cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroelectrochemical Study of Mediators I. Bipyridylium Salts and Their Electron Transfer Rates to Cytochrome c

In many potentiometric titrations of biological electron transfer components, mediators are often employed to act as electron transfer mediators between the components and the potentiometric electrode. Certain mediators have been employed recently as electrogenerated titrants of components in coulometric titrations, particularly in some spectroelectrochemical studies. In this paper, the optical and electrochemical characteristics of some bipyridylium salts are examined as mediator-titrants. These salts (dications) undergo a reversible one electron reduction to the radical cation which can be a good reductant. Spectroelectrochemistry has also been applied to the evaluation of the rate of electron transfer from the radical to oxidized cytochrome c. The results reported herein are a part of our interest in evaluating the electron transfer properties of heme proteins found in the mammalian respiratory system. Bei vielen potentiometrischen Titrationen von Komponenten des biologischen Elektronentransport-Systems werden haufig Mediatoren eingesetzt, die als Vermittler der Elektronenubertragung zwischen der Verbindung und der potentiometrischen Elektrode wirken. Eine Reihe von Mediatoren sind kurzlich als elektrochemisch erzeugte Titranden in coulometrischen Titrationen angewandt worden, insbesondere bei einigen spektroelektrochemischen Untersuchungen. In dieser Veroffentlichung werden die optischen und elektrochemischen Eigenschaften einer Reihe von Bipyridyliumsalzen in bezug auf ihre Eignung als intern erzeugte Elektronenubertrager in coulometrischen Titrationen (mediator-titrants) untersucht. Diese Salze (Dikationen) unterliegen einer reversiblen Ein-Elektron-Reduktion zum Radikalkation, das ein gutes Reduktionsmittel darstellt. Auserdem wurde die Geschwindigkeit der Elektronenubertragung vom Radikal auf oxidiertes Cytochrom c mit Hilfe spektroelektrochemischer Methoden ermittelt. Die hier berichteten Ergebnisse sind Teil unserer Forschungen uber die Wirkungsweise der Hamproteine in der Atmungskette bei Elektronenubertragungsreaktionen.
Abstract 3868: Six1 overexpression promotes malignant progression in models of cervical and colon cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The overexpression of Six1, a member of the Six family of homeodomain transcription factors, has been found in various human cancers, and is associated with increased tumor progression and metastasis. Previous studies in our laboratory discovered that the expression of Six1 mRNA increased during in vitro progression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) immortalized human keratinocytes (HKc/HPV16) toward a differentiation-resistant (HKc/DR) phenotype. The overexpression of Six1 induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) by the activation of p38 MAPK in HKc/DR. Although immortalized and resistant to serum and calcium-induced differentiation, HKc/DR are not tumorigenic. To further explore the role of Six1 in HPV16 immortalized cells we determined whether overexpression of Six1 in HKc/DR resulted in malignant conversion. We found that HKc/DR overexpressing Six1 (DR-Six1), but not HKc/DR controls (DR-Ctrl), formed squamous cell carcinomas in nude mice. Cancer stem cells are proposed to drive tumor initiation and progression; for this reason we analyzed cancer stem cell markers in DR-Ctrl and DR-Six1. We found that DR-Six1 had an increased CD24-/CD44+ population and increased aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) expression as compared to DR-Ctrl, indicating a cancer stem cell-like phenotype in Six1 overexpressing cells. We then used the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa to further explore the enhanced tumorigenic and malignant properties associated with Six1 overexpression. We determined that overexpressing Six1 in HeLa increased their ability to form spheroids in vitro and increased tumor size in vivo. As an extension of this work, we investigated the role of Six1 on tumorigenesis and metastasis in colon cancer in vivo and in vitro by using the murine colon cancer cell line MC38. We found that Six1 promoted colon cancer tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis, and increased the population of cancer stem cell-like cells. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that Six1 overexpression increases the cancer stem cell-like cell population, and promotes malignant progression in models of cervical and colon cancer. Supported by grant P20MD001770 from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Citation Format: Hanwen Xu, Yu Zhang, Lucia Pirisi, Maria Marjorette Pena, Kim E. Creek. Six1 overexpression promotes malignant progression in models of cervical and colon cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3868. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3868
Sustainable design for multiple audiences: The usability study and iterative redesign of the Documenting the American South digital library

Purpose – To demonstrate the value in conducting a usability study and following an iterative design process to create a more user‐centered and sustainable digital library.Design/methodology/approach – After identifying three key user groups, a series of usability tests and focus groups were conducted to assess how users interact with the site's interface. An iterative design process followed involving the development and testing of prototypes by representative users and stakeholders.Findings – Users' interaction with a digital library is task‐oriented and context dependent. Serving the needs of multiple audiences is an iterative process and requires an ongoing dialog with users.Research limitations/implications – Like most usability studies, the results are not generalizable.Practical implications – It offers an example of how an informal usability study and iterative design process can be conducted to create a more user‐centered digital library.Originality/value – This paper provides new insights into t...
Preliminary communication: Transplacental chronic toxicity test of carbaryl with nitrite in rats*

