cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Cecostomy in Adult Patients: Safety and Quality-of-Life Results

Abstract Purpose To assess the safety and quality of life in adult patients undergoing cecostomy tube placement. Materials and Methods Percutaneous cecostomy was performed in 23 adults (10 men and 13 women) with neurogenic bowel for whom noninvasive therapeutic approaches for chronic refractory constipation or fecal incontinence had failed. Mean patient age was 41 years (range, 19–74 y). A retrospective, standardized questionnaire evaluated satisfaction and quality of life before and after cecostomy. Results All 23 cecostomy procedures were technically successful with no intraprocedural complications. At a mean follow-up of 42 months (range, 1–160 mo), there was one (5%) major complication, a pericecal abscess. One or more minor complications in 11 of 23 (48%) patients included leaking around the tube (5 of 23; 22%) and partial or complete dislodgment of the tube (3 of 23; 13%). In all cases, the cecostomy tube was exchanged successfully. Satisfaction scores improved from a mean of 2.2 points (range, 0–6 points; median, 1.5) to 7.6 points (range, 4–10 points; median, 8). The percentage of patients using laxative softeners decreased from 74% to 40%, and patients requiring assistance decreased from 52% to 35% after cecostomy placement. Conclusions Percutaneous cecostomy is a safe procedure for the management of adult patients. Patients are able to achieve greater independence in their activities of daily living and are highly satisfied with the outcomes.
Efficacy of a Proteus mirabilis outer membrane protein vaccine in preventing experimental Proteus pyelonephritis in a BALB/c mouse model.

A BALB/c mouse model of nonobstructive, ascending Proteus mirabilis pyelonephritis was characterized bacteriologically, histologically, and serologically from 3 to 28 days. Intravesicular administration of 2 X 10(8) P. mirabilis K7 resulted in the septic death of 9 (16%) of 57 mice by day 15. Among the survivors, K7 colonized the kidneys in great numbers until day 21. Histological examination of the kidneys revealed acute inflammation which was characterized by neutrophil infiltration by day 3, renal necrosis by day 7, and fibroblastic infiltration by day 14 which persisted at least until day 28. The immunoglobulin G response to the outer membrane proteins (OMP) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting (immunoblotting). Anti-OMP immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected as early as day 7, and the reciprocals of their titers rose progressively up to day 28 (i.e., greater than or equal to 500). This model was also used to assess the efficacy of OMP and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immunization in preventing renal infection. K7 OMP or LPS (100 micrograms) preparations were administered intramuscularly in Freund's complete adjuvant. After 2 weeks, mice were intravesicularly challenged with 2 X 10(8) bacteria of the homologous K7 strain or one of four heterologous strains. Compared with the saline-immunized control group and K7 LPS-immunized mice, K7 OMP recipients were protected from death when challenged by homologous or heterologous strains. In addition, K7 OMP recipients were protected (P less than 0.003) from subsequent renal infection when challenged by the K7 strain and had more rapid bacterial renal clearance when challenged by three of four heterologous strains. OMP recipients produced antibodies which bound major OMP moieties (viz., 36- to 39-kDa cell wall constituents) as assessed by Western blotting. These results support the concept that immunization with selected bacterial protein surface coat constituents can prevent uromucosal infection by interfering with colonization or renal injury.
A Teacher's Conception of Communication in Geometry Proofs

Mathematical proof has many purposes, one of which is communication of the reasoning behind a mathematical insight. Research on teachers' views of the role that proof plays as mathematical communication has been limited. This study describes how one teacher conceptualized proof communication during two units on proof (coordinate geometry proofs and Euclidean proofs). Based on classroom observations, the teacher's conceptualization of communication in written proofs is recorded in four categories: audience, clarity, organization, and structure. The results indicate differences within all four categories in the way the idea of communication is discussed by the teacher. Implications for future studies include attention to teachers' beliefs about learning mathematics in the process of understanding teachers' conceptions of proof as a means of mathematical communication.
Retinoids in Cancer Treatment

