cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is associated with reduced oral nitrate reductase activity in extremely preterm infants.

Oral microbiome mediated nitrate reductase (NR) activity regulates nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and signaling. While deficits in NO-bioavailability impact several morbidities of extreme prematurity including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), whether oral NR activity is associated with morbidities of prematurity is not known. We characterized NR activity in extremely preterm infants from birth until 34 weeks' post menstrual age (PMA), determined whether changes in the oral microbiome contribute to changes in NR activity, and determined whether changes in NR activity correlated with disease. In this single center prospective cohort study (n = 28), we observed two surprising findings: (1) NR activity unexpectedly peaked at 29 weeks' PMA (p < 0.05) and (2) when infants were stratified for BPD status, infants who developed BPD had significantly less NR activity at 29 weeks' PMA compared to infants who did not develop BPD. Oral microbiota and NR activity may play a role in BPD development in extremely preterm infants, indicating potential for disease prediction and therapeutic targeting.
Deep Learning Based Microbubble Localization for Fast and Robust Ultrasound Localization Microscopy

Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) is a recently developed technique that addresses the resolution-penetration trade-off of ultrasound. However, its clinical application was limited by localization performance. In this study, we propose to improve the localization performance of ULM with a deep learning based localization technique that uses Field-II simulation and RF data.
Vibrissa Mechanical Properties

The vibrissal (whisker) array of the rodent has been an important model for the study of active touch and tactile perception for over a century (Richardson 1909; Vincent 1912). During exploratory behaviors many rodents brush and tap their whiskers against surfaces to tactually extract object features, similar in some ways to how humans use their fingers for tactual exploration.
A singular value homotopy for finding critical parameter values

Abstract Various applications in science and engineering depend upon computing real solutions to systems of analytic equations which depend upon real parameters. Locally in the parameter space, the qualitative behavior of the solutions remains the same except at critical parameter values. This article develops a singular value homotopy that aims to compute critical parameter values. Several examples are presented including computing critical parameter values for nonlinear boundary value problems, turning points for a steady-state system connected to learning and memory, and computing the maximum Gaussian curvature of a surface.
Time stretch lidar: a fast spectrally scanned time-of-flight 3D camera

Autonomous vehicles and robots, key components of the 4th industrial revolution, must be able to observe their 3D environment in realtime. Currently, the 3D video camera using time-of-flight imaging is the most viable solution however raster speeds are currently limited by the speed of mechanical scanners or by the wavelength tuning speed of pulsed lasers. By adapting techniques from ultrafast time-stretch imaging, a new Lidar platform scans orders of magnitude faster than today’s commercial line-scanning pulsed-Lidar systems.
The current account and precautionary savings for exporters of exhaustible resources

Abstract Exporters of exhaustible resources have historically exhibited higher income volatility than other economies, suggesting a heightened role for precautionary savings. This paper uses a parameterized small open-economy model to quantify the role of precautionary savings for exporters of exhaustible resources, when the only source of uncertainty is the price of the exhaustible resource. The parameterized model fares moderately well at capturing current account balances in both cross-section and time-series data. The results show that the precautionary motive can generate sizable external sector savings, the more so the greater the weight of exhaustible resource revenues in future income.
Mapping soil microbial residence time at the global scale.

Soil microbes are the fundamental engine for carbon (C) cycling. Microbial residence time (MRT) therefore determines the mineralization of soil organic C, releasing C as heterotrophic respiration and contributing substantially to the C efflux in terrestrial ecosystems. We took use of a comprehensive dataset (2627 data points) and calculated the MRT based on the basal respiration and microbial biomass C. Large variations in MRT were found among biomes, with the largest MRT in boreal forests and grasslands and smallest in natural wetlands. Biogeographic patterns of MRT were found along climate variables (temperature and precipitation), vegetation variables (root C density and net primary productivity), and edaphic factors (soil texture, pH, topsoil porosity, soil C, and total nitrogen). Among environmental factors, edaphic properties dominate the MRT variations. We further mapped the MRT at the global scale with an empirical model. The simulated and observed MRT were highly consistent at plot- (R2 = .86), site- (R2 = .88), and biome- (R2 = .99) levels. The global average of MRT was estimated to be 38 (±5) days. A clear latitudinal biogeographic pattern was found for MRT with lower values in tropical regions and higher values in the Arctic. The biome- and global-level estimates of MRT serve as valuable data for parameterizing and benchmarking microbial models.
Fat-containing pelvic lesions in females

