cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphoprotein from Dentin. New Approaches to Achieve and Assess Purity

Phosphorprotein extracted from rat incisors was purified by passage through a sulfonated polystyrene column. The phosphoprotein that emerged in the void volume contained 54% phosphoserine + serine and 36% aspartic acid and, in contrast to that obtained by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, was devoid of proline, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and arginine. Gel electrophoresis of the material purified on sulfonated polystyrene columns gave one major phosphate-containing band which would not stain with Coomassie Blue. EDTA or acetic acid demineralization yielded phosphoprotein preparations with identical compositions and electrophoretic properties. These data show that purification procedures reported earlier are insufficient.
Interaction of sodium and volume in fluid resuscitation after hemorrhage.

Some measures of the efficacy of fluid resuscitation after hemorrhage are blood volume restitution (BVR) and attenuation of the nueroendocrine response. We compared the effectiveness of resuscitation with 0.9% NaCl and 3.0% NaCl in chronically prepared awake dogs after 30% hemorrhage
Sustained delivery and expression of plasmid DNA based on biodegradable polyester, poly(D, L-lactide-co-4-hydroxy-L-proline)

Gene expression mediated by a non-viral vector usually lasts only a few days. The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize a non-toxic, polymeric gene carrier, poly(D,L-lactide-co-4-hydroxy-L-proline) (PLHP) for sustained gene delivery. The copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of D,L-lactide (DLLA) with N-cbz-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HP) in the presence of stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)(2)). The resulting copolymer was characterized by (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Degradation of PLHP was examined by monitoring the medium pH change and molecular weight (MW) of the remaining polymer. It showed a rapid initial degradation and followed by a slower degradation for about 30 days at 37 degrees C. The cytotoxicity of copolymer was significantly lower than polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly-L-lysine hydrochloride (PLL) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The plasmid DNA (pDNA)-loaded microspheres based on the copolymer were prepared by a water-oil-water (w/o/w) solvent evaporation emulsion method. The release profile of pDNA from PLHP microspheres showed an initial burst release, and then a slower and continuous release for about 18 days at 37 degrees C. Gene transfer efficiency of PLHP/pDNA delivery system showed a sustained activity (over a week) when compared with PEI and PLL, and can be further improved by the addition of cationic liposomes. The results suggest that PLHP is a promising candidate for long-term gene delivery with good biocompatibility and biodegradability.
A Case of Caffeine-Induced Coronary Artery Vasospasm of a 17-Year-Old Male

The intentional consumption and use of stimulants, such as caffeine, are known to have numerous interactions with the human cardiovascular system. Ex vivo studies have shown caffeine-induced vasoconstriction of coronary arteries (Forman et al. in Ann Emerg Med 29:178-180, 1997). We report on a case of a 17-year-old male who presented with angina and an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) concerning for ST elevation myocardial infarct. He was found to have diffuse ECG changes and markedly elevated cardiac enzymes. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function as well as segmental wall motion abnormalities consistent with an ischemic insult. The patient admitted to consuming near lethal doses of caffeine immediately preceding his angina. He was diagnosed with coronary vasospasms as a result of stimulant use. During hospitalization, ECG changes resolved, cardiac enzymes started trending downward, and LV systolic function returned to normal, all consistent with stunned myocardium that fully recovered. This case strongly suggests that overuse of stimulants, such as caffeine, should be considered in patients presenting with coronary vasospasms, particularly in teenagers and young adults.
Nucleoprotein methylation in salivary gland chromosomes of Sciara coprophila: correlation with DNA synthesis.

Abstract Methylation and ethylation of chromosomal nucleoproteins have been demonstrated in the salivary glands of Sciara coprophila larvae. A difference in grain distribution pattern was observed between chromosomes incubated in 3 H-methyl-methionine and 3 H-ethyl-ethionine. Like DNA synthesis, methylation could only be demonstrated at certain developmental stages, and during some of these a close correlation was observed between labelling patterns following 3 H-methyl-methionine and 3 H-thymidine in separated gland pairs. No such correlation was observed with RNA synthesis. Ethylation of chromosomal non-histone protein could not be correlated with nucleic acid biosynthesis. Feeding ethionine during larval development produced similar nucleolar abnormalities to those previously described in rat liver nucleoli.
Regulatory mechanisms for skeletal muscle differentiation and their relevance to gene expression in the heart

The discovery of the MyoD family of skeletal muscle-specific regulatory factors, which bind DNA and activate muscle-specific transcription in collaboration with widely expressed factors, has led to dramatic progress toward understanding the mechanisms responsible for activation of muscle-specific gene expression during differentiation of skeletal muscle. In contrast, relatively little is known of the mechanisms responsible for activation and maintenance of cardiac muscle transcription. Many muscle-specific genes that are directly regulated by the MyoD family in skeletal muscle are also expressed in the heart, which does not express known members of the MyoD family. The different embryonic origins of skeletal and cardiac muscle and the differences in responsiveness of skeletal and cardiac muscle-specific genes to growth factor signals suggest that, if MyoD-like proteins participate in cardiac muscle development, they are likely to be expressed much earlier in development than the MyoD family and may have diverged substantially from these skeletal muscle regulatory proteins. Regulatory pathways independent of or in addition to those controlled by MyoD-like proteins appear more likely to be involved in specification of the cardiac muscle developmental program.
Effects of alloying additions of titanium, molybdenum, silicon, hafnium and tantalum on the microstructure of iron aluminides near Fe3Al

