cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the dose-concentration-dependent hemodynamic effects of nifedipine in heart failure.

The hemodynamic effects of increasing oral doses of nifedipine (10 to 30 mg) were studied in 12 patients who had low output heart failure. With each set of hemodynamics, serum concentrations of nifedipine were measured to determine the concentration/response relationships. Eleven of twelve patients responded acutely to nifedipine, defined as a reduction in systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and an augmentation in cardiac index (CI) and stroke volume index (SVI). The differential dose effects (X ± SD) for SVR and SVI for baseline (N = 11), 10 mg (N = 10), 20 mg (N = 3) and 30 mg (N = 4) were: 1913 ± 486, 1102 ± 221, 1128 ± 166, 803 ± 176 and 17.9 ± 4.8, 23.8 ± 4.5, 31 ± 0.42, 33 ± 3.5, respectively. All nifedipine doses reduced SVR and increased CI and SVI compared with baseline (P < .001). The increase in CI and SVI was significantly correlated to the mg/kg dose of nifedipine (r = 0.79; P < .001). Nifedipine administration resulted in no significant change in central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, or pulmonary vascular resistance. No relationship could be demonstrated between serum concentrations of nifedipine and any hemodynamic effect. Conclusions drawn were: [1) the afterload reduction effects of nifedipine are acutely efficacious in a large portion of patients with heart failure and this activity supercedes the negative inotropic effects of the drug at doses between 10 and 30 mg; (2) the magnitude of the hemodynamic effects are dose dependent; (3) large decrements in systemic blood pressure (≥20% reduction in mean arterial pressure) can be produced with single 10-mg doses of nifedipine in patients with heart failure, indicating that the use of this drug in this population be closely supervised; and (4) the lack of a direct concentration-effect relationship may indicate that the pharmacodynamics of nifedipine in heart failure differ from those demonstrated for other physiologic states.
Asymmetric dose-volume optimization with smoothness control for rotating-shield brachytherapy.

Purpose: It is important to reduce fluence map complexity in rotating-shield brachytherapy (RSBT) inverse planning to improve delivery efficiency while maintaining plan quality. This study proposes an efficient and effective RSBT dose optimization method which enables to produce smooth fluence maps. Methods: Five cervical cancer patients each with a high-risk clinical-target-volume (HR-CTV) larger than 40 cm3 were considered as the test cases. The RSBT source was a partially shielded electronic brachytherapy source (Xoft Axxent™). The anchor RSBT plans generated by the asymmetric dose–volume optimization with smoothness control (ADOS) method were compared against those produced by the dose–surface optimization (DSO) method and inverse-planning with simulated annealing (IPSA). Either L 1-norm or L 2-norm was used to measure the smoothness of a fluence map in the proposed ADOS method as one weighted term of the objective function. Uniform dwell-time scaling was applied to all plans such that HR-CTV D 90 was maximized without violating the D 2cc tolerances of the rectum, bladder, and sigmoid colon. The quality of the anchor plans was measured with HR-CTV D 90 of the anchor plans. Single-shielded RSBT [(S-RSBT), RSBT with single, fix sized delivery window] and dynamic-sheilded RSBT [(D-RSBT), RSBT with dynamically varying sized delivery window] delivery plans generated based on the anchor plans were also measured, with delivery time constraints of 10, 20, and 30 min/fraction (fx). Results: The average HR-CTV D 90 values of the anchor plans achieved by the ADOS, DSO, and IPSA methods were 111.5, 94.2, and 107.4 Gy, respectively, where the weighting parameter β used in ADOS with L 2-norm was set to be 100. By using S-RSBT sequencing and 20 min/fx delivery time, the corresponding D 90 values were 88.8, 81.9, and 83.4 Gy; while using D-RSBT sequencing with 20 min/fx delivery time, the corresponding D 90 values were 91.4, 88.3, and 78.9 Gy, respectively. The average optimization times for ADOS, DSO, and IPSA were, respectively, 77, 4, and 1800 s. By using L 1-norm instead of L 2-norm in the ADOS method, the optimization time was increased by 20 s, while the D 90 was reduced by 6.8 Gy on average. ADOS-L1 was found to be more sensitive to the weighting parameter than ADOS-L2. If β was increased to 10 000, the D 90 drop with ADOS-L1 was 38 Gy, while the drop with ADOS-L2 is 13 Gy. Conclusions: The ADOS method had a reasonable optimization time cost, while achieving comparable RSBT dose plans as the IPSA method, which is of much higher time complexity. Compared to the DSO and IPSA methods, ADOS is able to generate anchor plans which are more suitable for RSBT delivery while preserving the high quality of the original plans. Compared to ADOS-L1, ADOS-L2 is able to achieve better quality of anchor plans more efficiently.
Repetitive stress and strain injuries: preventive exercises for the musician.

