cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systolic and diastolic flow abnormalities in elderly patients with hypertensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Seventeen patients with clinical and echocardiographic features of hypertensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of the elderly were studied to more completely characterize left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in this group. Measurements of left ventricular structure and systolic and diastolic function were made in the study patients and compared with those of age-matched control subjects. The study group had significantly greater left ventricular mass, wall thickness, shortening fraction and relative wall thickness than did the control subjects. Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was smaller and left atrial size was not different in study patients compared with control subjects. Left ventricular filling was characterized by an increased peak atrial velocity and reduced ratio of peak early to peak atrial velocity in the study group. Left ventricular outflow velocities were elevated in 14 of the 17 study patients with peak velocities ranging from 1.2 to 5.0 m/s corresponding to a peak intraventricular gradient of 16 to 100 mm Hg. The velocity waveforms in these patients were late-peaking, similar to those described in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The elevated velocities were localized to the left ventricular outflow tract. These findings imply a pathophysiologic state in these elderly patients with long-standing hypertension, very similar to that in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, and provide further support for the use of pharmacologic agents with negative inotropic properties or positive lusitropic properties in this group.
Convergence spaces and diagonal conditions

Abstract Certain diagonal axioms due to Kowalsky, Cook and Fischer are studied and compared.
A neutral hydrogen study of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3319

Neutral hydrogen line observations of the late-type barred spiral galaxy NGC 3319 are presented. The distribution and kinematics of the galaxy are studied using the Very Large Array, with spatial resolutions between 11 and 50 arcsec, and a channel separation of 10.33 km s−1. As is typical for late-type galaxies, NGC 3319 is rich in H i, with a gaseous bar and spiral features. Several large, low-density regions are present, and the H i spiral structure is distorted, especially in the south. The gas distribution is asymmetric and extends significantly further to the south-east due to a long, off-centre tail. Non-circular motions caused by the bar, spiral structure and low-density regions are present in the radial velocity field, complicating the rotation curve analysis. These non-axisymmetric structures cause the values of the position angle and inclination derived from the velocity field to vary across the disc. In addition, beyond a radius of 180 arcsec, the velocity field is severely perturbed on the approaching (southern) side of the galaxy, and the disc becomes non-planar. However, the galaxy does not show the typical ‘integral sign’ shape of a warped system. We detect a small system approximately 11 arcmin (40 kpc) south of the centre of NGC 3319. It is seen in eight velocity channels and is coincident with a small, resolved object in the Palomar Sky Survey. A tidal interaction between this object and NGC 3319 is the most likely cause of the distorted spiral structure, the H i tail, and the velocity perturbations found in the southern half of the galaxy. Infalling tidal debris from such an event may account for the large, low-density regions found in the disc, several of which show kinematic evidence that suggest they are expanding superstructures. We are unable to determine the corotation radius from the H i velocity field using kinematic methods, but a break in the slope of the abundance gradient places it near the end of the bar. Star formation zones, as determined from an Hα image of the galaxy, are aligned with H i peaks and, except in the outermost optical disc, occur when the local H i density is in excess of 1.5×1021 cm−2.
Determination of rate of formation and nucleation time of calcium oxalate in various systems

Abstract In the investigation of the role of vitamin B 6 deficiency in the formation of calcium oxalate stones in stone-forming patients, a modified Fisher Nefluorophotometer was utilized to measure rates of appearance of precipitates and the nucleation time in their units. Preliminary work in pure aqueous systems with added urinary constituents showed that several ions diminish the rate of formation of calcium oxalate, and these results were found to hold in normal urine systems. Citrate was, however, considerably more effective in slowing the rate in urine than in water. Accelerated rates of formation of calcium oxalate by abnormal urines are found quite uniformly. Nucleation times are somewhat shortened by magnesium as well as citrate ions. Oxalate concentration seems to be, however, dominant over the other two. There does not seem to be any significant shortening of nucleation time in abnormal urines.
Enzyme Detoxication of 3',4'-Dichloropropionanilide in Rice and Barnyard Grass, a Factor in Herbicide Selectivity

THE herbicide, 3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide (DCPA, also known as ‘Propanil’, ‘STAM-F34’ and ‘DPA’), inhibits photosynthesis1 and has the remarkable property of selectively destroying barnyard grass (Echinocloa crusgalli) in fields of rice (Oryza sativa L.)2.
Enthusiasts, Deregulators, Guardians, and Skeptics: Contrasting Policy Viewpoints on the National Information Infrastructure.

