4%) and without prescription

(61 6%) For those without p

4%) and without prescription

(61.6%). For those without prescription, the reasons given were; procedure of acquisition less costly (39.0%), took same drug for similar symptoms (23.0%), not satisfied with health services (15.5%), neighbour/friend/relative previously taken the same drug (12.5%) and health institution was far from their location (10%).

Conclusion: Majority of consumers in the study area were knowledgeable on the symptoms of malaria. In addition, majority acquired ineffective anti-malarial drugs for treatment and reported sub-optimal treatment regimens with the currently recommended drugs. Furthermore, behaviours which constrain the successful up-scaling of ACT were common, creating a challenge in the desire to turn efficacy to effectiveness of the combination AZ 628 therapy programme. It will be important to direct and focus interventions in creating awareness on the importance of using recommended drugs to lessen the use of less efficacious anti-malarials. In addition, the consumers need to be educated on the importance of drug adherence in such areas to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria.”
“The objective of the present research was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of

berberine chloride and to assess the complexation of drug with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin Selleckchem Torin 1 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (HP beta CD), a first step towards solution dosage form development. The parameters such as log P value were determined experimentally and compared with predicted values. The pH-dependent aqueous solubility and stability were investigated following standard

protocols at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Drug solubility enhancement was attempted utilizing both surfactants and cyclodextrins (CDs), and the drug/CD complexation was studied employing various techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental log P value suggested that the compound is fairly hydrophilic. Berberine chloride was found to be very stable up to 6 months at all pH and temperature conditions tested. Aqueous solubility of the drug was temperature dependent and exhibited highest solubility of 4.05 +/- 0.09 mM in phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) at 25 degrees C, demonstrating the effect of buffer salts on drug solubility. Decreased drug solubility was observed with increasing concentrations of ionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. Phase solubility studies demonstrated the formation of berberine chloride-HP beta CD inclusion complex with 1:1 stoichiometry, and the aqueous solubility of the drug improved almost 4.5-fold in the presence of 20% HP beta CD.

Summary

The ultimate goal of implementing a multiprong

Summary

The ultimate goal of implementing a multipronged

osteoporosis preventive program is to improve function and quality of life in later life.”
“Objective: To determine whether the prevalence of mental disorders and related factors increase as advanced cancer patients get closer to death.

Method. Baseline, cross-sectional data from 289 patients who were assessed prior to their death as part of a multi-site, longitudinal, prospective cohort study of advanced cancer patients. Major depressive disorder, generatized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV Axis I Disorders. Other factors examined included existential well-being, patient grief about their illness, physical AC220 cost symptom burden, terminal illness acknowledgment, peacefulness, and the wish to live or die.

Results: Closeness to death was not associated with higher rates of mental disorders. Patients closer to death exhibited increased existential distress and physical symptom burden, were more likely to acknowledge being terminally ill, and were more likely to report an increased wish to die.

Conclusion: Results do not provide support for the common clinical assumption that the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders increases as death nears. However, patients’

level of physical distress, acknowledgment of terminal illness, and wish to die, possibly reflecting acceptance of dying, increased as death approached. Longitudinal studies www.selleckchem.com/products/ABT-263.html are needed to confirm individual changes in rates of mental disorder as patients approach death. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“Purpose of review

Several recent clinical trials and systematic reviews have examined functional outcomes of exercise programs in two populations: older adults and adults with knee arthritis. We synthesize recent clinical trials and systematic reviews to examine whether the links between

exercise and functional outcomes are better understood than they were a decade ago.

Recent findings

Systematic reviews Selleckchem Ferrostatin-1 and current clinical trials reveal a modest beneficial effect of progressive resistance training (strengthening programs) and aerobic programs on strength, pain, and function in both populations. Few randomized controlled trials have investigated disability-level outcomes, and of those that do examine disability outcomes, the majority of studies have not shown a beneficial effect.

Summary

Current and recent evidence shows little to no impact of exercise on the prevention of disability. Exercise programs may need to be changed if the desire is to prevent or minimize disability. Alternatively, different strategies need to be developed to address disability more directly.


