observations on the isotopic geochemistry of calcium

Abstract The 48 Ca/(total Ca) ratios of three natural materials, seawater, the shell of the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria , and human teeth, have been determined relative to that of a reagent CaCO 3 . The measurements indicate that variations up to 10‰ may exist and that metabolic processes may be active in fractionating the isotopes.
Detection and location of errors by linear inequality checks

Problems of error detection and error location in programs or specialised devices computing values of real functions are considered. Systems of linear inequality checks are used for error detection and error location. Theorems are given for solving the problem of the error-detecting and locating capabilities of memoryless and memory-aided decoding procedures based on linear-inequality checks.
Mobilization of Mg2+ from Rat Heart and Liver Mitochondria following the Interaction of Thyroid Hormone with the Adenine Nucleotide Translocase

The in vitro addition of thyroid hormone to isolated rat heart or liver mitochondria induces the extrusion of ~2-4 nmol Mg2+/mg protein from both mitochondria preparations. The mobilization of Mg2+ is not accompanied by extrusion of matrix ATP or K+, or by mitochondria swelling, thus excluding that the phenomenon occurs through the nonspecific opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Moreover, the Mg2+ extrusion is completely prevented by bongkrekic acid, a membrane-permeant inhibitor of the adenine nucleotide translocase (AdNT), and by cyclosporine, which has also been reported to inhibit AdNT in a bongkrekate-like manner, operating at the matrix site of the translocase. By contrast, atractyloside, another specific inhibitor of AdNT that operates at the cytosolic site of the AdNT, only partially affects the Mg2+ mobilization (<30% inhibition). These findings and the binding of 125I-labeled thyroid hormone to both the dimeric and monomeric moiety of AdNT support the hypothesis that AdNT ...
Unilateral lower limb suspension: integrative physiological knowledge from the past 20 years (1991–2011)

In 1991, Hans Berg and colleagues published the first research investigation using unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) as a human model to study the influence of unloading on skeletal muscle. ULLS requires a participant to perform all activities with axillary crutches while wearing one thick-soled shoe. The elevated shoe eliminates ground contact with the adjacent foot, thereby unloading the lower limb. Today, ULLS is a well-known ground-based analog for microgravity. The present review will synthesize the physiological findings from investigations using ULLS to study the deleterious effects of unloading. Compromised human performance and the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and circulatory mechanisms leading to altered function will be a major emphasis of the work. Results from prolonged bed rest will also be included in order for general comparisons to be made between analogs. Finally, the efficacy of exercise to mitigate the negative consequences of unloading is presented.
Altered retinoid signaling in the heads of small eye mouse embryos.

Abstract The vitamin A derivative retinoic acid (RA) is necessary for eye development, though its role in signaling within eye tissues is poorly understood. We investigated this question in two transgenic mouse strains carrying a retinoic acid response element (RARE) fused to β-galactosidase that identify regions of the embryo expressing activated retinoic acid receptors. Retinoid signaling appears in the retina and lens ectoderm of wild-type embryos prior to neural tube closure, when lens induction is under way. To determine if there are interactions between retinoid signaling and the transcription factor Pax-6, also essential for lens development, we examined RARE transgene expression in Small eye (Sey) mice, which carry a Pax-6 mutation. Retinoid signaling in the eye, nose, and forebrain of Sey embryos is decreased, with the most severe effects in the developing lens. In Sey mice the lens anlage cannot respond to exogenous RA after E9, though it is responsive earlier; the retina and other neural ectoderm can respond to RA at any stage. In Sey mice the ability of presumptive lens and retina to produce and/or sequester RA is also decreased, as assayed with a retinoid–reporter cell line. These results implicate retinoid signaling in lens formation and show that RA signaling in the developing eye is dependent upon Pax-6.
Intestinal absorption of L-leucine in vitro in fish (Stenotomus versicolor and Ictalurus nebulosus)

Abstract 1. 1. In vitro everted intestinal sacs were made from two species of fish-scup, Stenotomus versicolor (marine), and the catfish, Ictalurus nebulosus (fresh water)—and were used to measure the transmural movement of L -leucine. 2. 2. With incubation for 30 min at 23 ± 1°C there was a unidirectional change in amino acid concentration showing uptake from the mucosal fluid and increased amounts in the serosal fluid. 3. 3. The absorption phenomenon appears to be oxygen dependent (95 per cent oxygen and 5 per cent carbon dioxide). Anaerobiotic conditions, with 100 per cent nitrogenn, resulted in an inhibition of the unidirectional transfer of amino acid.
Cultural awareness in the context of terminal illness

While cultural awareness provides direction for planning effective nursing interventions at all stages of health and illness, this article specifically addresses applications for patients who are terminally ill. Professional nurses encounter unique challenges in caring for terminally ill patients. Assisting patients to achieve an "appropriate death" requires communication and collaboration among patients, family members, and professional caregivers. Since patients and their families represent many systems of complex beliefs and values, nurses must be aware of the impact of cultural pluralism on nursing assessment and intervention in terminal illness. Reordering priorities and redistributing resources have been identified as new approaches in caring for terminally ill patients and their families. Two concepts that cut across all cultural boundaries are loss and grief. Expressions of loss and grief take on a variety of forms among members of diverse cultures. It is critical that nurses recognize, understand, and respect each family's culture-specific patterns with regard to terminal illness. Understanding the culture will lead to the design of culturally appropriate nursing care for patients and families. Culture brokerage is defined as an act of translation, where messages, instructions, and belief systems are exchanged between cultural groups. This strategy has the potential to increase understanding among those with diverse cultural backgrounds, resulting in increased patient/family satisfaction within the supportive care setting. Consonance between patients' needs and nurses' understanding of those needs will lead to more culturally appropriate intervention strategies.
Conversion of Neutron Spectra to Their 14-MeV Equivalences

