cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
USE OF PORTAL RADIOGRAPHY TO INCREASE ACCURACY OF DOSE DELIVERY IN RADIATION THERAPY

Port films were acquired for all radiation therapy patients (n = 132) treated over a thirteen month period to 1] assist in initial treatment field set-up on Day 1, 2] for quality assurance with a second port film taken on Day 7 of radiation therapy, and 3] as a means to document the radiation treatment field as a part of the patients permanent medical record. Port films were used for both patients treated with a definitive course of radiation (n = 97 patients), and those treated palliatively (n = 35 patients). The portal radiographs were valuable in terms of the initial set-up, and to correct for any positioning or other errors at the time of the one week recheck. Changes were made, based on the initial port film on Day 1, in 53% and 57% of treatment fields for palliative and definitive radiation patients, respectively. The changes made in both definitively and palliatively irradiated patients were usually in field position, an increase in field size to include all of the tumor, or a decrease in field size to spare normal tissue. Fewer changes were necessary based on the Day 7 recheck port films, but these day-7 rechecks are recommended for quality control. Based on the high frequency of changes introduced because of the initial port film findings, it is recommended that port films be incorporated on a routine basis in veterinary radiation therapy.
Production of human chorionic gonadotropin in HeLa cell cultures

THE ectopic synthesis of placental proteins in human cancer is of special interest because of similarities between neoplastic and embryonic cells. Moreover, the inappropriate synthesis of biologically active proteins and polypeptide hormones which are normally produced only in specialised tissues (endocrine glands) or at a particular stage of development may provide information on the control of gene activity. Ectopic production of human placental chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) has been reported in some patients with neoplasms1,2. A cell line (Cha Go) established from an HCG-producing pulmonary carcinoma was shown to continue synthesis of the gonadotropin in culture3,4. We have now found that HeLa65, cells6,7 produce the β subunit of HCG as measured by a specific radioimmunoassay and that sodium butyrate enhances production.
Dopachrome conversion activity in Aedes aegypti: significance during melanotic encapsulation of parasites and cuticular tanning.

Phenol oxidase (PO) and dopachrome conversion enzyme (DCE) were partially purified from Aedes aegypti larvae by ammonium sulfate fractionation. PO from A. aegypti functions in the hydroxylation of monophenols (e.g., tyrosine and tyramine) to their related o-diphenols, and the oxidation of o-diphenols (e.g., L-dopa, dopamine, N-acetyldopamine) to their respective o-quinones. Partially purified DCE showed high specificity toward dopachrome generated from dopa with the L-configuration. The combined effects of PO and DCE significantly accelerated melanization pathways when L-dopa was used as substrate. Significant DCE activity also was detected in hemolymph samples from adult, female A. aegypti, and undoubtedly plays a role in melanotic encapsulation reactions.
Fetal alcohol syndrome in Sinclair (S-1) miniature swine.

Piglets from 12 litters farrowed by 18-mo-old, first litter (L1) alcohol-consuming dams were evaluated for altered morphology. A second group of piglets, farrowed by six 3-yr-old, second litter (L2) alcohol-consuming dams, was also evaluated. Litters from 6 non-alcohol-consuming gilts and 6 non-alcohol-consuming sows were used as controls. Mean litter size and birth weight for L, and L2 piglets were significantly less than controls. Fetal mortality rates for L, and L2 piglets were much greater than controls. Anomaly rates observed in fetal deaths were 11% and 100% for L1 and L2, respectively; no anomalies were seen in the control group piglets. Anomalies observed in group L1 included prolapsed rectum, undescended testicle, hypoplastic testicular tissue, and microphthalmia. Anomalies seen in group L2 included one occurrence of each of the following: anencephaly, microcephaly, cranial bone hypoplasia, microphthalmia, cleft palate, hypoplasia of extremities, hypodactylia, poly-dactylia, cryptorchism, hypoplastic gonadal tissue, cloacal atresia, and two occurrences of micrognathia, syndactylia, and hypoplasia of tail. Open-field activity behavioral studies show significantly greater activity in the offspring of alcohol-consuming dams. The data from Sin-clair(S-l) miniature swine support the data from other species, establishing the relationship between maternal alcohol consumption and fetal anomalies.
Secret Sauce and Snake Oil: Writing Monthly Reports in a Highly Contingent Environment

At a search marketing company, each search engine optimization (SEO) specialist writes up to 10 to 12 complex 20-page monthly reports in the first ten business days of each month. These SEO specialists do not consider themselves to be writers, yet they generate these structurally and rhetorically complex reports as a matter of course, while negotiating a constantly changing landscape of a contingent, rapidly changing business sector. Under these conditions, how did the SEO specialists manage to write these reports so quickly and so well? What is the standing set of transformations that they enact in order to develop and produce these reports? And given the multiple contingencies, rapid changes, and high individual discretion at this organization—seemingly a recipe for discohesive practices—how did they maintain and develop this standing set of transformations in order to turn out consistent reports? In this article, I draw on writing, activity, and genre research (WAGR) to examine how Semoptco’s SEO speci...
Software for Managing Multicrate FASTBUS Systems