Pelvic tumors are common in females and have a broad differential diagnosis. The clinical management of pelvic tumors varies widely-from observation to surgical resection-and imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosis and clinical decision-making in these cases. In particular, imaging can help determine the organ of origin and tissue content of these tumors, which are the most important steps to narrowing the differential diagnosis. Fat has a characteristic appearance and is often easily identified on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The amount and distribution of intralesional fat varies in different types of tumors. Macroscopic intralesional fat is often easily recognized by its hyperechoic appearance on US and low attenuation on CT similar to subcutaneous fat. On MRI, macroscopic fat is hyperintense on T1-weighted (T1W) images, with characteristic signal loss on fat-saturated sequences and India-ink artifact on opposed-phase T1W images. Macroscopic fat is the hallmark of teratomas, which are the most common ovarian neoplasms. Uterine lipoleiomyomas, peritoneal loose bodies, intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal primary lipomatous tumors such as lipoma and liposarcomas, and extra-adrenal myelolipomas are other pelvic masses distinguished by the presence of macroscopic fat. However, the imaging diagnosis of pelvic masses containing minimal or microscopic fat, such as immature ovarian teratomas, steroid cell ovarian neoplasms, and extramedullary hematopoiesis, can present a diagnostic challenge owing to their nonspecific appearance on US or CT. Obtaining MRI with in-phase and opposed-phase dual-echo T1W sequences and depicting chemical shift artifacts can be helpful in distinguishing these lesions.
Age and Sex Dependency of Thoracic Aortopathy in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is one of the manifestations of Marfan syndrome (MFS) that is known to affect men more severely than women. However, the incidence of MFS is similar between men and women. The aim of this study is to show that during pathological aortic dilation, sex-dependent severity of thoracic aortopathy in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome translates into sex-dependent alterations in cells and matrix of the ascending aorta, consequently affecting aortic biomechanics. Fibrillin1 C1041G/+ were used as a mouse model of MFS. Ultrasound measurements from 3-12 months showed increased aortic diameter in Marfan aorta with larger percent increase in diameter for males compared to females. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased contractile smooth muscle cells in Marfan aortic wall compared to healthy aorta, which was accompanied by decreased contractility measured by wire myography. Elastin autofluorescence, second harmonic generation microscopy of collagen fibers and passive biomechanical assessments using myography showed more severe damage to elastin fibers, increased medial fibrosis, and increased stiffness of the aortic wall in MFS males but not females. Male and female heterozygotes showed increased expression of Sca-1-positive adventitial progenitor cells vs. controls at young ages. In agreement with clinical data, Marfan mice demonstrate sex-dependent severity of thoracic aortopathy. It was also shown that aging exacerbates the disease state especially for males. Our findings suggest that female mice are protected from progression of aortic dilation at early ages, leading to a lag in aneurysm growth.
A Real-Time Quantitative Analysis of Atmospheric Contributions of Hydrogen to Weld Arc Plasmas

Hydrogen contamination of weldments, particularly in the welded joints of high strength steels, can cause significant reductions in weld integrity, often resulting in failure of the joint. Inspection and repair of hydrogen assisted cracks in weldments is both costly and time consuming, thus real-time methods of detecting hydrogen levels during welding are essential. Analytical emission spectroscopy is a promising method of weld analysis, providing quantitative information in real time about the amount of hydrogen in the arc atmosphere.
Patch Testing in Hand Eczema

Hand eczema is often a chronic and frustrating problem. In cases where contact allergy is suspected to be the primary etiology or one of several pathogenic factors, patch testing is indicated. It is important to patch test with not only a reputable baseline series but also appropriate special series and products with which the patient is coming in contact. Certain allergens such as nickel seem to be more highly reported in patients with hand eczema. There are a variety of patch test protocols, reading schedules, and even grading systems for the physician to choose from – consistency is imperative. Ultimately, it is crucial to determine the relevance of positive patch tests and to find ways to avoid the problematic allergens. Close follow-up and continual education of patients cannot be understated.
Test-specific manifestations of associative tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine in the rat

The acquisition of associative tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine as assessed on the hotplate test was investigated in two experiments. Associative contingencies were manipulated by giving rats eight moderately high morphine doses (20 mg/kg) either paired or unpaired with a distinctive context at a 96-h interdose interval. Tolerance was evaluated as shifts in dose-response curves of morphine-experienced relative to morphine-naive animals tested in the distinctive context. Experiment 1, in which independent groups of animals were tested with hot-plate temperatures of 50°C (N = 302) and 54°C (N = 175), produced no evidence of context-specific tolerance to morphine. Experiment 2 (N = 200) evaluated the effect of contextual contingencies of drug delivery on the development of morphine tolerance in animals tested on either the hot-plate or the tailflick test. As found in Experiment 1, animals tested on the hot plate showed no context-specific tolerance, whereas animals tested on the tailflick displayed pronounced associative-tolerance effects. The data suggest that the hot plate, as opposed to other tests of analgesia, does not provide a sensitive measure of associative morphine tolerance.
Division of labour during Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation.

