bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactivated Palaeozoic normal faults: controls on the formation of Carlin-type gold deposits in north-central Nevada
Authors: Muntean John L. , Coward Michael P. , Tarnocai Charles A.
Published: July 2007

Mappable surface structures control linear trends of Carlin-type gold deposits in north-central Nevada. Some of these structures probably resulted from reactivation of Palaeozoic normal faults, linked to underlying basement faults that originated during rifting of western North America during the Proterozoic. These old faults served as conduits for deep crustal hydrothermal fluids responsible for formation of Carlin-type gold deposits in the Eocene. The reactivated structures are recognized by stratigraphic and structural features. Stratigraphic features include rapid facies changes, growth fault sequences and sedimentary debris-flow breccias. Structural features resulted from inversion of the normal faults during the Late Palaeozoic Antler and subsequent orogenies. Inversion features include asymmetric hanging-wall anticlines, flower-like structures, and ‘floating island’ geometries. Inversion resulted in structural culminations that occur directly over the basement faults, providing an optimal setting for the formation of Carlin-type gold deposits.
Cell-matrix interactions modulate transepithelial phosphate transport in Pi-deprived OK cells
Authors: Barac-Nieto Mario , Weinman Edward J. , Spitzer Adrian
Published: July 2007

In opossum kidney (OK) cells as well as in kidney proximal tubules, Pi depletion increases apical (A) and basolateral (B) Na+-dependent Pi cell influxes. In OK cells' monolayers in contrast to proximal tubules, there is no increase in transepithelial Pi transport. This limitation may be due to altered cell-matrix interactions. A and B cell 32Pi uptakes and transepithelial 32Pi and [14C]mannitol fluxes were measured in OK cells grown on uncoated or on Matrigel-coated filter inserts. Cells were exposed overnight to solution of either low (0.25 mM) or high (2.5 mM) Pi. When grown on Matrigel, immunofluorescence of apical NaPi4 (an isoform of the sodium-phosphate cotransporter) transporters increased and A and B 32Pi uptakes into Pi depleted cells were five and threefold higher than in Pi replete cells ( P < 0.001). Pi deprivation resulted in larger increase in A to B (4.6×, P < 0.001) than in B to A (3.5×, P < 0.001) Pi flux and net Pi transport from A to B increased 10-fold ( P < 0.001). With Pi depletion increases in B to A (3.4×) and A to B (3.3×) paracellular [14C]mannitol fluxes were similar, and its net flux was opposite to that of Pi. In cells grown on uncoated filters, transepithelial and paracellular unidirectional and net Pi fluxes decreased or did not change with Pi depletion, despite twofold increases in apical and basolateral Pi cell influxes. In summary, Matrigel-OK cell interactions, particularly in Pi-depleted cells, led to enhanced expression of apical NaPi4 transporters resulting in higher Pi transport rates across cell boundaries; apical Pi readily entered the transcellular transport pool and paracellular fluxes were smaller fractions of transepithelial Pi fluxes. These Matrigel-induced changes led to an increase in net transepithelial apical to basolateral Pi transport.
Sexual dimorphism in liver mitochondrial oxidative capacity is conserved under caloric restriction conditions
Authors: Valle A. , Guevara R. , García-Palmer F. J. , Roca P. , Oliver J.
Published: July 2007

Caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition has been shown to increase maximal life span and delay the rate of aging in a wide range of species. It has been proposed that reduction in energy expenditure and oxidative damage may explain the life-extending effect of CR. Sex-related differences also have been shown to influence longevity and energy expenditure in many mammalian species. The aim of the present study was to determine the sex-related differences in rat liver mitochondrial machinery, bioenergetics, and oxidative balance in response to short-term CR. Mitochondria were isolated from 6-mo-old male and female Wistar rats fed ad libitum or subjected to 40% CR for 3 mo. Mitochondrial O2 consumption, activities of the oxidative phosphorylation system (complexes I, III, IV, and V), antioxidative activities [MnSOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], mitochondrial DNA and protein content, mitochondrial H2O2 production, and markers of oxidative damage, as well as cytochrome C oxidase and mitochondrial transcription factor A levels, were measured. Female rats showed a higher oxidative capacity and GPx activity than males. This sexual dimorphism was not modified by CR. Restricted rats showed slightly increased oxygen consumption, complex III activity, and GPx antioxidant activity together with lower levels of oxidative damage. In conclusion, the sexual dimorphism in liver mitochondrial oxidative capacity was unaffected by CR, with females showing higher mitochondrial functionality and ROS protection than males.
Calcium-dependent and calcium-sensitizing pathways in the mature and immature ductus arteriosus
Authors: Clyman Ronald I. , Waleh Nahid , Kajino Hiroki , Roman Christine , Mauray Francoise
Published: July 2007