Abstract Additions of titanium, molybdenum, silicon, hafnium and/or tantalum to FeAl alloys near the composition Fe3Al have been found to affect many microstructural features including antiphase domain size, types and crystallography of antiphase and interphase boundaries, and slip vectors. In addition, different microstructures are developed with changes in aluminum content in complex alloys containing molybdenum, titanium and hafnium. In particular, with decreasing aluminum level, the microstructure changes from a single phase D03 superlattice to a structure having elongated ordered domains with a thin layer of the disordered phase along the antiphase boundaries, and finally to a two-phase modulated structure with D03 domains aligned along 〈100〉 directions in a disordered matrix. Stabilization of the D03 structure through alloying with molybdenum and titanium causes the slip vector to change from the usually observed 〈111〉 to 〈110〉 which is in agreement with the crystallographic symmetry.
GaInAs/InP quantum well infrared photodetectors grown on Si substrates

GaInAs/InP quantum well IR photodetectors (QWIP) were grown on Si substrate by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The growth condition of InP buffer layer on Si was optimized and its crystal quality was evaluated by high-resolution x- ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy experiments. Two different in-situ thermal cyclic annealing techniques were used to reduce the threading dislocation density in the InP- on-Si. The new thermal annealing with larger temperature range was found to improve the quality of InP-on-Si dramatically. QWIP-on-Si samples with these two different thermal annealing were prepared. Important detector properties, like dark current, spectral response, peak responsivity, and specific detectivity were studied and compared with a QWIP-on-InP sample with identical structure. Small blue shift was observed in both QWIP-on-Si detector's spectral responses. Record high detectivity of 2.3 X 109 cmHz/W was obtained for one QWIP-on-Si detector at 77K.
Single Dose Tumor Irradiation Primes the Immune System for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccination

Conclusions: Results provide evidence that, besides prolonging survival with a good safety profile, Ra-223 delays time to first SRE, in particular, time to first use of EBRT and use of opioids. In addition, Ra-223 reduces pain and opioid use in CRPC patients with bone mets. Importantly, the study showed that Ra-223 could be given safely with concomitant EBRT. Author Disclosure: J. Michalski: None. O. Sartor: G. Consultant; Bayer, Algeta. C. Parker: F. Honoraria; Amgen, Astellas, Bayer, Janssen, SanofiAventis, Takeda.G.Consultant; Algeta,Bayer, BNIT.M.Shan:A.Employee; Bayer HealthCare. K. Stock; Bayer HealthCare. J. Garcia-Vargas: A. Employee; Bayer HealthCare. K. Stock; Bayer HealthCare. A. Aksnes: A. Employee; Algeta ASA. N.J. Vogelzang: G. Consultant; Algeta, Bayer.
Relationship between intracellular oxygenation and neuromuscular conduction during hypoxic hypoxia

Previous studies have shown that high-altitude hypoxic hypoxia is associated with reduced ventilatory capacity that may be related to skeletal muscle weakness. In the present investigation, ascent to high altitude (4,000 m) was simulated experimentally by exposure of male rats (Sprague-Dawley, 250-350 g), anesthetized with thiopental sodium (25 mg/kg, i.p.), to a breathing gas mixture of 12% oxygen diluted in 88% nitrogen (FiO2 = 0.12). Determinations of oxygen saturation on microsamples (250 ul) of arterial and central venous blood were made spectrophotometrically. Neuromuscular conduction latency was measured following electrostimulation of the sciatic nerve (1-5 V, 0.5 msec duration, 1-40 Hz) and recording of the electromyogram from the gastrocnemius muscle. Experimental hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.12) produced a highly significant increase in conduction latency from a control value (mean +/- SEM) of 3.06 +/- 0.16 msec to 4.02 +/- 0.31 msec (n = 10, P less than 0.001). Conduction latency increased with decreasing arterial oxygen saturation from a control value of 92.9% +/- 0.18% to 83.2% +/- 0.76% (P less than 0.001) in the absence of statistically significant changes in central venous oxygen saturation, central venous pressure, arterial and central venous pH, and heart rate. A significant decrement in the mean arterial blood pressure from a control value of 85 +/- 1.5 mm Hg to 69 +/- 1.5 mm Hg suggests that local ischemia may be a component of this model. These responses were accompanied by marked reduction in uptake of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) by gastrocnemius muscle mitochondria, suggesting decreased intracellular activity of cytochrome oxidase. It was concluded that exposure of rodents to hypoxic gas mixtures may provide a suitable model for studying the mechanism of skeletal muscle weakness associated with ascent to high altitude and of other conditions wherein the supply of oxygen to tissues is limited.
A High Dynamic Range Acousto-Optic Image Correlator For Real-Time Pattern Recognition

