bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farnesyl-transferase inhibitor R115,777 enhances tamoxifen inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth through estrogen receptor dependent and independent pathways
Authors: Dalenc Florence , Giamarchi Claire , Petit Mélissa , Poirot Marc , Favre Gilles , Faye Jean-Charles
Published: November 2005

Introduction

We have previously shown that FTI-277, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI), enhances the efficacy of tamoxifen (Tam) in inhibiting the proliferation of the estrogen dependent MCF-7 cell line. As the cellular response to Tam is the result of an inhibition of both estrogen receptor-dependent and -independent pathways, we have used the estrogen receptor selective anti-estrogen ICI182,780 and N-pyrrolidine(-phenylmethyl-phenoxy)-ethanamine-HCl (PBPE), a selective ligand of anti-estrogen binding site (AEBS), to dissect out the mechanism(s) associated with the observed additivity resulting from combination treatment with FTI-277 and Tam. Moreover, for these studies, FTI-277 has been replaced by R115,777, a FTI currently in phase III clinical trials.

Methods

The quantitative sulphorhodamine B (SRB) colorimetric assay was used to determine the growth inhibitory effect of agents on MCF-7 cells. Dose response interactions between R115,777-Tam, R115,777-ICI182,780 and R115,777-PBPE were evaluated, at the IC50 point, using the isobologram method. Apoptotic cell death (DNA fragmentation, nucleus condensation and cytokeratin 18 cleavage) and inhibition of the mevalonate pathway (western blot) were also determined.

Results

Combinations of the specific FTI R115,777 with either ICI182,780 or PBPE exhibit a synergistic effect on MCF-7 cell growth inhibition, while its combination with Tam is additive, as previously reported for FTI-277. Apoptosis is detected after treatment with combinations of R115,777 with either Tam or PBPE but not with ICI182,780, suggesting that each combination inhibits cell proliferation by different mechanisms. Even though the ER pathway has not yet been deciphered, it is shown here that the AEBS pathway is able to interfere with the mevalonate pathway at the level of protein farnesylation.

Conclusion

Overall, this work reveals that combinations of R115,777 with either selective ER ligands or a selective AEBS ligand are able to induce large increases in their anti-proliferative activities on MCF-7 cells. Moreover, these results suggest that it may be of definite interest to evaluate combinations of R115,777 with different anti-estrogens in the treatment of ER positive breast tumours. Based on these experimental data, such combinations may prove beneficial in different clinical scenarios or when used in specific sequences; studying the combination of R115,777 with ICI182,780 for early treatment and reserving combinations with either Tam or a selective AEBS ligand, such as BMS-217380-01, for more resistant disease.
How Effective Are Simulated Molecular-level Experiments for Teaching Diffusion and Osmosis?
Authors: Meir Eli , Perry Judith , Stal Derek , Maruca Susan , Klopfer Eric
Published: November 2005

Diffusion and osmosis are central concepts in biology, both at the cellular and organ levels. They are presented several times throughout most introductory biology textbooks (e.g., Freeman, 2002 ), yet both processes are often difficult for students to understand ( Odom, 1995 ; Zuckerman, 1994 ; Sanger et al., 2001 ; and results herein). Students have deep-rooted misconceptions about how diffusion and osmosis work, especially at the molecular level. We hypothesized that this might be in part due to the inability to see and explore these processes at the molecular level. In order to investigate this, we developed new software, OsmoBeaker, which allows students to perform inquiry-based experiments at the molecular level. Here we show that these simulated laboratories do indeed teach diffusion and osmosis and help overcome some, but not all, student misconceptions.
The IgD-binding domain of the Moraxella IgD-binding protein MID (MID962-1200) activates human B cells in the presence of T cell cytokines
Authors: Nordström Therése , Jendholm Johan , Samuelsson Martin , Forsgren Arne , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: November 2005

Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D (IgD)-binding protein (MID) is an outer membrane protein with specific affinity for soluble and cell-bound human IgD. Here, we demonstrate that mutated M. catarrhalis strains devoid of MID show a 75% decreased activation of human B cells as compared with wild-type bacteria. In contrast to MID-expressing Moraxella, the MID-deficient Moraxella mutants did not bind to human CD19+ IgD+ B cells. The smallest MID fragment with preserved IgD-binding capacity comprises 238 amino acids (MID962-1200). To prove the specificity of MID962-1200 for IgD, a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line expressing membrane-anchored human IgD was manufactured. MID962-1200 bound strongly to the recombinant IgD on CHO cells. Moreover, MID962-1200 stimulated peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation 5- and 15-fold at 0.1 and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively. This activation could be blocked completely by antibodies directed against the CD40 ligand (CD154). MID962-1200 also activated purified B cells in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-4. An increased IL-6 production was seen after stimulation with MID962-1200, as revealed by a human cytokine protein array. MID962-1200 fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) bound to human B cells and activated PBL to the same degree as MID962-1200. Taken together, MID is the only IgD-binding protein in Moraxella. Furthermore, the novel T cell-independent antigen MID962-1200 may, together with MID962-1200–GFP, be considered as promising reagents in the study of IgD-dependent B cell activation.
Shiga toxin 1-induced cytokine production is mediated by MAP kinase pathways and translation initiation factor eIF4E in the macrophage-like THP-1 cell line
Authors: Cherla Rama P , Lee Sang-Yun , Mees Pieter L , Tesh Vernon L
Published: November 2005

