cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Essiac and Flor-Essence herbal tonics stimulate the in vitro growth of human breast cancer cells.

People diagnosed with cancer often self-administer complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) to supplement their conventional treatments, improve health, or prevent recurrence. Flor-Essence® and Essiac® Herbal Tonics are commercially available complex mixtures of herbal extracts sold as dietary supplements and used by cancer patients based on anecdotal evidence that they can treat or prevent disease. In this study, we evaluated Flor-Essence® and Essiac® for their effects on the growth of human tumor cells in culture. The effect of Flor-Essence® and Essiac® herbal tonics on cell proliferation was tested in MCF-7, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-231, and T47D cancer cells isolated from human breast tumors. Estrogen receptor (ER) dependent activation of a luciferase reporter construct was tested in MCF-7 cells. Specific binding to the ER was tested using an ICI 182,780 competition assay. Flor-Essence® and Essiac® herbal tonics at 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% stimulated cell proliferation relative to untreated controls in both estrogen receptor positive (MCF-7 and T47D) and estrogen receptor negative (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436) cell lines. Exposure to the tonics also produced a dose-dependent increase in ER dependent luciferase activity in MCF-7 cells. A 10−7 M concentration of ICI 182,780 inhibited the induction of ER dependent luciferase activity by Flor-Essence® and Essiac®, but did not affect cell proliferation. Flor-Essence® and Essiac® Herbal Tonics can stimulate the growth of human breast cancer cells through ER mediated as well as ER independent mechanisms of action.
Changes in Mortality After Massachusetts Health Care Reform: A Quasi-experimental Study

The Massachusetts 2006 health care reform has been called a model for the Affordable Care Act. The law attained near-universal insurance coverage and increased access to care. Its effect on population health is less clear. This study compares mortality rates before and after reform in Massachusetts versus a control group with similar demographics and economic conditions. The results show that reform in Massachusetts was associated with a significant decrease in all-cause mortality and mortality for conditions amenable as compared with the control group. Changes were larger in counties with lower household incomes and higher pre-reform uninsured rates.
Repeated elicitation of the blood pressure response

Task-elicited blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR) responses were reliably and persistently elicited during the five 5-min trials for two consecutive daily sessions. BP response magnitude declined slightly over trials for both sessions. This diminution in magnitude was due, however, to a gradual rise in baseline levels. In general, examination of trial-by-trial data and of the between-session correlations for baseline and response magnitude values suggests that task-elicited BP and HR responses, and, to a lesser extent, RR responses, constitute a highly stable system that changes slowly, if at all, with practice.
Towards High-Speed Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscope

Recently, near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and its variations, which combine the scanning probe technology with optical microscopy, have been intensively applied in the study of biology, material science, surface chemistry, information storage, and nanofabrication. However, due to the serial scanning nature, the speed at which NSOM can successively records highly resolved images is rather limited. This hampers the applications of NSOM in characterizing dynamic response of particular samples. In this article, we perform systematic investigation of NSOM system parameters, which include scan rate, signal detector amplification, and illumination intensity. In this work, a model of signal flow for the NSOM system has been established to quantitatively investigate the interplay of the key process parameters and to further explore the technique solutions for high-speed NSOM imaging. The model is in good agreement with experimental results and the optimized conditions for high speed NSOM imaging are suggested.© 2004 ASME
Age-related alterations of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in male Fischer 344 rats

Aging is frequently associated with changes in physiological and cognitive processes. Among these changes is a distinct dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the current experiments, aspects of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function were compared in young (3- to 4-month-old) and aged (Zl- to 24-month-old) Fisher 344/N male rats. Basal ACTH and corticosterone levels during the circadian trough were elevated in aged compared to young rats. During the evening peak of the circadian cycle, plasma ACTH levels in the young and aged rats were comparable; however, aged rats had significantly lower corticosterone levels than young rats. Stimulus-induced secretion of pituitary-adrenal hormones was attenuated in aged rats. The ACTH response to hemorrhage in the aged group was only 45 + 3% of the hemorrhage response in young rats. Pituitary responsiveness to an iv CRF challenge was 58 f 6% of that in the young population. These changes were associated with a 38 + 5% loss of anterior pituitary CRF receptor number in the aged population. Changes in the hypothalamic regulation of pituitary-adrenal function were also evident in the aged rats. Hypophysial-portal blood concentrations of CRF were significantly greater in aged (56 + 6 PM) compared to young rats (37 + 4 PM; P C 0.02, by two-tailed unpaired t test; n = 8/group), whereas portal levels of arginine vasopressin were significantly reduced in aged (0.56 + 0.01 nM) compared to young rats (0.89 + 0.01 nM; P < 0.01, by two-tailed unpaired t test; mean + SEM; n = 8/group). Portal CRF responses to hemorrhage were significantly (P < 0.01) greater in aged rats, whereas hemorrhage-stimulated increases in portal AVP levels were significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in the aged group compared to those in the young rats. Finally, regional assay of CRF content demonstrated significant reductions in the median eminence and frontal cortex of aged rats compared to young rats, whereas in situ hybridization analysis failed to reveal age-related differences in paraventricular CRF mRNA levels. Overall, these observations are consonant with the hypothesis that senescence is associated with hypothalamic CRF hypersecretion and a consequent down-regulation of corticotrope CRF receptor.
The natural history of peripheral neuropathy in primary systemic amyloidosis

