cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors that might impact intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) dose escalation: a longitudinal study.

Background Intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) system with implantable pumps has been used to treat cancer-related pain as well as noncancer-related chronic pain. Opioids, including morphine and hydromorphone, are the most commonly used intrathecal (IT) agents. Although technology, techniques, and knowledge of IDD have improved, dose escalation occurs relatively rapidly in noncancer pain. Methods Retrospective chart review of IDD pump patients, implanted for a minimum of 2 years, was designed to investigate possible existing predictors that might impact IDD dose escalation, such as patient's demographic risk factors, duration of the treatment, and diagnosis of the patient's pain correlates with increase in medication requirement. Primary outcome was defined as the annual percent escalation in daily opioid dosage, and secondary outcome was the average annual percent reduction in VRS pain scores. Results Median dosage escalation was 17% per year for patients with neuropathic pain compared with 12% per year for patients with other pain modalities. Mean opioid dosage increased 30.4% more rapidly for patients with neuropathic pain than for other pain modalities. The adjusted difference in means was 28.8% (P = 0.001). None of the secondary exposures were statistically significant after the Bonferroni adjustment. No association was found between pain modality and annual percent change in VRS pain score. Conclusion Annual increases in daily opioid dosage were higher among patients with neuropathic pain than among patients with other modalities; we also found no evidence of difference in annual pain reduction.
Vein of Galen Technique for Occluding the Aneurysmal Sac of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations

In seven of 255 consecutive patients (2.7%) who underwent pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) embolization at our center between July 1, 1996, and July 1, 2000, the feeding artery was considered too short for safe occlusion with use of standard stainless-steel coils or detachable balloons. These patients were successfully treated with use of a modified vein of Galen technique similar to the one used for managing intracranial vein of Galen aneurysms. In this article, the authors report their experience with this technique in safely occluding the aneurysmal sacs of PAVMs in patients with short (<2 cm) feeding pulmonary arteries.
Acute effect of suckling on gonadotropin, prolactin and glucocorticoid concentrations in serum of intact and ovariectomized beef cows

Abstract Suckling may prolong the anovulatory period postpartum by 1) a neural-mediated inhibition of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-induced gonadotropin secretion, or 2) an inhibitory effect of hormones released by suckling on gonadotropin secretion and/or action at the ovary. In the present investigation we considered whether a suckling event caused 1) acute inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, and 2) release of glucocorticoids and/or prolactin (PRL). Six Hereford cows remained intact and six were ovariectomized (ovx) on day 7 postpartum. Calves remained with their dams continuously. Cows were bled at 10-min intervals during 6 consecutive hr on days 14, 28 and 42 postpartum. Both LH and FSH were released episodically by day 14 in intact and ovx cows, but suckling did not acutely affect LH and FSH secretion. A PRL release accompanied suckling 67, 96 and 95% of the time. However, among all instances where PRL was released on days 14, 28 and 42 postpartum, 67, 29 and 37% occurred independent of a suckling event. Glucocorticoids were not released by suckling in intact cows but were released in ovx cows. We conclude that suckling does not acutely affect LH or FSH concentrations in serum of cows postpartum, that PRL concentrations usually increase in serum coincident with suckling but can be released at other times, and suckling-induced glucocorticoid release depends upon the presence of the ovary.
The kinetics of biacetyl phosphorescence sensitized in 2875 Å-irradiated SO2–biacetyl–added gas (CO2, CO, N2) mixtures. The nature of the SO2 excited states formed at high added gas pressures

The quantum yields of sensitized biacetyl phosphorescence emission have been determined for SO2–biacetyl–CO2, SO2–biacetyl–N2, and SO2–biacetyl–CO mixtures irradiated at 2875 A. Series of experiments were made at various SO2, biacetyl, and added-gas concentrations (up to 4 × 10-2M). The kinetic data show an “excess” biacetyl emission which requires the participation of some undefined excited state or isomer of SO2 in addition to the emitting singlet (1SO2) and triplet (3SO2) states of SO2. These results confirm the experimental observations of Cehelnik et al. [12] and Wampler et al. [9] who reported that an “excess” quantum yield of CO2 occurred in 3130 A-irradiated SO2-CO mixtures at high CO pressures. The kinetic analysis of the data is most consistent with the hypothesis of Wampler et al.; the nonreactive, undefined excited state or high-energy isomer of SO2, designated here as X, is formed in part as 1SO2 is quenched: 1SO2 + M (SO2M) (1); 1SO2 + M 3SO2 + M (2); 1SO2 + M X + M (3). X itself does not transfer energy to biacetyl. It decays largely by a nonradiative first-order process at low pressures, X SO2 (5), but it generates 3SO2 by collisional perturbation at high pressures, X + M 1SO2 + M (4). In terms of this mechanism, the following rate constant ratios are derived from the present study: k2/(k1 + k2 + k3) = 0.020 ± 0.010 (M = CO2), 0.021 ± 0.010 (N2), 0.019 ± 0.010 (CO); k3/(k1 + k2 + k3) = 0.14 ± 0.02 (M = CO2), 0.085 ± 0.012 (CO), 0.11 ± 0.02 (N2); and k5/k4 (mole/l) = 0.020 ± 0.004 (M = CO2), 0.016 ± 0.003 (CO), 0.021 ± 0.005 (N2).
An improved upper bound in the maximum dispersal problem

