cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spiroiminodihydantoin as an oxo-atom transfer product of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine oxidation by chromium(V).

Oxidation of the DNA lesion 8-oxo-2‘-deoxyguanosine by the two electron oxidants N,N‘-ethylenebis(salicylideneanimato)oxochromium(V) (Cr(V)-salen) and bis(2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutyrato)oxochromium(V) (...
The positive purpose of remediation: Getting to the core of higher education

Mike Rose argues that remediation, despite its negative reputation, is both a historically appropriate function of higher education and intimately interconnected with its foundational concerns.
Sensing a Small But Persistent Current

The idea that a normal, nonsuperconducting metal ring can sustain a persistent current—one that flows forever without dissipating energy—seems preposterous. Metal wires have an electrical resistance, and currents passing through resistors dissipate energy. Besides, time-reversal symmetry should forbid a current choosing one direction over the other around the ring.
The origins of Einstein's use of formal asymmetries

Summary Several authors have used the expression ‘formal asymmetry’ to characterize Einstein's method of introducing conceptual innovations. Prior to his use of formal asymmetries, however, Einstein relied upon analogy to introduce his major concepts, but without satisfactory results. He gradually refined another technique, reflection upon empirical problems, into the method of formal asymmetries, with impressive results. This historical study, based upon a textual analysis of Einstein's publications, raises a series of questions regarding the place of formal asymmetries in his work.
All-angle negative refraction and imaging in a bulk medium made of metallic nanowires in the visible region

We theoretically demonstrated that all-angle negative refraction and imaging can be implemented by metallic nanowires embedded in a dielectric matrix. When the separation between the nanowires is much smaller than the incident wavelength, these structures can be characterized as indefinite media, whose effective permittivities perpendicular and parallel to the wires are opposite in signs. Under this condition, the dispersion diagram is hyperbolic for transverse magnetic waves propagating in the nanowire system, thereby exhibiting all-angle negative refraction. Such indefinite media can operate over a broad frequency range (visible to near-infrared) far from any resonances, thus they offer an effective way to manipulate light propagation in bulk media with low losses, allowing potential applications in photonic devices.
Persistent dyspnea and chest pain in a 26-year-old woman with asthma

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS A 26-year-old, asthmatic woman initially presented with a 2-month history of worsening dyspnea on exertion despite daily use of inhaled albuterol (4 times daily) and fluticasonesalmeterol Diskus (twice daily). This dyspnea was associated with nasal congestion, intermittent ear itching, and some vague chest tightness. She had no dyspnea at rest but noted easy fatigability. She denied postnasal drip, anosmia, and cough but mentioned frequently clearing her throat. Findings from a chest radiograph from 2 months earlier were interpreted as normal.
Ion implantation electron flooding requirements from a user's perspective

Abstract Electrical charging of semiconductor wafer surfaces during high dose ion implantation is reviewed. Of the four phenomena examined — implant nonuniformity, electrostatic charging forces, vacuum electrostatic discharges and dielectric breakdown — dielectric breakdown was found to produce the most severe implant requirements. Observations are made on two double polysilicon experimental lots implanted using different implant and electron flooding conditions.
Application of time-frequency analysis to high-power microwave devices

Research is being conducted on high power microwave devices (e.g., gyrotrons) at the University of Michigan. Of utmost concern is the phenomenon of pulse shortening, that is, the duration of the microwave pulse is shorter than the duration of the cathode voltage. For years researchers have applied the Fourier transform to the heterodyned microwave signals. The problem with this technique is that a signal with multiple frequency components has the same spectrum as that of a signal with frequency components emitted at different times. Time-frequency analysis (TFA) using Reduced Interference Distributions provided an entirely different outlook in the community when it was recently applied to heterodyned microwave signals. Results show, with unprecedented clarity, mode hopping, mode competition, and frequency modulation due to electron beam voltage fluctuations. The various processes that lead to pulse shortening may finally be identified. Time resolved maximum intensity of the TFA has produced results very similar to the microwave power signal, verifying the utility of TFA in the analysis of the temporal evolution of power in each mode.
Design of a prototype tri-electrode ion-chamber for megavoltage X-ray imaging

