cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving Lesion Detection During Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy has changed since it was first introduced 50 years ago, with glass fibers being replaced by video electronics, the addition of water jets, better illumination, and the use of filters to enhance visual identification of polyps. In spite of these improvements, polyps and tumors of the colon are still overlooked even by the most meticulous examiner. Because missed lesions can develop into cancer, better imaging methods are required. The Third Eye Retroscope is a device that, in conjunction with the video colonoscope, may be able to find virtually all lesions in the colon. This novel device is described here and presents a new way to look into the colon.
The Co-ordination of Swimmeret Movements in the Crayfish, Procambarus Clarkii (Girard)

1. Electrical activity recorded in the first roots of the abdominal nerve cord show bursts of activity which accompany rhythmic movements of the swimmerets. These bursts persist when a root is cut distal to the electrodes. 2. Proprioceptive impulses have been recorded from the distal portion of these nerves during passive movements of the swimmerets. They have also been recorded in the connectives during both passive and active movements. 3. Cutting all second and third roots of the abdominal ganglia does not interfere with the rhythmic swimmeret movements of the isolated abdomen. Rhythmic efferent bursts persist in first roots even when only a single first root remains intact in such a preparation. 4. Intermittent bursts are also found in the first roots of a completely isolated cord but their pattern, frequency and phase relationships differ from those recorded in the same roots before isolation was completed. Such bursts are very rare in second and third roots. 5. Stimulation of small bundles of fibres in the circumoesophageal commissure produces well-defined inhibitory and excitatory effects on the discharge of single units in the first roots. 6. One specific bundle found in many preparations, when stimulated at 50/sec., caused a tonic retraction of all the swimmerets which then began to beat rhythmically and continued to do so when stimulation was discontinued. 7. Intermittent bursts in the first roots took place with correct phasing during this stimulation even when the abdominal ganglia were isolated except for their connexion with the last thoracic ganglion. Again, such bursts were absent in the second and third roots. 8. It is concluded that both the inflow from peripheral proprioceptors and intrinsic properties of the central ganglia play essential parts in the co-ordination of the metachronal movements of the swimmerets.
Parallel perceptual processing and decisional strategies: A reinterpretation of the Shaw and LaBerge effect

A reinterpretation is offered for an effect found by Shaw and LaBerge (1971) in a tachistoscopic detection paradigm. Their Ss were instructed to “scan” the letters of a multiletter stimulus array in a particular sequence. The Ss were more accurate in identifying a target letter if it occurred earlier rather than later in the instructed sequence. Although Shaw and LaBerge interpreted this result as supporting a limited-capacity attentional mechanism, the result is also consistent with a nonattentional parallel processing conception: the payoff incentives used to encourage the correct “scanning sequence” could alter Ss’ postperceptual decisional strategy so as to produce the results obtained. Given the compatibility of a parallel processing conception with the results of Shaw and LaBerge and the results of other detection experiments, the need for postulating a spatial capacity limit or attentional mechanism is questioned.
Property data prediction for hazardous substances

Abstract Results are presented for property data prediction of hazardous substances. Predictive constants (group contribution, interaction parameter and structural correction values) are disclosed to predict critical constants of temperature, pressure and volume. The model using the disclosed values is applicable to a wide variety of substances cited as hazardous by RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act). The wide variety of substances includes hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, epoxides, esters, amines, nitriles, sulfides, thiols, fluorides, chlorides, bromides and iodides. Testing of the model yielded favorable findings for prediction of critical constants. For critical temperature, testing with over four hundred substances produced an average absolute deviation between observed and predicted values of only 0.63%. For critical pressure, testing with over two hundred and ninety substances indicated an average absolute deviation of 2.53%. For critical volume, an average absolute deviation of 1.42% was experienced in testing with over two hundred substances.
Impact of nebulized unfractionated heparin and N-acetylcysteine in management of smoke inhalation injury

Approximately 70% of all fire victims in the USA who die within the first 12 hours post burn die from smoke inhalation injury (SIJ). Airway edema combined with obstructive casts produced from cellular debris, fibrin clots, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mucus and mucin B5 are believed to cause the airway obstruction contributing to pulmonary failure.
Requirement of a specific factor for the multiplication of ovarian cells in serum-free medium.

