cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC ELEDOISIN ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.

Abstract 9he cardiovascular effects of synthetic eledoisin were studied in anesthetized dogs. It was found that eledoisin decreases mean systemic arterial pressure, and total and regional peripheral resistances. On the other hand, eledoisin increases heart rate, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, left atrial pressure, cardiac output and blood flows of the coronary, brachial and femoral arteries. The effects of eledoisin on pulmonary arterial pressure, left atrial pressure and cardiac output are biphasic, an initial increase being followed by a decrease. The mechanism of the changes of different parameters produced by eledoisin are discussed.
Relativistic many-body effects in the fine and hyperfine structure of i 139 (5 d +6 s ) 2 J =2 states: The need for second-order electrostatic corrections

Using our relativistic-configuration-interaction methodology, we report multireference calculations of energy differences and magnetic-dipole and electric-quadrupole hyperfine structure constants of all five levels in the (5d+6s${)}^{2}$ J=2 manifold of singly ionized $^{139}\mathrm{La}$. The errors in the splittings of the bottom four levels are no more than 0.02 eV, while the separation of the two highest levels has an error of 0.11 eV due to an incomplete description of the correlation in the levels belonging to higher manifolds. The hyperfine-structure constants show strong sensitivity to many-body effects, resulting in striking improvements over the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock values. Seven of the ten hyperfine constants are accurate within 2--12 %. For the rest of the constants we have identified the primary cause of the errors as an incorrect description of many-body effects in the high-lying levels and have discussed possible remedies.
Compatibility of Heterorhabditis indica (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) and Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for biological control of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The potential for integrating the application of Heterorhabditis indica Poinar, Karunakar, and David (Homl strain) and release of Habrobracon hebetor (Say) in the management of the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), was investigated in the laboratory. A combination of the nematode and the parasitoid was observed to increase the mortality of P. interpunctella. The interaction between the nematodes and parasitoids was not antagonistic but could possibly be additive or synergistic. Release of parasitoids or application of nematodes alone generated between 62.25% and 71.25% mortality of the P. interpunctella larvae whereas combination of the two resulted in 98.0–99.25% mortality. The nematode was found to be virulent to the larvae of the parasitoid but not to the pupae and the adults. Adult female parasitoids that were exposed to both uninfected and nematode-infected P. interpunctella larvae in a free-choice arena were unable to distinguish between the two. In contrast, infective juvenile nematodes preferentially infected parasitized host larvae compared with healthy non-parasitized host larvae. Nematode reproduction was not significantly different in parasitized and non-parasitized host larvae. The combined application of H. indica and H. hebetor for the control of P. interpunctella may be beneficial if the detrimental effects of the nematode on the parasitoid can be minimized through optimum timing.
Ampicillin resistance and penicillin-binding proteins of Haemophilus influenzae.

SUMMARY: Penicillin-binding protein (PBP) alterations have been associated with non-β-lactamase-mediated ampicillin resistance in Haemophilus influenzae. We evaluated the PBP profiles of several ampicillin-susceptible and -resistant clinical isolates of H. influenzae to determine how consistently the described alterations occurred, and to document the reproducibility of the PBP profiles for this species. The MIC of ampicillin ranged from 0.06 to 0.13 μg ml−1 for the susceptible isolates at an inoculum of 100000 c.f.u. when tested by broth dilution, and was 0.5 μg ml−1 for all four isolates when tested by agar dilution. The MIC for the resistant isolates ranged from 4 to 8 μg ml−1 when tested by broth dilution, and from 1.5 to 16 μg ml−1 when tested by agar dilution. At least eight distinct PBPs with molecular masses ranging from 27 to 90 kDa were detected both in cell membrane preparations and whole cell (in vivo) binding assays done on cells in the exponential growth phase. PBP variability was evident both in the ampicillin-susceptible and -resistant isolates; however, much greater variability existed within the four resistant strains. The differences in PBP patterns included (1) electrophoretic mobility, (2) binding capacity for the antibiotic and (3) the presence of additional PBPs in two of the resistant isolates. However, decreased binding capacity was consistently demonstrated in PBP 5 (56 kDa) of all of the resistant isolates. Saturation curves with both penicillin and ampicillin indicated that PBP 5 had decreased affinity for the antibiotics. These results suggest (a) that care should be taken in interpreting changes in PBP profiles for species that demonstrate variability such as H. influenzae, and (b) that the decreased binding affinity of PBP 5 is a consistent finding associated with multiple ampicillin-resistant wild-type isolates.
Surface tortuosity and its application to analyzing cracks in concrete

Previous studies of tortuosity were restricted to a curve in 2D or 3D. We propose several measures of surface tortuosity based on surface normals and principal curvatures, and apply these measures to analyze the tortuosity of three-dimensional crack surfaces of concrete. We show that all crack surfaces are similar in tortuosity despite their different sizes and locations, while distinctive from various geometric surfaces.
Nonparametric estimation of the CDF of weapon effectiveness on target performance

