cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New molecular shape descriptors: Application in database screening

Geometric descriptors are becoming popular tools for encoding molecular shape, for use in database screening and clustering calculations. They provide condensed representations of complex objects and, as a consequence, can usually be compared quite rapidly. Here we present a number of new descriptors and methods for the quantification of molecular shape similarity. The techniques are tested using two different biological systems, with particular emphasis on their potential utility as methods for prescreening shape-based database searches. Results are compared with data sets produced using the DOCK program. We find that such similarity evaluations are useful for finding molecules with complementary shape, and that they contain an enriched number of potential DOCK hits when compared to the original databases. Significant limitations in the utility of such DOCK prescreens are discussed, and potential solutions are considered.
Principle of synchronous luminescence (SL) technique for biomedical diagnostics

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the principle of synchronous luminescence (SL) is described for use in biomedical diagnostics. The SL method involves scanning simultaneously both emission andexcitation wavelengths while keeping a constant wavelength interval between them. This SFprocedure simplifies the emission spectrum and provides for greater selectivity and is used todetect subtle differences in the fluorescence emission of the biochemical species of cells andtissues. The SL method can be use to analyze tissue in vivo or to investigate spectral differencesin normal and neoplastic cells in vitro. SL scans of skin tissues illustrate the use of the method. For in vitro diagnosis, a difference between the fluorescent spectra of the normal rat liver epithelial (RLE) and hepatoma cell lines were detected using synchronous fluorescence. Thepotential use of SF as a screening tool for cancer diagnosis is discussed.1. INTRODUCTIONMany invasive cancers are preceded by pre-malignant alterations, such as dysplasia or carcinomain situ (CIS), for which there are no completely effective diagnostic tools. For instance, in thegastro-intestinal (GI) tracts and tracheo-bronchial tree conventional white-light endoscopy haslow sensitivity for detection of dysplastic lesions, and patients who are at risk because of pre-
How Sunlight Causes Melanoma

The incidence of melanoma has continued to rise dramatically over the past few decades, especially in young females. Due to the deadly nature of this disease, melanoma has become an important public health problem. It is generally accepted that ultraviolet light radiation (UVR) from sunlight is a major risk factor for melanoma skin cancer development. However, the mechanistic details of how sunlight via UVR causes melanoma are still being elucidated. Currently, it is thought that carcinogenic, inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties of UVR all contribute to initiation, progression, and metastasis of primary melanoma. We review current findings on how sunlight-generated UVR generates DNA damage, inflammation, and immune suppression, thus leading to melanoma.
Applications for tracking reading behavior on the Macintosh

Two applications for the Macintosh that permit students to read the sentences in a text in any order also provide a record of reading behavior from which processing time and reading strategies can be determined. The applications differ: READIT! presents the sentences one at a time, whereas SELECT THE TEXT presents the entire passage with a mask, which resembles the moving window technique. Unique to these applications is that students may return to sentences to reread them any number of times and in any order. Because these applications allow students to reexamine parts of the text, the reading that they enable is more similar to normal reading than has been the case with previous methodologies for tracking student reading behavior. The applications are described, and a summary of the major results of the work in which we have used the applications is provided.
Modulation of Sensitivity to Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and the Level of Type II TGF-β Receptor in LNCaP Cells by Dihydrotestosterone

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and androgen are potential physiological regulators of prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we have used LNCaP cells as a model of androgen-responsive prostate cancer to investigate the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the sensitivity to TGF-beta 1. The ability of LNCaP cells to respond to TGF-beta has been controversial. In some studies, LNCaP cells were insensitive to TGF-beta 1 while, in others, they were sensitive to the growth inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 1. The present study was carried out to establish androgenic conditions that rendered LNCaP cells sensitive to TGF-beta 1. Cells were cultured in phenol-red-free RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum. DHT was added at the following concentrations: 0, 10(-12), 10(-10), and 10(-7) M. These concentrations were selected because they represent the zero DHT control, the low-proliferative dose, the high-proliferative dose, and the growth-arrest dose, respectively. The effects of TGF-beta 1 observed on LNCaP cells included inhibition of cell proliferation, decrease in cell viability, alteration in cell morphology, and enhancement of gene transcriptional activity through activation of a TGF-beta responsive promoter. Of the various DHT concentrations investigated in this study, these effects of TGF-beta 1 on LNCaP cells were consistently demonstrated only at 10(-10) M. At other concentrations, the effects of TGF-beta 1 were either minimal or undetectable. Accompanying these effects of TGF-beta 1, a low but statistically significant level of TGF-beta 1-specific binding and an increased protein level of TGF-beta receptor type II were detected by a competitive binding assay and Western blot analysis respectively. These results indicate that LNCaP cells can be induced by DHT to respond to TGF-beta 1 and that DHT modulates the sensitivity to TGF-beta 1 and the level of TGF-beta receptor type II in these cells.
Effects of Context in Simple Stimulus Identification: Reading-Related Differences

