cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iron-deficiency anemia

Abstract One of the most common causes of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in men and postmenopausal women in the United States is gastrointestinal blood loss, and therefore IDA is a frequent reason for referral to a gastroenterologist. It is important to begin the workup with confirmation of the diagnosis of IDA and to exclude other causes of anemia, including nongastrointestinal sources of blood loss. We review the mechanisms and regulation of iron absorption, storage, and iron loss, an understanding of which can be particularly useful in evaluating patients with concomitant chronic inflammatory diseases, end-stage renal disease, and patients receiving erythropoietin during chemotherapy. A major component of the evaluation of IDA is gastrointestinal investigation, usually beginning with bidirectional endoscopy, including colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. If patients have a negative lower and upper gastrointestinal evaluation, examination of the small bowel with enteroscopy and/or capsule endoscopy must be considered. The standard treatment of IDA requires correction of the underlying abnormality and oral iron replacement therapy, but in certain cases will require parenteral iron replacement. We will review the physiology, differential diagnosis, and evaluation of IDA, including the appropriate gastrointestinal evaluation of this disease process, along with a concise review of iron replacement therapy.
Producing Towed Grid Quantum Turbulence in Liquid 4 He

To produce turbulence in a pure quantum liquid, a superconducting linear motor has been built to tow a grid through a channel of superfluid helium at 20 mK. The design was developed using a computer simulation which considered the critical aspects of the cryogenic and electrical environment. This resulted in a single superconducting solenoid motor with an armature moving through its center. This light insulating armature is constructed of 3 phenolic tubes separated by two hollow cylindrical niobium cans placed 26 mm apart, with the turbulence-producing grid attached to one end. A conducting section on the armature, composed of one of the Nb cylinders and silver paint coating part of the phenolic rod, is inside a closely fitting capacitor made of two semi-cylindrical copper sheets. This capacitor, coupled to a bridge circuit, measures the armature position. When driven with the properly shaped current pulse (also determined by simulation), a magnetic field is produced that accelerates the rod (and grid) quickly, moves the rod and grid at near constant speed for at least 10 mm, and then quickly decelerates it. With LabView, complex pulse shapes are applied to the superconducting solenoid to produce the desired motion. The decay of turbulence is detected by the calorimetry technique in the isolated cell after the grid is pulled. Results of tests at 4.2 K (normal, classical liquid) and in superfluid down to 1.3 K, show that the motor preforms adequately in this temperature regime.
Nocturnal nasal congestion and nasal resistance.

Objectives: To compare total nasal resistance (TNR) in upright and supine positions in patients who did and did not complain of nocturnal (supine) nasal congestion symptoms without daytime (upright) congestion, and to determine what other conditions were associated with nocturnal nasal congestion (NNC) symptoms. Study Design: A prospective study comparing objectively measured nasal airflow in different positions (upright and reclining) with subjective patient symptoms. Methods: Subjects completed a questionnaire about nasal symptoms. Anterior rhinomanometry was performed with patients upright, reclined 45°, and supine. TNR in subject subsets was compared using the Student t test. Results: TNR did not differ between upright patients with (n = 27) and without (n = 20) NNC. Supine TNR (P < .04) and increase in TNR (P < .02) between upright and supine was greater in patients with NNC. Smokers (n = 15, 10 with NNC, 5 without) had greater TNR increases when supine versus nonsmokers (P < .02). Patients with rhinitis symptoms (n = 29, 18 with NNC, 11 without) had greater TNR increases when supine than patients without rhinitis (P < .01). Patients who both smoked and had rhinitis (n = 11, 7 with NNC, 4 without) had a greater supine TNR than patients who smoked or had rhinitis alone (P < .02). Conclusions: Some patients without daytime nasal congestion experience NNC. They have a significantly greater TNR increase when supine versus patients without NNC. Smokers and patients with rhinitis, with or without NNC, have a significantly greater TNR increase when supine versus nonsmokers or patients without rhinitis. Smoking cessation and treatment of rhinitis may improve the patients' NNC.
P1147 La pompe à insuline : un traitement efficace chez les diabétiques de type 2 (D2)