“We investigate the end-capped oligothiophene derivative a


“We investigate the end-capped oligothiophene derivative alpha,omega-bis-(dicyanovinylene)-sexithiophene

with ethyl side chains (DCV6T) as donor material in heterojunctions with C60. The effect of the substrate temperature on the morphology and related photophysical properties of single DCV6T and mixed DCV6T:C60 layers is investigated. Single layers of DCV6T show crystalline features in UV-visible absorption and x-ray diffraction when grown on a substrate heated to 90 degrees C. Investigations of DCV6T:C60 mixed layers by atomic force microscopy, UV-visible absorption, and photoluminescence measurements reveal that the elevated substrate temperature induces an increased phase separation between the two materials with larger domain size and higher surface roughness. Selleckchem Baf-A1 Based on these observations, we present check details mixed heterojunction solar cells where the power conversion efficiency (eta(PCE)) is increased from 1.6% to 3.8% by increasing the substrate temperature from 30 to 90 degrees C, respectively.”
“Purpose: To characterize the inter- and intraobserver variability of qualitative, non-disk contour degenerative findings of the lumbar spine at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Materials and Methods: The case accrual method used to perform this institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was the random selection of 111 interpretable

MR examination cases of subjects from the Spine Patient

Outcomes Research Trial. The subjects were aged 18-87 years (mean, 53 years +/- 16 [standard deviation]). Four independent readers rated the cases according to defined criteria. A subsample of 40 MR examination cases MK 8931 supplier was selected for reevaluation at least 1 month later. The following findings were assessed: spondylolisthesis, disk degeneration, marrow endplate abnormality (Modic changes), posterior anular hyperintense zone (HIZ), and facet arthropathy. Inter-and intraobserver agreement in rating the data was summarized by using weighted kappa statistics.

Results: Interobserver agreement was good (kappa = 0.66) in rating disk degeneration and moderate in rating spondylolisthesis (kappa = 0.55), Modic changes (kappa = 0.59), facet arthropathy (kappa = 0.54), and posterior HIZ (kappa = 0.44). Interobserver agreement in rating the extent of Modic changes was moderate: kappa Values were 0.43 for determining superior anteroposterior extent, 0.47 for determining superior craniocaudal extent, 0.57 for determining inferior anteroposterior extent, and 0.48 for determining inferior craniocaudal extent. Intraobserver agreement was good in rating spondylolisthesis (kappa = 0.66), disk degeneration (kappa = 0.74), Modic changes (kappa = 0.64), facet arthropathy (kappa = 0.69), and posterior HIZ (kappa = 0.67). Intraobserver agreement in rating the extent of Modic changes was moderate, with kappa values of 0.

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics [doi:10 1063/1 3575178]“<

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3575178]“
“A 43-year-old patient with CH5424802 ic50 end-stage renal disease, a hypercoagulable condition and 100% panel reactive antibody was transferred to our institution with loss of hemodialysis access and thrombosis of the superior and inferior vena

cava, bilateral iliac and femoral veins. A transhepatic catheter was placed but became infected. Access through a stented subclavian into a dilated azygos vein was established. Desensitization with two cycles of bortezomib was undertaken after anti-CD20 and IVIg were given. A flow-positive, cytotoxic-negative cross-match live-donor kidney at the end of an eight-way multi-institution domino chain became

available, with a favorable genotype for this patient with impending total loss of a dialysis option. The patient received three pretransplant plasmapheresis treatments. Intraoperatively, the superior mesenteric vein was the only identifiable patent target for venous drainage. Eculizumab was administered postoperatively in the setting of antibody-mediated rejection and an inability to perform additional plasmapheresis. Creatinine remains normal at 6 months posttransplant and flow cross-match is negative. In this report, we describe the combined use of new agents (bortezomib and eculizumab) and find more modalities (nontraditional vascular access, splanchnic drainage of graft and domino paired donation) in a patient who would have