Summary Biofilms are multicellular aggregates of bacteria that are organized by an extracellular matrix. A key determinant of biofilm formation by a variety of bacteria is the proper regulation and assembly of the matrix components. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Chai et al. present the surprising finding that the genes encoding the components of the extracellular matrix in Bacillus subtilis are expressed in only a subpopulation of cells. Their results indicate that biofilms contain specialized cell types that are differentiated by transcriptional regulation. The population heterogeneity that they observe is another significant example in a growing list of phenotypes that arise owing to bistable gene expression.
Stabilization and destabilization energies of distorted amides

Summary In brief, ab initio molecular orbital calculations using the 6-31G * basis set appear to predict good molecular geometries and reasonable experimental resonance energies. The “pure” resonance energy of a tertiary amide or lactam as predicted by a) the loss of resonance in 2-quinuclidone (3) or the rotational barrier of an amide to yield a hypothetical orthogonal transition state maintaining planarity at nitrogen is 21–22 kcal/mol. Molecular mechanics (MM2 in the Spartan 3.1 Program) provides reasonable overall conformational structures and surprisingly decent strain energies. However, the N-CO bond length is, not surprisingly, insensitive to distortion. The semi-empirical techniques do a surprisingly poor job of calculating distortion energies in this series.
Nitrogen Isotope Dynamics of the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela

[1] We report 15N/14N measurements of water column nitrate and ammonium, sinking particles, and sediments from the Cariaco Basin, an anoxic marine basin off the coast of Venezuela. Water column denitrification occurring in the basin has only a very small isotopic imprint on nitrate in the basin because nitrate consumption is nearly complete in the actively denitrifying water near the oxic/anoxic interface (∼275 m). Being free of a large denitrification signal, the δ15N of shallow thermocline nitrate is ∼3.5‰, significantly lower than the mean deep ocean nitrate δ15N of 5‰. This may be due to the nitrification of newly fixed N, whether it occurs within the basin or in open Atlantic waters that flow into the Cariaco over the sill. The 15N/14N of the sinking flux in the deepest trap (∼1250 m) is similar to that of thermocline nitrate, as expected given the complete consumption of nitrate in the surface layer. Moreover, the 15N/14N of the seafloor sediment is similar to that of the sinking flux, as is common in environments of high export production, low O2, and good organic matter preservation. Thus the modern Cariaco Basin records the 15N/14N of the thermocline nitrate, which, in turn, may record the input of newly fixed N to the upper ocean, be it local or more regional in origin.
The effect of tamoxifen and cisplatin on the disease-free and overall survival of patients with high risk malignant melanoma.

The adjuvant treatment of high-risk malignant melanoma remains problematic. Previously we reported moderate success in the treatment of metastatic disease using tamoxifen, cisplatin, dacarbazine and carmustine. Based upon data that suggested tamoxifen and cisplatin were the active agents in this regimen, we initiated a phase II trial of this combination in the adjuvant setting. We treated 153 patients with 4 cycles of tamoxifen (160 mg day–1, days 1–7) and cisplatin (100 mg m–2, day 2) for 28-day intervals. Patients received an anti-nausea regimen of dexamethasone with ondansetron or granisetron. During the first 2 years of follow-up, patients were evaluated every 2 months with a history, physical exam, laboratory work and computed tomography scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis every 4 months. Thereafter, patients were evaluated every 3 months and radiographic studies were performed if necessary. Currently, with a median follow-up of 36 months, the disease-free survival (DFS) is 68.4% and overall survival (OS) is 84.5%. Kaplan–Meier analysis predicts a 5-year DFS of 62% with an OS of 79%. Relapses after 20 months have been rare. No effect of gender or number of positive lymph nodes was noted, however, stage of disease prior treatment was a factor. The major toxicity proved to be gastrointestinal in nature with nausea the most prevalent symptom. Minimal renal, haematologic and neurologic toxicity occurred. These preliminary results suggest that there is a positive impact of tamoxifen and cisplatin on both the DFS and OS of high-risk malignant melanoma patients. The 5-year projected DFS and OS compare favourably with those reported for the ECOG 1684 trial and warrant confirmation in a prospective randomized trial. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
What Is Emotion?: History, Measures, and Meanings

In this sophisticated overview of human emotions, a widely respected psychologist and author addresses the ambiguities and embraces the controversies that surround this intriguing subject. An insightful and lucid thinker, Jerome Kagan examines what exactly we do know about emotions, which popular assumptions about emotions are incorrect, and how scientific study must proceed if we are to uncover the answers to persistent and evasive questions about emotions. Integrating the findings of anthropological, psychological, and biological studies in his wide-ranging discussion, Kagan explores the evidence for great variation in the frequency and intensity of emotion among different cultures. He also discusses variations among individuals within the same culture and the influences of gender, class, ethnicity, and temperament on a person's emotional patina. In his closing chapter, the author proposes that three sources of evidence--verbal descriptions of feelings, behaviors, and measures of brain states--provide legitimate but different definitions of emotion. Translating data from one of these sources to another may not be possible, Kagan warns, and those who study emotions must accept--at least for now--that their understanding is limited to and by the domain of their information.
Simple structured model for α‐amylase synthesis by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

