cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract PD9-08: Accuracy of ultrasound in evaluating response to neoadjuvant therapy in invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast

Background: Evaluating the size of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast (ILC) poses a challenge due to higher rates of false negatives compared to invasive ductal carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often considered the best imaging modality for ILC, but requires additional cost, time, and the use of intravenous contrast, unlike ultrasonography (U/S). We sought to determine whether U/S might provide sufficient information to evaluate response to therapy, thus enabling the use of U/S for surgical planning after NAT in ILC. Methods: We queried a database of 685 ILC cases at UCSF between 1981 and 2018, identifying all cases receiving NAT. We reviewed MRI and U/S reports and collected longest tumor diameter and imaging features. We used t-test, chi-squared test, and Pearson’s correlation to compare U/S and MRI longest diameter to true size on pathology. Data were evaluated in Stata 14.2. Results: 148 patients treated with NAT were identified. Of these, 84 (56.8%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 64 (43.2%) received neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. Compared to the endocrine therapy group, those receiving chemotherapy were significantly younger (mean age 53.3 years vs. 62.8 years, p=0.0002), more likely to have tumors of the ER-PR-HER2- or HER2+ subtypes (p=0.016), and of higher pathologic stage (p=0.024). Among 43 cases with evaluable data, longest tumor diameter on post-treatment U/S strongly correlated with longest diameter on post-treatment MRI (r=0.93, p Conclusions: Post-treatment MRI longest diameter and post-treatment U/S longest diameter were strongly correlated. The presence of NME on pre-treatment MRI meant that post-treatment U/S was no longer a useful predictor of true tumor size, but when NME was not present, post treatment U/S longest diameter was significantly correlated with true size. Therefore, for ILC patients with no NME on pre- treatment MRI, these findings suggest that treatment response evaluation of tumor size can be done with U/S only. Future work will explore the ability of U/S to determine nodal response compared to MRI. Additionally, MRI features such as functional tumor volume may provide additional response information beyond longest diameter, and ongoing research is needed. Citation Format: Kelly Fahrner-Scott, Jasmine M Wong, Merisa Piper, Cheryl Ewing, Michael Alvarado, Laura J Esserman, Nola Hylton, Rita A Mukhtar MD. Accuracy of ultrasound in evaluating response to neoadjuvant therapy in invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD9-08.
The prevalence of improper solution-making technique places molar solutions in crisis

Properly made solutions are critical to the scientific method. However, in various laboratories and collaborative environments, we have noticed a lack of proper technique for making solutions. Instead of measuring the moles of solute then filling up to the needed volume with solvent, we observed many individuals would measure the moles of solute then add a premeasured volume of solvent, resulting in more dilute solutions. This disturbing trend is particularly of interest for high‐molarity solutions, such as sucrose solutions common in sensory science. The higher the molarity, the greater the skew from the incorrect technique. Therefore, we designed a survey investigating the prevalence of improper solution‐making techniques. We had 811 participants of which 186 we determined likely to make solutions based on field of study and job description. The 186 participants were categorized by current position as faculty, postdoctoral fellow, research assistant, or graduate student. Our results indicate that almost a third of scientists may be making molar solutions incorrectly. Given the current crisis of reproducibility in science, and the importance of concentration in a variety of applications, the possibility of the concentrations being mismatched from one research group or even one lab member to another is concerning. We urge all researchers to document and seek/provide training for day‐to‐day work in research laboratories, ensuring all researchers can correctly perform even very basic procedures.
Anharmonic Molecular Vibrational Probes of Dynamical Organic–Inorganic Interactions in Two-Dimensional Hybrid Lead Iodide Perovskites

There remains a gap in our knowledge of the fundamental physical determinants of dynamical interactions between the constituents of two-dimensional hybrid perovskites, sometimes called self-assembl...
THE DISCOVERY OF QUASI-SOFT AND SUPERSOFT SOURCES IN EXTERNAL GALAXIES

We apply a uniform procedure to select very soft sources from point sources observed by Chandra in four galaxies. This sample includes one elliptical galaxy (NGC 4967), two face-on spiral galaxies (M101 and M83), and an interacting galaxy (M51). We report on some intriguing results, including the following: 1. We have found very soft X-ray sources (VSSs) in every galaxy. Some of these fit the criteria for canonical supersoft sources (SSSs), while others are somewhat harder. These latter have characteristic values of kT 300 eV; we refer to them as quasi-soft sources (QSSs). We found a combined total of 149 VSSs in the four galaxies we considered; 77 were SSSs and 72 were QSSs. 2. The data are consistent with the existence of a large VSS population, most of whose members we cannot observe because of the effects of distance and obscuration. The total VSS population of sources with L > 1037 ergs s-1 in each galaxy could be on the order of 1000. 3. Whereas in M31 only ~10% of all X-ray sources detected by Chandra are VSSs, more than 35% of all detectable X-ray sources in the face-on galaxy M101 fit the phenomenological definition of VSSs. This difference may be due to differences in NH between typical lines of sight to sources in each galaxy. 4. SSSs can be super-Eddington for Chandrasekhar-mass objects. 5. We find evidence for SSSs and QSSs with luminosities of 1036 ergs s-1 < L < 1037 ergs s-1. These sources have luminosities lower than those of the ~30 soft sources used to establish the class of SSSs. 6. In the spiral galaxies M101, M83, and M51, a large fraction of the SSSs and QSSs appear to be associated with the spiral arms. This may indicate that some SSSs are young systems, possibly younger than 108 yr. 7. In addition to finding hot white dwarfs and soft X-ray binaries, our method should also be efficient at selecting supernova remnants (SNRs). A small fraction of the VSSs in the spiral arms of M101 appear to be associated with SNRs
Reading Fashion in Art: Ingrid Mida, London: Bloomsbury, 2020