The records of 31 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis and peripheral neuropathy seen during a 17-year period were analyzed to define the natural history of the neuropathy. Patients tended to be older men with a painful, distal, symmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy and prominent autonomic features. Loss of pain and temperature sensation was frequently more striking than loss of mechanoreception. Renal, cardiac, hematological, and gastrointestinal dysfunction often overshadowed the neuropathy. Clinical, neurophysiological, and histopathological studies pointed to axonal degeneration with predominant but not exclusive involvement of small myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. The neuropathy was progressive in all patients with or without treatment, but death was typically due to supervening medical complications.
Aortic Valve Sclerosis and Clinical Outcomes: Moving Toward a Definition

The presence of aortic valve sclerosis has been suggested as a marker of increased cardiovascular risk, including increased mortality. However, it remains unclear whether aortic valve sclerosis is independently associated with risk or merely a marker of coexistent cardiovascular risk factors. Aortic valve sclerosis is usually diagnosed on transthoracic echocardiography, the most widely used imaging modality in observational and natural history studies of aortic valve disease. Defining aortic valve sclerosis has remained challenging due to the variable and qualitative nature of its description by ultrasound techniques. Importantly, artifacts common to ultrasound imaging and awareness of demographic and clinical history information may bias the diagnosis of aortic valve sclerosis. Because clinicians may alter treatment recommendations or follow-up based on echocardiographic reporting of aortic valve sclerosis, highlighting pitfalls of the subjective nature by which aortic valve sclerosis is identified and establishing diagnostic criteria are necessary. This review describes the diagnostic criteria for aortic valve sclerosis used in outcome studies, summarizes the epidemiological findings reporting the relationship between aortic valve sclerosis and clinical outcome, and proposes a definition of aortic valve sclerosis based on the literature.
Fresh Osteochondral Allografting for Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Condyles

Background Osteonecrosis is a complication of corticosteroid therapy with limited treatment options in young, active patients. These options include debridement, core decompression, osteotomy, allografting, and partial or total knee replacement. Few studies exist regarding the use of osteochondral allografts for treatment of steroid-associated osteonecrosis.
Persistent expression of ia-antigen on a subpopulation of murine resident peritoneal macrophages.

The stability of Ia-antigen expression on murine resident peritoneal macrophages was assessed during the course of in vitro culture. Contrary to published findings with radioimmunoassays and immunofluorescence assays, the cultured cells bore Ia-antigen, as shown by their rosetting with sheep erythrocytes coupled with anti-Ia.2 monoclonal antibody. In support of this finding, cultured cells presented the copolymer of glutamine, alanine, and tyrosine (GAT) to GAT-primed T lymphocytes in an Ia-dependent manner. Thus, functional Ia antigen is present on cultured macrophages. Disappearance of the antigen after fixation of macrophages with either glutaraldehyde or paraformaldehyde, a routine procedure in the radioimmunoassays and immunofluorescence assays, explains its presumed absence on cultured cells.
The effects of a content requirement on a foreign duopsonist

Abstract This paper considers the operation of a local content requirement in a duopsony between domestic and foreign firms and demonstrates its consequences for the domestic producer of a final good. It is shown that content protection may have perverse effects on a foreign firm's profits and may be welfare-improving overall, shifting profits from the domestic firm to both the foreign firm and domestic input producers.
Activities of Pentose Shunt and Glycolytic Enzymes in Lungs of Ozone-Exposed Rats

After seven days of exposure of rats to 0.8 ppm ozone, the activities of pentose shunt and glycolytic enzymes of the lungs were significantly increased, α-Tocopherol partially retarded the elevation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-P-GD), and malic enzyme, but not of others. In a separate exposure of rats to 0.75 ppm ozone, the activities of glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, GSH reductase, G-6-PD, 6-P-GD, and pyruvate kinase decreased initially and then increased above their respective controls. The results can be partially attributed to increased needs of reductive detoxification of lipid peroxide. Increased activities may be related to the development of adaptation by the animals.
Unbiased goodness-of-fit tests