The FASTBUS System Manager software that was designed and implemented on an LSI-ll system using PASCAL is described. Particular attention is given to the file structures, file access mechanisms, and basic routing algorithms. Portability to other machines and languages is described.
Impurity induced disordered quantum well heterostructure stripe geometry lasers by MeV oxygen implantation

Data are presented on stripe geometry AlGaAs‐GaAs graded barrier quantum well heterostructure lasers formed by MeV oxygen implantation and annealing. Low‐dose implants are found to suppress lateral carrier diffusion but do not result in compositional disordering. High‐dose implants form both a semi‐insulating and a compositionally disordered region leading to index‐guided buried‐heterostructure laser operation. However, the concentration of oxygen which spreads laterally under the implantation mask during high‐dose implants is sufficient to partially compensate the stripe region for narrow stripe widths and thereby significantly increases the threshold current.
Proton Transport through Influenza A Virus M2 Protein Reconstituted in Vesicles

Influenza A virus M2 protein is known to form acid-activated, proton-selective, amantadine-sensitive channels. We directly measured proton uptake in vesicles containing reconstituted M2 by monitoring external pH after addition of valinomycin to vesicles with 100-fold-diluted external [K+]. External pH typically increased by a few tenths of a pH unit over a few minutes after valinomycin addition, but proton uptake was not significantly altered by acidification. Under neutral conditions, external addition of 1 mM amantadine produced a reduction in flux consistent with randomly ordered channels; however, experimental variation is high with this method and the block was not statistically significant. Amantadine block was reduced at pH 5.4. In accord with Lin and Schroeder's study of reconstituted M2 using a pH-sensitive dye to monitor intravesicular pH, we conclude that bath pH weakly affects or does not significantly affect proton flow in the pH range 5.4–7.0 for the reconstituted system, contrary to results from electrophysiological studies. Theoretical analysis of the relaxation to Donnan equilibrium utilized for such vesicle uptake assays illuminates the appropriate timescale of the initial slope and an important limitation that must be placed on inferences about channel ion selectivity. The rise in pH over 10 s after ionophore addition yielded time-averaged single-channel conductances of 0.35 ± 0.20 aS and 0.72 ± 0.42 aS at pH 5.4 and 7.0, respectively, an order of magnitude lower than previously reported in vesicles. Assuming complete membrane incorporation and tetramerization of the reconstituted protein, such a low time-averaged conductance in the face of previously observed single-channel conductance (6 pS at pH 3) implies an open channel probability of 10−6–10−4. Based on leakage of potassium from M2-containing vesicles, compared to protein-free vesicles, we conclude that M2 exhibits ∼107 selectivity for hydrogen over potassium.
Development of a low glycemic maize starch: preparation and characterization.

A low glycemic index starch was developed by partial α-amylase treatment, and its fine structure responsible for slowly digestible and resistant properties was investigated. Different digestion rates were obtained for gelatinized, retrograded starch by varying the enzyme dosage and reaction time. Analysis by high performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) coupled with multiangle laser-light scattering indicated that the molecular weighs of amylopectin and amylose were reduced during the digestion, to less than 100 kDa. A debranched chain length study using high performance anion-exchange chromatography equipped with an amyloglucosidase reactor and a pulsed amperometric detector and HPSEC revealed that short chains of amylopectin and noncrystalline amylose were rapidly digested, while DPn 121 chains showed resistance, followed by DPn 46 chains. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystalline structure in the treated starches survived cooking. These starches not only have slowly digestible a...
Chronic Cadmium Exposure Stimulates SDF-1 Expression in an ERα Dependent Manner

Cadmium is an omnipotent environmental contaminant associated with the development of breast cancer. Studies suggest that cadmium functions as an endocrine disruptor, mimicking the actions of estrogen in breast cancer cells and activating the receptor to promote cell growth. Although acute cadmium exposure is known to promote estrogen receptor-mediated gene expression associated with growth, the consequence of chronic cadmium exposure is unclear. Since heavy metals are known to bioaccumulate, it is necessary to understand the effects of prolonged cadmium exposure. This study aims to investigate the effects of chronic cadmium exposure on breast cancer progression. A MCF7 breast cancer cell line chronically exposed to 10−7 M CdCl2 serves as our model system. Data suggest that prolonged cadmium exposures result in the development of more aggressive cancer phenotypes – increased cell growth, migration and invasion. The results from this study show for the first time that chronic cadmium exposure stimulates the expression of SDF-1 by altering the molecular interactions between ERα, c-jun and c-fos. This study provides a mechanistic link between chronic cadmium exposure and ERα and demonstrates that prolonged, low-level cadmium exposure contributes to breast cancer progression.
Synaptic Organization of Thalamocortical Axon Collaterals in the Perigeniculate Nucleus and Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

