cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predominance of l-dopa in fetal plasma and the amniotic fluid during late gestation in the rat

The purpose of this study was to reevaluate catecholamine distribution in fetal and maternal compartments during late gestation in the rat. Fetal and maternal plasma and amniotic fluid were collected from anesthetized rats on consecutive days from day 17 to day 22, the day of parturition. The fluid was analyzed for dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine by radioenzymatic assays. Amniotic fluid volume was determined by a direct weighing method. L-Dopa concentrations constituted approximately 50% of total fetal plasma catecholamines and were significantly higher in fetal than in maternal circulation. Dopamine concentrations in fetal plasma were tenfold lower than those of L-dopa but were also significantly higher in fetal than in maternal plasma; norepinephrine levels were similar in both. Maternal plasma epinephrine levels remained relatively constant, whereas fetal epinephrine levels increased fiftyfold from day 17 to day 22. L-Dopa concentrations in the amniotic fluid were tenfold higher than those of dopamine, and the concentrations of both increased markedly during the last 2 days of gestation. However, this apparent rise could be attributed to the concomitant fivefold reduction in the amniotic fluid volume observed at this time. It is concluded that L-dopa is the predominant catecholamine in both the fetal plasma and the amniotic fluid during late gestation in the rat. At the present time, neither the source nor the possible physiologic functions of L-dopa during fetal life are known.
The Kuznets curve: A reassessment

Abstract This paper revisits the Kuznets hypothesis. An extensive data set containing the most recent estimates of income distribution is utilized to test the Kuznets hypothesis. In addition, the data comparability problem, with respect to income distribution data, when conducting econometric analysis is addressed. The results indicate that the data comparability problem is not severe enough to nullify the estimates obtained from pooled regressions. The Kuznets hypothesis holds for this data set.
Failure of Ductile Materials Subject to Varying Strain Rates

Strain rate affects the mechanical properties of ductile materials in terms of their stiffness and strength. In particular, yield and failure strengths and strains depend on the strain rate applied to the materials. When a metallic material is subjected to a typical dynamic loading, the material usually undergoes various strain-rate loading conditions. One of the main questions is whether the material is going to fail or not. To the authors' best knowledge, there has been no failure criterion proposed for a varying strain-rate loading condition. This paper presents a failure criterion under nonuniform strain-rate loading conditions. Experiments were conducted to support the proposed failure criterion using aluminum alloy AA3003-H14. This study also investigated the that failure envelops in terms of strain rates and the normalized failure strengths. Furthermore, the effects of strain rates on strength and stiffness properties were also examined.
Gastrin and colorectal cancer: A prospective study

Abstract Background & Aims: Gastrin is a putative promoter of colorectal carcinomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal relationship between gastrinemia and development of colorectal malignancy. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study among 128,992 subscribers to a health maintenance program who had participated in a multiphasic health checkup between 1964 and 1969. Serum had been frozen since the checkup and the cohort followed up for cancer. Of 1881 incident colorectal carcinoma cases, 250 were randomly selected; 1 control without cancer was matched to each case by age, sex, education, and date of serum collection. Stored sera were tested for Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G and for gastrin and glycine-extended gastrin. Results: Verified cases included 166 colon cancers, 58 rectal cancers, and 9 with cancer in both locations. A mean of 15.3 years had elapsed between serum collection and diagnosis of cancer. Median gastrin levels were similar in cases and controls (41.7 vs. 40.7 pg/mL). However, a gastrin level above normal was associated with increased risk for colorectal malignancy (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–9.8). If this association is causal, 8.6% of colorectal cancers could be attributed to high serum gastrin level. Conclusions: Hypergastrinemia is associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;115:275-280
Low profile tunable dipole antenna using BST varactors for biomedical applications

In this paper a 2.4 GHz low profile (λ/47) tunable dipole antenna is evaluated in the presence of a human core model (HCM) body phantom. The antenna uses a frequency selective surface (FSS) with interdigital barium strontium titanate (BST) varactor-tuned unit cells and its performance is compared to a similar low profile antenna that uses an FSS with semiconductor varactor diodes. The measured data of the antenna demonstrate tunability from 2.2 GHz to 2.55 GHz in free space and impedance match improvement in the presence of a HCM at different distances. This antenna has smaller size, lower cost and less weight compared to the semiconductor varactor diode counterpart.
A Study of the Performance of Contaminated Insulators Under Various Test Conditions

Two contamination test methods have been examined for the difference in assumptions used as the basis of each method. Dynamic surface impedance of insulators in a slow-wetting condition is remarkably influenced by the voltage across the insulator unit, which causes nonlinearity of insulation strength with insulator length. On the other hand, the surface condition can be represented as resistance in wet contaminant tests. This difference in surface condition naturally leads to disagreement in the results. It has been concluded to be of limited utility to discuss the order of merit for several insulators with different test methods, since any contamination method cannot simulate all aspects of this problem.
Radiation corrections to quantum processes in an intense electromagnetic field