Professional and amateur musicians commonly practice and play their instruments experiencing the physical pain of repetitive stress injury (RSI). Through improved understanding of the etiology and the acceptance of numerous lifestyle changes, including the addition of preventive exercises into the practice routine, the musician may be able to limit the effect of RSI on his or her life. The musician’s intrinsic motivation to practice and to repeat motor patterns to perfection compounds the exposure to repetitive trauma [1]. Practice and performance postures are often less than optimal and serve as risk factors for increased RSI. Years, decades, and even centuries of customary practice patterns and schedules preclude the insinuation of ergonomically designed seating and instruments, safer and more comfortable practice methods, and playing positions. Both practice seating and performance seating are often folding or stackable chairs, or flat wooden benches. Lifestyle choices further contribute to higher risk for RSI. Lengthy practice sessions are customary, with short interruptions for fast foods, caffeine, or nicotine breaks. The musician may be unwilling to seek medical help early, because he or she is concerned that the physician will require the limitation of practice or performance times, or worse, instruct the musician to stop playing altogether. In addition, there is a social/work ethic concern about the label of an injured musician [2–5]. On the opposite side of the issue is the knowledge that the most effective treatment of RSI is prevention. Early detection and immediate intervention, within days or weeks of onset, may be effective in most cases for the most complete recovery [3]. Delays in seeking assistance, and delays in the initiation of appropriate care, contribute to severity of the injury and the need for long rest/recovery periods, surgery, or lengthy rehabilitation. Throughout the course of RSI, the musician experiences the loss of practice
Identification of a Unique Subset of 2-Methylene-19-Nor Analogs of Vitamin D with Comedolytic Activity in the Rhino Mouse

The active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), and a series of 2-methylene-19-nor analogs of 1,25(OH)2D3 were evaluated for their ability to reduce the size of utricles (comedolytic activity) in a rhino mouse model of acne. All analogs tested, as well as the native hormone, increased the skin epidermal thickness. In contrast, only a subset of analogs that lacked a full side chain and 25-hydroxyl group were found to possess comedolytic activity. A reduction in comedone area could be achieved without adversely affecting serum calcium levels. Although all compounds that contained a side chain ranging from 2 to 5 carbons in length had similar potency as comedolytic agents, increasing the length of the side chain resulted in a progressive increase in calcemic liability. Dose–response studies of the comedolytic analogs showed that an increase in epidermal thickness was achieved at a lower dose than that needed to induce comedolysis. Thus, we have identified a unique subset of vitamin D analogs that produce comedolysis in the absence of hypercalcemia. Further, the activity of vitamin D analogs in causing epidermal hyperproliferation has been distinguished from that resulting in a reduction in utricle size.
Association of IGF-I and IGF-II with myofiber regeneration in vivo.

This study examined expression of insulinlike growth factor (IGF) in the myofibers and nonmyofibrillar structures of murine soleus muscle following contraction-induced damage. Identifying the cellular sources of this myogenic growth factor could improve muscle rehabilitation strategies. Immunohistochemical analysis of muscle sections indicated that the number of myofibers expressing both IGF-I and IGF-II increased significantly at 4, 7, and 10 days following injury, compared with control. Muscle spindles and vascular tissue expressed only IGF-II, and staining intensity did not change following injury. The number of fibers expressing developmental myosin heavy chain increased significantly at 7 and 10 days postinjury, and these usually coexpressed IGF. No IGF-specific staining of interstitial/inflammatory cells was observed. Therefore, expression of IGF after mechanically induced fiber damage occurs exclusively within regenerating fibers without supplemental delivery of IGF to the tissue by inflammatory cells or changes in constitutive expression of IGF-II in vascular tissue. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 22: 347–354, 1999
Effects of climate on reproduction in the European wild rabbit (Oryctolugus cuniculus)

Reproduction in a population of European wild rabbits occupying parkland habitat in East Anglia showed an annual seasonality in terms of numbers of emergent young, male testes size and an index of female oestrous status. Weather conditions showed marked variation over the four-year study period with significantly higher minimum ground temperatures and hours of daily sunshine, and less snowfall recorded during the second two years. Parailel shifts in reproductive seasonality were found with male testes size peaking in January and February as opposed to May and April, first female oestrus recorded one month earlier (January compared to February), and young emerging over an average of 5.5 instead of 4.5 months each year and their first appearance above ground advanced by two months from April to February. Mean annual productivity increased from 7.2 and 6.1 emergent young per female, to 10.1 and 9.1 over the four years, while the number of adults present in the population at the start of the breeding season increased from 22 to 45, with females always outnumbering males. The usefulness is demonstrated of a noninvasive index of vulva appearance, and morphometric measures of testes to determine female oestrous status and estimates of male testicular weight in wild populations. The reported changes in reproduction are probably mediated through the influence of climatic variables on the quality or quantity of food available to the rabbits. These data demonstrate the possible effects of predicted global warming on productivity in the rabbit and highlight the major influence of climate on reproductive seasonality in this important pest species.
Coffee consumption and mortality in a community study — Evans Co., Ga.

