cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deranged isoleucine metabolism during ketotic attacks in patients with methylmalonic acidaemia.

Two patients with methylmalonic acidaemia due to methylmalonyl-CoA mutase deficiency were studied for several years. Both exhibited at least two attacks of severe ketoacidosis, during which they excreted, in addition to methylmalonic acid, a number of abnormal compounds: 3-hydroxypropionic acid, 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxy-n-valeric acid, 3-oxo-n-valeric acid, 2-methyl-3-oxobutyric acid, citraconic acid andN-tiglylglycine. These compounds represent partly intermediary metabolites from the isoleucine degradation pathway and partly secondary metabolites of propionyl-CoA and tiglyl-CoA.
Structural Modification of Macrolide Antibiotics

Several members of the large class of macrolide antibiotics have become well-established therapeutic agents of commercial importance in either clinical or veterinary medicine. Although numerous derivatives of various macrolides have been synthesized and evaluated during the long history of this class, a resurgence of interest in the discovery and development of new macrolide derivatives has occurred within the past decade. As a result, many newer structural modifications of macrolide antibiotics have been explored; efforts within the 14-membered macrolides have been focused on erythromycin, while studies within the 16-membered macrolides have utilized the tylosin and leucomycin families. Both chemical and biochemical methods have been successfully utilized for synthetic transformations. Even though this research effort has yielded several new derivatives which have been pursued with more intensive studies and commercial development, additional opportunities still remain for the discovery of novel structural modifications of macrolides which confer advantageous biological features.
Algorithm 954: An Accurate and Efficient Cubic and Quartic Equation Solver for Physical Applications

We report on an accurate and efficient algorithm for obtaining all roots of general real cubic and quartic polynomials. Both the cubic and quartic solvers give highly accurate roots and place no restrictions on the magnitude of the polynomial coefficients. The key to the algorithm is a proper rescaling of both polynomials. This puts upper bounds on the magnitude of the roots and is very useful in stabilizing the root finding process. The cubic solver is based on dividing the cubic polynomial into six classes. By analyzing the root surface for each class, a fast convergent Newton-Raphson starting point for a real root is obtained at a cost no higher than three additions and four multiplications. The quartic solver uses the cubic solver in getting information about stationary points and, when the quartic has real roots, stable Newton-Raphson iterations give one of the extreme real roots. The remaining roots follow by composite deflation to a cubic. If the quartic has only complex roots, the present article shows that a stable Newton-Raphson iteration on a derived symmetric sixth degree polynomial can be formulated for the real parts of the complex roots. The imaginary parts follow by solving suitable quadratics.
Note on the semiclassical approximation in quantum gravity.

We reexamine the semiclassical approximation to quantum gravity in the canonical formulation, focusing on the definition of a quasiclassical state for the gravitational field. It is shown that a state with classical correlations must be a superposition of states of the form {ital e}{sup {ital i}}{sup {ital S}}. In terms of a reduced phase space formalism, this type of state can be expresesd as a coherent superposition of eigenstates of operators that commute with the constraints and so correspond to constants of the motion. Contact is made with the usual semiclassical approximation by showing that a superposition of this kind can be approximated by a WKB state with an appropriately localized prefactor. A qualitative analysis is given of the effects of geometry fluctuations, and the possibility of a breakdown of the semiclassical approximation due to interference between neighboring classical trajectories is discussed. It is shown that a breakdown in the semiclassical approximation can be a coordinate-dependent phenomenon, as has beeen argued to be the case close to a black hole horizon. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Evidence for Consistent Intragenic and Intergenic Interactions between SNP Effects in the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 Gene Cluster

Objective: Evaluate the consistency of the contribution of interactions between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype effects to variation in measures of lipid metabolism ac
Imaging DNA synthesis with [18F]FMAU and positron emission tomography in patients with cancer

Purpose FMAU (1-(2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)thymine) is a thymidine analog that can be phosphorylated by thymidine kinase and incorporated into DNA. This first-in-human study of [18F]FMAU was conducted as a pilot in patients to determine its biodistribution and suitability for imaging DNA synthesis in tumors using positron emission tomography (PET).
Transport equations for some interesting media

High frequency wave propagation in inhomogeneous media is often treated using the geometrical optics technique. Near caustics, this approach requires modification. One such modification is the Lagrange Manifold formalism. Transport equations associated with the Lagrange Manifold formalism valid near caustics in several media of geophysical interest are developed. Some energy and polarization considerations at caustics are also discussed.
Cutaneous sympathetic neural responses to body cooling in type 2 diabetes mellitus

