cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rates of bone reabsorption and union in mandibular reconstruction using the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap.

Background Historical concerns over bone resorption and malunion of the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) limited its widespread adoption for head and neck reconstruction, despite lack of outcomes data evaluating this notion. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients 18 years or older who underwent reconstruction of the mandible using an OCRFFF. Linear modeling and logistic regression were used to evaluate the change in bone volume and union over time. Results One hundred and twenty-one patients were included in the study. A mixed effects linear model incorporating age, sex, treatment type, and number of bone segments did not demonstrate a significant loss of bone volume over time. A logistic regression model identified lack of adjuvant treatment and time to be significantly associated with complete union. Conclusion This study supports that the OCRFFF is a stable form of osseus reconstruction for defects of the head and neck.
Alteplase for stroke: money and optimistic claims buttress the "brain attack" campaign.

# Alteplase for stroke: money and optimistic claims buttress the “brain attack” campaign {#article-title-2} Both doctors and the public are becoming more alert to potential conflicts of interest, and an increasing number of journals now require competing interest statements from their authors and reviewers. In this article Jeanne Lenzer uses the example of guidelines produced by the American Heart Association to discuss some of the questions that can arise when interests conflict As doctors and the public become more aware of conflicts of interest involving study bias,1 publication bias,2 and industry gift giving3 they turn to credible non-profit organisations for sound medical recommendations. Unfortunately, many groups (and their individual panellists) that serve as arbiters of inconclusive data may also suffer from conflicts of interest. 4 5 One such conflict is self referencing bias. An example of this is in specialty guidelines for colon cancer screening, where radiologists recommend barium enemas while gastroenterologists recommend colonoscopy. A more important conflict arises when corporations with a financial stake in the recommendations issued by a non-profit making organisation provide financial support for that organisation. In this paper I examine an example of such a conflict, in which a treatment recommendation that could cost more lives than the disease itself was supported by statistics from only one randomised controlled study. Additionally, poor outcomes and dissenting opinion appear to have been obscured. This recommendation may have been made in a true spirit of unbiased scientific inquiry, but the appearance of dispassionate analysis was eroded by large donations from a drug company to the organisation making the recommendation and payments for research and lecture fees to its individual expert panellists. #### Summary points The American Heart Association rated the thrombolytic agent alteplase (tPA) as a class I (definitely recommended) intervention for stroke despite controversy about its safety and efficacy Most of the association's stroke experts have ties to the manufacturers of … Correspondence to: Dr Starkman
How corruption blunts counternarcotic policies in Afghanistan: a multiagent investigation

We report the results of multiagent modeling experiments on interactions between the drug industry and corruption in Afghanistan. The model formalizes assumptions on the motivations of players in the Afghan drug industry, quantifies the tradeoffs among various choices players face and enables inspection of the time, space and level of supply chain in which one can expect positive and negative impacts of counternarcotic policies. If reducing opium exports is one measure of effectiveness for NATO operations in Afghanistan, grasping the links between corruption and the drug industry should provide a better picture of the second-order interactions between corruption and investment in improving the governance quality, in deploying security forces tasked with eradication and interdiction and in programs to enhance rural livelihoods.
The nonlinear tearing mode

A series of nonlinear computations of tearing-mode development have been performed which achieve higher values of the magnetic Reynolds number and larger wavelengths than previously considered. A prime candidate for the realization of dynamic reconnection is the resistive magnetic tearing mode, a spontaneous instability of a stressed magnetic field. Typical simulations are described for a magnetic Lundquist number S of 10 to the 4th and wavelength parameters alpha from 0.05 to 0.5. In all cases, the nonlinear mode initially evolves at the linear growth rate, followed by a period of reduced growth. Another common feature is the formation of secondary flow vortices, near the tearing surface, which are opposite in direction to the initial linear vortices.
In Vitro Incorporation of Molybdate into Demolybdoproteins in Escherichia coli

When Escherichia coli was grown in the presence of tungstate, inactive forms of two molybdoenzymes, nitrate reductase and formate dehydrogenase, accumulated and were converted to their active forms upon incubation of cell suspensions with molybdate and chloramphenicol. The conversion to the active enzymes did not occur in cell extracts. When incubated with [ 99 Mo]molybdate and chloramphenicol, the tungstate-grown cells incorporated 99 Mo into protein components which were released from membranes by procedures used to release nitrate reductase and formate dehydrogenase and which migrated with these activities on polyacrylamide gels. Although neither activity was formed during incubation of the crude extract with molybdate, 99 Mo was incorporated into protein components which were released from the membrane fraction under the same conditions and were similar to the active enzymes in their electrophoretic properties. The in vitro incorporation of 99 Mo occurred specifically into these components and was equal to or greater than the amount incorporated in vivo under the same conditions. Molybdenum in preformed, active nitrate reductase and formate dehydrogenase did not exchange with [ 99 Mo]molybdate, demonstrating that the observed incorporation depended on the demolybdo forms of the enzymes. We conclude that molybdate may be incorporated into the demolybdo forms both in vivo and in vitro; some unknown additional factor or step, required for active enzyme formation, occurs in vivo but not in vitro under the conditions employed. Images
The PapG tip adhesin of P fimbriae protects Escherichia coli from neutrophil bactericidal activity