Abstract Passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and events leading up to it, brought to public attention a proposed National Information Infrastructure (NII) that would connect homes, businesses, universities, schools, and government offices. The policy discourse surrounding the Act reveals a variety of perspectives among stakeholders, including the Clinton administration, federal agencies, Congress, telephone companies, the computer industry, broadcast and cable TV companies, educators, and other interest groups. While there are many reports and commentaries on the NII, few authors have tried to characterize the political viewpoints behind the public discourse. This article reviews more than 80 NII-related documents, published from 1988 through 1997, and classifies their views and authors according to a two-dimensional typology by policy analyst William Dutton. Comparisons are made between those advocating Public versus Market leadership in NII development, and between Promotional and Restrictive statements regarding NII policy.
Engineering codes for the analysis of structural integrity

Abstract The development of engineering computer codes for predicting the remaining life and reliability of structural components spans a period of almost 20 years and a wide range of civil and mechanical structures. The availability of high-speed personal computers and technical advances in each of the elements of structural integrity analysis—stress analysis, fracture mechanics, nondestructive evaluation, and material property modeling—now allow low-cost applications of this integrated technology by nonspecialists. The introduction of probabilistic analysis methods extends the capabilities of engineering codes to quantitative assessment of risk and, when combined with cost factors, to many aspects of decision analysis such as run/replace maintenance optimization. With the exception of civil engineering applications, the use of structural integrity codes to date has been confined to a relatively small number of industries, primarily fossil and nuclear power generation, and has been virtually absent in others. Review of the individual histories of such codes is instructive in determining their potential utility in solving many common problems faced in the management of ageing infrastructure. Both institutional and technical barriers are identified, and objectives for improving the cost effectiveness and utility of these codes are suggested.
Relationship of esophageal anastomotic tension to the development of gastroesophageal reflux

Abstract Background/Purpose: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common occurrence after repair of congenital esophageal atresia and is believed to be more frequent when the esophageal anastomosis is performed under tension. This study documents that esophageal anastomotic tension correlates directly with the severity of acid reflux into the esophagus in the rabbit model. Methods: Eight adult rabbits underwent complete esophageal transection with immediate reanastomosis (EA) and 12 underwent resection of a 1-cm segment of the midesophagus with reanastomosis under mild tension (EAT). Three-weeks postoperation continuous lower esophageal pH (LEpH) values were recorded for a 24-hour period for each rabbit, and compared with five normal unoperated rabbits. Results: The normal rabbit's average LEpH is 7.7. EA rabbits had LEpH values below 5.0 for a mean of 56 min/24 hr (3.8% of monitored time). EAT rabbits had LEpH values below 5.0 for a mean of 328 min/24 hr (25.5% of monitored time; P Conclusions: Esophageal anastomosis with mild tension in the rabbit causes severe GER with resultant anastomotic strictures in almost all rabbits, in contrast to rabbits undergoing esophageal anastomosis without tension in whom strictures did not develop and had only small reduction in esophageal pH values.
Ultrasound-guided fallopian tube cannulation using Albunex.

Abstract Objective: To test the role of transcervical fallopian tube catheterization under ultrasound (US) guidance using an ultrasound contrast agent. Design: Catheterization was performed under US guidance in a patient with bilateral proximal tubal obstruction. Setting: This study is a case report. Patient(s): Proximal tubal obstruction had been diagnosed on previous roentgenogram hysterosalpingography. Intervention(s): Salpingography and tubal cannulation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Tubal patency was assessed using Albunex (Mallinckrodt Medical, St. Louis, MO) enhanced US. Result(s): Transvaginal catheterization was successful in achieving tubal patency. Conclusion(s): This catheterization technique should be investigated for possible use in the treatment of proximally obstructed tubes.
Indices of psychological well-being and sex role orientation among working women.

In this preliminary study, sex role orientation, role conflict, depression, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction were measured in working women. The convenience sample consisted of 106 working women, mostly white, ranging in age from 22 to 62 years. Analyses of the data revealed that participants who were undifferentiated in sex role orientation had significantly higher depression scores, lower self‐esteem scores, and lower life satisfaction scores than the androgynous and cross‐typed groups. There were no significant differences among the sex role orientation types on role conflict scores. Intriguing comparisons among depression, self‐esteem, life satisfaction, and sex role orientation were found. Further research is needed to understand the role of gender in psychological problems, the symptoms associated with them, and how women respond to them.
Evaluation and treatment of biliary leaks after gastrointestinal surgery.

Introduction Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy more than two decades ago, the incidence of bile duct injury has remained greater than that established during the era of open cholecystectomy.
Wake Vorticity Measurements for Low Aspect Ratio Wings at Low Reynolds Number

Trailing vortex structure of low aspect ratio wings was studied in a water tunnel at Reynolds numbers of 8000 and 24,000 using dye injection and digital particle image velocimetry in cross-flow planes in the near wake, for rectangular, semi-elliptical, and delta-wing planforms. The velocity data were used to calculate lift via circulation and effective span, and the results were compared with force balance measurements and classical inviscid theory. The objectives of the study were to assess how low-Reynolds number effects might affect the measurement of lift coefficient from tip-vortex circulation, how well the measurements fit the various theoretical models of lift curve slope for low aspect ratio wings, and the extent to which planform shape affects lift coefficient while aspect ratio and planform area are kept constant. All models were thin flat plates with square edges
On the Nature of the Peculiar Hot Star in the Young LMC Cluster NGC1818