Studies performed in sheep and baboons have shown that after birth, the normoxic muscle media of ductus arteriosus (DA) becomes profoundly hypoxic as it constricts and undergoes anatomic remodeling. We used isolated fetal lamb DA (pretreated with inhibitors of prostaglandin and nitric oxide production) to determine why the immature DA fails to remain tightly constricted during the hypoxic phase of remodeling. Under normoxic conditions, mature DA constricts to 70% of its maximal active tension (MAT). Half of its normoxic tension is due to Ca2+entry through calcium L-channels and store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. The other half is independent of extracellular Ca2+and is unaffected by inhibitors of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+release (ryanodine) or reuptake [cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)]. The mature DA relaxes slightly during hypoxia (to 60% MAT) due to decreases in calcium L-channel-mediated Ca2+entry. Inhibitors of Rho kinase and tyrosine kinase inhibit both Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent DA tension. Although Rho kinase activity may increase during gestation, immature DA develop lower tensions than mature DA, primarily because of differences in the way they process Ca2+. Calcium L-channel expression increases with advancing gestation. Under normoxic conditions, differences in calcium L-channel-mediated Ca2+entry account for differences in tension between immature (60% MAT) and mature (70% MAT) DA. Under hypoxic conditions, differences in both calcium L-channel-dependent and calcium L-channel-independent Ca2+entry, account for differences in tension between immature (33% MAT) and mature (60% MAT) DA. Stimulation of Ca2+entry through reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+exchange or CPA-induced SOC channel activity constrict the DA and eliminate differences between immature and mature DA during both hypoxia and normoxia.
Sleep apnea: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and relation to cardiovascular risk
Authors: Parati Gianfranco , Lombardi Carolina , Narkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2007

Several studies have shown the occurrence of an independent association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and cardiovascular disease, including arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. The pathogenesis of the cardiovascular complications of OSAS is still poorly understood, however. Several mechanisms are likely to be involved, including sympathetic overactivity, selective activation of inflammatory molecular pathways, endothelial dysfunction, abnormality in the process of coagulation, and metabolic dysregulation. The latter may involve insulin resistance and disorders of lipid metabolism. The aim of this review, which reports the data presented at a workshop jointly endorsed by the European Society of Hypertension and by the European Union COST action on OSAS (COST B26), is to critically summarize the evidence available to support an independent association between OSAS and cardiovascular disease.
Ficoll is not a rigid sphere
Authors: Fissell William H. , Manley Sargum , Dubnisheva Anna , Glass Jeffrey , Magistrelli Jeffrey , Eldridge Abigail N. , Fleischman Aaron J. , Zydney Andrew L. , Roy Shuvo
Published: July 2007

Polydisperse Ficoll mixtures have been used to explore glomerular sieving. Ficoll appears to be neither absorbed nor secreted by the renal tubule, and so urinary Ficoll concentrations reflect only the glomerular filtration barrier. The literature is contradictory regarding Ficoll's behavior as an idealized spherical solute. Further definition of Ficoll transport will inform interpretation of in vivo results. Flat-sheet membranes comprising a uniform array of slit pores measuring 8 nm by 45 μm were perfused with FITC-labeled Ficoll 70 and BSA. Ficoll and BSA concentrations were quantified by gel-permeation chromatography and Bradford assay, respectively. BSA and Ficoll molecules with diameters equal to approximately half of the slit pore width displayed hindered transport in agreement with modeled rigid sphere transport through slit-shaped pores. Ficoll molecules larger than ∼0.65 slit width displayed transport rates in excess of predictions. Ficoll molecules with Stokes-Einstein diameters greater than the pore dimension were observed in permeate samples. We present data for Ficoll filtration through a novel array of well-defined pores, which illustrate that Ficoll is well modeled as an ideal sphere in one size domain, but the model breaks down as molecular diameter approaches pore size. These data inform the present debate regarding glomerular filtration and affect conclusions drawn from the use of Ficoll as a tracer molecule. The apparent hyperpermeability of Ficoll through slit-shaped pores suggests that further modeling incorporating deformation of the molecule is necessary when using Ficoll solutions to characterize membranes.
Effect of reduced renal mass on renal ammonia transporter family, Rh C glycoprotein and Rh B glycoprotein, expression
Authors: Kim Hye-Young , Baylis Chris , Verlander Jill W. , Han Ki-Hwan , Reungjui Sirirat , Handlogten Mary E. , Weiner I. David
Published: July 2007

