cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian tolerance interval control limits for attributes

The probability content of standard control limits for attributes can vary because distribution parameters that appear in the control limits are estimated based on previous data. This paper proposes using Bayesian tolerance interval control limits which control the probability content at a specified level with a given confidence. Bayesian tolerance interval control limits are developed for np, p, c and u charts and are illustrated with four examples from the literature. Moreover, Bayesian tolerance interval control limits can be used for processes at start-up. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resituating the Principle of Equipoise: Justice and Access to Care in Non-Ideal Conditions

The principle of equipoise traditionally is grounded in the special obligations of physician-investigators to provide research participants with op- timal care. This grounding makes the principle hard to apply in contexts with limited health resources, to research that is not directed by physicians, or to non- therapeutic research. I propose a different version of the principle of equipoise that does not depend upon an appeal to the Hippocratic duties of physicians and that is designed to be applicable within a wider range of research contexts and types—including health services research and research on social interventions. I consider three examples of ethically contentious research trials conducted in three different social settings. I argue that in each case my version of the principle of equipoise provides more plausible and helpful guidance than does the traditional version of the principle.
Cost-effectiveness of syringe exchange as an HIV prevention strategy.

Objective To analyze the cost-effectiveness of New York State-approved syringe exchange programs (SEPs) and estimate the cost-saving potential of these programs. Design and methods The cost-effectiveness analysis used cost and process data provided by seven SEPs for the calendar year 1996 or the most recent 12-month period available at the time of the study. Alternative estimates of the number of HIV infections prevented were calculated using published data and a simplified circulation model. HIV treatment costs were taken from the literature. Results A cost-effectiveness ratio of $20,947 per HIV infection averted was calculated based on an estimated 87 HIV infections averted across the seven programs and total program costs of $1.82 million (all amounts given in US dollars). Sensitivity analyses were also performed. Using imputed costs for donated services and estimates of lifetime costs to treat an HIV infection, syringe exchange was demonstrated to be a cost-saving strategy from a societal perspective. Conclusions This research demonstrates that syringe exchange is a cost-effective and cost-saving strategy for reducing HIV transmission.
A guinea-pig model of corneal jellyfish envenomations

Corneal jellyfish stings are painful, self-limited injuries which usually produce conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis, corneal edema, and mild iridocyclitis with resolution in 48 hr. We have developed a guinea-pig model of corneal jellyfish stings in order to study pathogenesis of human injury. Guinea-pig eyes were exposed to sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) venom in vivo in the following ways: contact with live tentacles, intracameral injection of crude venom, and intracorneal injection of crude jellyfish venom. Slit lamp examination and histologic sections of the eye performed at intervals up to 8 days after exposure to the venom demonstrated conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis, corneal stromal inflammatory edema, anterior chamber inflammation, and opacities on the anterior capsule of the lens. Nematocysts adherent to the corneal epithelium were noted in eyes exposed to live tentacles.
Quantitation of Ink Transferred During Pharmaceutical Printing Operations Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

AbstractThe identification of solid dosage forms is often achieved through printing with a non-toxic ink. Due to product purity requirements, a method to quantify the amount of ink applied to tablets and capsules is of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.The following presentation investigated the use of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) as a direct method of quantifying the amount of ink on a tablet. Because the ink used contained an iron oxide pigment of known composition, quantitation of the iron content could be used to measure the amount of ink transferred to the tablet.The quantitative results obtained using ICP-AES were in agreement with calculated values for the volume of ink in the gravure roll. Tablets exposed to “double printing” were easily detected by the ICP-AES method.
Runnin' with the Dvl: Proteins That Associate with Dsh/Dvl and Their Significance to Wnt Signal Transduction

Wnt proteins transmit myriad intercellular signals crucial for the development and homeostasis of metazoan animals from Hydra to human. Abnormal Wnt signaling causes a growing number of diseases, including cancer and osteoporosis. Depending on the context, a given Wnt signal may denote: cell proliferation or apoptosis; cell fate determination, differentiation, or stem cell maintenance; a variety of changes in cell behavior; and/or coordinated interactions with its neighbors. Which event(s) occur in Wnt-responsive cells depends critically on the ability of Dishevelled (Dsh)/Dvl proteins to interpret distinct types of intracellular, receptor-generated stimuli and transmit them to at least two distinct sets of effector molecules, all while apparently ignoring a third type of Wnt-generated Ca(2+) signal. The three conserved domains present in Dsh/Dvl proteins uniquely function in each Wnt pathway, in part by association with 18 (and counting) Dsh/Dvl-associated proteins. The latest data suggest that Dsh/Dvl proteins organize dynamic, pathway-specific subcellular signaling complexes that ensure correct information routing, signal amplification, and dynamic control through feedback regulation. The biochemical and cell biological mechanisms by which Dsh/Dvl proteins accomplish these remarkable tasks remain obscure.
Practical considerations for addressing substance use disorders in veterans and service members.