Introduction Le controle glycemique des D2 peut s’averer difficile malgre une optimisation du traitement insulinique et de forte dose d’insuline. L’administration de l’insuline par pompe peut etre une alternative. Patients et methodes Nous avons realise une etude retrospective et observationnelle de 40 D2 mis sous pompe entre 2004 et 2011 pour echec d’insulinotherapie par multi-injection, 77 % etaient sous 4 ou 5 injections. Resultats Caracteristique a la mise sous pompe : âge 60 ± 9,1 ans, duree de diabete 17 ± 6,9 ans, IMC 34,15 ± 6,11 kg/m2, dyslipidemie 90 %, hypertension 87,5 %, retinopathie 25 %, nephropathie 55 %, neuropathie 42,5 %, complication cardiovasculaire 40 %, besoin insulinique moyen sous multi-injection 1,61 ± 0,78 U/kg/J. Sous pompe : les besoins insuliniques diminuent de 40 % et perdurent dans le temps. A 2 ans les besoins moyens sont estimes a 1,05 ± 0,38 U/kg/J chez des patients utilisant en moyenne 2 debits sur 24 heures. L’HbA1C diminue de 8,34 ± 1,14 % a 7,76 ± 1,36 % a 6 mois et se maintient a 7,3 ± 0,82 % a 2 ans. La proportion de patient dont l’HbA1C est Conclusion L’âge et le profil metabolique de nos patients D2 ne doit pas etre un frein a la mise sous pompe. La pompe a insuline est une bonne alternative aux multi-injections chez les patients utilisant de forte dose d’insuline. Il ne faut cependant pas en attendre une perte de poids malgre une diminution des besoins insuliniques.
The Object-JavaScript language

Complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that support a large amount of user interaction require a fast response time, a rich set of building blocks for an esthetic look-and-feel, and a development environment that supports ongoing change. On the World Wide Web, client-side technologies offer more of these features than do server-side solutions. Java and JavaScript are the two most popular languages used for client-side GUI implementations. Java implementations require a user to download a plug-in that contains a virtual machine to execute the Java byte-code. The installation and maintenance of this plug-in is sometimes an unsurmountable barrier to using Java. JavaScript lacks some of the desirable features of Java, such as easy to use object-oriented features and having a GUI class library, but does not require a plug-in. We have enhanced JavaScript by implementing a new language Object-JavaScript (OJS) and by providing an OJS library of GUI components, thus making it a viable alternative to Java. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of self-focusing effect induced by femtosecond photodisruption on model substances

We have studied the possible nonlinear effects on tissue and model substance with emphasis on self-focusing effect. The nature of this effect and its biological consequences are discussed. We have studied how the self-focusing action changes with applied laser power and its effect on various depths of the biological materials. Critical power for biological material is calculated, and the peak power required for surgical purposes is found to be greater than the critical power. Furthermore, we discuss other possible effects that self-focusing might have on refractive surgery.
Diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa

A review of the available literature and a survey of professionals in the field of eating disorders was conducted to examine the validity and utility of DSM-III-R criteria A and D for bulimia nervosa. Virtually no data bear on the requirement that a binge involve rapid eating, and relatively few studies on the requirement that a binge involve a large amount of food. Frequency of binge-eating appears to be unrelated to concurrent psychopathology or treatment outcome. Secondary analyses of existing data sets and future research aimed explicitly at resolving these issues are recommended
Reoperative parathyroidectomy: an algorithm for imaging and monitoring of intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels that results in a successful focused approach.

Background Advances in preoperative imaging and use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) levels are changing the approach to reoperative parathyroidectomy (ReopPTX). We sought to develop a protocol for imaging and IOPTH monitoring that allows for a focused, successful operative approach. Methods We reviewed our prospective database of consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent ReopPTX with IOPTH monitoring between December 1999 and June 2007. Results Thirty-nine patients underwent 43 ReopPTXs for persistent (79%)/recurrent (21%) disease. All underwent ultrasonography and sestamibi imaging; 24 cases (56%) underwent additional imaging studies. Sensitivity of ultrasonography was 56%, sestamibi 53%, both studies 67%, computed tomography (CT) 48%, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 67%, and selective venous sampling (SVS) 50%. IOPTH monitoring predicted accurately cure in 100% and failure in 78%. A focused/unilateral approach was performed in 60%; median operative time was 45 minutes (range, 12–127). At last follow-up, 36 (92%) patients were normocalcemic. Conclusions We propose that ultrasonography and sestamibi studies should be done before all ReopPTXs; failure to localize should prompt sequential CT, MRI, and SVS until localization is achieved. IOPTH monitoring defines cure and is recommended for all ReopPTXs. This algorithm allows for a focused operative approach in >50% of ReopPTXs with operative times comparable with first-time, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
Off-axis holographic particle image velocimetry for diagnosing particulate flows

Holographic particle image velocimetry (HPIV) is a three-dimensional (3D) measurement technique that was originally developed for the velocity field measurements of single-phase fluid flows. The present study aims at a further extension of the HPIV technique for multiphase flow applications. HPIV should be able to provide not only the flow velocity fields on 3D grids, but also 3D information for individual particles including their positions and velocities. In this paper, we describe the extension of an off-axis HPIV system for the measurement of 3D positions and velocities of particles. Unlike most other PIV and HPIV systems, where velocity fields are obtained from correlation techniques, this HPIV system measures velocities by matching and pairing particles and potentially preserves the individual particle information. A volume rendering algorithm called the particle reconstructed by edge detection (PRED) method is developed to identify individual 3D particle images with complicated shapes. As a starting point of the development of HPIV for diagnosing particulate flows, this technique is applied to both a simulated flow to provide accuracy analysis and a real flow to test its feasibility.
Biotechnology and the UN: new challenges, new failures.

