cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homozygous and frequent deletion of proximal 8p sequences in human prostate cancers: Identification of a potential tumor suppressor gene site

By using tissue microdissection and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, we examined 85 prostate tumors that were paired with normal tissues from the same patients for allelic loss at 26 highly polymorphic microsatellite sequences, 21 spanning 8p and 5 localized to 8q. Sixty-four tumors (75%) demonstrated loss of at least one 8p locus. Separate distal and proximal regions of deletion were observed as well as an intervening, staggered breakpoint. A novel region of homozygous deletion of sequences at the D8S87 locus was detected both by multiplex PCR and by fluorescence in situ hybridization within this breakpoint region. These data suggest that a tumor-suppressor gene mapping to proximal 8p is deleted frequently and is likely to be important for tumorigenesis in prostate tumors. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 23:255–262,1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of CuDIPS and tween 80 on SJL/J tumorigenesis

Plasma copper and zinc levels were measured in SJL/J mice, an inbred strain characterized by a high, spontaneous incidence of reticulum cell sarcoma (RCS). The changes with age in mean concentrations of these metals were consistent with a physiological response that is required for remission of neoplasia. Treatment of SJL/J mice with a copper complex, Cu(II)(3,4-diisopropylsalicylate)2 (Cu 3,5-DIPS), dissolved in a 10% Tween 80-saline solution revealed a decrease in survival and decline in the incidence of RCS at 52 wk of age. The toxic effects of Cu 3,5-DIPS therapy appeared to be related to the intraperitoneal route of administration and to extracellular deposition of collagen. The inhibitory effect on tumor development was not related to Cu 3,5-DIPS. Rather, Tween 80 was found to be the factor of importance.
Three‐dimensional kinematics of the tarsal joint at the trot

Summary The tarsal joint is a common site of injury for many sport horses. Understanding the biomechanics of this complex joint begins with developing a clear picture of the kinematics during normal locomotion. This study describes the 3D kinematics of the tarsal joint by measuring the motion of the tibia and third metatarsus in 4 sound Quarter Horses with targets attached directly to the bones via steel pins. The objective was to determine if the tarsus had significant motion outside the tarsocrural joint. Two Steinmann pins were inserted into the lateral side of the right hindlimb and marker triads were fixed to the end of each pin. 3D motion of the bones was recorded as each subject trotted in hand. Three rotations were expressed using an attitude vector based on the finite helical angle method. Three translations were calculated as the motion of the tibia relative to the third metatarsus. Angular and translation data were mostly coupled with flexion angle. Internal/external rotation during stance and translations during swing showed evidence of noncoupled motion. Although the majority of tarsal motion occurs in the tarsocrural joint, there is evidence that translations and rotations occur in other locations within the tarsal joint and that some of these are related to the tarsal joint ‘snapping’ phenomenon. This research provides a set of reference 3D kinematics which will aid in the study of the aetiology and mechanical effects of tarsal joint lameness.
Metal Ureteral Stent for Benign and Malignant Ureteral Obstruction

Purpose: Metal ureteral stents are a relatively new version of a device with a long history of relieving ureteral obstruction. Metal stents are effective for relieving ureteral obstruction but success regarding patient tolerability has been variable. We present our single institution experience with long-term metal ureteral stent placement.Materials and Methods: The charts of patients undergoing metal ureteral stent placement for chronic ureteral obstruction were reviewed. Data collected included patient age, gender, diagnosis/cause of obstruction, laterality, duration of indwelling metal stent, number of routine metal stent changes, complications and early discontinuations or stent changes.Results: A total of 23 patients underwent placement of metal ureteral stents between February 2008 and September 2010. Bilateral stents were placed in 5 patients and 9 underwent a yearly metal stent exchange for a total of 42 ureteral units treated with metal ureteral stents. All metal stents were placed to relieve ure...
Calculation of mesophase percentage of polymer fibers from 2D wide-angle X-ray scattering patterns

Abstract A computational method is developed to evaluate the relative amount of mesophase of polymer fibers from their two-dimensional (2D) wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) patterns. This is achieved by first evaluating the percentage of oriented phases (POPs) from a 2D WAXS pattern. If there exists a crystalline phase, crystallinity is subtracted from the POPs to obtain the mesophase percentage. If no crystalline phase is observed from a WAXS pattern, the POPs is the mesophase percentage. To increase the computation accuracy, a center search algorithm is developed and a Fourier filter is adapted to perform data smoothing. The Bresenham midpoint circle algorithm is applied to accelerate the computation. This method is applied to compute the mesophase percentages of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) fibers of take-up speeds ranging from 970 to 4185 m/min. Our results indicate that the mesophase percentage increases with take-up speeds up to 2550 m/min. With further increase in take-up speeds, the mesophase percentage begins to drop. This is because the mesophase is precursory to the crystalline phase and is depleted by the formation of the crystalline phase during spin-line stress-induced crystallization in the take-up speed range of 3050 to 4185 m/min. This finding is consistent with results on PET fibers.
Rotating-disk diode-pumped continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser

