cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantification of noncyclooxygenase derived prostanoids as a marker of oxidative stress.

Abstract Recently, we discovered there is a unique class of prostaglandin F 2 -like compounds that are formed in vitro from arachidonoyl-containing lipids in plasma by a free-radical-catalyzed mechanism. More recent studies have elucidated that these prostanoids are also produced in vivo in humans by a similar noncyclooxygenase mechanism. Levels of these PGF 2 compounds detected by a mass spectrometric assay in normal human plasma and urine range from approximately 5–50 pg/ml and 500–3000 pg/mg creatine, respectively. Circulating levels of the compounds were shown to increase by as much as 200-fold in animal models of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that quantification of these prostanoids may provide a new approach to assess oxidative stress in vivo in humans. Potential advantages of this approach are that the mass spectrometric assay has a high degree of sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity and the assay can be used to quantitate these compounds in a variety of biological fluids. In addition, quantification of these compounds is of interest because these compounds possess biological activity. Disadvantages of the assay are the potential of ex vivo formation of these compounds in biological fluids containing lipids and, further, these compounds must be differentiated from PGF 2 compounds that are formed via the cyclooxygenase enzyme. In addition, because the levels of these compounds in normal human plasma and urine are relatively high, assaying these compounds in circulating plasma and urine may be somewhat insensitive for the detection of increased production at isolated sites of oxidant injury within the body, in which case sampling near localized sites of their formation may be required. Clearly, nonetheless, there are obvious potential advantages associated with quantification of these novel products of lipid peroxidation as a noninvasive approach to assess oxidative status in vivo in humans, It remains to be determined from future studies, however, whether this approach oxidative status will prove uniquely advantageous over other currently existing methods.
The Middle School Syndrome

This manuscript explores the notion of the middle. Whether discussing birth order, cars, housing, or schools, first and last seems to overshadow the middle. In particular, when investigating K-12 public schools and their relationship to housing prices, a “Middle School Syndrome” was uncovered.
A rising ioPTH level immediately after parathyroid resection: are additional hyperfunctioning glands always present? An application of the Wisconsin Criteria.

Objective This study was designed to determine if a rising intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) level following parathyroid resection indicates multiple hyperfunctioning glands and to determine the appropriate intraoperative management.
Flow condensation in parallel micro-channels - Part 2: Heat transfer results and correlation technique

Abstract This second part of a two-part study concerns heat transfer characteristics for FC-72 condensing along parallel, square micro-channels with a hydraulic diameter of 1 mm, which were formed in the top surface of a solid copper plate. Heat from the condensing flow was rejected to a counter flow of water through channels brazed to the underside of the copper plate. The FC-72 condensation heat transfer coefficient was highest near the channel inlet, where the annual liquid film is thinnest. The heat transfer coefficient decreased along the micro-channel because of the film thickening and eventual collapse of the annular regime. Notable heat transfer enhancement was observed for annular flow regions of the micro-channel associated with interfacial waves. Comparing the present data to predictions of previous annular condensation heat transfer correlations shows correlations intended for macro-channels generally provide better predictions than correlations intended specifically for mini/micro-channels. A new condensation heat transfer coefficient correlation is proposed for annular condensation heat transfer in mini/micro-channels. The new correlation shows excellent predictive capability based on both the present FC-72 data and a large database for mini/micro-channel flows amassed from eight previous sources.
Growth response and phosphorus uptake by arbuscular mycorrhizae of wet prairie sawgrass

Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicenseCrantz) is one of the dominant species of South Florida’s wetland ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mycorrhizal status of natural sawgrass in soils such as the Everglades organic peat, calcium carbonate marl, and low elevation pine rockland sandy soils and to determine the growth response and phosphorus uptake due to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation under different soil types. An initial survey revealed that AMF population near the root zone of sawgrass varied among the sites and soil types, ranging from 936 to 6214 spores per 50 g dry soil. The AMF colonization of sawgrass roots varied among sites and soil types, ranging from 0 to 41%. In a greenhouse pot experiment, AMF inoculation significantly ( P< 0.05) increased sawgrass growth (14%), shoot (52%) and root (66%) biomass, and P uptake (58%) compared to control plants in organic peat soil under saturated conditions. Receding soil water levels during dry season in the Everglades wetland is potentially conducive for the beneficial sawgrass–AMF association. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Disparities Associated with Disability Severity