Total mortality showed no association with heavy coffee consumption in the four race-sex groups of Evans County. Deaths from coronary heart disease in WM, WF and BM showed no statistically significant differences between the two coffee consuming groups. Sex differences in cerebrovascular death rates, consistent in both races, suggest the possibility for a female excess of stroke deaths among coffee drinkers, and a “protective” effect of coffee drinking among males. Thus, in an area of the United States which has been designated the “Stroke Belt”, neither the cardiovascular nor the cerebrovascular death rates seem strongly nor consistently related to coffee drinking habits.
Surface transparent potentials and a coupled-channel Born-approximation study of diffractive behavior in heavy-ion induced reactions

Coupled channel explanations, which have been offered for the diffractive behavior observed in the differential ground state-ground state cross sections of ($^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{18}\mathrm{O}$) reactions on Ni isotopes, are in apparent disagreement with data for transfer to the $^{18}\mathrm{O}$(${2}^{+}$) state. A study of available quasielastic reaction data, elastic, inelastic, and transfer suggests the surface-transparent potentials both can better describe the optical phenomena observed in the angular shapes and can minimize effects due to coupled channels. As a byproduct a description, which does not require a large $^{18}\mathrm{O}$($2_{1}^{}{}_{}{}^{+}$) quadrupole moment, is obtained for the troublesome angular distribution in $^{18}\mathrm{O}$ + $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ inelastic scattering.
Size Classification of Fibers and Isometric Particles Keeping Each Fraction Airborne

The hazardous properties of airborne fibers are generally thought to be related to size. The purpose of this study was to develop a technique for physically classifying airborne fibers on the basis of diameter, keeping the separated fractions in the suspended state. This would permit either fraction to be further classified, monitored by real-time instrumentation and/or used in size-related inhalation studies. Other fiber classification methods have involved deposition of fibers onto a substrate, which precludes these advantages. Diameter classification was achieved by the use of an opposing-jet aerosol classifier. With isometric aerosols, sharp diameter classification was achieved: D50/D16=1.1 for liquid particles, and D50/D16=1.3 for solid particles. Diameter classification of fibers was also achieved, but the sharpness of cut was much less; D50/D16>3. The decreased sharpness of cut for fibers is attributed to the more or less random bounce of fibers from the edge of the separation plate to either outle...
Collective Self-Esteem Data from Four Ethnic Groups

Collective self-esteem data were collected from 365 White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic undergraduates. Analyses of variance and intercorrelation matrixes were computed for each component of the scale. Asian and Hispanic groups showed higher scores on the Identity subscale than did the White and Black groups. In general the subscales were highly intercorrelated with the exception of the Identity component. Researchers should focus on the Identity component given its variation across groups and greater independence from the other subscales.
A deterministic particle method for the Vlasov-Fokker-Planck equation in one dimension

The Vlasov-Fokker-Planck equation is a model for a collisional, electrostatic plasma. The approximation of this equation in one spatial dimension is studied. The equation under consideration is linear in that the electric field is given as a known function that is not internally consistent with the phase space distribution function. The approximation method applied is the deterministic particle method described in Wollman and Ozizmir [Numerical approximation of the Vlasov-Poisson-Fokker-Planck system in one dimension, J. Comput. Phys. 202 (2005) 602-644]. For the present linear problem an analysis of the stability and convergence of the numerical method is carried out. In addition, computations are done that verify the convergence of the numerical solution. It is also shown that the long term asymptotics of the computed solution is in agreement with the steady state solution derived in Bouchut and Dolbeault [On long time asymptotics of the Vlasov-Fokker-Planck equation and of the Vlasov-Poisson-Fokker-Planck system with coulombic and Newtonian potentials, Differential Integral Equations 8(3) (1995) 487-514].
Progesterone and dexamethasone inhibition of estrogen-induced synthesis of DNA and complement in rat uterine epithelium : effects of antiprogesterone compounds

Abstract Progesterone (P) blocks estrogen induction of cell proliferation and synthesis of complement C3 in the epithelium of the immature rat uterus. Here it is shown that dexamethasone (Dex) exerts a similar inhibitory effect on these two parameters. Furthermore, analysis of the newly synthesized, secreted proteins produced during a 20 h explant culture period showed that not only does the uterus synthesize complement C3 but it is capable of proteolytically cleaving complement into its biologically active peptides. Since large doses of P are required for its inhibitory effects and since P can interact with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the role of the GR in mediating the P effect was questioned. Two antiprogesterone compounds with reportedly differing antiglucocorticoid activity, ZK98.734 and RU486, were tested for their ability to antagonize the inhibitory actions of P and Dex. Attenuation of estrogen-induced epithelial DNA synthesis by either P or Dex was fully overcome by concurrent administration of either ZK98.734 or RU486. On the other hand, while either antagonist was effective against the inhibitory action of P on estrogen-induced complement C3 synthesis, only ZK98.734 was fully effective in blocking inhibition by Dex. Thus, unlike its activity in rat hepatic cells, ZK98.734 is a potent antiglucocorticoid in the immature rat uterus. Because of this antiglucocorticoid activity, differential antagonism of the P response was not possible using these two steroid analogs. Although these observations support the notion of GR mediated inhibition of estrogen action in the uterus, they do not answer the question of whether P might act through a GR mediated pathway.
Cynthia Dwork on Differential Privacy

Distinguished Scientist at Microsoft Research, Dr. Cynthia Dwork, provides a first-hand look at the basics of differential privacy.
Ultracentrifugation studies on potato latent mosaic virus.

