cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of the matrix metalloproteinase promatrilysin in coculture of prostate carcinoma cell lines.

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in tumor progression. Matrilysin (MMP-7) has been shown to be upregulated in prostatic carcinomas and can increase the invasive capacity of DU-145 cells. Because of the heterogenous nature of prostatic tumors, we examined promatrilysin expression in cocultures containing two different prostatic carcinoma cell lines, DU-145 and LNCaP. Methods Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses, promatrilysin expression was measured in DU-145/LNCaP cocultures and conditioned media cross-cultures. The effects of blocking IL-6 on promatrilysin expression were examined by pretreating conditioned media with IL-6 neutralizing antibody. Results A significant induction of promatrilysin expression was observed in DU-145/LNCaP cocultures compared to LNCaP cells alone. In addition, DU-145 conditioned medium induced the same fold induction of promatrilysin as was observed in the cocultures. LNCaP cell conditioned medium did not induce promatrilysin expression in DU-145 cells. Neutralization of IL-6 with neutralizing antibody abrogated DU-145 conditioned media induced promatrilysin expression to baseline levels. Conclusions IL-6 secreted by DU-145 cells can induce promatrilysin expression in LNCaP cells. IL-6, in vivo, may act as a paracrine signaling factor that regulates matrix metalloproteinase expression. Therefore, IL-6 may play a role in invasive metastatic processes of a prostate carcinoma. Prostate 48:206–209, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Some Effects of Cage and Floor Rearing on Commercial White Leghorn Pullets During Growth and the First Year of Egg Production

Abstract Cage and floor-pen rearing effects on body weights and livability of pullets of three White Leghorn commercial strains were compared during the rearing period. When variances of body weights were compared within strains at eight ages, greater variability was detected in 4 of 24 comparisons for caged pullets and in 3 of 24 comparisons for floor-pen pullets. Pullets reared in cages were heavier at 5, 11, and 19 wk of age. Livability scores did not differ for pullets in the two rearing environments. Differences in body weight, present among the three genetic stocks at most ages during the rearing period, diminished with age and were no longer present at 19 wk. No genetic stock × rearing environment interactions were evident for body weights during the rearing period. Carry-over effects from cage and floor pen rearing into the laying period were small and transient; pullets reared in cages attained sexual maturity .2 wk earlier and had 6% higher hen-housed egg production for the first 4-wk period. However, when compared for the full 48-wk laying period, no significant differences associated with rearing environments were found for livability, rate of lay, hen-housed egg production, egg weight, or egg mass. Although 32 g heavier when housed at 19 wk, cage-reared hens did not differ significantly in body weight from floor-pen reared hens at 20, 50, and 67 wk. Hens reared in cages had better feather scores at 60 to 63 wk of age, but no difference was evident at 75 to 78 wk. Although differences among the genetic stocks were present for productivity traits, nervousness, and feather coverage, genetic stock × rearing environment interactions were generally absent during the laying period.
The Role of CDP-Diacylglycerol Synthetase and Phosphatidylinositol Synthase Activity Levels in the Regulation of Cellular Phosphatidylinositol Content

The regulation of phosphatidylinositol synthesis was examined by cloning and expressing in COS-7 cells the human cDNAs encoding the two enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway. Human CDP-diacylglycerol synthetase (cds1) and phosphatidylinositol synthase (pis1) clones were identified in the human expressed sequence-tagged (EST) data base, and full-length cDNAs were obtained by library screening. The cds1 cDNA did not possess a recognizable mitochondrial import signal, and the activity of the expressed Cds1 protein was stimulated by nucleoside triphosphates in vitro, indicating that cds1 did not encode the mitochondrial-specific isozyme. There were two mRNA species (3.9 and 5.6 kilobases) detected on Northern blots hybridized with the cds1 probe that were expressed at distinctly different levels in various human tissues. Consistent with the presence of the two mRNAs, a cDNA predicted to encode a second human CDP-diacylglycerol synthetase (cds2) was also uncovered in the EST data base. In contrast to the two cds mRNAs, a single, 2.1-kilobase pis1 mRNA was uniformly expressed in all human tissues examined. Expression of the pis1 gene led to the overproduction of both phosphatidylinositol synthase and phosphatidylinositol:inositol exchange reactions, indicating that the Pis1 polypeptide catalyzed both of these activities. Phosphatase treatment of cell extracts abolished the CMP-independent phosphatidylinositol:inositol exchange reaction, and exchange activity was completely restored by the addition of CMP. Overexpression of cds1 or pis1 alone or in combination did not enhance the rate of phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis. Also, overexpression did not result in a significant proportional increase in the cellular levels of CDP-diacylglycerol or phosphatidylinositol. These data illustrate that the levels of Cds1 and Pis1 protein expression are not critical determinants of cellular PtdIns content and argue against a determining role for the activity of either of these enzymes in the regulation of PtdIns biosynthesis.
Comments on the paper by H. Miwa et al. ?the de Haas-van Alphen effect in a Kondo system?

