cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of chromophoric dissolved organic matter from mangrove leaf litter and floating Sargassum colonies

Abstract Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) strongly absorbs solar radiation in the blue-green and serves as the primary attenuator of water column ultraviolet radiation (UV-R). CDOM interferes with remote sensing of ocean chlorophyll and can control UV-R-induced damage to light-sensitive organisms including corals. We used laboratory incubations to evaluate CDOM production from senescing Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove) leaf litter (yellow, orange, and brown) and floating Sargassum colonies. Mangroves exist at the land–ocean interface near coral reefs in sub-tropical and tropical regions while floating Sargassum colonies tend to congregate in sub-tropical ocean gyres. CDOM production (∼ 48 h) from mangrove leaves collected during a dry period in June 2004 (0.17 ± 0.11 m − 1 g − 1 l h − 1 ) was lower than production from leaves collected during a wet period in September 2003 (0.57 ± 0.42 m − 1 g − 1 l h − 1 ) suggesting that CDOM production from leaf litter fluctuates in response to environmental factors. CDOM production was greatest for the mid-senescence orange leaves and lowest for the severely senesced brown leaves in both experiments. Along the sub-tropical Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem, the primary source of CDOM is discharge from the shallow seagrass-dominated Florida Bay as evidenced by a strong correlation between field CDOM measurements and previously reported Florida Bay discharge volumes. However, field observations provide evidence that large expanses of red mangroves throughout the Keys could be important CDOM sources to the region's coral reefs during periods of reduced Florida Bay discharge. Floating Sargassum colonies also readily produced CDOM in laboratory incubations, but at much more variable rates than mangrove leaves. However, our calculations indicate that large mats of floating Sargassum could provide important CDOM quantities to oligotrophic oceanic waters including the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic.
A Practical Total Integrated Scatterometer

Universal acceptance of a proposed standard measurement method can depend not only upon how soundly it is based in scientific theory but on its cost and technical implementation as well. A total integrated scatterometer for the optical shop is described with emphasis on economy, rapid measurement, repeatability, and ergonomic packaging as controlling design criteria. The advent of low-cost microvolt resolution in digital multimeters allows the use of large-area silicon photovoltaic cells for detection of the scatter and specular light from the sample. The thin cell profile permits placement of the scatter detector closer to the sample port for minimal scatter obscuration. The large cell area accepts the blur circle from an inexpensive molded acrylic dome for scatter collection. A dedicated pocket computer and printer calculates, displays and prints sample RMS roughness, average, and standard de-viation for multiple measurements; it also controls laser user-access, prints a tutorial, and identifies sample, operator and date/time. The laser is a 2mW HeNe (633 nm); safety issues are addressed. The specular beam reflects off the specular detector and onto an alignment target screen, ensuring sample alignment and measurement repeatability. The inverted design provides a gravity-loading sample stage that is completely accessible; custom sample mounts are readily added. Component sources are provided. Performance and correlation to other scatterometer and roughness measurement techniques such as optical and mechanical profilers are presented.
Thermoelastic problem for shells of revolution exhibiting temperature dependent properties

Analysis of the axially symmetric steady state thermoelastic problem for thin shells of revolution is given, assuming temperature dependent elastic and thermal properties of the material. Three governing equations are established involving components of the displacement along and normal to the meridian as well as the shearing force.
Oxidized Lipid-Driven Chemokine Receptor Switch, CCR2 to CX3CR1, Mediates Adhesion of Human Macrophages to Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells Through a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ–Dependent Pathway

Background— Recent genetic data in mouse and humans suggest that the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CX3CR1 are involved in atherogenesis; however, detailed molecular and cellular mechanisms have not been fully delineated. Methods and Results— Here, we show that oxidized linoleic acid metabolites, which are components of oxidized LDL found in large amounts in atherosclerotic plaque, were able to specifically induce differentiation of human monocytes to macrophages with decreased expression of CCR2, confirming a previous report, and increased expression of CX3CR1. These macrophages acquired the ability to adhere to coronary artery smooth muscle cells. The adhesion was mediated directly and predominantly by CX3CR1. Reciprocal effects of these lipids on CCR2 and CX3CR1 expression were mediated by the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, and targeting the PPARγ gene with sRNAi dramatically reduced macrophage adhesion to coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Conclusions— These data...
Sex difference in the resistance of hamsters to infection with the rat nematode, Nippostrongylus muris

Abstract Female hamsters were more resistant than males to infection with N. muris but no sex difference was observed in rats inoculated with this parasite. In hamsters 2- to 6-months old the males, on the average, had nearly 23 times as many adult worms as the females. The mean difference between the sexes in animals 1 month of age, however, was only 2-fold. The greater magnitude of the sex difference in older animals was due chiefly to a pronounced increase in the resistance of the females with age. There was no discernible difference between the times at which the peak adult worm populations occurred in mature males and females and the magnitude of the sex difference did not vary significantly during an 18 day period of study. The relationship of gonadal hormones to host resistance in helminthic infections is discussed.
Expansion of embryonic stem cells in suspension and fibrous bed bioreactors.

