cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strain differences and inheritance of angiogenic versus angiostatic activity in oestrogen-induced rat pituitary tumours.

In this study we investigated the control of the angiogenic/haemorrhagic phenotype of oestrogen-induced rat pituitary tumours of an F1 hybrid (F1) of Fischer 344 (F344) (tumour susceptible) and Brown Norway (tumour resistant) strains. F1 forms a pituitary tumour upon chronic oestrogen treatment, but microvessel count (MVC) is no greater than untreated. In other words, F1 MVC keeps pace with tissue growth during growth of an oestrogen-induced tumour. On the other hand, F344 showed a significant increase in MVC (P = 0.002) upon chronic oestrogen treatment during growth of a large pituitary tumour. F1 control vasculature showed features intermediate between the parent strains, while oestrogen-treated F1 pituitary has pronounced changes commensurate with vascular remodelling or angiogenic activity, along with regressive changes. In addition, oestrogen-treated F1 does not form the haemorrhagic lakes characteristic of oestrogen-treated F344. We conclude that F1, which has a 50-50 genetic composition of the tumour susceptibility and tumour resistance alleles, shows loss of angiostatic activity in the absence of an effective angiogenic stimulus. As a result it is unable to make the 'switch’ to the angiogenic phenotype.
Extrinsic p-type doping of few layered WS2 films with niobium by pulsed laser deposition

Doping of few layered 2H WS2 films with Nb by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using ablation targets fabricated from WS2, S and Nb powders is reported. The undoped controls were n-type, exhibited a Hall mobility of 0.4 cm2/Vs, and characterized by a Fermi level at 1.41 eV from the valence band edge. The latter was determined using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Films doped at 0.5 and 1.1 atomic percentages niobium were p-type, and characterized by Fermi levels at 0.31 eV and 0.18 eV from the valence band edge. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that Nb substitutes on W lattice sites. With increased Nb doping, the hole sheet concentration increased from 3.9 × 1012 to 8.6 × 1013 cm−2, while the mobility decreased from 7.2 to 2.6 cm2/Vs, presumably due to increased ionized impurity scattering. The approach demonstrates the potential of PLD for controlled doping of transition metal dichalcogenides.
Promises of property: religious foundations and the justice and development party’s ambiguous attitudes towards religious minorities

The policies of the Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) towards religious minorities exhibits a fundamental ambiguity. Though the AKP has supported a number of high-profile changes in polic...
Concentrations of hormones and metabolites, estimates of metabolism, performance, and reproductive performance of sows actively immunized against growth hormone-releasing factor.

Cyclic females actively immunized against growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF; n = 5) or human serum albumin (HSAi; n = 4) were used to determine the effects of reduced serum somatotropin (ST) and IGF-I on metabolism and production in gestating and lactating sows. Sows farrowed, pigs were weaned at 28 d of lactation, and sows were observed for estrus after weaning. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 5 to 6 h on d 110 of gestation and d 21 of lactation. Mean ST (nanograms/milliliter) was less (P < .05) in GRFi than in HSAi sows at d 21 of lactation, but it was similar at d 110 of gestation. Serum concentrations of IGF-I were less (P < .05) in GRFi than in HSAi sows at d 21 of lactation but not at d 110 of gestation. Serum thyroxine was greater (P < .05) in GRFi than in HSAi sows during gestation and lactation. Sows actively immunized against GRF weighed less (P < .01) and had more backfat (P < .01) at d 110 of gestation than HSAi sows; in vitro glucose oxidation and lipogenic rate of adipose tissue were greater (P < .05 for treatment x day interaction) in GRFi than in HSAi sows at d 110 of gestation. Across treatment, mammary gland oxidation of glucose and glucose clearance rates increased (P < .05), whereas adipose tissue utilization of glucose decreased (P < .05) during lactation. During lactation, GRFi sows mobilized more (P < .05) backfat than did controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Letting the Village Be the Teacher: A Look at Community-Based Learning in Northern Thailand.

Higher education in the U.S. sees global learning as critical to student development. Over the last seventy years, study abroad has emerged as the method of choice for teaching global knowledge and...
Why Central Neck Dissection Works (and Fails) for Recurrent Thyroglossal Duct Remnants.

Objective:To review the patient characteristics and outcomes for children and undergoing central neck dissection for control of recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts and fistula following prior Sistrun...
As Nearly As May Be: Estimating Ice and Water on the Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers

Abstract This article looks at the bilateral U.S.-Canada remaking of the St. Lawrence River and Niagara River/Falls during the twentieth century for hydropower and navigation. Utilizing a range of archival records from various governments and organizations, and an envirotech approach, I focus on the role of estimation for controlling water and ice formation on these iconic waterways. The engineers employed an iterative ‘cut and try’ approach which relied upon considerable place based knowledge of the local Niagara and St. Lawrence environments, which was then used to generate synoptic models that served as the basis for remaking those very environments. But the gap between local and abstract expertise often resulted in uncertainty. To deal with cases where they had only approximate knowledge, engineers and bureaucrats used the qualifying phrase ‘as nearly as may be’. Not only did this allow them to proceed in the face of uncertainty, but it required experts to incorporate flexibility into their plans.
Surgical Repair of an Avulsed Distal Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon in a Boxer: A Case Report.