A derivation of an asymptotic expression for the mass correction of order ..cap alpha.. to the electron propagator in an intense electromagnetic field is presented. It is used for the calculation of radiation corrections to the electron and photon elastic scattering amplitudes in the ..cap alpha../sup 3/ approximation. All proper diagrams contributing to the amplitudes and containing the above-mentioned correction to the propagator were considered, but not those which include vertex corrections. It is shown that the expansion parameter of the perturbation theory of quantum electrodynamics in intense fields grows not more slowly than ..cap alpha..chi/sup 1/3/ at least for the electron amplitude, where chi = ((eF/sub ..mu nu../p/sub ..nu../)/sup 2/)/sup 12//m/sup 3/, p is a momentum of the electron, and F is the electromagnetic field tensor.
A REEXAMINATION OF OCCURRENCE RATES FOR ACCIDENTAL OIL SPILLS ON THE U.S. OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

ABSTRACT The Department of the Interior is required to evaluate the risks of oil spills from outer continental shelf (OCS) oil leasing and must compare these risks to those of other oil sources, such as importing oil. Past practice has been to treat spill occurrence as a Poisson process, with a rate proportional to the amount of oil produced or transported. U.S. oil production and accident data and worldwide tanker data were used. Criticism of this approach has centered on the validity of using oil volume as an exposure variable, and the applicability of existing accident data to frontier OCS areas. To examine these questions, the Interior Department recently sponsored several studies on OCS oil spill occurrence rates. One study compiled an extensive listing of all known oil spills of recent years and is believed to be the most complete database on oil spills available to the public. Another study looked at trends in oil spills from U.S. OCS platforms and discovered a statistically significant decrease in...
Using phased array ultrasonic technique for the inspection of straddle mount-type low-pressure turbine disc

Abstract Discovery of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in the blade attachment region of nuclear power plant low-pressure steam turbine discs leads to industry concern about this problem. Reliable inspection methods for the detection of SCC in steam turbine blade attachment area are essential to the rotor run/repair/retire decision making process. The conventional broad beam ultrasonic inspection technique usually has inadequate resolution for flaw sizing and tendency for false calls. But the phased array technique by improved detection capability and resolution could increase coverage of the examination areas with less scanning required. Using phased array ultrasonic technique to straddle mount-type low-pressure turbine disc in nuclear power plant located in Korea was studied in this paper.
The End of the One-Drop Rule? Labeling of Multiracial Children in Black Intermarriages

The identity choices of multiracial individuals with Black heritage have traditionally been limited in America by the one-drop rule, which automatically designated them as Black. This paper evaluates the rule’s contemporary influence and argues that, with increasing interracial marriage, options in racial identification are now available to this group. Using the 5% 1990 and 2000 Public Use Microdata Samples, I consider how children from Black intermarriages are racially identified by their families and, using 2000 data, evaluate theoretical hypotheses to explain identification processes. The results show that most families with Black intermarriages reject the one-drop rule, but that Black–White families create unique interracial options, the implications of which are considered.
Trends in the evolution of the pongid dentition.

The question investigated in this paper is whether long-range, parallel trends in evolution can be sustained in divergent though closely related lines. This study examines fossil and recent pongid dentitions, testing the hypothesis of the existence of certain trends in the pongid dental evolution. These are: reduction of the cingulum in both upper and lower molars; morphological and metrical reduction in third molars; mesial movement of the metaconid; buccal shifting of the hypoconulid; and alteration of the Dryopithecus groove pattern. More broadly the study tests conclusions of a previous study concerning parallelism of trends in the hominoid dentition. The results of reduction of the cingulum, reduction of the third molar, and alteration of the occlusal pattern on the lower molars support the theory that similar, long-term trends can operate in the evolution of divergent, though closely related lines. They also demonstrate that morphological resemblances between two forms are not certain proof of recent divergence.
Antiphase boundaries as nucleation centers in low-temperature silicon epitaxial growth.

Abstract : The epitaxial growth of silicon on Si(001) from disilane at 720 K has been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. Epitaxy occurs by island nucleation and growth, with islands nucleating preferentially at antiphase boundaries between different regions on the substrate terraces. These islands begin as a single dimer string which grows to cover the entire antiphase boundary before lateral growth begins. The islands increase in size until they meet on the surface, forming new antiphase boundaries (50% of the time) for nucleation of the next layer. We find that islands nucleated at such boundaries account for approximately 94% of the area of a growing layer, indicating that essentially all epitaxial growth at this temperature occurs by this mechanism.
Functional programming and the fragile base class problem

