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Pinellia ternata lectin (PTL), a protein exhibiting hemagglutination activity and carbohydrate binding specificity to mannan was purified from rhizome of Pinellia ternata. In this work the actions of PTL on artificial lipid bilayer were investigated by means of the two-compartment system of Mueller and Rudin. The lipid bilayer with resistance more than 10G omega was formed by a solution of lecithin and cholesterol (20 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml respectively) in N-decane. The electrical properties of the lipid bilayer were investigated in voltage clamp mode. Several minutes after the addition of PTL (2 micrograms/ml) in one compartment the channel-like noise as well as a decrease of the resistance of the bilayer were observed. These actions were inhibited by mannan significantly. The resistance increase of the bilayer with PTL-channels could be observed from 2G omega to control level (greater than or equal to 10 G omega) immediately after addition of 40 micrograms/ml mannan. The discrete conduction steps were recorded at low concentration of PTL and at low holding potential. The predominant unit conductance was 35pS in symmetric KCl solution of 100 mmol/L. The selectivity of PTL-channel was estimated from Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation by measurement of the reversal potential in an asymmetrical salt solution. The results showed that PTL-channels were cation selective.

In this retrospective study, the sonographic appearance of fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus was evaluated in 17 men and 14 women aged 20-69 years with acute, semiacute, or remote shoulder trauma in whom results of rotator cuff sonography had suggested the diagnosis of such a fracture. Clinical data, radiologic reports, sonograms, and initial plain radiographs of the shoulder were analyzed; clinical follow-up information was assessed in 22 patients. Sonography showed discontinuity and irregularity of the humeral cortex in all patients. In 25 patients (81%), displaced fracture fragments could be seen. Sonographic findings were suggestive of, but not specific for, fracture. Cortical abnormalities of the humerus were identified without modification of standard scanning protocols. A humeral fracture was confirmed with radiography in 24 patients; in 10 of them, the fracture had been missed initially on plain radiographs. It is concluded that, in evaluation of soft tissues in shoulder trauma, sonography may define rotator cuff abnormalities and occasionally help in detection of occult humeral fractures.

We evaluated the results of 105 operative repairs of tears of the rotator cuff of the shoulder in eighty-nine patients at an average of five years postoperatively. We correlated the functional result with the integrity of the cuff, as determined by ultrasonography. Eighty per cent of the repairs of a tear involving only the supraspinatus tendon were intact at the time of the most recent follow-up, while more than 50 per cent of the repairs of a tear involving more than the supraspinatus tendon had a recurrent defect. Older patients and patients in whom a larger tear had been repaired had a greater prevalence of recurrent defects. At the time of the most recent follow-up, most of the patients were more comfortable and were satisfied with the result of the repair, even when they had sonographic evidence of a recurrent defect. The shoulders in which the repaired cuff was intact at the time of follow-up had better function during activities of daily living and a better range of active flexion (129 +/- 20 degrees compared with 71 +/- 41 degrees) compared with the shoulders that had a large recurrent defect. Similar correlations were noted for the range of active external and internal rotation and for strength of flexion, abduction, and internal rotation. In the shoulders in which the cuff was not intact, the degree of functional loss was related to the size of the recurrent defect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The penile arteries were studied with color Doppler flow sonography in 10 subjects with normal and 39 patients with abnormal erectile function. The relationships of systolic and diastolic velocities to spectral waveform changes in the penile arteries in response to tumescence were studied before and after intracorporal injection of vasoactive medications that induce erection. In normal subjects, a characteristic spectral waveform pattern corresponded to increasing intracorporal pressure. Patients with abnormal arterial inflow and/or abnormal venous sinusoidal leakage demonstrated deviation from the patterns noted in normal subjects. Patients with abnormal arterial inflow had lower mean peak systolic velocities than normal subjects. Patients with severe venous sinusoidal incompetence had an arrest of waveform progression with evolution to but not beyond phases 1 or 2 (diastolic flow remained positive). Patients with abnormal arterial inflow and abnormal venous sinusoidal outflow had waveform changes that reflected both processes. Systolic/diastolic velocity and waveform relationships can be used to define the integrity of both the cavernosal artery inflow and venous sinusoidal outflow occlusion mechanisms.