The blue star reported in the field of the young LMC cluster NGC1818 by Elson et al. (1998) has the wrong luminosity and radius to be a "luminous white dwarf" member of the cluster. In addition, unless the effective temperature quoted by the authors is a drastic underestimate, the luminosity is much too low for it to be a cluster member in the post-AGB phase. Other possibilities, including that of binary evolution, are briefly discussed. However, the implication that the massive main sequence turnoff stars in this cluster can produce white dwarfs (instead of neutron stars) from single-star evolution needs to be reconsidered.
Observation and objectivity

One of the central problems for contemporary philosophy of science is how to reconcile the roles of observation and theory in scientific endeavour. This book develops an explanation that occupies a position between the empiricists and the rationalists, while retaining the strengths of both arguments. Students of the philosophy of science.
THROMBOXANE B 2 LEVELS IN NEONATES WITH PERSISTENT FETAL CIRCULATION

Plasma levels of Thromboxane B2 (TxB2) were determined by radioimmunoassay in seven infants with persistent fetal circulation (PFC) of various etiologies. The levels were found to be quite elevated as compared with those of seven neonates with other cardiorespiratory problems, but without PFC: All of the infants with PFC, except one, had TxB2 levels >300pg/ml, while all of the controls had levels of 2,000 pg/ml subsequently expired. TxB2 is a potent vasoconstrictor which is noted to be elevated in some infants with PFC, with and without sepsis. This increased vasoconstrictor tone may play a role in the pathophysiology of PFC, and may have prognostic implications.
Living with Childhood Cancer: Healthy Siblings' Perspective

Advances in the specialty of pediatric oncology have significantly improved the prognosis of children with cancer. Since their disease is no longer imminently fatal, their families must face the challenge of coping with a life altered by cancer, its sophisticated treatment regimen, and the accompanying uncertainties the disease brings. Most of the literature focuses on the impact of the illness on the sick child and the parents, rarely mentioning its effects on the healthy siblings. However, the well brothers and sisters are in a unique position, often being the primary target of family disequilibrium. Therefore, this article takes a developmental approach in describing the siblings' perspective, identifying their characteristic responses and special needs. Specific recommendations aimed at promoting the well siblings' adjustment are offered; health care professionals can play an important role in helping parents better understand the types of feelings, behaviors, and stresses experienced by the healthy s...
The ultrastructure of the cyst wall of a murine Sarcocystis.

Electron microscope studies of the cyst wall of a murine Sarcocystis-like organism of Mus musculus indicate that the sarcocyst wall is a degenerate muscle cell. The degenerate muscle cell contains nuclei, mitochondria, ribosomes, and myofibrils in disarray with the Z-bands thickened. Surrounding the outside of the muscle cell there is a layer of fibrous material, and occasional fibroblasts are seen. The parasites are found within a parasitophorous vacuole in the muscle cell. There are short finger-like projections extending into the vacuole from the muscle cell. The ground substance of the vacuole is fairly homogeneous, but somewhat more electron dense between the finger-like projections.
A simple model for cost considerations in a batch multiprocessor environment

This paper describes a simple model which provides a procedure for estimating the effect of additional hardware on run time. The additional hardware may be additional processors, more powerful processors, an increase in memory size or additional memory modules. Run time is related to cost effectiveness. A measure of memory interference in the form of effective processing power is determined for multiprocessors and used in the formulation of run time. The overall procedure allows the user to compare different multiprocessor hardware configurations on a cost effective basis.
An in vitro technique to detect dominant lethal mutations induced in mouse oocytes by ethyl methanesulphonate exposure in vivo

Abstract Administration of chemical mutagens to the female rodent can induce dominant lethal mutations in oocytes and affect embryo development after fertilization. Traditional in vivo dominant lethal assays cannot separate specific genotoxic effects on the embryo from generalized cytotoxic effects. We have used embryo culture, after in vivo exposure of oocytes, to separate the genotoxic effects of a chemical on oocytes from effects due to maternal toxicity. Pre- and post-implantation development in culture was monitored in embryos recovered at the two-cell stage from females dosed ip, 30–32 hr before ovulation, with 125 or 250 mg/kg ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS)/kg body weight. In vitro zygote development progressed from two-cell to trophectoderm outgrowth and inner cell mass formation. All stages of development were affected by the EMS treatment. The morula stage showed a dose-related decrease in development; blastula formation and inner-cell mass formation were also significantly decreased. This study indicates that an in vitro dominant lethal test can be useful in evaluating damage to metaphase-1 oocytes. The in vitro test can be used to study the effects of chemicals on all stages of zygote development thereby separating induced genotoxic effects from the possible effects of maternal toxicity on zygote development.
Reversal of natural killing susceptibility in target cells expressing transfected class I HLA genes