Abstract Familiar distribution-free goodness-of-fit tests like the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test are all biased tests. In this paper, we show how to compute the bias of any distribution-free goodness-of-fit test that corresponds to a distribution-free confidence band for the cumulative distribution function (CDF). The bias of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test turns out to be smaller than the biases of other distribution-free goodness-of-fit tests. We also develop a method for obtaining unbiased goodness-of-fit tests, which can then be inverted to obtain unbiased confidence bands for the CDF. Interestingly, only a discrete set of levels are available for the unbiased tests. Our power comparisons show that while removing bias improves the power of a test at some alternatives, it does not improve the overall power properties of the test.
Fear of Paternal Competition: A Factor in Vocational Choice

Pressures for achievement begin very early in a child's education. One pressure that can lead to poor vocational choices or even failure is the expectation that the child will surpass his parents. In college this pressure may cause a fear of parental competition which can interfere with academic progress and distort vocational planning. The forms in which this fear may manifest itself are described and illustrated through case histories, and some group procedures that may serve as a partial remedy are discussed.
Sleep apnea-associated hypertension and reversible left ventricular hypertrophy

Children with sleep apnea syndrome may have persistent marked elevation of systemic blood pressure, 1,2 which is potentially reversible in adolescents 3 and adults 4' s when the underlying apnea is effectively treated. The occurrence and potential reversibility of marked left ventricular hypertrophy associated with this secondary form of hypertension has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported: We report two siblings with significant hemodynamic complications of this syndrome. CASE REPORTS Patient 1. This black male patient was first seen at age 2 years because of severe respiratory distress after a 5-day history of cough and congestion. In the emergency room, he was unresponsive, with perioral cyanosis and poor air exchange. His weight (22.7 kg) was >95th percentile for age, and height was 86 cm (30th percentile for age). His initial blood pressure was 155/78 (>90th percentile for age and sex), but increased to a maximum of 200/130 within 12 hours. This was controlled initially with nitroprusside intravenously, then captopril and chlorothiazide orally. During this hospitalization, he required prolonged ventiiatory support, bronchodilati0n, and therapy for hypertension and heart failure. The chest radiograph showed cardiomegaly, and M-mode echocardiogram showed a large left ventricular diameter (4.2 cm), increased mass (49 g), and elevated right (0.52) and left (0.44) ventricular systolic time interval ratios. Measurements of the left ventricular posterior wall (0.6 cm) and septum (0.6 cm) were slightly increased for age and height. 6 A morning serum cortisol concentration was normal, as were results of thyroid function studies, serum lipid values, and bone age. He was eventually discharged with a diagnosis of severe bronchospasm leading to respiratory failure and congestive heart failure. For blood pressure control, captopril and chlorothiazide were pr escribed, with a 1200-calorie diet and sodium intake restriction. With this regimen, serial blood pressure measurements were normal (106/60 supine) for age and sex. Other medications included metaproterenol and phenobarbital.
The synthesis of a radiolabeled photoaffinity analog of 1,25-dihyroxyvitamin D3

Abstract The synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-3β-[N-(4-azido-2-nitro-[2,6-3H]phenyl)]glycinate, a radiolabeled photoaffinity analog of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is described.
Protein synthesis by amoebal ribosomes.

ALTHOUGH some of the first observations localizing the site of protein biosynthesis to microsomes were made with Tetrahymena1, interest in protozoa has generally been overshadowed by that shown for bacteria, yeast or rat liver, as appropriate cells in which to study the mechanisms of protein synthesis. None the less, the possibilities of variation in the organization of polysomes or in genetic code assignments make these organisms of prime interest. The availability of axenic cultures of Entamoeba histolytica2, an important pathogen for man (amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscess), prompted us to study the polyribosomes of this organism. At present, only the trophozoite can be cultivated axenically.
Major contributors to inorganic arsenic intake in southeastern Michigan.

Abstract Accurate estimates of inorganic arsenic intake are critical for evaluating potential health risks. Intake estimates have not been critically examined in regions of the United States where people are at risk from arsenic concentrations in drinking water exceeding the maximum contaminant limit of 10 μg/l. In southeastern Michigan, approximately 8% of the population is exposed to arsenic in drinking water >10 μg/l. Four hundred and forty participants of a control group in this region, frequency matched to cases in a population-based bladder cancer case-control study, answered a questionnaire about water and food consumption and smoking history. Water samples were collected from participants’ current residences and analyzed for arsenic. Water arsenic data were combined with questionnaire data and published data of inorganic arsenic concentrations in select foods and cigarettes to examine the influence of arsenic in water at home, at work, and at other places, as well as inorganic arsenic intake from food and cigarettes. Monte Carlo simulations and analyses of individual-level intake estimates were conducted to quantify the variability attributed to different parameters in this primarily elderly white male population of southeastern Michigan. The 95th percentile of total inorganic arsenic intake ranges from 11 to 24 μg/day, depending on the intake metric selected. Results indicate that arsenic in home drinking water is the largest source of inorganic arsenic, accounting for 55.1% of the variance in the intake estimates. Food intake explains 37.3% of the variance, with rice being the largest contributor. In the upper decile of intake, consumption of plain water and beverages made with water at home, and ingestion of arsenic in water at work, also contribute to intake estimates. Water used for cooking and arsenic from smoking, however, only minimally alter the intake estimates. This is due to a relatively small volume of water absorbed into cooked foods and low concentrations of arsenic in cigarettes. Results from this study will assist investigators in better characterizing exposure to inorganic arsenic.
Physiologic variations of serum testosterone within the normal range do not affect serum prostate-specific antigen

