cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal Inhibition of Heme Oxygenase-1 Increases Blood Pressure in Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension

The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that renal medullary heme oxygenase (HO) acts as a buffer against Ang-II dependent hypertension. To test this hypothesis, renal medullary HO activity was blocked using QC-13, an imidazole-dioxolane HO-1 inhibitor, or SnMP, a classical porphyrin based HO inhibitor. HO inhibitors were infused via IRMI catheters throughout the study starting 3 days prior to implantation of an osmotic minipump which delivered Ang II or saline vehicle. MAP was increased by Ang II infusion and further increased by IRMI infusion of QC-13 or SnMP. MAP averaged 113 ± 3 , 120 ± 7 , 141 ± 2 , 153 ± 2 , and 154 ± 3 mmHg in vehicle, vehicle + IRMI QC-13, Ang II, Ang II + IRMI QC-13, and Ang II + IRMI SnMP treated mice, respectively ( n = 6 ). Inhibition of renal medullary HO activity with QC-13 in Ang II infused mice was also associated with a significant increase in superoxide production as well as significant decreases in antioxidant enzymes catalase and MnSOD. These results demonstrate that renal inhibition of HO exacerbates Ang II dependent hypertension through a mechanism which is associated with increases in superoxide production and decreases in antioxidant enzymes.
Learning the structure of dynamic Bayesian networks from time series and steady state measurements

Dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN) are a class of graphical models that has become a standard tool for modeling various stochastic time-varying phenomena. In many applications, the primary goal is to infer the network structure from measurement data. Several efficient learning methods have been introduced for the inference of DBNs from time series measurements. Sometimes, however, it is either impossible or impractical to collect time series data, in which case, a common practice is to model the non-time series observations using static Bayesian networks (BN). Such an approach is obviously sub-optimal if the goal is to gain insight into the underlying dynamical model. Here, we introduce Bayesian methods for the inference of DBNs from steady state measurements. We also consider learning the structure of DBNs from a combination of time series and steady state measurements. We introduce two different methods: one that is based on an approximation and another one that provides exact computation. Simulation results demonstrate that dynamic network structures can be learned to an extent from steady state measurements alone and that inference from a combination of steady state and time series data has the potential to improve learning performance relative to the inference from time series data alone.
Increased metabolic activity in the septum and habenula during stress is linked to subsequent expression of learned helplessness behavior

Uncontrollable stress can have a profound effect on an organism's ability to respond effectively to future stressful situations. Behavior subsequent to uncontrollable stress can vary greatly between individuals, falling on a spectrum between healthy resilience and maladaptive learned helplessness. It is unclear whether dysfunctional brain activity during uncontrollable stress is associated with vulnerability to learned helplessness; therefore, we measured metabolic activity during uncontrollable stress that correlated with ensuing inability to escape future stressors. We took advantage of small animal positron emission tomography (PET) and 2-deoxy-2[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose ((18)FDG) to probe in vivo metabolic activity in wild type Sprague Dawley rats during uncontrollable, inescapable, unpredictable foot-shock stress, and subsequently tested the animals response to controllable, escapable, predictable foot-shock stress. When we correlated metabolic activity during the uncontrollable stress with consequent behavioral outcomes, we found that the degree to which animals failed to escape the foot-shock correlated with increased metabolic activity in the lateral septum and habenula. When used a seed region, metabolic activity in the habenula correlated with activity in the lateral septum, hypothalamus, medial thalamus, mammillary nuclei, ventral tegmental area, central gray, interpeduncular nuclei, periaqueductal gray, dorsal raphe, and rostromedial tegmental nucleus, caudal linear raphe, and subiculum transition area. Furthermore, the lateral septum correlated with metabolic activity in the preoptic area, medial thalamus, habenula, interpeduncular nuclei, periaqueductal gray, dorsal raphe, and caudal linear raphe. Together, our data suggest a group of brain regions involved in sensitivity to uncontrollable stress involving the lateral septum and habenula.
Crossing Over: Health Sciences Librarians Contributing and Collaborating on Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Implementation

Getting the right internal and best external information to the points of need is critical in the health system/hospital enterprise. This information access can be enabled by the skills and experiences of catalogers for internally generated information and by reference librarians for integrating the best external information into the electronic medical record (EMR) system. Through the author's experiences of inventorying and classifying clinical documents and physician order sets, a case is presented for health sciences librarians to cultivate deeper connections with clinical colleagues and health system/hospital enterprises. A literature review and informal listserv survey of EMR activities and interest among health sciences librarians indicate that contributions and collaboration are emerging and a significant impact of 53% of survey responders favored or participated in EMR development.
Kinetics of aluminum disposition after ingestion of low to moderate pharmacological doses of aluminum