Abstract A rat ovarian subline has been isolated and can be maintained in a non-dividing state in a medium devoid of serum. It was found that the cells absolutely required the presence of a factor which was isolated from fetal calf serum (FCS) in order to multiply. The factor was partially purified and characterized. The factor appears to be a large glycoprotein of a molecular weight between 600 000 and 700 000. Ovarian growth factor was found to possess survival but not mitogenic activity in the serum-free system. A cooperative interaction between ovarian growth factor and limiting concentrations of the serum factor have been shown to stimulate ovarian cell multiplication.
Investigations of a killed dermatophyte cell-wall vaccine against infection with Microsporum canis in cats

A laboratory-prepared killed Microsporum canis cell-wall vaccine was evaluated under conditions simulating an accidental infection of a cattery, by inoculating eight- to nine-week-old cats with the vaccine or with a placebo control. The vaccinated cats developed high titres of anti-dermatophyte IgG as measured by an ELISA, and a small cell-mediated response against M canis as measured by a lymphocyte blastogenesis assay, using a whole fungus extract. After being inoculated the cats were challenged by the introduction of an infected cat into the same room. All the vaccinated and control cats became culture-positive for M canis within four weeks of the introduction of the infected cat. Four of the six control cats and all the vaccinated cats developed lesions consistent with dermatophytosis within 16 weeks after exposure to the infected cat.
Conformational effects and cooperative interactions in poly[5(6)-vinylbenzimidazole]-catalyzed solvolyses of anionic, long-chain substrates

Abstract A new synthetic procedure for the monomer, 5(6)-vinylbenzimidazole, has been developed. Also, a new method for the formation of the benzimidazole moiety is reported. The monomer, 5(6)-vinylbenzimidazole, was subjected to a free radical solution polymerization and a solid state thermal polymerization. Poly[5(6)-vinyl-benzimidazole], prepared by the solution-free radical polymerization, was shown to be a linear addition polymer with pendant benzimidazole groups, whereas the thermally prepared polymer was shown to have a different structure. The solvolyses of negatively charged esters with varying aliphatic chain lengths catalyzed by poly[5(6)-vinylbenzimidazole] and compared to monomeric benzimidazole in 40% 1-propanol-water at 26°C revealed that the polymer was more efficient and that its activity was a function of the degree of ionization. Neutral-neutral and neutral-anionic benzimidazole interactions are suggested. The polymer conformation was found to have a significant effect on the solvolysis reactions.
The β-glucan receptor dectin-1 functions together with TLR2 to mediate macrophage activation by mycobacteria

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play an essential role in a macrophage's response to mycobacterial infections. However, how these receptors work in concert to promote this macrophage response remains unclear. In this study, we used bone marrow-derived macrophages isolated from mannose receptor (MR), complement receptor 3 (CR3), MyD88, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and TLR2 knockout mice to examine the significance of these receptors in mediating a macrophage's response to a mycobacterial infection. We determined that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in macrophage infected with Mycobacterium avium or M smegmatis is dependent on myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and TLR2 but not TLR4, MR, or CR3. Interestingly, the TLR2-mediated production of TNF-alpha by macrophages infected with M smegmatis required the beta-glucan receptor dectin-1. A similar requirement for dectin-1 in TNF-alpha production was observed for macrophages infected with M bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), M phlei, M avium 2151-rough, and M tuberculosis H37Ra. The limited production of TNF-alpha by virulent M avium 724 and M tuberculosis H37Rv was not dependent on dectin-1. Furthermore, dectin-1 facilitated interleukin-6 (IL-6), RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) production by mycobacteria-infected macrophages. These are the first results to establish a significant role for dectin-1, in cooperation with TLR2, to activate a macrophage's proinflammatory response to a mycobacterial infection.
Neutralizer gas evolution due to beam interaction

Abstract Coupled nonlinear Euler level equations for the neutralizer gas and ion beam are solved analytically for an illustrative case. Neglecting recombination and reverse charge exchange, an upper bound for the evolution of gas density is obtained which shows a sharp fall-off with distance. This is in contrast with previous calculations which assume that the neutral gas density is independent of beam properties based on the fact that the beam density is orders of magnitude less than the neutral density.
Broad-spectrum bacterial agglutinating activity in the serum of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus

Abstract Serum obtained from the horseshoe crab agglutinated a wide variety of heat-killed bacteria. Gram-positive species reactive with this serum included various cocci and the bacillus Listeria monocytogenes . Among the Gram-negative bacilli examined, both members of the family Enterobacteriaceae as well as others were agglutinated. Agglutinin-adsorption studies supported the hypothesis that the agglutinin reactive with Salmonella minnesota is distinct from that binding to Gram-positive bacteria. Adsorption by each of six R mutants reduced the serum's ability to agglutinate the corresponding wild-type strain of S. minnesota . Pretreatment of serum with either chloroform or ethyl ether had no demonstrable effect on the agglutinating activity. Comparative studies of serum versus plasma indicated that the material responsible for this activity is present naturally in the fluid portion of the hemolymph. The substance in L. polyphemus serum responsible for agglutinating bacteria is probably equivalent to the recognized hemagglutinin but distinct from that responsible for the endotoxin-mediated clotting reaction.
Serial quantitative diffusion tensor MRI of the premature brain: development in newborns with and without injury.

