cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of High-Heel Shoe Injuries in U.S. Women: 2002 to 2012

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the epidemiology of high-heel-related injuries among a nationally representative population of women in the United States and to analyze the demographic differences within this group. The data used in the present study were collected from the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. A total of 3294 injuries, representing an estimated 123,355 high-heel-related injuries, were treated in emergency departments within the United States from 2002 to 2012. The overall rate of high-heel-related injuries for the study was 7.32 per 100,000 females (95% confidence interval 7.08 to 7.56). The injury rate was greatest for young adult females, with the greatest rates observed for those aged 20 to 29 years (18.38 per 100,000 females) and those aged 30 to 39 years (11.07 per 100,000 females). The results from the present study suggest that high-heel-related injuries have nearly doubled during the 11-year period from 2002 to 2012. Injuries from high heels are differential by body region, with most injuries occurring as sprains and strains to the foot and ankle. Although high heels might be stylish, from a health standpoint, it could be worthwhile for females and those interested in wearing high heels to understand the risks of wearing high-heeled shoes and the potential harm that precarious activities in high-heeled shoes can cause. The results of the present study can be used in the development of a prospective cohort study to investigate the risk of injury from high-heeled shoes, accounting for the exposure time and studying differences in demographics (e.g., age and race).
Denys‐Drash and Frasier Syndromes

Denys-Drash and Frasier syndromes represent a spectrum of disorders of genitourinary development and neoplasia caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the WT1 tumor-suppressor gene. Denys-Drash syndrome is classically defined by the clinical triad of incomplete male genital development, early-onset nephropathy, and Wilms tumor. Frasier syndrome is defined as the triad of XY gonadal dysgenesis (i.e., phenotypic females with 46,XY karyotype and streak gonads), childhood-onset renal failure, and gonadoblastoma. XX females can also have WT1 mutations and develop nephropathy and tumors but have normal female genitalia and thus are not recognized until these complications develop. While, in general, there is a phenotype/genotype correlation between these syndromes and the types of WT1 mutations, in reality there is great overlap in the clinical presentations and types of mutations, such that many affected individuals have intermediate phenotypes and others have incomplete phenotypes. Hence Denys-Drash syndrome and Frasier syndrome are best thought of as “WT1 spectrum disorders,” and individuals with any features of the clinical spectrum should be considered at risk for WT1 mutations and associated nephropathy and tumors. Keywords: Denys-Drash syndrome; Frasier syndrome; genitourinary development; nephropathy; Wilms tumor; gonadoblastoma
Variability of deoxynivalenol measurements in barley.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a toxin produced by Fusarium fungi, can occur in many cereal grains. If wet climatic conditions coincide with the flowering period of plant development, circumstances are favorable for the fungi infection. Because the presence of DON in barley can have significant economic consequences to barley producers, commercially available test kits are used to measure DON in shipments throughout marketing channels. The quantity of barley sampled from a lot and used to measure DON can vary widely, depending on where the test is conducted. The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture specifies that a minimum of 100 g of grain must be processed to measure DON. Other laboratories may use more or less grain. A study undertaken to measure the variability among measurements of different sample sizes found no detectable differences in variability attributable to sample size. It was concluded that the variability among DON concentrations in samples from the lot was small relative to that introduced by the measurement process (combined sample preparation and analysis). A separate experiment investigated variation among samples taken from a lot, variation among subsamples taken from ground samples, and variation among multiple replicated measurements of an extract. On 10 lots, all 3 sources were significant contributors to variation. Stratification of DON within lots was hypothesized as a source of variation of DON measurements. Tests indicated that some stratification may exist.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting IDO1 and Other Tryptophan Dioxygenases for Cancer Immunotherapy

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), IDO2, and tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) comprise a family of enzymes that catalyze the first- and rate-limiting step associated with the catabolic conversion of tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn). Through subsequent enzymatic and spontaneous reactions, Kyn is further converted into the energetic substrates, NAD(+) and ATP, to fuel cellular metabolic functions. Coincidently, the depletion of Trp and accumulation of Kyn has been demonstrated to induce effector T-cell apoptosis/dysfunction and immunosuppressive regulatory T-cell induction, respectively. Similar to other immune checkpoints, IDO1 and TDO are suggested to be important targets for immunotherapeutic intervention. This is represented by the recent growth of efforts to inhibit the Trp-to-Kyn pathway as a means to control immunosuppression. Inhibitors currently in clinical trials, INCB024360, GDC-0919, indoximod, and an IDO1 peptide-based vaccine, are being evaluated for their efficacy against a wide range of cancers including melanoma, glioblastoma, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, and/or breast cancer, as well as metastatic disease. Despite the rapid development of potent clinical grade inhibitors, strategic questions remain. Here, we review the state of the literature with respect to current therapeutic inhibitors of tryptophan catabolism, evaluation of those efforts preclinically and clinically, compensatory changes that occur with therapeutic targeting, as well as newly recognized signaling features that raise critical questions to the field. Given the rapidly evolving interest in determining how IDO1/TDO, and to an unknown extent, IDO2, can be targeted for increasing cancer immunotherapeutic efficacy, we present a brief but comprehensive analysis that addresses critical questions, while highlighting the mechanics that remain to be explored.
Nanoengineering: Super symmetry in cell division.

