cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anticancer effects of selenium: Linkage from metabolome to signal transduction

1380 Selenium (Se) has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in reducing the risk of different cancers including lung cancer. Consequently, the mechanism of this anticancer effect has been under active investigation. Although it is clear that Se induces apoptosis of cancer cells, the regulatory mechanism(s) of this effect is yet to be understood. In addition, different forms of Se appear to have different mechanism(s) of cytotoxicity. To obtain a broad understanding of the toxic effect of Se on lung cancer cells, we employed our metabolomic approach of using NMR and mass spectrometry to define biochemical changes induced by selenite in A549 cells. Figure 1 illustrates the metabolic differences between control and selenite-treated cells, as determined from 1H NMR analysis of crude cell extracts. The accumulation of phosphoryl choline (PC) induced by selenite could be related to an activation of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C by protein kinase C (PKC). The PC release could also signify increased diacylglycerol production, which in turn modulates PKC activity. Depending on the specific isoforms, activated PKC could inhibit or activate proteins via phosphorylation. The selenite-induced accumulation of metabolites related to the urea cycle ( e.g. Arg, Gln, and ornithine) is consistent with phosphorylation or altered regulation of enzymes such as ornithine decarboxylase and nitric oxide synthase by PKC. Thus, profiling of metabolic changes in response to anticancer agents such as selenite can provide insights into upstream regulatory mechanism(s).
Biomedical Microsystems (Meng, E.; 2011) [Book Review]

Biomedical microsystems is an interesting book that gives a quick snapshot of a booming research area of biomedical microsystems. Depending upon the targeted research communities ranging from clinical practitioners to biomedical engineers, future expansions may include biology-or clinical-driven microsystems design with a translational impact on the society.
Hypernephroma with metastasis to the mandibular gingiva. Report of a case.

Abstract A case of hypernephroma with multiple metastasis has been presented. A metastatic neoplasm developing in the interdental space is an unusual manifestation of interest to members of the dental and medical professions.
Tissue deposition of gadolinium and development of NSF: a convergence of factors

Gadolinium-based contrast (GBC) exposure has recently been linked to the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with underlying kidney disease and may in fact be the previously unrecognized trigger for the fibrosing process. As NSF is fairly rare in this patient population, a number of permissive factors are likely required for GBC exposure to initiate fibrosis. Advanced kidney disease is an absolute requirement whereas vascular injury and an inflammatory state, and a mix of co-factors including increased serum phosphate and calcium concentrations and iron overload further enhance risk. The combination of these events allows excess circulating gadolinium, which dissociates from its chelate to leak out of vessels and deposit in tissues. Free or bound tissue gadolinium, a rare earth metal of the lanthanoid series, promotes fibrosis via either direct binding to the collagen helix or, once the metal has been engulfed by macrophages, through the production of free oxygen radicals, cytokines, and other profibrotic factors that attract circulating fibrocytes to tissues. These fibrocytes then differentiate into fibroblast-like spindle cells that produce connective tissue matrix and other angiogenic and growth factors that further enhance tissue fibrosis. Direct gadolinium activation of transglutaminases on these tissue fibroblast-like cells may also promote fibrosis.
Mechanism of retrotransfer in conjugation: prior transfer of the conjugative plasmid is required.

Bacterial conjugation normally involves the unidirectional transfer of DNA from donor to recipient. Occasionally, conjugation results in the transfer of DNA from recipient to donor, a phenomenon known as retrotransfer. Two distinct models have been generally considered for the mechanism of retrotransfer. In the two-way conduction model, no transfer of the conjugative plasmid is required. The establishment of a single conjugation bridge between donor and recipient is sufficient for the transfer of DNA in both directions. In the one-way conduction model, transfer of the conjugative plasmid to the recipient is required to allow the synthesis of a new conjugation bridge for the transfer of DNA from recipient to donor. We have tested these models by the construction of a mutant of the self-transmissible, IncP plasmid RK2lac that allows the establishement of the conjugation bridge but is incapable of self-transfer. Four nucleotides of the nic region of the origin of transfer (oriT) were changed directly in the 67-kb plasmid RK2lac by a simple adaptation of the vector-mediated excision (VEX) strategy for precision mutagenesis of large plasmids (E. K.Ayres, V. J. Thomson, G. Merino, D. Balderes, and D. H. Figurski, J. Mol. Biol. 230:174-185, 1993). The resulting RK2lac oriT1 mutant plasmid mobilizes IncQ or IncP oriT+ plasmids efficiently but transfers itself at a frequency which is 10(4)-fold less than that of the wild type. Whereas the wild-type RK2lac oriT+ plasmid promotes the retrotransfer of an IncQ plasmid from Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa recipients, the RK2lac oriT1 mutant is severely defective in retrotransfer. Therefore, retrotransfer requires prior transfer of the conjugative plasmid to the recipient. The results prove that retrotransfer occurs by two sequential DNA transfer events.
Compliance with AAPM Practice Guideline 1.a: CT Protocol Management and Review - from the perspective of a university hospital.