Support and treatment for military veterans and active duty service members is a national priority. Furthermore, there is increased need for professionals with experience and interest in working with these brave individuals. Veterans and service members face significant challenges both during their service and after transitioning back to civilian settings. One such challenge for some veterans is substance use and its multidimensional effects on mental and physical health. The current article presents a brief but comprehensive overview of the prevalence and comorbidity of substance use disorders in veterans and service members. It also reviews practical information about assessment, treatment, and general clinical issues from the authors' clinical experience that is relevant to providers working with veterans and service members with substance use disorders. This information may be of particular interest to professionals with an interest in helping veterans, those who have limited experience working with v...
Changing perspectives on air-pollution stress

As more has been learned about the nature of air pollution and more sophisticated techniques have been developed for measurement, it has become apparent that acid rain is only one of an interrelated array of airshed-watershed problems. Despite important reductions in some pollutant emissions, the authors believe the situation today is worse than it appeared to be 15 years ago. Recently scientists have reported data showing that in some locations dry deposition of hydrogen ion, sulfur, and nitrogen in coarse and fine particles and vapors may exceed the same substances measured in bulk precipitation. As scientists learned about acid rain, they also became more aware of photochemical oxidant pollution. Symptoms of ozone damage on crops and natural vegetation have been found in a majority of states. As understanding and measurement ability have increased, estimates of the magnitude of the air pollution problem have grown. The recent measurements of dry deposition, cloud-water deposition, and photochemical oxidant concentrations have greatly increased estimates of airborne pollutants reaching ecosystems. They have shown that the photochemical oxidant problem cannot be separated from the acid-rain problem and that the combined effects may be both episodic and long-term. These findings indicate that regional air pollution is moremore » severe than it was perceived to be 15 years ago. Solving the problem will be extremely difficult and expensive both in terms of monitoring and assessing effects on ecosystems under realistic conditions. The longer the delays in setting an official policy of comprehensive correctional measures, the more environmental damage may occur. Extensive damage, in turn, would increase the cost of measures for protection and recovery.« less
Computer Simulations with Mathematica : Explorations in Complex Physical and Biological Systems

This book/CD-ROM package uses the Mathematica programming language to demonstrate the use of computer simulation as a research tool in all of the sciences, providing materials for students and professionals in such fields as physics, biology, chemistry, ecology, materials science and urban planning. The use of MathLink and C programs allow readers to run the most time and memory intensive algorithms through a C-compiler on a local machine. Only a minimal background in Mathematica programming is assumed. Self-contained explanations of the Mathematica and the use of MathLink are given in the appendices. Equal emphasis is placed on the development of efficient Mathematical programs and on the visualization and numerical analysis of computer simulation results. The CD-ROM will contain both the source code and compiled versions of all C programs used in the book. It will also contain Mathematica notebooks of the text included in the book, and is set up to work on any UNIX, Macintosh or DOS machine.
Microstructures of rapidly-solidified binary TiAl alloys

Abstract The microstructures of rapidly-solidified binary TiAl alloys containing 46–70 at.% Al have been studied using optical and analytical transmission electron microscopy (AEM). The phases present in the alloys and their distribution were found to be a sensitive function of composition. Essentially single-phase microstructures were seen for alloys with 46 at.% Al, 50–52 at.% Al and 60–65 at.% A. The primary solidification phases present in these alloys were α-Ti, ordered γ-TiAl and disordered cubic TiAl, respectively. The 60–65 at.% Al alloys showed indications of the solid-state formation of long-period superlattice structures based upon γ-TiAl, due to the excess Al. In other composition ranges, two-phase microstructures were seen. The 48 at.% Al alloy contained α 2 -Ti 3 Al + γ -TiAl, with α 2 -Ti 3 Al as the primary solidification phase. Alloys from 53 to 55 at.% Al were also α 2 -Ti 3 Al + γ -TiAl, but with γ-TiAl as the primary solidification phase. The 70 at.% Al alloy was two phase TiAl 2 + TiAl 3 . A strong effect of interstitial oxygen content on the α 2 -Ti 3 Al + γ -TiAl phase relations was also seen. Comparison of these results with the equilibrium phase diagram and with ingot studies of the same alloys showed that most of the microstructures produced by rapid solidification were metastable. A possible metastable phase diagram for TiAl which is consistent with the results is proposed.
A ballistic compressor-based experiment for the visualization of liquid propellant jet combustion above 100 MPa