Since initial studies identifying the important role of vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) in maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues, these compounds have served as paradigms for experimental studies exploring the pharmacologic modification of carcinogenesis. Retinoids have clearly been shown to inhibit chemically induced mammary and urothelial carcinogenesis in experimental animals. Prohibitive toxicity of the parent compound, vitamin A, led to a systematic search for synthetic derivatives with an improved therapeutic index. More than 1500 such compounds have been synthesized, many retaining chemopreventive potential, but with less toxicity. Although several anecdotal reports confirming therapeutic benefits of cis-retinoic acid in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes appeared in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the remarkable studies of Huang and his colleagues in China in 1988 reporting complete remissions in patients with this uncommon variety of acute myelogenous leukemia with the transisomer of retinoic acid (all-trans-retinoic acid) led to a resurgence of interest in the retinoids as differentiating agents for the prevention and therapy of cancer. Furthermore, molecular studies showing DNA rearrangements of the alpha nuclear receptor for retinoic acid located on chromosome 17 in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a disease invariably associated with a translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17, provided a direct connection between an altered nuclear receptor and the development of a human malignancy. The retinoids also may have important beneficial effects in prevention of recurrent malignancies once the primary tumor has been treated, such as in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Because retinoids appear to be less effective in inducing differentiation in nonpromyelocytic leukemia cells, investigators have conducted a number of studies to exploit potential synergism between retinoids and other differentiating agents or biologic effectors. Differentiation therapy and chemoprevention are attractive alternative approaches to intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is now clear that retinoids represent one class of compounds with which it may be possible to reverse the progression of malignant disease and prevent carcinogenesis.
A measure for characterizing sliding on lung boundaries.

The lobes of the lung slide relative to each other during breathing. Quantifying lobar sliding can aid in better understanding lung function, better modeling of lung dynamics, and for studying phenomenon such as pleural adhesion. We propose a novel measure to characterize lobe sliding in the lung based on the displacement field obtained from image registration of CT scans. When two sliding lobes are modeled as a continuum, the discontinuity in the displacement field at the fissure will manifest as elevated maximum shear—the proposed measure—which is capable of capturing both the level and orientation of sliding. Six human lungs were analyzed using scans spanning functional residual capacity to total lung capacity. The lung lobes were segmented and registered on a lobe-by-lobe basis to obtain the displacement field from which the proposed sliding measure was calculated. The sliding measure was found to be insignificant in the parenchyma, as relatively little tissue shear occurs here. On the other hand, it was elevated along the fissures. Thus, a map of the proposed sliding measure of the entire lung clearly delineates and quantifies sliding between lung lobes. Sliding is a key aspect of lung deformation during breathing. The proposed measure may help resolve artifacts introduced by sliding in deformation analysis techniques used for radiotherapy.
Comparison of Interleaved Polling with adaptive Cycle Time and Cyclic Demand Proportionality Algorithms

Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) is an access network that delivers essential services of voice, video, and data communications reliably, while at the same time providing expected guarantees of the delivery of those services in terms of defined quality of service measures (QOS). This paper compares performance criteria such as delay, queue size, and packet loss ratio for two dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) algorithms: interleaved polling with adaptive cycle time (IPACT), and a new cyclic demand proportionality algorithm (CDP). CDP gives the best performances in terms delay vs. offered load, queue size vs. offered load and packet loss ratio vs. offered load compared to IPACT with the Fixed Allocation Window size for transmission. Improvement is seen for these three parameters when CDP is compared with IPACT with limited allocation window size. A traffic generator that gives traffic with self-similar and long range dependency properties is used in the simulations.
Amelioration of Ethanol‐Induced Neurotoxicity in the Neonatal Rat Central Nervous System by Antioxidant Therapy

Background: The cerebellum of the neonatal rat is highly susceptible to ethanol, with profound loss of Purkinje cells resulting from even brief exposure during the first postnatal week. Developmental ethanol exposure previously has been shown to induce free radicals/oxidative stress processes and/or down-regulate protective antioxidants. In an earlier study, we found antioxidants protected against ethanol neurotoxicity in a tissue culture environment. The present study was designed to determine whether similar protection could be manifested in the intact animal. Methods: Neonatal rats were administered a liquid diet via intragastric intubation on postnatal days 4 and 5 (P4-P5), the peak period of ethanol sensitivity in the developing cerebellum. The diet consisted of milk formula with 12% ethanol, the isocaloric substitution of maltose-dextrin for ethanol, or ethanol plus the antioxidant vitamin E. Unbiased three-dimensional counting was utilized to analyze Purkinje cell numbers and density within defined volumes from these animals on P5. Results: These determinations revealed a substantial loss of Purkinje cells in the ethanol-treated animals compared to controls (approximately 30-44%), but this loss was prevented by the inclusion of vitamin E (60IU/100 ml) in the diet. A lower concentration of the antioxidant (30IU/100 ml) was not effective in this regard, however. Conclusions: These results suggest that ethanol-related cerebellar damage during this early postnatal period may be related to oxidative stress processes or the insufficiency of protective antioxidants. Thus, antioxidant treatment may represent a possible therapy for preventing or ameliorating the central nervous system (CNS) damage seen in the fetal alcohol syndrome.
An Indicator of Galactic Violence

An indicator of galactic violence is proposed, nominally equal to the total galactic mass divided by the rim radius. Four models of galaxy formation are outlined; and for each, the dependence of the rim radius on the galactic mass and the source of angular momentum is examined. If the violence indicator is small, then a normal galaxy results. If the violence indicator is large, then a galaxy with a very massive central black hole is produced (possibly a quasar). A rim radius of zero would indicate the ultimate violence and would lead directly to a non-rotating black hole of galactic mass.
Technology Spillovers, Agglomeration, and Regional Economic Development