Case A 25-year-old professional boxer presented with a right distal flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon avulsion after sustaining an injury while boxing. The avulsion was identified and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, and the tendon was successfully reinserted into the trapezium. The patient returned to professional boxing 10 months later without complication. Conclusions Distal FCR tendon avulsions are rare. Occasionally, this tendon can avulse after an application of excessive force. For some patients, unrepaired distal FCR tendon avulsions may prevent competitive performance. In this case, the tendon was reattached to the trapezium to aid wrist motion and stability, which are essential for professional boxing.
Short communication: Production performance and nutrient digestibility of lactating dairy cows fed diets with and without addition of a live-yeast supplement

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a live-yeast product when feeding relatively high-forage diets to high-producing cows in mid lactation. Eight primiparous [607 ± 43 kg of body weight (BW) and 130 ± 16 d in milk (DIM) at the beginning of the experiment] and 16 multiparous (706 ± 63 kg of BW and 137 ± 22 DIM at the beginning of the experiment) Holstein cows were blocked by parity and DIM, and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 diets (control vs. yeast) for a 12-wk period according to a randomized complete block design. The formulated diets contained 50.4% corn silage, 10.4% alfalfa hay, and 39.2% concentrate. The yeast diet was formulated to provide approximately 5.4 × 1011 cfu/d of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BeneSacc; Global Nutritech Biotechnology LLC, Richmond, VA). Total-tract nutrient digestibility was estimated using 240-h undigested neutral detergent fiber (NDF) as an internal marker. Supplementing live yeast to lactating dairy cows did not affect dry matter intake (25.0 kg/d), milk yield (38.6 kg/d), milk fat concentration (4.78%), milk fat yield (1.83 kg/d), milk protein concentration (3.09%), milk protein yield (1.18 kg/d), milk lactose concentration (4.79%), milk lactose yield (1.84 kg/d), BW gain (-0.05 kg/d), or body condition score gain (0.16 units). The digestibility of dry matter was greater for the control treatment than for the yeast treatment (69.3 and 67.1%, respectively), but the digestibilities of crude protein (61.5%), NDF (40.5%), and starch (98.6%) were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, supplementation of live yeast did not affect production performance or nutrient digestibility of high-producing cows in mid lactation. The reasons for the lack of effect are not clear, but an evaluation of interactions between yeast and rumen buffer supplementation is warranted.
Analysis of Blended and Multi-modal Instruction and its Effects on Spatial Visualization Ability

For the last decade, remedial spatial visualization training has been offered to first-year engineering students in traditional classroom settings where students attend class and interact face-to-face with an instructor and peers. An alternative to the traditional pedagogical approach is a multi-modal blended learning format that combines in-class instruction with videos that can be viewed at the student’s convenience. The new setting affords students the opportunity to repeatedly revisit the basic instruction at the time and place of their choosing. This case study investigated student outcomes in a blended multi-modal Introduction to Spatial Visualization course that integrated video lectures; free-hand sketching techniques, sketching outdoors, Computer-aided-design (CAD) instruction, and 3D printed artifact manipulation. There was a statistically significant improvement on two (pre-to-post) spatial measures and performance on a drawing task.
Similar Solutions in Magnetohydrodynamics

T J ECENTLY, Reeves and Kippenhan found a particular class of •*-V. similar solutions of the two-dimensional equations of motion and energy of an incompressible, viscous fluid. The equations analyzed were not subjected to boundary-layer simplifications. With the steadily increasing interest in magnetohydrodynamics, the question thus arose of the possibility of applying the "classical" similarity hypothesis to the Navier-Stokes equations including M H D effects, as well as to the equation governing the magnetic field. This has been done for boundary-layer problems in Refs. 2-7. In this note a class of solutions is found for two dimensional flow, without the boundary-layer assumptions.
Vasoactive exposures and risk of amniotic band syndrome and terminal transverse limb deficiencies.