Abstract The exchange-field contribution to spin-splitting of Landau levels observed in de Haas-van Alphen measurements is reduced, not increased, by the Kondo effect. Effects of Kondo scattering on the Dingle temperature are discussed with regard to magnetic-field-depreciation of the Kondo state.
Exploratory comparisons of alternative memory measures for brand name

Two experiments examined memory measures other than recall for use in advertising evaluations. In one experiment, an Ebbinghaus Savings Test was used as an indirect test to recover delayed memory for ad information when free recall was at floor levels. In a second experiment, a direct measure (recognition) and an indirect measure (word fragment completion) were compared in delayed tests. Processing levels affected recognition scores significantly, but no such effects were noted for word fragment completion. These results suggest that alternative awareness measures can provide important marketing research information. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Near-infrared spectroscopy

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a relatively new technology that offers the enormous advantage of making measurements in vivo of changes in cerebral hemodynamics and oxygenation. Because NIRS is noninvasive and portable, it can provide real-time measurements of these changes at the bedside. Thus NIRS is ideally suited to the study of many physiological and pathological processes affecting the brain, particularly in the infant or young child in the intensive care unit or operating room. This review outlines the basic principles, advantages, and limitations of the current state of NIRS technology. An emphasis is placed on the animal and clinical studies that are relevant to the field of child neurology, with an eye to the future evolution and potential applications of this promising technique.
Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assays for major histocompatibility complex B genotyping in chickens

We have developed a DNA-based method for defining MHC B system genotypes in chickens. Genotyping by this method requires neither prior determination of allele-specific differences in nucleotide sequence nor the preparation of haplotype-specific alloantisera. Allelic differences at chicken B-F (class I) and B-L (class II) loci are detected in PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assays. PCR primer pairs were designed to hybridize specifically with conserved sequences surrounding hypervariable regions within the two class I and two class I loci of the B-complex and used to generate DNA fragments that are heat- and formamide-denatured and then analyzed on nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels. PCR primer pairs were tested for the capacity to produce SSCP patterns allowing the seven B haplotypes in the MHC B congenic lines, and seven B haplotypes known to be segregating in two commercial broiler breeder lines to be distinguished. Primer pairs were further evaluated for their capacity to reveal the segregation of B haplotypes in a fully pedigreed family and in a closed population. Concordance was found between SSCP patterns and previously assigned MHC types. B-F and B-L SSCP patterns segregated in linkage as expected for these closely linked loci. We conclude that this method is valuable for defining MHC B haplotypes and for detecting potential recombinant haplotypes especially when used in combination with B-G (class IV) typing by restriction fragment pattern.
The physiology of dreaming.

This is a critical examination of present evidence concerning the physiological basis of dreaming. First reviewing accumulated knowledge about the rapid eye movement (REM) state, it emphasizes hazards of inference across species from the highly revealing neuro-physiological observations possible in lower animals to the only available source of information about the subjective experience of dreaming, i.e., human introspection. That gulf might be narrowed if more of the same findings obtained in laboratory cats could be extended to higher primates, where the surface manifestations of REM are almost indistinguishable from those of humans. The discussion next elaborates the complex chain of inference involved in any psychophysiological hypothesis about dreaming even within the realm of human studies. Considering the inherent limitations of applicable methods, physiological understanding of dreaming can only be presumptive. Despite so many uncertainties, the conclusion is drawn that the unique bodily condition of the REM state probably is a necessary physical basis for dreaming while by no means is it sufficient explanation.
Response Surface and Neural Network Techniques for Rocket Engine Injector Optimization

Theresponsesurfacemethodologyforrocketengineinjectordesignoptimizationforwhichonlymodestamounts of data may exist is examined. Two main aspects are emphasized: relative performance of quadratic and cubic polynomial response surfaces and enhancement of the e delity of the response surface via neural networks. A data set of 45 design points from a semi-empirical model for a shear coaxial injector element using gaseous oxygen and gaseous hydrogen propellants is used to formulate response surfaces using quadratic and cubic polynomials. This original data set is also employed to train a two-layered radial basis neural network (RBNN). The trained network is then used to generate additional data to augment the original information available to characterize the design space. Quadratic and cubic polynomials are again used to generate response surfaces for this RBNN-enhanced data set. The response surfaces resulting from both the original and RBNN-enhanced data sets are compared for accuracy. Whereas the cubic e t is superior to the quadratic e t for each data set, the RBNN-enhanced data set is capable of improving the accuracy of the response surface if noticeable errors from polynomial curve e ts are encountered. Furthermore, the RBNN-enhanced data set yields more consistent selections of optimal designs between cubic and quadratic polynomials. The techniques developed can be directly applied to injectordesign and optimization for rocket propulsion.
SCOOT Real-Time Adaptive Control in a CORSIM Simulation Environment