Compared with Escherichia coli ORN103, a nonfimbriated K-12 strain, P-fimbriated E. coli ORN103/pPAP5 was found to interact poorly with human neutrophils and resist their bactericidal activity in vitro. PapG, the Gal alpha(1-->4)Gal binding moiety located at the distal end of the P fimbrial filament, appeared to be responsible for this effect because an isogenic PapG- mutant, E. coli ORN103/pPAP24, exhibited binding interactions with neutrophils that were similar to nonfimbriated E. coli ORN103. Although no direct evidence is available, the poor adherence mediated by PapG could be related to its electrostatic properties because the isolated PapG protein had a pI of 5.2, which indicated that in the physiological pH range it possessed a net negative charge. Antibodies against PapG overcame the protective effect of PapG and markedly enhanced the interactions of P-fimbriated E. coli with neutrophils resulting in bacterial killing. When a P-fimbriated clinical E. coli strain or its isogenic PapG- derivative was injected into the peritoneal cavities of mice, a similar number of neutrophils was recruited to the site of injection. After 2 h, the number of P-fimbriated E. coli organisms that survived the neutrophil influx in the mouse peritoneum was approximately four times more than the number of surviving PapG- bacteria. This result demonstrates that the PapG protein, which is strategically located at the distal region of the P-fibrillum structure, protects E. coli from the bactericidal action of neutrophils.
PDT-induced apoptosis: what are the critical molecular targets

Early molecular damages have been studied in a series of human tumor and rodent cell lines following photodynamic therapy (PDT) sensitized by the silicon phthalocyanine Pc 4. Pc 4 preferentially localizes in mitochondria, and upon photoirradiation, immediate photodamage to the anti-apoptotic oncoprotein Bcl-2 is observed. The loss of the native 26-kDa protein, as evidenced by western blot analysis, is accompanied by the generation of a 23-kDa fragment from a small portion of the molecules as well as a variety of higher molecular weight protein bands indicative of photochemical crosslinking of Bcl-2 to itself, to (pro-apoptotic) homologs, or to other nearby proteins. The changes in Bcl-2 are apparent immediately upon exposure of Pc 4-loaded cells to activating red light, occur in the cold, and are not dependent upon caspase-3 or other proteases. Crosslinking is also observed for the intermediate filament protein vimentin. The results implicate Bcl-2 (and perhaps vimentin) as important molecular targets that lead to apoptosis in Pc 4-PDT-treated cells.
Simultaneous unbalanced shared local oscillator heterodyne interferometry for high signal-to-noise-ratio, minimally destructive dispersive detection of time-dependent atomic spins

We demonstrate “simultaneous unbalanced shared local oscillator heterodyne interferometry” (SUSHI) a new method for minimally destructive, high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) dispersive detection of atomic spins. In SUSHI a dual-frequency probe laser interacts with atoms in one arm of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, and then beats against a bright local oscillator (LO) beam traversing the other arm, resulting in two simultaneous, independent heterodyne measurements of the atom-induced phase shift. Measurement noise due to mechanical disturbances of beam paths is strongly rejected by the technique of active subtraction, in which antinoise is actively written onto the LO beam via an optical phase-locked loop. In SUSHI, technical noise due to phase, amplitude, and frequency fluctuations of the various laser fields is strongly rejected (i) for any mean phase bias between the interferometer arms, (ii) without the use of piezo actuated mirrors, and (iii) without signal balancing. We experimentally demonstrate an ultralow technical-noise-limited sensitivity of 51 nrad/Hz over a measurement bandwidth of 60 Hz to 8 kHz using a 230 μW probe, and stay within ∼3 dB of the standard quantum limit as probe power is reduced by more than 5 orders of magnitude to as low as 650 pW. SUSHI is therefore well suited to performing quantum nondemolition measurements for preparing spin-squeezed states and for high-SNR, truly continuous observations of ground-state Rabi flopping in cold atom ensembles.
Research and agriculture: Challenging the public system

The publicly sponsored agricultural research system in the United States has always had to deal with the tension between public expectations and scientific practices and standards. The equilibrium it established between those two contradictory demands has been unraveling since the 1960s. The contemporary challenge to the system is to redefine its public and scientific roles in an environment of rapid scientific change and of public debate and disunity.
Haemodynamic changes in human masseter and temporalis muscles induced by different levels of isometric contraction