The architecture and experimental results for an incoherent acousto-optic image correlator suitable for real-time applications are presented. In the basic architecture, each time a line of the raster-scanned input image is fed into the acousto-optic device (AOD), all rows of a digitally stored reference image are read into the system using an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Thus, the required two-dimensional correlation is performed as a series of multi-channel 1-D time-integrations in x (performed in the AOD) combined with a multi-channel correlation in y (perpendicular to the AOD axis) using a modified CCD. The LED array and detector modifications which markedly increase the dynamic range are discussed as well as the correlator design. Further, a novel memory for storing the reference object is described for rapidly changing templates. Experimental results indicate the architecture is useful for applications in the areas of character recognition and target identification.
Site Plan and Development Review: A Guide for Northern New England. Robert M. Sanford and Dana H. Farley. 2004. Putney Press, Newfane, VT. 258 pp. $34.95 paperback.

The challenge of Environmental Planning is both the complexity of the process and the myriad backgrounds of the individuals involved in the process. Sanford and Farley's book attempts to put everyo...
Biological and immunochemical studies with growth hormone in pituitary extracts of holostean and chondrostean fishes

Abstract The results of the present investigation suggest that growth hormone (GH) in extracts of pituitaries from representatives of the two existing genera of holostean fish, the bowfin (Amia) and the gar (Lepisosteus), and in an extract of pituitaries of a chondrostean fish (Polypterus), shows significant immunochemical relatedness to mammalian (rat) GH and appears to be capable of stimulating growth in the mammal on the basis of the tibia test in the rat. These findings are analogous to those previously reported for GH in pituitary extracts of two other chondrostean fish, the sturgeon and the paddlefish, but are in direct contrast to the negative results obtained with pituitary extracts of modern bony fish (teleostean). The findings to date indicate that a general correlation appears to exist between the immunochemical relatedness of fish GH with respect to mammalian (rat) GH, the ability of that fish GH to stimulate growth in the mammal (rat tibia test) and the general degree of development of the median eminence in the particular species from which the GH originates.
Ionic and Magnetic Ordering in First Row Transition Metal Fluorides

Abstract Divalent fluorides of first row transition metals, MF2(rutile) and KMF3(perovskite) have provided the means for studying 90, 135, and 180° magnetic superexchange interactions. Their limitation has been that interactions are between identical ions and, consequently are usually antiferromagnetic. Recentl M2+-M3+ ionic ordering has been established in LiMIIMIIIF6(trirutile) and KMIIMIIIF6 tetragonal bronze). These structures are rutile like and perovskite like respectively and their ionic order makes them interesting candidates for studying superexchange interactions between dissimilar ions. These interactions are often ferromagnetic.
Pyrolysis Decomposition Kinetics of Cellulose-Based Materials by Constant Heating Rate Micropyrolysis

Fibrous, powdered fibrous, and acid-washed celluloses, newsprint, and paper dunnage were examined by Pyromat micropyrolysis to determine volatile organic compound evolution kinetic parameters. For the cellulose samples, the interpolated Tmax values (temperature of maximum evolution rate for a constant heating rate) indicate the fibrous cellulose is the least reactive. The fibrous cellulose samples have activation energies and frequency factors around 43 kcal/mol and 5 × 1012 s-1. A three-parameter nucleation kinetic model gave the best fits to the reaction profile, which is narrower than a first-order reaction. Newsprint and dunnage were also examined. The interpolated Tmax values indicate that dunnage is more reactive than the newsprint, and both are more reactive than the cellulose samples. Newsprint and paper dunnage have energy distributions that are similar but shifted from each other. Because of the diversity in chemical structure in the papers, the best fits were found using a discrete energy distr...
Relative importance of CD38 expression over myeloid-associated markers expression in predicting the clinical course of B-CLL patients.

Expression of CD38 or myeloid-associated markers has been reported to be important in predicting prognosis in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) in separate studies but the impact of combining these markers on prognosis has not been examined. The current study aimed to evaluate the relative contribution of expression of CD38 and/or myeloid-associated markers (CD11b, CD13, CD15 and CD33) by flow cytometry (FCM) on the clinical course of 24 B-CLL patients. B-CLL patients with high levels of CD38 expression, defined as greater than or equal to 30% of neoplastic lymphocytes expressing CD38, had a significantly poorer OS than those with low levels of CD38 expression (54% cumulative survival: 51 months vs. 103 months, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, p <0.005, Logrank test). High levels of expression of myeloid-associated markers showed no statistically significant impact on OS in these patients. Ten of 11 patients (91%) with high levels of CD38 expression required chemotherapy. In contrast, only 5 of 1...
Zero‐Inflated Discrete Statistical Models for Fecundity Data Analysis in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Traditional fecundity analysis, either as number of eggs per body weight of female or number of eggs per gram of egg mass, pay little attention to females that do not spawn. These fecundity variables contain a high proportion of zeroes either because of the absence of eggs or the inability to recover the eggs. Zero-inflated discrete generalized linear models are an alternative method that can be developed to take into account females that do not spawn. In this case study, we propose discrete generalized linear models that use specially constructed mixture models to handle the excess zeroes such as the zero-inflated Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial models. These models have the advantage of modeling fecundity simultaneously with the probability of spawning. The results show that age was the most significant factor influencing the number of eggs per gram of egg mass, while period of spawning was the most significant factor influencing the number of eggs per female body weight. These were also the most important variables that significantly affected the probability of successful spawning. Model residual diagnostics show that zero-inflated models exhibit superior performance compared to the traditional models like analysis of covariance, Poisson regression, and negative binomial regression models.
Chromosome Organization in Rosa