Upon binding to the glycolipid receptor globotriaosylceramide, Shiga toxins (Stxs) undergo retrograde transport to reach ribosomes, cleave 28S rRNA, and inhibit protein synthesis. Stxs induce the ribotoxic stress response and cytokine and chemokine expression in some cell types. Signaling mechanisms necessary for cytokine expression in the face of toxin-mediated protein synthesis inhibition are not well characterized. Stxs may regulate cytokine expression via multiple mechanisms involving increased gene transcription, mRNA transcript stabilization, and/or increased translation initiation efficiency. We show that treatment of differentiated THP-1 cells with purified Stx1 resulted in prolonged activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) rapidly triggered transient activation of JNK and p38 and prolonged activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascades. Simultaneous treatment with Stx1 + LPS mediated prolonged p38 MAPK activation. Stx1 increased eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) activation by 4.3-fold within 4–6 h, and LPS or Stx1 + LPS treatment increased eIF4E activation by 7.8- and 11-fold, respectively, within 1 h. eIF4E activation required Stx1 enzymatic activity and was mediated by anisomycin, another ribotoxic stress inducer. A combination of MAPK inhibitors or a MAPK-interacting kinase 1 (Mnk1)-specific inhibitor blocked eIF4E activation by all stimulants. Mnk1 inhibition blocked the transient increase in total protein synthesis detected in Stx1-treated cells but failed to block long-term protein synthesis inhibition. The MAPK inhibitors or Mnk1 inhibitor blocked soluble interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 production or release by 73–96%. These data suggest that Stxs may regulate cytokine expression in part through activation of MAPK cascades, activation of Mnk1, and phosphorylation of eIF4E.
Phagocytosis stimulates mobilization and shedding of intracellular CD16A in human monocytes and macrophages: inhibition by HIV-1 infection
Authors: Webster Nicole L , Kedzierska Katherine , Azzam Rula , Paukovics Geza , Wilson John , Crowe Suzanne M , Jaworowski Anthony
Published: November 2005

Surface and intracellular staining coupled with flow cytometric analysis was used to show for the first time that human macrophages and a minor subset of peripheral blood monocytes have an internal pool of CD16A, which is mobilized and shed during Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G-mediated phagocytosis. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro led to a reduction in the phagocytosis-induced up-regulation in CD16A shedding. These results suggest that monocytes and macrophages may be a source of soluble CD16A, which is elevated in the serum of patients in a variety of disease states and that the mobilization and shedding of CD16A in response to phagocytosis are disrupted by HIV-1 infection.
75-plus years of anisotropy in exploration and reservoir seismics: A historical review of concepts and methods
Authors: Helbig Klaus , Thomsen Leon
Published: November 2005

The idea that the propagation of elastic waves can be anisotropic, i.e., that the velocity may depend on the direction, is about 175 years old. The first steps are connected with the top scientists of that time, people such as Cauchy, Fresnel, Green, and Kelvin. For most of the 19th century, anisotropic wave propagation was studied mainly by mathematical physicists, and the only applications were in crystal optics and crystal elasticity. During these years, important steps in the formal description of the subject were made. At the turn of the 20th century, Rudzki stressed the significance of seismic anisotropy. He studied many of its aspects, but his ideas were not applied. Research in seismic anisotropy became stagnant after his death in 1916. Beginning about 1950, the significance of seismic anisotropy for exploration seismics was studied, mainly in connection with thinly layered media and the resulting transverse isotropy. Very soon it became clear that the effect of layer-induced anisotropy on data acquired with the techniques of that time was negligible, so for the next few decades the subject was studied only by a handful of researchers. In the last two decades of the 20th century, anisotropy changed from a nuisance to a valuable asset. Gupta and especially Crampin pointed out that cracks in a rock mass lead to observable effects from which, in principle, the orientation and density of the cracks could be deduced. Since this information has direct significance for the reservoir properties of the rock, the interest in seismic anisotropy increased considerably. Improvements in acquisition technology, with well-designed approximations that made the complicated theory manageable and with efficient algorithms running on more powerful computers, have turned the theoretical ideas of the early times into an important exploration and production tool. Although seismic anisotropy is usually weak, it nevertheless has important consequences in our modern data. Thus, today anisotropy is an important issue in exploration and reservoir geophysics, and it belongs in every exploration geophysicist's toolkit.
Depth of investigation for small broadband electromagnetic sensors
Authors: Huang Haoping
Published: November 2005