Abstract Objectives To determine the relationship between endogenous total serum testosterone levels and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations. If a correlation exists between these two parameters, then use of testosterone-specific reference ranges may enhance the utility of PSA as a marker for prostate cancer. Methods. Data were obtained from 150 men without previous history of prostate cancer. PSA was measured by the Abbott IMX microparticle enzyme immunoassay and total testosterone determined by the CoatA-Count radioimmunoassay. Results No correlation was found between testosterone and PSA, even when corrected for age and weight. Conclusions. The data suggest that determination of the total serum testosterone level does not improve the sensitivity or specificity of PSA as a tumor marker.
A note regarding the relation of the equilibrium surface area to the volume production rate of an aerosol

Abstract An empirical relationship between the aerosol volume production rate and the apparent equilibrium surface area has been cited in several contexts in the literature with no attempt made to determine its physical basis. This paper demonstrates that the observed relationship can be arrived at from geometrical considerations alone. It is therefore concluded that the relationship provides no new insights into mechanisms governing aerosol processes.
Rating pictorial expressions of a schizophrenic

Abstract We selected for intensive study the graphic representations of an 18 year old schizophrenic, one in a group of state hospital patients participating in art therapy. This young man was in the program for twenty-five months, during which time his work was evaluated bimonthly, using a scale devised by the three authors to assess regressive expression. The therapeutic arrangements supporting his adjustment in the community and his inhospital stays during this period are described, as well as some background information from his earlier life. The scale, named “Pictorial Regression Scale for Adults” (PRSA) was constructed to measure 18 paired categories of assessment within the formal components of content, form, and style, for the purpose of assessing regressive expression in pictures executed by patients. This scale was used to rate the pictures produced by the schizophrenic subject chosen. Observations of the patient's pictures disclosed that during times of emotional and social adjustment, he retained his ability to incorporate the fantasies of his psychotic periods into his drawings. This indicates that psychotic ideation may persist in pictorial expression indefinitely, after a patient has achieved a favorable emotional and social adjustment. We also found that those featues that determine the style usually found in the pictures of an adjusted adult did not remain constant in the pictures of the patient studied, but could be profoundly altered by marked changes in his emotional state. periodic analyses of pictures done by a schizophrenic in therapy, as exemplified in this report represent an under-utilized yet promising approach to the study of the qualities of change over time in the resolution of psychotic thought.
Spectroscopic evidence for pressure-induced coordination changes in silicate glasses and melts.

Infrared spectra demonstrate that at pressures above 20 gigapascals and room temperature the regular tetrahedral coordination of oxygen around both silicon and aluminum ions is severely disrupted in SiO2, CaMgSi2O6, and CaAlSi2O8 composition glasses. The spectra are consistent with gradual, pressure-induced increases in the coordination numbers of silicon and aluminum. A variety of coordination environments, from sixfold to fourfold, appears to be present at pressures as high as about 40 gigapascals. This apparent change in coordination is not quenchable at room temperature: on decompression, the glasses return to tetrahedral coordination. This continuous and reversible coordination change in amorphous silicates explains the lack of observation of coordination changes in silicate glasses quenched from high pressure, the shallow melting slopes observed for mantle silicates at high pressures, and the possible presence of neutrally buoyant magmas deep within the terrestrial planets.
The effect of a high mobility group protein (HMG 17) on the structure of acetylated and control core HeLa cell chromatin.

The effect of binding a high mobility group protein (HMG 17) on the stability and conformation of acetylated and control HeLa high molecular weight core chromatin (stripped of H1 and non-histone chromosomal proteins) was studied by circular dichroism and thermal-denaturation measurements. Previously it had been shown that conformational differences exist between native whole chromatin derived from butyrate-treated (acetylated) and control HeLa cells and that these conformational differences disappear by removing H1 and non-histone chromosomal proteins ( Reczek , P.R., Weissman , D., Huvos , P.E. and Fasman, G.D. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 993-1002). The circular dichroism spectra and the thermal denaturation profiles of control and acetylated core chromatin were found to be similar. The circular dichroism properties of HMG 17 reconstituted highly acetylated and control core chromatin indicated the same alteration of chromatin structure at low ionic strength (1 mM sodium phosphate/0.25 mM EDTA, pH 7.0). The magnitudes of the decrease in ellipticity were proportional to the amount of HMG 17 bound and were found to be the same for both the acetylated and control core chromatin. Thermal denaturation profiles confirmed this change in structure induced by HMG 17 on control and highly acetylated core chromatin. The thermal denaturation profiles, which were resolved into three component transitions, exhibited a shifting of hyperchromicity from the lower melting transitions to the higher melting transitions, with a concomitant rise in Tm, on HMG 17 binding to both control and acetylated chromatin. The natures of the interactions of HMG 17 at higher ionic strength (50 mM NaCl/0.25 mM EDTA/1 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0) with acetylated and control core chromatin were slightly different, as measured by circular dichroism; however, a decrease in ellipticity was observed for both samples upon binding of HMG 17. These observations suggest that acetylation coupled with HMG 17 binding to core chromatin does not loosen chromatin structure. HMG 17 binding to control and acetylated core chromatin produces an overall stabilization and compaction of chromatin structure.
Matrix algebras with Multiplicative Decomposition Property