A fact of life is that software changes over time. It has been observed that while object-oriented programs and functional programs both facilitate changes of a certain variety, they also make it difficult to permit changes of another type. Object-oriented languages make it easy to add new data types, but difficult to add new functionality to an existing data type (the so-called fragile base class problem). Functional programs make it easy to add new behavior to existing data types, but make it difficult to add new types of data values that are variations on existing types. In this paper we argue that a multiparadigm language, that permits both styles of development, provides the best of both worlds.
Finite Element Simulation of Complex Jets in a Crossflow for V/STOL Applications

The paper presents a prediction method for the flowfield and surface pressure distribution induced by three-dimensional jets injected from a flat surface into a crossflow. An eddy viscosity model extended from Prandtl's concept has been developed to account for the curved nature of the jets with arbitrary cross-sectional shape. The first-order influence of the fluctuating nature of the turbulent flow is reflected via axial turbulence information. The Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations are solved using the finite-element method, and the penalty function method is used to discretize the pressure in a consistent manner. The eight-noded, isoparametric finite element is used to approximate the computational domain and the field variables. The performance of the present prediction method is verified for a single circular jet in a crossflow at R = 4, which has enough measured data available for detailed comparisons. The jet trajectory and axial velocity decay comparison are excellent, and the surface pressure distribution is well predicted except for the wake region right behind the jet. The same methodology is then applied to single- and dual-rectangular jets in a crossflow at the same velocity ratio, and most of the important features of the surface pressure distribution are predicted well. The general observation is that the entrainment process due to the turbulent mixing is modeled reasonably through a generalized eddy viscosity concept supported by an axial turbulence intensity correlation, and the agreement achieved here between the prediction and existing measured data is considered good for a three-dimensional, turbulent flow of this complexity.
Book Review: The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery

Frederick N. Lukash The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery. Dallas, TX: BenBella Books; 2010. ISBN-10: 1935618091 According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), approximately 125,397 surgical and nonsurgical treatments (1.3% of total procedures in the United States) were performed on individuals younger than age 19 in the United States in 2010.1 Although the majority of these procedures are performed to treat acne or other skin problems, adolescents also undergo more traditional surgical procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction. Performing these procedures on teens is controversial, both within the plastic surgical community as well as in the general population. Thus, there is a need for an informative resource for parents and families who are considering plastic surgery. Dr. Lukash’s book, The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery , fills that need nicely. In the Introduction, Dr. Lukash addresses why he wrote the book. Providing the details of his career biography may come across as self-serving to some readers at first glance, but to a parent reading the book, they establish him as an informative and thoughtful voice of reason. As a recognized authority with decades of experience, he separates himself from other plastic surgeons who have written “guides to plastic surgery” that, more often than not, function primarily as marketing tools for their practices and are full of more “sizzle” than “steak.” As a psychologist who has interacted with plastic surgery patients in my research studies and clinical practice for the past 15 years, I was particularly interested to read what Dr. Lukash had to say about the psychological aspects of plastic surgery. Although the past two decades have brought a sizable increase in the number of studies investigating the psychological aspects of plastic surgery, much of …
Changes in intracranial pressure during exchange transfusion

ally tend to revert toward normal with repeated sampling? On the other hand, previous reports have speculated that high fetal iCa in utero may be the basis for suppression of the fetal parathyroids, wi th consequent functional hypoparathyroidism in the neonatal period, ' Thus, it might be expected that higher iCa in cord blood would be associated with greater suppression of the fetal parathyroids and greater decrease in iCa in the postnatal period.
Buckling Behavior of Arteries Under Torsion

Arterial tortuosity is a phenomenon which is observed throughout the body and is associated with aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other vascular diseases [1]. Tortuous arteries significantly hinder blood flow which may lead to the development of atherosclerotic plaque buildup [2]. Blood vessels may also become twisted or demonstrate 3-D tortuous shapes when subject to large twist deformations such as during surgical implantation of vascular grafts, propeller flap procedures, stent-artery interactions, and sudden movements of the neck or limbs [4–6]. However, the twisting behavior of arteries is poorly understood.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Drivers and passengers wanted! the role of kinesin-associated proteins.

Abstract Members of the kinesin superfamily of proteins participate in a wide variety of cellular processes. Although much attention has been devoted to the structural and biophysical properties of the force-generating motor domain of kinesins, the factors controlling the functional specificity of each kinesin have only recently been examined. Genetic and biochemical approaches have identified two classes of proteins that associate physically with the diverse non-motor domains of kinesins. These proteins can be divided into two general classes: first, those that form tight complexes with the kinesin and are instrumental in directing the distinct function of the motor (i.e. drivers) and, second, those proteins that might transiently interact with the motor or be an integral part of the motor's cargo (i.e. passengers). Here, we discuss known kinesin-binding proteins, and how they might participate in the activity of their motor partners.
Kinetic and clinical observations in cyanotic children on propranolol therapy