This paper describes the components and operation of an experimental setup for the visualization of liquid propellant (LP) jet combustion at pressures above 100 MPa. The apparatus consists of an in-line ballistic compressor and LP injector. The ballistic compressor, based on a modified 76 mm gun, provides high-pressure (ca. 55 MPa) clear hot gas for the jet ignition. A piston (projectile) is fired toward a test chamber beyond the barrel’s end, and its rebound is arrested in a transition section that seals the test chamber to the barrel. The LP jet is injected once the piston is restrained, and combustion of the jet further elevates the pressure. At a preset pressure, a disc in the piston ruptures and the combustion gas vents sonically into the barrel. If a monopropellant is used, the jet injection-combustion process then resembles liquid rocket combustion but at very high pressures (ca. 140 MPa). This paper discusses the ballistics of the compression and compares experimental results to those predicted by a numerical model of the apparatus. Experimentally, a pressure of 70 MPa was achieved upon a 12.5 volumetric compression factor by firing a 10 kg piston into 1.04 MPa argon using a charge of 75 g of small-grain M1 propellant.
Post-PEG feeding time: a web based national survey amongst gastroenterologists.

Abstract Background Literature suggests early post-percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding is as safe as delayed feeding. No consensus exists regarding feeding initiation after PEG placement. We performed a national survey to assess current practice regarding feeding initiation after PEG placement as well as clinical and practitioner based factors associated with early or delayed feeding. Methods A survey assessing feeding initiation in general ward and intensive care unit patients, current literature knowledge, motility agent use, number of PEG placed per year, along with physician demographics was emailed to 5256 gastroenterologists. Statistical analysis was done using SAS software (V.9). Results 28% of gastroenterologists responded. Amongst respondents, 59% were private consultants, 25% academic physicians and 16% trainees. Private gastroenterologists initiated feeding earlier (≤12 h) compared to academic gastroenterologists in general ward and intensive care unit patients ( p p = 0.0002). Male physicians instituted feeding earlier than females ( p Conclusions Feeding initiation after PEG placement varies amongst gastroenterologists. Further studies are required to explore obstacles in standardizing post-PEG feeding practices.
Atomic physics: Spin drag in a perfect fluid

Beautiful experiments in an ultracold, strongly interacting atomic Fermi gas reveal that, unexpectedly, unpaired atomic spins flow in the system with the maximum resistance permitted by the laws of quantum mechanics. See Letter p.201 Strongly interacting Fermi gases are ubiquitous in nature, from electrons in high-temperature superconductors, to nuclear matter. Their transport properties, such as the speed of diffusion, are poorly understood. Sommer et al. use controlled collisions of ultracold atomic clouds to investigate spin transport in a strongly interacting Fermi gas. They find that the spin excitations are maximally damped (leading to high spin drag), and that interactions are strong enough to reverse spin currents so that opposite spin components reflect off each other. The speed of diffusion is set by a fundamental quantum limit. The results have implications for any area involving fermion transport, from spintronics to studies of the early Universe.
Socio-demographic influences on epilepsy outcomes in an inner-city population.

Abstract Purpose Previous studies show anti-epileptic drug compliance and seizure control in people with epilepsy (PWE) to be lower among low-income groups and African-Americans. We examined how socio-demographic factors influence seizure control in an inner-city population. Methods The clinic records of 193 PWE were analyzed. Good seizure control was defined as no seizures in the previous year. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the effects of race, age, gender, median household income, medication cost, and insurance status on good seizure control. Results There were 69 Caucasians and 124 African-Americans (age 47.8±16.5 years) in the study. African Americans had a significantly lower income than Caucasians (p Conclusion Contrary to prior literature, we find that in our population of PWE there were no significant effects of race or family income on seizure outcomes. Our findings add to the existing literature on socio-demographic disparities in PWE and merit further exploration by other groups
Cellular localization of androgen and estrogen receptors in mouse-derived motoneuron hybrid cells and mouse facial motoneurons.

The ability of gonadal steroid hormones to augment axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury has been well established in rat and hamster motoneuron systems, and provides a foundation for the use of these agents as neurotherapeutics. With the advent of mouse genetics and the availability of transgenic and knockout mice, the use of mice in studies of neuroprotection is growing. It has recently been demonstrated that both androgens and estrogens rescue motoneurons (MN) from injury in mouse-derived motoneuron hybrid cells in vitro and mouse facial motoneurons (FMN) in vivo (Tetzlaff et al. [2006] J Mol Neurosci 28:53–64). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these effects, the present study examined the cellular localization of androgen and estrogen receptors in mouse MN in vitro and in vivo. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry studies established the presence of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor α/β in immortalized mouse motoneuron hybrid cells and AR and estrogen receptor α in mouse FMN. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
A late Wisconsin and Holocene vegetation history from the central brooks range: Implications for Alaskan palaeoecology