We consider the Multiplicative Decomposition Property (the multiplicative analogue of the Riesz Decomposition Property) for entry-wise ordered matrix algebras over the reals. We characterize for which matrix pairs such a decomposition exists and use this result to present necessary and sufficient conditions for a matrix algebra to enjoy the decomposition property by all its positive matrix pairs. Thus we describe all matrix algebras with the decomposition property.
Interação genótipo x ambiente e estabilidade fenotípica de cana-de-açúcar em ciclo de cana de ano

The recommendation of sugarcane varieties that show superior performance in different locations is a challenge for breeders and crop managers due to the response of genotypes across environments. Researches on the stability of sugarcane genotypes under a twelve-months planting cycle are scarce. The objectives of this work were to assess the magnitude of the genotype x environment interaction and identify stable genotypes under this cycle. Phenotypic stability was estimated by two methods of analysis, linear regression coefficient and coefficient of variation. Ten genotypes and two control varieties were evaluated for stalk height, stalk diameter, stalk number per meter, pol% cane and yield of cane and sugar in three locations during the years 2004 and 2005. The results showed that there was genotype x environment interaction for stalk diameter, number of stalk and yield of cane and sugar, indicating that genotypes ranked differently at individual location. Number of stalk per meter was the biometric attribute more affected by the genotype x environment interaction. The genotypes IAC87-3396, IAC91-1099 and IACSP94-4004 can be recommended for planting under a twelve months cycle at Jau, Piracicaba and Sao Joao da Boa Vista regions of Sao Paulo State, Brazil.
Flow-dependance of extravascular thermal volume as an index of pulmonary edema

Using a double indicator (dye and heat) dilution technique of extravascular lung water measurement, we examined the effect of a reduction in cardiac output and positive pressures on the extravascular thermal volume (EVTV) in dogs. Following baseline EVTV measurements, cardiac output was lowered by inflation of balloons in the superior and inferior vena cavas, as well as by bleeding, and positive pressures were applied to the airways. There was good agreement between the baseline EVTV and post-mortem lung water; however, as the cardiac output was lowered there was a reduction in the measured EVTV. In other animals following application of positive airway pressure there was a decrease in the EVTV which appeared to be related to the reduction in cardiac output caused by positive airway pressure. At least in part, loss of thermal indicator appeared to explain the reduction in EVTV. Measurement of EVTV as an index of pulmonary edema may not be accurate in the face of a changing cardiac output.
The Story of Diagnostic Related Groups

1. Today's method of reimbursement has an immediate and significant effect on the services hospitals provide. The present Prospective Payment System, however, presently does not address the issues associated with capital equipment or the introduction of new technologies or procedures. 2. After a generation of emphasis on access to and quality of care, present legislation emphasizes cost containment. 3. Further definition and modification of the PPS reimbursement progrm is expected, with all segment of the health care delivery network affected.
Aggregation kinetics of low density lipoproteins upon exposure to sphingomyelinase

The response-to-retention hypothesis in atherosclerosis states that subendothelial retention of cholesterol-rich, atherogenic lipoproteins is the central pathogenic event that is both necessary and sufficient to provoke lesion initiation in an otherwise normal artery. Sphingomyelinase-induced aggregation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) is known to facilitate LDL retention, and the only available measurements of LDL aggregates suggest LDL aggregate size is approximately 100 nm. This study investigates the hypothesis that LDL aggregate size is determined by the relative rates of sphingomyelinase hydrolysis and LDL collisions. Using a combination of dynamic light scattering and UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy to measure aggregation kinetics and particle sizes, a mass action model was developed to describe the aggregation process. It is found that LDL aggregation is sensitive to the relative amounts of sphingomyelinase and LDL and to pH. Model rate parameters were fit to experimental data in vitro and used to predict LDL aggregate sizes in vivo. The value of 100 nm in vivo does not appear to be fixed; rather, it is the value expected for the prevailing enzyme-to-LDL molar ratio.
BM-derived stem cells for the treatment of nonhematopoietic diseases.