This study evaluated the influence of low contraction forces on intramuscular haemodynamics in human masseter and temporalis using near-infrared tissue spectroscopy. This method allowed the intramuscular haemoglobin (Hb) to be assessed dynamically before, during and after a 5, 15, 25 and 100% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Twenty volunteers, 10 males and 10 females, without pain or dysfunction in the masticatory system were included in this study. Data were recorded for 30 s before, 30 s during and 5 min after the four sustained contraction tasks. The results showed that all four levels of voluntary contraction produced a clear haemodynamic response (during and after contraction) in both muscles. For analytical purposes, the maximum Hb achieved after 100% MVC was set equal to 1.00. In the masseter the mean peak Hb during the 5, 15, 25 and 100% MVC was 0.49, 0.92, 1.30 and 1.73 while after the contractions it was 0.50, 0.65, 0.78 and 1.00, respectively. In the temporalis the peak Hb during the contractions was 0.23, 0.36, 0.48 and 0.66 and after the contractions 0.32, 0.45, 0.56 and 1.00, respectively. Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect for the different contraction levels both in the masseter (during contraction, p = 0.001; after contraction, p<0.001) and the temporalis (during contraction, p = 0.002; after contraction, p<0.001). These data suggest that low levels of contraction induce a clear haemodynamic response, even at 5% effort. When compared, the masseter and anterior temporalis showed clearly different patterns for the Hb signal during the contraction (p<0.001) as well as after it (p = 0.007). Specifically, the Hb during the contractions in the masseter appeared more stable than in the temporalis, which showed a strong return to baseline. Obviously the contracting masseter had a stronger and more sustained venous occlusion than the contracting temporalis. It is speculated that variation in architecture between the two muscles contributes to these differences in blood flow.
Impacts of land use at the catchment scale constrain the habitat benefits of stream riparian buffers

Summary Stream conservation and restoration strategies commonly focus on preserving extant riparian forest and restoring riparian habitat. Though these practices are beneficial to stream habitat, they may not suffice to restore stream condition in catchments heavily influenced by intensive land use. To evaluate this hypothesis, we measured invertebrate populations in 12 streams affected by different land-use types (cultivated, developed, forested and grassland). Within each stream, we compared reaches with and without riparian buffers of remnant mature forest. Within each reach, we calculated the relative abundance of individuals from the insect orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (%EPT) and assessed specific conductance, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature and substratum composition. Forested catchments had the highest %EPT (average 23.8) followed by grassland (16.1), cultivated (1.96) and developed (0.31). Reaches with forested buffers present were not associated with higher %EPT in forested, cultivated or developed catchments. In grassland catchments, however, %EPT was about eightfold higher in reaches with forested buffers than those without. High values of %EPT were associated with large stream substratum and low specific conductance and temperature, which were most common in forested catchments. Developed and cultivated catchments did not follow this pattern, %EPT being uniformly low, even where abiotic conditions were similar to forested catchments. These results confirm that intensive urban and cultivated land uses at the catchment scale degrade stream biological communities. They also indicate that patchy forested riparian corridors, as found in many restoration projects, are probably insufficient to mitigate severe, large-scale biological degradation.
Setwise independence for some dependence structures

Abstract Characterization problems of setwise independence are considered by introducing the setwise dependence class SM k ( n ). Two questions are answered: 1. (i) Under which conditions is a strongly positive orthant dependent random vector setwise independent. 2. (ii) Under what kind of dependence structure does a block diagonal covariance matrix imply setwise independence. The techniques involved in dealing with the above questions allow us to answer some open problems involving the SPOD class raised in Newman (1984, Inequalities in Statistics and Probability . IMS Lecture Notes—Monograph Series 5, pp. 127–140. IMS, Hayward, CA).
MEASURING THE SIX dof DRIVING POINT IMPEDANCE FUNCTION AND AN APPLICATION TO RB INERTIA PROPERTY ESTIMATION

Abstract An accurate driving point measurement is imperative in structural dynamic testing. For example, it is used to derive modal scaling, for experimental correlation of finite element models, impedance modelling and extracting the rigid body (RB) inertia properties of an object. A typical driving point measurement gives the linear force/displacement relationship at a single degree of freedom (dof), but any point on an object actually has rotational dofs as well. For example these rotational dofs must be measured in an impedance model where moments are transmitted at the connection point of two substructures. By ignoring the rotations, an inaccurate model will result. In the past, dynamic sensing technology has been limited to the accurate measurement of translational dofs. While rotational sensors do exist, their accuracy is called into question for certain applications. Rotational dofs have tended to be ignored in the measurement process. Applications, which require their use, such as impedance modelling and RB inertia property estimation, have suffered as a result. A process/sensor is being developed to accurately measure the driving point impedance function in all six dofs. The sensor as well as a calibration procedure will be presented here. In order to verify the validity of the calibration and measurement procedure, a new method for measuring the RB inertia properties of an object will be presented. This new method requires an accurate six dof driving point impedance measurement to provide accurate results. The inertia properties of an automotive brake rotor will be measured and compared with the results of a traditional pendulous swing test.
How Reliable are MSCA Profile Interpretations

This study evaluates the reliability of profile analysis for assessing differential abilities on the McCarthy Scales for Children's Abilities (MSCA). Subjects were enrolled in private schools and ranged in age from 5–5 to 6–5. The test-retest interval ranged from 3 to 6 weeks, with a mean interval of 24 days. Results indicated 70.9% of the sample showed profile variability not reasonably accounted for as real fluctuations in measurable abilities. General application of the null hypothesis procedure for calculating statistical significance of scaled score differences as a basis for interpretive judgments is discussed.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a composite collagenous prosthesis: A biomechanical and histologic study in rabbits