Abstract Applications of embryonic stem (ES) cells in cellular transplantation and tissue engineering require scalable processes for mass production of these cells with controlled qualities. The main objective of this work was to evaluate two cell culture processes for long-term expansion of murine embryonic stem (mES) cells. With serial passaging, suspension cultures in spinner flasks were able to expand mES cells as aggregates for 12.5-fold in each passage of 4 days. However, extending the culturing time to 6 days in each passage caused significant loss in cell viability and induced differentiation as indicated by the reduced expression levels of SSEA-1 and Oct-4. Long-term expansion of mES cells in a fibrous bed bioreactor (FBB) was also studied for 30 days in 2 passages, 15 days in each passage. With periodically refreshing the culture medium, a high expansion fold of 60–77 was achieved in each passage. Flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to analyze key pluripotency and differentiation markers. The results showed that the expanded cells in both suspension and FBB cultures remained in a highly pluripotent state, which was also confirmed with the embryoid body (EB) forming efficiency test. It is concluded that both the suspension and FBB cultures are suitable to support long-term expansion of undifferentiated mES cells. However, the FBB culture can sustain cell growth for a longer period without frequent passaging, requires less media and labor, and is thus more economical to use for mass production of ES cells.
HIV: Virology and mechanisms of disease

HIV is the etiologic agent of AIDS. AIDS results from the loss of cells that are central to immune responses, T lymphocytes that express the CD4 protein on their surface. This paper relates HIV structure and replication to the clinical course of HIV infection. The virology of HIV replication is discussed first at the cellular and molecular levels. The course of HIV infection in vivo then is discussed and related to HIV replication. Finally, models that have been proposed to explain the mechanism whereby HIV causes immunodeficiency are considered. Although much is known about the growth of the virus both in vitro and in vivo, many questions remain about how HIV can deplete CD4-positive T lymphocytes and cause AIDS.
Efficacy of long‐term lamivudine monotherapy in patients with hepatitis B e antigen–negative chronic hepatitis B

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of long-term lamivudine monotherapy in a group of 25 patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B. Lamivudine was administered in a daily dose of 150 mg for a mean of 26 ± 7 months and was well tolerated. No patient lost hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The rate of initial biochemical response increased from 88% at 6 months to 96% at 12 months of therapy, but it progressively decreased thereafter; the biochemical remission rate was 68% at 18 months, 59.5% at 24 months, and 42.5% at ≥30 months. Alanine transaminase (ALT) increased to higher than the baseline levels in 8 of the 11 patients with a biochemical breakthrough reaching acute hepatitis levels in 6 of them. Acute icteric hepatitis developed in one patient. The virologic remission rate assessed by a sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was 68% at both 6 and 12 months, decreasing thereafter to 52% at 18 months and to 41.6% at both 24 and ≥30 months. Virologic breakthroughs were always persistent and preceded ALT elevations by a median of 4 (3-24) months. YMDD mutants were detected in all patients with a virologic breakthrough. In conclusion, in patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, long-term lamivudine therapy is safe and is associated with high biochemical and virologic response rates at the end of the first year. However, response rates tend to decrease with time and breakthroughs due to YMDD mutants accumulate. ALT activity during breakthroughs often exceeds the baseline and may reach even acute hepatitis levels.
Tunneling and optical control in quantum ring molecules

The ability to manipulate the coupling between quantum states in a controllable way has become a major goal in the research of semiconductor-based quantum computation devices. We explore theoretically the use of orbital degrees of freedom to control quantum tunneling in a coupled quantum ring system of two vertically stacked rings with different radii. An external magnetic field can tune excitonic states to have distinct angular momentum ground states, thus blocking recombination processes. Controlled couplings between Stark-shifted direct and indirect exciton states appear as anticrossings in the optical absorption spectrum, allowing the control of the optical activity of the system and possible exciton entanglement.
Developmental age strengthens barriers to ethanol accumulation in zebrafish.