The kinetics of propranolol and its metabolite 4-hydroxypropranolol were determined together with heart rate and blood pressure responses in five cyanotic children on long-term propranolol therapy and after abrupt withdrawal. The daily dose range of propranolol was 2.4 to 4.4 mg /kg. Mean steady-state plasma propranolol concentrations, 16.5 to 114 ng/ml, were linearly related to dose (r = 0.93; p < 0.02) above a threshold dose of 1.8 mg/kg/day. There was excellent correlation (r = 0.96; p = 0.01) between concentrations and reduction in heart rate (Δ HR, 14 to 27.5 beats/min), which also suggested a maximum heart rate response at plasma propranolol concentrations of 80 to 100 ng/ml. There was an inverse relationship between the plasma concentrations of 4-hydroxypropranolol and dose. On abrupt withdrawal of long-term propranolol therapy, plasma levels declined with a propranolol half-life (t½) of 3.9 to 6.4 hr, which correlated with the hemoglobin value. The 4-hydroxypropranolol t½ was 5.2 to 7.5 hr. Heart rates returned to normal after approximately 36 hr. Changes in blood pressure were minimal. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 28, 743–750; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.230
Methane uptake in urban forests and lawns.

The largest natural biological sink for the radiatively active trace gas methane (CH4) is bacteria in soils that consume CH4 as an energy and carbon source. This sink has been shown to be sensitive to nitrogen (N) inputs and alterations of soil physical conditions. Given this sensitivity, conversion of native ecosystems to urban, suburban, and exurban managed lawns thus has potential to affect regional CH4 budgets. We measured CH4 fluxes monthly from four urban forest, four rural forest and four urban lawn plots in the Baltimore, MD, metropolitan area from 2001 to 2005. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of urban atmospheric and land use change on CH4 uptake and the importance of these changes relative to other greenhouse forcings in the urban landscape. Rural forests had a high capacity for CH4 uptake (1.68 mg m−2 day−1). This capacity was reduced in urban forests (0.23 mg m−2 day−1) and almost completely eliminated in lawns. Possible mechanisms for these reductions include increases in atmosphe...
CYTOCHROME P450 1A1 EXPRESSION IN CETACEAN INTEGUMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR DETECTING CONTAMINANT EXPOSURE AND EFFECTS

Contaminant related health risks to marine mammals are typically inferred from the levels of contaminants measured in blubber. Such measurements alone are insufficient to indicate the likelihood of biological effects from contaminant exposure, especially for contaminants that do not bioaccumulate. Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) in mammals is induced by, and involved in, the metabolism of planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, chemicals of concern in aquatic systems. CYP1A induction is a molecular response to exposure to these inducers in many vertebrates. Using immunohistochemistry, we semiquantitatively measured CYP1A1 expression in integument (epidermis and blubber) collected by biopsy or at necropsy from 17 species of cetaceans. CYP1A1 expression was detected in all species and, in some cases, varied both within and between species. CYP1A1 expression in mysticetes was comparable to that in odontocetes. Assessing how the differences in contaminant burdens, life history parameters, and physiological condition between individuals, populations, or species affect CYP1A1 expression in cetacean integument is essential to the interpretation of this induction as a biomarker of exposure to and effects of contaminants. Detection of CYP1A1 expression in integument samples offers a relatively simple, non-lethal technique to study biological changes associated with contaminant exposure in cetaceans.
Thyroid function in male killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, adapted to high and low temperatures and to fresh water and sea water.

Abstract 1. 1. Adult male killifish, F. heteroclitus , were acclimated for 5 weeks to fresh water and sea water at 20 and 28°C. Estimates of thyroid activity were made from thyroid cell height, colloid staining properties, the rate of loss of thyroidal I 131 and serum concentrations of BEI 131 . 2. 2. Results indicate that the levels of activity follow the sequence: FW20⩽FW28 3. 3. Some of the possible interactions of salinity and temperature are discussed.
Inheritance of the virgata pattern of partly colored seed coats in ‘Early Giant’ common bean

The inheritance of the virgata pattern of partly colored seed coats found in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) ‘Early Giant’ (EG) was studied by a series of test crosses with line 5-593 and genetic stocks developed by backcrossing selected genes into the recurrent parent 5-593, a Florida dry bean breeding line with a self-colored, black seed coat with genotype T Z Bip P [C r] J G B V Rk. Analysis of the F2 from the cross EG × 5-593 led to the hypothesis that the virgata pattern of EG has genotype t z bip vgt, where vgt stands for virgata. The test cross EG × t z virgarcus BC3 5-593 confirmed the hypothesis that EG carries t z from data recorded in F1, F2, and 27 F3 progenies from randomly selected F2 plants. The F3 segregation was also consistent with the hypothesis that a single recessive gene converts virgarcus into virgata. The test cross EG × t z bip bipunctata BC3 5-593 failed to show genetic complementation in F1 progeny, and the F2 segregated 3:1 for the parental phenotypes virgata and bipunctata, respectively. Including previously published data, all possible crosses were made among bipunctata, virgata, and virgarcus parents, supporting a multiple allelic series at Bip. We propose the gene symbol bip vgt for the new allele at Bip, where the allelic series has the order of gene dominance Bip > bip vgt > bip. Based on test crosses, the complete seed-coat color and pattern genotype of EG is tz bip vgt P [C r] J G B v lae rk d.
Biosynthesis of streptomycin VII. Stereospecificity of the enzymatic dehydrogenation of I-guanidino-I-deoxy-scyllo-inositol