The UN is carving itself a role in international biotechnology regulation, but to what end?
Enthalpy of dilution and heat capacity of aqueous solutions of tetrabutylammonium butyrate as a function of temperature

Enthalpies of dilution of tetrabutylammonium butyrate are reported as a function of temperature between 10° and 50°C. Heat capacities of aqueous solutions of tetrabutylammonium butyrate were measured in order to obtain values ofφcp at 15°, 25°, and 35°C. These data were combined with the enthalpy of dilution data to obtain φcp as a function of molality and temperature. The apparent molal heat content φL decreased with increasing temperature in concentrated solutions but increased with increasing temperatures in dilute solutions (below0.7 m). Over the temperature range studied φcp shows a maximum as a function of molality at approximately 0.5m. The decrease in φcp with increasing concentration of hydrophobic solute is consistent with the view that the hydrophobic hydration cages, formed under the influence of the tetrabutylammonium and butyrate ions, are saturated at about 0.5m, and that at higher molalities increased overlap of the hydration cages occurs.
The relationship between bioactive components in breast milk and bone mass in infants

Human breast milk (HBM) contains numerous bioactive components, recently shown to be associated with growth and body composition in breastfed offspring. Reciprocity in adipogenic and osteogenic pathways suggests bone mass may also be influenced by these components. The association between bioactive components found in HBM and bone mineral content (BMC), to our knowledge, is unknown. The purpose of this proof-of-principle study was to evaluate the association between specific bioactive components in HBM in exclusively breastfed infants and skeletal health in the first 6 months of life and examine potential gender differences in these associations. Thirty-five mother-infant dyads were followed from 1 to 6 months. The contents of a single breast expression were used for analyses of bioactive components (insulin, glucose, leptin, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), whereas BMC was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In the total sample, there was a positive association between TNFα and BMC at 1 (P=0.004) and 6 months (P=0.007). When stratified by sex, females exhibited a positive association between BMC and glucose and an inverse relationship between BMC and TNF-α at 1 month with TNF-α strengthening (P=0.006) at 6 months. In males, at 6 months a positive relationship between BMC and HBM glucose and an inverse relationship with HBM leptin were observed with no associations observed at 1 month. Although preliminary, the associations between bioactive components in HBM highlight the importance HBM has on bone accretion. It is critically important to identify factors in HBM that contribute to optimal bone health.
Modeling Stress Strain Curves for Nonlinear Analysis

Methods of modeling stress strain curves for nonlinear stress analysis are discussed in order to obtain comparable results between different finite element analysts and between different versions of designs. The most common method for modeling stress strain curves is to use Ramberg- Osgood equation. For materials with significant discontinuous yielding, Ramburg-Osgood approximation leads to some problems near discontinuous yielding point. Discontinuous yielding occurs when sudden onset of plastic deformation associated Luders band takes place in a uniform test sample. For engineering structures and machine components, the propagation of Luders band may not occur in deformation process because of non-uniform stress distribution caused by stress concentration, complicated loading condition etc. A modified Ramberg-Osgood method for modeling stress strain curve is proposed.
Steady and Unsteady Three Dimensional Flow Field Downstream of an Embedded Stator in a Multistage Axial Flow Compressor: Part 3 — Deterministic Stress and Heat-Flux Distribution and Average-Passage Equation System

The results from the area traverse measurements of the unsteady velocity and total temperature downstream of the second stator of a three stage axial flow compressor have been correlated to derive various deterministic stress and heat-flux terms. These terms are consistent with those arising from the average-passage equation system of Adamczyk (1985). The deterministic periodic stress and heat-flux terms were found to be larger than the aperiodic terms for both the normal and shear components. Consequently the terms involving the aperiodic components in the average-passage equations could be neglected for stator exit and rotor inlet flow modeling. The deterministic periodic normal and shear stresses were seen to be most significant in the stator wakes away from the endwall regions. The most significant shear stress correlation was between the axial and tangential velocity components. Since the correlations involving the radial component were small, it is postulated that the dominant mechanism for mixing (in the radial direction) is due to the steady deterministic radial velocity. All three components of deterministic heat-flux were found to be significant in this flow field especially in the wakes. The dominant terms in the average-passage equation system away from the endwalls were due to the tangential gradient compared to the radial gradient terms and both the terms were found to be of equal importance in the hub and casing endwall regions.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Role of matrix crystallinity in carbon nanotube dispersion and electrical conductivity of iPP‐based nanocomposites

