cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heparanase Regulates Levels of Syndecan-1 in the Nucleus

Syndecan-1 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate-bearing proteoglycan known to regulate multiple biological functions at the cell surface and within the extracellular matrix. Its functional activity can be modulated by heparanase, an enzyme that cleaves heparan sulfate chains and whose expression has been associated with an aggressive phenotype in many cancers. In addition to remodeling syndecan-1 by cleaving its heparan sulfate chains, heparanase influences syndecan-1 location by upregulating expression of enzymes that accelerate its shedding from the cell surface. In the present study we discovered that heparanase also alters the level of nuclear syndecan-1. Upon upregulation of heparanase expression or following addition of recombinant heparanase to myeloma cells, the nuclear localization of syndecan-1 drops dramatically as revealed by confocal microscopy, western blotting and quantification by ELISA. This effect requires enzymatically active heparanase because cells expressing high levels of mutated, enzymatically inactive heparanase, failed to diminish syndecan-1 levels in the nucleus. Although heparan sulfate function within the nucleus is not well understood, there is emerging evidence that it may act to repress transcriptional activity. The resulting changes in gene expression facilitated by the loss of nuclear syndecan-1 could explain how heparanase enhances expression of MMP-9, VEGF, tissue factor and perhaps other effectors that condition the tumor microenvironment to promote an aggressive cancer phenotype.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Selective Coronary Cinearteriography

The premortem selective coronary cinearteriograms of 29 patients who subsequently died of their underlying disease have been compared to findings at postmortem examination. Only three errors of functional significance were found. Possible sources of these errors were analyzed. The most important single factor in determining the accuracy was the radiographic quality of the arteriogram. The data support the conclusion that selective coronary cinearteriography is a highly accurate means of evaluating the morphology of both normal and diseased coronary vessels, but high quality arteriograms and experienced interpreters are required.
Gender differences in the effect of unemployment on psychological distress

In this paper we examine whether unemployment has a differential impact on the expression of psychological distress among men and women. Based on the traditional centrality of the work role to men and the family role to women, we defined several key domains that might affect unemployed men and women differentially: family circumstances, concerns and worries about children and family; coping responses; social support and social integration; and the centrality of the work role. While the study population either were or hoped to be in the labor force and had dependent children, they varied in their marital status and whether they were the custodial parent. Using data collected in Baltimore from those who had been unemployed but had returned to work, those who had remained continuously unemployed for a year, and those who had been continuously employed, we compared the patterns of men's and women's reactions to unemployment. The important differences in psychological symptoms in this population were related to employment status, problems with parenting, financial difficulties, perceived lack of social support, hostility, and feelings about unemployment. By and large, the patterns of these relationships were similar for men and women. These findings suggest that when gender differences in psychological distress are found they may be due to differences in role configurations of men and women rather than intrinsic gender differences.
Inhibition of fly-head cholinesterase in vitro by pilocarpine and atropine

Abstract Accepted views concerning the physiological actions of pilocarpine and atropine in vertebrates are summarized. Pilocarpine mimics the muscarinic effects of acetylcholine; atropine is antagonistic. Both function at the effector level, and inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) by pilocarpine is not a factor. In insects, pilocarpine is a central nervous stimulant. Atropine is more or less antagonistic, though less effective, both alone and with pilocarpine, than in vertebrates. The possibility exists that pilocarpine acts on insects by inhibiting their ChE applicable information has been sought in the present study. A titrimetric method was used to determine that, in vitro , both pilocarpine and atropine are rather weak, competitive, reversible inhibitors of fly-head ChE. No evidence of progressive inhibition was obtained. The two drugs did not interfere with each other as ChE-inhibitors, and their inhibitory potency was not related to their degree of ionization. Comparison of these in vitro results with those of in vivo studies by previous investigators suggests that inhibition of ChE is not involved in the poisoning of cockroaches by pilocarpine. With larval and pupal Lepidoptera, the comparison does not provide a definite indication. Reasons are given for doubting that eserine-induced delay of adult development reported for lepidopterous pupae was due to inhibition of ChE.
Reduction of skylight reflection effects in the above-water measurement of diffuse marine reflectance

Reflected skylight in above-water measurements of diffuse marine reflectance can be reduced substantially by viewing the surface through an analyzer transmitting the vertically polarized component of incident radiance. For maximum reduction of effects, radiometric measurements should be made at a viewing zenith angle of approximately 45 degrees (near the Brewster angle) and a relative azimuth angle between solar and viewing directions greater than 90 degrees (backscattering), preferably 135 degrees. In this case the residual reflected skylight in the polarized signal exhibits minimum sensitivity to the sea state and can be corrected to within a few 10(-4) in reflectance units. For most oceanic waters the resulting relative error on the diffuse marine reflectance in the blue and green is less than 1%. Since the water body polarizes incident skylight, the measured polarized reflectance differs from the total reflectance. The difference, however, is small for the considered geometry. Measurements made at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier in La Jolla, Calif., with a specifically designed scanning polarization radiometer, confirm the theoretical findings and demonstrate the usefulness of polarization radiometry for measuring diffuse marine reflectance.
Mixed Quantum-Classical Reaction Path Dynamics of HCl Elimination from Chloroethane

