Diagnostic delay and related factors in women with breast cancer

Experiments were undertaken in order to verify whether or not a strong magnetic field would have any biological effects on the cell growth, viability and radiation response of mammalian cells. Magnetic field exposures were conducted using a superconducting magnet with freshly-isolated human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes maintained at their normal growing temperature of 37 degrees C. The static magnetic fields with intensities up to 6.3-tesla (T) exerted little influence on the cell growth and viability of actively-growing T-lymphocytes under normal cell-culture conditions. On the other hand, the T cells exposed to the magnetic fields (4 T-6.3 T) during PHA stimulation were inhibited in their cell growth when compared to controls. The effects of the magnetic fields with intensities up to 2 T on cell growth properties, however, were minimal in this system. Also, the radiosensitivity of T-lymphocytes previously exposed to the strong magnetic fields was more sensitive than that of control cells. These results suggest that exposure to a static magnetic field of 4 T or stronger might lead to physiological and growth abnormalities at the cellular level.     

面向风电消纳的铝电解槽电磁场特性研究

针对铝电解消纳风电过程中物理场将发生非线性变化的现状,建立针对消纳风电的铝电解槽电磁场模型,并开展了消纳电流为设计电流的25%、20%、15%、10%和5%五种情况下的电磁场计算。结果表明,槽电压随着消纳的幅度增加而增加,同时铝液层水平电流密度亦存在相应变化,但电场整体趋势未变,各部分压降均在合理水平;此外,随着消纳风电量的增加,槽内磁场极值与均值都会相应增加,但整体的磁场分布规律未发生大幅波动,电解槽依然可以维持在稳定状态,从而保证在消纳风电过程中,电解槽内磁流体的稳定性,为其平稳消纳提供先天条件。     

2D Measurements of Magnetic Field near an Oscillating Interface between Two Fluids Carrying an Electrical Current

An experimental technique is presented to measure two‐dimensional magnetic fields outside a cylindrical cell containing two electrically conducting fluids as the primary step of magnetic field tomography (MFT). The magnetic field is induced by a direct current through the fluids. Under a periodic, vertical vibration driven by a pneumatic shaker, Faraday instabilities are generated, which lead to a series of non‐axisymmetrical wave modes, and the non‐axisymmetrical interface shape introduces a perturbation to the magnetic field which can be measured by eight two‐dimensional fluxgate sensors fixed concentrically and uniformly around the cell. The original signals from the sensors are collected by a Keithley data acquisition board and processed by fast Fourier transform (FFT). The amplitude and frequency of the magnetic flux density are extracted successfully. Based on the measured magnetic field distribution, the maximum of the interface displacement is reconstructed by an evolutionary strategy, which is in good agreement with the optical measurement. This MFT system can be applied to study the interface movements in aluminium reduction cells, in iron/steel making, in glass melts, and in other electromagnetic processing of materials.     

Progress in Research on Solidification in a Strong Static Magnetic Field

Strong magnetic fields available from superconducting magnets are opening a way to new phenomena that could lead to new methods in materials processing including solidification. The principal research involving solidification in strong static magnetic fields is emphasizing four aspects: control of crystal orientation, convection damping, thermoelectric magnetohydrodynamics (TEMHD) and change in thermodynamics. Under high magnetic intensity, aligned structural textures are induced in both magnetic and non‐magnetic materials. Since in strong magnetic field the melt flow is suppressed by convection damping, the microstructure being formed during solidification is affected heavily; this phenomenon applies to eutectic, monotectic and peritectic alloys as well as to dendritic morphologies typical of directional solidification. If strength and orientation of a magnetic field are controlled appropriately, this strong damping effect will generate more homogeneous crystals as a result of achieving diffusion‐controlled solute transport conditions. TEMHD more easily occurs in strong magnetic fields, resulting in equiaxed crystals even under directional solidification. It is evidenced experimentally and theoretically that the thermodynamics of phase transformation and nucleation are changed by strong magnetic fields.     