Kidneys can maintain acid-base homeostasis, despite reduced renal mass, through adaptive changes in net acid excretion, of which ammonia excretion is the predominant component. The present study examines whether these adaptations are associated with changes in the ammonia transporter family members, Rh B glycoprotein (Rhbg) and Rh C glycoprotein (Rhcg). We used normal Sprague-Dawley rats and a 5/6 ablation-infarction model of reduced renal mass; control rats underwent sham operation. After 1 wk, glomerular filtration rate, assessed as creatinine clearance, was decreased, serum bicarbonate was slightly increased, and Na+and K+were unchanged. Total urinary ammonia excretion was unchanged, but urinary ammonia adjusted for creatinine clearance, an index of per nephron ammonia metabolism, increased significantly. Although reduced renal mass did not alter total Rhcg protein expression, both light microscopy and immunohistochemistry with quantitative morphometric analysis demonstrated hypertrophy of both intercalated cells and principal cells in the cortical and outer medullary collecting duct that was associated with increased apical and basolateral Rhcg polarization. Rhbg expression, analyzed using immunoblot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and measurement of cell-specific expression, was unchanged. We conclude that altered subcellular localization of Rhcg contributes to adaptive changes in single-nephron ammonia metabolism and maintenance of acid-base homeostasis in response to reduced renal mass.
Alveolar macrophages are necessary for the systemic inflammation of acute alveolar hypoxia
Authors: Gonzalez Norberto C. , Allen Julie , Blanco V. Gustavo , Schmidt Eric J. , van Rooijen Nico , Wood John G.
Published: July 2007

Alveolar hypoxia (FiO2 0.10) rapidly produces inflammation in the microcirculation of skeletal muscle, brain, and mesentery of rats. Dissociation between tissue Po2 values and inflammation, plus the observation that plasma from hypoxic rats activates mast cells and elicits inflammation in normoxic tissues, suggest that the response to hypoxia is initiated when mast cells are activated by an agent released from a distant site and carried by the circulation. These experiments tested the hypothesis that this agent originates in alveolar macrophages (AM). Male rats were depleted of AM by tracheal instillation of clodronate-containing liposomes. Four days after treatment, AM recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage were <10% of control. Control rats received buffer-containing liposomes. As expected, alveolar hypoxia (FiO2 0.10) in control rats increased leukocyte-endothelial adherence, produced degranulation of perivascular mast cells, and increased fluorescent albumin extravasation in the cremaster microcirculation. None of these effects was seen when AM-depleted rats were exposed to hypoxia. Plasma obtained from control rats after 5 min of breathing 10% O2 elicited inflammation when applied to normoxic cremasters. In contrast, normoxic cremasters did not develop inflammation after application of plasma from hypoxic AM-depleted rats. Supernatant from AM cultured in 10% O2 produced increased leukocyte-endothelial adherence, vasoconstriction, and albumin extravasation when applied to normoxic cremasters. Normoxic AM supernatant did not produce any of these responses. The effects of hypoxic supernatant were attenuated by pretreatment of the cremaster with the mast cell stabilizer cromolyn. These data support the hypothesis that AM are the source of the agent that initiates hypoxia-induced systemic inflammation by activating mast cells.
Government Advertisements — Influence on Print Media Content: A Content Analysis of the Leading Newspapers of Pakistan
Authors: Riaz Saqib
Published: July 2007

Most of the books on Journalism, Mass Communication and Media Studies discuss and elaborate the areas of process and the effects of mass communication. These books deal with the effects of media content on people and society but it is equally important to understand the influences that shape media content. Media, not only influence target audience, but themselves are influenced by a number of factors. It has been found by research that media content is influenced by the personal attitudes and orientations of media workers, professionalism, corporate policies, ownership patterns, the economic environment, advertisers, audiences, ideology and above all, the governments (Shoemaker & Reese, 2004:4). This study investigates the influence of Government on print media content in Pakistan based on its advertising power and being the largest advertiser of the country.
Size-dependent heating rates determine the spatial and temporal distribution of small-bodied lizards
Authors: Herczeg Gábor , Török János , Korsós Zoltán
Published: July 2007

The rate of heat exchange with the environment is of obvious importance in
determining the time budget of behavioural thermoregulation in ectotherms.
In small reptiles, heating rate depends mainly on their physical
characteristics. We analysed the effect of body size, and the possible joint
effects originating from shape and colour differences on heating rate in
three small-bodied (0.15-20 g) sympatric lizard species. Heating rate was
strongly influenced by body size, while no joint effects with the two other
factors were detected. We found that the increase in heating rate with
decreasing body size accelerated dramatically below a body weight of 2-3 g.
We also analysed associations between body size, seasonal activity patterns
and thermal characteristics of the sites where lizards were encountered in
the field. Differently sized lizards occurred in thermally different sites
and differed in their seasonal activity patterns, both within and among
species. Smaller (<2-3 g) lizards occurred in cooler sites and exhibited
very low activity during summer. Our results suggest that body size has a
considerable influence on the spatial and temporal distribution of extremely
small lizards in environments subject to a danger of overheating.
Reproductive biology and sexual dimorphism of a high-altitude population of the viviparous lizard Phymaturus punae from the Andes in Argentina
Authors: Boretto Jorgelina , Ibargüengoytía Nora , Acosta Juan Carlos , Blanco Graciela M. , Villavicencio José , Marinero José A.
Published: July 2007