The dynamics of four-centered HCl elimination from chloroethane are studied using a mixed quantum-classical method based on a reaction path Hamiltonian. Both the structural details of the reaction ...
Selective changes in the density of ß1-adrenergic receptors in rat striatum following chronic drug treatment and adrenalectomy

Abstract The corpus striatum has a high density of s-adrenergic receptors though it appears to contain low levels of s-hydroxylated catecholamines. In an attempt to determine whether these receptors normally receive an endogenous input, the densities of s1 and s2-adrenergic receptors in rat caudate have been measured following adrenalectomy and after various pharmacological manipulations. Chronic administration of either pargyline, an inhibitor of mononamine oxidase activity, or desmethylimipramine, an inhibitor of norepinephrine uptake, resulted in a 20–25% decrease in the density of s1-adrenergic receptors while either adrenalectomy or the chronic adminitsration of the non-selective s-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranol resulted in small but significant increases in the density of s1-receptors. These treatments did not lead to significant changes in the density of s2-receptors. It thus appears that the density of s1-receptors in the caudate is normally affected by changing levels of endogenous catecholamines.
Commercializing an Automatically Deployable Rollover Protective Structure (AutoROPS) for a Zero-Turn Riding Mower: Initial Product Safety Assessment Criteria

Fatal injuries have occurred to operators of zero-turn riding mowers when these machines rolled over during high speed sharp turns or on uneven terrain. These mowers are frequently operated in low clearance conditions such as around trees and when loaded onto low-roofed trailers. The automatically deployable rollover protective structure (AutoROPS) can provide both protection during rollover events and the capability to operate a mower in low clearance conditions. Until recently, AutoROPS technology development has occurred only in a government laboratory. In the current phase of development, private industry has taken an interest in the AutoROPS technology and is pursuing, with NIOSH, the product testing and development needed to commercialize the AutoROPS on a zero-turn riding mower. The government’s role, as a partner with private industry in bringing new safety technology into practical application, is discussed. Importantly, for the AutoROPS product to be as effective as possible, it should not introduce additional, unacceptable risks. Previous product safety assessments led by government laboratories are reviewed. These assessments were made to minimize hazards in products developed in government labs. A product safety assessment was performed on the AutoROPS during its design phase. In addition to minimizing the severity and frequency of operator injury resulting from an accidental rollover, the assessment considered 1) environmental factors such as corrosion, electromagnetic interference, and vibration; 2) human error avoidance; and 3) safeguard reliability analysis. This assessment was a cooperative effort between the safety engineering design team at the Division of Safety Research of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; a ROPS manufacturer; and a zero-turn riding mower manufacturer. Design features are being incorporated into the prototype AutoROPS to address hazards encountered in normal use of these machines.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Use of RateMyProfessors.com Data as a Supplemental Tool for the Assessment of General Chemistry Instruction

Commercial online instructor evaluations have gained traction in influencing students’ decisions on professor and course selections at universities. RateMyProfessors.com (RMP) is the most popular of such evaluation tools and houses a wealth of information from the students’ viewpoint. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RMP data could be used to analyze and inform general chemistry instruction at a particular institution. The entire RMP database for the general chemistry program was sampled to produce a subset of 60 random RMP entries from six instructors. Each entry was composed of ratings in several areas and open-ended comments. The quantitative RMP data were consistent with measures from the institutional Student Evaluation of Instruction forms corresponding to the same instructors. In addition, a survey investigating RMP use patterns demonstrated that general chemistry students who contributed to RMP were not significantly different from the rest of the cohort across seven academic and...
Evaluating significance: comments on “size matters”

Abstract The authors argue that economics as a science is held back through the use of “asterisk” reporting. We concur that many authors do a poor job at disseminating their results, however consider the call to reject the tools a little overblown. The tools are very useful for many of the most important parts of economics as a science, such as testing theories. Also, the argument that poor reporting holds back science is made through showing that the ‘X’ variable is low, not that it has the impact on the ‘Y’ of scientific progress. The impact may be zero and insignificant!
THE NATURE OF PERSONAL FREEDOM

For there is a struggle for human freedom to be waged not only against external centers of irresponsible power but against those equally irresponsible internal forces which in varying degrees dominate the mind and heart of every man. Because of them, man may be free politically and economically, yet deeply enslaved. He can be free of all arbitrary external controls, yet live under the power ol internal compulsions which make of him an automaton: insatiable in his needs, inflexible in his methods, and incapable of learning intellectually or of maturing emotionally through experience. Because of these inner processes, man may be an absolute monarch or a constitutionally elected president, an abstract artist or a precise scientist, a criminal or a clergyman, yet not possess the greatest of all freedoms–the freedom to change.1
The ultrastructure of degenerating rat sciatic nerves.