Summary Pregnant female rats were given by gavage a total of 300 mg carbaryl during a 10-day period. No malignant tumours were induced in the dams or their offspring during their natural lifespan. Pregnant and non-pregnant female rats were given a suspension of carbaryl in sodium nitrite solution on several successive days, a total of 90 mg carbaryl and 120 mg sodium nitrite being administered to each adult rat. There was no significant incidence of malignant tumours in the dams or their offspring as a result of the treatment.
Learning an Outlier-Robust Kalman Filter

We introduce a modified Kalman filter that performs robust, real-time outlier detection, without the need for manual parameter tuning by the user. Systems that rely on high quality sensory data (for instance, robotic systems) can be sensitive to data containing outliers. The standard Kalman filter is not robust to outliers, and other variations of the Kalman filter have been proposed to overcome this issue. However, these methods may require manual parameter tuning, use of heuristics or complicated parameter estimation procedures. Our Kalman filter uses a weighted least squares-like approach by introducing weights for each data sample. A data sample with a smaller weight has a weaker contribution when estimating the current time step's state. Using an incremental variational Expectation-Maximization framework, we learn the weights and system dynamics. We evaluate our Kalman filter algorithm on data from a robotic dog.
People Manipulate Objects (but Cultivate Fields): Beyond the Raster-Vector Debate in GIS

The ongoing debate in GIS regarding the relative merits of vector versus raster representations of spatial information is usually couched in technical terms. Yet the technical question of the most appropriate data structure begs the philosophical question of the most appropriate conceptualization of geographic space. The paper confronts this latter question in the context of the opposition between the “object” and “field” views of space. I suggest that GIS can turn a rather dry debate into a source of insights regarding the nature of its subject matter by learning from how people actually experience and deal with the geographic world. Human cognition indeed appears to make use of both the object and field views, but at different geographic scales, and for different purposes. These observations suggest a list of desiderata for the next round of thinking about spatial representation in GIS.
Diabetes mellitus and cardiac function

Cardiovascular complications are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Coronary atherosclerosis is enhanced in diabetics, whereas myocardial infarction represents 20% of deaths of diabetic subjects. Furthermore, re-infarction and heart failure are more common in the diabetics. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by an early diastolic dysfunction and a later systolic one, with intracellular retention of calcium and sodium and loss of potassium. In addition, diabetes mellitus accelerates the development of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients and increases cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Treating the cardiovascular problems in diabetics must be undertaken with caution. Special consideration must be given with respect to the ionic and metabolic changes associated with diabetes. For example, although ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are suitable agents, potassium channel openers cause myocardial preconditioning and decrease the infarct size in animal models, but they inhibit the insulin release after glucose administration in healthy subjects. Furthermore, potassium channel blockers abolish myocardial preconditioning and increase infarct size in animal models, but they protect the heart from the fatal arrhytmias induced by ischemia and reperfusion which may be important in diabetes. For example, diabetic peripheral neuropathy usually presents with silent ischemia and infarction. Mechanistically, parasympathetic cardiac nerve dysfunction, expressed as increased resting heart rate and decreased respiratory variation in heart rate, is more frequent than the sympathetic cardiac nerve dysfunction expressed as a decrease in the heart rate rise during standing.
Specification, Implementation, and Verification of Domain Specific Languages: A Logic Programming-Based Approach

Domain Specific Languages (DSLs) are high level languages designed for solving problems in a particular domain, and have been suggested as means for developing reliable software systems. We present a (constraint) logic programming-based framework for specification, efficient implementation, and automatic verification of domain specific languages (DSLs). Our framework is based on using Horn logic (or pure Prolog), and eventually constraints, to specify denotational semantics of domain specific languages. Both the syntax as well as the semantic specification of the DSL in question are directly executable in our framework: the specification itself serves as an interpreter for the DSL. More efficient implementations of this DSL--a compiler--can be automatically derived via partial evaluation. Additionally, the executable specification can be used for automatic or semi-automatic verification of programs written in the DSL as well as for automatically obtaining traditional debuggers and profilers. The ability to verify DSL programs is a distinct advantage of our approach. In this paper we give a general outline of our approach, and illustrate it with practical examples.
The Role of Anabolic Hormones for Wound Healing in Catabolic States

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the interrelationship between hormones, nutrition, and wound healing. Methods: The data on various hormones and their effects on specific elements of nutrition and wound healing are reviewed. Results: The key anabolic hormones are human growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, and testosterone and its analogs. Although each has specific metabolic actions, there is also a very important hormone-hormone interaction. A deficiency of these hormones occurs in acute and chronic catabolic states, resulting in lean mass loss and impairing the healing process. Conclusion: There is a well-recognized interrelationship between hormones, nutrition, and wound healing. The anabolic process of protein synthesis, with new tissue formation, requires the action of anabolic hormones. Exogenous administration of these agents has been shown to maintain or increase lean body mass as well as directly stimulate the healing process through their anabolic and anticatabolic actions.
Density and Phase Variables in the Theory of Interacting Bose Systems

The introduction of canonical density and phase variables for Bose systems may be accomplished in a variety of ways. It is the purpose of this paper to give a unified presentation of the introduction of these variables, within the context of field theory.
Thalamic stroke in a young adult with severe psoriasis refractory to adalimumab.