Bacterial cells can be sculpted into different shapes using nanofabricated chambers and then used to explore the spatial adaptation of protein oscillations that play an important role in cell division.
An Empirical Study on the Patterns of Eye Movement during Summarization Tasks

Eye movement patterns are the order in which keywords or sections of keywords are read. These patterns are an important component of how programmers read source code. One strategy for determining how programmers perform summarization tasks is through eye tracking studies. These studies examine where people focus their attention while viewing text or images. In this study, we expand on eye tracking analysis to determine the eye movement patterns of programmers. We begin the study with a qualitative exploration of the eye movement patterns used by 10 professional programmers from an earlier study. We then use what we learned qualitatively to perform a quantitative analysis of those patterns. We found that all ten of the programmers followed nearly identical eye movement patterns. These patterns were analogous to eye movement patterns of reading natural language.
Utility of Holter Electrocardiogram in Iron-Overloaded Hemoglobinopathies

Cardiac arrhythmias are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality of transfusion-dependent, iron-overloaded beta-thalassemia patients. Routine screening with Holter electrocardiogram has been recommended; however, infrequent electrocardiographic changes limit its clinical usefulness. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of Holter electrocardiogram monitoring and its correlation with patient symptoms and disease status. A retrospective analysis was performed on 27 transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients who underwent cardiac questionnaire and Holter screening yearly, in addition to echocardiogram and quantitative iron-level determination. Four patients had clinically significant arrhythmias detected on Holter screening, while 2 patients developed severe cardiac complications secondary to arrhythmias within 1 year of follow-up of normal Holter screening. Early detection of cardiac events among transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients with Holter electrocardiography is not clinically effective. Other screening modalities, including the transtelephonic event recorder, should be evaluated in arrhythmia surveillance.
Certification of bilirubin SRM 916a

The process used to certify Standard Reference Material (SRM) 916a Bilirubin is described. The certification involved the use of various analytical techniques to detect or quantitate impurities, as well as to characterize the SRM itself. Bilirubin (BR) is believed to exist, in human serum, as the IXα isomer. Samples prepared commercially, including this SRM, also contain the IIIα and XIIIα isomers which are believed to be formed during purification. For the SRM, the three isomers were measured by HPLC and TLC. 1H NMR was used to detect and quantitate chloroform in the BR. Biliverdine and mesobilirubin were not detected. Impurities insoluble in chloroform, the residue from the ashing of BR, and volatiles were measured, in addition to non-acidic impurities and impurities more acidic than BR. The absorptivity of BR in chloroform was measured. A pink fluorescent impurity was detected and measured by TLC. From these analyses, a best estimate of the total amount of impurities was determined, and the BR was issued as SRM 916a with a certified purity of 98.3±0.3%.
Mexican-Origin Women's Employment Instability

This study compares the causes and earnings consequences of employment instability among Mexican-origin women, white women, and white men. Data for the analyses come from the work experience supplement in the March 1995 file of the Current Population Survey, which documents the respondent's yearlong labor force activity. Workers who had one or more spells of unemployment during the year or involuntarily worked part-time during the entire year are said to have experienced employment instability. Using logistic regression, results show that Mexican-origin women with low levels of schooling, immigrants, and those employed in the periphery services sector or extractive sector are highly vulnerable to employment instability. Earnings determination models revealed that employment instability exerts a heavy penalty on Mexican-origin women, compared to their stably employed coethnics, net of human capital endowments and economic sector location.
Shortcut methods for deriving behaviorally anchored rating scales

Behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) have traditionally required a great amount of time and effort to develop. Two variations of an alternative method to construct BARS are suggested. The traditional and the two simplified methods were used to develop scales for the evaluation of teacher performance. The scales were used by 231 undergraduate students to evaluate seven psychology instructors. The scales were compared across five content dimensions in terms of reliabilities, means, intercorrelations, and expert judgments. The three procedures were found to produce similar scales using these criteria. On the basis of this study, the shortcut derivation method is recommended as preferable for applied use because it requires considerably less construction time. Since this represents the first attempt to use these shortcut methods, additional experimental and field research is necessary to confirm this recommendation.
Distributed Dynamic Reinforcement of Efficient Outcomes in Multiagent Coordination and Network Formation

