cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin stacking for capillary electrophoresis

Abstract Stacking methods are very important in overcoming the poor detection limits in capillary electrophoresis. Human insulin, a polypeptide, was concentrated on the capillary (stacked) based on three different and simple treatment methods to the sample: dilute buffers, high salt content, and acetonitrile (66%) were added to the sample to induce stacking. A dilute buffer in the sample caused a limited stacking, while acetonitrile treatment and high salt content in the sample caused much greater (∼20-fold) stacking. High salt concentration in the sample caused stacking presumably by a transient isotachophoretic method. In addition to stacking, the acetonitrile treatment removed the excess proteins in the sample. Insulin did not denature or precipitate in 66% acetonitrile as confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunoassays. Acetonitrile treatment enabled one-third of the capillary to be loaded with sample thus increasing the detection signal greatly. The insulin peak after acetonitrile treatment and separation by capillary electrophoresis (CE) was confirmed by HPLC and by CE fraction collection followed by immunoassay. Based on acetonitrile treatment, insulin detection in pancreatic tissue homogenates is shown to be feasible.
Theoretical analysis of energy harvesting performance for unimorph piezoelectric benders with interdigitated electrodes

A great amount of research has been done to develop piezoelectric material-based energy harvesting devices as power generators for a variety of portable and low power consuming devices. Among the possibilities for energy harvesters, the 31 type cantilever piezoelectric benders have generally been used. In this work a unimorph piezoelectric cantilever beam with an interdigitated electrode pattern was examined. The focus of this paper is to develop a model and propose design parameters to improve the energy generating performance of the interdigitated piezoelectric energy harvester.
Effects of low-level lead exposure on hypothalamic hormones and serum progesterone levels in pregnant guinea pigs.

Abstract Pregnant guinea pigs were given a daily oral dose of 0, 5.5, or 11 mg lead (as lead acetate) per kg body weight during days 22–52 or 22–62 of gestation. Maternal serum progesterone levels were measured at the end of treatment, as well as hypothalamic levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and somatostatin (SRIF) in both the mothers and fetuses. Lead-treated dams had lower serum concentrations of progesterone at the end of treatment than did vehicle-treated animals. This effect was statistically significant for the higher Pb dose only. Hypothalamic levels of GnRH and SRIF were reduced in a dose-dependent manner by lead treatment in both dams and fetuses. The reduction of SRIF levels in 52-day-old fetuses was particularly severe (92%)_in the 11 mg group. However, neither litter size nor body and organ weights, including placental weight, of the dams and fetuses was significantly affected. The relevance of these hormonal decreases is unknown, but could include decreased reproductive capacity in both the dams and fetuses that does not become apparent until later in the life-cycle.
Towards Development of a Non-Touch Man-Machine Interface for Intelligent Presenter-Audience Collaborative Environment

A novel, non-touch, screen pointing interface is proposed for the use of intelligent presenter/audience collaborative environment. The underlying methodology for detecting a virtual passive pointer is described. The passive pointer or device does not have any active energy source within it (as opposed to a laser pointer) and thus cannot easily be detected or identified. The modeling and simulation task is carried out by generating high resolution color images of a pointer viewing via two digital cameras with a popular three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics and animation program, Studio 3D Max by Discreet. These images are then retrieved for analysis into a Microsoft’s Visual C++ program developed based on the theory of image triangulation. The program outputs a precise coordinates of the pointer in the 3D space in addition to its projection on a view screen located in a large display/presentation room. The computational results of the pointer projection are compared with known locations specified by Studio 3D Max for different simulated configurations. High pointing accuracy is achieved: a pointer kept 30 feet away correctly hits the target location within a few inches. Thus, this technology is useful in a large setting where presenter-audience collaborative applications are needed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Source apportionment for ambient particles in the San Gorgonio wilderness

Abstract Recent factor analysis studies of data from the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network in which the separate carbon fractions have been used have found factors that have been assigned to emissions from diesel and spark-ignition vehicles. In this study, positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to the chemical composition of PM2.5 collected at the San Gorgonio IMPROVE site, downwind of the Los Angeles area. Therefore, in addition to the general identification of the possible emission sources of the ambient aerosols at this site, this study explicitly examines the feasibility of separating diesel emission from gasoline emission using the organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC) thermal fractions. The results suggest the feasibility of separating diesel/gasoline emission profiles based on the species concentration data including the OC/EC fractions. Also in the analysis of these data, two crustal factors were identified with one being associated with local suspended soil and the other being associated with transported Asian desert dust. The other sources include secondary sulfate/OC, secondary nitrate, and reacted sea salt.
Humic Acid Toxicity in Biologically Treated Soil Contaminated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Pentachlorophenol

