cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cationic polymerization of aldehydes

Cationic polymerizations of formaldehyde, higher aliphatic aldehydes and haloaldehydes are discussed. The polymerization is initiated by Lewis and Bronsted acids but is dominated by the fact that in almost all cases the polymers precipitate and crystallize from the solution. As a consequence the polymerizations become diffusion controlled sometimes even at low conversions. This phenomenon is not limited to cationic polymerization but additionally the growing ends are readily occluded and cationic initiators are adsorbed on the precipitated polymer. The morphology and the degree of swelling of the precipitated polymer plays an important role upon the rate of polymerization and conversion of monomer to polymer. As expected, polymerizations of aliphatic aldehydes are more readily carried out by cationic initiators than the polymerization of haloaldehydes; this may be caused by the difference in the initiation mechanism. Die kationische Polymerisation von Formaldehyd, hoheren aliphatischen Aldehyden und Halogenaldehyden wird diskutiert. Die Polymerisation wird mit Lewis-Sauren und Bronsted-Sauren initiiert, wird aber beherrscht von der Tatsache, das in fast allen Fallen die Polymeren ausfallen und aus der Losung auskristallisieren. Die Folge ist, das die Polymerisationen diffusionskontrolliert werden und dies in einigen Fallen sogar bei kleinen Umsatzen. Diese Erscheinung ist nicht auf die kationische Polymerisation beschrankt, doch kommt hier hinzu, das die wachsenden Enden leicht okkludiert werden und kationische Initiatoren von dem ausfallenden Polymeren absorbiert werden. Die Morphologie und das Ausmas der Quellung des ausgefallenen Polymeren spielt eine wichtige Rolle in bezug auf die Polymerisationsgeschwindigkeit und den Umsatz des Monomeren zum Polymeren. Wie zu erwarten, lassen sich aliphatische Aldehyde leichter als Halogenaldehyde mit kationischen Initiatoren polymerisieren; dies kann in dem Unterschied des Startmechanismus begrundet sein.
Influence of respiratory rate and volume on heart rate variability

Normal subjects were tested at specific respiratory rates and volumes. The respiratory rates selected for each subject depended on the individual's normal breathing rate. A nonlinear relationship between vagal power and respiratory rate was found. The maximum power occurred at each individual's normal respiratory rate. An inverse relationship between volume and power was confirmed. It was observed that the value of end tidal CO/sub 2/ was correlated with the subject's perceived level of difficulty. >
Uso de secuencias del ITS para determinar relaciones genéticas intraespecíficas entre colecciones separadas geográficamente del mixomicete Didymium squamulosum

An analysis of ITS sequences of Didymium squamulosum, a myxomycete regarded as cosmopolitan, shows variation among geographically separated isolates. ITS 1 and 2 and 5.8S rDNA were amplified from specimens collected in widely scattered localities. The sequences were analyzed by parsimony analysis and the resulting trees show separate, moderate and well supported clades grouping some, but not all, of the geographic locations. ITS is the first molecular marker examined for intraspecific variation in myxomycetes, and although sequence analysis shows statistically significant differences among sequences from the 14 specimens considered, the heterogeneity in ITS 1 and ITS 2 appears to be too great for any more meaningful biogeographical conclusions. Variation in the 5.8S and the amount of variation found in ITS 1 and 2 may signify that the isolates examined represent a complex of sibling species, although this particular marker cannot be used to make that distinction in this myxomycete.
Scalable spin locks for multiprogrammed systems

Synchronization primitives for large shared-memory multiprocessors need to minimize latency and contention. Software queue-based locks address these goals, but suffer if a process near the end of the queue waits for a preempted processes ahead of it. To solve this problem, the authors present two queue-based locks that recover from in-queue preemption. The simpler, faster lock employs an extended kernel interface that shares information in both directions across the user-kernel boundary. Results from experiments with real and synthetic applications on SGI and KSR multiprocessors demonstrate that high-performance software spin locks are compatible with multiprogramming on both large-scale and bus-based machines. >
Phenotype and proliferation characteristics of cultured spindle-shaped cells obtained from normal human skin and lesions of dermatofibroma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a comparison with fibroblast and endothelial cells of the dermis