Technology spillovers and agglomeration are critical issues in regional economic development. The presence of geographically localized spillovers in a region attracts firms and thereby leads to a higher level of agglomeration. On the other hand, the agglomeration of firms facilitates localized spillovers through local innovation networks. The endogenous nature of the relationship between spillovers and agglomeration, however, has been rarely acknowledged in the existing literature. This article critically reviews a wide range of issues related to technology spillovers and agglomeration and proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework to understand the mechanism of regional economic development.
Aneurysm coil embolization: cost per volumetric filling analysis and strategy for cost reduction

Background One of the primary device expenditures associated with the endovascular treatment of aneurysms is that of detachable coils. Analyzing the cost efficiency of detachable coils is difficult, given the differences in design, implantable volume, and the presence of additives. However, applying a volume per cost metric may provide an index analogous to unit price found in grocery stores. Methods The price information for 509 different coils belonging to 31 different coil lines, available as of September 2013, was obtained through the inventory management system at the study site, and normalized to the price of the least expensive coil. Values were used to calculate the logarithmic ratio of volume over cost. Results Operator choice among coil sizes can vary the material costs by five-fold in a hypothetical aneurysm. Conclusions The difference in coil costs as a function of cost per volume of coil can vary tremendously. Using the present pricing algorithms, using the longest available length at a particular helical dimension and system yields improved efficiency.
T and A — Nature of the controversy and steps toward its resolution

It is ironic that while tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy continue to be the major operations most commonly carried out on children, at the same time these procedures are held in low esteem, or at best viewed with suspicion, by a large number of present-generation pediatricians. The reasons for this are several. First, excessive tonsil and adenoid surgery has long been recognized as a pediatric health care problem of some importance [ 111. Secondly, in many academic pediatric training programs, the prevailing attitude toward tonsil and adenoid surgery has been derogatory. And thirdly, the collective thrust of a number of critical reviews over the past 30 years has been to emphasize the lack of convincing evidence that tonsil and adenoid surgery is efficacious in relieving the various conditions for which it is undertaken [2,3,6,8,10,13-15,181. There is thus a large group of pediatricians (Fig. 1) who harbor generally negative attitudes about tonsil and adenoid surgery, and who also, being responsible and conscientious, are on the alert for opportunities to undertake such worthwhile endeavors as protecting children from apparent injury, denouncing practices that seem unscientific, and conserving health care dollars. Such pediatricians are not likely to agree readily to parents’ requests for tonsil or adenoid surgery, or to accept easily other physicians’ recommendations for surgery. On the contrary, they may be inclined to oppose tonsil and adenoid surgery and especially tonsillectomy more or less routinely and automatically, reassuring parents that their children will “outgrow” whatever conditions constitute the basis for concern. Quite a different point of view is held by another large group comprising
Directed polymers in random media: Probability distributions.

Using transfer-matrix methods, we have investigated numerically the probability distributions that govern geometric and free-energy fluctuations in the (1+1)-dimensional directed polymer subject to quenched, uncorrelated Gaussian disorder. Exhaustive averaging, over many realizations of the random energy landscape, have permitted us to observe scaling of the third cumulant of the free energy as predicted by Kardar [Phys. Rev. Lett. 55, 2235 (1985)], to address issues concerning finite-size effects, and to discern the asymmetric form of the free-energy probability distribution. In addition, we have determined precisely the amplitudes of various transverse moments in order to compare to recent estimates of Bouchaud and Orland [J. Stat. Phys. 61, 877 (1990)].
Polyphosphate and trimetaphosphate formation under potentially prebiotic conditions.

When ammonium dihydrogen phosphate is heated with urea to temperatures in the range from 85 to 100 C, it polymerizes almost quantitatively to give polyphosphates containing, on the average, more than ten (PO3) residues. Similar experiments carried out at 72 C give polyphosphate in more than 60% yield. If a nucleoside (thymidine or 3 prime-deoxythymidine) is added to the reaction mixture, up to 23% of trimetaphosphate can be obtained at 100 C. The prebiotic significance of these reactions is discussed.
Contrast‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess Tumor Histopathology and Angiogenesis in Breast Carcinoma