The metabolic ratio of debrisoquine hydroxylation (MR) determined as the ratio of debrisoquine over 4-OH-debrisoquine in 8 h urine after a single oral dose of DB (10 mg) in unrelated Chinese Zang and Wei volunteers was studied by using gas chromatography. The MR of 132 healthy Chinese Zang subjects ranged from 0.20 to 34.32, and that of 158 healthy Chinese Wei subjects ranged from 0.13 to 29.73. Two phenotypes were apparent in the frequency distribution histograms with an antimode at log MR = 1.10 (MR = 12.6). Two subjects were therefore identified as poor metabolizers (PMs) of DB in 132 Zang volunteers (the frequency of PMs was found to be 1.52%), and only one in 158 Wei volunteers (0.63%). Neither sex nor smoking habit affected the DB hydroxylation (P greater than 0.2). The recoveries of DB and 4-OH-DB in Zang volunteers were 19.83 +/- 10.99 and 11.57 +/- 7.04%, and in Wei volunteers they were 22.74 +/- 14.41 and 17.77 +/- 10.82%, respectively.

We report electrical measurements on an n-type Si1−xGex/Si/Si1−xGex double-barrier structure grown on a partially relaxed Si1−yGey buffer layer. Resonance tunneling of Δ4 band electrons is demonstrated. This is attributed to the strain splitting in the SiGe buffer layer where the Δ4 band is lowest in energy at the electrode. Since the Δ4 band electrons have a much lighter effective mass along the direction of tunneling current in comparison with that of the Δ2 band electrons, this work presents an advantage over those SiGe resonant-tunneling diodes in which tunneling of Δ2 band electrons is employed.

Early recognition of fetal urinary tract anomalies may dramatically influence obstetric or neonatal management. Major fetal urinary abnormalities, including renal agenesis, obstructive lesions, and cystic disease, may be clinically silent but readily identified by sonography. Careful evaluation of the fetal genitourinary tract should therefore be an important component of the routine screening obstetric sonogram. Appreciation of normal sonographic appearances of the fetal genitourinary tract may facilitate early recognition of the abnormal fetus. Accurate prenatal sonographic characterization of a renal abnormality and evaluation of renal function are essential for fetal prognosis and management.

Infliximab (anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α) is effectively used in treating rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn9s diseases by neutralizing the biological activity of TNF-α and inhibiting bindings of TNF-α with its receptors but has been associated with increased risk for infections. Rationale A now 16-year-old male with Crohn9s disease treated by anti-TNF-α (infliximab) was found to have elevated autoantibodies and developed severe skin lesions on two separate occasions. Methods The patient was treated with infliximab infusions regularly for over a 4-year period. The medication is highly effective in reducing symptoms of Crohn9s disease and remission was also confirmed by colonoscopy. However, the patient developed eczematous lesion that became severely infected in his groin area, legs, and scalp. Concurrent elevation of antinuclear antibody (ANA), DSDNA, and histone antibodies were also noted. Results During the infliximab therapy the ANA titer increased from 1:1,280. Infliximab was discontinued due to the skin infections of the patient. The skin lesions resolved after stopping infliximab and ANA normalized but Crohn9s disease relapsed after several months. Infliximab was re-introduced and symptoms of Crohn9s disease improved. However, ANA titer rose to 1:640, histone AB increased, and skin infections returned. Infliximab was discontinued and the patient was started on adalimumab in the hope it would be tolerated. Conclusions This patient developed severe eczematous lesions as well as lupus-associated antibodies on two occasions when treated with infliximab. The skin lesions may have been a form of cutaneous lupus as they did respond to steroid therapy and correlated with the lupus serology.

To determine the potential value in identifying a yolk sac in women with suspected ectopic pregnancies, 211 consecutive women who were referred to pelvic sonography with this clinical indication were prospectively studied. Of the 211 patients examined, 104 proved to have a normal intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), 59 had an abnormal (nonviable) IUP, and 48 had a surgically-proven ectopic pregnancy. Considering only intrauterine "sacs" that lacked a visible embryo, a yolk sack was identified in 16 of 26 (62%) normal IUPs, and 3 of 19 (16%) abnormal IUPs, but was not seen in any of six pseudo-gestational sacs in women with ectopic pregnancies. In comparison, a double decidual sac (DDS) finding was thought to be present in 24 of 26 (92%) normal gestational sacs, 12 of 19 (63%) abnormal gestational sacs, and 2 of 6 (33%) pseudogestational sacs. We conclude that in women in whom a living embryo is not identified, demonstration of a yolk sac is reliable evidence for early IUP, and virtually excludes the possibility of an ectopic gestation. Although a yolk sac is less frequently observed than a DDS finding, it is also more specific evidence for an IUP. Careful attention to the yolk sac should permit earlier, more reliable diagnoses of IUP than previously possible.