Perspectives of application of anti-CD4 antibodies in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Escherichia coli JM83 [F- ara delta(lac-proAB) rpsL [phi 80d delta (lacZ)M15]] in midlog growth phase at 30 degrees C were exposed to 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field of 3 mT of nonuniform diverging flux, inducing a nonuniform electric field with a maximum intensity of 32 microV/cm using an inductor coil. Exposed and unexposed control cells were maintained at 30.8 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 30.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C, respectively. Quadruplicate samples of exposed and unexposed E. coli cells were simultaneously radiolabeled with 35S-L-methionine at 10 min intervals over 2 hr. Radiochemical incorporation into proteins was analyzed via liquid scintillation counting and by denaturing 12.5% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results showed that E. coli exposed to a 60 Hz magnetic field of 3 mT exhibited no qualitative or quantitative changes in protein synthesis compared to unexposed cells. Thus small prokaryotic cells (less than 2 microns x 0.5 micron) under constant-temperature conditions do not alter their protein synthesis following exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields at levels at 3 mT.     

Effects of High Magnetic Fields on the Distribution and Alignment of Primary Phases in an Al-12Si-11.8Mg-6.5Ti Alloy

Al-12Si-11.8Mg-6.5Ti alloy samples were solidified in high magnetic fields with various magnetic field gradients. The effects of high magnetic fields on the distribution and alignment of primary phases in the alloys were investigated. It was found that the uniform magnetic field could improve the homogeneity of the primary Mg₂Si, whereas the magnetic field gradient caused the two-layer core grains ((Al,Si)₃Ti and Ti₅Si₄) to segregate at certain regions of the samples depending on the magnetic field gradient direction. The primary (Al,Si)₃Ti strips were oriented with their c axes perpendicular to the magnetic field direction and aligned with their long axes along the magnetic field direction. The changes in the distribution of the primary Mg₂Si and two-layer core grains were caused by the Lorentz force and magnetic force, which could counteract and cause the migration of these phases, respectively. The alignment of the primary (Al,Si)₃Ti could be attributed to the combination of the magnetic orientation and solute redistribution.     

VAR炉熔炼过程中磁场作用的分析

针对VAR炉的结构特点,探讨了真空自耗熔炼过程中磁场产生的原因及其在熔化区域分布的规律;分析了VAR熔炼过程中存在的3种主要磁场,即熔化电流自生的水平磁场、外加的纵向磁场和VAR炉自身及周围铁质结构件产生的杂散磁场,对熔炼过程及铸锭质量的影响。     

Primary hepatic carcinoid tumor

A case of primary carcinoid tumor arising in the liver of a 69 year old woman with no endocrine symptoms is reported. Histopathologically, the tumor was diagnosed initially as a hepatocellular carcinoma in the biopsy specimen, and was shown subsequently to be a carcinoid tumor, demonstrating diffuse positive staining with Grimelius method. Mucin stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian-blue, and mucicarmine, and was shown partially in the glandular structures. Immunohistochemically, most of the tumor cells stained positively for chromogranin-A, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and neuron specific enolase (NSE). Ultrastructural examination revealed electron-dense core granules, measuring 40-120 nm in diameter in some of the tumor cells. Intensive and careful searches pre- and post-operatively revealed no other primary source of tumor other than the liver. The patient was reported well with no symptoms 3 1/2 years after the operation. This case is considered to be a primary hepatic carcinoid tumor. The recent literature is reviewed, and the possible histogenesis of hepatic carcinoid tumor is discussed.     

Fifty-Hertz magnetic field exposures of premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit

In this study the magnetic flux density in and around incubators of a neonatal intensive care unit was registered and mapped. The mean 50-Hz magnetic flux densities in an incubator were typically in the range of 0.2-1 microT, with maximum values around 1.5 microT. For 1 incubator, harmonics contributed to the field substantially. The field levels varied depending on the type of equipment, the positioning of the electronics and the position of the 240-volt main plugs. The positioning of the infant in the incubator and the precise mattress position in the incubator affected the magnetic flux density to a great extent, as did the positioning of the electronic monitoring and treatment equipment. The flux density values found were fairly low as compared to magnetic field levels present at some work places where high electric currents are used. In intensive care units, however, the duration of exposure can be very long, especially for premature infants. The fields can also be compared with the magnetic field levels of residences and are then approximately 100 times higher. Further studies are necessary -it seems important to record magnetic fields and attempt to reduce the levels. Such a reduction can be achieved by reducing the field from the incubators but also by changing the electronic equipment around the incubators or increasing the distance to the incubator. Further research should of course also study any mechanism by which magnetic fields can affect cells and organisms. Compared to the risks many of these infants are exposed to, it is difficult to say whether the magnetic field levels measured can represent a significant additional risk factor. However, this is an area where one should adopt a prudent avoidance strategy, particulary considering how easily these fields can be reduced, mainly through redesign of the various equipment.     