Sumnmy.-Highly skilled, skilled, and less-skilled third and fourth graders (N = 30) predicted the random occurrence of left or right arrows. For all subjects, reaction times (RTs) to correctly predicted events were faster than RTs to incorrectly predicted events. However, the difference in RT betareen correctly and incorrectly predicted events was larger for rhe less-skilled readers than for the other subjects. No other group differences, e.g., error rates or prediction accuracy, were found. The results extend a basic finding in the adult literature to younger subjects and suggest that reading-related differences in context effects may be related to differences in basic processing rather than specific difficulties in processing linguisric information. A common finding in the information-processing literature is that the perception and identification of a stimulus is faster and more accurate if the subject is prepared in some fashion for that particular stimulus (Geller & Whitman, 1973; Theios & Smith, 1972). These effects have been obtained in procedures where the preceding sequence of stimuli prepares the subject (Kornblum, 1973) or when the subject is prepared by making a verbal prediction of an upcoming event (Acosta, 1982). Perfetti, Goldman, and Hogaboam ( 1979) demonstrated the latter effect in a study comparing young skilled and unskilled readers. Their task required subjects to read an incomplete sentence and then predict the last word. After each subject made a prediction, the word was presented, and the subject identified it. For all readers, accurately predicted words were identified fascer than nonpredicted words, but this difference was larger for the less-skilled subjects. Less-skilled readers were slower to recover from a wrong prediction and to then identify the word. Less-skilled readers seemed more bound to the context of their initial responses.
5-Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into simian virus 40 deoxyribonucleic acid. Effects on simian virus 40 replication in monkey cells

Abstract When confluent monolayers of CV-1 cells were infected with SV40 in the presence of various concentrations of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) the replicating viral DNA was found to incorporate bromouracil (BU) instead of thymine. By isopycnic centrifugation, it was possible to isolate viral DNAs with different degrees of BU substitution. Within BUdR concentrations ranging from 1 to 10μg/ml, SV40 DNA synthesis was inhibited to an extent of 60%, whereas that of virus induced cellular DNA was only slightly diminished. Under these conditions, where up to 50% of the thymine in SV40 DNA was found to be substituted by BU, production of infectious virus was inhibited, although synthesis of viral antigens was still detectable. When SV40 replicated in the presence of low concentrations of BUdR (0.1–1 μg/ml), infectious virus production was increased as compared to the control, although up to 15% of the thymine in the viral DNA was substituted by BU.
A new eccentricity-based simulation to generate ultimate confined interaction diagrams for circular concrete columns

Abstract The analysis of circular concrete columns using unconfined concrete models is a well established practice. However, there is a necessity to develop realistic analysis and design tools that predict the extreme ultimate capacity of such columns since modern codes and standards like AASHTO LRFD are introducing extreme load events. The increase in strength and ductility due to full axial confinement is not applicable to pure bending and bending plus axial load simply because the area of effective confined concrete is reduced. The higher the eccentricity the smaller the compressed portion of the confined core. Accordingly, the ultimate confined strength is gradually reduced from the fully confined value fcc′ (at zero eccentricity) to the unconfined value fc′ (at infinite eccentricity) as a function of eccentricity to diameter ratio. A numerical analysis algorithm is developed using the finite layer procedure and the secant stiffness approach within a framework of incremental-iterative moment of area computations. The resulting nonlinear section analysis requires radial loading in which the eccentricity is kept constant or the axial load is proportional to the applied moment. The results are compared with existing experimental data and the widely used Mander model to benchmark the present predictions.
Reconstruction of event sequences based on asynchronous observations in sensor networks

This paper proposes an event sequence reconstruction algorithm for a given sensor network based on asynchronous observations of its state changes. We assume that the sensor network is modeled as a Petri net and the asynchronous observations are in the form of state (token) changes at different places in the Petri net. More specifically, the observed sequences of state changes are provided by local sensors and are asynchronous, i.e., they only contain partial information about the ordering of the state changes that occur. We propose an approach that is able to partition the given net into several subnets and reconstruct the event sequence for each subnet. Then we develop an algorithm that is able to reconstruct the event sequences for the entire net that are consistent with: 1) the asynchronous observations of state changes; 2) the event sequences of each subnet; and 3) the structure of the given Petri net. We also discuss the algorithmic complexity and present an example to illustrate our approach.
Survival of Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in basal-casein medium supplemented with sodium selenite