Introduction Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) includes limb deficiencies accompanied by fibrous strands originating from the amniotic lining. Terminal transverse limb deficiencies (TTLD) appear to be similar but lack fibrous strands. Both are hypothesized to result from vascular disruption. For ABS, limb deficiencies are considered secondary to amnion rupture. We explored an alternative possibility-that TTLD is the primary defect and ABS is secondary. Methods Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we expanded on a previous study. We examined smoking, alcohol, and medications categorized by indicated vasoactivity as markers of vascular disruption. Logistic regression models with Firth's penalized likelihood were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Use of bronchodilators and aspirin appeared to increase the risk of ABS, while decongestants and nonaspirin NSAIDs increased the risk of TTLD. The risk of ABS was markedly increased in cases reporting combinations of vasoactive exposures, particularly alcohol and aspirin (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6, 7.8), and alcohol and bronchodilators (aOR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4, 7.5). Increased risk of TTLD due to combinations of vasoactive exposures was only observed for smoking and decongestants (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4, 3.6). Conclusions Exposures associated with increased risk of ABS had no apparent association with TTLD, supporting previous evidence that these may be distinct phenotypes. ABS appears to be associated with combined exposures with vasodilation properties, such as alcohol and bronchodilators, while increased risk of TTLD may be associated with smoking and decongestants, both vasoconstrictive exposures.
Mitigating Adverse Selection in M&A:Contract Structures versus Intermediaries

We examine how contract structures help resolve financing frictions arising from adverse selection when entrepreneurs sell their firms in private transactions. We find that seller financing is more common when capital is costly, and its use decreases when local private equity capital commitments are available. And this suggests that intermediaries such as private equity firms can play a role in efficiently allocating capital to entrepreneurial firms. Further, seller financing appears to be a substitute for the reduction of risk associated with government loan guaranties for private firms. Overall, we conclude that seller financing ---a costly contract structure for the entrepreneur --- is an important channel through which the firm quality is signalled when intermediary capital and government intervention is lacking.
Abstract P307: The ALPHA Sign in the Diagnosis of Potential Stroke

Background: Any clinical feature that may improve the early recognition of, or increase pretest probability of, acute stroke could shorten treatment times. We evaluated the sensitivity and specific...
In retrospect: The influence of chief executive officers’ historical relative pay on overconfidence:

This study proposes that chief executive officers who have received over their tenure a greater sum of total compensation relative to the market’s going rate become overconfident. We posit that thi...
Active Bayesian Multi-class Mapping from Range and Semantic Segmentation Observations

Many robot applications call for autonomous exploration and mapping of unknown and unstructured environments. Information-based exploration techniques, such as Cauchy-Schwarz quadratic mutual information (CSQMI) and fast Shannon mutual information (FSMI), have successfully achieved active binary occupancy mapping with range measurements. However, as we envision robots performing complex tasks specified with semantically meaningful objects, it is necessary to capture semantic categories in the measurements, map representation, and exploration objective. This work develops a Bayesian multi-class mapping algorithm utilizing range-category measurements. We derive a closed-form efficiently computable lower bound for the Shannon mutual information between the multi-class map and the measurements. The bound allows rapid evaluation of many potential robot trajectories for autonomous exploration and mapping. We compare our method against frontier-based and FSMI exploration and apply it in a 3-D photo-realistic simulation environment.
Serial and Mass Murderers

In this article we explore the phenomenon of multicide by looking at two kinds, namely serial murder and mass murder. In doing so, an overview of the extant historical and contemporary information pertaining to these two topics is presented, while also reporting recently established insights into areas that hold both a fascination of the events as well as abhorrence of those who would engage in such behavior. Based on the existing literature, we attempt to demonstrate that serial murder and mass murder are characteristically an enigma of the human character. That this enigma poses severe restrictions on the social ecology of human interaction is, we believe, aptly demonstrated throughout this discussion.
Contrasting population characteristics of yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis) in two southern Illinois reservoirs

Summary Two southern Illinois reservoirs were investigated with contrasting size structures of yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis) to compare growth, mortality and recruitment patterns. Yellow bass were collected from Crab Orchard and Little Grassy lakes during April–May 2009 using AC electrofishing. Total length and weight were recorded and sagittal otoliths sectioned and aged by two readers. Increments between otolith annuli were measured and the Weisberg linear growth model was used to assess age and environmental (growth year) effects on individual growth for fish from the two lakes. Von Bertalanffy growth models indicated faster growth and a greater maximum total length for yellow bass in Little Grassy Lake. However, growth of fish in Little Grassy Lake nearly ceased after age 4. The Weisberg model indicated differences in individual growth rate between the two lakes that were consistent across years (age effects were significant, but growth year effects and the age-growth year interaction were not). Inter-lake differences in fish growth were present up to age 3. Recruitment was relatively stable in Crab Orchard, with year classes up to age 7 observed. Recruitment was more erratic in Little Grassy, with age 5 being the dominant year class and fish up to age 11 present. Differences in growth and recruitment patterns for yellow bass in the two lakes may be attributed to substantial inter-lake differences in turbidity, morphoedaphic index, or yellow bass density. Maximum age of yellow bass (age 11) was higher than previously reported for this species, likely due to the use of otoliths to age fish rather than scales. This study provides baseline information on age and growth, mortality, recruitment, and size structure of yellow bass that can be compared to data in future studies to elucidate factors influencing population dynamics of this species.
Secondary gliosarcoma after diagnosis of glioblastoma: clinical experience with 30 consecutive patients