The manner in which the adaptive signal control system SCOOT (Split, Cycle, Offset Optimization Technique) has been connected to the CORSIM traffic simulation model is described. To demonstrate the connection, CORSIM simulates the traffic activity of a six-node traffic network under SCOOT's adaptive traffic signal control. CORSIM's "virtual detectors" provide the necessary data for SCOOT optimization in real time. In a completed loop, the optimized signal timing is then communicated from SCOOT to CORSIM, which implements the timing and updates the traffic simulation. This means that SCOOT is now functioning in an entirely simulated environment. A comparison of delay and travel time is presented for a six-intersection street network under SCOOT control and under fixed-time area control optimized with TRANSYT-7F. The results show reductions in delay and numbers of stops of 20 to 30 percent. Previously, the measurement of the benefit of adaptive control has been limited to evaluations of systems after implem...
Charmonium with improved Wilson fermions II: The spectrum

Abstract Using an improved fermion action to remove lattice spacing errors of O(a), we have calculated the charmonium spectrum. We show that after optimizing the ground state overlap using Coulomb gauge wave functions the ground state is reached after two time slices. We find for the J ψ − η c mass splitting m J ψ − m η c = 73 ± 10 MeV .
Introduction to Geomagnetically Trapped Radiation

The discovery of the Earth's radiation belts by the first U.S. satellites in the late 1950s was an astonishing surprise. Composed of magnetically trapped populations of charged particles with energies up to hundreds of MeV, these belts are intense enough to kill satellites and astronauts alike if appropriate measures are not taken. More recently, the exploration of the outer solar system by the Pioneer and Voyager spacecraft showed that rather than being a peculiar characteristic of the Earth's environment, intense andenergetic radiation belts are common to the space environments of all magnetized planets. Jupiter, for example, a planet that could hardly be more different than Earth, has a radiation environment several orders of magnitude more severe than the Earth's. We can presume from this evidence that hyperacceleration, trapping, and redistribution of intense and energetic charged particles are omnipresent within magnetized astrophysical environments throughout the universe.
Notes from California: an anthropological approach to urban science education for language minority families

This article describes a unique and ongoing collaboration involving a team of bilingual/multicultural teacher-educators, preservice teachers, teachers, students, and community members in an urban California elementary school. According to the model this team employed, children, teachers, and student teachers gather community “funds of knowledge” about the science to be studied in a classroom, then incorporate this knowledge by using parents as experts and by creating community books. In this model community-generated materials parallel and complement standards-based curricula, although science topics that have natural significance in particular communities are used as a starting point. Using critical ethnography as a framework, the article focuses on a particular experience—the building of a Mien–American garden house—to show how, by drawing on participants' funds of knowledge, a new kind of multiscience can emerge, one accessible to all collaborating members and responsive to school standards. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 983–999, 2001
Therapeutic Potential of Monoclonal Antibodies in Myocardial Reperfusion Injury

While reperfusion therapy in myocardial infarction is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes, it paradoxically results in reperfusion injury mediated by interactions between leukocytes, endothelial cells, platelets, and the myocardium. Several surface receptors, adhesion molecules, and ligands have been shown to be important in the pathogenesis of myocardial reperfusion injury, and therapeutic strategies employing the use of monoclonal antibodies have been attempted against many of them. These have included monoclonal antibodies against activated complement 5 (C5a) to inhibit leukotaxis, monoclonal antibodies against P-selectin, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL)-1, L-selectin and E-selectin to inhibit leukocyte rolling, and monoclonal antibodies against the Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) receptor and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 to block firm adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells. In addition, although initially developed as an antiplatelet agent, the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist abciximab shows significant ability to diminish or prevent reperfusion injury, presumably through its ability to block the Mac-1 receptor on leukocytes. Finally, monoclonal antibodies have also been tested against several cytokines and adhesion molecules implicated in so-called subacute endothelial activation, including interleukin-8 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1.
New Tests of the Democratic Peace: Controlling for Economic Interdependence, 1950-85

Maoz and Russett (1993) reported that democratic states after World War II were unlikely to engage in militarized disputes with one another, but their continuous measure of joint democracy is problematic. It can decrease if one of a pair of states becomes more democratic, even if the political regime of the other does not change. Thus, results using this index are difficult to interpret. In this study we estimate the likelihood of dyadic conflict using more straightforward indices of joint democracy As in Oneal, Oneal, Maoz, and Russett (1996), we control for economic in terdependence and several other theoretically interesting, potentially con founding influences. Our analyses indicate that the more democratic a pair of states, the less likely they are to become involved in a militarized dispute; but a high level of democracy in one state can not compensate for less democracy in a strategic partner. The political distance separating states along the democracy-autocracy continuum is an important indica to...
The Broken Whole: Philosophical Steps toward a Theology of Global Solidarity – Thomas E. Reynolds