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) is a potentially powerful new tool in the early diagnosis and staging of patients with breast carcinoma. Rapid contrast enhancement is suggestive of carcinoma and likely related to high tumor vascularity. We have developed a new cMRI technique that combines anatomic and kinetic information to help characterize breast carcinomas. Signal enhancement ratio (SER) patterns (which quantitate the kinetics of contrast enhancement using a three time point high-resolution method) were correlated in tumors from 32 patients with histopathology and tumor angiogenesis as measured by intratumoral microvessel density (iMVD). Early signal enhancement with rapid washout of intravenous contrast (i.e., corresponding to high SER values) correlated with high tumor vascularity. We found that TARGET MRI with SER analysis has potential as a tool for characterizing breast carcinoma in vivo. It enables anatomic visualization of tumor and appears to add biologic information as well, such as level of tumor angiogenesis.
Studies of thermal polymerization of vegetable oils with a differential scanning calorimeter

Vegetable oils are often thermally polymerized to provide a vehicle for printing inks and paints. The formations of isomerization, and the intra- and intermolecular bonds involved in the thermal process are crucial in designing a product with the appropriate characteristics. It was found, with a differential scanning calorimeter, that the thermal polymerization of various vegetable oils could be activated at lower temperatures under a dry-air purge and/or in the presence of metallic catalysts. The Diels-Alder reaction and the formation of intermolecular bonds in alkali-refined soybean oil under a dry-air purge could be activated at 99 and 161°C in the presence of metallic catalysts, compared with 231 and over 300°C in the absence of metallic catalysts, respectively. The energies needed to activate the Diels-Alder reaction and to form intermolecular bonds were calculated, and is in good agreement with available data. The hardness test of baked vegetable-oil systems was also implemented to qualitatively determine the degree of cross-linking.
Engineering Education Through Degree-Long Project: A New Project Based Learning Approach

A new pedagogical approach called engineering education through degree-long project has been implemented in the mechanical engineering program at the University of Cincinnati as a part of the NSF CCLI project. The approach integrates selected courses across the undergraduate curriculum of the mechanical engineering program using a degree-long project (DLP) as the theme. Design of Formula SAE® race car was employed as the first DLP. In each course in the sequence, the concept of the DLP approach and the role of the assignment in the course in the overall DLP are explained to students. In early-year courses, assignments are simple problems designed to show how abstract concepts are eventually applied to engineering tasks. In later-year courses, more involved design projects are used aiming at nurturing the ability to solve open-ended engineering problems. In conducting the approach, the most difficult part was developing an interesting and challenging problem which is relevant to practical applications, especially in early year courses. Findings through student evaluations and a stake-holders workshop on the improvement of the approach are discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Pairwise alignment of protein interaction networks.

With an ever-increasing amount of available data on protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and research revealing that these networks evolve at a modular level, discovery of conserved patterns in these networks becomes an important problem. Although available data on protein–protein interactions is currently limited, recently developed algorithms have been shown to convey novel biological insights through employment of elegant mathematical models. The main challenge in aligning PPI networks is to define a graph theoretical measure of similarity between graph structures that captures underlying biological phenomena accurately. In this respect, modeling of conservation and divergence of interactions, as well as the interpretation of resulting alignments, are important design parameters. In this paper, we develop a framework for comprehensive alignment of PPI networks, which is inspired by duplication/divergence models that focus on understanding the evolution of protein interactions. We propose a mathem...
Optimal lot-sizing and machining economics

This paper presents a queueing model with the service station subject to breakdown while it is busy, in order to determine analytically the optimal batch size in a machining economics problem. It is shown that departures from the optimal batch size result in moderate waiting-time increases when the batch size is scaled up and in significant waiting-time increases when the batch size is scaled down. It is also shown, through the use of a simulation model with normally distributed tool lives, that the analytical results obtained with exponentially distributed tool lives are quite robust. In the multiple-item case, simulation results show that the time in the system for each item and the average time in the system across all items behave exactly like the time in the system in the single-item case.
Clinical Features and Management of Severe Dermatological Reactions to Drugs