In Reading Fashion in Art, Ingrid E. Mida offers a guide to analyzing representations of dress in the visual arts. She argues that “dress can be read as an artistic tool of expression that can be u...
Genome-wide association studies of 27 accelerometry-derived physical activity measurements identifies novel loci and genetic mechanisms

Abstract Physical activity (PA) is an important risk factor for a wide range of diseases. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS), based on self-reported data or a small number of phenotypes derived from accelerometry, have identified a limited number of genetic loci associated with habitual PA and provided evidence for involvement of central nervous system in mediating genetic effects. In this study, we derived 27 PA phenotypes from wrist accelerometry data obtained from 93,745 UK Biobank study participants. Single-variant association analysis based on mixed-effects models and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) together identified 6 novel loci that were not detected by previous studies. For both novel and previously known loci, we discovered associations with novel phenotypes including active-to-sedentary transition probability, light-intensity PA, activity during different times of the day and proxy phenotypes to sleep and circadian patterns. Follow-up studies indicated the role of the blood and immune system in modulating the genetic effects and a secondary role of the digestive and endocrine systems.
Bioluminescent Genetically Encoded Glutamate Indicator for Molecular Imaging of Neuronal Activity

Genetically encoded optical sensors and advancements in microscopy instrumentation and techniques have revolutionized the scientific toolbox available for probing complex biological processes such as release of specific neurotransmitters. Most genetically encoded optical sensors currently used are based on fluorescence and have been highly successful tools for single-cell imaging in superficial brain regions. However, there remains a need to develop new tools for reporting neuronal activity in vivo within deeper structures without the need for hardware such as lenses or fibers to be implanted within the brain. Our approach to this problem is to replace the fluorescent elements of the existing biosensors with bioluminescent elements. This eliminates the need of external light sources to illuminate the sensor and overcomes several drawbacks of fluorescence imaging such as limited light penetration depth, excitation scattering, and tissue heating that are all associated with the external light needed for fluorescence imaging. Here we report the development of the first genetically encoded neurotransmitter indicators based on bioluminescent light emission. These probes exhibit robust changes in light output in response to extracellular presentation of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. We expect this new approach to neurotransmitter indicator design to enable the engineering of specific bioluminescent probes for multiple additional neurotransmitters in the future, ultimately allowing neuroscientists to monitor activity associated with a specific neurotransmitter as it relates to behavior in a variety of psychiatric disorders, among many other applications.
Determining our Destination: The Future of Professional Counterspaces for African American Women in Student Affairs

This basic qualitative study catalogued the collective insight of Black women student affairs professionals regarding the development and evolution of professional counterspaces in the future. Focus group discussions were facilitated with 50 women participating in a professional counterspace (PC) in the U.S., known as the African American Women’s Summit. Participants were asked to explore the following topics: 1) the purposes of PCs for Black women, 2) how PCs can be enhanced with regard to curriculum content and delivery, and 3) how PCs can be enhanced with regard to opportunities for leadership. Findings indicated that Black women in student affairs still need professional development opportunities that allow them to share their collective wisdom, and that are focused on helping them combat isolation and succeed in the profession. In addition, these types of PCs should include a high degree of interactivity among participants, feature a structured curriculum focused on concrete skill and professional competency development, and provide opportunities for prolonged engagement, perhaps even virtually. Finally, the leadership of PCs for Black women in student affairs can be enhanced by engaging in clear and regular communication with participants, maximizing opportunities for leadership among participants, and using technology to facilitate participants’ leadership development.
Multiple motors cooperate to establish and maintain acentrosomal spindle bipolarity in C. elegans oocyte meiosis

While centrosomes organize spindle poles during mitosis, oocyte meiosis can occur in their absence. Spindles in human oocytes frequently fail to maintain bipolarity and consequently undergo chromosome segregation errors, making it important to understand mechanisms that promote acentrosomal spindle stability. To this end, we have optimized the auxin-inducible degron system in C. elegans to remove factors from pre-formed oocyte spindles within minutes and assess effects on spindle structure. This approach revealed that dynein is required to maintain the integrity of acentrosomal poles; removal of dynein from bipolar spindles caused pole splaying, and when coupled with a monopolar spindle induced by depletion of kinesin-12 motor KLP-18, dynein depletion led to a complete dissolution of the monopole. Surprisingly, we went on to discover that following monopole disruption, individual chromosomes were able to reorganize local microtubules and re-establish a miniature bipolar spindle that mediated chromosome segregation. This revealed the existence of redundant microtubule sorting forces that are undetectable when KLP-18 and dynein are active. We found that the kinesin-5 family motor BMK-1 provides this force, uncovering the first evidence that kinesin-5 contributes to C. elegans meiotic spindle organization. Altogether, our studies have revealed how multiple motors are working synchronously to establish and maintain bipolarity in the absence of centrosomes.
Global Health in Medical Education.