Abstract We assessed the kinetics of aluminum uptake and elimination by tissues of Sprague–Dawley rats following a single gavage dose of 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mmol Al/kg body weight (b.w.) in 1 ml of 16% citrate (equivalent to 0–650 mg Al to a 70-kg human). Serum, liver, kidney, and tibia aluminum concentrations were measured 15, 30, 60, 120, 270, and 360 min after dosing. Serum aluminum concentrations were proportional to dose in rats dosed with 0.25 or 0.5 mmol Al/kg b.w. but were not proportional to dose for rats dosed with 1 mmol Al/kg b.w. Elimination half-lives of serum aluminum were similar for all treatments (102–119 min) which suggests that the non-linear aluminum kinetics in serum reflected a difference in absorption of the highest dose. Although fasted rats dosed with 0.25 or 1 mmol Al/kg b.w. with citrate absorbed aluminum with similar efficiency (4.2% of dose), the length of the absorptive period was prolonged in the rats given the highest does. Total absorbed aluminum mass in rats dosed with 0.25 and 0.5 mmol vs. 1 mmol Al/kg b.w. reached a plateau at 120 vs. 270 min after dosing, respectively. The kinetics of aluminum in liver, bone, and kidney were generally dose-independent. Elimination half-lives of liver aluminum were similar for all aluminum treatments (267–465 min); elimination half-lives could not be estimated in bone and kidney because of turnover exceeded the 6 h collection period.
Cerebrospinal fluid proteomic biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

Objective To find a panel of proteins in antemortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that could be used to differentiate between samples from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and samples from healthy and neurological control subjects. Methods For a test cohort, antemortem CSF proteins from 34 AD and 34 non-AD patients were separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The resulting protein patterns were analyzed using the random forest multivariate statistical method. Protein spots of interest were identified using tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A validation cohort consisting of CSF from 18 AD patients and 10 non-AD subjects was analyzed in a similar way. Results Using the test cohort, a panel of 23 spots was identified that could be used to differentiate AD and non-AD gels with a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 94%, and a predicted classification error rate of only 5.9%. These proteins are related to the transport of β-amyloid, the inflammatory response, proteolytic inhibition, and neuronal membrane proteins. The 23 spots separately classified the validation cohort with 90% sensitivity (probable AD subjects), 83% specificity, and a predicted classification error rate of 14% in a blinded analysis. The total observed sensitivity is 93%, the total observed specificity is 90%, and the predicted classification error rate is 8.3%. Interpretation A panel of possible CSF biomarkers for AD has been identified using proteomic methods. Ann Neurol 2006
Specific heat of the ternary Zintl compounds (Sr14MnBi11 and Ba14MnBi11)

Abstract The specific heat of Sr 14 MnBi 11 and Ba 14 MnBi 11 was measured at temperatures between 2.8 K and 40 K. The low temperature specific heat is used to estimate the electronic and lattice contributions. The electronic constants, γ, are large suggesting that these two compounds are narrow-band metals with similar electronic structures. The Debye temperatures show that the bond strengths are about the same for the two materials. The ferromagnetic transition in Sr 14 MnBi 11 is within the noise of the experiment but the antiferromagnetic transition in Ba 14 MnBi 11 is clearly exhibited.
Reference stresses and temperatures for cylinders and spheres under internal pressure with a steady heat flow in the radial direction

Abstract The paper examines the creep behavior of thick cylinders and spheres subjected to internal pressure and a negative temperature gradient in the radial direction. It is found that at stationary state the rate of radial displacement of the vessel wall is simply proportional to the material creep behavior associated with a single stress and temperature. Such “reference stresses” and “reference temperatures” are defined for spheres and cylinders of varying wall thicknesses. These reference stresses and reference temperatures are valid for any creep problem where the material behavior may be characterized by a function of the form e _. ' = Kf(t) exp (γT)σ m . The extension of these results to variable pressure and temperature loading cases is discussed.
Pathogenesis of clostridium difficile -associated diarrhoea

Clostridium difficile is now regarded as a major enteric pathogen in hospitals and nursing-home facilities. The pathophysiology of this pathogen involves alterations of the indigenous colonic flora by antibiotics, ingestion of spores and colonization by C. difficile, followed by release of its toxins. Although most of the research on the intestinal effects of C. difficile had been focused on its enterotoxin or toxin A, recent results indicate that toxin B, the cytotoxin of C. difficile, is also active in human colon. The cloning and sequencing of the toxin A and toxin B gene and the identification of the GTP-binding protein Rho as their intracellular target represent major advances in our understanding of the mode of action of these toxins. An important characteristic of C. difficile infection is the dramatic inflammation seen in pseudomembranous colitis. Recent studies indicate that an interplay between lamina propria neuroimmune cells and intestinal epithelial cells may be central in pathogenesis of this toxin-mediated inflammatory response.
Strong immunoreactivity of β-amyloid precursor protein, including the β-amyloid protein sequence, at human neuromuscular junctions

At the postsynaptic domain of the human neuromuscular junction (NMJ), we have demonstrated strong concentrations of the N-terminus 45-62, C-terminus 676-695 and beta-amyloid protein sequences of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP). We used well-characterized monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for co-localization with three other postsynaptic proteins, applying double and triple fluorescence labeling. Strong immunoreactivity of all three beta APP sequences was found at all NMJs identified by bound alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha BT), where they co-localized with alpha BT and with immunoreactive desmin and dystrophin, which are postsynaptic proteins of human NMJs. This appears to be the first demonstration of beta APP sequences concentrated postsynaptically at human NMJs. beta APP may have a role in normal junction biology and possibly in some diseases affecting NMJs.
Preapplication of mitomycin C for enhanced patency of myringotomy.