A number of studies have suggested that resistance of target cells to natural killing (NK) may be correlated with their level of expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens. To examine this hypothesis directly, a NK-sensitive class I-deficient human B-cell line was transfected with MHC class I genes. The expression of transfected HLA, but not H-2, class I gene products resulted in loss of susceptibility to human NK-mediated conjugation and cytolysis. Furthermore, this protection did not extend to cytotoxicity mediated by interleukin 2-stimulated human NK effector cells.
Cyclocarbonylation of unsaturated tosylates as a method of cyclanone synthesis

Abstract A study has been made to determine the scope of the cyclocarbonylation reaction of olefinic tosylates with Na2Fe(CO)4.
Impact of Clinically Identifiable Intrapartum Sentinel Events on Short Term Outcome After Therapeutic Hypothermia in Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Objective: To determine the impact of intrapartum sentinel events on short term outcome following therapeutic hypothermia. Methods: Medical records of 77 infants ≥ 36 weeks' gestation, who received hypothermia were reviewed. Some of these infants were delivered after a clinically identifiable intrapartum sentinel event (IISE). All surviving infants had brain MRI at 7 to 10 days of life. The primary outcome of neonatal death related to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) with worsening multiorgan dysfunction despite maximal treatment was compared between infants born after an IISE (n= 39) and infants who did not (non-IISE, n= 38). The pattern of MRI abnormalities consistent with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury was also compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which of the variables predicts the primary outcome. Results: The two groups had similar Apgar scores, initial blood pH, and early neurologic examination. Base deficit was more severe in the IISE group. Neonatal death and global injury on brain MRI with basal nuclei, cortical, and subcortical white matter lesions extending beyond the watershed areas in infants surviving beyond the neonatal period were also more frequent in infants from this group (IISE 23% versus non-IISE 2.6%, p=0.014, OR 11.1, 95% CI 1.3-92.6 and IISE 33% versus non-IISE 11%, p=0.034, OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-14.9 respectively). Multivariate analysis identified IISE (p=0.023, OR 12.2, 95% CI 1.4-105.8) to be independently associated with neonatal death. Conclusions: An IISE is associated with an increase in neonatal death and more severe injury on brain MRI, even after hypothermia.
Parallel LU Factorization on GPU cluster

Abstract This paper describes our progressindeveloping softwarefor performing parallelLUfactorizationofalarge dense matrix on a GPU cluster. Three approaches, with increasing software complexity, are considered: (i) a naive “thunking” approach that links the existing parallel ScaLAPACK software library with cuBLAS through a software emulation layer; (ii) a more intrusive magmaBLAS implementation integrated into the LU solver in the High-Performance Linpack software; and (iii) a left-looking out-of-core algorithm for solving problems that are larger than the available memory on GPUdevices. Comparisonof the performancegainsversus the current ScaLAPACK PZGETRF are provided.
Inhibition of cardiac PGC-1α expression abolishes ERβ agonist-mediated cardioprotection following trauma-hemorrhage

PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPARγ] coactivator-1α) activates PPARα and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), which regulate proteins, fatty acid and ATP metabolism (i...
A MEIS study of thermal effects on the Ni(111) surface

Abstract Medium energy ion scattering has been used to examine the interlayer spacings and surface vibrations at the Ni(111) surface at 300–1100 K. We find that the surface layers, which are known to have a bulk terminated structure at 300 K, do not exhibit a significant (> 2%) interlayer relaxation (with respect to the bulk) in the temperature range in question. Monte Carlo simulations of the angular spectra show that the amplitudes of surface vibrations are larger than the bulk values by ∼ 30–40%. No anomalies in the vibrations and interlayer spacing near the Curie point have been observed. On the other hand, carbon dissolution into the bulk was seen near T c for slightly contaminated surfaces.
Metabolic and histopathologic changes in arteriosclerotic versus nonarteriosclerotic rats following isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction with superimposed diabetes.

Abstract Male and female, arteriosclerotic and nonarteriosclerotic rats were subjected to acute myocardial infarction by two, subcutaneous injections (spaced 24 hr apart) of isoproterenol. During the immediate postinfarct repair phase all of the experimental animals were made severely diabetic with alloxan. Two weeks later the animals were sacrificed and their blood and pertinent organs analyzed for biochemical and pathologic changes. Females survived the myocardial infarct with superimposed diabetes in significantly greater numbers than males. In addition to marked loss in body weight all of the experimental animals developed marked adrenal hypertrophy and thymus gland involution, cardiac hypertrophy, and unusual increase in ovarian or testicular size and weight. The combined conditions of mhocardial infarction + diabetes led to substantial increases in serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) whereas the enzymes glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were reduced. Although serum triglyceride levels were greatly elevated, total cholesterol and free fatty acids were reduced. All of the animals were severely hyperglycemic and had greatly increased B.U.N. levels. Diabetes caused hypercalcemia but diabetes + myocardial infarction was associated with a definite reduction of this hypercalcemia. Despite marked adrenal hypertrophy, circulating Cmpd. B levels were subnormal. The diabetic condition and its attendant hyperlipidemia did not alter the morphologic nature of the arterial lesions in the breeder rats but the diabetes did cause definite impairment of the usual myocardial repair process observed in these rats with a particularly high incidence of left ventricular aneurysms in males.
Corrected age of the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary

Calcareous plankton datum-events are referred to the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary at Le Castella, the stratotype Calabrian at Santa Maria di Catanzaro, and to deep-sea sediments in six piston cores. The boundary is correlated by multiple overlapping criteria to a level equivalent to, or slightly younger than, the top of the Olduvai Event, giving a revised estimate of about 1.6 Myr for the age of the boundary. The Pliocene I Pleistocene boundary is thus coeval with the earliest of four major climatic deteriorations in the Pleistocene, reconciling palaeoclimatic concepts with the chrono-stratigtaphical definition of the epoch.
Write-separation loss and phase functions in AC-bias recording

The wavelength dependences of loss and phase, as functions of write-head-to-medium separation, are calculated for an AC-biased recording model which assumes a longitudinal magnetization that increases linearly with depth. For a penetration distance y m and a write separation b , the read-voltage loss is \lgroup(1 + kb) - (1 + ky_{m}) e^{-k(y_{m}-b)}\rgroup /ky_{m} , as compared with the usual thickness loss 1 - e^{-k(y_{m}-b)} . The phase function is found by calculating the mean longitudinal position at which recording occurs vs. depth, weighted by the exponential read-distance loss. The resulting integrals cannot be solved in closed form, but series approximations allow numerical evaluation. Calculated loss and phase curves are shown for various relative separations.
Testicular microlithiasis: what does it mean clinically?

OBJECTIVE To review our current practice of follow-up for boys with testicular microlithiasis (TM), an uncommon condition characterized by calcification within the seminiferous tubules, detected by ultrasonography (US); TM has been associated with both benign and malignant conditions of the testes but the natural history of TM in children remains unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS All boys diagnosed with TM over a 14-year period were included in this study. A search of the radiology database was carried out using the keywords ‘testicular microlithiasis’ and ‘testicular calcification’. A retrospective case-note review was then used to determine age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, indication for testicular US, outcome and follow-up. We also searched Medline/PubMed, using the same keywords for published data on TM from 1970 to 2006. RESULTS Over the study period 711 testicular scans were taken in 623 patients; seven cases (1.1%) of TM were identified. The mean (range) age at presentation was 12 (7–15) years. The presenting symptoms were testicular pain (three), undescended testes (two), hydrocele (one) and asymptomatic scrotal swelling (one). In five cases the TM was bilateral and in two a solitary kidney was identified. Only one patient had tumour markers measured (β-human chorionic gonadotrophin and α-fetoprotein) and these were within normal limits. On yearly US follow-up, the TM was less prominent in one patient, unchanged in four and two were lost to follow-up. Three patients are currently on yearly US follow-up while two are under the care of adult general surgeons. The analysis of reports published to date indicated that malignancy only develops when TM is associated with other predisposing factors. CONCLUSION There is no convincing evidence that TM alone is premalignant. However, when it accompanies other potentially premalignant features we recommend annual US follow-up.
Fair bandwidth sharing under flow arrivals/departures: effect of retransmissions on stability and performance

A flow-level Markov model for fair bandwidth sharing with packet retransmissions and random flow arrivals/departures is proposed. The model accounts for retransmissions by assuming that file transfer rates are determined by the end-to-end goodputs rather than the corresponding throughputs as in the conventional model. The model predicts the network instability even under light exogenous load. Despite instability, a desirable metastable network state with finite number of flows in progress may exist. The network can be stabilized in a close neighborhood of the metastable state with admission control at the cost of small flow rejection probability.
Clopidogrel and the Concept of High-Risk Pharmacokinetics

Four large trials, reported in the last several weeks, have identified loss-of-function alleles in the gene encoding cytochrome P450 2C19 ( CYP2C19 ) as important risk factors predicting apparent failure of clopidogrel efficacy.1–4 Previous studies have shown that clopidogrel is a prodrug that requires bioactivation,5 mediated in part by CYP2C19 , to achieve its antiplatelet efficacy.6 All 4 trials built on this knowledge and studied the effects of CYP2C19 variants on coronary events (including death, myocardial infarction, and in-stent thrombosis) in patients receiving clopidogrel. Hazard ratios for a single CYP2C19 variant allele ranged from 1.5 to 4, depending on the end point and the specific population. We describe here how this apparently surprising outcome could be anticipated from first principles in clinical pharmacology. We then discuss how considering this result within the context of a contemporary understanding of clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics raises new hypotheses that require further testing. In an era of increasing attention on multiple genetic variants as mediators of variability in drug action (pharmacogenomics), it is a bit of a surprise to see such a spectacular effect of a single set of variants on clinically important outcomes for a very widely used drug. However, the new findings with clopidogrel are entirely consistent with a set of clinical pharmacokinetic findings that now extend back decades and define the concept of high-risk pharmacokinetics ,7,8 a risk of serious drug toxicity when drug concentrations depend on variable activity of a single metabolic pathway. The processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion rely on specific proteins that metabolize drugs and move them into and out of cells. Although the activities of these processes vary among individuals, we now understand that genetic variation can result in near-complete absence of enzymatic activity in some individuals. It follows that drugs with a …
Outcomes of patients with unresected stage III and stage IV non-small cell lung cancer: A single institution experience