died without transplantation.”
“In this work, nonisothermal film blowing process analysis for non-Newtonian polymer melts has been performed theoretically by using minimum energy approach and the obtained predictions were compared with both, theoretical and experimental data (internal bubble pressure, take-up force, bubble shape, velocity and temperature profiles) taken from the open literature. selleck kinase inhibitor For this purpose, recently proposed generalized Newtonian model depending on three principal invariants of the deformation rate tensor, D, and its absolute defined as root D.D p has been used. It has been found that film blowing model predictions are in very good agreement with the corresponding experimental data. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 2807-2820, 2011″
“Polymer-shelled micro-bubbles are employed as ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) and vesicles for targeted drug delivery. UCA-based delivery of the therapeutic payload relies on ultrasound-induced shell rupture. The fragility of two polymer-shelled UCAs manufactured by Point Biomedical or Philips Research was investigated by characterizing their response to static overpressure. The nominal diameters of Point and Philips UCAs were 3 mu m and 2 mu m, respectively. The UCAs were subjected to static overpressure in a glycerol-filled test chamber with a microscope-reticule lid.


“Polygonum cuspidatum is a potent anti-oxidant herb that i


“Polygonum cuspidatum is a potent anti-oxidant herb that is well known for its various bioactivities. The current study investigates which compound group is most effective, to establish the key compound groups for quality assessment, especially in terms of neuroprotective effects. The roots of P. cuspidatum were extracted with 85% methanol and fractionated with hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water. Each fraction was applied to an in vitro radical scavenging assay, a lipid peroxidation assay in brain homogenates and an in vivo

assay using a transient focal cerebra ischemia model induced by a middle cerebral artery occlusion in a Sprague-Dawley rat. The ethyl acetate fraction was the most selleck effective fraction in both in vitro and in vivo assays, having the highest stilbene and anthraquinone contents. These results suggest that https://www.selleckchem.com/products/tubastatin-a.html stilbenes and anthraquinones may be key compound groups for the quality assessment of the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of P. cuspidatum.”
“Objective: Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is a major problem

in premature infants. Our objective is to assess the early predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for development of IVH and management of its squeal in preterm neonates. Methods: We prospectively studied 150 preterm neonates (PT) less than 34 weeks gestation. Fifty of them completed the study. 30/50 developed IVH during follow up, and 20 did not. First 24 hours, and 3rd day serum samples were collected. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were withdrawn for 10 IVH patients. Results: Serum VEGF; both samples were increased in IVH compared to non-IVH group (P = 0.001). PHVD-group (n = 10)

had EPZ015666 order higher VEGF in both samples than resolved IVH (P = 0.004), (P = 0.005). While, VEGF increased in the IVH group 2nd sample compared to 1st (P = 0.000), it decreased in non-IVH group, P = 0.033). Each 1 unit increase in 1ST VEGF increased the risk of occurrence of IVH by 1.6%. 3rd day VEGF at a cut-off value of 135 pg/ml is 96% sensitive and 100% specific to predict PHVD. Serum VEGF inversely correlated with TLC, pH, PO2 and HCO3, and positively correlated with PCo2 and FiO(2). Conclusion: Serum VEGF predicts development of IVH and PHVD in PT neonates. Also, high CSF level of VEGF could predict the need for permanent shunt placement.”
“A new 28-norolean-12,17-diene triterpene lantigdienone (1) oxidised at C-11 and C-22 has been isolated from the aerial parts of Lantana camara, along with two known compounds, camarinin (2) and camangeloyl acid (3). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated as 3,25-epoxy-3-hydroxy-22-[,dimethylacryloyloxy]-11-oxo-28-norolean-12,17-diene, with the help of spectral studies.”
“Objective: Preterm infants experience frequent cardiorespiratory events (CREs) including multiple episodes of apnea and bradycardia per day.