The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with the AAPM Medical Physics Practice Guideline 1.a: “CT Protocol Management and Review Practice Guideline”. Specifically, we will share how our institution’s quality management system addresses the suggestions within the AAPM practice report. We feel this paper is needed as it was beyond the scope of the AAPM practice guideline to provide specific details on fulfilling individual guidelines. Our hope is that other institutions will be able to emulate some of our practices and that this article would encourage other types of centers (e.g., community hospitals) to share their methodology for approaching CT protocol optimization and quality control. Our institution had a functioning CT protocol optimization process, albeit informal, since we began using CT. Recently, we made our protocol development and validation process compliant with a number of the ISO 9001:2008 clauses and this required us to formalize the roles of the members of our CT protocol optimization team. We rely heavily on PACS-based IT solutions for acquiring radiologist feedback on the performance of our CT protocols and the performance of our CT scanners in terms of dose (scanner output) and the function of the automatic tube current modulation. Specific details on our quality management system covering both quality control and ongoing optimization have been provided. The roles of each CT protocol team member have been defined, and the critical role that IT solutions provides for the management of files and the monitoring of CT protocols has been reviewed. In addition, the invaluable role management provides by being a champion for the project has been explained; lack of a project champion will mitigate the efforts of a CT protocol optimization team. Meeting the guidelines set forth in the AAPM practice guideline was not inherently difficult, but did, in our case, require the cooperation of radiologists, technologists, physicists, IT, administrative staff, and hospital management. Some of the IT solutions presented in this paper are novel and currently unique to our institution.
The Down-Ballot Problem: Concurrent Elections and Cognitive Limitations on Voting Behavior

Using ANES data on political knowledge and opinions about government, this research examines the electorate’s ability to cast rational votes based simply upon the number of major contests on the ballot. Focusing particularly upon knowledge of house and senate candidates, this also has implications about other races farther down the ballot. Finding that respondents have minimal knowledge always, but that knowledge of house candidates decreases as additional races are placed on the ballot while knowledge of senate candidates increases, I then turn to investigating how else the number of races being contested impacts other measures of political interest, knowledge and evaluations of government.
On the Establishment of the Seasonal Pycnocline in the Middle Atlantic Bight

Abstract Each year the hydrography of the Middle Atlantic Bight changes dramatically from winter conditions with strong horizontal gradients of temperature, salinity, and density at the shelf break separating shelf and slope waters to the summer stratification with a sharp pycnocline at about 20-m depth across both the shelf and slope and weak horizontal density gradients. We use a simple one-dimensional diffusion model to demonstrate that this change could result from a uniform surface heating provided that the nonlinearity of the equation of state is taken into account.
1H-MRS Differentiates White Matter Hyperintensities in Subcortical Arteriosclerotic Encephalopathy From Those in Normal Elderly

Background and Purpose White matter hyperintensities in MRI of the brain are often seen in normal elderly subjects. Radiologically, these hyperintense regions are similar to those in symptomatic patients with subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (SAE). Our aim was to discriminate white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI in patients with SAE from similar appearing changes in normal elderly. Methods Three groups of elderly patients were studied: symptomatic patients with WMH of SAE (n=5); asymptomatic subjects with diffuse, confluent WMH (n=4); and elderly control subjects (n=5). Proton density images revealed WMH in the occipital lobes. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to acquire spectra in these hyperintensities. Metabolite concentrations were calculated from peak areas of N -acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cre), and choline (Cho). Results The NAA/Cre and NAA/Cho ratios were reduced in the SAE group compared with the two asymptomatic groups ( P <.05). NAA was decreased and Cho elevated in SAE compared with control subjects ( P <.05). The average volumes of WMH in the SAE group (65.5 cm3) and in asymptomatic control subjects (59.4 cm3) were similar, and greater than those of the normal control group (4.0 cm3). Conclusions Proton MRS discriminates WMH in SAE patients from those in asymptomatic elderly, suggesting differing causes of the hyperintensities.
Prenatal treatment of biotin responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency.

Abstract The prenatal diagnosis and prenatal treatment of a fetus with the neonatal-onset variant of biotin-responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency are described. Pre-amniocentesis maternal urinary organic-acid profiles were normal. Amniotic-fluid methylcitrate (17 weeks' gestation) was ten standard deviations above the control mean. Amniotic-fluid-cell propionyl CoA carboxylase, pyruvate carboxylase, and 3-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase activities were indistinguishable from activities in controls after cell growth in biotin-supplemented media. In contrast, growth in biotin-restricted media resulted in carboxylase activities significantly below control values. The fetus was considered to be affected, and the mother was begun on oral biotin at 231/2 weeks' gestation. The full-term baby girl exhibited no clinical or chemical aberrations during the first 4 days of life, before the start of postnatal biotin supplementation. Cord-blood biotin was 34 times the upper normal neonatal concentration. The diagnosis was confirmed by carboxylase assays on cultured skin fibroblasts obtained after birth; by slightly raised urinary organic-acid levels later in infancy; and by demonstration of· fibroblast holocarboxylase synthetase with an elevated K m(biotin) and a depressed V max . Growth and development of the baby have been normal to age 11/4 years on oral biotin. The prenatal diagnosis of neonatal-onset biotin-responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency can be made by means of enzymatic studies of amniotic-fluid cells. Amniotic-fluid methylcitrate should be a useful adjunct to enzymatic studies. Prenatal treatment was effective in our patient, and there was no apparent toxicity to mother or baby from biotin supplementation during the last 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Preparation and structure of the compound Mo2(NCS)4(Ph2Ppy)2·2THF·2toluene (Ph2Ppy = 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine)