Abstract Background Prior research has noted disparities between women with and without disabilities in receipt of timely screening for breast and cervical cancer. Some studies suggest greater disparities for women with more severe disabilities, but the research to date has yielded inconsistent findings. Our purpose was to further examine differences in receipt of breast and cervical cancer screening in relation to severity of disability. Methods We analyzed Medical Expenditure Panel Survey annual data files from 2002 to 2008. Logistic regression analyses examined whether Pap smears and mammograms had been received within the recommended timeframe according to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines. We compared four groups of women aged 18 to 64 years, categorized by presence and complexity of disability: 1) No limitations, 2) basic action difficulties only, 3) complex activity limitations only, and 4) both basic and complex activity limitations. Findings Women both with and without disabilities fell short of Healthy People 2020 goals for breast and cervical cancer screening. Overall, women with disabilities were less likely to be up to date with both mammograms and Pap tests. The magnitude of disparities was greater for women with complex limitations. Disparities in Pap testing, but not mammography, remained significant when controlling for demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors. Conclusions Women with more complex or severe disability were less likely to be up to date with breast and cervical cancer screenings. Targeted efforts are needed to reduce barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening for women with significant disabilities, especially those who also experience other socioecological disadvantages.
Osteoporosis in Multiple Sclerosis: A Frequent, Serious, and Under-Recognized Problem

Abstract Osteoporosis and fractures are extremely common in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population, especially in those women with MS who are postmenopausal and not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There is evidence of significantly increased fracture risk in MS patients who have been on steroids, although this appears to be due to increased falls in addition to osteoporosis. Additionally, evidence has indicated that high-dose pulse methylprednisolone has little effect on osteoporosis, but decreased mobility is a very significant factor in decreased bone density. Osteoporosis in MS results in part from causes present in the general population, but is significantly aggravated by immobility and probably by other drugs used to treat MS and its complications, including drugs known to increase bone loss (eg, diphenylhydantoin). Fractures in MS are a particularly serious problem in that the resulting immobility causes deconditioning. A fracture—any fracture—is a much more serious problem in those with MS t...
Intrahypothalamic action of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) to inhibit growth hormone and LH release in the rat

Abstract The effects of intravenous or intraventricular injection of synthetic ovine corticotrophin-releasing factor (oCRF) on plasma levels of anterior pituitary hormones were studied in conscious, ovariectomized (OVX) female rats and compared with the actions of the peptide on dispersed anterior pituitary cells from OVX female rats incubated in the presence of CRF. Third ventricular injection of oCRF in freely moving rats caused a significant increase in plasma levels of ACTH in a dose-related manner with a minimal effective dose of less than 0.5 μg (0.1 nmol). The effect was observable at 5 min after injection and persisted for the 60 min duration of the experiment. In contrast, growth hormone levels were significantly depressed within 15 min with a minimal effective intraventricular dose of 0.5 μg. The suppression persisted for the duration of the experiment but there was no additional effect of the higher dose of 5 μg. Plasma LH levels were also lowered by the highest dose of 5 μg (1.0 nmol) of oCRF, with the first significant lowering at 30 min. Lower doses had no effect on plasma LH. Plasma TSH levels were not significantly altered. Control injections of the 0.9% NaCl diluent were without effect on the levels of any of the hormones. Intravenous injection of similar doses of oCRF had no effect on plasma levels of GH or LH. The ACTH-releasing action of the oCRF preparation was confirmed by in vitro incubation of the peptide with dispersed anterior pituitary cells for 2 h. A dose-related release of ACTH occurred in doses ranging from 0.1–10 nM, but there were no effects on the release of the other anterior pituitary hormones. The results suggest that oCRF may act within the hypothalamus to suppress the release of GH and to a lesser extent LH. The stimulation of ACTH release following intraventricular CRF is presumably related to its uptake by portal blood vessels with delivery to the pituitary and stimulation of the corticotrophs.
Effects of Repeated Antidepressant Treatment on Type 4A Phosphodiesterase (PDE4A) in Rat Brain

In a previous study, an up-regulation of rolipram-sensitive, low-Km, cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE4) subtype PDE4A in rat cerebral cortex following repeated treatment of desipramine was observed. To determine whether this effect is shared by antidepressants from different pharmacological classes, PDE4A expression was examined using immunoblot analyses following repeated treatment with the norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor desipramine, the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine, the atypical antidepressant trazodone, and the serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. Desipramine, phenelzine, and fluoxetine all increased the intensities of the PDE4A bands in hippocampal preparations; trazodone did not. In preparations of cerebral cortex, the intensities of the PDE4A bands were increased following desipramine treatment, not changed following phenelzine or fluoxetine treatment, and decreased following trazodone treatment. It appears that repeated treatment with antidepressant drugs from different pharmacological classes produces similar effects on the expressions of PDE4A variants in hippocampus. This effect is not correlated with the changes in beta-adrenergic receptor densities, suggesting these antidepressants may at some point alter intracellular signal transduction pathways in a similar manner.
Transport properties of crosslinkable polyimide blends