Phymaturus punae is a viviparous lizard endemic to the Provincial Reserve San
Guillermo, San Juan (Argentina). We present the first life history data of
P. punae, belonging to an interesting genus adapted to cold climates.
Females reach sexual maturity at 80.6 mm, and males at 84.4 mm snout-vent
length. There is sexual dimorphism represented by larger and more robust
males, but females show a wider body and a proportionally greater interlimb
length than males. In males, spermatozoa become abundant in both testes and
epididymi in mid-summer. Vitellogenic and pregnant females occurred
simultaneously in late spring and mid-summer indicating a biennial
reproductive cycle.
A comparison of the success of artificial cover types for capturing amphibians and reptiles
Authors: Hampton Paul
Published: July 2007

The use of artificial cover objects, or cover boards, is a common method for collecting and surveying amphibians and reptiles. Cover objects, plywood and corrugated tin, were placed in open and closed canopy sites in an east Texas floodplain. The assemblages captured were compared between tin and wood. The odds of capture were compared between the two types as well as the odds of capture in open and closed canopy sites. The combined amphibian and reptile assemblages differed between tin and plywood. The odds of capturing an amphibian or reptile under corrugated tin were slightly higher (1.2:1) when compared to plywood. Further, the odds of capture were less likely in closed canopy sites (0.89) than open canopy sites.
The Origins of the Hebrew Bible: Some New Answers to Old Questions
Authors: van Seters John
Published: July 2007

In two recent studies, one by William M. Schniedewind, How the Bible Became a Book, the other by David M. Carr, Writing on the Tablet of the Heart, these scholars present their answers to the age old question of how the Hebrew Bible came into being as a special collection of edited and canonized books. Both scholars reject the older formula of a three stage process of Law (400 BCE), Prophets (ca. 200 BCE), and Writings (First Century CE). Schniedewind, on the one hand, proposes an editorial process of collection and arrangement of traditional material within the preexilic royal court and among the royal scribes in captivity in Babylon that gave rise to an authoritative corpus, which was then augmented with some later works in the Persian and Hellenistic periods. Carr, on the other hand, sees the collection and selection of biblical books within an educational process of enculturation that was continuous over an extended period from simple oral tradition in early Israel to the final stages of curricular consolidation, i.e., the canon, in which the priests play a major role. This study will examine a set of issues (e.g. orality and literacy; dating and composition of texts; editing and transmission of texts in antiquity; the role of texts in education) that are covered by these studies, and will offer some alternative suggestions for consideration.
Evaluating Forecast Uncertainty
Authors: Barrell Ray , Khoman Ehsan , Kirby Simon
Published: July 2007

The National Institute has been producing forecasts since 1958, and they are an essential part of our contribution to the policy debate in the UK and elsewhere. Model-based forecasts for the UK have been published every quarter1 since the 1970s, whilst model-based forecasts for the US and the major Europeans started only in the late 1980s. The country coverage of the European forecasts has increased over the years, and Euro Area forecasts began as soon as membership was clear. There is a long enough history of forecasting to be able to evaluate our performance, and this note extends the work reported in Pain, Riley and Weale (2001), Barrell, Kirby and Metz (2005) and Barrell and Metz (2006). The Institute forecasts for the UK are the main focus of the analysis in this note, but evaluations of the US and Euro Area forecasts produced by the Institute are also undertaken. We focus on evaluating the last forecast undertaken (at T–1) before the start of the year being forecast (at T), as they contain as much information as was possible without using any from the year being forecast. We also look at the evolution of forecasts over the two years preceding the publication of the first outturn for the year being forecast in order to gauge at which point those forecasts become efficient in that the root mean squared deviation (RMSD) of the errors is smaller than standard deviation of the series.
Does Offshoring Reduce Industry Employment?
Authors: Hijzen Alexander , Swaim Paul
Published: July 2007

This paper looks at the implications of offshoring for industry employment whilst explicitly accounting for the scale and technology effects of offshoring. The effects of offshoring on employment are analysed using industry-level data for 17 high income OECD countries. Our findings indicate that offshoring has no effect or a slight-positive effect on sectoral employment. Offshoring within the same industry (intra-industry offshoring) reduces the labour-intensity of production, but does not affect overall industry employment. Inter-industry offshoring does not affect labour-intensity, but may have a positive effect on overall industry employment. These finding suggest that the productivity gains from offshoring are sufficiently large that the jobs created by higher sales completely offset the jobs lost by relocating certain production stages to foreign production sites.
Human Capital, Job Tasks and Technology in East Germany After Reunification
Authors: Spitz-Oener Alexandra
Published: July 2007