Recent cohort studies and meta-analyses suggest that psoriasis is an independent risk factor for stroke.1, 2 Tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) antagonists such as infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept are effective biological agents in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.3 The role of these agents in preventing cardiovascular complications and stroke in patients with psoriasis is less understood. Here we describe the case of a young man with severe psoriasis refractory to adalimumab, presenting with thalamic stroke.
Aerosol compositional effects on mountain clouds: Attributing sources of acid deposition

There have been a few studies of aerosol composition in rural areas of the eastern United States (Stevens, et ak 1978; Shaw and Paur, 1983; Thompson and Bomstein, 1985). Generally, these studies have shown that the free particle size range, e.g. particles smaller than 2.0 micrometer, is dominated by sulfate anion balanced by approximately equal amounts of ammonium and hydrogen ion (Stevens, et at, 1978). The gradient in fine particle mass over the northeastern part of the country tends to be rather small (Altshuller, 1984), factors of two or three separating minimum and maximum concentrations. Recently modelling results have suggested that these aerosol components may account for a substantial fraction of cloud water ions in orographic clouds (Chapman, et al., 1987). Calculated lifetimes of orographic clouds are too short to account for any significant degree of hydrogen perioxide oxidation of SO2 in these systems. Some recent analysis has suggested that there is a significant difference in the relative amount of ammonia and hydrogen ion present in stratus clouds compared to that found in orographic clouds (Bruck et al., 1987). The intent of the present study is to focus on the composition of atmospheric aerosols and of cloudwater from parallel studies conducted on Mt. Mitchell, N.C., the highest mountain peak in eastern North America.
The Drosophila pumilio Gene Encodes Two Functional Protein Isoforms That Play Multiple Roles in Germline Development, Gonadogenesis,Oogenesis and Embryogenesis

The pumilio (pum) gene plays an essential role in embryonic patterning and germline stem cell (GSC) maintenance during oogenesis in Drosophila. Here we report on a phenotypic analysis using pum(ovarette) mutations, which reveals multiple functions of pum in primordial germ cell proliferation, larval ovary formation, GSC division, and subsequent oogenic processes, as well as in oviposition. Specifically, by inducing pum(-) GSC clones at the onset of oogenesis, we show that pum is directly involved in GSC division, a function that is distinct from its requirement in primordial germ cells. Furthermore, we show that pum encodes 156- and 130-kD proteins, both of which are functional isoforms. Among pum(ovarette) mutations, pum(1688) specifically eliminates the 156-kD isoform but not the 130-kD isoform, while pum(2003) and pum(4277) specifically affect the 130-kD isoform but not the 156-kD isoform. Normal doses of both isoforms are required for the zygotic function of pum, yet either isoform alone at a normal dose is sufficient for the maternal effect function of pum. A pum cDNA transgene that contains the known open reading frame encodes only the 156-kD isoform and rescues the phenotype of both pum(1688) and pum(2003) mutants. These observations suggest that the 156- and 130-kD isoforms can compensate for each other's function in a dosage-dependent manner. Finally, we present molecular evidence suggesting that the two PUM isoforms share some of their primary structures.
Rapid grid state estimation using Singular Value Decomposition similarity matching

This research investigates the usage of data clustering and similarity matching techniques as a means for real-time electricity grid state estimation. Real-time grid estimation using real-time Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) data can enable next-generation grid monitoring, control, and protection schemes. However, PMUs are typically installed at only a few of the hundreds of buses of any substantial network. This research leverages a Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) technique used to identify trends and similarities in large data sets as a means to identify PMU measurements and grid states that are similar and can thus be used to estimate the state of unobserved buses. The presented technique is modular and fast. Once the initial decomposition is completed, additional calculations require only a few simple matrix operations and can thus be carried out in real-time or near real-time. Two systems are utilized to test and demonstrate the technique: the IEEE 14-bus system and a 286-bus system based on the Oregon State University (OSU) campus. The results show that in the case of the IEEE 14-bus system, with 3 out of 14 buses directly observed, the entire system state estimation error is between 5 percent and 13 percent. For the OSU 286-bus system, with 3 out of 286 buses observed, estimation errors of 3 percent to 20 percent are demonstrated. SVD similarity matching techniques have promising applications to grid state estimation problems in which speed and sparseness are key.
ACCURACY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN DETERMINING LESION SIZE IN CANINE APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA

Multidetector contrast enhanced computed tomography with acquisition of 0.625-mm thick transverse images was used to measure the extent of appendicular osteosarcoma in 10 dogs. The measured length of tumor based on CT was compared to the true length of tumor using histopathology. There was a statistically significant association with good correlation between the true length of osteosarcoma compared to the length of intramedullary/endosteal abnormalities on CT with a mean overestimation of 1.8% (SD = 15%). There was not a statistically significant association between the true tumor length and the length of periosteal proliferation on CT with a mean overestimation of 9.7% (SD = 30.3%). There was a statistically significant association, but with poor correlation, between the true tumor length compared to the length of abnormal contrast enhancement with a mean overestimation of 9.6% (SD = 34.8%). The extent of intramedullary/endosteal CT abnormalities assessed from submillimeter transverse images may be of value in assessing patient candidacy and surgical margins for limb-sparing surgery.
Racial disparity in the wake of Booker/Fanfan Making sense of “messy” results and other challenges for sentencing research

Inthe three decades since the first comprehensive sentencing guidelines were adopted in MN, PA, and WA scholars have produced a substantial body of research examining if, when, and how race, ethnicity, or gender still “matter” in the sentencing process (in state and federal systems). Yet it is difficult to comment on the impact of sentencing guidelines on sentencing disparity because there simply is little empirically rigorous research examining the effects of actual policy changes (i.e., the introduction, modification, repeal, etc., of sentencing laws) for sentencing practices (Engen, 2009). In this context, the study byUlmer, Light, and Kramer (2011, this issue), and the U.S. Sentencing Commission report (USSC, 2010) to which it responds, constitute important contributions to the sentencing literature.1 Like the USSC study, Ulmer et al. (2011) examine racial/ethnic and gender disparity in sentencing under the U.S. guidelines prior to, and subsequent to, several key pieces of legislation and U.S. Supreme Court decisions affecting judicial discretion, most notably the Booker and Gall decisions. However, Ulmer et al. also employ numerous methodological “choices” (a wonderfully diplomatic phrase) different from those of the Commission’s study. Consequently, Ulmer et al.’s findings also differ in some important ways from those of the USSC study. They find that the increase in disparity between White and Black males is primarily related to imprisonment decisions, as opposed to sentence length, and is largely due to sentencing disparity in immigration cases. Ulmer et al. also find that controlling for criminal history explains a substantial proportion of the disparity found by the Commission
Neurobehavioral Consequences of Intermittent Prenatal Exposure to High Concentrations of Toluene

The effects of several concentrations of toluene on physical and behavioral development were examined in CD-1 mice prenatally exposed during the last week of gestation. Pregnant mice were exposed to either 200, 400, or 2000 ppm toluene (TOL) for 60 min three times a day during gestational days 12-17. A sham group was exposed concurrently to filtered air. No group differences were observed in maternal weight gain or food consumption, common measures of maternal toxicity. Initial litter characteristics including gestation length, number of litters delivered, and litter size were also similar. At birth, mean initial individual pup weight from representative male and female 2000 TOL-exposed pups was less than sham-exposed pups; however, entire litter weight did not differ. Pups were evaluated on postnatal days 1-20. Pups exposed to 2000 TOL gained less weight and performed more poorly on the behavioral tests of the righting reflex, grip strength, and inverted screen. In contrast, pups exposed to either 200 or 400 TOL did not differ from sham-exposed pups on any of the measures of development or behavior. These data provide evidence for the neurobehavioral teratogenicity of prenatal exposure to high levels of toluene late in gestation. Because this exposure regimen of intermittent high-concentration exposure was designed to simulate human exposures that might occur with toluene abuse, these results are consistent with case reports of adverse consequences of inhalant abuse by pregnant women.
Percutaneous treatment of symptomatic central venous stenosis angioplasty

Abstract Objectives The increased use of central venous access primarily for hemodialysis has led to a significant increase in clinically relevant central venous occlusive disease (CVOD). The magnitude of and the optimal therapy for CVOD are not clearly established. The purpose of this study is to define the problem of CVOD and determine the success of percutaneous therapy for relieving symptoms and maintaining central venous patency. Methods Patients presenting with disabling upper-extremity edema suggestive of central venous stenosis or occlusion during a 3-year period were evaluated by venography of the upper extremity and central veins. Percutaneous venous angioplasty (PTA) and/or stent placement was performed as clinically indicated. The success of therapy was assessed, and the patients were observed to determine the incidence of recurrence and additional procedures. Recurrent lesions underwent similar evaluation and treatment. Results A total of 32 sides were treated in 29 patients with a mean of 1.9 interventions per side treated. Hemodialysis-related lesions were the underlying cause in 87% with the remaining 13% related to previous central venous catheterization. The lesions involved the axillary, subclavian, and innominate veins with complete venous occlusion in six (19%) cases. Percutaneous angioplasty was followed by stent placement in six (19%) cases. The procedure was a technical success and was performed without complications in all cases (100%). Mean follow-up was 16.5 months (range, 4-36 months). On average, patient symptoms were controlled for 6.5 months after the initial intervention. Recurrent edema led to additional PTA in 20 (63%) cases. Fifty percent (n = 14) of patients with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) experienced recurrent symptoms after initial and/or repeat PTA and required AVF ligation. Complete resolution after the initial PTA was predictive of long-term success. Conclusions Central venous occlusive disease has emerged as a significant clinical problem. Percutaneous venous angioplasty can provide temporary symptomatic relief; however, multiple procedures are often required and long-term relief is rarely achieved.
Heterogeneity of tetracycline resistance determinants.