Correspondence to : DS Krause, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Introduction Recent exciting discoveries regarding the developmental potential of embryonic and postnatal stem cells have stirred our imaginations to consider how these cells may be used to treat human disease. BM stem cells are already used to restore hematopoietic function after myeloablative chemotherapy and/or irradiation for certain cancers, hematopoietic diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Although we can be certain that BM-derived stem cells will be used to treat nonhematopoietic diseases in the future, the timeframe in which this will occur cannot be predicted. Currently, the diseases that appear to be most amenable to treatment with BM-derived stem cells are acute liver failure and acute myocardial ischemia, and these may be amongst the first nonhematopoietic diseases to be treated successfully with stem cell therapy. The ‘promise’ of stem cells is that they will be of therapeutic use for a wide range of human disease. However, the specific uses for these cells will probably vary, based on the diseases and disorders to be treated — only the future will tell.
Admittance-based damage detection method using a higher-order circuit

An admittance-based damage detection method with a higher-order circuit is proposed and investigated in this paper, in order to increase the damage detection sensitivity. The change of the stiffness in the structure due to the damages can be detected by measuring the admittance from the piezoelectric transducer adhered on the host structure. It is known that an inductive circuitry of an R-L-in-series branch serially connected with the piezoelectric transducer can introduce an additional resonance to the mechanical system. With the piezoelectric capacitance, it is a second-order circuit system with two resonances. In this research, based on the electrical-mechanical analogy, a higher-order circuit is designed to improve the damage detection capability, i.e., increasing the admittance magnitude and the admittance sensitivity magnitude. Theoretical analyses and simulations are carried out. The results show that the admittance magnitude and the admittance sensitivity are both significantly increased by using the higher-order circuit when comparing with the second-order circuit, both without electrical damping.
Treatment of metal-chloride-enriched wastewater by simulated constructed wetlands.

The ability of surface flow and subsurface flow simulated wetlands to remove heavy metals from a NaCI-enriched wastewater was examined, employing bulrush (Scirpus validus) and cattail (Typha angustifolia) plants, and two organically amended substrates (mixtures of mushroom compost and leaf litter,with topsoil) with a limestone liner. A simulated wastewater solution containing Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn as chloride salts was added to the wetlands at a rate of 0.3 l h−1. During 12 weeks of surface flow, Fe was retained most efficiently (74%), and Mn the least (24%). Most metal retention occurred in residual forms, primarily in the upper 5 cm of the substrate. A subsequent 10 week subsurface flow treatment exhibited greater removal efficiencies for all metals, probably due to increased contact with the highly buffered lower substrate. During both treatments, bioaccumulation occurred in plants, but accounted for a very small portion of the total metal removal. Plant species did not significantly influence wetland performance with respect to metal retention. Substrate type did not affect removal efficiency for most metals, but did influence the forms of the metals retained in the wetland.
On Fatigue Strength Reduction Factor: State of the Art

Numerous theoretical models have been developed to predict the fatigue strength reduction factor (also known as fatigue notch factor), an important parameter in fatigue life prediction of notched components. These models include: the classical average stress method, the fracture mechanics method, the stress field intensity method, the strain energy method, and the weakest link method. However, most of these methods do not incorporate explicit sensitivity to materials microstructure. Accordingly, notch sensitivity remains a highly empirical subject in spite of significant advances in microstructure-sensitive modeling. This paper gives a detailed literature review of these methods and addresses their limitations. It also discusses a recently developed probabilistic method for microstructure-sensitive fatigue notch factor. The probabilistic method provides a very strong physical basis for fatigue strength reduction and associated notch sensitivity; thus it can be used to determine the effect of notches on reduction of fatigue resistance in a way that directly incorporates microstructure. The results obtained using the new probabilistic framework and other conventional methods are compared with experimental data for notched components. The probabilistic framework gives better correlation with experimental results for the notch sensitivity and notch size effect than the conventional approaches including the Neuber’s, the Peterson, and the fracture mechanics methods.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Canadian Arctic glacier melt is accelerating and irreversible

Ongoing glacier loss in the Canadian high Arctic is accelerating and probably irreversible, new model projections by Lenaerts et al. suggest. The Canadian high Arctic is home to the largest clustering of glacier ice outside of Greenland and Antarctica—146,000 square kilometers of glacier ice spread across 36,000 islands. In the past few years, the mass of the glaciers in the Canadian Arctic archipelago has begun to plummet. Observations from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites suggest that from 2004 to 2011 the region's glaciers shed approximately 580 gigatons of ice. Aside from glacier calving, which plays only a small role in Canadian glacier mass loss, the drop is due largely to a shift in the surface mass balance, with warming-induced meltwater runoff outpacing the accumulation of new snowfall.
Synthesis of amido-spiro[2.2]pentanes via Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation of allenamides.