Abstract 1. 1. The sedimentation constant of potato latent mosaic virus protein was determined at various concentrations. A value of 123.5 Svedbergs was obtained for the sedimentation constant at infinite dilution. 2. 2. The sedimentation constant corrected for solution viscosity was not found to be invariant with virus protein concentration. This is a departure from the general behavior of virus characteristic particles. It is due, in part at least, to the presence of rapidly sedimenting aggregates which increase the viscosity as measured in a viscometer but which do not contribute to the solution viscosity of the principal sedimenting component. 3. 3. The apparent partial specific volume was determined to be 0.73 ml./g.
Sensitive detection of NH2 in shock tube experiments using frequency modulation spectroscopy

Frequency modulation detection of NH2 in shock tube kinetic experiments is demonstrated with sensitivities of 0.5 ppm in a single pass and 0.25 ppm in a double pass configuration (1500 K, 1.3 atm, detection bandwidth 1 MHz, 15 cm shock tube diameter). This corresponds to a minimum detectable absorption of 0.01% and 0.005%, respectively, which represents an improvement of more than a factor of 20 when compared to conventional laser absorption detection. The feasibility of quantitative absolute concentration measurements is demonstrated using CH3NH2 as a precursor for the preparation of known NH2 concentrations. The uncertainty for absolute concentration measurements is estimated to be ±10% if a suitable precursor for direct shock tube calibration measurements can be used, and ±15% if an alternative calibration scheme based on the detection of the signal generated by a scanning etalon in reflective mode is used. FM detection has been applied to determine the rate coefficient of the thermal decomposition of CH3NH2: CH3NH2 + M CH3+NH2+M over the temperature range 1530–1975 K and at pressures near 1.3 atm. The rate coefficient was found to be: k1=8.17×1016 exp(−30710/T) (±20%) [cm3 mol−1 s−1] This is in good agreement with a recent determination using conventional laser absorption detection of the NH2 radical. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 445–453, 1999
Management of morbid obesity by jejunoileal bypass

Jejunoileal bypass has been the subject of over 350 reports in the literature. The initial enthusiasm for massive intestinal bypass seems to be declining because of its association with numerous and occasionally severe or fatal complications. In the past 9 years, there have been 800 jejunoileal bypass procedures performed at the University of Minnesota. A specific protocol for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care has been, devised to minimize the perioperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. The most frequent complications in the immediate postoperative period were urinary tract infection (11.9%), wound infection (6%), and thrombophlebitis (2.9%). There were 2 deaths which occurred in the early postoperative period. In our patient series, 80.5% sustained a weight loss in excess of 30 kg by 1 year. This weight loss has been associated with many beneficial effects including reduction in serum lipid levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar in the diabetic patients. There has also been a marked improvement in self-esteem and socialization. The severe adverse sequelae of jejunoileal bypass have occurred in approximately 8%–10% of our patients. Many of the electrolyte and liver dysfunction problems have been minimized by close and frequent follow-up. Fatigue (8%), cholelithiasis (4%), urolithiasis (9%), and bypass enteritis (10%) have been other adverse results of massive intestinal bypass. There were 5 additional deaths (total mortality rate of 1%) in our series related to sepsis and/or hepatic failure. The reanastomosis rate has been under 2% in our series to date.
Myelin basic protein-reactive T cells persist in an inactive state in the bone marrow of Lewis rats that have recovered from autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Abstract Lewis rats immunized with guinea pig myelin basic protein residues 68–86 develop acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and recover. The predominant T cell receptor expressed by the encephalitogenic T cells is TCRBV8S2. They persist in bone marrow many weeks after recovery. CD3 is down-regulated, but > 90% express CD4. They fail to proliferate to GPMBP68–86 unless a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor is added to the cultures. Perhaps these are memory T cells that are maintained in a suppressed state in BM by a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism.
Indirect detection of nuclear magnetic resonance via geometrically induced long-range dipolar fields

We report the indirect detection of the magnetization of one spin species via the NMR signal of a second species. Our method relies on the control of long-range dipolar fields between two separate objects, in this case, a water droplet (sensor) immersed in a tube containing mineral oil (sample). Unlike prior experiments, no gradient pulses are used; rather, the setup geometry is exploited to select the part of the sample to be probed and modulate the spin alignment in the sensor. Our results are discussed in the context of Dipolar Field Microscopy, a proposed strategy in which the detector is a hyperpolarized tip.
Inflammatory aneurysms of the aorta