1. The object of this study was to discover whether the chromo-some behaviour in Rosa was in agreement with the chiasma theory of chromosome pairing.2. Somatic chromosomes in Rosa showed primary and secondary constrictions and varied in length from about 1.5μ to 3μ. Pairing at diakinesis was found to be by chiasmata.3. Chiasma-frequency was analysed in pollen mother cells of two diploid roses, a) the polyantha pompom garden rose “Orleans, ” and b) a wild plant of Rosa blanda. The mean number of chiasmata was of the same order in both individuals, namely 1.72 and 1.75 per bivalent at diakinesis, and 1.53 and 1.31 per bivalent at metaphase. The effect of terminalization was apparent in the regular falling off of the mean number of chiasmata per potential bivalent, and in the reduction in the Proportion of interstitial to terminal chiasmata from early diakinesis to metaphase. A small proportion of chromosomes failed to form chiasmata and therefore appeared as univalent chromo-somes.4. Quadrivalent configurations were found at diakinesis and at metaphase in both the diploid roses : a phenomenon correlated with structural hybridity of the chromosomes. The fact that a similar Pro-portion of the chromosomes were present as univalents, and involved in quadrivalents, at metaphase as at diakinesis, is offered as a proof that end to end associations are terminal chiasmata.5. Rosa blanda, showed a few sexivalents as well as bivalent, trivalent and quadrivalent configurations at diakinesis. The structure of the chromosomes in some of the quadrivalents has been inter-preted an the basis of segmental interehange in conjunction with parasynapsis. The plant is shown to be 3n for one short segment.6. The diploid individuals both showed approximately 50% of bad pollen.7. The highly sterile tetraploid Rosa relicta was found to have a mean chiasma-frequency of 1.71 per potential bivalent at diakinesis. Quadrivalents were frequent and the presence of multivalents involving 5, 6, and 8 chromosomes showed that the plant was also a structural hybrid.8. Pairing in Rosa is by chiasmata as in other organisms. Failure of pairing as well as multivalent pairing involving segmental interchange affeet part of the chromosome complement and not the rest. HURST's theory of seven differential septets of chromosomes in Rosa is thus proved untenable by direct cytological observation.9. The phenomenon of “secondary pairing” is exhibited by some polyploid roses.10. An alternative hypothesis is given to account for the un-balanced polyploid species of the Caninae, which does not involve a hypothetical decaploid ancestral form.I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to the Director of the John Innes Horticultural Institution for the use of laboratory facilities. I am also grateful to Dr. C. D. DARLINGTON for helpful suggestions and advice.
Dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber for high-bit-rate and multiwavelength systems

Dispersion-shifted single-mode fibers operating in the 1550-nm window have been available commercially since 1985.1 With the advances in high-speed optical-communication technology and, in particular, with the introduction of high-power erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), fiber systems have evolved very rapidly. For terrestrial systems, bit rates as high as 10–40 Gbit/s and unrepeatered system lengths as long as a few hundred kilometers have been contemplated. Under such conditions, in addition to chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is a consideration. These systems operate with high-power EDFAs to compensate for the fiber loss. In addition, multiwavelength systems with only 1-or 2-nm channel spacings are being considered for increasing the fiber capacity and making use of the wide spectral range in the 1550-nm window. A combination of these factors makes the nonlinear effects in these systems very critical.2 Single-mode fibers need to be tuned to optimize their performance in such systems. Also, the dispersion-zero and slope requirements for terrestrial and submarine systems can be different. Because of the rapid changes in technology, such designs need to be flexible in their optical characteristics in order to meet future dispersion requirements of both high-bit-rate and WDM systems. In this paper we present theoretical-model and experimental results on a dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber optimized to take into account many of these factors.
Acquired Ptosis in the Young and Middle-aged Adult Population