A detailed account of Simmons–Smith cyclopropanations of allenamides en route to amido-spiro[2.2]pentanes is described here. While the diastereoselectivity was low when using unsubstituted allenamides, the reaction is overall efficient and general, representing the most direct synthesis of both chemically and biologically interesting amido-spiro[2.2]pentane systems. With α-substituted allenamides, while the diastereoselectivity could be improved significantly based on a series of conformational analyses, both mono- and bis-cyclopropanation products were observed. Consequently, several structurally intriguing amido-methylene cyclopropanes could also be prepared.
Synthesis of indaphyrins: meso-tetraarylsecochlorin-based porphyrinoids containing direct o-phenyl-to-β-linkages

The synthesis of indaphyrins, novel meso-tetraarylsecochlorin-derived chromophores incorporating o-phenyl-to-β-linkages, is described. Oxidative diol cleavage of meso-tetraaryl-2,3-dihydroxy-2,3-chlorins results in the formation of a secochlorin bisaldehyde. Depending on the reaction conditions during the ring cleavage reaction, one or two of the aldehyde groups react with the adjacent o-phenyl positions, leading to an intramolecular electrophilic aromatic substitution of the o-phenyl proton, and the establishment of a direct o-phenyl-to-β-linkage. The initially formed carbinol is spontaneously oxidized to the corresponding ketone. This modification forces the aryl groups into co-planarity with the macrocycle, allowing for interactions between the π-electrons of the aryl groups, the ketone linkage, and those of the chromophore, resulting in a significant electronic modulation of the porphyrinic π-system. The UV-vis spectroscopic properties of the free base, CuII, NiII, and ZnII indaphyrins are discussed.
Analysis of factors affecting luminescence decays: Concentration distribution of excited molecules in the reaction cell

Abstract An explicit method for calculating the spatial distribution of excited species in the reaction cell is presented. This method is used to analyze the relation between experimental conditions (excitation wavelength, ground state concentration, and laser intensity) and the observed luminescence decays (and the corresponding reaction kinetics) in both transient emission and transient absorption pulse laser photolysis experiments. Subsequently, the analysis was applied to the experimental conditions of previously extensively studied pyrene excimer formation in cyclohexane (J.B. Birks, Photophysics of Aromatic Molecules, Wiley-Interscience, London, 1970) and significantly different data were obtained in the redesigned experiment; the excimer formation and decay rate constants at 23.5 °C were found to be (4.77±0.04)×10 9 M −1 s −1 and (2.07±0.01)×10 7 s −1 , respectively. Most importantly, the excimer dissociation into a singlet excited pyrene and ground state pyrene was found to be negligible, which is an important result that crucially affects the data processing in many previous and current applications of excimer formation.
Expression of a cross reactive idiotype on the IgG2c subclass of rat anti-streptococcal carbohydrate antibody.

Eight inbred rat strains when hyperimmunized with Group A streptococcal vaccine (GASV) produced only low levels (0–1.7 mg/ml) of precipitating anti-streptococcal carbohydrate antibody (anti-SACHO). In contrast, partially inbred Sprague-Dawley-derived rats (HPR) produced in our laboratory make 5–36 mg/ml precipitating anti-SACHO. A high percentage of immunized animals possessed a crossreactive idiotype, Id-1. No correlation was found between Ag-B haplotype or light chain allotype and the expression of Id-1, or the magnitude of the anti-SACHO response in this or our previous studies. Of the animals examined, the total serum IgG2c increased approximately 93 times over that found in preimmune serum e.g. 0.3 mg/ml pre- to 28.0 mg/ml post-immunization. In contrast the total IgG2a and IgG2b and IgM increased ~ 1.7-, 3- and 7-fold, respectively. The hyperimmunoglobulinemia that remains in some immune sera after passage through an N-acetyl glucosamine-containing immunoadsorbant suggests that immunization with GASV induces considerable levels of low-affinity anti-SACHO and/or antibodies with non-SACHO specificities. Specifically purified precipitating IgG anti-SACHO from 6 inbred strains and HPR were almost totally of the IgG2c subclass. These data suggest that Id-1 is preferentially expressed on IgG2c anti-SACHO. Furthermore, a discussion of the possible reasons for the selective expression of Id-1 with IgG2c. is given.
Cobraiding of sensitive optical fiber sensor in 3D composite fiber network

Advanced developments in composite structures using innovative fiber architecture has stimulated interest in novel characterization methods for 3-D braided composite materials/structures. In this paper, a compatible technique suitable for 2-D and 3-D braided structures is presented. Several samples of smart structures were designed, fabricated and tested. Results show that the developed sensing technique is sensitive and applicable to complicated composite structures. In addition, the sensors can be incorporated into the structure during the braiding process, and can be used for in situ monitoring and feedback control of the process.
Expected applications of the Harris Solid State Compressive Recorder (SSCR) to multispectral space-based image processing