The trace substance selenium is known to influence several systems exhibiting a high rate of cellular proliferation. Data are reported on survival patterns and times in various developmental stages of Tribolium confusum Duval reared in a defined medium supplemented with sodium selenite. Insects reared from eggs hatching in a selenium medium (Se medium) show a prolonged time in the larval period and marked larval mortality compared with those reared on unsupplemented medium. Adults emerging in an Se medium show reduced survival compared with adults transferred to such medium 1 wk after emergence. Larval survival patterns mimic those of the adult, whereby younger larvae that are transferred to Se medium appear to be more sensitive than those exposed to Se medium later in the larval stage. Transfer of Se medium-reared adults to unsupplemented medium as pupae has a beneficial effect on survival compared with adults that emerged in Se medium 1 wk before transfer.
Abstract 520: Inhibition of uPAR and uPA reduces invasion and degradative potential in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most prevalent endocrine and thyroid malignancy. The ability of PTC to invade and migrate great distances contributes to distant metastases, which represent the most common cause of PTC-related death. The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and the urokinase plasminogen receptor (uPAR) are key mediators of tumor invasion. Upon binding to uPAR, pro-uPA is converted to its active form, which is then capable of cleaving plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin can then degrade components of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix, a prerequisite for tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The binding of uPA by uPAR also seems to mediate several signaling events that contribute to a migratory phenotype, as well as various growth signals. In this study, we analyzed uPA and uPAR expression in PTC and normal thyroid tissue, and examined in vitro how uPA and uPAR contribute to an invasive/metastatic phenotype, as well as the functional consequences of inhibiting this system. uPA and uPAR RNA were also significantly higher in patients with metastatic disease. Casein-plasminogen zymography and western blotting demonstrated increased active uPA secreted by BCPAP cells compared to NTHY-Ori-3-1. Fluorimetric assays revealed that BCPAP CM was able to activate plasminogen, resulting in measureable casein hydrolysis. This casein hydrolysis was prevented by the addition of several specific uPA inhibitors. The in vitro invasion phenotype of BCPAP cells was augmented by the addition of plasminogen, and this augmentation was reversed by inhibitory anti-uPA and anti-uPAR antibodies. Cells transfected with siRNA against uPAR demonstrated decreased migratory and invasive potentials as measured by Matrigel invasion assays. Finally, uPAR-knockdown cells exhibited decreased proliferation when compared to non-targeting siRNA transfectant cells. These data provide new functional evidence of the uPA/uPAR system's role in PTC invasion/metastasis and demonstrate the attractiveness of uPA and uPAR as molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 520.
A counterexample to the finite height conjecture

There is an infinite subdirectly irreducible lattice which generates a variety that contains only finitely many subvarietes.
Education and training for day care: Implications for child care education

This paper deals with the structures through which day care training is currently provided, and describes the effect of licensing requirements and certification on training, the traditional and nontraditional training structures, and some of the limitations and prospects for incorporating day care training into a more broadly based system of child care education.
Assessment and longitudinal analysis of health impacts and stressors perceived to result from unconventional shale gas development in the Marcellus Shale region.

AbstractIntroduction: Concerns for health and social impacts have arisen as a result of Marcellus Shale unconventional natural gas development. Our goal was to document the self-reported health impacts and mental and physical health stressors perceived to result from Marcellus Shale development.Methods: Two sets of interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of community members living proximal to Marcellus Shale development, session 1 March–September 2010 (n = 33) and session 2 January–April 2012 (n = 20). Symptoms of health impacts and sources of psychological stress were coded. Symptom and stressor counts were quantified for each interview. The counts for each participant were compared longitudinally.Results: Participants attributed 59 unique health impacts and 13 stressors to Marcellus Shale development. Stress was the most frequently-reported symptom. Over time, perceived health impacts increased (P = 0·042), while stressors remained constant (P = 0·855).Discussion: Exposure-based epidemiolog...
Sleep apnea impairs the arousal response to airway occlusion

We hypothesized that the increased arousal threshold to upper airway occlusion exhibited by patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is in part secondary to the disease process itself. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of withdrawal of three nights of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on arousal in six male patients with severe OSA who were using nasal CPAP on a long-term basis. During the control week, patients slept with nasal CPAP at home and on the first of 2 nights in the sleep laboratory (night C1, CPAP; night C2, no CPAP). During the apnea week, patients slept without nasal CPAP for 2 nights at home and 2 nights in the sleep laboratory (AP1, AP2). The control and apnea weeks were consecutive and in random order. The mean (+/-SEM) apnea+hypopnea index was 76.9 +/- 7.1 on AP1 vs 3.1 +/- 1.0 events per hour on C1 (p<0.05). Thus, the laboratory night (and presumably the 2 nights at home) preceding AP2 had dramatic increases in apnea compared with the nights preceding C2. The apnea duration during nonrapid eye movement sleep on nights following apnea was greater (AP2: 28.7 +/- 1.5 vs C2: 25.5 +/- 1. 7 s; p<0/05) and the arousal threshold as reflected by the maximum esophageal pressure deflection preceding arousal was higher (DPmax) (AP2: 55.1 +/- 5.7 vs C2: 45.3 +/- 6.4 cm H2O; p<0.005). We conclude that prior sleep apnea increases the arousal threshold to upper airway occlusion on subsequent nights and prolongs the apneic events.
Nocturnal and diurnal levels of prolactin, LH, FSH, estrogens, and progesterone in middle-aged, spontaneously persistent estrous rats