In this age of increased global connectivity, global health education is more important than ever. While numerous residency programs include global programs, less are offered during medical school. Many of these are during clinical years with little training prior to participating in an international externship. The Global Medicine Track (GMT) at Rocky Vista University is a 3.5-year formal osteopathic program aimed at training culturally competent physicians to more effectively serve global and underserved communities. Major goals include intensive didactic training and experiential clinical activities. Ongoing evaluations and assessments support the topics covered as relevant for today’s Global Health needs.
Effect of Silver Oxide/Trichloroisocyanuric Acid Antimicrobial Urinary Drainage System on Catheter-Associated Bacteriuria

We assessed the efficacy of silver oxide coating of the indwelling urethral catheter and catheter adapter, and instillation of trichloroisocyanuric acid into the urinary drainage bag in the prevention of catheter-associated bacteriuria in a prospective and randomized study of 74 patients. Bacteriuria was documented in 29 of the 74 patients (39 per cent). There was a significant difference between the attack rates, with 11 of 41 patients (27 per cent) in the test group and 18 of 33 (55 per cent) in the control group having bacteriuria (p equals 0.02) after a median time to bacteriuria of 36 and 8 days, respectively (p equals 0.01). Urethral meatal colonization was implicated as the source of bladder bacteriuria in 12 of 18 patients (67 per cent) in the control group and 5 of 11 (45 per cent) in the test group. Trichloroisocyanuric acid significantly reduced drainage bag contamination but bag contamination with the same microorganism responsible for bacteriuria preceded infection in only 2 of the 29 patients (7 per cent), 1 in each group. Patients who received systemic antimicrobial agents acquired bacteriuria less frequently than those who did not. The apparent protective effect of systemic antimicrobials was strongest during the first 4 days of catheterization. The data indicate that episodes of bacteriuria arising from the urethral meatus are common among catheterized patients and that the antimicrobial catheter is effective in reducing the incidence of catheter-associated bacteriuria.
Physics and Models of an ESD Event

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) events occur all around us. We might not know these events by the name ‘ESD’ but nevertheless they happen. The first time many people experienced ESD was on a cold dry winter day as a child. Going out of the house we walked across the carpet not knowing that the act of walking was charging our bodies to 1000’s of volts. Unsuspectingly, we reached for the door to open it and go outside. As our hand approached the doorknob a small spark flashed between our hand and the doorknob. The spark scared us and also hurt. The doorknob was at a lower potential than our bodies. This caused the charge to pass from our body through our hand to the doorknob. Confused we asked our parents. They probably just said, “You just shocked yourself. Go on out and play” Being more careful we opened the door but this time there was no shock because we had been discharged already. Even though we were confused we went on out and played.
Quantitative Three Dimensional Echocardiography: Methodology, Validation, and Clinical Applications

Three dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging provides the most accurate measurement of the volume of the heart’s left ventricle. We have developed methods for acquiring and quantitatively analyzing 3D echocardiograms to measure the size, shape, and function not only of the left ventricle but also the mitral annulus and other structures in the mitral apparatus. These methods provide a powerful tool to investigate structure-function relationships, evaluate surgical procedures, and assess patient prognosis.
Discrete Variational Method for the Energy Band Problem

One may well ask, why set forth yet another scheme to solve the periodic one-electron Schrodinger equation for a crystal? Our chief purpose is to develop a flexible and efficient approach which can be applied to systems treated only with difficulty by other methods; in particular the crystal potential should be unrestricted in form. Since solution of the band problem is only a starting point for evaluating crystalline properties, we require a method in which the wave functions are accessible and easily manipulated. The numerical-analytic scheme presented here is intended as an example of a large class of methods which can meet these needs.
A plea for interfaces that support caching

The kinds of problems client designers face when using interfaces without adequate caching support are discussed. A description of more recent file server protocols in which caching support is present is given. The difficulties interface designers will face in incorporating caching support are described. The designer faces the problem of making apparent the basic functionality of the interface, uncluttered by caching support, and the problem of what kind of caching support to provide. It is argued that incorporating caching support in the interfaces found in modern operating systems and distributed systems is critical to the performance and functionality of workstation applications. >
Analysis and comparison of input-output models in a recombinant fed-batch fermentation

Bioprocesses are nonlinear and time varying in nature, and reliable modeling techniques are needed for their control and optimization. In this work, the performance of several input-output models is investigated in a recombinant fed-batch fermentation using a series of statistical methods. An identification experiment was designed and implemented to provide the best system response to generate the process. Statistical analyses were performed to characterize the information. Several criteria were defined to compare the different models. Use of this rigorous modeling methodology allowed objective comparison of model performance. A detailed methodology is presented for input-output modeling based on statistical analysis. Nonlinear models with constant parameters and linear models with time varying parameters were the most appropriate models for the case studied, but the choice of model will depend on the ultimate control or optimization objectives.
Value of oral potassium salts in differentiation of functional and organic T wave changes.