Purpose To determine the change over time of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relative anisotropy of cerebral water in a cohort of premature newborns serially studied near birth and again near term. Materials and Methods Newborns were classified as normal (N = 11), minimal white matter injury (N = 7), or moderate white matter injury (N = 5). Results ADC decreased significantly with age in all brain regions in newborns classified as normal and those with minimal white matter injury. ADC increased with age or failed to decline in widespread areas of white matter in newborns with moderate white matter injury. Anisotropy increased with age in all white matter regions in newborns classified as normal. Anisotropy did not increase in frontal white matter in those with minimal white matter injury, and in widespread white matter areas in those with moderate white matter injury. Conclusion This study demonstrates that serial diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging scans of premature newborns can detect differences in white matter maturation in infants with and without white matter injury. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:621–632. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prostatic ductal system in rats: Regional variation in stromal organization

The rat prostate is composed of a complex system of branching ducts which terminate proximally at the urethra. It has been recognized that epithelial cells lining the ducts respond differently to androgen in various regions of the ducts, with responses ranging from proliferation to apoptosis, but the cellular mechanisms underlying these effects are unclear. Interaction between prostatic stroma and epithelium is essential to normal prostate growth and development, and the prostatic stroma is thought to be the first site of androgen action. Therefore we have examined the organization and distribution of stromal cell types along the rat prostatic ductal system. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we observed abundant fibrous tissue surrounding the distal region of the ducts, with a sparse, discontinuous smooth muscle layer. The intermediate region was surrounded by a continuous layer of smooth muscle one to two cells thick, which increased to greater than four layers thick at the proximal region. Fibrous tissue was located in interductal spaces and occasionally interspersed within the muscle layers in both regions. These observations indicate that regional variations in the distribution of stromal cell types exist and suggest that their corresponding secretory products could be responsible for the various effects of androgen on the epithelium in the rat prostatic ductal system. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of mast cell mediator secretion induced by protoporphyrin plus long-wave ultraviolet light: A morphometric and ultrastructural analysis

Abstract It has been shown that treatment of rat peritoneal mast cells with protoporphyrin plus long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA) irradiation can suppress mediator secretion. In this study we conducted a morphometric and ultrastructural analysis of rat peritoneal mast cells to investigate possible alterations produced by this treatment before or after stimulation with calcium ionophore. Protoporphyrin plus UVA, at doses causing inhibition of mediator release, had no effect on either cell size or viability but increased cellular sphericity. There was a 43% reduction of the cell surface area, and qualitative inspection of the cells revealed that this change was associated with a reduction in microfolds on the cell surface. After 1 minute of incubation with calcium ionophore A23187 (1 μmol/L), both cells that were pretreated with protoporphyrin plus UVA and control cells showed dramatic changes in granule structure. Although treated cells had an unchanged tendency to have granules that closely approached the plasma membrane, there was an inhibition of granule extrusion in response to ionophore stimulation. These observations may be relevant to the inhibitory effect of protoporphyrin plus UVA on the generation and release of mast cell mediators.
Comparative evaluation of macrophage stimulation and depression on tumor growth and macrophage content and function in mice

In a syngeneic murine adenocarcinoma model, the administration of glucan, an RE stimulant, inhibited tumor growth and increased tumor macrophage populations. Conversely, the administration of methyl palmitate, an RE depressant, potentiated tumor growth and decreased the number of tumor macrophages. Glucan and methyl palmitate also produced diverse alterations in serum lysozyme levels that reflected their contrasting influences on RE functional status, thus supporting the role of serum lysozyme as an index of macrophage function. The diverse results produced by macrophage stimulation or depression in regard to tumor growth, tumor macrophage population, and serum lysozyme concentration indicate that a relationship may exist between macrophage functional activity and host resistance to neoplasia.
Cigar risk perceptions in focus groups of urban African American youth.

Abstract Purpose: To explore cigar use perceptions among urban African American youth. Methods: A convenience sample (n=50) of African American volunteer participants, ages 14–18, participated in six audiotaped focus groups conducted in two California cities. Transcriptions were analyzed using iterative strategies. Results: Most youth believed cigars were harmful to health, yet a disjuncture existed between this abstract belief and the socially embedded understandings revealed in discussions. Some youth felt that cigars were more “natural” and therefore less harmful than cigarettes. For some, that understanding rested on a mistaken assumption that nicotine was an artificial additive not present in cigars. Youth had received little cigar-specific health education. They reported that cigars were easily obtained, noted cigars' social cachet, and drew attention to new brands targeting youth. Implications: Perceptions of risk are not merely interesting “subjective” findings but are important determinants of actual use patterns and may not correlate with abstract beliefs. Recent cigarette brand repositionings, such as Winston's “no additives” campaign, have widely publicized the many substances added to cigarettes. Some youth may take lack of cigar-specific preventive education as an indication that cigars do not contain such substances, including nicotine. Misperceptions about risks of cigar and cigar/marijuana smoking must be addressed through consistent, coordinated, and comprehensive tobacco control efforts for all tobacco products.
Pediatric Trauma Care: An Ongoing Evolution