Reproductive research in aging animals is often performed with very old rats manifesting spontaneous persistent estrus (SPE). However, Charles River (CD) Sprague Dawley rats present SPE as early as 6 months of age and thus are potentially very useful in such studies since the concomitant pathologies associated with old age can be avoided. Serum levels of LH, FSH, prolactin, estrogens, and progesterone were measured by RIA in 8 to 12 month SPE rats after rapid decapitation at 0300, 1000 or 1600 hr (8–11 rats/group). As reported by others in very old SPE rats, proiactin was high at 1600 hr (169±40 ng/ml) compared with levels at 0300 hr (43 ± 7 ng/ml) or 1000 hr (95 ± 25 ng/ml). LH and FSH values did not change with time of day, but those of FSH were consistently above baseline values of cyclic rats. Total estrogens were low (75 ± 9 pg/ml) at 1000 hr but significantly higher at both 0300 hr (127 ± 11.7 pg/ml) and 1600 hr (141 ± 23 pg/ml), resembling levels at about 1000 hr on proestrus in cyclic rats (125 ± 16 pg/ml). Average progesterone concentrations resembled baseline values of cyclic rats but varied widely (0.02 to 25 ng/ml). These findings suggest that the middle-aged SPE rat may be used in studies of the aging reproductive system, and that future studies with SPE rats should consider variations in prolactin, estrogen and progesterone with the time of day.
An Examination of Nested Grid Model Precipitation Forecasts in the Presence of Moderate-To-Strong Low-Level Southerly Inflow

Abstract The performance of the nested grid model (NGM) in predicting heavy rain is assessed for those cases in the cool season when moderato-to-strong low-level southerly inflow from the Gulf of Mexico is present. This study indicates that the NGM underpredicts precipitation maximum for heavier rainfall events, with the underprediction more common at 32°N than at 40°N. The NGM is also shown to have a slight slow bias in moving heavy precipitation bands to the east. Two case studies illustrate the model's difficulties in predicting heavy precipitation but also show that the NGM offers useful information in predicting major rainfall events. Several possible reasons for the NGM underprediction of heavy rainfall over the southern United States are presented.
Glutamate‐dependent astrocyte modulation of synaptic transmission between cultured hippocampal neurons

The idea that astrocytes merely provide structural and trophic support for neurons has been challenged by the demonstration that astrocytes can regulate neuronal calcium levels. However, the physiological consequences of astrocyte–neuron signalling are unknown. Using mixed cultures of rat hippocampal astrocytes and neurons we have determined functional consequences of elevating astrocyte calcium levels on co-cultured neurons. Electrical or mechanical stimulation of astrocytes to increase their calcium level caused a glutamate-dependent slow inward current (SIC) in associated neurons. Microinjection of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) into astrocytes to prevent the stimulus-dependent increase in astrocyte calcium level, blocks the appearance of the neuronal SIC. Pharmacological manipulations indicate that this astrocyte-dependent SIC is mediated by extracellular glutamate acting on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA glutamate receptors. Additionally, stimulation of astrocytes reduced the magnitude of action potential-evoked excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents through the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. The demonstration that astrocytes modulate neuronal currents and synaptic transmission raises the possibility that astrocytes play a neuromodulatory role by controlling the extracellular level of glutamate.
Atrioventricular Sequential Pacing Using Transesophageal Atrial Pacing in Combination With a Temporary DDD Pacemaker for Atrial Tracking and Ventricular Pacing

Objective: To determine whether atrioventricular (A-V) sequential pacing can be accomplished using transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) in combination with a temporary DDD pacemaker for tracking the TAP stimuli and pacing the ventricle via temporary epicardial electrodes. Design: Prospective; patients enrolled consecutively. Setting: Nonuniversity teaching hospital. Participants: Ten adults undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Interventions: Two to six hours after the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass, atrial pacing was initiated via TAP. The atrial system of a temporary DDD pacemaker was connected to surface electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. If the temporary pacemaker could track the TAP stimuli and emit pacing stimuli resulting in ventricular capture, A-V sequential pacing was considered to have occurred. The patients were immediately restudied in the same manner with the change that the temporary DDD pacemaker sensed the TAP stimuli via temporary atrial bipolar epicardial electrodes rather than surface ECG electrodes. Measurements and Main Results: Dual pacemaker A-V sequential pacing was accomplished in 17 out of 20 attempts. The atrial system of the temporary DDD pacemaker was able to sense the TAP stimulus via temporary atrial bipolar epicardial leads in 10 out of 10 patients and directly from surface ECG electrodes (right arm/left arm) in 7 out of 10 patients. Conclusions: This report demonstrates that it is possible to A-V sequentially pace using TAP in combination with a temporary DDD pacemaker for tracking the TAP stimulus and pacing the ventricle via temporary epicardial leads. This technique may be useful when A-V sequential pacing is needed and functional temporary atrial leads are not available.
Radionuclides in soils collected from within and around Los Alamos national laboratory: 1974–1996