Continuous-Wave (CW) diode-laser-pumped experiments using rotating Nd: YAG disk(s) have been performed in the input-power range of 1–6 W and rotation-speed range of 0–25 Hz. With a single Nd: YAG disk in the laser cavity, about 1.56 W of output power at 1.06 µm due to the Nd3+ (4F3/2−4I11/2) transition at an absorbed input power of 4.2 W has been observed, leading to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of over 37% and slope efficiency of 52% using 7.5% transmission output coupler. The laser output power has been observed to decrease by either increasing the number of Nd:YAG disks in the cavity or increasing the rotation speed of the disk(s).
Frequency content of the double-helix PSF for 3D microscopy in the presence of spherical aberration

We examine the Fourier content of the double helix point-spread function (DH-PSF) by computing the DH optical transfer function (OTF). DH-OTFs are compared to OTFs of conventional fluorescence microscopy in the presence of spherical aberration.
The rate-dependent deformations of porous pure iron

Abstract A combined experimental and analytical investigation of the finite viscoplastic deformations of porous pure iron is presented. The intent is to provide information useful to the simulation of near-net-shape forming and dynamic powder consolidation processes. Samples of porous pure iron were prepared by cold-isostatic-pressing and subsequent heat-treatment. The final pore volume fractions obtained ranged from zero to 31%. The porous metal was then subjected to compressive: deformations to large strains (as high as 35%) at both quasistatic (10 −4 s −1 ) and high (>10 +3 s −1 ) rates of deformation. Stress-strain curves were obtained over the range of strain rates for each porosity. Special techniques were developed to recover the samples after loading by a single compressive pulse, so that the recovered specimens could be examined to determine the evolution of the microstructure as a result of deformation. Next, a finite deformation viscoplastic model based on the theory of composites is formulated. The model requires information on the ‘matrix’ material (obtained from the fully dense iron) and on the porosity (considered to be an internal variable). Because of the finite deformations that are developed, the evolution of the porosity has been incorporated into the model. Numerical simulations of the experiments based on this model are able to provide reasonable predictions of the observed behavior.
SLENDER-SHIP SHALLOW-WATER FLOW PAST A SLOWLY VARYING BOTTOM

The unsteady subcritical potential flow of a slender ship moving past a slowly varying bottom in shallow water is analyzed using the methods of matched asymptotic expansions and multiple scales. The hydrodynamic pressure field on the ship is obtained to second order in the slenderness parameter.
Genotypic reversion by methylene Blue: The orientation of guanine-hydroxymethylcytosine at mutated sites in rII mutants of phage T4

Methylene Blue (MB) induced reversion of rII mutants to which a GC base pair was previously assigned is investigated, both in K12(λ) and in B bacteria. The rII mutants used are the same ones whose hydroxylamine (HA) induced reversion rates have previously been investigated by Levisohn (1967) in a similar series of experiments.
Risky Altruism, Criminal Victimization, Fear of Crime, and Security Mindedness

This research explored the reasons that risky altruists experience higher levels of criminal victimization. Three samples were surveyed for this research: college students (n = 101), registered voters from a high-crime area (n = 59), and registered voters from a relatively low-crime area (n = 91), for a total sample of 251. Replicating earlier research, risky altruism was found to be a significant predictor of victimization: r = .30 (p < .001). The relationship between risky altruism and criminal victimization was partly accounted for by risky altruists’ lower fear of crime and their lower use of security measures, especially when their level of victimization was taken into account. It was recommended that altruistic people be made aware of their increased risk and pay more attention to security measures.
A Perspective on Consulting in Guatemala

Attempting to offer short-term help in a center for disabled, delayed and nutritionally deprived children in Antigua Guatemala was quite a learning experience. Good intentions and conventional Northern approaches often collided with reality, providing the author with perhaps as many learning experiences as she was able to provide to the center.
Task Difficulty and the Time Scales of Warm-Up and Motor Learning

The authors investigated the influence of task difficulty on warm-up decrement and learning across practice sessions. Three groups of participants practiced a star-tracing task over 3 consecutive days with different levels (e.g., easy, medium, hard) of task difficulty. The performance data were modeled with a 2 time scale function that represented the transient, fast time scale process of warm-up decrement superimposed with the persistent, slow time scale process of learning. Movement time decreased as a function of practice with the most difficult condition exhibiting the greatest reduction though still the longest movement time. The 2 time scale model provided a better fit to the data than an exponential or power law function and showed that the 3 difficulty conditions exhibited similar rates of change for the respective slow (i.e., learning) and fast (i.e., warm-up decrement) time scale processes that varied by an order of magnitude. Task difficulty was inversely related to the initial level of warm-up decrement but not the rate of performance recovery early in a practice session. The findings support the postulation that there is a persistent learned component to the initial conditions in subsequent practice sessions but that there is a common time scale of accommodating the transient process of warm-up decrement.
Image segmentation using optical wavelets

An optical Harr wavelet is created using a magneto-optic spatial light modulator (MOSLM). Two methods of controlling wavelet dilation are explored: (1) an aperture positioned in front of a binary modulated MOSLM; (2) spatial filtering of a ternary modulated MOSLM. Segmentation is performed through Vander Lugt correlation of a binarized image with the optical wavelet. Frequency-plane masks for the correlation process are generated using thermal holography.
Staphylococcus aureus sporotrichoid lymphangitis without bacteremia in a transplant recipient.