Abstract 1. (1). Following the complete division of a peripheral nerve within the distal stump both Schwann cells and endoneurial fibroblasts develop cytoplasmic vacuoles which are probably fragments of myelin. 2. (2). Intact nonmyelinated axons are found in the distal segment of divided nerves for at least four weeks. 3. (3) Some distintegration of myelin fragments occurs extracellularly within the endoneurial compartments.
Large-area interdigitated array microelectrodes for electrochemical sensing

Abstract Advanced photolithography developed for the semiconductor industry has been used to fabricate interdigitated microelectrode arrays that pass steady-state limiting currents of up to 230 nA/μM analyte — 2.5 times more than the most sensitive interdigitated array built to date, and exhibit response times of ∼5 ms. This performance results from the small interelectrode gap and the large active area of the device (4 mm2), a combination enabled by advanced photolithography. We describe the fabrication of these arrays and the characterization of their performance in two environments: an aqueous solution of Ru(NH3)63+ and a dinitrotoluene solution in acetonitrile. The scaling of array performance parameters with device dimensions is also presented.
Prosodic, Paralinguistic, and Interactional Features in Parent-Child Speech: English and Spanish.

Parents employ a special register when speaking to young children, containing features that mark it as appropriate for children who are beginning to acquire their language. Parental speech in English to 5 children (ages 0; 9â€“1; 6) and in Spanish to 4 children (ages 0; 8â€“1; 1 and 1; 6â€“1; 10) was analysed for the presence and distribution of these features. Thirty-four paralinguistic, prosodic, and interactional features were identified, and rate measures and proportions indicated developmental patterns and differences across languages. Younger children received a higher rate of features that marked affect; older children were addressed with more features that marked semantically meaningful speech. English-speaking parents relied comparatively more on paralinguistic and affective features, whereas Spanish-speaking parents used comparatively more interactional features. Despite these differences, there was a high degree of similarity across parents and languages for the most frequently occurring features.
Evaluation of the Acid-Cleavable Isotope-Coded Affinity Tag Reagents: Application to Camptothecin-Treated Cortical Neurons

The new generation of isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) reagents have been evaluated by labeling an equimolar amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with ICAT-12C9 and ICAT-13C9, combining the mixtures, digesting them with trypsin and analyzing the digestate both by μRPLC-tandem MS and by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) TOF/TOF MS. The use of 13C in place of 2H resulted in both of the labeled peptides having identical elution characteristics in a reversed-phase separation. This similarity in elution allows ICAT-labeled peptides to be effectively analyzed using a μRPLC−MALDI−MS strategy as well. All of the cysteinyl-containing tryptic peptides from BSA were identified with only a 10% variation in the relative abundance measurements between the light and heavy versions of each peptide. A facile method for the removal of contaminants that arise from the cleaved biotin moiety that otherwise interfere with downstream separations and MS analysis has also been developed. The new ICAT reagents w...
On the Convergence of Informational Cascades

This paper investigates the problem of information aggregation in a sequential action model. In a model in which agents sequentially take actions after observing the action history and a private signal, an informational cascade is defined as an event in which the sequence of actions converges to a limit and a fully revealing informational cascade is defined as an event in which the sequence converges to a limit which is optimal under the true state. The necessary and sufficient condition for the occurrence of a fully revealing informational cascade almost everywhere is established. The necessary and sufficient condition is interpreted using the characterization in Milgrom [Econometrica47 (1979), 679–688] and McKelvey and Page (Econometrica54 (1986), 109–127]. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C44. D81, D83.
Disopyramide: Evaluation of electrophysiologic effects and clinical efficacy in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation

The efficacy of disopyramide in the management of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) was evaluated in 50 patients by programmed ventricular stimulation: 38 patients had coronary artery disease (16 with left ventricular aneurysm), 8 had other cardiac diseases, and 4 had no apparent heart disease. Disopyramide was administered orally for 72 hours (dosage 400 to 1,600 mg/day), resulting in a plasma level of 3.6 ± 1.2 μg/ml (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). Disopyramide prevented induction of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias in 17 patients (34%) and failed to prevent induction in 33 patients (66%). Plasma levels were not significantly different regardless of response to disopyramide. The VT cycle length in patients responding to disopyramide was shorter than in nonresponding patients (225 ± 51 ms versus 281 ± 70 ms, p = 0.005). Disopyramide increased VT cycle length in those patients in whom it was ineffective (failed to prevent induction) from 281 ± 70 ms to 347 ± 64 ms (p Of the 17 patients in whom tachyarrhythmias were noninducible on disopyramide, 11 were discharged on disopyramide and followed up for 19 ± 9 months; 9 of them remained free of VT. Heart failure developed in 2 of these patients. One other patient in whom disopyramide was ineffective had irreversible heart failure and died. It is concluded that disopyramide (1) prevents induction of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in one third of patients studied and remains clinically effective in approximately 80%, (2) is more frequently effective in rapid tachycardias, (3) prolongs the VT cycle length when ineffective, and (4) may produce marked hemodynamic embarrassment in patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction.
Genetic Counselors and Health Literacy: The Role of Genetic Counselors in Developing a Web-Based Resource About the Affordable Care Act