The depth of investigation in electromagnetic (EM) soundings is a maximum depth at which a given target in a given host can be detected by a given sensor. It is of primary interest in EM exploration, particularly for small EM sensors having negligible separation between the transmitter and receiver coils. The depth of investigation is related to many factors, such as sensor sensitivity, precision, operating frequencies, ambient noise level, target and host properties, and the techniques used in data processing and interpretation. Quantitative understanding of the relationships between the depth of investigation and these factors will help users meet their geologic objectives, avoid unnecessary survey expenses, and display meaningful geologic features. Simple equations to estimate the depth of investigation for handheld EM sensors have been derived from analyzing the EM response based on layered half-space models. The results show that the depth of investigation is approximately proportional to the square root of the skin depth in the host for a given detection threshold and conductivity contrast between the target and host. For a given skin depth, the depth of investigation increases with the target conductivity and conductivity contrast and decreases with the detection threshold. Choosing a threshold mainly depends on the S/N ratio of the EM data if the sensor setup, data acquisition methods, and processing techniques are well established. A high threshold such as 20% or 30% is recommended for resistive targets or in areas where environmental noise is high or where terrain conductivity is low (<50 mS/m). In contrast, a threshold as low as 5% or 10% can be used for conductive targets in quiet areas. Field examples are presented to illustrate how to use the depth of investigation in data interpretation and presentation.
Acheron's rainbow: Free associations on 75 years of exploration geo-electromagnetics
Authors: Tripp Alan C.
Published: November 2005

Geophysics has proved to be an effective means of prospecting for the raw materials necessary for modern life. Electromagnetic techniques are the methods of choice when buried treasure has an anomalous electrical conductivity or dielectric permittivity. In the past 75 years, SEG has provided a forum for the usually rational exchange of ideas in electromagnetic prospecting as well as a bazaar for goods and services.
Generalized Dix equations for a layered transversely isotropic medium
Authors: Ursin Bjørn , Stovas Alexey
Published: November 2005

In standard Dix equations, normal-incidence traveltimes and rms or NMO velocities for PP reflections are used to estimate interval velocity and thickness for homogeneous isotropic horizontal layers. For a stack of homogeneous horizontal layers that are transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI), the qPqP traveltimes (and the qPqSV traveltimes) depend on four parameters and the thickness of each layer. These can be estimated from the traveltimes of the qPqP and qPqSV reflected waves. The estimated qPqP traveltime parameters are P-wave normal-incidence traveltime, P-wave NMO velocity, and a heterogeneity factor entering in the shifted hyperbolic traveltime approximation or in a continued fraction traveltime approximation. The estimated qPqSV traveltime parameters are PS normal-incidence traveltime and PS NMO velocity combined with the qPqP traveltime parameters. These are used to compute S-wave normal-incidence traveltime and SV-wave NMO velocity. The estimated traveltime parameters are entered into explicit expressions for the four layer parameters and the thickness of each layer. These layer-recursive formulas, except for slightly different initial conditions, are also valid for ocean-bottom seismic data. For reflected SH-wave traveltimes, there are two elastic parameters and thicknesses per layer, and we can estimate three traveltime parameters. However, two of these traveltime parameters are functionally related, and it is impossible to estimate the three layer parameters from SH-wave traveltimes only.
Fresnel volume migration of multicomponent data
Authors: Lüth Stefan , Buske Stefan , Giese Rüdiger , Goertz Alexander
Published: November 2005

If the aperture of a seismic reflection experiment is strongly limited, Kirchhoff migration suffers from strong artifacts attributable to incomplete summation. This can be overcome by restricting the migration operator to the region that physically contributes to a reflection event. Examples of such limited-aperture experiments include data acquisition in boreholes, tunnels, and mines. We present an extension to three-component (3C) Kirchhoff prestack depth migration, where the migration operator is restricted to the Fresnel volume of the specular reflected raypath. We use the measured polarization direction at a 3C receiver to determine points of specular reflection. In homogeneous media, the polarization angle of 3C data can be used directly to decide whether a certain image point belongs to the Fresnel volume of a specular reflection. In heterogeneous media, the Fresnel volume around an image point is approximated by means of paraxial ray tracing. The method is tested on a synthetic vertical seismic profiling experiment with strongly limited aperture. Migration artifacts and crosstalk effects from converted waves are strongly reduced compared with standard migration schemes. The method is successfully applied to seismic data acquired in a tunnel.
The historical development of the magnetic method in exploration
Authors: Nabighian M. N. , Grauch V. J. S. , Hansen R. O. , LaFehr T. R. , Li Y. , Peirce J. W. , Phillips J. D. , Ruder M. E.
Published: November 2005

The magnetic method, perhaps the oldest of geophysical exploration techniques, blossomed after the advent of airborne surveys in World War II. With improvements in instrumentation, navigation, and platform compensation, it is now possible to map the entire crustal section at a variety of scales, from strongly magnetic basement at regional scale to weakly magnetic sedimentary contacts at local scale. Methods of data filtering, display, and interpretation have also advanced, especially with the availability of low-cost, high-performance personal computers and color raster graphics. The magnetic method is the primary exploration tool in the search for minerals. In other arenas, the magnetic method has evolved from its sole use for mapping basement structure to include a wide range of new applications, such as locating intrasedimentary faults, defining subtle lithologic contacts, mapping salt domes in weakly magnetic sediments, and better defining targets through 3D inversion. These new applications have increased the method's utility in all realms of exploration — in the search for minerals, oil and gas, geothermal resources, and groundwater, and for a variety of other purposes such as natural hazards assessment, mapping impact structures, and engineering and environmental studies.
Delayed-shot 3D depth migration, GEOPHYSICS, 70, E21–E28
Authors: Zhang Yu , Sun James , Notfors Carl , Gray Samuel H. , Chernis Leon , Young Jerry
Published: November 2005