Pyogenic sporotrichoid infections are rare. There are only 4 reports in the literature of Staphylococcus aureus presenting as sporotrichoid lymphangitis (also known as lymphocutaneous syndrome or nodular lymphangitis). We report the first case, to our knowledge, of S. aureus sporotrichoid infection without bacteremia in an immunocompromised organ transplant recipient.
An analysis of non-insurance work incentives

Abstract The paper analyzes work incentives which may be competitive, individualistic, or collective and where the firm does not insure worker income. Although competitive schemes reduce shirking, the collective scheme is shown to be optimal for sufficiently small workgroups.
New results in Sridhar filtering theory: the discrete case

A nonlinear time-varying adaptive filter is introduced, and its derivation using optimal control concepts is given in detail. The filter, which is called the discrete Pontryagin filter, is basically an extension to Sridhar filtering theory. The proposed approach can easily replace the conventional methods of autoregressive (AR) and autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models in their many applications. Instead of using a large number of time-invariant parameters to describe the signal or the time series, a single time-varying function is enough. This function is estimated using optimization techniques. Many features are gained using this approach, such as simpler and compact filter equations and better overall accuracy. The statistical properties of the filter are given, and it is shown that the signal estimate will converge in thepth mean to the true value.
Hedging ratios and effectiveness for diesel fuel and gasoline the northern plains

Agribusinesses must cope with the risk of price changes when retailing refined fuels. Hedging price risk with energy futures contracts is a possibility. Information is needed on the local basis, hedge ratios, and hedging effectiveness. The results vary by location. ©1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Does Gustave Dax deserve to be forgotten? The temporal lobe theory and other contributions of an overlooked figure in the history of language and cerebral dominance.

Gustave Dax played an important role in the early history of cerebral dominance for language. He not only sent the 1836 memoir of Marc Dax, his deceased father, to Paris in 1863, but saw to it that this important document was published before Paul Broca's own article on cerebral dominance appeared later in 1865. In addition, he supported his father's contention that the left hemisphere is special for speech with 140 additional clinical cases. Gustave Dax's own unique contribution, however, has been almost completely overlooked. Although his theory lacked specificity, he preceded Meynert, Schmidt, and Wernicke in suggesting that the left temporal lobe may be especially important for speech.
A few standing for many: embryo receptor-like kinases

Development of plant embryos is a complex and highly organized process, and experimental evidence indicates that intercellular signaling plays a major role. The recent identification of Receptor-Like Kinases (RLKs) and related Receptor-Like Cytoplasmic Kinases (RLCKs) with specific roles in Arabidopsis thaliana embryo development suggest important functions of intercellular signaling during embryogenesis. Despite the characterization of only a few RLKs and RLCKs with embryonic roles, expression data indicate that many RLKs and RLCKs with either post-embryonic functions or unknown functions are transcribed in Arabidopsis embryos. The functional characterization of a few members of this large kinase family is likely to represent only the tip of the iceberg, and we predict that many RLKs and RLCKs play major roles throughout embryo development.
Experimental measurements of aspiration efficiency for idealized spherical aerosol samplers in calm air

Abstract In a recent previous paper (Su & Vincent, J. Aerosol Sci. 33 (2002) 103) we described a new method by which to investigate the relationships between aspiration efficiency, particle inertia, gravitational effect and sampling orientation for aerosol sampling in perfectly calm air. All previous experimental work to elucidate the basic nature of aerosol sampling in calm air described has been carried out for thin-walled tubes, and none has yet been reported in relation to blunt samplers. To begin to fill this important gap, the present paper describes the application of our new method towards acquiring new measurements of aspiration efficiency for simple blunt samplers. Experiments were carried out to determine the aspiration efficiencies of simple, idealized, spherical blunt samplers for a range of sampling scenarios, for two sizes of blunt samplers and different sampling inlet diameters, and for upwards and downwards sampling scenarios (and hence a range of governing dimensionless physical quantities). It was shown that aspiration efficiency decreased both with increasing inertia (as represented by the Stokes’ number) and with increasing gravitational effect (as represented by the ratio of particle settling velocity to the air velocity at the sampler inlet). The results enabled qualitative physical explanation of the difference between what was observed for upwards and downwards-facing sampling, respectively, in terms of (a) the role of the sampler body in deflecting the air flow in the region close to the body of the sampler (in turn influencing the performance of the sampler), and (b) the interception of particles in the downwards-facing scenario falling within the ‘shadow’ projected upwards by the sampler body. The significant contribution of this work has been the acquisition of a definitive set of new experimental data. These data will be valuable in the future development of understanding of the physics underlying aerosol sampler performance. Such knowledge will be of practical value because (a) blunt samplers are generally the most representative of the types of instruments used in practical occupational, and (b) calm or slowly moving air is characteristic of many indoor situations.
A classification of some unit Lorentz balls as non-intersection bodies