Abstract We have found that tetracycline resistance on different naturally occurring bacterial plasmids is encoded by more than one genetic determinant. Using restriction enzyme analyses and DNA-DNA hybridization to specific 32P-labeled genetic probes, we can define at least four genetically distinct tetracycline resistance determiants: Class A (the determinant on prototype plasmid RP1), Class B (that on R222), and Class C (that on plasmid pSC101). At least one other determinant, encoded by plasmid RA1, belongs to none of these three groups and has been designated Class D. These genetic classes confirm phenotypic differences in expression of resistance to tetracycline and tetracycline analogs encoded by the different plasmids.
Physician assisted suicide: a scale and some empirical findings.

A twelve-item scale to measure attitudes toward physician assisted suicide is presented. The scale was developed by considering the existing literature and consulting with both professionals and la...
Electrophoretic Characterization of Members of the Crypthecodinium cohnii (Dinophyceae) Species Complex1

Eighty-seven axenic clones of the colorless inshore dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii were found by mating experiments to fall into 52 sibling species, seven wide ranging (two possibly global)—called major sibling species—and 45 found only once—minor sibling species. Electrophoretic analysis of three soluble enzymes from these strains revealed the following: 1) Despite some polymorphism most members of major sibling species closely resemble one another electrophoretically. 2) Major sibling species and most minor ones are electrophoretically distinct. 3) Sharing of electromorphs is sufficiently extensive, however, that no major sibling species is totally unrelated to all others. 4) Some minor sibling species are electrophoretically indistinguishable from a member of a major sibling species or from one another, suggesting recent origin by sexual isolation in situ. 5) Other minor sibling species differ from majors by one, two, or all three of the enzymes studied. A “model” of sexual isolation and diversification is offered.
Growth ofSalmonella enteritidis(SE) in egg contents from hens vaccinated with an SE bacterin

Abstract Vaccination of hens with Salmonella enteritidis (SE) bacterin has become an important industry management tool to reduce both the incidence of SE in flocks and the production of SE-contaminated eggs. After vaccination, antibodies to SE can be found in both the serum and egg yolks. The current study was undertaken to examine whether the antibodies deposited in eggs after vaccination would have any effect on the in vitro growth of 10 SE seeded into pooled egg contents and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The SE inoculum grew well in egg contents from control-vaccinated hens, and a high percentage of these samples were culture positive for SE. Conversely, significantly fewer egg contents from vaccinated hens were positive for SE at weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5 post-primary vaccination and weeks 1, 2, and 4 post-secondary vaccination. After 24 h incubation, the SE inoculum grew to 10 8 –10 9 organisms ml −1 in egg contents from control hens, while growing to less than 10 4 organisms ml −1 in egg contents from vaccinated hens. No inhibition of growth was observed for a second organism, Proteus mirabilis , in egg contents from bacterin-vaccinated hens, indicating antigen-specificity of the activity. Inhibition of SE growth was observed in egg contents from vaccinated hens diluted 1:5 in eggs from control hens. Mixed results were observed for egg contents receiving a 10-fold higher SE inoculum with significant inhibition of growth observed in one trial and minimal inhibition observed in a second trial. Supplementing the egg samples with an iron source abrogated the inhibition, suggesting that the iron- restricted environment found in eggs may play a role in the observed inhibition.
Cancer Diagnostics: Current and Future Trends. Robert M. Nakamura, Wayne W. Grody, James T. Wu, and Raymond B. Nagle, editors. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, Inc., 2004, 520 pp., $165.00, hardcover. ISBN 1-58829-167-7.

This book covers an exceptionally broad spectrum of cancer testing, both with regard to the types of markers and the methods used and with regard to the types of cancers for which testing is performed. It opens with 3 introductory chapters that provide the reader with a good overview of the principles of tumor marker testing, evaluating both the advantages and the pitfalls of the various approaches. A particularly good discussion is provided of issues related to sensitivity and specificity and the associated limitations; this is really helpful for the reader who is in the position of evaluating new methods and tests. Part II consists of 6 chapters covering primarily serologic markers, or what could be considered classical tumor markers, that are traditionally measured by immunoassay and are well-established in many clinical laboratories. However, this part of the book does not stop there; rather, the editors have made an effort to include contributions that introduce the reader to other, less well known or less commonly used markers. Although this thorough approach certainly provides a lot of information and, as such, constitutes a valuable reference, at times it appears like a long list of markers with little critical evaluation of which of them are more or less useful in which situations. Nevertheless, there is some discussion …
Causality as an emergent macroscopic phenomenon: The Lee-Wick O(N) model

