cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of Autotaxin in glioblastoma multiforme invasion.

251 One of the salient features of malignant astrocytomas is the propensity to diffusely invade brain parenchyma; it is from these invading cells that the tumor invariably recurs. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this locally invasive behavior could yield potential therapeutic targets aimed exclusively at this tumor cell sub-population. To this end, a gene expression profile of GBM invasion was created by comparing mRNA from invasive cells to that of matched non-invasive cells from the tumor core. Differences in expression patterns between the two laser capture microdissected cell populations revealed multiple genes related to invasion. Amongst these was the autocrine motility factor Autotaxin (ATX, also known as ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/ phosphodiesterase 2, ENPP2), which was first described in invasive melanoma. ATX has also been reported in metastatic breast carcinoma, neuroblastoma and several others carcinomas. Recently its role as a lysophospholipase D was identified, catalyzing lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) into the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA stimulates motility in various cell types, including glioma cells, which express high levels of LPA1 receptor. Evaluation of ATX expression in a glioma specific tissue microarray revealed a high expression in the invading cells of astrocytic tumors of all grades. To investigate the functional role of ATX in astrocytoma invasion stable transfectants carrying wild type ATX and a catalytically inactive form (H316Q-U251), were created using the U251 glioma cell line. ATX-U251 migrated significantly faster than H316Q-U251 in a radial migration assay, an effect that was not reversed by LPA dependent motility stimulation. Cells expressing high levels of ATX also proved more adherent to laminin specifically in the presence of its substrate LPC. To test the property of invasion we used an orthotopic rat brain slice assay, which showed ATX-U251 to be more highly invasive than H316Q-U251 or control cells. ATX knockdown with siRNA resulted in lowered invasion of spheroids in a collagen I matrix, an effect that was reversed with the addition of LPA. Changes in motility that are induced by LPA receptors result in cytoskeltal rearrangements brought about by the rho family of GTPases. We examined cytoskeletal changes in the poorly motile H316Q-U251 cells and found normal stress fibers, enhanced filopodia formation and severely reduced membrane ruffles, suggesting modulation of rac signaling. Further studies consist of elucidating whether the motility inhibition of the secreted protein H316QATX functions in a paracrine or autocrine manner. Supported by NIH NS-42262
The Expertise Involved in Deciding which HITs are Worth Doing on Amazon Mechanical Turk

Crowdworkers depend on Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT) as an important source of income and it is left to workers to determine which tasks on AMT are fair and worth completing. While there are existing tools that assist workers in making these decisions, workers still spend significant amounts of time finding fair labor. Difficulties in this process may be a contributing factor in the imbalance between the median hourly earnings ($2.00/hour) and what the average requester pays ($11.00/hour). In this paper, we study how novices and experts select what tasks are worth doing. We argue that differences between the two populations likely lead to the wage imbalances. For this purpose, we first look at workers' comments in TurkOpticon (a tool where workers share their experience with requesters on AMT). We use this study to start to unravel what fair labor means for workers. In particular, we identify the characteristics of labor that workers consider is of "good quality'' and labor that is of "poor quality'' (e.g., work that pays too little.) Armed with this knowledge, we then conduct an experiment to study how experts and novices rate tasks that are of both good and poor quality. Through our research we uncover that experts and novices both treat good quality labor in the same way. However, there are significant differences in how experts and novices rate poor quality labor, and whether they believe the poor quality labor is worth doing. This points to several future directions, including machine learning models that support workers in detecting poor quality labor, and paths for educating novice workers on how to make better labor decisions on AMT.
ITER CS inner transition evaluation, local stresses, non-axisymmetry and turn loss

A review of the ITER central solenoid (CS) design was initiated due to the expectation that the US will rejoin ITER. The Snowmass reviews of the burning plasma experiments, and the revised design of the ITER CS as a free-standing segmented pancake wound coil system pointed to new design issues that needed to be addressed. The scale-down of the ITER has less of an effect on structural qualification than the conceptual changes. This present design introduces a different set of mechanical design concerns than the large monolithic layer wound coil proposed in the first EDA. Pancake winding employs transitions and joints to build the stack of coil segments that make-up the coil system. The transitions have to be bent to accommodate the elevation change of the stacked pancakes. Inner turn hoop tensions are offset by the elevation change, and bending loads result. The transitions are accompanied by void regions that cause a turn loss, and a non-axisymmetric stiffness of the global coil structure. Local details of the lead break-outs and helium penetrations, cause localized stresses. The CS is now free-standing coil loaded in hoop tension. As a result, fatigue is now a concern, and localized stresses, and global stress multipliers need to be held to a minimum. The US role in ITER has not yet been determined, and the analyses and discussions in this paper are intended to present some of the concerns, and discuss their potential resolution, but not represent a final design solution.
Genes, Parents and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Mistakes, Race, Sex, and Law