A predictive, simple, structured model describing the synthesis of alpha-amylase by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was formulated. Three key intracellular processes were identified (i.e, translation, and excretion) along with two key intracellular components (i.e., mRNA and the intracellular form of the alpha-amylase enzyme). Nearly all the model parameters were estimated by means of performing independent experiments, primarily fed-batch experiments. The model was shown to predict transient system behavior in batch and in fed-batch operation with some limitation and minor model parameter revisions. Since a principal objective was to demonstrate that independent experimental parameter determination can be used to construct the predictive model, further fine-tuning of the parameters may be necessary before application for optimization and control purposes.
Dual-beam ELF wave generation as a function of power, frequency, modulation waveform, and receiver location

[1] Dual-beam ELF wave generation experiments performed at the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) HF transmitter are used to investigate the dependence of the generated ELF wave magnitude on HF power, HF frequency, modulation waveform, and receiver location. During the experiments, two HF beams transmit simultaneously: one amplitude modulated (AM) HF beam modulates the conductivity of the lower ionosphere at ELF frequencies while a second HF beam broadcasts a continuous waveform (CW) signal, modifying the efficiency of ELF conductivity modulation and thereby the efficiency of ELF wave generation. We report experimental results for different ambient ionospheric conditions, and we interpret the observations in the context of a newly developed dual-beam HF heating model. A comparison between model predictions and experimental observations indicates that the theoretical model includes the essential physics involved in multifrequency HF heating of the lower ionosphere. In addition to the HF transmission parameters mentioned above, the model is used to predict the dependence of ELF wave magnitude on the polarization of the CW beam and on the modulation frequency of the modulated beam. We consider how these effects vary with ambientD-region electron density and electron temperature.
Benign Mesenchymal Tumors

The mesenchymal tumors are derived from mesodermally-derived tissues native to the dermis and include fibrous, vascular, adipose and neural neoplasms. As these lesions may rarely be confused with their malignant counterparts, attention will be given to their elucidation.
The activity of extracted pancreatic hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor after cobaltous chloride and synthalin A.

THERE is much evidence that the alpha cells of the pancreatic islet tissue are responsible for a biologically active secretion (Heard, Lozinski, Stewart and Stewart, 1948; Sutherland and deDuve, 1948; Sutherland, Cori, Haynes and Olsen, 1949). Its extraction, purification and autonomy have been described (Audy and Kerly, 1952; Stewart, 1948; Sutherland and deDuve, 1948; Zimmerman and Donovan, 1948); though extracted along with insulin, it is chemically, physically and biologically distinct from that molecule (Pincus, 1950; Sutherland, Cori, Haynes and Olsen, 1949). Because of two most apparent biological properties, namely the release of glycogen as glucose from liver slices and hyperglycemia from intravenous or intramuscular injection, it has been named the hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor, or HGF. A hypothetical third effect, an influence on ketone metabolism, (Thorogood and Zimmerman, 1945; Fodden 1953b) requires more investigation. Two chemical compounds, cobaltous chloride and synthalin A (decamet...
Some comments on the role of cotherapists in group psychotherapy with borderline patients

This paper points out examples of patients in a psychotherapy group who meet DSM-III criteria for the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and who are treated by cotherapists utilizing object relations theory. Interpretations of phenomena shown by borderline patients—splitting, projective identification and denial—are illustrated. How cotherapy lends itself to the recognition and management of the problems these patients bring to group psychotherapy is illustrated.
A dose- and time-controllable syngeneic animal model of breast cancer microcalcification

The development of novel diagnostic agents for the detection of breast cancer microcalcifications requires a reliable animal model. Based on previous work from our group, we hypothesized that a single systemic injection of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rBMP-2) could be used to create such a model. The cDNA encoding mature human BMP-2 was expressed in BL21(DE3) bacteria, purified to homogeneity, and refolded as a dimer. Bioactivity was confirmed using a C2C12 alkaline phosphatase assay. rBMP-2 was radiolabeled with (99m)Tc, and its biodistribution and clearance were quantified after both intravenous (IV) and intraperitoneal (IP) injection. Fischer 344 rats bearing syngeneic R3230 breast tumors received a single intraperitoneal injection of rBMP-2 at a specified dose. Tumor microcalcification was quantified over time using micro-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and microcomputed tomography (CT). rBMP-2 could be expressed in E. coli at high levels, isolated at >95% purity, and refolded to a bioactive dimer. Beta-phase half-life was 30.5 min after IV administration and 47.6 min after IP administration. Renal excretion was the primary mode of clearance. A single IP injection of >or=50 microg rBMP-2 when tumors were not yet palpable resulted in dose-dependent microcalcification in 8 of 8 R3230 tumors. No calcification was found in control tumors or in normal tissues and organs of animals injected with rBMP-2. Tumor calcification increased progressively between weeks 2 and 4 post-rBMP-2 injection. A single IP injection of rBMP-2 in rats bearing a syngeneic breast cancer will produce dose-dependent and time-dependent microcalcifications. This animal model lays the foundation for the development of novel diagnostic radiotracers for breast cancer.
A Variable Look at Evolution

