Search

This study evaluated early and frequent seated breaks from standing work to reduce low back pain (LBP) in known pain developers (PD). Twenty-four participants, classified as either PD or non-PD during a separate 2-hour standing session, performed 124 minutes of standing work with seated breaks at a 3:1 stand-sit ratio with increasing durations from 3:1 minute to 48:16 minutes. Back pain and spine posture measures showed no differences between PD and non-PD. Females had greater left glutaeus medius activation (8.4%MVC) than males (4.5%MVC) and greater glutaeus medius co-contraction. This protocol was successful at reducing LBP in PD to the level of non-PD, with mean pain scores (13 mm) only slightly exceeding the clinical LBP threshold of 10 mm. Early and frequent breaks within the first hour of standing work appear to be an effective solution to reduce the LBP that often occurs at the beginning of standing work.

Fall-related hip fractures are a major public health issue. While individual-level risk assessment tools exist, population-level predictive models could catalyze innovation in large-scale interventions. This study presents a hierarchical probabilistic model that predicts population-level hip fracture risk based on Factor of Risk (FOR) principles. Model validation demonstrated that FOR output aligned with a published dataset categorized by sex and hip fracture status. The model predicted normalized FOR for 100000 individuals simulating the Canadian older-adult population. Predicted hip fracture risk was higher for females (by an average of 38%), and increased with age (by15% per decade). Potential applications are discussed.

Muscle activation has been demonstrated to influence impact dynamics during scenarios including running, automotive impacts, and head impacts. This study investigated the effects of targeted muscle activation magnitude on impact dynamics during low energy falls on the hip with human volunteers. Fifteen university-aged participants (eight females, seven males) underwent 12 lateral pelvis release trials. Half of the trials were muscle-'relaxed'; in the remaining 'contracted' trials participants isometrically contracted their gluteus medius to 20-30% of maximal voluntary contraction before the drop was initiated onto a force plate. Peak force applied to the femur-pelvis complex averaged 9.3% higher in contracted compared to relaxed trials (F = 6.798, p = .022). Muscle activation effects were greater for females, resulting in (on average) an 18.5% increase in effective pelvic stiffness (F = 5.838, p = .046) and a 23.4% decrease in time-to-peak-force (F = 5.109, p = .042). In the relaxed trials, muscle activation naturally increased during the impact event, reaching levels of 12.8, 7.5, 11.1, and 19.1% MVC at the time of peak force for the gluteus medias, vastus lateralis, erector spinae, and external oblique, respectively. These findings demonstrated that contraction of trunk and hip musculature increased peak impact force across sexes. In females, increases in the magnitude and rate of loading were accompanied (and likely driven) by increases in system stiffness. Accordingly, incorporating muscle activation contributions into biomechanical models that investigate loading dynamics in the femur and/or pelvis during lateral impacts may improve estimate accuracy.

Hip fracture incidence rates are influenced by body mass index (BMI) and sex, likely through mechanistic pathways that influence dynamics of the pelvis-femur system during fall-related impacts. The goal of this study was to extend our understanding of these impact dynamics by investigating the effects of BMI, sex, and local muscle activation on pressure distribution over the hip region during lateral impacts. Twenty participants underwent "pelvis-release experiments" (which simulate a lateral fall onto the hip), including muscle-'relaxed' and 'contracted' trials. Males and low-BMI individuals exhibited 44 and 55% greater peak pressure, as well as 66 and 56% lower peripheral hip force, compared to females and high-BMI individuals, respectively. Local muscle activation increased peak force by 10%, contact area by 17%, and peripheral hip force by 11% compared to relaxed trials. In summary, males and low-BMI individuals exhibited more concentrated loading over the greater trochanter. Muscle activation increased peak force, but this force was distributed over a larger area, preventing increased localized loading over the greater trochanter. These findings suggest potential value in incorporating sex, gender, and muscle activation-specific force distributions as inputs into computational tissue-level models, and have implications for the design of personalized protective devices including wearable hip protectors.