Abstract A military target is a system of K independent components X 1 ,…, X K having distributions F 1 ,…, F K , respectively. If a weapon is shot at this target, it will have a random effectiveness (destruction power) X e with distribution F e independent of the X i 's. Upon weapon impact, each component in the target sustains a random amount of damage and may still function but at a degraded level. The residual performance of component i is Y i = X i X e , i = 1,…, K having joint distribution G ( y 1 ,…, y K K ). Data are usually collected on Y i 's, and it is desired to use it to estimate F e ( x ). In this investigation we show that if F i (x) = ( x T 1 ) β , 0 ⩽ x ⩽ T i , i = 1 ,…,K , then we canobtain a formula for F e ( x ) in terms of G ( y ) and its probability density g ( y ). Thus, if Y 1 ,…, Y n are data collected on residual target performance, one can use them to estimate F e ( x ) or the average weapon effectiveness μ e = ∫ x 0 F e (x)dx, where F (x) = 1 − F(x) . A kernel-type estimate of F e ( x ) is presented, and its properties including the optimal choice of the window size are developed.
Control of Myocardial Contraction: The Sensitivity of Cardiac Actomyosin to Calcium Ion

The control by calcium ion of the adenosine triphosphatase activity of cardiac actomyosin is similar to that of white skeletal actomyosin. This finding indicates that the slower contraction and relaxation of heart muscle do not reflect different levels to which free calcium ion concentration around the myofibrils must be adjusted during contraction and relaxation and suggests a mechanism whereby myocardial contractility may be regulated.
Gray matter reduction associated with systemic chemotherapy for breast cancer: a prospective MRI study.

Brain gray matter alterations have been reported in cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of breast cancer patients after cancer treatment. Here we report the first prospective MRI study of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, with or without chemotherapy, as well as healthy controls. We hypothesized that chemotherapy-associated changes in gray matter density would be detectable 1 month after treatment, with partial recovery 1 year later. Participants included breast cancer patients treated with (CTx+, N = 17) or without (CTx−, N = 12) chemotherapy and matched healthy controls (N = 18). MRI scans were acquired at baseline (after surgery but before radiation, chemotherapy, and/or anti-estrogen treatment), 1 month after completion of chemotherapy (M1), and 1 year later (Y1). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to evaluate gray matter density differences between groups and over time. There were no between-group gray matter differences at baseline. Group-by-time interactions showed declines from baseline to M1 in both cancer groups relative to controls. Within-group analyses indicated that at M1 relative to baseline the CTx+ group had decreased gray matter density in bilateral frontal, temporal, and cerebellar regions and right thalamus. Recovery was seen at Y1 in some regions, although persistent decreases were also apparent. No significant within-group changes were found in the CTx− or control groups. Findings were not attributable to recency of cancer surgery, disease stage, psychiatric symptoms, psychotropic medication use, or hormonal treatment status. This study is the first to use a prospective, longitudinal approach to document decreased brain gray matter density shortly after breast cancer chemotherapy and its course of recovery over time. These gray matter alterations appear primarily related to the effects of chemotherapy, rather than solely reflecting host factors, the cancer disease process, or effects of other cancer treatments.
Discontinuation of alpha-blockade after initial treatment with finasteride and doxazosin in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and clinical evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract Objectives. To determine the effect of discontinuation of alpha-blockade and continuation of finasteride in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and enlarged prostates receiving combination treatment and to determine whether the alpha-blocker dose influences the ability to discontinue it. Methods. We treated 272 consecutive men with a prostate size greater than 40 g and American Urological Association symptom score greater than 20 with 5 mg finasteride and 2 mg doxazosin daily. Two hundred forty men reported a favorable response to therapy, defined as any reduction in symptom score and toleration of the medications. The dose was maintained at 2 mg doxazosin in 100 men and was titrated to 4 mg doxazosin in 80 patients and to 8 mg doxazosin in an additional 60 patients. We discontinued doxazosin at 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, while continuing finasteride, and then re-evaluated the patients 1 month later to determine whether any worsening of symptoms had resulted. Results. In patients discontinuing doxazosin at 3 months, success (defined as no increase in symptom score and no desire to resume doxazosin) was reported by 20%, 15%, and 13% of those taking 2, 4, and 8 mg, respectively. In patients discontinuing doxazosin at 6 months, success was reported by 48%, 45%, and 40% of those taking 2, 4, and 8 mg, respectively. In patients discontinuing doxazosin at 9 months, success was reported by 84%, 80%, and 73% of those taking 2, 4, and 8 mg, respectively. In patients discontinuing doxazosin at 12 months, success was reported by 84%, 85%, and 87% of those taking 2, 4, and 8 mg, respectively. Conclusions. Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and moderately enlarged prostates initially receiving combination therapy using finasteride and an alpha-blocker are likely to experience no significant symptom deterioration after discontinuing the alpha-blocker after 9 to 12 months of combination therapy regardless of the dose of alpha-blocker chosen.
Interface locking along the subduction megathrust from b‐value mapping near Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