Abstract The use of polymeric membranes for separation of chemically aggressive media, or at elevated temperatures, has been limited by membrane availability. While a number of polymers are both resistant to chemical dissolution and thermally stable to over 300°C, none has been shown to be simultaneously capable of the selective transport of gases at high rates. The research reported here analyzes the influence of solid-state crosslinking of polyimides to achieve this unique combination of properties. Polyimide blends consisting of an inert polymer base with a diacetylene-functionalized additive were prepared and the properties evaluated before and after crosslinking by thermal annealing. Crosslinking rendered the resultant polymers insoluble in what were previously solvents, but had no measurable influence on gas permeabilities or selectivities. The permeability/permselectivity of these new crosslinked polyimide blends are competitive with the best known polymers. Moreover, the combined ease of processing and resultant stability are unmatched.
Biomagnetic Detection of Injury Currents in Rabbit Ischemic Intestine

The presence of direct current (DC) injury currents in ischemic tissue is an important diagnostic indicator of pathophysiology in cortical spreading depression and particularly in myocardial infarction. To date, no measurements of DC injury currents in the alimentary tract have been reported. We used a SQUID magnetometer to measure changes in the baseline of the magnetic field of intestinal electrical activity during induced segmental ischemia. We computed the magnetic field DC baseline by subtracting sequential recordings made while the bowel segment was first directly beneath the SQUID and then pulled away. We observed a significant baseline decrease of 38% ± 4% in experimental animals, while the control group decreased by only 1% ± 6%. This magnetic field baseline decrease is consistent with the flow of injury currents between normally perfused and hypoxic tissue regions. This study is the first report of DC injury currents in ischemic smooth muscle of the alimentary tract.
Friendly rebuttal to Chen and Mehra:incompressible particle flow for nonlinear filters

We respond to the very thorough analysis of singularities in the incompressible flow for one dimensional nonlinear filters by Chen and Mehra. We emphasize that the singularities occur at a few points in d-dimensional state space, and thus the chance of hitting a singularity is very small for dimensions higher than one. Furthermore, in the unlikely event of hitting a singularity, there is ample room to flow around it in spaces of dimension higher than one. Moreover, the deep mathematical theory of incompressible particle flow that was developed recently by Shnirelman can be used to provide insight into why our particle flow algorithms work so well.
Intracellular and extracellular electrophysiology of nigral dopaminergic neurons—2. Action potential generating mechanisms and morphological correlates

Intracellular recordings from identified nigral dopamine neurons in the rat revealed that their potentials are composed of four components: (1) a slow depolarization, (2) an initial segment spike, (3) a somatodendritic spike, and (4) an afterhyperpolarization. By combining intracellular and extracellular recording techniques with anatomical studies using intracellular injections of Lucifer yellow, an attempt was made to localize each of these potentials to various neuronal compartments. Lucifer yellow injections demonstrated that the dopamine neurons recorded have a pyramidal or polygonal shaped soma, 12-30 microns in diameter, with 3-6 thick major dendrites which extend 10-50 microns from the soma before bifurcating. The axon appears to rise from a major dendrite 15-30 microns from the soma. Based on this anatomical configuration, results from the electrophysiological studies suggest that: (1) the slow depolarization is a pacemaker-like conductance most likely localized to the somatic region, (2) the initial segment spike is a low-threshold spike probably located at the axon hillock, (3) the somatodendritic spikes are long duration spikes that rapidly inactivate with depolarization, have a high threshold, and are localized to the dendritic regions. The action potential is then terminated by a long duration afterhyperpolarization. Our data further suggest that spike generation may be initiated by a slow depolarization at the soma triggering a spike in the low-threshold axon hillock which then spreads across the already-depolarized soma to trigger the dendritic spike. Based on the above findings, dopamine neurons can be compartmentalized electrophysiologically and morphologically into subcomponents, each associated with spikes and specific ionic currents. The high threshold dendritic component of the action potential demonstrates rapid inactivation with depolarization, and thus occurs over a rather narrow range of membrane polarization. This limited range of action potential generation may be important in control of dendritic dopamine release and/or modulation of electrical coupling between dopaminergic neurons.
Concerning the formation and the kinetics of phenylium ions

Abstract Kinetic measurements carried out in a pulsed ion cyclotron spectrometer show that C6H+5 ions formed in unimolecular and bimolecular processes consist of two populations of different reactivities. As expected, ground-state singlet phenylium ions are predominantly formed in low-energy processes, whereas higher-energy isomeric (mainly acyclic) ions appear in the high-energy electron impact fragmentation of C6H6 and halobenzenes, as well as products in highly exothermic ion/molecule reactions. The energy barrier for ring opening was estimated to be 2.0±0.3 eV, in reasonably good agreement with theory. Phenylium ions react readily with hydrocarbons and polar molecules. By means of isotopic labelling it was shown that alkanes transfer H2 via a two-stage process consisting of the transfer of H− to the phenylium ion followed by a transfer in the complex of H+ to the resulting benzene moiety. Cyclopropane was found to transfer CH2 to the phenylium ion in a direct concerted process. In contrast, reaction with unsaturated hydrocarbons involves extensive hydrogen and carbon atom scrambling. Contrary to earlier findings, phenylium ions were found to react at least ten times faster with acetylene than did the other C6H+5 isomer(s).
Polarization-independent modulation for projection displays using small-period LC polarization gratings

