cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lubiprostone neither decreases gastric and small-bowel transit time nor improves visualization of small bowel for capsule endoscopy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background Lubiprostone, a selective activator of type 2 chloride channels, is approved for treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and recently constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. It has been suggested that lubiprostone has a prokinetic effect. Objective This investigation was designed to evaluate lubiprostone as a preparation and propulsive agent for small-bowel capsule endoscopy. The PillCam Small Bowel capsule endoscopy system with the PillCam SB1 capsule and Rapid 5 software platform were used. Design The study was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients Forty healthy adults. Main Outcome Measures Gastric transit time (GTT), small-bowel transit time (SBTT), and adequacy of small-bowel cleansing preparation. Interventions The study subjects received 24 μg lubiprostone or placebo 30 minutes before PillCam capsule ingestion. Methods Capsule endoscopy studies were read by 2 independent investigators unaware of the study medication received, and differences in interpretation were resolved by consensus. Anatomical landmarks were identified, and GTT and SBTT were calculated. Overall preparation quality assessment of the proximal, mid, and distal small bowel was determined by using a 4-step scale. The percentage of visualized bowel was determined by review of 10-minute video segments at 1-hour intervals after the capsule passed through the pylorus. Results In the lubiprostone group (n = 20), 2 subjects did not pass the capsule through the pylorus in the 8-hour battery life of the capsule. An additional 3 capsules did not pass into the colon. In the placebo group (n = 20), all capsules passed into the small bowel, but 1 did not pass into the colon. The subjects in whom the capsule did not pass into the small bowel were excluded from the small-bowel analysis. In the subjects in whom the capsule did reach the colon, the SBTT could not be calculated and they were excluded from SBTT analysis. The mean GTT in the lubiprostone group was 126 minutes and 43 minutes in the placebo group (P = .0095). The mean SBTT in the lubiprostone group was 188 minutes and 219 minutes in the placebo group (P = .130). The overall preparation assessment of the small bowel was not statistically significant between the 2 groups in the proximal, mid, or distal small bowel (proximal, P = .119; mid, P = .118; distal, P = .121). There was no significant difference in lubiprostone compared with placebo in the percentage of visualized small bowel. Limitations Some capsules did not leave the stomach or reach the cecum. Conclusion Lubiprostone produced a significant increase in GTT but did not result in a significant decrease in SBTT compared with placebo. The administration of lubiprostone before capsule ingestion did not result in improved overall preparation of the small bowel for capsule endoscopy or increase the percentage of visualized small bowel. (The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov , identifier NCT00746395 .)
VisOpt: a visual interactive optimization tool for P-median problems

Abstract In this paper, we describe a visual interactive decision support tool `VisOpt' which is designed to solve P-median problems with capacity constraints. Various design features incorporated in VisOpt are also presented and analyzed. We also present a demonstration of the use of VisOpt by a number of human subjects for various problem instances. The quality of solutions obtained by subjects using VisOpt is compared with that obtained from a standard stand-alone heuristic. The visual interactive tool provides encouraging results in this specific problem context.
Measurements of atomic order with the field-ion microscope

Near stoichiometric binary alloys atomic ordering parameters quantization by field ion micrography, using direct counting and optical transformation techniques
NaCl interaction with interfacially polymerized polyamide films of reverse osmosis membranes: A solid-state 23Na NMR study

Abstract 23 Na nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of NaCl-exchanged polyamide (PA) films comparable to those of the active skin layer of many reverse osmosis (RO) membranes provides novel insight into the structural environments and dynamical behavior of Na + in such films. Unsupported PA films were synthesized via interfacial polymerization of trimesoyl chloride in hexane and m -phenylenediamine in aqueous solution, and SEM, FT-IR, and 13 C NMR data demonstrate successful thin film polymerization. Compositional data confirm this conclusion and demonstrate equal Na and Cl incorporation during NaCl exchange from aqueous solution. The 23 Na NMR spectra for freshly made polymer samples exchanged in 1 M NaCl solution show significant relative humidity (RH) dependence. At near 0% RH, there are resonances for crystalline NaCl and rigidly held Na + in the PA. With increasing RH, a resonance for solution-like dynamically averaged Na + appears and above 51% RH is the only signal observed. The slightly negative chemical shift of this resonance suggests a dominantly hydrous environment with some atomic-scale coordination by atoms of the polymer. The greatly reduced 23 Na T 1 relaxation rates for this resonance relative to bulk solution and crystalline NaCl confirm close association with the polymer. Variable temperature 23 Na NMR spectra for a sample equilibrated at 97% RH obtained from −80 to 20 °C show the presence of rigidly held Na + in a hydrated environment at low temperatures and replacement of this resonance by the dynamically averaged signal at temperatures above about −20 °C. The results provide support for the solution–diffusion model for RO membranes transport and demonstrate the capabilities of multi-nuclear NMR methods to investigate molecular-scale structure and dynamics of the interactions between dissolved species and RO membranes.
The Analysis and Application of Redundant Multistage ADC Resolution Improvements Through PDF Residue Shaping