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are a frequent occurrence and have been reported in more than 2% of hospitalised patients. Among the most commonly involved drugs are sulphonamides, penicillins, anticonvulsants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Two groups of mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of drug reactions: immunological, with all 4 types of hypersensitivity reactions described; and non-immunological, accounting for at least 75% of all drug reactions. Besides minor skin reactions like urticaria, maculopapular rash, fixed eruptions or erythema nodosum, which are generally self-limited, severe life-threatening manifestations also occur. Erythema multiforme is secondary to drugs in half the cases; the minor form is characterised by typical target and iris lesions and is usually benign. However, a much more severe condition, erythema multiforme major or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, is associated with mucosal, ocular and visceral involvement, and carries a mortality of 5 to 15% if untreated. Toxic epidermal necrolysis, which could represent an even more dramatic form of the same disease, is characterised by severe widespread erythema, blisters and loss of skin in sheets, with denudation of more than 10% of the body surface area. This entity is frequently due to drugs. Mortality is 25 to 70%, and 90% of the survivors will have sequelae. Exfoliative dermatitis is an erythematous scaling disease often produced by drugs and carrying significant mortality. Photodermatitis may at times present with severe eczematous features. For clinical and epidemiological reasons it is important to try to identify the culprit drug following an approach based on previous experience with the drug, timing of events, patient reaction to dechallenge, patient reaction to rechallenge (if feasible), alternative aetiological candidates, and drug concentration or evidence of overdose. Management of severe skin reactions to drugs should require admission to a burn unit, where patients should be placed in warmed air-fluidised beds, receive excellent nursing care, analgesics and tranquillisers. Peeling necrotic epidermis should be removed and denuded dermis covered with biological grafts or synthetic dressings. Fluid balance must be adequately maintained; nutritional support and careful monitoring of early signs of skin infections is mandatory to ensure immediate antimicrobial treatment. Ocular care must be excellent to avoid serious sight-threatening sequelae. Steroids are presently not recommended. With these therapeutic modalities, morbidity and mortality can be markedly decreased.
ULTRACENTRIFUGATION STUDIES ON THE ELEMENTARY BODIES OF VACCINE VIRUS II. THE INFLUENCE OF SUCROSE, GLYCEROL, AND UREA SOLUTIONS ON THE PHYSICAL NATURE OF VACCINE VIRUS

Ultracentrifugal studies of the CL dermal strain of vaccine virus warrant the following conclusions: 1. When suspended in increasing concentrations of sucrose, glycerol, or urea solutions, elementary bodies of vaccinia show variations in sedimentation rate which indicate changes in the density or size of the particles. For a given change in the density of the medium these changes are smallest with sucrose and most marked with urea. The normal rate of sedimentation of Paschen bodies may be restored by resuspending them in dilute buffer solution. 2. The density of elementary bodies of vaccinia suspended in dilute buffer solutions is estimated to be 1.16 gm. per cc. Higher values for the density are found if the particles are suspended in solutions containing sucrose, glycerol, or urea. In 53 per cent sucrose, for example, the density is 1.25 gm. per cc. 3. Paschen bodies appear to be quite permeable to water and urea, less so to glycerol, and only slightly, if at all, to sucrose. 4. The increased density of the elementary bodies of vaccinia in sucrose solutions may be accounted for by an osmotic extraction of water from the particles. On this basis the water which can be thus extracted corresponds to at least a third of the original volume of the particles.
A novel enantioselective synthesis of (S)-(-)- and (R)-(+)-nornicotine via alkylation of a chiral 2-hydroxy-3-pinanone ketimine template.

An asymmetric synthesis of the optically pure isomers of the minor tobacco alkaloid and CNS nicotine metabolite, nornicotine, has been achieved with moderately high optical purity. The synthetic pathway involves alkylation of a chiral ketimine, prepared from either 1R,2R,5R-(+)- or 1S,2S,5S-(−)-2-hydroxy-3-pinanone and 3-(aminomethyl)pyridine with 3-bromopropan-1-ol. After cleavage of the respective C-alkylated ketimines with NH2OH·HCl, and treatment of the resulting amino alcohols with HBr, followed by base-catalyzed intramolecular ring closure, (S)-(−)-nornicotine and (R)-(+)-nornicotine were obtained with ee values of 91% and 81%, respectively. Chirality 11:316–318, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Induction of labour improves maternal outcomes compared with expectant monitoring in women with gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia.

Commentary on: CM Koopmans, D Bijlenga, H Groen, et al.. Induction of labour versus expectant monitoring for gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia after 36 weeks’ gestation (HYPITAT): a multicentre, open-label randomised controlled trial. Lancet2009;374:979–88.
Implementation of a physician assistant/hospitalist service in an academic medical center: Impact on efficiency and patient outcomes

BACKGROUND: Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty hour restrictions have led to the widespread implementation of non–house staff services in academic medical centers, yet little is known about the quality and efficiency of patient care on such services. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality and efficiency of patient care on a physician assistant/hospitalist service compared with that of traditional house staff services. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Inpatient general medicine service of a 747-bed academic medical center. PATIENTS: A total of 5194 consecutive patients admitted to the general medical service from July 2005 to June 2006, including 992 patients on the physician assistant/hospitalist service and 4202 patients on a traditional house staff service. INTERVENTION: A geographically localized service staffed with physician assistants and supervised by hospitalists. MEASUREMENTS: Length of stay (LOS), cost of care, inpatient mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, readmissions, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Patients admitted to the study service were younger, had lower comorbidity scores, and were more likely to be admitted at night. After adjustment for these and other factors, and for clustering by attending physician, total cost of care was marginally lower on the study service (adjusted costs 3.9% lower; 95% confidence interval [CI] −7.5% to −0.3%), but LOS was not significantly different (adjusted LOS 5.0% higher; 95% CI, −0.4% to +10%) as compared with house staff services. No difference was seen in inpatient mortality, ICU transfers, readmissions, or patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: For general medicine inpatients admitted to an academic medical center, a service staffed by hospitalists and physician assistants can provide a safe alternative to house staff services, with comparable efficiency. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:361–368. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Utility of the discriminant analysis to categorize untrained Spanish Pure Bred horses on the basis of biochemical and muscle variables before and after a standardized exercise test.