Five pollen diagrams reveal late Wisconsin and Holocene vegetation changes in the Walker Lake/Alatna Valley region of the central Brooks Range, approximately 100 km west of the area studied by D. A. Livingstone (1955, Ecology 36, 587–600). New insights into the vegetation history of this region are provided by calculations of pollen influx and by the use of linear discriminant analysis to separate Picea glauca and P. mariana pollen. Three major pollen zones are identified: (1) a basal herb zone, characterized by high percentages of Cyperaceae, Gramineae, Salix, and Artemisia, and low total pollen influx; (2) a shrub Betula zone with increased total pollen influx and very high percentages of Betula pollen, predominantly in the size range of B. nana and B. glandulosa; and (3) and Alnus zone dominated by Alnus pollen. Lakes currently within the boreal forest or near tree line show relatively high percentages of Picea pollen in the Alnus zone. Several striking vegetation changes occurred between ca. 10,000 and 7000 yr B.P. Between ca. 11,000 and 10,000 yr B.P., Populus balsamifera pollen percentages as great as 30% indicate that this species was present at low-elevation sites near Walker Lake. These populations declined abruptly ca. 10,000 yr ago and have never regained prominence. About 8500 yr B.P., Picea glauca pollen reached 10–15%, indicating the arrival of P. glauca in or near the study area. P. glauca populations evidently decreased ca. 8000 yr ago, when Picea pollen percentages and influx fell to low values. About 7000 yr B.P., Alnus pollen percentages and influx rose sharply as alder shrubs became established widely. Picea once more expanded ca. 5000 yr ago, but these populations were dominated by P. mariana rather than P. glauca, which increased slowly at this time and may still be advancing northward. Some vegetation changes have been remarkably synchronous over wide areas of interior Alaska, and probably reflect responses of in situ vegetation to environmental changes, but others may reflect the lagged responses of species migrating into new areas.
Lupus Glomerulonephritis Revisited 2004: Autoimmunity and End‐Organ Damage

Histopathology of the kidney and clinical presentation are critical factors in the diagnosis of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis (GN). The histological manifestations of glomerular injury are shared by multiple underlying mechanisms. Work from our laboratory and from other investigators shows that antinuclear, antihistone or anti-dsDNA antibodies are neither required nor sufficient for development of lupus GN. In addition, antibody to dsDNA can be generated by mechanisms other than loss of tolerance to chromatin. Genetic analyses demonstrate that although there is some interaction between autoantibody production and renal disease, the phenotypes are regulated by distinct genetic intervals. Furthermore, renal failure is not an essential outcome of the immune-complex deposition and proliferative lupus GN. These data are also supported by published studies from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The immune regulation of lupus GN is distinct from other organ-specific diseases and not influenced by CD25(+) or NK1.1(+) regulatory T cells. Thus, fatal GN may depend upon a kidney-reactive T-cell response that, in turn, may be regulated by gender and intrinsic end-organ factors. The data discussed in this review call for a re-evaluation of the current paradigms for pathogenesis of SLE. An interactive model separating autoimmunity from end-organ susceptibility for the pathogenesis of SLE is proposed.
Polychlorinated biphenyls may alter marine trophic pathways by reducing phytoplankton size and production

Polychlorinated biphenyls at concentrations of 1 to 10 micrograms per liter reduced phytoplankton biomass and size in natural estuarine phytoplankton communities grown within dialysis bags in situ in an estuarine marsh. In polychlorinated biphenyls-contaminated waters, these changes could increase the number of trophic levels and divert the flow of biomass from harvestable fish to jellyfish and other gelatinous predators.
The intellectual life of online play

The past three decades of cognitive research has well documented that play is an important context for learning for younger children, but we have a harder time accepting that it is equally important for teenagers and adults. Digital worlds for play such as those found in massively multiplayer online games (so called "virtual worlds") offer compelling, naturally occurring models of the online learning environments educators have been diligently attempting to craft in the basements of their ivory towers (with somewhat limited success). This disparity gives rise to a deep irony: American schools, designed for intentionally learning, remain locked within a Ford type factory model of industry and efficiency; games, on the other hand, with no intention to teach or education, lean forward rather than backward, recruiting intellectual practices, dispositions, and forms of social organization that are well aligned with many of todays "new capitalist" workplaces.
Exploring the consequences of gender segregation on social relationships

Childhood gender segregation may have consequences for the formation of gendered social norms and close relationships in childhood. adolescence, and adulthood, but parents and teachers may be able to encourage cross-gender contacts and the transcendence of traditional gendered social norms.
Graphs with valency k, edge connectivity k, chromatic index k + 1 and arbitrary girth

We prove that if k >= 3 and there exists a regular graph with valency k, edge connectivity k and chromatic index k + 1, then there exists such a graph of any girth g >= 4.
High molecular mass multimer complexes and vascular expression contribute to high adiponectin in the fetus.