An analysis of the statistics of multistage (pipeline, SAR, and algorithmic) ADCs with redundancy is performed and the ability to achieve an extra 6 dB of resolution in ADCs with half-bit redundancy is shown due to probability density function (PDF) residue shaping. This paper classifies redundancy techniques to show that only some have properties leading to statistical resolution improvements. When properly implemented, resolution gains are maintained even in the presence of large sub-ADC nonlinearity. ADC design criteria for maximizing these resolution increases through PDF residue shaping are described including improved back-end ADCs, stage comparator offset bounds, and the use of scaled conventional restoring with Z added levels (CRZ) stage redundancy. PDF residue shaped structural improvements are also quantified in relation to ideal and nonideal traditional multistage ADC structures.
When it hurts to be misled: a Stroop-like effect in a simple addition production task.

In four experiments, subjects saw simple addition equations (e.g., 3+4=9) and produced the sums while ignoring the presented answer. If the presented answer was false, subjects took longer to produce the sum, as compared with when the presented answer was true (Experiment 1), when there was no answer presented (blanks; Experiment 2), when a letter was presented (Experiment 3), and when a symbol was presented (Experiment 4). The results suggest that subjects were unable to ignore the presented answers, which raises problems for theories of arithmetic verification (i.e., deciding whether 3+4=9 is true or false) that claim that subjects verify equations by first producing the sum and then comparing the produced sum with the presented answer. Our results are more compatible with theories that claim that in verification and production, an arithmetic knowledge base is used in different ways.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of ciprofloxacin after single intravenous and oral doses

Ciprofloxacin was administered to 12 healthy male volunteers at doses of 300 and 400 mg intravenously (i.v.) and 500 and 750 mg orally in a randomized, double-blind, single-dose, four-period crossover study. On each treatment day, each subject received both oral and i.v. formulations, one of which was a placebo. Blood and urine samples were obtained through 24 h postdose. By each dosing route, the pharmacokinetic profiles were dose proportional. The 400-mg i.v. dose was equivalent to the 500-mg oral dose with respect to the area under the concentration-time curve and was equivalent to the 750-mg oral dose with respect to the maximum concentration of ciprofloxacin in serum. The oral bioavailability was 78.0%. The steady-state volume of distribution averaged 178 liters, and the terminal half-life in serum after i.v. dosing was approximately 4.3 h. Renal clearance accounted for approximately 60% of total body clearance. No significant adverse events were associated with either route of administration.
Natural Abundance N-15 NMR of the Solids from the Reaction of HCN and Ammonia

Natural-abundance cross-polarization 15N NMR spectra of the complex solids from the reaction of HCN and ammonia have been obtained at 9.12 MHz with magic-angle sample spinning at 1.5 kHz. The spectra are interpreted in terms of the relative concentrations of nitrile-, aromatic-, amide-, urea-, and ammonia-like nitrogen present. The spectrum of the water-insoluble polymeric fraction of the reaction products shows a diversity of nitrogen functionality as broad as that observed for an isolated bacterial RNA.
The burden of diabetic foot ulcers

Lower extremity ulcers represent a major concern for patients with diabetes and for those who treat them, from both a quality of life and an economic standpoint. Studies to evaluate quality of life have shown that patients with foot ulcers have decreased physical, emotional, and social function. Analyses of economic impact have shown (1) the majority of costs occur in the inpatient setting, (2) a lack of financial benefit when comparing primary amputation with an aggressive approach to limb salvaging including vascular reconstruction, and (3) private insurance provides greater reimbursement for inpatient care than does Medicare. Results of etiologic studies suggest that hyperglycemia induces diabetes-related complications through sorbitol accumulation and protein glycation, and the resultant nerve damage manifests as peripheral neuropathy, which predisposes to ulcer development. Patients with diabetes also have an increased incidence of peripheral vascular disease, impaired wound healing, and decreased ability to fight infection. In light of these factors, it is sometimes difficult to determine the optimal course for patient management. This review is aimed at helping healthcare providers make better decisions about treatment, resource use, and strategies for future foot ulcer prevention.
IMPAIRED GONADAL AND ADRENAL FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AFTER BONE MARROW TRANSPLATION (BMT)

Conditioning regimen with BMT may lead to impairment of endocrinologic functions. Therefore, stimulation tests were performed in 22 adolescents (CA 14.5±2.5 yrs) and 5 children (CA 6.2±2.0 >rs) treated with BMT 3.3±2.3 yrs ago for malignant diseases.
A Clinical Laboratory GLC Method for Urine Methylmalonic Acid