Contaminated soil from a land treatment unit at the Libby Groundwater Superfund Site in Libby, MT, was amended with 14C pyrene and incubated for 396 days to promote biodegradation and the formation of soil-associated bound residues. Humic and fulvic acids were extracted from the treated soil microcosms and analyzed for the presence of pyrene residues. Biologic activity promoted 14C association with the fulvic acid fraction, but humic acid-associated 14C did not increase with biologic activity. The Aboatox flash toxicity assay was used to assess the toxicity of humic and fulvic acid fractions. The fulvic acid gave no toxic response, but the humic acid showed significant toxicity. The observed toxicity was likely associated with pentachlorophenol, a known contaminant of the soil that was removed by solvent extraction of the humic acid and that correlated well with toxicity reduction.
Episodic and semantic memories of a residential environmental education program

This study used a phenomenological approach to investigate the recollections of participants of an environmental education (EE) residential program. Ten students who participated in a residential EE program in the fall of 2001 were interviewed in the fall of 2002. Three major themes relating to the participants’ long‐term memory of the residential EE program were identified: (a) recollections were highly influenced by actions taken by the students; (b) program content/subject matter was retained by all of the students to varying degrees; and (c) emotional reactions to the experience were present. The results seem to support the notion that active experiences have an important role in episodic recall. Results also suggest semantic memory was achieved. The authors offer a potential model of learning for residential EE programs that is structured on episodic/semantic memory systems and is reflective of the results of this study as well as current research in cognitive sciences.
Factors associated with colorectal cancer screening decision stage.

Abstract Objective This paper reports on factors associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening decision stage (SDS) in screening-eligible primary care patients. Methods Baseline telephone survey data (i.e., sociodemographic background, CRC screening perceptions, and SDS) were obtained for 1515 patients in a randomized behavioral intervention trial. Respondents reported SDS, a measure of proximity to actual screening, after listening to descriptions of screening stool blood testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy as had never heard of (NHO), were not considering or were undecided (NCU), or decided to do (DTD) each test. Polychotomous regression analyses were performed to differentiate participants by SDS. Results At baseline, SDS was distributed as follows: NHO (8%), NCU (41%), and DTD (51%). We found that individuals who had DTD compared to those who were NCU about screening were older (OR = 0.64), had prior cancer screening (OR = 1.43), believed screening is important (OR = 3.44), and had high social support (OR = 2.49). Persons who were NCU compared to NHO participants were female (OR = 2.18), were white (OR = 2.35), had prior cancer screening (OR = 2.81), and believed screening is important (OR = 2.44). Conclusions Prior screening and belief in screening importance were found to be consistently associated with SDS across comparisons, while older age, gender, race, and social support were not.
Purification and properties of heme-deficient hepatic soluble guanylate cyclase: Effects of heme and other factors on enzyme activation by NO, NO-heme, and protoporphyrin IX

Purified hepatic soluble guanylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.2) had maximal specific activities in the unactivated state of 0.4 and 1 μmol cyclic GMP min−1 mg protein−1, when MgGTP and MnGTP, respectively, were used as substrates. The apparent Km for GTP was 85 or 10 μm in the presence of excess Mg2+ or Mn2+, respectively. Guanylate cyclase purified as described was deficient in heme but could be readily reconstituted with heme by reacting enzyme with hematin and excess dithiothreitol at 4 °C and pH 7.8. Unpurified guanylate cyclase was activated 20- to 84-fold by NO, nitroso compounds, NO-heme, and protoporphyrin IX. The purified enzyme was only slightly (2- to 3-fold) activated by NO and nitroso compounds but was markedly (50-fold) activated by NO-heme and protoporphyrin IX, achieving maximal specific activities of 10 μmol cyclic GMP min−1 mg protein−1. Enzyme activation by NO and nitroso compounds was restored by addition of hematin or by reconstitution of guanylate cyclase with heme. Excess hematin, however, inhibited enzyme activity. A partially purified heat-stable factor (activation-enhancing factor) was found to enhance (2- to 35-fold) enzyme activation without directly stimulating guanylate cyclase. In the presence of optimal concentrations of hematin, enzyme activation was still increased (2-fold) by the activation-enhancing factor but not by bovine serum albumin. Guanylate cyclase was markedly inhibited by SH reactive agents such as cystine, o-iodosobenzoic acid, periodate, and 5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid). In addition, CN− and FMN inhibited enzyme activation by NO-heme, but not by protoporphyrin IX, and did not affect basal enzymatic activity. Hepatic soluble guanylate cyclase appears to possess SH groups required for catalysis and to require heme and/or other unknown factors for the full expression of enzyme activation by NO and nitroso compounds.
The preparation and crystal structure of a BaRhO3 polytype