Out-patient hospice services--their importance for palliative care in Germany

Morphologic and morphometric sperm characteristics of mouse epididymal extracts from animals exposed to static magnetic fields were evaluated. For this purpose, animals were exposed for 35 days to a field of 0.7 T generated by a commercial permanent magnet for either 1 or 24 h per day. The values of morphometric parameters were obtained using the morphometric module of the Sperm Class Analyzer computerized image analysis system, and percentages of abnormalities were calculated. The size of sperm heads was unaffected by exposure to static magnetic fields. Lack of hook was a sperm head abnormality found significantly more frequently in animals exposed continually than in nonexposed animals, showing a possible alteration to the spermatogenic process after exposure to static magnetic fields. The percentage of sperm with coiled tails or of sperm with abnormal midpiece or tail was not altered by exposure.     

The significance of neuron specific enolase levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum after experimental traumatic brain damage

In the posttraumatic period, measurement of neural tissue enzymes in serum and cerebrospinal fluid gives quantitative information about the severity of the head injury. In our study, we evaluated the relationship between the serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of neuron specific enolase and the severity of trauma. Head traumas at different severity were applied experimentally (Mild 0.038 N, Moderate 0.057 N, Severe 0.3 N). Serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of neuron specific enolase were measured in trauma and control groups of rats. Only in the severe trauma group, the neuron specific enolase levels of cerebrospinal fluid were significantly increased. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when serum neuron specific enolase levels were evaluated. Our data leads us to conclude that trauma, causing significant neural damage, results in an increase in cerebrospinal fluid neuron specific enolase levels, however the serum neuron specific enolase levels do not seem to run parallel with that increase.     

Inconsistent suppression of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and serum melatonin levels in rats exposed to pulsed DC magnetic fields

The purpose of these experiments was to determine whether the exposure of rats at night to pulsed DC magnetic fields (MF) would influence the nocturnal production and secretion of melatonin, as indicated by pineal N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity (the rate limiting enzyme in melatonin production) and pineal and serum melatonin levels. By using a computer-driven exposure system, 15 experiments were conducted. MF exposure onset was always during the night, with the duration of exposure varying from 15 to 120 min. A variety of field strengths, ranging from 50 to 500 microT (0.5 to 5.0 G) were used with the bulk of the studies being conducted using a 100 microT (1.0 G) field. During the interval of DC MF exposure, the field was turned on and off at 1-s intervals with a rise/fall time constant of 5 ms. Because the studies were performed during the night, all procedures were carried out under weak red light (intensity of <5 microW/cm2). At the conclusion of each study, a blood sample and the pineal gland were collected for analysis of serum melatonin titers and pineal NAT and melatonin levels. The outcome of individual studies varied. Of the 23 cases in which pineal NAT activity, pineal melatonin, and serum melatonin levels were measured, the following results were obtained; in 5 cases (21.7%) pineal NAT activity was depressed, in 2 cases (8.7%) studies pineal melatonin levels were lowered, and in 10 cases (43.5%) serum melatonin concentrations were reduced. Never was there a measured rise in any of the end points that were considered in this study. The magnitudes of the reductions were not correlated with field strength (i.e., no dose-response relationships were apparent), and likewise the reductions could not be correlated with the season of the year (experiments conducted at 12-month intervals under identical exposure conditions yielded different results). Duration of exposure also seemed not to be a factor in the degree of melatonin suppression. The inconsistency of the results does not permit the conclusion that pineal melatonin production or release are routinely influenced by pulsed DC MF exposure. In the current series of studies, a suppression of serum melatonin sometimes occurred in the absence of any apparent change in the synthesis of this indoleamine within the pineal gland (no alteration in either pineal NAT activity or pineal melatonin levels). Because melatonin is a direct free radical scavenger, the drop in serum melatonin could theoretically be explained by an increased uptake of melatonin by tissues that were experiencing augmented levels of free radicals as a consequence of MF exposure. This hypothetical possibly requires additional experimental documentation.     