Abstract The reaction of Mo 2 (O 2 CCF 3 ) 4 with (CH 3 ) 3 SiNCS in the presence of Ph 2 Ppy produces Mo 2 (NCS) 4 (Ph 2 Ppy) 2 (where Ph 2 Ppy = 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine) in good yield. The compound was obtained in crystalline form as Mo 2 (NCS) 4 (Ph 2 Ppy) 2 ·2THF·2toluene, whose structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The unit cell is monoclinic (space group C 2/ c ) with the following dimensions: a = 15.930(4), b = 19.875(5), c = 19.124(3) A, β = 99.40(2)°, V = 5973(4) A 3 and Z = 4. The molecule has a crystallographic twofold symmetry axis perpendicular to the mean plane of the Mo 2 unit and the two PCN bridging units and consists of a quadruply bonded Mo 2 4+ core with two bridging Ph 2 Ppy ligands arranged in a transoid, head-to-tail fashion and four N-bonded thiocyanate ions. There are two very loosely coordinated THF molecules while the toluene molecules are interstitial. The MoMo bond length is 2.191(1) A.
Prostacyclin production in the area of arterial endothelial denudation

Abstract The goal of this study was to quantify arterial prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis and platelet aggregation in the immediate area of vessel injury. Twelve mongrel dogs whose platelets aggregated maximally to added arachidonic acid (AA) were equally divided into three groups. Controls received no drug while other dogs were treated with the platelet inhibitors aspirin (ASA) 3 mg/kg/day or BM 13.505 (BM), a thromboxane receptor antagonist, 25 mg/kg/day. After 3 days of treatment, the dogs underwent balloon catheter endothelial denudation of both carotid and femoral arteries. Blood was sampled from the first carotid artery just distal to the injury at 0, 1, 5, and 10 min after restoration of flow. Venous blood samples were also obtained at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively. Dogs were sacrificed at 2 weeks and arterial rings from a proximal normal and a denuded region were excised and tested for PGI2 production in response to added AA. While control dogs showed no statistical change in AA-induced platelet aggregation postoperatively, there appeared to be a trend for enhanced responsiveness at 1 week. Aspirin and BM inhibited AA-induced aggregation completely in all samples at all timepoints. Levels of the stable metabolite of PGI2, 6-keto-PGF1α, were determined by radio-immunoassay. In control dogs, baseline PGI2 levels were 72 ± 17 pg/ml which increased to 479 ± 20 pg/ml immediately after restoration of flow (P
Where will we put the garbage? Economic efficiency versus collective choice

Abstract We consider the problem of locating noxious facilities which process waste including costs of disposal, transportation, negative externalities, and pollution control. Using models from the facilities location literature, we explore the nature of efficient, cost minimizing, disposal patterns. These efficient solutions can then be compared with collective choice outcomes in which voters recognize the spatial distribution of benefits and costs of alternative disposal site location patterns. Overall, we find that majority rule voting solutions result in disposal at too few facilities, which are too large, spaced too far apart and use too little pollution control to limit negative externalities.
Terminal stages of stellar evolution in quantum chromodynamics

Abstract The characteristics of matter undergoing gravitational collapse are described using the modern strong interaction theory, quantum chromodynamics (QCD). We show that (a) there is a small range of densities from about 4 × 10 14 to about 3 × 10 15 g/cm 3 , in which a collapsing stellar core of less than 3.5 will undergo hydrodynamic bounce; (b) there is a new source of energy release from the hyperonization of normal matter. Energies of O(10 53 ) erg or greater are involved in both mechanisms. Processes (a), (b) are thus serious mechanisms for supernovae generation.
Aspects of soot dynamics as revealed by measurements of broadband fluorescence and flame luminosity in flickering diffusion flames