Abstract Barium rhodium oxide, BaRhO 3 , was prepared at 1175°C and 60–65 kbar by the reaction of BaO 2 and RhO 2 . A hexagonal black platelet obtained in the reaction product was found to possess a four-layer stacking sequence in space group P6 3 mmc having hexagonal unit cell parameters a = 5.744(1), c = 9.642(1) A. The structure was detemined from 707 independent reflections of which 224 were considered observed. Averaging equivalent reflections yielded 132 unique observed reflections. Refinement of the structure by least-squares methods gave a conventional R value of 4.4%. The structure consists of a four-layer stacking sequence of close-packed BaO 3 layers containing tetravalent rhodium in all the octahedral oxygen interstices. The compound was found to be isostructural with previously reported Ba M O 3 phases. This is the first single-crystal refinement of the 4 H polytype using a four-circle diffractometer.
What association analysis can and cannot tell us about the genetics of complex disease

Human genetics researchers have been intrigued for many years by weak-to-moderate associations between markers and diseases. However, in most cases of association, the cause of this phenomenon is still unknown. Recently, interest has grown in pursuing association studies for complex psychiatric diseases, either instead of or in addition to linkage studies. However, it is one thing to detect association; the next important step is to determine why. Here we consider what a disease-marker association in the weak-to-moderate range (relative risk <5) can tell us about disease etiology. Two distinct models (not the only possibilities) which could explain such an association are formulated. One is a linkage disequilibrium or major disease gene model, involving tight linkage with a “necessary” major gene. The other is a pure association model, involving a “susceptibility” gene that has only a minor effect on disease state. It will be shown that association analysis cannot distinguish between these two models, and hence cannot elucidate the biological mechanism behind the association. (This statement holds for traditional population-based association tests, as well as for more recent family-based association tests.) The importance of drawing the distinction between these two genetic models and the implications for understanding the genetics of complex human disease will also be discussed. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Earth as a radio source: Terrestrial kilometric radiation

Based on Imp 6 and 8 satellite observation data, a comprehensive study of terrestrial kilometric radiation is presented. In the light of these data, the earth appears to be a very intense planetary radio source, with a total power output comparable to the decametric radio emission from Jupiter. Terrestrial kilometric (i.e., about 50-500 kHz) radiation seems to originate from low altitudes in the auroral region.
Current surgical management of patients with chronic ulcerative colitis.

This report consists of a review of an experience with total colectomy with mucosal proctectomy and neorectal reservoir for pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. The entire experience includes 221 patients, with 73 patients 1 year after operation, have been studied with 100% follow-up evaluation for up to 17 years after operation. Fifty (89%) are leading normal lives with an acceptable stool frequency and complete continence. A number of postoperative complications have been encountered that are of particular concern to the pediatric gastroenterologist. The most distressing finding has been the subsequent diagnosis of Crohn's disease in most of the patients whose postoperative course was unsatisfactory. This underscores the need for a more accurate means of differentiating ulcerative colitis from Crohn's colitis before advising surgery.
Characterization of ZnSe homo-interface grown by MBE

Abstract A ZnSe homo-interface, which was formed by MBE, was characterized. First, when the unetched ZnSe substrates were used, 3D-nucleation occurred, which suggested the remnant of the heterogeneous nuclei. Consequently, the interface layer was clearly visible and as high as 108 cm−2 crystal defects, such as dislocations and stacking faults, were observed by cross sectional TEM. The EPD was uncountable at this high defect density. Second, when the substrates were chemically etched, 2D-nucleation was confirmed by RHEED, and interface layer and defects were not observed by cross sectional TEM. However plan-view TEM and EPD revealed that about 106–107 cm−2 crystal defects were observed. To clarify the origin of the crystal defects at the homo-interface, SIMS analysis was performed and the results showed the pile up of oxygen at the interface, and the EPD was proportional to the intensity of the O signal. Finally, the reduction of the oxide layer after the chemical etching was tried using various reagents. The reconstruction pattern of the RHEED was observed at lower temperatures using HCl solution and the EPD was lowered near the level of the ZnSe substrates, 104–105 cm−2
Isolation and angiogenesis by endothelial progenitors in the fetal liver.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have significant therapeutic potential. However, the low quantity of such cells available from bone marrow and their limited capacity to proliferate in culture make their use difficult. Here, we present the first definitive demonstration of the presence of true EPCs in murine fetal liver capable of forming blood vessels in vivo connected to the host's vasculature after transplantation. This population is particularly interesting because it can be obtained at high yield and has a high angiogenic capacity as compared with bone marrow–derived EPCs. The EPC capacity is contained within the CD31+Sca1+ cell subset. We demonstrate that these cells are dependent for survival and proliferation on a feeder cell monolayer derived from the fetal liver. In addition, we describe a novel and easy method for the isolation and ex vivo proliferation of these EPCs. Finally, we used gene expression profiling and tandem mass spectrometry proteomics to examine the fetal liver endothelial progenitors and the feeder cells to identify possible proangiogenic growth factor and endothelial differentiation-associated genes.
Pore charge distribution considerations in human epidermal membrane electroosmosis