Abstract A rapid sensitive GLC method for measuring urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA) employing boron trifluoride methylation of the acid is described. The method is sensitive to 1 mg MMA/L and affords MMA recoveries of 96-77 % over a concentration range of 5-2,000 mg MMA/L of urine. Mean daily MMA excretion in 10 normal subjects was 1.33 mg with a range of .56 to 3.2 mg. The daily excretion range of MMA in 5 vitamin B12 subjects was 12.5-90 mg/day. These values compare with previously published levels determined using equally sensitive procedures. The diagnostic significance of excessive urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA) excretion accompanying human vitamin B12 deficiency1-2 and the recently described inborn error methylmalonic acid uria is well established.3 Previously described methods for its measurement have employed GLC of the di-methyl ester of MMA,1,4 or its free acid.5 Less sensitive methods employing colorimetry based on the alkaline diazo chromogen of MMA6, as well as paper2 and thin layer chroma...
Wireless measurement of Sympathetic Nervous activity using planar nanoelectrode arrays

This paper reports on the use of arrays of nanoelectrodes as implantable sensors to wirelessly measure the activity of the Sympathetic Nervous System — Sympathetic Nervous Activity (SNA). SNA can be measured as a train of electrical pulses. Traditionally, SNA has been measured with wire electrodes. These measurements have not been easy because of poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In the current work, we have successfully demonstrated improved SNR of SNA measurements achieved by the use of novel Planar Nanoelectrode Arrays (PNAs) in a chronic setting. The PNAs are placed on the left stellate ganglion (SG) via a thoracotomy. Nano scale features on the electrodes provide increased contact area with the nerve of interest (in this case the SG) thereby reducing the limiting (Johnson) noise. The PNAs were fabricated using standard CMOS compatible fabrication techniques on a high resistivity silicon substrate. After suitable wire-bonding and packaging, the PNAs were placed on the left stellate ganglion of a canine test subject. For adequate comparison, a standard set of wire electrodes were embedded on the same nerve in close proximity of the PNAs. Both the sensors were connected to a wireless transmitter (Model No. TR 70BB) powered with a rechargeable battery also placed within the canine test subject. The thoracotomy incision was repaired and the canine test subject allowed to recover before beginning SNA measurements. Our results showed that the PNAs consistently exhibit superior SNR of the measured SNA. Measurements have been successfully made up to three months after implantation of the electrodes and the SNR of the PNA has been consistently better than the wire electrodes. After one month the SNR of the PNA was 48.54 ± 2.71 dB vs. 17.88 ± 4.49 dB for the wire electrode (p < 0.001). At three months the SNR of the PNA was 48.57 ± 1.63 dB vs. 18.98 ± 2.38 dB for the wire electrode (p < 0.001).
para-Hydrogen-induced polarization in heterogeneous hydrogenation reactions.

We demonstrate the creation and observation of para-hydrogen-induced polarization in heterogeneous hydrogenation reactions. Wilkinson's catalyst, RhCl(PPh3)3, supported on either modified silica gel or a polymer, is shown to hydrogenate styrene into ethylbenzene and to produce enhanced spin polarizations, observed through NMR, when the reaction was performed with H2 gas enriched in the para spin isomer. Furthermore, gaseous phase para-hydrogenation of propylene to propane with two catalysts, the Wilkinson's catalyst supported on modified silica gel and Rh(cod)(sulfos) (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene; sulfos = -O3S(C6H4)CH2C(CH2PPh2)3) supported on silica gel, demonstrates heterogeneous catalytic conversion resulting in large spin polarizations. These experiments serve as a direct verification of the mechanism of heterogeneous hydrogenation reactions involving immobilized metal complexes and can be potentially developed into a practical tool for producing catalyst-free fluids with highly polarized nuclear spins...
Getting the Message Out: Candidate Communication Strategy During thr Invisible Primary:

This article applies the theory of competitive (war) and substantive (marketing) communication strategies to the presidential nomination campaign, focusing primarily on the time period during which we expect the candidates to be most concerned with framing their campaigns-the invisible primary. We utilize candidate press releases to assess the accuracy of this theory and refine it. We then test the hypothesis that a candidate's strategic goals, which are generally defined by the candidate's competitive status relative to the field, determine the dominant type of message communicated during this penod. We find that there are definite patterns of messaging choice relative to candidate status. We also find that competitive messages dominate the “discourse” of candidates relative to the news media to a far greater extent than anticipated.
P1I-7 Silicon Ultrasonic Horn Driven Microprobe Viscometer

We report on a microfabricated silicon microprobe (100mum times 140mum times 5mm) integrated with a silicon ultrasonic horn actuator, and piezoresistive strain gauges for viscosity measurement. The silicon horn is ultrasonically actuated at its lambda/2 longitudinal resonance by 2 PZTs bonded at its longitudinal mode node. The vibrational strain amplitude of the microprobe is quantified by the thin-film strain gauges for closed loop control. The microprobes were immersed in aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol (a Newtonian fluid) with varying bulk viscosities and from the amplitude of vibration measured by the strain gauge, we were able to quantify the damping in the fluid which is proportional to the viscosity. By varying the PZT actuation amplitude, the horn can vibrate longitudinally at a wide range of speeds. This could be used to quantify viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids such as blood, at different shear rates
Changes in the population of polyribosomal containing red cells of peripheral blood of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, following starvation and bleeding