We analyze reinforcement learning under so-called “dynamic reinforcement.” In reinforcement learning, each agent repeatedly interacts with an unknown environment (i.e., other agents), receives a reward, and updates the probabilities of its next action based on its own previous actions and received rewards. Unlike standard reinforcement learning, dynamic reinforcement uses a combination of long-term rewards and recent rewards to construct myopically forward looking action selection probabilities. We analyze the long-term stability of the learning dynamics for general games with pure strategy Nash equilibria and specialize the results for coordination games and distributed network formation. In this class of problems, more than one stable equilibrium (i.e., coordination configuration) may exist. We demonstrate equilibrium selection under dynamic reinforcement. In particular, we show how a single agent is able to destabilize an equilibrium in favor of another by appropriately adjusting its dynamic reinforcement parameters. We contrast the conclusions with prior game theoretic results according to which the risk-dominant equilibrium is the only robust equilibrium when agents’ decisions are subject to small randomized perturbations. The analysis throughout is based on the ODE method for stochastic approximations, where a special form of perturbation in the learning dynamics allows for analyzing its behavior at the boundary points of the state space.
Hemodynamic function in dogs with chronic obstructive jaundice: Effects of radiocontrast medium

Chronic obstruction of the biliary tract alters circulatory function. The effects of radiocontrast medium (iothalamate meglumine) on systemic and renal hemodynamics were studied in normal dogs and dogs with chronic common bile duct ligation (CBDL). After intravenous injection of radiocontrast, cardiac output and stroke volume were not altered in normal and CBDL dogs; arterial pressure was stable in normal dogs but decreased significantly in CBDL dogs and was accompanied by reduced systemic vascular resistance. In normal and CBDL dogs the renal hemodynamic responses to radiocontrast medium were characterized by initial vasoconstriction (independent of renal renin release) and later vasodilation. This vasodilatation in CBDL dogs was particularly striking as it occurred despite reduced renal perfusion pressure and the augmented renin-angiotensin system. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with indomethacin in CBDL dogs abolished both the hypotensive and the renal vasodilator responses to radiocontrast medium. We conclude that enhanced prostaglandin activity contributes to the labile hemodynamic function noted in obstructive jaundice.
Isolation of synaptic junctional complexes from rat brain.

Abstract A procedure was developed for preparing a subcellular fraction greatly enriched in synaptic junctional complexes. As in earlier methods, synaptic plasma membrane was isolated by density gradient centrifugation from a lysed crude mitochondrial fraction and then treated with Triton X-100 to obtain a preparation enriched in junctional complexes. There were 3 additions in the present procedure, however, which significantly improved the quality of the junctional fraction. (1) Calcium was included in the isolation solutions to protect the junctional fine structure as revealed by ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA) staining. (2) Mitochondrial contamination of the synaptic plasma membrane fraction was greatly reduced by utilizing a histochemical reaction for an enzyme specific to mitochondria in order to increase their density in the sucrose gradient. (3) A profusion of membrane fragments that persisted after Triton treatment were separated from the junctional complex fraction on a density gradient.
IB: A Monte Carlo simulation tool for neutron scattering instrument design under PVM and MPI

Abstract Design of modern neutron scattering instruments relies heavily on Monte Carlo simulation tools for optimization. IB is one such tool written in C++ and implemented under Parallel Virtual Machine and the Message Passing Interface. The program was initially written for the design and optimization of the EQ-SANS instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source. One of its features is the ability to group simple instrument components into more complex ones at the user input level, e.g. grouping neutron mirrors into neutron guides and curved benders. The simulation engine manages the grouped components such that neutrons entering a group are properly operated upon by all components, multiple times if needed, before exiting the group. Thus, only a few basic optical modules are needed at the programming level. For simulations that require higher computer speeds, the program can be compiled and run in parallel modes using either the PVM or the MPI architectures.
Garlic: Its Anticarcinogenic and Antitumorigenic Properties

Overall, several investigations indicate that garlic and its organic allyl sulfur components inhibit the cancer process. Furthermore, these studies reveal that the benefits of garlic are not limited to a specific species, a particular tissue, or a specific carcinogen. Finally, odor is not a prerequisite for the protection provided by garlic against the initiation of chemical carcinogenesis. Although the water-soluble compound S-allyl cysteine is effective in reducing the risk of chemically induced tumors in experimental animals, it has no effect on established tumors. However, oil-soluble compounds such as diallyl disulfide are effective in reducing the proliferation of neoplasms. Although the evidence supports the benefits of garlic, additional evidence is needed to determine the quantity needed by humans to minimize cancer risk.
Genetics and personality temperament: Simplicity or complexity?

The role of simplifying assumptions for genetic models of personality was examined for three traits measured by the Differential Personality Questionnaire—Social Potency (dominance), Social Closeness, and Impulsivity. A new path model, the THETA model, is introduced and applied to summary correlations. Results suggest that assumptions about assortative mating, genetic dominance variance, equal environmental variance for identical twins, and sex differences were crucial for achieving satisfactory fits. Moreover, the assumptions important for one trait were not always important for another trait. If sampling bias in the correlations is minimal, then the genetic and environmental architecture of personality traits may be complex and trait specific.
UV-B effects on the nutritional chemistry of plants and the responses of a mammalian herbivore