Object Gliosarcoma can arise secondarily, after conventional adjuvant treatment of high-grade glioma. The current literature on the occurrence of secondary gliosarcoma (SGS) after glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is limited, with only 12 reported cases. The authors present a large series of histologically confirmed SGSs, with follow-up to describe the clinical and radiological presentation, pathological diagnosis, and treatment outcomes. Methods Gliosarcoma cases were identified using the University of California, San Francisco's Departments of Neurological Surgery and Neuropathology databases. Through a retrospective chart review, cases of gliosarcoma were considered SGS if the following inclusion criteria were met: 1) the patient had a previously diagnosed intracranial malignant glioma that did not have gliosarcoma components; and 2) the histopathological tissue diagnosis of the recurrence confirmed gliosarcoma according to the most current WHO criteria. Extensive review of clinical, surgical, and patholog...
A scanning acoustic microscope based on picosecond ultrasonics

We report on the development of a new type of scanning acoustic microscope. We use a femtosecond light pulse to generate a short sound pulse, and then focus this sound onto the sample by means of a specially designed and microfabricated acoustic lens of radius a few microns. The sound travels to the sample through a thin layer of water. The sound reflected from the sample is collected by the lens and then passes through a monolithically integrated optical resonant cavity. The induced change in the properties of this cavity are measured using a time-delayed probe light pulse. We describe some of the challenges involved in the construction and operation of this high-precision metrology apparatus and present some preliminary results.
SiC nanofibers by pyrolysis of electrospun preceramic polymers

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanofibers of diameters as low as 20 nm are reported. The fibers were produced through the electrostatic spinning of the preceramic poly(carbomethylsilane) with pyrolysis to ceramic. A new technique was used where the preceramic was blended with polystyrene and, subsequent to electrospinning, was exposed to UV to crosslink the PS and prevent fiber flowing during pyrolysis. Electrospun SiC fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron diffraction. Fibers were shown to be polycrystalline and nanograined with β-SiC 4H polytype being dominant, where commercial methods produce α-SiC 3C. Pyrolysis of the bulk polymer blend to SiC produced α-SiC 15R as the dominant polytype with larger grains showing that electrospinning nanofibers affects resultant crystallinity. Fibers produced were shown to have a core–shell structure of an oxide scale that was variable by pyrolysis conditions.
Mastitis: II. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Amines for Use as Teat Dips

Abstract Recent proposals by the Food and Drug Administration to regulate teat dips as drugs have led to a search for safer teat dip ingredients. Primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl amines (carbon-10 to −18 chain length) inhibit growth of mastitic bacteria ( Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichi coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae ) in a broth tube culture assay. Since carbon-13 compounds were active, a carbon-13 primary (tridecanamine hydrochloride), secondary methyl (N-methyltridecanamine), secondary ethyl (N-ethyltridecanamine), tertiary dimethyl amine (N, N-dimethyltridecanamine), and carbon-12 quaternary amine (N, N, -trimethyl-dodecaneammonium chloride) were tested for their ability to reduce experimentally applied populations of S. agalactiae or E. coli on the bovine teat surface. The five compounds were compared at concentrations of 100, 500, 1,000, 3,000, 7,000, and 10,000ppm. Activity was greater against the gram-positive S. agalactiae than against the gram-negative E. coli . The tertiary amine was most active, producing a log reduction of 4 (reduction of bacterial number from 10 6 to 10 2 ) at a concentration of 3,000ppm in the teat dip. The relative order of effectiveness for the amines was:, dimethyl tertiary > methyl secondary > ethyl secondary > primary=quaternary. The results suggest that these amines may be useful as potent, effective antibacterial agents for incorporation into teat dips.
Human actin mutations associated with hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies demonstrate distinct thin filament regulatory properties in vitro.

Two cardiomyopathic mutations were expressed in human cardiac actin, using a Baculovirus/insect cell system; E99K is associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy whereas R312H is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. The hypothesis that the divergent phenotypes of these two cardiomyopathies is associated with fundamental differences in the molecular mechanics and thin filament regulation of the underlying actin mutation was tested using the in vitro motility and laser trap assays. In the presence of troponin (Tn) and tropomyosin (Tm), β-cardiac myosin moved both E99K and R312H thin filaments at significantly (p<0.05) slower velocities than wild type (WT) at maximal Ca ++ . At submaximal Ca ++ , R312H thin filaments demonstrated significantly increased Ca ++ sensitivity (pCa50) when compared to WT. Velocity as a function of ATP concentration revealed similar ATP binding rates but slowed ADP release rates for the 2 actin mutants compared to WT. Single molecule laser trap experiments performed using both unregulated (i.e. actin) and regulated thin filaments in the absence of Ca ++ revealed that neither actin mutation significantly affected the myosin’s unitary step size (d) or duration of strong actin binding (ton) at 20 μM ATP. However, the frequency of individual strong-binding events in the presence of Tn and Tm, was significantly lower for E99K than WT at comparable myosin surface concentrations. The cooperativity of a second myosin head binding to the thin filament was also impaired by E99K. In conclusion, E99K inhibits the activation of the thin filament by myosin strong-binding whereas R312H demonstrates enhanced calcium activation.
Dose dependence in angular distributions of Ag and Au sputtered from an alloy target