Normal human dermis contains mesenchymal cells that are generally referred to as fibroblasts. However the relationships between fibroblasts and endothelial cells with respect to the types of spindle-shaped cells that are present in cultures obtained from tumor bearing-skin is unclear. To explore the potential heterogeneity amongst dermal-derived cells that grow in culture with a spindle-shaped morphology, we compared the immunophenotype and growth characteristics of several types of cells. Besides dermal fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells derived from normal adult skin, we also studied large vessel-derived endothelial cells, and spindle-shaped cells derived from three different tumor-bearing dermal-based neoplasms. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), dermatofibroma (DF), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). A broad panel of eight different antibodies were used to immunophenotype the multi-passaged cultured cells. Spindle-shaped cells from all three neoplasms could be distinguished from the normal skin derived fibroblasts by their constitutive expression of factor XIIIa, and the gamma-interferon induced expression of VCAM-1. All seven types of cultured cells stained positive for s-actin and proline-4-hydroxylase, and none of the cells expressed CD34. Both large and small-vessel derived endothelial cells expressed factor VIII, ELAM-1, and VCAM-1. Using two different types of growth media, significant differences were also observed amongst these cultured cell types. Spindle-shaped cells from DFSP did not grow in DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum (DMEM-FBS); but they proliferated in KS cell growth medium (KSGM). Spindle-shaped cells from DF grew best in KSGM, but not in DMEM-FBS. KS tumor cells grew well in KSGM, but not in DMEM-FBS. Fibroblasts proliferated in DMEM-FBS, but failed to grow in KSGM; and even when pre-treated with conditioned medium from a transformed KS cell line (i.e. SLK cells), no fibroblast proliferation could be induced in KSGM. These results indicate that KS cell line (i.e. SLK cells), no fibroblast proliferation could be induced in KSGM. These results indicate that even though dermal-derived cells can have an identical spindle-shape by light microscopy, significant heterogeneity can be defined amongst such cells from normal and tumor-bearing human skin. Having established culture conditions to propagate these different cell types and phenotypic criteria to distinguish them from one another, will provide new research opportunities to explore the function and ontogeny of the diverse mesenchymal cells that take on a spindle-shaped morphology in culture.
THE NUCLEI AND OTHER PROPERTIES OF p-PRIMITIVE SEMIFIELD PLANES

In this article the nuclei of p-primitive semifield planes are studied. The behavior of this class of planes under the operations of derivation, transposition and dualization is also analyzed.
Fractures of the sternum

Abstract Although rare, fractures of the sternum probably occur more often than is realized or discovered. They are not diagnosed because serious complicating injuries often accompany them and because they are difficult to depict with the roentgen rays. Anatomically the manubrium is rigidly attached to the vertebral column through fusion with the first pair of ribs. Elsewhere the attachments are more elastic and resistant to fracture. Fractures of the sternum are produced by direct blows, falls, or crushing injuries. They generally occur in the upper portion of the bone where there is rigid attachment to the axial skeleton. Displacement of fragments is unusual and the ligamentous coverings prevent lacerations of nearby structures. These fractures are diagnosed by deformity, sharply localized pain, crepitation and immobility of the thorax in respiration. Specialized roentgen-ray technique will reveal the detail of the bone, and should be utilized when there is distinct suspicion of fracture in this portion of the thorax. This type of injury is best treated by rest in bed, local heat and moderate hyperextension. Recovery is prompt and complete, and there is seldom any indication to recommend radical therapeutic measures. Only 8 cases have been observed in The Mayo Clinic, and 4 of these were seen in the first eight months of 1932.
Antibodies affecting metabolism of chicken erythrocytes: examination of schizophrenic and other subjects.

Human plasma contains an antibody which produces a complement-linked lysis of chicken erythrocytes and an associated marked stimulation of the cells9 aerobic glycolysis. This appears to account for reported alteration in chicken erythrocyte metabolism produced by the plasmas of some schizophrenic patients.
Thyroid-catecholamine interactions in isolated rat brown adipocytes☆

Abstract The effects of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on the metabolism of adipocytes isolated from rat brown adipose tissue were as follows: (1) The yield of brown adipocytes was 65% less in the hypothyroid as compared to the control rats. No change in cell recovery was observed in the hyperthyroid group as compared to controls but there was a 65% increase in cell volume. (2) The stimulation of respiration by isoproterenol and forskolin was markedly greater in cells from hyperthyroid as compared to euthyroid rats. In the adipocytes from hypothyroid rats, respiration and lipolysis were reduced but there was no defect in stimulation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin or isoproterenol as compared to euthyroid controls. (3) The effects of different thyroid states on respiration did not correlate with changes in adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic phosphate (cyclic AMP) or lipolysis. (4) Phenylephrine in the presence of alprenolol or octanoate were as potent stimulators of respiration as 10 μmol/L isoproterenol in adipocytes from hypothyroid rats. In cells from hyperthyroid rats phenylephrine was twice, octanoate three times, and isoproterenol 16 times more effective in stimulating respiration than in cells from hypothyroid rats. These data indicate that thyroid status regulates β-catecholamine and forskolin stimulation of respiration in brown adipocytes.
Anticipation of Risks and Benefits of Emerging Technologies: A Prospective Analysis Method

ABSTRACT Methods for the identification, evaluation, and control of hazards are well recognized, whereas a method for the anticipation of hazards has eluded the field of industrial hygiene. The Emerging Technologies Team at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has developed a method for anticipating not only occupational hazards but also potential benefits of emerging technologies for occupational safety and health. This method incorporates forecasting tools with a prospective assessment step into the risk assessment model, stresses research results as an iterative driver in the assessment, and depends on inherently safer design to eliminate or reduce hazards. An iterative process that involves the occupational safety and health professional as a team member in the development of emerging technologies is recommended.
Fournier's gangrene in a child with congenital genitourinary anomalies