Trauma is the leading cause of death and disability in children. Over the past 30 years, trauma systems have been developed to improve the care of the injured. This article discusses trauma systems as they relate to children, with emphasis on the role of pediatric trauma centers.
On finite strain micromorphic elastoplasticity

Abstract In the micromorphic continuum theory of Eringen, it was proposed that microstructure of materials could be represented in a continuum framework using a micro-deformation tensor governing micro-element deformation, in addition to the deformation gradient governing macro-element deformation. The paper formulates finite strain micromorphic elastoplasticity based on micromorphic continuum mechanics in the sense of Eringen. Multiplicative decomposition into elastic and plastic parts of the deformation gradient and micro-deformation are assumed, and the Clausius–Duhem inequality is formulated in the intermediate configuration B ¯ to analyze what stresses, elastic deformation measures, and plastic deformation rates are used/defined in the constitutive equations. The resulting forms of plastic and internal state variable evolution equations can be viewed as phenomenological at their various scales (i.e., micro-continuum and macro-continuum). The phenomenology of inelastic mechanical material response at the various scales can be different, but for demonstration purposes, J2 flow plasticity is assumed for each of three levels of plastic evolution equations identified, with different stress, internal state variables, and material parameters. All evolution equations and a semi-implicit time integration scheme are formulated in the intermediate configuration for future coupled Lagrangian finite element implementation. A simpler two-dimensional model for anti-plane shear kinematics is formulated to demonstrate more clearly how such model equations simplify for future finite element implementation.
Investigation of aluminum-based nanocomposites with ultra-high strength

Abstract Previously, we reported ultra-high compressive strength (up to 1065 MPa) for a bulk aluminum-based metal matrix nanocomposite [J. Ye, B.Q. Han, Z. Lee, B. Ahn, S.R. Nutt, J.M. Schoenung, Scr. Mater. 53 (2005) 481–486]. The mechanisms that are responsible for this significant strength increase over conventional materials (∼225 MPa, H. Zhang, M.W. Chen, K.T. Ramesh, J. Ye, J.M. Schoenung, E.S.C. Chin, Mater. Sci. Eng. A: Struct. Mater. Prop. Microstruct. Process. 433 (2006) 70–82) and even over other equivalent nanocrystalline materials (∼470 MPa, R.G. Vogt, Z. Zhang, T.D. Topping, E.J. Lavernia, J.M. Schoenung, J. Mater. Process. Technol., 209 (2009) 5046–5053) have not been studied in detail. The material consists of boron carbide reinforcement in a matrix with both coarse-grained and ultrafine-grained Al 5083; the processing introduces secondary phase dispersoids and dislocations. In this work, we systematically investigate the microstructural origins and the strengthening mechanisms, including Hall–Petch, Orowan and Taylor, as appropriate to each phase constituent. To provide insight into the relative contributions of these mechanisms, we calculate overall strength using rule-of-mixtures, modified shear-lag model, and Mori–Tanaka method.
Regulation of Cardiac Muscle Ca2+ Release Channel by Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Lumenal Ca2+

Abstract The cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) is a ligand-gated channel that is activated by micromolar cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentrations and inactivated by millimolar cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentrations. The effects of sarcoplasmic reticulum lumenal Ca 2+ on the purified release channel were examined in single channel measurements using the planar lipid bilayer method. In the presence of caffeine and nanomolar cytosolic Ca 2+ concentrations, lumenal-to-cytosolic Ca 2+ fluxes ≥0.25 pA activated the channel. At the maximally activating cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration of 4 μ M, lumenal Ca 2+ fluxes of 8 pA and greater caused a decline in channel activity. Lumenal Ca 2+ fluxes primarily increased channel activity by increasing the duration of mean open times. Addition of the fast Ca 2+ -complexing buffer 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethanetetraacetic acid (BAPTA) to the cytosolic side of the bilayer increased lumenal Ca 2+ -activated channel activities, suggesting that it lowered Ca 2+ concentrations at cytosolic Ca 2+ -inactivating sites. Regulation of channel activities by lumenal Ca 2+ could be also observed in the absence of caffeine and in the presence of 5mM MgATP. These results suggest that lumenal Ca 2+ can regulate cardiac Ca 2+ release channel activity by passing through the open channel and binding to the channel's cytosolic Ca 2+ activation and inactivation sites.
A recursive algorithm for discrete L 1 linear estimation using the dual simplex method

One of the practical problems in engineering and science is the estimation of parameters for given experimental data. It is also often required to update the estimates as new points are added to or as old points are deleted from the given data set. For data containing wild points, parameter estimation using approximation in the L1 norm is usually recommended over other norms. It is shown that the updating of the estimates can be calculated with very little effort using parametric programming techniques applied to an existing L1 approximation algorithm that itself uses a dual simplex method. Thus, an online adaptation for this algorithm is highly desirable. Numerical results and comments are given.
Quantum information processing through quantum dots in slow-light photonic crystal waveguides

We propose a scheme to realize controlled phase-flip gate between two single photons through a single quantum dot (QD) in a slow-light photonic crystal (PhC) waveguide. Enhanced Purcell factor and large β-factor lead to high gate fidelity over broadband frequencies compared to cavity-assisted system. The excellent physical integration of this PhC waveguide system provides tremendous potential for large-scale quantum information processing. Then we generalize to a multi-atom controlled phase-flip gate based on waveguide system in Sagnac interferometer. Through the Sagnac interferometer, the single photon adds the phase-flip operation on the atomic state without changing the photonic state. The controlled phase-flip gate on the atoms can be successfully constructed with high fidelity in one step, even without detecting the photon.
Initial management of adults with idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura.