Abstract A soil sampling program is the most direct means of determining the types, concentration/activity, and distribution of radionuclides within and around nuclear facilities. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), for example, has had a soil surveillance program since the early 1970s and the purpose of this paper was to 1) evaluate this 20+ year data set to determine if there are any statistical differences in radionuclides (3H, 137Cs, 238Pu, 239,240Pu, 241Am, 90Sr, totU) and radioactivity (gross a, s, and γ), as a function of air emissions and fugitive dust, in surface soils (0–5 cm depth) collected from LANL, perimeter (PM) and background (BG) sites, and 2) determine if radionuclide concentrations are increasing or decreasing over time. Also, the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) and the corresponding risk of excess cancer fatalities (RECF) to a PM community were estimated. Based on the long‐term average, nine out of the ten radionuclide parameters measured in LANL soils (n=12) were significan...
Monobromoborane adducts and boronium salts of some nitrogen heterocyclic compounds

Bromoborane adducts (L·BH2Br; L = 3-methylpyridine, 4-methylpyridine, isoquinoline, quinoline) and boronium bromide salts (L2BH2+Br−; L = 3-methylpyridine, 4-methylpyridine) were prepared by the reaction of dimethylsulfidebromoborane with appropriate quantities of the nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. The more stable L2BH2+PF6− salts of the boronium ions were also prepared. All of the compounds synthesized were characterized by 1H NMR, 11B NMR, and IR spectra.
The Soviet Factor in U.S.-Japanese Defense Cooperation, 1978–1985

In the crucial period from 1978 to 1975, Japan jettisoned its “omnidirectional” foreign policy and embraced a closer and more integrated defense alliance with the United States. Concern about the Soviet threat was the chief motive for this shift. The deployment of Soviet troops in the Northern Territories (Southern Kuriles), the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the deployment of Soviet Backfire bombers and SS-20 nuclear missiles in the Far East all provided impetus toward closer U.S.-Japanese defense cooperation. As Japan closely aligned its defense policy with the United States, Soviet-Japanese relations correspondingly deteriorated. Normal channels of communication were broken off. As the Japanese government elevated the Northern Territories issue to the forefront of Soviet-Japanese relations, Soviet criticism of Japan escalated. By the time Mikhail Gorbachev took power in 1985, Soviet-Japanese relations had sunk to their lowest point.
The myelodysplastic syndromes: current approaches to therapy.

Abstract Purpose:To review the current therapeutic options for patients with the myelodysplastic syndromes. Data Identification:Studies reported between 1968 and September 1989 were identified thro...
Magnetic domain structures in cerium-doped Fe80B20, Fe80B16Si2C2, and Fe78B13Si9 glassy ribbons

The addition of cerium in parts-per-million quantities has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the annealing embrittlement of melt-spun amorphous ribbons [1]. The effects of cerium doping on magnetic domain structures are reported in this paper. Domain structures have been observed using the Bitter colloid technique on the free surfaces of as-quenched ribbons, as well as on both surfaces of ribbons which have been thinned by electropolishing. In the binary and quaternary alloys, the optimum (in terms of mechanical properties) cerium content gives ribbons which are apparently free of quenched-in stresses, since they lack the commonly observed “maze domains” which are found for both undoped and excessively doped ribbons. In contrast, the ternary alloy, which shows little decrease in annealing embrittlement versus doping, is free of maze domains in the as-quenched condition, with or without doping. The effect on the former two alloys is interpreted in terms of enhanced stress-relief during the quench.
The effect of post Pangea subduction on global mantle tomography and convection

There is an excellent correlation between tomographic patterns and global tectonics in the upper 200 km of the mantle. Below this depth there is little relationship with present tectonic provinces. Most of the power in the tomography is in the longest wavelengths (l=1–3) with l=2 generally dominant. This is quite different from expectations based on mantle convection models. The question then arises, what causes the long wavelength variations mapped by seismic techniques? We investigate the hypotheses that past locations of supercontinents and subduction may control temperature variations in the mantle. We look for correlations between Pangea and post-Pangeatic subduction and seismic velocity variations at various depths. The best correlations with time integrated slab locations occur near the base of the uppermantle, suggesting that slabs bottom out in the mesosphere. The Pangea hemisphere has a colder than average uppermantle, probably due to circum- and intra-Pangea subduction. Hotspots and ridges avoid regions cooled by subduction over the past 180 Ma. The presence of large continents at the surface and large areas of cold slab at depth explain the dominance of long wavelengths in the mantle's thermal structure, despite the high Rayleigh number.
Photochemical and microbial decomposition of chromophoric dissolved organic matter during long (months–years) exposures