Abstract For integral m⩾2, let x1,…, xm be any unit vectors in Rn, the real Euclidean space of n dimensions. We obtain an upper bound for the quantity mini≠j|xi-xj| which, though not as simple, is uniformly sharper than one recently obtained by the author. The result has application to the so-called maximum-dispersal problem, an open problem recently popularized by Klee.
New Genetic Concepts and Stroke Prevention

So far, stroke genetics has the reputation of daunting complexity and heterogeneity. However, progress through efforts at studying the human genome has provided novel technologies and focus, and 12 st
Integrating validity theory with use of measurement instruments in clinical settings

Objective. To present validity concepts in a conceptual framework useful for research in clinical settings. Principal Findings. We present a three-level decision rubric for validating measurement instruments, to guide health services researchers step-by-step in gathering and evaluating validity evidence within their specific situation. We address construct precision, the capacity of an instrument to measure constructs it purports to measure and differentiate from other, unrelated constructs; quantification precision, the reliability of the instrument; and translation precision, the ability to generalize scores from an instrument across subjects from the same or similar populations. We illustrate with specific examples, such as an approach to validating a measurement instrument for veterans when prior evidence of instrument validity for this population does not exist. Conclusions. Validity should be viewed as a property of the interpretations and uses of scores from an instrument, not of the instrument itself: how scores are used and the consequences of this use are integral to validity. Our advice is to liken validation to building a court case, including discovering evidence, weighing the evidence, and recognizing when the evidence is weak and more evidence is needed.
Growth of Ba-hexaferrite films on single crystal 6-H SiC

Abstract Barium hexaferrite films have been processed by pulsed laser deposition on single crystal 6-H silicon carbide substrates. Atomic force microscopy images show hexagonal crystals (∼0.5 μm in diameter) oriented with the c-axis perpendicular to the film plane. X-ray θ–2θ diffraction measurements indicate a strong ( 0 , 0 , 2 n ) alignment of crystallites. The magnetization for low-pressure deposition (20 mTorr) is comparable to bulk values (4πMs∼4320 G). The loop squareness, important for self-bias microwave device applications, increases with oxygen pressure reaching a maximum value of 70%. This marks the first growth of a microwave ferrite on SiC substrates and offers a new approach in the design and development of μ-wave and mm-wave monolithic integrated circuits.
Gas-Phase Ozone Oxidation of Hydrogen Sulfide for Odor Treatment in Water Reclamation Plants

Gas-phase O3 oxidation is effective to treat H2S emitted from wastewater treatment processes. The reaction is fast for full-scale applications. In most cases, 67–96% of total H2S removed in 40-s reaction time was achieved within the first 8 s of reaction time. The initial [O3]/[H2S] ratio of 8 was sufficient to reduce H2S from up to 8 ppmv to less than 0.5 ppmv in 40-s reaction time. The reaction stoichiometry ratio of [O3]/[H2S] ranged from 2.0 to 3.7, depending on the initial [O3]/[H2S] ratio. The moisture content, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide in the odorous air influence H2S removal.
Friction Coefficient Measurement for Autonomous Winter Road Maintenance

Real-time measurement of tyre-road friction coefficient is extremely valuable for winter road maintenance operations, since knowledge of tyre-road friction coefficient can be used to optimise application of deicing chemicals to the roadway. In this paper, a wheel-based tyre-road friction coefficient measurement system is developed for snowploughs. Unlike a traditional Norse meter, this system is based on measurement of lateral tyre forces, has minimal moving parts and does not use a brake actuator. Hence, it is reliable and inexpensive. A key challenge is quickly detecting changes in the estimated tyre-road friction coefficient while rejecting the high levels of vibratory noise in the measured force signal. Novel filtering and signal processing algorithms are developed to address this challenge, including a biased quadratic mean filter and an accelerometer-based vibration removal filter. Detailed experimental results are presented on the performance of the friction estimation system on different types of road surfaces. It is also shown that disturbances due to lateral and longitudinal vehicle manoeuvres on the estimated friction coefficient can be removed by using accelerometer-based filtering.
Critical Science Studies as Argumentation Theory Who’s Afraid of SSK?

This article asks whether an interdisciplinary “critical science studies” (CSS) is possible between a critical theory in the Frankfurt School tradition, with its commitment to universal standards of reason, and relativistic sociologies of scientific knowledge (e.g., David Bloor’s strong programme). It is argued that CSS is possible if its practitioners adopt the epistemological equivalent of Rawls’s method of avoidance. A discriminating, public policy-relevant critique of science can then proceed on the basis of an argumentation theory that employs an immanent standard of relevance, which is illustrated by drawing on Helen Longino’s critique of behavioral theory.
Hall effect near the vortex-glass transition in high-temperature superconductors.