We show that the unit ball of the n-dimensional Lorentz space `w,q is not an intersection body for q > 2 and n ≥ 5.
HISTONE H4 PROXIMAL PROMOTER MEDIATES A COMPLEX TRANSCRIPTIONAL RESPONSE DURING DIFFERENTIATION OF 3T3L1 ADIPOCYTES

We have investigated the promoter element(s) required by the cell cycle regulated FO108 human histone H4 gene for control of gene expression during adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Stable 3T3L1 cell lines were established that express fusion genes in which the histone H4 promoter is joined to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) as a reporter gene. Expression of the H4CAT fusion genes was monitored in proliferating and confluent 3T3L1 preadipocytes and in differentiating 3T3L1 adipocytes. The results indicate that the H4 cell cycle element (CCE), which mediates S phase-specific stimulation of H4 gene transcription, is not required for transcriptional regulation during differentiation. Instead, a minimal H4 promoter (nucleotides −46 to −11) is sufficient to mediate the complex transcriptional response of H4 gene expression observed during the process of adipocyte differentiation of 3T3L1 cells. In addition, the data suggest that down-regulation of histone gene expression during cellular differentiation may be mediated by passive inactivation of the promoter due to loss of positive regulatory factor(s). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of Orthotropic Butt Welds

Butt welds with orthotropic behavior are widely applied in mechanical and structural designs. Since welds cannot always be perfect in practice, it is important to understand the weld’s stress behavior under different imperfect geometries. In this paper research has been performed to investigate the relationship between stress intensity factors and change of geometry of orthotropic butt welds. Finite element methods were applied to simulate weld geometries. The simulation was performed using ANSYS software assuming two beams are welded together with a discontinuity at the bottom of the weld. The combined beams and the butt weld are then considered to be one piece of glued structure. The discontinuity in the structure is used to model a crack and lack of weld penetration. By changing three important factors of the weld geometry under uniform axial static loads, the trend of stress intensity factor behavior versus change of geometry has been investigated. Both single and double sided butt welds were considered in this paper. The results of this investigation will be a helpful tool for design engineers in deciding the best weld geometry in applications.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Bundle blot purification and initial protein characterization of hair cell stereocilia

Abstract Stereocilia were isolated from bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) saccular hair cells by nitrocellulose adhesion. The high purity and high yield of the preparation were demonstrated by microscopy. SDS/PAGE of stereociliary proteins resolved 12-15 major bands. Actin, previously identified as a component of the stereociliary core, was identified in purified stereocilia as a band comigrating with authentic actin and by phalloidin labeling of intact isolated stereocilia. Fimbrin was identified in immunoblots of purified stereocilia. The most abundant other proteins migrated at 11, 14, 16-19, 27, and 36 kDa. Demembranated stereociliary cores consisted primarily of protein bands corresponding to actin and fimbrin and several proteins ranging from 43 to 63 kDa. Because the adaptation mechanism in hair cells is calcium-sensitive and seems localized to stereocilia, we sought evidence for calcium-binding proteins in stereocilia. Calmodulin and calbindin antibodies labeled stereocilia in intact cells. A protein band in purified stereocilia exhibited a Ca2+-dependent shift in electrophoretic mobility identical to that of authentic calmodulin, and the 27-kDa band may represent calbindin. These biochemical data demonstrate that stereocilia consist of a relatively small set of proteins. Most of these, including those involved in transduction and adaptation, are as yet uncharacterized. The availability of purified stereocilia should prove useful in further studies of structure-function relationships in these mechanically sensitive organelles.
Cooperative Routing in Static Wireless Networks

We study the problem of transmission-side diversity and routing in a static wireless network. It is assumed that each node in the network is equipped with a single omnidirectional antenna and that multiple nodes are allowed to coordinate their transmissions in order to obtain energy savings. We derive analytical results for achievable energy savings for both line and grid network topologies. It is shown that the energy savings of and are achievable in line and grid networks with a large number of nodes, respectively. We then develop a dynamic-programming-based algorithm for finding the optimal route in an arbitrary network, as well as suboptimal algorithms with polynomial complexity. We show through simulations that these algorithms can achieve average energy savings of about in random networks, as compared to the noncooperative schemes.
Standardized Characterization of a Flow Through Microbial Fuel Cell

Microbial fuel cell research is a relatively new and fast growing field of interdisciplinary effort that has drawn scientists from several disparate disciplines. Consequently, establishing a “common language” regarding the “means and ways” of experimental preparation, data collection and characterization to obtain accurate and comparable figures of merit (describing microbial fuel cell performance) has proven difficult. We present a methodology for comprehensive engineering analysis from inoculation through batch, fed-batch and finally continuous flow operation, and detail how a modified stack cell design complements this. More, our cell is able to operate near the thermodynamic maximum potential for oxidation of lactate.
Competing dopamine neurons drive oviposition choice for ethanol in Drosophila