The Western States Genetic Services Collaborative (WSGSC) recognized the need for clear and understandable information about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for families throughout the life course. The genetic counselors working in the WSGSC developed, tested, and implemented a web resource ( http://www.westernstatesgenetics.org/ACA_home.htm ) to help families navigate information about the ACA tailored to their life situation. The training and experience of genetic counselors provide the skills needed to translate complicated information, like that of the ACA, into formats that the general public can comprehend. The website went public in October 2013, and it has been positively received. The development of this website is a good case study in how genetic counseling skills can be applied to public health education and improving health literacy.
Ionic additions of phenols to perfluorovinyl ethers

Abstract Phenols react with perfluorovinyl ethers (e.g. 1a–c) in the presence of base to give ethers 2 in high yield. No unsaturated products from addition-elimination are produced, in contrast to well known additions of nucleophiles to perfluoro-α-olefins. The aryl fluoroalkyl ethers have good solubility in polar organic solvents, presumably due to hydrogen bonding by the hydrogen in the fluoroalkyl ether chain. The 1H NMR chemical shift of this hydrogen is significantly affected by solvent. Phenols react selectively with the vinyl group in the ester vinyl ether 1c without affecting the sensitive ester function. The resulting fluorinated esters are readily reduced to fluoroalcohols from which a variety of novel acrylate and methacrylate polymers have been prepared. Aryl halofluorovinyl ethers 3 can also be obtained in excellent yield by conducting the addition reaction in the presence of a positive halogen source. ArOCF2CFXORf 3, X = Cl, Br
Communication, satisfaction, and emotional exhaustion among child care center staff: Directors, teachers, and assistant teachers

This study examined emotional exhaustion in relation to job satisfaction, communication within the center, and background variables among child care directors, teachers, and assistant teachers. A total of 544 child care center staff, including 108 directors, 316 teachers, and 120 assistant teachers participated. Results of regression analyses indicated that satisfactions with working conditions and the work itself were related to lower emotional exhaustion in directors, teachers, and teaching assistants. Staff meetings focusing on child guidance and staff development issues were related to increased job satisfaction for all three groups. The findings of this study suggest that staff meetings, which provide opportunities for communication centering on child guidance and staff development, foster satisfaction and indirectly buffer against emotional exhaustion.
Incomplete dosage compensation for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in human embryos and newborns.

IN man, dosage compensation is achieved by random genetic inactivation of one X chromosome in each female cell early in embryonic life1; all descendants of this X chromosome then remain genetically inactive. The inactive X chromosome is late replicating and manifests itself as a sex chromatin body in the interphase somatic nuclei of females2,3. Because sex chromatin appears in human embryos approximately 12 days after conception4, it is presumed—although not certain—that X inactivation (Lyonization)5 occurs at this time. All human X-linked loci which have been tested hitherto have shown evidence of dosage compensation1. It is significant, however, that with one exception all these studies have been on older children or adults. A problem with the Lyon hypothesis is the existence of clinical abnormalities, particularly those of a non-sex-related nature, in patients with an abnormal number of X chromosomes. It suggests1,6 either that great damage can be done to human development by an abnormal number of X chromosomes before X-inactivation or that at least some X-linked loci must escape dosage compensation to a significant extent. This study supports the latter concept.
Remarks on the Classical and Quantum-Mechanical Treatment of Partial Polarization*

The methods for the convenient treatment of partial polarization are discussed. In particular, it is shown (1) how to introduce the “Stokes parameters” and the “Poincare sphere” representation in a direct phenomenological way; (2) how an idealized experimental procedure may illustrate the physical analysis of partial polarization; (3) how the Stokes parameter representation fits naturally into the quantum theory of radiation; (4) how the Stokes method applies to Compton scattering.
Charisma under crisis revisited: Presidential leadership, perceived leader effectiveness, and contextual influences☆

Abstract This study investigates the influence of crisis on leader use of charismatic rhetoric. We examine leader charismatic rhetoric across two major crises, longitudinally exploring potential long-term influences of charismatic rhetoric on perceptions of leader effectiveness. Using an inductive approach to theory generation, we draw upon findings from the data analysis of eight charismatic rhetoric constructs (collective focus, temporal orientation, followers' worth, similarity to followers, values and moral justifications, tangibility, action, and adversity) to advance propositions regarding potential time and ceiling effects of charismatic rhetorical leadership on followers. Additionally, we discuss the relationships between characteristics of the crisis and the use of charismatic rhetorical leadership. In doing so, we identify potential boundary conditions for the use of charismatic rhetoric (as an element of charismatic leadership) within the context of different crises.
Compatibility in binary blends of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers

The compatibilization by transesterification of aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polyesters (Ar-TLCP's) and TLCP's containing aliphatic ethylene-terephthalate (ET) linkages has been studied. Three Ar-TLCP's were mixed with two p(ET/HBA)'s, each having different extents of blockiness, to form a series of binary blends (Bin-TLCP's). The morphology and physical properties of the resultant Bin-TLCP's depend on the block structures, compositions, viscosities, and susceptibility to transesterification of the components. In this work, the influence of TLCP block structure and transesterification on the compatibility of the components of the Bin-TLCP's is described.
Action /spl ne/ reaction? [Newton's third law]

The author discusses Newton's third law with respect to the EM force between two moving charged particles.
The Relationship Between Gulf War Illness, Brain N-acetylaspartate, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

ABSTRACTA previous study (Haley RW, Marshall WW, McDonald GG, Daugherty MA, Petty F, Fleckenstein JL: Brain abnormalities in Gulf War syndrome: evaluation with 1H MR spectroscopy. Radiology 2000; 215: 807–817) suggested that individuals with Gulf War Illness (GWI) had reduced quantities of the neuronal marker N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in the basal ganglia and pons. This study aimed to determine whether NAA is reduced in these regions and to investigate correlations with other possible causes of GWI, such as psychological response to stress in a large cohort of Gulf War veterans. Individuals underwent tests to determine their physical and psychological health and to identify veterans with (n = 81) and without (n = 97) GWI. When concentrations of NAA and ratios of NAA to creatine- and choline-containing metabolites were measured in the basal ganglia and pons, no significant differences were found between veterans with or without GWI, suggesting that GWI is not associated with reduced NAA in these regions. Vet...
Characterization of the emulsion phase in fine particle fluidized beds

Abstract The emulsion phase in fine particle fluidized beds was characterized by the tensile strength and plastic deformation coefficients. The influence of the emulsion characteristics on the quality of fluidization was experimentally investigated. The results show that the less rigid the structure of the emulsion phase, the more homogeneous the fluidization system is.
Commercialization of genetically engineered plants

Abstract The past year has seen significant progress in accelerating plant biotechnology towards commercialization. Highlights include identification and confirmation of the performance of plant biotechnology products and extensive discussions on the regulatory processes and requirements for commercialization.
Lymph node yield at radical cystectomy predicts mortality in node-negative and not node-positive patients

Objective To better define the relationship between lymph node count and survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer by identifying and controlling for key confounding variables in a large population-based cohort. Considerable controversy remains regarding the correlation between node count and survival, and most prior analyses have not accounted for both patient and provider factors. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database was used to identify patients with urothelial bladder carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy from 1992 to 2006. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on the presence or absence of nodal metastases, and we performed Cox regression analyses to evaluate the association between node count and survival. Covariates included age, Charlson comorbidity index, stage, grade, lymph node density, number of positive nodes, urinary diversion, chemotherapy, year of surgery, transfusion, and surgeon volume. Results The cohort consisted of 2391 node-negative and 779 node-positive patients. In node-negative patients, individuals with low node counts had significantly worse overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) compared to the highest node count tertile. In node-positive patients, node count was not an independent predictor of OS or DSS. Conclusion Lymph node count at radical cystectomy is associated with both OS and DSS in patients without nodal metastases. However, in patients with node-positive disease, node count is not an independent predictor of survival suggesting that it is likely a proxy for other patient and provider factors in these individuals.
Rapid loss of nicotine-cholinergic receptor binding activity in the deafferented avian optic lobe.

Summary The levels of α-bungarotoxin (α-BuTX) sensitive receptor sites were investigated in the optic lobe after optic deafferentation in the neonatal and adult chicken. Within two days a 30% loss of α-BuTX binding sites per optic lobe is observed in the neonatal chick after enucleation. The results are similar with the adult chicken in experiments where the receptor binding activity is measured in the optic lobe and in the optic tectum after enucleation. The possibility that acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in the vertebrate retinotectal pathway is discussed.
Polarization-independent LiTaO/sub 3/ guided-wave electrooptic switches

Polarization-independent LiTaO/sub 3/ optical switches that utilize the off-diagonal electrooptic coefficient r/sub 51/ are discussed. The waveguides are formed by Zn vapor diffusion. Interguide transfer efficiencies of 84 and 88% for TM and TE polarizations, respectively, have been obtained. Modulation efficiency of 99.8% for TM and 95% for TE have been demonstrated at nearly equal voltages by thermally tuning to 20 degrees C. The relatively high voltage-length product (30-35 V-cm) attained in these initial devices at a 0.633- mu m wavelength is attributed to a weak overlap between optical and electrical fields in the periodic electrode structure. >
Conducting Well-Controlled Ion Irradiations To Understand Neutron Irradiation Effects In Materials