The summary was misstated in the “Annual Meeting Selections” category of “This Issue of GEOPHYSICS” on page 1SO. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this error.
Two cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Navarrete N , Macías P , Jaén F , Hidalgo C , Cáliz R , Jiménez-Alonso J
Published: November 2005

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare complication of antiphospholipid syndrome. lt is a disseminated severe vascular pathology which presents with multi-organic dysfunction that progresses rapidly. Prognosis ends up being fatal in half of the cases. It may appear during pregnancy, surgery, infection, or after suspension of anticoagulation therapy. We studied two female patients with CAPS who survived after treatment with anticoagulation therapy and intravenous corticosteroids. The evolution of our two patients, after 17 months of follow-up under oral anticoagulant treatment was favourable and they are currently asymptomatic. In these patients the early diagnosis and treatment were essential to enhance their possibilities of survival.
A yeast RNA-hybrid system for the detection of RNA–RNA interactions in vivo
Authors: PIGANEAU NICOLAS , SCHAUER URSULA E. , SCHROEDER RENÉE
Published: November 2005

RNA–RNA interactions play a crucial role at many different levels of the cellular metabolism such as plasmid replication control, viral encapsidation, or transcriptional and translational regulation. Therefore, methods are necessary to investigate the molecular determinants of given interactions, including their stabilities, or to screen for new interacting partners. We designed an RNA-hybrid system in S. cerevisiae, based on the yeast three-hybrid system. In this setup, the activation of a reporter gene is dependent on the interaction of two RNAs. A loop–loop interaction similar to the dimerization initiation site of the HIV genome was used as a model system, demonstrating that in this novel RNA-hybrid system only cognate RNAs promote the activation of the reporter gene. Levels of reporter activation correlate well with interaction stabilities determined in vitro by UV melting analyses, suggesting that conditions used for the analysis of in vitro structural stabilities translate well into the intracellular environment. Furthermore, the system was applicable for a screen against a test library. Nine out of ten selected clones were identified as predicted interaction partners for the bait RNA. In summary, we present a yeast reporter system depending on RNA–RNA interactions, which can be used alternatively for analysis of known interactions or for screening libraries in search for new interaction partners.
Small interfering RNAs containing full 2′-O-methylribonucleotide-modified sense strands display Argonaute2/eIF2C2-dependent activity
Authors: KRAYNACK BRYAN A. , BAKER BRENDA F.
Published: November 2005

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) direct the degradation of complementary single-strand RNAs. In this study, we investigated the effects of full-strand phosphorothioate (PS) backbone and 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) sugar modifications on RNAi-mediated silencing. In contrast to previous reports, we have identified active siRNA duplexes containing full 2′-OMe-modified sense strands that display comparable activity to the unmodified analog of similar sequence. The structure of these modified siRNAs is the predominant determinant of their activity, with sequence and backbone composition being secondary. We further show, by using biotin-tagged siRNAs and affinity-tagged hAgo2/eIF2C2, that activity of siRNA duplexes containing full 2′-OMe substitutions in the sense strand is mediated by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and that strand-specific loading (or binding) to hAgo2 may be modulated through selective incorporation of these modifications.
Mechanism of the phosphatase component of Clostridium thermocellum polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase
Authors: KEPPETIPOLA NIROSHIKA , SHUMAN STEWART
Published: November 2005

Polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase (Pnkp) from Clostridium thermocellum catalyzes ATP-dependent phosphorylation of 5′-OH termini of DNA or RNA polynucleotides and Ni2+/Mn2+-dependent dephosphorylation of 2′,3′ cyclic phosphate, 2′-phosphate, and 3′-phosphate ribonucleotides. CthPnkp is an 870-amino-acid polypeptide composed of three domains: an N-terminal module similar to bacteriophage T4 polynucleotide kinase, a central module that resembles the dinuclear metallo-phosphoesterase superfamily, and a C-terminal ligase-like adenylyltransferase domain. Here we conducted a mutational analysis of CthPnkp that identified 11 residues required for Ni2+-dependent phosphatase activity with 2′-AMP and 3′-AMP. Eight of the 11 CthPnkp side chains were also required for Ni2+-dependent hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The ensemble of essential side chains includes the conserved counterparts (Asp187, His189, Asp233, Arg237, Asn263, His264, His323, His376, and Asp392 in CthPnkp) of all of the amino acids that form the dinuclear metal-binding site and the phosphate-binding site of bacteriophage λ phosphatase. Three residues (Asp236, His264, and Arg237) required for activity with 2′-AMP or 3′-AMP were dispensable for Ni2+-dependent hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Our findings, together with available structural information, provide fresh insights to the metallophosphoesterase mechanism, including the roles of His264 and Asp236 in proton donation to the leaving group. Deletion analysis defined an autonomous phosphatase domain, CthPnkp-(171–424).
In This Issue
Authors: van Ryzin Garrett J.
Published: November 2005

A regular feature of Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, “In This Issue” briefly describes each issue’s articles and highlights their contributions.
Preface to “On a Paradox of Traffic Planning”
Authors: Nagurney Anna , Boyce David
Published: November 2005