Abstract We hypothesized that the information obtained from a discriminant analysis could be used to objectively discriminate horses untrained from early ages, in agreement with certain physiological characteristics. In the biopsies of 24 Spanish Pure Bred horses (1.5–3 years old) before and after a standardized exercise test (SET; 4–7 m/s with a change of velocity of 1 m/s every 2 min) muscle enzymes, substrate and metabolites were determined. Also, diverse plasma and blood parameters were considered. Three pre-exercise groups (A1: six horses; A2: seven horses and A3: eleven horses) and two post-exercise groups (B1: sixteen horses; B2: eight horses) were defined from a correspondence analysis. Forward stepwise discriminant analysis selected 11 variables which differentiated the groups between each other both pre- and post-exercise. The results of the present study suggested the utility of a discriminant analysis to categorize horses in agreement with certain physiological variables. It could be used for establishing different types of training in each group by expert trainers.
Prenatal development of the biogenic amine systems of the mouse brain.

Abstract The development of catecholamine- and serotonin-containing neural structures in the brain of the fetal mouse was studied utilizing the Falck-Hillarp technique of histofluorescence. The substantia nigra, ventral tegmental region, and striatum show progressive developmental changes following the initial appearance of fluorescence on gestational day 13. Fluorescent nigrostriatal axons are present on days 13 through 17. The locus ceruleus becomes visible on day 14. Axon terminals in the hypothalamus first are seen on day 19. Cells of the mesencephalic and pontine raphe systems become brightly fluorescent on day 13. Medullary raphe cells appear the following day. No serotonergic axon terminals were visualized in the fetus.
Time-resolved emission characteristics and temperature profiles of laser-induced plasmas in helium

Abstract The characteristics of laser-induced plasmas vary greatly with the composition of the analyte in the focal volume region. The plasma size, stability and emission properties change with any alteration of the pressure, concentration or phase of the plasma medium. Choice of a buffer gas suitable for laser-induced plasma studies involves examining the spectral interferences, plasma energy, collisional quenching, as well as efficiency of energy transfer as observed by signal enhancement. The emissions in the ultraviolet and visible region resulting from the formation of laser-induced plasmas in helium at various pressures, without a solid target, as well as on the surfaces of aluminum and copper are examined. The time-resolved emission spectra and electronic excitation temperature profiles are presented. These results are then compared with those produced in argon.
Tumor hormone receptor status and recurrences in premenopausal patients with node-negative breast carcinoma.

To ascertain the prognostic significance of tumor hormone receptor status in premenopausal patients with node-negative breast cancer, a retrospective review of 199 patients who met these criteria was conducted. Of these 199 patients, estrogen receptor (ER) data were available for 147. One hundred four patients (71%) had ER-negative disease and 22 (21%) exhibited local or distant recurrence with a median follow-up time of 85.4 months. Thirteen patients in this group had died of breast cancer. Of the 43 patients who had ER-positive disease, 5 (12%) had recurrences and 2 died of breast cancer. After observing patients for a longer period of time (median follow-up time, 85.4 months), no statistically significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) were demonstrated. However, as seen in our first analysis of this group at 45 months, tumor size after a median follow-up time of 85.4 months continues to have significant prognostic implications, regardless of ER status. Cancer 1992; 69:984–987.
Phenotype and functions of memory Tfh cells in human blood.

Our understanding of the origin and functions of human blood CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells found in human blood has changed dramatically in the past years. These cells are currently considered to represent a circulating memory compartment of T follicular helper (Tfh) lineage cells. Recent studies have shown that blood memory Tfh cells are composed of phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets. Here, we review the current understanding of human blood memory Tfh cells and the subsets within this compartment. We present a strategy to define these subsets based on cell surface profiles. Finally, we discuss how increased understanding of the biology of blood memory Tfh cells may contribute insight into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the mode of action of vaccines.
Field observations on the rhythmic up-and-down movement ofNodilittorina exigua (Gastropoda: Littorinidae)

Field observations on the activity pattern ofNodilittorina exigua were carried out in various tidal conditions in various seasons. The snails were stationary when dry on rock surface and began to move just after being splashed. On the rising tide they crawled upward aggregating in the awash zone but were not active around the time of high tide. On the receding tide they crawled predominantly downward, again in the awash zone. Position of the snails was high in spring tide and low in neap tide, changing in parallel to the change of high tide level. They were far more active in the awash condition than in the exposed or in the submerged conditions. For onset and termination of the movement, predominant influence of endogenous factors was suggested, except for onset of upward crawling. The distance of upward movement was larger when the high-tide level was higher, while that of downward movement was related to the time of high tide. Such movement patterns enable the snails to decrease the period of submergence and increase the period of their stay in the awash zone, and help them avoid long-term drying.
Kinetics of cell detachment: peeling of discrete receptor clusters.