We evaluated a prototype composite collagenous anterior cruciate ligament replacement device designed to possess the advantages of biological grafts and synthetic materials. Collagenous anterior cruciate ligament prostheses were made by embedding 225 reconstituted type I collagen fibers in a type I collagen matrix, and placing polymethylmethacrylate bone fixation plugs on the ends. The collagenous prosthesis was used to replace the anterior cruciate ligament of 31 mature rabbits. At 4 and 20 weeks postimplantation, histologic and mechanical studies were performed on the developing neoligament tissue, and compared to values for the contralateral sham-operated control. At 4 weeks, neoligament tissue infiltrated the collagen fibers of the prostheses. The tibial bone tunnel attachment site contained new bone approaching the fibrous neoligament. The glutaraldehyde-treated prosthetic fibers appeared intact, while the carbodiimide-treated prosthetic fibers began to resorb. The ultimate load and ultimate tensile strength of femur-neoligament-tibia complexes had decreased. At 20 weeks, glutaraldehyde-treated fibers appeared partially intact; in contrast, the carbodiimide-treated prostheses appeared to be completely degraded, and were replaced by organized, crimped neoligament tissue. The ultimate tensile strength and ultimate load increased substantially due to deposition and remodeling of neoligament tissue. The neoligament ultimate load was 2 to 4 times the initial load value of the prosthesis. Implantation of a resorbable, composite collagenous anterior cruciate ligament prosthesis encourages the development of functional neoligament tissue. Studies are underway to optimize the mechanical and biological properties of the prostheses.
Optimizing the control of high ID movements: rethinking the obvious

An experiment was designed to determine the degree to which instruction and visual display influence participants’ performance and control characteristics when executing difficult reciprocal aiming movements. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three acquisition conditions (Fitts, Impulse and Sine). Participants in the Fitts condition were asked to flex/extend their limb/lever in the horizontal plane at the elbow joint (wrist stabilized) in an attempt to move back and forth between two targets as quickly and accurately as possible. In the Impulse condition, participants moved between two target lines paced by a metronome, and in the Sine condition, participants were asked to track a sine wave pattern. The timing for the Impulse and Sine conditions was set to result in total times (movement time + dwell time) similar to that observed in our previous experiments using the same Fitts conditions. The respective display and current position of the limb were projected on the screen in front of the participant. Following nine acquisition trials (15 s each) under their assigned condition, Test 1 was conducted under the same conditions as the participant experienced during the acquisition, and then, Test 2 was conducted for all participants under the Fitts’ conditions. The results for Test 1 indicated that total time and movement time for the three groups did not differ. However, dwell time was significantly lower, a larger proportion of movement time was spent in the acceleration portion of the movement, and peak velocity was significantly lower for the participants in the Sine condition than for participants in the Fitts condition. On Test 2, where Fitts conditions were imposed, the Sine group outperformed the Fitts condition on all variables except hits and endpoint variability where the Fitts and Sine groups performed similarly.
Golden alienation The uneasy fortune of the Gold Museum in Bogotá

Is Prehispanic gold a commodity or a gift? In the process of becoming a first-tier icon of Colombian identity, the Gold Museum in Bogota has attempted to formulate an answer to this thorny question...
Analysis of the Monotonic Lagrangian Grid as an Air Traffic Simulation Tool

A new research platform, the Air Traffic Monotonic Lagrangian Grid, has been developed to serve as a simulation tool for easy and fast testing of various air traffic system concepts. The underlying algorithm is the Monotonic Lagrangian Grid, which is a fast nearest-neighbors interaction algorithm used for sorting and tracking many moving and interacting objects. The nodes of the Monotonic Lagrangian Grid represent the locations of individual aircraft, and the grid moves at each time step as the aircraft move. The model is used to simulate a 24 h period of air traffic flow in the National Airspace System, during which there are 41,594 flights, and this requires only 79 s of wall-clock time on a single processor of a 1.3 GHz Altix. An analysis is presented of the number of nearest-neighbor nodes that must be checked to ensure adequate separation among aircraft. An investigation of the effect of removing waypoints from aircraft trajectories indicates that this may result in a significant reduction in total f...
Characterization of Type I and Type II Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptors in an Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin stimulate DNA and protein synthesis in IEC-6 cells (an intestinal epithelial cell line) grown in a chemically defined medium. 1GF-I stimulates proliferation of IEC-6 cells at a lower concentration (ED50 = 1.6 nM) than either insulin or IGF-II. To gain insight into the mechanisms by which IGFs stimulate IEC-6 cell growth, we have examined the characteristics of specific IGF receptors on IEC-6 cells. Binding of 125I-IGF-I and 125I-IGF-II to IEC-6 monolayers was analyzed by incubation with various concentrations (0.2 nM to 0.5 μM) of radiolabeled IGFs for 16 h at 3 C. Scatchard plots of 125I-IGF-I binding were linear, suggesting a single class of binding sites with KD = 3.1 ± 0.35 nM and Bmax = 50.7 ± 6 fmol/106 cells. IGF-II was potent in displacing 125I-IGF-I (K1= 8.1 ± 0.85 nM), but insulin had little effect. Affinity cross-linking with 125I-IGF-I followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed three bands with Mr of 270,000, 24...
Factors That Influence Student Completion of Course and Faculty Evaluations