[1] To understand controlling factors for seismogenesis and strain-accumulation in subduction megathrusts we examine seismicity patterns across Nicoya, Costa Rica, to determine the overall and spatial variability in the earthquake frequency-magnitude distribution along the interface. The mean reduction in earthquake activity with magnitude, b-value, is higher (1.06) than global subduction zone averages (0.6–0.8), suggesting the interface here is weakly coupled. Strong spatial variations in b are anticorrelated (−0.53) with geodetic estimates of interface locking of E. Norabuena et al. (2004). High b prevails in two regions, including the subducted Fisher seamount chain. A broad zone of reduced b is observed at and offshore the central Nicoya coast; extending towards an imaged locked patch. These results suggest b-value studies may be useful in identifying regions of increased interface locking in subduction zones, which may indicate regions capable of large slip in future large earthquakes.
Extinction probability for a critical general branching process

Abstract A general branching process begins with a single individual born at time t =0. At random ages during its random lifespan L it gives birth to offspring, N ( t ) being the number born in the age interval [0, t ]. Each offspring behaves as a probabilistically independent copy of the initial individual. Let Z ( t ) be the population at time t , and let N = N (∞). Theorem: If a general branching process is critical, i. e E { N }=1, and if σ 2 =E {N(N−1)} ∫ 0 ∞ tdE{N(t)} ,and as t → ∞ both t 2 (1− E {N(t)})→0 and t 2 P [L>t]→0 , then tP[Z(t)>0]→ 2a σ 2 as t →∞.
Plaque Excision in the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease

The goals of any percutaneous intervention in the lower extremity are to provide initial technical success and restore durable arterial patency. The first goal can be achieved through a multitude of endovascular techniques, whereas achieving the latter has remained elusive. The large number of choices in treatment options for percutaneous lower-extremity revascularization speak to the fact that no single tool or technique has been proven to be superior. The SilverHawk plaque excision system is designed to debulk stenotic or occlusive arterial lesions. Like many endovascular technologies, reports have focused on rates of initial technical success and short-term outcomes, but long-term results remain unknown. This report reviews selected published or presented results of plaque excision, touches on areas of concern or controversy regarding both the device and some of its proponents, and suggests clinical or anatomic settings in which plaque excision appears most effective. The ultimate utility of this technology will depend on confirmation of its acute and long-term outcomes through unbiased, well-designed clinical trials.
Monohelix research at the MIT Magnet Lab

A discussion is presented of the radially-cooled monohelix to support the high stress and power densities within the highest-field magnets at Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory. The design employs a continuous machined helical conductor (to eliminate the radial slits which weaken the Bitter design) whose helical winding is built up from annular plates. The first monohelix is the inner of two coils which constitute the water-cooled insert of a hybrid system of 53-mm bore. The system generates 27.1 T. The coil experiences average hoop stresses up to 370 MPa, and heat fluxes up to 7.2 W/mm/sup 2/ in passages only 0.25-mm deep. >
Internal jugular deep venous thrombosis after surgical treatment of a humeral nonunion: a case report and review of the literature

i pper extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a are entity comprising approximately 1% to 2% of all ases of venous thromboses. Once thought to be a enign process, DVT in the axillary-subclavian system an lead to prolonged pain and swelling in many paients.13 Classically, upper extremity DVT is divided into rimary or effort thrombosis (Paget-Schroetter syndrome) nd secondary thrombosis. Primary causes are those nherent to the anatomic structures in the thoracic outlet r axillary region. Secondary causes include trauma, nfection, neoplasms, central venous catheters, and hyercoagulable states. Whereas primary thrombosis usully occurs in young active individuals, secondary thromosis can occur from any of the etiologic factors escribed above. Although subclavian and axillary vein hrombosis has been reported, we are unaware of a eported case of an internal jugular vein thrombosis after pper extremity fracture surgery.
The reproductive system of apotettix eurycephalus hancock

The female reproductive system comprises the ovaries, oviducts, vagina, spermatheca, and spermathecal gland. No colleterial glands are present. The ovaries are paired and each is composed of about eighteen ovarian tubules terminating in a cup-shaped modification of the oviduct—the egg calyx. The epithelial lining of the oviduct is glandular. The spermatheca, a bladder-shaped sac situated dorsal to and between the two ovaries, opens into the vagina near the exterior and is filled with spermatozoa after copulation. Spermatozoa have not been found in any other part of the female. Dorsal to the spermatheca and lying against it is the spermathecal gland. It is connected with the spermatheca by an elongate spermathecal duct. The male reproductive system comprises the testes, vas deferens, accessory glands, and the penis. Each testis is composed of eight to ten cone-shaped follicles, which are composed of a number of cysts so arranged as to appear segmented. All of the cells of each cyst are in approximately the same stage of development. No seminal receptacle is present. Each follicle is connected with the vas deferens by an efferent tube. The paired vas deferens opens into the sac-like intromittant organ or penis. The terminal portion of the penis may be everted, and when everted is conical in shape. At its base is a thin chitinous collar, the margins of which are thickened, forming ridges.
Mist Deposition onto Hairy Root Cultures: Aerosol Modeling and Experiments