We examined the synaptic targets of large non-gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic profiles that contain round vesicles and dark mitochondria (RLD profiles) in the perigeniculate nucleus (PGN) and the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). RLD profiles can provisionally be identified as the collaterals of thalamocortical axons, because their ultrastrucure is distinct from all other previously described dLGN inputs. We also found that RLD profiles are larger than cholinergic terminals and contain the type 2 vesicular glutamate transporter. RLD profiles are distributed throughout the PGN and are concentrated within the interlaminar zones (IZs) of the dLGN, regions distinguished by dense binding of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA). To determine the synaptic targets of thalamocortical axon collaterals, we examined RLD profiles in the PGN and dLGN in tissue stained for GABA. For the PGN, we found that all RLD profiles make synaptic contacts with GABAergic PGN somata, dendrites, and spines. In the dLGN, RLD profiles primarily synapse with GABAergic dendrites that contain vesicles (F2 profiles) and non-GABAergic dendrites in glomerular arrangements that include triads. Occasional synapses on GABAergic somata and proximal dendrites were also observed in the dLGN. These results suggest that correlated dLGN activity may be enhanced via direct synaptic contacts between thalamocortical cells, whereas noncorrelated activity (such as that occurring during binocular rivalry) could be suppressed via thalamocortical collateral input to PGN cells and dLGN interneurons.
Is parathyroid hormone (1-84) a safe and effective treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis?

Is parathyroid hormone (1–84) a safe and effective treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis?
TH‐C‐303A‐07: A Diaphragm Tracking Algorithm for Megavoltage Cone Beam CT Projection Data

Purpose: To test a novel algorithm for diaphragm detection in 2D views of cone‐beam computed tomography(CBCT) raw data. Method and Materials: 6 Siemens megavoltage CBCT scans of lungs were analyzed. For each scan, a user identified the diaphragm apex in two full exhale and two full inhale views to determine exhale and inhale bounding points, respectively, in room coordinates. Projecting bounding points into other views creates opposite corners of a bounding rectangle that is enlarged to create a cost function region (CFR). A cost image is created by multiplying the gradients of the Gaussian filtered CFR with a gradient direction matching function, based on diaphragm contour training sets. The sum of cost image values along a parabolic path is V(a, x0, y0, t), where the parameter set (a, x0, y0, t) describes a parabola whose vertex is constrained within the bounding rectangle of the view at index t. Dynamic programming finds the path in this 4D parameter space that maximizes the sum of V, over all views, subject to smoothness constraints between adjacent views. The results were compared to the expert‐identified diaphragm apex. Errors were calculated in room coordinates as the root‐mean‐square distances between the expert's points and the parabola's vertices in all 200 views. Room coordinates were calculated by interpolated ray‐tracing. Results: The diaphragm was successfully detected in all 6 data sets, even for views with poor image quality and confounding objects. Each CBCT scan analysis (200 views) took about 35 seconds on a 2.66 GHz Intel quad‐core 2 CPU. The average cranio‐caudal position error was 1.58 ± 0.44 mm. Other directions were not assessed due to uncertainties in expert identification, so future studies will use anthropomorphic motion phantoms. Conclusion: The diaphragm detection algorithm is sufficiently quick and accurate for motion determination prior to radiation therapy.
Role of iron in neurotoxicity: a cause for concern in the elderly?

Purpose of review To explore the role of iron physiology in the brain of healthy adults and review how increased brain iron deposition has been associated with common neurodegenerative diseases that affect the elderly. Recent findings Because iron plays a role in oxygen transportation, myelin synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and electron transfers, it serves as a crucial cofactor in normal central nervous metabolism. However, an increased level of brain iron may promote neurotoxicity due to free radical formation, lipid peroxidation, and ultimately, cellular death. Advanced neuroimaging techniques and pathological studies have demonstrated increased brain iron with aging, and increased iron deposition has also been observed in patients with a constellation of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Summary Pathologic and neurologic imaging coupled with experimentation have increased our understanding of the link between iron and neurodegeneration. A potential implication is that disease-modifying therapies aimed at removing excess iron may one day be part of the armamentarium employed by clinicians to decrease the burden of neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly.
Abstract LB-105: Gli-IKBKE interactions in pancreatic tumorigenesis

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Oncogenic mutations in KRAS are detected in a majority of human pancreatic malignancies, and are considered an initiating event in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The downstream mechanisms through which KRAS drives tumorigenesis remain elusive. While recent in vitro studies have suggested that Gli proteins, the transcriptional effectors of Hedgehog signaling, may mediate KRAS oncogenic activity in PDAC cell lines, a requirement for Gli activation in pancreatic tumorigenesis has not been demonstrated in vivo. Here, we use genetically modified mouse models, and human PDAC cell lines to establish a requirement for Gli activation in KRAS initiation of pancreatic tumorigenesis, and identify IKBKE as a novel oncogenic target gene of Gli in PDAC. We show for the first time that inhibition of Gli transcription in the pancreatic epithelium suppressed the ability of activated KRAS to initiate tumorigenesis in vivo. Also, we find that expression of Gli1 along with oncogenic KRAS led to a dramatic acceleration in the formation of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, and increased mortality. Importantly, we identify IKBKE as a novel transcriptional target of Gli in PDAC cells, and also in the pancreatic epithelium in vivo. We also demonstrate that IKBKE is required for the survival and tumorigenicity of PDAC cells, thus implicating IKBKE as a novel pancreatic cancer oncogene. We have found that IKBKE activates the NF-kB pathway, and also activates Akt by phosphorylation in PDAC cells as part of its tumorigenic activity. Our studies demonstrate for the first time a requirement for Gli transcriptional activity in KRAS induced pancreatic tumorigenesis in vivo, and establish IKBKE as a novel Gli target and pancreatic cancer oncogene. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-105. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-105
The archaeology of place