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which a model with pores having only net negative charges would adequately describe transdermal electroosmosis in human epidermal membrane (HEM) at neutral pH. Such information would enhance the predictive value of the modified Nernst–Planck model for transdermal ionto‐phoresis, in addition to providing insights regarding the likelihood of significant pore charge distribution in HEM. Baseline results (the control) obtained from 0.1 to 0.4 V anodal and cathodal electroosmosis experiments with synthetic polycarbonate membranes (Nuclepore membranes), using radiolabeled urea and mannitol as the model permeants, demonstrated that such a membrane system can be modeled by the electrokinetic (electroosmosis) theory with the assumption of the pores possessing only negative charges. The studies with HEM were carried out at low voltage (≤0.5 V) where alterations in the barrier properties of HEM were minimal and at higher voltages (⋧1.0 V) where significant field‐induced pore formation in HEM occurred. In both the low and high voltage studies, radiolabeled urea, mannitol, and water were employed as permeants in cathodal and anodal iontophoresis experiments. The results of the low voltage iontophoresis experiments suggest significant pore charge distribution in HEM (a significant deviation between the predictions from the single pore charge type assumption and the experimental data). Under the higher applied voltage conditions (⋧1.0 V), results from anodal and cathodal electroosmosis studies were consistent with the model in which the HEM has only pores that are net negatively charged.
Interfollicular Epidermal Stem Cells Self-Renew via Autocrine Wnt Signaling

The skin is a classical example of a tissue maintained by stem cells. However, the identity of the stem cells that maintain the interfollicular epidermis and the source of the signals that control their activity remain unclear. Using mouse lineage tracing and quantitative clonal analyses, we showed that the Wnt target gene Axin2 marks interfollicular epidermal stem cells. These Axin2-expressing cells constitute the majority of the basal epidermal layer, compete neutrally, and require Wnt/β-catenin signaling to proliferate. The same cells contribute robustly to wound healing, with no requirement for a quiescent stem cell subpopulation. By means of double-labeling RNA in situ hybridization in mice, we showed that the Axin2-expressing cells themselves produce Wnt signals as well as long-range secreted Wnt inhibitors, suggesting an autocrine mechanism of stem cell self-renewal.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST IN A QUASILINEAR SIZE‐STRUCTURED POPULATION MODEL

. We present a size-structured model which describes the dynamics of n ecotypes competing for common resources. We prove that if reproduction is closed, i.e., offspring of one ecotype belongs to the same ecotype, then competitive exclusion between these ecotypes will occur. We give conditions on the model parameters which determine the fittest ecotype that wins the competition. Furthermore, we show that if reproduction is open then coexistence between the n ecotypes is possible.
Changing paradigms for the treatment of brain metastasis

RAIN METASTASIS is the single most common type of intracranial tumor. 9 Each year, the number of newly diagnosed brain lesions exceeds the total number of other intracranial tumors. In the US alone, more than 100,000 people suffer brain metastases each year. The incidence continues to increase as advances are made in the treatment of systemic cancer. Further complicating the clinical picture is the fact that many patients will present with multiple lesions and have a high chance of harboring additional tumors the longer they live. 4‐7,9 Despite the staggering clinical problem, brain metastasis historically has been an orphan disease. Medical oncologists had little to offer, given that chemotherapy generally does not penetrate the blood‐brain barrier. Typically, neurosurgeons would operate only in patients with solitary, accessible, symptomatic tumors and low perioperative risks usually indicating limited systemic disease. Radiation oncologists could perform whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) but had little else to offer should the disease continue to progress or new lesions develop. In the past decade, a significant shift has occurred in the treatment paradigm of brain metastasis. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9508 demonstrated that radiosurgery in combination with WBRT leads to an improvement in the quality of life and local tumor control in patients with one to three brain metastases. 1 In addition, RTOG 9508 revealed improved survival in patients with a solitary metastasis who receive radiosurgery plus WBRT rather than WBRT alone. Data from many other studies have shown the significant benefits of radiosurgery for brain metastasis and suggest that number of metastases is not the limiting factor in terms of a successful outcome. 2,3,8,10 Longer survival, improved disease control, better quality of life, and improved neurocognitive function for patients with brain metastasis is becoming the norm. With an expanding treatment armamentarium including extirpation, local chemotherapy, and radiosurgery, neurosurgeons are much more involved in the care of patients with brain metastasis. Now, large series of patients with brain metastasis are demonstrating that survival is limited not by intracranial but by extracranial disease progression. Neurosurgeons have pushed the onus of prolonging survival in patients with brain metastases back to the oncologists. The treatment of patients with brain metastasis will continue to require multimodal therapy including chemotherapy, biological agents, WBRT, resection, and radiosurgery; thus, a multidisciplinary team will be required to manage intracranial and extracranial disease aggressively. This issue of Neurosurgical Focus represents an overview of current treatment modalities for brain metastases, and reports are drawn from a broad range of physicians.
Challenges and Strengths in Nonresidential Parenting Following Divorce