In December 1998 a woman gave birth to twins, one of whom was European-American and one of whom was African-American, as a result of an embryo mix-up that occurred at an infertility clinic where she was receiving treatments. The genetic progenitors of the mistakenly implanted embryo challenged the birth mother's rights to one of the twins. They won their New York state court lawsuit, ultimately preventing the birth mother from even having visitation with her son. This essay examines the impact of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) mistakes on the legal analysis of parenthood (in particular maternity), offers a systematic critique of the court's reasoning in the case, makes clear the flaws in the analogies the court uses to reach its conclusion, argues that more courts are defaulting to a genetic essentialism to answer questions of parenthood and ARTs, challenges the legal system to reject a genetics-based definition of legal parenthood because of the sex (and race) biases reproduced through that approach, and exposes the buried assumptions about race and intimacy that led to the court's unreasonable decision. One key argument of this essay highlights the ways that a simplistic genetics-based analysis of parenthood creates a sex-bias by valuing all the biological contributions that a male makes to reproduction (gametes), but valuing only a small part of the biological contributions that a female makes (gestation, labor and birth). Another argument focuses on how the court uses a race-matching approach to parenthood that erroneously reduces race to a biological concept and that relies on deep cultural biases against interracial relationships. Mistakes with ARTs are inevitable. Our legal system must scrupulously examine its fundamental premises about parenthood, genes, race and sex in order to reach just decisions when ART mistakes occur.
Sweet Potato Growth Parameters, Yield Components and Nutritive value for CELSS Applications

Sweet potatoes have been grown hydroponically using the nutrient film technique (NFT) to provide a potential food source for long-term manned space missions. Experiments in both sand and NFT cultivars have produced up to 1790 g/plant of fresh storage root with an edible biomass index ranging from 60-89 percent and edible biomass linear growth rates of 39-66 g/sq m day in 105 to 130 days. Experiments with different cultivars, nutrient solution compositions, application rates, air and root temperatures, photoperiods, and light intensities indicate good potential for sweet potatoes in CELSS.
Modeling spreading of nematic droplets

Abstract Experiments by Poulard & Cazabat [1] on spreading droplets of nematic liquid crystal reveal a surprisingly rich variety of behavior, including at least two different emerging lengthscales resulting from a contact line instability. In earlier work [2] we modified a lubrication model for nematic liquid crystals due to Ben Amar and Cummings [3], and showed that, in a qualitative sense, it can account for 2D version of the observed behavior. In the present work we propose a new approach, that allows us to explore the effect of anchoring variations on the substrate. This in turn gives a simple way to model the presence of defects, which are always present during such liquid crystal flows. The new model leads to additional terms in the governing equation. We explore the influence of these additional terms for some simple flow scenarios to gain a basic understanding of their influence. Experimental results
TRPA1 mediates the effects of hypothermia on the monocyte inflammatory response.

Introduction Hypothermia is a well-known risk factor for postoperative complications because it prolongs the monocyte inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether temperature-activated ion channels (transient receptor protein channels [TRP] A1 and V1) mediate the effects of temperature on monocytes. Methods Primary human monocytes were isolated and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide at 32°C or 39°C. RNA was isolated for analysis of microRNA (miR)-155 expression, and cytokines in the supernatant were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specific inhibitors of TRPA1 (HC- 030031) and a specific activator of TRPV1 (capsaicin) were used to block or activate TRPA1 and TRPV1, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results TRPM8 mRNA was not expressed in primary human monocytes, whereas TRPA1 and TRPV1 were expressed. TRPV1 mRNA expression was suppressed at 32°C but not at 39°C. TRPA1 was induced strongly at 32°C and 39°C. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed that monocytes express TRPA1 and TRPV1 on their cell surface. Interleukin-10 secretion was increased by blocking TRPA1 (77.8 ± 3 2.8 pg/mL) and activating TRPA1 (79.4 ± 16.1 pg/mL) after 24 hours at 32°C (control 37.4 ± 17.1 pg/mL, P Conclusion These results demonstrate that hypothermia mediates its effects on monocytes through TRPA1. Blockade of TRPA1 or activation of TRPV1 may be used to modify the effects of hypothermia on the monocyte inflammatory response.
TLR9 Promotes Tolerance by Restricting Survival of Anergic Anti-DNA B Cells, Yet Is Also Required for Their Activation

Nucleic acid-reactive B cells frequently arise in the bone marrow but are tolerized by mechanisms including receptor editing, functional anergy, and/or deletion. TLR9, a sensor of endosomal dsDNA, both promotes and regulates systemic autoimmunity in vivo, but the precise nature of its apparently contradictory roles in autoimmunity remained unclear. In this study, using the 3H9 anti-DNA BCR transgene in the autoimmune-prone MRL.Fas(lpr) mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus, we identify the stages at which TLR9 contributes to establishing and breaking B cell tolerance. Although TLR9 is dispensable for L chain editing during B cell development in the bone marrow, TLR9 limits anti-DNA B cell life span in the periphery and is thus tolerogenic. In the absence of TLR9, anti-DNA B cells have much longer life spans and accumulate in the follicle, neither activated nor deleted. These cells retain some characteristics of anergic cells, in that they have elevated basal BCR signaling but impaired induced responses and downregulate their cell-surface BCR expression. In contrast, whereas TLR9-intact anergic B cells accumulate near the T/B border, TLR9-deficient anti-DNA B cells are somewhat more dispersed throughout the follicle. Nonetheless, in older autoimmune-prone animals, TLR9 expression specifically within the B cell compartment is required for spontaneous peripheral activation of anti-DNA B cells and their differentiation into Ab-forming cells via an extrafollicular pathway. Thus, TLR9 has paradoxical roles in regulating anti-DNA B cells: it helps purge the peripheral repertoire of autoreactive cells, yet is also required for their activation.
10. Nanoparticle delivered vascular disrupting agents (VDAs): a new opportunity in multimodal cancer treatment

Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of current cancer therapy. However, treatment failure persists due to the inability to achieve complete local control of the tumor and curtail metastatic spread. Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) are a class of promising systemic agents that are known to synergistically enhance radiation, chemotherapy or thermal treatments of solid tumors. Unfortunately, there is still an unmet need for VDAs with more favorable safety profiles and fewer side effects. Recent work has demonstrated that conjugating VDAs to other molecules (PEG, NGR) or nanoparticles (liposomes, gold) can greatly reduce toxicity of one prominent VDA (tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF- α ). In this report, we show the potential of a gold conjugated TNF- α nanoparticle (NP-TNF) to improve multimodal cancer therapies with VDAs. In a dorsal skin fold and hindlimb murine xenograft model of prostate cancer, we found that NP-TNF disrupts endothelial barrier function and induces a significant increase in vascular permeability within the first 1–2 h followed by a dramatic 80% drop in perfusion 2–6 h after systemic administration. We also demonstrate that the tumor response to the nanoparticle can be verified using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a technique in clinical use. Additionally, multimodal treatment with thermal therapies at the perfusion nadir in the sub- and supra- physiological temperature regimes increases tumor volumetric destruction by over 60% and leads to significant tumor growth delays compared to thermal therapy alone. Lastly, NP-TNF was found to enhance thermal therapy in the absence of neutrophil recruitment, suggesting that immune/inflammatory regulation is not central to its power as part of a multimodal approach. Our data demonstrates the potential of nanoparticle-conjugated VDAs to significantly improve cancer therapy by preconditioning tumor vasculature to a secondary insult in a targeted manner with limited systemic toxicity or inflammatory response. We anticipate our work to direct investigations into more potent tumor vasculature specific combinations of VDAs and nanoparticles with the goal of transitioning optimal regimens into clinical trials.
Effects of short and long term ethanol on the activation of signal transducer and activator transcription factor 3 in normal and regenerating liver.

Abstract Interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced activation of Signal Transducer and Activator Transcription Factor 3 (Stat3) is a critical step in liver regeneration. Chronic ethanol consumption is known to increase the plasma concentration of IL-6, yet the ability of the liver to regenerate and the regenerative induction of several IL-6 initiated events are impaired in chronic alcoholic liver disease. We hypothesized that chronic ethanol consumption inhibits IL-6 dependent signal transduction. To test this hypothesis, the effect of ethanol on the Stat3 signal transduction pathway was studied in the adult rat liver. In vitro treatment of freshly isolated normal adult rat hepatocytes with 50–100 mM ethanol for 30 min blocked IL-6-induced Stat3 activation. Long-term ethanol intake in vivo significantly attenuated the activation of Stat3 induced either in vivo by partial hepatectomy or in vitro by IL-6. In contrast, short-term ethanol consumption enhanced the regenerative induction of Stat3 but inhibited IL-6 induced Stat3 activation. These data suggest that the inhibition of liver regeneration by chronic ethanol consumption is, at least in part, mediated by modulating the activation of Stat3.
Recurrent Atrial Myxoma: Resection for Carney Complex Through a Minimally Invasive Approach

Carney's complex is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by recurrent atrial myxomas with concurrent endocrinopathies and characteristic dermatologic features. We present the case of a woman who presented with a recurrent atrial myxoma after two previous resections for myxomas through median sternotomies. As a consequence, we utilized a minimally invasive right thoracotomy approach. We discuss the clinical and pathologic features of Carney complex and the importance of identifying individuals and families with this condition for treatment and counseling.
Control of circulation in insects

1. Studies on the physiology of insect circulation have revealed that the insect central nervous system can exert a strong nervous control over certain dorsal vessels and diaphragms. 2. The function of neurohormonal control over the heartbeat of insects, though demonstrated, is less clear. In contrast with studies on the central nervous and skeletal neuromuscular systems, not one neurotransmitter substance has been identified in any of the vessels, pumps or diaphragms responsible for circulation in insects. 3. A coelopulse system was identified and described that suggested a very sophisticated coordination between circulation and respiration in insects. The circulatory systems of cockroach, locust, fly, moth and bee all involve unique specializations. 4. It is suggested that an autonomic nervous system is present in insects and is responsible for coordination and control of both circulation and respiration.
Incorporating ergonomics into the concurrent engineering of a new warehouse