Abstract High-energy (megavoltage) X-ray imaging is widely used in industry (e.g., aerospace, construction, material sciences) as well as in health care (radiation therapy). One of the fundamental problems with megavoltage imaging is poor contrast and spatial resolution in the detected images due to the dominance of Compton scattering at megavoltage X-ray energies. Therefore, although megavoltage X-rays can be used to image highly attenuating objects that cannot be imaged at kilovoltage energies, the former does not provide the high image quality that is associated with the latter. A high contrast and spatial resolution detector for high-energy X-ray fields called the kinestatic charge detector (KCD) is presented here. The KCD is a tri-electrode ion-chamber based on highly pressurized noble gas. The KCD operates in conjunction with a strip-collimated X-ray beam (for high scatter rejection) to scan across the imaging field. Its thick detector design and unique operating principle provides enhanced charge signal integration for high quality imaging (quantum efficiency ∼50%) despite the unfavorable implications of high-energy X-ray interactions on image quality. The proposed design for a large-field prototype KCD includes a cylindrical pressure chamber along with 576 signal-collecting electrodes capable of resolving at 2 mm−1. The collecting electrodes are routed out of the chamber through the flat end-cap, thereby optimizing the mechanical strength of the chamber. This article highlights the simplified design of the chamber using minimal components for simple assembly. In addition, fundamental imaging measurements and estimates of ion recombination that were performed on a proof-of-principle test chamber are presented. The imaging performance of the prototype KCD was found to be an order-of-magnitude greater than commercial phosphor screen based flat-panel systems, demonstrating the potential for high-quality megavoltage imaging for a variety of industrial applications.
Self-centering in cytoplasmic fragments of melanophores.

The radial array of cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) provides routes for intracellular transport and defines spatial organization of cytoplasm through interaction with molecular motors bound to membrane organelles (Kellogg et al., 1994 ; Hirokawa, 1998 ). The array is believed to be organized by the centrosome, which is capable of nucleating MTs. Our recent studies of pigment transport (Rodionov and Borisy, 1997a ) (reviewed in Haimo, 1997 ) and MT dynamics (Rodionov and Borisy, 1997b ) in cytoplasmic fragments of melanophores demonstrated that nucleation by the centrosome is not an exclusive pathway for organizing microtubules. We demonstrated that a radial array of cytoplasmic MTs can form by self-organization and, moreover, that a mechanism exists that maintains the focus of the array at the cell centroid. Fish melanophores are pigment cells whose only function is aggregation of pigment granules at the center or redispersion throughout the cytoplasm. The granules move along radial microtubules (MTs) by means of molecular motors of dynein (aggregation) or kinesin (dispersion) families (Schliwa, 1984 ; Obika, 1986 ; Haimo and Thaler, 1994 ). Microsurgically produced cytoplasmic fragments of melanophores organize a radial array of MTs with correct polarity orientation (plus ends at the periphery) and aggregate pigment at its center (Matthews, 1931 ; McNiven et al., 1984 ; McNiven and Porter, 1986 , 1988 ).
Sociodemographic disparities and behavioral factors in clinical oral health status during pregnancy

Objectives Although oral health (OH) problems are common during pregnancy, little is known about individual characteristics or behaviors relating to clinically assessed OH during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study describes the clinical OH status of a sample of pregnant women, examines relationships between sociodemographic factors and OH, behavioral factors and OH, and the influence of behavior on the relationships between sociodemographic clusters and OH. Baseline data were utilized from a pilot intervention study promoting OH during pregnancy. Methods Participants (n = 99), recruited from CenteringPregnancy® prenatal care groups completed questionnaires addressing race/ethnicity, income, education, dental insurance, oral hygiene practices, and dental care utilization; and clinical examinations for periodontal probing depths (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque assessment, and visual detection of untreated decay. Chi-squares and one-way anovas with Tukey's studentized range test of planned comparisons were conducted to examine bivariable relationships between both sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics to OH status. Multivariable logistic regression analyses tested whether the effects of sociodemographic variables on OH status might be mediated by behaviors, including self-reported oral hygiene and recent dental visits. Results Forty-five percent of the sample had untreated decay and the mean percentage of sites with BOP = 18%. Bivariable analyses of sociodemographic factors indicated that compared with Whites, Hispanic women had greater % of sites with: BOP, PD ≥5 mm plus BOP, and Plaque Index (PI) scores of ≥2, all P = 0.05; and greater untreated decay (Chi-square 13.3, P < 0.001). Lower income was related to greater untreated decay (Chi-square 7.6, P < 0.01). Compared with the highest education level, the lowest level group had higher % BOP, P < 0.05. Public dental insurance (versus private) was associated with greater % BOP, PD ≥5 mm plus BOP, both P < 0.05, and greater untreated decay (Chi-square 16.9, P < 0.001). Regarding behaviors, lacking a past 6-month dental visit was related to greater: BOP, PD ≥5 mm plus BOP, and PI ≥2 (F range 6.2–8.7, P < 0.01–0.05); and greater untreated decay (Chi-square 12.0, P < 0.001). Self-reported optimal oral hygiene was related to lower % BOP and PD ≥5 mm plus BOP (F range 4.5–6.7, both P < 0.05). Mediation analyses indicated that there were significant indirect effects of racial/ethnic differences on OH outcomes via having a recent dental visit (OR range 1.2–1.9). However, significant differences between the Hispanic and White groups remained. Conclusions This study highlights sociodemographic disparities in clinical OH during pregnancy, the importance of dental care, and provides useful findings for tailoring interventions for expectant mothers and their infants.
Precise measurement of the difference of two decay rates and transient spectroscopy yielding subnatural linewidth