This article is a preface to the translation by Braess, Nagurney, and Wakolbinger of the 1968 paper by Braess, “Über ein Paradoxon aus der Verkehrsplanung” (Unternehmensforschung 12 258–268).
Regelung des mittleren arteriellen Blutdrucks im Rahmen einer kontrollierten Hypotension (Control of Mean Arterial Blood Pressure for Controlled Hypotension)
Authors: Nguyen Chi-Ngon , Simanski Olaf , Kähler Ralf , Schubert Agnes , Janda Matthias , Bajorat Jörn , Hofmockel Rainer , Lampe Bernhard P.
Published: November 2005

In dem vorliegenden Beitrag wird neben einem selbsteinstellenden PID-Regler ein Fuzzy-Gain-Scheduling Verfahren für einen PID-Regler zur Regelung des mittleren arteriellen Blutdrucks vorgestellt. Die Regler wurden sowohl simulativ untersucht als auch im Tierversuch an anästhesierten Hausschweinen eingesetzt. Als Medikament zur Blutdrucksenkung fand Sodium-Nitroprussid (SNP, Natrium-Nitroprussid) Anwendung. Zum Updaten des Fuzzy-Gain-Schedulers wurde ein Supervisor-Algorithmus implementiert, sodass der PID-Regler gegebenenfalls aktiver auf die Körpergegenregulation reagieren kann. Für die Simulation der entworfenen Regler konnte ein auf Slates Arbeiten beruhendes Modell modifiziert werden. Simulationen und tierexperimentelle Untersuchungen vermittelten einen ersten positiven Eindruck über die Sicherheit und die Stabilität der Regelung.
Influence of Summer Stream Temperatures on Black Spot Infestation of Juvenile Coho Salmon in the Oregon Coast Range
Authors: Cairns Michael A. , Ebersole Joseph L. , Baker Joan P. , Wigington Parker J. , Lavigne Henry R. , Davis Sheila M.
Published: November 2005

High summer water temperatures can adversely affect stream salmonids in numerous ways. The direct effects of temperature associated with increased metabolic demand can be exacerbated by other factors, including decreased resistance to disease and increased susceptibility to parasites. We quantified the occurrence of black spot infestation caused by a neascus‐type trematode (family Diplostomidae) of juvenile salmonids in Oregon's West Fork Smith River stream network during summer 2002 through fall 2003. The highest 7‐d average of the daily maximum (ADM) temperatures was positively correlated with infestation rates in both years. We summarized the frequency and infestation severity of juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch by location within the network and summarized temperatures for 19 study reaches. Summer ADMs ranged from approximately 24°C near the watershed mouth to approximately 17°C in the upper reaches, while tributary ADMs ranged from approximately 16–18°C in the lower reaches to 12–17°C in the upper reaches. Temperatures were consistently higher in summer 2003 than in summer 2002. The presence of black spot infestation was more frequently noted in warm main‐stem reaches than in adjacent cooler tributary reaches, and infestation rates were generally higher in 2003 than in 2002 in the same reach. Movements of coho salmon juveniles within the stream network also appeared to influence observed infestation rates.
Relationships between Juvenile Winter Flounder and Multiple‐Scale Habitat Variation in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Authors: Meng Lesa , Cicchetti Giancarlo , Raciti Steve
Published: November 2005

A rapid random sampling method was used to relate densities of juvenile winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus to multiple scales of habitat variation in Narragansett Bay and two nearby coastal lagoons in Rhode Island. We used a 1‐m beam trawl with attached video camera, continuous global positioning system track overlay, and continuous recording YSI sonde to sample 163 sites in June and July 2002 and 2003. The YSI sonde recorded temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, depth, turbidity, and chlorophyll a throughout the tow, while the video camera recorded other habitat characteristics. Habitat patterns at larger spatial scales were assessed with aerial imagery and charted depth data. We caught 25 species and 977 fish, almost twice as many fish being captured in 2002 (596) as in 2003 (381). Winter flounder was the most common species in both years, comprising 60.2% of the catch in 2002 and 33.6% of the catch in 2003. Total fish and winter flounder were three times more abundant in the coastal lagoons than in the bay. We used stepwise multiple regression to develop a general model (all variables, including those affecting catch efficiency) and a habitat model (only habitat variables) describing the relationship between habitat quality and juvenile winter flounder density. The results of the stepwise regression on the general model explained only about 25% of the variability in catch, but they suggested that winter flounder densities were higher at sites in coves and that densities increased with human population density, greater percentages of algal cover, and higher percentages of mud. Densities were negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a. In the habitat model (r2 = 0.16), densities were higher in coves, at sites with marsh or beach edges, and at sites with human disturbance. Similar to the general model, densities increased with algal cover and decreased with dissolved oxygen. At larger spatial scales, shorelines dominated by beaches and habitat diversity (as calculated by Simpson's diversity index) were positively correlated with higher juvenile winter flounder densities. Overall, the results suggested that juvenile winter flounder were most abundant in coves and upper estuaries. We conclude that these areas may provide beneficial nursery habitat for winter flounder despite apparent human disturbance.
Evaluation of a Lake Whitefish Bioenergetics Model
Authors: Madenjian Charles P. , O'Connor Daniel V. , Pothoven Steven A. , Schneeberger Philip J. , Rediske Richard R. , O'Keefe James P. , Bergstedt Roger A. , Argyle Ray L. , Brandt Stephen B.
Published: November 2005