Abstract Ten grams of oral potassium salts were administered to 60 patients with functionally inverted (anxiety induced) left ventricular T waves, to 119 patients with organically inverted T waves and 4 patients with inverted T waves of indeterminate etiology. All functionally inverted T waves were reverted to normal 90 minutes after ingestion of K+. The T wave inversion resulting from 10 to 15 seconds of brisk hyperventilation likewise was abolished. Organic T waves of myocardial infarction were generally unaltered following ingestion of K+. Several of the inverted T waves due to infarction showed increased negativity. On the other hand, inverted T waves over the “fringe areas” of lateral wall ischemia in either anterior or posterior wall infarction occasionally showed a tendency to normalization. In a single instance of an acute posterior wall infarction, K+ ingestion improved the T wave contour in lead II only. Of the 40 instances of acute myocardial ischemia, 32 showed no change; 2 showed slightly increasing T wave negativity; 4 showed improvement although not normalization of the ischemie zone; and 2 showed normalization. In 1 of these last 2 patients the control tracing had shown almost complete resolution of the ischemie episode. Ten instances of left bundle branch block, 10 of digitalis effect and 2 of subacute pericarditis showed no alteration of T wave polarity following K+ ingestion. As previously noted in the literature, electrocardiograms of left ventricular preponderance showed the greatest variability of T wave configuration following K+ ingestion. Eight tracings showed no change; 1 showed slight improvement and 3, moderate improvement. None, however, showed complete normalization. The K+ salt was generally well tolerated when administered 1 1 2 hours following the noon meal. It must be regarded as a potentially dangerous drug, particularly in patients with acute ischemie episodes. Adequate renal function is a prerequisite for the test. This procedure appears to be of considerable clinical usefulness in evaluating T wave abnormalities of obscure etiology. It should not, however, usurp clinical judgment since the results to date are purely empirical and lack a sound pathophysiologic basis.
Effects of erythropoietin and aminoguanidine on red blood cell deformability in diabetic azotemic and uremic patients.

Abstract Impaired red blood cell-deformability (RBC-df) is noted in patients with diabetes and may play a role in the pathogenesis of microvasculopathy and nephropathy. We report the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) alone and combined with aminoguanidine (AG) for 1 year on RBC-df in predialysis patients (P-DPs) with renal insufficiency and in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (DPs). Nine P-DPs who received EPO 50 U/kg by subcutaneous injection 3 times per week are compared with 5 P-DPs treated without EPO (mean serum creatinine 4.1 ± 0.1 versus 4.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL, respectively). Twelve DPs (Kt/V = 1.5 ± 0.1) were studied. Six DPs received AG 200 mg/every other day by mouth and EPO 50 U/kg by intravenous (IV) injection, and 6 DPs received EPO (50 U/kg) and placebo and served as control. RBC-df improved significantly in 9 P-DPs treated with EPO at 6 months (from 2.7 ± 0.1 to 1.6 ± 0.2, P = 0.005). This positive effect was sustained at 12 months ( P = 0.005); there was no change in RBC-df in P-DPs receiving usual care without EPO. RBC-df improved significantly and progressively at 6 and 12 months in DPs treated with EPO and AG (from 2.2 ± 0.2 to 1.8 ± 0.2; P = 0.01; 1.2 ± 0.1; P = 0.001, respectively); there was limited improvement in RBC-df in DPs treated with EPO and placebo. We conclude that EPO treatment significantly improved RBC-df in diabetic P-DPs, but EPO alone has no significant effect on RBC-df after 12 months in diabetic DPs. The combination of EPO and AG restores RBC-df to near-normal levels in diabetic DPs. We speculate that the effect of EPO on RBC-df seen in P-DPs and DPs is related to increased synthesis and influx of new and younger RBCs. AG may confer protection of RBCs in DPs by blocking advanced glycosylated end-product (AGE) formation. © 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Environmental variation and behaviour: resource availability during ontogeny and feeding performance in salamander larvae (Ambystoma texanum)

1. The effects of resource availability during ontogeny on subsequent feeding performance were investigated in larvae of the small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum). 2. Salamander larvae were reared individually in either high or low prey density treatments for 7 weeks prior to intermediate prey density foraging trials. Larvae from the low prey density treatment were on average 35% smaller in body size than individuals from the high prey density treatment. 3. Resource availability during development influenced larval feeding rates and altered the relationship between body size and three feeding performance measures (attack rates, capture success and feeding rates). Feeding rates in predation trials were also positively correlated with growth rate early in the larval period (until the end of week 5). 4. These results suggest that the environment to which developing organisms are exposed can have significant effects on subsequent behaviour, and that small-mouthed salamander larvae may show state-dependent changes in feeding behaviour in response to differences in long-term feeding history. Additionally, differences in feeding performance may influence the probability of survival to the adult stage for organisms that utilize ephemeral habitats.
Palate fusion in cortisone-treated mouse fetuses following tongue displacement