Objective. To determine if there is a relationship between students’ grades, gender, age, or ethnicity and their completion of course and/or faculty evaluations. Methods. Data were collected and analyzed for relationships among students’ gender, age, ethnicity, and course grade on their completion rates of course and faculty evaluations. Results. The grade a student received in a course was not related to completion rates for course or faculty evaluations. Students born in 1987 or earlier were significantly more likely to complete course or faculty evaluations. Significant differences in completion rates were also found based on the course taken and the gender and ethnicity of the students. Conclusions. Several demographic characteristics were identified that correlated with the completion of course and/or faculty evaluations. However, no correlation was found with the grade a student receives in a course and completion of either course or faculty evaluations. In order to improve course and faculty evaluation rates, further analysis of the influence of demographics on completion rates is warranted.
Inhibition of l-α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase by alkylammonium chlorides

Abstract Eight n-alkylammonium chlorides were demonstrated to inhibit the l -α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase-catalyzed oxidation of l -α-glycerophosphate. The inhibition obtained was shown to be competitive with respect to the coenzyme, NAD. Interactions of these inhibitors with a “pyridinium ring” region at the NAD binding site of the enzyme was suggested by the competitive nature of the inhibition obtained and by the simultaneous binding of n-decylammonium chloride and adenylic acid to the enzyme. The binding of n-alkylammonium chlorides to l -α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase increases with increasing chain length of the inhibitor, indicating non-polar interactions with a hydrophobic region of the enzyme to be of importance in these binding processes.
Cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signals in patch clamped mammalian ventricular myocytes

1. Ventricular myocytes isolated from ferret or cat were loaded with the acetoxymethyl ester form of indo-1 (indo-1 AM) such that approximately 75% of cellular indo-1 was mitochondrial. The intramitochondrial indo-1 concentration was 0.5-2 mM. 2. Myocytes were also voltage clamped (membrane capacitance, Cm = 100 pF) and a typical wash-out time constant of cytosolic indo-1 by a patch pipette was found to be approximately 300 s. Depolarizations to +110 mV produced graded and progressive cellular Ca2+ load via Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange. 3. During these relatively slow Ca2+ transients, cell contraction (delta L) paralleled fluorescence ratio signals (R) such that delta L could be used as a bioassay of cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c), where [Ca2+]CL is the inferred signal which is delayed by approximately 200 ms from true [Ca2+]c. 4. In myocytes without Mn2+ quench, the kinetics of the total cellular indo-1 signal, delta R (including cytosolic and mitochondrial components), match delta L during stimulations at low basal [Ca2+]i. However, after progressive Ca2+ loading, delta R kinetics deviate from delta L dramatically. The deviation can be completely blocked by a potent mitochondrial Ca2+ uniport blocker, Ru360. 5. When cytosolic indo-1 is quenched by Mn2+, initial moderate stimulation triggers contractions (delta L), but no change in indo-1 signal, indicating both the absence of cytosolic Ca(2+)-sensitive indo-1 and unchanged mitochondrial [Ca2+] (delta [Ca2+]m). Subsequent stronger stimulation evoked larger delta L and also delta R. The threshold [Ca2+]c for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was 300-500 nM, similar to that without Mn2+ quench. 6. At high Ca2+ loads where delta [Ca2+]m is detected, the time course of [Ca2+]m was different from that of [Ca2+]c. Peak [Ca2+]m after stimulation has an approximately 1 s latency with respect to [Ca2+]c, and [Ca2+]m decline is extremely slow. 7. Upon a Ca2+ influx which increased [Ca2+]c by 0.4 microM and [Ca2+]m by 0.2 microM, total mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was approximately 13 mumol (1 mitochondria)-1. 8. With Mn2+ quench of cytosolic indo-1, there was no mitochondrial uptake of Mn2+ until the point at which mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake became apparent. However, after mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake starts, mitochondria continually take up Mn2+ even during relaxation, when [Ca2+]c is low. 9. It is concluded that mitochondria in intact myocytes do not take up detectable amounts of Ca2+ during individual contractions, unless resting [Ca2+]c exceeds 300-500 nM. At high cell Ca2+ loads and [Ca2+]c, mitochondrial Ca2+ transients occur during the twitch, but with much slower kinetics than those of [Ca2+]c.
Perceived social structure, role, and communication patterns in an organization