Abstract The decay rates for the levels of a two-level system may be obtained by measuring the decay of the fluorescence intensity for the individual level, or may be inferred from the linewidth of the transition between them (which is equal to the sum). However, the difference of the decay rates can not be obtained accurately by subtracting one from the other, especially, for very similar decay rates. In this paper, we propose some techniques to measure the difference of the two rates directly. We also show that under certain conditions, subnatural linewidth spectroscopy could be obtained.
Differential exercise effects on quality of life and health-related quality of life in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose Maintaining quality of life (QOL) and physical and mental health status are important outcomes throughout the aging process. Although cross-sectional studies suggest a relationship between global QOL and physical activity, it is unclear whether such a relationship exists as a function of exercise training.
Pubertal neuroendocrine maturation: Early differentiation and stages of development

Abstract The neuroendocrine maturation of the hypotha-lamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is described as a process which appears to be mature and functional in the fetus. There is dynamic activity during the neonatal period followed by a prolonged period of quiescence during childhood. Puberty then is a resurgence of a previously active process rather that the development of total new physiologic phenomena. Episodic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone and consequent episodic release of gonadotropins are an inherent part of this process. A variety of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other factors effect this episodic release. The driving force for the onset of pubertal gonadotropin secretion eminates from the CNS and involves much more that a readjustment of negative feedback setpoints. The dynamics of the fetal and neonatal period are key to overall differentiation. The period of relative quiescence of childhood is marked by diurnal differences in gonadotropin activity, dynamic changes of ovarian follicles, and growth of the ovaries.
Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase: generation of asymmetric vesicles and determination of the transbilayer distribution of fluorescent phosphatidylserine in model membrane systems

Abstract Large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) that contained a fluorescent analog of phosphatidylserine (NBD-PS) were used in model systems to determine the feasibility of employing phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PS-decarboxylase) to generate asymmetric vesicles and to determine the transbilayer distribution of PS. PS-decarboxylase prepared by sonication of Escherichia coli JA 200 pLC 8–47 was found to be stable in detergent-free buffers and catalyzed the conversion of NBD-PS to NBD-phosphatidylethanolamine (NBD-PE). PS-decarboxylase was capable of decarboxylating virtually all of the NBD-PS present in the outer leaflet of LUV containing a symmetric or asymmetric (outside only) distribution of NBD-PS, but not NBD-PS present in the inner leaflet of the vesicles. The ability of PS-decarboxylase to decarboxylate only NBD-PS located in the outer leaflet of the vesicles was independently verified by resonance energy transfer (between NBD-PS and (lissamine) rhodamine B-labeled phosphatidylethanolamine) and by derivatization with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). These techniques revealed that the exchangeable pool (the fraction of NBD-PS on the outer leaflet) and the respective fraction of Tnp-(NBD-PS) formed were equivalent to the extent of PS-decarboxylase-mediated decarboxylation of NBD-PS to NBD-PE. These results show that PS-decarboxylase can be used to generate asymmetric vesicles (i.e., PS inside, PE outside) and determine the intrabilayer distribution of PS in model membranes.
Preliminary results from the diffuse x-ray spectrometer

The Diffuse X-Ray Spectrometer (DXS) experiment was flown as an attached Shuttle payload in January 1993 aboard the STS-54 mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. DXS consists of two large-area Bragg crystal X-ray spectrometers that cover the 44 - 83 angstroms wavelength range, and are designed to measure the spectrum of the low energy (0.15 < E < 0.28 keV) diffuse X-ray background with roughly 10 eV energy resolution and 15 degree(s) angular resolution. These diffuse X-rays are thought to be generated by a very hot (106 K) component of the interstellar medium that occupies a large fraction of the interstellar volume near the Sun. Astrophysical plasmas near 106 K are rich in emission lines, and the relative strengths of these lines, besides providing information about the physical conditions of the emitting gas, also provide information about its composition, history and heating mechanisms. We present preliminary spectra of the soft X-ray background in the energy range 0.15 < E < 0.28 keV. Spectra were obtained from along a great circle that lies 0 degree(s) - 10 degree(s) north of the galactic plane between galactic longitudes 150 degree(s) and 300 degree(s). The spectra show emission lines, the first direct evidence that the soft X-ray background arises in hot interstellar gas. The spectra seen along the great circle in different resolution elements are different from one another. We fitted a range of models to these spectra, and present preliminary results of these fits.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Hydrogeology of an Induced Streambed Infiltration Area

