Analysis of FHIT transcripts in cervical and endometrial cancers

We show that mammalian cells can be stably transfected by a mechanical loading procedure in which cells are forced through a small opening in the presence of DNA. A suspension of cells and plasmid DNA in growth medium was passed up and down through a 30-gauge needle attached to a 1-ml syringe. Cells were immediately plated at appropriate densities for subsequent selection for stable expression of a marker gene. Two rodent cell lines, Chinese hamster ovary and mouse Ltk- cells, were successfully transfected with an efficiency of about one transfectant per 5 x 10(4) cells. The human HeLa cell line was transfected with a somewhat lower efficiency. Pluronic F-68, a detergent believed to aid in healing of membrane injuries, had no beneficial effect when present during the loading procedure. Successful transfection was accomplished using three different genes as selectable markers. Southern blotting analysis revealed that transfectants contained one or very few copies of the introduced DNA construct integrated into the genome. Several transfectants were demonstrated to remain stable for more than 20 generations of growth in the absence of selection. This procedure is fast, economical, and of general utility.     

CMOS performance enhancement in Hybrid Orientation Technologies

Possible MOSFET performance enhancement by combining the hybrid-orientation technology (HOT) and process-induced local strain engineering is predicted for sub-45-nm CMOS technology nodes via technology CAD (TCAD) simulation. Mobility enhancements are modeled for both the hybrid orientation and process-induced local strain in CMOS technologies and are used in simulation. RF performance is investigated in detail and peak cutoff frequency, f _T of 524 GHz for n-MOSFETs and 239 GHz for p-MOSFETs are predicted from simulation.     

Quality Assessment of Mine Water in the Raniganj Coalfield Area,India

In a qualitative assessment of mine water from the Raniganj coalfield, 77 mine water samples were analyzed to assess water quality and suitability for domestic, industrial, and irrigation uses. The pH of the mine water ranged from 6.5 to 8.8. Total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged from 171 to 1,626 mg L⁻¹; spatial differences between the TDS values reflect variations in lithology, activities, and prevailing hydrological regime. The anion chemistry was dominated by HCO₃ ⁻ and SO₄ ²⁻. On average, Cl⁻ contributes 10 and 19% of the total anionic balance, respectively, in the Barakar and Raniganj Formation mine water. F⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ contribute <2% to the total anions. The cation chemistry is dominated by Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ in the mine water of the Barakar Formation and Na⁺ in the Raniganj Formation mines. Much of the mine water, especially of the Barakar Formation area, has high TDS, total hardness, and SO₄ concentrations. Concentrations of some trace metals (i.e. Fe, Cr, Ni) were found to be above the levels recommended for drinking water. However, the mine water can be used for irrigation, except at some sites, especially in the Raniganj Formation area, where high salinity, sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, and excess Mg restrict its suitability for agricultural uses.     

Intraventricular chemotherapy in neonatal meningitis

All of 16 infants with neonatal meningitis treated during a 30-month period were found to have accompanying ventriculitis at the time of the initial ventricular puncture. Fifteen of these infants were caused by gramm-negative organisms. All infants received antibiotics systemically and intraventricularly via an implanted ventriculostomy reservoir or by direct ventricular injection. Antibiotic concentrations within the ventricular fluid were monitored during chemotherapy; the complications encountered during treatment are discussed. Fifteen infants survived the infection; of these, seven infants were normal at follow-up examinations. In our experience intraventricular chemotherapy as an adjunct to systemic administration of antibiotics has greatly reduced the mortality rate in neonatal meningitis.     

Acute scrotal swelling in Henoch-Sch?nlein syndrome

Freeman-Sheldon's syndrome is a rare genetic disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait in some families but showing sporadic appearance in the majority of the reported cases. In the present paper we report a family having two affected children from normal consanguineous parents suggesting that Freeman-Sheldon's syndrome may be heterogeneous from the genetic point of view.