In humans, sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerves in the skin contribute to resting vascular tone and mediate reflex vasoconstrictor responses to body cooling. Although it is well recognized that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with peripheral neurovascular changes, it is unclear to what extent the thermal responsiveness of the cutaneous vasoconstrictor system is altered in individuals with relatively uncomplicated T2DM. We tested the hypothesis that skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) is decreased at baseline and during body cooling in individuals with T2DM compared to healthy controls (C) of similar age and body size. We measured SSNA (microneurography) and skin blood flow (laser-Doppler flowmetry) in the innervated area in 8 T2DM and 12 C subjects at baseline and during 3-4min of rapid whole body cooling via a water-perfused suit. SSNA (total integrated activity) increased, and cutaneous vascular conductance decreased in both groups during body cooling (P<0.01 for both). However, SSNA was not different between groups during either baseline or body cooling conditions (P=NS). The deltas in SSNA between baseline and body cooling were similar between groups: T2DM: 55±27 and C: 57±12 units (P=NS). We conclude that reflex cutaneous sympathetic and vascular responses to rapid whole body cooling are preserved in relatively healthy individuals with T2DM.
Magnetic phase diagram and spin glass behavior of Fe1−xMnxCl2⋅2H2O

The magnetic phase diagram of Fe1−xMnxCl2⋅2H2O has been determined. A tetracritical point appears to be present at x≂0.74 and T≂2.8 K. The upper paramagnetic–antiferromagnetic phase boundaries exhibit an unusually rapid descent, and the mixed ordered region below the tetracritical point is quite small. Moreover, regions exhibiting spin glass character also occur in the diagram. The unusually complex behavior is presumably due to the unique constitution of this system: A mixture of two antiferromagnets with different periodicities, competing orthogonal spin anisotropies, competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic near neighbor intrachain exchange interactions, and substantial next nearest neighbor antiferromagnetic interchain exchange interactions.
Manganese toxicity and marginal chlorosis of lettuce

Romaine lettuce plants were grown in 15-liter tanks containing one-fifth strength Hoagland's solution over a range of Mn concentrations from zero to 10 ppm. This covered a span of Mn from deficiency to toxicity. Maximum yields were obtained at 0.1 and 0.5 ppm Mn supplied in the nutrient solution. A marginal chlorosis appeared at the highest Mn rates and was more pronounced in the older leaves. The plants were divided into young and old leaves and roots. The yellow borders of the old leaves were separated for analysis from the interior green tissues. The Mn content of the chlorotic borders averaged three times higher than that in the interior green tissues and reached a maximum of 5430 ppm Mn as opposed to 1940 ppm. The Fe content of the chlorotic bands was more than twice as high as that found in the green parts of the blades. The maximum content of Mn found in the roots was 3660 ppm. re]19720118
Highly sensitive and stable phosphatidylserine liposome aggregation assay for annexins.

Abstract Annexins are a gene family of Ca2+-dependent membrane binding proteins which interact specifically with acidic phospholipids. We describe here details of highly sensitive and precise assays for annexins I and V, utilizing turbidometric analysis of phosphatidylserine liposome aggregation. In the case of annexin I, the new assay is 7-fold more sensitive than the conventional chromaffin granule aggregation assay in terms of threshold for detection and the rate of increase of initial absorbance is 15-fold greater. Annexin V, which binds but does not aggregate liposomes, can be assayed on the basis of inhibition of Ca2+-dependent liposome aggregation. Further comparative advantages of the assay include lower expense and increased shelf life of the liposome reagent.
Changing Advising Through Assessment

By asking assessment questions that have direct policy implications, a committee of Harvard advisors, faculty members, and administrators was able to implement specific and concrete on-campus advising initiatives. Only modest amounts of data were collected to effect meaningful changes in student behavior, course design, and assignments. Interviews conducted by undergraduates decreased faculty workload and increased student investment in the findings. Although the outcomes are university specific, the collaborations and processes by which they were generated can be used to guide assessment efforts at any type of postsecondary institution.
The effect of dose on 2,3,7,8-TCDD tissue distribution, metabolism and elimination in CYP1A2 (-/-) knockout and C57BL/6N parental strains of mice

Numerous metabolism studies have demonstrated that the toxic contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is poorly metabolized. A hallmark feature of TCDD exposure is induction of hepatic CYP1A2 and subsequent sequestration leading to high liver-to-fat concentration ratios. This study was initiated to determine whether TCDD was inherently poorly metabolized or unavailable for metabolism because of sequestration to CYP1A2. [(3)H]TCDD was administered as a single, oral dose (0.1 and 10 microg/kg) to 12 male C57BL/6N mice or 12 CYP1A2 (-/-) mice. At 96 h, less than 5% of the dose was eliminated in the urine of all groups, and TCDD detected in urine was bound to mouse major urinary protein (mMUP). Feces were the major elimination pathway (24-31% of dose), and fecal extracts and non-extractables were quantitated by HPLC for metabolites. No great differences in urinary or fecal elimination (% dose) were observed between the high and low dose treatments. TCDD concentrations were the highest in adipose tissue for CYP1A2 knockout mice but in liver for C57BL/6N mice supporting the role of hepatic CYP1A2 in the sequestration of TCDD. Overall metabolism between parental and knockout strains showed no statistical differences at either the high or low doses. The data suggested that metabolism of TCDD is inherently slow, due principally to CYP1A1, and that hepatic CYP1A2 is not an active participant in the metabolism of TCDD in male mice. Rather, CYP1A2 governs the pharmacokinetics of TCDD by making it unavailable for hepatic CYP1A1 through sequestration and attenuating extrahepatic tissue disposition.
Clinicopathologic spectrum and management of neonatal intussusception