Abstract Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) describes a wide range of phenotypic defects affecting facial and neurological development associated with ethanol teratogenicity. It affects approximately 1 in 100 children born in the United States each year. Genetic predisposition along with timing and dosage of ethanol exposure are critical in understanding the prevalence and variability of FASD. The zebrafish attributes of external fertilization, genetic tractability, and high fecundity make it a powerful tool for FASD studies. However, a lack of consensus of ethanol treatment paradigms has limited the interpretation of these various studies. Here we address this concern by examining ethanol tissue concentrations across timing and genetic background. We utilize headspace gas chromatography to determine ethanol concentration in the AB, fli1:EGFP , and Tu backgrounds. In addition, we treated these embryos with ethanol over two different developmental time windows, 6–24 h post fertilization (hpf) and 24–48 hpf. Our analysis demonstrates that embryos rapidly equilibrate to a sub-media level of ethanol. Embryos then maintain this level of ethanol for the duration of exposure. The ethanol tissue concentration level is independent of genetic background, but is timing-dependent. Embryos exposed from 6 to 24 hpf were 2.7–4.2-fold lower than media levels, while embryos were 5.7–6.2-fold lower at 48 hpf. This suggests that embryos strengthen one or more barriers to ethanol as they develop. In addition, both the embryo and, to a lesser extent, the chorion, surrounding the embryo are barriers to ethanol. Overall, this work will help tighten ethanol treatment regimens and strengthen zebrafish as a model of FASD.
Conservative clitoral preservation surgery in the treatment of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Objective. To determine the safety and efficacy of clitoral-sparing surgery in women with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the anterior vulva not involving the clitoris. Methods. Patients with vulvar SCCA diagnosed between 1984 and 2000 were identified and data collected. In this descriptive analysis, women treated with complete radical vulvectomy were compared to those treated with clitoral-sparing modified radical vulvectomy. All slides were re-reviewed. Results. Of the 41 women with vulvar carcinoma, 13 had clitoral-sparing modified vulvectomies (group A) while the remaining 28 underwent complete radical vulvectomies (group B). The 13 patients in group A included, 8 with stage I, 2 stage II, 2 stage III, and 1 with stage IV disease. The two groups had similar demographic and pathologic prognostic factors. After a median follow-up of 59 months, no patients in group A had loco-regional failure. Conclusion. Clitoral-sparing vulvar cancer surgery does not compromise the rate of loco-regional control in patients and may be offered to selected women.
Müller and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell expression of NGFI-A and c-fos mRNA in response to medium conditioned by the RPE.

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells secrete a factor(s) which promotes Muller and RPE cell survival and proliferation in vitro. These influences may play developmental and functional roles as well as contribute to ocular pathologies such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). In the past few years, a number of immediate early genes (IEGs) have been identified. Many IBGs encode transcription factors, the expression of which is altered by stimuli such as growth factors. Since an RPE-derived factor(s) elicits proliferation of Muller and RPE cells, we investigated the expression of two IEGs, NGFI-A and c-fos, in both cell types after treatment with medium conditioned by the RPE (RPE-CM). We found that Muller and RPE cells had increased levels of NGFI-A mRNA following treatment with RPE-CM; in contrast, only a slight increase in c-fos mRNA was induced in RPE, but not Muller cells. Immunolabeling for NGFI-A protein revealed nuclear staining in both cell types which corresponded with the increased mRNA levels in RPE-CM-treated cultures. This in vitro study demonstrates a potential mechanism by which RPE-secreted factors may exert autocrine or paracrine effects on retinal cells in vivo. Specifically, NGFI-A may be the primary target of a second messenger system that is regulated by an RPE-derived factor(s).
Automated blood pressure monitoring for the assessment of antihypertensive treatment.

Abstract Whole-day automated monitoring with small portable devices allows the circadian pattern of blood pressure to be assessed conveniently in individual patients. Measurements provided by this technique appear to be more reproducible and physiologically relevant than conventional office readings. Ambulatory monitoring can enhance the evaluation of antihypertensive therapy, especially in clinical trials, in 3 ways. First, it can facilitate the diagnosis of hypertension and avoid potentially inappropriate treatment in patients whose hypertension is erroneously diagnosed by office measurements. Moreover, the monitoring technique appears to prevent placebo responses in therapeutic studies. Second, whole-day monitoring allows clear quantification of treatment effects. Because the standard deviations of treatment-induced blood pressure differences are lower with this method than with conventional readings, valid statistical evaluation of antihypertensive effects can be performed with far fewer patients. Finally, duration of action of drugs can be measured. By dividing the day into sequential periods (typically 12 two-hour periods), it is possible to determine statistical differences between baseline and treatment blood pressure values throughout the dosing intervals of the drugs being tested. This method may be more sensitive than the traditional “peak and trough” approach for assessing duration of action; it is not influenced by unsuspected discrepancies between the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs, and can also provide information on nighttime effects. Thus, automated whole-day blood pressure monitoring appears to be a powerful tool for the evaluation of antihypertensive therapy.
Response of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma to combination chemotherapy

Summary Seven patients with far advanced rhabdomyosarcomawere treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide. One patient with bone marrow involvement had a complete response lasting 7.5 months. Partial responses were obtained in 6 patients. The responses of these patients indicate that this combination of agents may be a valuable adjunct to surgery and/or radiotherapy in treating localized or regional disease. A classification for the clinical staging of rhabdomyosrcoma is presented.
Probable Drug Interaction Between Warfarin and Hormonal Contraceptives