OBJECTIVES: Ventilation tubes are the mainstay of surgical treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction and have been used successfully for many years. Certain disadvantages of ventilation tubes, however, have prompted research into alternative techniques including laser myringotomy. We investigated the use of KTP laser myringotomy in conjunction with topical mitomycin C to delay healing and prolong the patency of the myringotomy.METHODS: Twenty myringotomies were created in 10 Sprague-Dawley rats. A solution of mitomycin C was applied to the intact tympanic membrane for 15 minutes. The solution was then suctioned free, and a myringotomy was created with a KTP laser. Fifty-three rats with saline application serving as controls from a previous study were used to allow statistical assessment.RESULTS: The myringotomies remained open for a median of 9.5 weeks. Control myringotomies, which received saline solution instead of mitomycin C, healed within a median of 1.5 weeks. The difference was statistically signif...
1664 EFFECT OF NALOXONE ON THE VENTILATORY RESPONSE TO CARBON DIOXIDE IN YOUNG RABBITS

We have shown that naloxone (NLX) produces respiratory stimulation in rabbits ≤ 4 d old but has no effect in pups 5-15 d of age (J Appl Physiol, in press). To determine if NLX effects CO2 sensitivity in this latter group, we measured ventilation (VE) by plethysmography in 10 rabbit pups aged 6-14 d while they breathed room air, 2% CO2 in 30% O2, and 4% CO2 in 30% O2. We inserted a tracheostomy tube and carotid artery catheter under light ether anesthesia. After a 40 min recovery period, each gas mixture was breathed for 8 min; VE was measured and an arterial blood sample was obtained during the eighth min. After 4 μg/g NLX IV, the protocol was repeated. For each pup, VE and PaCO2 were compared by linear regression. Results: (Data expressed as mean ± SD) Comparison of these and other measured variables before and after NLX showed no significant differences (p=.78-.90). We conclude that NLX has no effect on the ventilatory response to CO2 in rabbits over 6 d of age.
A Survey of Insulations for Aerospace Rotating Machines

This paper provides a general discussion of electrical insulations technology for advanced aerospace rotating machines. Insulation requirements and design considerations are outlined. System evaluation techniques now in use and two typical insulation designs are described. Continued material and application development effort is required to assure this technical field will not limit technological progress with these machines.
Metabolism of the phytoalexin, phaseollinisoflavan, by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli

Abstract Phascollinisoflavan, an isoflavonoid phytoalexin produced by Phaseolus vulgaris , was metabolized by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli . A major product of this reaction, designated metabolite-1 (M-1), was isolated from fungal cultures; whereas phaseollinisoflavan could not be recovered from the fungal culture medium 21 h after its addition, the level of M-1 rose steadily between nine and 24 h. Bioassays of radial mycelial growth or of dry matter accumulation involving F. solani f. sp. phaseoli, Pythium myrioylum, Phytophthora cryptogea and/or Rhizoctonia solani indicated that M-1 was less fungitoxic than phaseollinisoflavan. In addition to its production in liquid cultures treated with phaseollinisolflavan, M-1 was also isolated from Fusarium-infected bean tissues; trace amounts of M-1 were detected two days after inoculation and levels rose to at least I mg g −1 dry weight 8 days later. Purification of M-1 involved solvent partitioning, TLC, gel filtration and gas chromatography. Partial characterization indicated that the molecular weight of this metabolite was 342, 18 mass units greater than that of phaseollinisoflavan, suggesting the addition of the elements of water to the phytoalexin.
Design education: on the road towards thought development

Abstract Thought development in design studies is the focus of this study. Design-specific and global thought levels were related to creative experience. An instrument was constructed to measure thought positioning in design. A statistically significant difference was found between the level of thinking in design and creative experience.
Fatigue and creep crack growth in oxide dispersion strengthened INCONEL MA-754

The influence of temperature, orientation, and environment on fatigue and creep crack growth behavior in oxide dispersion strengthened INCONEL MA-754 was examined. With an increase in temperature, crack growth rates increase due largely to an increasing creep contribution. Environment also may influence crack growth behavior, its effect depending on orientation. Orientation has a marked effect on crack growth because of the propensity for creep void formation along particle stringers in the microstructure, which form in the processing. The rate of crack growth can be enhanced if the aligned voids are parallel to the main crack or retarded if these voids are normal to the direction of the crack. In the transverse-longitudinal (T-L) orimation crack growth is faster on a time basis in creep than in fatigue; the reverse of this is true in the longitudinal-transverse (L-T) orientation. Predicted fatigue crack growth rates based on a cumulative damage model agree with experimentally determined growth rates.
Understanding relationships in culturally complex evaluation contexts