Isunakinra, formerly known as EBI-005, is a novel interleukin (IL)-1 receptor inhibitor developed for topical treatment of patients with dry eye disease (DED). This phase 1b/2a multicenter, double-masked, randomized, vehicle controlled environmental trial assessed the safety and biological activity of isunakinra in patients with moderate to severe DED. Subjects (N=74) were randomized to vehicle (placebo) or isunakinra (5 or 20 mg/mL) 3×/daily for 6 weeks. Evaluations included safety, tolerability, biological activity for signs (corneal fluorescein staining [CFS]), symptoms (pain or sore eyes and total Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]), and reduction in rescue artificial tear use. Topical administration of isunakinra (5 and 20 mg/mL) was safe and well tolerated and resulted in clinically relevant improvements in symptoms (OSDI score, painful/sore eye component of OSDI) and signs (total CFS) compared with baseline with no dose response. OSDI scores improved from baseline by 38% (18.9 points) at 6 weeks and CFS scores improved by 33% (3 points) in the isunakinra groups. These changes were not statistically significant compared with the vehicle. Use of artificial rescue tears was significantly reduced in the isunakinra treatment groups (mean=9 vials) compared with vehicle (mean=31 vials). The differences between isunakinra and vehicle treatments were more pronounced in subjects with OSDI scores less than 50 at baseline. Isunakinra was safe, well tolerated and showed clinically meaningful improvements in signs and symptoms of DED. These results encouraged the design of an adequately powered study to characterize the safety and efficacy of isunakinra in ocular surface diseases.

Purpose To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety of 10- and 15-μg bimatoprost implant in subjects with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) after initial and repeated administrations. Design Randomized, 20-month, multicenter, subject- and efficacy evaluator-masked, parallel-group, phase 3 clinical study. Participants Adults with OAG or OHT in each eye, open iridocorneal angle inferiorly in the study eye, and study eye baseline IOP (hour 0; 8 am ) of 22–32 mmHg after washout. Methods Study eyes received bimatoprost implant 10 μg (n = 198) or 15 μg (n = 198) on day 1 with readministration at weeks 16 and 32, or twice-daily topical timolol maleate 0.5% (n = 198). Intraocular pressure was measured at hours 0 and 2 at each visit. Main Outcome Measures Primary end points were IOP and change from baseline IOP through week 12. Safety measures included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and corneal endothelial cell density (CECD). Results Both dose strengths of bimatoprost implant were noninferior to timolol in IOP lowering after each administration. Mean diurnal IOP was 24.0, 24.2, and 23.9 mmHg at baseline and from 16.5–17.2, 16.5–17.0, and 17.1–17.5 mmHg through week 12 in the 10-μg implant, 15-μg implant, and timolol groups, respectively. The incidence of corneal and inflammatory TEAEs of interest (e.g., corneal endothelial cell loss, iritis) was higher with bimatoprost implant than timolol and highest with the 15-μg dose strength. Incidence of corneal TEAEs increased after repeated treatment; with 3 administrations at fixed 16-week intervals, incidence of ≥20% CECD loss was 10.2% (10-μg implant) and 21.8% (15-μg implant). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was stable; 3 implant-treated subjects with corneal TEAEs had >2-line BCVA loss at their last visit. Conclusions Both dose strengths of bimatoprost implant met the primary end point of noninferiority to timolol through week 12. One year after 3 administrations, IOP was controlled in most subjects without additional treatment. The risk-benefit assessment favored the 10-μg implant over the 15-μg implant. Ongoing studies are evaluating other administration regimens to reduce the potential for CECD loss. The bimatoprost implant has potential to improve adherence and reduce treatment burden in glaucoma.

Introduction While protective headwear products (PHP) are designed to protect older adults from fall-related head injuries, there are limited data on their protective capacity. This study’s goal was to assess the impact attenuation provided by commercially available PHP during simulated head impacts. Methods A drop tower and Hybrid III headform measured the decrease in peak linear acceleration ( g atten) provided by 12 PHP for front- and back-of-head impacts at low (clinically relevant: 3.5 m/s) and high (5.7 m/s) impact velocities. Results The range of g atten across PHP was larger at the low velocity (56% and 41% for back and frontal impacts, respectively) vs. high velocity condition (27% and 38% for back and frontal impacts, respectively). A significant interaction between impact location and velocity was observed ( p < .05), with significantly greater g atten for back-of-head compared to front-of-head impacts at the low impact velocity (19% mean difference). While not significant, there was a modest positive association between g atten and product padding thickness for back-of-head impacts ( p = .095; r = 0.349). Conclusion This study demonstrates the wide range in impact attenuation across commercially available PHP, and suggests that existing products provide greater impact attenuation during back-of-head impacts. These data may inform evidence-based decisions for clinicians and consumers and help drive industry innovation.