In quantum mechanics the deterministic property of classical physics is an emergent phenomenon appropriate only on macroscopic scales. Lee and Wick introduced Lorentz invariant quantum theories where causality is an emergent phenomenon appropriate for macroscopic time scales. In this paper we analyze a Lee-Wick version of the O(N) model. We argue that in the large-N limit this theory has a unitary and Lorentz invariant S matrix and is therefore free of paradoxes in scattering experiments. We discuss some of its acausal properties.
An integrated approach to the examination and treatment of a patient with chronic low back pain

AbstractBackground and study design: Several physical therapy classification systems exist for low back pain (LBP). Little is known about how these systems could be integrated in clinical practice. This case report describes an episode of care utilizing elements of the mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT), movement system impairment (MSI) and treatment-based classification (TBC) systems. Case description: Patient History – the patient was a 40-year-old male presenting to an outpatient musculoskeletal clinic with a complaint of chronic LBP. Examination and diagnosis – there was moderate loss of lumbar extension ROM and joint mobility, and excessive lumbar flexion and rotation with active movement tests. Modified Oswestry Disability Index score = 8%. Worst pain was described as 6/10. Intervention – the patient was treated once per week for seven consecutive weeks. Intervention focused on sitting postural corrections (MSI), functional movement corrections (MSI), lumbar mobilization (TBC) and extension-base...
Kulchitsky cell hyperplasia and multiple metastasizing carcinoids of the stomach

A case of multiple (59) gastric polyps in a patient with pernicious anemia is reported. Examination of the stomach revealed hyperplasia of Kulchitsky cells, as well as frank carcinoid neoplasia with regional lymph node metastasis. Results of light and electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and histochemistry are presented, and the possible pathogenetic role of chronic hypergastrinism is discussed.
Chelating extraction of lead and copper from an authentic contaminated soil using N-(2-acetamido)iminodiacetic acid and S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine

Abstract Heavy metal contamination of soil is common at many hazardous waste sites in many industrialized nations. Lead, chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, and mercury are most often encountered at elevated concentrations. The extraction of heavy metals using selected chelating agents is seen as a remediation technique. In this study, we examined the chelating extraction and recovery of lead and copper from an authentic contaminated soil using S-carboxymethyl- l -cysteine (SCMC) and N-(2-acetamido)iminodiacetic acid (ADA) as a function of contact time, pH, ligand concentration, soil suspension, and number of consecutive runs. The results suggested that the chelators effectively extracted lead and cooper from the contaminated soil, with ADA particularly effective for lead, the major contaminant of the soil. The chelators were recovered and reused over consecutive runs with no loss in performance. The extraction effectiveness depended on chelator concentration but not on pH or solid contents of the suspension. Major findings from this study of an authentic soil were consistent with our previous efforts in the extraction of heavy metals from spiked soils.
40-Gbit/s Time Division Multiplexing Transmission System: It's Upgrade to Tbit/s Network

Recent progress and evolution of 40-Gbit/s time division multiplexing (TDM) system technologies are described toward tera-bit-per-second capacity in dence WDM system for data-oriented trunk network.
Experimental Evaluation of a Drive‐Point Ground‐Water Sampler for Hydraulic Conductivity Measurement

Drive-point ground-water samplers, designed to enable delineation of the vertical and areal extent of a contaminant plume, have been modified to obtain an in situ measurement of hydraulic conductivity in aquifers. The multlevel drive-point sampler (MLDPS) consists of a 30-cm long screen pushed to a desired depth within a retractable outer sleeve and a pressure transducer to monitor the rate of fill within a sample chamber. The accuracy and variability of a MLDPS to measure hydraulic conductivity was evaluated in a 50-m3 laboratory aquifer comprised of a uniform medium sand. Twelve measurements were performed using the MLDPS followed by duplicate slug tests performed at identical locations and depths within the aquifer. MLDPS and slug test data were analyzed using the method of Widdowson et al. (1990). The MLDPS provided an estimation of hydraulic conductivity at least one order of magnitude below slug test-derived hydraulic conductivity and the range of hydraulic conductivity associated with a medium sand. MLDPS-derived hydraulic conductivity values also show greater variability and range relative to the slug test-derived values. Hydraulic conductivity ranges from 0.072 to 2.3 m/d using the MLDPS (coefficient of variation = Cv= 1.3) compared to a range of 10 to 16 m/d (Cv= 0.14) for the slug test values. Variability and magnitude of the MLDPS-derived hydraulic conductivity is attributed to disturbance of aquifer material and experimental factors inherent to the design of the instrument.
Determination of Third-Order Dispersion Coefficient and Observation of Soliton Radiation in Si-Wire Waveguides

Utilizing strong nonlinearity and dispersion engineering in silicon-wire waveguides, we observe development of soliton radiation at high power and ultrashort pulses. With this observation, we investigate a novel way to determine the third-order dispersion coefficient.
Phase modulated thermal conductance of Josephson weak links.