Abstract Numerous investigators have attributed laser-induced broadband fluorescence observed in both rich, premixed flames and in diffusion flames to small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). However, the wide variety of experimental flame conditions and excitation/detection wavelengths have clouded the interpretation of such measurements, for example, in terms of indicating either the presence of soot precursors or unreactive by-products (or both). This paper presents PAH fluorescence measurements excited at 283.5 nm and detected at 400–447 nm in a series of steady and flickering methane, propane, and ethylene diffusion flames burning at atmospheric pressure in an axisymmetric, coflow configuration. In the flickering flame experiments, acoustic forcing of the fuel rate is used to phase lock the periodic flame flicker close to the natural flame flicker frequency caused by buoyancy-induced instabilities. When compared to our earlier measurements of soot concentrations in the same flames, soot inception in the annular region is found to occur at the interface between the fluorescing PAH and the region of high radical concentrations. Although the peak PAH fluorescence signals and maximum soot concentrations do not occur at the same spatial locations, indirect evidence is presented that the species responsible for PAH fluorescence participate in either soot inception or growth. In contrast to prior suggestions that PAH fluorescence intensities scale with soot concentrations, the relative peak PAH fluorescence signals are observed to be 1.0:9.8:5.4 for the steady methane, propane, and ethylene flames, respectively, whereas the maximum soot levels follow a different trend of 1.0:19:39. Similar results are observed in the flickering flames, all of which exhibit enhanced PAH fluorescence signals compared to the steady flames. PAH fluorescence excited at 560.3 nm in the steady flames is also strongest for propane. Measurements of flame radiation arising from soot particles have also been made, with detection at 395–547 nm and to a limited degree at 833–900 nm. Visible flame emission is particularly sensitive to the local soot temperature. Comparison of the luminosity images with those of OH· fluorescence and soot scattering shows that the luminosity is strongest where the hydroxyl radicals and soot layers overlap, i.e., in regions of active soot oxidation.
Solvatomagnetic effect and spin-glass behavior in a 1D coordination polymer constructed from EE-azido bridged MnIII3O units

The non-uniform chain manganese(III) complex constructed from EE-azido bridged MnIII3O units, [MnIII3O(Brppz)3(MeOH)3(N3)]·2MeOH [1, Brppz = 3-(5-bromo-2-phenolate)pyrazolate], is the first example of 1D azido-bridged coordination polymer showing both solvatomagnetic effect and spin-glass behavior.
Synaptic interface surface area increases with long-term potentiation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus.

The present study continues our attempt to understand the ultrastructural changes that accompany and may underlie long-term potentiation (LTP). This report describes changes with LTP in the surface area of the pre- and postsynaptic membrane apposition at the synapses formed by entorhinal cortical (EC) axons with granule cell dendritic spines of the dentate gyrus (DG). The electrophysiology and electron microscopy of the DGs from each animal followed conventional procedures. The trace length of the pre- and postsynaptic apposition was measured for identified asymmetric synapses in the dentate molecular layer. The total apposed membrane surface area per unit volume (SV) was then computed for 4 categories of synaptic profiles for each third of the molecular layer. Statistical analysis of the SV data used multivariate analyses of variance. Across the entire molecular layer, total apposed SV does not change significantly with LTP. However, in the activated portion of the molecular layer, total apposed SV increases significantly, reflecting a significant increased in the apposed SV for the concave spine profiles there. For these spine profiles, the increased apposed SV is due to the increases membrane area both at the postynaptic density and beyond. The average apposed surface area per individual synapse also increases markedly with LTP. The present data support the hypothesis of coordinated pre- and postsynaptic anatomical changes with LTP in the EC-DG system.
Learning by Doing: Effectively Incorporating Ethics Education into Residency Training

BACKGROUND Medical ethics is a critical component of the curriculum for clinical trainees. Educational initiatives should adapt content to participants’ experience in order to ensure relevance and retain their interest.
Rose colored webcam: Discrepancies in personality estimates and interview performance ratings

Abstract Companies increasingly use computer-controlled interviews as a less expensive and more efficient way to screen job applicants. Despite these advantages, this interview format may prevent evaluators from accurately judging an applicant’s personality traits, which, in turn, may influence hiring decisions. Two traits in particular, agreeableness and conscientiousness, have been found to predict performance in many occupational settings. In the current research, participants randomly were assigned to either a face-to-face (FTF) or computer-controlled (CC) mock job interview. Interviewees were rated by external observers as higher in conscientiousness and agreeableness when the interview was CC rather than FTF. In addition, observers rated interview performance more positively than did the interviewees themselves – particularly when the interview was CC. Finally, the discrepancy between self and observer judgments of the interviewees’ personality (in terms of agreeableness and conscientiousness) mediated the relation between interview format and the discrepancy between self and observer ratings of interview performance. These findings suggest that CC interviews have the potential to yield overly positive evaluations of interviewees, thereby biasing personality judgments and estimations of ultimate job performance.
The Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Penetrating Eye Injuries

