cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulation and inhibition of ACTH release in patients with pituitary disease.

ABSTRACT The adrenocortical response to overnight dexamethasone suppression was determined in normal subjects, in patients with a variety of pituitary diseases other than Cushing's syndrome, and in patients with other disease states. Seventy-nine of 80 normal subjects suppressed 9 am plasma 17-OHCS levels to less than 11.2 μg/100 ml. Of 19 patients with pituitary disease who had one or more normal tests of ACTH reserve, 10 suppressed abnormally in response to dexamethasone. Eleven of 12 patients with deficient ACTH reserve had morning plasma 17-OHCS levels in the normal range after the administration of dexamethasone. However, the low plasma 17-OHCS levels in these patients may have been due to far advanced hormonal deficiency per se. Eight patients of a large group with non-endocrine diseases had impaired suppression of plasma 17-OHCS levels. On the basis of clinical and laboratory findings, there appears to be a spectrum of abnormalities involving ACTH regulation in patients with pituitary disease. Thes...
The mitochondria and insulin release: Nnt just a passing relationship.

Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (Nnt) detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS), byproducts of mitochondrial metabolism that, when accumulated, can decrease mitochondrial ATP production. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Freeman et al. (2006) demonstrate that Nnt in pancreatic β cells is important for insulin release. Their compelling data highlight the critical roles for ATP generation and subsequent closure of KATP channels for insulin secretion.
Physician gender effects in medical communication: A meta-analytic review

ContextPhysician gender has been viewed as a possible source of variation in the interpersonal aspects of medical practice, with speculation that female physicians facilitate more open and equal exchange and a different therapeutic milieu from that of male physicians. However, studies in this area are generally based on small samples, with conflicting results.ObjectiveTo systematically review and quantify the effect of physician gender on communication during medical visits.Data SourcesOnline database searches of English-language abstracts for the years 1967 to 2001 (MEDLINE, AIDSLINE, PsycINFO, and Bioethics); a hand search was conducted of reprint files and the reference sections of review articles and other publications.Study SelectionStudies using a communication data source, such as audiotape, videotape, or direct observation, and large national or regional studies in which physician report was used to establish length of visit, were identified through bibliographic and computerized searches. Twenty-three observational studies and 3 large physician-report studies reported in 29 publications met inclusion criteria and were rated.Data ExtractionThe Cohen d was computed based on 2 reviewers' (J.A.H. and Y.A.) independent extraction of quantitative information from the publications. Study heterogeneity was tested using Q statistics and pooled effect sizes were computed using the appropriate effects model. The characteristics of the study populations were also extracted.Data SynthesisFemale physicians engage in significantly more active partnership behaviors, positive talk, psychosocial counseling, psychosocial question asking, and emotionally focused talk. There were no gender differences evident in the amount, quality, or manner of biomedical information giving or social conversation. Medical visits with female physicians are, on average, 2 minutes (10%) longer than those with male physicians. Obstetrics and gynecology may present a different pattern than that of primary care, with male physicians demonstrating higher levels of emotionally focused talk than their female colleagues.ConclusionsFemale primary care physicians engage in more communication that can be considered patient centered and have longer visits than their male colleagues. Limited studies exist outside of primary care, and gender-related practice patterns in some subspecialties may differ from those evident in primary care.
Microcomputer accident location system

Abstract An overview of a microprocessor-based online accident location system is given. The system, designed mainly for emergency medical services, is not only capable of displaying all accident occurrences at a given location, intersection or street, but can also be used for accident report management and as a tool for guiding lost vehicles. The highway reference system used for this system is LORAN-C.
The influence of Plato's developing psychology on his views of rhetoric

This essay attempts to increase our understanding of Plato's views on rhetoric by associating them with his developing psychology. In his early “Socratic” period, Plato endorsed a “cognitive” psychology; but in his middle period, he adopted a “conflict” psychology. This essay (1) traces the genesis of his conflict psychology, and (2) documents the influence of this genesis on his discussion of rhetoric in the Gorgias and Phaedrus.
Low back pain with lower extremity referred pain

Low back pain with referred leg pain may be caused by the intervertebral disk without a disk herniation. Anatomic studies have shown the disk to be innervated. Although controversial, diskography has reproduced back and leg pain with provocative studies.The majority of patients will respond to nonoperative management.The socioeconomic and psychologic issues have to be adequately explored as much as the pathologic anatomy.
Nonlinear regenerative chatter in turning

Abstract Chatter is a topic of immense engineering importance because its occurrence in machining results in poor surface finish, promotes tool wear and hampers productivity. In this paper, a single degree of freedom, delay differential equation model is presented. The central idea of the model is the study of regenerative chatter effect, which qualitatively explains the nonlinear dynamics in machining. Stability charts are derived for the linearized case in a two dimensional phase plane (μ, Ω) with the bifurcation parameter μ representing the dynamic variation of the chip thickness, and the critical rotational speed Ω. The governing nonlinear equations are integrated in time by Adams Predictor corrector Method. Phase portraits are drawn between the instantaneous tool position x1 and the relative tangential velocity x2. It has been shown that in the absence of a cubic nonlinearity, the chatter response appears to be more chaotic.
Nucleosome unit repeat size in aneuploid mice.