We evaluated the Wisconsin bioenergetics model for lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis in the laboratory and in the field. For the laboratory evaluation, lake whitefish were fed rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax in four laboratory tanks during a 133‐d experiment. Based on a comparison of bioenergetics model predictions of lake whitefish food consumption and growth with observed consumption and growth, we concluded that the bioenergetics model furnished significantly biased estimates of both food consumption and growth. On average, the model overestimated consumption by 61% and underestimated growth by 16%. The source of the bias was probably an overestimation of the respiration rate. We therefore adjusted the respiration component of the bioenergetics model to obtain a good fit of the model to the observed consumption and growth in our laboratory tanks. Based on the adjusted model, predictions of food consumption over the 133‐d period fell within 5% of observed consumption in three of the four tanks and within 9% of observed consumption in the remaining tank. We used polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as a tracer to evaluate model performance in the field. Based on our laboratory experiment, the efficiency with which lake whitefish retained PCBs from their food (γ) was estimated at 0.45. We applied the bioenergetics model to Lake Michigan lake whitefish and then used PCB determinations of both lake whitefish and their prey from Lake Michigan to estimate γ in the field. Application of the original model to Lake Michigan lake whitefish yielded a field estimate of 0.28, implying that the original formulation of the model overestimated consumption in Lake Michigan by 61%. Application of the bioenergetics model with the adjusted respiration component resulted in a field γ estimate of 0.56, implying that this revised model underestimated consumption by 20%.
On Not Defending Poetry: Spenser, Suffering, and the Energy of Affect
Authors: Campana Joseph
Published: November 2005

Early modern defenses of poetry, such as Philip Sidney's influentialDefence of Poesy,respond to long-standing anxieties about the validity of poetry by asserting the primacy of its moral function. Sidney's heroic rhetoric locates poetry's “power” in its capacity to create iconic portraits (“speaking pictures”) of unchanging moral truths. Edmund Spenser departs markedly from Sidney's static moral vision of the function of poetry. Whereas Sidney privilegesenargeia,or vividness,The Faerie Queeneworks consistently to disarm the heroic masculinity that violently producesenargeiaas a form of iconic, moral clarity. Spenser's Legend of Temperance findsenergeia,or vitality, in moments of suffering and in corresponding moments of sympathy. Through suffering, Spenser highlights the dense networks of affect and obligation that defy moral and visual clarity. For him, poetry resonates with the affective energies of corporeal experience, from which language derives its capacity to move.
Phonic Matters: French Sound Poetry, Julia Kristeva, and Bernard Heidsieck
Authors: Noland Carrie
Published: November 2005

This essay recounts my attempt to teach poetry through theory and theory through poetry by juxtaposing Bernard Heidsieck's sound poem Canal Street with Julia Kristeva's La révolution du langage poétique. The psychoanalytic model Kristeva applies to her exegesis of Mallarmé's “Prose” proves insufficient to account for Heidsieck's materialist poetics. However, by reading Kristeva beside Heidsieck, we can gain a glimpse of the resources held in reserve by both texts. Kristeva's attention to poetry's phonematic material facilitates a sound-sensitive approach to Heidsieck's poem. Heidsieck's poem, in turn, suggests that such material reveals not the libidinal drives of a subject but the nonlibidinal, impersonal, acoustico-physiological instrument undergirding the expressive potential of the human voice. The juxtaposition of theoretical and poetic texts demonstrates that poetry possesses an analytic force that can be applied to the theory meant to explicate it.
A Box for Wilfrid Blunt
Authors: McDiarmid Lucy
Published: November 2005

This essay analyzes the testimonial occasion organized by Lady Gregory, Yeats, and Pound to honor the poet and anti-imperialist Wilfrid Scawen Blunt (1840–1922). On 18 January 1914, Blunt welcomed six younger poets to his house in Sussex, where they dined on a peacock culled from his flock. At the ritual center of the meal was the presentation to Blunt of a marble box containing his guests’ poems; on the top of the box, designed by Gaudier-Brzeska, was a reclining nude woman. The dinner had a double purpose: to construct a poetic genealogy that would give meaning to a distinctly masculine literary tradition and to make that genealogy visible. Accounts of the event were planted in four journals, and the famous photograph, with the tall, impressively bearded Blunt surrounded by his scions, appears in all the poets’ biographies. With its potent combination of homosocial intimacy and artistic glamour, the “peacock dinner” claimed an important place in its participants’ memories and resonated in their writing for many years.
Severe COVID-19 in Vaccinated Adults With Hematologic Cancers in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Anand Sonia T. , Vo Austin D. , La Jennifer , Do Nhan V. , Fillmore Nathanael R. , Brophy Mary , Branch-Elliman Westyn , Monach Paul A.
Published: February 2024

Importance

With SARS-CoV-2 transforming into an endemic disease and with antiviral treatments available, it is important to establish which patients remain at risk of severe COVID-19 despite vaccination.

Objective

To quantify the associations of clinical and demographic variables with odds of severe COVID-19 among patients with hematologic cancers.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study included all patients with hematologic malignant neoplasms in the national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who had documented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination. Groups of patients with severe (cases) vs nonsevere (controls) COVID-19 were compared. Data were collected between January 1, 2020, and April 5, 2023, with data on infection collected between January 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022. All patients with diagnostic codes for hematologic malignant neoplasms who had documented vaccination followed by documented SARS-CoV-2 infection and for whom disease severity could be assessed were included. Data were analyzed from July 28 to December 30, 2023.

