cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
JNK-independent Activation of c-Jun during Neuronal Apoptosis Induced by Multiple DNA-damaging Agents

Activation of the JNK pathway and induction of the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun are critical for neuronal apoptosis caused by a variety of insults. Ara-C-induced DNA damage caused rapid sympathetic neuronal death that was associated with an increase of c-jun expression. In addition, c-Jun was phosphorylated in its N-terminal transactivation domain, which is important for c-Jun-mediated gene transcription. Blocking c-Jun activation by JNK pathway inhibition prevented neuronal death after stress. In contrast, neither the JNK inhibitor SP600125 nor the mixed lineage kinase inhibitor CEP-1347 prevented cytosine arabinoside-induced neuronal death, demonstrating that the JNK pathway was not necessary for DNA damage-induced neuronal apoptosis. Surprisingly, SP600125 or CEP-1347 could not block c-Jun induction or phosphorylation after DNA damage. Pharmacological inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity completely prevented c-Jun phosphorylation after DNA damage. These results demonstrate that c-Jun activation during DNA damage-induced neuronal apoptosis was independent of the classical JNK pathway and was mediated by a novel c-Jun kinase. Based on pharmacological criteria, DNA damage-induced neuronal c-Jun kinase may be a member of the CDK family or be activated by a CDK-like kinase. Activation of this novel kinase and subsequent phosphorylation of c-Jun may be important in neuronal death after DNA damage.
Electron-hydrogen scattering by complex-optical-potential methods

Multichannel electron scattering by atomic hydrogen is studied by using a complex optical potential. Real and virtual excitation and ionization of the target system as well as electron-exchange effects are included in the calculation. A free-particle Green's function is used as an approximation for the propagator in intermediate states. The contributions of the excited and ionized states to the nonlocal optical potential are examined separately. Ionization and excitation cross sections are calculated exactly without further approximation for electron energies greater than 1 Ry. The calculations are in good agreement with recent experimental measurements of differential cross sections.
Preparation of alumina-pillared montmorillonite with desired pillar population

Abstract An alumina-pillared clay having a desired pillar population was prepared by varying the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of Na-montmorillonite followed by its intercalation with cationic oligomers of hydroxyaluminum (COHA). Heating Na-montmorillonite partially ion-exchanged with Ni2+ resulted in a decrease in CEC by 75% of Ni2+ introduced. The resultant clay having different CEC's were pillared in an excess of COHA. Below the CEC of 0.54 meq/g, the prepared clay had the basal spacing of ca. 10 A, indicating that the clay was not pillared with alumina at all. Above the CEC of 0.79 meq/g, the amount of alumina incorporated increased with CEC. The 001 reflection giving the basal spacing of 10 A disappeared and instead, a new reflection of the basal spacing of 18 A appeared, indicating that alumina is incorporated in the silicate layers as pillars. As a result of pillaring, the specific surface area increased with increasing CEC to reach the maximum of ca. 300 m2/g and then decreased. It seems that the optimum CEC is present for giving the largest surface area: in the present study, the optimum CEC was about 1.0 meq/g. It was also found that although intercalating the Na-montmorillonite, the CEC of which had not been modified, with various amounts of COHA might also result in controlling the pillar population, the regularity of the layered structure was considerably lacking in the resultant pillared clay.
Worry as a Moderator of the Association Between Risk Perceptions and Quitting Intentions in Young Adult and Adult Smokers

Background Although much work addresses the association between risk perceptions and behavior, much less attention has been devoted to identifying psychosocial and sociodemographic moderators of this relationship.
Green-function Monte Carlo study of quantum antiferromagnets.

We have studied via Green-function Monte Carlo (GFMC) technique the S=(1/2 Heisenberg quantum antiferromagnet in two dimensions on a square lattice. GFMC is a T=0 stochastic method that projects out the component of the ground state in a given variational wave function. From studies on lattices up to 12\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}12, we find the ground-state energy per site ${E}_{0}$/J=-0.6692(2). We include the zero-point motion of the elementary excitations in the ground state and show that it produces long-range correlations in the wave function. We obtain a staggered magnetization ${m}^{\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}$=0.31(2) in units in which the classical N\'eel state is 0.5. The structure factor at long wavelengths is S(q)\ensuremath{\sim}q and from the slope we deduce the spin-wave velocity.
Use of o-phthalaldehyde to reduce background during automated Edman degradation.