We present a theory for quasiparticle heat transport through superconducting weak links. The thermal conductance depends on the phase difference ($\ensuremath{\phi}$) of the superconducting leads. Branch-conversion processes, low-energy Andreev bound states near the contact, and the suppression of the local density of states near the gap edge are related to phase-sensitive transport processes. Theoretical results for the influence of junction transparency, temperature, and disorder, on the conductance, are reported. For high-transmission weak links, $D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$, the formation of an Andreev bound state leads to suppression of the density of states for the continuum excitations, and thus, to a reduction in the conductance for $\ensuremath{\phi}\ensuremath{\simeq}\ensuremath{\pi}$. For low-transmission ($D\ensuremath{\ll}1$) barriers resonant scattering leads to an increase in the thermal conductance as $T$ drops below ${T}_{c}$ (for phase differences near $\ensuremath{\phi}=\ensuremath{\pi}$).
Role of Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Induction in the Metabolic Activation of Benzo[c]phenanthrene in Human Cell Lines and Mouse Epidermis

The environmental contaminant benzo[c]phenanthrene (B[c]Ph) has weak carcinogenic activity in rodent bioassays; however, the fjord region diol epoxides of B[c]Ph, B[c]Ph-3,4-diol 1,2-epoxides (B[c]PhDE), are potent carcinogens. To determine the role of cytochrome P450 isozymes in the activation of B[c]Ph in MCF-7 cells and the low activation of B[c]Ph in mouse skin, cells of the MCF-7 and the human hepatoma HepG2 cell lines were treated with the potent Ah receptor agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) prior to exposure to B[c]Ph for 24 h. Mice were treated topically with 1 μg of TCDD or vehicle (control) for 73 h and then with 2 μmol of B[c]Ph for 24 h. In MCF-7 cells, TCDD exposure increased B[c]PhDE−DNA adduct levels more than 3-fold with a 10-fold increase in the (−)-B[c]PhDE-2-dAt adduct. Treatment of HepG2 cells with TCDD prior to B[c]Ph application did not increase B[c]PhDE−DNA binding. Total B[c]PhDE−DNA adducts increased 3-fold in TCDD-treated mouse epidermis: the majority of the inc...
Interaction effects of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with different morphologies on human red blood cells

A series of MCM-41-type mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) materials with different morphologies (spherical and tubular) and sizes but similar surface and pore properties were synthesized and characterized. The effect of particle morphology on human red blood cell (RBC) membrane integrity was evaluated using flow cytometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, confocal fluorescence and electron microscopy. Although the hemolytic activity was miniscule at higher nanoparticle concentrations for MSN with spherical geometry (up to 500 μg mL−1), electron microscopy results showed significant occurrences of RBC spiculation, indicating damage to the plasma membrane. However, no evidence for particle embedment or internalization was found in all the geometries and particle concentrations tested. We envisage that complete hemocompatibility studies of varied nanoparticle morphologies would provide important guidelines when considering the overall toxicity of these nanodevices in vivo.
The programming of canalization in fetal lungs of man and monkey

In the monkey lung (Macacus nemestrina) canalization of all bronchopulmonary segments begins simultaneously at the peripheral future-alveolar-duct portions of each segment and then continues progressively centralwards. Its simulataneous appearance in all segments of a human lung of the 17th postovulatory week (19th postmenstrual week) has now been confirmed (cf. Boyden, '74). The mode of canalization, as seen under the light microscope, is here demonstrated.
Calcineurin phosphatase activity in T lymphocytes is inhibited by FK 506 and cyclosporin A.

Abstract The immunosuppressive agents cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK 506 bind to distinct families of intracellular proteins (immunophilins) termed cyclophilins and FK 506-binding proteins (FKBPs). Recently, it has been shown that, in vitro, the complexes of CsA-cyclophilin and FK 506-FKBP-12 bind to and inhibit the activity of calcineurin, a calcium-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase. We have investigated the effects of drug treatment on phosphatase activity in T lymphocytes. Calcineurin is expressed in T cells, and its activity can be measured in cell lysates. Both CsA and FK 506 specifically inhibit cellular calcineurin at drug concentrations that inhibit interleukin 2 production in activated T cells. Rapamycin, which binds to FKBPs but exhibits different biological activities than FK 506, has no effect on calcineurin activity. Furthermore, excess concentrations of rapamycin prevent the effects of FK 506, apparently by displacing FK 506 from FKBPs. These results show that calcineurin is a target of drug-immunophilin complexes in vivo and establish a physiological role for calcineurin in T-cell activation.
Apache Leap tuff rock: High strain rate characterization and support simulations