The University of Connecticut well field is located in a sand and gravel ice-contact stratified drift aquifer which fills the Fenton River valley to a depth of about 60 feet. The water that supplies these wells consists of captured ground-water underflow which would normally discharge into the Fenton River, and water induced directly into the aquifer from river flow by pumping. Measurements of streamflow made at three weirs installed in the Fenton River adjacent to two of these pumped wells show the influence of wells on streamflow. Approximately 34 percent of the water pumped from the wells was stolen from the river via induced streambed infiltration, although this figure varies in accordance with pumping. Water-level measurements in 30 observation wells installed in the aquifer around the pumped wells show that the cones of depression spread underneath the river, following coarse-grained partially buried eskers. The fact that the water table is detached from the river and is below the streambed near the pumped wells is explained by the low vertical permeability of the streambed in contrast to the horizontal permeability of the rest of the aquifer. The streambed is unable to recharge the aquifer with as much water as the aquifer can carry away. Time-drawdown pumping test plots show no effect of the river.
Urinary excretion of methylated purines in man and in the rat after the administration of theophylline

Chromatographic characteristics of urinary metabolites of theophylline were studied by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. Quantitative data for the urinary metabolites of theophylline in asthmatic children are given. It was shown that 1,3-dimethyluric acid is the predominant excretory product. In addition, smaller amounts of 1-methyluric acid, 3-methylxanthine and unchanged theophylline were found. Excretory patterns after theophylline ingestion before and during the administration of allopurinol in asthma patients and in rats suggest the existence of three metabolic pathways of theophylline. The administration of this drug to a patient with xanthine oxidase deficiency resulted in the excretion of 1-methyluric acid in addition to 1,3-dimethyluric acid, 3-methylxanthine, 1-methylxanthine and unchanged theophylline. It was concluded that in man the oxidation of theophylline is not catalysed by xanthine oxidase.
The Profusion of Individual Roles and Identities in the Postwar Period

In recent decades, the individual has become more and more central in both national and world cultural accounts of the operation of society. This continues a long historical process, intensified by the consolidation of a more global polity and the weakening of the primordial sovereignty of the national state. Increasingly, society is culturally rooted in the natural, historical, and spiritual worlds through the individual, rather than through corporate entities or groups. The shift has produced a proliferation and specification of individual roles, accounting for what individuals do in society. It has also produced an expansion in recognized individual personhood, accounting for who individuals are in the extrasocial cosmos and fueling elaborated personal tastes and preferences. Where it has been contested, the shift to the individual has also produced a rise in specializing identities (e.g., in such domains as ethnicity or gender). These offer accounts of individuals' distinctive linkages to the cosmos, ...
Oxidative Damage to Rhesus Macaque Spermatozoa Results in Mitotic Arrest and Transcript Abundance Changes in Early Embryos

Our objective was to determine whether oxidative damage of rhesus macaque sperm induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro would affect embryo development following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Fresh rhesus macaque spermatozoa were treated with ROS as follows: 1 mM xanthine and 0.1 U/ml xanthine oxidase (XXO) at 378C and 5% CO 2 in air for 2.25 h. Sperm were then assessed for motility, viability, and lipid peroxidation. Motile ROS-treated and control sperm were used for ICSI of MII oocytes. Embryo culture was evaluated for 3 days for development to the eight-cell stage. Embryos were fixed and stained for signs of cytoplasmic and nuclear abnormalities. Gene expression was analyzed by RNA-Seq in two-cell embryos from control and treated groups. Exposure of sperm to XXO resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and decreased sperm motility. ICSI of MII oocytes with motile sperm induced similar rates of fertilization and cleavage between treatments. Development to four- and eight-cell stage was significantly lower for embryos generated with ROS-treated sperm than for controls. All embryos produced from ROS-treated sperm demonstrated permanent embryonic arrest and varying degrees of degeneration and nuclear fragmentation, changes that are suggestive of prolonged senescence or apoptotic cell death. RNA-Seq analysis of twocell embryos showed changes in transcript abundance resulting from sperm treatment with ROS. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for processes associated with cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, and protein phosphorylation. ROSinduced damage to sperm adversely affects embryo development by contributing to mitotic arrest after ICSI of MII rhesus oocytes. Changes in transcript abundance in embryos destined for mitotic arrest is evident at the two-cell stage of development. early development, embryo development, fertilization, gene expression, oxidative stress, sperm
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE AUGMENTATION OF THE ACTION OF GONADOTROPINS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES IN THE RAT, MOUSE AND CHICK1,2

MANY OBSERVATIONS (1, 2, 3) have been made which clearly show that the response of the immature female rat to gonadotropic material of glandular origin is complicated by augmenting effects as well as by antagonists. The purpose of this study is to investigate further the degree of augmentation brought about by various reagents with 4 types of gonadotropin preparations in 3 species and to attempt to throw more light on the mechanisms involved. Assay methods. The rat method is similar to that used by WallenLawrence (4). Female rats, 21 to 23 days of age, were injected subcutaneously once daily for 4 days and autopsied 48 hours after the final injection. The ovaries and uteri were dissected free from adhering tissues and fat. The uteri were trimmed by cutting through the utero-tubal junction and through the junction of the cervix and the uterus, and freed from fluid by pressing against paper toweling
The Gamma-Radiation from Boron Bombarded by Protons