Introduction: To report on the demographic profile and survival outcomes of North Indian population affected with stage III and stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: From November 2008 to January 2012, 138 consecutively diagnosed NSCLC patients were included in this study. The patient, tumor and treatment related factors were analyzed. Median overall survival (OS), Kaplan-Meier survival plots, t-test, Cox proportional hazards models were generated by multivariate analysis [MVA]) and analyzed on SPSS software (version 19.0; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: Median OS of stage III patients was 9.26 ± 1.85 months and 2-year survival rate of 13% while stage IV patients had median OS of 5 ± 1.5 months with a 2-year survival rate of 8%. Cox regression modeling for MVA demonstrated higher biologically equivalent dose (BED) ( P = 0.01) in stage III while in stage IV non-squamous histology ( P = 0.01), administration of chemotherapy ( P = 0.02), partial responders to chemotherapy ( P = 0.001), higher BED ( P = 0.02), and those with skeletal metastasis alone ( P = 0.17) showed a better OS. Conclusion: Our data showed that a higher BED is associated with favorable outcomes, indicating a role of dose escalated radiation therapy to the primary lesion in both stage III and essentially in stage IV NSCLC. Additionally, optimal use of chemotherapy relates to better survival. The developing, resource restrained nations need to follow an economically feasible multimodality approach.
Computability of series representations for Green's functions in a rectangle

Abstract Different series forms of Green's functions are analyzed for various boundary value problems stated for Laplace and Klein–Gordon equation in a rectangular region. The classical double-series representation for the Dirichlet problem for Laplace equation is converted into a single-series form, and a computational experiment is conducted to compare practical convergence of the two forms. By a partial summation of the single-series representation, the singular component of the Green's function is expressed in analytic form radically accelerating convergence of the remaining series for the regular component. Readily computable series forms are obtained for Green's functions of some mixed boundary value problems.
Leakage behavior of inflatable seals subject to severe accident conditions

Abstract The paper describes tests to determine the leakage behavior of inflatable seals when subjected to containment pressures that exceed the design basis. 2 Inflatable seals are used to prevent leakage around personnel and escape lock doors in about 10% of the commercial nuclear power plant containment structures in the United States. All of the installations are in either Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) or Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) Mark-Ill type containments. This work is a part of an overall effort at Sandia National Laboratories to develop proven techniques for evaluating the performance of Light Water Reactor (LWR) containment buildings for beyond design basis loadings. Inflatable seals were tested at both room temperature and at elevated temperatures representative of postulated severe accident conditions. Parameters that were monitored and recorded during each test were the internal seal pressure and temperature, chamber (containment) pressure, leakage past the seals, and temperature of the test chamber and fixture to which the seals were attached. An empirically based, analytical method is presented to predict the containment pressure at which significant leakage past inflatable seals can be expected.
A model of ocean current flow and drifter motion

Abstract A minor generalization of the theory of random walk is used as a basis for a model of ocean current flow. The model is then applied in a computer simulation of drifter motion. The results of simulation indicate that the geometry of a coastline can have significant impact on the distribution of drifter landings.
Phase II trial of topotecan in malignant melanoma.

Topotecan (S-9-dimethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin hydrochloride SKF 104864-A) is a semisynthetic analog of the alkaloid camptothecin and, similar to the parent compound, a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase I. The cytotoxicity induced by topotecan appears due to interference with the normal breakage reunion reaction of topoisomerase I leading to DNA damage and cell death. Since preclinical studies of topotecan suggested antitumor activity against refractory solid tumors, a phase II trial of the drug was initiated in melanoma patients with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Topotecan 1.5 mg/m2 was given as a daily 30-min infusion for 5 days and repeated every 21-28 days. Seventeen patients were entered into the treatment program with all evaluablefor toxicity but 1 patient, inevaluable for response. There were no objective responses. Toxicity was predominantly severe myelosuppression, which occurred in 12 of 17 (70%) patients. Topotecan in this dose and schedule is inactive in malignant melanoma.
Glucose Transporter 1 Expression is Enhanced During Corneal Epithelial Wound Repair