By 2 years, 32% of the 1131 subjects had dropped out, with the co

By 2 years, 32% of the 1131 subjects had dropped out, with the commonest reasons being death (28% of dropouts) and refusal (22%). Baseline cognitive and functional status were predictive of dropout. All sensitivity analyses led to the same conclusion: no

effect of the intervention on the rate of functional decline. All analyses demonstrated significant functional decline over time in both groups, but the magnitude of decline and between-group (intervention versus usual care) differences varied Bak apoptosis across methods. In particular, the LOCF analysis substantially underestimated 2-year decline in both groups compared to other methods. Our results suggest that data were not “”missing completely at random”", meaning that the complete case method was unsuitable. The LOCF method was also unsuitable since it assumes no decline after dropout. Methods based on the more plausible “”missing at random”" hypothesis

(multiple imputation, longitudinal mixed effects models, z-score LOCF) OICR-9429 price appeared more appropriate. This work highlights the importance of considering the validity of the underlying hypotheses of methods used for handling missing data in AD trials.”
“In studies of weak magnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductor thin films, there is often a significant difficulty in subtracting the background signal arising from the substrate. In the present work, an improved magnetic correction method is proposed. For Al doped ZnO and Fe doped TiO(2) films, the magnetic moment and coercivity of the samples were corrected by the improved method, and the maximum fitting error due to the glass substrate was calculated. The accuracy and rationale of the improved method are discussed and compared with the traditional method.

The results show that room temperature ferromagnetism is observed in Fe doped TiO(2) thin films. The ferromagnetism is strongly correlated with the substitution of Ti by Fe in the TiO(2) lattice, which results in a change in the crystal structure and the quality of the crystallization of the TiO(2) films. The changes are responsible for altering ferromagnetism in the films. (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3532043]“
“Experimental studies suggest that progesterone can regulate blood pressure. Nevertheless, there is scarce Geneticin chemical structure information about the effects of progesterone and its derivatives at cardiovascular level. In addition, to date the cellular site and mechanism of action of progesterone at cardiovascular level is also unclear. In order, to clarify on those phenomena, we evaluated the effects of progesterone and progesterone-dihydropyridimidine derivative on perfusion pressure in isolated rat heart using Langendorff flow model. Our results demonstrated that progesterone-derivative at a concentration of 10(-9) mM, significantly increase the perfusion pressure (p = 0.

For Twaron fibers, higher finish content only has a slight influe

For Twaron fibers, higher finish content only has a slight influence on the fibers durability at pH 11 and pH 9, by limiting abrasion and bulk degradation. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 888-898, 2010″
“PURPOSE:

To determine the ability of the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and the in vitro pyrogen test (IPT) to detect pyrogens adsorbed to intraocular lenses (IOLs).

SETTING: Berlin Eye Research Institute, Berlin, Germany.

METHODS: Fifteen of each of the following IOLs were used: MicroSil MS 612 ASP, AcrySof SA60AT, Superflex, Sensar, XACT, and LS-106 IOL-s. The challenge organism suspensions were 10(3) CFU/mL and 10(4) CFU/mL Escherichia coli, 10(3) CFU/mL and 10(4) CFU/mL Pseudomonasputida, and 10(5) CFU/ mL and 10(6) CFU/mL Staphylococcus epidermidis. Two IOLs of each model were incubated Selleck SYN-117 at room temperature ATM/ATR phosphorylation for at least 2 days in 0.6 mL of 1 of the suspensions. They were then gamma sterilized. The extract of 1 IOL was tested with the LAL assay; the other IOL was tested with the IPT.

RESULTS: The LAL was negative for all incubated IOLs. The IPT was positive for all IOLs incubated in E coli and P putida suspensions, with the MicroSil MS 612 ASP, AcrySof SA60AT, XACT, and LS-106 IOLs showing a severe reaction. The Superflex

and Sensar IOLs had a slight to moderate response for lower bacterial concentrations and a moderate to severe response for higher concentrations. For S epidermidis, all IOLs showed a slight IPT response except XACT IOLs, which showed a nonpyrogenic response.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results indicate that the LAL test may fail to detect pyrogens adsorbed to Vadimezan IOLs and the IPT reliably detects pyrogens with a dose-dependent response. This has relevance in the investigation of toxic anterior segment syndrome outbreaks.”
“The present article proposes a dynamical model to obtain ferroelectric hysteresis dynamics based on fractional derivatives. The consideration of a fractional derivative term widely increases the frequency bandwidth of the accuracy of the traditional hysteresis models. As a consequence, the model is suited for successfully taking into account the well-known scaling relations of the ferroelectric hysteresis area, < A >, versus the frequency, f, and field amplitude, E(0). Under low frequency excitation, simulation tests provided good results regarding the comparison of the fractional model, experimental results and the well-known nonentire power law < A >infinity f(1/3)E(0)(2/3) (where < A > represents the hysteresis loop area). These results were followed by comparing the hysteresis area obtained from the fractional model with that from the well known scaling relations as f ->infinity, and the results were proposed as validation of the high frequency behavior.