Objective:To report a single patient case that presented with a probable drug interaction between warfarin and 3 methods of hormonal contraceptives, as assessed by the Horn Interaction Probability Scale.Case Summary:A 33-year-old female patient required long-term anticoagulation following an aortic valve replacement. While taking warfarin (38.5 mg weekly), she transitioned from a monophasic combined oral contraceptive (ethinyl estradiol plus norethindrone) to an implantable progestin-only contraceptive (etonogestrel) on the advice of her cardiologist. Nineteen days following etonogestrel implant insertion, her international normalized ratio (INR) decreased to 1.8 and required a 55.8% warfarin dose increase (resulting dose of 60 mg weekly). Within 10 months, the patient elected to have the implant removed due to vaginal bleeding. Nine days following removal of etonogestrel, she experienced a transient INR increase to 6.5. Her INR returned to within goal range after her warfarin dose was decreased to 55.5 m...
ChePep Controls Helicobacter pylori Infection of the Gastric Glands and Chemotaxis in the Epsilonproteobacteria

ABSTRACT Microbes use directed motility to colonize harsh and dynamic environments. We discovered that Helicobacter pylori strains establish bacterial colonies deep in the gastric glands and identified a novel protein, ChePep, necessary to colonize this niche. ChePep is preferentially localized to the flagellar pole. Although mutants lacking ChePep have normal flagellar ultrastructure and are motile, they have a slight defect in swarming ability. By tracking the movement of single bacteria, we found that ∆ChePep mutants cannot control the rotation of their flagella and swim with abnormally frequent reversals. These mutants even sustain bursts of movement backwards with the flagella pulling the bacteria. Genetic analysis of the chemotaxis signaling pathway shows that ChePep regulates flagellar rotation through the chemotaxis system. By examining H. pylori within a microscopic pH gradient, we determined that ChePep is critical for regulating chemotactic behavior. The chePep gene is unique to the Epsilonproteobacteria but is found throughout this diverse group. We expressed ChePep from other members of the Epsilonproteobacteria , including the zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni and the deep sea hydrothermal vent inhabitant Caminibacter mediatlanticus, in H. pylori and found that ChePep is functionally conserved across this class. ChePep represents a new family of chemotaxis regulators unique to the Epsilonproteobacteria and illustrates the different strategies that microbes have evolved to control motility. IMPORTANCE Helicobacter pylori strains infect half of all humans worldwide and contribute to the development of peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. H. pylori cannot survive within the acidic lumen of the stomach and uses flagella to actively swim to and colonize the protective mucus and epithelium. The chemotaxis system allows H. pylori to navigate by regulating the rotation of its flagella. We identified a new protein, ChePep, which controls chemotaxis in H. pylori. ChePep mutants fail to colonize the gastric glands of mice and are completely outcompeted by normal H. pylori. Genes encoding ChePep are found only in the class Epsilonproteobacteria , which includes the human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni and environmental microbes like the deep-sea hydrothermal vent colonizer Caminibacter mediatlanticus, and we show that ChePep function is conserved in this class. Our study identifies a new colonization factor in H. pylori and also provides insight into the control and evolution of bacterial chemotaxis.
Survival of Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in the Era of Remote-monitoring: The 5000-foot, High-altitude View

Large randomized trials have demonstrated unequivocally that implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) improve outcome for individuals with defined clinical characteristics known to be associated with a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias. However, less is known about outcomes of patients receiving ICDs in the “real world.” The National Cardiovascular Data Registry provides extensive and detailed clinical information about patients receiving ICDs at the time of implant, but does not include longitudinal data on mortality or shocks except in a small subset.1 Industry databases of ICD patients undergoing remote (transtelephonic) monitoring, which provide extensive information on therapies received, thus present a unique opportunity to fill this gap in knowledge. Article see p 2359 In this issue of Circulation , Saxon et al2 describe data on 69 556 patients followed remotely (in addition to in-office) and 124 450 patients followed in-office alone, which was generated by the Altitude project, a prospectively designed database generated by a single ICD manufacturer to store data regarding patients receiving its devices. Survival data are obtained through cross-referencing with the Social Security death index, and data on treated arrhythmias are obtained from the transtelephonic transmissions. The authors use this database to answer four distinct questions: (1) whether remote monitoring impacts survival; (2) whether shocks are associated with mortality; (3) how survival compares among patients receiving ICDs, ICDs with cardiac resynchronization (CRT) capability (CRT-D), and CRT devices without defibrillation capability; and (4) how survival of “real-world” patients compares with that of patients enrolled in trials. The study is limited by lack of detailed information about the patients' …
Naïve T Cells Re-Distribute to the Lungs of Selectin Ligand Deficient Mice