ABSTRACT Parenting after divorce is challenging under the best of circumstances. The situation is even more difficult for the nonresidential parent who lives apart from the child and can be compounded when the nonresidential parent and child live long distances from one another. This qualitative study of 36 nonresidential parents living 50 or more miles from their children reveals the challenges and strengths of parenting in this unique situation from the parents' perspective. The experiences of these parents provide parent educators, counselors, and others with information on how they can better assist families of divorce.
User Security Behavior on Wireless Networks: An Empirical Study

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming ubiquitous but are often insecure and leave users responsible for their own security. We empirically study whether users are successfully securing their client computers when using wireless networks. Automated techniques are used that scan users' machines after they associate with a university wireless network. This determines whether a firewall is being used and what TCP ports are open. Results show that over 9% of 3,331 unique computers scanned were not using a properly configured firewall. In addition, almost 9% had at least one TCP port open, with almost 6% having open ports with significant security implications. We also found and discuss cases where connected computers were compromised by Trojan programs such as SubSeven and NetBus. We discuss the generalizability of our results to other potentially insecure wireless networks, and suggestions for further research
Source Is Important When Developing a Social Norms Campaign to Combat Academic Dishonesty

This study examined the effect of information source on students' estimates of academic dishonesty. Undergraduates read an estimate of the incidence of academic dishonesty. Half of the participants...
Mass Spectrometry‐based Methods of Proteome Analysis

The aim of proteomics is to identify, characterize and map gene functions at the protein level for whole cells or organisms. A typical experimental scheme for a large-scale proteomics inquiry involves the fractionation of a complex protein mixture by electrophoretic or chromatographic means, followed by subsequent identification of the components in individual fractions, using mass spectrometry (MS). Owing to continuous and rapid improvements in instrument sensitivity, throughput capacity, software versatility, and techniques of statistical validation, MS-based approaches have during recent years become mainstream methods for proteome analysis. Keywords: 2D PAGE ; MS/MS ; MudPIT ; quantitative proteomics; orbitrap
Conditioned taste aversion learning: implications for animal models of drug abuse

Drugs of abuse are typically discussed in terms of their rewarding effects and how these effects mediate drug taking. However, these drugs produce aversive effects that could have an important role in the overall acceptability of a drug and its likelihood of being self-administered. Rewarding and aversive effects, then, could be interpreted as separate behavioral effects, with the balance of the two determining overall drug acceptability. Interestingly, the role of aversive effects on drug acceptability in the self-administration preparation has received limited attention in this context. This chapter examines the aversive effects of drugs and discusses their role in drug taking. If these aversive effects serve a protective function, manipulations that alter or decrease these effects could have implications for drug taking. Several factors have been reported to alter conditioned taste aversion (CTA) learning, a preparation used in the assessment of the aversive effects of drugs in general. Two of these factors, drug history and strain, are reviewed here. By reviewing these, we intend to demonstrate the protective nature of aversive effects in the initiation and escalation of drug taking and to provide evidence that reductions in aversive effects could produce changes in patterns of drug self-administration that could lead to an increased vulnerability to abuse drugs by altering the reward-aversion balance. The aim of this chapter is not to question the importance of rewarding effects in self-administration but rather to provide evidence that aversive effects are an important factor that needs to be considered in discussions of drug-taking behavior.
Associations Between Health Screening Questions and Sexual Risk Behaviors in Adolescent Female Clinic Patients: Identifying a Brief Question Format to Yield Critical Information

This study examines the ability of brief screening questions to identify adolescent girls at high risk for sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancy. Participants included 103 sexually active 13-year-old to 17-year-old girls recruited from adolescent clinics who (1) were identified as at risk for negative sexual health outcomes through responses to an 8-item Health Screening Survey, and (2) returned to clinic within 2 weeks to complete a self-report survey about sexual risk behaviors and contraceptive use. Analyses examined relationships between girls' total screening scores, individual screening survey items, and 5 self-reported sexual risk behaviors. Higher screening scores correlated with lower levels of refusing unprotected sex and less consistent condom use (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). High-risk responses to 2 screening items were associated with all 5 sexual risk behaviors. Findings suggest useful questions in routine clinical screening of sexually active adolescent girls to identif...
Spatial light modulators for optical computing and information processing

A review of spatial light modulator (SLM) technologies is presented, including the description and performance parameters of the principal devices and their main applications for optical information processing. The various performance tradeoffs and their impact on emerging technologies and future trends of spatial light modulators are discussed. Three recently introduced SLM devices are briefly described: a multiple-quantum-well-based CCD-addressed SLM; a silicon PLZT SLM; and a deformable-surface SLM. >
Enhancement of fermentable sugar yields by α-xylosidase supplementation of commercial cellulases