— Progress in the use of liquid-crystal polarization grating (LCPG) to modulate unpolarized (and polarized) light with a grating period as small as 6.3 μm is reported. Similar to LCPGs formed at larger periods (11 μm) reported previously, polarization-independent switching, predominantly three diffraction orders, maximum contrast ratios of ∼100:1 for unpolarized broadband light, very low scattering, and diffraction efficiencies >98% continue to be observed. The smaller period led to an expected lower threshold voltage, even though the thickness was greater. Because the smaller grating period enables a brighter result from a Schlieren projection scheme for a microdisplay using the LCPG light valve, the inherent tradeoffs involved with both material and design parameters are discussed, and prospects for a polarization-independent projection display are commented upon.
Economic issues in disease control and eradication

This paper examines some of the methodological and measurement issues in assessing benefits and costs of vertical disease control and/or eradication projects. The paper also discusses the impact of improved health on rural output and employment first in a simplified model and then in connection with the target group, or group at risk, approach to disease control. The paper concludes with some general discussion of the interaction between health and development.
Theory and measurement of quantization effects on SiSiO2 interface trap modeling

Abstract In highly doped n -channel small geometry devices, the conduction band is quantized into discrete energy levels when the channel is inverted. In addition, the carriers are localized spatially, and the centroid of charge is a finite distance away from the SiSiO 2 interface. Thus, an electron in a filled interface trap will emit to the first allowed energy level, known as the ground state, which resides 50 meV above the surface conduction band energy level for doping densities of 10 17 atoms/cm 3 . Bulk potential bias will change the degree of quantization and must be included in a modified theory to correctly extract the emission times and capture cross section values for interface traps. We extend the Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) theory to include two-dimensional surface quantization effects and formulate the statistics to account for localization of conduction band charge in both space and energy. The interface trap emission characteristics may be obtained with an electrical measurement, called the tri-level charge pumping technique, which offers a convenient method to study emission from interface traps to quantized conduction band states. Measurement techniques of quasi-static C - V , high frequency C - V , drain current, and charge pumping are used to characterize the interface. Tri-level charge pumping measurements on large (100 × 10 μm ), highly doped MOSFETs provide experimental evidence of two-dimensional effects, and extracted electron capture cross sections are found to be an order of magnitude larger than values from classical theory.
Ab initio study of excited states of CN - stabilized in point-charge lattices

Abstract An MC SCF approach is used to study low-lying excited electronic states of CN − and CN in vacuo and in point-charge lattices. The latter simulate the electrostatic potential that renders excited states of CN − stable against autoionization in ionic lattices. The results provide strong support for a 3 Σ + assignment for the excited state involved in the UV emission spectrum of CN − in alkali halide substrates.
Direct ripening of crystallites on a substrate

Abstract If the concentration of single atoms between two particles on a substrate is smaller than the saturation concentration corresponding to the smaller particle but is larger than that corresponding to the larger particle, single atoms may be transferred directly from the smaller to the larger particle if they are sufficiently near each other. In contrast with Ostwald ripening, this direct ripening is not a global phenomenon but a local one which can occur even in systems that are on the whole unsaturated in single atoms. The theory yields results that are consistent with the recent experimental data of Heinemann and Poppa.
On the oscillatory laser-augmented combustion of HMX

The steady and unsteady combustion of cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX) is examined experimentally and theoretically. New experimental data are presented for laser-augmented combustion, both macroscopically steady and unsteady (laser-recoil). The one-dimensional approximation is investigated and found to be reasonably valid when containment rings are used to direct the combustion gases normal to the burning surface. The experimental results are interpreted within the framework of the classical, linearized quasi-steady (QS) theory of unsteady combustion of homogeneous solids. The Ward-Son-Brewster (WSB) model, which has recently been shown to give surprisingly good predictions of steady-state burning behavior of HMX, is also found to agree well with oscillatory laser-augmented combustion (the laser-recoil response function). In this model, condensed-phase chemistry is represented by single-step, zero-order, high-activation energy thermal decomposition that is, overall, relatively energetically neutral. Gas-phase chemistry is represented by an exothermic, single-step, second-order (overall) process with negligible energy barrier. A decomposition energy barrier of 42 kcal/mol is found, which is consistent with the mechanism of homolytic N−NO 2 bond scission or HONO elimination. The vanishingly small gas-phase energy barrier and second-order behavior are consistent with a bimolecular chain reaction mechanism involving NO 2 , HONO, and so on and a steady-state pool of chain carriers near the surface to form NO In short, new experimental data verify that the essential physics and chemistry of HMX combustion are represented at a simple level by the WSB model. The model is based on highly simplified but rational chemistry, matches both steady and unsteady burning data, and is generally consistent with known detailed chemistry in both the gas and condensed phases.
THE EFFECTS OF PHOTOTHERAPY ON THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM OF THE NEWBORN