Context: High plasma adiponectin concentrations in human fetuses and neonates are unique features of early developmental stages. Yet, the origins of the high adiponectin concentrations in the perinatal period remain elusive. Objective: This study was undertaken to identify the sources and functional properties of adiponectin in utero. Design and Methods: Tissue specimens were obtained at autopsy from 21- to 39-wk-old stillborn human fetuses. Adipose tissue and placenta were obtained at term elective cesarean section. Adiponectin complexes and expression were measured by immunodetection and real-time PCR. Results: Adiponectin mRNA transcripts were detected in fetal sc and omental adipose depots at lower concentrations than in maternal adipose tissue. Immunoreactive adiponectin was also observed in vascular endothelial cells of fetal organs, including skeletal muscle, kidney, and brain. The absence of adiponectin in all placental cell types and lack of correlation between maternal and umbilical adiponectin ...
Quality assurance for plant tissue analysis by ICP‐AES

Abstract A survey of 12 service laboratories using ICP‐AES for routine plant analysis reveals a variety of sample preparation and instrument calibration procedures in use. With the continued growth of ICP applications in plant analysis laboratories, a need exists for inter‐laboratory quality control. The assurance of data quality among laboratories cannot be expected unless a standardization of preparation methods and calibration is accomplished. In the selection of a method for multi‐element determination on the same sample solution, the completeness of elemental release and sensitivity for some elements may have to be compromised. In addition to the above survey, 8 plant samples were sent to 5 ICP laboratories that handle large volumes of plant samples with each using different preparation and calibration methods. The results for 11 elements show that the best precision among laboratories was for P, Mg, Mn, Ca and K, and the poorest precision for Al, Zn, Fe, Na, Cu and B. The imprecision noted for some ...
Anomalous behavior of beta B1-crystallin subunits from avian lenses

In soluble extracts of bird lenses, crystallin subunits of apparent sizes between 30kDa and 40kDa show considerable variability in both abundance and mobility in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE). This is only partly due to the taxon-specific distribution of lactate dehydrogenase-B (LDH-B)/epsilon-crystallin. Here we show that, in spite of high conservation in primary sequence, beta B1-crystallin subunits of avian lenses have a markedly slower migration in SDS PAGE than those of mammals and that the apparent subunit size of beta B1-crystallin varies among birds. This may be at least partly due to unusual post-translational modifications, since beta B1-crystallins of adult birds react strongly in a glycan detection procedure. No other crystallins in birds or mammals share this strong reaction. Modification of beta B1-crystallin could have interesting consequences for the formation of high molecular weight beta-crystallin aggregates in bird lenses.
Photochemical transformations of surface and deep marine dissolved organic matter: Effects on bacterial growth

The effects of photochemical transformations on the bioavailability of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) were investigated in surface and deep water from the Gulf of Mexico. Seawater samples were collected from eight depths (15–1,000 m), passed through 0.2-µm pore-size filters, and exposed to sunlight in quartz bottles in a flowing seawater deck incubator for 5-9 h. Following sunlight exposure, samples were inoculated (1:10) with unfiltered seawater from 15-m depth, and bacterial growth rates were estimated from rates of 3H-leucine incorporation in dark incubations. Exposure of surface-water DOM to sunlight resulted in a 75% reduction in bacterial production, whereas exposure of deep-water DOM resulted in a 40% enhancement in bacterial production. Photomineralization of bioreactive DOM likely contributed to the reduction of bacterial growth in surface water, but the photoproduction of biorefractory DOM also appeared to contribute to reduced bacterial growth. Enhanced bacterial growth in irradiated deep water was consistent with previous studies demonstrating the photoproduction of bioavailable substrates from deep-water DOM. Phototransformations of DOM appeared to be multifaceted and to play a critical role in the cycling of DOM in the ocean.
Parsing arguments of nominalizations in English and Chinese

In this paper, we use a machine learning framework for semantic argument parsing, and apply it to the task of parsing arguments of eventive nominalizations in the FrameNet database. We create a baseline system using a subset of features introduced by Gildea and Jurafsky (2002), which are directly applicable to nominal predicates. We then investigate new features which are designed to capture the novelties in nominal argument structure and show a significant performance improvement using these new features. We also investigate the parsing performance of nominalizations in Chinese and compare the salience of the features for the two languages.
Improved synthesis of pincer ligand precursor, and synthesis and structural characterization of terphenyl scaffolded S–C–S palladium pincer complex

Abstract An easier and more expedient synthesis of 2,6-(BrCH2C6H4)2-4-I-C6H3 (2) is reported. This material allowed easy synthesis of the new pincer ligand precursor 2,6-(4-CH3C6H4SCH2C6H4)2-4-I-C6H3 (3) in 87% yield. Compound 3 reacts with Pd2(dba)3 to give the new palladium pincer complex 4. Compound 4 has been fully characterized, including structural characterization by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The results of the crystallographic work on 4 reveal a twisted type pincer complex not unlike related terphenyl pincer complexes.
Genetic polymorphisms of human flavin-containing monooxygenase 3: implications for drug metabolism and clinical perspectives.

Flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) is a hepatic microsomal enzyme that oxidizes a host of drugs, xenobiotics and other chemicals. Numerous variants in the gene encoding FMO3 have been identified, some of which result in altered enzymatic activity and, consequently, altered substrate metabolism. Studies also implicate individual and ethnic differences in the frequency of FMO3 polymorphisms. In addition, new variants continue to be identified with potentially important clinical implications. For example, the role of FMO3 variants in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases is an evolving area of research. Two commonly occurring polymorphisms of FMO3, E158K and E308G, have been associated with a reduction in polyp burden in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who were treated with sulindac sulfide, an FMO3 substrate. These findings suggest a potential role for prospective genotyping of common FMO3 polymorphisms in the treatment of disease states that involve the use of drugs metabolize...
Development of a rapid clinical TPMT genotyping assay.

Abstract Objectives Thiopurine compounds are commonly used in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and as immunosuppressants following organ transplantation or for treatment of various autoimmune disorders. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) is required for detoxification, through S-methylation, of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (TGNs), a byproduct of thiopurine metabolism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TPMT gene have been shown to affect its function, with some variants associated with serious clinical manifestations including severe to fatal myelosuppression and organ transplant rejection following treatment with standard thiopurine doses. In this study, we describe a TaqMan real time PCR allelic discrimination assay requiring minimal DNA input for TPMT genotyping. Design and methods We designed controls for the homozygous wild type and allelic variants of TPMT*2, *3B, and *3C. Genomic DNA was extracted from an additional 412 human blood samples. The samples were tested for the TPMT *2, *3B, *3C, and *3A polymorphisms by TaqMan genotyping assays using the AB 7500 FAST Real-Time PCR instrument. Allelic discrimination plots were used to identify each mutation. Results The TaqMan assay correctly genotyped all custom control DNA samples. Of the 412 tested samples, our assay identified 375 samples as wild-type *1/*1 (91.02%), 3 as *1/*2 (0.73%), 1 as *1/*3B (0.24%), 3 as *1/*3C (0.73%), 27 presumed to be *1/*3A (6.55%), and 3 as *3B/*3A (0.73%). Conclusions The clinical implications of TPMT genotyping, along with the simplicity and specificity of the TaqMan genotyping assays make this test highly suitable for use in a clinical laboratory.
Spatial expansion of electron-hole plasma in Si.

In this paper we report measurements of the spatial and spectral evolution of the photoluminescence resulting from nanosecond pulsed-laser excitation of silicon at low temperatures. An imaging technique employing single-photon counting provides direct measurements of the expansion rates of the electron-hole plasma with 5-ns temporal resolution. We find that for 0.5-\ensuremath{\mu}J excitation energy the plasma expands from the excitation point at subsonic velocities\char22{}contrary to recent claims based on spectroscopic analysis. An alternative analysis of the recombination spectra indicates that local heating can account for the anomalously broad spectra at early times. For 50-\ensuremath{\mu}J excitation, time-resolved images show that the electron-hole plasma expands as a shell into the crystal, indicating that it is driven by an intense phonon wind. The expansion velocities are found to decrease smoothly as the temperature is increased through the critical temperatures (${T}_{c}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}23 K) of the electron-hole liquid (EHL). A theoretical calculation of the phonon-wind-driven expansion velocity yields a temperature dependence which is in reasonable agreement with the data. At low temperatures (l10 K) and near-annealing excitation levels, the EHL expansion velocity is observed to saturate at v=5.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ cm/s. We attribute this nonlinear damping to a Cherenkov-like emission of TA phonons from the EHL. Finally, we present measurements of the free-exciton diffusion coefficient for temperatures between 15 and 40 K.
The case for debt-forgiveness for Latin America and the Caribbean countries

Resource transfer to Latin America and the Caribbean was negative throughouthe eighties. Debt-forgiveness would benefit not only the debtor countries, however. Lending countries and institutions would also stand to gain.
Motile cells lacking hyaluronidase can penetrate the hamster oocyte cumulus complex