This report concerns 30 patients with the acute form of "inflammatory aneurysm" of the aorta treated during a 27-year period between April 1957 and March 1984. There were 28 men and two women whose ages ranged from 46 to 78 years (most over 60 years). All were heavy smokers. The aneurysmal disease was located below the renal arteries and the inflammatory changes were limited to the abdomen in 24 patients; one patient had a ruptured aneurysm. The aneurysm involved the entire abdominal aorta in one, the descending thoracic and infrarenal abdominal aorta in two, and the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta in continuity in three patients. The inflammatory changes occurred grossly and microscopically in both abdominal and thoracic aortic segments in five of the latter six patients. The changes were manifested by anterior and lateral mural inflammatory thickening contiguous with similar changes of the retroperitoneum and mediastinum that produced varying degrees of ureteral obstruction in seven patients. Most had abdominal, back, or flank pain and abdominal tenderness, suggesting rupture or leakage. Emergency exploratory operation had been performed elsewhere in 10 patients. Operation was abandoned because of exposure difficulties, bowel perforation, or visceral arterial involvement. Diagnosis was suggested by CT scan in 10, ultrasonography in one, and excretory urograms in seven patients. Treatment consisted of thoracoabdominal aortic replacement in six and infrarenal aortic replacement in 24. The aorta was clamped at the diaphragm in most of the latter cases to avoid injury to adjacent structures. Nephrectomy or ureterolysis was rarely necessary. Of these 30 patients, 29 were early (30 day) survivors and ureteral obstruction spontaneously subsided in most cases without special treatment. There was one late death at 2 months and eight deaths from 3 to 13 years; 20 (67%) patients are still alive.
Long latency responses evoked in the anterior brain stem under pentobarbital anesthesia

Abstract Evoked potentials recorded in the hypothalamus, intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus and midbrain reticular formation from stimulation of the sciatic nerve were compared in animals without anesthesia and following the administration of pentobarbital. Moderate doses of pentobarbital decreased and larger doses abolished the evoked potentials. Additional anesthesia caused the appearance of high voltage responses with latencies ranging between 60 and 160 msec. The threshold for the activation of these responses was similar to that for activating the evoked potentials in unanesthetized animals. These long latency responses could be reduced by high frequency stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation. The effect of barbiturates on the evoked potentials in the multisynaptic systems of the brain stem in terms of inhibition and activation of various mechanisms under different levels of anesthesia is discussed and the relation of the long latency response in the brain stem to the “secondary response” of Forbes emphasized.
A quantitative description of KcsA gating I: macroscopic currents.

The prokaryotic K+ channel KcsA is activated by intracellular protons and its gating is modulated by transmembrane voltage. Typically, KcsA functions have been studied under steady-state conditions, using macroscopic Rb+-flux experiments and single-channel current measurements. These studies have provided limited insights into the gating kinetics of KcsA due to its low open probability, uncertainties in the number of channels in the patch, and a very strong intrinsic kinetic variability. In this work, we have carried out a detailed analysis of KcsA gating under nonstationary conditions by examining the influence of pH and voltage on the activation, deactivation, and slow-inactivation gating events. We find that activation and deactivation gating of KcsA are predominantly modulated by pH without a significant effect of voltage. Activation gating showed sigmoidal pH dependence with a pKa of ∼4.2 and a Hill coefficient of ∼2. In the sustained presence of proton, KcsA undergoes a time-dependent decay of conductance. This inactivation process is pH independent but is modulated by voltage and the nature of permeant ion. Recovery from inactivation occurs via deactivation and also appears to be voltage dependent. We further find that inactivation in KcsA is not entirely a property of the open-conducting channel but can also occur from partially “activated” closed states. The time course of onset and recovery of the inactivation process from these pre-open closed states appears to be different from the open-state inactivation, suggesting the presence of multiple inactivated states with diverse kinetic pathways. This information has been analyzed together with a detailed study of KcsA single-channel behavior (in the accompanying paper) in the framework of a kinetic model. Taken together our data constitutes the first quantitative description of KcsA gating.
Measurements of the properties of solar wind plasma relevant to studies of its coronal sources

Interplanetary measurements of the speeds, densities, abundances, and charge states of solar wind ions are diagnostic of conditions in the source region of the solar wind. The absolute values of the mass, momentum, and energy fluxes in the solar wind are not known to an accuracy of 20%. The principal limitations on the absolute accuracies of observations of solar wind protons and alpha particles arise from uncertain instrument calibrations, from the methods used to reduce the data, and from sampling biases. Sampling biases are very important in studies of alpha particles. Instrumental resolution and measurement ambiguities are additional major problems for the observation of ions heavier than helium. Progress in overcoming some of these measurement inadequacies is reviewed.
Processing efficiency of immobilized non-growing bacteria: Biocatalytic modeling and experimental analysis