Abstract The angular distributions of silver and gold atoms sputtered from a AgAu alloy have been measured as a function of the fluence of incident particles. The alloy was sputtered using a 100 keV 40Ar+ beam. Initially, Ag was preferentially sputtered at all angles. However, as the target surface approached its steady-state composition, the angular distribution of the sputtered Ag became more oblique while that of the sputtered Au remained essentially unchanged. Relative to the bulk alloy composition, the steady-state sputtered material was depleted in Ag in the direction of the surface normal, but remained enriched in Ag at oblique angles. This suggests the presence on the target of a very thin surface layer (at most a few monolayers thick) which is enriched in Ag relative to the composition of the well-documented Au-enriched layer which extends to a depth comparable to the range of the sputtering ion.
Statistical analysis and modeling of coral reef habitats

Abstract The present study is concerned with the statistical analysis and modeling of the health behavior of coral reef habitats due to changes in environmental conditions. The analytical parameter estimates have been developed for the subject probability distribution. Information collected of stony coral cover from the Florida Keys over the past several years have been fitted to the three-parameter lognormal probability distribution and consequently we can statistically characterize the behavior of the proportion of stony coral cover. Thus, it is shown that true mean estimates from such data had been under reported in the past. Furthermore, a suitable confidence interval of the true mean is presented for the three-parameter lognormal probability distribution.
An improved synthesis of (S)-aspartyl-(7,7-dimethylnorborn-2R-yl)-(S)-alanine methyl ester, a new high intensity artificial sweetener

Abstract (S)-Aspartyl-(7,7-dimenthylnorborn-2R-yl)-(S)-alanine methyl ester ( 1 ) was synthesized in nine steps from (+)-α-fenchyl alcohol ( 3 ) as a chiral synthon. Crucial steps for controlling the side-chain stereochemistry of 1 , required for the manifestation of sweetness, were the catalytic hydroformylation of the olefin 4 and the enzymatic resolution of the racemic amino acid 9 using acylase I.
Bronchoalveolar lavage in horses: effect of exercise and repeated sampling on cytology

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed at weekly intervals in 10 Thoroughbred horses in race training (group 1) and in 4 rested horses (group 2) for 10 weeks. Lavages were continued on a weekly basis in 4 group 1 horses for an additional 9 weeks (group 3). Cytological analysis of samples included leukocyte counts, erythrocyte counts, differential leukocyte counts, and haemosiderophage score. The mean leukocyte concentration was significantly lower in group 1 (92.1 +/- 4.6 cells/microL) when compared with group 2 (133.5 +/- 8.2 cells/microL), P = 0.037. The differential leukocyte data were not significantly different between groups. There was a large amount of variability in the percentage of macrophages and lymphocytes in the differential counts over time with no obvious trends. The proportion of neutrophils demonstrated a tendency to decrease over time for both groups 1 and 2. Erythrocyte counts and haemosiderin scores were significantly higher in the exercising group than the rested horses. Neither exercise nor the technique itself evoked an inflammatory response in the BAL fluid.
Third world tour landscapes

Abstract This paper focuses on landscapes experienced by tourists on package tours to India. It examines how structure and content of 13 package tours create landscape experiences for the mass tourist which have little coincidence with the experiential reality of India. In this case, package tours encapsulate the visitor in vehicles and hotels in isolation from authentic environmental stimuli. Tours also direct tourists toward northern cities at the expense of southern and rural culture realms. Modern urban settings overshadow traditional ones and itineraries stress monuments to the past over current, every-day events and activities. Thus the tourist on a package tour, although inside India, is rendered an outsider to Indianness.
Journalism as Health Education: Media Coverage of a Nonbranded Pharma Web Site

Abstract Objective: As healthcare consumers increasingly use the Internet as a source for health information, direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising online merits additional attenti...
Small-scale electron density fluctuations in a disturbed ionospheric environment

Electron density fluctuations in the earth's ionosphere can adversely affect SDIO systems which involve electromagnetic wave propagation, e.g., laser beams. This is particularly true for severely disturbed ionospheric conditions produced by high altitude nuclear explosions (HANEs). In this paper we present a detailed analysis of the lower-hybrid-drift instability; an instability which is likely to be excited in the ionosphere following a high altitude burst and can generate small scale electron density fluctuations (i.e., λ ≤ 10's m). We focus on the HANE environment at early times (t ≤ min) because of its importance to SDIO systems and because it is an unusual plasma regime: high β and collisional. Both the linear and nonlinear behavior of this instability are discussed. We describe how these results can be applied to potential SDIO laser systems in a HANE environment.
Arsonists in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is stoked by platelets, expanding their roles into the immune system.
Trihalomethanes in marine mammal aquaria: Occurrences, sources, and health risks