Abstract The potential for palatine shelf fusion in cortisone-treated mouse fetuses was tested by mechanically displacing the tongue from between the shelves. Fusion occurred in 51 per cent of 135 fetuses so treated, compared to 19 per cent of 117 fetuses released from the uterus without tongue displacement. Thus, the ability of a substantial number of palatine shelves to fuse after cortisone treatment, as originally demonstrated by tongue excision, was confirmed by a less traumatic technique.
Reduced gastric acid inhibitory effect of a pGIP(1–30)NH2 fragment with potent pancreatic amylase inhibitory activity

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) strongly stimulates insulin secretion in the presence of glucose and also stimulates somatostatin release from gastric mucosa. It was reported recently that both stimulatory activities can be dissociated by removing the C-terminal 12 amino acid residues. Since insulin and somatostatin are involved in regulation of exocrine pancreatic and gastric secretion in rats, we compared the inhibitory effects of pGIP and the pGIP(1-30)NH2 fragment on pancreatic amylase and gastric acid secretion. pGIP(1-30)NH2 displayed full activity on inhibition of bombesin (BN)-stimulated amylase release relative to GIP itself, but was about 10-fold less potent in inhibiting gastric acid secretion. These results suggest that the receptors involved in these two events have quite different ligand binding requirements and that more specific analogues of GIP can be designed which should be of value in elucidating the physiological roles of this hormone.
How Kant's View of Perfect and Imperfect Duties Resolves an Alleged Moral Dilemma for Judges*

Abstract. I clarify Kant's classification of duties and criticize the apocryphal tradition that, according to Kant, perfect duties trump imperfect duties. I then use Kant's view to argue that judges who believe that an action is immoral and should be illegal need not set aside their beliefs in order to comply with binding precedents that permit the action. The same view of morality that causes some people to oppose certain actions, including abortion, requires lower–court judges to comply with binding precedents. Therefore, someone's opposition to legal abortion, by itself, does not justify opposing that person's nomination to a lower court.
Identification of calmodulin-sensitive and calmodulin-insensitive adenylate cyclase in rat kidney.

Abstract Adenylate cyclase from rat kidney membranes solubilized with Lubrol-PX, was resolved into calmodulin-insensitive and calmodulin-sensitive forms using DEAE-Sephacel and calmodulin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. The major fraction, 90% of the activity recovered, did not bind to the calmodulin-sepharose in the presence of Ca 2+ , and was insensitive to activation by calmodulin. The calmodulin-sensitive enzyme, approximately 10% of the recovered activity, bound to the affinity column and was eluted with buffer containing 2 m m EGTA. In the presence of free Ca 2+ , calmodulin increased the specific activity of the calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase from 15.2 to 60.4 pmol/mg protein −1 min −1 . Maximum stimulation occurred at 0.035–0.076 m m Ca 2+ . The apparent K a for calmodulin was 8 n m . The calmodulin-mediated increase in activity was inhibited by trifluoperazine, but not by its analog trifluoperazine-5-oxide. In contrast, trifluoperazine did not inhibit the calmodulin-insensitive activity. The GTP analog, guanyl-5′-yl imidodiphosphate, did not activate either fraction. Furthermore, activation by calmodulin did not require the presence of a guanyl nucleotide. The present finding of a calmodulin-sensitive form of adenylate cyclase in kidney raises the possibility that a calmodulin-mediated mechanism is involved in the formation of cAMP in this organ.
A BRIEF SURVEY OF VARIABLES THAT INFLUENCE RANDOM-GENERATION.

It is argued that the fact that human Ss ace incapable of generating a random series of selections from a finite number of alternatives is a function of the limitation imposed on Ss by the capacity...
Curricular Assessment: Tips and Techniques

This session seeks to initiate a discussion regarding simple approaches through which faculty can gain meaningful insights into components of their courses and/or programs with only modest expenditures of time and energy.
Growth from spontaneous emission in a Raman multipass cell.

Previous investigations of stimulated Raman scattering in a multipass cell have considered the amplification of a Stokes input pulse. They found that a simple plane-wave transient theory, appropriately scaled to include the multiple passes and focusing, matched experimental data well. In this paper, we investigate growth from spontaneous emission in a H 2 Raman multipass cell. We find that a fully-quantum-mechanical scaled plane-wave theory describes the growth from spontaneous emission well in the high-gain limit. However, in the low-gain regime there is a significant increase in the Stokes output which is not predicted by the scaled plane-wave theory
Competition and natural selection in a mathematical model of cancer.