Male 8-day-old mice that have part of chromosome 7 translocated to an X chromosome [T(X;7)1Ct] and that are chromosomally unbalanced for chromosome 7, and consequently trisomic for that part of chromosome 7, were found to have a smaller nucleosome repeat unit size than normal littermate males (Rake, A. V., and Edwards, R. H.,Biochem. Genet. 25:671, 1987). This smaller nucleosome size is maintained in adult trisomic males. Males with a balanced chromosomal translocation [T(X;7)1Ct] had a normal nucleosome size compared to their littermates. The nucleosome unit size is not altered in two other types of aneuploid mice studied (XO vs XX, 2n=39 and 40, respectively; and Ts1217 vs normal, 2n=40 and 41, respectively).
Intracellular crystallization in roots of Leersia oryzoides of a strain of barley yellow dwarf virus

Ultrathin sections of Leersia oryzoides were examined in the electron microscope. This species is a perennial weed widespread in the rice fields of Northern Italy where the rice giallume disease, caused by a strain of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), is present. Electron micrographs from the roots tissue of L. oryzoides showed virus crystals including one of several micrometers across. Details are given of the BYDV intracellular crystallization.
Use of cytokine immunotherapy to block CNS demyelination induced by a recombinant HSV-1 expressing IL-2

We previously have described a model of multiple sclerosis (MS) in which constitutive expression of murine interleukin (IL)-2 by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (HSV-IL-2) causes central nervous system (CNS) demyelination in different strains of mice. In the current study, we investigated whether this HSV-IL-2-induced demyelination can be blocked using recombinant viruses expressing different cytokines or by injection of plasmid DNA. We have found that coinfection of HSV-IL-2-infected mice with recombinant viruses expressing IL-12p35, IL-12p40 or IL-12p35+IL-12p40 did not block the CNS demyelination, and that coinfection with a recombinant virus expressing interferon (IFN)-γ exacerbated it. In contrast, coinfection with a recombinant virus expressing IL-4 reduced demyelination, whereas coinfection of HSV-IL-2-infected mice with a recombinant HSV-1 expressing the IL-12 heterodimer (HSV-IL-12p70) blocked the CNS demyelination in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, injection of IL-12p70 DNA blocked HSV-IL-2-induced CNS demyelination in a dose-dependent manner and injection of IL-35 DNA significantly reduced CNS demyelination. Injection of mice with IL-12p35 DNA, IL-12p40 DNA, IL-12p35+IL-12p40 DNA or IL-23 DNA did not have any effect on HSV-IL-2-induced demyelination, whereas injection of IL-27 DNA increased the severity of the CNS demyelination in the HSV-IL-2-infected mice. This study demonstrates for the first time that IL-12p70 can block HSV-IL-2-induced CNS demyelination and that IL-35 can also reduce this demyelination, whereas IFN-γ and IL-27 exacerbated the demyelination in the CNS of the HSV-IL-2-infected mice. Our results suggest a potential role for IL-12p70 and IL-35 signaling in the inhibition of HSV-IL-2-induced immunopathology by preventing development of autoaggressive T cells.
TACC3 is a microtubule plus end–tracking protein that promotes axon elongation and also regulates microtubule plus end dynamics in multiple embryonic cell types

Microtubule plus end dynamics are regulated by a conserved family of proteins called plus end–tracking proteins (+TIPs). It is unclear how various +TIPs interact with each other and with plus ends to control microtubule behavior. The centrosome-associated protein TACC3, a member of the transforming acidic coiled-coil (TACC) domain family, has been implicated in regulating several aspects of microtubule dynamics. However, TACC3 has not been shown to function as a +TIP in vertebrates. Here we show that TACC3 promotes axon outgrowth and regulates microtubule dynamics by increasing microtubule plus end velocities in vivo. We also demonstrate that TACC3 acts as a +TIP in multiple embryonic cell types and that this requires the conserved C-terminal TACC domain. Using high-resolution live-imaging data on tagged +TIPs, we show that TACC3 localizes to the extreme microtubule plus end, where it lies distal to the microtubule polymerization marker EB1 and directly overlaps with the microtubule polymerase XMAP215. TACC3 also plays a role in regulating XMAP215 stability and localizing XMAP215 to microtubule plus ends. Taken together, our results implicate TACC3 as a +TIP that functions with XMAP215 to regulate microtubule plus end dynamics.
Optimization of Massive Pattern Queries by Dynamic Configuration Morphing