We analyzed the applicability of the standard models for aerosol deposition in randomly packed fibrous filter beds to mist deposition across a bed of hairy roots in the nutrient mist bioreactor. Although the assumptions inherent in the models are met on a local level, the overall structure of the root bed introduces some uncertainty into the correct choice of root packing fraction and gas velocity required by the model. For reasonable parameter values, the minimum in the deposition efficiency curves is close to the peak in the mist number and mass distributions, and good penetration of the root bed is possible. We then measured the deposition of mist across a packed bed of Artemisia annua transformed roots as a function of droplet size, bed length, and gas flow rate at a root packing fraction R) 0.5. We compared the experimental measurements with the predictions of the aerosol deposition model and found good agreement between the measured and predicted values for the diameter where the deposition efficiency across the bed is 50%,D0.5. Agreement between the model and the experiments broke down when the flow rate was increased to the point where the creeping flow assumptions were no longer valid.
A role for norepinephrine in stress-induced cognitive deficits: α-1-adrenoceptor mediation in the prefrontal cortex

Abstract Background: Stress exacerbates many neuropsychiatric disorders associated with prefrontal cortical (PFC) dysfunction. Stress also impairs the working memory functions of the PFC. Although stress research has focused on dopaminergic mechanisms, stress also increases norepinephrine (NE) release in PFC, and intra-PFC infusions of NE α-1-adrenoceptor agonists impair working memory. The current study examined whether NE α-1-adrenoceptor actions in PFC contribute to stress-induced deficits in working memory performance. Methods: Rats were treated with a pharmacological stressor, FG7142 (30 mg/kg) or vehicle 30 min before testing on a test of spatial working memory, delayed alternation. The α-1-adrenoceptor antagonist, urapidil (0.1 μg/0.5 μL), or saline vehicle, was infused into the PFC 15 min before delayed alternation testing. Results: As observed previously, FG7142 significantly impaired the accuracy of delayed alternation performance, and induced a perseverative pattern of responding consistent with PFC dysfunction. FG7142 also slowed motor response times. Infusion of urapidil into the PFC completely reversed the FG7142-induced impairment in delayed alternation performance, but did not alter the slowed motor responding. Conclusions: These findings indicate that α-1-adrenoceptor stimulation in the PFC contributes to stress-induced impairments in PFC cognitive functions. These neurochemical actions may contribute to symptoms of working memory impairment, poor attention regulation, or disinhibited behaviors in neuropsychiatric disorders sensitive to stress exposure.
Comparison of recordings obtained with computerized axiography and mechanical pantography at 2 time intervals.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare recordings of mandibular movements obtained with a Denar mechanical pantograph to those obtained with a Denar computerized axiograph (Cadiax compact). Materials and Methods Pantographic recordings and computerized axiograms were collected on 10 subjects. All of the subjects had intact dentition and no clinical signs or symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. Tracings produced with the 2 instruments were compared using pantographic reproducibility indices (PRIs). Recordings with each instrument were repeated twice and assessed for consistency. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare PRI scores obtained with the pantograph and the axiograph. Recordings with both instruments were repeated 2 weeks to 1 month later, and new PRI scores were calculated. Consistency between initial and second PRI scores for each instrument was assessed using a coefficient of stability. Results The coefficients of stability between the initial and second recordings were r = 0.91 for mechanical pantography and r =−0.06 for computerized axiography. Comparison of recordings made by mechanical pantography and computerized axiography at the initial and second recordings showed poor concordance, with coefficients of 0.23 and −0.11, respectively. Conclusions PRI scores recorded with the mechanical pantograph were consistent between the initial and second recordings. In contrast, recordings with the computerized axiograph appeared highly inconsistent across time. PRI scores calculated from the axiographs were significantly higher than PRI scores calculated from pantographic tracings for the same subject.
Calculation of Photon Mass Energy-Transfer and Mass Energy-Absorption Coefficients'

Calculations of mass energy-transfer and mass energy-absorption coefficients for photon energies from 1 keV to 100 MeV have been developed, based on a re-examination of the processes involved after the initial photon interaction. The probabilities for the initial interaction are from the current photon interaction cross-section database at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The calculations then take into account (1) electron binding effects on the Compton-scattered photon distribution; (2) the complete cascade of fluorescence emission after ionization events in any atomic subshell, including those associated with incoherent scattering and triplet production; and (3) the radiative energy losses of the secondary electrons and positrons slowing down in the medium, including the emission of bremsstrahlung, characteristic X rays from impact ionization, and positron in-flight as well as at-rest annihilation quanta. Consideration of the processes in (3) goes beyond the continuous-slowing-down approximation and includes the effects of energy-loss straggling. Results for the mass energy-absorption coefficient are compared with those from recent tabulations.
DNA Damage: A Sensible Mediator of the Differentiation Decision in Hematopoietic Stem Cells and in Leukemia