At the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall, employees in East Germany were at least as well educated as employees in West Germany in terms of formal educational qualifications. However, it is unclear to what extent the skills and knowledge acquired through the East German education system, and through employment in a socialist labour market, are transferable to the new market-based economy. This study aims to shed light on this issue by giving a comprehensive description of the work of those employees who remained employed after the first phase of restructuring (i.e. in 1991) in East Germany, and comparing it with work in West Germany. Overall, the similarity between workplaces in East and West Germany soon after reunicication is striking. In addition, the patterns of task changes between 1991 and 1999 were very similar in both parts of Germany. Neither the level of task inputs in1991 nor the changes in task inputs between 1991 and 1999 were driven by cohort effects, a surprising finding given how differently the age groups were affected by the historical event. The Largest difference between the east and the west exists in terms of workplace computerisation. Although East Germany has caught up rapidly, it was still lagging behind the west in terms of computer use in 1999.
Overexpression of the CXCR5 chemokine receptor, and its ligand, CXCL13 in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Bürkle Andrea , Niedermeier Matthias , Schmitt-Gräff Annette , Wierda William G. , Keating Michael J. , Burger Jan A.
Published: July 2007

CXCL13 is a homeostatic chemokine for lymphocyte homing and positioning within follicles of secondary lymphoid tissues, acting through its cognate receptor, CXCR5. Moreover, the CXCR5-CXCL13 axis plays a unique role in trafficking and homing of B1 cells. Here, we report that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells express high levels of functional CXCR5. CXCR5 expression levels were similar on CLL B cells and normal CD5+ B cells, and higher compared with normal CD5− B cells, follicular B-helper T cells (TFH cells), or neoplastic B cells from other B-cell neoplasias. Stimulation of CLL cells with CXCL13 induces actin polymerization, CXCR5 endocytosis, chemotaxis, and prolonged activation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Anti-CXCR5 antibodies, pertussis toxin, and wortmannin inhibited chemotaxis to CXCL13, demonstrating the importance of Gi proteins and PI3 kinases for CXCR5 signaling. Moreover, CLL patients had significantly higher CXCL13 serum levels than volunteers, and CXCL13 levels correlated with β2 microglobulin. We detected CXCL13 mRNA expression by nurselike cells, and high levels of CXCL13 protein in supernatants of CLL nurselike cell cultures. By immunohistochemistry, we detected CXCL13+ expression by CD68+ macrophages in situ within CLL lymph nodes. These data suggest that CXCR5 plays a role in CLL cell positioning and cognate interactions between CLL and CXCL13-secreting CD68+ accessory cells in lymphoid tissues.
Expression of the zebrafish intermediate neurofilament Nestin in the developing nervous system and in neural proliferation zones at postembryonic stages
Authors: Mahler Julia , Driever Wolfgang
Published: July 2007

Background

The intermediate filament Nestin has been reported as a marker for stem cells and specific precursor cell populations in the developing mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Nestin expressing precursors may give rise to neurons and glia. Mouse nestin expression starts at the onset of neurulation in the neuroectodermal cells and is dramatically down regulated when progenitor cells differentiate and become postmitotic. It has been reported that in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) active neurogenesis continues in all major subdivisions of the CNS, however few markers for zebrafish precursors cells are known, and Nestin has not been described in zebrafish.

Results

We cloned a zebrafish nestin gDNA fragment in order to find a marker for precursor cells in the developing and postembryonic brain. Phylogenetic tree analysis reveals that this zebrafish ortholog clusters with Nestin sequences from other vertebrates but not with other intermediate filament proteins. We analyzed nestin expression from gastrula stage to 4 day larvae, and in post-embryonic brains. We found broad expression in the neuroectoderm during somitogenesis. In the larvae, nestin expression progressively becomes restricted to all previously described proliferative zones of the developing and postembryonic central nervous system. nestin expressing cells of the forebrain also express PCNA during late embryogenesis, identifying them as proliferating precursor or neural stem cells. nestin is also expressed in the cranial ganglia, in mesodermal precursors of muscle cells, and in cranial mesenchymal tissue.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that in zebrafish, like in mammals, the expression of the intermediated neurofilament nestin gene may serve as a marker for stem cells and proliferating precursors in the developing embryonic nervous system as well as in the postembryonic brain.
Haploinsufficiency after successive loss of signaling reveals a role forERECTA-family genes inArabidopsisovule development
Authors: Pillitteri Lynn Jo , Bemis Shannon M. , Shpak Elena D. , Torii Keiko U.
Published: July 2007