Phototherapy is an accepted form of medical therapy for hyperbilirubinenia, but controversy still exists concerning its safety and long tent effects. To assess the effects of phototherapy on the ECG, two groups of 20 neonates were studied. Grwp A: full tern, 11 F, 9 M, more than 2500 grams. A CBC, Blood Type, Coombs test and Indirect Bilirubin determination was done within 8 hours of age and the bilirubin was repeated dally until discharge. An ECG was done every 8 hours for 3 days. Croup B: full term, 9 F, 11 M, more than 2500 grama - who developed an Indirect Bilirubin of more than 10 mg%. Identical laboratory studies were done and ECG's were performed pre, during and post phototherapy (every 8 hours). There was no clinical cardiac disease in either group. The following ECG measurements were evaluated: heart rate, P-R Interval, QRS interval, corrected Q-T interval, ST or T wave abnormalities or arrythmias of any kind. There was no evidence of any change in any of the ECG measurements at any bilirubin level or at any length of time under the bilirubin lights, in group B compared to Group A. It is concluded that phototherapy has no effect on the electrocardiogram in the newborn infant.
Comparing Two Probability Appraisers

Abstract Consider the situation in which an expert is required to express his/her prior opinion by specifying a probability distribution. Suppose after a series of trials a third person wishes to decide which of two experts he/she prefers. This article discusses two methods for making this decision and illustrates them in the context of a study of forecasting rain.
Action of photoreactivating light on pyrimidine heteroadduct in bacteria.

— In stationary-phase Escherichia coli B/r, photoreactivation (PR) at 313 nm of ultraviolet (u.v.) killing is inefficient compared with PR at 405 nm, and can be explained solely by photoenzymatic reversal of pyrimidine dimers. In Staphylococcus epidermidis, PR shows a maximum at 313 nm, suggesting that this organism shows the Type III PR proposed by Jagger et al.[5] for Streptomyces strains. Reversal of pyrimidine dimers is not sufficient to explain this PR. The mechanism of Type III PR remains unknown. With both S. epidermidis and E. coli B/r, the amount of uracil–thymine heteroadduct in DNA hydrolysates decreases if the cells are given a post-u.v. treatment at 313 nm, but no decrease is observed if the post-u.v. treatment is at 405 nm. The biological significance of this adduct and of its removal is not clear. It may play a role in Type III PR.
The overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis problem

Postsplenectomy vulnerability to infection is not limited to age or disease process. Postsplenectomy infection is an emergency problem that requires immediate and accurate treatment because death is potential within a few hours of onset. Although the pathogenesis of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis is not completely understood, experimental evidence suggests that loss of mechanical filtration is more important than immunologic deficiences resulting from splenectomy. Certainly, a combination of both may be present. While no single measure seems to completely protect against overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis, experimental evidence suggests that by reducing or minimizing the amount of spleen removed by newer surgical techniques, and by the addition of pneumococcal vaccine and prophylactic penicillin, the incidence of overwhelming sepsis can be reduced. Further evaluation of splenic function is necessary to assess the role of autotransplantation in the prevention of postsplenectomy sepsis (Fig. 1).
Detection of deep venous thrombosis by DMP 444, a platelet IIb/IIIa antagonist: a preliminary report.

We report a method for detection of deep venous thrombosis with a technetium 99m-labeled peptide (DMP 444). The N-methyl-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid sequence on DMP 444 binds the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on activated platelets (inhibition constant [IC50] for fibrinogen binding=6 nmol/L). DMP 444 (23 to 27 mCi) was injected into 11 patients with clinical suspicion of deep venous thrombosis, diagnostic confirmation by ultrasound, and a positive D-dimer test result. Planar images in the anterior and posterior projections were obtained at 10 to 40 minutes, 50 to 80 minutes, and 120 to 150 minutes after injection. No clinically significant adverse effects were noted after DMP 444 administration. One patient (excluded from the analysis) withdrew consent, so image acquisition was not complete. By 10 to 40 minutes after injection, 8 of 10 patients demonstrated an area of increased activity that was clearly related to the abnormality noted on ultrasound. Most patients were taking warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin (n=8) or heparin (n=1) and warfarin (n=1) alone at the time of the imaging. The average time from onset of symptoms to injection of DMP 444 was 5 days (range 1 to 18 days). These preliminary human studies indicate that DMP 444 is safe and may be of value in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis.
Abstract 5452:In uteroexposure to bisphenol A promotes mammary tumor development in MMTV-erbB-2 transgenic mice