Peripheral blood of trout contained two populations of red cells: those with polyribosomes located in the cytoplasm, and those without polyribosomes. Starvation of trout for 30 days was accompanied by a proportional decline of the polyribosomal-containing (PRC) red cells. One week after a 15% bleeding of both fed and starved animals fed individuals showed a proportional decline of PRC red cells whilst starved fish showed a proportional increase of the same cell population. In fed individuals the bleeding response was accompanied by the appearance of many red cells with senescence-related characteristics. PRC cells in both groups of animals were arbitrarily subdivided into three subgroups according to the density of polyribosomes present. No statistically demonstrable differences were evident between the means of the three PRC cell groups of control animals and those subjected to starvation and bleeding. However, there was an apparent rise in the proportion of red cells with the highest density of polyribosomes as a result of both treatments.
Photoluminescence of silver(I) and gold(I) cyanide 1D coordination polymers

Abstract Silver(I) and gold(I) cyanides exist as 1D coordination polymers and are photoluminescent on the edge of the UV–Vis region. Time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations on truncated models of AgCN and AuCN show that the excitation spectra of these materials can be attributed to Laporte-allowed transitions between π-type MOs consistent with previous studies of CuCN. The longest wavelength excitation is due to excitation from the highest occupied π-type MO (HOπMO) to the lowest unoccupied π-type MO (LUπMO). The emission spectrum of the bulk materials is consistent with the DFT singlet–triplet gap calculated for the model chains. Trends in the molecular properties of MCN, to include bond distances, vibrational frequencies and electronic transition energies, are attributed to relativistic effects on Au.
Combining conservation and rigidity methods to detect critical residues in proteins

The structure and the functionality of proteins are closely related to each other. Therefore, analyzing the structural and dynamical properties of proteins is crucial for understanding their role in the basic biology of organisms. Some specific regions in the protein may play a critical role in its structural, dynamical and functional properties. For example, proteins usually bind through a specific site on their surfaces which tends to be highly conserved. Proteins also have flexible regions such as hinges, which allow them to undergo small or large scale domain motions. Finding these critical regions can facilitate the analysis of protein flexibility and improve the performance of docking algorithms. Here we combine the properties of two different analysis methods — conservation through evolutionary traces and rigidity analysis, to estimate the relative importance of amino acids in proteins.
Molecular dynamics simulation of mixed matrix nanocomposites containing polyimide and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)

Abstract Mixed matrix blends containing polyimide (PI) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are studied with atomistic molecular dynamics simulation. To examine the effect of functional group, two types of POSS are considered, either octahydrido silsesquioxane (OHS) or octaaminophenyl silsesquioxane (OAPS). The glass transition temperature of the model PI–OAPS blends increases with the incorporation of OAPS, an observation consistent with recent experiments on these systems. A decrease in glass transition temperature is shown for the model PI–OHS blends. Radial distribution functions for both blends are presented to show how packing between the inorganic (POSS) and organic (PI) species in the mixed matrix varies as a function of POSS loading and POSS functionalization. In addition, we report the mobility of the PI chains and POSS molecules in the material by calculating the mean square displacement. These results provide molecular insight about thermal property enhancements afforded by POSS-based additives.
Dielectric Band Edge Enhancement of Energy Conversion Efficiency in Photonic Crystal Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

We present evidence for the enhancement of light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency (IPCE) in photonic crystal dye-sensitized solar cells due to an amplified light field at the dielectric band edge. Under angle-resolved monochromatic irradiance along the LU direction, the IPCE enhancement peaks match well with the blue shift in the dielectric band edge. The numerical simulation indicates that the photon localization effect at the dielectric band edge causes the intensification of the light field in the dielectric matrix. Using a Maxwell−Bloch two-level atom model to quantify the dye absorption of light and photocurrent generation, we show that the improvement in IPCE is due to an enhanced light−matter interaction between the dye atom and the amplified field.
Chiloroplast gene for Mr 32000 polypeptide of photosystem II In Euglena gracilis is interrupted by four Introns with conserved boundary sequences

Abstract The gene for the Mr 32000 herbicide binding polypeptide of photosystem II has previously been mapped to the 5 kbp EcoRI fragment Eco I of Euglena gracilis chloroplast DNA. The nucleotide sequence of 3324 bp of Eco I, containing the psbA locus, has been determined. This locus encodes a polypeptide of 345 amino acids which is co-linear with, and has 86% derived amino acid sequence homology to sequences derived from four higher plants chloroplast psbA loci. The Euglena psbA gene contains four introns of size 435, 443, 434, and 617 bp. The four introns have conserved boundary sequences of the type previously described in the Euglena chloroplast gene (rbcL) for the large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Koller et al., Cell 36, 545-553, 1984).
An approximate method for the study of transverse discontinuities in waveguides