The etiology, clinical presentation, and management of neonatal intussusception differs markedly from the more common infantile variety. This report summarizes the clinical course of three neonates with intussusception seen during the past 5 years. Bilious emesis, rectal bleeding, and abdominal distension were the cardinal symptoms in these neonates. A contrast enema was diagnostic in one patient but hydrostatic reduction of the intussusception was not possible. One patient had a Meckel's diverticulum and another had an ileocecal duplication cyst. In-utero intussusception of a Meckel's diverticulum was the cause of a gap-type ileal atresia in the third patient. Surgical excision of the causative lesion was performed in all three patients.
ON THE REGENERATION OF NEW SHOOTS FROM ISOLATED DODDER HAUSTORIA

TuIE ABILITY of embedded haustoria of dodder to over-winter within host tissue and produce new shoots the following spring has been recorded a number of times. Dean (1954) summarized the literature between 1868 and 1949 on the occurrence of this phenomenon. Several species of Cuscuta on a wide variety of hosts, both herbaceous and woody, are cited as capable of this type of perennation. In an earlier work (1937) Dean described primary and secondary galls induced by dodder on a number of host species. These galls consist of hypertrophied host cortex, a typical host response to invasion by Cuscuta. The larger, more nearly spherical, primary galls are induced in the area of initial seedling contact, while later, secondary contacts of the parasite cause more irregularly shaped and frequently less severe swellings. He reported further that continued growth of the primary gall often breaks the encircling dodder stem, leaving haustoria embedded within the host tissue. From these isolated haustoria new parasite shoots arise and protrude from the host tissue. It is the purpose of the present study to trace the regeneration of such new shoots from embedded haustoria in Impatiens. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-Cuscuta gronovii Willd. was used throughout the investigation from material grown in the Rutgers University greenhouse. Host plants included Impatiens sultani Hook. and I. capensis Meerb. Seeds of Cuscuta gronovii growing on several species of Polygonum and on Impatiens capensis were collected along the east shore of Lake Carnegie, Princeton, New Jersey. Seeds of dodder were germinated on moist filter paper after treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid for 15 min. (Gaertner, 1950). The seedlings were placed at the base of host plants and within 2-4 days twined tightly about the hosts. At intervals varying from 4 to 17 days after the seedlings were placed at the base of the host plants, they were removed from the hosts so that no dodder external to the host remained. This was accomplished by merely pulling the parasite stem from the host plant. Sections of host stem in the area of haustorial penetration were collected at intervals varying from one to 36 days after removing the dodder seedlings from the host. All material was fixed in formalin-aceticalcohol, treated with the usual paraffin techniques and sectioned at 7-15 u. A triple stain of hematoxylin, safranin, and fast green gave satisfactory results.
An ultrastructural analysis of polyspermy in the surf clam, Spisula solidissima

Spisula eggs made polyspermic by insemination with high concentrations of sperm were prepared for light and electron microscopy. In eggs that had been inseminated by at least eight spermatozoa, incorporation and male pronuclear development were morphologically similar to events observed in monospermic zygotes. Subsequent to their migration to the central region of the zygote the female pronucleus and the male pronuclei become closely associated. This is followed by chromosome condensation and vesiculation of the pronuclear envelopes. The chromosomes become arranged on a multipolar spindle in preparation for the first cleavage division. In approximately 50%zygotes one of the pronuclei appears to be asynchronous in its morphogenesis; the vesiculation of its envelope and the condensation of its chromatin taking place at a later stage than in adjacent pronuclei. This pronucleus fails to form discrete chromosomes and is recognized as a large spheroidal body which becomes aligned on the multipolar spindle. The fate of this mass of condensed chromatin is unknown.
3D Chips can be cool: Thermal study of VeSFET-based ICs

Thermal management constitutes a huge challenge for CMOS or FinFET-based circuits, especially when chips go 3D. VeSFET provides an alternative thermal-friendly design choice. Device simulations show that temperature increase due to self-heating is very small for VeSFET transistors. At chip level, VeSFET-based 2-D and 3-D chips not only have much lower power density, but also have better vertical thermal conductivity than their CMOS counterparts. Peak temperature of a 10-die VeSFET chip is only 18K higher than ambient temperature. Temperature increase of a working 10-die 3-D VeSFET chip is 70% less than that of a similar CMOS configuration.
A descriptive study of the emphasis-congruence hypothesis in recall

Abstract This study was an attempt to explicate a description of the experience of subjects who were required to recall a list of verbal items as a test of the emphasis-congruence hypothesis in recall ( Yonge and Sassenrath , 1969). An examination of such an explication furthers the position of Younge and Sassenrath that in this task, subjects structure their experience relating their own personal histories to the structure of the task and materials. In addition, the present study indicates that when an experimenter attempts to describe the meaning of an experimental experience he does so in light of his knowledge of all the experimental conditions. Deriving the descriptions from the subjects allows the experience to unfold in a manner more closely congruent with what a subject experiences, which can then be dialogued with the experimenter's theoretical stance.
Time course of lymph protein concentration in the dog