Photochemical and microbial decomposition of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was studied at time scales in which terrestrially derived CDOM is transported from many fresh water watersheds to coastal waters. During 70-day exposure, solar radiation decomposed 96% of freshwater CDOM but only 41% of DOC. Apparent quantum yields for photochemical decomposition decreased in proportion to the dose of absorbed photons by CDOM. When apparent quantum yield for photochemical decomposition of CDOM was applied to an optical model, it revealed that solar UV radiation was responsible for 75% and 44% of the decomposition of CDOM at the surface and in the whole water column, respectively. The modeled rates of photochemical decomposition were in good agreement with the measurements in a 2-m deep photolytic stratum. The photochemical decomposition of CDOM attenuated in the water column similarly to violet-blue irradiance. During 500-day long incubations in darkness, plankton decomposed CDOM as much as was decomposed at the surface by solar radiation in a week. Thus, solar radiation was much more important than plankton in the decomposition of CDOM at the surface.
Immunization against Schistosoma japonicum in rhesus monkeys produced by irradiated cercariae.

IN schistosome infection, it has been generally accepted that the antigens for stimulating the production of immune antibodies are the results of the production of eggs in the hosts1,2. Recently, we3 demonstrated that inoculations of rhesus monkeys with the cercariae of the non-human (zoophilic) strain of S. japonicum gave marked protection against a subsequent challenge with its human (pathogenic) strain. Since the non-human strain of S. japonicum is usually unable to develop into mature worms in rhesus monkeys, it indicates that the presence of schistosome eggs in the tissues is not necessary for the development of acquired resistance and that the antigens for stimulating the production of potent immune bodies may originate from schistosomulae. This point of view was confirmed by Sadun et al.4. The question still remains whether this type of acquired resistance can be produced by the schistosomulae of the human strain. This can be answered by inoculation of rhesus monkeys with irradiated cercariae of the human strain before they are challenged with non-irradiated cercariae.
High Bandwidth Optical Magnetometry with a Micromachined Vapor Cell

We describe an optical magnetometer that retains its sensitivity within a bandwidth of 10 kHz. The device relies on laser spectroscopy of alkali atoms contained in a 2 mmX 1mmX 1mm micromachined vapor cell.
The dynamics of the Einstein-Dirac system. I. A principal bundle formulation of the theory and its canonical analysis

Abstract We begin here a mathematical study of the space of globally hyperbolic solutions of the Einstein-Dirac field equations. Our first step is to develop a principal [ O (3, 1)] bundle formulation of the Einstein-Dirac fields (which include the spacetime metric represented as a frame field, and a Dirac anticommuting spinor). This formulation provides an invariant description of the fields, and it is useful for controlling their gauge freedom (represented as bundle automorphisms) and for studying the symmetries of solutions (described via Lie derivatives on the bundle). Our analysis of the field equations follows the program developed by Fischer, Marsden, and Moncrief in their study of the vacuum Einstein field equations. We perform a (3 + 1) decomposition of the fields, we obtain a canonical Hamiltonian formulation of the field equations, we study field perturbations, and finally we relate solution symmetries to the kernel of the evolution operator. Some of the mathematies of bundle theory needed to understand this paper is discussed in the appendixes.
An unusual cause of refractory bleeding in a patient with radiation colitis

Background: Radiation colitis is a well-recognized etiology of hematochezia and chronic anemia in patients who have had pelvic irradiation. Bleeding can be persistent and often difficult to treat, as there has been little progress made in medical and endoscopic therapy. The purpose of this case report is to discuss a secondary cause of refractory bleeding in a patient with radiation colitis.
Multipotent properties of myofibroblast cells derived from human placenta

Human uterine fibroblasts (HuF) isolated from the maternal part (decidua parietalis) of a term placenta provide a useful model of in vitro cell differentiation into decidual cells (decidualization, a critical process for successful pregnancy). After isolation, the cells adhere to plastic and have either a small round or spindle-shaped morphology that later changes into a flattened pattern in culture. HuF robustly proliferate in culture until passage 20 and form colonies when plated at low densities. The cells express the mesenchymal cell markers fibronectin, integrin-beta1, ICAM-1 (CD54), and collagen I. Flow cytometry of HuF has detected the presence of CD34, a marker of the hematopoietic stem cell lineage, and an absence of CD10, CD11b/Mac, CD14, CD45, and HLA type II. Furthermore, they also express the pluripotency markers SSEA-1, SSEA-4, Oct-4, Stro-1, and TRA-1-81 as detected by confocal microscopy. Treatment for 14-21 days with differentiation-inducing media leads to the differentiation of HuF into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. The presence of alpha-smooth muscle actin, calponin, and myosin light-chain kinase in cultured HuF implies their similarity to myofibroblasts. Treatment of the HuF with dimethyl sufoxide causes reversion to the spindle-shaped morphology and a loss of myofibroblast characteristics, suggesting a switch into a less differentiated phenotype. The unique abilities of HuF to exhibit multipotency, even with myofibroblast characteristics, and their ready availability and low maintenance requirements make them an interesting cell model for further exploration as a possible tool for regenerative medicine.
Combinatorial hot-wire CVD approach to exploring thin-film Si materials and devices