Disinfecting water containing the high levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) commonly generated during pinniped husbandry may cause the formation of carcinogenic disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Little information is available on DBP levels, sources, and health risks in marine mammal aquaria. Using the commonly observed trihalomethanes (THMs) as a DBP indicator, we monitored concentrations for seven months at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, one of the largest pinniped rehabilitation facilities in the world. Concentrations of THMs ranged 1.1-144.2 μg/L in pool waters and generally increased with number of animals housed (P < 0.05). To identify the sources of THM precursors in marine mammal aquaria, we intensively monitored the mass flows of potential THM precursors (i.e. food and wastes) in an isolated system with nine individual California sea lions to evaluate the sources and reactivity of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for 2-5 weeks. The common frozen foods used in feeding pinnipeds, including herring, sardine, and squid, produced an average of 22-34 mg-DOC/g-food in water and 836-1066 μg-THM/g-food after chlorination, whereas the fecal materials, including fresh scat, decomposed scat, and urine, produced 2-16 mg-DOC/g-waste and 116-768 μg-THM/g-waste. Food not eaten by animals could cause a sharp increase of DOC and DBP production and therefore should be removed rapidly from pools. Marine mammal husbandry staff and trainers are at risk (5.16 × 10(-4) to 1.30 × 10(-3)) through exposure of THMs, exceeding the negligible risk level (10(-6)) defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Middle meatal vs antral lavage cultures in intensive care unit patients.

OBJECTIVE:The study goal was to compare endoscopically guided middle meatal cultures with cultures of antral lavage aspirate in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sinusitis.METHODS:Prospective...
Ecologically and Morphologically Remarkable New Cosmet Moth Species of the Genus Hyposmocoma (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae) Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, with Reference to the Spectacular Diversity of Larval Cases

Hyposmocoma is an endemic Hawaiian moth genus with >330 recognized species occupying a remarkable range of ecological habits and exhibiting a high degree of variation typical of adaptive radiations. Within this diverse genus, some species have evolved intriguing and globally rare lifestyles, such as predatory or aquatic caterpillars. There are still many undescribed species in the genus, and no current work succinctly covers the range of their diversity. We describe nine new species in an attempt to demonstrate some of the remarkable ecological and phenotypic diversity displayed by species in the genus in a concise format: Hyposmocoma carnivora sp. nov. from the island of Hawaii; Hyposmocoma eliai sp. nov. Hyposmocoma nohomaalewa sp. nov., and Hyposmocoma waikamoi sp. nov. from the island of Kauai; and Hyposmocoma papaiili sp. nov., Hyposmocoma pukoa sp. nov., Hyposmocoma pupumoehewa sp. nov., Hyposmocoma opuulaau sp. nov., and Hyposmocoma waikamoi sp. nov. from the island of Maui. Although the taxa presented here do not represent a monophyletic group with respect to the rest of Hyposmocoma, they represent some of the most striking aspects of Hyposmocoma diversity as a whole.
Standing crops and ecology of aquatic invertebrates in agricultural drainwater ponds in California

We examined standing crops and ecology of aquatic invertebrates in agricultural drainwater evaporation ponds in California from October 1982 to March 1983 and September 1983 to March 1984. Evaporation ponds supported low diversities but high standing crops of aquatic invertebrates. A water boatman (Trichocorixa reticulata) and a midge (Tanypus grodhausi) were the most abundant invertebrates, constituting 44.9% and 51.4% of total macroinvertebrate biomass. Regression models indicated that of 6 environmental variables measured, only electrical conductivity (EC) and Julian date affected biomass and density of water boatmen. EC was the only significant correlate of midge biomass in evaporation ponds.
Electron-beam damage of self-aligned silicon bipolar transistors and circuits

The susceptibility of modern self-aligned bipolar transistors to damage by energetic electron beams has been studied. Electrons of energies encountered in electron beam testing, electron microscopy and electron beam lithography, which are below the displacement damage threshold, have been used. The change in DC electrical properties has been measured as a function of the electron beam energy and dose. The primary effect of irradiation is a loss of current gain. The damage is shown to be located in the sidewall oxide spacer above the emitter-base junction and is attributed to interface traps generated in this region. The requirements for annealing the damage have been determined. To assess the effect of electron beam damage on circuits, ring oscillators have been irradiated, demonstrating that, in some circumstances, radiation can degrade the average gate delay. >
Peritonsillar and Parapharyngeal Space Abscess in the Older Adult