Since idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults is usually a chronic condition with few spontaneous remissions, the goal of treatment is not cure, but to maintain a hemostatically safe platelet level. The indication for treatment should be based not merely on platelet counts, but also clinical indices of bleeding. Although most patients show good initial response to prednisone, the side effects of steroids limit this treatment. Currently, long-term management usually involves splenectomy. Since splenectomy has surgical risks and may also predispose the patient to sepsis, a clinical trial using anti-D (WinRho-SDR) has been performed to determine whether this treatment can safely delay or avoid the need for surgery. The use of WinRho may also reveal the occurrence of spontaneous remissions, a previously unrecognized subgroup of adults with chronic ITP.
Implementation and early clinical results utilizing Cs-131 permanent interstitial implants for gynecologic malignancies

Abstract Objective Permanent interstitial brachytherapy is an ideal yet underutilized treatment modality for accessible, small volume gynecological malignancies. We present early clinical results utilizing a new permanent isotope, Cs-131. Methods A retrospective review was performed evaluating patients treated with Cs-131 permanent interstitial radiation at our institution from July 2011 through June 2013. Doses were most commonly prescribed and calculated to a depth of 5mm using Paterson-Parker planar implant rules for Au-198. This activity was converted to air-kerma strength (U). A conversion factor of 1.1 was applied based on RBE calculations, clinical observation and experience. Results 14 patients were identified among whom 17 Cs-131 implants were performed. Seven patients were implanted as sole therapy, and a median dose of 50Gy was delivered. Ten implants were performed as boost within a more extensive radiation treatment plan. In these patients, a median implant dose of 27.5Gy was used and the median total dose delivered in combination was 78.25Gy. After a median follow up of 12months, the actuarial local control rate was 84.4%. A very low level of grade 1–3 reactions was observed with no fistula formations or other severe side effects. Conclusions Permanent interstitial brachytherapy with Cs-131 was well tolerated with favorable early results compared to other series. Cs-131 has multiple favorable properties, including minimal radiation exposure to treating staff, and should be considered as a therapeutic option in appropriately selected patients. A methodology for dose prescription, calculation of radioactivity required and distribution of the isotope is also presented.
Isolation and partial characterization of a type II Fc receptor from a group A streptococcus

A group A streptococcal strain rich in Fc receptors was selected by an immunoblotting technique and used as the source for isolation of a functionally active Fc receptor. A variety of extraction techniques were compared including (1) heat extraction at neutral, acid or alkaline pH, (2) treatment with the enzymes mutanolysin, hyaluronidase, trypsin, papain or phage lysin, or (3) autoclaving or heating in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The most homogeneous receptor was recovered following heat extraction and contained two molecular weight forms. The major form had a molecular weight of 56 000 daltons and the minor form had a molecular weight of 38 000 daltons. These two proteins could be isolated without loss of activity by binding to and elution from a column of immobilized human IgG. An antibody prepared against a single form of the affinity purified receptor demonstrated reactivity with both molecular weight forms of the heat extracted receptor. The group A receptor was found to be both antigenically and physicochemically distinct from either the type I receptor found on the majority of Staphylococcus aureus strains or the type III Fc receptors found on the majority of group C streptococcal strains.
A novel low-affinity strychnine binding site on renal proximal tubules: role in toxic cell death.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the neuronal glycine receptor antagonist, strychnine, mimics the cytoprotective effects of glycine in renal proximal tubules (RPT) (1). The goal of this study was to identify and characterize the site of action of strychnine. 3 H-Strychnine bound to RPT in a saturable and reversible manner, and was displaced by unlabelled strychnine (IC 50 =0.87 mM and a B max =57 nmol/mg protein). However, strychnine binding was not inhibited by glycine or related cytoprotective amino acids. Furthermore, the neurotoxicants bicuculline and norharmane, which share the cytoprotective properties of strychnine, inhibited 3 H-strychnine binding. These data support the existence of novel low-affinity strychnine binding site on the RPT plasma membrane that prevents toxic cell death.
Genealogical theory for random mating populations with two sexes.