Complex pattern queries play a critical role in many applications that must efficiently search databases and data streams. Current techniques support the search for multiple patterns using deterministic or non-deterministic automata. In practice however, the static pattern representation does not fully utilize available system resources, subsequently suffering from poor performance. Therefore a low overhead auto-reconfigurable automaton is needed that optimizes pattern matching performance. In this paper, we propose a dynamic system that entails the efficient and reliable evaluation of a very large number of pattern queries on a resource constrained system under changing stress-load. Our system prototype, Morpheus, pre-computes several query pattern representations, named templates, which are then morphed into a required form during run-time. Morpheus uses templates to speed up dynamic automaton reconfiguration. Results from empirical studies confirm the benefits of our approach, with three orders of magnitude improvement achieved in the overall pattern matching performance with the help of dynamic reconfiguration. This is accomplished only with a modest increase in amortized memory usage.
Raman Spectroscopic Evaluation of the Fixation and Rehydration of Single Human Platelets

We report on the use of Raman tweezers spectroscopy for the characterization and identification of human platelets for long-term freeze-dried preservation. The paraformaldehyde-fixed, lyophilized and rehydrated platelet samples were spectrally analyzed.
Deformation of sandwich sheet materials in uniaxial tension

The stable and unstable plastic flow of stainless steel-clad aluminum and aluminum-clad stainless steel sandwich sheet materials deformed in uniaxial tension have been investigated. For the clad sheet materials studied experimentally, stable deformations were uniform in the component layers, and the assumption of isostrain was used in modeling the deformation behavior. The rule of mixtures, an average of component properties weighted by cross-sectional area fractions, was applied to determine sandwich uniaxial true stress-true strain curves from those of the components. In addition, measurements of residual stress distributions in deformed tensile specimens gave insight into states of stress during loading. A model to determine the magnitude of stresses which are generated by component normal plastic anisotropy differences was developed as well. With this knowledge of the stress state, predictions of uniform elongation of the clad sheet materials were made which compared favorably to experimental measurements. As for ductile monolithic sheet materials, stable flow of sandwich sheet materials in tension was limited by diffuse necking, which leads to local instability at higher strains. This local instability gives rise to a through-thickness localized thinning which terminates macroscopic deformation. Conditions for local instability in uniaxial tension have been developed for sandwich as well as monolithic sheet materials. Predictions from these models are in agreement with measurements.
Excited vertices in the model of Neveu and Schwarz

The study of dual-resonance models (DRM) has been enlivened in recent months by the introduction of several new approaches which attempt to provide us with a more realistic DRM (~'~). This progress has been paralleled by a greater understanding of the more conventional DRM (~-15). Of particular interest are those studies (5.H) that maintain, or extend, and exploit the gauge properties first encountered by VXRASORO (~s-~s). In this note we show that the new techniques used to understand the spectrum of the conventional Veneziano model are also applicable to models in which new gauges ~re introduced. In particular, we use as an example the model of N~vEu and SCnWA~Z (s) (NS) and construct, in the operator formalism, vertices for the excited states of their model. Again paralleling results of the conventional model (19.2o) we explicitly display the N p-meson amplitude.
Vacancy and labeled-particle hopping with interactions.

Classical hopping of interacting particles on a regular lattice is considered in a model where strong repulsions at the saddle point make hopping to a vacant site unfavorable unless there is another vacant site nearby. This picture may be appropriate to metal hydrides at large hydrogen concentration. Physical arguments, analytic theory, and results of simulations are presented. They show that labeled-particle motion is mean-field-like (single hopping rate given by average over distribution) but that vacancy motion takes place on two time scales: rapid motion for pairs of vacancies and much slower diffusion of vacancies which are isolated initially. This picture is in agreement with the different hopping rates in PdH/sub x/ inferred from ultrasonic attenuation and NMR, and can explain the large prefactor anomalies seen in proton NMR. Implications for other experiments such as the Gorsky effect, quasielastic neutron scattering, and NMR of the metal nucleus are discussed.
NUCLEOTIDE METABOLISM IN RAT BRAIN

— The uptake, the conversion to nucleotides, and their incorporation into RNA for labelled glycine, aspartate, the free bases and nucleosides of purines and pyrimidines were investigated with cortical slices of rat cerebrum. At the end of a 1-hr incubation time the slice-to-medium ratio of the radioactivities for labelled aspartate, glycine, adenine and adenosine were 34, 26, 20 and 5, respectively, while the slice-to-medium ratios for hypoxanthine, inosine, guanine, guanosine, xanthine, orotate, cytidine, cytosine, uridine, and uracil ranged from 1.3:1 to 2:1. Over 99 per cent of the total radioactivity taken up by the cortical slices was present in the TCA supernatant and 86, 82, 65, 50, 34, 23, 20 and 1.6 per cent of this radioactivity was in the form of nucleotides at the end of a 1-hr incubation with labelled adenine, adenosine, hypoxanthine, inosine, uridine, orotate, cytidine, and glycine, respectively. The incorporation of various radioactive precursors into RNA of cortical slices suggests that nucleotides originating from either de novo synthesis or preformed purine derivatives enter the same nucleotide pool utilized for RNA synthesis. The supernatant fraction from homogenized cerebrum was investigated for the presence of various anabolic and catabolic enzymes associated with nucleotide metabolism. These results were correlated with the data from the RNA incorporation studies, and a possible role for AMP: pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase (adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, I.U.B. 2.4.2.7) to achieve intercellular transfer of AMP is discussed.
Interaction of long wavelength light with phenanthrene triplets in crystalline benzophenone