In the adult, the source of functionally diverse, mature blood cells are hematopoietic stem cells, a rare population of quiescent cells that reside in the bone marrow niche. Like stem cells in other tissues, hematopoietic stem cells are defined by their ability to self-renew, in order to maintain the stem cell population for the lifetime of the organism, and to differentiate, in order to give rise to the multiple lineages of the hematopoietic system. In recent years, increasing evidence has suggested a role for the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in the decision for hematopoietic stem cells to exit quiescence and to differentiate. In this review, we will examine recent work supporting the idea that detection of cell stressors, such as oxidative and genetic damage, is an important mediator of cell fate decisions in hematopoietic stem cells. We will explore the benefits of such a system in avoiding the development and progression of malignancies, and in avoiding tissue exhaustion and failure. Additionally, we will discuss new work that examines the accumulation of DNA damage and replication stress in aging hematopoietic stem cells and causes us to rethink ideas of genoprotection in the bone marrow niche.
The Breakdown of the American Image: Comparison of Stereotypes Held by College Students Over Four Decades.

The same list of 84 adjectives used by college students to assign traits to Americans in 1932 (Katz & Braly, 1933) and in 1950 (Gilbert, 1951) was used again in 1970. Striking differences in willin...
Evolution of a stationary disk of stars.

An improved potential solver for calculating the gravitational potential of isolated disk galaxies is presented. The potential solver is used to investigate the evolution of initially stationary axisymmetric disks of stars for various values of the initial velocity dispersion.
Instability after reverse total shoulder replacement

Background Despite advances in technique and implant design, instability after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty remains a challenging postoperative complication. Materials and methods We examined our institutions’ first 57 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties performed during a 3-year period (2004-2006). There were 9 cases of instability, all occurring within the first 6 months after surgery. Results All 9 patients had compromise of the subscapularis tendon at the time of initial reverse total shoulder implantation. With regard to implant positioning, 2 patients had superiorly inclined metaglenes and 3 had metaglenes positioned superior to the inferior glenoid. Each patient with a dislocation had at least 1 revision surgery, and 4 patients had underlying infection. At most recent follow-up, only 3 patients had a concentrically reduced reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in place whereas 3 remained explanted, 2 chronically dislocated, and 1 chronically subluxated. Conclusions Early instability after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can be related to inadequate soft tissue, inadequate deltoid tension, malpositioned implants, and/or infection, and outcomes of treatment of early instability are generally poor.
Seismic Attribute Delineation of Lineaments And Reservoir Compartmentalization: An Example From the Devonian Dollarhide Field, Central Basin Platform, West Texas.

Reservoir compartmentalization of the Dollarhide Field has to be understood in order to optimize recovery of remaining reserves. Porosity and permeability heterogeneity is a function of the interaction of stratigraphic and structural elements such as fractures, faults, subcrops and channels. Diagenesis and dissolution play an important role on the heterogeneity of the reservoir. Some of the reservoir-scale features are small and beyond the resolution of conventional seismic. Research is being conducted on the use of 3D seismic attributes to better delineate reservoir parameters important for fluid flow models. This paper presents our current understanding of the lineaments of the field after using some computed 3D seismic attributes. Coherence with two passes of edgepreserving smoothing has been a helpful attribute. The Dollarhide Field is a north-south trending asymmetric anticline bound by major reverse faults on its east flank. The anticline is associated with a northeast striking, rightlateral, strike-slip fault, and it is cut by an en-echelon system of northeast striking, right lateral, synthetic, Riedelshear faults. Conjugate, northwest striking, antithetic shear faults have been identified on the downthrown block of the field. Some lineaments in the upthrown block with the same trend could have the same origin. The structure was formed during the Late Paleozoic orogeny as the result of the collision of North and South American plates, when the Central Basin Platform was uplifted. The structure is truncated at its crest by the unconformity at the base of Early Permian carbonates. Subcropping belts of carbonates, cherts, and shales show the configuration of the structure before Early Permian times. Reactivation of pre-existing faults may have occurred during Early Tertiary Laramide orogeny. When compared with porosity-thickness maps of the reservoirs, the subcrop pattern and conjugate shear faults show a strong correlation with porosity trend segmentation.
1674 EFFECTIVENESS OF CHEST TUBE PLACEMENT IN THE NEONATE