Exposures

Clinical (comorbidities, predominant viral variant, treatment for malignant neoplasm, booster vaccination, and antiviral treatment) and demographic (age and sex) variables shown in prior studies to be associated with higher or lower rates of severe COVID-19. Comorbidities included Alzheimer disease or dementia, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main outcome was severe COVID-19 compared with nonsevere SARS-CoV-2 infection. Severe COVID-19 was defined as death within 28 days, mechanical ventilation, or hospitalization with use of dexamethasone or evidence of hypoxemia or use of supplemental oxygen. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations of demographic and clinical variables with the odds of severe COVID-19, expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs.

Results

Among 6122 patients (5844 [95.5%] male, mean [SD] age, 70.89 [11.57] years), 1301 (21.3%) had severe COVID-19. Age (aOR per 1-year increase, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.06), treatment with antineoplastic or immune-suppressive drugs (eg, in combination with glucocorticoids: aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.93-2.80), and comorbidities (aOR per comorbidity, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.29-1.43) were associated with higher odds of severe disease, whereas booster vaccination was associated with lower odds (aOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.86). After oral antiviral drugs became widely used in March 2022, 20 of 538 patients (3.7%) with SARS-CoV-2 infection during this period had progression to severe COVID-19.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case-control study of patients with hematologic cancers, odds of severe COVID-19 remained high through mid-2022 despite vaccination, especially in patients requiring treatment.
Effects of internal versus external distinctive facial features on eyewitness identification
Authors: Carlson Curt A. , Pleasant William E. , Carlson Maria A. , Jones Alyssa R.
Published: February 2024

Many criminals have distinctive facial features such as tattoos, yet the potential impact on eyewitness memory has received little research attention. Does such a feature harm memory for the face at encoding, and can police do anything about this when constructing the lineup? Does it matter whether the feature is on the interior (e.g., tattoo on face) or exterior (e.g., tattoo on neck)? These are the kinds of questions that we investigated by randomly assigning a large nationwide sample of online participants to conditions within an experimental design in which we manipulated target exposure time, presence (and location) of a distinctive feature, and whether it is replicated or removed from lineup members. Results indicate that a distinctive feature harms memory for the face regardless of location, but replicating the feature in the lineup may attenuate this effect. Fortunately, high confidence was indicative of high accuracy regardless of our manipulations.
SAMHSA overdose toolkit contradicts evidence on doses needed
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

A “toolkit” (federalese for a brochure) on overdose prevention and rescue from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued last month has outdated recommendations for overdose rescue medications. The toolkit, which SAMHSA released at last month's annual CADCA conference, calls for giving one dose (4 mg) of naloxone initially, followed by a second dose two or three minutes later. It also says that studies show increased doses of naloxone are not necessary in the fentanyl era.
Internal Ceramic Protective Coating of Hollow‐Core Fibers
Authors: Jouin Jenny , Thomas Philippe , Orihuel Heloïse , De Sousa Elodie , Launay Yann , Torzuoli Lyna , Debord Benoit , Al‐Dhaybi Ali , Gérôme Frédéric , Benabid Fetah
Published: February 2024

To optimize the use of hollow‐core photonic crystal fibers (HC‐PCF), their cores are filled with an atomic gas for an ultra‐enhanced interaction with an incident laser beam in applications such as atomic vapor microcells. One challenge in these gas‐filled HC‐PCFs is to control the physiochemical interactions between the gas medium and the silica inner surface of the fiber core surround. In this work, thus, the processing of ceramic coatings on glass substrates by chemical solution deposition is focused on. Also, the successful implementation of an original coating procedure for a deposition inside hollow‐core fibers with complex microstructures is described. It is indeed possible to form a thin, dense, inorganic, and amorphous layer with a low thickness, low roughness, and high transparency. To obtain such a result, several parameters must be controlled, including the concentration of the solution, the technique and the deposition time, as well as the heat treatment undergone by the fiber. In particular, the selected aluminosilicate coatings, which are nonporous and present a 20–30 nm thickness, demonstrate a considerable improvement of the lifetime properties of the fibers filled with rubidium vapor, without modifying its original guiding properties.
Engineering Antibonding Orbital Occupancy for Enhanced Sodium‐Ion Intercalation Kinetics in Transition Metal Oxides
Authors: Wang Jinrui , Liu Yuanming , Hou Zishan , Wang Shiyu , Yao Shuyun , Gao Xueying , Zhang Huiying , Tang Zheng , Nie Kaiqi , Xie Jiangzhou , Yang Zhiyu , Yan Yi‐Ming
Published: February 2024