Yucca mountain is being closely studied as a possible repository for high-level radioactive waste. The rock found at the Yucca Mountain site, i.e. Nevada tuff, is, consequently, of immediate interest. Since it is difficult to obtain samples of the actual Nevada tuff the Apache Leap tuff rock, from Arizona, has been chosen as a similar alternative for this study. The Apache rock was tested in compression at low (10 -4 s -1 ) and high ( 10-2 -10 3 s -1 ) strain rates to evaluate its strain rate dependence. Some of the dynamic tests were performed with a pulse shaper. Strain in the sample was measured with strain gages. Numerical simulations of the full Hopkinson Bar with and without pulse shaper were performed with LS-DYNA. These were very useful in understanding interpretation of the experimental results. Both incident and output waves measured in the SHPB compared very well with the waves obtained from LS-DYNA simulations, confirming that the constitutive model used for the rock was a realistic one. The main conclusions from this work are: 1) The SHPB is a reliable method to obtain the constitutive model of the rock at high strain rates. 2) The pulse shaper use is advised but not compulsory to obtain reliable data, 3) the Apache luff rock is not strongly sensitive to strain rate.
RFID assistance system for faster book search in public libraries

This paper presents a comprehensive overview and study of a proposed RFID Assistance System that uses existing technology and devices to enable faster book search, information overlay, and check out in a public library. The proposed system uses an interactive graphic interface contrary to the conventional alpha numeric character systems used in the Dewey Decimal or the Library of Congress system currently used in public libraries.For the user study, we set up an analog version of the proposed system to compute accessibility as well as response times. The survey also lists responses to the usability of such a system for library search and check out.
Influence of glucocorticoids and growth hormone on insulin sensitivity in humans

The seminal concept proposed by Sir Harold Himsworth more than 75 years ago that a large number of patients with diabetes were 'insulin insensitive', now termed insulin resistance, has now expanded to include several endocrine syndromes, namely those of glucocorticoid excess, and growth hormone excess and deficiency. Synthetic glucocorticoids are increasingly used to treat a wide variety of chronic diseases, whereas the beneficial effects of recombinant growth hormone replacement therapy in children and adults with growth hormone deficiency have now been well-recognized for over 25 years. However, clinical and experimental studies have established that increased circulating levels of glucocorticoids and growth hormone can also lead to worsening of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, overt diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Improved understanding of the physiological 24-h rhythmicity of glucocorticoid and growth hormone secretion and its influence on the dawn phenomenon and the Staub-Trauggot effect has therefore led to renewed interest in studies on the mechanisms of insulin resistance induced by exogenous administration of glucocorticoids and growth hormone in humans. In this review, we describe the physiological events that result from the presence of resistance to insulin action at the level of skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver, describe the known mechanisms of glucocorticoid- and growth hormone-mediated insulin resistance, and provide an update of the contributions of glucocorticoids and growth hormone to understanding the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and its effects on several endocrine syndromes.
The Intersection of Race and Gender: An Examination of Black Feminist Consciousness, Race Consciousness, and Policy Attitudes*

Objective. In this article, we investigate black feminist consciousness, its relationship to race consciousness, and its impact on policy attitudes. Unlike scholars and activists who argue that black feminist consciousness detracts from race consciousness, we argue that the two go hand in hand. Methods. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we examine public opinion survey data from the 1993 National Black Politics Study. Results. We find that both black women and men have fairly high levels of support for black feminist ideals. Also, we provide evidence that black feminist consciousness is positively related to the components of race consciousness and demonstrate the influence of black feminist consciousness on support for abortion rights. Conclusions. Our research is important because it uses a measure of black feminist consciousness true to its theoretical origins.
Long-term survival of human spermatogonial stem cells in mouse testes

Abstract Objective To evaluate colonizing ability of human spermatogonial stem cells in mouse testes. Design Transplantation of human testis cells into the seminiferous tubules of immunodeficient mice. Setting University hospital and academic laboratory. Patient(s) Men with obstructive azoospermia or maturation arrest of spermatogenesis. Intervention(s) Analyzed up to 6 months after transplantation. Also analyzed: cryopreservation of donor cells, donor cell concentrations, and leuprolide treatment of recipients. Main outcome measure(s) Detection of human donor cells in recipient testes using whole-mount immunohistochemistry with antibodies that react with human germ cells. Result(s) Mouse testes were colonized by human testis cells obtained from each of 6 patients; overall, human spermatogonia were found in 16 of 22 (73%) recipient testes. Human spermatogonial stem cells survived in mouse testes for at least 6 months and proliferated during the first month after transplantation. No human-differentiating spermatogonia were identified, and meiotic differentiation did not occur in mouse testes. In this initial study, human stem cell colonization was not influenced by cryopreservation of donor cells, donor cell concentration, or leuprolide treatment of recipient mice. Conclusion(s) Xenogeneic transplantation of human germ cells using mice as recipients is feasible and could be used as a biological assay system to further characterize human spermatogonial stem cells. This study might provide a mechanism to evaluate the status of the stem cell population in selected infertile male patients.