A firm understanding of the effect of radiation on materials is required to develop predictive models of materials behavior in‐reactor and provide a foundation for creating new, more radiation‐tolerant materials. Ion irradiation can serve this purpose for nuclear reactor components and is becoming a key element of materials development for advanced nuclear reactors. Ion irradiations can be conducted quickly, at low cost, and with precise control over irradiation temperature, temperature uniformity, dose rate, dose uniformity and total dose. During proton irradiations the 2σ (twice the standard deviation) of the sample temperature is generally below ∼7 °C, the dose rate variation ∼3%, the dose uncertainty ∼3%, and there is an excellent temperature and dose uniformity across the irradiated area. In this article, we describe the experimental setup and irradiation procedure used to conduct well‐controlled ion irradiations at the University of Michigan.A firm understanding of the effect of radiation on materials is required to develop predictive models of materials behavior in‐reactor and provide a foundation for creating new, more radiation‐tolerant materials. Ion irradiation can serve this purpose for nuclear reactor components and is becoming a key element of materials development for advanced nuclear reactors. Ion irradiations can be conducted quickly, at low cost, and with precise control over irradiation temperature, temperature uniformity, dose rate, dose uniformity and total dose. During proton irradiations the 2σ (twice the standard deviation) of the sample temperature is generally below ∼7 °C, the dose rate variation ∼3%, the dose uncertainty ∼3%, and there is an excellent temperature and dose uniformity across the irradiated area. In this article, we describe the experimental setup and irradiation procedure used to conduct well‐controlled ion irradiations at the University of Michigan.
Isolation and mass spectral identification of blood metabolities of cyclophosphamide: Evidence for phosphoramide mustard as the biologically active metabolite

Thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to isolate and identify cyclophosphamide metabolites present in blood of mice. Blood was removed 5, 15, 30 and 45 minutes after intraperitoneal administration and extracted with chloroform followed by methanol. Thin-layer chromatography of the two extracts and the residual solid with or without prior methylation, collection of resulting alkylating components, determination of radioactivity and mass spectral analysis, served to identify cyclophosphamide, 4-ketocyclophosphamide, alcophosphamide, N-dechloroethylcyclophosphamide, carboxyphosphamide, phosphoramide mustard and nor-HN2. The absence of detectable levels of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide or aldophosphamide in the blood of cyclophosphamide-treated mice suggests that cyclophosphamide is converted rapidly in the liver to carboxyphosphamide, 4-ketocyclophosphamide, phosphoramide mustard and nor-HN2. Direct administration of synthetic 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide to mice and extraction of blood with chloroform demonstrated the recovery of this metabolite in vivo. Analysis of extracts of blood from mice treated with phosphoramide mustard indicated the presence of nor-HN2, 3-(2-chloroethyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one and unchanged drug. Consideration of blood levels, cytotoxicity and alkylating activity of metabolites identified in, or inferred from, this study, implicates phosphoramide mustard as a leading candidate for the biologically active form of cyclophosphamide.
Teaching Residents Genomic Pathology: A Novel Approach for New Technology

Genomics-based diagnostics have become part of patient care. As pathologists have the expertise in clinical laboratory testing as well as access to patient samples, all genomic medicine is genomic pathology. This article will review the evidence that there is a critical need for pathology resident training in genomics. Several individual program curricula are described as well as the progress of the Training Residents in Genomic (TRIG) Working Group. This group has made significant advances towards developing, implementing and evaluating a national curriculum in genomics for pathology residents. The novel approach of the TRIG Working Group can be used as a model for training pathology professionals in any new technology.
Imaging and detection of periodic, 5-100 Hz magnetic fields with epitaxial rare earth-iron garnet films

Sinusoidal magnetic fields with strengths as small as ~0.5 nT (RMS) and frequencies of 5 -100 Hz have been detected at room temperature by modulating the magneto-optical Kerr response of epitaxial rare earth-iron garnet films. Ferromagnetic nanoparticles with a mean size of 500 nm have also been detected in real time in a liquid flow stream at field strengths as low as 1 muT.
Perturbation of differentiated functions during viral infectionin Vivo I. Relationship of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and host strains to growth hormone deficiency