We discuss the Hall effect in the mixed state of type-II superconductors with an emphasis on the regime near the vortex-glass transition. This transition is argued to have a hidden'' particle-hole symmetry, and a new exponent is introduced to characterize the irrelevance of the particle-hole asymmetry. This leads to a natural explanation of the scaling of the Hall and Longitudinal resistivities observed in YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7}. At the transition, the nonlinear Hall voltage is predicted to vary with a universal power of the current, and the linear ac Hall conductivity with a universal power of the frequency.
Measured Infrared Spectral Extinction for Aerosolized Bacillus subtilis var. niger Endospores from 3 to 13 mum.

We measured spectral extinction in situ for aerosolized Bacillus subtilis var. niger endospores using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy from 3.0 to 13.0 µm. Corresponding aerosol size distributions were measured with a commercially available elastic light-scattering probe and verified by direct particle capture and subsequent counting by video microscopy. Aerosol mass density was monitored simultaneously with conventional dosimetry and was used to mass normalize the measured spectral extinction. Mie theory calculations based on measured distributions and available complex indices of refraction agreed well. We also present resultant Mie calculations for the absorption, total scattering, and backscatter. For comparison, measured spectral extinction for three common environmental aerosols is also presented, i.e., for water fog, diesel soot, and Arizona road dust.
A simple assay for fluorescent siderophores produced by Pseudomonas species and an efficient isolation of pseudobactin.

Several iron binding metabolites (siderophores) of Pseudomonas fluorescens B10 (JL-3133) have been detected using C18 reverse phase HPLC coupled with photodiode array detection methods. This analysis utilized a volatile mobile phase of 90% 20 mm NH4HCO3/10% MeOH, pH 6.5. It has been shown to be applicable to other P. fluorescens strains for the detection of related metabolites. Direct scale-up of the analytical HPLC conditions allowed for the efficient preparative isolation of pseudobactin, the principle siderophore produced by P. fluorescens B10 (JL-3133).
Tales of regeneration in zebrafish.

Complex tissue regeneration involves exquisitely coordinated proliferation and patterning of adult cells after severe injury or amputation. Certain lower vertebrates such as urodele amphibians and teleost fish have a greater capacity for regeneration than mammals. However, little is known about molecular mechanisms of regeneration, and cellular mechanisms are incompletely defined. To address this deficiency, we and others have focused on the zebrafish model system. Several helpful tools and reagents are available for use with zebrafish, including the potential for genetic approaches to regeneration. Recent studies have shed light on the remarkable ability of zebrafish to regenerate fins.
Sex after major urologic surgery

Some patients exaggerate their sexual power before the operation and take refuge in the operation as an excuse for deficient powers thereafter, a loss more frequently attributable to debility or aging. Although some patients claim improved sexual function after prostate surgery by the suprapubic, retropubic or transurethral routes, this must be attributed to improvement in the patient's general condition and not to the operation itself. Figure 1 illustrates the location of the external and internal urethral sphincters in relation to the prostate gland. This will help to understand why, even though potency is maintained, an almost inevitable sequela of all types of prostatectomy is retrograde ejaculation. The ejaculatory ducts and glands of the prostatic cortex open into the cavity of the prostatic urethra midway between the external and internal sphincters. Ordinarily, with ejaculation in the normal male the external sphincter opens or is relaxed, and the internal sphincter is closed and the seminal fluid is projected through the urethra. Following prostatectomy, the internal sphincter has either been completely removed or traumatized, and when ejaculation occurs the seminal fluid flows back into the bladder and is voided with urine at the next micturition. In some patients the ability to ejaculate through the anterior urethra returns later, particularly if the internal sphincter regains part or all of its function. We have on several occasions successfully retrieved motile sperm from the bladder in patients who developed retrograde ejaculation
Ion Mobility Measurement by Dc Tomography in an Rf Quadrupole Ion Trap

A nonintrusive tomographic method sensitive to the spatial distribution of trapped ions in the rf quadrupole ion trap is used to investigate ion cooling in the course of collisions with helium. Cooling commences after coherent excitation, by a resonant ac signal, of a mass-selected population of ions and its progress is followed using a short monopolar dc pulse to probe the position of the ion cloud. The amplitude of the probe dc pulse is selected such that it is sufficient to eject ions at some phases and not others. The abundance of the remaining trapped ion population is recorded by a scan of the rf amplitude and thus provides information on the axial secular motion of the original trapped ions. Ions of identical nominal mass, but different chemical composition (krypton, benzene-d6, and 1-hexene, all nominal mass 84 Da), are studied using pressures chosen to give cooling periods on the order of 10 ms. The maximum excursion in the axial direction, when plotted as a function of cooling time, provides inf...
Compressive properties of cancellous bone defects in a rabbit model treated with particles of natural bone mineral and synthetic hydroxyapatite