Abstract Background generated during the cleavage step of the Edman degradation is a major obstacle to extended automated amino acid sequencing. It was demonstrated recently by A. S. Bhown, J. C. Bennett, P. H. Morgan, and J. E. Mole (1981, Anal. Biochem. 112 , 158–162) that introduction of fluorescamine into the spinning cup reduced background by blocking primary amino groups at cycles where a proline residue is at the exposed amino terminus. A convenient blocking reaction program using o -phthalaldehyde which can be intercalated into the sequencing format of an automated Beckman liquid-phase sequencer is presented. The advantages of o -phthalaldehyde in blocking of primary amines when proline is amino terminal arise from its stability in aqueous solution and the ease of programmed metering of delivery to the sequencer spinning cup. The blocking reaction proved successful not only in extending sequence analyses but also in the elimination of unwanted sequences in selected peptide mixtures without the necessity of purification of the target peptide.
The PARP Side of the Nucleus: Molecular Actions, Physiological Outcomes, and Clinical Targets

The abundant nuclear enzyme PARP-1, a multifunctional regulator of chromatin structure, transcription, and genomic integrity, plays key roles in a wide variety of processes in the nucleus. Recent studies have begun to connect the molecular functions of PARP-1 to specific physiological and pathological outcomes, many of which can be altered by an expanding array of chemical inhibitors of PARP enzymatic activity.
The variation of power generation with organic substrates in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs).

Abstract The wastewaters consist of diverse types of organic substrates that can be used as the carbon sources for power generation. To explore the utilization of some of these organics, the electricity generation from three substrates (acetate, ethanol, and glucose) was examined over a concentration range of 0.5–35 mM in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs). The power density generated from glucose was the highest at 401 mW/m2 followed by acetate and ethanol at 368 mW/m2 and 302 mW/m2, respectively. The voltage increased with substrate concentration of 0.5–20 mM, but significantly decreased at high substrate concentrations of 20–35 mM. Kinetic analysis indicated that the inhibition in the ethanol-fed MFCs was the highest at the concentration of 35 mM, while inhibition in glucose-fed MFCs was the lowest at the concentration of 20 mM. These were in accordance with the extents of voltage decrease at high substrate concentration. Moreover, the effect of the distance between anode and cathode on voltage generation was also investigated. The reduction of the electrode distance by 33% in the glucose-fed MFCs reduced the internal resistance by 73% and led to 20% increase in voltage generation.
Extending the Potts and Bruns model for recording design rationale

An extension of the model proposed by C. Potts and G. Bruns (1988) for recording design rationale is presented. The extension consists of enriching the internal structure of justification in the Potts and Bruns model by making explicit the goals presupposed by arguments, the relations among arguments, and the first-class nature of these relations. The author describes the Potts and Bruns model briefly. A language whose underlying model extends the Potts and Bruns model and a system that supports the use of this language are presented. Related studies on recording design rationale are briefly discussed. The limitations of the language presented are discussed as further research problems. >
Optimizing Vancomycin Dosing through Pharmacodynamic Assessment Targeting Area under the Concentration-Time Curve/Minimum Inhibitory Concentration:

Because of its activity against multidrug resistant gram-positive organisms, vancomycin is one of the antimicrobials most utilized in health care systems worldwide. Despite its widespread use, application of the pharmacodynamic principles governing vancomycin efficacy are not frequently considered in contemporary clinical practice. Although the vancomycin trough serum concentration has been used historically to assess the adequacy of a prescribed dose, data validating that this practice leads to improved patient outcomes do not exist. Alternatively, both in vitro and clinical outcomes data demonstrate improved results when an area under the concentration-time curve/minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) of 400 mcg•h/mL or greater is achieved. This article describes the process through which individualized vancomycin dosing regimens targeting an AUC/MIC of 400 mcg•h/mL or greater, rather than trough serum concentration, at the beside can be derived. The equations, methodology, thought processes, benefi...
Iron oxide solubilization by organic matter and its effect on iron availability

The solubility of Fe in soils is largely controlled by Fe oxides; ferrihydrite, amorphous ferric hydroxide, and soil-Fe are generally believed to exert the major control. Fe(III) hydrolysis species constitute the major Fe species in solution. Other inorganic Fe complexes are present, but their concentrations are much less than the hydrolysis species. Organic complexes of Fe including those of organic acids like citrate, oxalate, and malate contribute slightly to increased Fe solubility in acid soils, but not in alkaline soils.
A Bandpass /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ RF-DAC with Embedded FIR Reconstruction Filter

A 1b bandpass DeltaSigma DAC followed by a current steering FIR reconstruction filter and an embedded up-conversion mixer is presented. The RF DAC is implemented in 0.25mum digital CMOS, can be used in low-power digital-IF transmitters and eliminates the need for a transimpedance stage and a separate mixer. The RF DAC draws 49mA from a 2.5V supply, achieving -64.7dBc IM3 at 1.03GHz with an SFDR of 72dB in a 15MHz bandwidth
Unraveling the Energy Transduction Mechanism of Resilin Elasticity-A Combination of Computational and Experimental Study

Resilin, known as a “super elastic rubber”, has drawn intensive research interests for its striking energy transduction and storage properties. However, due to lack of atomic structures of this protein and its constituent domains, no models with atomic details are available up to date to enable an in-depth understanding of the energy transductions and storage mechanism in resilin. In our current study, with model peptides, we explore the structures of the high-hydrophobicity sequence and the repeating unit of the Exon III domain of resilin at the atomic level. Bioinformatics method predicts interesting β-sheet and β-turn structures for the above respective sequences, which is consistent with earlier and present experimental acquisitions. Long-time molecular dynamics simulations with the explicit solvent model further confirm these structural features. The peptide secondary and tertiary structures, and peptide-water interactions are investigated in details with simulations, and the results are compared to experimental measurements from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The present study offers an atomistic view of resilin and elastomeric proteins in general where β-turn-related structures serve as fundamental units of the structure and elasticity.
Logical Data Models for Cloud Computing Architectures