With both the increased importance of multispectral remote sensing from space-based platforms and the growth of observation data collected, new and innovative ways of collecting, processing, and storing data are becoming equally important. New collection systems are growing faster and larger which drives the need for quicker processing and greater storage capacities. To meet these needs Harris has designed and built the solid state compressive recorder (SSCR). The SSCR contains nineteen 32-bit rad-hard processors, a full duplex non-blocking cross-bar switch, and more than 2 GBytes of bulk memory. This system can perform onboard image processing and data reduction on multispectral, hyperspectral, or ultraspectral images and store the data in a format which suits the need of the end user. For optical remote sensing applications, the Harris SSCR exceeds the capability of any current fielded onboard processing system.
Severe isolated tricuspid insufficiency in coronary artery disease

We describe 3 patients who presented with severe cardiac disability as a result of tricuspid insufficiency, in the setting of severe coronary disease. Pertinent physical findings were signs of right heart failure, a tricuspid regurgitant murmur, and absence of left heart failure. Echocardiography and subsequent cardiac catheterization demonstrated significant tricuspid insufficiency, dilated right ventricle, impairment of right ventricular function, and preserved left ventricular function. Two patients were treated successfully with DeVega annuloplasty. Symptomatic tricuspid insufficiency can be seen in the setting of coronary artery disease and, when left ventricular function is well preserved, surgical correction is feasible.
Power from space

This is a concise review of possibilities and prospects for power generation in space for terrestrial use. Advantages of this approach to power production, the economic and technological obstacles to be overcome, various conceptual approaches, including solar photovoltaic, solar dynamic, nuclear, and the use of chemical energy, and recommendations for progress are summarized. In view of the rising demand for energy, and of the diminishing fuel and available terrestrial area, the use of space for power generation seems to be inevitable: (1) It allows highest energy conversion efficiency, provides the best heat sink, makes best use of solar energy, and relieves the Earth from the penalties of power generation. (2) Both the costs of launching payloads into space and those of energy transmission are declining. The major obstacle is the exorbitantly high cost, which under current conditions requires, for example, the reduction of space transportation costs about a hundredfold for competitiveness. Other issues also need to be resolved, some of general nature, such as environmental effects and security and legal aspects, and some system specific, such as safety of nuclear power plants, and the realization of higher energy conversion and transmission efficiencies. Generation of power in space for terrestrial use will require massive resources, strong international cooperation, and several decades. A staged approach, fortified by developing applications collateral with space power, such as space-to-space power beaming for powering satellites, power relaying by orbital microwave or laser beam reflectors, and orbital mirrors for extended periods of terrestrial illumination, is recommended.
Control of tacky deposits on paper machines – A review

SUMMARY: Wood-derived pitch and tacky materials of synthetic origin in recovered fiber streams often cause serious deposit problems on papermaking equipment. Ideally such materials would be completely removed in processes such as screening, cleaning, washing, or flotation de-inking. In practice, tacky materials that remain in the fiber furnish can build up within paper machine headboxes, forming fabrics, press sections, and dryer sections, reducing production efficiency. Product quality is likely to suffer, especially if deposited material ends up in the sheet. This review considers a variety of chemical additives that papermakers have used to combat deposit problems. The premise of this article is that knowledge of the chemistry and colloidal behavior of existing deposit-control agents can guide us in the selection, usage practices, and further development of strategies for the control of tacky deposits, especially in the case of pitch, adhesive-based stickies, and wax-like deposits.
Characteristics of the Gastric Mucosa in Patients With Intestinal Metaplasia

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) occurs in response to different injuries, some of which involve increased risk for gastric cancer, whereas others may not. The background in which IM arises has not been systematically investigated. This study was designed to determine the relative prevalence of the histopathologic conditions of the gastric mucosa associated with IM in a large cohort. We extracted from a database patients who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy with gastric biopsies between January 2008 and December 2013 in endoscopy centers throughout the United States. For each subject we recorded demographic, clinical, and histopathologic information. We stratified patients according to the presence of IM and compared the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, reactive gastropathy, minimal inflammatory and gastropathy changes, mucosal atrophy, gastric polyps, cancer, and lymphoma in the 2 groups. IM, present in 8.4% of the 810,821 unique patients, increased with age and was more common in male than in female individuals. Compared with other Americans, East Asian ancestry was associated with a 5-fold risk for IM. Helicobacter gastritis and its sequelae were present in 42.2% of patients with IM, and reactive gastropathy in 17.3%. In >50% of patients under the age of 30 and in 26% of older adults, foci of IM occurred in an almost normal gastric mucosa. Thus, approximately half of the patients with IM had no histopathologic evidence of current or previous Helicobacter gastritis, whereas almost one fifth had a background of reactive gastropathy. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the relative risk for gastric cancer in patients with IM associated and not with Helicobacter infection.