Stratospheric ozone depletion has caused ground-level ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation to rise in temperate latitudes of both hemispheres. Because the effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on the nutrition of food consumed by mammalian herbivores are unknown, we measured nutritional and chemical constituents of 18 forages and related changes to in vitro dry matter digestibility. We also measured intake and in vivo digestibility of Pacific willow (Salix lasiandra) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) by blue duikers (Cephalophus monticola). Forages were irradiated for 3 months with ambient (1×) or supplemental (1.6×) UV-B radiation representing a 15% ozone depletion for Pullman, Washington, USA. Enhanced UV-B radiation had minimal and inconsistent effects on the nutritional content, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and protein-binding capacity of forages. However, flavonoid compounds increased in seven of the 13 forbs and woody dicots that were evaluated. Flavonoids were found to decrease only in yarrow (Achillea millefolium). When offered simultaneously, blue duikers preferred 1× and 1.6× UV-B irradiated plants of alfalfa equally, but ate 26% less willow grown under 1.6× UV-B radiation. However, when fed to duikers in separate feeding experiments, total dry matter intake and in vivo digestibility of dry matter, fiber, protein, and apparent energy did not differ between alfalfa and willow grown under 1× and 1.6× UV-B radiation. We conclude that expected increases in UV-B radiation from ozone depletion would have minimal effects on intake and digestion of ruminant herbivores.
Colour centers in sodium fluoride

Abstract A survey has been made of color centers produced in NaF crystals by X-irradiation. Measured at 80°K, the F-band occurs at 333 mμ (3.72 eV), the M-band at 498 mμ (2.49 eV). At room temperature the comparative wavelengths are 341 mμ and 505 mμ, respectively. The R 1− and R 2− bands and the K-band occur at 395 mμ (3.14eV) 435 mμ (2.85 eV), and 282 mμ (4.40 eV), respectively, measured at 80°K. Four V-type bands are observed at liquid N 2 temperature at 288 mμ (4.31 eV), 267 mμ (4.64 eV), 249 mμ (4.98 eV) and 233 mμ (5.32 eV). These disappear upon warming to room temperature. Study of growth kinetics at four temperatures indicates that X-irradiation at CO 2 temperatures is an efficient means of production of high concentrations of F-centers with only minor formation of M-centers. At room temperature and 100°C, X-irradiation produces M-centers at concentrations proportional to the square of the F-center concentration.
Differential Gene Expression of TGFβ Inducible Early Gene (TIEG), Smad7, Smad2 and Bard1 in Normal and Malignant Breast Tissue

TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway members are potent tumor suppressors for many types of cancers. We hypothesize that breast tumors differentially express these genes and that this expression pattern plays a role in the proliferation of breast cancer. We examined the mRNA levels of TIEG, Smad7, Smad2, and Bard1 using real-time RT/PCR in 14 normal breast, five non-invasive, 57 invasive (including 29 with outcome data), and five metastatic breast tumor tissues. TIEG and Smad7 mRNA levels were lower in non-invasive tumors compared to normal breast tissues. TIEG, Bard1, and Smad2 mRNA levels were lower in invasive cancers compared to normal breast tissues. In addition, TIEG, Smad2, and Bard1, provided discriminatory ability to potentially distinguish between normal and tumor samples, N− and N+ tumors, and N-/good (no recurrence for at least 5 years) and N-/bad (recurrence within 3 years) outcome patients. TIEG mRNA levels accurately discriminated between normal breast tissue and primary tumors with a sensitivity and specificity of 96 and 93%, respectively. TIEG, in combination with Smad2, distinguished between N+ and N− primary tumors with a sensitivity and specificity of 75 and 85%, respectively. TIEG in combination with Bard1 discriminated between N-/bad outcome from N-/good tumors with a sensitivity and specificity of 83 and 82%, respectively. Our results support the hypothesis that the differential gene expression of TIEG, Smad2, and Bard1, which are tumor suppressor genes, plays a significant role in the proliferation of breast cancer. Further investigation is necessary to validate the ability of these genes to discriminate between different populations of breast cancer patients.
Improvement of analytical dynamic models using complex modal test data

Abstract A technique is presented to improve an analytical model from a set of measured (damped) complex modal parameters. The incomplete measurement modes are first expanded as baseline modes. A physically reasonable and mathematically convenient functional is proposed in which the orthogonality relationships are incorporated as constraints by Lagrange multipliers. Mass matrix and stiffness matrix corrections are obtained first by the minimization of the constrained functional, as they are more accurately determined than the damping matrix in most analytical models. With the corrected mass matrix and stiffness matrix, another constrained functional is similarly formulated to find the damping matrix correction. A simulated experiment and a composite laminated plate experiment are presented to illustrate the concepts discussed and support the theory presented.
Modulation of peripheral sympathetic nerve transmission