Modeling methods used to optimize the biocatalytic efficiency of freely suspended cells have been applied to non-growing microbial cells entrapped within a macro-porous carrier. The catalytic rate, which is dependent on cell concentration inside the biocatalyst beads, coincided with catalytic parameters for freely suspended cells. Immobilized non-growing cell systems could be optimized utilizing the characteristics of freely suspended cells without requiring extensive experimentation to define catalytic behaviour inside the biocatalyst. A dynamic diffusion–reaction model was developed and validated using experimental data for thiodiglycol degradation by Alcaligenes xylosoxidans subsp. xylosoxidans immobilized within macro-porous poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel in a completely mixed batch bioreactor. Des methodes de modelisation visant a optimiser l'efficacite biocatalytique de cellules en suspension libre ont ete appliquees a des cellules microbiennes qui ne sont pas en croissance piegees dans un support macro-poreux. La vitesse catalytique, qui est dependante de la concentration de cellules dans les billes de biocatalyseur, coincide avec les parameatres catalytiques pour les cellules en suspension libre. Des systeames de cellules immobilisees qui ne sont pas en croissance pourraient ětre immobilises a l'aide des caracteristiques des cellules en suspension libre sans necessiter une experimentation poussee pour definir le comportement catalytique dans le biocatalyseur. Un modeale de diffusion-reaction dynamique a ete mis au point et valide a l'aide de donnees experimentales pour la degradation du thiodiglycol par les xylosoxidans de la sous-espeace Alcaligenes xylosoxidans immobilises dans un cryogel de poly(alcool de vinyle) dans un reacteur discontinu compleatement melange.
Transport of 3-O-methylglucose in isolated rat retinal pigment epithelial cells.

The uptake of 3-O-methylglucose in isolated rat retinal pigment epithelial cells exhibits complex kinetics as revealed by a plot of the Lineweaver-Burke transformation of the Michaelis-Menten equation. Conventional analysis of the linear portion of the double-reciprocal plot yields a Km of 7·69 m m and a Vmax of 1·95 n m /mg protein/min. If data are analyzed to take into account the existence of two carrier-mediated processes, a high affinity system (Km=1·94 m m , Vmax=0·012 n m /mg protein/min) and a low affinity system (Km=640 m m , Vmax=12·20 n m /mg protein/min) for 3-O-methylglucose uptake results. Three-O-methylglucose accumulation over a 10-min period was insensitive to phloridzin (0·1 m m ), ouabain (1 m m ) and dinitrophenol (1 m m ), but was inhibited by mercuric chloride (1 m m ). Phloretin (0·1 m m ) increased the accumulation of both glucose and 3-O-methylglucose, which may indicate the existence of carrier-mediated efflux system. These findings demonstrate that glucose transport in rat retinal pigment epithelial cells is a complex process involving carrier mediation.
Gastric dysrhythmias: a potential objective measure of nausea

Nausea is a noxious, uncomfortable feeling usually located in the epigastrium. The pathophysiology of nausea encompasses brain–gut and gut–brain interaction. Nausea is associated with myoelectrical dysrhythmias of the stomach, an objective marker in the periphery. The aims of this review were to describe (1) the physiology of normal 3 cycle per minute (cpm) gastric myoelectrical activity and (2) conditions where shifts from normal 3 cpm gastric rhythms to gastric dysrhythmias are associated with the onset of nausea. Illusory self-motion, infusion of drugs such as morphine and glucagon, and ingestion of water or nutrient loads are several of the multitude of stimuli that induce acute nausea and a variety of gastric dysrhythmias such as tachygastrias (3.75–10 cpm) and bradygastrias (1.0–2.5 cpm). In nausea of motion sickness, increased nausea severity correlates with increased plasma vasopressin and epinephrine levels. Gastric dysrhythmias are also present in chronic gastrointestinal neuromuscular disorders such as gastroparesis. When gastric dysrhythmias resolve after drug or device therapies, nausea resolves. The shift in state from comfort in the epigastrium area and normal 3 cpm gastric rhythm to symptoms of nausea and gastric dysrhythmias represents dynamic gut–brain and brain–gut interactions that can be tracked by changes in gastric rhythm. Conclusions: (1) gastric dysrhythmias represent at least one peripheral mechanism underlying the symptom of nausea, and (2) gastric dysrhythmias are an objective biomarker for nausea and potential therapeutic targets for anti-nauseant therapies.
Combinatorial Hermitian algebras derived from Latin squares

Abstract This paper presents an infinite class of algebras of Hermitian matrices of size ( 4 n + 1 ) × ( 4 n + 1 ) , where n is a positive integer and where ( 4 n + 1 ) is a prime number or a power of a prime number (so that the Galois Field GF ( 4 n + 1 ) exists). For each such n, we obtain 4 n separate Hermitian algebras, no two of which mutually commute.
Circumcision with the Nd:YAG laser contact technique compared with conventional surgery.

Objective: The present study was undertaken to assess the degree of efficacy of the Nd:YAG laser contact technique as compared with conventional surgery in circumcision. Background Data: Neodymium:yttriumaluminum- garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in urology has many advantages over conventional surgical techniques. Clinical comparative studies between the Nd:YAG laser and conventional circumcision in boys have not yet been reported. Methods: This study compared the clinical effects of the Nd:YAG laser contact technique with those of a conventional technique on the grounds of certain perioperative parameters, including operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and morbidity. Seventy-five patients undergoing circumcision were reviewed retrospectively. Operative time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity were analyzed. Differences between contact Nd:YAG laser surgery and conventional surgery were compared. Results: Operative time in the Nd:YAG laser treated group was significa...
Scattering of state-selected ND 3 on graphite (0001): recovering the molecule-surface interaction from scattering measurements