The Arabidopsis genome contains three ERECTA-family genes, ERECTA (ER), ERECTA-LIKE 1 (ERL1)and ERL2 that encode leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases. This gene family acts synergistically to coordinate cell proliferation and growth during above-ground organogenesis with the major player, ER, masking the loss-of-function phenotypes of the other two members. To uncover the specific developmental consequence and minimum threshold requirement for signaling, ER-family gene function was successively eliminated. We report here that ERL2 is haploinsufficient for maintaining female fertility in the absence of ER and ERL1. Ovules of the haploinsufficient er-105 erl1-2 erl2-1/+ mutant exhibit abnormal development with reduced cell proliferation in the integuments and gametophyte abortion. Our analysis indicates that progression of integument growth requires ER-family signaling in a dosage-dependent manner and that transcriptional compensation among ER-family members occurs to maintain the required signaling threshold. The specific misregulation of cyclin A genes in the er-105 erl1-2 erl2-1/+ mutant suggests that downstream targets of the ER-signaling pathway might include these core cell-cycle regulators. Finally, genetic interaction of the ER family and the WOX-family gene, PFS2, reveals their contribution to integument development through interrelated mechanisms.
Respective roles of the DRL receptor and its ligand WNT5 inDrosophilamushroom body development
Authors: Grillenzoni Nicola , Flandre Adrien , Lasbleiz Christelle , Dura Jean-Maurice
Published: July 2007

In recent decades, Drosophila mushroom bodies (MBs) have become a powerful model for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying brain development and function. We have previously characterized the derailed (drl; also known as linotte) receptor tyrosine kinase as an essential component of adult MB development. Here we show, using MARCM clones, a non-cell-autonomous requirement for the DRL receptor in MB development. This result is in accordance with the pattern of DRL expression, which occurs throughout development close to, but not inside,MB cells. While DRL expression can be detected within both interhemispheric glial and commissural neuronal cells, rescue of the drl MB defects appears to involve the latter cellular type. The WNT5 protein has been shown to act as a repulsive ligand for the DRL receptor in the embryonic central nervous system. We show here that WNT5 is required intrinsically within MB neurons for proper MB axonal growth and probably interacts with the extrinsic DRL receptor in order to stop axonal growth. We therefore propose that the neuronal requirement for both proteins defines an interacting network acting during MB development.
Variations in the Activity of Dry-Powder Water-Repellent Mortar Admixtures with Different Mortar Formulae
Authors: Nordmeyer Herb , Hall Pam
Published: July 2007

A number of water repellents are added to masonry mixes and masonry units. To be classified as a water-repellent mortar admixture, ASTM C 1384 Specification for Admixtures for Masonry Mortars, requires that the 24-h rate of water absorption needs to be reduced by at least 50 % when compared to a control mortar without the admixture. While testing two well-known water-repellent admixtures, a substantial difference in activity was noted with the mortar that was being tested. Testing was expanded to include other water-repellent admixtures and several additional mortar formulae. This paper discusses the findings of that study.
Travertine: Successful and Unsuccessful Performance, Preconceived Notions, and Mischaracterizations
Authors: Chin Ian R.
Published: July 2007

Travertine is a beige-colored stone with unique color variations, veining, and cavities that many architects worldwide find attractive. The word travertine was derived from an old Roman name for the town of Tivoli (Tibur) in Italy where large deposits of travertine exist. The ancient name for the stone was Lapis Tiburtinus (Tibur Stone) which later evolved into the word travertine.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock that began as limestone. Underground water heated by the earth’s core dissolved the limestone and brought it along with other minerals to the earth’s surface to form mud beds. In time, these mud beds of limestone and other minerals cooled and crystallized into solid travertine. This cooling process caused the small unique cavities and open channels in travertine to develop and the minerals created the unique color variations and veining in travertine.

Travertine has been successfully used in buildings for thousands of years. The Coliseum in Rome is among the larger buildings in the world that was constructed largely with travertine. However, the inherent small cavities, open channels, and veining in the stone that many architects find attractive are viewed by some people as cavities where water can collect and potentially cause deterioration of the stone due to freezing of this water. This preconceived notion has led to avoidance of the use of travertine in some buildings. While this condition has locally occurred with certain uses of travertine, it has not occurred on a systematic scale, and properly designed, constructed, and maintained travertine elements on buildings have performed successfully.

Travertine is a form of limestone and is sometimes classified as travertine limestone because it is composed principally of calcium carbonate. However, sometimes it is commercially classified as travertine marble because it can be polished. This commercial classification of travertine as marble has sometimes led to confusion in the design of travertine on buildings because geologically travertine is a form of limestone and is not marble.