Success of chest tube placement for evacuation of a pneumothorax from two thoracostomy approaches was compared, Superior (1-3rd ICS MCL) vs. Lateral (4-6 ICS AAL). Effectiveness, as it related to the tube tip position in the chest, was also compared, anterior vs. posterior. A retrospective review was conducted of all NICU admissions in 1979. Fifty-seven neonates had 91 pneumothoraces for which 119 chest tubes were placed. Chest tubes evacuated a pneumothorax significantly more often if the tube lay anterior to the lung vs. posterior, 45/47 (96%) vs. 17/40 (42%) respectively. The superior insertion route resulted in significantly more anterior tubes than the lateral insertion 35/41 (85%) vs. 33/74 (47%) respectively. Superior anterior tubes were virtually as effective as lateral anterior tubes, 21/23 vs. 24/24 respectively. Complications included a 10% encroachment of superior tubes on the mediastinum vs. 32% for lateral tubes. Other complications occurred predominantly with lateral tubes. We conclude pneumothoraces were more effectively evacuated with anterior position of the chest tube tip. The lateral thoracostomy approach resulted in more posterior tubes and more complications. The superior insertion site seems an acceptable alternative to, if not better than, the traditional lateral insertion site, for evacuation of neonatal pneumothoraces.
Serologic study of guinea pigs exposed for 12 months to cotton dust.

A guinea pig animal model of byssinosis has been described that demonstrates both acute and chronic effects of cotton dust inhalation (Ellakkani et al., 1984, 1987). During the latter study in which guinea pigs were exposed to 21 mglm 3 cotton dust 5 d/wk, 6 h/d for 52 wk, blood samples were taken from animals (20 exposed, 20 sham‐exposed) prior to exposure and monthly during the exposure period. Sera were evaluated for quantities of the major protein fractions, and for IgG antibodies to cotton dust components. At the completion of the study, blood was evaluated for total and differential leukocytes. At 6 mo of exposure, each of the five protein fractions was significantly different from the corresponding fraction in the control animals. Antibodies reactive with an aqueous cotton dust extract (ACDE) were prominent by 2 mo of exposure and the titer was increased with continued exposure. The extract was composed of 2.6% protein, 12.8% reducing sugar, and 4.1% nucleic acid, with the remainder being largely s...
Rapid responders to frovatriptan in acute migraine treatment: results from a long-term, open-label study.

Background. The chronic nature of migraine and the reliance on acute treatment constitute the basis of the present long-term, open-label study. Objectives. First, assessment of the tolerability and safety of frovatriptan, 2.5–7.5 mg taken orally over 24 hours, for the acute treatment of migraine, repeatedly over a 12-month period. Second, assessment of the efficacy and tolerability of a second, double-blind dose of 2.5-mg frovatriptan, compared with placebo, for nonresponse at 2 hours after treatment of moderate or severe headache with 2.5-mg frovatriptan. Results. With regard to the first attack treated, 173 (36%) of the 486 subjects in the study did not take a second dose at 2 hours for nonresponse. At 2 hours and 4 hours, these “rapid responders” experienced a decrease in headache intensity from moderate or severe to mild or no pain in 84% and 98%, respectively (“headache response”). Six percent of them experienced recurrence of moderate or severe headache within 24 hours following a response at 4 hours and 12% took rescue medication. The response, measured in terms of median time to “complete migraine relief,” was maintained over 30 subsequent migraine attacks, treated from attack 2 onwards over the course of 12 months. Conclusion. Frovatriptan provides a remarkably fast and high headache response in a subgroup of more than one-third of migraineurs, with a very low 24-hour headache recurrence and low rescue medication intake.
"Discovery" Focus as Impetus for Organizational Learning

The University of Nevada Las Vegas Libraries’ focus on the concept of discovery and the tools and processes that enable our users to find information began with an organizational review of the Libraries’ Technical Services Division. This article outlines the phases of this review and subsequent planning and organizational commitment to discovery. Using the theoretical lens of organizational learning, it highlights how the emerging focus on discovery has provided an impetus for genuine learning and change.
The Shifting Meanings of Childhood and “N.N.”

The history of the Dirty War in Argentina relates as much to intolerance of adolescents and young people as to ideological conflict. The fact that the disappeared in Argentina were disproportionately young and buried in plots that identified them as nameless (“ningun nombre,” or “N.N.”) links this war to the long history of state efforts to control the actions of parents and delinquent children. Argentine society, of which the military formed a part, had long refused to accept the idea of adolescence and rejected all inappropriate behavior of young people from 1919 on. The combination of extralegal efforts of families to rid themselves of unwanted children and the state's desire to control families eventually became part of a military policy of getting rid of perceived unacceptable youths by having them disappeared and buried in anonymous graves.
Collision avoidance in biological systems using collision cones

The focus of the work in this paper is the comparison of a mathematical deconfliction algorithm to biological data in a range of species that demonstrate agile flight beyond the current capabilities of engineered systems. The algorithm was tailored to two coordinate systems, global and body relative, and two velocity changing criteria, constant and variable speed. Three species of animals were considered: fish, birds and bats. Overall, strong correlations were found between the data and the algorithm in two of the species with data indicating a bias toward a body-fixed coordinate system with variable speed maneuvering. Results also suggested future development of a fully three dimensional algorithm rather than the planar version considered here.
Discriminative stimulus effects of dopaminergic agents in rhesus monkeys