Fournier's gangrene is a rare urologic emergency in childhood that requires prompt diagnosis to deliver definitive and supportive care. Host susceptibility risk factors differ between adult and pediatric age groups with affected children usually otherwise systemically healthy. We present a case of Fournier's gangrene in a 2-year-old, from a genitourinary source of sepsis secondary to previously unreported genitourinary anatomical anomalies of congenital buried penis and hypospadias. Illustrative applied anatomy identifies the pathogenesis of this case, aiding recognition and understanding of this rapidly progressive and destructive pathology.
Supercurrents through proximity layers. II. Numerical solution of superconducting-normal-superconducting and superconducting-superconducting-superconducting weak links

There exist two distinctly different types of symmetric weak links. One contains a superconductor S/sub 1/, the other a normal metal N between the outside superconducting S regions, where the states S/sub 1/ and N refer to the properties of the isolated metals. Both types of weak links have multiple solutions of the pair potential for a fixed value of the dc current density. This multiplicity is theoretically elucidated. When the lengths of the S/sub 1/ and N regions, 2d/sub n/, are comparable to vertical-barxi/sub n/ vertical-bar or smaller, both types of weak links behave similarly. When 2d/sub n/ >> vertical-barxi/sub n/ vertical-bar, a superconducting-normal-superconducting (S-N-S) weak link behaves very much like a Josephson junction, but a superconducting-superconducting-superconducting (S-S/sub 1/-S) weak link behaves like a long superconducting wire with some of the Josephson-like properties remaining. Exact solutions of S-S/sub 1/-S and S-N-S weak links are calculated for different boundary conditions, lengths of the S/sub 1/ and N regions, and current densities. The latter are compared to previous analytical approximations.
Loglog fault-detection rate and testing coverage software reliability models subject to random environments

Many software reliability growth models (SRGMs) have developed in the past three decades to quantify several reliability measures including the expected number of remaining faults and software reliability. The underlying common assumption of many existing models is that the operating environment and the developing environment are the same. In reality, this is often not the case because the operating environments are unknown due to the uncertainty of environments in the field. In this paper, we present two new software reliability models with considerations of the fault-detection rate based on a Loglog distribution and the testing coverage subject to the uncertainty of operating environments. Examples are included to illustrate the goodness-of-fit test of proposed models and several existing non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) models based on a set of failure data collected from software applications. Three goodness-of-fit test criteria, such as, mean square error, predictive-ratio risk, and predictive power, are used as an example to illustrate the model comparisons. The results show that the proposed models fit significantly better than other existing NHPP models based on the studied criteria. As we know different criteria have different impacts in measuring the software reliability and that no software reliability model is optimal for all contributing criteria. In this paper, we also discuss a method, called normalized criteria distance, to show ways to rank and select the best model from among SRGMs based on a set of criteria taken all together. Examples show that the proposed method offers a promising technique for selecting the best model based on a set of contributing criteria.
Radioactive Copper and the Mechanism of Oligodynamic Action

INASMUCH as the stimulation of organisms by extremely low concentrations of heavy metal ions (oligodynamic action) is a well-known phenomenon, it seemed desirable to use the artificially radioactive isotope 29Cu64 (Cu*) to enable one readily to determine the fate of the radioactive copper added to cells in concentrations of the order of 10-10 moles per litre.
Patterns of Preference for Numerical and Verbal Probabilities

We report results of an experiment designed to test a principle formulated by Budescu and Wallsten (1995), that, when communicating uncertainty information, mode choices are sensitive to sources and degrees of vagueness. In addition, we examined subjects’ efficacy in using such uncertainty information as a function of communication mode, source, and vagueness. In phase one of the experiment, subjects in a dyad used precise (numerical) or imprecise (verbal) expressions to communicate to a remote partner precise or vague uncertainty about the likelihoods of events. Spinner outcomes were used to generate precise uncertainty while answers to almanac questions were used to elicit vague uncertainty. In phase two, subjects saw the events paired with their partners’ estimates of similar events, and were asked to gamble on one event from each pair. Communication mode preferences were measured as the relative frequency that subjects chose the numerical mode to either express or receive uncertainty information regarding the events. Efficacy was measured as the relative frequency that subjects choose from the pair the event associated with the objectively more probable uncertainty expression. Underlying uncertainty interacted with direction of communication to affect preferences for modes of expression of the probabilities. Subjects preferred precise (numerical) information, especially for precise events (spinners). For vague events (questions), their preference for precise (numerical) information was stronger when receiving than when communicating information. Similar preferences were reflected in the efficiency of subsequent gamble decisions based on the probability estimates. Specifically, decisions were more efficacious (i.e. consistent with Expected Utility) when degrees of precision in events and estimates matched. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why Schumpeter has had so little influence on today’s main line economics, and why this may be changing

While Schumpeter’s broad theory of how capitalist economies worked articulated in his Theory of Economic Development received strong attention in his lifetime, it was neoclassical economic theory that took hold of the profession in the last half of the twentieth century, and today few economists even read Schumpeter. The first part of this essay considers the reasons why Schumpeter largely has been ignored. However, recent developments have increased the interests of economists in innovation and in innovation driven economic activity, and the time now may be ripe for a renaissance of Schumpeterian economics. The second part of this essay provides a sketch of what an economics text-book, written from a Schumpeterian perspective, might look like.
Non-serotonin anti-depressant actions: direct ion channel modulation by SSRIs and the concept of single agent poly-pharmacy.