UNLABELLED It is estimated that there are 3.1 penetrating eye injuries per 100,000 person-years in the United States. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the epidemiology of penetrating eye injuries and to identify physical examination findings that facilitate the diagnosis and ophthalmologic referral of patients with these injuries. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of emergency department patients with penetrating eye injuries seen for evaluation from July 1987 to January 1999. The setting was a tertiary referral, university hospital. Three hundred eighty-four patients with 390 penetrating eye injuries were enrolled; 56% were transferred from outlying hospitals. RESULTS Penetrating eye injuries were seen almost three times per month. Eighty percent of the injuries occurred in males, and the mean age was 29 years. Twenty-five percent of the patients had used alcohol in the period immediately preceding the injury. Final visual outcome was 28% with enucleation, "no light perception" (NLP) in 10%, light perception to 20/200 in 24%, and light perception of 20/200 or better in 38%. Poor visual outcome was associated with poor initial visual acuity, alcohol use, and delayed presentation (p = 0.036, 0.025, 0.036, respectively). Gun-related injuries caused 33% and motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) caused 21% of the worst outcomes (enucleation or NLP). In MVCs where seat belt use was reported, 71% of injured patients were unrestrained. The most common initial physical findings were hyphema (76%), abnormality of the pupil or uvea (94%), and initial visual acuity worse than 20/200 (77%). All patients had at least one of these findings. Complications occurred in 25% of cases, most commonly traumatic cataract or infection. Complications occurred more commonly in those patients transferred than in those presenting directly (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Penetrating eye injuries are relatively common, occur predominantly in young males, and often result in poor visual outcome in the affected eye. Motor vehicle crashes, alcohol use, and fire-arm use are associated with more severe injuries.
Longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation in clean type II superconductors

Abstract The attenuation of longitudinal sound in clean type II superconductors, near H c2 , has been calculated using a non-perturbative method. It is shown that at low frequencies the attenuation rate depends strongly on the direction of propagation of the wave, and on impurity concentration.
Salt, Seeps and Symbiosis in the Gulf of Mexico

Seafloor oil seepage on the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico drives a number of distinct biological, chemical and geological processes. Macroseepage of oil and gas controls the extent and distribution of chemosynthetic “oil seep” communities, the seafloor configuration, sediment character and sediment geochemistry [Kennicutt et al., 1985; Brooks et al., 1986, 1987; MacDonald et al., 1989, 1990; Roberts et al., 1987]. Besides providing substrates for chemosynthetic communities, these macroseeps charge the sediments with gas and oil resulting in acoustic wipe-out zones [MacDonald et al., 1989], the formation of gas hydrates [Brooks et al., 1986]. massive carbonate formation [Roberts et al., 1987] and in extreme cases, create mud volcanos with blow-out craters [Prior et al., 1989]. Besides gas and oil, brine is also seeping upward into and out of Gulf of Mexico continental slope sediments. In many areas the gas and salt migrate together, forming seabottom salt pools charged with methane and hydrogen sulfide, which support chemosynthetic organisms [MacDonald et al., 1990].
Thin Film Amorphous Electrolytes: The Li2O-SiO2-P2O5 System

Thin film amorphous electrolytes with compositions xLi2O:ySiO2:zP2O5 were deposited by single and dual source rf magnetron sputtering and their compositions determined by electron and ion beam techniques. Films containing P but no Si were composed of mainly orthophosphate and some linear chain phosphate anions, whereas single phase films containing Si and P were evidently composed of branched and possibly cyclic and extended network structures. Films with Si/P > 1 appeared to contain two or more amorphous phases. In the range of compositions investigated, the lithium ion conductivity depends mainly on the lithium ion mobility which is sensitive to the structure of the films. An open circuit voltage from 1 to 3 V measured between blocking metal contacts on the electrolyte thin films suggests that the films mightbe electrets.
Heart rate-arterial blood pressure relationship in conscious rat before vs. after spinal cord transection

This experiment quantified the initial disruption and subsequent adaptation of the blood pressure (BP)-heart rate (HR) relationship after spinal cord transection (SCT). BP and HR were recorded for ...
A systematic evaluation of air cavity dose perturbation in megavoltage x-ray beams.

The EGS4 Monte Carlo radiation transport code was used to systematically study the dose perturbation near planar and cylindrical air cavities in a water medium irradiated by megavoltage x-ray beams. The variables of the problem included x-ray energy, cavity shape and dimension, and depth of the cavity in water. The Monte Carlo code was initially validated against published measurements and its results were found to agree within 2% with the published measurements. The study results indicate that the dose perturbation is strongly dependent on x-ray energy, field size, depth, and size of cavity in water. For example, the Monte Carlo calculations show dose reductions of 42% and 18% at 0.05 and 2 mm, respectively, beyond the air–water interface distal to the radiationsource for a 3 cm thick air slab irradiated by a single 5×5 cm2 15 MV beam. The dose reductions are smaller for a parallel-opposed pair of 5×5 cm2 15 MV x-ray beams, being 21% and 11% for the same depths. The combined set of Monte Carlo calculations showed that the dose reduction near an air cavity is greater for: (a) Smaller x-rayfield size, (b) higher x-ray energy, (c) larger air-cavity size, and (d) smaller depth in water where the air cavity is situated. A potential clinical application of these results to the treatment of prostate cancer is discussed.
A wintertime PM2.5 episode at the Fresno, CA, supersite