Of those with a PSM, 337 patients had available follow-up data, i

Of those with a PSM, 337 patients had available follow-up data, including 229 who

underwent RP (68%) and 108 who underwent RARP (32%). At a mean follow-up time of 37 months for the RP group, 103 (46%) patients demonstrated BCR; at a mean follow-up time of 44 months for the RARP group, 62 (57%) patients had a BCR (p=0.140). Two-year BCR-free rates for RP vs RARP were 65% and 49%, respectively (log-rank p<0.001). However, after controlling for age, PSA, grade, and year of surgery, the surgical method was not significantly associated with increased risk of BCR (HR 1.25; p=0.29). Conclusion: Our results confirm the noninferiority of RARP to RP with regard to patients with PSMs. As such, all patients with a PSM at RP are at high risk for BCR and should be followed in the same manner regardless of the surgical approach.”
“This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and effects of tadalafil on children with pulmonary AZD8055 arterial hypertension (PAH) after transition from sildenafil or after tadalafil received as initial therapy. A total of 33 pediatric patients with PAH were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 33 patients, 29 were switched from sildenafil to tadalafil. The main

reason for the change from sildenafil THZ1 was once-daily dosing. The average dose of sildenafil was 3.4 +/- A 1.1 mg/kg/day, and that of tadalafil was 1.0 +/- A 0.4 mg/kg/day. For 14 of the 29 patients undergoing repeat

catheterization, statistically significant improvements were observed after transition from sildenafil to tadalafil in terms of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (53.2 +/- A 18.3 vs. 47.4 +/- A 13.7 mmHg; p < 0.05) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (12.2 +/- A 7.0 vs 10.6 +/- A 7.2 Units/m(2); p < 0.05). Clinical improvement was noted for four patients treated with tadalafil as initial therapy. The side effect profiles were similar for the patients who had transitioned from sildenafil to tadalafil including headache, nausea, myalgia, nasal congestion, flushing, and allergic reaction. Two patients discontinued tadalafil due BI 2536 manufacturer to migraine or allergic reaction. One patient receiving sildenafil had no breakthrough syncope after transition to tadalafil. Tadalafil can be safely used for pediatric patients with PAH and may prevent disease progression.”
“SETTING: National Masan Tuberculosis Hospital, Masan, South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of prothionamide (PTH) in South Korean patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and to investigate whether differences in body mass index (BMI) could explain observed differences in PTH disposition.

DESIGN: Seventeen patients participated in the study; all had MDR-TB and had received combination anti-tuberculosis treatment, including PTH, cycloserine, ofloxacin, para-aminosalicylic acid and streptomycin or kanamycin, for at least 2 weeks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma cfDNA levels were quantified by qua

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma cfDNA levels were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR at six different time-points (before treatment, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks) in 18 metastatic cRCC patients receiving sorafenib, as assessed by CT examination according to RECIST 1.1.

RESULTS: A significantly lower plasma cfDNA level, measured this website from 8 weeks to 24 weeks, was found in patients with remission or stable disease than in those with progression. Higher levels in plasma cfDNA levels during

the course of treatment indicated poor outcome. For predicting progression, a sensitivity of 66.7% was achieved at 100% specificity using cfDNA levels at 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of plasma cfDNA levels during the course of sorafenib therapy could identify metastatic cRCC patients who are likely to exhibit a poor response at an early stage.”
“In this study, a polar conductive filler [carbon black (CB)], a nonpolar polymer [polypropylene (PP)], and a polar polymer [nylon 6 (PA6)] were chosen to fabricate electrically conductive polymer composites by melt blending and compression molding. The morphological developments of these composites selleck inhibitor were studied.