Summary Medical therapies targeting infections and neoplasms often involve a multi-pronged strategy sometimes called “rational poly-pharmacy”, while other disorders such as Parkinson’s disease emphasize targeting a single neurotransmitter system (dopamine). Although the clinical literature favors a “serotonin hypothesis” for depression, a growing basic science literature suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) directly modulate neurotransmitter- and voltage-gated neuronal ion channels. In addition, biosynthesis of neurosteroids (themselves promiscuous ion channel modulators), is activated by SSRIs. These non-canonical effects are entirely independent of serotonin signaling, and they occur in the range of SSRI concentrations reported in the brains of treated patients (1–10 μM). The protean impact of these diverse channel targets on neuronal excitability raises interesting and potentially testable hypotheses about depression pathophysiology and treatment. Specifically, emerging network theories are embracing the non-linearity and complexity of brain circuitry and its oscillatory behavior, with clinical correlations in psychiatry and neurology. Is it possible that certain brain dysfunction (such as depression) may be more amenable to a poly-pharmacy approach? The promiscuity of SSRIs suggests that such poly-pharmacy can emerge from a single agent.
Circular carrier-frequency photography for observing phase objects.

A circular grating is photographed through a phase object which deforms the image of the grating lines. By super-imposing these deformed lines with a master grating on photographic film, moire patterns are observed. These patterns are interpreted as fringes of constant radial derivative.
A mouse transgenic approach to induce β-catenin signaling in a temporally controlled manner

Although constitutive murine transgenic models have provided important insights into β-catenin signaling in tissue morphogenesis and tumorigenesis, these models are unable to express activated β-catenin in a temporally controlled manner. Therefore, to enable the induction (and subsequent de-induction) of β-catenin signaling during a predetermined time-period or developmental stage, we have generated and characterized a TETO-ΔN89β-catenin responder transgenic mouse. Crossed with the MTB transgenic effector mouse, which targets the expression of the reverse tetracycline transactivator (rtTA) to the mammary epithelium, we demonstrate that the stabilized (and activated) form of β-catenin (ΔN89β-catenin) is expressed only in the presence doxycycline-activated rtTA in the mammary epithelial compartment. Furthermore, we show that transgene-derived ΔN89β-catenin elicits significant mammary epithelial proliferation and precocious alveologenesis in the virgin doxycycline-treated MTB/TETO-ΔN89β-catenin bitransgenic. Remarkably, deinduction of TETO-ΔN89β-catenin transgene expression (through doxycycline withdrawal) results in the reversal of these morphological changes. Importantly, continued activation of the TETO-ΔN89β-catenin transgene results in palpable mammary tumors (within 7–9 months) in the doxycycline-treated virgin MTB/TETO-ΔN89β-catenin bigenic but not in the same bitransgenic without doxycycline administration. Collectively, these mammary epithelial responses to ΔN89β-catenin expression agree with previous reports using conventional transgenesis and therefore confirm that ΔN89β-catenin functions as expected in this doxycycline-responsive bigenic system. In sum, our mammary gland studies demonstrate “proof-of-principle” for using the TETO-ΔN89β-catenin transgenic responder to activate (and then de-activate) β-catenin signaling in any tissue of interest in a spatiotemporal specific fashion.
A Systematic Approach to Developing an Online Medical Library

Health sciences librarians serve a valuable role in managing electronic resources that support the clinical, educational, and research missions of their institutions. This article outlines the processes that can be followed to form a collection management team that develops an effective project plan and conducts collection analysis. Approaches include conducting surveys, focus groups, cost-benefit analyses, and return on investment calculations.
Static quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by oxidized dithiothreitol

The quenching of fluorescence of 5-methoxyindole, N-acetyl-L-tryptophanamide and two single tryptophan containing peptides, melittin and mastoparan X, by oxidized dithiothreitol was studied. The slopes of the Stern-Volmer plots for steady-state fluorescence quenching were 133 M-1, 71.2 M-1, 75.5 M-1 and 35.0 M-1 at 21 degrees C and pH 7.0 for 5-methyoxyindole, N-acetyl-L-tryptophanamide, melittin and mastoparan X respectively. Fluorescence lifetimes of indole or tryptophan in these compounds, as determined by multifrequency phase fluorometry, were decreased by 15% or less at concentrations that produced 50% or more quenching of steady-state fluorescence. Thus, quenching of fluorescence by oxidized dithiothreitol for these derivatives of indole appears to be largely static in nature, suggesting a ground-state interaction.
High-quantum-efficiency solar-blind photodetectors