Book reviewed: The Broken Whole: Philosophical Steps toward a Theology of Global Solidarity, Thomas E. Reynolds, State University of New York 2006 (0-7914-6611-6), viii + 250 pp., hb $70.00
Sudden unexpected nontraumatic death in 54 young adults : a 30-year population-based study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and correlates of sudden unexpected nontraumatic death among young adults in a well-surveyed population. The incidence and pathogenesis of sudden unexpected nontraumatic death in a young adult population (aged 20 to 40 years old) have not been well defined. All residents 20 to 40 years old from Olmsted County, Minnesota, who had nontraumatic sudden death between 1960 and 1989 were included. Histologic and gross cardiac specimens were examined. The incidence of sudden death was estimated based on the ratio of number of observed events to relative census data for the Olmsted County population from the last 3 decades. Statistical comparisons between age decades were obtained with the chi-square test. Incidence trends were tested using Poisson regression. Of the 54 subjects, 19 were women (4.1/10(5) population annually) and 35 were men (8.7/10(5) population annually). An increase in incidence of sudden death was evident in men. Causes of death included coronary artery disease, noncardiovascular disease, suspected primary arrhythmia, vascular disease, myocarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and unknown causes. Gross and histologic features suggestive of right ventricular dysplasia were found in 9 subjects (17%), but 6 of these 9 had other established causes of death. Of the 27 sudden deaths between 1980 and 1989, 9 (33%) had a history of cocaine abuse. A trend in increasing incidence of sudden death in young men is noted. A high prevalence of cocaine abuse was observed in young adults who died suddenly. Histologic features of right ventricular dysplasia were prevalent but were not necessarily the primary cause of death.
A simulation study of energy consumption by elevators in tall buildings

Abstract The problem of estimating the energy requirements of elevators in tall buildings is shown to be dependent on the integration of functions of random variables. In addition, the period of integration is also random. Hence, a discrete-continuous simulation language, GASP IV, is employed as a method of solving the equations which describe the model. The model is applied to estimating the energy requirements of a building which contains both apartments and commercial facilities. Amongst the topics studied are the effects of elevator speeds and counterweight values on energy consumption, and also the amount of energy available for regeneration. Although the prediction of energy consumption is not considered to be an Industrial Engineering function, Industrial Engineering concepts and tools are used in modelling the problem.
Neutron irradiation effects on model compounds for epoxy and polyimide resins

Abstract Synthesis and irradiation testing of well characterized model compounds for commercial epoxy and polymide insulators is presented. Samples prepared from phthal-( p -phenoxyphenyl)imide and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A reacted with hexylamine, aniline and benzoic acid were irradiated to neutron fluences as high as 3.32 × 10 20 nm -2 for determination of irradiation effects related to neutron damage in well defined and characterized organic compounds. Various chemical and physical changes observed in the different molecular structures are reported.
Vertical optical power delivery and inter-chip interconnect concept based on surface-normal MQW modulators

A Chip-level EAM/MQW-based optical interconnect concept with vertically-coupled efficient CW VCSELs and inter-chip links is analyzed, enabled by a lithographically-defined high-density multi-mode waveguide fabric. Projected energy/bit, bandwidth density, and packaging tolerances enable scaling with foreseeable CMOS technology.
A rapid method for the isolation of peroxisomes from rat liver.

Abstract A preparative method for the isolation of peroxisomes from the liver of normal, untreated rats is described. The peroxisome-enriched “light mitochondrial” fraction is layered on a 30% Nycodenz (5-[N-2,3-dihydroxypropylacetamido]-2,4,6-triiodo-N,N′-bis[2,3-dihydroxypropyl]isophthalamide) solution containing 1 m m tetrasodium EDTA and then centrifuged in an angular rotor for 1 h at 130,000gavg. Peroxisomes are sedimented to the bottom leaving other organelles at the top of the tube. On the basis of morphological and biochemical studies, it is found that the peroxisomes (marker-enzymes catalase and urate oxidase) obtained in this method are not contaminated with lysosomes (marker-enzyme acid phosphatase) and contained very few mitochondria (marker-enzyme succinate-cytochrome c reductase) and microsomal vesicles (marker-enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase).
An empirical study on the effectiveness of hyperspectral image classification algorithms with dimensionality reduction