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Increasing evidence indicates that environmental exposure plays a critical role in breast cancer etiology. Bisphenol A (BPA), the building block of polycarbonate plastics with estrogenic activity, is one of the most common chemicals exposed in daily life. Recent studies suggest a link between BPA exposure and increased breast cancer risk. However, specific conditions and the underlying mechanisms of BPA exposure associated breast cancer risk remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of in utero exposure to BPA on mammary tumor development in MMTV-erbB-2 transgenic mice, which exemplifies a scenario of gene-environmental interaction. Since erbB-2 is amplified/overexpressed in approximately 30% of breast cancer, which has been associated with poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance, use of this clinically relevant mammary tumor model is of high translational value. In this study, pregnant MMTV-erbB-2 mice were subcutaneously injected with 0, 25 ng, 250 ng and 250 µg/Kg body weight BPA daily between day 13 and day 19 of gestation. We found that in utero exposed mice in the low dose (25 and 250 ng) groups, but not the high dose group (250 µg), displayed earlier vaginal opening and prolonged estrous phase, suggesting a dose dependent pro-estrogenic effect of in utero exposure to BPA. Whole mount analysis showed that mammary glands of mice with in utero exposure to low dose BPA had a longer ductal extension at 6 weeks and increased lateral branching/alveolar structures at 10 weeks, which was more significant in the 250 ng group but less evident in the high dose group. Molecular analysis of mammary tissues at 10 weeks indicated that in utero exposure to BPA increased phosphorylation/activation of erbB-2, EGFR, erbB-3 Erk1/2 and Akt, and expression of erbB-3 and EGFR. Signaling of estrogen receptor (ER) pathway was upregulated concomitantly, as reflected by increased expression and phosphorylation of ERα and upregulation of cyclin D1 and c-myc. More importantly, mice in the 250 ng group but not the high dose group, developed tumor earlier than the mice in the control group, suggesting that dose is a critical factor affecting the outcomes. These data demonstrated that in utero exposure to BPA may promote mammary tumor development in erbB-2 transgenic mice in a dose dependent manner. Concomitant activation of the erbB-2 and ER pathways in the premalignant tissues suggests that induction of ER-erbB-2 crosstalk may play a critical role in mammary tumorigenesis promoted by in utero exposure to BPA, which underscores the significance of gene-environment interaction in early exposure to BPA associated breast cancer risk. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5452. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5452
Comminution and liberation of minerals

Abstract Two industrial problems, energy consumption and mineral recovery, have dominated research in comminution during the past five years. Both have required new and fundamental insights into the fracture process, when brittle particles are subject to rapid impact. New experimental procedures using the ultrafast load cell, dual pendulum and high-precision image analysers have produced experimental data that is providing the basis for significantly new models of the fracture process. New generation comminution machines are exploiting the deeper understanding and theoretical models of wide applicability are emerging to provide a sound basis for design, scale-up and optimization of comminution operations.
The demise of the last westminster system? Comments on the report of New Zealand's Royal Commission on the Electoral System

Abstract The New Zealand government set up a Royal Commission to consider the country's electoral system. It produced an unexpectedly radical Report , challenging some of the basic assumptions of the Westminster system under which New Zealand has been governed for 100 years. This article considers the wider implications of the Report, criticizing some of its assumptions, but accepting its basic analysis—a general philosophical dislike of the principle of concentrating power in the hands of the majority. It also explores the Report's treatment of alternative forms of proportional representation.
Androgyny and traditional versus nontraditional major choice among college freshmen

Abstract The present study investigated the relationship of psychological androgyny to career choice among college freshmen. Women in home economics and engineering and men in engineering ( N = 231) completed the Bem Sex-Role Inventory and rating scales of satisfaction with and certainty of college major and intended occupation. As a group, women in engineering scored in a more androgynous direction than did either men in engineering or women in home economics. Among sex-typed subjects, more women in engineering scored in a masculine sex-typed category than did women in home economics. Men and women in engineering did not differ on satisfaction and certainty ratings of major or career; however, feminine-typed women were significantly less satisfied with and tended to be less certain of their choice of major than other women in engineering.
Digital mammography image simulation using Monte Carlo.

Monte Carlo simulations of digital images of the contrast detail phantom and the ACR phantom are presented for two different x-raydigital mammography modalities: a synchrotron mammographysystem and a next-generation scanning slot clinical system. A combination of variance reduction methods made it possible to simulate accurate images using real pixel dimensions within reasonable computation times. The complete method of image simulation, including a simple detector response model, a simple noise model, and the incorporation of system effects (MTF), is presented. The simulated images of the phantoms show good agreement with images measured on the two systems.
Kinetics Modeling of Hypergolic Propellants

Abstract : Multi-phase ignition of hypergolic propellants Mono-methyl Hydrazine (MMH) and Red Fuming Nitric Acid (RFNA) is studied numerically to understand fundamental processes such as gas phase ignition, vaporization and liquid phase chemistry for characterizing ignition. Such understanding will be critical for future design efforts targeting rapidly repeatable cyclic ignition of these propellants. Three test cases are considered: gas and liquid phase autoignition, an opposed jet diffusion flame and a liquid opposed jet diffusion flame. For the first case, three reduced chemical kinetics mechanisms are used to study autoignition behavior in the gas phase and with premixed liquids. In the second case, a laminar diffusion flame of the gas phase reactants under varying strain rates is studied. The third case investigates the interface behavior for liquid-liquid contact and its effect on gas phase ignition.
A physics‐based model of DC and microwave characteristics of GaN/AlGaN HEMTs