A new method for three-dimensional numerical simulation of electromagnetic and fluid-flow phenomena in electromagnetic separation of inclusions from liquid metal

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow around a suspended particle in a liquid metal subjected to electric and magnetic fields can affect the force exerted by the applied electromagnetic field on the particle. In this article, a novel approach to the computational simulation of three-dimensional nonlinear MHD flow in two-phase systems is proposed. The electromagnetic field in the conducting fluid, including the particle, is represented using the current-vector potential (T) and reduced magnetic scalar potential (Ψ) to avoid the discontinuity of the electric field at the fluid-particle interface. To avoid the solution of the electromagnetic field in free space and to account exactly for the electromagnetic field interactions with the fluid and the particle, the electric and magnetic fields are specified at the boundary of the fluid-flow domain using Ampere’s law. This formulation permits the numerical solution of the coupled electromagnetic and fluid-flow equations on a common mesh. The discretized equations are derived using a finite-element formulation, and an iterative procedure is described for the efficient solution of these equations. This method is used to investigate the electromagnetic and fluid-flow phenomena in electromagnetic separation of a nonconducting spherical particle in crossed uniform electric and magnetic fields at intermediate Hartmann numbers. The computed results show that the magnetic field has no effect on either the velocity field or the net force on the particle when the Hartmann number is less than 1. Beyond this threshold value of the Hartmann number, the velocity decreases almost linearly with increasing magnetic-field strength. The damping of the flow by the magnetic field manifests itself in a reduction of the separation force, even though it is relatively small for this system.     

Antitumor effect of a weak superlow frequency stochastic magnetic field with 1/f spectrum

Antiblastomic effect of low strength low frequency fluctuating magnetic field with 1/f power spectrum (1/f MF) analogous to spectra of normal biological fluctuations is studied experimentally. For the first time it is demonstrated that stabilization of cell-cell surface interactions as well as suppression of mitotic activity of malignant cells exposed to 1/f MF may result in considerable inhibition of cancer growth in animals. These effects were shown to be absent in weak low frequency magnetic fields with spectra other than 1/f.     

3-D Mathematical Modeling of the Effect of Shunt Plate Hole Distribution and Magnetic Field on Transport Phenomena Within DC Casting of Magnesium Alloy Slab

Due to the nonaxisymmetric feature of slabs, the macrotransport phenomena during direct chill (DC) casting are more complex than the macrotransport phenomena of round billets and are tightly associated with their dimensions, width-thickness ratio and even the structure of the shunt plate used to feed the melt to the slab edge. In the present research, aiming to find the desirable structure of the shunt plate and clarify how the form of the magnetic field (MF) affects the transport phenomena, a 3-D coupled mathematical model was set up and used to study the fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification characteristics during electromagnetic DC casting of a magnesium alloy slab with dimensions of 1200 mm (width) × 400 mm (thickness). The effects of the hole distribution of the shunt plate under MF or no MF and different forms of MF on the corresponding physical fields were studied systematically. The predicted results, including the Lorentz force distribution, macro-flow and temperature fields, cooling curve and sump depth, were presented and compared. The results indicated that reducing the holes facing the wide surface was helpful for obtaining desirable variations, such as more homogeneous melt flow and temperature fields, shallower sump depth and faster cooling rate. Using a specific out-of-phase pulsed magnetic field also promoted the above variations more than other forms of magnetic field.

     

Physiologic regeneration of corneal epithelium following exposure to constant magnetic fields of super-high intensity]

The mitotic index of mouse corneal epithelium was studied during and after 0.5-- 24 hours exposures to 9.9-39.4 kilooersteds constant magnetic fields. It was shown that 0.5, 1 and 3 hours exposures to a 39.4 kilooersteds constant magnetic field inhibited the mitotic activity whereas 8 and 24 hours exposures caused its stimulation. The value and rate of mitotic index alterations decrease with a decrease of field strength. No changes were found in the frequency of aberrant mitoses or in the number of cells per one field of microscopic vison.     