Describing generic logical data models for two existing cloud computing architectures, the author helps develop a common set of architectural requirements to facilitate traceability between evolving business requirements and cloud architecture implementations.
Growth of IrO2, SnO2, and SnO2:IrO2 crystals

Abstract Crystals of IrO 2 , SnO 2 , and SnO 2 :IrO 2 have been grown by chemical vapor transport. The IrO 2 crystals are larger than any previously reported. The SnO 2 and SnO 2 :IrO 2 crystals are optically clear and are suitable for optical properties studies. This is the first report on the growth of SnO 2 :IrO 2 crystals.
Evaluation of several models treating the recovery of the ERG a-wave after light adaptation.

Abstract Three different models are proposed to examine the recovery of the electroretinogram a -wave after light adaptation. The most satisfactory model assumes that a product of the rhodopsin-light energy reaction can act as an inhibitor of a necessary reaction. This reaction leads to the generation of the a -wave when the concentration of the inhibitor is less than that of the a -wave generator. The model also assumes that the removal of the inhibitor is dependent upon the cis-retinene concentration in the rod outer segments and that the a -wave amplitude is independent of the rhodopsin concentration.
Compromised proteasome degradation elevates neuronal nitric oxide synthase levels and induces apoptotic cell death

The significance of impairment of proteasome activity in PC12 cells was examined in connection with nitrative/nitrosative stress and apoptotic cell death. Treatment of differentiated PC12 cells with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, elicited a dose- and time-dependent increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein levels, decreased cell viability, and increased cytotoxicity. Viability and cytotoxicity were ameliorated by L-NAME (a broad NOS inhibitor). Nitric oxide/peroxynitrite formation was increased upon treatment of PC12 cells with MG132 and decreased upon treatment with the combination of MG132 and 7-NI (a specific inhibitor of nNOS). The decreases in cell viability appeared to be effected by an activation of JNK and its effect on mitochondrial Bcl-xL phosphorylation. These effects are strengthened by the activation of caspase-9 along with increased caspase-3 activity upon treatment of PC12 cells with MG132. These results suggest that impairment of proteasome activity and consequent increases in nNOS levels lead to a nitrative stress that involves the coordinated response of JNK cytosolic signaling and mitochondrion-driven apoptotic pathways.
A Comparison of Methods for Calculation of Radar-Rainfall Hourly Accumulations

: We compared two interpolation schemes for calculation of hourly accumulation of radar-rainfall. The schemes are: (1) the Advection Method, and (2) the Space-Time Kriging Method. The performance of the methods is investigated using numerical simulation experiments. Space-time evolution of rainfall fields is generated from a stochastic model. The generated fields are sampled following typical radar scanning strategies, and the investigated schemes are applied to obtain accumulated rainfall patterns. The statistical results and a visual analysis of the graphical images suggest that it is advisable to use an interpolation scheme for radar observations even when storm velocity is not high. The Space-Time Kriging Method provides the best results for low wind velocity. The Advection Method has the smallest standard deviation and mean absolute error, and preserves well the true rainfall pattern for high wind velocity.
Charge susceptibility of the spin-degenerate Anderson model.

We calculated the charge susceptibility of the Anderson model for finite f-f Coulomb interaction U, via a renormalization-group technique. For an occupation number of the f orbital around unity, the spectrum presents two peaks. One peak is centered at the impurity orbital energy \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{f}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}, and comes from the transition ${\mathit{f}}^{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{f}}^{1}$. The other one is centered at the energy ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{f}}$+U. It is associated with the transition ${\mathit{f}}^{1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{f}}^{2}$, and decreases in intensity with the increasing of U.
Grain Refinement and Mechanical Properties of CP‐Ti Processed by Warm Accumulative Roll Bonding

Abstract Accumulative roll bonding (ARB), a severe plastic deformation technique, was used in this study to process commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) at 450 °C. Sheet samples were processed by seven consecutive ARB cycles, with an overall equivalent strain of 5.6. Mechanical characterization and microstructural examination were carried out on the processed material to track their changes and relationships with regard to one another. Electron microscopy, TEM in particular, revealed significant grain refinement in the material, with submicron microstructure achieved even after one cycle of warm processing. Further processing was shown to progressively fragment the highly elongated grains, ultimately producing a predominantly-equiaxed ultrafine grain structure with an average grain size of ∼100 nm. Tensile strength and microhardness of the material increased with the number of ARB cycles; the strength–grain size relationship followed the Hall–Petch equation. The overall grain refinement and strengthening levels observed here are close to those reported in the literature for ARB processing of CP-Ti at ambient temperatures. This demonstrates the ability of warm ARB can be as effective as cold ARB, while offering several advantages for industrial utilization.
Molecular Systematics of the Avian Schistosome Genus Trichobilharzia (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae) in North America