Alkali-metal carbonate salts meet the requirements for high-temperature solar central receiver systems, but because of their corrosiveness they present special problems in the design of storage tanks. In order to reduce corrosion and temperature sufficiently to retain strength in the storage containing wall, internal and thermal insulation is required. We present design options and operation criteria for sensible-heat, molten-salt storage with internal insulation.

This paper presents results of experiments on the Direct Absorption Receiver (DAR) concept using molten salt as the working fluid. The DAR concept may result in a solar central receiver that costs 50 percent less than the current tube receiver and has significantly lower operational and maintenance costs. These experiments were aimed at determining whether the DAR concept is technically feasible and were carried out at the Advanced Components Test Facility, Atlanta, GA. Results are based on several days of operating with solar flux ranging up to 50 W/cm2 and also on a numerical model that is capable of predicting the thermal performance of the DAR salt film. Issues relating to thermal efficiency, absorber-to-salt heat transfer, and salt film stability are addressed.

The concept of using a mixture of particles and air as a medium to absorb radiative energy has been proposed for various applications. In this paper, carbon particles mixed with gas form a medium that absorbs radiation from sources such as concentrated solar energy. A single-particle, two-temperature model is used to study the transient temperature of the particle/gas mixture as it undergoes a constant pressure expansion process. The results indicate that for particles smaller than 1 μm in diameter, the surrounding air can be heated as quickly as the particles, while for particles larger than 1 mm in diameter, the air temperature stays relatively unchanged and the particles are heated to a very high temperature. The scattering albedos from the particles are also calculated, revealing that their contribution from scattering to the heating process is insignificant for particles with diameter less than 1 μm.

This paper discusses the concept of enhancing the yield of a chemical reaction using a rapid heating and quenching process. In this process, the heating rate is so rapid that a chemical equilibrium mixture of products does not have time to be established; therefore, compared with the rates of the chemical reactions the concentration of certain species may be enhanced. This paper analyzes an N2O2 system to demonstrate this idea and discusses the effects of parameters such as pressure, heating rate, and quenching rate. To obtain the high heating rate, we propose using a mixture of particles and air as a medium to absorb concentrated solar energy. A simplified single-particle, two-temperature model is used to study the transient temperature of the particle-gas mixture as it undergoes a constant-pressure expansion process. The results indicate that for panicles smaller than 1 μm in diameter, the surrounding gas can be heated as quickly as the particles, while for particles larger than 1 mm in diameter, the air temperature stays relatively unchanged and the particles are heated to a very high temperature. The heating rate obtained by this method is then compared with one required for a non-equilibrium process to occur.

The present work reports analytical findings on a new concept for thermal insulation in flow systems. The basic operating principles are illustrated by a duct flow system with a nonradiating gas passing through a porous segment, where convection and radiation take place. The radiative properties of the porous segment are computed from electromagnetic theory assuming that the porous medium is of homogeneous composition. The coupled energy and radiative transfer equations are solved numerically by iterative method in conjunction with over-relaxation. For the limiting case of no scattering, the present results based on the two-flux radiation model agree well with the exact calculations reported recently. It is found that in order to have higher recaptured radiation and temperature drop, a porous medium with large optical thickness and low scattering albedo is preferred. Two illustrative examples indicate that the pressure drop which resulted from installation of the porous segment is of little concern, especially in view of the resulting huge energy savings.

Summary Objective To study the effect of intra-articular injection of meloxicam (Mobic) on the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in rats and examine concomitant changes in nociceptive behavior and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in articular cartilage chondrocytes. Methods OA was induced in Wistar rats by right anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT); the left knee was not treated. The OA + meloxicam (1.0 mg) group was injected intra-articularly in the ACLT knee with 1.0 mg of meloxicam once a week for 5 consecutive weeks starting 5 weeks after ACLT. The OA + meloxicam (0.25 mg) group was treated similarly with 0.25 mg meloxicam. The sham group underwent arthrotomy only and received vehicle of 0.1 mL sterile 0.9% saline injections, whereas the naive rats in meloxicam-only groups were treated similarly with 1.0- and 0.25-mg meloxicam. Nociception was measured as secondary mechanical allodynia and hind paw weight-bearing distribution at before (pre-) and 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks post-ACLT. Histopathology of the cartilage and synovia was examined 20 weeks after ACLT. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the effect of meloxicam on MAPKs (p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)) expression in the articular cartilage chondrocytes. Results OA rats receiving intra-articular meloxicam treatment showed significantly less cartilage degeneration and synovitis than saline-treated controls. Nociception were improved in the OA + meloxicam groups compared with the OA group. Moreover, meloxicam attenuated p38 and JNK but enhanced ERK expression in OA-affected cartilage. Conclusions Intra-articular injection of meloxicam (1) attenuates the development of OA, (2) concomitantly reduces nociception, and (3) modulates chondrocyte metabolism, possibly through inhibition of cellular p38 and JNK, but enhances ERK expression.