Abstract Consider a random mating population that has Nm males and Nf females in each generation. Let us assume that at time 0 a random sample of n copies of a gene is taken from this population. Then, for models introduced by Wright [Evolution in Mendelian populations, Genetics 16 (1931) 97; Inbreeding and homozygosis, Proc. Nat. Acad. Wash. 19 (1933) 420; Evolution and the Genetics of Populations, The Theory of Gene Frequencies, vol. II, The University of Chicago, Chicago and London, 1969.], it is possible to obtain generalizations of the haploid theory of genealogical processes developed by Felsenstein [9] . It is conjectured that these hold generally, regardless of the effective population size, if n ≪ min(Nm, Nf). Generalizations are also proved to hold if n = 2.
Maxillo-Mandibular Osteonecrosis in Patients on Bisphosphonates: The Emerging Role of FDG PET-CT Scan

Statement: Osteonecrosis (ON) of maxilla or mandible is an uncommon but established complication of chronic bisphosphonate therapy (1). Biopsy is confirmatory but invasive. Non-invasive imaging using FDG PET-CT can potentially avoid the morbidity of biopsy. To date, there is only one study in the literature addressing the potential role of PET-CT in early diagnosis, post treatment monitoring and management of this condition (2). We evaluate herein the utility of FDG PET-CT in detection of maxillary or mandibular ON. Materials and Methods: Patients on bisphosphonate treatment (n 6) ranging from 64 to 85 years (2 male and 4 female) underwent FDG PET-CT scan after preliminary clinical assessment for ON. Lesions were then biopsied, samples read blindly by a pathologist and results correlated with PET-CT findings. Method of Data Analysis: 1. History and clinical assessment. 2. Panoramic X-ray imaging and /or CT scan 3. PET-CT scan after intravenous injection of 12 to 16 millicuries of 18F-FDG (Fluorodeoxy Glucose) using GE hybrid scanner as per standard imaging protocol 4. Histopathology of the biopsied samples. The data analysis for the statistical significance will be done using student t test. This is an ongoing study at present. Results: Table 1 summarizes the patient, treatment and PET-CT findings in the study. Median follow up was 6 months. History of chemotherapy (CHT) or radiotherapy (RT) was documented.
Tumor Deletion Mapping on Chromosome 11q13 in Eight Families with Isolated Familial Somatotropinoma and in 15 Sporadic Somatotropinomas

Context: Isolated familial somatotropinoma (IFS) is a rare endocrine disease defined as the occurrence of at least two cases of acromegaly or gigantism in a family that does not exhibit features of Carney complex or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Analysis of the multigenerational expression in families suggests that IFS is inherited as an autosomal dominant disease with incomplete penetrance. The association between the disease and loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 11q13 as well as its linkage to this region has been well established, but the IFS gene still remains unknown. Objective: The aim of this report was to narrow the previously described chromosomal region (9.7 cM) to which the gene was previously localized and to evaluate potential candidates. Design and Setting: Using haplotyping and allelotyping techniques, we studied eight new families (total of 14 tumors) with IFS and 15 sporadic somatotropinomas. Eighteen polymorphic markers spanning an approximately 9-Mb region on chromosome 11q12....
Schedule-dependent synergism of edatrexate and cisplatin in combination in the A549 lung-cancer cell line as assessed by median-effect analysis

The methotrexate analog edatrexate has been shown to have greater antitumor activity and an improved therapeutic index as compared with its parent compound in preclinical systems. These studies suggest that edatrexate may have a broad role in the treatment of solid tumors. Information regarding edatrexate in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents is limited. We evaluated the interaction of edatrexate with cisplatin in vitro as assessed by median-effect analysis in the A549 human lung-cancer cell line. The effects of dose, exposure time, and schedule dependence were assessed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric (MTT) assay. The inhibitory concentration producing 50% absorbance (IC50 for edatrexate with 1 h exposure was 1.4μM. For all combination experiments, the edatrexate dose was fixed at 0.2 μM (IC10) whereas cisplatin (CDDP) concentrations were varied for 1-, 3-, and 24-h exposures either before or after edatrexate treatment. Drug interactions were assessed using the combination-index method as defined by median-effect analysis. A synergistic interaction was documented in experiments when edatrexate was applied prior to CDDP (combination index, <1). The combination studies in which edatrexate was used prior to CDDP resulted in significant reduction of all three CDDP IC50 values: 1-h IC50, from 30.0 to 3.9 μM; 3-h IC50, from 21.3 to 1.4 μM; and 24-h IC50, from 1.7 to 0.03 μM. In contrast, synergism was not observed in experiments in which edatrexate treatment occurred after cisplatin exposure. Median-effect analysis is a useful method of determining drug interactions. In the present study, the combination of edatrexate and CDDP demonstrated schedule-dependent synergism, with the synergism being observed only in the setting of edatrexate treatment before CDDP exposure. Due to the potential broad spectrum of activity of edatrexate plus CDDP, further studies are warranted to determine the mechanism responsible for the synergism and to investigate this combination in a variety of tumor models.
Research note: A high performance multiple sequence alignment system for pyrosequencing reads from multiple reference genomes