Abstract Objective: To review the presentation and management of peritonsillar (PTA) and parapharyngeal space (PPSA) abscesses in older adults and compare this with the usual presentation and management in the younger patient. Study Design: An 18-year retrospective review at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The patient database was searched by using the diagnosis codes for PTA and PPSA. The search included inpatient and outpatient visits of patients 50 years of age and older from 1983 to 2001. The charts were reviewed, and data regarding presentation, management, and outcome were recorded. Comparisons to the current literature were made. Results: Fourteen patients were identified, 8 with PTA and 6 with PPSA. The most common symptoms in both groups were sore throat and dysphagia. Only 1 patient in either group was febrile. All vitals signs were within normal limits in all other patients. Only 1 patient in each group experienced trismus, and no patients showed drooling. Five of the PTA patients required inpatient care, and 2 were taken to the operating room. Conclusions: PTA and PPSA are uncommon infections in the older adult, with only 14 patients identified at a tertiary care hospital over an 18-year period. Complaints of new onset sore throat and dysphagia of several days duration in patients over 50 years old should alert the evaluating physician to these 2 clinical entities, even in afebrile, nontoxic patients. PTA in this group may be more likely to require inpatient care along with surgical treatment in the operating room.
Kinetic Comparison of the Specificity of the Vancomycin Resistance Kinase VanS for Two Response Regulators, VanR and PhoB†

Induction of vancomycin resistance in the Gram-positive Enterococci requires a two-component regulatory system, VanS and VanR, for transcriptional activation of three genes (vanH, A, X) that encode enzymes for a cell wall biosynthetic pathway that produces an altered peptidoglycan intermediate with lower affinity for the antibiotic. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM) has been determined for phosphotransfer from the phosphohistidyl form of VanS to both its homologous partner VanR and the heterologous (Escherichia coli) response regulator PhoB. The rate of formation of the phosphoaspartyl forms of VanR and PhoB were determined as well as the rate of appearance of inorganic phosphate. Using PhoB in excess of P-VanS, a pseudo-first-order rate constant (kxfer) of 0.2 min-1 for phosphotransfer and a KM for PhoB of 100 μM were readily determined. The corresponding kxfer of 96 min-1 for phosphotransfer from P-VanS to VanR required rapid quench kinetics. A KM of 3 μM was estimated for VanR, leading to a 104-fold p...
Cytosolic ADP-ribosylation Factors Are Not Required for Endosome-Endosome Fusion but Are Necessary for GTPγS Inhibition of Fusion

Abstract A specific role for ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) in in vitro endosome-endosome fusion has been proposed (Lenhard, J. M., Kahn, R. A., and Stahl, P. D.(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 13047-13052). However, in vivo studies have failed to support a function for ARFs in the endocytic pathway, since an antagonist of ARF activities, brefeldin A, does not interfere with receptor internalization (Schonhorn, J. E., and Wessling-Resnick, M.(1994) Mol. Cell. Biochem. 135, 159-164). This controversy surrounding the exact function of ARF in endocytic vesicle traffic prompted us to critically re-examine the involvement of ARFs in cell-free endosome fusion. Cytosol depleted of ARF activity was capable of supporting in vitro endocytic vesicle fusion but failed to support inhibition of this reaction in the presence of guanosine 5′-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPS). Addition of purified ARF1 restored the ability of the ARF-depleted cytosol to inhibit endosome fusion when incubated with GTPS. Both endocytic vesicle fusion and the GTPS-mediated inhibition of vesicle fusion were unaffected by brefeldin A. Moreover, the ATP requirement and kinetics of cell-free fusion are not altered by brefeldin A or depletion of cytosolic ARFs. These results suggest that cytosolic ARFs are not necessary for endosomal vesicle fusion in vitro but are responsible for inhibition of fusion in the presence of GTPS and cytosolic factors in a brefeldin A-resistant manner.
Identification and Confirmation of biomarkers using an integrated platform for quantitative analysis of glycoproteins and their glycosylations

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. However, accurate diagnosis can be difficult as most of the patients who develop this tumor have symptoms similar to those caused by longstanding liver disease. Herein we developed an integrated platform to discover the glycoprotein biomarkers in early HCC. At first, lectin arrays were applied to investigate the differences in glycan structures on serum glycoproteins from HCC and cirrhosis patients. The intensity for AAL and LCA was significantly higher in HCC, indicating an elevation of fucosylation level. Then serum from 10 HCC samples and 10 cirrhosis samples were used to screen the altered fucosylated proteins by a combination of Exactag labeling, lectin extraction and LC-MS/MS. Finally, 27 HCC and 27 cirrhosis serum samples were used for lectin-antibody arrays to confirm the change of these fucosylated proteins. C3, CE, HRG, CD14 and HGF were found to be biomarker candidates for distinguishing early HCC from cirrhosis, with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 79%. Our work gives insight to the detection of early HCC, and the application of this comprehensive strategy has the potential to facilitate biomarker discovery on a large scale.
Topological quantum computing and SU(2) braid group representations

We study representations of the braid group to SU(2) and their relationships with topological quantum computation.
Cell reassociation behavior and lectin-induced agglutination of embryonic mouse cells from different brain regions