Abstract Lymph protein concentrations were measured in spontaneously flowing lymph collected from lymphatic ducts in the hind limb, forelimb, neck, and the left thoracic duct. Lymph from all ducts except the thoracic duct underwent a gradual increase in protein concentration of approximately 1 g/dl during the first 2 hr after anesthetization and remained constant during the subsequent 4 hr. After the protein concentration had increased to this high level, gentle massage of the area always caused a large increase in lymph flow and simultaneously a decrease in lymph protein concentration of approximately 1 g/dl after a flow of only 50 to 100 μl had occurred. Throughout the experiment, plasma protein concentration did not change. These data provide two separate indications that lymph protein concentration is not always identical to interstitial fluid. First, lymphatic protein concentration in a large fraction of the body increases while plasma protein concentration remains constant, which would be an impossibility if the protein concentration in the large volume of interstitial fluid increased. Second, lymphatic protein concentration following massage falls by approximately 1 g/dl when the volume and thus protein content of the interstitial fluid essentially has not changed at all.
Workforce Development Alliances

Housatonic Community College (HCC) is of the opinion that an answer to the theme of Re-creating America's Community Colleges lies in forming better alliances with all possible partners—our critical...
Cxcr4 regulation of interneuron migration is disrupted in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Interneurons are thought to be a primary pathogenic target for several behavioral disorders that arise during development, including schizophrenia and autism. It is not known, however, whether genetic lesions associated with these diseases disrupt established molecular mechanisms of interneuron development. We found that diminished 22q11.2 gene dosage—the primary genetic lesion in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS)—specifically compromises the distribution of early-generated parvalbumin-expressing interneurons in the Large Deletion (LgDel) 22q11.2DS mouse model. This change reflects cell-autonomous disruption of interneuron migration caused by altered expression of the cytokine C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (Cxcr4), an established regulator of this process. Cxcr4 is specifically reduced in LgDel migrating interneurons, and genetic analysis confirms that diminished Cxcr4 alters interneuron migration in LgDel mice. Thus, diminished 22q11.2 gene dosage disrupts cortical circuit development by modifying a critical molecular signaling pathway via Cxcr4 that regulates cortical interneuron migration and placement.
A Procedure for Production Lot Sizing with Probabilistic Dynamic Demand

Abstract Numerous production-inventory systems experience significant demand variations from period to period. In many cases, actual demand is random as well. Due to the computational complexity and sensitivity of the optimal solution to the problem of selecting batch sizes, heuristic approaches are often employed. In this paper we propose a method for selecting batch sizes when demand is probabilistic with an unstructured dynamic mean. The procedure is a least period cost approach where the optimal order up to point is found for the desired cycle length.
Amphotericin B lipid complex as prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing induction chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND The optimal antifungal prophylactic regimen for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) undergoing induction chemotherapy has yet to be identified. A prospective historical control study evaluated the efficacy and safety of amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) in this patient population. METHODS Newly diagnosed patients with AML or high-risk MDS who were undergoing induction chemotherapy received prophylactic ABLC 2.5 mg/kg intravenously 3 times weekly. This treatment group was compared with a historical control group that had similar baseline characteristics and received prophylactic liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) 3 mg/kg 3 times weekly. The primary endpoint was the incidence of documented or suspected fungal infections during and up to 4 weeks after cessation of prophylaxis. Reported adverse events were used to assess tolerability. RESULTS The overall efficacy of antifungal prophylaxis was similar in patients who received ABLC and patients who received L-AmB (P = 0.95). Among 131 ABLC-treated patients and 70 L-AmB-treated patients who ere assessed for efficacy and safety, 49% of patients in each group completed therapy without developing a documented or suspected fungal infection. Documented fungal infections occurred in 5% of ABLC-treated patients and in 4% of L-AmB-treated patients. Alternative antifungal strategies were required because of persistent fever or pneumonia of unknown pathogen in 28% and 32% of ABLC-treated and L-AmB-treated patients, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events, therapy discontinuations due to adverse events, and survival rates also were similar between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS ABLC and L-AmB appeared to have similar efficacy and were tolerated well as antifungal prophylaxis in patients with AML and high-risk MDS who were undergoing induction chemotherapy. Cancer 2004. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
The Sperm's Sweet Tooth

All mammalian eggs are surrounded by a thick extracellular coat called the zona pellucida (ZP). To fertilize an egg, sperm must bind to the ZP, penetrate through it, and fuse with the egg's plasma membrane ( 1 , 2 ). Binding of sperm to this outer coat occurs in a species-restricted manner, suggesting that ZP elements to which sperm bind may differ among mammalian species, and may be attributable in part to oligosaccharides ( 1 , 2 ). On page 1761 of this issue, Pang et al. ( 3 ) report that binding of human sperm to eggs is attributable to an abundance of a sequence of sugar molecules called sialyl-Lewisx (SLeX) at the ends of oligosaccharides of ZP glycoproteins. These terminal sequences are known to function in the adhesion of other cells, including blood and tumor cells ( 4 ).
Maternal serum folate species in early pregnancy and lower genital tract inflammatory milieu