Purpose: The authors studied the etiology of acquired ptosis in the young to middleaged adult population with specific attention to the role of rigid contact lens use. Methods: The study consisted of all patients between the ages of 15 and 50 years with acquired ptosis who presented between April 1986 and May 1994. Potential factors responsible for acquired ptosis were investigated in all patients with specific attention directed to history and duration of contact lens wear. Results: In the consecutive series of 91 young to middle-aged adults with acquired ptosis, we found contact lens wear to be the only identifiable cause in 47% of patients. This was the most common cause for acquired ptosis in this age group. Trauma was a distant second cause, accounting for 19% of patients. Of the contact lens-induced ptoses, 58% were unilateral and 42% were bilateral. Of the 25 patients who wore contact lenses and had unilateral ptosis on examination, manual elevation of the ptotic lid showed an unsuspected contralateral ptosis to be manifest in seven patients due to Hering's law. Ptosis was overwhelmingly associated with rigid contact lens wear, and levator aponeurosis disinsertion was found in the large majority at the time of surgical repair. Conclusion: This study suggests that contact lens-induced ptosis is a much more common cause of acquired ptosis in young and middle-aged adults than has been suspected previously. The ptosis is primarily due to levator aponeurotic disinsertion, presumably due to recurrent traction on the aponeurosis during rigid contact lens removal.
Effects of inhibitors on the biosynthesis of sterols, reducing sugars, and chlorophyll, and the development of isocitrate lyase in germinating seeds of longleaf pine, Pinus palustris mill

Abstract Effects of the inhibitors tris-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-phosphate trihydrochloride (SKF 7997-A 3 ), abscisic acid (ABA), and cycloheximide on the biosynthesis of sterols, chlorophyll, and reducing sugars, and on the development and activity of the enzyme isocitrate lyase were investigated on seeds of longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill.) at different periods after germination. By using gas-liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry, two major sterols, namely campesterol and β-sitosterol, and one minor sterol, stigmasterol, were detected in the pine sterol fraction in both control and inhibitor-treated samples. SKF 7997-A 3 , ABA, and cycloheximide depressed the biosynthesis of total sterols, reducing sugars, and chlorophyll in germinating pine seeds. SKF 7997-A 3 and cycloheximide reduced the levels of both β-sitosterol and campesterol, while the application of ABA caused a decrease in campesterol and a slight increase in β-sitosterol at later periods after germination. The activity of isocitrate lyase was sharply reduced when decoated pine seeds were treated with SKF 7997-A 3 prior to germination. This depression in enzymatic activity was not relieved by additions of campesterol and β-sitosterol to the steroid inhibitor-treated seeds. These results indicate the involvement of sterols, either directly or indirectly, with the metabolism of germinating seeds and the growth and development of young seedlings of longleaf pine.
Fuzzy control for robotic power grasp

This paper presents a fuzzy controller for a robotic power grasp system. The controller works to achieve three objectives: obtaining contact with all finger links and the palm, centering the object in the grasp, and controlling the link and palm normal forces such that they lie within a specified clinch range. To perform the control, fuzzy rules which exploit the natural dynamics of the system were developed. The controller's performance is evaluated through the use of case studies. The controller is shown to effectively control the normal forces in a pickup operation and to be robust to changes in friction in centering.
The IMAGINE instrument: first neutron protein structure and new capabilities for neutron macromolecular crystallography.

The first high-resolution neutron protein structure of perdeuterated rubredoxin from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfRd) determined using the new IMAGINE macromolecular neutron crystallography instrument at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is reported. Neutron diffraction data extending to 1.65 A resolution were collected from a relatively small 0.7 mm3 PfRd crystal using 2.5 d (60 h) of beam time. The refined structure contains 371 out of 391, or 95%, of the D atoms of the protein and 58 solvent molecules. The IMAGINE instrument is designed to provide neutron data at or near atomic resolution (1.5 A) from crystals with volume <1.0 mm3 and with unit-cell edges <100 A. Beamline features include novel elliptical focusing mirrors that deliver neutrons into a 2.0 × 3.2 mm focal spot at the sample position with full-width vertical and horizontal divergences of 0.5 and 0.6°, respectively. Variable short- and long-wavelength cutoff optics provide automated exchange between multiple-wavelength configurations (λmin = 2.0, 2.8, 3.3 A to λmax = 3.0, 4.0, 4.5, ∼20 A). These optics produce a more than 20-fold increase in the flux density at the sample and should help to enable more routine collection of high-resolution data from submillimetre-cubed crystals. Notably, the crystal used to collect these PfRd data was 5–10 times smaller than those previously reported.
Preoxygenation in critically ill patients requiring emergency tracheal intubation.