Abstract Relationships among organizational roles, perceptions of the structure of the organization, and communications were studied in a university psychology department. Fifty-five members, representing five status groups (e.g., faculty, graduate students, etc.) and four sections of the department (e.g., Counseling, Experimental, etc.), judged the similarity of 16 faculty stimuli, rated the faculty on their interests and activities, and reported on their own communications. Individual Differences Multidimensional Scaling analysis of the similarities data revealed four dimensions of the perceptions of the organization: Section Affiliation, Teaching versus Research, Interest in Industrial Psychology, and Orthodoxy of Life-Style. Section groups differed significantly both in their communications and in the way the Orthodoxy of Life-Style dimension was weighted in their perceptions of the organization. Perceptions of the organization were related to communication behavior.
Experiences with atrial pacing

Abstract The records of 187 patients with permanent atrial pacemakers implanted between 1970 and 1980 were studied retrospectively to define the indications, outcome and short- and long-term complications of single-chamber atrial pacing. Pacemakers were implanted in 145 (77%) patients with tachybrady syndrome, 35 (19%) with sinus bradycardia and 7 (4%) with ventricular arrhythmia. Intact atrioventricular (AV) conduction was defined as absence of second- or third-degree heart block with incremental atrial pacing to a heart rate of 120 beats/min before implantation. The average follow-up was 30 months, including 87 patients (46%) who were followed an average of 48 months. Four patients developed significant conduction disease requiring placement of a ventricular lead. Complications included 4 lead fractures (all coronary sinus leads), 10 dislodgments (9 coronary sinus, 1 tined atrial “J”) and 6 threshold rises requiring repositioning of the lead. Eight dislodgments occurred within an average of 5.6 days. The average increase in threshold that required repositioning occurred at 14 days. The average lead fracture occurred at 25 months. Atrial pacing is safe and effective for patients with sinoatrial node disorder (sick sinus syndrome) and intact AV conduction. Progression to clinically significant AV block is uncommon. Complications occur early with coronary sinus leads and are less common with newer leads.
Comparative Anticonvulsant Activity of 4-Chlorobenzenesulfonamide and Prototype Antiepileptic Drugs in Rodents

Summary: The anticonvulsant and toxic properties of 4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (ADD SS0S1) were compared with phenytoin (PHT), phenobarbital (PB), ethosuximide (ESM), and valproate (VPA). These compounds were evaluated in mice and rats using well-standardized anticonvulsant test procedures. The results indicate that ADD 55051 is a very effective anticonvulsant in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model in mice after either intraperitoneal (i.p.) or oral administration and in rats after oral administration. In mice treated i.p. or orally, ADD 55051 was also effective in preventing seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). The toxicity of ADD 55051 after oral administration was quite low, yielding high TD50 values in both mice and rats and producing a very high protective index (PI = TD50/ED50) in both species as compared with the prototype antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). RESUMEN Las propiedades anticonvulsivas y toxicas de la 4-clorobenzen-sulfonamida (ADD55051) ban sido comparadas con la fenitoina (OHT), fenobarbital (PB), etosuximida (ESM) y valproate (VPA). Estos compuestos han sido estudiados en ratones y ratas utilizando procedimientos anticonvulsives bien estandarizados. Los resulta-dos indican que la ADD55051 es un anticonvulsive muy eficaz en ataques por electroschok maximo (MES) aplicado en ratones tras la inyeccion intraperitoneal (i.p.) o su administracion oral y en ratas tras su administracion oral. En los ratones tratados i.p u oralmente la ADD55051 tambieii fue eficaz en la prevenckta de ataques indu-cidos por el pentilentetrazol (PTZ). La toxicidad de la ADD55051 tras la administracidn oral fue muy baja revelando valores elevados de TD 50 tanto en los ratones como en las ratas, produciendo un fndice muy elevado de protection (PI-TD 50/ED50) en ambas espe-cies comparandolos con prototipos de antiepilepticos. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die antikonvulsiven und toxischen Eigenschaften von 4-Chloro-benzenesulfonamid (ADD 55051) wurde mit Phenytoin (PHT), Phe-nobarbital (PB), Ethosuximid (ESM) und Valproat (VPA) veigti-chen. Die Substanzen wurden bei Mausen und Ratten in standard-isierten Antikonvulsiva-Tests untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daβ ADD 55051 ein effektives Antikonvulsivum bei maximalen Elektroschockanfallen (MES) bei Mausen sowohl bei interperito-nealer (i.p.) oder oraler Applikation sind sowie bei Ratten nach oraler Applikation. Bei i.p. oder oral behandelten Mausen war ADD 55051 auch zur Verhutung von Pentylenetetrazol-Anfialen wirksam. Die Toxizitat von ADD 55051 nach oraler Applikation war recht niedrig mit TD50 Werten, die sowohl bei Mausen als auch bei Ratten einen hohen Schutzindex (TO50/ED50) verglichen mit den bekannten Antiepileptika zeigten.
Reduction of patient exposure in pediatric radiology: an observer performance study