The diversity and complexity of life on Earth—from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals—suggest the generation of remarkable variation upon which natural selection can act. But how do new traits—new morphological architectures (bodyplans), developmental processes, and behaviors—arise? Did the vertebrate brain and neural crest arise through processes that are different from those that generated new hairs on the legs of the fruit fly? Can major evolutionary transitions in the history of life be explained by random variation—variation that is random with respect to the future needs of the organism—filtered through the process of natural selection? These questions are not new, but the promise of a more mechanistic basis for answering them through comparative developmental biology imbues them with a fresh urgency.
Freight Resilience Measures

People, industries, and public agencies all face the possibility of sudden events that disrupt their normal activities. Disasters on the transportation network, whether attributable to nature, human error, or human intent, raise awareness of the need for plans of action to quickly restore mobility. Resilience of the transportation network is the capacity to absorb the effects of a disruption and to quickly return to normal operating levels. Resilience measures are useful to evaluate and predict disruptions and recovery and to guide infrastructure investments that protect against those disruptions or that accelerate recovery after a disruption. This paper presents a methodology for estimating two composite resilience measures—reduction and recovery. The method is illustrated by using resilience triangles derived from sampled truck speeds and counts along the Interstate 90/94 corridor from Hudson to Beloit, Wisconsin during two significant weather events in 2008. This paper presents a set of criteria, on the basis of observed effects on various sections of the highway corridor, to qualify the computed resilience measures. In this paper, the focus is on generalizing the characteristics of the resilience response rather than characteristics of the corridor sections that lead to patterns of the response for each section. The criteria and the measures together are a useful tool to evaluate resilience.
Symptom duration and clinical features in painful sensory neuropathy with and without nerve conduction abnormalities.

Abstract Background : The term “small fiber sensory neuropathy” (SFSN) refers to an axonal sensory polyneuropathy predominantly affecting cutaneous sensory modalities, often associated with pain and with no evidence of large fiber involvement. We hypothesized that, in most patients, SFSN is the earliest manifestation of a nonspecific axonal neuropathy and will usually progress to involve larger, heavily myelinated sensory and motor fibers. We sought indirect evidence of this through an analysis of the correlation between symptom duration and large fiber involvement in patients with painful sensory neuropathy (PSN). Methods : A clinical diagnosis of PSN was supported by nerve conduction studies or measurement of epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) density in 43 patients. Symptom duration was correlated with the frequency of large fiber loss as measured by nerve conduction abnormalities. The severity and extent of clinical signs and symptoms were also evaluated in subjects with and without electrodiagnostic abnormalities. Results : Patients with large sensory axon involvement had symptoms of longer duration than patients with SFSN. The frequency of electrodiagnostic abnormalities increased in direct proportion to disease duration. Patients with electrodiagnostic abnormalities also had more extensive pinprick sensory deficits, suggesting that small fiber loss was more advanced in this group as well. Conclusions : In PSN, the incidence of large fiber involvement appears to increase in proportion to symptom duration. This represents indirect evidence that SFSN usually progresses to involve both large and small fibers within 2–10 years.
A modified surface killing assay (MSKA) as a functional in vitro assay for identifying protective antibodies against pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA)

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes otitis media, meningitis and pneumonia in patients worldwide; predominantly affecting young children, the elderly, and the immune compromised. Current vaccines against invasive pneumococcal disease are based on the polysaccharide capsules of the most clinically relevant serotypes. Due to serotype replacement, non-vaccine serotypes of S. pneumoniae have become more clinically relevant and as a result pneumococcal vaccines are becoming increasingly complex. These events emphasize the need to evaluate the potential for pneumococcal cross-reactive proteins to contribute to future vaccines. Antibody elicited by the immunization of humans with pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) can passively protect mice from infection. However, robust in vitro functional assays for antibody to PspA are not available to predict the protective capacity of immune serum. For polysaccharide based vaccines, a standardized opsonophagocytosis killing assay (OPKA) is used. Antibody to PspA, however, does not work well in the standard OPKA. The present studies take advantage of past observations that phagocytosis is more efficient on tissue surfaces than in solution. In a modified surface killing assay (MSKA), monoclonal antibody to PspA, in the presence of complement, opsonized pneumococci for killing by phagocytes on an agar surface. Five monoclonal antibodies to PspA were tested; three demonstrated increased amounts of killing compared to the diluent control and protected mice by passive protection against type 3 pneumococci. The two antibodies that were not functional in the MSKA also failed to protect mice. Thus, an MSKA might be useful as a functional assay for immunity to PspA.
Regulatory Effects of Sestrin 3 (SESN3) in BCR-ABL Expressing Cells

