cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confirmation of drug delivery after liver chemoembolization: direct tissue doxorubicin measurement by UHPLC‐MS‐MS

Because liver cancer is rarely suitable for surgery, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is used for palliative therapy. In this procedure, an emulsion of doxorubicin in iodized oil is injected directly into liver tumors through a catheter positioned within the artery supplying blood flow to the tumor. At present, there is limited understanding of factors affecting the delivery and dispersion of doxorubicin within treated tumors during TACE. This study addresses the development and application of an ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS-MS) method for rapid confirmation of drug delivery after TACE in a rabbit VX2 liver cancer model. Doxorubicin levels in liver tumors were measured using UHPLC-MS-MS and compared with computed tomography measured levels of iodized oil, a metric used clinically to indicate drug delivery. We found that tissue drug levels determined using UHPLC-MS-MS did not correlate with the regional iodized oil concentration (vehicle) within tumors following TACE, suggesting that chemotherapeutic drugs like doxorubicin spread throughout tumors, and that lack of iodized oil staining in portions of a tumor does not necessarily indicate inadequate therapy during TACE.
Mainstreaming Therapeutic Jurisprudence into the Traditional Courts: Suggestions for Judges and Practitioners

Therapeutic Jurisprudence (TJ) has moved from the problem-solving, specialty courts, into the traditional courts. Modern judges and practitioners use skills developed in the problem-solving courts in all areas of judging and practice. Particularly helpful are the TJ-influenced communication skills.
Conversion of 5-Formyltetrahydrofolic Acid to 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid Is Unimpaired in Folate-Adequate Persons Homozygous for the C677T Mutation in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the synthesis of 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-CH(3)-H(4) folic acid), the methyl donor for the formation of methionine from homocysteine. A common C677T transition in the MTHFR gene results in a variant with a lower specific activity and a greater sensitivity to heat than the normal enzyme, as measured in vitro. This study was undertaken to determine the capacity of homozygotes for the MTHFR C677T transition to convert 5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-HCO-H(4) folic acid) to 5-CH(3)-H(4) folic acid, a process that requires the action of MTHFR. Six subjects homozygous for the C677T transition (T/T) and 6 subjects with wild-type MTHFR (C/C) were given a 5-mg oral dose of (6R:,S:)-5-HCO-H(4) folic acid. Plasma and urine were analyzed for 5-CH(3)-H(4) folic acid concentrations using affinity/HPLC coupled with fluorescence or UV detection. The mean areas under the curves created by the rise and fall of plasma 5-CH(3)-H(4) folic acid after the oral dose did not differ between the two genotypes, 424.5 +/- 140.3 (T/T) vs. 424.1+/- 202.4 h.nmol/L (C/C). There also was no significant difference in the mean cumulative 7-h urinary excretion of 5-CH(3)-H(4) folic acid between the T/T (2.5 +/- 1.4 micromol) and C/C (1.9 +/- 1.0 micromol) genotypes. Under the conditions employed, the conversion of oral 5-HCO-H(4) folic acid to 5-CH(3)-H(4) folic acid is not impaired in persons with the T/T MTHFR genotype. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.
The effects of vehicle design parameters on handling frequency response characteristics

The yaw–plane handling model is used to derive the yaw–rate and sideslip frequency response functions for a highway vehicle. These functions are second order with first order numerator terms. The dynamic parameters in these functions (time constants, steady–state gains, natural frequencies, and damping ratios) are derived in terms of vehicle design parameters (such as centre–of–gravity location, tyre cornering stiffness, and vehicle mass and inertia), and plotted versus vehicle speed. The relationship between these vehicle design parameters and the dynamic parameters are then discussed. The insight gained from this exercise should lead to better vehicle designs.
A polarized 3He+ ion source

Abstract A source of polarized 3He+ ions has been constructed and tested. An optical pumping technique is used to polarize the nuclear spins of the ions, which are extracted in the manner of an rf ion source of conventional design. In a nuclear double scattering experiment, a polarization of 0.05 was observed in the ion beam with an intensity of 44 μA and an emittance of 1 cm · rad · eV 1 2 .
Acute Sexual Assault Among Adolescents