Abstract Illumination by light at 750 nm depopulates the triplet state of phenanthrene d -10 dissolved in crystalline benzophenone. The effect is revealed by studies of the kinetics of formation and disappearance of triplets and by a direct spectroscopic observation. Neither the benzophenone nor the phenanthrene alone in the lowest triplet or singlet state absorbs at 750 nm. The effect may be produced by a phenanthrene triplet-benzophenone excimer.
Investigation of Loop Heat Pipe Startup Using Liquid Core Visualization

In this investigation, a Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) evaporator has been studied using a borescope inserted through the compensation chamber into the liquid core. This minimally intrusive technique allows liquid/vapor interactions to be observed throughout the liquid core and compensation chamber. A low conductivity ceramic was used for the wick and ammonia as the working fluid. Results indicate that buoyancy driven flows, both two-phase and single-phase, play essential roles in evacuating excess heat from the core, which explains the several differences in performance between horizontal and vertical orientations of the evaporator. This study also found no discernable effect of the pre-start fill level of the compensation chamber on thermal performance during startup at moderate and high heat loads.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
X-Ray Absorption and EPR Spectroscopic Characterization of Adsorbed Copper(II) Complexes at the Boehmite (AlOOH) Surface

The chemical environment of Cu(II) adsorbed to the boehmite (AlOOH) surface at pH 6.5 is examined by electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Adsorbed Cu(II) is always coordinated by four oxygens in an axially symmetric ligand field when adsorbed under our experimental conditions. The Cu–O bond distance is approximately 1.94 A. An oriented, inner-sphere Cu(II) surface complex is observed at low surface loading (<0.2 μmol/M2). A second population of Cu(OH)N(H2O)X(2–N)+outer-sphere complexes is proposed at higher surface loadings to explain X-ray absorption fine structure results. Cu(II) strongly resists any tendency to form a surface precipitate on boehmite at pH 6.5. The presence of specifically adsorbing anions had little effect on the local chemical environment of adsorbed Cu(II).
Bubble entrainment from bursting bubbles

Abstract MacIntyre observed in 1972 that when a large bubble setting on a pool of water bursts it deposits a ring of small bubbles on the surface. He explained the presence of these small bubbles as resulting from splashing film drops although he did not have any photographs to substantiate his explanation. A consideration of film drop diameter and impact velocity indicates that film drops should not splash, so research was undertaken to use high-speed photography to photograph bursting bubbles. The photographs do not show evidence of film drops splashing but instead reveal that the small bubbles result from the breakage of an unstable toroidal bubble formed when the original bubble bursts.
A Female Model Versus Live Hens as a Stimulus for Eliciting Sexual Behavior in Chickens

Abstract Comparisons were made of the relative stimulating potential of a model versus live hens utilizing two populations of chickens that differed widely in mating frequency. Chickens from both lines mated with the model significantly more than with the live hens. The frequency of courtship was reduced when the model was employed indicating that courtship is not a prerequisite to mating behavior and that a chicken model can be effectively used as a means of stimulating copulatory behavior.
Signaling by the cytokine receptor superfamily: JAKs and STATs

A variety of cytokines, lymphokines and growth factors function by interacting with receptors that are members of the cytokine receptor superfamily. These receptors share extracellular motifs and have limited similarity in their cytoplasmic domains. Although lacking catalytic domains, this family of receptors couples ligand binding with the induction of tyrosine phosphorylation. Recent studies have shown that this is mediated by members of the Janus kinase (JAK) family of cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinases. JAKs physically associate with the membrane-proximal region of the ligand-bound receptor, leading to their tyrosine phosphorylation and activation. The activated JAKs phosphorylate the receptors as well as cytoplasmic proteins belonging to a family of transcription factors called the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), providing a novel signaling pathway that is shared by all members of the cytokine receptor superfamily.
Photorefractive wave mixing with finite beams