Objective We previously reported that elevated antiinflammatory cervical cytokines in early pregnancy were associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Our objective was to explore the relation between serum folate vitamers and the lower genital tract inflammatory milieu. Study Design Pregnant women (n = 417) at Results After confounder adjustment, maternal serum 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentrations had a strong negative association with elevated antiinflammatory scores; serum 5-formyltetrahydrofolate concentrations were associated positively with elevated antiinflammatory scores (both P Conclusion Maternal serum folate vitamers are associated with cervical cytokine concentrations, which suggests a possible mechanistic link between folate and preterm birth risk.
Effects of morphine on visceral nociception evoked by colorectal distension in rats: comparative examinations of electrophysiological and behavioral responses.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of intravenously administered morphine on electrophysiological and behavioral responses to colorectal distension (CRD) and to examine the influence of noxious stimuli applied to another part of the body (a laminectomy) on the visceromotor response to CRD. The effects of morphine (0.1–6.4 mg·kg−1) were examined in rate anesthetized with pentobarbital. Electrophysiological (n=16) and behavioral experiments (n=47) were done. Electrophysiological experiments were conducted to examine the effects of morphine on the responses of visceral dorsal horn neurons to CRD; behavioral studies were conducted to compare the effects of morphine with and without a laminectomy (intact group:n=24; laminectomy group:n=23). Morphine suppressed the evoked activities of the visceral dorsal horn neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Similar suppression of the behavioral visceromotor response was observed. Visceromotor thresholds were significantly lower in the intact group than in the laminectomy group during the control study. When morphine was administered, the visceromotor thresholds in both groups increased to a similar level. Behavioral and neurophysiological responses to CRD were suppressed in a similar fashion by morphine. Although laminectomy affected the threshold values of CRD for visceromotor responses, the laminectomy per se plays an insignificant role when adequate morphine is administered.
The performance of Pt/β zeolite and Pt/γ-Al2O3 composite pellets in the reforming of methylcyclopentane and methylcyclohexane

Abstract Composite pellets and powders containing Pt supported on β zeolite and γ-Al 2 O 3 are employed for the reforming of methylcyclopentane and methylcyclohexane. Two problems are considered. The first is related to the activity of the composite pellets and the determination of the diffusion coefficients of the two naphthenes in the composites. The effectiveness factors of both naphthenes through the composite pellets have been measured and used for the evaluation of the diffusion coefficients. The second is concerned with the product selectivities. A parametric study of the performance of the composite pellets is carried out by changing the zeolite content in the composites, the reaction temperature, the metal loading and the flow rate through the bed. It is shown that each naphthene follows a different reaction behavior. The balancing of the acidity provided by the Pt/β zeolite with the dehydrogenation capabilities of Pt/γ-Al 2 O 3 can lead to a reforming catalyst that possesses an advantageous behavior in the upgrading of the octane number of naphthenes.
Micronutrients as Nutriceutical Interventions in Diabetes Mellitus

Hyperglycemia portends chronic complications in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and substantial benefits are associated with "tight" glycemic control. Other interventions should either enhance glycemic control per se or add benefit to an established degree of glycemic control. Several micronutrients enhance insulin action and others offer promise in countering the untoward consequences of hyperglycemia. Supplements of micronutrients including the vitamins niacin (as niacinamide), C and E and the minerals zinc, chromium and vanadium have been studied. For the purpose of this review, the term "nutriceutic" refers to supplementation on the order of 2 to 10 times the RDA for which a benefit is linked to a mechanism of action. Benefits associated with "nutriceutic" supplementation are reported in small trials for vitamins C and E and these supplements are safe and affordable from food or tablet sources. A dietary strategy adding 200-600 mg of vitamin C and 100 IU of vitamin E to a healthy dietary pattern is worthy of consideration as an intervention for individuals with IDDM.
PS-282 Restricted Use Of Repeat Doses Of Surfactant After The Prophylactic Dose Does Not Increase The Risk Of Bpd Or Death In Preterm Infants