Trichobilharzia is a genus of threadlike schistosomes with a cosmopolitan distribution in birds. Species of Trichobilharzia achieve notoriety as major etiological agents of cercarial dermatitis, or swimmer's itch. There are 40 species described in the literature, for which the majority lacks molecular sequence information. To better understand the phylogenetic relationships, diversity, species boundaries, host use, and geographic distribution of this genus better, we surveyed 378 birds and over 10,000 snails from North America. The phylogenetic analysis was based on nuclear 18S, 28S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer region and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequence data. Specimens were recovered that could be related to 6 of the 14 described species of Trichobilharzia from North America (Trichobilharzia physellae, Trichobilharzia querquedulae, Trichobilharzia szidati, Trichobilharzia stagnicolae, Trichobilharzia franki, and Trichobilharzia brantae). An additional 5 lineages were found that could not be related directly to previously described species. Trichobilharzia brantae, transmitted by Gyraulus parvus, grouped outside the clade containing the recognized species of Trichobilharzia. A subgroup of the Trichobilharzia clade designated Clade Q was comprised of closely related species whose adults and eggs are similar, yet the European species use lymnaeids whereas the North American species use physids as snail hosts. This molecular phylogeny provides a useful framework (1) to facilitate identification of worms, including those involved in dermatitis outbreaks; (2) to test hypotheses about the evolution, diversification, host-parasite interactions and character evolution of Trichobilharzia; and (3) to guide future taxonomic revision of Trichobilharzia.
Verbal working memory impairments following traumatic brain injury: an fNIRS investigation

The construct of working memory and its reliance on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) have been the focus of many studies in healthy subjects and in clinical populations. However, transfer of knowledge gained from cognitive science studies to clinical applications can be a challenging goal. This scarce cross-dissemination may be partially due to the use of ‘tools’ that are limited in their ability to generate meaningful information about impairments in clinical groups. To this end, this paper investigates the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which offers unique opportunities for recording neuroactivation. Specifically, we examine measures of the DLPFC hemodynamic response during a working memory task in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and healthy controls. Analysis of hemodynamic measures showed significant differences between the two groups, even without differences in behavioral performance. Additional subtle disparities were linked to levels of performance in TBI and healthy subjects. fNIRS hemodynamic measures may therefore provide novel information to existing theories and knowledge of the working memory construct. Future studies may further define these subtle differences captured by fNIRS to help identify which components affect inter-individual variations in performance and could play a contributing role in the choice and planning of neurorehabilitation interventions targeting working memory.
Immunocytochemical localization of serotonergic fibers innervating the ocular circadian system of Aplysia

The isolated eye of the mollusc, Aplysia californica, contains a circadian pacemaker whose phase can be regulated by serotonin. The results of previous biochemical and physiological studies indicate that serotonin is used as a transmitter of circadian information in the eye. Although the effects of serotonin on various physiological processes in the Aplysia eye have been studied, very little is known about the anatomy of the serotonergic innervation. We have examined the innervation of the eye using immunocytochemical methods. Serotonin-immunoreactive processes were observed in the optic nerve, in the accessory optic nerves, in the connective tissue capsule surrounding the eye, and within the eye itself. There appeared to be two sources of serotonergic input to the eye of Aplysia. One set of immunoreactive fibers was contained in the optic nerve and entered the eye in the neuropil region before radiating outward towards the peripheral retina in the layer below the photoreceptor cell bodies. A second serotonin-immunoreactive input to the eye entered from the accessory optic nerves and these fibers formed a dense plexus of fibers in the connective tissue capsule surrounding the eye. Serotonin-immunoreactive fibers from the plexus penetrated the eye and appeared to terminate in the peripheral portion of the retina. No serotonin-immunoreactive cell bodies were observed in the eye, nerves, or connective tissue capsule. These results support the hypothesis that serotonergic fibers innervate the retina of Aplysia and that these fibers travel through two distinct anatomical pathways: the optic nerve and the accessory optic nerves.
Analysis of inverted base pavements with thin-asphalt layers

Inverted base pavements are flexible pavement structures built by placing a top quality compacted granular aggregate base between a rigid cement-treated base and a thin-asphalt surface layer. The proximity of the granular base to the load makes its behaviour critical to the pavement response. Three-dimensional finite-element simulations are conducted to assess the mechanical performance of different inverted base pavement structures, with emphasis placed on pavements that feature thin-asphalt surface layers. A nonlinear constitutive model captures the anisotropic stress-dependent stiffness of the granular base. Results show that the stress distribution within inverted base pavements is markedly different from that of conventional pavements due to the stiffness contrast between successive layers. Thin-asphalt layers deform more uniformly and experience lower tension than thick layers. However, in the presence of combined shear and vertical contact loads, the benefits of a membrane response in thin asphalt ...
Vitamin D levels and obstructive sleep apnoea in children.