The neural circuits that mediate behavioral choice evaluate and integrate information from the environment with internal demands and then initiate a behavioral response. Even circuits that support simple decisions remain poorly understood. In Drosophila melanogaster, oviposition on a substrate containing ethanol enhances fitness; however, little is known about the neural mechanisms mediating this important choice behavior. Here, we characterize the neural modulation of this simple choice and show that distinct subsets of dopaminergic neurons compete to either enhance or inhibit egg-laying preference for ethanol-containing food. Moreover, activity in α′β′ neurons of the mushroom body and a subset of ellipsoid body ring neurons (R2) is required for this choice. We propose a model where competing dopaminergic systems modulate oviposition preference to adjust to changes in natural oviposition substrates.
Summary of systemic targeted radionuclide therapy symposium.

2 ystemic targeted radionuclide therapy (STaRT) has been eveloped during the past few decades, with the involveent of multiple disciplines to import this technology into he clinical armamentarium. In this symposium, the basic principles related to STaRT ere presented. Andrew Raubitschek described the various ypes of antibodies used as carriers of radionuclides, such as urine, chimeric, and humanized antibodies, the problems nd progress in the early development of these antibodies, nd the characteristics of several targeted antigens. Chelatng agents were also discussed, as were differences between adio-immunotherapy and external beam radiotherapy (in rescribing to normal tissue tolerance rather than to a tumor ose). The various isotopes most suitable for STaRT were iscussed, including principles of imaging. Methods for osimetry, data collection, and modeling were described by arry Wessels. STaRT results in more heterogeneity of the ose distribution than does external beam radiotherapy beause of the varying temporal and spatial uptake and clearnce of the radionuclide carrier. However, continuing imrovements in patient-specific dosimetry should allow for etter dose–response assessments. As with external beam adiotherapy, the dose rate effects, impact of other biologic nfluences, and other concurrent therapies need to be conidered. Practical aspects of the delivery of the two Food and rug Administration (FDA)–approved agents were proided, including setup and coordination of a team and nformation on how to obtain the proper licensing of adioactive materials and reimbursement. New rules from he Nuclear Regulatory Commission that will take effect n 2005 were provided, as were definitions of the requireents for the use of various types of radioactive materils. Differences between individuals in private practice ho wish to become authorized users vs. those at aca-
Formation of metastable phases by ball milling in the FE-TA system

Abstract We report here about studies of phase formation during mechanical alloying in the Fe-Ta system. In the concentration range from 20 to 80 at% Fe, amorphous phases are observed. Between 60 and 90 at% Fe, the coexistence of amorphous and nanocrystalline phases is observed. Quantitative phase analysis using Moessbauer spectroscopy and magnetization measurements shows that the fractions of the two phases are not consistent with a true metastable equilibrium. The milling conditions and the vial temperature influence the amounts of amorphous and crystalline phases formed. At elevated temperature, the system seems to be even further away from metastable equilibrium.
Interocular asymmetry of visual function in heterozygotes of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa

Heterozygotes of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa were studied with full field rod and cone electroretinography and light adapted kinetic perimetry. Twelve parameters from the electroretinograms (ERGs) and two parameters from the kinetic visual fields of both eyes of 22 heterozygotes were measured and statistical comparisons made with results from female control subjects. Rod and cone ERG amplitude parameters were significantly lower and cone timing delayed in the heterozygotes. Most of the ERG parameters that were abnormal in measured value also showed significantly greater interocular differences compared with controls. Kinetic visual fields with both V-4e and I-4e test targets were smaller in heterozygotes than in controls. Only with the I-4e target, however, were interocular differences significantly larger in the heterozygotes. For the I-4e target and many of the ERG parameters, using the interocular difference in conjunction with the measured parameter value from a single eye significantly increased the efficacy of discrimination between heterozygotes and controls; for some ERG parameters, the interocular difference alone provided the best separation of the two groups.
Tubulin Assembly, Taxoid Site Binding, and Cellular Effects of the Microtubule-Stabilizing Agent Dictyostatin†

(-)-Dictyostatin is a sponge-derived, 22-member macrolactone natural product shown to cause cells to accumulate in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, with changes in intracellular microtubules analogous to those observed with paclitaxel treatment. Dictyostatin also induces assembly of purified tubulin more rapidly than does paclitaxel, and nearly as vigorously as does dictyostatin's close structural congener, (+)-discodermolide (Isbrucker et al. (2003), Biochem. Pharmacol. 65, 75-82). We used synthetic (-)-dictyostatin to study its biochemical and cytological activities in greater detail. The antiproliferative activity of dictyostatin did not differ greatly from that of paclitaxel or discodermolide. Like discodermolide, dictyostatin retained antiproliferative activity against human ovarian carcinoma cells resistant to paclitaxel due to beta-tubulin mutations and caused conversion of cellular soluble tubulin pools to microtubules. Detailed comparison of the abilities of dictyostatin and discodermolide to induce tubulin assembly demonstrated that the compounds had similar potencies. Dictyostatin inhibited the binding of radiolabeled discodermolide to microtubules more potently than any other compound examined, and dictyostatin and discodermolide had equivalent activity as inhibitors of the binding of both radiolabeled epothilone B and paclitaxel to microtubules. These results are consistent with the idea that the macrocyclic structure of dictyostatin represents the template for the bioactive conformation of discodermolide.
Viscous Core-Annular Flows in Microfluidic Chambers