Corneal epithelial wound healing involves a number of metabolically demanding processes such as cell migration and proliferation. The energy for those processes is known to be provided by glycolysis. Thus, it was hypothesized that migrating epithelium would require high levels of glucose to provide a substrate for glycolysis. It is well established that glucose is transported into virtually all mammalian cells by the facilitated glucose transport protein, glucose transporter (GLUT). We sought to investigate the expression of one of the isoforms of glucose transporter, GLUT1, in corneal epithelium after epithelial debridement in the rat. Three-millimeter debridement wounds were made on central rat cornea and allowed to heal from 1 hr to 21 days. To quantitate changes in GLUT1 mRNA and protein levels, whole corneal epithelium was harvested and analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, northern blot, and western blot analysis. GLUT1 protein localization was also observed immunohistochemically. Expression of GLUT1 protein rapidly increased following wounding and was 2.4-fold higher than control at 4 hr post debridement. GLUT1 protein levels continued to increase even after epithelial wound closure (24 hr) and peaked at 2 days post debridement, 5.8-fold higher than control. The increase in GLUT1 protein levels coincided with enhanced GLUT1 mRNA levels (3.7-fold higher than control at 4 hr post debridement). Immunofluorescence microscopy showed increased binding of anti-GLUT1 concentrated in the membranes of the basal cells from limbus-to-limbus until 24 hr post wounding. After 24 hr. binding remained enhanced in the wound area, while binding to the limbal basal cells returned to the control level. In conclusion, the expression of GLUT1 mRNA and protein are rapidly enhanced after wounding. This may allow the increased transport of glucose, providing the metabolic energy necessary for cell migration and proliferation.
Dosimetric impact of motion in free-breathing and gated lung radiotherapy: a 4D Monte Carlo study of intrafraction and interfraction effects.

The purpose of this study was to investigate if interfraction and intrafraction motion in free-breathing and gated lung IMRT can lead to systematic dose differences between 3DCT and 4DCT. Dosimetric effects were studied considering the breathing pattern of three patients monitored during the course of their treatment and an in-house developed 4D Monte Carlo framework. Imaging data were taken in free-breathing and in cine mode for both 3D and 4D acquisition. Treatment planning for IMRT delivery was done based on the free-breathing data with the corvus (North American Scientific, Chatsworth, CA) planning system. The dose distributions as a function of phase in the breathing cycle were combined using deformable image registration. The study focused on (a) assessing the accuracy of the corvus pencil beam algorithm with Monte Carlo dose calculation in the lung, (b) evaluating the dosimetric effect of motion on the individual breathing phases of the respiratory cycle, and (c) assessing intrafraction and interfraction motion effects during free-breathing or gated radiotherapy. The comparison between (a) the planning system and the Monte Carlo system shows that the pencil beam algorithm underestimates the dose in low-density regions, such as lung tissue, and overestimates the dose in high-density regions, such as bone, by 5% or more of the prescribed dose (corresponding to approximately 3–5 Gy for the cases considered). For the patients studied this could have a significant impact on the dose volume histograms for the target structures depending on the margin added to the clinical target volume (CTV) to produce either the planning target (PTV) or internal target volume (ITV). The dose differences between (b) phases in the breathing cycle and the free-breathing case were shown to be negligible for all phases except for the inhale phase, where an underdosage of the tumor by as much as 9.3 Gy relative to the free-breathing was observed. The large difference was due to breathing-induced motion/deformation affecting the soft/lung tissue density and motion of the bone structures (such as the rib cage) in and out of the beam. Intrafraction and interfraction dosimetric differences between (c) free-breathing and gated delivery were found to be small. However, more significant dosimetric differences, of the order of 3%–5%, were observed between the dose calculations based on static CT (3DCT) and the ones based on time-resolved CT (4DCT). These differences are a consequence of the larger contribution of the inhale phase in the 3DCT data than in the 4DCT.
Cryptophane Xenon-129 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Biosensors Targeting Human Carbonic Anhydrase

129Xe NMR biosensors are promising agents for early disease detection, especially when their interactions with target biomolecules can perturb 129Xe chemical shifts well beyond the typical field inhomogeneity of clinical MRI. We introduce human carbonic anhydrase (CA) as a single-binding-site enzyme for studying xenon biosensor−protein interactions. A xenon-binding cryptophane was substituted with linkers of varying lengths to p-benzenesulfonamide to yield nondiastereomeric biosensors with a single 129Xe NMR resonance. X-ray crystallography confirmed binding of the eight-bond-linked biosensor containing a single xenon atom in the CAII active site. Biosensor dissociation constants (Kd = 20−110 nM) were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) for isozymes CA I and II. The biosensor−CA complexes yielded “bound” hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR resonances of narrow line width that were shifted by 3.0−7.5 ppm downfield, signifying much larger shifts than seen previously. Moreover, isozyme-specific chemica...
Multilingualism in Post-Soviet Countries: Language Revival, Language Removal, and Sociolinguistic Theory