Abstract It is suggested that if archaeologists are to be successful in understanding the organization of past cultural systems they must understand the organizational relationships among places which were differentially used during the operation of past systems. This point is illustrated by observations made among the Nunamiut Eskimo. Against this background it is demonstrated that the two most common forms of archaeological systematics, “assemblage”- versus “type”-based systematics, are not appropriate for the study of places. In the latter case, it is not possible to analyze places as such, while one cannot see places with different “content” as part of a single system in the former. It is concluded that current archaeological systematics are totally inappropriate for studying past systems of adaptation and their evolutionary modification.
Glucose requirement for induction by sodium butyrate of the glycoprotein hormone α subunit in HeLa cells

Abstract Butyric acid produces multiple effects on mammalian cells in culture, including alterations in morphology, depression of growth rate, increased histone acetylation, and modified production of various proteins and enzymes. The latter effect is exemplified by the induction in HeLa cells of the glycoprotein hormone α subunit by millimolar concentrations of the fatty acid. This report demonstrates that increased subunit accumulation in response to sodium butyrate is strikingly dependent on the presence of glucose (or mannose) in the growth medium. In contrast, basal levels of subunit synthesis are only marginally affected when the culture medium is supplemented with one of a variety of hexoses. An increase in the accumulation of HeLa α does not occur in medium containing pyruvate as the energy source, and sustained induction requires the simultaneous and continued presence of both glucose and butyrate. The effects of butyrate on HeLa cell morphology and subunit induction can be separated, since the latter is glucose-dependent while the former is not. Failure of butyrate to induce α in medium containing pyruvate does not result from restricted subunit secretion, since the levels of intracellular α are not increased disproportionately relative to those in the medium. The hexoses which support induction of HeLa α (glucose ⩾ mannose > galactose > fructose) are identical to those which have been shown previously to stimulate the glucosylation of lipid-linked oligosaccharides and enhance the synthesis of certain glycoproteins. Labeling of various glycosylation intermediates with [ 3 H]mannose indicates that in glucose medium there is a decrease in the level of radioactivity associated with both dolicholpyrophosphoryl oligosaccharide and cellular glycoproteins and a concomitant increase in the fraction of label recovered in secreted glycoproteins. Butyrate also causes a decrease in [ 3 H]mannose-labeled cellular glycoproteins and an increase in tritiated extracellular glycoproteins, particularly in glucose medium. Likewise, glucose stimulates the incorporation of [ 3 H]glucosamine into immunoprecipitable α subunit relative to the bulk of HeLa-secreted glycoproteins, and this is further enhanced by butyrate. However, as demonstrated by lectin chromatography of conditioned media, a nonglycosylated subunit does not accumulate in pyruvate medium, either in the absence or presence of butyrate. Together, these results indicate a stimulation by glucose of glycoprotein synthesis in general as well as a preferential accumulation of glycosylated hormone subunit in response to butyrate and, though other mechanisms cannot be ruled out, suggest an essential role for glucose in the butyrate-mediated induction of α subunit in HeLa cells.
Erythropoiesis and Hyperoxia

SummaryExposure to a 50% oxygen environment produced a decrease in erythropoiesis which was paralleled by a decrease in plasma erythropoietic stimulating activity. Similar results were obtained following exposure to a 100% oxygen environment. Marrow depression produced by hyperoxia could be reversed by erythropoietic stimulants. The suppression of erythropoiesis in both partners of parabiots maintained so that one breathed 20% and the other 90-95% oxygen suggests that a humoral inhibitor is produced in the hyperoxic animal and supports the hypothesis that erythropoiesis is regulated by the dynamic interaction of erythropoietin and an erythropoietic inhibitor.
Fouling of membranes during microfiltration of surimi wash water: Roles of pore blocking and surface cake formation