Disordered growth and glucose metabolism secondary to growth hormone deficiency is associated with persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. C3H/St, BALB/WEHI, and SWR/J mice infected at birth with LCMV:ARM carried virus in their blood and organs throughout life but only C3H/St mice developed growth hormone insufficiency. BALB/WEHI and SWR/J infected mice contained normal amounts of growth hormone in their pituitaries and a relatively small proportion of the cells containing growth hormone replicated the virus. In susceptible C3H/St mice, the disease-causing viral strains (LCMV:ARM, E-350, and Pasteur) replicated to higher titers and infected the vast majority of cells producing growth hormone in the anterior lobe of the pituitary. In contrast, LCMV strains Traub and WE replicated in far fewer growth hormone-producing cells and failed to disorder growth hormone synthesis. In another paper (Y. Riviere, R. Ahmed, P. Southern, and M. B. A. Oldstone (1985), Virology 142, 175-182) these findings are used to make reassortants between LCMV:ARM (disease positive) and LCMV:WE (disease nil) and the pathogenic effect is mapped to the small RNA segment of LCMV:ARM. Peptides cleaved by trypsin and chymotrypsin from growth hormone molecules isolated from infected cells or control cells were equivalent when examined by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Further, transfer of antibody to interferon failed to alter the growth hormone insufficiency in these mice, although it corrected LCMV-induced liver disease of BALB mice, suggesting that interferon did not play a dominant role in this disease. The selective tropism of LCMV:ARM for cells containing growth hormone over cells that contain prolactin was observed in both infected animals and in cultured GH-3 cells.
Water distribution patterns inside bovine articular cartilage as visualized by 1H magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Objective To develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to non-invasively map water volume fraction (WVF) in articular cartilage. Special emphasis was placed on spatial resolution and temporal considerations, aimed at creating a procedure feasible for eventual human studies. Design Absolute proton density MR images of intact, ex vivo bovine patellae were calculated from fully T 1 relaxed, short echo time images. This was accomplished through compensation for T 2 decay with calculated T 2 maps. Calibration of the signal intensity in the image was accomplished with the use of H 2 O:D 2 O phantoms, where the WVF was varied from 0.95 to 0.75. Application of the calibration curve to the entire image yielded images that represent WVF on a pixel by pixel basis. Calculations of water content by weight were performed by considering the density of the solid content. Results Using four echo time points, experiments comparing MR images from single-echo and multi-echo spin echo sequences yielded similar results. T 2 decreased with depth through the cartilage, with a maximum at the articular surface of approx 100ms, and a ∼50ms minimum at the bone/cartilage interface. The WVF through the depth of the cartilage showed a similar trend, decreasing from 0.9 at the surface, to 0.7 at the bone/cartilage interface. Translation to a weight percent yielded ∼86% weight at the surface, trending down to ∼63% at the bone/cartilage interface, with an average of 74.5% for five patellae. These MRI derived values were compared to the measured weight of water in excised cartilage plugs from the same patellae and showed remarkably close agreement. Conclusion We have demonstrated that MRI can non-invasively map WVF in cartilage in a pixel by pixel manner. This was accomplished in a time span that was clinically feasible, allowing the routine use of this method in a clinical setting. Moreover, this procedure employed standard MRI equipment and pulse sequences, avoiding the need for hardware modifications and using simple post processing methods. However, baseline studies need to be performed prior to incorporation into a standard radiological evaluation. Implications in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) are discussed.
Effects of methylmercury on neurotransmitter release from rat brain synaptosomes

Abstract Although the effects of methylmercury (MeHg) at the neuromuscular junction have been well characterized, similar studies employing CNS preparations and transmitters have been limited. We found that MeHg (0.5–5.0 μM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in the spontaneous release of [ 3 H]dopamine, γ-[ 3 H]aminobutyric acid, and [ 3 H]acetylcholine from synaptosomes isolated from rat brain striatum, cortex, and hippocampus, respectively. At these same concentrations MeHg did not attenuate calcium-dependent depolarization-evoked 3 H-transmitter release. MeHg did not appear to induce calcium influx into the nerve terminal since the increase in release persists in the absence of extrasynaptosomal calcium. The increase in spontaneous transmitter release induced by MeHg persisted in the presence of low extrasynaptosomal sodium, suggesting that MeHg's effects on release are not mediated by either Na + , K + -ATPase inhibition or selective increases in membrane sodium permeability. MeHg produced only a very small increase in 45 Ca efflux from synaptosomes preloaded with 45 Ca, whereas these same MeHg concentrations produced large increases in 45 Ca efflux from preloaded isolated mitochondria. MeHg did increase the efflux of [ 3 H]deoxyglucose phosphate from synaptosomes. An increase in the efflux of [ 3 H]deoxyglucose phosphate is believed to reflect an increase in neuronal membrane permeability. The quantitative and temporal aspects of the MeHg-induced [ 3 H]-deoxyglucose phosphate efflux were similar to those observed for MeHg-induced neurotransmitter release. These data suggest that the increase in spontaneous transmitter release induced by MeHg is mainly the result of transmitter leakage that occurs subsequent to MeHg-induced increases in synaptosomal membrane permeability. However, these results cannot exclude possible effects of MeHg on intrasynaptosomal calcium homeostasis.
Foliar flavonoids of North American Solanum section Solanum