Abstract Aims/hypothesis Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common health problem in children. African American (AA) and obese children have higher prevalence of OSA, and are also at a higher risk of reduced vitamin D levels. We hypothesised that OSA would be associated with lower levels of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and increase in the risk of metabolic dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Methods In this observational cross-sectional study, 176 prospectively recruited children (mean age: 6.8±0.8years) underwent overnight polysomnographic evaluation and a fasting blood draw the morning after the sleep study. In addition to lipid profile, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) assays and plasma 25(OH)D levels were assessed using ELISA kits. Results AA children, obese children and children with OSA had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels. Linear associations emerged between 25(OH)D plasma levels and body mass index (BMI) z -score, hsCRP and HOMA-IR, as well as with apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) and oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) nadir, the latter two associations remaining statistically significant even when controlling for all other potential confounders, and independently accounting for 17.7% of the variance in 25(OH)D ( p Conclusions 25(OH)D levels are reduced in paediatric OSA, in AA children and in obese children, particularly when all are present, and may play a role in modulating the degree of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. The short-term and long-term significance of reduced 25(OH)D in paediatric OSA remains undefined.
Modelling non‐linear ground response of non‐liquefiable soils

A non-linear finite element (FE) model is presented to account for soil column effects on strong ground motion. A three-dimensional bounding surface plasticity model with a vanishing elastic region, appropriate for non-liquefiable soils, is formulated to accommodate the effects of plastic deformation right at the onset of loading. The elasto-plastic constitutive model is cast within the framework of a FE soil column model, and is used to re-analyse the downhole motion recorded by an array at a Large-Scale Seismic Test (LSST) site in Lotung, Taiwan, during the earthquake of 20 May 1986; as well as the ground motion recorded at Gilroy 2 reference site during the Loma Prieta earthquake of 17 October 1989. Results of the analysis show maximum permanent shearing strains experienced by the soil column in the order of 0.15 per cent for the Lotung event and 0.8 per cent for the Loma Prieta earthquake, which correspond to modulus reduction factors of about 30 and 10 per cent respectively, implying strong non-linear response of the soil deposit at the two sites. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of small cell lung cancer with TRA-8 in combination with cisplatin and radiation.

Abstract Background Limited stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents a minority of SCLC. Despite extensive clinical trials, standard treatment remains cisplatin-based chemotherapy and thoracic irradiation (TI). This study focused on the interaction of cisplatin/radiation with the anti-human DR5 monoclonal antibody TRA-8 in SCLC cells. TRA-8 binds specifically to DR5 and has been shown to activate apoptosis. Methods Four human SCLC cell lines were utilized for experimentation (SCLC-41, SCLC-58, SCLC-68, and SCLC-74). Immunoblot analysis was used to determine relative protein levels of DR5, DR4 and pro-caspase 8 for each cell line. Using a tetrazolium-based assay (XTT), the IC 50 values for cisplatin with or without TRA-8 were determined for the SCLC cell lines. Four SCLC lines were assayed with a combination of TRA-8 (10μg/ml), 2Gy radiation and various concentrations of cisplatin. Apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V-FITC and cleaved caspase immunoblotting. Using a SCLC-58 subcutaneous xenograft model, treatment began 21d after tumor cell injection. Treatment included weekly cisplatin (4mg/kg) and radiation of 1Gy (24h after cisplatin) and TRA-8 (200μg) was administered i.p. twice weekly for three weeks. Results Immunoblot analysis showed similar levels of DR5 for all cell lines with variable levels of DR4. Various concentrations of TRA-8 antibody (⩽10μg/ml) induced no significant cytotoxicity in the SCLC cell lines. The in vitro combination treatment with TRA-8 (10μg/ml), 1.25μg/ml cisplatin and 2Gy radiation showed increased cytotoxicity when compared to combinations without TRA-8. Furthermore, the triple combination demonstrated the greatest amount of apoptosis as measured by Annexin V staining. The in vivo studies showed the combination of 1Gy, cisplatin and TRA-8 extended the tumor doubling time to 44d as compared to any doublet treatment groups that ranged from 12 to 20d. Analysis of survival data showed 100% of the combination group (RT+cisplatin+TRA-8) were alive 65d after treatment began whereas all doublet treatment groups showed 50% or less survival. Conclusions These studies showed increased cytotoxicity when TRA-8 was added to radiation/cisplatin in SCLC. This effect was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo . TRA-8 represents a promising new agent in the treatment of SCLC.
Central nervous system neurons labelled following the injection of pseudorabies virus into the rat urinary bladder

Pseudorabies virus was injected into the wall of the urinary bladder and, following incubation times of 2, 3 and 4 days, central nervous tissue was processed immunohistochemically for the presence of virus. Longer incubation times resulted in more extensive spread of the virus. Infected neurons were initially found in the spinal cord (mainly lumbosacral) and, after longer survival times, in raphe nuclei, reticular area, pontine micturition center, locus coeruleus, red nucleus, hypothalamus, preoptic, and cortical areas. These data define a multisynaptic circuit of neurons whose ultimate output influences urinary bladder function.
Pilot study risk assessment for selected problems at three U.S. Department of Energy facilities