Although α-linked xylose is a major constituent of the hemicelluloses of land plants, few secreted α-xylosidases have been described from fungi or bacteria. AxlA of Aspergillus niger is a secreted α-xylosidase that was earlier shown to promote the release of free glucose (Glc) and xylose (Xyl) from substrates containing α-linked xylose, including isoprimeverose (IP), the heptasaccharide subunit of pea xyloglucan (XG), and tamarind XG. The utility of AxlA for enhancing release of free Glc and Xyl in combination with commercial enzyme cocktails from dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants was examined. Without AxlA supplementation, a mixture of CTec2 and HTec2 (both of which are derived from T. reesei) did not release significant levels of Glc from pea XG or tamarind XG. This is consistent with their lack of detectable α-xylosidase activity using model substrates. On alkaline hydrogen peroxide-pretreated corn stover, supplementation of CTec2/HTec2 (at a loading of 2.5 mg/g glucan) with AxlA (at a loading of 8 mg/g glucan) increased Glc yields from 82% to 88% of the total available Glc and increased Xyl yields from 55% to 60%. AxlA supplementation also improved Glc yields from corn stover treated with the commercial cellulase Accellerase 1000. The AxlA enhancement was not a general protein effect because bovine serum albumin or bovine gamma-globulin at similar concentrations did not enhance Glc yields from corn stover in response to CTec2/HTec2. Supplementation of CTec2/HTec2 with AxlA did not enhance Glc release from pretreated green or etiolated pea tissue. However, AxlA did enhance Glc and Xyl yields compared to CTec2/HTec2 alone from another dicotyledonous herbaceous plant, Chenopodium album (lamb’s quarters). Supplementation of commercial cellulase cocktails with AxlA enhances yields of Glc and Xyl from some biomass substrates under some conditions, and may prove useful in industrial lignocellulose conversion.
Intensity modulated radiation therapy for definitive treatment of paraortic relapse in patients with endometrial cancer

Abstract Purpose The paraortic nodes are a common site of recurrence of endometrial cancer, especially among patients previously treated with pelvic radiation. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be used to deliver a tumoricidal dose to paraortic disease while minimizing dose to normal adjacent structures. In this study, we reviewed the outcomes of patients treated with IMRT for unresected or incompletely resected paraortic recurrences of primary uterine cancer. Methods and Materials Between 2000 and 2009, 27 patients with unresected (19 patients) or incompletely resected (8 patients) paraortic relapse of endometrial cancer were treated with curative intent using IMRT. The paraortic basin was generally treated to a dose of 45-50 Gy, and gross disease was treated to a mean total dose of 61.7 Gy (range, 54-66 Gy). Seventeen patients (63%) received neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Fifteen (56%) received cisplatin concurrently with IMRT. Rates of overall survival and progression-free survival following salvage IMRT were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between subgroups were assessed using the log-rank statistic. Results Of the 27 patients, 19 (70%) had local control of paraortic disease after a median follow-up time of 25 months (range, 4-83 months). Two-year actuarial overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 63% and 53%, respectively. Five patients (19%) experienced severe late gastrointestinal toxic effects (grade 3-5). Conclusions IMRT can serve as salvage therapy of paraortic recurrence of endometrial cancer. However, the risk of severe gastrointestinal toxic effects is high, and care should be taken during treatment planning to minimize the dose to the small bowel.
Effects of moderate elasticity on the stability of co- and counter-rotating Taylor-Couette flows

Recently, we explored the effects of weak fluid elasticity (El ≪ 1) on the stability of co- and counter-rotating Taylor–Couette (TC) flows [Dutcher and Muller, J. Rheol. 55(6), 1271–1295 (2011)], where accessible flow states were primarily governed by the dominant inertial forces, yet modified by the weaker elastic forces. Here, the study of the inertial–elastic TC problem is expanded to El near unity, illuminating the effects of increasing the elastic forces on the inertially driven instabilities. A polyethylene oxide solution was carefully chosen to have optimal rheological properties and exhibit limited shear and oxidative degradation. The sequence of transitions to turbulence found here is notably different from that observed previously for either Newtonian or low-elasticity fluids. As El approaches order 1, laminar and turbulent flows are separated by only two coherent flow states: Standing vortices and disordered rotating standing waves. In contrast to our experiments at lower El, we also observe flow state hysteresis. In addition, the final turbulent flow state was not turbulent Taylor vortices (TTV) as seen with Newtonian and weakly elastic fluids, but rather a state we refer to as elastically dominated turbulence, which occurs at a significantly lower Reynolds number than TTV. Stability mappings involving rotation of the outer cylinder show that the flow states and transitions depend on the amount of counter- or co-rotation. As the degree of counter rotation increased, greater deviations from Newtonian and low El behavior were found, due to the presence of a nodal surface that changes the characteristic length scale of the flow.
Symptoms and implications of selenium toxicity in fish: the Belews Lake case example.