Abstract A winter PM 2.5 episode that achieved a maximum 24-h average of 138 μg m −3 at the Fresno Supersite in California's San Joaquin Valley between 2 and 12 January, 2000 is examined using 5-min to 1-h continuous measurements of mass, nitrate, black carbon, particle-bound PAH, and meteorological measurements. Every day PM 2.5 sampling showed that many episodes, including this one, are missed by commonly applied sixth-day monitoring, even though quarterly averages and numbers of US air quality standard exceedances are adequately estimated. Simultaneous measurements at satellite sites show that the Fresno Supersite represented PM 2.5 within the city, and that half or more of the urban concentrations were present at distant, non-urban locations unaffected by local sources. Most of the primary particles accumulated during early morning and nighttime, decreasing when surface temperatures increased and the shallow radiation inversion coupled to a valleywide layer. When this coupling occurred, nitrate levels increased rapidly over a 10–30 min period as black carbon and gaseous concentrations dropped. This is consistent with a conceptual model in which secondary aerosol forms above the surface layer and is effectively decoupled from the surface for all but the late-morning and early afternoon period. Primary pollutants, such as organic and black carbon, accumulate within the shallow surface layer in urban areas where wood burning and vehicle exhaust emissions are high. Such a model would explain why earlier studies find nitrate concentrations to be nearly the same among widely separated sites in urban areas, as winds aloft of 1 to 6 m s −1 could easily disperse the elevated aerosol throughout the valley.
American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z4099/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1021: A randomized study of sublobar resection compared with stereotactic body radiotherapy for high-risk stage I non–small cell lung cancer

During the past decade, tremendous interest has arisen in the use of nonoperative therapies for patients with non–small cell lung cancer. Of these therapies, stereotactic body radiotherapy has become established as an effective modality for treating peripheral cancer in medically inoperable patients. Toxicity is low, and the treatment is effective, with excellent local control rates. Several investigators have suggested that stereotactic body radiotherapy could be effective for high-risk operable patients (usually treated with sublobar resection) and even perhaps for standard-risk operable patients (usually treated with lobectomy); however, this is less accepted. A direct comparison of stereotactic body radiotherapy and sublobar resection is difficult for a number of reasons. These include different definitions of recurrence, different populations of patients in these studies (with those undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy tending to be the medically inoperable group), and different methods of classifying morbidity in the surgical and radiation oncology studies. Imaging follow-up has also not been standardized among the studies. Thus, a randomized study is necessary and timely. Investigators from the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group and the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Group have collaborated to develop a phase III randomized study comparing stereotactic body radiotherapy and sublobar resection (with or without brachytherapy) for high-risk operable patients with non–small cell lung cancer. This study (American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z4099/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1021) has recently opened for accrual. It is hoped that this will help to better define the role of these therapies for patients with non–small cell lung cancer.
Biochemical Evidence for an Editing Role of Thioesterase II in the Biosynthesis of the Polyketide Pikromycin

Abstract The pikromycin biosynthetic gene cluster contains the pikAV gene encoding a type II thioesterase (TEII). TEII is not responsible for polyketide termination and cyclization, and its biosynthetic role has been unclear. During polyketide biosynthesis, extender units such as methylmalonyl acyl carrier protein (ACP) may prematurely decarboxylate to generate the corresponding acyl-ACP, which cannot be used as a substrate in the condensing reaction by the corresponding ketosynthase domain, rendering the polyketide synthase module inactive. It has been proposed that TEII may serve as an “editing” enzyme and reactivate these modules by removing acyl moieties attached to ACP domains. Using a purified recombinant TEII we have tested this hypothesis by using in vitro enzyme assays and a range of acyl-ACP, malonyl-ACP, and methylmalonyl-ACP substrates derived from either PikAIII or the loading didomain of DEBS1 (6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase; ATL-ACPL). The pikromycin TEII exhibited highK m values (>100 μm) with all substrates and no apparent ACP specificity, catalyzing cleavage of methylmalonyl-ACP from both ATL-ACPL(k cat/K m 3.3 ± 1.1m −1 s−1) and PikAIII (k cat/K m 2.9 ± 0.9m −1 s−1). The TEII exhibited some acyl-group specificity, catalyzing hydrolysis of propionyl (k cat/K m 15.8 ± 1.8m −1 s−1) and butyryl (k cat/K m 17.5 ± 2.1m −1 s−1) derivatives of ATL-ACPL faster than acetyl (k cat/K m 4.9 ± 0.7m −1 s−1), malonyl (k cat/K m 3.9 ± 0.5m −1 s−1), or methylmalonyl derivatives. PikAIV containing a TEI domain catalyzed cleavage of propionyl derivative of ATL-ACPL at a dramatically lower rate than TEII. These results provide the first unequivocal in vitro evidence that TEII can hydrolyze acyl-ACP thioesters and a model for the action of TEII in which the enzyme remains primarily dissociated from the polyketide synthase, preferentially removing aberrant acyl-ACP species with long half-lives. The lack of rigorous substrate specificity for TEII may explain the surprising observation that high level expression of the protein inStreptomyces venezuelae leads to significant (>50%) titer decreases.
Study of Two-Equation Based Modelling for Compressible, Turbulent Flows

Effects of compressibility and chemical reaction on the turbulence structure are two important but difficult issues in turbulence modelling. Several proposed treatments dealing with the dilatation dissipation and the pressure dilatation correlation are discussed in the context of the two-equation model. Also, two new modifications are proposed to account for extra terms that appearfor compressible flows. An attempt is made to validate and calibrate these modifications against experimental data for supersonic flow over an axi-symmetric afterbody. These compressibility modifications are also tested for certain simple reacting flows in order to estimate their predictive capabilities. Additionally, proposed modifications to account for the imbalance between the production of turbulent kinetic energy and its rate of dissipation are contrasted against the standard modelling procedure.
Removal of DNA adducts of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in the male Fischer-344 rat.