Background: Selectin mediated tethering represents one of the earliest steps in T cell extravasation into lymph nodes via high endothelial venules and is dependent on the biosynthesis of sialyl Lewis X (sLe x ) ligands by several glycosyltransferases, including two fucosyltransferases, fucosyltransferase-IV and –VII. Selectin mediated binding also plays a key role in T cell entry to inflamed organs. Methodology/Principal Findings: To understand how loss of selectin ligands (sLe x ) influences T cell migration to the lung, we examined fucosyltransferase-IV and –VII double knockout (FtDKO) mice. We discovered that FtDKO mice showed significant increases (,5-fold) in numbers of nao¨ve T cells in non-inflamed lung parenchyma with no evidence of induced bronchusassociated lymphoid tissue. In contrast, activated T cells were reduced in inflamed lungs of FtDKO mice following viral infection, consistent with the established role of selectin mediated T cell extravasation into inflamed lung. Adoptive transfer of T cells into FtDKO mice revealed impaired T cell entry to lymph nodes, but selective accumulation in non-lymphoid organs. Moreover, inhibition of T cell entry to the lymph nodes by blockade of L-selectin, or treatment of T cells with pertussis toxin to inhibit chemokine dependent G-coupled receptor signaling, also resulted in increased T cells in non-lymphoid organs. Conversely, inhibition of T cell egress from lymph nodes using FTY720 agonism of S1P1 impaired T cell migration into non-lymphoid organs. Conclusions/Significance: Taken together, our results suggest that impaired T cell entry into lymph nodes via high endothelial venules due to genetic deficiency of selectin ligands results in the selective re-distribution and accumulation of T cells in non-lymphoid organs, and correlates with their increased frequency in the blood. Re-distribution of T cells into organs could potentially play a role in the initiation of T cell mediated organ diseases.
Impulsive alignment of hot, centrifugally distorted, molecules

We achieve impulsive alignment in a 400 K sample of diatomic iodine. Polarization measurements of rotational wave-packet revivals reveal dispersed oscillatory structures. These structures are due to centrifugal distortion resulting from the high temperature.
Anemone: using end-systems as a rich network management platform

Enterprise networks contain hundreds, if not thousands, of cooperative end-systems. We advocate devoting a small fraction of their idle cycles, free disk space and network bandwidth to create Anemone, a platform for network management. In contrast to current approaches which rely on traffic statistics provided by network devices, Anemone combines end-system instrumentation with routing protocol collection to provide a semantically rich view of the network.
Therapeutic targeting of cancer cell metabolism

In 1927, Otto Warburg and coworkers reported the increased uptake of glucose and production of lactate by tumors in vivo as compared with normal tissues. This phenomenon, now known as the Warburg effect, was recapitulated in vitro with cancer tissue slices exhibiting excessive lactate production even with adequate oxygen. Warburg's in vivo studies of tumors further suggest that the dependency of tumors in vivo on glucose could be exploited for therapy, because reduction of arterial glucose by half resulted in a four-fold reduction in tumor fermentation. Recent work in cancer metabolism indicates that the Warburg effect or aerobic glycolysis contributes to redox balance and lipid synthesis, but glycolysis is insufficient to sustain a growing and dividing cancer cell. In this regard, glutamine, which contributes its carbons to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, has been re-discovered as an essential bioenergetic and anabolic substrate for many cancer cell types. Could alterations in cancer metabolism be exploited for therapy? Here, we address this question by reviewing current concepts of normal metabolism and altered metabolism in cancer cells with specific emphasis on molecular targets involved directly in glycolysis or glutamine metabolism.
Menstruation in Adolescents: What Do We Know? and What Do We Do with the Information?

The menstrual cycle has been recognized as a vital sign that gives information about the overall health of an adolescent or young adult female. Significant deviations from monthly cycles can signal disease or dysfunction. This review highlights the evidence based parameters for normal puberty, menarche, cyclicity, and amount of bleeding. The review addresses sources of information available online, noting inaccuracies that appear in web sites, even and especially those targeting adolescents. The review includes a call to action to provide accurate information about the menstrual cycle as a VITAL SIGN.
JAK2-STAT5 signaling: A novel mechanism of resistance to targeted PI3K/mTOR inhibition

A recent article published by Britschgi et al. in Cancer Cell, "JAK2/STAT5 Inhibition Circumvents Resistance to PI3K/mTOR Blockade: A Rationale for Cotargeting These Pathways in Metastatic Breast Cancer," describes a positive feedback loop of JAK2/STAT5 activation that drives resistance to PI3K/mTOR inhibition in breast cancer. The authors found that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of JAK2 circumvents resistance to PI3K/mTOR inhibition and go on to show the efficacy of combined PI3K/mTOR and JAK2 inhibition on reducing cancer cell number, tumor growth, and metastasis as well as increasing in vivo survival. These results provide strong support for combination therapy with JAK2/STAT5 and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors in breast cancer. Here we discuss how the article by Britschgi et al. proposes a novel mechanism to explain how breast cancer cells overcome inhibition of a key signaling pathway driving cell proliferation. We also discuss the interplay between activation of the transcription factors STAT5 and STAT3 in breast cancer.
Arteriovenous Fistulas as an Aid in Blood Collection from Canine Blood Donors