During 1969, a total of 1,476 fecal and rectal swab specimens was collected from children with diarrhea and 249 strains of shigella were isolated. The incidence was 16.9%. The serotypes of 249 strains were: Shigella dysenteriae, 1.6% (4 strains); S. flexneri, 73.1% (182 strains); S. boydii, 3.2 (8 strains) and S. sonnei, 22.1% (55 strains). There was no marked difference of the isolation rate throughout the whole year. The susceptibility of shigella isolates to chemotherapeutic agents were also investigated. The percentage of the strains susceptible to gentamicin was 97.2%; to cephaloridine, 93.2%; to kanamycin, 91.9%; to colistin, 91.6%; to hetacillin, 88.4%; to ampicillin, 82.4% and to nalidixic acid, 79.9%. The other tested chemotherapeutic agents were less effective.

Two types of superconducting gravity gradiometers have been developed. Both employ superconducting test masses suspended by niobium diaphragms whose motions modulate persistent currents in superconducting loops. A current signal proportional to the gravity gradient is detected by a 19 MHz SQUID. The balancing of common acceleration has been verified experimentally for both systems. A gradient sensitivity better than 2×10−10 s−2 Hz−1/2 with a baseline of 10 cm is expected of these gradiometers.

To understand better the vascular events that occur during normal erection, we used color flow Doppler sonography to examine the erectile process in seven normal subjects. The relationship of systolic/diastolic velocities and spectral waveform changes in the penile arteries was studied in response to increasing pressure within the corpora cavernosa (tumescence) before and after the intracorporal administration of drugs to induce erection. A characteristic spectral waveform pattern was identified throughout the erectile cycle, and the pattern was correlated with increasing pressure. Both systolic and diastolic velocities were elevated during the initiation of erection, at which time the pressure within the corpora cavernosa was low (11-25 mm Hg). Systolic velocities remained elevated until the last phase of erection (83-106 mm Hg). Diastolic velocity decreased as the intracorporal pressure increased from 25 to 40 mm Hg. Between 40 and 63 mm Hg, diastolic velocity approximated zero. With increasing pressure (63-83 mm Hg), diastolic flow reversed. As the corpora cavernosa approached full erection (83-105 mm Hg), both the forward systolic and reverse diastolic flow components diminished. At approximately 106 mm Hg (systolic occlusion pressure), flow ceased. Systolic/diastolic velocity and waveform phase relationships could be used to define the integrity of both the cavernosal artery inflow and the venous sinusoidal outflow occlusion mechanisms. Color flow Doppler sonography enhanced our ability to observe and quantify dynamic erectile events and provided new insights into understanding normal erectile function.

Screening of HBsAg in 289 randomly selected normal pregnant women was done with counterelectrophoresis. Ten percent were found to be HBsAg positive. All of the 289 cord blood samples were HBsAg negative. Babies born to the HBsAg positive mothers were followed 2-8 months (average 3.5 months) after delivery and 37.5% were positive for HBsAg. Accordingly, the vertical transmission of HBsAg was postulated to occur during labor or after birth.