PURPOSE:To demonstrate the successful clinical identification and management of rhino-orbital mucormycosis, a fungal infection with a high mortality rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS:A diabetic male patient with a headache and orbital apex syndrome in the right eye was examined using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a possible fungal infection. Endoscopic surgical resection was performed and a pathology sample was taken. Specimens were prepared with Gomori methenamine silver and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B 400 mg daily, followed by posaconazole 400 mg twice daily. RESULTS:CT and MRI revealed a mass of the right sphenoid spreading into the orbit, indicative of a fungal infection. The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mucormycosis. Complete recovery of eyelid and oculomotor function was achieved after 10 months of treatment, although the patient continues to suffer from irreversible blindness in the right eye due to optic nerve atrophy. He has been without signs or symptoms of recurrence. CONCLUSION:Patients with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis need extensive surgical and medical treatment to maximize outcomes. Success requires multidisciplinary management.

This is a report of the use, efficacy, and theoretic safety of negative-pressure wound therapy over ocular structures as a part of surgical treatment for necrotizing fasciitis. We treated a 65-year-old man with facial necrotizing fasciitis requiring serial debridement and closure of extensive periorbital and nasal wounds with skin grafts. Negative-pressure wound therapy was first used as a bridge to allow temporary closure and to encourage granulation tissue development. It was then used as a bolster dressing to stabilize skin grafts in the complex wound, not amenable to tie-over dressings. Excellent functional and cosmetic reconstruction of the periorbital and nasal regions was achieved. After treatment, the patient's corrected vision was 20/20. To our knowledge, the use of negative-pressure wound therapy directly over ocular structures has not been previously documented. In this case, it was safely used over the eyes with no sequelae to the patient's vision.

Background Glomerular filtration decreases progressively with age in adults. Predictive equation should have proper modelling to adequately account for normal senescence. Methods Corrected 24-h creatinine clearances (CCLs) were measured in a cohort of 773 outpatients from 18 to 90 years old. Multiple linear regression was used to model the effect of age on glomerular filtration. Comparisons were made with the simplified MDRD and the MAYO equations. Impact of the derived equation was tested in a second cohort of 7551 patients with normal serum creatinine. Results While all equations show declining function with age, our results suggest that the GFR reduction is progressive after the age of 30 and continue to decline steadily after the age of 60. This leads to a convex curve in the multiple regression analysis that is best fitted by an equation including the quadratic term (age(2)). In contrast, the MDRD equation produces a faster decrease in early adulthood and a flatter curve after the age of 60 while the MAYO equation produces a more linear effect. MDRD results in the normal range are lower than those estimated by the MAYO equation. These equations, as applied on an independent cohort of 7551 normal outpatients from 18 to 102 years, produce different profile of evolution of GFR with age. Conclusions Inclusion of a quadratic term for age in the formula estimating GFR results in better modelling of the natural decline of renal function associated with ageing. Furthermore, as GFR steadily declines after the age of 30, a single cut-off value of GFR normality for all ages leads to underdiagnosis of young adults and over diagnosis of elderly individuals. Guidelines should take into account the observed reduction of kidney function with age in normal population for optimal evaluation of eGFR.

The approach used by the authors for managing a patient with a schizoaffective disorder and advanced basal cell carcinoma involving the eyelids, orbit, and face is presented. Complexities included the advanced nature of the disease, neglect of the patient's condition due to schizoaffective disorder, the difficulty of obtaining informed consent, the required aggressive surgical intervention, reconstruction, and the necessary management during the postsurgical period. A multidisciplinary team approach with psychiatry, ophthalmology, ear, nose, and throat, plastic surgery, radiation oncology, oncology, legal, and bioethics specialties is required in patients with cognitive disabilities. Curative treatment requires complete excision, reconstruction, and proper postoperative care, which can be prohibitive in a schizophrenic patient from a surgical and ethical perspective. Staging of this condition after proper informed consent with biopsy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging is presented. The options for management are discussed, including surgical intervention and palliative care.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how time-dependent waterline flushing affects the presence of biofilm in otherwise-untreated dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). Water samples were obtained from twelve highspeed handpiece DUWLs located in the undergraduate treatment clinic at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry. Baseline water samples (50 cc) were collected prior to the start of continuous flushing. Additional 50 cc samples were collected after two-, three-, and four-minute flushing intervals from the baseline. The levels of planktonic bacteria in DUWLs were quantified by counting colony forming units (CFUs). In addition, segments of water tubing from each of the highspeed handpiece waterlines were examined by scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the presence of a residual biofilm in the lumen of each dental unit waterline. A one-factor repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant (p