State-selected molecular beams of ND 3 in antisymmetric inversion states (formula available in paper) are scattered on a graphite (0001) surface at T 8 = 130K. A preponderance of symmetric inversion states, (formula available in paper), is observed in the directly scattered molecules. The observed effect is an interference on a surface potential between the left and right inversion configurations of a single molecule which are oppositely oriented with respect to the surface. A procedure leading from the experimental data on this molecular self-diffraction to an approximate analytical molecule-surface potential is suggested. This procedure, which is based on the infinite order sudden approximation (Gerber et. al., J. Chem. Phys. 73, 4397 (1980)), requires experimental study of the inversion symmetry change for several initial rotational states as a function of translational energy.
Development and Commercial Use of a Multiple Strain Starter

Abstract Twenty-three lactic streptococci insensitive to phage were selected for use in Cheddar cheese manufacture on the basis of sensitivity to phage, lysogeny, activity, and compatibility. multiple strain starter cultures consisting of six strains were introduced into two commercial plants after successful experimental trials. The culture was used as part of a rotation of cultures in plant one and exclusively in plant two. Whey from both plants was monitored continuously for appearance of phage. Continuous observation of phage development patterns and amount of starter required for adequate make times allowed intelligent manipulation of the strains in the starter. The introduction of the multiple strain starter of known composition in both plants has resulted in reduced starter variability and more reliable cheese making.
Inattention symptoms predict level of depression in early childhood.

AbstractObjective: To investigate the potential bidirectional relationships between severity of inattention and depression across early childhood. Methods: Children (N = 216) from the New York, NY, metropolitan area were recruited when they were aged 3 to 4 years (T1) and studied again at age 6 (T2) and 7 (T3) years. Child inattention symptoms were measured using the Kiddie–Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School–Aged Children–Present and Lifetime, along with both parent and teacher reports on the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC–2). Severity of child depression was assessed at each time point using parent and teacher reports on the BASC–2. After examining correlations between child inattention and depression, structural equation modeling was used to investigate whether child inattention was longitudinally related to child depression, and whether child depression symptoms were associated with later child inattention. Results: Severity of child inattention...
Orthogonal decision trees

This paper introduces orthogonal decision trees that offer an effective way to construct a redundancy-free, accurate, and meaningful representation of large decision-tree-ensembles often created by popular techniques such as bagging, boosting, random forests, and many distributed and data stream mining algorithms. Orthogonal decision trees are functionally orthogonal to each other and they correspond to the principal components of the underlying function space. This paper offers a technique to construct such trees based on the Fourier transformation of decision trees and eigen-analysis of the ensemble in the Fourier representation. It offers experimental results to document the performance of orthogonal trees on the grounds of accuracy and model complexity
Oncogenic osteomalacia: localization of underlying peripheral mesenchymal tumors with use of Tc 99m sestamibi scintigraphy.

ABSTRACT Objective To highlight a strategy for potential detection of mesenchymal tumors in oncogenic malacia, as illustrated by 3 cases. Methods Three case reports are presented in which successful localization of the offending neoplasm was accomplished by using whole-body Tc 99m sestamibi scanning. Alternative localization techniques are also reviewed. Results Oncogenic osteomalacia occurs infrequently and is caused by neoplasms that secrete phosphatonins, substances that interfere with proximal tubular resorption of phosphorus and can result in phosphaturia, hypophosphatemia, reduced 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration, and osteomalacia. Removal of the underlying neoplasm results in complete resolution of all biochemical, pathologic, and physical manifestations of this disorder, as shown in our 3 patients. Because the neoplasms are small and can occur in any tissue compartment, they are difficult to localize, a feature that often results in therapeutic failure. Conclusion We conclude that use of whole-body Tc 99m sestamibi scanning may be an appropriate and cost-effective initial strategy for the localization of peripheral phosphatonin-secreting tumors. (Endocr Pract. 2006;12: 35-42)
The Relationship of Pleural Pressure to Symptom Development During Therapeutic Thoracentesis

Study objective To describe the relationship of patients’ symptoms during therapeutic thoracentesis to pleural pressure (Ppl). Design Review of prospectively collected data during 169 therapeutic thoracentesis procedures. Setting University Hospital in Boston, MA. Patients and methods One hundred sixty-nine patients who had Ppl measured during therapeutic thoracentesis were included in this study. End-expiratory pressures were measured after the withdrawal of 5 mL of fluid and every 240 mL thereafter until the pressure was lower than −20 cm H 2 O, chest discomfort developed in the patient, or no more fluid could be removed. Patients’ symptoms, including chest pain, chest discomfort, and cough were recorded simultaneously. Results There was no correlation between the amount of pleural fluid removed and the development of symptoms. The closing pressures and the total change in Ppl (see the “Materials and Methods” section for definitions), however, were significantly lower in the group of patients who experienced chest discomfort compared to patients who developed cough or were asymptomatic. There was also a trend toward a significantly lower pleural elastance in patients who developed cough compared to that in the other two groups. Additionally, only 22% of patients in whom chest discomfort developed, and 8.6% of patients in whom symptoms did not develop, had potentially dangerous Ppl values ( ie , lower than −20 cm H 2 O). Conclusions The development of chest discomfort is associated with a potentially unsafe drop in Ppl values and should be a sign to terminate thoracentesis. It is not necessary to terminate thoracentesis solely because of the development of cough. Without attention to pleural manometry, a significant percentage of patients may develop potentially dangerous Ppl. Although we recommend pleural manometry with all thoracenteses, when it is not used attention to symptoms remains a valuable surrogate.
Slow-sand water filter: design, implementation, accessibility and sustainability in developing countries.