Cross-cultural evaluation is an explicit approach to evaluation that considers culture a key consideration in the evaluation of programs, leading to the search for methodological practices that are...
Targeting pathological B cell receptor signalling in lymphoid malignancies

Signalling through the B cell receptor (BCR) is central to the development and maintenance of B cells. In light of the numerous proliferative and survival pathways activated downstream of the BCR, it comes as no surprise that malignant B cells would co-opt this receptor to promote their own growth and survival. However, direct evidence for BCR signalling in human lymphoma has only come to light recently. Roles for antigen-dependent and antigen-independent, or tonic, BCR signalling have now been described for several different lymphoma subtypes. Furthermore, correlative data implicate antigen-dependent BCR signalling in many other forms of lymphoma. A host of therapeutic agents targeting effectors of the BCR signalling pathway are now in clinical trials and have shown initial success against multiple forms of lymphoma.
Effects of additives on solidification of API separator sludge

API separator sludge was solidified with various combinations of binders and absorbent soil additives. The binders utilized were Type I Portland Cement, Type C Flyash, and a 1:1 combination of the two. The soil additives used were bentonite, diatomite, Fuller's earth, and two brands of chemically altered bentonites, or organoclays. The effectiveness of the solidification materials was based on their effect on the physical and leaching characteristics of the sludge.
Heart failure and treatment: part II perianesthesia management

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome not limited to age or ethnicity. Patients with heart failure, compensated and uncompensated, may present for emergency or planned surgery. Patient outcomes depend on the knowledge and nursing care of the perianesthesia nurse. An understanding of the types of heart failure, etiology, pathophysiology, hemodynamic factors, and treatment will assist the nurse in making decisions that will affect the clinical course. Evidence-based practice will facilitate the perianesthesia nurse in reducing morbidity and mortality in this patient population.
A raster-scanning full-motion video display using polysilicon micromachined mirrors

Abstract As portable computers become more widespread, there is increasing need for lightweight, low-power, inexpensive video displays with high information content. Many established display technologies are useful for large-format displays, but do not satisfy the weight and power requirements of demanding portable display applications. Micromachined raster-scanning displays, however, look attractive for portable computing applications. We describe the operation of a raster-scanning full-motion video display constructed using surface micromachined mirrors. The 41×52 pixel display is interfaced directly to a computer video card. Display resolution is limited by dynamic deformation of the mirror surface. Mirror-scan irregularity is shown to be negligible compared to diffraction from the mirror aperture and dynamic deformation of the mirror surface. The line-scan micromirror has been operated for more than 45 billion cycles with less than 1% change in the mirror resonant frequency.
Under attack, fighting back: Women and welfare in the United States: by Mimi Abramovitz New York: Cornerstone books-monthly Review Press, 1996, 160 pages

(1997). Under attack, fighting back: Women and welfare in the United States. The Social Science Journal: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 416-419.
Dynamics and Cloud Microphysies of the Rainbands in an Occluded Frontal System1

Abstract The dynamics and cloud microphysics of four rainbands in an occluded frontal system were examined. Aircraft, radar, raingage, and serial rawinsonde observations were obtained in addition to standard satellite and synoptic data. Two of the rainbands occurred in the leading portion of the frontal cloud shield and were oriented parallel to the warm front of the system. The other two bands occurred in the trailing portion of the cloud shield and had cold frontal orientations. Mesoscale pressure features were parallel to the rain-bands, except in mountainous areas. Computed air motions showed that the rainhands were supplied with moist air flowing into the rainband region from the south to south-southwest at low levels (below 800 mb). This air was swept abruptly upward in the rainbands just ahead of the cold air mass approaching from the west. Cumulus-scale convection in a layer between 4 and 5 km in clouds associated with these rainbands appeared to enhance the growth the ice particles. However, the ...
Suicide in later life

This paper addresses a number of issues related to suicide among person over the age of 60 in the United States. We begin with a presentation of the epidemiology of late life suicide in the United States, followed by discussion of related demographic information, including known risk factors for both suicide attempts and completed suicides. We then proceed to discuss issues related to the assessment of suicidality among older men and women. The next issue is the topic of “rational” suicide, which is a highly controversial, yet increasingly common phenomenon, to which psychotherapists and health care providers will be exposed in working with older adults. Finally, the paper concludes with suggestions for intervention in order to reduce suicide ideation and improve the individual's quality of life.
Sleep disruption during pregnancy: How does it influence serum cytokines?