Abstract Nonlinear optical wave mixing in photorefractive materials is considered in the framework of a two-dimensional model. Beam profile deformation is discussed in the case of two-beam coupling amplification and four-wave mixing phase conjugation. Some aspects of nonuniform energy transfer among beams are demonstrated in an experiment with barium titanate crystal.
Molecular basis for glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Glucose-galactose malabsorption (GGM) is an autosomal recessive disease that presents in newborn infants as a life-threatening diarrhea. The diarrhea ceases within 1 h of removing oral intake of lactose, glucose, and galactose, but promptly returns with the introduction of one or more of the offending sugars into the diet. Our goal is to determine whether or not mutations in the sodium-glucose cotransporter gene (SGLT1) are responsible for GGM. We first isolated the human cDNA (hSGLT1), mapped the gene, and identified its chromosomal location (22q13.1). Our approach was then to screen GGM patients for mutations in hSGLT1 and then determine if these caused defects in sugar transport using the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. In 46 patients we have identified the mutations responsible for GGM. These included missense, nonsense, frame shift, splice site, and promoter mutations. In 30 patients, the same mutations were on both alleles, and the remaining 16 had different mutations on each allele (compound heterozygotes). Several mutations (e.g., C355S) were found in unrelated patients. The nonsense, frame shift, and splice site mutations all produce nonfunctional truncated proteins. In 22 out of the 23 missense mutations tested in the oocyte expression system, the proteins were translated and were stable in the cell, but did not reach the plasma membrane. In four of these mutants, an alanine residue was replaced by a valine, and in two, the trafficking defect was rescued by changing the valine to cysteine. One mutant protein (Q457R) did reach the plasma membrane, but it was unable to transport the sugar across the cell membrane. We conclude that mutations in the SGLT1 gene are the cause of glucose-galactose malabsorption, and sugar transport is impaired mainly because the mutant proteins are either truncated or are not targeted properly to the cell membrane.
Increasing Trust in Elections via a Simple Receipt Algorithm

We introduce a receipt election algorithm, the WAVE algorithm (Watch, Audit, Verify Elections) and audit trail. Based on set theory, the WAVE election algorithm is deliberately straightforward and intends to increase trust in elections and election transparency while maintaining voter privacy.
Newer Drugs in the Treatment of Hypertension II. Use of Hexamethonium in Combination with Hydralazine

Sixty-one patients exhibiting severe hypertensive vascular disease were treated with hexamethonium in combination with hydralazine for periods up to 22 months. Results, in terms of blood pressure control, were considerably better with combined therapy than with hexamethonium alone regardless of whether hydralazine was added to hexamethonium initially or later. Improvement in retinopathy and in the electrocardiogram was noted. The malignant phase of hypertensive disease was reversed in eight of nine instances. Late systemic reactions to hydralazine occurred in seven patients. One death, attributed to possible hexamethonium poisoning, was observed. Hexamethonium-hydralazine therapy represents a potent combination of drugs for the treatment of severe hypertensive vascular disease.
Renal responses to plasma volume expansion and hyperosmolality in fasting seal pups

Renal responses were quantified in northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups during their postweaning fast to examine their excretory capabilities. Pups were infused with either isotonic (0.9%; n = 8; Iso) or hypertonic (16.7%; n = 7; Hyper) saline via an indwelling catheter such that each pup received 3 mmol NaCl/kg. Diuresis after the infusions was similar in magnitude between the two treatments. Osmotic clearance increased by 37% in Iso and 252% in Hyper. Free water clearance was reduced 3.4-fold in Hyper but was not significantly altered in Iso. Glomerular filtration rate increased 71% in the 24-h period after Hyper, but no net change occurred during the same time after Iso. Natriuresis increased 3.6-fold in Iso and 5.3-fold in Hyper. Iso decreased plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and cortisol acutely, whereas Hyper increased plasma and excreted AVP and cortisol. Iso was accompanied by the retention of water and electrolytes, whereas the Hyper load was excreted within 24 h. Natriuresis is attributed to increased filtration and is independent of an increase in atrial natriuretic peptide and decreases in ANG II and aldosterone. Fasting pups appear to have well-developed kidneys capable of both extreme conservation and excretion of Na(+).
Alternative transcripts of the rat and human dopamine D3 receptor.

A cDNA for the rat dopamine D3 receptor containing a 113 bp deletion has been isolated. The segment deleted, encompassing the first extracellular loop and third transmembrane domain, alters the reading frame, introducing 19 amino acids not found in the full length receptor followed by a premature stop codon. This novel mRNA encodes a 109 amino acid protein containing two putative tranmembrane domains. A similar variant cDNA for the human D3 receptor has also been identified.
The oxidation and kidney clearance of D- and L-tryptophan by chickens.

SummaryRing-labeled d- or L-tryptophan was injected intraperitoneally into chicks. The major portion of L-tryptophan was recovered as CO2 while the D-isomer was primarily detected in excreta. Renal clearance studies showed that infused L-tryptophan was efficiently reabsorbed by the kidney while D-tryptophan behaved similarly to inulin. Compared to L-tryptophan, the D-form was poorly utilized in chickens.The technical assistance of Ms. Tzina Adler and Ms. Margaret A. Winegardner is gratefully acknowledged.
Determining job completion time distributions in stochastic production environments

As responsiveness becomes more of a competitive issue, knowledge of completion times of jobs and orders on the shop floor is key to the success and even survival of many manufacturing firms. We present two approaches-a fast sample path generation technique and a numerical technique-to determine the distribution of completion times of jobs in stochastic production environments. We compare our results with those obtained from conventional discrete event simulation and also compare speed of execution. We also show that the distribution obtained from the numerical integration technique provides a lower bound to the actual distribution of the completion times.
Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of bladder exemplifying vesical epithelial multipotentiality.