This paper describes the successful and unsuccessful uses of travertine on buildings, and provides guidance on how to successfully design travertine on buildings. This paper also provides information that will help to clear up the preconceived notions and mischaracterizations of travertine.
Evaluation of Friction Performance of Coarse Aggregates and Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Li Shuo , Zhu Karen , Noureldin Samy
Published: July 2007

This paper reviews the requirements established by the Indiana Department of Transportation for the properties of aggregate materials to avoid poor friction characteristics of the coarse aggregates and provide durable pavement friction performance. The focus is on the construction of the tables of the friction characteristics for the typical aggregates and the friction performance for the typical hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures used in Indiana. Without traffic application, the aging of HMA materials may not cause enough changes in pavement friction. In order to better evaluate the friction characteristics of the aggregates, this paper introduces the decreasing rate of the British pendulum number, which provides more consistent evaluation of the friction durability. This paper divides the variations of pavement friction over time into three phases and shows the corresponding friction patterns. Open-graded friction course and stone mastic asphalt mix produce more consistent friction performance than SuperPave mix. For a certain mix, steel slag provides greater friction numbers than crushed gravel, crushed stone, and dolomite aggregates. For SuperPave 9.5-mm mix, crushed gravel provides more consistent friction properties than dolomite and crushed stone in the first year. However, they may become compatible with each other in friction properties later.
Equal Opportunities and the Welfare State
Authors: Esping-Andersen Gøsta
Published: July 2007

The United States invests too little in most children's opportunities. Spending more would pay off handsomely.
Is Equality Feasible?
Authors: Kenworthy Lane
Published: July 2007

Is income equality possible in modern capitalism? Yes. Would it hurt the economy? No.
The “Movement of Movements” for Global Justice
Authors: Evans Peter
Published: July 2007

Globalization from Below: Transnational Activists and Political Networks by Donatella della Porta, Massimiliano Andretta, Lorenzo Mosca, and Herbert Reiter University of Minnesota Press, 2006, 300 pages.
How to Disenfranchise Black Men and Win Elections
Authors: Sutton John
Published: July 2007

Locked Out: Felon Disenfranchisement and American Democracy by Jeff Manza and Christopher Uggen Oxford University Press, 2006, 384 pages.
Here She is … and There she Goes?
Authors: Levey Hilary
Published: July 2007

Little Miss Sunshine (20th Century Fox, 2006)

Pageant School: Becoming Miss America (CMT and PB&J Television, original airdate January 26, 2007)

2006 and 2007 Miss America Pageant (CMT, original air-dates January 21, 2006, and January 29, 2007)
Influence of GH substitution therapy in deficient adults on the recurrence rate of hormonally inactive pituitary adenomas: a case–control study
Authors: Buchfelder Michael , Kann Peter Herbert , Wüster Christian , Tuschy Ulrich , Saller Bernhard , Brabant Georg , Kleindienst Andrea , Nomikos Panagiotis , _ _
Published: July 2007

Objective: Several studies documented metabolic and psychological benefits of GH substitution in deficient adults, most of them suffering from benign pituitary adenomas. Since GH substitution is considered to promote tumour regrowth, adequate treatment is performed with some reservation. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the effect of GH replacement therapy on tumour recurrence following surgery.

Methods: In patients with hormonally inactive pituitary adenomas undergoing tumour surgery, a retrospective case–control study was performed. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images of GH-treated and untreated patients were matched for best fit by two independent observers. The treated patients were retrieved from the surveillance programme of the German KIMS database and the untreated from the database of the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Erlangen. A total of 55 matched pairs were followed for at least 5 years. Tumour recurrence and progression rates were determined according to the postoperative MR.

Results: There were 16 tumour progressions in the treatment group and 12 in the control group. Statistical analysis revealed no significant increase in either recurrence (P = 0.317) or progression (P = 0.617) within the follow-up period of 5 years when GH was adequately replaced.

Conclusions: This study provides further observational data of substitution therapy in GH-deficient adults with pituitary adenomas. Comparing long-term surgical results, we found no evidence that GH substitution should be withheld in deficient patients. Even residual tumour does not constitute a contraindication to GH replacement. However, since pituitary tumours are slow growing, an observational period of 5 years may not have been long enough to verify any absolute influence on recurrence potential.
Environmental Influences on Walleye Fingerling Production in Southwestern Minnesota Shallow Lakes
Authors: Ward Matthew J , Fisher Shannon J , Willis David W
Published: July 2007