We report AlGaN-based back-illuminated solar-blind p-i-n photodetectors with a record peak responsivity of 150 mA/W at 280 nm, corresponding to a high external quantum efficiency of 68%, increasing to 74% under 5 volts reverse bias. Through optimization of the p-AlGaN layer, we were able to remove the out-of-band negative photoresponse originating from the Schottky-like p-type metal contact, and hence significantly improve the degree of solar-blindness. We attribute the high efficiency of these devices to the use of very-high quality AlN and Al 0.87 Ga 0.13 N/AlN superlattice material, a highly conductive Si-In co-doped Al 0.5 Ga 0.5 N layer, and the elimination of the negative photoresponse through improvement of the p-type AlGaN.
Direct Observation of a Hydrogen Atom Adduct to O-4 in Uracil. Energetics and Kinetics of Uracil Radicals

The 4-hydroxy-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-on-4-yl radical (1), an elusive hydrogen atom adduct to the O-4 position in uracil, was generated in the gas phase by femtosecond collisional electron transfer to O-4 protonated uracil and investigated by neutralization−reionization mass spectrometry (NRMS). A fraction of radicals 1 was stable on the 5.1 μs time scale. The main unimolecular dissociations of 1 were ring cleavages and a specific loss of the hydrogen atom from O-4, as determined by deuterium labeling. Ab initio calculations up to effective QCISD(T)/6-311+G(3df,2p) and combined density functional theory and perturbational calculations up to B3-MP2/6-311+G(3df,2p) were used to obtain bond dissociation and transition state energies for several radical and ion dissociations. The energies were used for calculations of rate constants by RRKM and transition state theory. The dissociations observed by NRMS could not be explained by competitive reactions occurring on the potential energy surface of the ground...
A STELLAR ENERGY LOSS MECHANISM INVOLVING AXIONS

Abstract We consider the contribution of bremsstrahlung emission of axions to stellar energy losses. This process has a much weaker temperature dependence than previously considered axion emission processes. It is comparable to these processes in the sun, and for objects with non-degenerate core temperatures less than 85% that of the solar core, axion bremsstrahlung will dominate. We briefly consider the implications of these axionsemission losses for altering the evolution of old globular cluster stars.
Chemical Vapor Deposition: Applying The Technology To Optics

Since 1880, when first applied in the incandescent lamp industry, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been employed in a diverse group of technologies. At present, CVD plays vital roles in microelectronic, wear- and radiation-resistant coatings, fiberoptics, and the purification and fabrication of exotic materials, from ultra-low expansion glasses to high-purity refractory metals. In the CVD process, a precisely mixed stream of gases is injected into a cavity where it encounters a heated substrate, which provides the thermal activation energy that initiates a chemical reaction in the vapor. This reaction leaves behind a solid film on the substrate surface, while the other reaction products are entrained in the gas stream and exhausted from the cavity. The reaction normally takes place below or at atmospheric pressure, and the substrate can be heated by optical, infrared, or radio frequency radiation. CVD has four major advantages over most other thin film deposition techniques. First, the process allows tight control over gas stream flowrate and composition, which leads to predictable and repeatable film composition and to graded structures, if desired. Second, the thermal activation of the reaction establishes thermal equilibrium at the site of film deposition, producing tight, highly coordinated structures. Third, the throwing power of CVD is excellent. Last, the technique is especially well suited to the deposition of refractory materials difficult by other processes. Therefore, the application of this technology to optical thin films promises to be fruitful; the important steps have been taken in a number of areas.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In Vivo Biocompatibility and Analytical Performance of Intravascular Amperometric Oxygen Sensors Prepared with Improved Nitric Oxide-Releasing Silicone Rubber Coating

The in vivo biocompatibility and analytical performance of amperometric oxygen-sensing catheters prepared with a new type of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing silicone rubber polymer (DACA/N2O2 SR) is reported. The NO-release silicone rubber coating contains diazeniumdiolated secondary amine sites covalently anchored to a dimethylsiloxane matrix. Narrow diameter (0.9 mm, o.d.) silicone rubber tubing coated with this polymer can be employed to construct functional oxygen-sensing catheters that release NO continuously at levels >1 × 10-10 mol/cm2-min for more than 20 h. In vivo evaluation of such sensors within the carotid and femoral arteries of swine over a 16-h time period demonstrates that sensors prepared with the new NO-release coating exhibit no significant platelet adhesion or thrombus formation, but control sensors (non-NO release) implanted within the same animals do show a high propensity for cell adhesion and bulk clot formation. Furthermore, the in vivo analytical data provided by sensors fabricated ...
Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in intestinal transplant recipients

We report 3 patients with periosteal new bone formation consistent with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), in the context of intestinal allograft rejection. Patient 1 developed thick periosteal new bone formation of the right arm during a prolonged episode of intestinal acute cellular rejection (ACR) 2 months posttransplant. Patient 2 developed ankle pain and swelling during an episode of severe ACR. Plain films showed periosteal new bone formation of the left ankle. In patient 3, the right wrist became swollen during an episode of moderate ACR, whereas plain films demonstrated mild periosteal reaction. Patients 2 and 3 had resolution of their symptoms once the ACR resolved with treatment. This is the first case series of HOA occurring in association with intestinal ACR. We speculate that an immune-mediated process is responsible for the bone disease. Further inquiry will help establish if HOA is related to transplant status, intestinal inflammation, or allograft rejection in general.
Does a digital regional nerve block improve the accuracy of noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring

Blood hemoglobin (Hb) can be continuously monitored utilizing noninvasive spectrophotometric finger sensors (Masimo SpHb). SpHb is not a consistently accurate guide to transfusion decisions when compared with laboratory Co-Oximetry (tHb). We evaluated whether a finger digital nerve block (DNB) would increase perfusion and, thereby, improve the accuracy of SpHb. Twenty adult patients undergoing spinal surgery received a DNB with lidocaine to the finger used for the monitoring of SpHb. SpHb–tHb differences were determined immediately following the DNB and approximately every hour thereafter. These differences were compared with those in our previously reported patients (N = 20) with no DNB. The SpHb–tHb difference was defined as “very accurate” if 2.0 g/dL. Perfusion index (PI) values at the time of each SpHb–tHb measurement were compared. There were 57 and 78 data points in this and our previous study, respectively. The presence of a DNB resulted in 37 % of measurements having SpHb values in the “very accurate group” versus 12 % in patients without a DNB. When the PI value was >2.0, only 1 of 57 DNB values was in the “inaccurate” group. The PI values were both higher and less variable in the patients who received a DNB. A DNB significantly increased the number of “very accurate” SpHb values and decreased the number of “inaccurate” values. We conclude that a DNB may facilitate the use of SpHb as a guide to transfusion decisions, particularly when the PI is >2.0.
In vivo and in vitro intervention with L-carnitine prevents abnormal energy metabolism in isolated diabetic rat heart: chemical and phosphorus-31 NMR evidence.

Abstract The beneficial effects of in vivo injections (200 mg/kg, twice daily) or in vitro perfusion (5.0 m m ) of l -carnitine on an intrinsic abnormality in energy metabolism was investigated in isolated, perfused diabetic rat heart. Hearts were aerobically perfused for 60 min with elevated fatty acid substrate to simulate diabetic conditions. Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed a temporal decline in myocardial ATP levels (to approx 82%) during perfusion of diabetic hearts, but not in control hearts. This reduction was prevented by prior treatment in vivo with l -carnitine or by providing l -carnitine acutely in the perfusion medium. Chemical analysis of tissue extracts indicated that l -carnitine injections were effective in replenishing the decrease in total myocardial carnitine content which was present in diabetic hearts and in preventing the accumulation of long chain fatty acyl CoA. Perfusion with l -carnitine also attenuated the elevation of long chain fatty acyl CoA in diabetic hearts. This study gives additional support to the hypothesis that decreases in ATP which occur in the isolated, perfused diabetic heart are correlated with a concomitant elevation in long chain fatty acyl CoA, a known inhibitor of adenine nucleotide translocase. In the presence of elevated exogenous fatty acids, a primary deficiency in the total myocardial carnitine pool would result in elevations in tissue concentrations of long chain fatty acyl CoA since carnitine is a required carrier for transport of fatty acids into mitochondria. Replenishment of the carnitine in vivo was shown to be sufficient to prevent subsequent alteration in long chain fatty acyl CoA and ATP in isolated perfused diabetic hearts despite the burden of elevated fatty acid substrates.
Protection against the Toxic Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen by Intermittent Exposure to Reduced Oxygen Pressures

Summary exposures to normoxic gas may be inappropriately long, resulting in severe hypoxemia. The urinary of the was wed to 'Ompare In the present study using the isolated urinary bladder of the the effects on 0, toxicity of 1-min and 5-min intermittent toad, the effects on O2 toxicity of I-min and 5-min intermittent nOrmOxic during a prolonged period h~~erOxic normoxic exposures were compared during a prolonged period (OHP). Various exposure were of hyperoxic exposure, Continuous exposure of the toad bladder tested at atmospheres (ATA) 4-1 (4 loo% O2 to 0, at pressures of 2 ATA or greater reversibly inhibits active fouOwed by 4% 02) 6-19 9-1, 15-59 and 20-5' With sodium transport (short circuit current) across the bladder (2, 3, all schedules tested, intermittent normoxic exposure significantly 6). OHP exposure of the toad bladder was regularly interprotected the SCC (active sodium transport) against the inhibi- rupted by or 5-min exposures to reduced 02 pressures. tion ATA O2' Two intermittent (4-1 and Various schedules of intermittent exposure were tested at 5 and were tested at lo ATA using 4% O2 for the reduced O2 pressure 10 ATA. In all cases, intermittent exposure of the toad bladder exposure. A significant decrease in the rate of SCC inhibition to reduced O2 pressures delayed the onset and reduced the was observed using both intermittent exposure schedules. The extent of sodium transport inhibition by OHP, One intermittent observed SCC protection by intermittent exposure (at 5 and 10 schedule actually caused a significant of sodium ATA) was not entirely a result of the decreased time of exposure transport across the bladder when with continuous to OHP. Four intermittent schedules were tested at 5 ATA, and normoxic exposure. It was concluded that I-min intermittent the effects On the SCC were 'Om* normoxic exposures were highly effective in protecting the toad pared with the effects of continuous normoxic exposure. During bladder sodium transport system from the inhibitory effects of a 5-hr exposure period, no significant SCC stimulation occurred OHP. using a 2-1, 4-1, or 9-1 intermittent schedule. Using a 5-5 intermittent schedule, however, a significant stimulation of SCC was observed at 4 and 5 hr. It was concluded that intermittent
Eating disorders in the modern ecology of eating: The origins of today's discipline-or-indulgence suffering