Abstract Transverse discontinuities in a single mode parallel-plate waveguide are approximately treated using a class waveguide mode-annihilating operators in the spirit of the On-Surface Radiation Condition method. The method is applied to problems involving diaphragm discontinuities and steps in the waveguide's cross-section. Simple explicit formulae are derived for the transmission and reflection coefficients and are compared with other approximate methods. The comparisons are excellent with errors of the order of 5%.
Graph-based sampling for approximating global helical topologies of RNA

A current challenge in RNA structure prediction is the description of global helical arrangements compatible with a given secondary structure. Here we address this problem by developing a hierarchical graph sampling/data mining approach to reduce conformational space and accelerate global sampling of candidate topologies. Starting from a 2D structure, we construct an initial graph from size measures deduced from solved RNAs and junction topologies predicted by our data-mining algorithm RNAJAG trained on known RNAs. We sample these graphs in 3D space guided by knowledge-based statistical potentials derived from bending and torsion measures of internal loops as well as radii of gyration for known RNAs. Graph sampling results for 30 representative RNAs are analyzed and compared with reference graphs from both solved structures and predicted structures by available programs. This comparison indicates promise for our graph-based sampling approach for characterizing global helical arrangements in large RNAs: graph rmsds range from 2.52 to 28.24 A for RNAs of size 25–158 nucleotides, and more than half of our graph predictions improve upon other programs. The efficiency in graph sampling, however, implies an additional step of translating candidate graphs into atomic models. Such models can be built with the same idea of graph partitioning and build-up procedures we used for RNA design.
Problem experience and problem solving efficiency of AWOL and non-AWOL soldiers

Conducted two studies to determine (a) whether AWOL offenders had experienced more frequent or severe problems; and (b) whether AWOL offenders utilize less appropriate problem-solving strategies. In the first study, 39 AWOL and 39 control Ss answered a problem questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed four types of problems. AWOL Ss reported more problems, but both frequency and severity differences varied for the different problem types. The second study showed that AWOL offenders (N = 36) reported fewer non-AWOL solutions and less adequate solutions to problems than did controls (N = 34). Results suggest that problem events combined with deficient problem-solving skills and a lack of social support from the army social environment may result in AWOL.
Assessing the role of pavement macrotexture in preventing crashes on highways.

Objective: The objective of this article is to assess the role of pavement macrotexture in preventing crashes on highways in the State of North Carolina. Methods: Laser profilometer data obtained from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for highways comprising four corridors are processed to calculate pavement macrotexture at 100-m (approximately 330-ft) sections according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Crash data collected over the same lengths of the corridors were integrated with the calculated pavement macrotexture for each section. Scatterplots were generated to assess the role of pavement macrotexture on crashes and logarithm of crashes. Regression analyses were conducted by considering predictor variables such as million vehicle miles of travel (as a function of traffic volume and length), the number of interchanges, the number of at-grade intersections, the number of grade-separated interchanges, and the number of bridges, culverts, and over...
Comparison of the radiorecovery activity of copper(II)2(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)4 and copper(II) (chloride)2

Copper(II)2(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)4 [Cu(II)2(3,5-DIPS)4] and copper(II)(chloride)2 [Cu(II)Cl2 were used to treat γ-irradiated female C57BL/6 mice after irradiation at levels LD50/30 to compare their efficacy in facilitating recovery from radiation-induced systemic inflammatory disease accompanied by loss of body mass and in increasing survival of irradiated mice. Doses of 5, 10 or 20 μmol Cu(II)Cl2 or 5, 10 or 20 μmol [Cu(II)2(3,5-DIPS)4]/kg were administered subcutaneously 3 h after LD50/30 irradiation and body mass and survival determined throughout the 30-day post-irradiation period compared with controls.
Implementing a Management Information System in an Extremely Dynamic and Somewhat Hostile Environment---a Case Study

Medium-size businesses in the personal computer industry are subject to great stress resulting from rapid growth, intense competition, fast changing technology, and the uncertainty of many factors relating to the business. Implementing an in-house MIS in such a firm, Tava Corporation, presents difficulties.
The Architecture of SAGE – A Meshfree System Based on RFM

. In a meshfree system, a geometric model of a domain neither conforms to, nor is restricted by a spatial discretization. Such systems for engineering analysis offer numerous advantages over the systems that are based on traditional mesh-based methods, but they also require radical approaches to enforcing boundary conditions and novel computational tools for differentiation, integration, and visualization of fields and solutions. We show that all of these challenges can be overcome, and describe SAGE (Semi-Analytic Geometry Engine) – a successful system specifically intended for meshfree engineering analysis. Our approach and individual modules are based on Rvachev’s Function Method (RFM) but the described techniques, algorithms, and software are applicable to all mesh-based and meshfree methods and have broad use beyond solutions of boundary value problems.
Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Factors That Affect Pain Reaction to Electric Shock