Background Acute sexual assault among adolescents has been linked to risk taking behaviors and may often be preventable through simple safety measures. Additionally, post-assault, trauma-specific follow up is an important step in the prevention of chronic behavioral and physical sequelae related to the assault. The purpose of this study is to provide descriptive data on acute sexual assaults among adolescents that might provide direction for prevention efforts and interventions to assist in the recovery process. Methods Adolescents who experience an acute sexual assault and have been voluntarily sexually active in the past are evaluated by the adult sexual assault team and are referred to a multidisciplinary specialty clinic for follow up related to their assault. Records from all acute sexual assault evidentiary examinations and sexual assault follow up evaluations from May 1994 through September 1996 were abstracted into a computer database from which the following descriptive analysis was generated. Results 134 adolescents. ages 12 to 19 presented for an acute sexual assault examination. The average age of the victim was 15.6 ± 1.8 years while the average age of the assailant was 22.3 ± 6.9 years with a mode age of 19 (range 13–47). The mean age difference between victim and assailant was 6.6 ± 6.8 years. Many assaults ocurred at either the victim's home (17.7%) or the assailant's home (25.4%), and 14.6% occurred in a car or other vehicle. There was one assailant in 79.9% of assaults and 2 or more assailants in 20.1%. Only 17.2% of assailants were strangers to the victim, while 37.3% were acquaintances. 41.0% friends or partners, and 4.5% were relatives. Most victims were vaginally assaulted (88.0%); 7.5% were anally assaulted and 12.6% experienced forced fellatio. Victims admitted to voluntary use of alcohol or drugs in 34.6% of assaults, and 12.2% stated that the “assault” was actually consensual sexual activity. One-third of all assaults occurred between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. and another peak occurrance was noted between 3 p.m and 6 p.m. (11.2%). Of all adolescent victims who underwent an acute examination, only 34.8% were compliant with their scheduled follow up visit. There were no demographic or asault characteristics predicting compliance with follow up except the presence of traumatic injury at the time of the acute examination (p Conclusions Adolescents are sexually assaulted by significantly older males and often in unprotected or unsupervised settings. Peak occurrences are during late night and after school hours and often in association with alcohol and drug use. The importance of follow up should be stressed to all adolescent rape victims and measures to increase rates of follow up are needed.
Broadcast Collision Avoidance in Wireless Packet Networks

Collision avoidance for broadcast packets in wireless networks is still a relatively open problem. The source of the problem is that there are multiple receivers for a single packet and it is difficult to coordinate them for medium reservation. This paper proposes a new, in-band pulse approach to addressing the problem and shows by extensive simulations how the approach significantly reduces the collisions in wireless networks with broadcast traffic and thus improves the network throughput.
Optimal use of older donors and recipients in kidney transplantation.

Background The aging donor and recipient population have led to new challenges in kidney transplantation. The purpose of this study was to review retrospectively our single center experience in deceased-donor kidney transplantation, with respect to donor and recipient age. Methods From October 1, 2001, through February 20, 2004, we performed 144 deceased-donor kidney transplantations, which included 37 procedures (26%) in recipients ≥60 years old and 107 procedures (74%) in recipients 19 to 59 years old. The deceased-donor pool included 57 expanded criteria donors (ECD) and 87 standard criteria donors (defined as not ECD). ECD kidneys were used by matching estimated renal functional mass to recipient size (body mass index, 40 years and low immunologic risk. Recipients received rabbit antithymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab induction in combination with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. Results The mean age differed between recipient groups (65 vs 46 years; P Conclusion By the matching of nephron mass with recipient size and avoiding the use of ECD kidneys in recipients with a high immunologic risk, short-term outcomes that are comparable with standard criteria donor kidneys in younger patients can be achieved with either older donors or recipients, regardless of age.
The effects of nitric oxide on the oxidations of l-dopa and dopamine mediated by tyrosinase and peroxidase.

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on both tyrosinase/O(2)- and horseradish peroxidase/H(2)O(2)-mediated oxidations of dopamine and its o-dihydric phenol precursor l-dopa were compared with autoxidative processes and quantitatively assessed by oxidative and reductive electrochemical detection systems. In peroxidase/H(2)O(2)/NO-catalyzed reactions, significantly more substrate was oxidized than in the corresponding control incubations lacking NO. In tyrosinase/O(2)/NO-promoted reactions the total amounts of l-dopa and dopamine oxidized were significantly less than the amounts of the substrates oxidized by enzyme alone. These data indicate that the activity of the heme protein peroxidase was enhanced by NO, whereas tyrosinase, a copper-containing monoxygenase, was inhibited. The NO-mediated reduction of tyrosinase/O(2) activity may be attributed to the formation of an inhibitory copper.nitrosyl complex. An oxidized nitrodopamine derivative, considered to be either the quinone or semiquinone of 6-nitrosodopamine, was generated in peroxidase/H(2)O(2)/NO-mediated reactions with dopamine along with two oxidized melanin precursors, dopamine quinone and dopaminechrome. No corresponding nitroso compound was formed in reactions involving l-dopa or in any of the tyrosinase-mediated reactions. The formation of such a noncyclized nitrosodopamine represents an important alternative pathway in catecholamine metabolism, one that by-passes the formation of cytoprotective indole precursors of melanin. The results of this investigation suggest that cellular integrity and function can be adversely affected by NO-promoted oxidations of dopamine and other catechols, reactions that not only accelerate their conversion to reactive quinones but also form potentially cytotoxic noncyclized nitroso derivatives. Reduced levels of dopamine in the brain through NO-enhanced oxidation of the catecholamine will almost certainly be manifested by diminished levels of the dopamine-derived brain pigment neuromelanin.
Sequential Design of Decentralized Dynamic Compensators using the Optimal Projection Equations: An Illustrative Example Involving Interconnected Flexible Beams