In this study, we explore the effectiveness of some recently developed image classification algorithms on reduced hyperspectral images. The nonparametric weighted feature extraction (NWFE) and principal component analysis (PCA) are used for dimensionality reduction on hyperspectral images. The fuzzy Weighted C-Means algorithm (FWCM) and new weighted fuzzy C-Means algorithm (NW-FCM) which newly devloped are tested for image classification on lower dimensional datasets. The results of fuzzy C-Means algorithm (FCM) also impelemted for the comparison. Preliminary experimental results show that the dimension reduction methods can affect the accuracy of classifying the hyperspectral datasets.
Structural health monitoring and damage prognosis in fatigue

A conceptual structural health monitoring (SHM) system to monitor fatigue damage is discussed in this study. The first part of the study is concerned with damage prognosis. A methodology to use the...
Power MOSFET Switching Loss Analysis: A New Insight

Realistic estimation of power MOSFET switching losses is critical for predicting the maximum junction temperature and efficiency of power electronics circuits. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the internal physics of MOSFET switching processes using a physically based semiconductor device modeling approach, and subsequently examine the commonly used power loss calculation method based on the new physical insights. The widely accepted output capacitance loss term in this calculation method is found to be redundant and erroneous. In addition, the current method of approximating switching times with power MOSFET gate charge parameters grossly overestimates the switching power loss. This paper recommends a new MOSFET gate charge parameter specification and an effective switching time estimation method to compensate for the power loss calculation error introduced by the two slope voltage transition waveform of the power MOSFET.
De novo cerebral arteriovenous malformation: case report.

Objective and importance Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are generally thought to have a congenital cause. This is the first report of an angiographically proven de novo cerebral AVM in an adult patient without previous vascular abnormality. Clinical presentation A 26-year-old African-American woman developed multiple cranial nerve deficits and ataxia over the course of a few days after a streptococcal throat infection. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a hyperintense signal in the midbrain with extension into the diencephalon. A cerebral angiogram performed at that time to exclude vasculitis revealed normal cerebral vasculature. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, and symptoms resolved. Subsequently, at the age of 32, this patient presented with a severe headache and emesis, but with no focal neurological deficit. Intervention The patient's cranial computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a right posterior temporal intraparenchymal hemorrhage, and cerebral angiography revealed a new 3- by 2-cm AVM. The patient underwent microsurgical resection of the AVM and associated hematoma. Postoperative angiography revealed no evidence of residual AVM. Conclusion This study details the case of a woman who developed a de novo cerebral AVM during a 6-year period. This report challenges the conventional belief that all AVMs have a congenital cause.
Foot biomechanics- emerging paradigms

Too many times theories of how the human foot functions and therefore how mechanically inducted foot problems are treated have been presented as if they were facts. The dogmatic adherence that sometimes ensues from such an approach has frequently stifled the evolution of foot mechanics. This has been particularly apparent in the field of podiatry which has been dominated by the Root paradigm. Briefly, the Root paradigm proposes that the human foot functions ideally around the subtalar joint’s neutral position. Additionally, the forefoot to rearfoot frontal plane relationship ideally should be perpendicular. Furthermore, deviations from those ideal positions are termed deformities. [1,2] Biomechanical treatments according to Root are intended to re-align the foot so as to function around the neutral subtalar position and/or prevent frontal plane compensations from a deformed forefoot. In essence this paradigm is based on foot morphology. Several studies have raised doubts as to the validity of the Root paradigm. [3-8] This abstract is a review of several papers which raise those doubts and explores emerging paradigms of human foot function which align more with current research findings on foot function.[9-11]
VMAT2 and Parkinson's disease: harnessing the dopamine vesicle

Despite a movement away from dopamine-focused Parkinson’s disease (PD) research, a recent surge of evidence now suggests that altered vesicular storage of dopamine may contribute to the demise of the nigral neurons in this disease. Human studies demonstrate that the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2; SLC18A2) is dysfunctional in PD brain. Moreover, studies with transgenic mice suggest that there is an untapped reserve capacity of the dopamine vesicle that could be unbridled by increasing VMAT2 function. Therapeutic manipulation of VMAT2 level or function has the potential to improve efficacy of dopamine derived from administered levodopa, increase dopamine neurotransmission from remaining midbrain dopamine neurons and protect against neurotoxic insults. Thus, the development of drugs to enhance the storage of release of dopamine may be a fruitful avenue of research for PD.
Alpha production in humans under conditions of false feedback

Subjects were pretrained in either Jacobson’s relaxation or a control relaxation technique, then served in four daily sessions of biofeedback training. On some days, the feedback was veridical with respect to alpha production, while on other days, the feedback falsely indicated either success or failure at the control task. The results showed that alpha increased over trials, but this increase was independent of feedback contingency. Subjective reports of mood were not influenced by feedback falsely indicating success or failure at the control task, and there were no reliable relationships between mood and amount of alpha actually produced. Prior training on Jacobson’s relaxation did not enhance alpha production. It is concluded that alpha production and positive mood states are not systematically related and that neither of these variables is operantly conditioned through biofeedback.
Analysis of Nerve Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Human Neuroblastoma and Neuroepithelioma Cell Lines