A homopolymer iPP and a series of propylene-ethylene random copolymers with a content of ethylene from 7 to 21 mol % were used as matrices to prepare single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposites in a range of SWCNT concentration from 0.15 to 1 wt %. The solution blending and melt- compression molding procedures were kept identical for all nanocomposites. The poly(propylenes) have crystallinities ranging from 70 to 10%, and serve to test the role of SWCNTs acting as nucleants to preserve in the nanocomposites the uniform dispersion of SWCNTs after sonication. The major role of polymer crystallinity is to mediate toward a more open and more connected SWCNT network structure. Fast nucleation and growth of high crystalline matrices on multiple sites along the surface of the nanotubes prevents SWCNT clustering, and entraps the SWCNT network between the semicrystalline structure reducing the driving force of nanotubes to curl and twist. Depletion of crystallites in the less crystalline matrices ( ∼40%. At SWCNT concentrations of 0.15 wt %, SEM images of nanocomposites with the highest crystallinity matrix indicate debundled and interconnected nanotubes, whereas more disconnected and curled SWCNTs remain in the lowest crystallinity nanocomposites. Electrical conductivity in the former is relatively high, whereas the latter are insulators. Also discussed is the nucleating effect of nanotubes and restrictions of the filler to polymer chain diffusion in the crystallization of the polymers. SEM images and Raman spectra in the radial breathing modes region (100–400 cm−1) are complementary tools to extract the quality and details of the SWCNT dispersion in the nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 2084–2096, 2010
Effect of ambient temperature on the hypometabolic and hypothermic effects of sulfolane in rats.

Sulfolane toxicity may be partially due to its effects on body temperature. To examine the effects of sulfolane on thermoregulation, we measured metabolic rate (oxygen uptake) and body temperature in rats injected intraperitoneally with sulfolane at dosages of 0, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. At ambient temperatures (Ta) of 15 and 25° C sulfolane caused a dose-related inhibition of metabolic rate accompanied by hypothermia 60 min post-injection. At a Ta of 35° C, sulfolane had no effect on body temperature or metabolic rate. The hypometabolic and hypothermic effect of sulfolane at a Ta of 25° C lasted at least 2.5 h. Sulfolane had near identical effects on body temperature at Tas of 15 and 25° C, hence, the sulfolane-treated rat had some control over body temperature at a relatively low Ta.
Adenosine-induced atrial arrhythmia: a prospective analysis.

Background: Adenosine is considered safe and effective for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), but anecdotal experience suggests that adenosine can precipitate atrial arrhythmias. Objec...
Calculation of the Cumulative Distribution Function of the Time to a Small Observable Tumor

Multistage mathematical models of carcinogenesis (when applied to tumor incidence data) have historically assumed that the growth kinetics of cells in the malignant state are disregarded and the formation of a single malignant cell is equated with the emergence of a detectable tumor. The justification of this simplification is, from a mathematical point of view, to make the estimation of tumor incidence rates tractable. However, analytical forms are not mandatory in the estimation of tumor incidence rates. Portier et al. (1996b, Math. Biosci. 135, 129–146) have demonstrated the utility of the Kolmogorov backward equations in numerically calculating tumor incidence. By extending their results, the cumulative distribution function of the time to a small observable tumor may be numerically obtained.
Speech training alters consonant and vowel responses in multiple auditory cortex fields

Speech sounds evoke unique neural activity patterns in primary auditory cortex (A1). Extensive speech sound discrimination training alters A1 responses. While the neighboring auditory cortical fields each contain information about speech sound identity, each field processes speech sounds differently. We hypothesized that while all fields would exhibit training-induced plasticity following speech training, there would be unique differences in how each field changes. In this study, rats were trained to discriminate speech sounds by consonant or vowel in quiet and in varying levels of background speech-shaped noise. Local field potential and multiunit responses were recorded from four auditory cortex fields in rats that had received 10 weeks of speech discrimination training. Our results reveal that training alters speech evoked responses in each of the auditory fields tested. The neural response to consonants was significantly stronger in anterior auditory field (AAF) and A1 following speech training. The neural response to vowels following speech training was significantly weaker in ventral auditory field (VAF) and posterior auditory field (PAF). This differential plasticity of consonant and vowel sound responses may result from the greater paired pulse depression, expanded low frequency tuning, reduced frequency selectivity, and lower tone thresholds, which occurred across the four auditory fields. These findings suggest that alterations in the distributed processing of behaviorally relevant sounds may contribute to robust speech discrimination.
Neue Reaktionen des Ketens, III. Über die Keten‐Einschiebung bei aktivierten C‐O‐, C‐S‐ und C‐Halogen‐Bindungen