Women report their sleep to be disrupted during pregnancy. Sleep deprivation has been linked to elevations in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. No information currently addresses the sleep-immune relationship during pregnancy. This study explores the relationship between subjectively reported sleep variables and circulating serum cytokine levels. Pregnant women (n=35; mean age=31.0+/-3.7 years) seen once a trimester completed sleep questionnaires, gave blood and recorded their sleep on a sleep diary at home for 2 weeks. Nonpregnant women (n=43; mean age=28.2+/-5.2 years) underwent the same protocol once. Subjective sleep variables were compared to serum cytokine levels for IL-4, -6, -10 and TNF-alpha as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) determined by ELISA. Nonparametric analyses and linear regression were performed to explore relationships between the sleep and immune variables. Pregnant women subjectively reported their sleep to be worse than in the nonpregnant group. Serum cytokine levels differed between the two groups and varied by trimester. As anticipated, IL-10 was significantly higher in all trimesters; however CRP, an indicator of systemic inflammation, was higher in all trimesters compared to the nonpregnant sample. Subjectively reported sleep disruption was associated with increases in TNF-alpha in the pregnant sample and CRP in the nonpregnant sample. These data confirm that disrupted sleep experienced during pregnancy, as well as during the nonpregnant state, is related to increases in inflammatory markers. Future exploration of these relationships should include functional assessments of immunity as well as polysomnographically recorded sleep.
Flooding could follow wildfires

Summertime wildfires that have already burned about 2.7 million hectares in the United States may cause a double-whammy for property owners by greatly increasing the risk of flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA. FEMA director Joe Allbaugh said, “The loss of trees, ground cover, and other vegetation has greatly increased the possibility of flash floods and mudflows.” Allbaugh said that land scorched and barren from the loss of natural forest barriers can take decades to recover and result in erosion and devastating floods.
Precise Temperature Measurement in Debye‐Scherrer Specimens at Elevated Temperatures

A general method was developed for precisely measuring the temperature of a Debye-Scherrer specimen at elevated temperatures. The method consists of measuring the lattice parameters versus temperature of a primary standard which forms one leg of a calibrated thermocouple, with both specimen and thermocouple junction in the X-ray beam, and then mixing the internal standard in powdered form with the powdered Debye-Scherrer specimen so that the lattice parameters of the internal standard directly indicate temperature. Gold was used as the primary standard, platinum as the other thermocouple leg, and magnesium oxide as the Debye-Scherrer specimen. The platinum/gold thermocouple was calibrated from 0° to 1000°C by the National Bureau of Standards. The lattice parameters (in angstroms; corrected for refraction in Ni Kα radiation) versus temperature are expressed by the equations: Gold (25° to 1000°C) Magnesium oxide (25° to 932°C) The temperature precision attained with the gold standard was estimated to be 1.5°C.
Issues of Antimicrobial Resistance in Group B Streptococcus in the Era of Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis

The implementation of a culture screening-based approach to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis has been associated with substantial reduction in the incidence of early-onset group B streptococcal disease. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recognized as an interim strategy awaiting the licensure of a safe and effective conjugate vaccine for prevention of group B streptococcal infections in all susceptible populations. This article addresses concerns relating to antimicrobial resistance among group B streptococci that have arisen from use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and from increases in resistance in other gram-positive bacteria related genetically to group B streptococci.
Direct photon emission from excited bosons and e+e− collisions

Abstract I use a relativistic oscillator model to explain some features of high-mass low-spin excited mesons. I predict qualitatively that these states should have longer life times and appreciable direct photon emission as their mass increases; the analysis applies to hadronic states from e + e − annihilations.
The Coproduction of Moral Discourse in U.S. Community Psychiatry

Anthropologists often criticize the discipline of bioethics because its remote, abstract theories fail to capture how front-line clinicians experience and resolve moral uncertainty. The critique overlooks, however, the ways that everyday, emergent moral discourse is influenced—over time and through several mediations—by formal ethical notions. High-order ethical pronouncements become sedimented into the conditions of work, illustrated in this article by a two-year ethnographic study of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), a popular mode of outpatient psychiatric services. ACT clinicians' moral unease when they break the confidentiality of patients is connected to high-order debates, dating back 35 years, about ensuring patients' autonomy without abandoning them. These debates originally spurred the invention of ACT, and they get braided into today's moral discourse through several mediations: regulatory paperwork, the mandates and micropolitics of staff–patient interactions, and the idealized self-image of front-line staff. This article shows how everyday moral talk is coproduced by both the immediate contexts of clinical work and the categories of formal bioethics.
New perspectives in hormone-dependent (responsive) and autonomous mammary tumor growth: role of autostimulatory growth factors.

In this report, we present evidence that estrogen-dependent rat mammary tumor cells produce autostimulatory (autocrine) growth factors in response to estrogens, and that hormone autonomous cells produce autorrine activities that are no longer under estrogen regulation. Confirmation of the in vivo significance of autostimulatory factors was sought by inoculating rats with mixed populations of estrogen-dependent, responsive, and autonomous MTW9/PL mammary tumor cells, and showing that after 16 weeks growth in castrated male rats, the estrogen-dependent and responsive mammary tumor cells not only survived, but continued to grow. Three out of seven of the clones derived from apparently autonomous tumors were shown to be estrogen-dependent or responsive. These are the first data establishing that estrogen-dependent (responsive) mammary tumor cells are able to grow in the absence of physiological concentrations of sex steroid hormones in vivo, and that autocrine factors secreted from adjacent autonomous cells are able to substitute for the steroid hormone requirement.
Recursive estimation algorithms for power controls of wireless communication networks

Power control problems for wireless communication networks are investigated in direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS/CDMA) channels. It is shown that the underlying problem can be formulated as a constrained optimization problem in a stochastic framework. For effective solutions to this optimization problem in real time, recursive algorithms of stochastic approximation type are developed that can solve the problem with unknown system components. Under broad conditions, convergence of the algorithms is established by using weak convergence methods.
Genome size and organization in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis and the Southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus.