Abstract Cells from dissociated embryonic mouse cerebellum, when plated at high cell density in a 10 μl microwell, assembled into a reproducible three-dimensional pattern of reaggregates containing 2–10000 cells each and interconnecting cables of processes. The details of this pattern were modifiable by coating the culture substratum with poly- d -lysine and by the use of different types of serum in the growth medium. Formation of interconnecting cables was inhibited reversibly by the dimeric lectin Succinyl Concanavalin A (Succ-ConA). Cells from cerebellum, midbrain, medulla and cerebral cortex, cultured separately in microwells, formed distinguishable patterns that appeared to be more region-specific than developmental stage-specific. With lectins as probes of carbohydrate-containing surface macromolecules, cells harvested from different tissue regions had different cell surface properties. In addition the concentration of concanavalin A (ConA) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) required for half maximal agglutination was greatly increased for cerebellar cells harvested later than embryonic day 16. These observations suggest both regional and age-specific alterations in cell surface elements required for lectin-induced agglutination during mouse brain development.
Long-term inhibitory plasticity in visual cortical layer 4 switches sign at the opening of the critical period

Sensory microcircuits are refined by experience during windows of heightened plasticity termed “critical periods” (CPs). In visual cortex the effects of visual deprivation change dramatically at the transition from the pre-CP to the CP, but the cellular plasticity mechanisms that underlie this change are poorly understood. Here we show that plasticity at unitary connections between GABAergic Fast Spiking (FS) cells and Star Pyramidal (SP) neurons within layer 4 flips sign at the transition between the pre-CP and the CP. During the pre-CP, coupling FS firing with SP depolarization induces long-term depression of inhibition at this synapse, whereas the same protocol induces long-term potentiation of inhibition at the opening of the CP. Despite being of opposite sign, both forms of plasticity share expression characteristics—a change in coefficient of variation with no change in paired-pulse ratio—and depend on GABAB receptor signaling. Finally, we show that the reciprocal SP→FS synapse also acquires the ability to undergo long-term potentiation at the pre-CP to CP transition. Thus, at the opening of the CP, there are coordinated changes in plasticity that allow specific patterns of activity within layer 4 to potentiate feedback inhibition by boosting the strength of FS↔SP connections.
Structural and functional organization of the human neutrophil 60 kDa bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein

We have isolated, after limited proteolysis of the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), two fragments representing roughly the two halves of the BPI molecule. The 25 kDa N-terminal fragment possesses all the antibacterial activities of the 60 kDa parent protein, while the ca. 30 kDa C-terminal fragment has no detectable activity. The 25 kDa fragment is as potent on a molar basis as holo-human BPI against roughEscherichia coli, is more potent than holo-BPI against more resistant smoothE. coli, and retains the specificity of BPI toward Gram-negative bacteria. The findings suggest that all of the molecular determinants of the antibacterial properties of BPI reside within the N-terminal half of the molecule, implying a novel structural/functional organization for a cytotoxic protein.
Mercury residues in fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, chronically exposed to methylmercury in water.

Fathead minnows were exposed to methylmercury water concentrations ranging from 0.018 to 0.247 ..mu..g/liter. After 48 weeks of exposure (sufficient time for a life cycle), the total mercury residues in the whole fish body ranged from 1.47 ..mu..g/gram in fish from the lowest concentration tested to 10.90 ..mu..g/gram in fish from the highest. The control fish living in water with concentrations of mercury less than 0.01 ..mu..g/liter contained 0.21 ..mu..g/gram total body residue. These body concentrations are the result of a continuous water exposure and a probable intake from a portion of the food eaten.
Nonsmoker’s Perceptions of Male and Female Cigarette Smokers’ Credibility, Likeability, Attractiveness, Considerateness, Cleanliness, and Healthiness

This study examined perceptions of male and female models depicted smoking or not smoking cigarettes. Undergraduate students viewed photographs of smoking or nonsmoking models and then rated the models' credibility, homophily, attractiveness, likeability, considerateness, cleanliness, and healthiness. Analysis indicated that being viewed as a cigarette smoker damaged people's images. With the exception of two dimensions of credibility, smokers, compared to nonsmokers, were rated less favorably on every variable examined in this study. These results are discussed.
Flow structure and local Nusselt number variations in a channel with dimples and protrusions on opposite walls

Abstract Flow structure characteristics are presented for a channel with a dimpled surface on one wall, both with and without protrusions (with the same shapes as the dimples) on the opposite wall. Channel aspect ratio is 16, ratio of channel height to dimple print diameter is 0.5, and Reynolds numbers based on channel height range from 380 to 30,000. Instantaneous flow visualization images and surveys of time-averaged flow structure show that the protrusions result in added vortical, secondary flow structures and flow mixing. As a result, local friction factors and local Nusselt numbers are augmented compared to a channel with no protrusions on the top wall. For Nusselt numbers, such augmentations are present near the downstream edges of dimple rims mostly near dimple diagonals, as well as on flat surfaces immediately downstream of dimple rims.