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are characterized by the presence of the BCR-ABL oncoprotein, which leads to activation of a plethora of pro-mitogenic and pro-survival pathways, including the mTOR signaling cascade. We provide evidence that in BCR-ABL expressing cells, treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) results in upregulation of mRNA levels and protein expression of sestrin3 (SESN3), a unique cellular inhibitor of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). Such upregulation appears to be mediated by regulatory effects on mTOR, as catalytic inhibition of the mTOR kinase also induces SESN3. Catalytic mTOR inhibition also results in upregulation of SESN3 expression in cells harboring the TKI-insensitive T315I-BCR-ABL mutant, which is resistant to imatinib mesylate. Overexpression of SESN3 results in inhibitory effects on different Ph+ leukemic cell lines including KT-1-derived leukemic precursors, indicating that SESN3 mediates anti-leukemic responses in Ph+ cells. Altogether, our findings suggest the existence of a novel mechanism for the generation of antileukemic responses in CML cells, involving upregulation of SESN3 expression.
Ordering the Tsar's Household: Winter Palace Servants in Nineteenth‐Century St. Petersburg

During the “apogee of autocracy” Russian monarchs successfully deployed their baroque masterpiece, the Winter Palace, as a stage within which and from which they could convey messages about monarchy to the people who lived in their capital city. The importance of retaining the deference of urban crowds had been made manifest in the wake of the French Revolution. Chief among the intermediaries of the tsars' household were the middle and lower ranks of the people who worked and served in the Palace. This article describes the ways that city people entered and exited Palace service, rendering porous the border between the city and the Palace. The article also explores the living and working experience of Palace servants as well as the impressions of the imperial household that they may have carried into the city.
An Improved Hoeffding'S Inequality of Closed Form Using Refinements of the Arithmetic Mean-Geometric Mean Inequality

In this note, we present an improvement of the probability inequalities of Hoeffding (1963) for sums of independent bounded random variables. Various refinements of the arithmetic mean-geometric mean inequality were considered to construct the improved bounds. The refinement of Cartwright and Field (1978), although not as good as some other refinements, provided the best improvement of Hoeffding's bounds when accuracy and ease of computation (providing bounds of closed form) are both important. Some numerical examples are also presented to demonstrate that significant improvement in tail probability bounds are found when the means of the random variables are at least somewhat diverse.
Nonlinear Josephson-type oscillations of a driven, two-component Bose-Einstein condensate

We propose an experiment that would demonstrate nonlinear Josephson-type oscillations in the relative population of a driven, two-component Bose-Einstein condensate. An initial state is prepared in which two condensates exist in a magnetic trap, each in a different hyperfine state, where the initial populations and relative phase between condensates can be controlled within experimental uncertainty. A weak driving field is then applied, which couples the two internal states of the atom and consequently transfers atoms back and forth between condensates. We present a model of this system and investigate the effect of the mean field on the dynamical evolution.
Mentoring the new graduate perioperative nurse: a valuable retention strategy.

ABSTRACT THE PRACTICE OF HIRING new graduate nurses to work in the OR is becoming more the norm than the exception. IF LEFT TO TRANSITION into this environment alone, new nurses can quickly become overwhelmed and feel isolated and discouraged. THIS ARTICLE DETAILS a mentoring program for new nurses in the OR. The purpose of the program is twofold: to help new nurses transition into the surgical environment and to increase the facility's nurse retention rate. AORN J 87 (June 2008) 1173-1179. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
A system for large-scale visualization of streaming Doppler data

The NEXRAD Level II super resolution Doppler radars continuously scan the atmosphere above the continental USA, providing a stream of temporally and spatially misaligned large volumetric data about cloud reflectivity, wind velocity, and spectrum width. This data is used for immediate and long term weather predictions. However, because this large amount of sparse streaming data is not temporally aligned, the existing approaches rely either on a 2D projection of the 3D data, or the display of the 3D data only for a single radar. We present a framework that enables users to interactively access, analyze, and visualize the Doppler reflectivity data directly in 3D for multiple radars. Our approach extends the existing body of work on large-scale storage of global weather data and out-of-core volume rendering using CUDA ray-casting. The asynchronously streamed reflectivity data from multiple radars are first temporally aligned and then processed to a hierarchical format that is suitable for a large-scale volumetric visualization in near-real time with a minimal run-time processing. This approach also allows for varying precision and level of detail.
A hard disk organization scheme for delivering CAI on a novell based PC/MS DOS local area network