This paper reviews a number of years of comprehensive research in the use of electric shock as a pain stimulus in the psychophysiology laboratory. The development of a standard stimulation technique is described. Studies involving the use of this procedure to investigate psychological, physiological, and clinical factors that affect the evaluation of pain are discussed. Cultural and behavioral influences on pain tolerance are investigated and physiological response measures tested. Possible clinical applications are studied, and special consideration is given to the psychophysical evaluation of the sensory and connotative components of the pain experience.
The relationship between histology and outcome in advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer patients participating in first-line chemotherapy trials: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Abstract Objectives To explore associations between histology and outcome in advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer patients participating in Gynecologic Oncology Group chemotherapy trials. Methods Age, race, performance status, histologic type (serous=S; clear cell=CC; endometrioid=E), disease stage, and prior radiation were evaluated using various analytic methods to evaluate the probability of response and identify independent predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Single agent or combination chemotherapy regimens including doxorubicin (A) (12%), doxorubicin/cisplatin (AP) (63%), doxorubicin/paclitaxel (AT) (13%), and paclitaxel/doxorubicin/cisplatin (TAP) (11%) were used among 1203 patients treated on 4 randomized clinical trials. Breakdown of disease stage was 7.8% stage III, 22.8% stage IV, and 69.4% recurrent disease. Histologic distribution was 18% S, 3.7% CC, 8.5% mixed, 51.7% E and 18.1% other. More S/CC patients enrolled on trials with advanced stage (III–IV) disease (as opposed to recurrent disease) compared to E patients (45% vs. 24%, p p =0.03), and for CC was 1.51 (1.1–2.07; p =0.01). Conclusion In patients with advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer treated with A, P and/or T, response was not associated with histology. This exploratory analysis does not support exclusion of S tumors in future trials. Poorer PFS and OS were observed in CC compared to other types, but a lack of benefit from chemotherapy was not shown, and as this histology represents such a small fraction, it does not seem feasible to have separate chemotherapy trials for CC.
Poly(A) shortening of coregulated transcripts in Drosophila

Abstract The 71E ecdysterone-regulated puff of Drosophila melanogaster contains a cluster of six coregulated “late” genes which are expressed in the prepupal salivary gland. The resulting transcripts exhibit a decrease in their length during the 12-hr period in which they accumulate. Using the enzyme ribonuclease H, we show that this size decrease is a result of a progressively shorter poly(A) tract and suggest that these transcripts undergo an active sequential shortening of their poly(A) tracts in prepupal salivary glands. It is interesting to note that this shortening precedes the complete loss of these transcripts from the RNA population.
Tropospheric Water Vapor Climatology and Trends over North America: 1973–93

Abstract Here 21 years of radiosonde observations from stations in the Western Hemisphere north of the equator were analyzed for trends in tropospheric water vapor. Mean fields of precipitable water and relative humidity at several levels we shown. Annual trends of surface-500 mb precipitable water were generally increasing over this region except over northeastern Canada. When trends were expressed as a percentage of the climatological mean at each station, the trends south of ∼45°N represent a linear rate of increase of 3%–7% decade−1. Trends in the upper portion of this layer, 700–500 mb, were as large or larger than those of the middle (850–700 mb) or lower layer and were consistent in sign. Annual trends in dewpoint generally agree in sign with trends in temperature. However, the dewpoint trends tended to be larger than those of temperature. This was consistent with the annual increases found in relative humidity over this period. Relative humidity increased except in Canada, Alaska, and a few statio...
TECHNIQUE OF RADICAL CYSTECTOMY AND SIMULTANEOUS REPAIR OF AN ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

Surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in conjunction with radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion can be safely performed without morbidity secondary to excessive blood loss, operative time, or vascular graft infection. The techniques required for this combined procedure and a case report are discussed.
Strategies for preservation of ovarian and testicular function after immunosuppression

Gonadal toxicity as a side effect of cyclophosphamide therapy is a common long-term problem in the treatment of a variety of glomerular diseases. In both men and women treated with cyclophosphamide, the consequences of infertility can have great physical and emotional consequences; thus, this issue often has a critical role in the decision to decline treatment with cyclophosphamide. There exists a critical need for strategies for preservation of fertility in both men and women who require treatment with cyclophosphamide. This review explores emerging therapeutic options in this arena, which include sperm and oocyte cryopreservation, medical treatments such as testosterone therapy for men and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy for both men and women, and, finally, the relatively new strategy of germ-cell transplantation for both ovarian and testicular tissue, which still remains in the experimental stages.
The transmission line scattering range

A new type of scattering range is described in which the radar reflection properties of objects are measured by inserting them into a transmission line. The theoretical justification for this technique is presented on the basis of the reciprocity theorem. The results of a testing program are used to indicate the advantages and limitations of the transmission line scattering range.
SIMCOL: A FORTRAN IV simulation program for use in the study of coalitional behavior