Employing a Wilson cloud chamber we have determined the distribution in energy of pairs and recoil electrons ejected from lead and carbon laminae by the gamma-radiation from boron bombarded by protons. Both the pair and electron distributions indicate three prominent gamma-ray components at 4.3±0.3 Mev, 11.8±0.5 Mev, and 16.6±0.6 Mev with relative intensities of 1: 1: 1/7, respectively. The radiation is believed to result from proton capture by B11 to form an excited state of C12 which radiates in a single transition to the ground state or in a double transition through the well-known intermediate state at 4.3 Mev. Resonance in the yield has been found only in the region 150→200 kv and the total yield of quanta per incident proton above resonance on a thick boron target is estimated to be ≥5×10^-10.
Organochlorine Concentrations in Bonnethead Sharks ( Sphyrna tiburo ) from Four Florida Estuaries

Because of their persistence in aquatic environments and ability to impair reproduction and other critical physiological processes, organochlorine (OC) contaminants pose significant health risks to marine organisms. Despite such concerns, few studies have investigated levels of OC exposure in sharks, which are fish particularly threatened by anthropogenic pollution because of their tendency to bioaccumulate and biomagnify environmental contaminants. The present study examined concentrations of 29 OC pesticides and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo), an abundant species for which evidence of reproductive impairment has been observed in certain Florida populations. Quantifiable levels of PCBs and 22 OC pesticides were detected via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in liver of 95 S. tiburo from four estuaries on Florida’s Gulf coast: Apalachicola Bay, Tampa Bay, Florida Bay, and Charlotte Harbor. In general, OC concentrations were significantly higher in Apalachicola Bay, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor S. tiburo in relation to the Florida Bay population. Because the rate of infertility has been shown to be dramatically higher in Tampa Bay versus Florida Bay S. tiburo, the present findings allude to a possible relationship between OC exposure and reproductive health that requires further investigation. Pesticide and PCB concentrations did not appear to significantly increase with growth or age in S. tiburo, suggesting limited potential for OC bioaccumulation in this species compared with other sharks for which contaminant data are available. Concentrations of OCs in serum and muscle were not correlated with those in liver, indicating that these tissues are poor surrogates for measuring internal OC burden in this species via nonlethal sampling procedures.
Lung cancer staging.

Abstract Lung cancer remains a significant cause of death worldwide. A simple, accurate staging system is necessary to plan treatment regimens and to assess their effect on survival rates. In addition, the staging system provides a basis for planning research on newer adjuvant therapies for lung cancer. It should be applicable internationally, facilitating a global effort toward improved survival. The new AJCC staging system was designed to meet these needs, with initial international reports confirming its utility. 42,45 Since diagnostic radiologists often are instrumental in pretreatment evaluation of these patients, familiarity with this new system is a must.
In situ deflection of tendon cell-cilia in response to tensile loading: an in vitro study.

To determine if a correlation exists between tensile loading and the deflection of tendon cell-cilia in situ, rat-tail tendon fascicles were stained for tubulin and mounted in a loading device attached to the stage of a confocal microscope. Individual tendon cells (n = 13) were identified and sequential images taken at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% grip to grip strain. The change in ciliary deflection angle was then measured at each strain level. To determine the ability of cilia to return to their original orientation, additional fascicles were loaded to 6% strain and then unloaded to 0% and tendon cell-ciliary (n = 10) deflection angle measured. There was a weak (r2 = 0.40) but significant (p < 0.0001) correlation between the change in deflection angle and applied strain. Tensile loading produced a change in deflection angle from 0% to 3% (p = 0.039) and from 3% to 6% (p = 0.001) strain. There was no change (p = 1.000) in deflection angle from 6% to 8% strain. Reducing the strain from 6% to 0% resulted in a change (p = 0.048) in angle towards the pre-load position. However, the angle did not return to the pre-strain position (p = 0.025). These results demonstrate that tensile loading produces in situ deflection of tendon cell-cilia and supports the concept that cilia are involved in the mechanotransduction response of tendon cells. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:925–930
Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma during malignant melanoma progression.

Background Cancer chemoprevention using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is frequently attributed to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, although recent studies suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) may also be involved. While surgical excision remains the treatment mainstay for localized malignant melanoma, certain high-risk patients may benefit from adjunctive chemotherapy. In this study, we compared COX-2 and PPARgamma immunohistological staining in benign nevi, primary melanomas and metastatic melanomas to help predict the effectiveness of compounds targeting these markers. Methods COX-2 and PPARgamma immunohistological staining was performed and reviewed in 99 melanocytic lesions, including 38 benign nevi, 32 primary melanomas and 29 metastatic melanomas. Results There was a significant increase in both COX-2 and PPARgamma immunostaining in melanomas compared with benign nevi. Metastatic melanomas were more likely to have a higher number of PPARgamma-immunopositive cells. They were also more likely to express COX-2 than primary melanomas. Neither COX-2 nor PPARgamma expression was associated with a specific pathologic subtype. Conclusions COX-2 and PPARgamma may help modulate the progression of melanocytic precursor lesions to disseminated malignant melanoma. As such, they may serve as candidate substrates for targeted cancer therapies and may be particularly useful as adjuncts to surgery.
Three-dimensional SeaMARC II, gravity, and magnetics study of large-offset rift propagation at the Pito Rift, Easter microplate