Networked PC laboratories are constantly installing and removing various CAI packages and data sets for individual users as well as courses. A disk organization scheme was developed to help in installation, removal, data collection, and easy student access. A security scheme is included to allow students to collect handouts and submit homework without unauthorized file access or tampering. This organization is combined with a user-friendly menu system to allow novice users access to computers as an educational media (CAI, CMI, CBT) without prior computing skills.
Up-regulation of blood-brain barrier short-form Leptin receptor gene products in rats fed a high fat diet

Abstract: Leptin is a 16-kDa protein synthesized in adipose tissue that produces a satiety effect in the CNS. Leptin may gain access to the brain via receptor-mediated transport through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the BBB leptin receptor (OBR) may regulate the availability of circulating leptin to brain cells. The aim of the present study was twofold: first, to identify the OBR isoform expressed at the BBB, i.e., short, or “a,” and long, or “b,” form; and second, to compare the abundance of the BBB OBR mRNA and protein between control and high fat-fed rats. RT-PCR with isoform-specific primers showed that OBRa is the most abundant isoform at the BBB. BBB OBRa transcript content was markedly increased in high fat-fed rats compared with controls (11-fold), and no changes were observed in the expression of the internal standard control actin. The high fat feeding induction of OBR mRNA was correlated with an increase in the immunoreactive BBB OBR determined by immunocytochemistry using an all-isoform reactive antibody in high fat-fed obese rats. This investigation demonstrates (a) the OBRa is the principal leptin receptor expressed at the BBB and (b) this BBB OBR isoform is up-regulated by a high fat diet.
On transient inert gas exchange

Abstract Transient inert gas exchange is studied for continuous ventilation and perfusion compartmental models of the lung. The equivalence of such models to parallel ventilation and perfusion models is examined. A procedure for the determination of the distribution of volume over a parameter space of ventilation to volume, perfusion to volume and fluid to volume ratios is suggested, and some information obtained in theory from such a test is established. Some simple lung models are examined for insight.
Instructing first-grade children on patterning improves reading and mathematics.

Research Findings: In each of 16 public school classrooms serving multiethnic low-income neighborhoods, 2 first graders were assigned to be taught patterning, 2 to be taught reading, 2 to be taught mathematics, and 2 to be taught social studies for 15-min sessions 3 days per week for 6 months. Assignment within each classroom was randomized. The children's mean age was 6 years, 5.19 months. Patterning instruction included instruction on symmetrical patterns, patterns with increasing numbers of elements, and patterns involving the rotation of an object through 6 or 8 positions. In May, the 120 children still available were tested on patterns, reading, and mathematics. Patterning instruction had large, fully mediated effects on both reading and mathematics. There were no significant differences on some individual scales, but on others children who received patterning instruction scored best, often by grade equivalents of 4 to 8 months. Extant explanations of the efficacy of patterning instruction are review...
Radiation-matter oscillations and spectral line narrowing in field-correlated four-wave mixing. I. Theory.

New radiation-matter phenomena in four-wave mixing spectroscopies, given a theoretical basis in the preceding paper [Dugan and Albrecht, Phys. Rev. A 43, 3877 (1991)], are examined experimentally here. A new class of Rabi detuning oscillations is recorded in interferometric coherent Stokes Raman scattering (CSRS). Two identical nanosecond incoherent light fields are mutually delayed, while simultaneously mixing in a nonlinear medium with a narrow-band field of a different color. Spectral filtering of the CSRS signal is essential. From such signals the frequencies and the dephasing rate constants can be a measure of the Raman-active vibrations in both the electronic ground state and the electronic excited state of the scattering chromophore. In principle, analogous probing of vibronic transitions is possible. Detuning oscillations for multimode systems are presented. It is shown how they are transformed into quantum beats, exactly those seen with femtosecond CSRS, when the narrow-band field is made broad and/or the detection is ``white.'' Finally, an example of the sub-Raman linewidth spectral feature, predicted in the preceding paper, is presented. It determines a Raman frequency, but does not carry its linewidth.
Two new species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) from Brazil and Peru

Aristolochia dalyi, from western Peruvian and Brazilian Amazonia, andA. bahiensis, from Bahia, Brazil, are described and illustrated. The species belong toAristolochia ser.Thyrsicae andA. ser.Hexandrae subser.Anthocaulicae, respectively. A key to the eight western Amazonian species of the seriesThyrsicae is presented.Aristolochia dalyi closely resemblesA. silvatica Barb. Rodr. from the Rio Negro basin, andA. bahiensis—the first cauliflorous species ofAristolochia known from the Mata Atlantica—is similar toA. guentheri O. C. Schmidt andA. klugii O. C. Schmidt, from the Western Amazon basin. Characters based primarily on the perianth shape, along with some vegetative features, are used to distinguish the two newly described species from their close relatives.
Minimal threshold separators and memory requirements for synchronization