The need for clean water has risen exponentially over the globe. Millions of people are affected daily by a lack of clean water, especially women and children, as much of their day is dedicated to collecting water. The global water crisis not only has severe medical implications, but social, political, and economic consequences as well. The Institute of Catholic Bioethics at Saint Joseph’s University has recognized this, and has designed a slow-sand water filter that is accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable. Through the implementation of the Institute’s slow-sand water filter and the utilization of microfinancing services, developing countries will not only have access to clean, drinkable water, but will also have the opportunity to break out of a devastating cycle of poverty.
Constraints on Retrieval Search for Episodic Information in Children and Adults.

Abstract The hypothesis that a lack of structural constraint limits children's ability to use context and category cues to search associative memory for episodic information is examined in this study. Second and fifth graders and college adults were shown word triplets at acquisition and asked to recall the final target member of each triplet in a cued recall task. The manipulations concerned sources of associative structure that could constrain retrieval search. The degree to which the members of the triplets were associated was varied, as well as the kind of association, and the kind and amount of retrieval support provided in the cue, and encoding was constrained by orienting questions or was unconstrained. The results showed that children's effective use of retrieval cues was more dependent on episodic associative structure, retrieval support, and the constrained encoding of associative information than was adults'. Differences in the associative structure of information in permanent memory seemed to contribute to the results.
Electron paramagnetic resonance studies on the reaction of exogenous ligands with cytochrome c3 from Desulfovibrio vulgaris

Abstract The interaction of various exogenous ligands (nitrite, hydroxylamine, cyanide, azide, imidazole, fluoride, chloride, ammonia, histidine or Tris) on the oxidation-reduction states of cytochrome c 3 has been studied by low-temperature EPR. The reaction of NO or hydroxylamine with cytochrome c 3 results in the first instance of nitrogen-liganded hyperfine interaction ( 14 N hyperfine splitting: 15.46) in an intact cytochrome. Weak interactions, if any, are noted in the ferric state. Varying degrees of interaction with a paramagnetic half-reoxidized intermediate are indicated. Reoxidation, especially in the presence of NO, cyanide, fluoride or imidazole, results in altered and labile ferric heme systems which then undergo changes in EPR absorption. Primary amino-containing compounds apparently react to form a specific cytochrome c 3 -product intermediate at half-reoxidation. The results obtained appear consistent with a stacked heme configuration in the ferric state which undergoes a finite change on reduction to accomodate ligand interaction.
Analysis of injuries from the army ten miler: a 6-year retrospective review.

ABSTRACTA number of long-distance running events are held each year in the United States; the Army Ten Miler (ATM) is one such race held annually in Washington, DC. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively analyze medical encounters for runners participating in the ATM from 1998 to 2004. Of the estimated 91,750 runners over the 6-year period, 73,100 participants finished the race and were included in the data analysis. Demographic and injury data were collected from medical records of participants who received medical care while participating in the ATM, and injury-related factors were assessed. The most common category of injury was musculoskeletal (44%), followed by medical-related problems (27%) and dermatological injuries (27%). Similar to marathon and ironman races, ATM injury rates correlate with race-day temperature and dew point. Overall, however, the injury rates observed at the ATM were relatively low compared to those reported for longer distance events. Finally, we detail the me...
A novel treatment option for MRSA pneumonia: ceftaroline fosamil-yielding new hope in the fight against a persistent infection

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) patients treated with current antibiotic therapies have exhibited poor outcomes, increased hospital length of stay, and higher costs of care. The optimal management of these infections is undetermined; thus, it is critical to look at ways to improve outcomes in these patients. There is insufficient data on clinical efficacy in patients with MRSA HAP or HCAP infection treated with ceftaroline-fosamil. In a recent pilot study, nearly 90% of patients treated with ceftaroline-fosamil survived, despite the difficulties associated with administrating bactericidal antimicrobial therapy for this increasingly resistant pathogen. These data suggest a possible benefit in the use of ceftaroline-fosamil for MRSA pneumonia. Presently, we have identified cases over a two-year period treated with ceftaroline-fosamil, and will conduct a comparative analysis to controls (those treated with vancomy...
Interpretation of High-Frequency CW Field-Intensity Records with the Aid of Simultaneous Pulse Data

Several causes of changes in field intensity of cw signals are outlined and their identification by the use of pulses discussed. Results of comparisons of cw and pulse records are given for a winter-type record and a summer-type record and characteristics due to several of the listed causes are identified.