We present results from a SeaMARC II bathymetry, gravity, and magnetics survey of the northern end of the large-offset propagating East Rift of the Easter microplate. The East Rift is offset by more than 300 km from the East Pacific Rise and its northern end has rifted into approximately 3 Ma lithosphere of the Nazca Plate forming a broad (70–100 km) zone of high (up to 4 km) relief referred to as the Pito Rift. This region appears to have undergone distributed and asymmetric extension that has been primarily accommodated tectonically, by block faulting and tilting, and to a lesser degree by seafloor spreading on a more recently developed magmatic accretionary axis. The larger fault blocks have dimensions of 10–15 km and have up to several km of throw between adjacent blocks suggesting that isostatic adjustments occur on the scale of the individual blocks. Three-dimensional terrain corrected Bouguer anomalies, a three-dimensional magnetic inversion, and SeaMARC II backscatter data locate the recently developed magmatic axis in an asymmetric position in the western part of the rift. The zone of magmatic accretion is characterized by an axis of negative Bouguer gravity anomalies, a band of positive magnetizations, and a high amplitude magnetization zone locating its tip approximately 10 km south of the Pito Deep, the deepest point in the rift area. Positive Bouguer gravity anomalies and negative magnetizations characterize the faulted area to the east of the spreading axis supporting the interpretation that this area consists primarily of pre-existing Nazca plate that has been block faulted and stretched, and that no substantial new accretion has occurred there. The wide zone of deformation in the Pito Rift area and the changing trend of the fault blocks from nearly N-S in the east to NW-SE in the west may be a result of the rapidly changing kinematics of the Easter microplate and/or may result from ridge-transform like shear stresses developed at the termination of the East Rift against the Nazca plate. The broad zone of deformation developed at the Pito Rift and its apparent continuation some distance south along the East Rift has important implications for microplate mechanics and kinematic reconstructions since it suggests that initial microplate boundaries may consist in part of broad zones of deformation characterized by the formation of lithospheric scale fault blocks, and that what appear to be pseudofaults may actually be the outer boundaries of tectonized zones enclosing significant amounts of stretched pre-existing lithosphere.
1005-78 Myocardial Preconditioning by Laser Irradiation

We previously demonstrated that transmural laser channels made after coronary occlusion did not acutely enhance blood flow or reduce infarct size. In contrast, other studies (which did not measure blood flow) reported increased survival and/or reduction of necrosis when laser channels were made prior to coronary occlusion. To reconcile this apparent paradox, we speculated that laser channels made prior to occlusion might protect the heart via a mechanism independent of blood flow. To test this hypothesis, we randomized 12 rats to either; (1) control: 1 hour of coronary artery occlusion followed by 5 hours of reperiusion. or (2) laser: 6 non-transmural channels were made in the anterior wall of the left ventricle using a holmium:YAG laser coupled to a 400 micron diameter optic fiber. Two minutes after the last channel was made, the left coronary artery was occluded for 1 hour and then reperiused for 5 hours. We monitored lead I of the ECG and noted the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF). At the end of the protocol. the artery was briefly reoccluded and we determined the area at risk (AR) by injection of pigment into the circulation. Heart slices were incubated in triphenyltetrazolium chloride solution to delineate the area of necrosis (AN), which was expressed as a percent of area at risk (AN/AR). [data given as mean ± SEM] AR AN/AR VT/vF Control 49 ± 3 61 ± 9 5 Laser 45 ± 5 35 ± 4 * 0 * * p l 0.03 versus control Although laser channels were associated with thermally-induced necrosis, total infarct size was smaller in laser-treated hearts. Protection of muscle was most prominent in heart slices containing laser channels. but also occurred in slices without channels. Laser treatment also significantly reduced the incidence of VT and VF. In conclusion, non-transmural laser channels “preconditioned” the heart against subsequent ischemia. Although the mechanism of protection is unknown, it cannot be attributed to increased blood flow to the tissue because the channels did not connect to the ventricular cavity.
Multiple-bits slow light by cascading semiconductor optical amplifiers in a loop configuration

We achieved slow light of 8.3 pulses of a 12-ps pulse in a series cascade of QW-SOAs in a loop configuration. The linear relationship between the number of optical passes through the SOA and time delay is experimentally demonstrated.
Interrow cultivation to reduce herbicide use in corn following alfalfa without tillage