Gene expression profiling (GEP) on frozen tissues has identified genes predicting outcome in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Confirmation of results in current patients is limited by availability of frozen samples and addition of monoclonal antibodies to treatment regimens. We used a quantitative nuclease protection assay (qNPA) to analyze formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks for 36 previously identified genes (N = 209, 93 chemotherapy; 116 rituximab + chemotherapy). By qNPA, 208 cases were successfully analyzed (99.5%). In addition, 15 of 36 and 11 of 36 genes, representing each functional group previously identified by GEP, were associated with survival (P < .05) in the 2 treatment groups, respectively. In addition, 30 of 36 hazard ratios of death trended in the same direction versus the original studies. Multivariate and variable cut-off point analysis identified low levels of HLA-DRB (< 20%) and high levels of MYC (> 80%) as independent indicators of survival, together distinguishing cases with the worst prognosis. Our results solve a clinical research problem by demonstrating that prognostic genes can be meaningfully quantified using qNPA technology on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues; previous GEP findings in DLBCL are relevant with current treatments; and 2 genes, representing immune escape and proliferation, are the common features of the most aggressive DLBCL.

Summary form only given. Reducing the channel length in conventional MOSFETs has proven to be a useful path in the past to both improved device performance as well as higher packing densities. Molecules seem to be the ultimate answer to the question of how small can we make the channel. However, any real device will not consist of the molecule alone. Contacts will be an essential part of the actual device and its performance. This paper discusses the role and effects of the metal electrode contacts in molecular electronic devices.

In January 2000, the requirements and functional specifications for a family of high availability core routers were defined and drove the development of six custom VLSI devices using large FCCGA (flip chip column grid array) packages with large devices. Such combinations have always been a challenge for first level packaging as well as second level reliability. For this specific application, a 58 mm ceramic carrier with device sizes up to 21 mm required qualification and to be brought into production with high reliability performance. This paper describes the qualification strategy and structure used by the IBM flip chip assembly site located in Bromont (Quebec, Canada) as well as the test vehicle used to support end product reliability requirements. In addition, stress testing results are discussed, covering 1/sup st/ and 2/sup nd/ level packaging.

The ACS solar blind channel (SBC) is a photon-counting MAMA detector capable of producing two-dimensional imaging in the UV at wavelengths 1150-1700 Angstroms, with a field of view (FOV) of 31" × 35". We describe the on-orbit performance of the ACS/SBC from an analysis of data obtained from the service mission observatory verification (SMOV) programs. Our summary includes assessment of the point-source image quality and point spread function (PSF) over the SBC FOV, the dark current measurements, the characteristics of the flat fields, fold analysis, throughput, and the UV sensitivity monitor to check for contamination. Where appropriate, a comparison with pre-launch calibration data will also be made.

We present an overview of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) CCD detectors performance based on the ground testing and the calibration observations taken during the first four months of ACS operation. ACS has been installed into the Hubble Space Telescope in March 2002 and consists of three different cameras. Two of them employ CCD detectors: the Wide Field Camera a mosaic of two 4096 x 2048 CCDs and the High Resolution Camera a single 1024 x 1024 chip. A review of the on-orbit performance is presented here and also comparison is made with the instrument specifications, published performance expectation and ground test results.

The off-axis location of the Advanced Camera for Surveys causes strong geometric distortion in all detectors -- the Wide Field Camera (WFC), High Resolution Camera (HRC), and Solar Blind Camera (SBC). Dithered observations of rich star cluster fields are used to calibrate the distortion. We describe the observations obtained, the algorithms used to perform the calibrations and the accuracy achieved. We present our best current calibration of the geometric distortion of each of the detectors.

The Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), installed in the Hubble Space Telescope in March 2002, has significantly extended HST’s imaging capabilities. We describe the on-orbit optical alignment procedures and results, detailing the excellent image quality performance achieved. Comparison is made with the instrument specifications, ground test results and published performance expectations. The residual aberration content over the field of each channel is described and compared with the optical model, and various other performance measures, including sharpness and encircled energy are treated. The effects of the telescope focus oscillations due to thermal variations ("breathing") and image positional stability are also discussed.