Belews Lake, North Carolina was contaminated by selenium in wastewater from a coal-fired power plant during the mid-1970s, and toxic impacts to the resident fish community (20 species) were studied for over two decades. Symptoms of chronic selenium poisoning in Belews Lake fish included, (1) telangiectasia (swelling) of gill lamellae; (2) elevated lymphocytes; (3) reduced hematocrit and hemoglobin (anemia); (4) corneal cataracts; (5) exopthalmus (popeye); (6) pathological alterations in liver, kidney, heart, and ovary (e.g. vacuolization of parenchymal hepatocytes, intracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis, severe pericarditis and myocarditis, necrotic and ruptured mature egg follicles); (7) reproductive failure (reduced production of viable eggs due to ovarian pathology, and post-hatch mortality due to bioaccumulation of selenium in eggs); and (8) teratogenic deformities of the spine, head, mouth, and fins. Important principles of selenium cycling and toxicity were documented in the Belews Lake studies. Selenium poisoning in fish can be 'invisible', because, the primary point of impact is the egg, which receives selenium from the female's diet (whether consumed in organic or inorganic forms), and stores it until hatching, whereupon it is metabolized by the developing fish. If concentrations in eggs are great enough (about 10 microg/g or greater) biochemical functions may be disrupted, and teratogenic deformity and death may occur. Adult fish can survive and appear healthy despite the fact that extensive reproductive failure is occurring--19 of the 20 species in Belews Lake were eliminated as a result of this insidious mode of toxicity. Bioaccumulation in aquatic food chains causes otherwise harmless concentrations of selenium to reach toxic levels, and the selenium in contaminated sediments can be cycled into food chains for decades. The lessons learned from Belews Lake provide information useful for protecting aquatic ecosystems as new selenium issues emerge.
Design of nonlinear selectively invariant systems based on the controllable Jordan form

A method to design the nonlinear control systems that are selectively invariant to the unmeasurable bounded perturbations with a certain K(p)-image was proposed. The perturbations may be arbitrary, but their order should not exceed the value established at the design. The nonlinear control is generated relying on the state variables of the extended plant and the estimates of the state variables of a virtual system that is equivalent to the extended plant. A numerical example of design was presented.
Difficulty Measuring Methotrexate in a Patient with High-Dose Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity

An 18-year-old male presented with pain and swelling in his left leg that he noted after playing football. An x-ray of the affected leg showed a destructive lesion that prompted a concern for malignancy. Subsequent tests, including magnetic resonance imaging, a bone scan, and a needle biopsy of the lesion, confirmed nonmetastatic osteosarcoma in the left proximal tibia. The patient was started on a standard regimen of chemotherapy. He received 4 cycles of high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX)3 with leucovorin rescue and 2 cycles of cisplatin and doxorubicin, which he tolerated well. Each HDMTX course involved the intravenous administration of 20 g methotrexate (MTX) over 4 h. The patient experienced delayed MTX clearance after the first cycle but showed typical clearance after the subsequent 3 cycles. He then underwent a planned radical resection of the tumor with allograft placement. After the patient recovered from surgery, chemotherapy resumed, and the patient received 2 additional cycles of cisplatin and doxorubicin and 1 additional cycle of HDMTX. His treatment was interrupted when he had to undergo surgery for a wound infection in the affected leg. After recovery from the second surgery, the patient received a sixth HDMTX cycle. After this cycle, the patient developed acute nephrotoxicity, which was manifested by marked renal dysfunction and delayed MTX clearance. His plasma creatinine concentration increased from 0.8 mg/dL (8 mg/L) at the start of the cycle to 6.8 mg/dL (68 mg/L) after he received HDMTX. Plasma MTX concentrations were 1700 μmol/L at 24 h after infusion, 450 μmol/L at 48 h, and 350 μmol/L at 72 h. The patient was treated with aggressive hydration, diuresis, and 1500 mg leucovorin intravenously every 6 h for several days. These measures did not reduce MTX below the toxic concentration, however, and the decision was made to give the patient glucarpidase …
Physical Function and Social Interaction after Mechanical Circulatory Support: Patient Perspectives