Repeat doses of surfactant after the prophylactic dose for treatment of RDS are currently recommended by the manufacturers to be administered at minimal levels of respiratory support. Reducing the number of unnecessary repeat doses will represent a significant cost-saving. We determined if restricting repeat doses of Survanta by using high-threshold criteria for respiratory support increased the risk of the composite primary outcome of BPD or death before hospital discharge. Methods A total of 140 infants of ≤28 weeks gestation who received prophylactic Survanta soon after birth were reassessed 12 h after the initial dose for retreatment if the infant remained intubated and required at least 40% inspired oxygen with a MAP >10 cm H 2 O, and compliance of 2 O. Multivariate analysis identified which risk factors from a set of a priori predictors including the need for Survanta retreatment could predict the primary outcome. Results Eighty-eight (59%) of 140 infants reached the retreatment criteria and received repeat doses of Survanta. Sixty-eight (49%) infants developed BPD or died. Infants who developed BPD or died were younger and smaller; were more likely to have PDA, NEC or sepsis, longer (>28 days) stay on mechanical ventilation, and receive retreatment with Survanta. On forward stepwise logistic regression analysis of a priori risk factors only the need of ventilation >28 d (p Conclusion Restricting repeat doses of Survanta did not increase the risk of BPD or death in preterm infants with RDS.
A novel noninvasive all optical technique to monitor physiology of an exercising muscle

An all optical technique based on near-infrared spectroscopy and mid-infrared imaging (MIRI) is applied as a noninvasive, in vivo tool to monitor the vascular status of skeletal muscle and the physiological changes that occur during exercise. A near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique, namely, steady state diffuse optical spectroscopy (SSDOS) along with MIRI is applied for monitoring the changes in the values of tissue oxygenation and thermometry of an exercising muscle. The NIRS measurements are performed at five discrete wavelengths in a spectral window of 650-850 nm and MIRI is performed in a spectral window of 8-12 microm. The understanding of tissue oxygenation status and the behavior of the physiological parameters derived from thermometry may provide a useful insight into muscle physiology, therapeutic response and treatment.
Environmental and Economic Analysis of Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries Recycling Process

We have reported the environmental and economic effects of VRLA recycling methods. The possible waste water, solid and gas produced in the recycling process are fully discussed. Through proper treatments, the wastes can be emitted according to corresponding standards. And careful disposal of VRLA results not only in less environmental pollutions, energy and mineral resources consumptions, but also in considerable economic profits.
464 TESTOSTERONE (T) BUT NOT OXANDROLONE (OX) INCREASES SPONTANEOUS GROWTH HORMONE (GH) AND SOMATOMEDIN-C (SmC) CONCENTRATIONS IN BOYS WITH CONSTITUTIONAL DELAY OF GROWTH AND ADOLESCENCE (CDGA)

The effect of T and OX on GH and SmC concentrations was studied in boys with CDGA. Ten boys received OX (0.1 mg/kg/d) for 65±5 d and 5 boys received T propionate (7.5 mg IM × 7 d) followed by T enanthate (100 mg IM q mo for 3 mo). Serum GH was measured in samples obtained q 20 min for 24 hr before and 65±5 d into therapy. SmC levels were measured twice during the same 24 hr period before and 65±5 d into therapy. The 24 hr integrated concentration of GH (ICGH) was obtained from the mean of 72 samples and compared to that obtained from a pooled sample (p=NS). A pulse of GH was recorded if the peak level rose >5 ng/ml. We found no differences in the ICGH, in the number of GH secretory episodes, or in the SmC levels in boys treated with OX. However, in boys treated with T there were significant increases in the ICGH, the number of GH secretory episodes and in the SmC levels. We conclude that testerone therapy doubles the amount of GH secreted daily, although OX at 0.1 mg/kg/d is without effect. This increase in GH secretion may contribute to the increased growth rate at puberty.
Magnetic resonance angiography of peripheral runoff vessels

Recent improvements in magnetic resonance imaging techniques have made magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) a very useful adjunct to invasive angiography. Fifty-five limbs in 51 patients with occlusive peripheral vascular disease were studied with both MRA and contrast arteriography. The magnetic resonance and contrast arteriograms were read by radiologists and surgeons and separate interventional plans were based on each study. The MRA findings differed significantly from those of conventional arteriography in 26 limbs (48%). In every case MRA visualized all of the same vessels and hemodynamic stenoses seen on the contrast arteriogram. In 48% of the cases, however, MRA revealed additional findings. Thus the discrepancies in the two studies were always the result of the failure of the arteriogram to reveal all of the patent vessels seen on MRA. The additional information provided by MRA resulted in alteration of the interventional plan in 11 cases (22%). In nine cases (18%) target vessels suitable for use in a limb-salvage procedure were identified by MRA, although they had been missed by conventional arteriography. In all of these cases, intraoperative arteriograms confirmed the suitability of these vessels for use in technically successful bypass procedures. In two cases (4%) additional information provided by MRA identified a target runoff vessel for bypass grafting that proved to be a better alternative than the one that would have been chosen on the basis of contrast arteriography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Lead-Ion Stability in Soda–Lime Lead Silicate Glasses

Sodium-calcium-lead silicate glass compositions were prepared over a wide compositional range by conventional glass-melting methods. The acid chemical stability of the glass structure was studied by corroding samples of glass in 4% acetic acid solution at 22°C for periods up to 24 h. Lead corrosion stability was evaluated by measuring lead concentrations in the corrosion solution. At short times, parabolic time dependence was observed and the parabolic time coefficients were regressed against composition, yielding a simple additive relationship. A similar model was fitted to 24-h release data, which showed compositional effects similar to the 2-h data. Of the oxides studied, sodium was the most detrimental to durability, and the coefficients of the oxides decreased in the series: Na 2 O, PbO, CaO, SiO 2 . The effects of the oxides could be partially explained by the number of nonbridging oxygens expected in the glass structure, and the residual effect was attributed to cation characteristics. Small phosphate addditions to the glass greatly increased the lead-ion stability under nearly all experimental conditions examined
Renal perfusion in humans: MR imaging with spin tagging of arterial water.