To facilitate blood collection from blood donor dogs, arteriovenous fistulas were established between the common carotid arteries and external jugular veins in five adult dogs. Twelve to 16 mm, side-to-side anastomoses were created using simple interrupted 6–0 polypropylene sutures. Starting 1 month after the surgical procedure, 500 ml of blood was collected from each dog as required. Electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, and cardiac output and rate were used to monitor cardiac changes. Blood flow characteristics, and proliferative and dystrophic cellular changes occurring in the vessels were documented in one dog. The mean blood collection times were 2 minutes and 45 seconds from the fistula site and 9.0 minutes from the opposite jugular vein. Ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial changes were observed on electrocardiogram in two dogs, and radiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension was noted in three dogs. Reversed blood flow was documented in the common carotid artery and external jugular vein distal to the arteriovenous fistula. Four dogs were still in use as blood donors 1 to 1 1/2 years after establishment of the fistulas. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure were not observed.
Teaching Innovations in Agricultural Economics: An Economic Approach

An economic learning model, with time inputs of instructional preparation, classroom contact, and student preparation under both innovative and traditional teaching methods, is developed and used to evaluate teaching innovations in agricultural economics. The model's implications for evaluating teaching innovations are developed and tested. The conclusions are as follows: a comparison of test scores for experimental and control groups to evaluate teaching innovations ignores the efficiency impacts of “labor-saving#x201D; innovations; students can provide useful data for evaluating teaching innovations; and economic cost-benefit concepts should guide conclusions about the effectiveness of innovations.
Maintenance Replication Rate Prediction and Measurement

This paper addresses itself to the special industrial replacement problem of determination of maintenance replication rate and spares provisioning. Because of its great representational flexibility, the quadparametric generalized gamma function1 is assumed as the distribution of life length. Starting with the traditional convolution integral form of the renewal equation, the Laplace transform of the replacement rate is derived. Then, an infinite series representation of this transform is ev lved. Next, an inverse transform is developed which obtains the distributional form for the general term of the series. This turns out to be another generalized gamma function. Hence, the replacement rate has this form of probability density. Finally, the expression for the replacement rate is integrated to obtain the formula for calculating the expected number of replacements in a general period of time t = t1 to t = t2.
Erythrocyte-derived sphingosine-1-phosphate stabilizes basal hydraulic conductivity and solute permeability in rat microvessels

Exogenous sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid mediator in blood, attenuates acute microvascular permeability increases via receptor S1P1 to stabilize the endothelium. To evaluate the contributio...
Helicobacter pylori picB, a homologue of the Bordetella pertussis toxin secretion protein, is required for induction of IL‐8 in gastric epithelial cells

Approximately 60% of Helicobacter pylori strains are cagA+ and this genotype is more frequently associated with duodenal ulcer disease. Although most wild-type cagA+ strains are both cytotoxigenic and induce enhanced Interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion in gastric epithelial cells, isogenic cagA- mutants retain full activity in these assays; thus, cagA appears to be a marker of enhanced virulence. Delineation of the nucleotide sequence of a 4 kb region upstream of cagA allowed the identification of 966 bp (picA) and 2655 bp (picB) open reading frames encoding 36 kDa and 101 kDa polypeptides, respectively. picA and picB constitute an operon in opposite orientation to cagA. The deduced picB product showed significant homology (26% identity and 50% similarity) with the Bordetella pertussis toxin secretion protein (PtlC). Of 55 H. pylori clinical isolates, the picA and picB segment was conserved exclusively in cagA+ strains and present in all isolates from patients with duodenal ulceration, versus 59% of isolates from patients with gastritis alone (P = 0.01). Using gene-replacement techniques, we constructed picA and picB mutant H. pylori strains and demonstrated that the picB gene product is involved in the induction of IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells. Further, Northern blot hybridization and RT-PCR data showed that picA and picB are co-transcribed and an insertional mutation in picA ablates picB expression. These studies indicate a role of picA and picB in the induction of an inflammatory response in gastric epithelial cells either directly or by enabling secretion of an unidentified product, and suggest a mechanism for the overrepresentation of strains possessing these genes in patients with peptic ulceration.
Modeling the effect of node synchronization times in ultra-wideband wireless networks

Ultra-wideband wireless (UWB) can provide the physical layer for high-throughput personal area networks. When UWB is used for communication between many nodes, relatively long acquisition times are needed when dropping and re-establishing wireless links between the nodes. This paper describes the development and use of mathematical and simulation models to investigate the impact of dropping and reacquiring links between nodes on average packet delay; we also consider the performance of the alternative strategy of forwarding packets through intermediate nodes without breaking the established wireless links. The work presented here assumes that no specific MAC layer protocol, such as WiMedia UWB MAC, is in operation. The paper describes the models, explains the selection of modeling parameters used, compares the average packet delay for a network of three simple UWB nodes and for a ring of ten UWB nodes and explains the use of these results for network design engineers.
Taking the pulse of ocean microbes