Introduction: There are no instruments that measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after mechanical circulatory support (MCS). As part of our MCS HRQOL instrument development research project, we report on two domains of HRQOL: physical function/role performance and social interaction/support.Methods:We conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 MCS patients (125bridge to transplant [BTT] and 125destination therapy [DT]) both early and later after implant. Interviews lasted 30-60 minutes and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using qualitative methodology, data were analyzed using a 2-phase coding strategy. Results: As heart failure symptoms abate post MCS, patients gradually increase their physical function, mobility, and ambulation. Some patients described MCS as cumbersome and interfering with functional activities (requiring stooping down and bending over) and basic activities of daily living (dressing, showering, and toileting). After hospital discharge, they re-introduced more active home management and leisure activities, although they identified hassles and limitations with resumption of more strenuous activities (e.g., mowing the lawn, handyman work, gardening, and bicycling). Resumption of work and sexual intimacy were identified as particularly challenging, and life span issues influenced expectations and satisfaction with limitations in these areas. Adaptation to MCS self-care increased over time; carrying equipment was a hassle and related to neck and back discomfort. Social interaction after discharge was influenced by pre-morbid habits, expectations, and adaptability (e.g., more planning needed to go out and need for a caregiver). Most patients were satisfied with support of MCS self-care; although some patients identified caregivers as being too overprotective and desired more privacy. Patients typically felt useful, but also often perceived themselves to be a burden on their families. Conclusions: The early post-MCS implant period is one of tremendous physical and social adjustment. Over time, MCS patients increase physical activities and social interaction, while acknowledging hassles and limitations related to MCS. These data will inform development of an instrument to measure MCS HRQOL.
Potential tumor or organ imaging agents--31. Radioiodinated sterol benzoates and carbamates

A series of radioiodinated benzoate and carbamate esters of cholesterol and pregnenolone wherein the acyl moiety served as the carrier for radioiodine was synthesized and evaluated as potential imaging agents for the adrenal cortex. 2,6-Dimethyl-3-iodobenzoyl and N-(4-iodophenyl) carbamoyl groups were chosen as the acyl functionality in an attempt to provide esters resistant to in vivo hydrolysis. Tissue disposition studies in rats revealed that their biodistribution was determined by the attached sterol carrier-the cholesterol esters demonstrated significant uptake at 24 h in the adrenal whereas the corresponding pregnenolone derivatives showed only slight affinity for steroid-secreting tissues at this time.
Problems in assessing screening experience in observational studies of screening efficacy: example of urinalysis screening for bladder cancer.

Objective - To evaluate screening urin­ alysis for its efficacy in preventing fatal bladder cancer. Methods- A case-control study of290 case subjects with fatal bladder cancer v 290 age and sex matched control subjects, with ascertainment ofurinalyses by medical re­ cord review. Results- In the five years before the symp­ toms that led to the detection of bladder cancer, case subjects had significantly fewer routine (screening) urinalyses than controls (matched odds ratio for one or more urinalyses v none = 0·60 [95% con­ fidence interval (CI) 0·41 to 0·87], adjusted for cigarette smoking and occupational bladder cancer risk). However urinalyses for urinary symptoms and problems be­ fore those that led to bladder cancer diag­ nosis were more frequent in the cases; hence there was only a small statistically non-significant deficit in cases of urin­ alyses for all reasons combined (cor­ responding adjusted odds ratio 0·94, 95% CI 0·61 to 1·46). Since urinalyses for symp­ toms and problems could have led to the detection of bladder cancer, the latter finding appears more applicable. Meth­ odological problems included: difficulty in assigning the reason for urinalysis; the possibility that clinically indicated ur­ inalyses led to a reduction in screening urinalyses; and difficulty in identifying the detectable and curable preclinical phase for targeting ascertainment of urinalyses. Reducing potential efficacy, haematuria on urinalysis, particularly transient or mild asymptomatic microhaematuria, was often not followed up by cystoscopy. Conclusions - This study did not show that ordinary urinalysis was effective in preventing fatal bladder cancer but be­ cause of methodological problems a clear answer may require a randomised con­ trolled trial. (Journal of Medical Screening 1995;2:219-223)
Development and Validation of a Finite Element Model of the Lower Limb

Pedestrians struck by a vehicle frequently sustain lower limb injuries. Moreover, the biomechanics of the lower limb under lateral impact influences the trajectory of the pedestrian and subsequent injuries to the pelvis, thorax, and head. In order to increase the understanding of injury mechanisms in the lower limb, a finite element (FE) model of the lower limb was developed. The geometry of the bones and flesh was originally obtained from the Visible Human Project Database and was scaled to a 50th percentile male. The geometry of the knee ligaments was originally obtained from the 3D-CAD-Browser Database and was scaled according to the published anatomical data to align with the bones and the corresponding insertion sites. The FE mesh consists mostly of hexahedral elements which was developed using a structural mesh generator. The material and failure properties were initially selected from the literature and were later tuned based on the validation tests. The FE model was validated using the literature data and several cadaveric component tests performed specifically for model development and evaluation. The validation tests included quasi-static and dynamic lateral three-point-bend tests of the femur and the leg with flesh, and lateral four-point-bend tests of the knee joint.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Recession of Martian north polar cap: 1977–1978 Viking observations

The regression curve for the 1977-1978 sublimation of the north polar cap of Mars is extracted from Viking orbiter imaging data. The recession observed during the spring season is quite consistent with previous observations and is in excellent agreement with telescopic data obtained concurrently. A receding late winter boundary is identified, but owing to hood obscuration this boundary cannot be definitely attributed to a surface cap.