Abstract A total of ten flavonoids, all flavonols, were isolated from leaves of eleven species of Solanum sect. Solanum . Most species had relatively few compounds, primarily quercetin 3- O -glycosides. Little intraspecific variation in flavonoids was observed, except in S. americanum were it correlated with previously recognized races. Flavonoid data are of little help in determining ancestries of polyploid species, but do rule out S. sarrachoides as a progenitor of S. villosum and S. nigrum . Solanum sarrachoides is unique among species examined in having free flavonoid aglycones as well as extensive 3- O -methoxylation.
Frequency weighting derived from power absorption of fingers–hand–arm system under zh-axis vibration

Abstract The objectives of this study are to derive the frequency weighting from three vibration power absorption (VPA) methods (finger VPA, palm VPA, and total or hand VPA), and to explore whether these energy methods are better than the currently accepted acceleration method. To calculate the VPA weightings, the mechanical impedance of eight subjects exposed to a broadband random vibration spectrum in the z h -axis using 18 combinations of hand couplings and applied forces was measured. The VPA weightings were compared with the frequency weighting specified in ISO 5349-1 [2001. Mechanical Vibration—Measurement and Evaluation of Human Exposure to Hand-Transmitted Vibration—Part 1: General Requirements. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland]. This study found that the hand and palm VPA weightings are very similar to the ISO weighting but the finger VPA weighting for the combined grip and push action is much higher than the ISO weighting at frequencies higher than 25 Hz. Therefore, this study predicted that the total power absorption of the entire hand–arm system is likely to be correlated with psychophysical response or subjective sensation. However, if the ISO weighting method cannot yield good predictions of the vibration-induced disorders in the fingers and hand, the hand and palm energy methods are unlikely to yield significantly better predictions. The finger VPA is a vibration measure between unweighted and ISO weighted accelerations. The palm VPA method may have some value for studying the disorders in the wrist–arm system.
Prion protein with an octapeptide insertion has impaired neuroprotective activity in transgenic mice

Familial prion diseases are due to dominantly inherited, germline mutations in the PRNP gene that encodes the prion protein (PrP). The cellular mechanism underlying the pathogenic effect of these mutations remains uncertain. To investigate whether pathogenic mutations impair a normal, physiological activity of PrP, we have crossed Tg(PG14) mice, which express PrP with an octapeptide insertion associated with an inherited prion dementia, with Tg(PrPΔ32–134) mice. Tg(PrPΔ32–134) mice, which express an N-terminally truncated form of PrP, spontaneously develop a neurodegenerative phenotype that is stoichiometrically reversed by coexpression of wild-type PrP. We find that, at equivalent expression levels, PG14 PrP is significantly less efficient than wild-type PrP in suppressing the development of clinical symptoms and neuropathology in Tg(PrPΔ32–134) mice. Thus, our results suggest that some features of the neurological illness associated with inherited PrP mutations may be attributable to a loss of PrP neuroprotective function. This mechanism stands in contrast to the toxic gain-of-function mechanisms that are usually invoked to explain the pathogenesis of dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorders.
Scaling the Pyramid: A Sociolegal Model of Employment Discrimination Litigation

This chapter develops a sociolegal model of employment discrimination law in the United States. It addresses two competing characterizations of employment discrimination law: that it is an increasingly powerful and costly system of enforceable rights, on one hand, or a weak system that has largely symbolic effects, on the other. After articulating a legal constructionist framework for a systemic analysis of discrimination law, we summarize key developments in formal law, synthesize research on workplace discrimination, and analyze filings and dispositions data on discrimination litigation in federal courts from 1990–2001. When we apply Miller and Sarat’s concept of the pyramid of disputes (1981) to these data we see the system of discrimination litigation differently. While the most visible aspects of the system sustain an expansive view of discrimination law, the vast gulf between the base of potential discrimination claims and the small proportion of cases that receive favorable legal treatment supports the opposite view. A sociolegal model thus raises important avenues for new empirical study and begins to redefine the current debate. Rather than ask why there are so many discrimination claims, perhaps we should ask why there are so few?
Laser Therapy for Open Angle Glaucoma

Fort-five phakic eyes with open angle glaucoma received argon laser therapy to the trabecular meshwork (laser goniotherapy). The average IOP dropped from 27.5 to 20.3 mm Hg in 22 eyes that were followed up for seven to fourteen months. Tonographic data obtained from 13 eyes prior to and approximately one month after laser treatment demonstrated a 50% increase in the facility of aqueous outflow. Several eyes experienced hypertensive episodes following treatment, in which the IOP increased as high as 60 mm Hg on one occasion. Two eyes developed prolonged uveitis with peripheral anterior synechiae formation. Laser goniotherapy appears to be a beneficial mode of therapy for open angle glaucoma in many patients. Longer follow-up is needed, however, and its role in secondary and aphakic glaucomas needs to be defined.