Genome sizes and the organization of repetitive DNA were determined in the hard ticks Ixodes scapularis and Boophilus microplus using reassociation kinetics. The I. scapularis genome contains ∼ ∼ ∼ 2.15 pg (2.1 × 10 3 Mbp) of DNA and consists of no foldback (FB), 27% highly repetitive (HR), 39% moderately repetitive (MR), and 34% unique DNA. The B. microplus genome contains 7.5 pg (7.1 × 10 3 Mbp) DNA, and consists of 0.82% FB, 31% HR, 38% MR, and 30% unique DNA. In both species, repetitive sequences occur in a mixture of long and short period interspersion but most (65‐80%) of the DNA follows a pattern of short period interspersion. Genome size and organization in the three tick species so far examined are distinct from other arthropods in having a greater proportion of MR, a lower proportion of unique and HR DNA of very low sequence complexity.
Visual Analysis of Inter-Process Communication for Large-Scale Parallel Computing

In serial computation, program profiling is often helpful for optimization of key sections of code. When moving to parallel computation, not only does the code execution need to be considered but also communication between the different processes which can induce delays that are detrimental to performance. As the number of processes increases, so does the impact of the communication delays on performance. For large-scale parallel applications, it is critical to understand how the communication impacts performance in order to make the code more efficient. There are several tools available for visualizing program execution and communications on parallel systems. These tools generally provide either views which statistically summarize the entire program execution or process-centric views. However, process-centric visualizations do not scale well as the number of processes gets very large. In particular, the most common representation of parallel processes is a Gantt chart with a row for each process. As the number of processes increases, these charts can become difficult to work with and can even exceed screen resolution. We propose a new visualization approach that affords more scalability and then demonstrate it on systems running with up to 16,384 processes.
Evaluation of a Fast-Running Urban Dispersion Modeling System Using Joint Urban 2003 Field Data

Abstract An urban dispersion modeling system was evaluated using the Joint Urban 2003 field data. The system consists of a fast-running urban airflow model (RUSTIC, for Realistic Urban Spread and Transport of Intrusive Contaminants) that is coupled with a Lagrangian particle transport and diffusion model (MESO) that uses random-walk tracer diffusion techniques. Surface measurements from fast-response and integrated bag samplers were used to evaluate model performance in predicting near-field (less than 1 km from the source) dispersion in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, central business district. Comparisons were made for six different intense operating periods (IOPs) composed of three different release locations and stable nighttime and unstable daytime meteorological conditions. Overall, the models were shown to have an underprediction bias of 47%. A possible influence to this underprediction is that the higher density of sulfur hexafluoride in comparison with air was not taken into account in the simulatio...
Monte Carlo calculations of pebble bed benchmark configurations of the PROTEUS facility

Under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a series of well-documented benchmark experiments were performed at the Proteus facility of the Swiss Paul Scherrer Institute. Thirteen critical pebble bed reactor configurations were assembled, with ten of them deterministic with a precise location of the low-enriched fuel and moderator pebbles. Seven of these configurations were modeled with a very high spatial resolution with the Monte Carlo code MCNP with details that go from the fuel kernel (0.5 mm in diameter) to the walls surrounding the facility. The calculations of the k's of the configurations agree quite well with the experiments (within a fraction of a dollar). A sensitivity analysis is included to discuss the possibility of a small bias; also biases introduced by customary approximations of production codes were calculated. The experiments and the analysis of this paper might be very useful tools to check the calculational accuracy of procedures used in the emerging work related to pebble bed modular gas-cooled reactors.
A case study of small-scale coffee production: coffee farming as a potential tool for environmental conservation and community development in rural Minas Gerais, Brazil

This paper is based on research conducted about small-scale coffee farming in Rosario da Limeira, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The paper connects the global coffee market and new trends within the coffee market with the reality of small-scale coffee production. The paper considers the transition to a sustainable coffee production system as a potential tool for environmental conservation and community development. The role of coffee farming in the identity and livelihood of local people is considered, as well as obstacles to change. The paper concludes by proposing different ideas as to how local coffee farmers might be able to make the transition to more sustainable systems of coffee production. The case study examined in this paper is very specific, but the obstacles and opportunities for the communities of Rosario da Limeira parallel rural communities worldwide.
All-optical wavelength conversion using SOA at nearly symmetric position in a fiber-based sagnac interferometric loop

We report an experimental analysis of the wavelength conversion operation of a fiber-based Sagnac interferometric loop with a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) at nearly symmetric position. Improved extinction ratio is obtained due to the complementary operation of cross-polarization modulation and cross-gain modulation effects. Power penalty of 2.4 dB was obtained when the SOA offset is 17% of the bit period, which enables the use of the Sagnac interferometer with asymmetrically placed SOA-the terahertz optical asymmetric demultiplexer (TOAD)-as a multiple-functionality all-optical signal processing network element.
Development of synaptic connections between muscle sensory and motor neurons: anatomical evidence that postsynaptic dendrites grow into a preformed sensory neuropil.