A straightforward and natural application of reduced-order control-design methods is to design decentralized controllers by viewing each subcontroller as a reduced-order controller for the augmented system comprised of the plant and all other subcontrollers. A suitable reduced-order control-design method for this purpose is the optimal projection approach because of its reliability in yielding stable controllers and because it is based upon an optimality criterion which serves as a convenient convergence indicator. The approach is illustrated on an interconnected flexible beam example.
Systematic implications of the Psilotaceae

To assess the taxonomic relationships between the Psilotaceae and the Filicales ( = Polypodiales), certain factors including character divergence, gaps in the record, categorical consistency, conservatism of characters, and use of factual vs. hypothetical data have been given consideration. Although it has been proposed that the aerial shoots of Psilotaceae are homologous to fronds, and the appendages to pinnae, and that the Psilotaceae should be classified as Filicales,Psilotum andTmesipteris show a number of profound differences from Filicales. These involve the structure of the aerial organs, vascular patterns, fertile appendages, and sporangia. In view of the taxonomic criteria used, and the nature of the character differences, it is concluded that the Psilotaceae do not warrant inclusion in Filicales. InsteadPsilotum andTmesipteris constitute a separate line of evolution, and should be treated as a class, the Psilopsida, of Tracheophyta, equivalent to Equisetopsida, Lycopodiopsida, and Polypodiopsida.
Volume plasmon energy of Mg from photoelectric measurements

Abstract The volume plasma energy of Mg has been determined by observing the associated photoelectric emission as a function of angle of incidence and wavelength of the exciting radiation. A value of 10.45 ± 0.08 eV was found for the plasmon energy of Mg and the dispersion of the photoelectric resonance was found to be consistent with the independently measured value of the film thickness.
The effects of chronic exposure to asbestos fibers in the Amazon molly Poecilia formosa

Abstract Amazon mollies were exposed for 6 months to several concentrations of coarse and fine asbestos particles suspended in their aquarium water. At the end of this period, the fish were serially sectioned and the tissues examined for lesions. Pathological changes were found in the kidneys, the major site of accumulation of the mineral fibers after their entry into the body through the intestinal mucosa. There was no evidence of entry of particles through the gill epithelium. Epithelial hypertrophy and secondary lamellar telangiectasia of the gills appeared to be the result of physical abrasion by the asbestos particles. There was no cellular injury in the liver or the muscles.
Ab‐initio sto‐3G energy of tautomerism for uracil

Ab-initio sto-3G energies for uracil (U) and the tautomer 4-hydroxyuracil (U*) are reported. The four highest occupied molecular orbital energies for uracil correlate with experimental photoelectron ionization potentials with a least-squares linear correlation coefficient of 0.999. The energy ΔEt for U ⇋ U* using the best available geometries is 25.5 kcal/mole. The reaction field continuum model for the solvent effect indicates that ΔEt may be lowered by approximately 3 kcal/mole. Therefore the diketo form of uracil is theoretically determined to be the most stable form in solution as well as in the gas phase, in complete agreement with experiment.
The effects of gloves on grip strength and three-point pinch.

Abstract No-glove, leather-glove, nitrile-glove, and vinyl-glove conditions were evaluated to determine their effects on grip strength and three-point pinch. Forty-one adult volunteers from a local university and local hospital participated in the two-day study. The order of testing was randomly assigned. A hydraulic hand dynamometer and a hydraulic pinch gauge were used to evaluate grip strength and three-point pinch with no glove and with each glove type. Grip strength and three-point pinch were tested on separate days. Grip strength test results showed statistically significant differences (p
Reducing the hemorrhagic complications of hemodialysis: a controlled comparison of low-dose heparin and citrate anticoagulation.

We report a randomized prospective study comparing the results of anticoagulation using hypertonic trisodium citrate and low-dose controlled heparin during 45 hemodialysis treatments performed on patients determined to be at high or very high risk for bleeding. Dialysis-associated bleeding was more frequent following low-dose controlled heparin anticoagulation than during hypertonic citrate therapy ( P
Chemical loading into surface water along a hydrological, biogeochemical, and land use gradient: a holistic watershed approach.