Suppose that in a system of asynchronous parallel processes, certain pairs of processes mutually exclude one another (must not be in their critical sections simultaneously). This situation is modeled by a graph in which each process is represented by a vertex and each mutually excluding pair is represented by an edge. Henderson and Zalcstein have observed that if this graph is a threshold graph, then mutual exclusion can be managed by simple entrance and exit protocols using ${\bf PV}$-chunk operations on a single shared variable whose possible values range from zero to t, the minimal threshold separator number of the graph. A new expression is given for this separator t of a threshold graph in terms of the normal decomposition of the threshold graph given by Zalcstein and Henderson. It is shown that $t + 1$ values would be needed in the shared variable even if the mutual exclusion were being managed by the Fischer-Lynch test-and-set operator, which is considerably less restrictive than ${\bf PV}$-chunk.
Biofuel Toxicity and Mechanisms of Biofuel Tolerance in Three Model Cyanobacteria.

Abstract While recent studies have demonstrated direct photosynthetic production of biofuels via engineered cyanobacteria, biofuel yields from cyanobacteria remain at low levels. As with heterotrophic biofuel production, product toxicity is likely a limiting factor. Some mechanisms of toxicity may be similar to those studied in common heterotrophic hosts; however, the photosynthesis-dependent pathways for carbon fixation and energy production in cyanobacteria present unique targets for biofuel toxicity. This study investigates biofuel toxicity for three model cyanobacterial strains: Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, and Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. While cyanobacterial biofuel tolerances were generally lower than that of heterotrophic hosts, the marine strain Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 showed increased tolerance to short chain alcohols, and long-chain biofuel products, such as fatty alcohols, saturated free fatty acids, alkanes, and alkenes had minimal toxicity for all three cyanobacteria. Targeted mutants were generated to explore natural mechanisms of biofuel tolerance in cyanobacteria, such as cell membrane composition, reactive oxygen species degradation, and efflux pumps. These mutants confirmed the influence of cell membrane composition on cyanobacterial tolerance to short-chain alcohols. This study provides data to guide both biofuel product and cyanobacterial host selection and further identifies potential targets for improving biofuel tolerance in cyanobacteria.
Sprouting fibers gain access to circuitry transsynaptically altered by kindling.

Abstract In intact rats, “kindling” stimulation of the entorhinal cortex (EC) resulted, after an average of 23 daily stimulations, in the appearance of generalized convulsions. When the primary site of kindling in the EC was electrolytically destroyed and 14 days were permitted for the contralateral EC to sprout in response to the lesion, kindling stimulation of this surviving EC evoked fully developed motor seizures in 9 of 10 animals with the first or second stimulation. However, if the primary site of kindling was not destroyed, kindling via the contralateral EC required an average of more than five stimulations. Furthermore, if sprouting was induced by a unilateral EC lesion prior to any kindling stimulation, kindling via the surviving “sprouted” EC contralateral to the lesion proceeded at a rate not significantly different from normal. Finally, the essentially immediate expression of seizure-evoking capabilities via the EC contralateral to a lesion was not observed if kindling via the secondary site was initiated 1 day after a primary site lesion, at a time prior to the completion of sprouting. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that EC kindling results in transsynaptic alterations either in the immediate targets of the EC (e.g., the dentate gyrus) or further “downstream” synaptically, and that destruction of the primary site of kindling results in the sprouting of projections which gain access to the altered circuitry.
A test of a two-stage model of magnitude judgment

It has been suggested that the power law J = an, describing the relationship between numerical magnitude judgments and physical magnitudes, confounds a sensory or input function with an output function flawing to do with O’s use of numbers. Judged magnitudes of differences between stimuli offer some opportunity for separating these functions. We obtained magnitude judgments of differences between paired weights, as well as magnitude judgments of the weights making up the pairs. From the former we calculated simultaneously an input exponent and an output exponent, working upon Attneave’s assumption that both transformations are describable as power functions. The inferred input and output functions, in combination, closely predict the judgments of individual weights by the same Os. Although pooled data (geometric means of judgments) conform fairly well to a linear output function, individual data do not; i.e., individual Os deviate quite significantly fromlinearity and from one another in their use of numbers. Individual values of the inferred sensory exponent, k, show significantly better uniformity over Os than do values of the phenotypica! magnitude exponent previously found to describe interval judgments of weight.
Structural Polysaccharides in Forages and Their Degradability

Plant cell walls are organized into complex matrices composed primarily of carbohydrates that represent a potential energy source for ruminants. An overview of the basic structural features of the major groups of polysaccharides that make up forage cell walls, metabolic changes during cell wall development, cell wall component interactions, and some aspects of cell wall degradation are presented. Polysaccharide components that compose the cell wall matrix can be disassociated and fractionated according to similar physio-chemical properties