Combinatorial approaches have become very powerful tools for discovering and optimizing new materials and devices. Increasing the experimental efficiency, i.e. the experimental throughput, is one of the central motivations for switching to a combinatorial approach. In this paper, the application of the combinatorial approach to researching amorphous-silicon-based materials and devices is demonstrated. Thin-film materials that gradually transition from amorphous to microcrystalline (μc) silicon with various hydrogen dilutions have been successfully, and rapidly, deposited on a single substrate using the hot-wire chemical vapor deposition technique. It is worth noting that no time is wasted in between loading, vacuuming, and heating the samples. Also, many thicknesses graded stripes can be grown on a substrate, allowing study of the thickness-dependent growth of the μc-Si. For device applications such as solar cells, the combinatorial approach can fabricate the solar cell in a way that permits rapid optimization of p-type, intrinsic, and n-type layers within the device structure. Also, a combination of n-, i- and p-layers allows the study of each layer as well as the combinations of each layer on a single substrate. Based on this initial study, the combinatorial approach has speeded up the rate of experimentation by at least a factor of 10. Additional increases ranging from 10 to 100 are foreseeable with the aid of computer control and automations.
The genus Morenoina in Britain

The type species of Morenoina Theiss. is illustrated; nine new British species and two from Europe, not yet found in Britain, are described. Aulographum hederae is figured for comparison.
Results of endovascular superficial femoral endarterectomy.

Abstract Background: Endovascular superficial femoral artery (SFA) endarterectomy with a ring stripper/cutter and distal stenting has been suggested to have a patency comparable with above-knee bypass surgery. We report our initial experience with this technique. Methods: Seventeen patients (13 men and 4 women; mean age, 64 years) with SFA occlusion and above-knee popliteal reconstitution underwent attempted remote endarterectomy with a ring cutter system combined with primary stenting of the distal end point. Analysis was performed in a prospective manner with patency rates determined by Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis. Results: The indication for operation was claudication in 8 patients, rest pain in 6, and tissue loss in 3. Initial technical success was achieved in 11 patients (65%). Reasons for technical failure included SFA perforation (4), inability to traverse a calcified/diseased segment (1), and inability to retract/remove the ring cutter (1). Life-table analysis of all patients revealed a primary patency at 1 year of 26% ± 11%. Primary-assisted patency was 38% ± 12% at 1 year, with 59% of patients ultimately requiring surgical bypass grafting. In patients in whom initial technical success was achieved, the 1-year primary and primary-assisted patency rates were 40% and 59%, respectively. There were four reocclusions requiring surgical revascularization with below-knee popliteal (2) or tibial (2) bypass grafting, 1 symptomatic restenosis requiring repeat angioplasty, and 1 symptomatic restenosis treated conservatively. Conclusion: The results of endovascular SFA endarterectomy were disappointing, with technical success in less than two thirds of patients and a 1-year primary patency of only 26%. Remote SFA endarterectomy appears less effective than above-knee femoropopliteal bypass grafting, and after early failure, patients may require more distal revascularization for limb salvage. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:526-31.)
Development of a Scale to Measure Attitudes toward Inclusive Education

This study was conducted to scale the Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education Scale (ATIES) with Rasch analysis. The ATIES records positive and negative attitudes toward integrating children with various disabilities into regular classes. Rasch analysis resolved the nonlinear relationship between the finite range of recorded ATIES scores and the conceptually infinite range of attitudes. Results showed that the 16-item scale defined a unidimensional attitudinal variable and yielded interval measures of attitudes toward inclusive education.
The NASA astrobiology program.

The new discipline of astrobiology addresses fundamental questions about life in the universe: "Where did we come from?" "Are we alone in the universe?" "What is our future beyond the Earth?" Developing capabilities in biotechnology, informatics, and space exploration provide new tools to address these old questions. The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has encouraged this new discipline by organizing workshops and technical meetings, establishing a NASA Astrobiology Institute, providing research funds to individual investigators, ensuring that astrobiology goals are incorporated in NASA flight missions, and initiating a program of public outreach and education. Much of the initial effort by NASA and the research community was focused on determining the technical content of astrobiology. This paper discusses the initial answer to the question "What is astrobiology?" as described in the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap.
The epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands as therapeutic targets in human tumors

Abstract The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is detected on many non-haematopoietic tissues and is frequently overexpressed in human tumors. With its ligand, TGF-α, it forms a well-defined autocrine growth loop. Several clinical approaches, using EGFR as a therapeutic target, are being investigated, particularly monoclonal antibodies combined with chemotherapy, and pharmacological inhibition of downstream components of the EGFR signaling pathway.
The effects of process-focused versus experience-focused narratives in a breast cancer treatment decision task.