Behavior of Conducting Liquid within an Arc Furnace in a Vertical Magnetic Field

In a vertical magnetic field, bulk electromagnetic forces arise in conducting melt within the bath of a dc arc furnace. As a result, the melt is set in motion. The flow of slag and metal in the furnace bath may lead to effective mixing but may also have negative consequences, such as increased lining wear in the region of the hearth electrode. There has been little research on conductive mixing in the bath of a dc arc furnace. Theoretical concerns include the character of the flow in the bath under the action of magnetic fields of specific magnitude; practical considerations include the lack of simple and reliable sources of magnetic fields. In the present work, the utility of a transparent physical model in studying the flow of conducting liquid in an external vertical magnetic field is investigated. The applicability of the modeling results to processes in the 5-t bath of an industrial dc arc furnace is analyzed. It proves possible in principle to study the flow of conducting melt in external vertical magnetic fields on models based on transparent nonmetallic conducting liquids. The use of an aqueous solution of table salt permits assessment of the liquid velocity at its free surface and close to the hearth electrode by video recording. By physical modeling of the flow of conducting fluid in the bath under the action of an external vertical magnetic field, with different switching sequences of the hearth electrode and different currents in the bath, it is possible to establish the character of the liquid flow when the hearth electrode is at the center of the bath or somewhat displaced. The mean rate of liquid rotation in the horizontal plane is increased when the hearth electrode is at some distance from the bath axis. The strength of the vertical magnetic field producing conductive motion in the metal bath of a 5-t dc arc furnace is estimated: around 5 kA/m.     

Differential roles of p300 and PCAF acetyltransferases in muscle differentiation

To determine the possibility of discriminating multi-sources in the brain by 3D vector magnetic field measurement of a magnetoencephalogram (MEG), measurements were made of magnetic fields produced by two current dipoles implanted in a spherical head model. The 3D vector magnetic field measurements were made by using a 3D second-order gradiometer connected to three rf-SQUIDs, which can detect magnetic field components perpendicular to and tangential to the scalp. The MEG distribution measuring the magnetic field perpendicular to the scalp was not helpful in estimating the location and number of sources because of the lack of a dipole pattern. By referring to the MEG distribution measuring the magnetic field distribution tangential to the scalp, however, two current sources could be clearly discriminated in a spherical head model. It was found that this MEG distribution measuring tangential to the scalp could provide information on new constraint conditions for the calculation of inverse problems with multi-sources. These results were also confirmed by measurement of the mixed somatosensory evoked fields elicited by simultaneous electric stimulation to the median nerve and the thumb.     

Glutathione involvement on the intestinal Na+-dependent D-glucose active transporter

Glutathione and its related enzymes are present in intestinal epithelium. Depletion or alteration of glutathione levels have been related to different physiological and pathological conditions. Glutathione also seems to be related to the regulation of some protein activities. The present study, by in vivo experiments, shows a specific relationship between D-glucose Na+-dependent active transporter activity in rat intestine brush-border membranes and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio levels. Changes of the kinetic parameters show that an increase of this ratio is related to an increase of the affinity of glucose for its binding sites and a higher transport capacity of the transporter. Neither alteration in the activity of other substrate transport systems nor change in the specific activity of the key enzymes related to glutathione and glucose metabolism are found. These findings suggest the possibility that D-glucose transporter activity is modulated through the change in the redox status of glutathione.     

The role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis

The purpose of this study was to determine if 60 Hz magnetic fields can alter the clinical progression of leukemia in an animal model. Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia cells from spleens of leukemic rats were transplanted into young male Fischer 344 rats, producing signs of leukemia in approximately 2-3 months. The animals were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (108/group) as follows: 1) 10 G (1.0 mT) linearly polarized 60 Hz magnetic fields, 2) sham exposed [null energized unit with residual 20 mG (2 microT) fields], 3) ambient controls [<1 mG (0.1 [microT)], and 4) positive controls (a single 5 Gy whole body exposure to 60Co 4 days prior to initiation of exposure). All rats were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with 2.2 x 10(7) LGL leukemic cells at the initiation of exposure or sham exposure. The magnetic fields were activated for 20 h/day, 7 days/week, allowing time for animal care. The experimental fields were in addition to natural ambient magnetic fields. Eighteen rats from each treatment group were bled, killed, and evaluated at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 weeks of exposure. Peripheral blood hematological endpoints, changes in spleen growth, and LGL cell infiltration into the spleen and liver were measured to evaluate the leukemia progression. No significant or consistent differences were detected between the magnetic field exposed groups and the ambient control group, although the clinical progress of leukemia was enhanced in the positive control animals. These data indicate that exposure to sinusoidal, linearly polarized 60 Hz, 10 G magnetic fields did not significantly alter the clinical progression of LGL leukemia. Furthermore, the data are in general agreement with previous results of a companion repeated-bleeding study in which animals were exposed for 18 weeks.