In December of 2007, the Constitutional Court of Ukraine announced that starting in 2008 all foreign-language movies shown in the country will have to be translated into Ukrainian via dubbing, subt...
Geothermal development in Alaska: an engineering and geologic analysis

In spite of the vast geothermal potential within the state of Alaska, the economic feasibility is tenuous. Of the five sites examined in this paper, only Tenakee and Summer Bay have even marginal attractiveness for direct utilization. The geothermal reservoirs located at Copper Valley and Makushin Volcano may be feasible for power generation in the near and intermediate future. To make geothermal development feasible, an increase in the population/industrial base would be required, or a consolidation of the present power users. In general, the economic prospects of geothermal power development in Alaska are not attractive at this time, with the exception of Unalaska Island.
Simple Technique for Frequency-Response Enhancement of Miniature Pressure Probes

THIS Note deals with the implementation of a simple technique to correct for the pressure measurement error produced in miniature multihole pressure probes caused by the lag in the response of the probe tubing system. As the size of the pressure probe is reduced in order to reduce flow disturbance, the probe's frequency response deteriorates. Reduced frequency response generally causes the wait times in flow-mapping experiments to increase. The wait time is the time that the probe, after it moves to a new measurement location in the flowfield, has to wait before data acquisition can be performed, in order for the pressures at the probe pressure transducers to reach steady state. Moreover, deterioration of probe frequency response limits its capability to resolve temporal information in unsteady flows. In the present work, we introduce a simple algorithm that significantly improves a probe's frequency response. Detailed work in the area was carried out by Whitmore. 1 He developed a mathematical model for a tubing system, derived from the NavierStokes and continuity equations. On the basis of this model, he then developed an algorithm to compensate for pneumatic distortion. The technique presented here is simpler and much less computationally intensive and is thus amenable to real-time implementation. The technique presented here is applicable only to critically damped or overdamped tubing systems, as discussed later. Generally, in pressure-meas uring systems such as multihole probes, the pressure at the pressure-measuring instrument (pressure transducer) can be different from the pressure at the source (i.e., the probe tip) because of the time lag and pressure attenuation in the transmission of pressures in the associated tubing. When the pressure at the pressure source is changing rapidly, the pressure at the transducer lags behind that at the source and its amplitude is attenuated because of 1) the time needed for the pressure change to propagate along the tubing (acoustic lag) and 2) the pressure drop associated with the flow though the tubing (pressure lag).2 The speed of the pressure propagation along the tubing is the speed of sound. The magnitude of the acoustic lag r thus depends on only the speed of sound a and the length of the tubing L, as expressed in r = L/a. Because the speed of sound at standard atmospheric conditions is on the order of 1100 ft/s (340 m/s), errors caused by acoustic lag are of concern only in pressure systems having very long pressure tubing. Errors associated with acoustic lag can be neglected here because the tubing lengths of interest are very short [order of 1 ft (0.3 m)]. Moreover, because of the motion of the air through the pressure tubing between the pressure source and the transducer, the
MO‐D‐304A‐06: Filtered Region‐Of‐Interest Cone‐Beam CT From Rotational Angiography for Image‐Guided Interventions: Evaluation of Dose Reduction and Image Quality

Purpose: Rotational angiography is widely used to generate 3D data for image‐guided interventions. In standard practice, full‐field acquisitions are obtained, though the surgeon's region of interest (ROI) is considerably smaller, e.g. for stent placement. To reduce dose to the patient while delivering the desired image quality for the intervention, we developed a filtered ROI (FROI) method for reducing the beam intensity outside the ROI by using an x‐ray attenuating filter. We evaluated dose reduction and image quality resulting from this method. Method and Materials: A gadolinium‐based filter with a central circular opening is mounted on the aperture of the x‐ray tube of a rotational angiography system effectively splitting the beam into a high‐intensity ROI and a low‐intensity filtered region. Artifact‐free reconstruction is achieved by equalizing the filtered‐region intensities to those in the ROI using a calibrationimage. Dose reduction in FROI‐CT is assessed theoretically through the dose area product and experimentally using dose measurements. Image quality in unfiltered and equalized filtered images is assessed using the scatter fraction and the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) in both projection images and reconstructed volumes. Results: Experimental dose measurements for a filter thickness of 1.29 mm and an ROI size of 20% FOV yield a 60% dose reduction, similar to theoretical calculations. Scatter fractions inside the ROI are reduced by 35% compared to conventional images.CNR in projection images in the ROI is improved from 450:1 (conventional RA) to 533:1 (FROI) and is similar in the filtered region. CNR in the reconstructed ROI is 65:1, similar to conventional RA, and lower in the filtered region (45:1 filtered, 75:1 conventional). Conclusion: The results support the potential dose‐reduction capabilities and utility of ROI imaging in rotational angiography while supplying the desired image quality inside the (reconstructed) ROI.