Two hundred patients undergoing shock wave lithotripsy for renal calculi with the improved version of Dornier HM3 lithotripter system were randomly divided into group A and group B with 100 patients in each. Patients in group A were orally given tramadol 100 mg and lorazepam 1 mg and those in group B flunitrazepam 1 mg was given. Those in group A, who did not need supplemental medication during ESWL were subdivided in group A while those who needed an adjuvant of 100 micrograms intravenous fentanyl were subdivided in group A2. Like group A, those in group B, who did not need supplemental drug and those who needed 100 micrograms intravenous fentanyl were respectively subcategorized into groups B1 and B2. Drugs were given with 15 mL water 30 min prior to ESWL. Pre-operatively, an intravenous line and monitoring system which included noninvasive blood pressure and pulse oximeter were established. The entire course was divided into 5 stages i.e. stage I (prior to oral medication), stage II (10 min after medication), stage III (10 min following ESWL), stage IV (5 min following 100 micrograms intravenous fentanyl) and stage V (10 min after ESWL). The mean blood pressure, heart rate and SpO2, pain scale, sedation scale and side effects were recorded in various stages. The results showed that in group A 68 patients passed the ESWL smoothly (A1) and 32 patients needed supplemental fentanyl (A2). In group B 70 patients successfully underwent the ESWL (B1) while 30 patients needed supplemental fentanyl (B2). Ther were no significant changes in both groups in various stages regarding heart rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

We evaluate the postoperative pain relief using continuous epidural fentanyl infusion in two different dosages for thoracic and upper abdominal surgeries. A total of 21 ASA class III patients were studied. A thoracic epidural catheter was placed before surgery but pain control was begun when the patients became fully awake and complained of pain in the recovery room. Patients were divided into group A (n = 9) and group B (n = 12). Those in group A were given fentanyl 1.5 micrograms/kg in saline solution as initial dose followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 1 microgram/kg/h for 23 hours. In group B the initial dose and the maintenance dose were respectively 1.0 microgram/kg and 0.5 micrograms/kg/h. Following the initial dose, the intensity of pain was assessed hourly for a total of 24 hours using a visual analogue pain scale with scores from 0 to 10. In group A, the pain scale fell from the baseline level of 7.7 +/- 2.6 to 2.3 +/- 2.0 at the first hour while in group B it fell from 8.9 +/- 1.4 to 4.3 +/- 2.1. The pain scores following continuous infusion in groups A and B were respectively 1.3 +/- 1.5 and 2.9 +/- 1.7. Although the analgesic effect appeared to be better in group A, pain relief was satisfactory in both groups (p less than 0.01). Regarding respiratory depression, there was a greater degree of rise in PaCO2 in group A and some of the patients even had a PaCO2 value above 50 mmHg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A randomized double blind placebo controlled efficacy trial of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) for prevention of the mother to infant transmitted HBsAg carrier state was conducted in Taiwan where the carrier rate in the general population is 15% to 20%. HBIG was given immediately after birth to infants of e antigen positive HBsAg carrier mothers and all infants were followed for at least 15 months. Among 61 placebo recipients the carrier rate was 92%; compared with 26% among 57 infants who received 0.5 ml HBIG at birth, three months and six months and 54% among 67 infants who received a single 1.0 ml dose of HBIG at birth only. Efficacy was 71% and 42% respectively for the two treatment schedules. The most common response of HBIG-treated infants was passive-active immunization which was 27% in single dose group and 61% in three doses group. Some of the infants who became carriers were probably infected as HBIG protection waned and we expect that higher efficacy can be achieved by HB vaccine in conjunction with HBIG.

Three-dimensional morphology of the human embryo typically is visualized through computerized modeling techniques utilizing planar contours as the data base. Through this approach, tissue outlines are digitized, and contour lines are superimposed, providing a depth perspective. However, these techniques represent embryonic tissues as discontinuous surfaces and therefore ignore morphological information between sections. The purpose of this study was to develop a computerized routine for the three-dimensional surface modeling of craniofacial morphology in human embryos. Tissue outlines are digitized, thus converting contour information into x,y,z coordinate data. The three-dimensional reconstruction program BCSURF opens the data file and plots each tissue polygon. A center is determined for each contour, and this value is used to divide each polygon into four segments. Surface patches are generated by mapping each segment onto the corresponding segment of subsequent sections. A face table is constructed representing the surface patches and plane normals are generated for each patch. The normal and depth values are appended to the face table, and these measures determine the color intensity for each patch. Finally, patches are plotted providing a polygon mesh model, and each patch is filled with a dither pattern according to shading values. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the craniofacial region in Carnegie embryos (stages 15-17) are generated, and major morphological features are observed. Although bilevel shading capabilities cause discontinuous shading textures, this simple and inexpensive system can be easily upgraded for high-resolution graphics.

Several promising approaches to real-time acoustic imaging employ laser beams to read out the image information. In other approaches the readout is by piezoelectric transducers. Previous analyses have shown that, in terms of sensitivity, this latter category of systems is inherently superior to the former.