Abstract Studies were conducted to investigate the development of membrane fouling in the microfiltration of protein solutions such as surimi wash water, containing both soluble and suspended proteinaceous solids. A laboratory scale plate-and-frame crossflow membrane filtration unit was fabricated and installed. Continuous filtration was performed to recover the suspended myofibrillar proteins from the wash water at refrigerated temperatures (12–15°C) using polysulfone membranes. The transmembrane pressure was controlled at a constant pressure of 34.5±2.2 KPa, and the feed was pumped to the filtration unit at a crossflow velocity of 0.262±0.026 m/s. It was hypothesized that the development of membrane fouling was a dynamic process of two distinctive stages. The pore blocking resistance was the dominant resistance at the initial period of filtration, and the cake resistance began to dominate following the initial pore blocking. Experimental results showed that the initial membrane fouling process could be modeled by the standard pore blocking law, and the development of fouling continued with a continuous process of cake formation. A new concentration-dependent power law cake resistance model was found. The filtration resistance of the cake layer increased with the feed concentration and was found to be one order in magnitude higher than the initial dominant pore blocking resistance.
EFFECT OF GLUCOCORTICOIDS AND L-THYROXINE ON ACETATE CARBON INCORPORATION INTO CHOLESTEROL BY LIVERS OF HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS.

The incorporation of the 14C of acetate-l-14C into cholesterol was studied in liver slices prepared from hypophysectomized rats that had received 14 daily injections of adrenal glucocorticoids either alone or combined with L-thyroxine. Glucocorticoids depressed the conversion of acetate carbon to cholesterol in the liver of the hypophysectomized rat. Our earlier finding, that 14 daily injections of L-thyroxine to hypophysectomized rats increased, to a considerable extent, the capacity of their livers to convert acetate carbon to cholesterol, was reaffirmed. When glucocorticoids and L-thyroxine were administered simultaneously, the stimulating effect of L-thyroxine on the conversion of acetate carbon to cholesterol was not observed. (Endocrinology 75: 396,1964)
Morphine suppression of bradycardia induced by electrical stimulation of gigantocellular reticular nucleus in the cat

In chloralose-urethane-anesthetized cats, intravertebral injection of morphine (1,2 and 4 mg/kg) promoted a drastic suppression of the bradycardia elicited by stimulating the medullary gigantocelular reticular nucleus (GRN). The degree of blockadge of GRN-induced cardioinhibition was directly dependent upon the dose of morphine and inversely related to the reticular stimulus train intensity and pulse frequency. The possibility that the GRM may be a site of action for morphine in its production of hypotension and bradycardia was discussed.
Spectroscopic study of the interconversion of chemisorbed surface species: The reaction RhI(CO)2 + CO → Rh1(CO)3

The adsorption of CO onto RhI sites produced by O2 treatment of Rh crystallites supported on Al2O3, has been studied using high-sensitivity ir difference spectroscopy. The RhI(CO)2 (gem-dicarbonyl) species is found to form by means of an activated process, in agreement with previous investigations on unoxidized RhAl2O3 surfaces. A thorough study of the infrared spectrum of the gem-dicarbonyl species as a function of surface concentration indicates that there is only one kind of RhI site involved, and that the sharp ir bands observed for RhI(CO)2 are homogeneously broadened. We have observed the reversible interconversion process RhI(CO), + CO(g) → RhI(CO)3, and have measured the ir spectrum of the RhI(CO)3 species. The presence of three carbonyl stretching modes [2120, 2078, and 2026 cm−1] suggests that the symmetry of the species is below C3v due to multicoordinated bonding of the RhI site to the Al2O3 support. The labile RhI(CO)3 species is thought to be the surface intermediate responsible for facile isotopic exchange of labeled CO into the gem-dicarbonyl species.
Spatial memory deficits in segmental trisomic Ts65Dn mice

Spatial memory was assessed in the segmental trisomic 16 mouse (Ts65Dn), a potential model for Down syndrome (DS), using the 12-arm radial maze (RAM). Ts65Dn mice have a portion of mouse chromosome 16 syntenic to the distal end of human chromosome 21 triplicated. On each of 8 daily trials of the RAM, Ts65Dn mice made fewer correct choices than control mice and performed at or near chance levels, indicating a deficit in spatial working memory. On trials 9 and 10, Ts65Dn mice performed as well as control mice on the initial 12 choices, but required a greater number of choices to complete the RAM. The improved performance of Ts65Dn mice on trials 9 and 10 was lost when the animals were retested after a 50-day retention period, suggesting that long-term memory is also defective. These results are not likely explained by differences in either response bias or perceptual discrimination. Ts65Dn and control mice displayed comparable levels of performance in spontaneous alternation in a T-maze, demonstrating that simple spatial memory was not impaired. In the elevated plus maze, Ts65Dn mice did not display higher anxiety levels which could affect their performance in the RAM. In fact, Ts65Dn mice visited open arms on the elevated plus maze more frequently and spent more time on open arms than did control mice. Taken together, these results provide evidence for short- and long-term spatial memory deficits in Ts65Dn mice.
Which oral hypoglycaemic for gestational diabetes

Latest evidence favours metformin over glibenclamide, but there’s more work to do on both agents
Limitations of liquid nitrogen cooling of high heat load x-ray monochromators