Abstract At Hewlett-Packard's Microwave Instruments Division (HP MID) we are aggressively working toward incorporating ergonomics into the new product and new process development cycle. The inclusion of an ergonomics engineer on a development project's concurrent engineering team is an essential part of meeting this goal. This paper presents the methodology used to integrate ergonomics into the concurrent engineering of a new 100,000 square foot warehouse and highlights the key issues encountered.
Combined inhibition of FAAH and COX produces enhanced anti-allodynic effects in mouse neuropathic and inflammatory pain models

Common pharmacological treatments of neuropathic and chronic inflammatory pain conditions generally lack efficacy and/or are associated with significant untoward side effects. However, recent preclinical data indicate that combined inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the primary catabolic enzyme of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide; AEA), produces enhanced antinociceptive effects in a variety of murine models of pain. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to investigate the consequences of co-administration of the COX inhibitor diclofenac and the highly selective FAAH inhibitor PF-3845 in models of neuropathic pain (i.e., chronic constrictive injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI)) and inflammatory pain induced by an intraplantar injection of carrageenan. Here, we report that combined administration of subthreshold doses of these drugs produced enhanced antinociceptive effects in CCI and carrageenan pain models, the latter of which was demonstrated to require both CB1 and CB2 receptors. The combined administration of subthreshold doses of these drugs also increased AEA levels and decreased prostaglandin levels in whole brain. Together, these data add to the growing research that dual blockade of FAAH and COX represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain states.
Isotopic compositions of recent South Australian lagoonal carbonates

Abstract Isotopic analysis of recent carbonate sediments from the Coorong area of South Australia show dolomite enriched in O18 and depleted in C13 relative to calcite by at least two permil. This isotopic behavior suggests that the two minerals were precipitated under different conditions, and that the dolomite is not formed from calcite by solid-state ion exchange.
Infants' recognition of invariant features of faces

FAGAN, JOSEPH F., III. Infants' Recognition of Invariant Features of Faces. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1976, 47, 627-638. A series of 5 experiments explored the 7-month infant's ability to discriminate among photos of faces. The infant's tendency to choose novel visual targets for inspection provides evidence of discrimination and recognition. 2 initial experiments demonstrated the infants' ability to discriminate among photos of adult male faces and among poses of the same man's face. In the third, fourth, and fifth experiments, some variant of a face that had been previously exposed served as the "familiar" target on recognition testing. The aim was to see if the infant was capable of identifying the variant of the previously seen face. 3 examples of this ability to detect features common to,2 instances of faces were demonstrated: Features common to different poses of a man's face were recognized; infants responded to invariance in pose; and infants identified a face as familiar on recognition testing when another instance of that same-sex face had been presented for initial examination. Providing multiple instances of the same-sex face prior to recognition testing facilitated the latter identification task.
Interchannel interference effects in spectrum-sliced WDM systems

In spectrum-sliced WDM systems with an optical preamplifier receiver there is an optimum m equals BoT (Bo equals optical channel bandwidth, T equals bit duration) to minimize the average number of photons-per-bit (Np) required at the receiver for a given error probability (Pe). These results, previously obtained for the case of rectangular filters and no interchannel interference, are extended to the case of practical filters. It is shown that interchannel interference increases the optimum m and the minimum Np. Operating at this optimum, the total system throughput with first-order filters is maximized at a channel spacing-to- bandwidth ratio of 3.3, and this throughput is 31 Gbit/s when the total system bandwidth is 4.4 THz (35 nm).
Predictors of successful pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty: 10-year experience.

At our institution, 55 infants and children (ages 0.3-21 yr, median 2.5 yr) underwent pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty between August 1983 and May 1993. Systolic pressure gradients fell acutely following balloon valvuloplasty from 63.5 +/- 24.8 mmHg (mean +/- standard deviation) to 26.7 +/- 12.9 mmHg (P 2 yr following balloon valvuloplasty. Thirty-four of the 50 patients (Group A; 68%) were classified as having successful (residual systolic gradients or = 25 mmHg and/or ventricular systolic pressure ratios > 0.6) long-term outcomes. Their peak instantaneous systolic gradients fell acutely from 76.5 +/- 33.1 mmHg to 36.6 +/- 11.4 mmHg (P < 0.05). At 3.8 +/- 1.7 yr postvalvuloplasty, peak instantaneous pressure gradients were 35.1 +/- 9.1 mmHg (P = ns vs. acute postvalvuloplasty). One 3-yr-old patient (Group C, 2%) required repeat balloon valvuloplasty on two separate occasions for recurrent stenosis. There was no significant prevalvuloplasty difference between Groups A and B with regard to age, weight, or Z scores of the pulmonary annuli or balloon/annulus ratio; however, patients in Group A had significantly lower prevalvuloplasty gradients and lower systolic pressure ratios than patients in Group B. Total systolic gradient reduction between patients with successful and unsuccessful outcomes was not significantly different (Group A: 36.1 +/- 16.6 mmHg; Group B: 41 +/- 22.3 mmHg). At long-term follow-up, patients in Group A had fewer symptoms and a significantly lower rate of electrocardiographic right ventricular hypertrophy than Group B patients. Successful outcomes defined by our criteria following balloon valvuloplasty were achieved in 68% of patients with greatest long-term success in patients with prevalvuloplasty systolic gradients < 60 mmHg and systolic pressure ratios < 0.8. Intervention at lesser systolic gradients (40-60 mmHg) appears indicated to achieve lower long-term gradients and fewer symptoms as total systolic gradient reduction by this technique is limited.
Ocular localization of circulating bacterial lipopolysaccharide