The past 15 years have been witness to a remarkable growth in knowledge regarding the modulation of "sympathetic traffic" to neuroeffector organs, including vascular tissue. The release of norepinephrine from peripheral sympathetic neurons is now known to be under both negative and positive feedback control. Norepinephrine, when released from peripheral neurons, acts on presynaptic alpha 2-receptors to inhibit further neurotransmission. Vascular postsynaptic alpha 2-receptors, sensitive to circulating catecholamines, subserve vasoconstriction. The antihypertensive agents clonidine, guanabenz and guanfacin likely reduce blood pressure by acting centrally on alpha 2 postsynaptic neurons to limit sympathetic transmission to blood vessels. Clonidine can produce venoconstriction and thereby improve orthostatic hypotension by activating venous alpha 2-receptors. Additional presynaptic dopaminergic receptors (DA2), muscarinic receptors (acetylcholine), opioid receptors, prostaglandin receptors, adenosine receptors (A1) and histamine (H2) receptors are present on sympathetic nerve membranes and, when engaged with the appropriate ligand, can limit the exocytotic process. Gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin demonstrate similar roles in reducing sympathetic nerve activity. In contrast to these inhibitory presynaptic mechanisms, facilitation of norepinephrine release appears to occur by way of neuronal angiotensin II receptor activation and perhaps through stimulation of sympathetic nerve membrane beta 2-receptors. An appreciation of these inhibitory and facilitator mechanisms is useful in the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, orthostatic hypotension, septic shock and a number of common withdrawal syndromes.
Testing the Feasibility of a National Spina Bifida Patient Registry

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to describe the development and early implementation of a national spina bifida (SB) patient registry, the goal of which is to monitor the health status, clinical care, and outcomes of people with SB by collecting and analyzing patient data from comprehensive SB clinics. METHODS Using a web-based, SB-specific electronic medical record, 10 SB clinics collected health-related information for patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele, lipomyelomeningocele, fatty filum, or meningocele. This information was compiled and de-identified for transmission to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for quality control and analysis. RESULTS A total of 2070 patients were enrolled from 2009 through 2011: 84.9% were younger than 18 years of age; 1095 were women; 64.2% were non-Hispanic white; 6.5% were non-Hispanic black or African American; and 24.2% were Hispanic or Latino. Myelomeningocele was the most common diagnosis (81.5%). CONCLUSIONS The creation of a National Spina Bifida Patient Registry partnership between the CDC and SB clinics has been feasible. Through planned longitudinal data collection and the inclusion of additional clinics, the data generated by the registry will become more robust and representative of the population of patients attending SB clinics in the United States and will allow for the investigation of patient outcomes. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Child abuse by adolescent babysitters

Abstract In our more mobile society, and as a result of more mothers working, adolescents are becoming more involved in providing child care. During the teenage years, adolescents work to achieve more autonomy and better control of their impulses. For some adolescents, the mastery of impulse control is not achieved, and in fact, the breakdown of such controls can occur. Unleashed aggression in the form of child abuse has involved family, and non-family members with poor impulse control. In this article, the literature on child abuse is reviewed. The authors present two documented case studies involving child abuse by adolescent babysitters, and review similar cases reported in the news media. They also report on a survey involving 485 high school students and examine the potential for abuse while babysitting. Physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death can be results of an inappropriate matching of teenage sitters and children. Specific guidelines are recommended for the prevention and follow-up of suspected abuse in which adolescent sitters are involved. Parents are encouraged to take primary responsibility in selecting teenagers to babysit and to make the necessary inquiries about the sitters, their background and their experiences in keeping children. Suggestions for the interviewing and managing of the adolescent sitters in overt child-abuse situations are also presented.
A Role for Retrotransposon LINE-1 in Fetal Oocyte Attrition in Mice

Fetal oocyte attrition (FOA) is a conserved but poorly understood process of elimination of more than two-thirds of meiotic prophase I (MPI) oocytes before birth. We now implicate retrotransposons LINE-1 (L1), activated during epigenetic reprogramming of the embryonic germline, in FOA in mice. We show that wild-type fetal oocytes possess differential nuclear levels of L1ORF1p, an L1-encoded protein essential for L1 ribonucleoprotein particle (L1RNP) formation and L1 retrotransposition. We demonstrate that experimental elevation of L1 expression correlates with increased MPI defects, FOA, oocyte aneuploidy, and embryonic lethality. Conversely, reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor AZT has a profound effect on the FOA dynamics and meiotic recombination, and it implicates an RT-dependent trigger in oocyte elimination in early MPI. We propose that FOA serves to select oocytes with limited L1 activity that are therefore best suited for the next generation.
Advantages and Limitations on Processing Foods by UV Light

Fresh food products can be processed using UV light as a germicidal medium to reduce the food-borne microbial load. Water has been treated with UV light to obtain drinking water for quite some time. Pumpable fruit and vegetable products are generally very suitable for processing by UV light to reduce the microbial load. Today, most of these products are pasteurised to obtain microbiologically safe and nutritious products. However, pasteurisation can change the taste and flavour of such products because of the temperature and processing time. Juices from different sources can be treated by exposure to UV light at different doses. On the other hand, variables such as flow rate, exposure time, type of fruit product, juice colour and juice composition, among other variables, need to be studied to obtain fruit products with reduced microbial load, increased shelf life and adequate sensory and nutritional characteristics. Reduction of microbial load through UV light application as a disinfection medium for food products other than liquids is also being studied. Moreover, UV technology could be a source for pasteurisation of liquids, or disinfection of solid foods as an alternative technology, instead of thermal treatment or application of antimicrobial compounds.
Novel N-thiolated β-lactam antibiotics selectively induce apoptosis in human tumor and transformed, but not normal or nontransformed, cells