Objective To determine the effectiveness of preoxygenation with 100% oxygen in the critically ill patient in preparation for emergency tracheal intubation. Design Nonrandomized, controlled trial. Setting Large, level 1 trauma center, tertiary care intensive care unit. Patients Critically ill patients failing noninvasive respiratory support techniques who require tracheal intubation followed by mechanical ventilation. Interventions A baseline arterial blood gas was obtained on noninvasive therapy and 4 mins post-100% oxygen therapy with a bag-mask assembly. Best effort to achieve a tight-fitting mask seal was pursued coupled with other mask ventilation maneuvers to optimize noninvasive oxygenation and ventilation. Measurements and main results A total of 42 patients consecutively intubated during the 15-month study period were studied. The baseline Pao2 (mean +/- sd) with concurrent noninvasive support was 67 +/- 19.6 mm Hg (range, 43-88 mm Hg) and increased a mean of 37 mm Hg to 103.8 +/- 63.2 mm Hg after 4 mins of preoxygenation with 100% oxygen. A total of 36% of patients had minimal changes (+/-5%) in their baseline Pao2, and only 19% increased their baseline Pao2 by at least 50 mm Hg after preoxygenation maneuvers. Conclusions The critically ill patient has little reserve to tolerate interruption of oxygen delivery and, thus, is at risk for hypoxemia during emergency airway management. Preoxygenation efforts as described in this clinical trial appear to be marginally effective in regard to providing a reasonable safeguard against hypoxemia during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.
Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder Diagnoses and Psychotropic Drug Therapy Among Privately Insured Children and Adolescents

tudy Objectives To estimate the treated prevalence of bipolar disorder in a privately insured population, describe the characteristics of children and adolescents receiving these diagnoses, and describe patterns of their psychotropic drug therapy. Design Retrospective, repeated cross-sectional study. Data Source MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy claims databases. Patients A total of 22,360 children and adolescents (aged 0–17 yrs) with one inpatient or two or more outpatient claims for any bipolar spectrum disorder between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007. Measurements and Main Results Annual cross-sections were used to estimate the treated prevalence of bipolar disorder diagnoses, patient characteristics, and psychotropic drugs used 30 days after a child's latest recorded bipolar disorder diagnosis within each year. The annual treated prevalence of any bipolar spectrum disorder in this privately insured population was 0.24% in 2005 and 0.26% in 2006 and 2007. Approximately 25% of diagnoses were for children younger than 13 years. Approximately 30% of children had coexisting attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder during the year. In each year, 35% of patients used no psychotropic drug therapy in the 30-day period after their most recent diagnosis. Twenty-five percent used one psychotropic drug, and 40% used two or more drugs. The most common drug regimens were antipsychotic or mood stabilizer (lithium or anticonvulsant) monotherapy and the combination of mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Conclusion Drug therapy patterns suggest that children and adolescents with bipolar diagnoses receive complex treatment regimens, often involving multiple classes of psychotropic drugs. Research on treatment combinations, particularly antipsychotic and mood stabilizer combinations, should be prioritized to better understand the safety and effectiveness of commonly prescribed treatments.
The Internet and Psychoactive Substance Use Among Innovative Drug Users

Objective. The Internet contains an extraordinary amount of information on the recreational use of psychoactive substances. We investigated the effect of the Internet on the drug-use knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of adolescents. Methods. Cross-sectional survey of adolescents being managed for substance abuse. Results. Of 12 patients (9 male, 3 female) who had used the Internet to learn about psychoactive substances, 100% reported that Internet-based information had affected the ways in which they had used psychoactive substances. Of the 12 respondents, 8 described adopting behaviors intended to minimize the risks associated with psychoactive substance use. Respondents also reported changes in the use of a wide variety of illicit substances as well as over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals. Examiners assessed whether quotations demonstrated that respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward psychoactive substance use were affected by Internet information. Despite the subjective nature of the research question, there was a highly significant agreement between coders. Conclusions. Web-based data on psychoactive substances seem to influence a broad range of drug-use behaviors in adolescents. Information on the ways that the Internet is being used by this vulnerable population should be considered in the design of Web sites to prevent the initiation and use of psychoactive substances.
Norepinephrine-induced contraction of isolated rabbit bronchial artery: role of α1- and α2-adrenoceptor activation

Zschauer, A. O. A., M. W. Sielczak, D. A. S. Smith, and A. Wanner. Norepinephrine-induced contraction of isolated rabbit bronchial artery: role of α1- and α2-adrenoceptor activation.J. Appl. Physio...
Amphetamine Trials and Tribulations

Background— Laboratory experiments conducted since the 1940s show that amphetamine combined with task-relevant experience improves postbrain injury behavioral outcomes. Several small clinical trials evaluated the approach as a means of improving poststroke recovery. Results of Review— In laboratory studies, the effect of amphetamine on recovery depends on the location and extent of brain injury, the dosing and timing of amphetamine, and the type, intensity, and timing of concomitant behavioral training. The small clinical trials conducted to date vary considerably in critical aspects of their designs and are largely negative. Conclusion— The question of whether d -amphetamine combined with physiotherapy is of any clinical value remains unanswered.
Effect of temperature upon carbon dioxide stores in the snake Coluber constrictor and the turtle Chrysemys scripta.