2-Substituierte Thioather reagieren analog den entsprechenden Sauerstoffverbindungen mit Keten (2). Aus den Merkaptalen bzw. Merkaptolen 1 erhalt man β-Alkylmerkapto-thiocarbonsaureester 3, aus den Trithio-orthoameisensaureestern 8 β.β-Dialkylmerkapto-thio-propionsaureester 9 und/oder β-Alkylmerkapto-dithioglutarsaureester 10. Aus den Mono-thioacetalen 11 entstehen β-Alkoxy-thiocarbonsaureester 13, aus den α-Halogen-thioathern 14 β-Alkylmerkapto-carbonsaurehalogenide 15. Cyclische Merkaptale, Merkaptole, Acetale oder Ketale 16, sowie Polyacetale bzw. Polyketale 20 reagieren entsprechend. Die moglicherweise bei der Keten-Einschiebung in die cyclischen Verbindungen primar gebildeten cyclischen Lacton-Derivate polymerisieren unter den angewandten Reaktionsbedingungen zu den entsprechenden Poly(thio)atherestern 17.
Peripheral blood steroid levels in cushing syndrome due to adrenocortical carcinoma or adenoma

Measurement of the peripheral vein levels of the steroids in the adrenal biosynthetic pathway affords a further possible definitive method of differentiating adrenocortical carcinoma from adrenal adenoma in the presence of Cushing syndrome. In patients with adrenal carcinoma the blood levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone are far higher than those seen in association with adenoma. In addition, the adrenal cortical carcinoma appears to have a higher ratio of precursors to product in the early part of the biosynthetic path and a lower one in the distal portion than adrenal adenomas. In Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor the measurement of serum cortisol is preferably made after chromatographic separation from 11-deoxycortisol in view of the marked cross reactivity in the protein binding procedure.
Multiclass optical correlation filters for alphanumeric field recognition

We consider the use of new distortion-invariant optical correlation filters for machine-printed OCR. Our work is unique in its treatment of a large set of different fonts, printer types, plus rotations and scale (point size) variations, and various practical issues such as printing artifacts and background noise. We detail their use in the locations and recognition of alphanumeric fluids (digits) in destination address blocks (DABs).© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Neurologic recovery following cardiac arrest due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sir, We present an interesting case of a patient who received therapeutic hypothermia (TH) following cardiac arrest due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and achieved good neurologic recovery. A 93-year-old man was exposed to CO at home after attempting to repair his furnace. His carboxyhemoglobin level at presentation to the outlying hospital was 35%. Following intubation for airway protection, 100% inspired oxygen therapy was initiated, and the patient was transferred to this facility. Upon arrival, the patient had a Glasgow Coma Score of six (Eyes-one, Verbal-one, Motor-four). Corneal, gag, cough, and pupillary responses were preserved. He suffered a witnessed pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest in this facility’s emergency department. He received cardiopulmonary resuscitation as well as one ampule each of intravenous adrenaline (epinephrine), atropine, calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved after five minutes. Protocolized post-cardiac arrest care utilizing intravenous cold saline and external cooling was initiated to lower the patient’s core temperature to 34°C.1 Goal temperature (34 °C) was achieved at hour seven post-arrest. After thirteen hours at this temperature, he was re-warmed gradually (0.25–0.5 °C/hour). He showed neurologic improvement on hospital day two, and “excellent” neurologic recovery was noted on hospital day six. At that time, he was oriented to person and recalled the events that led to his illness; his mini-mental status exam score was 24. His course was later complicated by large bowel obstruction. He understood the risks, benefits, and alternatives of surgical management of this condition, and he himself refused surgical intervention. He was discharged on hospital day 19 to hospice care. Review of the literature shows that cardiac arrest following CO exposure has a very poor prognosis.2 While a handful of patients appear to have survived cardiac arrest following CO exposure, there are no reported cases of patient survival with good neurological recovery. Mild TH improves neurologic outcome following cardiac arrest.1, 3 The American Heart Association recommends this therapy in unresponsive patients with return of spontaneous circulation following out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia arrests.4 However, it does not address the use of TH following PEA arrests or CO-mediated arrests. This patient with CO-related PEA cardiac arrest improved neurologically, suggesting TH may benefit certain patients who arrest due to CO poisoning.
Quantification of coronary arterial plaque volume using 3D reconstructions formed by fusing intravascular ultrasound and biplane angiography