In the quest to elevate the sodium‐ion intercalation kinetics of transition metal oxide electrodes, the intrinsic low conductivity of these materials often acts as a bottleneck, restricting Na+ storage. Herein, the mechanism behind sodium‐ion diffusion kinetics in MnO2 is explored, specifically focusing on the manipulation of π* antibonding orbital occupancy. This is accomplished through strategic doping with strongly electron‐withdrawing Rh3+ (t2g6eg0), enhancing the hybridization of Mn 3d‐O 2p orbitals and significantly increasing the electrical conductivity of MnO2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) results demonstrate that the smaller orbital energy difference between Rh3+ eg and Mn4+ t2g, compared to that between Rh3+ eg and Mn4+ eg, fosters direct electron transfer from the Mn4+ t2g to the vacant Rh3+ eg. This electron movement induces an upshift in the Mn‐t2g orbital energy levels while concurrently diminishing the occupancy of π* antibonding orbitals formed via Mn t2g‐O 2p hybridization. The resultant Rh‐MnO2 electrode exhibits an impressive specific capacity of 335 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a substantial rate capacity of 224.8 F g−1 at 20 A g−1. This investigation elucidates the intricate mechanism underlying the sluggish kinetics of sodium ion intercalation within transition metal oxide frameworks.
Natural Sunlight‐Driven CO2 Hydrogenation into Light Olefins at Ambient Pressure over Bifunctional Cu‐Promoted CoFe Alloy Catalyst
Authors: Ning Shangbo , Wang Junwei , Wu Xiuting , Li Ling , Zhang Senlin , Chen Shaohua , Ren Xiaohui , Gao Linjie , Hao Yuchen , Lv Cuncai , Li Yaguang , Ye Jinhua
Published: February 2024

The natural sunlight‐driven conversion of CO2 into valuable C2+ products is urgently being pursued at ambient pressure, yet it poses a substantial challenge. Herein, a bifunctional Cu‐promoted CoFe alloy catalyst is designed for the natural light‐driven CO2 hydrogenation into light olefins. Under a weak solar‐irradiation intensity of 0.45 kW m−2 (0.45 sun), the optimal catalyst exhibits excellent activity and selectivity, with an impressive 73.7% selectivity for C2+ hydrocarbons and an outstanding 56.5% selectivity for C2‐4 olefins, which is the best catalyst for C2+ hydrocarbons photosynthesis from natural sunlight to date. The bifunctional design of the catalyst combines the advantages of both metallic Cu and CoFe alloy components, providing a synergistic effect that enhances the CO2 hydrogenation performance. The Cu promoter plays a crucial role in enhancing the adsorption of CO2 and hydrogen spillover, while the CoFe alloy provides a stable coupling site of the C1 intermediate for promoting the C2‐4 olefins. This study provides new insights into the design of bifunctional catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation and opens up new possibilities for sustainable production of light olefins from renewable resources.
Controlled Refolding of Denatured IL‐12 Using In Situ Antigen‐Capturing Nanochaperone Remarkably Reduces the Systemic Toxicity and Enhances Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Ma Feihe , Chen Jiajing , Chen Yujie , Xu Linlin , Li Ang , Liu Yang , Ma Rujiang , Shi Linqi
Published: February 2024

Cytokines are powerful in cancer immunotherapy, however, their therapeutic potential is limited by the severe systemic toxicity. Here a potent strategy to reduce the toxicity of systemic cytokine therapy by delivering its denatured form using a finely designed nanochaperone, is described. It is demonstrated that even if the denatured protein cargos are occasionally released under normal physiological conditions they are still misfolded, while can effectively refold into native states and release to function in tumor microenvironment. Consequently, the systemic toxicity of cytokines is nearly completely overcome. Moreover, an immunogenic cell death (ICD)‐inducing chemotherapeutic is further loaded and delivered to tumor using this nanochaperone to trigger the release of tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) that are subsequently captured in situ by nanochaperone and then reflows into lymph nodes (LNs) to promote antigen cross‐presentation. This optimized personalized nanochaperone‐vaccine demonstrates unprecedented suppressive effects against large, advanced tumors, and in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy results in a significant abscopal effect and inhibition of postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis. Hence, this approach provides a simple and universal delivery strategy to reduce the systemic toxicities of cytokines, as well as provides a robust personalized cancer vaccination platform, which may find wide applications in cancer immunotherapy.
Ultra‐Sensitive and Stable Multiplexed Biosensors Array in Fully Printed and Integrated Platforms for Reliable Perspiration Analysis
Authors: Ma Suman , Wan Zhu'an , Wang Chen , Song Zhilong , Ding Yucheng , Zhang Daquan , Chan Chak Lam Jonathan , Shu Lei , Huang Liting , Yang Zhensen , Wang Fei , Bai Jiaming , Fan Zhiyong , Lin Yuanjing
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as one of the promising tools for tracking human body physiological dynamics via non‐invasive perspiration analysis. However, it remains a key challenge to integrate multiplexed sensors in a highly controllable and reproducible manner to achieve long‐term reliable biosensing, especially on flexible platforms. Herein, a fully inkjet printed and integrated multiplexed biosensing patch with remarkably high stability and sensitivity is reported for the first time. These desirable characteristics are enabled by the unique interpenetrating interface design and precise control over active materials mass loading, owing to the optimized ink formulations and droplet‐assisted printing processes. The sensors deliver sensitivities of 313.28 µA mm−1 cm−2 for glucose and 0.87 µA mm−1 cm−2 for alcohol sensing with minimal drift over 30 h, which are among the best in the literature. The integrated patch can be used for reliable and wireless diet monitoring or medical intervention via epidermal analysis and would inspire the advances of wearable devices for intelligent healthcare applications.