Abstract Recent reports have shown that treatment with dopamine reuptake inhibitors can selectively decrease responding maintained by low doses of cocaine in rhesus monkeys. This may occur because response-independent delivery of a reuptake inhibitor and response-dependent cocaine have common effects. One behavioral effect that dopamine reuptake inhibitors and cocaine share is their ability to serve as a discriminative stimulus. To compare discriminative effects of several dopaminergic agents with their ability to attenuate cocaine-maintained responding, three rhesus monkeys were first trained to discriminate intravenous injections of cocaine (0.1 mg/kg) from saline. Following generalization testing with various doses of cocaine (0.001–1.0 mg/kg), the relative potencies of phentermine (0.03–1.0 mg/kg), d -amphetamine (0.01–1.0 mg/kg), GBR 12909 (0.01–1.0 mg/kg), and buspirone (0.03–0.56 mg/kg) to substitute for cocaine were assessed. Each drug except buspirone resulted in predominantly cocaine-appropriate responding at doses that were generally without rate-decreasing effect. The ED 50 for the ability of these drugs to substitute for cocaine exhibited the same rank order as that for their effectiveness in decreasing cocaine-maintained responding. Thus, the current results show that the potencies of dopaminergic drugs to decrease cocaine-maintained responding and substitute for cocaine in a drug discrimination paradigm are related.
Effects of various annealing conditions on (Nd, Mg, Zr)(Ni, Al, Co)3.74 metal hydride alloys

Abstract Annealing Nd-only AB 3.74 metal hydride alloy was found to effectively increase composition homogeneity, main A 2 B 7 phase abundance, and both gaseous phase and electrochemical hydrogen storage capacities, as well as to facilitate activation, and improve battery high-rate performance, charge retention, and cycle life. As the phase abundance of the main A 2 B 7 phase increases in the alloy with higher annealing temperatures, the general electrochemical performance improves. Extending the annealing period from 5 to 16 h further increases the A 2 B 7 phase abundance, but deteriorates the high-rate dischargeability due to the reduction of AB 5 catalytic phase.
Rediscovering Families and Households: Restructuring Rural Society and Rural Sociology1

The debate on rural restructuring is extended by redefining families and households and their study; by considering the contributions of family scholarship to rural sociological issues; by assessing the methodological implications and challenges of integrating a family focus in rural sociology; and by reengaging rural sociology around important policy issues. The structure and dynamics of family and household shape explanations of rural experiences. By integrating and building on family studies, rural sociology can enrich its knowledge base and further its relevance and power of explanation.
The specificity of protein–DNA crosslinking by formaldehyde: in vitro and in Drosophila embryos

Formaldehyde crosslinking has been widely used to study binding of specific proteins to DNA elements in intact cells. However, previous studies have not determined if this crosslinker preserves the bona fide pattern of DNA binding. Here we show that formaldehyde crosslinking of Drosophila embryos maps an interaction of the transcription factor Zeste to a known target element in the Ultrabithorax promoter. This data agrees broadly with previous mapping of the same Zeste binding sites by in vivo UV crosslinking, though the formaldehyde method does give a low, possibly artifactual signal on other DNA fragments that is not detected by the UV method. We also demonstrate, using an in vitro assay, that formaldehyde crosslinking accurately reflects the DNA binding specificities of both Zeste and a second transcription factor, Eve. The crosslinking reagent methylene blue is shown to preserve DNA binding specificity in vitro as well. Our results suggest that crosslinking by formaldehyde, and possibly also by methylene blue, provide an accurate guide to the interaction of proteins with their high affinity target sites in cells.
Management of Pregnant Patients Undergoing General Surgical Procedures

Pregnant patients have a 0.2% to 0.75% chance of developing a medical condition that requires a general surgical intervention during pregnancy. To safely and appropriately care for patients, surgeons must be cognizant of the maternal physiologic changes in pregnancy as well as of the unique risk to both mothers and fetuses of diagnostic modalities, anesthetic care, operative intervention, and postoperative management. Surgeons can be assured that, if these risks are understood and considered, operating during pregnancy, even in the abdomen, can be safely undertaken.
Selection for intermediate mortality and reproduction rates in a spatially structured population.