Abstract Historically, it has been shown that the β-lactam antibiotics play an essential role in treating bacterial infections while demonstrating selectivity for prokaryotic cells. We recently reported that certain N -methylthio-substituted β-lactam antibiotics had DNA-damaging and apoptosis-inducing activities in various tumor cells. However, whether these compounds affect human normal or nontransformed cells was unknown. In the current study, we first show that a lead compound (lactam 1 ) selectively induces apoptosis in human leukemic Jurkat T, but not in the nontransformed, immortalized human natural killer (NK) cells. Additionally, we screened a library of other N -methylthiolated β-lactams to determine their structure–activity relationships (SARs), and found lactam 12 to have the highest apoptosis-inducing activity against human leukemic Jurkat T cells, associated with increased DNA-damaging potency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that lactam 12 , as well as lactam 1 , potently inhibits colony formation of human prostate cancer cells. We also show that lactam 12 induces apoptosis in human breast, prostate, and head-and-neck cancer cells. Finally, lactam 12 induces apoptosis selectively in Jurkat T and simian virus 40-transformed, but not in nontransformed NK and parental normal fibroblast, cells. Our results suggest that there is potential for developing this class of β-lactams into novel anticancer agents.
Age-related alterations in plasma membrane glycoprotein content and scheduled or unscheduled DMA synthesis

Abstract WI-38 cells of various ages and SV40-transformed WI-38 cells were examined for differences in plasma membrane composition of glycoproteins and DNA synthesis. Sialic acid per milligram of protein content of the membranes of WI-38 cells decreased with passage of time in culture. Other glycoprotein fractions and alkaline phosphatase activity disappeared in the WI-38 cells with passage of time in culture (Phase III). Studies of DNA repair correlated with changes observed in the plasma membrane glycoprotein content of WI-38 cells over a passage of time in culture were also reported. Both the extent and rate of ultraviolet-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis remained relatively constant during the passage of the WI-38 cells until late phase III. At that time the extent of unscheduled DNA synthesis was measurably reduced. The number of cells in a population of phase III cells able to perform semiconservative DNA synthesis diminished with age in culture but not to an extent capable of explaining the observed changes seen in membrane composition of semiconservative DNA synthesis during passage of the cells in culture. Cells with an extended lifespan SV40-transformed WI-38 (VA 13.2 RA) cells, did not vary in membrane composition, semiconservative DNA synthesis, or unscheduled DNA synthesis over 200 serial subpassages of the cells in culture.
VITAMIN E PHARMACOKINETICS: COMPARISON OF 1 VERSUS 8 HOUR INFUSION

Premature infants are vitamin E deficient at birth. Vitamin E administration by infusion is preferable to intramuscular injection because of the small muscle mass of very low blrthweight infants and the irritating nature of free tocopherol. Pharmacokinetics of intravenous vitamin E (IV) was evaluated in 9 preterm infants. 4 infants (Group 1, BW 990 ± 84 gms, GA = 29.2 ± 1.1 wks) were given a single dose of 10 mg/kg of dl-α tocopherol (Hoffmann LaRoche) by 1 hour infusion. The same dose was given to 5 infants (Group 2, BW 1138 ± 133.6 gms, GA = 28.4 ± 1.3 wks) by 8 hour infusion. Blood samples were obtained from central line immediately prior to (zero time) and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 hours after vitamin E infusion. Pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by model independent analysis of the serum vitamin E concentration time profile. Mean ± SD values for harmonic half life (T 1/2, hrs), volume of distribution (VD, liter/kg), serum clearance (SC ml/hr/kg) and selected serum vitamin E levels (E, mg/dl) for the two groups are: Infusion of vitamin E over 1 hour results in a significantly higher peak but similar steady state values as compared to 8 hours. These data can be used for dosing recommendation.
Numerical Study of Spin and Chiral Order in a Two-Dimensional XY Spin Glass

The two-dimensional $\mathrm{XY}$ spin glass is studied numerically by a finite size defect energy scaling method at $T\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$ in the vortex representation which allows us to compute the exact (in principle) spin and chiral domain wall energies. We confirm earlier predictions that there is no glass phase at any finite $T$. Our results strongly support the conjecture that both spin and chiral order have the same correlation length exponent ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{s}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}2.70$. Preliminary results in 3D are also obtained.
Complex partial status epilepticus associated with anti-Hu paraneoplastic syndrome