Abstract A bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from a rough strain of Salmonella minnesota (Re595) containing primarily lipid A was used to study tissue distribution following its intravenous injection in rabbits. For this purpose, the Re595 was either labelled with 125 iodine ( 125 I) and localization quantitated by gamma radiation spectrometry and radioautography of different tissues or a fluorescein labelled antibody to Re595 was employed. Localization of [ 125 I]-Re595 or LPS was looked for at 30 min and 2 hr after intravenous injection. [ 131 I]-albumin was employed either to measure intravascular protein or total tissue protein and, in some studies, [ 131 I]-albumin and [ 125 I]-fibrinogen were used to measure protein after unlabelled Re595. Both fractions of isotopes injected and estimates of tissue-bound Re595 were made in the whole eye, liver, spleen, kidney and lung and in isolated iris-ciliary processes, aqueous, lens, vitreous, and posterior segment (retina, choroid, and sclera). Aqueous and iris-ciliary processes, but no other tissues, showed a marked extravazation of [ 131 I]-albumin and [ 125 I]-fibrinogen. [ 125 I]-Re595 was found to localize primarily in liver and spleen. At 30 min, [ 125 I]-Re595 was found in nanogram quantities within the eye and at 2 h greater amounts of LPS were found in iris-ciliary processes and aqueous than in the posterior segment. Neither radioautography nor fluorescein-labelled antibody to Re595 showed evidence of histologic localization of LPS in the iris-ciliary processes. These results indicate that although LPS does not localize preferentially in the eye, it does accumulate in quantities sufficient to have an effect locally.
Evaluation of a case management model for preanesthesia screening

Case management (CM) is a health care model implemented to reduce health care costs while improving the quality of patient outcomes. Using a CM framework, a preoperative screening program was developed to improve the coordination of care of pediatric patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery or admission on day of procedures at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Pediatric patients and their families who attended the preoperative program experienced fewer preoperative delays, perceived less stress, and felt better prepared for surgery and discharge than those who did not participate in the program. Findings from this study showed that the CM preanesthesia screening program was effective in reducing delays because of incomplete workups, and in improving the overall preparedness of families.
Importance of overweight in studies of left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic function in mild systemic hypertension

Abstract The relations of Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Relative Weight values and blood pressure (BP) to minimal forearm vascular resistance, ventricular septal and posterior wall thickness, left ventricular (LV) mass index and cardiac diastolic function were assessed in 31 men, 37 ± 2 (mean ±standard error of the mean) years of age. Eighteen patients with untreated mild hypertension were compared with 13 normotensive control subjects of similar age and weight. The hypertensives had higher clinic (137 ± 3 96 ± 2 vs 121 ± 4 81 ± 3 mm Hg, p ) and home (p The results suggest that relative weight is an important determinant of diastolic function and LV dimensions. These findings highlight the importance of controlling for weight in comparative studies of cardiovascular structure and function.
FRAMATOME's continous efforts to improve steam generator corrosion resistance

Abstract The steam generators of PWR nuclear reactors are among the primary components most affected by corrosion problems. Corrosion of the steam generator tubes, which assure heat transfer between the primary and secondary circuits, have been observed on a large number of operating steam generators, especially in the United States. According to an NRC survey, as of November 1981, forty PWR units with steam generators of the recirculation type were in operation in the US. Of these, 32 have been found to have one or more forms of tube degradation. Construction of the French PWR nuclear program started in the early 70s, at the time a number of operating plants in the US were being affected by the first corrosion problems. Since, at that time, its construction program was in an early stage, FRAMATOME was able to make modifications on the first units to improve steam generator resistance to corrosion. For instance, full depth expansion of the tubes in the tube-sheet using an explosive process (Westex) was performed on Fessenheim 1 steam generators already installed on site. Later on, continuous operating experience was being obtained in the US, before startup of the French units. This allowed FRAMATOME to react rapidly and take immediate corrective actions at the design stage, during fabrication and sometimes even on site in order to mitigate the risk of corrosion in the steam generators. FRAMTOME is confident that the present design of its steam generator models, including a large number of major improvements is adequate to prevent major corrosion problems to occur during operation. However, the company has embarked on an important development program to further improve the corrosion resistance and thereby the reliability of its steam generators. This program includes studies on new tube expansion techniques, alternate materials for steam generator tubes (Inconel 690), improved tube inspection methods, local thermohydraulic flow, tube vibrations, etc.
Hydroxyl and Peroxy Radical Chemistry in a Rural Area of Central Pennsylvania: Observations and Model Comparisons