A malignant tumor is a dynamic amalgamation of various cell phenotypes, both cancerous (parenchyma) and healthy (stroma). These diverse cells compete over resources as well as cooperate to maintain tumor viability. Therefore, tumors are both an ecological community and an integrated tissue. An understanding of how natural selection operates in this unique ecological context should expose unappreciated vulnerabilities shared by all cancers. In this study I address natural selection’s role in tumor evolution by developing and exploring a mathematical model of a heterogenous primary neoplasm. The model is a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations tracking the mass of up to two different parenchyma cell types, the mass of vascular endothelial cells from which new tumor blood vessels are built and the total length of tumor microvessels. Results predict the possibility of a hypertumor—a focus of aggressively reproducing parenchyma cells that invade and destroy part or all of the tumor, perhaps before it becomes a clinical entity. If this phenomenon occurs, then we should see examples of tumors that develop an aggressive histology but are paradoxically prone to extinction. Neuroblastoma, a common childhood cancer, may sometimes fit this pattern. In addition, this model suggests that parenchyma cell diversity can be maintained by a tissue-like integration of cells specialized to provide different services.
Synthesis and evaluation of potent and selective β3 adrenergic receptor agonists containing acylsulfonamide, sulfonylsulfonamide, and sulfonylurea carboxylic acid isosteres

Starting from phenethanolamine aniline leads 3a and 3b, we have identified a series of functionally potent and selective β3 adrenergic receptor (AR) agonists containing acylsulfonamide, sulfonylsulfonamide, or sulfonylurea groups within the aniline phenethanolamine series. In β3, β2, and β1 AR cAMP functional assays, 3a and other right-hand side (RHS) carboxylate analogues were found to be full agonists that were modestly selective against β1 or β2 ARs, while analogues lacking RHS acid functionality were active at β3 AR but not selective. Replacement of the carboxylate with acylthiazole and acylmethylsulfone gave potent, but only modestly selective, compounds. Increasing the size of the RHS sulfonamide substituent with phenyl or p-toluene afforded compounds with good potency and functional selectivity (β3 AR pEC50 greater than 8; β1 and β2 AR selectivity greater than 40- and 500-fold, respectively). Our SAR studies suggest that the potency and selectivity profile of the best analogues reported here is a r...
Metabolic diversion of the phenylpropanoid pathway causes cell wall and morphological changes in transgenic tobacco stems

Studies involving transgenic plants with modifications in the lignin pathway reported to date, have received a relatively preliminary characterisation in relation to the impact on vascular integrity, biomechanical properties of tissues and carbon allocation to phenolic pools. Therefore, in this study transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum cv XHFD 8) expressing various levels of a bacterial 4-hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA hydratase/lyase (HCHL) gene have been characterised for cell wall and related morphological changes. The HCHL enzyme converts p-coumaroyl-CoA to 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde thereby rerouting the phenylpropanoid pathway. Plants expressing high levels of HCHL activity exhibited reduced lignin deposition, impaired monolignol biosynthesis and vascular integrity. The plants also exhibited reduction in stem toughness concomitant with a massive reduction in both the cell wall esterified and soluble phenolics. A notable result of redirecting the carbon flux was the wall-bound accretion of vanillin and vanillic acid, probably due to the shunt pathway. Intracellular accumulation of novel metabolites such as hydroxybenzoic and vanillic acid derivatives also occurred in the transgenic plants. A line with intermediate levels of HCHL expression conferred correspondingly reduced lignin deposition, toughness and phenolics. This line displayed a normal morphology but distorted vasculature. Coloration of the xylem has been previously attributed to incorporation of alternative phenolics, whereas results from this study indicate that the coloration is likely to be due to the association of low molecular weight phenolics. There was no evidence of increased growth or enhanced cellulose biosynthesis as a result of HCHL expression. Hence, rerouting the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway quantitatively and qualitatively modifies cell wall-bound phenolics and vascular structure.
Extraction of smooth cordgrass (spartina alterniflora) biomass and leaf area index parameters from high resolution imagery

Abstract High resolution (3 x 3 m) Calibrated Airborne Multispectral Scanner (CAMS) data of Murrells Inlet, S. C. were collected on August 2, 1997. Original CAMS data and various vegetation indices were correlated with in situ a) harvested total above‐ground biomass clippings, and b) leaf‐area‐index (LAI) measurements obtained using a ceptometer. The non‐intrusive in situ LAI measurements were found to be significantly correlated with in situ above‐ground biomass measurements, suggesting that future field sampling of biomass and LAI can be obtained using a ceptometer. Near‐infrared and middle‐infrared bands as well as several vegetation indices were highly correlated with in situ biomass and LAI measurements. The first biomass map of a tidal estuary in South Carolina was produced. The biomass map represents an important base line against which future biomass inventories may be compared.
Leukocytes utilize myeloperoxidase-generated nitrating intermediates as physiological catalysts for the generation of biologically active oxidized lipids and sterols in serum.