A physics-based model of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) is developed for the analysis of DC and microwave characteristics. Large- and small-signal parameters are calculated for a given device dimensions and operating conditions. Spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations at the heterointerface and finite effective width of the 2DEG gas have been incorporated in the analysis. The model predicts a maximum drain current of 523 mA/mm and transconductance of 138 mS/mm for a 1 μm × 75 μm device, which are in agreement with the experimental data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2007.
Technique to Collimate Ions in a Hall-Effect Thruster Discharge Chamber

High thrust-to-power ratio on Hall-effect thrusters allows for more efficient thrust generation and better overall performance. It allows Hall-effect thrusters to perform more thrust-intensive maneuvers such as orbit raising, thus saving the mass of a second engine purely for those maneuvers. This paper presents the initial performance measurementsofaHall-effectthrusterusingin-channelelectrodestocollimateionsinthedischargechannelinorder to increase thrust-to-power. The thruster is tested in the range of 100–300 V discharge voltage, at 9 and 20 A discharge current, and with 0–30 V electrode potential on krypton propellant. Xenon propellant is used briefly. A null-type, inverted pendulum thrust stand is used to acquire thrust measurements. Improvements of 3 mN=kW, 200sspecificimpulse,and4%anodeefficiencyareobservedwithenergizedelectrode,supportingtheioncollimation hypothesis. Improvements exist primarily at low voltages (<200 V), which indicates a behavior different from the two-stage Hall-effect thruster. Extending the inner channel wall causes a tilt of the magnetic field and severely decreases performance. Plume and in-channel measurements to determine ion collimation are forthcoming.
Virus as master of the house

![Figure][1] At present there is some controversy about the appropriate appellation “disease” versus “lymphoma” but none about the malignant character of the cells described by Sternberg[1][2] and Reed[2][3] slightly more than 100 years ago. The identity of clonal B cells was masked
Effect of Random Noise on the Performance of NIR Calibrations

The proliferation of applications for near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been fostered by advances in instrumentation and statistics. NIR analytical instrumentation is becoming more stable and reliable. Chemometrics is playing an important role in qualitative and quantitative NIR spectra analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performances of four commonly used calibration models: (1) stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR); (2) classical least-squares (CLS); (3) principal component regression (PCR); and (4) partial least-squares (PLS) in NIR spectroscopy analysis when random noise is present in the optical data. A conceptually simple procedure for comparing the performance of the four calibration methods in the presence of different levels of random noise in spectra data has been introduced here. This procedure, using the computer simulation data and real spectra of tobacco, has provided useful information for understanding the effects of random noise on the performance of multivar...
A survey of Mučnik and Medvedev degrees

We survey the theory of Mucnik (weak) and Medvedev (strong) degrees of subsets of $^{\omega}{\omega}$with particular attention to the degrees of $\Pi_{1}^{0}$ subsets of $^{\omega}2$. Sections 1-6 present the major definitions and results in a uniform notation. Sections 7-6 present proofs, some more complete than others, of the major results of the subject together with much of the required background material.
Plenary talk: A subjective perspective on genderization issues in software development life cycle

Embedded systems, computer and communication technologies have changed the medical field quite remarkably and will continue to change considerably in the future to come. This paper provides an overview of such technologies to various biomedical applications including the creation of various silicon-based human body parts. The impact of these technologies on the society is vivid and poses several ethical questions also, as exemplified by the Hollywood movie, The Bicentennial Man, an adaptation of Issac Asimov's science fiction.
Intravenous iron treatment in paediatric chronic kidney disease patients not on erythropoietin.

Intravenous (IV) iron treatment reduces erythropoietin (EPO) dose in paediatric haemodialysis patients. The efficacy in paediatric nonhaemodialysis patients is less well established. IV iron is routinely given in our institution to these patients, including some who have not started EPO. The effect of this strategy was examined. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) not on EPO were identified. Case notes were reviewed for haemoglobin (Hb), red cell and iron indices for 6 months before and at least 3 months after IV iron. Five patients were identified. Mean age was 13.3 years and mean IV iron (Venofer) dose = 3.1 mg/kg. Median number of doses = 7 (range 3–10). Hb increased significantly after IV iron from 11.4 ± 0.7 to 12.8 ± 1.3 g/dl (p = 0.02). Mean cell volume increased from 87.7±3.4 to 90.1 ± 3.7 fl (p = 0.01), and mean cell Hb remained unchanged: 29.2 ± 1.2 to 29.7 ± 1.0 pg (p = 0.12). Absolute and percentage reticulocyte count remained unchanged. There was no change in iron indices: ferritin 55.1 ± 31.3 to 97.3 ± 46.5 ng/ml (p = 0.3), iron 18.9 ± 6.9 to 18.1 ± 4.2 μmol/l (p = 0.7), transferrin 1.9 ± 1.6 to 2.0 ± 0.1 g/l (p = 1.0), transferrin saturation 35.7 ± 8.1 to 40.3 ± 18.0% (p = 0.5). IV iron slightly improved Hb levels in five paediatric CKD and PD patients not receiving EPO. This strategy may delay the need for EPO treatment and deserves further evaluation.
Fractionation of transgenic corn for recovery of recombinant enzymes