We present an overview of the ACS on-orbit performance based on the calibration observations taken during the first three months of ACS operations. The ACS meets or exceeds all of its important performance specifications. The WFC and HRC FWHM and 50% encircled energy diameters at 555 nm are 0.088" and 0.14", and 0.050" and 0.10". The average rms WFC and HRC read noises are 5.0 e- and 4.7 e-. The WFC and HRC average dark currents are ~ 7.5 and ~ 9.1 e-/pixel/hour at their operating temperatures of - 76°C and - 80°C. The SBC + HST throughput is 0.0476 and 0.0292 through the F125LP and F150LP filters. The lower than expected SBC operating temperature of 15 to 27°C gives a dark current of 0.038 e-/pix/hour. The SBC just misses its image specification with an observed 50% encircled energy diameter of 0.24" at 121.6 nm. The ACS HRC coronagraph provides a 6 to 16 direct reduction of a stellar PSF, and a ~1000 to ~9000 PSF-subtracted reduction, depending on the size of the coronagraphic spot and the wavelength. The ACS grism has a position dependent dispersion with an average value of 3.95 nm/pixel. The average resolution λ/Δλ for stellar sources is 65, 87, and 78 at wavelengths of 594 nm, 802 nm, and 978 nm.

Luminaires were installed in a cold environmental chamber. Tests were carried out at 25 degrees C, 10 degrees C, 0 degrees C, -10 degrees C, and -30 degrees C. Illuminance was measured at a fixed distance from the luminaires, and their electrical parameters were studied. Luminaires operated with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in an environment of -30 degrees C are shown to provide less than 30% of the illuminance obtained at 25 degrees C. However, the electrical consumption and power factor are not very sensitive to the ambient temperature. Luminaires with CFLs are not recommended in a cold climate environment such as that of Quebec. >

Purpose To demonstrate the difficulties of diagnosing a patient with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) due to its complicated presentation and extensive diagnostic testing, and how to manage the treatment of a patient in an emergent setting. Patients and methods A female patient with THS affecting the left eye was examined using two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The patient was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol®) and prednisone. A follow-up MRI and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) was also performed 4 months later. Results The second MRI scan disclosed a 5×9×10 mm lesion in the left superior orbital fissure/cavernous sinus. After administration of methylprednisolone and prednisone, the patient’s pain completely resolved, and the left eye regained full duction and eyelid mobility. The MRI and MRA obtained after the treatment showed no abnormalities. Conclusion The rarity of THS makes it difficult to diagnose, especially when there is a question of accuracy and reproducibility of the testing performed. An ophthalmologic consultation in such cases is crucial.

Furobufen (γ-oxo-2-dibenzofuranbutyric acid) produced anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and antipyretic effects. It also reduced the pain resulting from an acute inflammatory reaction. The potency of furobufen to inhibit carrageenin-induced paw edema was comparable to that of phenylbutazone. The activity profile of furobufen was similar to that of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The large variation in the severity of the arthritic response of the adjuvant-injected rat often makes it impossible to obtain statistically manageable dose–response curves with anti-inflammatory drugs. Consequently, the relative potency of anti-inflammatory drugs generally was not established. In the present study, with a modification of the therapeutic test, reliable dose–response curves were obtained with seven anti-inflammatory drugs. With this method the "therapeutic" mean effective dose (ED50) and relative potency were calculated by probit analysis. Charles River rats were injected in the left hind paw with adjuvant. On day 14, rats with an injected paw volume of 4–6 ml that increased by at least 0.5 ml between days 10 and 14 were selected for drug treatment. Groups of 6–12 rats with a mean injected paw volume of 5–5.5 ml were formed. Dosing with compounds was started on day 14 and continued daily until day 22 (nine injections). Ninety-four percent of the arthritic control rats showed a further increase in injected paw size between days 14 and 22 (mean, 1.06 ± 0.12 ml) whereas rats dosed with anti-inflammatory compounds showed a dose-related decrease in paw size during the same period. A decrease of 0.5 ml or more between days 14 and 22 was considered to be a therapeutic effect, smaller decreases were taken as no effect. The oral ED50's in milligrams per kilogram were indomethacin, 0.22 ± 0.05; prednisolone, 3.49 ± 1.0; hydrocortisone, 12.4 ± 3.0; phenylbutazone, 13.27 ± 2.7; mefenamic acid 20.10 ± 5.8; aminopyrine, 129.95 ± 25.3; and aspirin, 279.0 ± 24.6. Except for aspirin, the relative potency of the compounds studied by this therapeutic test (chronic) was comparable to that reported for the acute carrageenin assay. Aspirin appears to be markedly less active in chronic inflammation than in acute. This finding is consistent with both experimental and clinical observations.