A rabbit model was developed to evaluate the compressive mechanical properties of cancellous bone defects treated with particles of selected bone graft substitute materials. A novel feature of the model was the precise retrieval of the site of implantation. A notable finding was a 9-fold increase in the modulus of elasticity of the defect implanted with a synthetic hydroxyapatite material after 26 weeks when compared to the modulus of the trabecular bone normally at the site. The compressive modulus of lesions treated with particles of a natural bovine bone mineral (anorganic bovine bone) was closer to the normal modulus of the cancellous bone at the site. While the compressive strength of the anorganic bone particles was less than that of normal bone, the site implanted with the bone mineral particles achieved compressive strength greater than normal after 6 weeks. Moreover, the anorganic bone particles accelerated the increase in strength of the lesion, at 6 weeks exceeding the strength achieved by the untreated defect after 26 weeks. The potential problem associated with the disparity in the compressive modulus between sites implanted with the synthetic HA particles and surrounding bone is discussed.
Effect of plant material parameters on nitrogen mineralization in a mollisol

Abstract The introduction of plant materials into a soil can impact the nitrogen (N) status and the fertilizer requirement for agronomic crop production. Consequently, an accurate estimate of N mineralization from soil organic matter and incorporated plant material is necessary to adequately make a N fertilizer recommendation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant parameters including type, size, incorporation rate, and time after incorporation on N mineralization and to derive localized values for parameters in a widely used potential N mineralization model. Soil from the Ap horizon of a Latahco silt loam was amended with alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.), spring pea (Pisum sativum L.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant materials sized to either 2 mm at rates of 0, 2, 4, and 6%. The soils were incubated at 35°C for 20 weeks. The inorganic N in soils was removed by leaching with 100 mL 0.001M CaCl2 in 5‐ to 10‐mL intervals followed by 25 mL of a nutrient solu...
High-resolution angle-resolved positron reemission spectra from metal surfaces

An electrostatically focused beam of monoenergetic positrons is used with a hemispherical energy analyzer to acquire the first high-resolution (\ensuremath{\approxeq}20 meV) total-energy spectra of positrons reemitted from metal single crystals. At 300 K the measured energy width of positrons elastically emitted (with kinetic energy corresponding to the magnitude of the negative positron work function) is \ensuremath{\approxeq}75\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 meV for all the samples investigated: Ni(100), Ni(100)+CO, Ni(100)+S, Ni(100)+O, W(110)+C, W(110)+Cu, W(110)+O, Cu(111), Cu(111)+S, and Cu(100)+S. These results, along with angular distribution measurements on W(110)+C, W(110)+O, and Cu(111), are completely consistent with energy and angular widths as determined by a beam Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution---i.e., thermal broadening alone. A much narrower peak is observed at sample temperatures of 23 K, but uncertainty in the analyzer resolution limits us to conclude that the observed broadening is consistent with a thermal distribution with effective temperature less than 100 K. Discrete energy-loss peaks due to vibrational excitations of adsorbed molecules on the sample surface, first reported by Fischer et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 1149 (1983)], are further investigated for Ni(100)c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)/CO. The first evidence for short-range positron ``impact'' scattering is found for OH adsorbed on NiO as a loss peak at 400 meV in the reemitted spectrum. Continuous inelastic scattering processes are also observed in the spectrum and a limit on wide-angle elastic scattering is determined from angular scans. A discussion comparing electron-energy-loss spectroscopy with positron-energy-loss spectroscopy is presented along with a brief discussion of possible improvements to positron-energy-loss spectroscopy, including the use of brightness-enhanced beams, spin-polarized positron beams, and liquid-helium-cooled samples for narrow-energy-width beams.
A note on formally self-dual even codes of length divisible by 8

A binary code with the same weight distribution as its dual code is called formally self-dual (@?f.s.d.). We only consider f.s.d. even codes (codes with only even weight codewords). We show that any formally self-dual even binary code C of length n not divisible by 8 is balanced. We show that the weight distribution of a balanced near-extremal f.s.d. even code of length a multiple of 8 is unique. We also determine the possible weight enumerators of a near-extremal f.s.d. even [n,n/2,2@?n/8@?] code with 8|n as well as the dimension of its radical.
The Literature of Instrumentation for Radiological Studies

Instrumentation for radiological studies is interpreted as relating to device or tools for measurement purposes or for implementing research studies in which radioactive material is used. In radiological studies, instrumentation plays a vital part due to the hazards involved in handling radioactive material, and due to the necessity for accurate measurements. The varied fields of research include use of the nuclear reactor, hot laboratory installations, accelerators, cloud chambers, and many other pieces of apparatus. All of these require accessory instruments in order to use them successfully. The list of instruments is lengthy and is mentioned merely to illustrate the spread of the subjects covering the literature of instrumentation for radiological studies. Therefore, it is necessary to have the subject as clearly defined as possible before attempting to search the literature. A good introduction to the literature of instrumentation is Guide to Instrumentation Literature [8]. This contains an extensive bibliography. The various abstract journals, books, report literature, and other approaches to the literature are discussed.
Hydrologic-energy balance constraints on the Holocene lake-level history of lake Titicaca, South America