Identifying the sources and impacts of organic and inorganic contaminants at the watershed scale is a complex challenge because of the multitude of processes occurring in time and space. Investigation of geochemical transformations requires a systematic evaluation of hydrologic, landscape, and anthropogenic factors. The 1160 km2 Boulder Creek Watershed in the Colorado Front Range encompasses a gradient of geology, ecotypes, climate, and urbanization. Streamflow originates primarily as snowmelt and shows substantial annual variation. Water samples were collected along a 70-km transect during spring-runoff and base-flow conditions, and analyzed for major elements, trace elements, bulk organics, organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs), and pesticides. Major-element and trace-element concentrations were low in the headwaters, increased through the urban corridor, and had a step increase downstream from the first major wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Boron, gadolinium, and lithium were useful inorganic trace...
Intertest variability of echocardiographic and chest X-Ray measurements: Implications for dDecision making in patients with aortic regurgitation

Echocardiograms and chest X-ray examinations are commonly employed for serial measurements of left ventricular size and function in patients with chronic aortic insufficiency and often support or even determine therapeutic decisions. This study was undertaken to assess the intertest variability of these measurements made from M-mode echocardiograms and X-ray films performed 3 months apart without intervening clinical or therapeutic changes in 22 patients with significant but asymptomatic aortic insufficiency. End-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions, fractional shortening and cardiothoracic ratios were measured by the same reader, with the initial and 3 month tests being read both independently and together for comparison. The mean values for the initial and 3 month studies were similar, but the intertest variability was substantial, especially when the two tests were read independently. The 95 % prediction limits are approximately 50% smaller wpen the serial studies are read together for comparison. The coefficient of variation for end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions was 6.1 and 10.1%, respectively, and that for fractional shortening was 17.1%. These findings translate into 95% level prediction limits exceeding ± 8 mm for left ventricular dimensions and 0.12 for fractional shortening; changes on serial evaluations would have to exceed these values to be considered with a high degree of certainty to represent more than random variability. Although this variability may reflect a number of biologic and technical factors, it emphasizes the need to be cautious in making decisions based solely on changes between two tests, particularly if they are not evaluated together.
Role of a Comprehensive Toxicity Assessment and Monitoring Program in the Management and Ecological Recovery of a Wastewater Receiving Stream

National Pollution Discharge Elimination Permit (NPDES)-driven effluent toxicity tests using Ceriodaphnia dubia and fathead minnows were conducted for more than 20 years to assess and monitor the effects of wastewaters at the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12 Complex) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Toxicity testing was also conducted on water samples from East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC), the wastewater receiving stream, as part of a comprehensive biological monitoring and assessment program. In this paper, we evaluate the roles of this long-term toxicity assessment and monitoring program in the management and ecological recovery of EFPC. Effluent toxicity testing, associated toxicant evaluation studies, and ambient toxicity monitoring were instrumental in identifying toxicant sources at the Y-12 Complex, guiding modifications to wastewater treatment procedures, and assessing the success of various pollution-abatement actions. The elimination of untreated wastewater discharges, the dechlorination of remaining wastewater streams, and the implementation of flow management at the stream headwaters were the primary actions associated with significant reductions in the toxicity of stream water in the upper reaches of EFPC from the late 1980s through mid 1990s. Through time, as regulatory requirements changed and water quality improved, emphasis shifted from comprehensive toxicity assessments to more focused toxicity monitoring efforts. Ambient toxicity testing with C. dubia and fathead minnows was supplemented with less-standardized but more sensitive alternative laboratory toxicity tests and in situ bioassays. The Y-12 Complex biological monitoring experience demonstrates the value of toxicity studies to the management of a wastewater receiving stream.
Electronic Quenching of OH A 2Σ+ (v‘ = 0, 1) in Complexes with Hydrogen and Nitrogen

The quenching of electronically excited OH A 2Σ+ radicals has been investigated in complexes of OH with molecular hydrogen, deuterium, and nitrogen and through complementary theoretical calculations. Many of the intermolecular vibrational levels supported by the OH A 2Σ+ (v‘ = 0, 1) + H2, D2, and N2 potentials have been characterized by laser-induced fluorescence and fluorescence depletion measurements of the complexes in the OH A 2Σ+−X 2Π 1−0 and 0−0 spectral regions. Homogeneous line broadening of the spectral features yields picosecond lifetimes for complexes prepared in levels derived from OH A 2Σ+ (v‘ = 0) as a result of electronic quenching and/or chemical reaction. More extensive line broadening is observed for complexes excited to levels correlating with OH A 2Σ+ (v‘ = 1). The corresponding decay rates are 10−75 times faster than obtained for v‘ = 0 due to the opening of the vibrational predissociation channel and/or enhancement of the quenching/reaction processes upon OH vibrational excitation. A...
The Twofold Task of Union

Love is practical, having to do with how we live our lives, and a central aspect of its practical orientation is the wish for union. Union is often considered in two forms—as a union of affections and as union in relationship. This paper considers both sorts of union and argues for their connection. I first discuss the union of interests in terms of the idea of attentive awareness that is focused upon the beloved individual and his or her concerns, life, and history. I then discuss union in relationship and show how this emerges from the attentive awareness in a desire to specify a determinate way of responding to the concerns that attentive awareness opens us to. I use the example of Jane Austen’s Emma throughout; the conduct of Austen’s heroine, who fails badly at loving well, shows by means of anti-example what is at stake in pursuing union as well as illustrating the close connection between the two aspects of union.
Lamina-Specific Connectivity in the Brain: Regulation by N-Cadherin, Neurotrophins, and Glycoconjugates