How local interactions influence both population and evolutionary dynamics is currently a key topic in theoretical ecology. We use a ‘well–mixed’ analytical model and spatially explicit individual–based models to investigate a system where a population is subject to rare disturbance events. The disturbance can only propagate through regions of the population where the density of individuals is sufficiently high and individuals affected by the disturbance die shortly after. We find that populations where individuals are sessile often exhibit very different dynamic behaviour when compared to populations where individuals are mobile and spatially well mixed. When mutations are allowed which affect either offspring birth rates or mortality rates, the well–mixed populations always evolve to a state where a single disturbance event leads to extinction. Populations often persist substantially longer if individuals are sessile and they disperse their offspring locally. We also find that for sessile populations selection may favour short–lived individuals with limited offspring production. Population dynamics are found to be strongly influenced by the host characters that are evolving and the rate at which host variation is introduced into the system.
Improving the Detection of Fungi in Eosinophilic Mucin: Seeing What We Could Not See Before

ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement in histologic detection of fungi with Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stain by trypsin predigestion in the mucus of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Study DesignProspective, single group, descriptive analysis.SettingMulti-institutional.Subjects and MethodsThirty-four sinus specimens from 12 surgical patients with CRS were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, GMS stain, GMS with trypsin digestion, immunofluorescence stains for chitinase, and anti-Alternaria. All patients received skin testing, total IgE serology, and radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) for 23 fungal-specific IgE antibodies.ResultsThe conventional GMS stain detected fungi in only 9 of 34 (27%) specimens. Predigesting the specimen with trypsin dramatically improved the visualization of fungi (31/34, 91%). The chitinase immunofluorescence visualized fungi in 32 of 34 (94%), and anti-Alternaria visualized 33 of 34 specimens (97%). Only 8 of 12 (75%) patients had detectable allergies.ConclusionsThis...
Topical use of tranexamic acid in coronary artery bypass operations: a double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract Objectives: We sought to investigate the effect of topical application of tranexamic acid into the pericardial cavity in reducing postoperative blood loss in coronary artery surgery. Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind investigation with parallel groups was performed. Forty consecutive patients undergoing primary coronary surgery were randomly assigned to group 1 (tranexamic acid group) or group 2 (placebo group). Tranexamic acid (1 g in 100 mL of saline solution) or placebo was poured into the pericardial cavity and over the mediastinal tissues before sternal closure. The drainage of mediastinal blood was measured hourly. Results: Chest tube drainage in the first 24 hours was 485 ± 166 mL in the tranexamic acid group and 641 ± 184 mL in the placebo group ( P = .01). Total postoperative blood loss was 573 ± 164 mL and 739 ± 228 mL, respectively ( P = .01). The use of banked donor blood products was not significantly different between the two groups. Tranexamic acid could not be detected in any of the blood samples blindly collected from 24 patients to verify whether any systemic absorption of the drug occurred. There were no deaths in either group. None of the patients required reoperation for bleeding. Conclusions: Topical application of tranexamic acid into the pericardial cavity after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing primary coronary bypass operations significantly reduces postoperative bleeding. Further studies must be carried out to clarify whether a more pronounced effect on both bleeding and blood products requirement might be seen in procedures with a higher risk of bleeding. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:575-80)
Aneurysmal atherosclerosis of the inferior labial artery with segmental arteriectomy

A case of aneurysmal atherosclerosis of the inferior labial artery has been presented in which a segmental arteriectomy was performed to eliminate the possibility of involuntary trauma to the area, which could produce considerable hemorrhage. Psychologicall, the patient felt better by knowing that the mass was completely removed. Atherosclerosis should be considered when masses are found in the lips in elderly patients. It is thought that this lesion is common but has not been reported in the past.
Immediate hypersensitivity in adults with IgG deficiency and recurrent respiratory infections.

Background Little is known about the prevalence of atopy in adults with recurrent respiratory infections and IgG deficiency. Objective and methods To elucidate this aspect, we skin-tested 95 consecutive adults with respiratory infections, subnormal levels of IgG subclasses or common variable immunodeficiency and usually poor response to vaccination. In 50 subjects we also measured total IgE. Results We found 67 subjects with IgG subclass deficiency, 21 subjects with mild (partial) and 5 with usual common variable immunodeficiency, and 2 subjects with functional IgG deficiency. Atopy was encountered in 42/95 subjects, 33/44 (75%) with asthma, 7/19 (38%) with isolated rhinosinusitis, 1/27 (4%) with chronic obstructive lung disease, and 1/5 (20%) with both the latter disease and asthma, respectively. Atopy was preferentially clustered in subjects with asthma ( P P Conclusions In adults with symptomatic IgG deficiency, the prevalence of immediate hypersensitivity and its modulation by age and smoking are similar to the referred, non-IgG deficient population; however, total IgE may be lower in the former than in the latter. In common variable immunodeficiency, consistent with the literature data, both the prevalence of atopy and serum total IgE are decreased.
Interstitial hyperthermia using electrically heated catheters

A description is given of a hyperthermia method that uses resistively heated interstitial catheters and conductive heat transfer for treatment of malignant brain tumors. As opposed to radiant heat sources such as ultrasound or microwave radiation, this system utilizes simple direct conversion of electrical energy to heat via resistive elements placed in implantable catheters. Heat transfer occurs via conduction and blood convection. Preliminary results indicate that tissue thermal profiles surrounding the catheters are predictable, given a fixed geometry, and feasible for hyperthermia treatment of tumors. >