The effect of temperature upon respiratory exchange ratio (R) was measured in snakes (Coluber constrictor) and turtles (Chrysemys scripta). Increasing body temperature produced a transient elevation of R, and lowering body temperature transiently depressed R. These thermal effects resulted from an ‘excess’ and a ‘deficit’ CO2 elimination, respectively. Steady-state blood CO2 content (CCO2) in C. constrictor decreased linearly with rising temperature. Plasma bicarbonate concentration, calculated from in vivo arterial PCO2 and pH, followed the same pattern. Also, time courses of blood CCO2 were consistent with the metabolic studies. Less than half of the change in blood CCO2 could be explained by shifts of the in vitro CO2 dissociation curve; the remainder was contributed by other tissues. Blood lactate levels changed little with temperature. Based upon the blood studies, the predicted quantity of CO2 eliminated from the extracellular space when temperature increases is about 29% of the excess CO2 eliminated from the snakes. Thus, CCO2 in other tissues also decreases with rising temperature. It is concluded that reptiles function as open systems with respect to CCO2, which does not agree with alphastat control. Systemic arterial PO2 and PCO2 increased with rising body temperature in C. constrictor. The mechanisms producing these increases are discussed.
Two-stage expression of neurofilament polypeptides during rat neurogenesis with early establishment of adult phosphorylation patterns

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to rat neurofilament (NF) proteins NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H were used to examine the developmental programs of NF expression in rat embryos. The ability of these mAbs to recognize differentially phosphorylated states of NF-M and NF-H (Lee et al., 1987, the preceding paper) was exploited in order to examine the temporal and spatial patterns of NF phosphorylation during early neuronal development in vivo. NF proteins were first detected on the twelfth day postfertilization (E12) using NF-L- or NF-M-specific mAbs. By E13, the coexpression of NF-L and NF-M was widespread, reflecting dramatic increases of immunoreactivity to both subunits. Partial phosphorylation, denoted P[+], of NF-M was already present in perikarya and neurites of E12 neurons. Extensively phosphorylated, or P[+++], isoforms of NF-M appeared in E13 axons, thereby establishing a proximodistal gradient of NF phosphorylation during the earliest phase of NF expression. Immunoblots of tissue homogenates revealed that most NF-M of E13 embryos exists in a partially phosphorylated, or P[+], isoform. Unequivocal staining for NF-H first appeared at E15, a time at which NF-L and NF-M had already attained their adult patterns of immunocytochemical staining. Levels of NF-H were extremely low at E15 but could be detected in all of its differentially phosphorylated states, i.e., nonphosphorylated P[-], partly P[+], and highly P[+++] phosphorylated isoforms. P[+++] isoforms of NF-H were restricted to the distal portions of E15 axons, although staining of more proximal axons, like those in adult, was noted by E17. Immunoblots of E17 embryos revealed most NF-H as P[-] and P[+] isoforms. Quantities of immunoreactive NF-H increased very slowly and remained well below those of NF-M and NF-L for several weeks beyond birth. These results show that sequential forms of NFs are expressed by developing and maturing neurons throughout the nervous system. An "immature" form of NFs, composed of NF-M and NF-L, appears to function in establishing the neuronal phenotype and in initiating and maintaining neurite outgrowth. Addition of NF-H confers a "mature" state to the NF. This delayed expression of NF-H is a slow and graduated process that coincides in time with the stabilization of neuronal circuitries and may be important in modulating axonal events, such as the slowing of cytoskeletal transport and the growth of axonal caliber.
Modeling the economic and environmental performance of recycling systems

A general model for evaluating the economic and environmental performance of electronics recycling systems is developed. This model comprehends the three main functions in a recycling system - collection, processing, and system management - and aims to enable quantification of the impact of context and system architecture on the performance of electronics recycling systems. Different modeling techniques are used, including process-based cost models, to evaluate economic performance, and life cycle assessment tools, to evaluate environmental performance. A case study, based loosely on Maine, is presented to show the utility of such a model in evaluating electronics recycling systems.
Demonstrations of the size-weight illusion

The use-weight illusion occurs when a person lifts 2 equal-weight objects differing in size and perceives the large object as lighter than the small object. Varying the availability of visual and haptic information influences the strength of the illusion. This article describes several inexpensive techniques far demonstrating the size-weight illusion and some relevant issues concerning the illusion.
Commissioning and future plans for polarized protons in RHIC

Polarized protons were injected and accelerated in the clockwise ring of RHIC to commission the first full helical Siberian snake ever used in an accelerator. With the snake turned on, the stable spin direction is in the horizontal plane. Vertically polarized protons were injected with the snake off. The snake was adiabatically ramped to give a spin rotation of 180/spl deg/ around a horizontal rotation axis about 13/spl deg/ from the longitudinal. When the beam was accelerated from injection G/spl gamma/ = 46.5 to G/spl gamma/ = 48 the spin flipped sign as expected and polarization was preserved. At G/spl gamma/ = 48 without the snake, no polarization was observed since several spin resonances were crossed. Eventually polarized beam was accelerated to G/spl gamma/ = 55.7 (29.1 GeV). In the next proton running period we plan to run with two full helical snakes in each ring and collide both transversely and longitudinally polarized protons at an energy around 100 GeV per beam.
Laminar Cortical Dynamics of Cognitive and Motor Working Memory, Sequence Learning and Performance: Toward a Unified Theory of How the Cerebral Cortex Works