In the vertebrate brain, neurons grouped in parallel laminae receive distinct sets of synaptic inputs. In the avian optic tectum, arbors and synapses of most retinal axons are confined to 3 of 15 laminae. The adhesion molecule N-cadherin and cell surface glycoconjugates recognized by a plant lectin are selectively associated with these "retinorecipient" laminae. The lectin and a monoclonal antibody to N-cadherin perturbed laminar selectivity in distinct fashions. In contrast, neurotrophins increased the complexity of retinal arbors without affecting their laminar distribution. Thus, cell surface molecules and soluble trophic factors may collaborate to shape lamina-specific arbors in the brain, with the former predominantly affecting their position and the latter their size.
Design and analysis of biodiversity field experiments

The design and analysis of field experiments have figured prominently in the current debate about biodiversity and ecosystem function. These debates have identified important issues about species traits, functional groups, and community assembly, but a broader debate needs to include discussions about the scale (grain and extent) of experiments relative to natural spatial and temporal heterogeneity. In addition, alternative statistical analyses need to be explored that focus on comparison among several statistical models rather than simple hypothesis testing. Analyses of the first 2 years of data from a new biodiversity field experiment are used to illustrate these concepts. A traditional one-way ANOVA demonstrates the expected increase in aboveground biomass with higher levels of vascular plant diversity. Further analysis demonstrates that this relationship is absent when the community contains either Arrhenatherum elatius or Holcus lanatus, two dominant species of grass. Variance in biomass is also a function of diversity and both spatial and temporal heterogeneity are significant factors in the analysis despite precautions taken to minimize them. These examples illustrate the degree to which the analysis of a field experiment influences the interpretation of the observed results. Ultimately, results from field experiments must be validated through continued comparisons among field experiments, mathematical models, laboratory trials, and mesocosm experiments.
Three-Dimensional, Nondestructive Imaging of Low Density Materials

The goal of this study was to develop a three-dimensional imaging method for studies of deformation in low-density materials during loading, and to implement finite element solutions of the elastic equations based on the images. Specimens of silica-reinforced polysiloxane foam pads, 15 mm in diameter by 1 mm thick, were used for this study. The nominal pore density was 50%, and the pores approximated interconnected spheres. The specimens were imaged with microtomography at {approx}16{micro}m resolution. A rotating stage with micrometer driven compression allowed imaging of the foams during deformation with precise registration of the images. A finite element mesh, generated from the image voxels, was used to calculate the mechanical properties of the structure, and the results were compared with conventional mechanical testing. The foam exhibited significant nonlinear behavior with compressive loading. The finite-element calculations from the images, which were in excellent agreement with experimental data, suggested that nonlinear behavior in the load displacement curves arises from buckling of the cell walls during compression and not from any nonlinear properties of the base elastomer. High-resolution microtomography, coupled with efficient finite-element modeling, shows promise for improving our understanding of the deformation behavior of cellular materials.
Phase field modeling of void nucleation and growth in irradiated metals

Motivated by the need to develop a spatially resolved theory of irradiation-induced microstructure evolution in metals, we present a phase field model for void formation in metals with vacancy concentrations exceeding the thermal equilibrium values. This model, which is phenomenological in nature, is cast in the form of coupled Cahn–Hilliard and Allen–Cahn type equations governing the dynamics of the vacancy concentration field and the void microstructure in the matrix, respectively. The model allows for a unified treatment of void nucleation and growth under the condition of random generation of vacancies, which is similar to vacancy generation by collision cascade in irradiated materials. The basic features of the model are illustrated using two-dimensional solutions for the cases of void growth and shrinkage in supersaturated and undersaturated vacancy fields, void–void interactions, as well as the spontaneous nucleation and growth of a large population of voids.
Mismatch repair in human nuclear extracts. Quantitative analyses of excision of nicked circular mismatched DNA substrates, constructed by a new technique employing synthetic oligonucleotides.

Mammalian mismatch repair (MMR) systems respond to broad ranges of DNA mismatches and lesions. Kinetic analyses of MMR processing in vitro have focused on base mismatches in a few sequence contexts, because of a lack of general and quantitative MMR assays and because of the difficulty of constructing a multiplicity of MMR substrates, particularly those with DNA lesions. We describe here simple and efficient construction of 11 different MMR substrates, by ligating synthetic oligomers into gapped plasmids generated using sequence-specific N.BstNBI nicking endonuclease, then using sequence-specific nicking endonuclease N.AlwI to introduce single nicks for initiation of 3' to 5' or 5' to 3' excision. To quantitatively assay MMR excision gaps in base-mispaired substrates, generated in human nuclear extracts lacking exogenous dNTPs, we used position- and strand-specific oligomer probes. Mispair-provoked excision along the shorter path from the pre-existing nick toward the mismatch, either 3' to 5' or 5' to 3', predominated over longer path excision by roughly 10:1 to 20:1. MMR excision was complete within 7 min, was highly specific (90:1) for the nicked strand, and was strongly mispair-dependent (at least 40:1). Nonspecific (mismatch-independent) 5' to 3' excision was considerably greater than nonspecific 3' to 5' excision, especially at pre-existing gaps, but was not processive. These techniques can be used to construct and analyze MMR substrates with DNA mismatches or lesions in any sequence context.
Microwave Blanching Of Vegetables For Frozen Storage