X-ray monochromators, made of single crystals or multilayer coatings, are the most common optical components on many synchrotron beamlines. They intercept the broad-spectrum x-ray (white or pink) beams generated by the radiation source and absorb all but select narrow spectral bands of x-rays, which are diffracted according to Bragg’s Law. With some incident beam power in the kW range, minimizing thermally induced deformation detrimental to the performance of the device necessitates the design of optimally cooled monochromators. Monochromator substrate designs have evolved, in parallel with thermal loads of the incident beams, from simple blocks with no cooling, to water cooled (both contact -cooled and internally cooled), and to cryogenically cooled designs where the undesirable thermal distortions are kept in check by operating in a temperature range where the thermomechanical properties of the substrate materials are favorable. Fortuitously, single-crystal silicon at cryogenic temperatures has an exceptionally favorable combination of high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient. With further increases in x-ray beam power, partly as a result of the upgrades to the existing synchrotron facilities, the question arises as to the ultimate limits of liquid-nitrogen-cooled silicon monochromators’ ability to handle the increased thermal load. In this paper, we describe the difficulties and begin the investigation by using a simple geometric model for a monochromator and obtain analytical solutions for the temperature field. The temperature can be used as a proxy for thermally induced deformation. The significant role of the nonlinear material properties of silicon is examined.
Hemimaxillectomy for desmoplastic ameloblastoma with immediate temporalis flap reconstruction

Ameloblastoma is one of the most common odontogenic tumors encountered, occurring more frequently than all other tumors combined, if one excludes the keratocystic odontogenic tumor. These tumors can cause severe expansion of the cortical bones and gross anatomic deformities. They can affect the dentition, causing tooth mobility and displacement. Fortunately, morbidity can be minimized with recognition on routine radiographic examination. The tissue may be unilocular or multilocular and has been described as having a "soap-bubble" appearance. Nevertheless, its radiographic appearance is insufficient to make a definitive diagnosis, because other tumors have similar appearance. Although the anatomic distribution and progression of ameloblastoma remain fairly consistent, alternative manifestations follow an atypical clinical course. One such variant is the desmoplastic ameloblastoma. We present a case of maxillary desmoplastic ameloblastoma treated with hemimaxillectomy and immediate reconstruction with temporalis flap that was recurrence-free at 36 months.
Reductive Phosphine-Mediated Ligation of Nitroxyl (HNO)

Nitroxyl (HNO) demonstrates a unique chemical and biological profile compared to nitric oxide (NO). Phosphorus NMR studies reveal that HNO reacts with triarylphosphines to give the corresponding phosphine oxide and aza-ylide. In the presence of a properly situated electrophilic ester, the aza-ylide undergoes a Staudinger ligation to yield an amide with the nitrogen atom being derived from HNO. These results define new HNO reactivity and provide the basis of new HNO detection methods.
A study of repetition in aphasic patients.

Abstract The ability of the aphasic patient to repeat a message is a capacity of considerable diagnostic value. While it is well known that certain aphasic groups (e.g., transcortical aphasics) repeat better than other groups (e.g., conduction aphasics), possible qualitative differences among the groups have not been subjected to analysis. To secure information on repetition profiles in various aphasic subgroups, a test consisting of 11 types of items, presented under conditions of both immediate and delayed recall, was administered to eight groups of aphasic patients. The results documented a significant difference across aphasic groups, one related to site of lesion but not to severity of comprehension defect. Performance proved to be a joint product of the length and the meaningfulness of the stimulus items. The delayed condition aided Broca's aphasics and impeded anomic aphasics; in addition, nonsense syllables proved to be easier on immediate recall, while meaningful stimuli, particularly those which were number related, were relatively easier on delayed recall. Finally, sound errors were more likely to be made by Broca's and “mixed anterior” aphasics, while meaning errors were particularly prominent among conduction aphasics. These results are discussed in terms of the mechanisms which may mediate repetition in aphasic patients.
“Vacuum instability” and tachyon poles in non-asymptotically free field theories

Abstract Soni has recently noted that one-fermion-loop corrections seem to destabilize the translationally-invariant vacuum in simple chiral theories. It is shown that this result holds for all renormalizable theories, and that the inclusion of one-boson-loop corrections eradicates the problem only for asymptotically free field theories. It is also shown that this vacuum instability is indicated by tachyon poles in boson propagators and divergence of the effective coupling constant. This analysis relates the purported “vacuum instability” to well-known problems with Yukawa theories, leading to the simple interpretation that the loop expansion diverges at high momentum in non-asymptotically free field theories.
Past and prospective carbon storage in United States forests

Global concern about increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere and the possible consequences of future climate changes have generated interest in understanding and quantifying the role of terrestrial ecosystem in the global carbon cycle. Historical changes in carbon storage in US forests have been estimated from periodic, comprehensive national inventories of forest resources. Since 1952, carbon stored on US timberland has increased by 38% or 8.8 × 1015 g, primarily in the East. This increase is consistent with recently reported trends in Europe and accounts for as much as 21% of a hypothesized carbon sink in Northern temperate forests. Projections of changes in carbon storage over long periods of time were made with a carbon budget model that has been integrated with econometric models of the forest sector. Carbon storage is expected to increase until 2040, but at a slower rate than at present.
The effects of cognitive – linguistic variables and language experience on behavioural and kinematic performances in nonword learning