Abstract Objective and realistic human health risk assessments were performed for environmental problems at the Savannah River Site (SRS), the Fernald Environmental Management Project (FEMP), and the Nevada Test Site (NTS). At the SRS, cancer mortality risks were analyzed for projected public exposures to 3 H and 137 Cs released into the Savannah River. For annual human exposures to SRS tritium in Savannah River water, calculated incremental individual lifetime risks in two human receptor populations were small (8×10 −7 ; upper 95 percentile point of the distribution). The 95th percentile point of the distribution for incremental individual lifetime risks from one year's exposure to 137 Cs is less than 10 −8 . No deaths are expected in either population as a result of exposures to tritium or cesium released to the Savannah River from the SRS. Routine releases of radon and radon progeny from the K-65 silos at FEMP resulted in individual lifetime risks greater than 1×10 −4 only for onsite workers and fenceline residents. Population risks were less than 1.0 for all identified receptor populations. Assessment of risks from exposure to uranium in ground water released by the FEMP predicted no toxic effects for human receptors. All estimated cancer risks were small. The largest predicted individual lifetime risk was for a well close to the facility (1.3×10 −5 ). For the various above-ground shot sites at the NTS, the highest predicted lifetime cancer risks are for a resident farmer, assuming a loss of institutional control, and exceed 1×10 −4 at the 95th cumulative percentile level. At 50 000 and 100 000 y in the future, the predicted cancer risks are all below 10 −6 . In the assessment of exposure to radionuclides in ground water at the NTS, for an individual onsite near the site boundary, the geometric mean of the maximum potential excess lifetime risk of cancer mortality for an individual is 7×10 −3 . For an individual using water offsite, the geometric mean of the maximum potential excess lifetime risk of cancer mortality is 7×10 −7 .
Nitrogen and phosphorus budgets of a nymphaeid-dominated system

Communities dominated byNymphoides peltata (Gmel.) O. Kuntze (Menyanthaceae) have been studied within the framework of the project on structure, dynamics and function of nymphaeid-dominated systems. VAN DER VELDE, 1980). In this summary some remarks on the quantitative distribution of N and P in an old river bed are presented with special emphasis on sites dominated by the floating-leaved macrophyteNymphoides peltata. The study area was the Bemmelse Strang, an old branch of the river Waal situated in the northern river forelands between Lent and Bemmel, north of Nijmegen. Two sampling sites were chosen,viz. one dominated byNymphoides peltata and another without macrophytes (the open water). Several compartments were distinguished in these sites,viz., water, seston, sediment and macrophytes. Water and seston samples were collected biweekly and sediment and macrophyte samples monthly from January until December 1980. In the sediment most nutrients seemed to be stored in the upper layers, so cores to a depth of 10 cm were taken. The percentage of water in the sediment, the specific mass of the sediment, the biomass of seston andNymphoides (expressed as dry weight) and the water depth were recorded at each sampling data. The dried samples of sediment, seston andNymphoides were analysed for total N and total P. In the water and interstitial water (soil extracts) total N, NH4+, NO3−−NO2−, total P and PO43− were determined. By means of these data the quantitative distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus in the system could be established.
Measuring the distribution of galaxies between haloes

We develop a method to measure the probability, P(N; M), of finding N galaxies in a dark matter halo of mass M from the theoretically determined clustering properties of dark matter haloes and the observationally measured clustering properties of galaxies. Knowledge of this function and the distribution of the dark matter completely specifies all clustering properties of galaxies on scales larger than the size of dark matter haloes. Furthermore, P(N; M) provides strong constraints on models of galaxy formation, since it depends upon the merger history of dark matter haloes and the galaxy–galaxy merger rate within haloes. We show that measurements from a combination of the Two Micron All Sky Survey and Sloan Digital Sky Survey or Two-degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey data sets will allow P(N; M) averaged over haloes occupied by bright galaxies to be accurately measured for N=0–2.
Constructing a new class of low-discrepancy sequences by using the β-adic transformation

Abstract It is well known that low-discrepancy sequences and their discrepancy play essential roles in quasi Monte Carlo methods [5] . In this paper, a new class of low-discrepancy sequences N β is constructed by using the ergodic theoretical transformation which is called β -adic transformation 7 , 8 . Here, β is a real number greater than 1. When β is an integer greater than 2, N β becomes the classical van der Corput sequence in base β . Therefore, the class N β can be regarded as a generalization of the van der Corput sequence. It is shown that for some special β , the discrepancy of this sequence decreases in the fastest order O (N −1 log N) . We give the numerical results of discrepancy of N β for some β s. Pages [6] also generalized van der Corput sequence in a different direction by using an ergodic transformation.
Back to Bayesics