Clustering of cell surface adhesion receptors is an essential step in the development of focal contacts, specialized cell-substrate attachment sites where receptors are simultaneously linked to extracellular ligand and cytoskeletal proteins. Previously, we examined the effect of receptor clustering on attachment strength. Here, we employ the numerical methodology developed by Dembo and colleagues (Dembo, M., D.C. Torney, K. Saxman, and D. Hammer. 1988. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B. 234:55–83) to investigate the kinetics of cell detachment when receptors are clustered into discrete patches. We show that the membrane peeling velocity decreases if receptors are clustered within a patch located inside the contact region. Peeling of clusters is influenced by the chemistry and mechanics of receptor-ligand bonds within the patch. Detachment is also prohibited if the applied tension equals the critical tension of the patch, unless the patch length is small compared with the boundary length over which membrane bending occurs, in which case the patch will peel. Peeling of these short patches only occurs when the mechanical stiffness of clustered bonds is within an optimal range. We compare our model predictions with experimental measurements of T lymphocyte detachment from ICAM-1 substrates. We demonstrate that if discrete patches of receptors are present, detachment occurs through intervals of slow and fast peeling, similar to the dynamics of T lymphocyte peeling, indicating that clustering of LFA-1 receptors is one possible explanation for the observed detachment kinetics in this system.
The Kathode Spectrum of Helium

A NUMBER of articles have recently appeared in scientific journals dealing with a spectrum frequently associated with the spectrum of helium and by some attributed to impurities in the helium. A few words relative to this interesting and very beautiful spectrum will, I think, clear up the question of the source of the spectrum.
SERUM IL-6 AND ICAM-1 VALUES IN INFANTS WITH SEPSIS. † 1750

Serum samples were obtained from 133 infants in the NICU with sepsis documented by a positive blood culture and an elevated CRP (>1.0 at any time) and a separate cohort without sepsis or elevated CRPs (n = 108). Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most prevalent organisms(58%), followed by E. coli (11%), group B streptococci (GBS) (8%),S. aureus (S. Au) (7%), other Gram negative (G -) and Gram positive organisms (G +) (7% and 5%), and fungi (4%). II-6 values from the cohort of infants without sepsis or elevated CRPs were less that 75 pg/ml (95% limits). The following table shows the mean IL-6 and ICAM-1 values in those with sepsis according to organism group (Org). Regardless of organism, the mean IL-6 values were significantly greater than the uninfected group. II-6 values varied by organism group with GBS causing the greatest response and fungi the least. ICAM-1 values were elevated in all groups but did not vary by organism. We conclude that IL-6 and ICAM-I are significantly elevated in neonatal sepsis and may be valuable in the diagnosis of sepsis. Also, measuring these cytokines is helpful in characterizing the newborn immune response.
A magneto-DNA nanoparticle system for rapid detection and phenotyping of bacteria

So far, although various diagnostic approaches for pathogen detection have been proposed, most are too expensive, lengthy or limited in specificity for clinical use. Nanoparticle systems with unique material properties, however, circumvent these problems and offer improved accuracy over current methods. Here, we present novel magneto-DNA probes capable of rapid and specific profiling of pathogens directly in clinical samples. A nanoparticle hybridization assay, involving ubiquitous and specific probes that target bacterial 16S rRNAs, was designed to detect amplified target DNAs using a miniaturized NMR device. Ultimately, the magneto-DNA platform will allow both universal and specific detection of various clinically relevant bacterial species, with sensitivity down to single bacteria. Furthermore, the assay is robust and rapid, simultaneously diagnosing a panel of 13 bacterial species in clinical specimens within 2 h. The generic platform described could be used to rapidly identify and phenotype pathogens for a variety of applications.
Atomic bonding in the AlLiB14

Abstract The underlying nature of atomic bonds in the orthorhombic AlLiB 14 crystal is studied using first-principles methods. Significant charge transfer is observed upon bonding, which is responsible to maintain good mechanical strength of the crystal. Individual bonding or anti-bonding states are identified which explains the correlation between the optimal mechanical strength and the electronic occupation of individual atomic orbitals. When the Fermi level is 0.35 eV inside the valence band the crystal has its maximum strength, which is the nominal position of the Fermi level in the experimentally-observed, off-stoichometric orthorhombic borides. These results indicate that the soft-phonon modes previously identified in the literature allow the crystal to reach the optimal stability. Due to the unique crystallographic symmetry, the impact of uniaxial compressive strain on the individual bonds is also examined in the end.
Microscale analysis of the glycosaminoglycans of human trabecular meshwork: A study in perfusion cultured eyes