The initiation of lipid peroxidation and the concomitant formation of biologically active oxidized lipids and sterols is believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and vascular disorders. Here we explore the role of neutrophil- and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-generated nitrating intermediates as a physiological catalyst for the initiation of lipid peroxidation and the formation of biologically active oxidized lipids and sterols. Activation of human neutrophils in media containing physiologically relevant levels of nitrite (NO2-), a major end product of nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide, NO) metabolism, generated an oxidant capable of initiating peroxidation of lipids. Formation of hydroxy- and hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acids [H(P)ODEs], hydroxy- and hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids [H(P)ETEs], F2-isoprostanes, and a variety of oxysterols was confirmed using on-line reverse phase HPLC tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Lipid oxidation by neutrophils required cell activation and NO2-, o...
Speciation of the rare earth element neodymium in groundwaters of the Nevada Test Site and Yucca Mountain and implications for actinide solubility

Abstract Concentrations of the rare earth element (REE) Nd and major ions were measured in groundwater samples obtained from 4 wells on the Nevada Test Site and one well located 3 miles east of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, adjacent to the Nevada Test Site. The speciation of dissolved Nd was modelled using a combined specific ion interaction (i.e., Pitzer Model) and ion pairing model. The model provided a means of determining the activity coefficients of the Nd 3+ ion (ym), complexing anions (γx), and Nd 3+ -anion ion pairs (γM MX ). The modelling indicated that between 92% and > 99% of dissolved Nd is complexed with CO 3 2− as either carbonato (NdCO 3 + ) or dicarbonato (Nd(CO 3 ) 2 − ) complexes. An elevated Nd concentration in one of the groundwater samples was associated with higher calculated free CO 3 2− concentrations (i.e., [CO 3 2− ] F , where the subscript F denotes free concentrations). Based on the relatively large stability constants for Nd CO 3 complexes as compared with stability constants for other inorganic ligands, it is proposed that elevated [CO 3 2− ] F concentrations in groundwaters can result in enhanced dissolved Nd concentrations. The analogous chemical behavior of the trivalent REEs, especially Nd 3+ , and the trivalent actinide series elements (Am 3+ , Cm 3+ , Cf 3+ ), suggests that these actinides will be primarily inorganically complexed with CO 3 2− in the local groundwaters and that elevated [CO 3 2− ] F concentrations may increase the ability of these groundwaters to solubilize and transport these actinides.
The topological configuration of a real algebraic curve

This paper presents an algorithm, motivated by Morse Theory, for the topological configuration of the components of a real algebraic curve {f(x, y) = 0}. The running time of the algorithm is O(n12 (d + log n)2 log n), where n, d are the degree and maximum coefficient size of f(x, y).
Modulation of Oxidant Stress In Vivo in Chronic Cigarette Smokers

Background Free radical–induced oxidative damage is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with cigarette smoking. We examined the production of 8-epi-prostaglandin (PG) F2α, a stable product of lipid peroxidation in vivo, and its modulation by aspirin and antioxidant vitamins in chronic cigarette smokers. Methods and Results We performed the following studies: (1) a cross-sectional comparison of smokers and control subjects, (2) an examination of the dose-response relationship, (3) an exploration of the effect of smoking cessation (3 weeks) and nicotine patch supplementation, (4) the effect of aspirin consumption, and (5) the effects of 5 days’ dosing with vitamin E (100 and 800 U), vitamin C (2 g), and their combination. 8-epi-PGF2α excretion (in pmol/mmol, mean±SEM) was 176.5±30.6 in heavy smokers, 92.7±4.8 (P<.05) in moderate smokers, and 54.1±2.7 (P<.005) in nonsmokers. Urinary levels fell from 145.5±24.9 to 114.6±27.1 (week 2, P<.05) and 112.6±24.9 (week 3, P<.05) on cessa...
Structural and Kinetic Effects on Changes in the CO2 Binding Pocket of Human Carbonic Anhydrase II

This work examines the effect of perturbing the position of bound CO2 in the active site of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) on catalysis. Variants of HCA II in which Val143 was replaced with hydrophobic residues Ile, Leu, and Ala were examined. The efficiency of catalysis in the hydration of CO2 for these variants was characterized by 18O exchange mass spectrometry, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography at 1.7–1.5 A resolution. The most hydrophobic substitutions, V143I and V143L, showed decreases in the level of catalysis, as much as 20-fold, while the replacement by the smaller V143A mutation showed an only moderate 2-fold decrease in activity. Structural data for all three variants show no significant change in the overall position of amino acid side chains in the active site compared with the wild type. However, V143A HCA II showed additional ordered water molecules in the active site compared to the number for the wild type. To further investigate the decrease in the catal...
The Ideological Import of Newton