Bayesian analysis was formulated to permit incorporation of prior information into statistical analysis. It is disconcerting to view the large amount of Bayesian analysis that is focussed on non-informative priors. Less disturbing, but still questionable, is the habit of forcing prior beliefs to be approximated by very restrictive conjugate prior families. More flexible families of conjugate priors are needed to accommodate a broader spectrum of informative (or non-informative) prior beliefs. As a small step in this direction, conditionally specified priors are advocated for use in many standard statistical settings.
Active-Learning Strategies for HPER

(2000). Active-Learning Strategies for HPER. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 71, No. 5, pp. 26-29.
Sacral nerve neuromodulation in patients with underlying neurologic disease

Objective Sacral nerve neuromodulation (SNS) is an effective treatment for lower urinary tract dysfunction. Many underlying neurologic processes affect lower urinary tract function. We present results of SNS in patients with underlying neurologic dysfunction. Study Design This is a retrospective case series of 33 patients with neurologic disease and lower urinary tract dysfunction who underwent an InterStim stimulation procedure. Results were evaluated by pre- and postoperative voiding diaries. Success was defined as greater than 50% improvement. Results Twenty-eight of 33 patients (85%) underwent implantation: 13 of 16 (81%) multiple sclerosis, 4 of 6 (67%) Parkinson disease, and 11 of 11 (100%) other neurologic disorders. Incontinence episodes per 24 hours decreased 68%, number of voids per 24 hours decreased 43%, nocturia decreased 70%, and there was a 58% reduction in intermittent self-catheterization per 24 hours. Ninety-three percent reported overall satisfaction. Conclusion Sacral nerve neuromodulation is an effective treatment for lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with underlying neurologic disease.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide: a potent modulator of coronary flow.

Abstract Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been identified in nerve fibers innervating cardiovascular elements and particularly in coronary arteries (CA). To investigate its potential role in modulating coronary blood flow, we injected rat-CGRP into the CA of pentobarbital anesthetized, open chest pigs. Significant dose-related increments in coronary flow were observed. The rise in coronary flow was characterized by unusually, slow onset, late peak and prolonged duration. Arterial pressure, heart rate (HR) and myocardial contractility were unchanged, except at the highest dose (3.0 nmol), which produced mild systemic hypotension and sinus tachycardia. Coronary levels of catecholamines and 6-keto-PGF1α were uncharged by CGRP. The direct, sustained, and potent dilatory activity of CGRP, in coronary arteries of the pig together with anatomical CGRP localization in this site suggest a role for this neuropeptide in hemodynamic regulation.
Neuroendocrine factors influencing polydipsia in psychiatric patients: an hypothesis

Polydipsia and water intoxication cause considerable morbidity and mortality in chronic psychiatric patients. The pathophysiology of the disorder is unknown, and there is no effective treatment. Angiotensin II is an important dipsogen in animals; in humans, some conditions with abnormal thirst are associated with increased angiotensin function. Chronic D2 dopamine receptor blockade increases angiotensin II-induced thirst in animals; in humans, increased peripheral response to angiotensin II is documented. Chronic D2 blockade with typical neuroleptics may increase sensitivity to angiotensin II and induce thirst. Clozapine, which has negligible D2 blocking action may improve polydipsia. Recent case reports demonstrate improvement of polydipsia during clozapine therapy. Angiotensin II releases vasopressin; this could explain water intoxication, which occurs later in the syndrome. This paper suggests an etiological model and a treatment modality for this disorder.
Managing Children's Friendships Through Interparental Relationships: Roles of Ethnicity and Friendship Context

Twenty African American and European American mothers of fourth-grade students reflected on strategies for managing children's friend. ships maintained across a variety of contexts. Ethnicity differentially located families within specific social contexts that yielded children's friendships, then informed social processes as they unfolded within these contexts. Maternal knowledge concerning children's friendships developed as a function of the types of relationships formed among parents encountered within different settings. Findings suggest that inter-parental relationships represent a key source of information about children's friendships. Yet, maternal opportunities to establish such relationships differ on the basis of both ethnicity and the nature of contexts in which children's friendships are maintained.
Seedling Growth, Fertilization Timing, and Establishment of Bahiagrass

Bahiagrass (Flugge) makes a useful turf, but establishes slowly from seed; thus, cultivar selection and post planting practices may be important. Objectives were to compare the seedling growth, establishment, and long-term performance of three cultivars and to evaluate the effect of fertilization timing. Seedlings of ‘Argentine’, ‘Pensacola’, and ‘RCP-1’ bahiagrasses were harvested and weighed at weekly intervals for 10 wk after planting in a glasshouse. Cultivars did not differ in mean relative growth rate (RGR). A single 4-wk post planting fertilization fostered equal biomass by 38 wk, compared with repetitive weekly fertilization. Bahiagrasses were planted in a nonirrigated field at 5.6 g seed m Post planting fertilization (4.9 g N, 0.5 g P, and 2.0 g K m) was applied 0, 5, or 10 wk after planting, along with a nonfertilized control. Only Argentine and RCP-1 achieved acceptable establishment (a visual estimate of canopy coverage, uniformity, and absence of weeds) in the second year after planting, and only when fertilized 5 wk after planting. Fertilization at 5 wk, when there were three leaves per seedling, was probably optimum because the root systems were adequate to capture nutrients that earlier might have stimulated weeds or have been leached. In another field study, Argentine maintained higher quality ratings over 4 yr and achieved higher root biomass (1870 g m) compared with Pensacola (1370 g m) and RCP-1 (1340 g m), while shoot biomass did not differ. In both field and glasshouse, Argentine had greater proportion root dry weight (mean 43%) than Pensacola (39%) and RCP-1 (38%). Superior rooting may explain the long.term competitive advantage of tetraploid (2=40) Argentine compared with the diploid (2=20) cultivars.
Effect of plasmon-enhancement on photophysics in upconverting nanoparticles