Sperm hyaluronidase is thought to assist in penetration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) between the cumulus and corona radiata cells surrounding mammalian oocytes. The question was asked: Can motile cells which lack hyaluronidase penetrate the hamster oocyte cumulus complex (OCC)? Sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) and frog (Rana catesbeiana) sperm and the unicellular, biflagellated, green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were extracted and found to contain no hyaluronidase activity. Moreover, none of these cells was able to disperse the cumulus cells of hamster OCC, nor did they affect the ultrastructure of the ECM between cells. Fresh hamster OCC were challenged with suspensions of each cell type. Frog and sea urchin sperm penetrated to the zona pellucida surface in less than 5 min. A cell wall-less mutant of Chlamydomonas also penetrated to the zona surface but required longer than 5 min. Wild-type Chlamydomonas penetrated only halfway to the zona, perhaps because its cell wall adhered to the ECM between the cumulus cells and retarded its movement. The motility of the frog and sea urchin sperm was not affected by the ECM of the OCC. Frog sperm exhibited slow lethargic motility yet had no difficulty penetrating to the zona; this indicates that hyperactivated motility is not required for penetration of the ECM. None of the challenge cells penetrated the zona pellucida, although the frog sperm did compress the weave of the zona. These data show that motile cells which lack the enzyme hyaluronidase can readily penetrate the ECM of the hamster cumulus and corona radiata and suggest that the significance of hyaluronidase in fertilization should be reevaluated.
A multiple range procedure for independent proportions

Abstract A multiple range procedure is proposed for comparing proportions arising from several independent groups each of equal sample size n. The procedure is then applied to a hypothetical set of data for the purpose of illustration.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor deficiency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains poorly understood. Cellular senescence and apoptosis contribute to the development of COPD; however, crucial regulators of t...
Inhibition of cholesterol side chain cleavage by cyanoketone (2α-cyano-4,4,17α-trimethyl-17β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-3-one)

Abstract In addition to inhibitory effects on 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cyanoketone inhibited cholesterol side chain cleavage during incubations of adrenal homogenates or sections. This effect on cholesterol side chain cleavage may have been partly due to pregnenolone accumulation with resultant product inhibition, but this explanation could not fully explain the inhibitory effect of cyanoketone since: (a) the net synthesis of pregnenolone, under conditions wherein this substance accumulates, was diminished; and (b) the inhibition of pregnenolone conversion to corticosterone was observed at considerably lower cyanoketone concentrations than the inhibition of cholesterol side chain cleavage.
Total energy cycle energy use and emissions of electric vehicles

A total energy cycle analysis (TECA) of electric vehicles (EVs) was recently completed. The EV energy cycle includes production and transport of fuels used in power plants to generate electricity, electricity generation required to charge EV batteries, EV operation, and vehicle and battery manufacture. The key assumptions and results of the EVTECA are summarized. The total energy requirements of EVs are estimated to be 24 to 35 percent lower than those of the conventional, gasoline-fueled vehicles that they replace, whereas the reductions in total oil use are even greater: 55 to 85 percent. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are 24 to 37 percent lower with EVs. EVs reduce total emissions of several criteria air pollutants [volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides] but increase total emissions of others [sulfur oxide (SOx), total suspended particulates, and lead] over the total energy cycle. Regional emissions except possibly those of SOx are generally reduced with EVs. The ...
Ionizing radiation-induced mutagenesis: radiation studies in Neurospora predictive for results in mammalian cells

Ionizing radiation was the first mutagen discovered and was used to develop the first mutagenicity assay. In the ensuing 70+ years, ionizing radiation became a fundamental tool in understanding mutagenesis and is still a subject of intensive research. Frederick de Serres et al. developed and used the Neurospora crassa ad-3 system initially to explore the mutagenic effects of ionizing radiation. Using this system, de Serres et al. demonstrated the dependence of the frequency and spectra of mutations induced by ionizing radiation on the dose, dose rate, radiation quality, repair capabilities of the cells, and the target gene employed. This work in Neurospora predicted the subsequent observations of the mutagenic effects of ionizing radiation in mammalian cells. Modeled originally on the mouse specific-locus system developed by William L. Russell, the N. crassa ad-3 system developed by de Serres has itself served as a model for interpreting the results in subsequent systems in mammalian cells. This review describes the primary findings on the nature of ionizing radiation-induced mutagenesis in the N. crassa ad-3 system and the parallel observations made years later in mammalian cells.
Serotonin decreases a background current and increases calcium and calcium-activated current in pedal neurons of Hermissenda.

1. The effects of serotonin (5-HT) on membrane potential, membrane resistance, and select ionic currents were examined in large pedal neurons (LP1, LP3) of the molluskHermissenda. 2. Calcium (Ca) action potentials were evoked in sodium-free artificial seawater containing tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, and 4-aminopyridine (0-Na, 4-AP, TEA ASW). They failed at stimulation rates greater than 0.5/sec and were blocked by cadmium (Cd). Under voltage clamp the calcium current (ICa) responsible for them also failed with repeated stimulation. Thus,ICa inactivation accounts for refractoriness of the Ca action potential. 3. The addition of 10µM 5-HT to 0-Na, 4-AP, TEA ASW produced a slight depolarization and increased excitability and input resistance. Under voltage clamp the background current decreased. The voltage-dependent inward, late outward, and outward tail currents, sensitive to Cd, increased.ICa inactivation persisted. 4. Under voltage clamp with Ca influx blocked by Cd, the addition of 10µM 5-HT decreased the remaining current uniformly over membrane potentials of — 10 to — 100 mV. Thus, 5-HT reduces a background current that is active within the physiological range of the membrane potential, voltage insensitive, independent of Ca influx, noninactivating, and not blocked by 4-AP or TEA.
Intracellular calcium oxalate crystal structure in Dracaena sanderiana