Genome resequencing with short reads generated from pyrosequencing generally relies on mapping the short reads against a single reference genome. However, mapping of reads from multiple reference genomes is not possible using a pairwise mapping algorithm. In order to align the reads w.r.t each other and the reference genomes, existing multiple sequence alignment(MSA) methods cannot be used because they do not take into account the position of these short reads with respect to the genome, and are highly inefficient for a large number of sequences. In this paper, we develop a highly scalable parallel algorithm based on domain decomposition, referred to as P-Pyro-Align, to align such a large number of reads from single or multiple reference genomes. The proposed alignment algorithm accurately aligns the erroneous reads, and has been implemented on a cluster of workstations using MPI library. Experimental results for different problem sizes are analyzed in terms of execution time, quality of the alignments, and the ability of the algorithm to handle reads from multiple haplotypes. We report high quality multiple alignment of up to 0.5 million reads. The algorithm is shown to be highly scalable and exhibits super-linear speedups with increasing number of processors.
Anaerobic digestion for methane generation and ammonia reforming for hydrogen production: A thermodynamic energy balance of a model system to demonstrate net energy feasibility

Abstract During anaerobic digestion, organic matter is converted to carbon dioxide and methane, and organic nitrogen is converted to ammonia. Generally, ammonia is recycled as a fertilizer or removed via nitrification–denitrification in treatment systems; alternatively it could be recovered and catalytically converted to hydrogen, thus supplying additional fuel. To provide a basis for further investigation, a theoretical energy balance for a model system that incorporates anaerobic digestion, ammonia separation and recovery, and conversion of the ammonia to hydrogen is reported. The model Anaerobic Digestion-Bioammonia to Hydrogen (ADBH) system energy demands including heating, pumping, mixing, and ammonia reforming were subtracted from the total energy output from methane and hydrogen to create an overall energy balance. The energy balance was examined for the ADBH system operating with a fixed feedstock loading rate with C:N ratios (gC/gN) ranging from 136 to 3 which imposed corresponding total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations of 20–10,000 mg/L. Normalizing total energy potential to the methane potential alone indicated that at a C:N ratio of 17, the energy output was greater for the ADBH system than from anaerobic digestion generating only methane. Decreasing the C:N ratio increased the methane content of the biogas comprising primarily methane to >80% and increased the ammonia stripping energy demand. The system required 23–34% of the total energy generated as parasitic losses with no energy integration, but when internally produced heat and pressure differentials were recovered, parasitic losses were reduced to between 8 and 17%.
In vivo method for the simultaneous determination of potassium and sodium depletion

An in vivo radiotracer technique utilizing whole body liquid scintillation counting for the simultaneous detection of 42K and 24Na retention within the intact animal was developed. The technique allowed direct comparison of the retention of potassium and sodium in treated and control animals. The differences in retention indicated the kaliuretic and natriuretic effects of proven diuretic agents. Experimentation with standards was used to develop the simultaneous technique for 42K and 24Na determination. The method was tested in vivo in rats and swine, using furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide to show the effects of these diuretic agents in altering potassium and sodium metabolism, to illustrate the adaptability of the method in studies with various animal species, and to confirm the versatility of the method with a whole body liquid scintillation detector of the “human type.” Results indicated the technique to be a sensitive method for measuring alterations in potassium and sodium metabolism in rats and swine caused by the diuretic agents.
Quantitative assessment of glioblastoma invasion in vivo

The aim of this study was the quantitative assessment of the time course and spatial distribution in brain of invading glioblastoma (GBM) cells using a recently described model consisting of RT2 rat GBM cells stably transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) – called RT2-eGFP – and implanted in Fischer rats. Invasion throughout the brain was verified by confocal microscopy and immunocytochemical staining for eGFP. Rats were sacrificed on post-implantation days 3, 8, and time of death (TOD). First, the entire rat brain was disaggregated at each time point and viable RT2-eGFP cells were counted using flow cytometry with fluorescence as the marker. Next, 2 mm3 samples of cortex from each of four brain quadrants (bifrontal and bioccipital) were disaggregated at each time point, with tumor cell quantification as before. Tumor cell density, averaged over the entire brain, reached a peak mid-way through its time course, leveling out by TOD. Tumor cell density within bulk tumor (BT) was greatest early in the evolution of the brain tumor, decreasing to its final value mid-way through its time course, due to necrosis. The greatest concentration of tumor cells was within BT, with up to an order of magnitude fewer cells in the periphery, while the number of brain tumor cells invading brain distant from BT remained constant from day 3 until TOD. BT size steadily increased after implantation, with an increasing portion due to central necrosis as time progressed, suggesting that this effect is an important contributor to fatality in this model. Alternatively (or additionally), accumulation of toxins elaborated by tumor cells throughout the brain starting early in the evolution of the tumor may also contribute to fatality.
Sex differences in autonomic responses to electric shock.