Abstract 1. 1. Radioactive streptomycin was isolated from cultures of Streptomyces griseus given D -[ I -3H]glucose, D -[3-3H]glucose and D -[ I -14C]glucose. 2. 2. Studies of isotope incorporation and distribution in the streptidine moiety indicate that I D-I -guanidino- I -deoxy-3-keto-scyllo-inositol is the product of the enzymatic dehydrogenation of I -guanidino- I -deoxy-scyllo-inositol, an intermediate in streptidine biosynthesis.
Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ALS : amyotrophic lateral sclerosis UMN : upper motor neuron LMN : lower motor neuron fALS : familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis sALS : sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) reflects a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders unified by
DO COPING STYLES MODERATE OR MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNALIZED HETEROSEXISM AND SEXUAL MINORITY WOMEN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS?

The purpose of this study was to test tenets of both minority stress and lesbian feminist/sexual identity development theories by examining the potential moderating and mediating roles of individual coping styles (i.e., problem-solving and avoidant coping) in the relationship between internalized heterosexism and lesbian and bisexual (sexual minority) women's psychological distress. Participants included 323 sexual minority women who completed an Internet survey. Results revealed that avoidant coping partially mediated the relationship between internalized heterosexism and psychological distress. No support was found for the mediating role of problem-solving coping or for the moderating roles of problem-solving and avoidant coping in the link between internalized heterosexism and psychological distress. Feminist strategies that may be useful for clinicians working with clients to reduce internalized heterosexism are provided.
Long-term study of high-dose diltiazem in chronic stable exertional angina

The efficacy of a calcium slow channel-blocking drug, diltiazem (360 mg/day), was compared to placebo in 15 men with exertional angina during a 21-week study. Symptom-limited exercise testing was used to evaluate the effects of the drug. Analysis of variance indicated the increase in the values of three time-related variables, time to onset of angina, time to onset of 1 mm ST depression, and total duration of exercise, were highly significant (all p < 0.001). The increase from the second week of placebo to the last week of diltiazem was 4 · 1 minutes for time to angina, 2 · 4 minutes for time to 1 mm ST depression, and 2 · 3 minutes for total duration. In addition, the differences between mean values of these variables for placebo and corresponding diltiazem period at weeks 3 and 4 were significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05) and for diltiazem week 20 and placebo week 21 were significant (p < 0.005, p < 0.01, p < 0.005). Weekly angina frequency was reduced from a mean of 17 episodes/week during placebo to one episode/week during diltiazem (p < 0.001). Submaximal pressure-rate product was reduced significantly during diltiazem (p < 0.001), and the ECG evidence of myocardial ischemia was reduced by diltiazem at submaximal (p < 0.02) and maximal exercise (p < 0.001). The drug was well tolerated and appears to be effective monotherapy for exertional angina.
Nuclear spectroscopy of the isotopes of Nb, Mo and Tc

Abstract Low-lying energy levels in isotopes of niobium, molybdenum and technecium arising from the coupling of protons in the 1 g 9 2 level and neutrons in the 2 d 5 2 level are calculated by the use of effective interactions. The required two-body residual interactions are deduced from the experimental data on 92Zr, 92Nb and 92Mo. A comparison with available experimental data shows good correspondence and indicates that the consideration of 90Zr as a core state is a reasonable assumption. The simple model serves as a good basis for interpretation of the levels observed in these isotopes.
Colorectal cancer in patients younger than 40 years of age

To assess prognostic factors in patients who develop colorectal cancer before the age of 40 years, a 30-year experience from 1956 through 1985 was reviewed. There were 50 patients ranging in age from 7 to 39 years. Five cases were associated with either ulcerative colitis (2) or familial polyposis (3). The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (66 percent), hermatochezia (60 percent), change in bowel habit (41 percent) and weight loss (30 percent). On pathologic staging (N=44), only 14 of 44 (31 percent) had a Dukes' stage A on B lesion, 20 (45 percent) had Dukes' stage C, and the remaining 10 (23 percent) had distant metastases at the time of surgery. Fiveyear survival rate was 28 percent with a disease-free survival rate of 18 percent. Median survival was only 28 months. Negative prognostic tactors were Dukes' stage C/D (P<0.01), symptom duration of longer than 3 months (P=01), noncaucasian ancestry (P=0.1), and poorly differentiated histology (P=06). In contrast to older patients with colorectal cancer, only 1 of 30 (3 percent) patients with stage C/D disease was disease-free at 5 years. In view of the poor survival rate associated with both delay in diagnosis and the presence of advanced disease, it was concluded that young patients presenting with the symptoms listed above need early, aggressive evabuation for possible colorectal cancer
Transgene‐induced silencing of Arabidopsis phytochrome A gene via exonic methylation