Atmospheric hydroxyl (OH), hydroperoxy (HO2), total peroxy (HO2 and organic peroxy radicals, RO2) mixing ratios and OH reactivity (first order OH loss rate) were measured at a rural site in central Pennsylvania during May and June 2002. OH and HO2 mixing ratios were measured with laser induced fluorescence (LIF); HO2 + RO2 mixing ratios were measured with chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS). The daytime maximum mixing ratios were up to 0.6 parts per trillion by volume (pptv) for OH, 30 pptv for HO2, and 45 pptv for HO2 + RO2. A parameterized RACM (Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism) box model was used to predict steady state OH, HO2 and HO2 + RO2 concentrations by constraining the model to the measured OH reactivity and previously measured volatile organic compound (VOC) distributions. The averaged model calculations are generally in good agreement with the observations. For OH, the model matched the observations for day and night, with an average observed-to-modeled ratio of 0.80. In previous studies such as PROPHET98, nighttime NO was near 0 pptv and observed nighttime OH was significantly larger than modeled OH. In this study, nighttime observed and modeled OH agree to within measurement and model uncertainties because the main source of the nighttime OH was the reaction HO2 + NO → OH + NO2, with the NO being continually emitted from the surrounding fertilized corn field. The observed-to-modeled ratio for HO2 is 1.0 on average, although daytime HO2 is underpredicted by a factor of 1.2 and nighttime HO2 is over-predicted by a factor of ∼2. The average measured and modeled HO2 + RO2 agree well during daytime, but the modeled value is about twice the measured value during nighttime. While measured HO2 + RO2 values agree with modeled values for NO mixing ratios less than a few parts per billion by volume (ppbv), it increases substantially above the expected value for NO greater than a few ppbv. This observation of the higher-than-expected HO2 + RO2 with the CIMS technique confirms the observed increase of HO2 above expected values at higher NO mixing ratios in HO2 measurements with the LIF technique. The maximum instantaneous O3 production rate calculated from HO2 and RO2 reactions with NO was as high as 10–15 ppb h−1 at midday; the total daily O3 production varied from 13 to 113 ppbv d−1 and was 48 ppbv d−1 on average during this campaign.
Image registration of proximal femur with substantial bone changes: application in 3D visualization of bone loss of astronauts after long-duration spaceflight

We recently studied bone loss in crewmembers making 4 to 6 months flights on the International Space Station. We employed Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) technology (Lang et. al., J Bone Miner Res. 2004; v. 19, p. 1006), which made measurements of both cortical and trabecular bone loss that could not be obtained by using 2-dimensional dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging technology. To further investigate the bone loss after spaceflight, we have developed image registration technologies to align serial scans so that bone changes can be directly visualized in a subregional level, which can provide more detailed information for understanding bone physiology during long-term spaceflight. To achieve effective and robust registration when large bone changes exist, we have developed technical adaptations to standard registration methods. Our automated image registration is mutual-information based. We have applied an automatically adaptive binning method in calculating the mutual information. After the pre- and post-flight scans are geometrically aligned, the interior bone changes can be clearly visualized. Image registration can also be applied to Finite Element Modeling (FEM) to compare bone strength change, where consistent loading conditions must be applied to serial scans.
A new iodine-free initiating system for the living polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether

A new iodine-free initiating system, MeCH(Oi-Bu)Cl/n-Bu4NTiCl5, was found to induce the living carbocationic polymerization (LC⊕Pzn) of isobutyl vinyl ether (IBuVE) at-20 °C in CH2Cl2. Using this system, poly(isobutyl vinyl ether) (PIBuVE) with the theoretical molecular weights (up toca. 45,000) calculated from the initiator/monomer input and narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn < 1.1) can be readily obtained. The polymerization is first order in the monomer. The coinitiating function ofn-Bu4NTiCl5 may be due to a salt effect or to its Lewis acid character. An attempt for the synthesis of the polyisobutylene (PIB)-PIBuVE block copolymer has failed most likely becausen-Bu4NTiCl5 is unable to activate the ∼C(CH3)2-Cl bond of the PIB termini.
Adult Student Retention: A Practical Approach to Retention Improvement Through Learning Enhancement

Abstract Adult student retention is an issue of growing concern for many institutions. It differs from traditional retention much like traditional students differ from adult students. As the majority of student body growth comes from adult students, adult student retention management will become critical to the majority of colleges and universities. To support this end, this article explores the forces producing a need for better adult student retention, provides methods for the development of institution-specific retention enhancement plans and retention measurement metrics, and provides a set of retention enhancement tactics.
Sex as Rebellion: A Close Reading of Lucy and Brown Girl, Brownstones