Abstract A series of 22 neuroepithelioma and neuroblastoma cell lines were screened for expression of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) by flow cytometry, Western blotting, and Northern blotting. All 5 neuroepithelioma cell lines expressed cell surface NGFR, with 30–69% of cells NGFR positive, but the 17 neuroblastoma cell lines tested had a smaller percentage of cell surface NGFR-positive cells (0–21%) and 10 lines were completely lacking cell surface NGFR. SY5Y, a variant line with a neuronal phenotype derived from neuroblastoma line SKNSH, expressed much more NGFR than SHEP, a variant line with an epithelial-like phenotype also derived from SKNSH. By Western blotting, the M r ≈69,000 NGFR band was detected for all four neuroepithelioma cell lines tested but was visible for only 8 of 15 neuroblastoma cell lines tested. The band was most intense for neuroepithelioma cell lines SKNMC and TC32. For these two lines, a M r ≈56,000 and a M r ≈60,000 band were also detected. By Northern blotting, all three neuroepithelioma cell lines tested were positive for the 3.8 kilobase NGFR mRNA, but only 8 of 15 neuroblastoma cell lines were positive. Neuroepithelioma cell line TC32 and neuroblastoma cell line GICAN had the strongest expression of NGFR mRNA. These results demonstrate that NGFR is a biological marker for neuroepithelioma and that NGFR expression is heterogeneous for neuroblastoma cell lines. This series of neural cell lines differing in NGFR expression will be useful for future studies of regulation of NGFR expression and neuronal differentiation.
A note on the singular eigenfunction method in transport theory

Abstract The singular eigenfunction method for solving transport equations introduced by K. M. Case in 19601 has become extremely popular, at least in some circles, because of its close analogy to the classical method of treating partial differential equations, i.e. eigenfunction expansions. Because of a perceived lack of rigor in Case's work, alternate methods were developed later which were supposed to retain most of the advantage that Case's method had over classical Fourier transform methods (Wiener-Hopfl—i.e., elegance—while dispensing with Case's heuristic arguments. These methods were the resolvent integration technique of Larsen-Habetler2 and the Hilbert space approach of Rutger Hansel broek3
Recent changes in breast cancer incidence and risk factor prevalence in San Francisco Bay area and California women: 1988 to 2004

Introduction Historically, the incidence rate of breast cancer among non-Hispanic white women living in the San Francisco Bay area (SFBA) of California has been among the highest in the world. Substantial declines in breast cancer incidence rates have been documented in the United States and elsewhere during recent years. In light of these reports, we examined recent changes in breast cancer incidence and risk factor prevalence among non-Hispanic white women in the SFBA and other regions of California.
Work in the Lives of Social Work Clients: Perspectives of Field Instructors

Although employment is central to the lives of social work clients, it is seldom a focus in social work education. The authors conducted a survey of field instructors in a large MSW program to assess the importance of work-related issues in the lives of those they serve in their social service agencies. This experienced group of practitioners reported how work-related issues affect individual clients and their caseloads generally. Respondents were asked about low-wage employment, lack of skills, disabilities, work–family balance, and problems that clients experience on the job. The results document actual problems encountered in practice and highlight the need for more attention to work-related issues in social work education.
Confounding effects of oxygen and temperature on the TEX86 signature of marine Thaumarchaeota

Marine ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are among the most abundant of marine microorganisms, spanning nearly the entire water column of diverse oceanic provinces. Historical patterns of abundance are preserved in sediments in the form of their distinctive glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) membrane lipids. The correlation between the composition of GDGTs in surface sediment and the overlying annual average sea surface temperature forms the basis for a paleotemperature proxy (TEX86) that is used to reconstruct surface ocean temperature as far back as the Middle Jurassic. However, mounting evidence suggests that factors other than temperature could also play an important role in determining GDGT distributions. We here use a study set of four marine AOA isolates to demonstrate that these closely related strains generate different TEX86–temperature relationships and that oxygen (O2) concentration is at least as important as temperature in controlling TEX86 values in culture. All of the four strains characterized showed a unique membrane compositional response to temperature, with TEX86-inferred temperatures varying as much as 12 °C from the incubation temperatures. In addition, both linear and nonlinear TEX86–temperature relationships were characteristic of individual strains. Increasing relative abundance of GDGT-2 and GDGT-3 with increasing O2 limitation, at the expense of GDGT-1, led to significant elevations in TEX86-derived temperature. Although the adaptive significance of GDGT compositional changes in response to both temperature and O2 is unclear, this observation necessitates a reassessment of archaeal lipid-based paleotemperature proxies, particularly in records that span low-oxygen events or underlie oxygen minimum zones.
Factors Affecting Adoption Decisions Child and Parental Characteristics