The authors tested a noninvasive technique for magnetic resonance imaging of perfusion in human kidneys. Magnetic labeling (spin tagging) of aortic arterial water was performed to generate an endogenous tracer. Breath-hold renal perfusion images obtained in seven volunteers yielded average perfusion rates in cortex and medulla of 278 mL.100 g-1.min-1 +/- 55 (standard error) and 55 mL.100 g-1.min-1 +/- 25, respectively.
A rapid and reliable method of counting neurons and other cells in brain tissue: a comparison of flow cytometry and manual counting methods

It is of critical importance to understand the numbers and distributions of neurons and non-neurons in the cerebral cortex because cell numbers are reduced with normal aging and by diseases of the CNS. The isotropic fractionator method provides a faster way of estimating numbers of total cells and neurons in whole brains and dissected brain parts. Several comparative studies have illustrated the accuracy and utility of the isotropic fractionator method, yet it is a relatively new methodology, and there is opportunity to adjust procedures to optimize its efficiency and minimize error. In the present study, we use 142 samples from a dissected baboon cortical hemisphere to evaluate if isotropic fractionator counts using a Neubauer counting chamber and fluorescence microscopy could be accurately reproduced using flow cytometry methods. We find greater repeatability in flow cytometry counts, and no evidence of constant or proportional bias when comparing microscopy to flow cytometry counts. We conclude that cell number estimation using a flow cytometer is more efficient and more precise than comparable counts using a Neubauer chamber on a fluorescence microscope. This method for higher throughput, precise estimation of cell numbers has the potential to rapidly advance research in post-mortem human brains and vastly improve our understanding of cortical and subcortical structures in normal, injured, aged, and diseased brains.
A method for growing potatoes by combining water culture and pot culture techniques

A combined water culture and pot culture technique was developed for the study of the K nutrition of potatoes. The water culture technique permitted control of the K nutrient supply while the pot culture technique provided support for plant growth and for tuber development in a low K medium. Both plant growth and tuber quality reflected the K supply of the culture solution.
Differential response of murine CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25– T cells to dexamethasone‐induced cell death

To evaluate the in vivo effect of immunosuppressive glucocorticoids on CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells, we injected dexamethasone (Dex) into BALB/c mice. Administration of Dex enhanced the proportion of CD4+CD25+ cells and the ratio of CD4+CD25+ cells to CD4+CD25- cells in the lymphoid organs, especially in the thymus. This correlates with our in vitro observation that CD4+CD25+ T cells express higher levels of glucocorticoid receptor and Bcl-2, and are therefore more resistant to Dex-mediated cell death than CD4+CD25- T cells. Furthermore, IL-2 selectively protected CD4+CD25+ T cells from Dex-induced cell death, while IL-7 and IL-15 did not exert preferential protective effects. Dex-treated CD4+CD25+ T cells expressed higher levels of intracellular CTLA-4 and surface glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor than fresh CD4+CD25+ T cells, but still failed to respond to TCR stimulation and inhibited proliferation of CD4+CD25- T cells. These results suggest that, in addition to suppressing cytokine transcription, Dex treatment is permissive for the survival of functional CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells, and this property may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive efficacy of glucocorticoids. Our data also suggest that selective protection of CD4+CD25+ T cell from apoptosis may constitute a role in immune tolerance for IL-2.
Analysis of laminated composite shells using a degenerated 3‐D element

A special three-dimensional element based on the total Lagrangian description of the motion of a layered anisotropic composite medium is developed, validated and employed to analyze laminated anisotropic composite shells. The element contains the following features: geometric nonlinearity, dynamic (transient) behavior and arbitrary lamination scheme and lamina properties. Numerical results of nonlinear bending, natural vibration, and transient response are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the element.
Identification of Methyl Nitrite in the Reaction Product of Nitrous Acid and Lignin

IN a recent communication, Stevenson and Swaby1 reported the presence of a heretofore unobserved nitrogenous gas in the product obtained by reacting nitrous acid with lignins. The identity of the gas was not established; the compounds eliminated as possibilities included nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen peroxide, dinitrogen tetraoxide, nitrogen pentoxide, nitromethane, and hydrogen nitrate.
What has happened to the unobstructed bowel that fails to transport fluids & gas?