Two germ-separation methods, dry-milling and density separation by flotation, were evaluated for recovering recombinant β-glucuronidase (rGUS) that accumulated primarily in the germ of transgenic corn. The dry-milling process consisted of (i) seed tempering, (ii) degerming with a horizontal-drum degermer/dehuller, (iii) particle size fractionation with standard sieves, (iv) germ and endosperm separation by roller milling and sifting, and (v) removal of hulls by aspiration. Sieves nos. 5, 6, and 7 retained the majority of germ, and subfractions from these sieves were pooled as a germ-rich fraction. Mass balances showed that the germ-rich fraction, which constituted 17% of the total dry-milled corn weight, contained 49% of rGUS activity and 64% of the total recoverable oil. Germ fractionation by flotation was tested as a proof-of-concept method aimed at separating corn fractions based on their difference in specific gravity (sp gr). The process consisted of impact-grinding of corn kernels followed by density separation using 1.15 or 1.3 specific gravity sodium nitrate solution. The oil-containing germ fraction floated, whereas the heavier endosperm fraction sedimented. The flotation method was simpler and resulted in higher enzyme recovery, that is, the germ-rich fraction was 20% (w/w) of the initial corn weight, and accounted for 80% of rGUS activity and 77% of total oil. The sodium nitrate solution did not have an adverse effect on the enzyme activity.
Laser Trabeculoplasty and the Glaucomas

Abstract A standard 100-spot laser trabeculoplasty was applied to 137 eyes of 109 presurgical patients with a variety of primary, secondary, and postsurgical glaucomas. Average follow-up was 15.3 months. Laser therapy was most successful in eyes without prior surgery (chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG), pseudoexfoliation, pigmentary dispersion) or with only one prior operation (iridectomy, trabeculectomy, or intracapsular cataract extraction). The mean range for pressure reduction was 6 to 12 mmHg. Failures were frequently seen in eyes with angle recession, uveitis, or more than one operation. Visual field deterioration was seen in 11 % of successful COAG eyes. Asymmetric responses in bilaterally treated COAG patients were seen half the time. A drift downward of 5 mmHg or more at six months after laser reversed itself by 12 months in approximately one out of eight eyes from various categories.
Three-Dimensional Analysis Of Molecular Distribution In Single Cells Using The Digital Imaging Microscope

The development and operation of the digital imaging microscope, a system capable of analyzing the 3D molecular distribution in singe cells is described. It is a system consisting of hardware and software that: 1. obtains 2D or 3D microscope images of the faint signals from fluorescent molecules introduced into single cells; 2. reverses the distortion in such images introduced by the optics; 3. automatically or semi-automatically extracts features of interest from such images, and; 4. displays 2D, 3D images and even higher order information for interactive analysis. The strategies used to accomplish these tasks are discussed and their application to the analysis of the molecular events underlying white blood cell chemotaxis is illustrated.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) readily learn to vary but not repeat instrumental responses

When spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wystar—Kyoto normotensive control rats (WKY) were rewarded in a 12-arm radial maze (Experiment 1), the SHRs varied their arm choices more, making fewer repetition errors than the WKYs. Similarly when rewards depended on variable sequences of responses on two levers in an operant chamber (Experiment 2), SHRs' sequences were more variable than those of WKYs. A requirement for response variability was then combined with a requirement to repeat selected responses in the radial maze (Experiment 3) and operant chamber (Experiment 4). WKYs learned to repeat more readily than the SHRs, whereas SHRs varied more readily. Thus, when subjects had to repeat responses, SHRs were at a disadvantage, but when variability was adaptive, SHRs excelled. The high variability of SHRs, together with their difficulty in learning to repeat, may have parallels in children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH).
Tardigrada of Michigan, Northern USA, with the description of Minibiotus jonesorum sp. n. (Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae)

Samples of moss, lichens, liverworts and leaf litter collected in the Lower and Upper Peninsulas of the state of Michigan, USA, contained 28 species of water bears (phylum Tardigrada). Eighteen species were considered cosmopolitan, widely distributed in several biogeographical regions. One species, Minibiotus jonesorum sp. n., is described and illustrated. This new species is characterized by having ten transverse bands of polygonal pores that increase in size from anterior to posterior, three macroplacoids that increase in size from anterior to posterior and by lacking a microplacoid or leg granulation. The medial and posterior pores of M. jonesorum sp. n. are polygonal and much larger than the trefoil pores of M. furcatus, the most similar species in the genus.