The food mutagen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is carcinogenic in the male Fischer-344 rat, affecting principally the colon. PhIP-DNA adducts may play a role in the initiation of the carcinogenic process. We have evaluated the formation and persistence of PhIP-DNA adducts in the colon, circulating white blood cells (WBC) and several other non-target organs of the male Fischer-344 rat. Young adult male animals were given a single dose of PhIP (50 mg/kg) by gavage. Animals were killed 1, 2, 6, 12, 16 or 20 days after dosing (4 animals/time point) and their liver, lungs, stomach, small intestine, cecum, colon, kidneys, WBC, heart and spleen were removed for isolation of DNA and assay of PhIP-DNA adducts by 32P-postlabeling. For interorgan comparisons of cell turnover, rats were given a single i.p. dose of [methyl-3H]thymidine, after which DNA was isolated at the same time intervals as for adduct analysis and its sp. act. (d.p.m. 3H/100 micrograms) was determined. In all organs up to three adducts could be isolated and the adduct pattern was the same in each case. On day 1, total adduct levels were highest in the colon (the target organ), followed by the spleen, cecum, small intestine, stomach, liver, kidneys, lungs, WBC and heart. Rates of adduct removal were similar in the colon, spleen, cecum, liver, lungs, stomach and small intestine, with day 16 and day 20 levels falling to 30-fold higher than that in several other organs, including the liver. These sp. act. decreased to the low sp. act. of the liver on day 20. It is concluded that the rates of adduct removal from the intestines are more likely to be related to cell turnover of epithelial cells than to enzymatic repair.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Accuracy of robotic sentinel lymph node detection (RSLND) for patients with endometrial cancer (EC)

Abstract Objectives Lymphadenectomy as a part of the staging for EC patients is controversial. Sentinel lymph node detection has been introduced to determine which patients would benefit from adjuvant therapy and to limit morbidities associated with a full pelvic nodal dissection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and detection rate of robotic sentinel lymph node detection (RSLND) as a part of the surgical staging for EC. Methods A retrospective database of all patients who underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping using cervical injection methylene blue followed by RSLND as a part of their procedure was reviewed. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) was initially examined by routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE median BMI was 32 (18–76). Out of 120 patients, only one patient underwent RSLND with fertility preservation; and 119 patients underwent robotic hysterectomy and surgical staging with RSLND. None of the cases was converted to an open procedure. At least 1 SLN was detected in 86% (103/120) of the patients. Bilateral SLNs were detected in 52% (62/120). Positive nodes were identified in 8% (10/120) of the patients. Of those with SLN (+), 50% (5/10) were by ultrastaging (IHC) alone. No patients had positive regional nodes without SLN (+). Conclusions RSLND using methylene blue cervical injection can identify SLN in most patients with EC. IHC ultrastaging improves the detection of node positive disease when compared to traditional pathological evaluation.
Site-directed mutagenesis by complementary-strand synthesis using a closing oligonucleotide and double-stranded DNA templates.

Abstract An approach for generating structures capable of directing full-length complementary-strand synthesis for double-stranded plasmid DNA is described. The structures are formed following heat denaturation and cooling of linearized plasmid DNA molecules in the presence of what is referred to as a “closing” oligonucleotide. Consisting of a sequence complementary to the free ends of one of the two plasmid strands, the closing oligonucleotide functions as an agent for recircularization of a DNA strand and generation of a primer-circular template structure suitable for polymerase-dependent full-length complementary-strand synthesis and ligation into a covalently closed heteroduplex molecule. When combined with a mutagenic oligonucleotide and uracil-substituted DNA templates, this approach allows site-directed mutagenesis to be performed directly on double-stranded DNA with a mutant formation efficiency of about 50%, a level amenable to rapid screening by DNA sequencing.
Impact of age, sex, race, and functional complaints on hydrogen (H2) production.