Transgene-induced promoter or enhancer methylation clearly retards gene activity. While exonic methylation of genes is frequently observed in the RNAi process, only sporadic evidence has demonstrated its definitive role in gene suppression. Here, we report the isolation of a transcriptionally suppressed epi-allele of the Arabidopsis thaliana phytochrome A gene (PHYA) termed phyA' that shows methylation only in symmetric CG sites resident in exonic regions. These exonic modifications confer a strong phyA mutant phenotype, characterized by elongated hypocotyls in seedlings grown under continuous far-red light. De-methylation of phyA' in the DNA methyl transferase I (met1) mutant background increased PHYA expression and restored the wild-type phenotype, confirming the pivotal role of exonic CG methylation in maintaining the altered epigenetic state. PHYA epimutation was apparently induced by a transgene locus; however, it is stably maintained following segregation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed association with dimethyl histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2), a heterochromatic marker, within the phyA' coding region. Therefore, transgene-induced exonic methylation can lead to chromatin alteration that affects gene expression, most likely through reduction in the transcription rate.
Optical response of a nonlinear dielectric film.

We present a theoretical discussion of the optical reflectivity and transmissivity of a dielectric slab of arbitrary thickness, with index of refraction that contains a term proportional to the intensity of the optical wave in the slab. An exact solution is found for the problem, in terms of a single parameter whose value is determined through a straightforward numerical search procedure. We present numerical studies of the power dependence of the transmissivity, with emphasis on bistability, and the multivalued behavior of the transmissivity considered as a function of incident power.
Preparation of thin plastic conductive foils for use in a position-sensitive micro-channel plate detector system

For the detection of recoiling nuclei at the focal plane of the Argonne Fragment Mass Analyzer (FMA), a device employing position-sensitive micro-channel plates (MCP) was constructed. Heavy ions, when traversing a thin foil within the detector, produce secondary electrons, which are deflected by an electrostatic mirror onto the micro-channel plates where they are multiplied and counted. This thin foil serves the dual roles of producing these electrons as well as providing an electrode for the electric field. A further constraint placed upon the foil is that it should not interact detrimentally with the heavy-ion beam, and be strong enough to withstand the force produced by the potential gradient of the electric field. Preparation techniques for the thin metallized plastic films needed for this detector system are described and their performance is evaluated.
Human error in medicine: Promise and pitfalls, part 2

Abstract [Wears RL, Janiak B, Moorhead JC, Kellermann AL, Yeh CS, Rice MM, Jay G, Perry SJ, Woolard R. Human error in medicine: promise and pitfalls, part 2. Ann Emerg Med. August 2000;36:142-144.]
“Boys don't cry”: Examination of the links between endorsement of masculine norms, self-stigma, and help-seeking attitudes for men from diverse backgrounds.

The role of conformity to dominant U.S. masculine norms as an antecedent to help-seeking attitudes in men has been established using convenience samples made up largely of college-age and European American males. However, the role of conformity to masculine norms on help-seeking attitudes for noncollege-age men or for men from diverse backgrounds is not well understood. To fill this gap in the literature, the present study examined the cross-cultural relevance of a mediational model of the relationships between conformity to dominant U.S. masculine norms and attitudes toward counseling through the mediator of self-stigma of seeking counseling for 4,773 men from both majority and nonmajority populations (race/ethnicity and sexual orientation). Structural equation modeling results showed that the model established using college males from majority groups (European American, heterosexual) may be applicable to a community sample of males from differing racial/ethnic groups and sexual orientations. However, some important differences in the presence and strengths of the relationships between conformity to dominant masculine norms and the other variables in the model were present across different racial/ethnic groups and sexual orientations. These findings suggest the need to pay specific theoretical and clinical attention to how conformity to dominant masculine norms and self-stigma are linked to unfavorable attitudes toward help seeking for these men, in order to encourage underserved men's help-seeking behavior.
Augmentation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-induced Apoptosis by the Synthetic Retinoid 6-[3-(1-Adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-naphthalene Carboxylic Acid (CD437) through Up-Regulation of TRAIL Receptors in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis via the death receptors DR4 and DR5 in different transformed cells in vitro and exhibits potent antitumor activity in vivo with minor side effects. The synthetic retinoid CD437 is a potent inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells through increased levels of death receptors. We demonstrate that treatment of human lung cancer cells with a combination of suboptimal concentrations of CD437 and TRAIL enhanced induction of apoptosis in tumor cell lines with wild-type p53 but not in normal lung epithelial cells. CD437 up-regulated DR4 and DR5 expression. The CD437 and TRAIL combination enhanced activation of caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-9 and the subsequent cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and DNA fragmentation factor 45. Caspase inhibitors blocked the induction of apoptosis by this combination. Moreover, this combination induced Bid cleavage and increased cytochrome c release from mitochondria. These results suggest that the mechanism of enhanced apoptosis by this combination involves p53-dependent increase of death receptors by CD437, activation of these receptors by TRAIL, enhanced Bid cleavage, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-9. These findings suggest a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of human lung cancer with the CD437 and TRAIL combination.
Canada doubles enrollments of women in engineering in a decade