The quality of five vegetables, blanched using either microwave or hot water methods currently recommended to the American consumer, was examined after one, two, four, and six months of frozen storage. The vegetables were analyzed for residual peroxidase activity immediately after blanching. Storage stability of cooked and uncooked vegeta bles was determined by examining various quality factors after each period of frozen storage. Quality factors included color, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability of the vegetables as measured using objective methodology and sensory evaluation. Broccoli and zucchini retained high levels of peroxidase activity after microwave blanching. Broccoli and green beans blanched with microwave energy retained less chlorophyll (p 0.05), had higher shear force values (p 0.05), and received lower sensory eval uation scores than the water blanched vegetables (p 0.05) for quality factors common ly used by consumers. The texture of zucchini blanched with microwave energy was limp as measured by shear force and by sensory evaluation. No significant differences (p 0.05) were found in the quality of carrots or cauliflower blanched by the two meth ods. Instructions currently available for microwave blanching of vegetables for home freezing do not result in a quality product for all vegetables.
An estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia mouse model recapitulating human disease progression and genetic aberrations

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a condition originating from uterine endometrial glands undergoing disordered proliferation including the risk to progress to endometrial adenocarcinoma. In recent years, a steady increase in EH cases among younger women of reproductive age accentuates the demand of therapeutic alternatives, which emphasizes that an improved disease model for therapeutic agents evaluation is concurrently desired. Here, a new hormone-induced EH mouse model was developed using a subcutaneous estradiol (E2)-sustained releasing pellet, which elevates the serum E2 level in mice, closely mimicking the effect known as estrogen dominance with underlying, pathological E2 levels in patients. The onset and progression of EH generated within this model recapitulate a clinically relevant, pathological transformation, beginning with disordered proliferation developing to simple EH, advancing to atypical EH, and then progressing to precancerous stages, all following a chronologic manner. Although a general increase in nuclear progesterone receptor (PR) expression occurred after E2 expression, a total loss in PR was noted in some endometrial glands as disease advanced to simple EH. Furthermore, estrogen receptor (ER) expression in the nucleus of endometrial cells was reduced in disordered proliferation and increased when EH progressed to atypical EH and precancerous stages. This EH model also resembles other pathological patterns found in human disease such as leukocytic infiltration, genetic aberrations in β-catenin, and joint phosphatase and tensin homolog/paired box gene 2 (PTEN/PAX2) silencing. In summary, this new and comprehensively characterized EH model is cost-effective, easily reproducible, and may serve as a tool for preclinical testing of therapeutic agents and facilitate further investigation of EH.
Development of interlaced mylonites, cataclasites and breccias: example from the Towaliga fault, south central Appalachians

Abstract A variety of cataclastic rocks from crush breccias to cataclasites and silicified breccias are associated with retrograde mylonites along the Towaliga fault zone of south central Appalachians in Georgia. A zone of alternating breccias and quartz ultra-mylonites, bordered by quartz mylonites that are roughly laminated with mm-scale mica-rich bands of cataclasites, occur subparallel to the mylonitic foliation. Elsewhere along the fault zone, evidence for plastically deformed microfractures is found. In discussing the mechanical evolution of these rocks two possibilities are considered: (a) the cataclasis is an overprint representing deformation in an entirely brittle regime; and (b) cataclasis and mylonitization occurred at T > 300° C in a predominantly plastic regime. Within the framework of the latter model it is suggested that the cataclasite bands are either due to the relaxation of dilational stresses following downward propagation of seismic ruptures or represent strain-induced seismic instabilities during plastic shearing.
ADDRESSING GENDER EQUITY IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES: REPLICATIONS OF A WORKSHOP DESIGNED TO CHANGE THE VIEWS OF DEPARTMENT CHAIRS

This research note presents data on the replication of a carefully planned intervention to increase the commitment of department chairs in the physical sciences to the hiring and career advancement of women. Three separate workshops for department leaders in chemistry, physics, and material science were held. Participants’ views regarding factors that affect attracting women candidates, the hiring of women faculty, and barriers to women’s career progress changed significantly from before attending the workshop to after attending. When differences occurred between the disciplines, changes were most apparent for chemistry department chairs. Reasons presented for these differences included variations in the representation of women in the field and elements included in the chemistry workshop that involved greater public acknowledgment of needs for change.
Characterization of Group III-nitride semiconductors by high-resolution electron microscopy