This paper, through plaque quantification, demonstrates the use of three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of coronary arteries to assess compensatory enlargement. The lumen and medial-adventitial border are segmented from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images using a novel 3D method called active surfaces and the segmented data is used to calculate the cross-sectional area of the lumen and vessel, respectively. The area of plaque for each slice is the difference of the two. Information about the distance between path points, located using a calibrated biplane angiography system, is used for the calculation of plaque volume. This quantification system can be used to track the progression or regression of atherosclerosis and is currently being used to document compensatory enlargement, a physiological phenomenon in which the overall vessel cross-sectional area increases with an increase in plaque area with little or no decrease in luminal cross-sectional area. Four ex-vivo cases have been quantified, all demonstrating this remodeling mechanism, shown by strong positive correlation between plaque area and vessel area over the reconstructed length of the vessel (R equals 0.98, R equals 0.93, R equals 0.98, R equals 0.68).
Dysplasia and early carcinoma in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal adenomas

The control of colorectal cancer is currently dependent on early detection, and its prevention requires the recognition and treatment of its precursor lesions. The adenoma has been established as the precursor of colorectal carcinoma in the general population. Among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), dysplasia is associated with, and precedes, invasive carcinoma. In this section criteria are described for the histological detection of preinvasive and early invasive neoplasia in the large intestine of patients with and without IBD. The therapeutic implications of these diagnoses are stressed. A brief review of subcellular changes, including genetic alterations, in colorectal neoplasia is included.
Opioid peptide gene expression in rat trigeminal nucleus caudalis neurons: Normal distribution and effects of trigeminal deafferentation

Preproenkephalin (preproenkephalin A) and preprodynorphin (preproenkephalin B) are the opioid peptide genes expressed in neurons of the nucleus caudalis of the trigeminal nuclear complex. We have used recently developed techniques for quantitative in situ hybridization to identify the neurons in laminae I and II of the nucleus caudalis that display the mRNA products of each of these genes. The specificity of these hybridization patterns is supported by several biochemical features, and by qualitative and quantitative parallels with previous immunohistochemical results. In animals killed 4 days after unilateral lesions of the trigeminal ganglion, neuronal expression of both preproenkephalin and preprodynorphin is altered in the nucleus caudalis. Decreases in preproenkephalin mRNA are due to a decline in the number of neurons that appear to express this gene. Conversely, preprodynorphin mRNA increases by adding a significant population of expressing neurons. These deafferentation-induced changes in gene expression may provide clues to the role of primary afferent information in modulating the functions of nucleus caudalis neurons containing opioid peptides.
FIELDS IN SQUARE HELMHOLTZ COILS

The axial component of the magnetic field in square Helmholtz coils of rectangular cross-section is investigated. Expressions for the axial field are derived and simplified enough so that any specific case can be easily calculated with a small internally programmed digital computer. Plots of the field at the centre of the coils as a function of winding thickness with coil spacing as a parameter are presented. Curves of the variation of the field with distance from the centre are given. Spherical volumes in which the axial magnetic field varies 1% and 2% are computed for various configurations. The dimensions of the coils which hold the field variations to 1% and 2% over the maximum spherical volume are given.
Synthesis of p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-O-β-Dgalactopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosides☆

Reaction of p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4,6-O-(p-methoxybenzylidene)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide (3) under the usual conditions, followed by removal of the p-methoxybenzylidene group and O-deacylation, produced crystalline p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6). Starting from p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido 3,4-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside, the synthesis of p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside was also accomplished.
Efficient rotamer elimination applied to protein side-chains and related spin glasses

Folded proteins and spin glasses share various properties, such as seemingly random interactions between residues (spins), and one might presume that some generic behaviors of spin glasses would also be exhibited in a general way by proteins. But a comparison here shows that the side-chain conformation systems of apo-myoglobin and lysozyme are qualitatively different from specific closely related spin glass systems. This difference is manifest in the number of rotamers that can be identified as definitely not contributing to the global energy minimum. This identification is effected by using a significantly enhanced version of the Dead End Elimination theorem (Desmet, J., M. De Maeyer, B. Hazes, and I. Lasters. 1992. The dead-end elimination theorem and its use in protein side-chain positioning. Nature. 356:539–542), which is much more effective and efficient in eliminating rotamers. In several cases (for proteins, although not for spin glasses) this improved Dead End Elimination theorem succeeded in identifying the absolute global minimum of rotamer conformations, with no statistical uncertainty. The difference between protein and spin glass is due to correlations between the interactions of one residue pair with another pair, and probably will play an important role in the thermodynamic behavior of the protein system.
Investigations of the display white point on the perceived image quality

Image quality is generally estimated under a controlled environment. However, given the increasing number of images being viewed on observers' own displays, it becomes of interest to understand what might affect the perceived image quality in an uncontrolled environment. In the paper, an experiment conducted to learn the impact of the display white point on the perceived image quality by observers is discussed. Based on the experimental results, the perceived image quality by observers was invariant to the changes in the white point setting of the display.
Molecular expression of acute phase mediators is attenuated by machine preservation in human liver transplantation: preliminary analysis of effluent, serum, and liver biopsies.