The anatomical development of muscle sensory arbors and dendrites of brachial motoneurons in the spinal cord of the bullfrog was studied by labeling both types of cells with horseradish peroxidase. Sensory and motoneurons were labeled in tadpoles (stages XV-XVIII) by backfilling the triceps nerve in vivo with HRP throughout the stages in development when functional monosynaptic connections between these cells are first being formed. Individual triceps motoneurons were injected with HRP in other tadpoles at the same developmental stages. By stage XV, triceps sensory afferents already projected to and arborized in the ventral sensory neuropil region of the spinal cord where sensory-motor connections are made. In contrast, the dendrites of triceps motoneurons rarely were present in this region until stage XVI. By stage XVII, triceps dendrites in this region were common and they intermingled with the collaterals of muscle sensory axons. Thus, sensory axons supplying limb muscles grow into the future neuropil region well in advance of the arrival of motoneuronal dendrites. Electrophysiological studies have shown that the connections between triceps sensory and motor neurons are already specific at stage XVII, as soon as monosynaptic potentials between these cells can be detected (Frank and Westerfield: J. Physiol (Lond.) 343:593–610, '83). The present anatomical results demonstrate that the processes of sensory and motor cells are not in close anatomical proximity before this time; thus the selection of appropriate synaptic partners must occur from the outset.
Ultraviolet Observations of Interstellar Molecules and Grains from Spacelab

Observational results obtained to date on interstellar grains and molecules are briefly reviewed, and several promising areas for further research with Spacelab are suggested. Regarding grains, useful data can be expected on the shape of the ultraviolet extinction curve for new interstellar regions; the nature of UV extinction at short wavelengths, down to the Lyman limit; the presence or absence of structure in the UV extinction curve comparable to the visible-wavelength diffuse bands; the scattering properties of grains in new kinds of clouds and nebulae; and the polarization properties of grains in UV wavelengths. The principal advances which may be expected in observations of molecules will include the ability to probe more heavily-obscured regions, where molecular species are more abundant than in the diffuse clouds observed to date; coverage of wavelength regions (such as λλ 1400–3200) not well-studied with previous instruments such as Copernicus; and the capability of observing in optical absorption species detected in the same line of sight in radio emission, which provides unique information on cloud geometry and physical conditions.
Mouse Amelogenin Exons 8 and 9: Sequence Analysis and Protein Distribution

Amelogenin is the major protein of the developing enamel. Two additional exons, termed 8 and 9, have been characterized in the rat. Our aim was: to identify the mouse amelogenin exons 8/9 sequences; to investigate the potential presence of the alternative spliced isoforms of amelogenin exons 8/9; and to immunolocalize proteins containing sequences encoded by exons 8/9 during odontogenesis. RT-PCR analysis with exon 9 anti-sense primer generated 2 major amplicons with the use of a mouse tooth cDNA library and dental cell lines. DNA sequence analysis showed 93% identify with the rat exons 8/9 sequence. Alternative splicing of exon 3 was also found, but only in cDNAs lacking exons 8 and 9. Immunohistochemistry localized exons 8/9-encoded proteins in ameloblasts, young odontoblasts, and stratum intermedium cells. Analysis of our data supports the hypothesis that: (1) AMELX contains 2 additional exons; (2) ameloblasts and odontoblasts synthesize amelogenin 8/9; and (3) amelogenin splice variants may have uniqu...
Effective Diffusion Coefficients for Methanol in Sulfuric Acid Solutions Measured by Raman Spectroscopy

The diffusion of methanol into 0-96.5 wt % sulfuric acid solutions was followed using Raman spectroscopy. Because methanol reacts to form protonated methanol (CH 3OH 2 (+)) and methyl hydrogen sulfate in H 2SO 4 solutions, the reported diffusion coefficients, D, are effective diffusion coefficients that include all of the methyl species diffusing into H 2SO 4. The method was first verified by measuring D for methanol into water. The value obtained here, D = (1.4 +/- 0.6) x 10 (-5) cm (2)/s, agrees well with values found in the literature. The values of D in 39.2-96.5 wt % H 2SO 4 range from (0.11-0.3) x 10 (-5) cm (2)/s, with the maximum value of D occurring for 61.6 wt % H 2SO 4. The effective diffusion coefficients do not vary systematically with the viscosity of the solutions, suggesting that the speciation of both methanol and sulfuric acid may be important in determining these transport coefficients.
Effects of simulated herbivory and resource availability on native and invasive exotic tree seedlings