The manipulation of highly viscous materials at the microscale is a key challenge for implementing lab on chips with the ability to manage a variety of complex and reactive fluids. We describe methods for producing and controlling high-viscosity fluid threads flowing in sheath of less viscous fluids, i.e., viscous core-annular flows, in microchannels. The self-lubrication property of multi-fluid flows having large viscosity contrasts offers a promising means for manipulating interfaces between “thick” and “thin” fluids and for reducing the hydraulic resistance in micro- and nanofluidic devices. In particular, we focus on the flow behavior of threads as they traverse diverging-converging slit microfluidic chambers. The alteration of convective time-scales using extensional microgeometries permits the manipulation of complex phenomena such as viscous buckling, wetting, and coalescence. We examine the interrelation between these phenomena that are useful for passively enhancing mixing between miscible fluids and for initiating continuous emulsification processes between immiscible fluids having widely disparate viscosities.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Prenatal chlorpyrifos and early neurodevelopment: how good is the science?

To the Editor .— In their article, Rauh et al1 drew many false conclusions and implicated prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos as the cause of deficits in Mental Developmental Index and Psychomotor Development Index 3 years later. The conclusions were false because: 1. The mean Mental Developmental Index scores (see their Table 1) between the high- and low-exposure groups are clinically meaningless: 94 and 94 at 12 months; 84 and 85 at 24 months; and 87 and 90 at 36 months. 2. The …
Microwave Absorption of Living Human Skin Between 8 and 96 GHz

For the study of mm wave thermography and hazards the absorption characteristics of living human skin are determined between 8 and 95 GHz by placing the skin against a thin dielectric film suspended across a rectangular horn and measuring its return loss. The resulting absorption curve increases from 75% at 8 GHz to 95% at 96 GHz. These values are almost twice as high as compared to earlier predictions based on dielectric measurements; however, they agree fairly well with radiometric measurements and provide the basis for very sensitive mm wave thermographs.
Binding properties of newly identified Xenopus proteins containing dsRNA-binding motifs

Abstract Background: Although most RNA-binding proteins recognize a complex set of structural motifs in their RNA target, the double-stranded (ds)RNA-binding proteins are limited to interactions with double helices. Recently, it has been discovered that some dsRNA-binding proteins share regions of amino-acid similarity known as dsRNA-binding motifs. Results A Xenopus ovary cDNA expression library was screened with radiolabeled dsRNA to identify previously uncharacterized dsRNA-binding proteins. The analysis of an incomplete cDNA identified during the screen led to the discovery of two longer cDNAs of related sequence. The proteins encoded by these cDNAs each contained two dsRNA-binding motifs, in addition to an auxiliary domain rich in arginine and glycine. The nucleic-acid-binding properties of a fusion protein containing the two dsRNA-binding motifs and the auxiliary domain were analyzed using a gel mobility shift assay. The fusion protein bound dsRNA of a variety of different sequences, and exhibited a preference for binding to dsRNA and RNA–DNA hybrids over other nucleic acids. Appropriate mRNAs, corresponding to each cDNA, were detected in polyadenylated RNA isolated from Xenopus stage VI oocytes, but translation of one of the mRNAs appeared to be masked until meiotic maturation. Conclusion dsRNA-binding motifs are often found in proteins that bind dsRNA, and our results show that they can be associated with auxiliary domains rich in arginine and glycine. These motifs can confer very tight binding to dsRNA. Binding can also occur to RNA–DNA hybrids, suggesting recognition of some aspect of the A-form helical structure that is adopted by both dsRNA and RN–DNA hybrids.
Protection of works of art from damage due to atmospheric ozone

Ozone at the concentrations found in the indoor atmosphere of many museums poses a fading hazard to the pigments used in works of art. The ozone control problem faced by museum personnel is unusual because indoor ozone exposure must be reduced to very low levels in order to protect the collections from accumulated damage over periods of 100 years or more. In the present study, methods that can be used to protect museum collections from ozone damage are evaluated. Control measures examined include pollutant removal via ventilation system redesign, construction of display cases to protect the works, framing of paintings, prints and watercolors behind glass, selection of ozone-resistant pigments, and application of binders and coatings that will protect ozone-sensitive pigments.
Clinical Pathway for Pediatric Parenteral Nutrition