Far from land, relatively few types of very small microbes thrive in the warm, nutrient-poor surface waters of the subtropical gyres. Here, the cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus dominates photosynthesis and generates a sizable fraction of the organic matter that fuels the growth of abundant bacteria, including Pelagibacter and a number of uncultured strains ( 1 , 2 ). On page 207 of this issue, Ottesen et al. ( 3 ) use high-resolution sampling to document an exquisitely tight coupling between light-driven gene expression patterns of Prochlorococcus and gene expression patterns of other members of the bacterial community in surface waters at Station Aloha in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (see the photo and figure). The study illustrates the power of combining at-sea observation technology with DNA sequencing to understand marine microbial processes.
An Improved Method for Identifying Linear Dependencies in Path Delay Faults

The use of linear dependency relationships among path delay faults (PDFs) is an effective way to determine circuit timing characteristics. The proposed approach improves the performance of performing a linear dependency check by accelerating the Gauss elimination process. This paper presents new algorithms to represent a PDF with respect to a testable set as well as a methodology to calculate the delays of all critical sensitizable PDFs while testing only a small subset of testable PDFs. In contrast to a previous implicit method, the proposed method guarantees that each sensitizable fault can be represented as a linear combination of tested faults but its time performance can be significantly improved when combined with such implicit methods.
Spontaneous Hepatic Rupture Associated With HELLP Syndrome

Hepatic rupture is a rare complication of severe preeclampsia with few cases having been reported in the literature. Most liver hematomas with subcapsular rupture occur antenatally but can occur in the postpartum period as well. Liver hematomas are a serious complication of severe preeclampsia but can be managed conservatively if the patient is stable. Hepatic rupture is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated. Sonography is an effective means of aiding in the diagnosis. Surgical intervention with delivery of the fetus and hepatic repair is essential for survival.
A new polynomial robust controller design for nonlinear uncertain systems

The problem of stabilizing a class of nonlinear uncertain systems is considered. The system possesses uncertainty which is time-varying; the uncertainty is unknown but lies within a prescribed set. No statistical information on the uncertainty is imposed. A new controller design which invokes a polynomial state dependent gain is proposed. The coefficients of the polynomial provide design flexibility. If the order of the polynomial is chosen high enough, then practical stability, is assured regardless of the choice of the coefficients. Two design methods, pole-placement and linear quadratic, are proposed for the coefficients. >
Comparative Efficacy of Adult and Larval Sampling for Detection of the Root-Boring Insects Agapeta zoegana (Lepidoptera: Cochylidae) and Cyphocleonus achates (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Released for Biological Control of Spotted Knapweed

In biological control projects, establishment of released natural enemies is a key step and must be efficiently detected. We studied the relative efficacy of larval versus adult sampling to detect establishment on spotted knapweed, Centaurea maculosa Lamarck, of the two root feeding insects Agapeta zoegana L. and Cyphocleonus achates (Fahraeus). Larval sampling was based on excavation and dissection of plant roots. Adult sampling consisted of either sighting adults along transects at release sites or collection of adults by sweep netting. Recovery rates for A. zoegana were higher through adult visual sampling (54.8%) than through larval sampling via root dissection (43.0%). Adult visual sampling required less time (30 min/site) than did root dissection (130 min/site). Sweep net sampling, although having the lowest detection rate (38.1%), required even less time (10 min/site) and was the most effective method per unit time. In contrast, for C. achates, larval sampling was the most effective method, with a recovery rate of 35.6%, compared with 8.9% for adult visual sampling. Sweep netting was more effective than visual sampling, with a detection rate of 18.1%. Adult visual sampling required less time (44 min/site) than did root dissection (130 min/site). Sweep net sampling, although having the lowest detection rate (18.1%), required even less time (10 min/site) and was the most effective method per unit time. However, other factors such as weather, travel time, and training levels needed for sampling make root sampling a more effective method, in a larger sense, for both of these insects.
Acknowledgment of Priority

Professor Uwe Einmahl brought the following fact to my attention: The limit law established in Theorem 1.1 of [1] was obtained by Robbins and Siegmund [3], in the context of Brownian motions rather than randomwalk. Actually, the result of Robbins and Siegmund provides an asymptotic order that is higher than the one described in Theorem 1.1 of [1]. As also pointed out by Professor Einmahl, the work of Robbins and Siegmund appears (to some degree) as a response to conjectures made by Darling and Erdos [2].
Sexual Size Dimorphism in Australopithecus : Current Understanding and New Directions