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cognitive-linguistic variables and language experience on behavioral and kinematic measures of nonword learning in young adults. Group 1 consisted of thirteen participants who spoke American English as the first and only language. Group 2 consisted of seven participants with varying levels of proficiency in a second language. Logistic regression of the percent of correct productions revealed short-term memory to be a significant contributor. The bilingual group showed better performance compared to the monolinguals. Linear regression of the kinematic data revealed that the short-term memory variable contributed significantly to movement coordination. Differences were not observed between the bilingual and the monolingual speakers in kinematic performance. Nonword properties including syllable length and complexity influenced both behavioral and kinematic performance. The findings supported the observation that nonword repetition is multiply determined in adults.
Extirpation, colonization, and habitat dynamics of a keystone species along an urban gradient

Using 5 years of patch occupancy data for 384 habitat fragments, we evaluated population and habitat dynamics of the black-tailed prairie dog in urban habitat remnants in the rapidly developing landscape of Denver, CO, USA. Specifically, we evaluated the landscape factors, including fragment area, age, and connectivity, that characterize the habitat fragments most likely to be colonized by prairie dogs, as well as those experiencing local extinctions. In addition, we determined which patch types were most often removed by land development. Sites in proximity to colonies were more likely to be colonized by prairie dogs. Local extinctions were most common on isolated colonies, and older and more isolated colonies were more likely to be extirpated by human activity. In general, smaller and older habitat patches were at the highest risk of being lost to land development. Our results provide observations of dynamic changes to the distribution of a potential keystone species in an urban area, which can be used to inform island biogeographic and metapopulation models for wildlife persistence in developing landscapes. Although populations are currently in decline, most local extinctions are the direct result of human activity, and we suggest that prairie dogs in this area can persist with appropriate management.
Zinc-nickel coatings for improved adherence and corrosion resistance

Abstract Plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings may spall catastrophically in service because corrosion products are developed at the coating-substrate interface. This phenomenon is likely to occur with ceramic coatings on steel substrates even when the substrates have first been coated with metallic bond coats. This work was aimed at developing zinc-nickel thermal-spray powders for cathodic protection of steel substrates. Powders were produced from zinc-30 wt.% nickel alloy with a particle size distribution of 90 - 150 μm and a study of their spraying parameters on steel substrates was carried out. The performance of these zinc-nickel coatings was determined by subjecting plasma-sprayed alumina and chromia coatings with and without a zinc-nickel underlayer to aqueous corrosion for various periods of time according to the ASTM B117-85 test. The effect of degradation by corrosion was measured by the ASTM C633-79 procedure. A drastic loss of bond strength, as a function of corrosion time, was noticed in ceramic coatings deposited directly on steel substrates. Similar behavior was also observed for ceramic coatings plasma-sprayed on to nickel-chromium bond coat. Results of electrochemical, salt-spray and bond strength tests showed that zinc-30 wt.% nickel coatings provide a cathodic protection. This cathodic protection confers an active corrosion protection on the substrate and is not affected by the presence of porosity in the ceramic coating. The adhesion strength of these zinc-30 wt.% nickel coatings is in the neighborhood of 40 MPa.
Bioavailability and toxicity of metals leached from lead‐mine tailings to aquatic invertebrates

Erosion and leaching of abandoned deposits of lead-mine tailings in southeast Missouri have resulted in the heavy metal contamination of surface waters, sediments and aquatic biota. We examined how cover materials added to stabilize tailings deposits might influence the mobilization of metals in mine tailings leachates by monitoring metal bioaccumulation and toxic effects in aquatic invertebrates (Orconectes nais, Hexagenia limbata and Chironomus riparius) exposed to leachates from test plots of tailings that had been given various cover treatments. Bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium increased significantly, and survival, growth and development were impaired in one or more invertebrate taxa during chronic (10–120 d) exposures to leachates from cover treatments of vegetation and organic mulches. Metal bioaccumulation and toxicity were greatest in a maple leaf cover treatment. Leachate from the leaf treatment had high metal concentrations because of the formation of metal/organic complexes. Lesser responses were observed in treatments of seed + fertilizer, bluegrass sod and dried sewage sludge, all of which resulted in the establishment of varying amounts of vegetative cover on the tailings. Bioaccumulation of lead, but not cadmium, was significantly correlated with the dissolved metal concentrations in the leachates. Toxic effects on invertebrate survival, growth and development were significantly correlated with the metal concentrations in leachate samples and, for lead, with body burdens in invertebrates. The results indicated that leachates from mine tailings deposits can adversely affect aquatic invertebrates, and that cover materials that release organic complexing agents can increase the mobilization of toxic metals in leachates. Vegetative cover would probably reduce future runoff and erosion from tailings deposits, but conditions similar to those in this study may favor the mobilization of metals from tailings already present in riparian habitats and stream sediments.
Reengineering Nutrition Care Services Through The Dietitians Self-Directed Team