Although seizures can be a manifestation of paraneoplastic disorders, there are few descriptions of the association between the anti-Hu paraneoplastic syndrome and epilepsia partialis continua. A new case of refractory complex partial status epilepticus in a patient with a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with a poorly differentiated mediastinal tumor that expressed Hu antigen is described clinically, pathologically, and electrographically. We discuss the presentation of focal seizures in a disease that is characterized by diffuse pathologic involvement of the brain. The progression of EEG, MRI, and clinical findings during the course of the illness is also discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first description of paraneoplastic epilepsia partialis continua associated with diffuse pathologic abnormalities.
Beyond the Rivers of Africa: The Afrocentric Pentecostalism of Mensa Otabil

Mensa Otabil is an African Pentecostal who has developed an Afrocentric focus as a way of responding to the initiatives and interest that face today's growing African Pentecostal church. Otabil warns African Americans that questions of their relationship with Africa must be addressed. Perhaps Otabil's legacy will be his most immediate role of a motivational speaker and encourager for progress in a part of the world that has been drowned with both internal and external projections of pessimism. What is certain is that Mensa Otabil believes in a Pentecostal faith which is able to speak to Africa's social needs. His conviction is rooted in his conviction that the inherent strength of the great people of Africa is yet to be fully released.
From string galvanometer to computer: Haldan Keffer Hartline (1903–1983)

Abstract H. Keffer Hartline was a pioneer in research on the visual system. Beginning in the 1920s with a string galvanometer and later using a digital computer, he explored almost every aspect of vision. Focusing his efforts on relatively simple model systems, he uncovered basic mechanisms of visual function common to many animals, including man. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1967 with Ragner Granit and George Wald. He died in 1983 in his 80th year.
Conversion efficiency and green power of compact reverse-proton-exchanged MgO:LiNbO 3 waveguides

A sub-cm-long reverse-proton-exchanged waveguide with record normalized efficiency showed 44.2% peak internal continuous-wave single-pass conversion, 196-mW peak green, and overall conversion peaking at 30%, being above 25% for green outputs above 80 mW.
Activity and stability of a recombinant plasmid-borne TCE degradative pathway in biofilm cultures

The activity and stability of the TCE degradative plasmid TOM31c in the transconjugant host Burkholderia cepacia 17616 was studied in selective and non-selective biofilm cultures. The activity of plasmid TOM31c in biofilm cultures was measured by both TCE degradative studies and the expression of the Tom pathway. Plasmid loss was measured using continuous flow, rotating annular biofilm reactors, and various analytical and microbiological techniques. The probability of plasmid loss in the biofilm cultures was determined using a non-steady-state biofilm plasmid loss model that was derived from a simple mass balance, incorporating results from biofilm growth and plasmid loss studies. The plasmid loss model also utilized Andrew's inhibition growth kinetics and a biofilm detachment term. Results from these biofilm studies were compared to similar studies performed on suspended cultures of Burkholderia cepacia 17616-TOM31c to determine if biofilm growth has a significant effect on either plasmid retention or Tom pathway expression (i.e., TCE degradation rates). Results show that the activity and expression of the Tom pathway measured in biofilm cultures was significantly less than that found in suspended cultures at comparable growth rates. The data obtained from these studies fit the plasmid loss model well, providing plasmid loss probability factors for biofilm cultures that were equivalent to those previously found for suspended cultures. The probability of plasmid loss in the B. cepacia 17616-TOM31c biofilm cultures was equivalent to those found in the suspended cultures. The results indicate that biofilm growth neither helps nor hinders plasmid stability. In both the suspended and the biofilm cultures, plasmid retention and expression could be maintained using selective growth substrates and/or an appropriate plasmid-selective antibiotic. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification of metal cations, metal complexes, and anions by electrospray mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode

Pneumatically assisted electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS) is used in the negative ion mode for aqueous metal (M) solutions in an excess of hydrochloric or nitric acid, where the major anion X = Cl- or NO3-. A collision energy of approximately 20 eV removes anion-solvent clusters for most elements and leaves negative complex ions of the general form (Mn+Xn+1)-. Complexation with anions prevents charge reduction reactions at least to n = 3, even in cases where the third ionization energy of M greatly exceeds the first ionization energy of the solvent. These negative ions thus preserve the charge state of the metal cation from the solution and allow identification of both cations and anions in a single set of electrospray conditions. Cations such as Fe3+ or Cu2+ that have a lower oxidation state in solution produce a distribution of negative ions, each with a single negative charge overall; e.g., an Fe3+ solution produces both Fe(III)X4- and Fe(III)X3-. This distribution of FeIII and FeII species is attributed to electrochemical reduction of Fe3+ at the negatively charged ES needle. "Native" anions such as perrhenate or molybdate produce singly charged analogues such as ReO4- or HMoO4-. Metal-EDTA complexes are seen as M(III)Y- or M(II)HY-. The sensitivity for these "native" anions is suppressed by competition with the excess chloride or nitrate used to produce the metal-containing complex ions.
COMPARISON OF THE CONFORMATION OF TOMATO PECTINS WITH APPLE AND CITRUS PECTINS