Sexual size dimorphism in extant and extinct species has often been viewed as a proxy for sexual selection, and by extension, mating system. As a result, various measures of relative size variation have been calculated for australopiths (particularly Australopithecus afarensis) as a means to infer mating system and social structure in these extinct hominins. Such analyses are confounded by several factors, including (1) different levels of sexual dimorphism may be present within one species when comparing different systems such as canine size, postcranial size, and body mass; (2) evidence suggests that sexual size dimorphism responds not only to sexual selection acting on both male and female size, but also to natural selection acting differentially on the sexes; and (3) measures of relative size variation within skeletal and/or dental samples of unknown sex are not direct measures of size dimorphism, but rather estimates which are subject to both known and unknown sources of error. This chapter addresses concerns and possibilities for future analyses that relate to these confounding effects, and goes on to present the current understanding of size dimorphism within Australopithecus. Specific methodologies for measuring relative size variation within fossil taxa are discussed, particularly newer techniques which incorporate information from across multiple skeletal elements. Finally, the biological and phylogenetic significance of different possible levels of dimorphism within Ardipithecus ramidus and various species of Australopithecus is discussed in the context of extracting information on selection pressures beyond simple reconstruction of mating systems and social structure.
Impaired gut lipid absorptive capacity after trauma-hemorrhage and resuscitation

Although the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa is impaired after hemorrhage, it remains unclear whether this is associated with a deficit in mucosal function. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine whether trauma-hemorrhage affects the in vivo lipid absorptive capacity of the gut and, if so, to characterize the uptake process of free fatty acids in isolated enterocytes. To study this, rats were anesthetized, a laparotomy was performed (i.e., trauma was induced), and various blood vessels were cannulated. For in vivo lipid absorption, the main intestinal lymph vessel was cannulated and a jejunostomy feeding tube was inserted. The animals were bled to and maintained at a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg until 40% of shed blood volume was returned in the form of Ringer lactate. They were then resuscitated with four times the volume of maximal bleed out with Ringer lactate. The in vivo and in vitro lipid absorptive capacities were assessed by measuring lymph triglyceride output after a fat load and by determining the linoleic acid uptake rates on isolated enterocytes, respectively. The results show that the in vivo lipid absorption capacity of the gut is severely depressed after trauma-hemorrhage and resuscitation. Similarly, in enterocytes isolated from hemorrhaged rats, fatty acid uptake capacity, as reflected by the decreased maximal uptake rates, was significantly reduced: 1.2 +/- 0.2 and 2.6 +/- 0.6 nmol.min-1 x 10(6) cells-1 for hemorrhaged and sham, respectively. Thus gut lipid absorptive function is depressed after trauma-hemorrhage and resuscitation, which is at least partially due to the depressed uptake mechanism of the enterocyte.
Studies on Mechanisms of Estrogen and Antiestrogen Action in Human Breast Cancer

Since the original identification of cytoplasmic estrogen receptors (ER) in human breast cancer (Jensen et al., 1971), rapid progress has been made towards linking presence of the receptor with endocrine responsiveness of the tumor. It is now known that the likelihood of a successful response to endocrine therapy is increased at least tenfold in patients whose tumors are positive for ER (ER+) (McGuire et al., 1975). However, not all ER-containing tumors respond, and this has led to the concept that ER are necessary but not sufficient markers of hormone dependence. We have demonstrated progesterone receptors (PgR) in human breast tumors (Horwitz et al., 1975a) and have proposed that this receptor, whose synthesis is known to be controlled by estrogen in the uterus, might serve as a marker of estrogen action in breast cancer (Horwitz et al., 1975b). Thus, the presence of PgR in a tumor would indicate that the entire sequence involving estrogen binding to cytoplasmic receptor, movement of the receptor complex into the nucleus, and stimulation of a specific end product can be achieved in the tumor cell, and would rule out the existence of a defect beyond the binding step. Though this proposal assumes that PgR are under control of estrogen acting through ER, this priming effect had not been demonstrated in human breast cancer. We have used the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line to study the response of PgR to estrogens and antiestrogens. The MCF-7 cell line, derived from a patient with metastatic breast cancer (Soule et al., 1973), is ideally suited to study the mechanism of PgR induction. These cells are in permanent tissue culture, contain ER (Brooks et al., 1973; Horwitz et al., 1975a), and are estrogen-responsive (Lippman et al., 1976).
A simple proof of Ramanujan’s summation of the1ψ1

A simple proof by functional equations is given for Ramanujan’s1 ψ 1 sum. Ramanujan’s sum is a useful extension of Jacobi's triple product formula, and has recently become important in the treatment of certain orthogonal polynomials defined by basic hypergeometric series.
Evidence for the existence of Hf5Si3

This article describes new evidence for the existence of Hf5Si3 with the Mn5Si3 structure type (hP16-P63/mmc). Binary Hf-Si alloys with Si concentrations from 11.5 to 35.0 at.% were investigated. Hf2Si was also observed in the binary Hf-Si alloys that were investigated; this is consistent with the assessed phase diagram. The Mn5Si3-type structure has been observed in both binary Hf5Si3 and higher alloyed forms, (Hf, X)5Si3, where Nb and Ti were substituted for Hf. Phase identification was performed using scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, x-ray diffraction, and automated electron backscattering pattern analysis in the scanning electron microscope. The present data indicate that high levels of O, N, or C are not required to stabilize Hf5Si3, and that it can exist alone as a binary compound. This result is contrary to previous reports regarding Hf5Si3, which claim that it only exists when stabilized by interstitials.