Summary • The chemistry, crystallography and ultrastructure of intracellular calcium oxalate deposits in the angiosperm, Dracaena sanderiana are reported here. • Crystalline deposits extracted from mature leaves and leaf primordia of D. sanderiana were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffractometry techniques, and compared with X-ray standards for calcium monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate. • Intracellular calcium oxalate deposits were of two types; calcium oxalate monohydrate raphides or solitary calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals. Raphide-containing cells exhibited lamellate sheaths around the chamber walls, mucilage-like materials surrounding the developing crystal chambers, and paracrystalline bodies with closely spaced subunits within the chambers. The intracellular calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals usually displayed typical tetragonal-dipyramidal morphology, but development of some unusual crystal faces occasionally occurred. • Two intracellular hydrate forms of calcium oxalate (monohydrate and dihydrate) exist in D. sanderiana. The elaboration of crystal vacuoles derived from rough endoplasmic reticulum and modified crystals with energetically unfavourable faces suggest that precipitation of calcium oxalate dihydrate in D. sanderiana cells might be biologically controlled.
An unexpected encounter in Cambodia.

In each of the past 4 years, I have volunteered for 3 or 4 weeks at the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Founded in 1999 by the Japanese photographer Kenro Izu, the hospital has become a busy and important source of health care for children in Siem Reap and surrounding areas. Siem Reap has grown dramatically in recent years because it is the gateway to the temples of Angkor—wonders of the world like Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat, which attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. But the temples are not the only attractions in Cambodia. One day, a physician friend and I made an afternoon excursion to the temples. We rode in a tuk-tuk, a comfortable but small cab pulled by a motorbike. That mode of transportation allowed for conversation as we slowly drove along the pleasant tree-shaded road that connects the town to the temples. We had both been “templing” before. The charms of the temples vary according to the time of day, with early morning and early evening being the nicest times and midday being nearly unbearable because of the heat. This was an early evening outing, with the idea of watching the sun set from the vantage point of one of the temples. As usual, we were assailed by several young children eager to sell us postcards, T-shirts, and other souvenirs as we exited the tuk-tuk at the temple. These children are persistent and use a number of ploys to charm tourists into buying whatever they are selling. Although their Englishlanguage skills are limited, many try to impress by naming the capital city or the population of the tourist’s home country. They make personal appeals, ensuring the tourist knows that he or she was the first little merchant to approach them. When I brought my 14-year-old daughter on a previous trip, the favorite appeal was, “Mister, your daughter very beautiful. You buy something?” On this particular day, eager to gain some altitude before the sun set, my friend and I had no interest in
SU-C-103-02: Localization Accuracy of a Novel Prone Breast Stereotactic Immobilization and Localization System

Purpose: The GammaPodTM stereotactic radiotherapy device incorporates a novel stereotactic immobilization system and a fiducial based localization frame for the breast. We present the localization accuracy achieved with this stereotactic system through an IRB approved prospective protocol. Methods: GammaPodTM target localization is achieved using a dual layered immobilization breast cup under a negative pressure which has a built-in stereotactic frame. Patient CT scans were attained using a pivoted patient loader which automatically lowers the patient from a vertical position to a horizontal prone-lying position. We then performed two CT scans 30 minutes apart, simulating the pre-treatment imaging and treatment sessions. The patient is disconnected from the patient loader after the first scan, but the immobilization cup remains on the breast under 150 mmHg of negative pressure until the end of the second scan. Evaluation of target localization was carried out via previously implanted surgical clips (two to five) and superficially positioned markers (three to seven). Scans were performed with 1 mm CT slice thickness. Results: The first 9 patients' results are presented with a total of 25 patients expected. Two patients were excluded due to improper fitting of the breast cup and patient comfort; one patient was excluded due to loss of breast cup pressure between the two scans. In the remaining six patients, the spatial reproducibility of internal markers was found to be 1.2 ± 1.0 mm (range 0.3−3.7) in between the two scans while the external marker positions differed by 0.9 ± 0.9 mm (range 0.1−3.9). The intrinsic accuracy of the stereotactic localization system found to be 0.1 ± 0.1 mm. Conclusion: The GammaPodTM target localization system is a unique approach to breast immobilization employing stereotactic principles. Preliminary results of this study suggest that the overall localization uncertainty of this system is 2.8 mm (95% CL). C. Yu and W. Regine have financial interests in Xcision Medical Systems.