Following a report on the low participation of women in science and engineering ("Who Turns the Wheels", Science Council of Canada, 1985), there followed a decade of national strategies to redress the gender imbalance in these non-traditional fields and occupations. The participation of women in engineering undergraduate programs doubled during that period. In 1989, one industrial chair on Women in Engineering was created, and this led to several other national and regional efforts to remove obstacles and increase enrollments. In 1997, Canada multiplied its efforts greatly by appointing five new chairs for Women in Science and Engineering, to continue to develop and implement strategies in each region of Canada, coast to coast. A unique opportunity has been created to accelerate progress on all aspects of gender issues in this profession. The results expected from this level of activity and cooperation are bound to have a profound impact on the presence and recognition of women in these disciplines, and a successful outcome.
On particle path generation based on quadrilinear interpolation and Bernstein-Bezier polynomials

Particle path computation in unsteady 3D vector fields given in discrete, structured form (i.e., as a hexahedral curvilinear grid) requires the local approximation of the vector field and the path. Quadrilinear interpolation and Bernstein-Bezier polynomials are used for the local vector field and path approximation. The next point in a sequence of points on a particle path is computed using this local approximation. Bernstein-Bezier polynomials are primarily used in geometric modeling, and their properties allow direct computation of points on a particle path. >
Double-length regressions for the Box-Cox difference model with heteroskedasticity or autocorrelation

This paper derives Lagrange multiplier tests based on artificial double length regressions (DLR) to jointly test for differenced linear or loglinear models with no heteroskedasticity or autocorrelation against a more general differenced Box-Cox model with heteroskedasticity or autocorrelation. These tests are easy to implement and are illustrated using an empirical example. © 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Is fipronil safer than chlorpyrifos? Comparative developmental neurotoxicity modeled in PC12 cells

Fipronil, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, is replacing many insecticide uses formerly fulfilled by organophosphates like chlorpyrifos. Few studies have addressed the potential for fipronil to produce developmental neurotoxicity. We compared the neurotoxicity of fipronil and chlorpyrifos in undifferentiated and differentiating neuronotypic PC12 cells, evaluating indices of cell replication, cell number, differentiation, and viability for short- and long-term exposures. Fipronil inhibited DNA and protein synthesis in undifferentiated PC12 cells and evoked oxidative stress to a greater extent than did chlorpyrifos, resulting in reduced cell numbers even though cell viability was maintained. In differentiating cells, fipronil displayed an even lower threshold for disruption of development, reducing cell numbers without impairing cell growth, and promoting emergence of neurotransmitter phenotypes; superimposed on this effect, the phenotypic balance was shifted in favor of dopamine as opposed to acetylcholine. Differentiation also enhanced the susceptibility to fipronil-induced oxidative stress, although antioxidant administration failed to provide protection from cell loss. At low concentrations maintained for prolonged periods, fipronil had a biphasic effect on cell numbers, increasing them slightly at low concentrations, implying interference with apoptosis, while nevertheless reducing cell numbers at higher concentrations. Our results suggest that fipronil is inherently a more potent disruptor of neuronal cell development than is chlorpyrifos. The neurodevelopmental effects are not predicated on GABA(A) antagonist properties, since PC12 cells lack the GABA(A) receptor. If fipronil is intended to provide greater safety than chlorpyrifos, then this will have to entail advantages from factors that are yet unexamined: exposure, persistence, pharmacokinetics.
Molecular Cloning of the Ovine Growth/Differentiation Factor-9 Gene and Expression of Growth/Differentiation Factor-9 in Ovine and Bovine Ovaries

Recently a novel member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily termed growth/differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) was shown to be expressed in ovaries of mice and humans, and to be essential for normal follicular development beyond the primary (type 2) follicle stage in mice. In the present study, the gene for ovine GDF-9 was isolated and characterized, and expression of GDF-9 mRNA in ovaries of domestic ruminants was examined. The predicted amino acid sequence of ovine GDF-9 is 77% and 66% homologous to human and mouse GDF-9, respectively. Specific hybridization using homologous 35 S-antisense probes was restricted to oocytes. In contrast to similar studies in mice in which GDF-9 was first detected beginning at the primary (type 2) follicle stage, in ovine and bovine ovaries GDF-9 mRNA was expressed beginning at the primordial (type 1) follicle stage. The observed timing and pattern of GDF-9 expression in oocytes of domestic ruminants is consistent with a role for GDF-9 in the initiation and maintenance of folliculogenesis in these species, and supports the general concept that early stages of follicular growth and development are regulated by intraovarian factors.
Demand-aware content distribution on the internet