A basin-scale hydrologic-energy balance model that integrates modern climatological, hydrological, and hypsographic observations was developed for the modern Lake Titicaca watershed (northern Altiplano, South America) and operated under variable conditions to understand controls on post-glacial changes in lake level. The model simulates changes in five environmental variables (air temperature, cloud fraction, precipitation, relative humidity, and land surface albedo). Relatively small changes in three meteorological variables (mean annual precipitation, temperature, and/or cloud fraction) explain the large mid-Holocene lake-level decrease (∼85 m) inferred from seismic reflection profiling and supported by sediment-based paleoproxies from lake sediments. Climatic controls that shape the present-day Altiplano and the sediment-based record of Holocene lake-level change are combined to interpret model-derived lake-level simulations in terms of changes in the mean state of ENSO and its impact on moisture transport to the Altiplano.
Oncogenic role of EAPII in lung cancer development and its activation of the MAPK–ERK pathway

Cancer progression involves multiple complex and interdependent steps, including progressive proliferation, angiogenesis and metastases. The complexity of these processes requires a comprehensive elucidation of the integrated signaling networks for better understanding. EAPII interacts with multiple cancer-related proteins, but its biological significance in cancer development remains unknown. In this report we identified the elevated level of EAPII protein in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients and NSCLC cell lines in culture. The oncogenic role of EAPII in lung cancer development was demonstrated using NSCLC cells with genetic manipulations that influence EAPII expression: EAPII overexpression increases proliferation of NSCLC cells with an accelerated transition of cell cycle and facilitates xenograft tumor growth in vivo; EAPII knockdown results in apoptosis of NSCLC cells and reduces xenograft tumor formation. To further explore the mechanism of EAPII's oncogenic role in lung cancer development and to elucidate the potential signaling pathway(s) that EAPII may impact, we employed antibody array to investigate the alternation of the major signaling pathways in NSCLC cells with altered EAPII level. We found that EAPII overexpression significantly activated Raf1 and ERK1/2, but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 pathways. Consistently, the protein and mRNA levels of MYC and cyclin D1, which are targets of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK–ERK) pathway, are significantly increased by EAPII overexpression. Taken together, we demonstrated that EAPII is an oncogenic factor and the activation of MAPK–ERK signaling pathway by EAPII may contribute to lung cancer development.
Weighted Digraph Models for the Assessment of Energy Use and Air Pollution in Transportation Systems

This paper describes extensions, to weighted and double-weighted digraphs, of the author's earlier work on building and analyzing energy-demand signed digraphs. Several weighted and double-weighted digraphs are built to provide a test of the construction methodology, to provide A test of the methods of analysis of such digraphs, and to illustrate the type of analysis one can make using such digraphs as models of complex systems. The digraphs are constructed within the context of the transportation system of a hypothetical metropolitan area, similar to the county of San Diego, California. The digraphs are used to compare fuel consumption and air pollution under two scenarios: the nominal case, where clean air standards are met by some retrofitting of cars with smog control devices; and the bus case, where cars are banned and an expensive wide-ranging bus system is introduced. It is concluded that weighted and double-weighted digraphs can be constructed relatively inexpensively and that at least weighted, and probably double-weighted, digraphs can be used at an early stage of a policy-making task to set directions for further research. (A) /TRRL/
The graph spaces of connectivity maps

Abstract Connectivity maps and peripherally continuous maps are characterized by properties of the topologies they induce on their domains, and from this perspective, standard results on the connection between these functions are simplified and generalized. Another consequence is that the class of spaces known to have the fixed point property is enlarged. The preliminary work in Section 1 gives a new condition sufficient for the quasi-components of a set to be connected.
Evaluation of a new defibrillation pathway—The tongue-epigastric route. I. Experimental studies in dogs

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a tongue-epigastric defibrillation route in anesthetized dogs. Ventricular fibrillation was induced by rectangular pulses passed down a transvenous catheter into the right ventricle. Three groups of dogs were studied. Group I (15 dogs) received shocks from a 12 cm2 tongue electrode, a 50 cm2 circular, gelled self-adhesive electrode pad placed on the epigastrium and standard transthoracic defibrillator paddle electrodes. Shocks were given at energy levels of 50 to 460 joules (delivered energy, 50 ohm resistance). The success of the tongue-epigastric shocks in achieving defibrillation, and the resistance and current flow were determined at each energy level and compared with the same energy shocks from the standard transthoracic electrodes. In Group II (five dogs), comparisons were made between the 12 cm2 tongue electrode used in the first group of dogs and a larger tongue electrode of 40 cm2. In Group III (five dogs), intracardiac current flow (potential gradient) with tongue-epigastric and standard transthoracic electrodes was studied. In Group I, defibrillation success with the tongue-epigastric electrodes ranged from no success at 50 to 100 joules to 83% success at 460 joules. With standard transthoracic electrodes, success rates ranged from 65% at 50 joules to 100% at 300 joules. At all energies tested, the resistance was significantly higher and current significantly lower using tongue-epigastric compared with transthoracic electrodes. The higher tongue-epigastric resistance is probably related to the longer interelectrode distance; the correlation between interelectrode distance (x, in centimeters) and resistance (y, in ohms) in these dogs was y = 2.2x + 29.6, r = 0.78. In Group II dogs, the larger tongue electrode caused only minimal improvement in current flow and success rates. In Group III dogs, lower values for intracardiac current with tongue-epigastric electrode placement were found, reflecting the lower total current flow and increased interelectrode distance, with a lower proportion of net current traversing the heart. It is concluded that tongue-epigastric defibrillation is feasible in dogs, but the pathway has higher resistance than the transthoracic route and thus more energy is required to defibrillate.
Morphological variation and age‐class determination in overwintering tadpoles of the tailed frog, Ascaphus truei