SIMCOL is a program for investigating questions concerning the determinants of coalitional behavior. One major criticism of the typical Vinacke and Arkoff (1957) procedure is that this game situation allows uncontrolled personality variables to have an effect on the coalitional behavior, since all players are face-toface throughout the experiment (Chertkoff, 1971; Rapoport & Kahan, 1974). Also. there are large practical difficulties involved in recruiting and running large numbers of experimental groups to examine the effects of experimental manipulations on the coalitional bargaining process and its final outcome (psathas & Stryker, 1965; Stryker, 1972). The typical random assignment of weights or power to players may restrict the external validity of the bargaining process under investigation. SIMCOL controls for the effect of personality variables, since two of the three players in the triad are simulated. Large numbers of groups are not required. The assignment of the weights or power of each member of the triad may be reported to players as either random or as based upon their performance on a pretask. This pretask consists of a number of simulated prisoner's dilemma game (pDG) trials with a tit-for-tat strategy employed by the simulated other player. A single power distribution is available where A > B > C and A < (B +C). Players may be assigned to any of the three power positions, with the other two players being simulated. Program Input. SIMCOL accepts six input parameters. The first two parameters accommodate a threecolumn ID field and a single column for sex. The third input parameter assigns the player to the A, B, or C position in the triad along with that position's associated weight. The fourth input parameter determines whether or not the subject will play 10 PDG tit-for-tat trials prior to the triadic situation. The fifth parameter determines whether the player will be informed that the weights are assigned on the basis of performance in the last game (PDG trials) or randomly. The sixth parameter determines the number of bargaining trials that will be involved in the player's bargaining with his preferred partner concerning reward division. Output. SIMCOL outputs the six input parameters, the subject's initial PDG choice, the number of cooperative choices made in the PDG situation. the subject's partner preference. initial bargaining demand, subsequent bargaining demands, and the subject's final bargaining demand. Language and Computer. SIMCOL was written in FORTRAN IV and was developed on a DEC System-IO time-share system. Limitations. Only a single triadic power distribution is available. Players are run through only one game since the average session requires 30 min per subject. Two diagrams, external to the program, are required: the PDG payoff matrix and the triadic board game (both were adapted from Vinacke, 1969). Availability. A listing of SIMCOL is available without cost from John F. Flaherty, Department of Psychology, Huntington Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210. --
Determination of trace boron in microsamples of biological tissues.

A benign-by-design method for the determination of boron (B) in microsamples of biological tissues was developed. This is a simple, automated, microdigestion method. Use of reagents and generation of waste are minimized, and the use of toxic/hazardous reagents is eliminated as compared to currently available B methodology. Microsamples are accommodated by the method; 100–400 mg sam ples were used in this study. B is determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICPAES) at 249.678 nm. The instrument detection limit for B is 0.01 Μg/mL. Interference studies have been investigated for 21 common elements. Over 250 analyses of standard reference materials were analyzed during the study dura tion. Recoveries for a series of biological tissues, both plant and ani mal, ranged from 82–104%.
Ab initio calculations on electronic states of Be13

A cluster of 13 beryllium atoms has been studied in ab initio Hartree–Fock calculations. The chosen geometric configuration has D3h symmetry and corresponds to a central Be with 12 atoms situated at the hexagonal close‐packed, nearest‐neighbor positions. The lowest energy electronic state among those investigated is 5A‘1 and the first excited state is 5E‘ lying at 1.12 eV. A total of 14 states were identified below 2.0 eV. The 5A’’1 Hartree–Fock ground state has a binding energy of 12.0 kcal/mol relative to the separated atoms and an ionization potential of 0.54 eV. Total valence energies, orbital energies, binding energies, electric field gradients, diamagnetic shielding constants, nuclear–electron potentials, second moments, and Mulliken populations are reported. In addition, the cluster calculations give a reasonable estimate for the Sternheimer correction to the electric field gradient of the bulk metal.
The promise of prison-based treatment for dually diagnosed inmates.

The Stay'n Out therapeutic community was created 25 years ago, the first rigorously evaluated prison program that demonstrated recidivism reduction. Since then, there has been a growing appreciation for the recidivism-reducing benefit of substance abuse treatment and the general understanding has been reached that prison treatment for substance abuse is good for the public interest. A number of replicated outcome studies have led to increases in treatment capacity in most state correctional systems, primarily utilizing the therapeutic community model. In contrast, efforts to introduce treatment for offenders with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders (COD) are only beginning. This article describes developments in prison substance abuse treatment and reentry programs and offers some guiding observations from prison substance abuse treatment history that could facilitate the development of COD treatment. Lessons learned include that: public safety (i.e., recidivism reduction) is a primary goal; personal accountability as a basic treatment value facilitates cooperation between treatment and correctional staff; self-help approaches foster more ambitious treatment goals than just symptom reduction; and well-run treatment programs often ease the burden of correctional administration.
Rapid sedimentation of proteins through starch.