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) waves have been shown to significantly affect the near-field photophysical phenomenon. In particular, strong Coulombic interactions can enhance nearby non-linear optics and energy transfer process, while SPP waves also affect other photophysical processes like quenching observed in fluorescent and excitonic systems. Here, using different plasmonic substrates, we show the effect of plasmon-enhancement on quenching, phonon-assisted non-radiative decay, weak Purcell effect or electromagnetic field enhancement, and energy transfer rates of upconverting doped-lanthanide nanoparticles. While the resonant plasmons enhance the local electromagnetic field and the rate of energy transfer leading to enhanced upconversion photoluminescence of infrared radiation to visible light, it can also increase the quenching and non-radiative decay rates of photoexcited electron-hole pairs leading to losses and lower efficiency. These results can guide the design of optimized substrate geometry for using surface plasmons to modulate the photophysics in other applications too.
Fiber optic flow and cure sensing for liquid composite molding

The Polymer Composites group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology has efforts in both on-line flow and cure sensing for liquid composite molding. For our flow program, a novel fiber optic real-time sensor system has been developed that can sense resin at various locations on a single fiber using long-period gratings and a polychromatic source. The sensor operation and characterization will be discussed along with sensor performance during mold filling with various types of reinforcement. The cure sensing program focuses on the interface-sensitive fluorescence response of a dye molecule grafted to a high-index glass fiber. The fluorescence emission of the fluorophore undergoes a blue shift as the resin cures. The fluorescence sensor is made by grafting a silane functional fluorophore onto the surface of the glass with close attention to layer thickness. Fluorescence emission of the grafted fluorophore film is shown to be sensitive to epoxy resin cure, co-silane, and layer thickness. The response of the grafted fluorophore to cure on a high-index fiber is demonstrated.
The Decline of the Great Lakes Package-Freight Carriers

Once a flourishing transportation agency, the Great Lakes package-freight carriers passed through a period of decay and disappeared during World War II. This article analyzes the economic factors causing the diversion of traffic that was the primary reason for the decline of the package freighters.
Neo-osteogenesis of haversian trabeculae through a bone chamber implanted in a rabbit tibial cortex: a control model.

Neo-osteogenesis of cortical bone trabeculae was observed as they regenerated into a bone chamber implant by appositional growth. Measures of change in bone area were obtained from 13 rabbits each week starting the third and ending the eighth week postimplantation. Observations were made using intravital microscopy and were analyzed using digital image processing. Images were computer-captured video frames equivalent to 78(6×13) separate observations. They were measured by tracing the trabecular outlines with a digitizing crosshair each week and comparing changes in area as a percent of the circular field-of-view (“slit-gap”) filled. Data supported the hypothesis that trabecular regeneration week 3 to week 8 followed the logistic growth curve regression: $$A\% = \frac{{100\% }}{{1 + 9.47e^{ - 0.7747(t - 3)} }}$$ where A% is the percent of slit-gap area covered by bone and t is time, at a very high significance level. Nevertheless, a highly significant linear regression fit the data. Statistical analysis showed that the regression line could be fit to bone area measurements from weeks 3 to 8 (W3-W8) postimplantation, giving a constant neo-osteogenesis rate of 7.42±0.67×104 μm2/day and a decreasing linear neoosteogenesis rate from 73 μm/day at W4 to 21 μm/day at W8; the latter is based on a circlesegment approximation of trabeculum shape. This range approximated a bridge between ranges for cortical gap defect healing and porous ingrowth healing reported by other workers and supported the hypothesis that the BCI control model was a cross between gap healing and porous ingrowth.
Tiber II as a precursor to an international thermonuclear experimental reactor

The Tokamak Ignition/Burn Experimental Reactor (TIBER) [1] was pursued in the U.S. as one option for an International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). This concept evolved from earlier work on the Tokamak Fusion Core Experiment (TFCX) to develop a small, ignited tokamak [2]. While the coppercoil versions of TFCX became the short-pulsed, 1.23-m radius, Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) [3], the superconducting TIBER [4] with long pulse or steady state and a 2.6-m radius was considered for international collaboration. Recently the design was updated to TIBER II to accommodate more conservative confinement scaling, double-poloidal divertors for impurity control, steady-state current drive, and nuclear testing.