The morphological variation and development of different age classes of Ascaphus tadpoles is described for a subalpine population in the North Cascade Mountains. Adult females lay eggs in mid July, and embryos develop into hatchling tadpoles in late August. The torrent-adapted tadpoles develop in cold waters, overwinter in ice-covered streams and complete metamorphosis in four years. In September/October there may be five age-classes of tadpoles: cohort 0, hatchling tadpoles (total length (ToL) = 11 mm); cohort I, one-year tadpoles (ToL = 32 mm); cohort 2, two-year tadpoles (ToL = 36 mm); cohort 3, three-year tadpoles (ToL = 42 mm); and cohort 4, metamorphosing tadpoles or recently transformed frogs (ToL = 20 mm). Determination of these age-classes is based upon total length, body weight and hind limb and forelimb differentiation. The limb buds appear in the first year of tadpole development, but the forelimbs are hidden by the body wall and branchial chamber, and the hind limbs are concealed by the anal fold. Arguments are presented from the data of total size-frequency and morphological differentiation and a review of the literature that the larval life period in montane populations is not two or three years, as is commonly accepted, but is approximately four years.
Clinical utility of endorectal MRI in determining PSA outcome for patients with biopsy Gleason score 7, PSA ≤10, and clinically localized prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose: Although the optimal management for patients with high-grade clinically localized prostate cancer is undefined, radical prostatectomy (RP) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is performed. The clinical utility of the pretreatment prostrate-specific antigen (PSA) level (≤10 and >10 ng/mL) and endorectal MRI (erMRI) stage (T3 vs. T2) to stratify PSA outcome after RP in these patients was evaluated. Methods and Materials: erMRI was performed in 147 men with biopsy Gleason score ≥7 and 1992 AJCC clinical Stage T1c or T2a disease before RP. Enumerations of the biopsy and prostatectomy Gleason scores, pathologic stage, and margin status were performed for each pretreatment group on the basis of erMRI findings and PSA level. Comparisons were made using a chi-square metric. The median follow-up was 4.5 years (range 1–10 years). Comparisons of the actuarial freedom from PSA failure (bNED) were made using the log-rank test. Results: erMRI Stage T2 and T3 disease was found in 132 and 15 patients, respectively. On stratification by PSA level, patients with erMRI T3 disease had similar bNED outcomes ( p = 0.46), regardless of the PSA level. The 3-year bNED rate was 82%, 64%, and 25% ( p 10 ng/mL), and Group 3 (erMRI T3 with any PSA level), respectively. The rates of prostatectomy T3 disease, biopsy and prostatectomy Gleason score 8–10, and positive surgical margins were significantly higher ( p ≤0.007) in Group 3, followed by Group 2 and were lowest in Group 1. When considering only the patients with biopsy Gleason score 7 ( n = 110), the 3-year bNED rate was 83%, 63%, and 28% ( p trend Conclusion: In the setting of biopsy Gleason score ≥7, PSA ≤10 ng/mL, and clinically localized disease, local therapy alone may be adequate for patients with erMRI T2 disease. On the other hand, these data suggest that more aggressive therapy may be warranted in patients with erMRI T3 disease. Given the survival benefit established for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer treated with EBRT and androgen suppression therapy compared with EBRT alone, erMRI staging may help identify patients with high biopsy Gleason score and clinically localized disease who may benefit most from treatment with EBRT and hormonal therapy as opposed to EBRT alone.
EMERGENCY BURN TREATMENT IN DENMARK

Historically, burn treatment in Denmark has included several unique elements. Current Danish treatment includes prolonged tap water irrigation of burns, which largely replaces the use of narcotics for pain control in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Burns on hands and feet are dressed for maximum mobility. Other burns are left open. Mortality is 10% to 15% below expectations.
Examination of Glycan Profiles from IgG-Depleted Human Immunoglobulins Facilitated by Microscale Affinity Chromatography