This essay examines how young women in two classic English Caribbean novels use extramarital and/or nonmongamous sex as rebellion against traditional conservative Caribbean upbringings and expectations. Lucy in Kincaid’s eponymous novel and Selina in Marshall’s novel reject Caribbean moralities that prescribe women’s sexual restraint while expecting men’s promiscuity. However, the protagonists in these novels discover that sex alone cannot liberate them from a restrictive society, and that they have more affinity for their Caribbean culture and community than they realized. Literary depictions of Caribbean moral expectations of the sexualities of girls and women are examined, as are how these two characters use sex as part of their transition to emotional maturity.
HONEYWELL'S SUBMICRON POLYSILICON GATE PROCESS

This paper describes a manufacturable submicron CMOS polysilicon gate process. A new hydrogen bromide (HBr) plasma chemistry for etching and contrast enhancement material (CEM) for optical lithography have been applied. The HBr chemistry has achieved a selectivity of better than 30: 1 to gate oxide with a vertical side wall profile and no measurable undercutting even with POC13 doped poiy. Because of the low etch rate of photoresist and the CEM process the size change during etch (pre vs. post ) is estimated to be less than O. 05p. per side. In addition the multilayer contrast enhanced photoresist process has been optimized using statistically designed experiments to achieve maximum critical dimension (CD) control resolution and depth of focus. Electrical line width studies show that the total proximity effect due to lithography and etch is about O. O4t. Statistical process control of O. 8O. i. O. 15p. (3) has been achieved and demonstrated on Honeywell''s O. 8p. Radiation Hardened CMOS technology
Saphenous vein angioscopy: A valuable method to detect unsuspected venous disease

Abstract Purpose: The presence of preexisting saphenous vein lesions adversely affects graft patency. Despite careful preoperative venous duplex examination and meticulous intraoperative evaluation, clinically significant saphenous vein disease may remain undetected. We evaluated angioscopy as a means to better detect these vein lesions. Methods: Ninety saphenous vein remnants, obtained at bypass surgery, were perfusion fixed for subsequent angioscopic and histologic evaluation. The specimens were categorized by independent examiners on the basis of the angioscopic or light microscopic findings. Of the 90 vein remnants, 66 were normal by angioscopic criteria. Fifty-three (80%) of these angioscopically normal vein segments were normal histologically, and all 24 angioscopically abnormal saphenous vein remnants showed disease on microscopic examination. Results: Angioscopy correctly identified sclerotic vein segment ( n = 20) by irregular white plaques, whereas postphlebitic veins ( n = 3) demonstrated multiple lumens, fibrous strands, and thickened opaque valve cusps on angioscopic evaluation. Absence of an angioscopic lumen was confirmed histologically in occluded ( n = 2). Angioscopy failed to identify thick-walled ( n = 10) and varicose ( n = 2) vein segments as abnormal; one sclerotic segment was normal angioscopically, thereby lowering the sensitivity of angioscopy. Conclusions: Angioscopy detected unsuspected preexisting saphenous vein disease in five patients undergoing arterial reconstruction with saphenous vein. Because the use of angioscopy is a reliable means of prospectively assessing the vein for most preexisting lesions, its routine use may ultimately improve graft patency. (L V ASC S URG 1993;18:198-206.)
AN EVALUATION OF VARIOUS FACTORS INFLUENCING THE TREATMENT OF METASTATIC THYROID CARCINOMA WITH I131

Although radioactive iodine has been effective in the treatment of patients with hyperthyroidism, its usefulness has been limited in patients with metastatic thyroid carcinoma. An explanation for the latter is the failure of most thyroid carcinomas to concentrate sufficient I131 to be of therapeutic value. Furthermore, even in the tumors which do concentrate significant amounts of I131, the response has been disappointing. Since 1945, various measures have been employed to induce or increase the uptake of I131 in metastatic thyroid carcinomas of patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) prior to radioactive iodine treatment (1, 2, 3). In some of these patients large doses of I131 have been
The impact of acute mental stress on vascular endothelial function: Evidence, mechanisms and importance

Cardiovascular disease is a principle cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it has a complex etiology that involves lifestyle factors such as psychosocial stress. Recent evidence suggests that temporary impairments in vascular endothelial cell function may contribute to the relationship between stress and cardiovascular disease. Indeed, impaired endothelial function has been observed to occur transiently (lasting up to 1.5h) following mental stress, and such periods of impairment could accumulate to become clinically relevant over the long term. The finding of acute stress induced endothelial dysfunction is not universal however, and both physiological (e.g. sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity), and methodological factors contribute to the conflicting results. A clear understanding of the interaction between stress response activation and endothelial function is critical to elucidating the complexities of the relationship between psychosocial stress and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review is: 1) to briefly describe the importance of vascular endothelial function and how it is assessed, 2) to review the literature investigating the impact of acute mental stress on endothelial function in humans, identifying factors that may explain contradictory results, and 3) to summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms that may mediate an acute mental stress-endothelial function interaction.
Chronic hypoxia modulates the interleukin-1β-stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway in cardiac myocytes