PACKED potato starch, which has been widely used for zone electrophoresis, offers certain advantages when employed as a supporting medium in the ultracentrifuge. Boundaries are stabilized, making recovery of fractions easier, and the proteins thus far studied sediment at least twice as rapidly in starch as in free solution. This has been shown in experiments with rat haemoglobin (1 per cent) or bovine serum albumin (1–5 per cent) stained with bromphenol blue centrifuged in starch and in free solution under identical conditions. Centrifugation was done in the ‘Spinco’ Model L centrifuge by use of an SW 391 swinging-bucket rotor at approximately 20°. A 0.1 ionic strength pH 7.5 phosphate–sodium chloride buffer was used in each instance. The ‘Lusteroid’ centrifuge tubes were completely filled with a slurry of starch–protein mixture and accelerated briefly to 20,000 r.p.m. After deceleration, excess fluid was removed and more starch slurry added. The packing procedure was repeated a second time and excess fluid again removed. It is important that the starch suspensions be freshly made, since part of the starch appears to dissolve slowly with time, destroying the effect observed here.
Interactions between groundwater and surface water: the state of the science

The interactions between groundwater and surface water are complex. To understand these interactions in relation to climate, landform, geology, and biotic factors, a sound hydrogeoecological framework is needed. All these aspects are synthesized and exemplified in this overview. In addition, the mechanisms of interactions between groundwater and surface water (GW–SW) as they affect recharge–discharge processes are comprehensively outlined, and the ecological significance and the human impacts of such interactions are emphasized. Surface-water and groundwater ecosystems are viewed as linked components of a hydrologic continuum leading to related sustainability issues. This overview concludes with a discussion of research needs and challenges facing this evolving field. The biogeochemical processes within the upper few centimeters of sediments beneath nearly all surface-water bodies (hyporheic zone) have a profound effect on the chemistry of the water interchange, and here is where most of the recent research has been focusing. However, to advance conceptual and other modeling of GW–SW systems, a broader perspective of such interactions across and between surface-water bodies is needed, including multidimensional analyses, interface hydraulic characterization and spatial variability, site-to-region regionalization approaches, as well as cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Osmotic properties of human lymphocyte

The osmotic properties of human lymphocytes isolated from 15 ml of venous blood were examined. Measurements of the permeability of the membrane to water under an osmotic gradient were also made. The Boyle-Van't Hoff relation held very well for the human lymphocyte when the cells were shrunken in hyperosmotic media to concentrations twice isosmotic. The volume of osmotically inactive material or "b" value averaged 32% of the mean corpuscular volume. These values were independent of temperature. Ponder's R ranged between 0.8 and 0.9. The average value for Lp, the hydralic coefficient was 0.46 mu/min atm +/- 0.02 (S.E.M.) at 25 degrees C. No significant effect of age, sex, or race was noted. The effect of temperature between 10 degrees C and 37 degrees C was measured and heats of activation between 11.1 and 17.4 kcal/mole were calculated with a mean of 14.1 kcal/mole +/- 1.6 (S.E.M.). Concanavalin A at 10 microgram/1.5 X 10(6) lymphocytes produced blastogenesis of 25% or more of the lymphocytes without clumping, agglutination, or toxicity. The mean corpuscular volume increased by 21% after 72 hours due to an increase in the "b" value which increased by 80%. The volume of free water remained constant. Histograms of the distribution of cell volumes showed that volume changes were uniform throughout the population with no evidence of agglutination of clumping. The significance of these results is discussed in the context of membrane fluidity and the state of intracellular water.
The acute phase reactant, fibrinogen, as a guide to plasma exchange therapy for acute Guillain-Barré syndrome

The Guillian Barre syndrome is an acute inflammatory disorder for which plasma exchange is effective treatment. Up to 10% relapse after plasma exchange suggesting that treatment sometimes finishes before disease activity has resolved. We studied whether plasma fibrinogen, an inflammatory marker, might be used to determine when to discontinue plasma exchange in patients with acute Guillain-Barre syndrome. We conducted a post-hoc analysis of apheresis database and hospital records of patients treated with plasma exchange for acute Guillain-Barre syndrome during 1999–2004. Data were analyzed from 28 patients who underwent a total of 29 courses of plasma exchange for acute Guillain-Barre syndrome. The mean (±SD) plasma fibrinogen concentration was 422.5 (±96.4) mg/dl at the time of presentation and, in 17 of the 29, it was above 400 mg/dl (reference range 200–400). Twenty of the 21 patients whose fibrinogen fell by more than 30% from baseline by the time of the final plasma exchange treatment had neurological improvement. There was improvement in only 3 of the 8 instances where fibrinogen decreased by less than 30% by the end of plasma exchange therapy. A ≥30% decrease in fibrinogen by the conclusion of plasma exchange was significantly associated with sustained neurological improvement (P = 0.0025). The plasma fibrinogen level appears to reflect disease activity in acute Guillain-Barre syndrome. A <30% fall in fibrinogen level despite plasma exchange may indicate the need to continue plasma exchange to maximize the benefit of treatment or minimize the risk of relapse. Therapeutic plasma exchange need not be extended when plasma fibrinogen remains ≥30% below its level at presentation by the time of the final planned plasma exchange procedure. J Clin Apheresis 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.