Among the most important proteins involved in disease and healing processes are the immunoglobulins (Igs). Although many of the Igs have been studied through proteomics, aside from IgG, immunoglobulin carbohydrates have not been extensively characterized in different states of health. It seems valuable to develop techniques that permit an understanding of changes in the structures and abundances of Ig glycans in the context of disease onset and progression. We have devised a strategy for characterization of the glycans for the Ig classes other than IgG (i.e., A, D, E, and M) that contain kappa light chains that requires only a few microliters of biological material. First, we designed a microcolumn containing recombinant Protein L that was immobilized on macroporous silica particles. A similarly designed Protein G microcolumn was utilized to first perform an online depletion of the IgG from the sample, human blood serum, and thereby facilitate enrichment of the other Igs. Even though only 3 μL of serum wa...
Vaccinia Virus Intracellular Movement Is Associated with Microtubules and Independent of Actin Tails

Two mechanisms have been proposed for the intracellular movement of enveloped vaccinia virus virions: rapid actin polymerization and microtubule association. The first mechanism is used by the intracellular pathogens Listeria and Shigella, and the second is used by cellular vesicles transiting from the Golgi network to the plasma membrane. To distinguish between these models, two recombinant vaccinia viruses that express the B5R membrane protein fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) were constructed. One had Tyr112 and Tyr132 of the A36R membrane protein, which are required for phosphorylation and the nucleation of actin tails, conservatively changed to Phe residues; the other had the A36R open reading frame deleted. Although the Tyr mutant was impaired in Tyr phosphorylation and actin tail formation, digital video and time-lapse confocal microscopy demonstrated that virion movement from the juxtanuclear region to the periphery was saltatory with maximal speeds of >2 μm/s and was inhibited by the microtubule-depolymerizing drug nocodazole. Moreover, this actin tail-independent movement was indistinguishable from that of a control virus with an unmutated A36R gene and closely resembled the movement of vesicles on microtubules. However, in the absence of actin tails, the Tyr mutant did not induce the formation of motile, virus-tipped microvilli and had a reduced ability to spread from cell to cell. The deletion mutant was more severely impaired, suggesting that the A36R protein has additional roles. Optical sections of unpermeabilized, B5R antibody-stained cells that expressed GFP-actin and were infected with wild-type vaccinia virus revealed that all actin tails were associated with virions on the cell surface. We concluded that the intracellular movement of intracellular enveloped virions occurs on microtubules and that the motile actin tails enhance extracellular virus spread to neighboring cells.
Fetal and neonatal deaths and congenital anomalies associated with open dumpsites in Alaska Native villages.

Objective. To determine if women living in Alaska Native villages with open dumpsites ranked as higher hazard have higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes than women living in villages with sites that have lower hazard rankings. Adverse pregnancy outcomes examined included fetal and neonatal death and congenital anomalies. Study Design. A population-based retrospective cohort study. Methods. Birth records from 1997-2001 were used to identify the 10 360 eligible infants born to mothers who resided in 197 Alaska Native villages with dumpsite rankings. Exposure variables were derived from hazard rankings of dumpsites. Covariates were obtained from both birth certificate information and village-specific characteristics. Results. Neither crude, nor adjusted estimates detected a statistically significant difference in rates between exposure levels, although adjusted estimates were positive in all congenital anomaly categories, except gastrointestinal defects. Infants born to mothers residing in villages with high hazard dumpsite contents were more likely (RR=4.27; 95% CI: 1.76, 10.36) to have anomalies classified as other defects. Other hazard factors were not significant predictors for any of the adverse outcomes examined. Conclusions. This is the first study to evaluate fetal and neonatal deaths and congenital anomalies associated with open dumpsites in Alaska Native villages. Problems with the study include a population- based exposure measurement, small sample size, and biases related to birth record information. Future studies should include more comprehensive registries of congenital anomalies. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2006;65(2):133-147.) Keywords: Alaska Native, dumpsites, hazardous waste, neonatal death, stillbirth, congenital anomalies
Waveform synthesis for the design and image reconstruction of step FMCW ultrasound imaging systems with conformal transducer arrays

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present the image reconstruction algorithm developed for a conformal ultrasound array imaging system operating in the step freque ncy-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) mode. The image formation procedure is based on a key relationship that establishes the equivalence between pulse-echo and step FMCW modalities, and thus permit s conversion between the data types. Prior step FMCW simulation work could then be merged with pulse-echo data collected ex perimentally to achieve full-scale synthesis between laborato ry data and a structured theoretical framework. We describe how an experimentally acquired pulse-echo waveform wa s extracted and incorporated into a step FMCW imaging simulation to increase image accuracy and improve visualization of physical effects. With knowledge of the transducer element positions in a multistatic configuration, image reconstruction was achieved by mapping the complex range profiles over to a target region. Included in this paper are images reconstructed after waveform synthesis, whic h feature transducer elements uniformly spaced around a circular aperture imaging several encl osed targets with different bandwidths. Keywords : step FMCW ultrasound; pulse-echo; image reconstruction; conformal arrays; range profiles. 1. INTRODUCTION
Anisotropy in binary metallic spin-glass alloys. II. Rare earths.