Abstract High-resolution electron microscopy has been used to characterize the microstructure of thin films of GaN, AlN and InN, as grown by plasma-enhanced molecular beam epitaxy. Zincblende and wurtzite polytypes were preferentially nucleated using (001) GaAs and (0001) 6H SiC substrates, respectively. Stacking faults and microtwins along 111 planes dominated the zincblende films, whereas stacking faults along 0002 planes and threading defects originating at the substrate surface were most prevalent in the wurtzite phase. Improved crystal quality was achieved by growing the films on suitable buffer layers.
Structural change in the biofuels era

The onset of large-scale biofuel production has helped lead to a structural change in agricultural markets, tightening the linkages between agricultural and energy commodities. The USA and EU have aggressive mandates in place, which could further strengthen the linkages. The imposition of such mandates reduces the susceptibility of agricultural markets to energy volatility; but increases the supply-side impacts. Feedstock-specific mandates insulate the US biofuels from low oil prices; however, EU biofuel use remains linked with oil prices through aggregate fuel use. Overall, US markets are more vulnerable than the EU to supply-side shocks due to their product-specific mandates.
EUS-guided portal vein carbon dioxide angiography: a pilot study in a porcine model.

Background Direct portal vein (PV) angiography can provide valuable clinical information but is not performed due to the high risk of complications. Objective To assess the feasibility of EUS-guided PV angiography with a small-caliber FNA needle by using carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as a contrast agent in a porcine model. Setting Acute experiments with 50-kg pigs under general anesthesia. Design and Interventions Under linear array EUS guidance, the intrahepatic PV branch was punctured with a 25-gauge FNA needle. Portal venography was performed with iodinated contrast (Hypaque) and then with medical grade CO 2 . After portography, the needle was removed from the PV and the animals were observed for 30 minutes, then euthanized for necropsy. Main Outcome Measurement Ability to visualize portal anatomy. Results Six animal experiments were performed without complications. EUS-guided PV puncture with 25-gauge FNA needle was technically straightforward. Injection of ionic iodinated contrast through the 25-gauge FNA needle was arduous (mean [±SD] pressure 76.7 ± 5.2 pounds per square inch [psi]), resulting in short (6.02 ± 1.15 seconds) and poor opacification of the PV (visualization score 1.33 ± 0.52). CO 2 injection through a 25-gauge needle was simple and easy (pressure 20.8 ± 2.0 psi), producing prolonged (19.83 ± 1.68 seconds) opacification of the entire portal system (visualization score 4.33 ± 0.52). There was a statistically significant difference in all compared parameters ( P 2 over viscous iodinated contrast during portal angiography through a 25-gauge FNA needle. Postmortem examination revealed no active bleeding and no damage to the liver, other intra-abdominal organs, or blood vessels. Limitation Acute animal experiments. Conclusions EUS-guided portal venography with CO 2 using a small (25 gauge) FNA needle appears feasible, technically simple, and safe.
Immunosenescence of human NK cells: effects on tumor target recognition, lethal hit and interferon sensitivity

Previous results from this laboratory have shown the preservation of non-MHC-restricted, constitutive oncolytic activity of human peripheral blood NK cells in the elderly as assessed by the chromium release assay which quantitates the lytic endpoint at the cell population level. We have now addressed this senescence-related change at single-cell level using 101 blood samples. Both the efficiency of the initial tumor target binding step i.e., recognition of K562, the NK-sensitive erythroleukemia cell line, as well as the ability of NK cells to deliver lethal hit are highly conserved during healthy aging. In fact, the elderly exhibit a statistically significant, moderately higher frequency of active killers among circulating lymphocytes. Analyzed in another way, a majority of "high NK responders" were found to be older donors, while none in the "low NK responders" group were > 70 years old. Gamma interferon, a gene product as well as an autocrine activator of NK cells, is effective in converting non-lytic "pre-NK" cells to active killers at single-cell level. This in vitro cytokine sensitivity of NK cells is unaltered during immune senescence. The intactness of the NK cell's capacity to be modulated may be vital in both tumor resistance and host viral defenses of aged humans.
Diasporic Body Double: The Art of the Singh Twins

The London-born artists Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh, the daughters of a Sikh doctor who immigrated to North England from the Punjab, are identical twins: they have the same DNA, they look and sound exactly alike, they wear the same clothing, and they received their training in art together. Often referred to as “The Singh Twins,” the sisters have adopted the language of Indian and Persian miniature painting to depict the complex urban and domestic landscapes of the contemporary world. The twins have exhibited their work to international audiences in Britain, Europe, India, and North America: a recent show, titled Past Modern: The Singh Twins, featured more than sixty paintings and was hosted by the University of California, Riverside, in 2003 and the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool in 2005.1 Significantly, Amrit and Rabindra Singh's collaborative practice is not simply an innocent expression of an affectionate bond between sisters, but rather a self-conscious engagement with the notion of singular autho...
Mechanisms for impaired effector function in alveolar macrophages from marijuana and cocaine smokers