Background We wished to determine whether the cytokine-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway is modulated by chronic hypoxia in vitro. Methods and Results We investigated the effects of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β on expression of iNOS mRNA, iNOS protein, and NO production in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes subjected to 1% O 2 for 48 hours. Among several cytokines tested, IL-1β was the most effective in stimulating NO production, which was maximum at 48 hours. In parallel, IL-1β induced expression of both iNOS mRNA and protein. Hypoxia alone had no effect on NO production, iNOS gene expression, or protein induction. However, chronic hypoxia decreased IL-1β–stimulated NO production, mRNA expression, and protein level in cardiac myocytes. Radioligand binding and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that during chronic hypoxia, IL-1 receptor density and activity of the transcription factor NF-κB induced by IL-1β were decreased, which may account at least in part for the decrease in iNOS expression. Conclusions These data indicate that IL-1β induces iNOS gene expression, de novo synthesis of iNOS protein, and NO generation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and that chronic hypoxia appears to be a potent negative regulator of iNOS expression in these cells.
Tunable picosecond infrared laser system based on parametric amplification in KTP with a Ti:sapphire amplifier.

A picosecond laser system that will generate high-power tunable IR pulses with bandwidths suitable for spectroscopic applications is discussed. The system is based on white-light continuum generation in ethylene glycol and optical parametric amplification in potassium titanyl phosphate. The nonlinear-optical processes are driven by a regeneratively amplified Ti:sapphire laser that produces 1.7-ps pulses at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. Energies as high as 40 and 12 μJ have been achieved over the signal (1.02–1.16-μm) and idler (2.6–3.7-μm) tuning ranges, respectively. The IR beam temporal and spatial characteristics are also presented.
Children's self-presentations with infants: Gender and ethnic comparisons

The assumption of differential socialization experiences lead to the hypothesis that African American children would be less stereotyped in their responses to infants than White American children. This study of fifty-three 8–10-year-old children from African American and White American working-to-middle class families supported the hypothesis. The children were photographed with a peer, an infant, and with an infant while acting as a parent. All children stood significantly closer to the infant in the role condition and exhibited more attraction behavior. As predicted, gender differences were evident between White girls and boys, but not between African American girls and boys. Findings suggested that social preferences for infants cannot be necessarily linked to gender. Discussion of the findings from earlier study with younger children (Reid et al., 1989) supported this conclusion.
A STATISTICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF PACE AND OPERATION ON PERFORMANCE RATING

Abstract The objective of the present investigation is to find out the effect of various paces and operations on the rating error, after the subjects are trained by the programmed learning method (developed by the author) and conventional method of training performance rating. The experimental data were treated with statistical quality control techniques and it was found that both paces and operations had an effect on the rating error, irrespective of the training method. However, the rating error was less pronounced for the subjects trained by the programmed learning method compared to the subjects trained by the conventional method. Unfamiliar or complex operations caused rating errors of greater magnitude. Slow paces resulted in loose ratings, whereas fast paces resulted in tight ratings. It was observed that as the pace deviates from the middle range in the rating scale to the extreme ends, the rating errors get larger. Comparatively, errors of greater magnitude were noted at slow paces than at fast p...
Phenoxazine-based conjugated polymers : A new class of organic semiconductors for field-effect transistors

Five new phenoxazine-based conjugated polymers, including poly(10-hexylphenoxazine-3,7-diyl), poly(10-hexylphenoxazine-3,7-diyl-alt-9,9-dihexyl-2,7-fluorene), and poly(10-hexylphenoxazine-3,7-diyl-alt-3-hexyl-2,5-thiophene), were synthesized, characterized, and successfully used as p-channel semiconductors in organic field-effect transistors. The polymers have high glass transition temperatures in the 112−230 °C range. The phenoxazine-based polymers have low ionization potentials or high-lying HOMO levels (4.8−4.9 eV), which were estimated from cyclic voltammetry. Organic field-effect transistors based on the phenoxazine polymer semiconductors have a field effect hole mobility of up to 6 × 10-4 cm2/(V s) and an on/off ratio of up to 104. These results demonstrate that phenoxazine-based conjugated polymers are promising p-type semiconductors for solution processable thin film transistors.
Spatial Organization of Oncogenic Ras on Supported Membranes

Ras is a membrane protein which acts as a molecular switch in the activation of many signal transduction pathways involved in cellular processes such as proliferation and apoptosis. Ras has been a subject of great interest due to the causal role found between its hyperactivity and cancer, and studies have shown that approximately 30% of all human cancers have oncogenic Ras mutations. Although Ras has been studied for more than thirty years, the spatial organization of oncogenic Ras on membranes is still not well characterized. It has been suggested that Ras may organize into clusters in cell membranes but the molecular scale structure of these organizations remain unknown. Molecular dimerization of Ras has also been suggested and we quantitatively characterize this in an array of Ras mutants in supported lipid bilayer membranes using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and photon counting histogram analysis (PCH). The implications of Ras clustering on downstream signaling will be discussed.