The antiallergic properties of AY-25,674 were studied in a model of passive lung anaphylaxis. AY-25,674 caused a dose-related inhibition of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in the passively sensitized rat. AY-25,674 was found to be twice as potent as disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) when injected intravenously. The oral administration of AY-25,674 also effectively inhibited antigen-induced bronchoconstriction. A tachyphylactic effect of repeated administration was found when the rats were pretreated with a large dose of AY-25,674. The compound did not significantly antagonize the bronchoconstriction produced by 5-hydroxytryptamine. These results indicate that AY-25,674 is an orally effective antianaphylactic compound with a mode of action similar to that of DSCG in preventing allergic mediator release.

The effect of treatment with the new anti-inflammatory drug etodolac on the articular and bone pathology associated with adjuvant arthritis in rats has been compared to the effects produced by aspirin and naproxen. Five measures of drug effect were made (changes in hind paw edema, body weight, normal hind leg function and articular damage as assessed by radiologic and histopathologic techniques). Drug treatment was initiated 16 days after adjuvant injection when arthritis was already established and continued for either 14 or 28 days. Etodolac produced a dose-related inhibition of all arthritic changes. Results from the radiologic study indicated that etodolac not only prevented the further development of articular damage by arthritis but actually caused a regression of these lesions established before drug treatment began. Similar results were obtained from the histopathologic study. Naproxen prevented the further development of arthritic damage but aspirin, although it decreased hind paw edema and increased body weight gains, had no significant effect on the articular damage produced by arthritis.

Prodolic acid (1,3,4,9-Tetrahydro-1-propylpyrano[3, 4-b] indole-1-acetic acid) showed anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties in several experimental models in rats. In chronic types of inflammation such as the adjuvant arthritis and the cotton pellet granuloma tests, prodolic acid was up to 17 times more potent than aspirin and approximately equipotent to phenylbutazone. In acute tests such as the carrageenin, the antipyretic and the analgesic tests the potency of prodolic acid was comparable to that of aspirin. The increased potency of prodolic acid in adjuvant arthritic rats may be taken as an indication that this new compound will be particularly effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritic conditions of man. The acute toxicity of prodolic acid was 3 times less than that of phenylbutazone. Prodolic acid produced very little gastrointestinal irritation in the highest tolerated doses, while aspirin and phenylbutazone were irritant. It is concluded that prodolic acid is a promising new anti-inflammatory agent particularly potent in chronic inflammation with low systemic and low gastrointestinal toxicity.

The title of this paper is a misnomer, purposely selected to indicate the reason for its preparation rather than its contents. It is not proposed to consider the effects of the extremely complex motions of earthquakes on such a complex structure as the ordinary building, but rather to idealize both the motion and the structure in order to obtain some basic concepts which may perhaps have bearing on the general topic suggested by the title. The scope of the paper then will be limited to a consideration of but one bent of a building subjected to established simple harmonic motion.

The anti-inflammatory and gastric effects of etodolac were compared in the rat with those of seven clinically established nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The anti-inflammatory potency of etodolac was found to lie between that of sulindac and piroxicam. Etodolac was 2.8 times more active than sulindac and 2.2 times less active than piroxicam. Compared to phenylbutazone it was 12.5 times more potent. The irritation produced on the gastric mucosa was less than that of sulindac, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. However, etodolac was significantly (p less than 0.05) less irritant than piroxicam. Of the drugs studied, etodolac showed the highest ratio between the irritant ED50 and the dose which inhibited inflammation by 50%. From these results etodolac is predicted to be a potent anti-inflammatory drug with a high gastric tolerance. Clinical trials appear to confirm these predictions.

This report provides a summary of 80 JP-8 jet fuels produced over the time period of August 1984 to April 1988. The data were obtained from the test reports provided by the fuel supplier or receiving terminal. Averages, standards deviations, minimum and maximum values of the various data have been determined and are reported. Keywords: JP-8, Jet fuel, Chemical properties, Physical properties.

The problem of the dynamic response of a structure to earthquake ground motion has been formulated in a manner which permits separation of the characteristics of particular structures from the characteristics of the earthquake. The expression involving the characteristics of the earthquake is defined as the “spectrum” of the earthquake and it is shown that the spectrum is a plot of the maximum response of a simple oscillator versus the period of the oscillator. Eighty-eight such spectra were computed by means of an electric analog computer and are presented in this paper. It is found that damping is a very important parameter in the over-all problem; relatively small amounts of damping reduce the structural response sharply. Further research on damping in buildings is recommended, and it is also proposed that the spectrum be used as a quantitative measure of earthquake intensity.