As adoption of a child from abroad and from the state’s foster care system is increasingly practiced, prospective adoptive parents now have several options: private domestic, foster care, or international adoption. However, little research has been conducted on the similarities and differences in the characteristics of the child and family and the decision-making process by adoption type. We therefore ask: How are the characteristics of the child and family associated with the type of adoption? And what factors are considered important for adoptive parents in deciding whether to choose private domestic or international adoption? Using the 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents, we found that attributes of the child and family differ by the type of adoption, and while adoptive parents expressed a preference to resemble a biologically formed family, the emphasis was placed differently by adoption type.
Nonopioid analgesic pipeline: Pharmacology, safety, tolerability, and potential advantages over established agents

Background The currently available nonopioid analgesics to treat chronic pain have limited efficacy, end-organ consequences, and dose-limiting adverse effects. In this article, the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, indications, and side effects of the following newer nonopioid agents are discussed: transdermal bupivicaine, milnacipran, lacosamide, and capsaicin. Moreover, the efficacy of these medications is compared with that of the established agents. Methods To determine the efficacy of the newer agents (as mentioned above), literature review of randomized, controlled trials, Cochrane database reviews, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical data were performed. Pharmacokinetics, indications, and side effects of these medications were reviewed. Outcome measures focusing on improvement in severity of pain, quality of life, and occurrence of adverse events were also assessed. Results The newer agents do provide clinicians with new nonopioid options in the treatment of chronic pain. They especially have a role in the challenging treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. These agents still have significant associated adverse effects that clinicians should be familiar with prior to initiation of therapy. Conclusions Randomized, controlled, blinded, head-to-head studies of the newer versus the established agents still need to be published. The results of the current clinical trials of these newer agents suggest that they may provide additional pain relief and possible improvement in quality of life above that received by current established agents.
Using neural networks to construct models of the molecular beam epitaxy process

This paper presents the systematic characterization of the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) process to quantitatively model the effects of process conditions on film qualities. A five-layer, undoped AlGaAs and InGaAs single quantum well structure grown on a GaAs substrate is designed and fabricated. Six input factors (time and temperature for oxide removal, substrate temperatures for AlGaAs and InGaAs layer growth, beam equivalent pressure of the As source and quantum well interrupt time) are examined by means of a fractional factorial experiment. Defect density, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence are characterized by a static response model developed by training back-propagation neural networks. In addition, two novel approaches for characterized reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) signals used in the real-time monitoring of MBE are developed. In the first technique, principal component analysis is used to reduce the dimensionality of the RHEED data set, and the reduced RHEED data set is used to train neural nets to model the process responses. A second technique uses neural nets to model RHEED intensity signals as time series, and matches specific RHEED patterns to ambient process conditions. In each case, the neural process models exhibit good agreement with experimental results.
Mechanical and Combined Chemical and Mechanical Treatment of Biomass

Mechanical processing is a critical step in the utilization of biomass as a feedstock. It may be applied to reduce the size of the feedstock for ease of handling, to enhance hydrolysis, or to convert the feedstock into a useable product in a single step. Mechanical processing can be energy intensive and a balance needs to be struck between the need for reduced particle size, reduced crystallinity, and low operational costs. By combining mechanical and chemical treatments the operational costs can be greatly reduced and valuable products can be realized that can not be produced through mechanical, chemical, or enzymatic means alone.
The Best Interests of the Child with a Lesbian Mother

One concern of a court, with respect to the “best interest of the child,” is the possible influence of a homosexual parent, usually the lesbian mother, on the sexual development of the child. The issue is whether having a homosexual parent increases the probability of a homosexual orientation by the child. The author discusses the major theories regarding the genesis of homosexual behavior and prevalence of the behavior. With respect to the best guesses behind the genesis of homosexuality, the author addresses four categories. The first is genetic. Over a period of many months, American Psychiatric Association committees examined the homosexuality equals mental illness issue and found it wanting. In examining the children, the author focuses specifically on the development of sexual identity and possible sexual identity conflict. Difficulties experienced by children in lesbian mother households appear to stem from reactions to divorce and not from the mother’s lesbianism.
Anomalous microtilt preceding a local earthquake

abstract The three largest earthquakes to occur within 50 km of San Francisco during 1970 were centered near the community of Danville, California, and spanned a time interval of 50 sec starting on June 12, at 0330 hr GMT. These earthquakes were greater than magnitude 4.0 and were part of a shallow, tightly-clustered earthquake swarm that persisted for approximately 2 months starting in mid-May 1970. During the same period of time, continuous tilt at tidal sensitivity (10 −8 radian) was being recorded in two vaults at distances of 25 and 45 km west of the epicentral area. Two types of anomalous tilting preceded the principal events: (1) a long-term (1-month) constant tilt rate of 8 × 10 −10 radian/hr that was recorded by both tilt stations and (2) a short-term (1-day) accelerated micro-tilt change which occurred just prior to the events and was most pronounced on the station closest to the epicentral area. Neither type of anomaly was recognized in the post-Danville record. The lack of a strong correlation with meteorological phenomena to account for the long-term coherency between two tilt stations of 25-km separation and the apparent azimuthal correlation of the Berkeley residual tilt vector with the earthquake epicenters suggests that the anomalous tilt preceding the Danville events were tectonic.
Exact sample size determination for the ratio of two incidence rates under the Poisson distribution