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of patient narratives that discuss decision processes versus patient experiences on decisions about treatments for early stage breast cancer. Methods We recruited 300 women with no previous history of breast cancer to imagine that they had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and to choose between mastectomy and lumpectomy with radiation. Before learning about their treatment options, participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions with videotaped stories from fictitious cancer survivors, using a 2 (content: experience versus process) × 2 (emotional valence: positive only vs. positive and negative) factorial design, or a control condition with no stories. We measured information search, treatment intentions, and decision satisfaction. Results Participants viewing process narratives spent more time searching for information. Participants viewing experience narratives reported a greater ability to imagine what it was like to experience the treatments; they also evaluated their decision more positively on several dimensions. Conclusions Process narratives appeared to guide information search, and experience narratives improved evaluations of the decision process. Practice implications There is no evidence that process and experience narratives ‘bias’ decisions in the same manner as outcome narratives. Further, their potential to focus patient attention on key information and increase patient confidence in decision making appears significant.
Phenolic fraction of tobacco smoke condensate potentiates benzo[a]pyerene diol epoxide-induced cell transformation: Role of protein kinase C

In this study we separated weakly acidic phenolic components from other neutral, acidic and basic components of tobacco smoke condensate (TSC) and observed that phenolic fraction of TSC significantly increased the number of colonies of promotion-sensitive JB6 Cl41 cells that showed anchorage-independent growth on soft agar in response to BPDE (an ultimate carcinogen produced by metabolic activation of the PAH benzo[a]pyrene). Anchorage-independent cell growth is indicative of cell transformation resulting in acquisition of tumorigenic potential. In order to understand the underlying mechanism by which TSC phenolic fraction potentiates BPDE-induced tumorigenicity, we examined its effect on the activation of two transcription factors AP-1 and NF-κB which are known to be influenced by established tumor promoter TPA. BPDE treatment caused induction of both AP-1 and NF-κB activity as determined by luciferase reporter assay and only NF-κB induction in response to BPDE was significantly attenuated by TSC phenolic fraction whereas AP-1 induction remains unaltered. Attenuation of NF-κB activation by TSC phenolic fraction was associated with significant decrease of intracellular PKC substrate phosphorylation in BPDE treated cells. Non-specific PKC inhibitors staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide II as well as inhibitors specific to conventional PKCs (Go6976) and PKC-δ (rottlerin) attenuated NF-κB activation in BPDE treated cells to a varying degree indicating a possible link between PKC down-regulation and the attenuation of NF-κB activity by TSC phenolic fraction. Treatment of cells with PKC inhibitors also potentiated anchorage-independent growth of BPDE treated cells on soft agar. Our data suggest a possible role of PKC down-regulation in potentiation of BPDE-induced tumorogenicity by TSC phenolic fraction.
Welding failure analysis

Abstract The failure of welded connections may result from a number of causes; however, they can normally be related to problems in five categories: weld geometrical design, weld process parameters, material-process incompatibilities, weld process execution, and unanticipated service requirements. These problems are sometimes found in combination, and a problem in one of these categories may result in a related problem in another. The normal techniques for determining the cause of a weld joint failure are visual examination, light microscopy, and nondestructive examination, often followed by materials testing, additional sampling, and analytical studies of stress. Electron microscopy may be used to supplement light microscopy. The nondestructive testing and stress analysis are used to provide a global characterization of the joint or structure, while microscopy and chemical analysis provide a more in-depth interpretation of areas that have failed. Forty-five failure analyses of large steel structure are summarized with respect to both the causes of weld failure and the analysis methods used. The most common causes of weld failure for all structures were the execution of the weld and base material weld-process incompatibilities. The original geometric design of the weld and specifications of original welding parameters were important but lesser causes. Most of the weld failure studies used a variety of analysis tools. All used visual inspection with most using light microscopy, chemical analysis, mechanical property determination, nondestructive testing, and stress state studies as part of the analysis. Less than 30% used electron microscopy in the failure cause determination.
Synthesis of a chiral micelle-like dendrimer with phenylene dendrons and a 1,1′-binaphthyl core

Abstract A novel chiral micelle-like dendrimer has been synthesized. This dendrimer contains a chiral binaphthyl core, meta -phenylene dendrons, and hydrophilic polyhydroxyl periphery groups. It is soluble in highly polar solvents such H 2 O/THF, MeOH/THF, EtOH/THF and DMSO, but insoluble in EtOAc, CH 2 Cl 2 and CHCl 3 . The study by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy reveals that the dendrimer may have a tighter conformation in a less polar solvent than in a more polar solvent. This dendrimer shows strong fluorescence in solution.