SUMMARY Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans of the trabecular meshwork may be involved in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma and of corticosteroid-induced glaucoma. Although numerous studies of GAGs have been performed on trabecular cells in monolayer culture and in animals, few studies have examined intact human meshwork. Using a new analytic method for quantitative determination of GAGs from individual meshworks, we studied the GAGs of human trabecular meshwork in normal eyes and intact meshwork from perfusion-cultured eyes. Eyes in the culture system were treated with dexamethasone for 21 days in an attempt to create a model of steroid glaucoma. The effect of ascorbate, also known to influence GAG levels, was examined in a preliminary study. Cultured trabecular meshwork had a significant decrease in total GAG levels when compared with meshwork from normal, noncultured eyes (1.16 +/- 0.54 ng/mug vs. 3.51 +/- 0.57 ng/mug; p < 0.01). Ascorbate tended to cause a decrease (28%) in the total level of GAGs, although the difference was not significant. No significant difference in mean GAG levels was found between the dexamethasone-treated and fellow control eyes. Dexamethasone was associated with a large biologic variability in total GAG level (coefficient of variation 89%). In an attempt to identify individual steroid responders mixed in with a group of nonresponders, analysis of individual eyes revealed three of nine eyes to have total GAGs 250% than fellow control eyes, although this variability could also be due to other causes. No consistent change in group mean intraocular pressures was found in the dexamethasone-treated eyes. Intraocular pressures were positively correlated with total GAG levels (r = 0.59; p < 0.01).
Studies on the development of improved reverse osmosis membranes from cellulose acetate–acetone–formamide casting solutions

Improved membranes from cellulose acetate–acetone–formamide casting solutions have been prepared for low-pressure reverse osmosis applications. The film-casting details for one such type of membranes (Batch 400) are as follows. Casting solution composition: cellulose acetate (E-398-3), 17 wt-%, acetone, 56 wt-%, formamide, 27 wt-%; temperature of casting solution, 24°C; temperature of casting atmosphere, 24°C; casting atmosphere, ambient air in contact with 30 wt-% acetone in aqueous solution; solvent evaporation period, 30 sec; gelation medium, ice-cold water. Using aqueous feed solutions containing 3500 ppm of NaCl, the product rates obtained with the above membranes at 95, 90, and 60% levels of solute separation were 15.9, 22.1, and 58.7 gallons/(day ft2), respectively, at 250 psig under feed flow conditions corresponding to a mass transfer coefficient of 45 × 10−4 cm/sec on the high-pressure side of the membrane. The effects of casting solution composition, presence of acetone in the casting atmosphere, evaporation period, evaporation rate constant, and the remoteness of casting solution composition from the corresponding phase boundary composition on membrane performance and shrinkage temperature profile were found to be similar to those reported earlier for membranes obtained from cellulose acetate–acetone–aqueous magnesium perchlorate casting solutions. The results illustrate the practical utility of the approach based on the solution structure–evaporation rate concept for creating more productive reverse osmosis membranes.
Neural Mechanisms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-induced Inflammation and Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Sequelae

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to the paramyxovirus family and is made of a single strand of RNA encoding 10 proteins, the most important of which in terms of infectivity are the two surface glycoproteins, G and F. The G protein mediates attachment of the virus to host cells, while the F (fusion) protein mediates viral penetration and subsequent spread to adjacent respiratory epithelial cells, with fusion of cell membranes and formation of syncytia (1). The resulting infection is an extremely common, self-limited disease among infants. What is most intriguing about RSV lower respiratory tract infection, however, is the risk of persistent, recurrent wheezing, especially during the first years after the original infection. Although the frequency of this postbronchiolitic wheezing declines with age, a significant proportion of children continue to experience recurrent episodes of wheezing up to 7 to 11 yr later (2, 3). Beyond the first decade of life there no longer appears to be a significant relationship between RSV bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing (2). Therefore, although RSV bronchiolitis may not cause lifelong respiratory problems, it appears to be associated with prolonged respiratory morbidity during the developmental years of life. RSV bronchiolitis in infancy is also associated with changes in pulmonary function. Because these changes are reversible, it is likely that they reflect a transient dysfunction of the airway control mechanisms rather than permanent remodeling. Some authors have proposed that the respiratory dysfunction following RSV bronchiolitis may be, at least in part, the result of changes in the neural pathways to the airways (4). Others believe that there is an alteration of the local immune response (5). It is possible that these two potential mechanisms are linked, with combined neuroimmune responses leading to persistent airway inflammation and hyperreactivity.