An eating disorder begins in a larger ecology of eating. It is, then, not just an individual affliction with its own psychopathology but also a social place with a distinctive historical origin. In the US that origin takes us back to three 19th-century shifts: the loss by mid-century of once well-established traditions of fasting and sensible pain; the subsequent rise of Gilded Age elites that celebrated excess and pleasure; and, by century's end, the appearance of new ascetic traditions of virtuous eating and bodily discipline that at once resisted indulgent consumerism and yet paid its moral price in self-denial. Caught within these legacies, today's disordered eating collapses that activity into the challenge of being tough or taking comfort, a discipline-or-indulgence struggle that all of us face and where many falter. Here, if we see only the joys in food and none of the suffering, we misunderstand the modern ecology of eating.
Variation in length of stay within and between hospitals

Background and objective: Variation in the delivery of health care services and the lack of association between greater utilization and higher quality care signal inefficient, low value care. The extent to which patient and hospital variables can explain variation in hospital length of stay is unclear. Methods: We examined hospital inpatient length of stay using data from 684 hospitals and 5.4 million discharges in the 2007 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We used a mixed effects model with a random effect for hospitals to quantify variation in length of stay due to differences within and between hospitals. Results: The interquartile range of hospital mean LOS was 3.4 days (3.3-6.7). Fifty-nine percent of the overall variation in length of stay remained unexplained after adjustment for discharge-level disease status, illness-severity, regional poverty, hospital-level contextual factors ( e.g . proportion of patients from low-income ZIP-codes, proportion uninsured), and structural variables ( e.g . teaching status, urban or rural location). Seventy-seven percent of the explainable variation was due to differences between hospitals. Conclusion: These findings indicate that wide variability in length of stay persists after adjustment for patient and hospital variables, signaling an opportunity for improved productivity and efficiency in the delivery of health care.
AXONAL TRANSPORT: CARGO-SPECIFIC MECHANISMS OF MOTILITY AND REGULATION

Axonal transport is essential for neuronal function, and many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases result from mutations in the axonal transport machinery. Anterograde transport supplies distal axons with newly synthesized proteins and lipids, including synaptic components required to maintain presynaptic activity. Retrograde transport is required to maintain homeostasis by removing aging proteins and organelles from the distal axon for degradation and recycling of components. Retrograde axonal transport also plays a major role in neurotrophic and injury response signaling. This review provides an overview of axonal transport pathways and discusses their role in neuronal function.
The importance of alignment in blind subjects' use of tactual maps.

An experiment was conducted to test for the presence of alignment effects (previously found in sighted map users) in blind and visually impaired subjects using tactual maps. The term ‘alignment effects’ refers to the fact that when points represented as further up on a map do not correspond to points forward from the user in the environment, errors in the directional judgments made by subjects are greatly increased. The results show that alignment effects do exist in blind and visually impaired map users. Blind subjects encoded maps using the ‘up equals forward’ rule, and demonstrated some similarity to sighted subjects in the types of errors made. There was also some indication of improved performance over repeated trials. Differences between blind and sighted subjects were also found and were tentatively attributed to visual experience with object transformations and/or representational variables. Subject background variables were also investigated and some relationships between background of the subjec...
A regional comparison of developing diabetes among VA patients exposed to typical and atypical antipsychotics relative to corticosteroids and proton pump inhibitors.

Background. Metabolic changes, including weight gain and onset of diabetes, have been associated with both systemic corticosteroid use and atypical antipsychotic drugs. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus in a Veterans Affairs population receiving antipsychotics and corticosteroids, using persons taking proton pump inhibitors as a control group.Methods. This study included data from subjects treated within Veterans Integrated Service Network 23 who had received an outpatient prescription in fiscal years (FY) 1999 or 2000 for a corticosteroid (CS), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), a typical antipsychotic, or an atypical antipsychotic. Patients receiving prescriptions in more than one class were not excluded. Subjects were excluded if they had a documented diagnosis of diabetes either in the previous FY year (1998) or prior to their index prescription date.Results. Thirteen percent of the population had a new diagnosis for diabetes during the two-year ...
Guidance and navigation for the Mars Pathfinder mission

The Mars Pathfinder Project is being developed by the U.S. (NASA) to demonstrate new technologies for landing on Mars, and to conduct focused, but significant scientific observations.
Integrin αIIbβ3 signaling in platelet adhesion and aggregation

Intracellular signals are received and generated by the alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin on platelets. Recent advances have been made in the areas of agonist receptors that initiate platelet activation, downstream signaling molecules (e.g. small G-proteins and kinases) and changes in ligand-occupied alpha(IIb)beta(3) that cause further signaling and clot retraction.
Relation of gonadotropin secretion by pituitary grafts to spermatogenesis in hypophysectomized male rats.