An experimental method is given for the conversion of a neutron hardness spectrum to a 14 MeV neutron equivalence fluence by least squares fitting it with four known spectra. The procedure gives both the magnitude and variance of the equivalence. Device or system testing can be conducted with damaging neutrons of any spectral distribution provided the 14 MeV equivalence of the spectrum has been measured.
9/11, image control, and the graphic narrative: Spiegelman, Rehr, Torres

This essay examines three graphic narratives – Spiegelman’s In the Shadow of No Towers, Rehr’s Tribeca Sunset, and Torres’s American Widow – as individual responses to the events of September 11, and, more importantly, to the dominant reconstructions that emerged in the ensuing months. The depersonalization of the event – inevitable in the (re)presentation of a limited set of images – is countered by those presented in the graphic narrative. These authors re‐appropriate sometimes iconic images to speak of their own experiences of 9/11 and its aftermath. In the interplay of images and text (and the blank spaces between) meanings multiply.
Imaging the traction stresses exerted by locomoting cells with the elastic substratum method

The cytoskeletal activity of motile or adherent cells is frequently seen to induce detectable displacements of sufficiently compliant substrata. The physics of this phenomenon is discussed in terms of the classical theory of small-strain, plane-stress elasticity. The main results of such analysis is a transform expressing the displacement field of the elastic substrate as an integral over the traction field. The existence of this transform is used to derive a Bayesian method for converting noisy measurements of substratum displacement into "images" of the actual traction forces exerted by adherent or locomoting cells. Finally, the Monte Carlo validation of the statistical method is discussed, some new rheological studies of films are presented, and a practical application is given.
ENU‐induced allele of brachyury (Tkt1) exhibits a developmental lethal phenotype similar to the original brachyury (T) mutation

New alleles of brachyury (Tkt1, Tkt4) were induced in the mouse complete tw5 haplotype by ethylnitrosourea (ENU). Like the original brachyury (T) mutation, the new alleles cause a short-tailed phenotype in heterozygotes, and interact with the t complex tail interaction factor (tct) in trans to cause phenotypically tailless mice. Because ENU is mainly a point mutagen, it is important to determine that the new alleles are homozygous embryonic lethal mutations like the original T allele, and to characterize their embryonic lethal phenotype. Moreover, the Tkt1 mutation maps to an inverted position relative to quaking (qk) in t haplotypes as compared with its position on normal chromosome 17. The Tkt1 allele was separated from the resident tw5 lethal gene, tclw5, by recombination, allowing embryology studies to be performed. Embryological analyses show that the Tkt1 allele is nearly identical to the classic T allele. At 9 and 10 days of development, homozygous Tkt1/Tkt1 embryos are grossly abnormal with properties including 1) irregular, disorganized somite pairs, 2) a shortened posterior end of the embryo, 3) an irregular neural tube, and 4) an abnormal notochord. In addition, 10 day-old abnormal embryos have anterior limb buds that point dorsally rather than ventrally, and are smaller than normal littermates. We conclude that the Tkt1 mutation is a valuable allele for both mapping and molecular characterization of the brachyury locus.
Compiling concurrent programs for embedded sequential execution

Embedded applications are often more naturally modeled as a set of concurrent tasks, but yet they are often implemented using a single embedded processor. Traditionally, run-time operating systems have been used to simulate concurrency by timesharing the underlying processor and to facilitate inter-process communication amongst the concurrent tasks. However, this run-time approach to multi-tasking and inter-process communication can often introduce significant overhead to execution times and memory requirements, prohibitive in many cases for embedded applications where processor and memory resources are scarce. In this paper, we present compilation techniques that can statically resolve concurrency at compile-time so that the resulting code produced can be sequentially executed on an embedded processor without the need for a run-time scheduler. Our techniques are based on a novel Petri net theoretic framework. In particular, we show how a concurrent program specification can be transformed into an intermediate Petri net representation. We then show how the intermediate Petri net may be statically scheduled to produce a sequential state machine model that can be sequentially executed directly on an embedded processor without a run-time operating system. In practice, this technique produces efficient results. However, theoretically, it is possible for the resulting state machine to become very large, resulting in code explosion. To circumvent this limitation, we describe a compositional approach that can scale well to large applications and is immune to code explosion.
MICROWAVE OVEN BURNS TO PIGS AND HUMANS

Microwave ovens are increasingly popular and therefore represent a vehicle whereby child abuse may occur. There are two known cases. One consists of a 14 month-old boy put into a microwave oven by his babysitter who sustained full-thickness burns to his back and survived. The other probable case is a one-month old girl who presented with full thickness burns of her left hand, left abdomen, and right foot. Both extremities ultimately were partially amputated. No cataracts have been noted to date. Microwave burns to piglets produced characteristics similar to the two cases. The full-thickness burn areas were sharply demarcated with relative sparing of underlying sub-cutaneous fat, but not deeper muscle (due to differences in water content). Areas above underlying bones were more affected. The distribution of burns in piglets on their backs mimicked that of the second case. Beneath the abdominal surface were full-thickness burns of abdominal viscera. Electrical burns do not show this characteristic burn pattern, may have areas of relative sparing, induce charring at the entrance wound, and typically display "streaming" of the nuclei along the direction of current. Knowledge of the features of microwave burns are important in establishing a diagnosis of child abuse. Laparotomy may be indicated if the abdomen is burned and signs of intra-abdominal pathology are evident.