The rapid growth of media content distribution on the Internet in the past few years has brought with it commensurate increases in the costs of distributing that content. Can the content distributor defray these costs through a more innovative approach to distribution? In this paper, we evaluate the benefits of a hybrid system that combines peer-to-peer and a centralized client-server approach against each method acting alone. A key element of our approach is to explicitly model the temporal evolution of demand. In particular, we employ a word-of-mouth demand evolution model due to Bass [2] to represent the evolution of interest in a piece of content. Our analysis is carried out in an order scaling depending on the total potential mass of customers in the market. Using this approach, we study the relative performance of peer-to-peer and centralized client-server schemes, as well as a hybrid of the two--both from the point of view of consumers as well as the content distributor.We show how awareness of demand can be used to attain a given average delay target with lowest possible utilization of the central server by using the hybrid scheme.We also show how such awareness can be used to take provisioning decisions. Our insights are obtained in a fluid model and supported by stochastic simulations.
Method for expressing dirac spinor amplitudes in terms of invariants and application to the calculation of cross-sections

We describe here a method for expressing spinor amplitudes $M=\overline{u}({p}^{\ensuremath{'}},{s}^{\ensuremath{'}})\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\mu}(p,s)$ in terms of invariants. The method also provides a simple formula for the square of $M$ summed on spins. When $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ contains more than five terms or has more than two $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-matrices per term this formula involves the evaluation of fewer and shorter traces than the usual trace technique. Thus this should be a useful computational device for calculating cross sections. The methods presented here are independent of the spinor representation, but can be easily specialized to the important helicity case. A number of other possible applications of the amplitude formula are also briefly discussed.
Volume rendering of DCT-based compressed 3D scalar data

The paper proposes a scheme to perform volume rendering from compressed scalar data. Instead of decompressing the entire data set before rendering, blocks of data are decompressed as needed. Discrete cosine transform based compression technique is used to illustrate the method. The data is partitioned into overlapping blocks to permit local rendering and allow easy parallelization. Compression by factor of 20 to 30 produces rendering virtually indistinguishable from rendering using the original uncompressed data. Speedup is obtained by making use of spatial homogeneity detected in the transform domain. Rendering time using the proposed approach is less than that of direct rendering from the entire uncompressed data. The proposed method thus offers an attractive option to reduce storage, computation, and transmission overhead of otherwise huge data sets. >
Transseptal puncture to facilitate device closure of "long-tunnel" patent foramen ovale.

Background Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is common and may predispose to paradoxical embolism. Transcatheter device closure of PFO can be challenging in certain cases of “long-tunnel” PFO morphology. We report our experience with device closure of long-tunnel PFO using transseptal puncture. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all cases of PFO device closure using transseptal puncture at the Mayo Clinic from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2013. We arbitrarily defined a PFO tunnel configuration as a tunnel length ≥ 12 mm as observed in intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) at the time of device closure. Results Twelve patients (mean age 40.8 [range 15–67] years; 7 males [58%]) underwent PFO device closure with transseptal puncture. The most common indication for PFO closure was previous stroke (n = 7, 58%). Median tunnel length measured by ICE was 15 mm (12–20 mm). GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder was used for closure in all but one patient. The only significant procedural complication was a minor perforation of the left atrial wall during attempted septal puncture, which resulted in a trivial pericardial effusion that resolved without intervention. At latest follow-up (mean 543 days, [range 170–1162]) one patient had a residual shunt and subsequently died due to complications during surgical PFO closure. No recurrent strokes or TIAs were reported. Conclusion Though not without risk, transseptal puncture can be a valuable tool for facilitating device closure of long-tunnel type PFOs. GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder may be an effective option for facilitating device closure for patients with long-tunnel type PFO. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement and suppression of the neutrino nucleon total cross-section at ultrahigh-energies

We argue that high gluon density effects at small x are important for the calculation of ultrahigh energy neutrino-nucleon cross sections due to the phenomenon of geometric scaling. We calculate the cross section for $\ensuremath{\nu}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{N}\ensuremath{\mu}X,$ including high gluon density effects, using the all twist formalism of McLerran and Venugopalan and show that it can be related to the dipole nucleon cross section measured in deep inelastic scattering experiments. For neutrino energies of ${E}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{12}\mathrm{GeV},$ the geometric scaling region extends all the way up to ${Q}^{2}\ensuremath{\sim}{M}_{W}^{2}.$ We show that geometric scaling can lead to an enhancement of the neutrino-nucleon total cross section by an order of magnitude compared to the leading twist cross section and discuss the implications for neutrino observatories. At extremely high energies, gluon saturation effects suppress the neutrino-nucleon total cross section and lead to its unitarization.