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify the benefits of shared leadership and advancement of dietitians in the self-directed team environment. Challenged by rapid changes in healthcare, quality and cost effectiveness become essential in promoting nutrition services across the continuum of care. A self-directed dietitian team, with a shared leadership role, flattens organization structure and replaces hierarchy management with an overlapping three committee structure (standards of practice, steering and education committees). Each committee has a defined mission, set of goals, team functions and objectives which have led to documented compliance with regulatory standards and support for the mission, vision, values and goals of the institution. Improved communication has been achieved by the removal of barriers among self-directed team members and throughout the healthcare organization. Dietitians now have a visible, active presence on multi-disciplinary teams with defined goals from established standards. This has stimulated personal growth in team members and has resulted in dietitians chairing housewide multi-disciplinary teams. Dietitians are involved in researching, publishing, creating, marketing, and presenting nutrition issues, programs and conferences. As a result of the empowerment of the self-directed dietitian team, each member has opportunities to utilize his/her professional knowledge and skills in a multi-dimensional approach to problem solving and decision making. In addition, the team has documented quarterly outcome measurements on a balanced scorecard and received the institution's excellence in performance award.
Factor VIIa (recombinant) for acute traumatic hemorrhage

Purpose. The use of factor VIIa (recombinant) for the treatment of acute traumatic hemorrhage is reviewed. Summary. Factor VIIa (recombinant) has received considerable attention as a hemostatic agent and is increasingly being used for the management of bleeding associated with a variety of conditions. Severely injured trauma patients with uncontrolled bleeding are at high risk for coagulopathy and may benefit from the administration of factor VIIa (recombinant). A literature review was conducted to identify original research in the form of randomized controlled trials investigating the use of factor VIIa (recombinant) for the treatment of traumatic hemorrhage. Due to the paucity of such trials, three retrospective evaluations and three large case series pertaining to this topic were also reviewed. Of the two randomized controlled trials, one found a reduction in red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements in patients with blunt traumatic hemorrhage after the administration of factor VIIa (recombinant). This reduction in RBC requirements was not found in the study conducted with patients with penetrating trauma. These trials were not powered to show a mortality difference, and the effect of factor VIIa (recombinant) on survival in blunt and penetrating traumatic hemorrhage is unknown. Ongoing clinical trials may answer questions regarding its effect on mortality and other clinically important outcomes. Conclusion. Factor VIIa (recombinant) reduces RBC transfusion requirements in patients with blunt traumatic hemorrhage, and its effect on mortality is currently being investigated. Adjunctive use of factor VIIa (recombinant) should be considered only after other treatment modalities have been optimized.
The clinical potential of antiepileptic gene therapy

Epilepsy afflicts approximately 1% of the population and, although the majority of patients gain effective seizure control through existing medications, a significant number prove refractory to treatment. For intractable focal epilepsies, gene therapy techniques provide a realistic treatment alternative, especially in patients who are considered surgical candidates. Neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels offer attractive gene therapy targets, but the pattern of viral vector transduction and gene expression can dramatically influence the final outcome. Recently, studies have shown that viral vector-mediated transduction and expression of neuroactive peptides, such as galanin and neuropeptide Y, can attenuate seizure sensitivity and prevent seizure-induced cell death in vivo. As future studies define the best means to avoid immunological silencing, as well as establish transduction properties in pathological, epileptic tissue, it should be possible to develop an efficacious gene therapy for intractable focal epilepsy.
Latitudinal variations of cloud base height and lightning parameters in the tropics

The observed reduction in cloud-to-ground lightning in the new-equational zone is examined from the perspective of the width of the main negative charge region. Thermodynamic observations of cloud base height also show a climatological minimum value in the near-equatorial region. The association of low cloud base with both narrow updrafts and narrow changing zones may impede the bridging of the large air gap to ground, and thereby suppress cloud-to-ground lightning activity. This width dependence may be more important than the approx. 10% variation in height of the freezing level in the encouraging flashes to ground.
Comparison of T‐lymphocyte proliferation in canine epitheliotropic lymphosarcoma and benign lymphocytic dermatoses

The lesions of patch/plaque cutaneous T-cell lymphosarcoma (CTCL) are similar to many benign inflammatory dermatoses, both histopathologically and clinically. In humans, attempts to develop a simple, reliable immunophenotypic technique to differentiate between the malignant and benign dermatoses have been unsuccessful. The purpose of our study was to determine, using a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)/CD3 double immunolabelling technique of paraffin-embedded sections, if the rate of T-cell proliferation in canine CTCL was greater than that of other diseases with non-neoplastic lymphocyte epitheliotropism. We selected cases of patch/plaque (PP) and tumour stage CTCL, erythema multiforme (EM) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). We did not find a significant difference in the rate of T-cell proliferation in the epithelia nor the superficial dermis between PP-CTCL and EM. Whereas epithelial T-cell proliferation is significantly higher in PP-CTCL than CLE, it is not diagnostically useful because of overlap in the labelling indices.