Lung macrophages provide a first line of host defense against inhaled pathogens and their function is impaired in the lungs of inhaled substance abusers. In order to investigate the mechanism for this impairment, alveolar macrophages (AM) were recovered from nonsmokers (NS), regular tobacco smokers (TS), marijuana smokers (MS), or crack cocaine smokers (CS), and evaluated for their production of nitric oxide (NO) and the role of NO as an antimicrobial effector molecule. AM from NS and TS efficiently killed Staphylococcus aureus and their antibacterial activity correlated closely with the production of nitrite and the expression of mRNA encoding for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In contrast, AM collected from MS and CS exhibited limited antimicrobial activity that was not affected by an inhibitor of iNOS, or associated with expression of iNOS. Treatment with either granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or interferon-gamma restored the ability of these cells to produce NO and to kill bacteria. These findings confirm a significant role for NO as an antibacterial effector molecule used by normal human AM and suggest that this host defense mechanism is suppressed by habitual exposure to inhaled marijuana or crack cocaine in vivo.
Potential of buprenorphine/naltrexone in treating polydrug addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

In recent years, we have seen regulatory approval being given for several new pharmacotherapies in the treatment of drug addiction disorders. Within the United States, the most noteworthy development has been the approval of buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid dependence, and its availability for prescribing in an office-based setting has resulted in thousands of additional patients going into treatment. Although approved medications for the treatment of cocaine and methamphetamine dependence are still lacking, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has devoted substantial effort toward meeting these clinical needs.1 Recent studies of modafinil for the treatment of cocaine dependence have been especially encouraging. Looking to the future, the looming challenge is polydrug addiction, a situation that is often complicated by co-occurring psychiatric disorders. As we strive to address the needs of these complicated patients, studies of buprenorphine/naltrexone may hold the key to a major advance. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 83, 4, 627–630. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100503
Factorial and criterion validities of telephone-assessed cognitive ability measures. Age and gender comparisons in adult twins.

A battery of cognitive tests was administered by telephone to 194 pairs of MZ and DZ twins: 112 pairs reared apart and 82 pairs reared together. The six measures, chosen to identify known intelligence and short-term memory factors, included two marker variables for crystallized intelligence (information and synonyms), two markers for fluid intelligence (analogies and figure logic), and two markers for short-term memory (forward and backward digit span). The data provide support for the feasibility of substituting telephone testing of abilities for more traditional assessment procedures.
On the precision of time-of-flight shear wave speed estimation in homogeneous soft solids: initial results using a matrix array transducer

A system capable of tracking radiation-force-induced shear wave propagation in a 3-D volume using ultrasound is presented. In contrast to existing systems, which use 1-D array transducers, a 2-D matrix array is used for tracking shear wave displacements. A separate single-element transducer is used for radiation force excitation. This system allows shear wave propagation in all directions away from the push to be observed. It is shown that for a limit of 64 tracking beams, by placing the beams at the edges of the measurement region of interest (ROI) at multiple directions from the push, time-of- flight (TOF) shear wave speed (SWS) measurement uncertainty can theoretically be reduced by 40% compared with equally spacing the tracking beams within the ROI along a single plane, as is typical when using a 1-D array for tracking. This was verified by simulation, and a reduction of 30% was experimentally observed on a homogeneous phantom. Analytical expressions are presented for the relationship between TOF SWS measurement uncertainty and various shear wave imaging parameters. It is shown that TOF SWS uncertainty is inversely proportional to ROI size, and inversely proportional to the square root of the number of tracking locations for a given distribution of beam locations relative to the push. TOF SWS uncertainty is shown to increase with the square of the SWS, indicating that TOF SWS measurements are intrinsically less precise for stiffer materials.
Optical properties of Bacillus subtilis spores from 0.2 to 2.5 num.

We have used spectral reflectance and transmittance measurements combined with Kramers-Kronig analyses to obtain the real (n) and imaginary (k) parts of the complex refractive index, N = n + ik, of Bacillus subtilis spores over a wavelength interval from 0.2 to 2.5 mum. Samples were in the form of thin solid films, pressed pellets, and suspensions in water and glycerol. The optical constants of spores suspended in water were found to differ from those of spores suspended in glycerol. In addition, spores previously exposed to water in earlier experiments and subsequently dried exhibited different optical constants from spores that had not been exposed to water.
Windows on the World: An Experiential Exercise

In Windows on the World, participants explore how national culture differences may affect managerial practices when expanding into another country. In the exercise, a U.S. niche grocery retail chain plans expansion into Brazil and China. The role-play is between a consultant team and a client team that has hired them. The consultant team gives expert advice about which, if any, of the managerial practices in place in the home market might require modification in Brazil or China. Facilitators can suggest “cultural due diligence” as a way to increase the likelihood of successful international business expansion.