In order to evaluate factors that may influence H2 generation, the effects of age, sex, race, and functional complaints on breath H2 were studied in 62 subjects. These included 34 young hospital employees, 17 healthy ambulatory elderly subjects, and 11 patients with functional bowel disease. The ability to produce H2 was defined by an increase in breath H2 to greater than 20 parts per million within 4 hr of ingesting 10 g of the nonabsorbable sugar lactulose. Overall, 21% of subjects were nonproducers, and the incidence of nonproduction did not vary among the groups. The elderly subjects had significantly greater breath H2 concentrations than the younger subjects at 150 minutes (P<0.05). Sex, race, and functional complaints did not influence H2 production. These findings indicate that patient's age and potential inability to make H2 need to be considered in the routine interpretation of H2 breath tests.
Evidence for Antiferroelectric Behavior in KNbO3/KTaO3 Superlattices

The dielectric response in artificially layered 1x1 KTaO3/KNbO3 perovskite superlattice structures is reported. While KTaO3 and KNbO3 are ferroelectric or paraelectric, respectively, superlattices appear antiferroelectric based on an increase in dielectric constant with applied dc bias. This “positive tunability” in dielectric response occurs at the same temperature region where a structural phase transition is observed. This dielectric behavior is inconsistent with the nonlinear response for either paraelectric or ferroelectric materials. However, an increase in the dielectric constant with applied electric field is consistent with antiferroelectric behavior. The antiferroelectric ordering correlates with cation modulation imposed by the superlattice.
Inclusion and Education: 3D Printing for Integrated Classrooms

Over 60% of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in the U.S. are unemployed; this is more than twice the unemployment rate of the general population [19]. Of the adults with ID who are employed, only half receive competitive wages alongside co-workers without disabilities. While the enactment of IDEA [20] has helped to promote access to education for people with ID and other disabilities, there are still obstacles to employment. Misconceptions about ability and lack of opportunities to learn and practice employability skills contribute to this problem.Our research explores employability and integration through the lens of 3D printing, an innovative technology touted as a means to self-employment. We successfully taught young adults with intellectual disabilities many technical skills required for 3D printing through an integrated, post-secondary course on 3D printing for entrepreneurship. In this paper we report on our methods for designing this course and discuss the benefits, challenges, and strategies for teaching 3D printing to an integrated cohort of students. We offer recommendations for educators and describe technology obstacles unique to this user demographic, and the impact of integrated, postsecondary courses on employment outcomes for students with ID.
Mass spectrometry of the silver nitrate derivatives of cyclopropenoid compounds.

Abstract 1,2-dihexylcyclopropene, 1,2-diheptylcyclopropene, 1,2-dioctylcyclopropene, methyl malvalate, and methyl sterculate have been reacted with silver nitrate in methanol to form the corresponding methoxy and ketone derivatives. GLC, IR, and MS data are presented. The mass spectra and a possible method for determining the cyclopropene ring position are discussed.
FREE RADICAL SCAVENGERS, CATALASE AND SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM OXALATE-ASSOCIATED INJURY TO LLC-PK1 AND MDCK CELLS

Purpose: Current studies have provided evidence that exposure of renal epithelial cells to oxalate and calcium oxalate crystals induces lipid peroxidation and injures the cells. Since oxidant/antioxidant balance is likely to play a critical role, we determined the effect of antioxidant scavengers on production of free radicals and injury to LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells from exposure to oxalate (Ox) or Ox + calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals.Materials and Methods: LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells were grown in monolayers and exposed to 1.0 mmol. Ox or 1.0 mmol. Ox + 500 μg./ml. COM crystals for 120 or 240 minutes. We measured the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a marker for cell injury and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were measured in the presence or absence of 400 U/ml. catalase, or superoxide dismutase (SOD).Results: Exposure of LLC-PK1 cells to Ox resulted in a significant increase in MDA and release of LDH, which was further elevated when C...
Gestational flu exposure induces changes in neurochemicals, affiliative hormones and brainstem inflammation, in addition to autism-like behaviors in mice

Abstract The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism is increasing, however the etiology of these disorders is unclear and thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental and immune factors. A recent epidemiological study found that gestational viral exposure during the first trimester increases risk of autism in offspring by twofold. In mice gestational viral exposures alter behavior of offspring, but the biological mechanisms which underpin these behavioral changes are unclear. We hypothesized that gestational viral exposure induces changes in affiliative hormones, brainstem autonomic nuclei and neurotransmitters which are associated with behavioral alterations in offspring. To address this hypothesis, we exposed pregnant mice to influenza A virus (H3N2) on gestational day 9 and determined behavioral, hormonal and brainstem changes in male and female offspring. We found that gestational flu exposure induced dose-dependent alterations in social and aggressive behaviors (p ⩽ 0.05) in male and female offspring and increases in locomotor behaviors particularly in male offspring (p ⩽ 0.05). We found that flu exposure was also associated with reductions in oxytocin and serotonin (p ⩽ 0.05) levels in male and female offspring and sex-specific changes in dopamine metabolism. In addition we found changes in catecholaminergic and microglia density in brainstem tissues of male flu exposed offspring only (p ⩽ 0.05). This study demonstrates that gestational viral exposure induces behavioral changes in mice, which are associated with alterations in affiliative hormones. In addition we found sex-specific changes in locomotor behavior, which may be associated with sex-specific alterations in dopamine metabolism and brainstem inflammation. Further investigations into maternal immune responses are necessary to unravel the molecular mechanisms which underpin abnormal hormonal, immune and behavioral responses in offspring after gestational viral exposure.