The nutrition support team at Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford developed a clinical pathway for infants and children receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Use of clinical pathways for health care delivery is one way in which clinicians and institutions are responding to pressure from managed care organizations to reduce costs and maintain or improve quality. This pathway was developed to standardize the process for ordering, implementing, and monitoring PN. Specific goals for the pathway are as follows: to decrease the number of patients receiving PN inappropriately, to decrease the duration of PN for those patients who require it, to determine complication rates, and to monitor outcomes of therapy. Such comprehensive monitoring will help identify areas for improvement. By developing and implementing action plans to address these issues, we expect to improve continuously the processes and outcomes associated with PN therapy.
Characterization of 16 highly variable tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri) and cross amplification in Umpqua chub (O. kalawatseti)

We describe the isolation and development of 16 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the endangered Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri). Two loci appear to be duplicated. For the remaining 14 loci, we observed between three and 19 alleles per locus in a sample of 42 fish. Thirteen of these loci were also polymorphic in the closely related Umpqua chub (O. kalawatseti). These loci will aid in our understanding of the molecular ecology and conservation of these two species.
Aluminium Toxicokinetics: An Updated MiniReview

This MiniReview updates and expands the MiniReview of aluminium toxicokinetics by Wilhelm et al. published by this journal in 1990. The use of 26Al, analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry, now enables determination of Al toxicokinetics under physiological conditions. There is concern about aluminium in drinking water. The common sources of aluminium for man are reviewed. Oral Al bioavailability from water appears to be about 0.3%. Food is the primary common source. Al bioavailability from food has not been adequately determined. Industrial and medicinal exposure, and perhaps antiperspirant use, can significantly increase absorbed aluminium. Inhalation bioavailability of airborne soluble Al appears to be about 1.5% in the industrial environment. Al may distribute to the brain from the nasal cavity, but the significance of this exposure route is unknown. Systemic Al bioavailability after single underarm antiperspirant application may be up to 0.012%. All intramuscularly injected Al, e.g. from vaccines, may eventually be absorbed. Al distributes unequally to all tissues. Distribution and renal excretion appear to be enhanced by citrate. Brain uptake of Al may be mediated by Al transferrin and Al citrate complexes. There appears to be carrier-mediated efflux of Al citrate from the brain. Elimination half-lives of years have been reported in man, probably reflecting release from bone. Al elimination is primarily renal with < or = 2% excreted in bile. The contribution of food to absorbed Al needs to be determined to advance our understanding of the major components of Al toxicokinetics.
STUDIES ON THE FLEXNER GROUP OF DYSENTERY BACILLI : III. ANTIBODY RESPONSE IN MAN FOLLOWING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN OF TYPE V SHIGELLA PARADYSENTERIAE (FLEXNER)

1. Volunteers have been immunized with the purified specific antigen of Type V Shigella paradysenteriae (Flexner). The subjects developed a high titer of bacterial agglutinins and mouse-protective antibodies. The agglutinin titer fell moderately after a period of 6 months. The subjects responded fairly well to a small recall dose of the antigen. 2. Two individuals from a group of 10 injected with the specific polysaccharide obtained from Type V organisms responded with an increase in bacterial agglutinins. Mouse-protective antibodies were demonstrable in the one serum tested.
Quantitative 1H spectroscopic imaging of human brain at 4.1 T using image segmentation.

Metabolic differences in the content of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (CR), and choline (CH) in cerebral gray and white matter can complicate the interpretation of 1H spectroscopic images. To account for these variations, the gray-and white-matter content of each voxel must be known. To provide these data, a T1-based image segmentation scheme was implemented at 4.1 T. The tissue composition of each voxel was determined using the point-spread function of the spectroscopic imaging acquisition and the segmented anatomical image. Pure gray- and white-matter values for CR/NAA and CH/NAA, and the content of CR, CH, and NAA, were determined using a linear-regression analysis of 984 voxels acquired from 10 subjects using white-matter CR as an internal standard. This information was used to establish means and confidence intervals for CR/NAA and CH/NAA from a voxel of arbitrary tissue composition. Using a single-tailed t test, the extent and locations of the metabolic abnormalities (P < 0.05) in a patient with multiple sclerosis were identified.
In Response –The Use of Aquaponics in the Classroom

Integration of aquaponics in educational curricula provides a valuable means of meeting the challenges of reconnecting younger generations with nature, renewing interest in fisheries and aquatic re...
Swallowing and Speaking Challenges for the MS Patient

Abstract The therapeutic team approach helps multiple sclerosis patients meet the challenges of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and dysarthria (speech problems). Both stem either from plaques (or lesions) in the brain area responsible for these functions or from demyelination of the nerves in the brain stem. This article addresses diagnosis and treatment.
IN VIVO METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION MEASUREMENTS

There is a persistent belief that skin viability has little importance in percutaneous absorption. This concept of skin as a passive membrane has led to the domination of the study of percutaneous ...
The compressions of terbium, europium, scandium and MnSn2 to high pressures below 300°K