Background Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) mitigates the effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in renal transplantation and preclinical work with livers. In liver transplantation, IRI increases the likelihood of primary graft dysfunction and is associated with significant morbidity. We recently completely the first phase 1 clinical trial of liver HMP at our center, and demonstrated improved clinical parameters and shorter duration of stay for patients who received grafts stored by HMP than patients who received grafts preserved in cold storage. Biomarker analysis of venous effluent collected from the hepatic veins during HMP may yield predictive information reflecting the condition of the donor liver, such as graft injury sustained during brain death and graft preservation. The aim of this study was to characterize biomarkers released into the effluent during HMP. Methods Effluent was collected every 30 minutes during liver HMP during our phase 1 clinical trial. Serum was extracted from blood samples obtained at incision, before explantation, and at 1, 2, and 3 hours after reperfusion. The effluent and serum samples were assayed in multiplex to determine the concentration of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Tissue obtained from liver biopsies was processed for either downstream reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or immunofluorescence. Statistical significance was determined by a two-tailed t-test. Results Growth factors and most cytokines were not readily detectable in levels above baseline with this technique; however, interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were present in significant concentrations in the effluent at all time points. This finding was confirmed with serum samples and mRNA expression obtained from liver biopsies. The concentrations of these proteins decreased from their initial values over the course of HMP, and mRNA expression levels were decreased by the use of HMP. Conclusion IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are key mediators of inflammation in IRI. Although difficult to measure because of short half-lives, their downstream effectors indicate their levels of activity. IL-1 receptor antagonist is secreted in response to IL-1β, and monocyte chemotactic protein in response to TNF-α. Their decreased production over the course of HMP suggests that interruption of acute-phase inflammation in the graft may attenuate reperfusion–related graft injury. Further cDNA studies and effluent analyses are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Amygdaloid lesions attenuate neurogenic gastric mucosal erosions but do not alter gastric secretory changes induced by intracisternal bombesin.

Abstract Bilateral lesions of the lateral hypothalamus in rats produce glandular gastric mucosal damage. The results of the first experiment demonstrated that the severity of the neurogenic gastric erosions is attenuated by prior lesions of the centromedial amygdala. In a second experiment it was shown that fasting gastric acidity is significantly reduced following chronic amygdaloid lesions and this may be the mechanism involved in the protective nature of the amygdaloid lesions against gastric mucosal damage. In addition, it was found that gastric secretory changes induced by intracisternal injection of bombesin are unaffected by amygdaloid damage. The present results are consistent with the view that the centromedial amygdaloid region may influence gastric functions by modulating the activity of the preoptic-anterolateral hypothalamic areas or by directly influencing lower brain stem autonomie control areas.
Families, migration and adjusting to disequilibrium

Abstract Unlike the case for individual migration, education may reduce the migration of families by enhancing their ability to adjust to local disequilibrium and stay at their preferred location. Estimates of family migration probabilities in Costa Rica support this hypothesis.
The Political Climate and Corporate Mergers: When Politics Affects Economics:

The arguments against large corporations (which economists confuse with arguments against concentration in specific industries) are not so irrational as economists paint them. Although some of the arguments have an economic base, they are essentially political arguments about the distribution ofpower in society. Advocating that government avoid action in this area is the same as advocating that the current distribution of power is acceptable. Such arguments, despite their reliance on economic analysis, are essentially political. Meier (1985), p. 265
Responses of plasma renin activity and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase to increased intravascular volume.