Abstract The eighth reported case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is described clinically and pathologically. It is unusual because of complete replacement of the transitional epithelium by squamous and glandular metaplasia. The latter was particularly striking, demonstrating “normal” colonic mucosa, cystitis glandularis, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and the rare signet ring cell carcinoma variant. The possible origin of such changes is discussed.
The volume algorithm: producing primal solutions with a subgradient method

We present an extension to the subgradient algorithm to produce primal as well as dual solutions. It can be seen as a fast way to carry out an approximation of Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition. This gives a fast method for producing approximations for large scale linear programs. It is based on a new theorem in linear programming duality. We present successful experience with linear programs coming from set partitioning, set covering, max-cut and plant location.
Ion velocity distribution function measurements in a helium helicon plasma

Summary form only given. The scarcity of strong absorption lines in accessible tuning ranges along with plasma saturation due to low ion population densities makes laser absorption spectroscopy of helium ions in plasma notoriously difficult. Helicon plasmas, with their characteristically high ion densities are a good candidate for helium ion spectroscopy experiments. Initial measurements of Doppler broadened ion velocity distribution functions (ivdf) involve injecting a tunable infrared diode laser, tuned to 1012.36 nm and chopped roughly at 1 kHz, along the axis of a 1.5 m long helicon plasma and a 4 m long expansion chamber. The single pass absorption as a function of laser wavelength is measured with a bandpass filtered photodiode. We will present measurements of the ivdf in helium helicon plasma as a function of RF power, source magnetic field, and neutral pressure. The calculated ion temperatures obtained from the ivdf indicate that the helium ions are at roughly room temperature, ~0.03 eV, Measurements of the ivdf of argon ions in argon doped helium plasmas will also be presented. As the partial pressure of argon is reduced to less than a few percent, the discharge switches from a dominantly argon plasma to a dominantly helium plasma. Assuming thermodynamic equilibrium, the argon ion temperature can then be used as a measure of the helium ion temperature
Curriculum‐based Continuous Assessment: a framework for concepts, procedures and policy

ABSTRACT To many persons used to the ‘once and for all’ nature of leaving examinations for certification and selection of students, the concepts associated with continuous assessment (CA) are confusing. To some, CA is a summative ‘mark’ to be passed forward to certify or select a student. To others, CA is the physical pages in exercise books which students complete. To yet others, CA is diagnosis and formative evaluation of student learning. This paper presents a conceptual framework for organising and relating the many confusing concepts associated with continuous assessment practices. Curriculum‐based continuous assessment is shown to have two major components: formative and summative continuous assessment of student learning. The nature of these components and their interrelationships are discussed. The paper discusses using continuous assessment results for official summative evaluation purposes such as reporting to parents and incorporating continuous assessment grades into leaving and certification ...
Interactions of 1,10-phenanthroline and its copper complex with Ehrlich cells.

Abstract Mechanistic details of the interaction of 1,10-phenanthroline and its copper complex with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were examined, using inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA breakage, and increased membrane permeability as indices of cellular damage. The metal chelating agent 1,10-phenanthroline (OP), the 1:05 complex of 1,10-phenanthroline and CuCl2 [(OP)2Cu], and CuCl2 inhibited growth of Ehrlich ascites tumor cell monolayers during 48-h treatments by 50% at about 3.5, 2, and 70 nmol/105 cells/mL, respectively. (OP)2Cu at 10 nmol/105 cells also enhanced uptake of trypan blue dye during 6 h of treatment, while dye uptake in OP- and CuCl2-treated cells remained similar to controls. DNA breakage, measured by DNA alkaline elution, was produced during 1-h treatments with (OP)2Cu at drug/cell ratios similar to those producing growth inhibition. Copper uptake was similar for both (OP)2Cu and CuCl2. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy suggested that cellular ligands blind copper added as (OP)2Cu or CuCl2 and then undergo time-dependent reductions of Cu(II) to Cu(I) for both forms. Inhibition of (OP)2Cu-induced single-strand scission and trypan blue uptake by scavengers of activated oxygen is consistent with participation of superoxide and H2O2 in both processes. In contrast, superoxide dimutase (SOD) did not reduce the magnitude of the fraction of cellular DNA appearing in lysis fractions prior to alkaline elution of (OP)2Cu-treated cells. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) inhibited uptake of trypan blue dye did not inhibit DNA strand scission produced by (OP)2Cu. Thus, multiple mechanisms for generation of oxidative damage occur in (OP)2Cu-treated cells. Growth inhibition produced by OP or (OP)2Cu, as well as the low levels of strand scission produced by OP, was not reversed by scavengers.
Value of free-run electromyographic monitoring of lower cranial nerves in endoscopic endonasal approach to skull base surgeries.