To determine if presently used exposure levels in pediatric imaging can be reduced without loss of information or decrease in diagnostic accuracy, a method for multiple (stacked) image detectors and filters using a computed radiography system was used to obtain identical images of different exposure levels of neonates with either no active lung disease or hyaline membrane disease. Physical characteristics of the images were measured. A contrast-detail study and an ROC study were conducted to measure observer performance. Physical measurements and the contrast detail study revealed that all images were essentially x-ray photon noise limited. The ROC study indicated that diagnostic accuracy did not decrease significantly up to about 75% exposure reduction levels, although image quality rating data decreased with each exposure reduction. Decreasing exposure levels to about 75% of current levels may be acceptable in some clinical situations where dose is a concern, such as in pediatric imaging.
Hydrogenation reactions of neutral carbon clusters: Cn (n=6–75)+D2

The hydrogenation reactions of neutral carbon clusters, C n +D 2 , are examined over a wide range of cluster sizes, n =6–75. Clusters are created by pulsed laser vaporization of graphite and react with D 2 in a pulsed, fast-flow reactor. After supersonic expansion and collimation the cluster reactants and products are photoionized at 118.2 nm and mass analyzed via high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The observed ion signals provide information both on the decay of the C n reactants and on the formation of the C n D m products. From the product appearance kinetics, we conclude that C n D m are formed via sequential D-atom addition and that, in some cases, loss of carbon may accompany hydrogenation. The C 2 n for n ≤20 show a preference for formation of C n D 2 , consistent with production of long-chain polyacetylenes. From fits to the decay of C n signals, we determine the relative rate for the overall reaction as a function of cluster size. The observed drop in reactivity for C 2 n near n =18 correlates well with the onset of the closed-shell fullerenes.
Intake belt air safety by the numbers

Abstract Due to prior major accidents in the United States underground coal mines, regulations concerning use of intake belt air were changed in 2008. Several safety requirements were introduced to combat the most acknowledged risk of using belt air; conveyor belt flammability. However, use of belt air increases airflow at the face area, which results in improved methane control. A definitive connection between belt air use and accident occurrence has not been established. Also, the frequency of belt air ventilation violations and their relation to other ventilation violations is not known, so reliable weighing of the benefits and risks is difficult. Based on data from 98 reports on underground belt entry fires the relationship among belt fires, ignitions, explosions, fatalities, and injury information was analyzed. Ignitions and explosions due to lack of ventilating air are much more common than belt fires. The number of injuries and fatalities resulting from these incidents far outnumbers those related to belt fires. Belt air related issues were further studied by researching an MSHA violations database. The number of belt air standard violations was expected to be significant enough to show the need to restrict its use. However, this was not found. It was concluded that because methane explosions and ignitions result in a much larger number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, the benefit of additional air supplied to the face surpasses the risk of belt fires. Also, data showed that mines using belt air were not at greater risk than mines not using belt air.
Global alliance for nurses and midwives.

Telecommunications connect the world in unprecedented ways! Today the Internet is the tool for truly global collaboration to promote human development. Maternal-child health nurses who were formerly isolated in their own practices can now meet share and strategize in online virtual communities. I want to tell readers about a list that empowers nurses to contribute to global health issues: the Global Alliance for Nursing and Midwifery (GANM) list. The GANM list is supported by the Implementing Best Practices (IBP) Initiative (2006) a collaborative forum created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Partner Agencies (such as International Planned Parenthood Federation United Nations Population Fund Engender Health Johns Hopkins University). The IBP goal is to identify and apply evidence-based practices to improve reproductive health outcomes in low-resource settings. The IBP vehicle for sharing effective practices is the Knowledge Gateway a Web portal of electronic communication tools to support multiple virtual Communities of Practice. The IBP provides Web tools for networking-without cost or advertisement-to any group that shares their mission. (excerpt)
An Active Flow Circulation Controlled Flap Concept for General Aviation Aircraft Applications

A recent focus on revolutionary aerodynamic concepts has highlighted the technology needs of general aviation and personal aircraft. New and stringent restrictions on these types of aircraft have placed high demands on aerodynamic performance, noise, and environmental issues. Improved high lift performance of these aircraft can lead to slower takeoff and landing speeds that can be related to reduced noise and crash survivability issues. Circulation Control technologies have been around for 65 years, yet have been avoided due to trade offs of mass flow, pitching moment, perceived noise etc. The need to improve the circulation control technology for general aviation and personal air-vehicle applications is the focus of this paper. This report will describe the development of a 2-D General Aviation Circulation Control (GACC) wing concept that utilizes a pulsed pneumatic flap.
Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformations: Management and Technical Considerations

Abstract Spinal cord cavernous malformations present a unique challenge to neurosurgeons. Neurological deterioration is usually the result of multiple hemorrhages leading to a step-wise decline. On rare occasions, however, acute hemorrhagic events can cause severe, lasting spinal cord injury. Therefore, surgical decision-making can be problematic. This article presents the treatment strategy used at our institution. Essential points of surgical technique and surgical outcomes are also discussed.
Modification of Platinum(II) Antitumor Complexes with Sulfur Ligands. 2. Reactivity and Nucleotide Binding Properties of Cationic Complexes of the Types [PtCl(diamine)(L)]NO3 and [{PtCl(diamine)}2(L-L)](NO3)2 (L = Monofunctional Thiourea Derivative; L-L = Bifunctional Thiourea Derivative) in Relation to Their Cytotoxicity