Information on integrated weed management systems for conservation tillage systems is needed so that producers can minimize the environmental impacts of crop production without sacrificing profitability. Our objective was to evaluate reduced levels of preemergence herbicides in combination with interrow cultivation for weed control in corn (Zea mays L.) planted into an untilled, deteriorated alfalfa stand treated with glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] the previous fall. Fall application of glyphosate controlled 97% of the perennial vegetation without additional treatment the following spring-Atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine] at 1.1 kg a.i. ha −1 or cyanazine (2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2-methylpropanenitrile) at 2.2 kg a.i. ha −1 applied within 1 d after corn planting greatly reduced weed densities compared with no herbicide use, but did not control annual weeds as well as a standard treatment (atrazine at 2.2 kg ha −1 plus 2.8 kg a.i. ha −1 metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide]) [...]
Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Dated Sediment Cores from Green Bay and Lake Michigan

Abstract Ten sediment cores from Lake Michigan and Green Bay are analyzed for PCB, 2l0 Pb, and l37 Cs. Analyses include identification of historical patterns of PCB inputs to the lake and bay and estimation of historical annual average PCB fluxes to the sediment that are corrected for sediment redistribution (focus correction). A correction for focusing has not been utilized in previous investigations of PCB flux to Lake Michigan and Green Bay sediments. From these analyses, we conclude that PCB inputs have declined following the 1977 ban on new uses of PCB, and that the atmosphere is the largest source of PCB to parts of Lake Michigan. We estimate that the average annual atmospheric PCB flux to the Lake Michigan region is about 1.0 ng/cm 2 /yr, + /- 0.34, which is the approximate flux to three of our five Lake Michigan cores. This amount is consistent with another recent flux estimate. Green Bay sediments have higher PCB concentrations and greater relative amounts of lower molecular weight PCB (Aroclor 1242) than lake sediments which are dominated by Aroclor 1254. Aroclor 1260 is also found in Green Bay but not observed in the lake. PCB concentrations in Green Bay sediment are highest near the mouth of the Fox River, and decline in areas of the bay where the Fox River plume is more dispersed. Atmospheric inputs account for no more than 11% of PCB flux to any Green Bay core we analyzed.
Proliferation of eccrine sweat ducts associated with alopecia areata

Proliferation of sweat ducts has been described as a reactive process in a variety of benign and malignant neoplasms and inflammatory conditions in the skin, including scarring alopecia. However, to our knowledge this phenomenon has not been observed in non-scarring alopecia. The following case documents such a proliferation arising in an alopecia consistent with alopecia areata. An 83-year-old female developed progressive, fairly well circumscribed patches of alopecia over a 2-3 year period. Unequivocal scarring was not present. Histopathological examination revealed non-scarring alopecia with miniaturized and telogen follicles and a proliferation of eccrine ductal structures in the reticular dermis. These ductal structures varied in size and degree of cystic dilatation and resembled a primary eccrine neoplasm, such as syringoma. Only minimal focal fibrosis was observed in association with the eccrine proliferation. In summary, this case indicates that eccrine sweat duct proliferation may occur in non-scarring alopecia and must be differentiated from a primary eccrine neoplasm.
Oligonucleotide-directed self-assembly of proteins: semisynthetic DNA—streptavidin hybrid molecules as connectors for the generation of macroscopic arrays and the construction of supramolecular bioconjugates

Modified biomolecules were used for the non-covalent assembly of novel bioconjugates. Hybrid molecules were synthesized from short single-stranded DNA and streptavidin by chemical methods using a heterobispecific crosslinker. The covalent attachment of an oligonucleotide moiety to streptavidin provides a specific recognition domain for a complementary nucleic acid sequence, in addition to the four native biotin-binding sites. These bispecific binding capabilities allow the hybrid molecules to serve as versatile connectors in a variety of applications. Bifunctional constructs have been prepared from two complementary hybrid molecules, each previously conjugated to biotinylated immunoglobulin G or alkaline phosphatase. The use of nucleic acid sequences as a template for the formation of an array of proteins is further demonstrated on two size scales. A macroscopic DNA array on a microtiter plate has been transformed into a comparable protein chip. A nano-scale array was made by hybridizing DNA-tagged proteins to specific positions along a RNA or DNA sequence. The generation of supramolecular bioconjugates was shown by quantitative measurements and gel-retardation assays.
Key Glycolytic Enzyme Activities of Skeletal Muscle Are Decreased under Fed and Fasted States in Mice with Knocked Down Levels of Shc Proteins