We present sample size determination using exact approaches for testing the ratio of incidence rates from a two-arm non-inferiority trial. The first approach is the exact conditional approach by treating the total number of events from two groups fixed, and the other is the exact unconditional approach based on maximization. Exact approaches guarantee the type I error rate which is often not satisfied in the commonly used asymptotic approaches on the basis of the corresponding limiting distributions of test statistics. We provide tables for sample size determination in commonly used cases in practice, and an example is used to show the application of these exact approaches. Sample size comparison using different exact approaches concludes that the exact unconditional approach based on the Wald-type test statistic has good performance in balanced studies.
Nursing the oocyte

The generation of a mature egg, or oocyte, is essential for fertility. The oocyte requires the production of considerable quantities of messenger RNA (mRNA), protein, and organelles during its formation, a store needed for the subsequent development of the fertilized egg. In some species, these components are provided by neighboring cells called nurse cells ( 1 ). The role of nurse cells during oocyte development has been well studied in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster , but it has been unclear if mammalian species also have nurse cells. On page 95 of this issue, Lei and Spradling ( 2 ) provide evidence for nurse cells during mouse oogenesis, adding to our understanding of mammalian oocyte development and raising hope for new infertility treatments.
PHYLOGENY OF THE SCITAMINEAE-MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL CONSIDERATIONS

This article is a brief summary of the major results from recent studies on the anatomy and morphology of the vegetative organs of the Scitamineae (Tomlinson, 1956, 1959, 1960, 1961a and b), and permits an introduction of ideas which originated only as the survey was completed. Some of these ideas derived from a study of the individual families in the Scitamineae have a wider implication and should be brought to the attention of all botanists concerned with the phylogeny of angiosperms. The Scitamineae is a very natural order of monocotyledons, somewhat comparable in its homogeneity to grasses, palms, or orchids. Use of information on anatomy and floral morphology in the order makes possible very reasonable taxonomic subdivision, and provides a logical explanation of the presumed phylogeny of the order. This phylogenetic interpretation allows an explanation of many unusual distributions of structural features within the order.
Leishmania Infection Engages Non-Receptor Protein Kinases Differentially to Persist in Infected Hosts.

Protein kinases play important roles in the regulation of cellular activities. In cells infected by pathogens, there is increasing appreciation that dysregulated expression of protein kinases promotes the success of intracellular infections. In Leishmania-infected cells, expression and /or activation of protein kinases such as the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), kinases in the PI3-kinase signaling pathway and kinases in the NFĸB signaling pathway, are modulated in some manner. Several recent reviews have discussed our current understanding of the roles of these kinase in Leishmania infections. Apart from the kinases in the pathways enumerated above, there are other host cell protein kinases that are activated during the Leishmania infection of mammalian cells whose roles also appear to be significant. This review discusses recent observations on the Abl family of protein kinases and the Protein Kinase regulated by RNA (PKR) in Leishmania infections.
ICOS(+)PD-1(+)CXCR3(+) T follicular helper cells contribute to the generation of high-avidity antibodies following influenza vaccination.

The immune mechanism leading to the generation of protective antibody responses following influenza trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) vaccinations remains largely uncharacterized. We recently reported that TIV vaccination induced a transient increase of circulating ICOS+PD-1+CXCR3+ T follicular helper (cTfh) cells in blood, which positively correlated with the induction of protective antibody responses measured at day 28. However, whether and how these T cells directly contribute to antibody response remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the changes after TIV vaccination in the amount and the avidity of the polyclonal antibodies specific for the HA1 subunit of the pandemic H1N1 virus, and analyzed the correlation with the increase of ICOS+PD-1+CXCR3+ cTfh cells. We found that both the amount and the avidity of specific antibodies rapidly increased during the first 7 days after TIV. Importantly, the increase of ICOS+PD-1+CXCR3+ cTfh cells strongly correlated with the increase in the avidity of antibodies, particularly in subjects who did not have high affinity antibodies at baseline. We propose that ICOS+PD-1+CXCR3+ Tfh cells directly contribute to the generation of high-avidity antibodies after TIV vaccinations by selectively interacting with high affinity B cells at extrafollicular sites.