How does the brain carry out working memory storage, categorization, and voluntary performance of event sequences? The LIST PARSE neural model proposes an answer that unifies the explanation of cognitive, neurophysiological, and anatomical data. It quantitatively simulates human cognitive data about immediate serial recall and free recall, and monkey neurophysiological data from the prefrontal cortex obtained during sequential sensory-motor imitation and planned performance. The model clarifies why spatial and non-spatial working memories share the same type of circuit design. It proposes how laminar circuits of lateral prefrontal cortex carry out working memory storage of event sequences within layers 6 and 4, how these event sequences are unitized through learning into list chunks within layer 2/3, and how these stored sequences can be recalled at variable rates that are under volitional control by the basal ganglia. These laminar prefrontal circuits are variations of visual cortical circuits that explained data about how the brain sees. These examples from visual and prefrontal cortex illustrate how laminar neocortex can represent both spatial and temporal information, and open the way towards understanding how other behaviors derive from shared laminar neocortical designs.
Channel-optimized video coding for low-power wireless applications

This paper presents an error-robust channel-optimized coding algorithm for the transmission of low-rate video over wireless channels. The proposed coder uses a robust channel-optimized trellis-coded quantization (COTCQ) stage that is designed to optimize the image coding based on the channel characteristics. The resilience to channel errors is obtained without the use of channel coding or error concealment techniques. Additionally, a novel adaptive classification scheme is employed, which eliminates the need for motion compensation. The robust nature of the coder eliminates the appearance of impulsive channel-error-induced artifacts in the decoded video, while increasing the security level of the encoded bit stream. Consequently, the proposed channel-optimized video coder is especially suitable for low-power wireless applications due to its reduced complexity, its robustness to nonstationary signals and channels, and its increased security level. Simulation results show that our coder provides outstanding quantitative and subjective coding performance for a wide variety of channel conditions.
Global mapping of attenuation at Ku- and Ka-band

The propagation of radio waves for Earth-space slant path at C-band and higher frequencies is dominated by precipitation in the atmosphere. At a given frequency, attenuation depends on the length of the radio path, the size distribution, and the phase state of the hydrometeor profile. Using the observations from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) spaceborne Ku-band (13.8 GHz) radar at low Earth orbit of 350 km above Earth, global attenuation maps are produced at the Ku-band frequency. A simple microphysical model for precipitation developed using hydrometeor size distributions and thermodynamic phase state is used to estimate attenuation and reflectivity observations at Ka-band (35 GHz) where numerous high-bandwidth satellite applications are being planned including the next-generation space-based radar for the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM). Differences in the microphysical structure in convective and stratiform precipitation are also incorporated in the model. The results show substantial attenuation variation in a 12-month period at both Ku- and Ka-bands over the various regions of the globe, including the contrast between land and ocean. The estimates of attenuation made at Ku- and Ka-band will be useful in the design and development of spaceborne systems.
Survey of physics research in microwave devices

A physics research survey of a new generation of free electron radiation sources is given. Their purpose is to extend the electromagnetic spectrum from the microwave to the millimeter wavelength regime, to attain high powers and efficiencies, and achieve tunability over a wide range.
Classification and developmental biology of congenital anomalies of the hand and upper extremity

Congenital anomalies of the hand and upper extremity are classified according to appearance; thus, the myriad of disparate presentations are organized into groups that share common morphologic features. The primary purpose of a classification is to enhance communication about the specific features of a condition by providing a descriptive framework for clinicians. Therefore, classification schemes should reflect the full spectrum of morphologic abnormalities within a given condition, and should be uncomplicated and easy for clinicians to remember and use. While an ideal classification would also guide treatment, provide insight into prognosis, and incorporate the etiologic mechanism of the condition, congenital classification systems often fall short of these goals. The embryological development of the upper limb proceeds along three axes: proximal-distal, anterior-posterior (referred to postnatally as radial-ulnar by clinicians, because the fetal upper limb rotates during development), and dorsal-ventral1. The apical ectodermal ridge and the underlying mesoderm control proximal-distal development through a reciprocal loop of fibroblast growth factors and Wnt proteins2. The zone of polarizing activity located in the posterior (ulnar) limb mesoderm expands and posteriorizes the limb along the anterior-posterior (radial-ulnar) axis through a secreted morphogen, sonic hedgehog (SHH)3. The apical ectodermal ridge and the zone of polarizing activity are closely linked by a reciprocal feedback loop that maintains SHH expression at the posterior (ulnar)-distal border of the apical ectodermal ridge during progressive outgrowth. Dorsal ectoderm controls limb dorsalization through the secretion of Wnt7a and the induction of Lmx1b in the underlying dorsal mesoderm4. A reciprocal feedback loop between Wnt7a and SHH has also been demonstrated5. Thus, the integration of SHH into the pathways that control proximal-distal, anterior-posterior, and dorsal-ventral axes ensures coordinated patterning during each phase of limb outgrowth and development (i.e., humerus, forearm, and hand). Targeted disruption of …