Abstract The digestive tract is highly autonomous and the extrinsic nerves serve largely to prevent response to every stimulus. After vagotomy or splanchnicotomy peristalsis is often so active that the animal dies of inanition. Normal aborad peristalsis appears to follow gradients of rhythmicity, irritability, latent period, metabolism, and muscular strength, running from duodenum to terminal ileum. These gradients might theoretically be reversed either by raising the irritability of the lower end of the gut or by depressing that of the upper end. It may perhaps be stated as a law that irritation at any point in the bowel tends to slow the progress of material coming from the stomach toward it, and to hasten the progress of material moving caudad away from it. If the irritation is severe enough the result is an emptying of the digestive tract both ways from the lesion, with vomiting and diarrhea. When, in rabbits, enough turpentine was injected into the tissues about the ileocecal sphincter to produce considerable injury, the animals suffered from diarrhea and the colon was emptied. The ileum was emptied orad and food residues were held back in the duodenum. Peristaltic rushes were few; they were hard to start, and they were slowed and stopped in the lower bowel. The whole bowel was unusually sensitive to faradic stimuli, and in most of the experiments the normal gradient in irritability from duodenum to ileum was reversed. With the increased irritability of the bowel the latent periods were shortened, and the fact that this change was more marked in the lower ileum than in the duodenum caused the normal gradient (in latent period) to be flattened. Segments of gut excised from the injured animals and placed in warm aerated Locke's solution behaved normally, showing that the failure of the bowel to pass onward its contents was not due to injury to the muscle. Chemical injury to the ileocecal region in animals with vagi and splanchnics cut and much of the conducting system in the bowel degenerated still produced backpressure in the small bowel and marked slowing of rush waves. This suggests that the flattening of gradients had something to do with the failure of conduction. The work suggests that in treating dynamic ileus attempts should be made first, to remove nervous inhibition, perhaps by splanchnic blocking or by spinal anesthesia, and second, to restore the normal dynamic gradient by giving food, and by avoiding morphine and irritation to the lower bowel. The various methods of inducing peristalsis postoperatively are briefly reviewed.
Clathrin-protein interactions.

There is a complex network of protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions that underlie clathrin-mediated vesicular traffic in all compartmentalized cells from yeast to man. Major progress has been made in the determination of the three-dimensional structures of many of the components. Recently, there has been an explosion in the identification and characterization of clathrin binding partners. This review integrates the structural and biochemical information that is currently available to present a unified view of how many clathrin binding partners interact with clathrin.
Emerging Adults’ Lived Experience of Formative Family Stress: The Family’s Lasting Influence

In this article, we use a phenomenology framework to explore emerging adults' formative experiences of family stress. Fourteen college students participated in a qualitative interview about their experience of family stress. We analyzed the interviews using the empirical phenomenological psychology method. Participants described a variety of family stressors, including parental conflict and divorce, physical or mental illness, and emotional or sexual abuse by a family member. Two general types of parallel processes were essential to the experience of family stress for participants. First, the family stressor was experienced in shifts and progressions reflecting the young person's attempts to manage the stressor, and second, these shifts and progressions were interdependent with deeply personal psychological meanings of self, sociality, physical and emotional expression, agency, place, space, project, and discourse. We describe each of these parallel processes and their subprocesses, and conclude with implications for mental health practice and research.
Consumer perspectives and mental health reform movements in the United States: 30 years of first-person accounts.

Objective The present qualitative study examined 69 published first-person accounts written by adults diagnosed with schizophrenia from 1979-2010 within the historical context of the four major mental health movements in the United States. Methods Content analysis techniques were used to identify major topics and overarching content categories in the first-person accounts written over the 30-year period. The frequency of topics in each content category was examined as a function of the decade and corresponding mental health movement in which accounts were published. Results Five overarching content categories emerged reflecting authors' conceptualizations of schizophrenia, their experiences with psychiatric hospitalization, medications, coping with social stigma, and achieving and maintaining valued social roles. Two summary categories emerged reflecting authors explicit views about what helped and what did not help in their experience of living with schizophrenia. With the exception of social stigma, frequency of topics within content categories did not change as a function of decade and corresponding mental health movement. Conclusion and implications for practice Despite changes in mental health policies, treatment, and systems of care, the overall lack of significant differences in the content of first-person accounts across the 30-year period suggests an enduring nature to the experiences of individuals coping with schizophrenia. Implications of present findings for research and practice are discussed.
Photoresponse of microwave transistors to high-frequency modulated lightwave carrier signal

Described in this paper are the photoresponse characteristics of microwave transistors, both unipolar [metal-semiconductor FETs (MESFETs) and modulation-doped FETs (MODFETs)] and bipolar [heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs)]. Investigation includes time- and frequency-domain measurements. For unipolar device FETs, the two dominant photodetection mechanisms, photoconductive and photovoltaic, are clearly identified within the same device for the first time. It is shown that even high-speed FETs are limited to a photonic bandwidth of a few megahertz, if photodetection and amplification are to be achieved simultaneously. In contrast, bipolar HBTs can provide optical gain up to the millimeter-wave range. It is shown that their bandwidth to a modulated optical input is closely related to the microwave bandwidth, and that parameters such as base-access resistance and base-emitter capacitance are critical to photoresponse optimization.