Objective The main objective of this study was to evaluate the value of free-run electromyography (f-EMG) monitoring of cranial nerves (CNs) VII, IX, X, XI, and XII in skull base surgeries performed using endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to reduce iatrogenic CN deficits. Design We retrospectively identified 73 patients out of 990 patients who had EEA in our institution who had at least one CN monitored. In each CN group, we classified patients who had significant (SG) f-EMG activity as group I and those who did not as group II. Results We monitored a total of 342 CNs. A total of 62 nerves had SG f-EMG activity including CN VII = 18, CN IX = 16, CN X = 13, CN XI = 5, and CN XII = 10. No nerve deficit was found in the nerves that had significant activity during procedure. A total of five nerve deficits including (CN IX = 1, CN X = 2, CN XII = 2) were observed in the group that did not display SG f-EMG activity during surgery. Conclusions f-EMG seems highly sensitive to surgical manipulations and in locating CNs. It seems to have limited value in predicting postoperative neurological deficits. Future studies to evaluate the EMG of lower CNs during EEA procedures need to be done with both f-EMG and triggered EMG.
Inflation and the Engineer

Reprint from Summer 1980 quarterly.UCLA Director, Continuing Education in Engineering and Mathematics, UCLA Extension. It is always gratifying to hear someone from outside the engineering profession make a statement that suggests engineers should have the answers to the major problems of our day. Surely the list of such problems in the United States today is headed by inflation.Discusses how engineers can work to solve the problems of inflation.
Activation of murine oocytes with Ca2+ ionophore and cycloheximide

A Ca2+ ionophore (A23187, 3 microM) and inhibitor of protein synthesis (cycloheximide, 10 micrograms/ml) were used sequentially as a unique method for activating mouse oocytes in vitro. Brief exposure of oocytes to A23187 followed by 6 hr in cycloheximide resulted in a higher activation rate (93.8%) compared to A23187 or cycloheximide alone (37.7% and 36.5%, respectively) or the two reagents in reverse order (29.8%). The parthenogenones consistently contained a single pronucleus and second polar body, and showed a high degree of developmental potential, as assessed by transfer to recipient females or addition of a male pronucleus followed by transfer to recipients. This method is a useful way of obtaining large numbers of activated haploid mammalian oocytes for further developmental studies.
The Role of Superoxide and Hydrogen Peroxide in Group B Streptococcus-induced Pulmonary Hypertension in the Lamb 1622

The Role of Superoxide and Hydrogen Peroxide in Group B Streptococcus-induced Pulmonary Hypertension in the Lamb 1622
Three-dimensional computer model of the heart: fibrillation induces by extrasimulation

We present a three-dimensional (3D) computer model that simulates electrical activity in the heart during fibrillation. A real dog heart is discretized to form 1473 interconnected cubic elements. The model exhibits normal activation and recovery from pacing. Five or more extrastimuli induce a self-sustaining tachyarrhythmia that soon degenerates into a fibrillatory rhythm. The extrastimuli increase the excitability of the myocardial cell population. The result is a rapid re-excitation of cells that allows for only a partial recovery of cell action potential. This suggests that a dispersion of refractory states of the cell population is the cause of fibrillation in this computer model.
Relation between polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle with respect to different weights

Abstract Formulas of Christoffel and Uvarov for changing the weight of real orthogonal polynomials by polynomial multiplication and division are extended to polynomials Orthogonal On the unit Circle.
1535 A CONTROLLED TRIAL OF GRANULOCYTE TRANSFUSIONS IN NEUTROPENIC NEONATES

To determine if granulocyte transfusions(Grtx) improve survival of neutropenic infants, we prospectively randomized 25 critically ill infants to +Grtx and -Grtx groups, matching for BW 1500gm(n=6) or necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC) (n=11). All infants had 2 absolute neutrophil counts(ANC) 1500, yet only 5 infants with NEC needed >1 Grtx. Blood CSF or peritoneal cultures were positive in 17/25 infants. 6/9 +Grtx and 9/12 -Grtx infants with a peripheral immature: total(I:T) granulocyte ratio ≥.8 survived. 1 +Grtx and 4 -Grtx infants with bone marrow NSP depletion ≤7% survived. 2 infants had a decreased PaO2 after a 3rd Grtx without X-ray changes. Neither an I:T ≥.8 nor an NSP ≤7% predicted survival. Also, Grtx did not improve the survival of the total 25 infants or the 17 infants with positive cultures. 4/9 deaths related to neurologic compromise, while 4/16 survivors have permanent neurologic deficits. In addition, of the 6 +Grtx infants with NEC, 2/5 perforations occurred after transfusion, while 4 infants developed strictures and 5, short gut syndrome. We conclude: l)neither an I:T ≥0.8 nor an NSP ≤7% predict mortality, and 2)Grtx do not improve survival. Repeated Grtx may increase the risk of respiratory compromise.
Human Security Issues of Somali Refugees and the Host Community in Northeastern Kenya