Abstract Experimental data are given for the compressions of terbium metal to 24 kbars from 200 to 20°K, for scandium metal to 20 kbars from 300 to 77°K, for europium metal to 20 kbars from 300 to 20°K, and for MnSn 2 to 14 kbars from 300 to 86°K. The effects of magnetic ordering are evident for both terbium and MnSn 2 , with terbium becoming rapidly more incompressible and MnSn 2 becoming rapidly more compressible as the temperature is decreased below 200°K in each case. One interpretation of the terbium data yields the pressure dependences of the magnetic transition temperatures (the Neel and Curie temperatures) as dT N dP = − dT C dP = 0.7 (±0.3)°K/kbar . The room temperature compressibilities for terbium, scandium and europium (2.5, 2.3 and 8.45 × 10 −6 bar −1 , respectively), as well as the total compressions, are in disagreement with other published data. The equation of state of europium metal shows no gross effects which could be ascribed to magnetic ordering.
FLOWER DEVELOPMENT IN DIOECIOUS SPINACIA OLERACEA (CHENOPODIACEAE)

Spinacia oleracea (Chenopodiaceae) is a potential model system for studies of mechanisms of sex expression and environmental influences on gender in dioecious species. Development of the male and female flowers and inflorescences of spinach were studied to determine when the two sex types can be distinguished. We found that female inflorescence apices are significantly larger than those of the male. Flower primordia are similar in size prior to perianth initiation, but the male primordia develop at a faster rate. Another distinguishing feature at this early stage is the larger bract subtending the female primordium. The two flower types become readily distinguishable when the perianth initiates. Male flowers produce four sepals and four stamens in a spiral pattern in close succession. Female flowers produce two alternate perianth parts that enlarge somewhat before the gynoecium becomes visible. There are no traces of gynoecia in male flowers or of stamens in female flowers. We propose that plant sex type is determined before inflorescence development, prior to or at evocation.
MINNESOTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY ACTIVITIES AND ATTITUDES, 1956–1980

A six‐page questionnaire sent in 1980 to a 25% random sample of teachers in Minnesota's 18 public community colleges provides information that is compared with similar information collected in 1956 and 1968. The nature and extent of professional activities, sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with careers, attitudes toward collective bargaining, and some demographic variables of Minnesota community college teachers are described and compared. Minnesota community college faculty members in 1980 were generally contented, as they were in 1956 and 1968. In all periods they spent most of their time on teaching‐related activities. Although the proportion involved in consulting with schools, business, and industry has doubled in the past 12 years, faculty involvement in off‐campus services is still limited. Research and scholarly writing is not a function of most of the faculty. About three‐fourths of the respondents supported collective bargaining in 1980. The most serious source of dissatisfaction, rep...
Autocatalytic fission–fusion microexplosions for nuclear pulse propulsion

Abstract Autocatalytic fission–fusion microexplosions, mutually amplifying fission and fusion reactions, are proposed for propulsion. Autocatalytic fission–fusion microexplosions can be realized by imploding a shell of uranium 235 (or plutonium) onto a magnetized deuterium–tritium (DT) plasma. After having reached a high temperature, the DT plasma releases fusion neutrons making fission reactions in the fissile shell increasing the implosion velocity which in turn increases the fusion reaction rate until full ignition of the DT plasma. To implode the fissile shell a small amount of high explosive and to magnetize the DT plasma a small auxiliary electric discharge are required. In comparison to nuclear bomb pulse propulsion, the energy released per pulse is much smaller and the efficiency higher. And in comparison to laser- or particle-beam-ignited fusion microexplosions, there is no need for a massive fusion ignition driver.
Ultrahigh-resolution FT-ICR mass spectrometry characterization of α-pinene ozonolysis SOA

Abstract Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) of α-pinene ozonolysis with and without hydroxyl radical scavenging hexane was characterized by ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). Molecular formulas for more than 900 negative ions were identified over the mass range of 100–850 u. Hydroxyl radicals formed during the ozonolysis of α-pinene might be expected to alter the composition of SOA, however a majority of the molecular formulas were identified in all three experiments and with a few exceptions they had similar relative abundances. Thus, the detailed composition of SOA was only slightly influenced by the presence or absence of hydroxyl radical scavenging hexane. The negative-ion mass spectra of the SOA contained four groups of peaks with increasing mass spectral complexity corresponding to increasing molecular weight. The mean values of O:C decreased from 0.55 to 0.42 with increasing molecular weight, but the mean value of H:C, approximately 1.5, did not change with increasing molecular weight. The molecular formulas with the highest relative abundances in Groups I and II contained 5–7 and 7–10 oxygen atoms and 3–4 and 5–7 double bond equivalents, respectively. The molecular formulas with the highest relative abundances in Groups III and IV contained 10–13 and 13–16 oxygen atoms and 7–9 and 9–11 double bond equivalents, respectively. Observations of the oxygen content and the double bond equivalents of the SOA products suggest a complex mixture of accretion reaction mechanisms, without an easily confirmable dominating pathway.