We derive the anisotropic pair interaction for binary spin-glass systems where the magnetic scattering at the spin-orbit scattering site comes from the Coulomb exchange interaction. Its form is identical to that found in binary systems in which the spin scattering comes from the s-d mixing interaction.
Nuclear family apparatus

The nuclear family apparatus was designed to provide a living arrangement that included fathers as well as other family members. Accordingly, it required generous dimensions so as not to cramp the males and durable materials that could withstand their strength. The apparatus described in this paper is relatively large, strong, easy to keep clean, and safe in its construction. It provides quarters for four rhesus monkey families—the parents and their offspring. Parents are confined to living cages at the rear and ends, but their young may divide their time between living cages and large play areas equipped with motor apparatus.
Prevalence of three campylobacter species, C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari, using multilocus sequence typing in wild birds of the Mid-Atlantic region, USA.

Abstract Campylobacter jejuni is responsible for the majority of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis in the US, usually due to the consumption of undercooked poultry. Research on which avian species transmit the bacterium is limited, especially in the US. We sampled wild birds in three families—Anatidae, Scolopacidae, and Laridae—in eastern North America to determine the prevalence and specific strains of Campylobacter. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was 9.2% for all wild birds sampled (n = 781). Campylobacter jejuni was the most prevalent species (8.1%), while Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter lari prevalence estimates were low (1.4% and 0.3%, respectively). We used multilocus sequence typing PCR specific to C. jejuni to characterize clonal complexes and sequence types isolated from wild bird samples and detected 13 novel sequence types, along with a clonal complex previously only associated with human disease (ST-658). Wild birds share an increasing amount of habitat with humans as more...
Prepulse inhibition of startle, intelligence and familial primary nocturnal enuresis

UNLABELLED Previous studies have shown a significant reduction of prepulse inhibition of startle in boys with primary nocturnal enuresis. Those enuretic boys who had higher IQs showed less prepulse inhibition. This study evaluates the association of prepulse inhibition and IQ in primary nocturnal enuresis in respect to family history of primary nocturnal enuresis. Prepulse inhibition of startle was studied in 83 boys with primary nocturnal enuresis and 57 non-enuretic boys using an interval of 120 ms between the onset of a 75 dB 1000 Hz tone and a 104 dB noise burst. Of the boys with primary nocturnal enuresis, 56 had a family history of primary nocturnal enuresis and 27 had no family history (no first-degree relative). Of the 57 non-enuretic boys, 42 also had no family history (no first-degree relative) of primary nocturnal enuresis, while 15 did have a positive family history. Associations between prepulse inhibition and IQ scores were compared among these four groups. Strong and significant associations between prepulse inhibition deficit and higher IQ scores in the enuretic group with familial primary nocturnal enuresis were unique in comparison to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS The strong heritabilities of primary nocturnal enuresis, intelligence and prepulse inhibition suggest genetic mediation of the association of prepulse inhibition with intelligence in familial primary nocturnal enuresis.
Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia in an Infant with Trisomy 21

We present a case of an infant with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) who was affected by alveolar capillary dysplasia and other complications including endocardial cushion defect, hypothyroidism, and intrauterine growth restriction. The patient was the product of a third pregnancy to a 33-year-old woman with no significant risk factors. The child lived for 3 months, during which he developed intractable dyspnea, hypoxemia, and cardiac dysfunction and he eventually died from septicemia and multiorgan failure. In addition to the facial phenotypic features and cardiac anomalies, the autopsy revealed the characteristic microscopic pulmonary findings of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins. This appears to be the first reported case of this anomaly associated with trisomy 21. In addition to the many reasons for pulmonary hypertension that occur in children with trisomy 21, alveolar capillary dysplasia may have to be included in the differential diagnosis although it appears to be a rare association.
Optimizing wearahle UHF antennas for on-body operation

In this paper, we present a wearable antenna design and process using genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. The antenna platform conforms to a human shoulder and all optimization calculations are performed in the presence of the human body. The optimization focuses mostly on the vertically polarized gain pattern (in the azimuth plane) and on matching. The required operational frequency is in the range of 220MHz-370MHz (UHF band). GA optimization is used as a starting point and subsequent simplifications are made for fabrication ease.
Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Trinity River, Texas

ABSTRACT Recent confirmation of grass carp spawning in the river systems entering Galveston Bay is a serious concern to many fisheries ecologists. Researchers suspect a portion of recent losses in submersed vegetation and marsh habitat in Galveston Bay may be due to the presence of grass carp. Grass carp captured in the Trinity River were examined to determine population structure, ploidy, fecundity, and diet. Fish captured were primarily diploids and represented a broad range of cohorts, providing strong evidence that naturally spawned grass carp are being recruited to adult sizes in the Trinity River. No evidence of submersed estuarine vegetation exclusive to Trinity Bay was found in the gut contents of grass carp examined.