Scanning electron microscopy results showed that in a CB-filled PP/PA6 (CPA) composite, CB particles were selectively dispersed in PA6 phases and could make the dispersed particles exist as microfiber particles, which could greatly improve the electrical conductivity. The PA6 and CB contents both could affect the morphologies of these composites. The results of electrical resistivity

measurements of these composites proved the formation of conductive networks. The resistivity-temperature behaviors of these composites were also studied. For CB-filled PP (CP) composites, there were apparent positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effects and an unrepeatable resistivity-temperature characteristic. However, for CPA composites, there were no PTC or NTC effects from room temperature to 180 degrees C, and the resistivity-temperature selleck compound behavior showed a repeatable characteristic; this proved that CB particles were selectively dispersed in the PA6 phase from another point of view. All experimental results indicated that the addition of PA6 to a CP composite could lead to an expected morphological structure and improve the electrical conductivity of the CP composite. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 1848-1855, 2009″
“Semiconductors doped with magnetic ion, the so-called diluted magnetic semiconductors, are promising candidates for spintronics. Herein, we report on magnetic anisotropy in Mn:Ge diluted magnetic semiconductor nanowires. We grew single crystal Mn:Ge nanowires vertically on a Ge substrate and found the anisotropy in ratios of orbital to spin magnetic moments in the angle-dependent x-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements.

The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results provide evidence tha

The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results provide evidence that Ag ions are mainly in the monovalent state and incorporated into the ZnO lattice at Zn2+ sites. It was found from the UV-visible spectra that the bandgap of ZnO decreases due to Ag doping. Excellent enhancement of luminescence properties in the green band is observed in Ag-doped ZnO nanocrystals. The origin of this

enhancement was discussed. It was demonstrated that oxygen vacancies and a spin-split impurity band are the key factors for deep level emissions. We believe that the present approach is a very simple but effective one for synthesis of novel ZnO complex micro/nanostructures, and these flowerlike Ag-doped ZnO nanocrystals may have good prospects in scientific and industrial applications. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3549826]“
“Little is known about the proportion Androgen Receptor Antagonist ic50 of renal transplant candidates who are considered ineligible by the transplant center, the reasons of their ineligibility and their survival during dialysis. In this retrospective, single-center study of 445 adult

patients referred between 2001 and 2006, 36 (8%) were deemed ineligible for medical contraindications. The leading reason was cardiovascular (CV) (75%), specifically aorto-iliac, and/or limb vessels atheromatosis or calcifications; ischemic heart disease; or a combination thereof. Nine patients had other contraindications that were absolute for three of them; six patients displayed a combination of relative contraindications. OSI-906 concentration When compared to eligible patients (N = 409), those ineligible were significantly older (60 yr vs. 48), more often diabetics (50% vs. 15%), obese (39% vs. 17%) suffering from coronary artery disease (53% vs. 11%) and peripheral arterial disease (86% vs. 11%). Their primary nephropathy Ralimetinib nmr was more often diabetic and/or hypertensive/nephroangiosclerosis (61% vs. 23%), and their median dialysis vintage prior to evaluation was longer (29 months vs. 10, p < 0.0001). The actuarial survival of ineligible patients was significantly lower than that of

eligible patients (at five yr: 53% vs. 88%). Adequate control of CV risk factors before dialysis and early referral for transplantation might help to improve eligibility of renal transplant candidates.”
“Quasistatic measurements of room-temperature anelastic relaxation were used to characterize the properties of shear transformation zones (STZs) in amorphous Al(86.8)Ni(3.7)Y(9.5) in the dilute limit. Using a combination of nanoindenter cantilever bending and mandrel bend relaxation techniques, anelastic relaxation was measured over times ranging from 1 s to 3 x 10(7) s. Direct spectrum analysis yields relaxation-time spectra, which display seven distinct peaks. The results were analyzed using a linear dashpot-and-spring model, combined with transition-state theory, to yield several STZ properties.