In hypophysectomized male rats, 2 anterior pituitary (AP) grafts placed underneath the kidney capsule partially prevented atrophy of the testes and ventral prostate during a 17 day post-implantation period. Spermatogenesis was partially maintained as revealed by histological examination of the testes. The AP grafts released small amounts of LH and FSH and substantial amounts of prolactin as determined by radioimmunoassays. Serum LH and FSH were undetectable in the hypophysectomized rats with no AP grafts. Inhibition of prolactin release by daily injections of ergocornine methanesulfonate (ERG) did not significantly alter serum levels of FSH and LH, spermatogenesis or testes and ventral prostate weights, indicating that circulating levels of prolactin were not responsible for the partial maintenance of spermatogenesis and prostate weight in these rats. Daily injections of ovine prolactin also had no effect on spermatogenesis or prostate weight in the hypophysectomized rats, and there was no change in the h...
Early Events Associated with Infection of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection of Primary B-Cells

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is closely associated with the development of a vast number of human cancers. To develop a system for monitoring early cellular and viral events associated with EBV infection a self-recombining BAC containing 172-kb of the Epstein Barr virus genome BAC-EBV designated as MD1 BAC (Chen et al., 2005, J.Virology) was used to introduce an expression cassette of green fluorescent protein (GFP) by homologous recombination, and the resultant BAC clone, BAC-GFP-EBV was transfected into the HEK 293T epithelial cell line. The resulting recombinant GFP EBV was induced to produce progeny virus by chemical inducer from the stable HEK 293T BAC GFP EBV cell line and the virus was used to immortalize human primary B-cell as monitored by green fluorescence and outgrowth of the primary B cells. The infection, B-cell activation and cell proliferation due to GFP EBV was monitored by the expression of the B-cell surface antigens CD5, CD10, CD19, CD23, CD39, CD40 , CD44 and the intercellular proliferation marker Ki-67 using Flow cytometry. The results show a dramatic increase in Ki-67 which continues to increase by 6–7 days post-infection. Likewise, CD40 signals showed a gradual increase, whereas CD23 signals were increased by 6–12 hours, maximally by 3 days and then decreased. Monitoring the viral gene expression pattern showed an early burst of lytic gene expression. This up-regulation of lytic gene expression prior to latent genes during early infection strongly suggests that EBV infects primary B-cell with an initial burst of lytic gene expression and the resulting progeny virus is competent for infecting new primary B-cells. This process may be critical for establishment of latency prior to cellular transformation. The newly infected primary B-cells can be further analyzed for investigating B cell activation due to EBV infection.
Cyclization of farnesyl pyrophosphate to the sesquiterpene olefins humulene and caryophyllene by an enzyme system from sage (Salvia officinalis)

A soluble enzyme preparation obtained from sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves was shown to catalyze the divalent metal-ion dependent cyclization of trans, trans-farnesyl pyrophosphate to the macrocyclic sesquiterpene olefins humulene and caryophyllene. The identities of the biosynthetic products were confirmed by radiochromatographic analysis and by preparation of crystalline derivatives, and the specificity of labeling in the cyclization reaction was established by chemical degradation of the olefins derived enzymatically from [1-3H2]farnesyl pyrophosphate. These results constitute the first report on the cyclization of farnesyl pyrophosphate to humulene and caryophyllene, two of the most common sesquiterpenes in nature, and the first description of a soluble sesquiterpene cyclase to be isolated from leaves of a higher plant.
Evaluation of early events in the creation of amyenteric opossum model of achalasia

Benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride (BAC) has previously been used to create amyenteric rat jejunal models. Fifteen opossums (D. virginiana) were injected with 10-15 mL 4 mM BAC or saline in the distal oesophagus and along with controls underwent oesophagoscopy, manometry and barium oesophagrams. Atropine and sodium nitroprusside were studied in six of the BAC-treated and five controls using oesophageal manometry. Histologically several neuronal markers, B-NADPH-diaphorase and acetylcholine esterase histochemical staining were used. NADPH-diaphorase activity was assayed at the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) and 3 and 5 cm above LOS in both groups. Oesophagoscopy of the treated animals showed no mucosal inflammation, or strictures. Manometrically, LOS pressures were significantly higher in the BAC-treated group (25.7 +/- 8.6 mmHg) when compared to controls (8.7 +/- 1.8 mmHg). The oesophageal contraction amplitudes were similar in both groups. While sodium nitroprusside (SNP) significantly reduced the LOS pressure, atropine did not alter the resting LOS pressure in the BAC-treated animals. Histologically at the LOS the treated group showed: (i) absence of myenteric neurons, in contrast to prominent NADPH-diaphorase and other neuron and peptide markers in the control and (ii) increase in the number of nerve bundles that were not positive for AchE. No differences were seen in the oesophageal body between the groups. The NADPH-diaphorase assay showed a significant decrease of activity in the BAC-treated LOS, but no differences in the oesophageal body compared to controls. Several of these radiologic, manometric and histological observations resemble features of achalasia and the mechanism of the tonic pressure increase at this early time point appears to be due to a non-cholinergic mechanism.