The reactions of [PtCl(en)(tmtu)]NO3 (1) and [PtCl(dach)(tmtu)]NO3 (2) (en = 1,2-ethanediamine, dach = racemic trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine, tmtu = 1,1,3,3-tetramethylthiourea) and [{Pt(en)Cl}2{μ-C2H4(NMeCSNMe2)2-S,S‘}](NO3)2 (3) and [{Pt(en)Cl}2{μ-C6H12(NMeCSNMe2)2-S,S‘}](NO3)2·0.5EtOH (4) with 5‘-GMP and r(GpG) and their chemistry in aqueous solution have been investigated by 1H and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. 1 and 2 only form the monofunctional adducts [Pt(en)(5‘-GMP-N7)(tmtu)] (I) and [Pt(dach)(5‘-GMP-N7)(tmtu)] (II), irrespective of an excess of free nucleotide. 195Pt NMR chemical shifts of −3003 and −2982 ppm, respectively, confirm a [N3S] mixed-donor environment of platinum. The bulky tmtu ligand in 1 and 2 decreases the rate of hydrolysis of the Pt−Cl bond and the rate of nucleotide binding compared to analogous reactions for cisplatin and structural analogues. The dinuclear complexes 3 and 4 exhibit an unusual rapid intramolecular disproportionation in solution (t1/2 = 2.5 and 12 h, respectively) wh...
Labeled antibodies to protocollagen proline hydroxylase from chick embryos for intracellular localization of the enzyme.

Abstract Pure protocollagen proline hydroxylase was prepared from chick embryos with a new procedure involving affinity column chromatography. Rabbits were immunized with the enzyme and antisera from the rabbits were found to contain high titers of antibodies which were specific as tested by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. The γ-globulin fraction from the antisera was labeled with peroxidase and the labeled antibodies were used to localize protocollagen proline hydroxylase in matrix-free tendon cells from chick embryos. Light microscopy indicated that the enzyme was distributed in localized regions of the cytoplasm.
Fuzzy system solution for digital image watermarking

The proposed spatial domain watermarking system is based on fuzzy logic and was designed with the intent of embedding watermark features such that they are undetectable to the human visual system. The objective is to manipulate the host image to a maximum that is below the threshold of detection using as a basis the texture and contrast surrounding the insertion subimage. To achieve this objective, the development and design of the watermarking scheme targets three of the five perceptual holes of the human visual system. The resulting watermarking scheme was evaluated using image processing techniques typical of an accidental attack process. The evaluation of the embedded watermark was subjected to a limited sample of human visual system observers. The watermarking scheme demonstrated excellent resiliency to image compression and ability to be implemented in images over a varied range of spectral characteristics.
Reverse remodeling in heart failure with intensification of vasodilator therapy

BACKGROUND Heart failure therapy with beta-receptor blockade has been shown to effect a partial reversal of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in heart failure. HYPOTHESIS We tested the hypothesis that, in the absence of beta blockade, uptitration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and nitrate therapy over conventional dosages would improve symptoms as well as LV function in patients with severe heart failure. METHODS For patients with nonischemic or ischemic cardiomyopathy, intensive high-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and nitrate therapy was uptitrated. Echocardiograms were obtained semiannually and evaluated in a blinded fashion. Of 99 patients in the study, aged 55 +/- 13 years, with heart failure for 5.2 +/- 3.1 years, 74 were men, 69 were Caucasian, and 34 had ischemic cardiomyopathy. The final dosage of enalapril was 40 +/- 23 mg/day of isosorbide dinitrate it was 153 +/- 127 mg/day. RESULTS Initial New York Heart Association classification improved from 2.8 +/- 0.9 to 1.7 +/- 0.9 (p < 0.001) in 2.7 years of follow-up. Of the 99 patients, 72 further improved their ejection fraction. For the whole group, ejection fraction increased from 21 +/- 9% to 30 +/- 13% in 6 months (p < 0.001), with a reduction in LV end-diastolic size from 6.6 +/- 0.9 to 6.3 +/- 1.0 cm (p = 0.002), a decrease in the severity of mitral regurgitation from mild/moderate to only mild. Resting heart rate declined with no change over time in systemic systolic blood pressure. Final ejection fraction for nonischemic patients (n = 65) was 36 +/- 16% versus 23 +/- 9% for the ischemic population. CONCLUSIONS Uptitration of high-dose ACE inhibitor and nitrate therapy to higher doses is well tolerated in severe heart failure, further improves both clinical status and LV systolic function, and is more effective in nonischemic than in ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Mycotic aneurysm of the facial artery complicating infective endocarditis

Mycotic aneurysms are uncommon complications of infective endocarditis in children. We describe a case of mycotic aneurysm of the left facial artery occurring secondary to infective endocarditis. Presentation of the mycotic aneurysm was delayed and was noted 8 weeks after admission. This followed a course of intensive antibiotic therapy. Its progress was rapid, necessitating surgery for imminent rupture. A successful outcome was achieved.