The introduced tree, Sapium sebiferum, is a serious invader throughout the southeastern United States. Low herbivore loads, commonly attributed to high herbivore resistance, are assumed to give Sapium a competitive advantage over native vegetation. Because herbivory resistance is considered energetically expensive, we predicted that if Sapium experienced higher levels of damage its growth would significantly decrease. We examined the effects of different levels of simulated leaf herbivory on the growth of Sapium and Celtis laevigata, a native tree, at three levels of nitrogen and three levels of light availability. Potted seedlings were grown in a complete factorial design. Stem height growth rate, diameter growth rate and plant mass of both Sapium and Celtis were significantly affected by shade and nitrogen treatments. Nitrogen increased the growth of both species and seedlings in shaded conditions grew larger than those in ambient sunlight. Simulated leaf herbivory had a significantly negative impact on diameter growth rate and plant mass of Celtis. Surprisingly, neither Sapium height growth rate, diameter growth rate, nor any measure of plant mass were significantly affected by simulated leaf herbivory. Rather, Sapium exhibited considerable phenotypic plasticity and was able to compensate for leaf damage in all resource conditions. Our findings suggest herbivory tolerance is a previously unappreciated trait of Sapium that, in conjunction with phenotypic plasticity and low levels of herbivory in its introduced range, likely contributes to its invasiveness. Der eingefuhrte Baum, Sapium sebiferum, ist ein bedeutender Einwanderer in den gesamten sudostlichen Vereinigten Staaten. Es wird angenommen, dass eine geringe Herbivoren-Belastung Sapium einen Konkurrenzvorteil gegenuber der einheimischen Vegetation verschafft, die im Allgemeinen der hohen Herbivoren-Resistenz zugeschrieben wird. Weil Herbivoren-Resistenz als energetisch aufwandig betrachtet wird, sagten wir voraus, dass das Wachstum signifikant abnimmt, wenn Sapium einen hoheren Grad der Beschadigung erfahrt. Wir untersuchten die Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Grade simulierter Herbivorie auf das Wachstum von Sapium und Celtis laevigata, einem einheimischen Baum, bei drei Niveaus der Stickstoff- und drei Niveaus der Lichtverfugbarkeit. Eingetopfte Keimlinge wurden in einem durchgehend faktoriellen Design kultiviert. Die Wachstumsraten der Stammhohe und des Durchmessers sowie die Pflanzenmasse wurden bei Sapium und Celtis signifikant durch die Schatten- und Stickstoffbehandlungen beeinflusst. Stickstoff erhohte das Wachstum bei beiden Arten und die Keimlinge wuchsen unter Schattenbedingungen hoher als bei vollem Sonnenlicht. Simulierte Blattherbivorie hatte bei Celtis eine signifikant negative Einwirkung auf die Durchmesser-Wachstumsrate und die Pflanzenmasse. Uberraschenderweise wurden bei Sapium weder die Hohen- und Durchmesser-Wachstumsrate, noch irgendein ein Mas fur die Pflanzenmasse durch die simulierte Blattherbivorie signifikant beeinflusst. Stattdessen zeigte
Associations Between Smoking and Media Literacy in College Students

Organizations recommend media literacy to reduce tobacco use, and higher media literacy has been associated with lower smoking among high school students. The relationship between smoking media literacy and tobacco use, however, has not been systematically studied among college students. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between smoking and smoking media literacy among college students. We conducted the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) at a large, urban university, adding six items measuring smoking media literacy. A total of 657 students responded to this random sample e-mail survey. We used multiple logistic regression to determine independent associations between smoking media literacy items and current smoking. The media literacy scale was internally consistent (alpha = 0.79). Of the respondents, 21.5% reported smoking cigarettes over the past 30 days. In a fully adjusted multivariate model, participants with medium media literacy had an odds ratio (OR) for current smoking of 0.45 (95% CI = 0.29, 0.70), and those with high media literacy had an OR for current smoking of 0.38 (95% CI = 0.20, 0.70). High smoking media literacy is independently associated with lower odds of smoking. Smoking media literacy may be a valuable construct to address in college populations.
Electric field and energy computation on wet insulating surfaces

The paper presents the results of electric field and energy computation on insulating surfaces covered by water in the form ranging from small discrete droplets to large wet patches. The goal of this study was to understand the differences in the flash-over performance of outdoor insulators, in particular nonceramic insulators, under contaminated conditions as a function of surface wettability. The computational algorithm is based on the charge simulation method. A decrease in the maximum electric field at the water droplet tip is obtained as the droplet size increases, however, the electrostatic potential energy increases with the size of the water droplet, which might increase the surface discharge intensity. The role of the coalescence of small water droplets into larger droplets and filaments on the electric field and energy has been investigated. The location of such larger water bodies with respect to the electrodes has been examined. These computations shed some light not only on the role of hydrophobic surfaces but also on the location of hydrophobic surfaces along the insulator on the flashover performance of outdoor insulators. It has been shown that these computations provide quantitative data that compliments information obtained from simpler techniques such as visual observation and surface resistance measurements, for the purpose of assessing the performance of insulators in service.