Circadian variations of plasma renin activity, plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, and urinary aldosterone excretion were measured in man under conditions of high- and low-sodium intake. Plasma renin activity and urinary aldosterone excretion were maximal at 8 a.m. Plasma DBH shows small, biologically insignificant circadian fluctuations. In three subjects on low-salt diets, the values were lower than those in the same subjects on high-salt diets. Expansion of intravascular volume in supine normal volunteers lowered plasma renin and DBH activity, and also resulted in a significant natriuresis. The decline in DBH activity probably reflects a decrease in its release from autonomic nerve endings and thus demonstrates in man an effect of decreasing autonomic activity.
Effect of Photochemical Models on Calculated Equilibria and Cooling Rates in the Stratosphere

Abstract Simplified models are developed for radiative heating and cooling and for ozone photochemistry in the region 22–61 km. The latter permit the inclusion of nitrogen and hydrogen reactions in addition to simple oxygen reactions. The simplicity of the scheme facilitates the use of a wide variety of cooling and reaction rates. We also consider determination of temperature and composition as a joint process. It is shown that joint radiative-photochemical equilibrium is appropriate to the mean state of the atmosphere between 35 and 60 km. Equilibrium calculations are then used to show that hydrogen reactions are important for ozone and temperature distributions primarily above 40 km while nitrogen reactions are important primarily below 50 km. Comparisons with observed distributions of temperature and ozone suggest the need for water vapor mixing ratios of from 1–5 × 10−6 and mixing ratios of (NO2+NO) of from 3–10 × 10−8 at the stratopause. At 35 km, a mixing ratio of (NO2+NO) of about 3 × 10−8 is indic...
Multiple protein kinase activities required for activation of sperm flagellar motility.

A specific peptide inhibitor of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKI-peptide) is a very effective inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent activation of motility of Ciona spermatozoa, when the PKI-peptide is present at the beginning of incubation of demembranated spermatozoa with cAMP and ATP. Under conditions where approximately 120 sec is required for full activation of motility, the window of sensitivity to the PKI-peptide lasts for only 25–30 sec. Examination of sperm pellet proteins labeled with 32P ATP during activation reveals a major 25 kDa phosphoprotein and 2 minor phosphoproteins whose phosphorylation is highly sensitive to inhibition by the PKI-peptide and essentially complete during this early phase. These sperm proteins appear to be immediate substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and phosphorylation of one or more of these appears to be required, but not sufficient, for activation of motility. The phosphorylation of other proteins is reduced or eliminated when PKI-peptide is present at the beginning of incubation, but is unaffected by later addition of PKI-peptide. Some of these substrates appear to be likely candidates for axonemal proteins that must be phosphorylated during the later stages of incubation in order to complete the activation process. This selection is based upon a high degree of inhibition by inclusion of PKI-peptide or other inhibitors at the start of the incubation process, on near-completion of their phosphorylation by the end of the 2 min incubation period required for activation of motility, and evidence that these proteins are phosphorylated during in vivo activation of motility. Although these observations suggest the presence of a second kinase activity that is upregulated by the initial activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, assays using exogenous substrates have not yet been able to identify such a kinase activity. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computation of selected eigenvalues of generalized eigenvalue problems

The Arnoldi (1951) and Lanczos (1950) iterative algorithms are used to obtain a few selected eigenvalues of the generalized eigenvalue problem A(x) = lambdaB(x), where A and B are n x n nonsymmetric banded complex matrices. A shift-and-invert strategy is used to increase the rate of convergence toward the desired eigenvalues, and the two approaches are evaluated in view of their performance in a model problem concerning the linear stability of compressible boundary layers. A general scheme for computing the eigenvalues that lie within a 'box' in the complex plane is presented.
Midpoint-based empirical decomposition for nonlinear trend estimation

This paper presents a new method for nonlinear trend estimation of non-stationary signals, by which the trend can be self-adaptively decomposed through calculating the midpoint-based local means. In this method, the so-called midpoints are proposed to construct the local mean of a signal instead of two envelopes in the classical empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm, thus resulting in the midpoint-based empirical decomposition. Furthermore, a negentropy-based statistical method is presented to justify decomposition of the trend. Simulation results indicate that the new algorithm improves the performance of signal decomposition and trend estimation in comparison with the classical EMD algorithm. The proposed method also shows the value in self-adaptively estimating the nonlinear respiratory component from non-invasively measured ventilation signals.
Exploring Music Dynamics Through Children’s Literature

Language sometimes creates confusion when teaching music concepts to children. Incorporating children’s literature may further enhance children’s comprehension of music vocabulary when preceded by listening and moving experiences, as well as singing and playing instruments. The Quiet Book, and its companion, The Loud Book! both authored by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Renata Liwska provide reading experiences for exploring the basic dual nature of dynamics. Reading these books provides children with practice of music-specific vocabulary that aids in laying a foundation for later, and more complex, verbal music descriptions.
Pulsed Laser Angioplasty: A Paradigm for Tissue Ablation

It had been theorized that the high rate of restenosis seen following balloon angioplasty could be decreased if the obstruction could be removed rather than simply pushed aside. It was proposed that pulsed lasers could be used to remove arterial obstructions. The purpose of this chapter is to present the theory and practice of pulsed laser ablation of tissue in light of the important and interesting therapeutic goal: removal of arterial obstructions.