A review of the literature on sexual differences in autonomic responses in electric shock revealed little information as to whether such difference.1; exist. Eighteen male and 18 females were given a rest period of 15 ruin, submitted to 1 min of painful electric stimulation, then given a second 15 min rest period. Comparison were made of autonomic responses of heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure just prior m. during, immediately after the stimulation, and at the end of the second resting period (blood pressure during stimulation being omitted). Results were analyzed by computerized multiple analysis of variance using trend analysis of repeated measures. Men were found to respond to the shock with significant changes in systolic blood pressure while women responded with significant respiration changes. Although present evidence is not sufficient to explain the psycho physiological reasons for the differences found in this study, it is suggested that in view of the above sex differences, cultural demands may be a contributing factor to the high incidence of heart disease in men of certain age groups in out society.
Local intracoronary heparin delivery with a microporous balloon catheter

Abstract Arterial thrombosis plays a major role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes such as unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. Heparin is efficacious in treating both disorders; however, systemically administered heparin is associated with bleeding complications. Local intracoronary delivery of heparin may be a safer, more effective method of administration. This study was performed to determine the fate of heparin infused with a specially designed catheter for local intracoronary delivery. To quantitate heparin delivery, tritiated-labeled heparin was dissolved in a solution of unlabeled heparin (1,000 U/ml). A microporous balloon catheter was placed in the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex arteries of anesthetized pigs ( n = 15), and 1 ml of the heparin solution was infused. The animals were euthanized within 1 hour, and the treated arteries and controls were harvested, processed, and the tritiated activity was measured. To assess the distribution of the heparin in the arterial wall, 1 ml of fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled heparin was locally delivered into the walls of the LAD and left circumflex arteries with the microporous balloon catheter. To visualize the dynamic fluid transfer of the device, a microporous balloon catheter was inflated in the LAD, and 1 ml of diluted contrast medium was infused under cinefluoroscopy. The arteries treated with tritiated-labeled heparin contained 0.6% ± 0.2% of the infused heparin dose. Control arteries contained 0.01% of the administered heparin. Animals that were infused with FITC-labeled heparin displayed fluorescence throughout all layers of the artery, especially in the adventitia. In animals that were injected with 1 ml of diluted contrast medium through the microporous balloon, a relatively large amount of the infusate appeared in the arterial lumen proximal to the balloon. In conclusion, these results suggest that heparin can be delivered to coronary arteries with a microporous balloon catheter. However,
When surgeons decide to become surgeons: new opportunities for surgical education

KEYWORDS: Surgery; Surgical education; Choosing surgery; Medical education; Residency choice; Careers in surgery Abstract BACKGROUND: When surgeons decide to become surgeons has important implications. If the deci- sion is made prior to or early in medical school, surgical education can be more focused on surgical diseases and resident skills. METHODS: To determine when surgeons - compared with their nonsurgical colleagues - decide on their medical path, residents in surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psy- chiatry, and emergency medicine were surveyed. Timing of residency choice, demographic data, per- sonal goals, and reason for residency choice were queried. RESULTS: A total of 234 residents responded (53 surgical residents). Sixty-two percent of surgeons reported that they were ''fairly certain'' of surgery before medical school, 13% decided during their preclinical years, and 25% decided during their clerkship years. This compares with an aggregate 40%, 7%, and 54%, respectively, for the other 5 residency specialties. These differences were statisti- cally significant (P 5 .001). When the 234 residents were asked about their primary motivation for choosing their field, 51% pointed to expected job satisfaction and 44% to intellectual curiosity, and only 3% mentioned lifestyle, prestige, or income. CONCLUSIONS: General surgery residents decide on surgery earlier than residents in other pro- grams. This may be advantageous, resulting in fast-tracking of these medical students in acquiring sur- gical knowledge, undertaking surgical research, and early identification for surgical residency programs. Surgical training in the era of the 80-hour work week could be enhanced if medical students bring much deeper knowledge of surgery to their first day of residency.
Primary hyperparathyroidism and nonmedullary thyroid cancer

Of 2,058 patients who had surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism at the Mayo Clinic from 1965 through 1979, 51 or 2.5 percent had associated nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma. A history of radiation exposure to the head and neck was obtained in 14 of 43 patients questioned. Thyroid disease consisted of grade 1 papillary adenocarcinoma in 48 cases and pure follicular adenocarcinoma in 3 cases. The parathyroid disease included 41 single adenomas and 5 cases of parathyroid hyperplasia; 5 patients had 2 adenomas. At follow-up, none of the patients had evidence of metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Ten patients were receiving calcium or vitamin D supplementation for protracted hypocalcemia presumably due to the increased insult to the parathyroids from combined bilateral thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. More consecutive thyroidectomy, along with parathyroid autotransplantation when indicated, will provide definitive treatment of the thyroid cancer and at the same time minimize the risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.