The conformation of hot break tomato pectins in water/glycerol solutions as a function of degree esterification was studied and compared with the conformation of apple and citrus pectin using reduced storage [G'] R and loss [G″] R moduli and the theories of Marvin and McKinney for rod-like behavior and those of Rouse as well as Zimm for random coil conformation. In all three cases the theory of Zimm implying dominant hydrodynamic interactions fit the experimental data best. This is consistent with current knowledge on chemical structure of pectin where the charged uronides clearly readily interact with each other
Capillary electrophoresis for the analytical separation and semi-preparative collection of monoclonal antibodies

Abstract A preparation of a highly purified monoclonal antibody was subjected to capillary electrophoretic determination. Through the use of multiple parallel capillaries it was possible to increase both the detector response and sample load in direct proportion to the number of capillaries. While the amount of antibody solution assessed by ultraviolet detection was in the range of tenths of μg ml −1 , values in the range of tenths of ng ml −1 were obtained using fluorescence detection. The results are discussed in terms of their practical values for biological samples, targeted for human consumption as pharmaceutical drugs.
Functional and pharmacological properties of canine ERG potassium channels.

We established HEK-293 cell lines that stably express functional canine ether-a-go-go-related gene (cERG) K+ channels and examined their biophysical and pharmacological properties with whole cell p...
Matthen on Castaneda and Plato's Treatment of Relational Statements in the Phaedo

In a recent discussion note, Mohan Matthen has offered a sketch of what he calls 'the beginnings of an adequate interpretation of Plato's treatment of the tall and the equal in the Phaedo." In doing so, Matthen agrees with Hector-Neri Castatteda that Plato had a theory of relational statements, but argues that the theory of relations Castafleda has attributed to Plato is an incorrect interpretation.2 In what follows, I will argue that Matthen's attack on Castafieda's theory fails, and that his own interpretation is seriously flawed.
Is gene flow promoting the reversal of pleistocene divergence in the Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli)

The Pleistocene glacial cycles left a genetic legacy on taxa throughout the world; however, the persistence of genetic lineages that diverged during these cycles is dependent upon levels of gene flow and introgression. The consequences of secondary contact among taxa may reveal new insights into the history of the Pleistocene’s genetic legacy. Here, we use phylogeographic methods, using 20 nuclear loci from regional populations, to infer the consequences of secondary contact following divergence in the Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli). Analysis of nuclear data identified two geographically-structured genetic groups, largely concordant with results from a previous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) study. Additionally, the estimated multilocus divergence times indicate a Pleistocene divergence, and are highly concordant with mtDNA. The previous mtDNA study showed a paucity of sympatry between clades, while nuclear patterns of gene flow show highly varied patterns between populations. The observed pattern of gene flow, from coalescent-based analyses, indicates southern populations in both clades exhibit little gene flow within or between clades, while northern populations are experiencing higher gene flow within and between clades. If this pattern were to persist, it is possible the historical legacy of Pleistocene divergence may be preserved in the southern populations only, and the northern populations would become a genetically diverse hybrid species.
Urinary Bladder Mass in a Dog

A 7-year-old spayed female Schnauzer dog with chronic hematuria had a soft tissue mass within the wall of the bladder. The mass was excised and, when examined histologically, was determined to be a discrete well-organized mural mass consisting of spindloid cells arranged in swirling sheets and palisades punctuated by aggregates of principally eosinophils. The overlying transitional mucosa was extensively ulcerated and focally hyperplastic and nodular with subjacent solid down growths, superficial cysts, and the extension of tubular structures deep into the submucosa. The histologic appearance of this mass is consistent with canine polypoid eosinophilic cystitis, also known as benign inflammatory fibrous polyp.
Effect of Age and Sex on the Acquisition of Immunity to Toxoplasmosis in Cats

SYNOPSIS. The effects of age and sex of the cat on oocyst shedding, multiplication of Toxoplasma gondii in tissues of cats, and acquisition of immunity were investigated after oral inoculation of cats with Toxoplasma cysts. Twenty-five cats varying in age from 1 week to 39 months were killed 7-97 days after inoculation with T. gondii. Homogenates of brain, heart, mesenteric lymph nodes, retina, and blood from these cats were inoculated into mice to test for Toxoplasma infectivity. Toxoplasma was isolated more frequently and in higher titers in mice receiving inocula from cats of the youngest age group (1 week old). Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from tissues of only 2 of 21 cats older than 2 months (at the time of inoculation), although all of the animals shed oocysts within 1 week after ingesting the parasites. The number of oocysts shed varied among littermates of the same sex and between sexes. Generally, cats younger than 12 months shed more oocysts than older cats. The number of oocysts shed by older cats varied considerably; males generally shed more oocysts than the females. However, the numbers of cats examined were too small for statistical comparison. Nevertheless, the observations suggest that cats older than 12 months should not be used in experiments where numbers of oocysts shed is critical.