Considering Newton and the Enlightenment, the standard topic as I understand it is the contribution of Newton’s specific achievement to the culture of his times and the following generations, known as the Age of Reason, or the Enlightenment. It is not clear what characterizes that age, nor even how the avant garde thinkers of that age saw themselves. But, to begin with at least, we can take the central thesis of Immanuel Kant’s Was ist Aufklarung? Kant says Enlightenment is two things: the autonomy of the individual and rational thinking. The recognition that each individual is responsible for himself and that thinking is the major factor in human affairs leads to the immediate corollary that every individual person must be his own light. Hence, science as a specialism is impossible since the specialist, however, clever and intelligent and learned, cannot have authority over anyone but himself. Thus, rather than having the universal man as the image of the age, as Leonardo and Michelangelo still are the images of the Age of Humanism, the Age of Reason has as its models or symbols of the age, people like Franklin, Priestley, Lavoisier, Boscovich and even Voltaire. In a later age a joke was invented about Euler’s poking fun at Diderot’s ignorance of mathematics. This joke has provoked historians of ideas to show that Diderot was a mathematician; and everyone who knows D’Alembert’s preface to the Encyclopedia knows that he was a rounded man too.
Exploring hot and baryon-dense matter with nucleus–nucleus collisions

The interest in hot and baryon-dense matter has recently intensified because of the prospects for exploring this phase region by a downgraded RHIC and the future FAIR. The baryon excess, the spatial irregularity of the system and its rapid evolution, and particularly the presence of a phase transition, pose interesting theoretical challenges that must be addressed in the development of the transport models required for the planning and interpretation of the experiments.
Seprafilm-induced peritoneal inflammation: a previously unknown complication. Report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Various substances and agents have been evaluated to prevent postoperative adhesion formation. Recently a sodium hyaluronate-based bioresorbable membrane was introduced with promising clinical results. Its application was regarded as safe and efficient. METHODS: We present the first reported case of a severe inflammatory reaction to a bioresorbable membrane and give a review of the related literature. CONCLUSION: Bioresorbable membranes are increasingly used by general surgeons and gynecologists to reduce postoperative adhesion formation. Bioresorbable membranes may produce extensive inflammatory reactions.
Slit-ventricle syndrome secondary to shunt-induced suture ossification.

OBJECTIVE: To report five children with slit-ventricle syndrome who were found to have increased intracranial pressure despite functioning cerebrospinal fluid shunts. METHODS: Computed tomographic scans demonstrated erosion of the inner table of the cranium and sclerosis of the cranial sutures, particularly the coronal suture. Magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated no cerebrospinal fluid over the convexities. The patients were treated with cranial expansion operations that included removal of the sclerotic sutures, which were examined histologically. RESULTS: Postoperatively, symptoms resolved for all children. Sutures were abnormal and contained foci of cartilage and bone within abnormally arranged fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: We postulate that chronic overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid via shunts dampens the normal cerebral pressure waves; growth of the calvarium is thus understimulated, and this leads to ossification of the sutures, which become unable to expand to allow normal brain growth. Shunt-induced craniostenosis should be considered for children with symptoms of slit-ventricle syndrome for whom shunts are functional but intracranial pressure is increased. Cranial expansion operations may be more appropriate treatments than subtemporal decompressions for such children, given the diffuseness of the suture pathological features.
Anomalies in the guanosine polyphosphate metabolism: effect of the hisU mutation.

The hisU1820 mutant (TA799) of Salmonella, typhimurium shows a substantial increase in the levels of ppGpp (MSI) and of pppGpp (MSII) during several types of metabolic shifts. Noticeable amounts of ppGp (MSIII) are also present post-carbon/energy source downshifts and temperature up-shifts. The increased levels of these guanosine polyphosphates were observed despite the absence of the expected reduction in RNA synthesis upon a nutritional downshift. We, therefore, suggest that the hisU mutation causes an increase in the accumulation of MSI and MSII; and that ppGpp alone is not sufficient to promote restriction of RNA synthesis during a nutritional transition.
Serial measurements of GFR in infants using the continuous iothalamate infusion technique

Serial measurements of GFR in infants using the continuous iothalamate infusion technique. We undertook a preliminary study to determine if a clinical trial was feasible that would compare the effect of a low protein vs a control formula on GFR and growth in infants with congenital renal insufficiency (CIo
An optimal solution to a dock door assignment problem

This paper addresses issues at the shipping/receiving dock of a shipping company, where trucks arrive from vendors to have their shipments unloaded, sorted, and reloaded onto trucks going to the customers. The assignment of dock doors to incoming and outgoing trucks determines the efficiency of the dock operation. A bilinear programming model is proposed to solve the assignment problem.
METABOLISM OF MONOIODOTYROSINE

The metabolic pathway of monoiodotyrosine in rat kidney and liver was studied by means of paper chromatography using I131-labeled monoiodotyrosine (MIT) and its pyruvic acid (MPP) andacetic acid (MPA) derivatives. In the experiments with liver or kidney slices, MIT was rapidly metabolized into inorganic iodide, MPP, MPA, and several unknown compounds. The conversion of MIT to inorganic iodide was inactivated by grinding or heating the tissues, and by arsenitc. On the otherhand, MPP itself was more rapidly metabolized than MIT, but MPP was less easily converted to MPA and inorganic iodide. Also, liver and kidney slices showed less activity in converting MPA to otheriodinated compounds. It seems unlikely that preliminary deamination of MIT to MPP is important forthe subsequent deiodination of MIT or of its metabolites in rat kidney and liver slices.