Shc proteins interact with the insulin receptor, indicating a role in regulating glycolysis. To investigate this idea, the activities of key glycolytic regulatory enzymes and metabolites levels were measured in skeletal muscle from mice with low levels of Shc proteins (ShcKO) and wild-type (WT) controls. The activities of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase-1 and pyruvate kinase were decreased in ShcKO versus WT mice under both fed and fasted conditions. Increased alanine transaminase and branched-chain amino acid transaminase activities were also observed in ShcKO mice under both fed and fasting conditions. Protein expression of glycolytic enzymes was unchanged in the ShcKO and WT mice, indicating that decreased activities were not due to changes in their transcription. Changes in metabolite levels were consistent with the observed changes in enzyme activities. In particular, the levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, a potent activator of phosphofructokinase-1, were consistently decreased in the ShcKO mice. Furthermore, the levels of lactate (inhibitor of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase-1) and citrate (inhibitor of phosphofructokinase-1 and pyruvate kinase) were increased in fed and fasted ShcKO versus WT mice. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was lower in ShcKO versus WT mice under fed conditions, and showed inhibition under fasting conditions in both ShcKO and WT mice, with ShcKO mice showing less inhibition than the WT mice. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 levels were unchanged under fed conditions but were lower in the ShcKO mice under fasting conditions. These studies indicate that decreased levels of Shc proteins in skeletal muscle lead to a decreased glycolytic capacity in both fed and fasted states.
Bystander CPR in prehospital coarse ventricular fibrillation

Prehospital bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was studied to determine if it affected the outcome of defibrillation. Four hundred twenty-one consecutive witnessed cardiopulmonary arrests presenting with the initial rhythm of coarse ventricular fibrillation treated by the Milwaukee County Paramedic System from January 1980 to June 1982 were analyzed. Pediatric, trauma, and poisoning patients and those receiving intravenous or endotracheal medications before defibrillation (58) were excluded. Immediate professional bystander CPR (physician, nurse, EMT) and citizen bystander CPR were compared to a control group receiving no bystander CPR until arrival of EMS personnel. A successful defibrillation occurred if defibrillation prior to administration of medication produced an effective cardiac rhythm with pulses. Eighty-eight of the 363 remaining patients (24%) converted with initial defibrillations. While the group receiving professional bystander CPR had a higher successful defibrillation rate than did the no-CPR group (35% vs 22%, P .0001) and to be discharged alive from the hospital (54/88 [61%] vs 43/275 [16%], P > .0001) than were those who required further advanced cardiac life support techniques. The overall bystander CPR group had the identical successful resuscitation rate (51%) and a similar save rate (26% vs 27%) as the no bystander CPR group. A patient is far more likely to have a successful resuscitation and be discharged alive from a hospital if he has a rhythm and a pulse after the initial defibrillations than when converted after further ACLS techniques. Although professional CPR was associated with a significantly improved successful defibrillation rate, there was no significant difference in successful defibrillation, resuscitation, or save rates when comparing citizen bystander CPR to no bystander CPR. Previously reported CPR save rates may be system-specific and more dependent on time of defibrillation response than previously reported.
Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in older patients.

Acute myeloid leukemia carries a dismal prognosis in patients over 60 years of age and, despite many clinical trials of both novel and conventional agents, there has been no significant improvement in overall survival during the last 30 years. Combinations of anthracyclines and cytarabine remain the cornerstone of therapy and produce complete remission in 45–55% of older patients, with a median survival of only 8–12 months. These statistics become even worse in patients over 70 years and those with unfavorable cytogenetics and/or poor performance status. Deciding which older acute myeloid leukemia patients would benefit from intensive chemotherapy is difficult and efforts are underway to improve existing risk-assessment tools. Many new agents are under development, including signal transduction inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, antibodies and novel chemotherapeutics. To date, small-molecule inhibitors and targeted therapies have had limited single-agent efficacy and have required combination wi...
A laboratory study of the interaction of two parasites ofLymantria dispar [Lep.: Lymantriidae]: Blepharipa pratensis [Dipt.: Tachinidae] andBrachymeria intermedia [Hym.: Chalcididae]

In the laboratory, pupae ofLymantria dispar (L.) parasitized byBlepharipa pratensis (Meigen) were exposed to femaleBrachymeria intermedia (Nees) to determine whether the females would attack such pupae, and if they did, what was the fate ofB. pratensis. B. intermedia did attack parasitized pupae, andB. pratensis survived these attacks about 78% of the time. However, in those cases whereB. pratensis appears not to have survived, butB. intermedia did survive, the evidence suggests that the host pupae had not been parasitized byB. pratensis at the time of attack. Field observations also support the conclusion thatB. intermedia is not a significant mortality factor ofB. pratensis.
Daily Rhythms of PERIOD protein in the eyestalk of the American lobster, Homarus americanus.

The daily rhythm of PERIOD (PER) protein expression is an integral component of the circadian clock, which is found among a broad range of animal species including fruit flies, marine mollusks, and even humans. The use of antibodies directed against PER has provided a helpful tool in the discovery of PER homologs and the labeling of putative pacemaker cells, especially in animals for which an annotated genome is not readily available. In this study, Drosophila-PER antibodies were used to probe for PER in the American lobster, Homarus americanus. This species exhibits robust endogenous circadian rhythms but the circadian clock has yet to be located or characterized. PER was detected in the eyestalks of the lobster but not in the brain. Furthermore, a significant effect of the light/dark cycle on daily PER abundance was identified, and PER was significantly more abundant at mid-dark than in early light or mid-light hours. Our results suggest that PER is a part of the molecular machinery of the circadian clo...