Conflict, combined with frequent droughts, has worsened the economic and social conditions of Somalis and forced them to migrate to neighboring countries, mainly Kenya. Most of the refugees are housed in Dadaab refugee camp in Garissa county. The camp is home to almost half a million refugees, which is considerably more than the planned capacity of the camp. This is a research study of Somali refugees’ and the host community's human security issues and how to build the capacities of both the refugees and the community in new skills for alternative livelihood creation and conflict prevention. The purpose is to empower both the refugees and the host community in a fragile social environment.
Turbo codes based image transmission for channels with random errors

In this paper, we propose a joint source-channel coding scheme for progressive image transmission over binary symmetric channels(BSCs). The algorithm of set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) is used for source coding. Rate-compatible punctured Turbo codes (RCPT) concatenated with multiple cyclic redundancy check (CRC) codes are adopted for channel protection. For a fixed transmission rate, the source and channel code rates are jointly optimized to maximize the expected image quality at the receiver. Two technical components which are different from existing methods are presented. First, a long data packet is divided into multiple CRC blocks before being coded by turbo codes. This is to secure a high coding gain of Turbo codes which is proportional to the interleaver size. In the mean time, the beginning blocks in a packet may still be useable although the decoding of the entire packet fails. Second, instead of using exhaustive search, we give a genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization method to find the appropriate channel code rates with low complexity. The effectiveness of the scheme is demonstrated through simulations.
Removal of copper on composite sewage sludge/industrial sludge-based adsorbents: the role of surface chemistry.

Abstract Sewage sludge and industrial waste oil sludge were pyrolyzed in an inert atmosphere at 650 or 950 °C, either as single components or as 50:50 mixtures. Composite materials were used as adsorbents of copper ions from aqueous solution. The capacity for copper removal was comparable to that of commercial activated carbon. To relate the performance of materials to their properties, the surface features were characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, thermal analysis, XRF, potentiometric titration, and elemental analysis. The results indicated that a high copper removal capacity could be linked to basic surface pH and specific compounds present on the surface. The high removal ability of materials obtained at 650 °C is attributed to cation exchange reactions between calcium and magnesium in aluminosilicates, formed on their surface during heat treatment, and copper. On the other hand, the high degree of mineralization of the surface of the materials obtained at 950 °C promotes copper complexation and its surface precipitation as hydroxides or hydroxylcarbonate entities.
Synthesis of syntactic steel foam using gravity-fed infiltration

Abstract In this study, we report a procedure for producing syntactic steel foams by melt infiltration of millimeter-sized ceramic microspheres. The gravity-fed infiltration method yields steel foam with uniform distributions of microspheres and negligible unintended porosity. The critical parameters in the manufacturing process are the melt temperature and the preheat temperature of the microspheres prior to infiltration. Syntactic foams with relative density of 0.46 were produced using monosized microspheres (4.45 mm) randomly situated in a mold. Six steel compositions were selected to produce steel foams of different inherent yield strength: five ferritic–pearlitic steels and one TRIP steel (transformation-induced plasticity). The resultant foams were characterized by chemical and microstructural analysis. The microstructure of the samples consisted of blends of ferritic and pearlitic constituents in varying proportions for the ferritic–pearlitic steels, while the cast TRIP steel matrix presented an austenitic microstructure. Simple compression behavior of the steel syntactic foams was studied, and the TRIP steel syntactic foam exhibited the highest compression strength and energy absorption capacity. Syntactic steel foams were also produced with different relative densities (0.60, 0.68 and 0.75). The steel syntactic foam with relative density of 0.60 exhibited the maximum energy absorption. Problems and challenges for achieving steel foams with lower relative densities and for scaling up the synthesis process are contemplated.
Review: The Role of Parathyroid Ultrasonography in the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

ABSTRACT High-resolution, real-time sonography can be used to assess the size and location of the parathyroid glands. The authors review the types of information provided by sonography and outline the ways in which it contributes to the management of primary hyperparathyroidism. Sonography usually can differentiate parathyroid adenoma from hyperplasia. In milder cases, with less parathyroid enlargement, this differentiation is difficult but can be facilitated by determining three dimensions for each gland. Preoperative knowledge of the presumptive location of an adenoma is most useful when the strategy of unilateral neck exploration is to be used because it will allow the exploration always to begin on the correct side. Sonographic evidence of hyperplasia should trigger a preoperative search for multiple endocrine neoplasia and will alert the surgeon that a bilateral neck exploration and thymectomy will be needed. A more universal benefit is the ability to predict or exclude intrathyroidal and subcapsular parathyroid tumors, thus guiding the decision for thyroid versus thymic exploration in the event of a missing abnormal gland. Sonography often fails to visualize parathyroid tumors in an ectopic position away from the thyroid bed. Such tumors, however, may be anticipated when the sonogram shows only three enlarged glands in cases of hyperplasia, or only three glancts' of normal size in a patient with strong biochemical evidence of hyperparathyroidism. Because it is noninvasive and inexpensive and can provide a wealth of information, the authors have adopted sonography as a routine preoperative procedure for primary hyperparathyroidism.