Shallow lakes and deep wetlands in southwestern Minnesota are being used as rearing ponds for fingerling walleye Sander vitreus; however, information about the biotic and abiotic variables that influence walleye rearing success in these water bodies is limited and inconsistent. Our objective was to identify the characteristics that most influence fall walleye fingerling production in southwestern Minnesota lacustrine wetlands. We used principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the data set. A subsequent correlation analysis using the created independent variables (i.e., principal components scores) indicated that walleye fingerling production measures were positively related to total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen and negatively associated with Secchi disk depth and water conductivity (r = 0.70–0.74). Invertebrate densities, particularly that of zooplankton, exhibited weak but positive associations with walleye fingerling production (r = 0.48–0.57). The negative influence of other fishes on fingerling production was evident, as fish community species richness was negatively correlated with walleye fingerling production indices (r = −0.75 to −0.48). Adequate prey resources, elevated productivity indices, and the absence of a fish community were thus important characteristics for selecting potential walleye fingerling rearing ponds. In addition, walleye fry that were taken from the hatchery in excellent condition, displayed heavy pigmentation, demonstrated a high activity level, and exhibited uniform distribution during transport enhanced walleye fingerling production.
Mortality Rates in Golden Shiners Fed High-Fat Diets with or without a Dairy-Yeast Prebiotic before Challenge with Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Sink Todd D , Lochmann Rebecca T , Goodwin Andrew E , Marecaux Emily
Published: July 2007

Columnaris, caused by Flavobacterium columnare, is a major bacterial disease of the golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas, especially when fish become stressed during handling and transport. Feed additives, such as a dairy-yeast prebiotic, can decrease disease susceptibility in some fish species. Previous studies have indicated that diets with higher fat concentrations have improved the growth and survival of golden shiners. We conducted a study to determine whether a high-fat diet alone or supplemented with a dairy-yeast prebiotic could decrease mortality rates of golden shiners subjected to columnaris challenge. Golden shiners were assigned one of three diets with four replicate aquaria per diet and fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 16 weeks before the challenge. Diets (30.3 ± 0.31% crude protein; mean ± SE) were similar to a commercial formula and contained (1) 4% poultry fat (control), (2) 10% poultry fat, or (3) 10% poultry fat and 2% dairy-yeast prebiotic. After the 16-week feeding period, 15 golden shiners (2.2 ± 0.03 g) from each aquarium were stocked into different aquaria (experimental replicates were maintained) and exposed to 20 mL of columnaris bacteria in Sheih broth (optical density, 0.395 Å; at 560 nm; Sheih broth blank) for 18 h. Kidney cultures taken from moribund fish were streaked on Sheih agar to confirm the presence of columnaris and an active infection. Mortality in the 4% poultry fat (41.7 ± 12.9%) and 10% poultry fat (40.0 ± 6.1%) diets was high and not significantly different. Mortality for the dairy-yeast prebiotic (6.7 ± 2.7%) diet was much lower and significantly different from that for the 4% and 10% poultry fat diets. Thus, the dairy-yeast prebiotic effectively reduced mortality rates in golden shiners exposed to columnaris, but a high-fat diet alone provided no protection relative to the lower-lipid control diet.
Creep rupture curve for simultaneous creep deformation and degradation of geosynthetic reinforcement
Authors: Kongkitkul W. , Tatsuoka F. , Hirakawa D.
Published: July 2007

The viscous property of polymer geosynthetic reinforcement, which causes creep deformation, is first summarised. The creep deformation and associated creep rupture characteristics, when subjected to long-term sustained loading under the following three conditions, are numerically simulated based on a non-linear three-component rheology model: (a) the load–strain behaviour is always free from material degradation; (b) the load–strain behaviour exhibits simultaneous viscous effects and material degradation as in usual actual field cases; and (c) the sustained loading starts after full material degradation has taken place. Case (c) is the one assumed in the currently most popular design method, in which the long-term tensile design strength is obtained by separately applying reduction factors for creep rupture and material degradation. This method underestimates the true creep rupture strength to an extent that depends on the viscous and material degradation properties of the geosynthetic reinforcement. In this paper a new method to obtain the design tensile strength is proposed, taking into account the new creep–rupture curve for simultaneous creep deformation and degradation.
Quantifying geomembrane wrinkles using aerial photography and digital image processing
Authors: Take W. A. , Chappel M. J. , Brachman R. W. I. , Rowe R. K.
Published: July 2007

Geomembranes are highly effective barriers, and are often a key component in the design of composite landfill liner and cover systems. During installation, solar exposure causes some types of geomembrane to buckle locally upwards and form networks of wrinkles (sometimes referred to as waves). These wrinkle networks may be significant in terms of increasing leakage through this barrier system if there is a hole at or near the wrinkle. In this paper, a novel method to quantify geomembrane wrinkles in the field is reported using low-altitude aerial digital photography and image processing techniques. The results of the analysis indicate that, at the date and time the aerial image was captured, the geomembrane contained 100 major wrinkles, which covered 13.9% of the total area of the exposed geomembrane. More importantly from a potential leakage perspective, over 90% of these wrinkles were found to be hydraulically connected over the entire field of view of the exposed geomembrane. This one hydraulically connected wrinkle was found to have an aggregate length of 520 m.
Influence of Engineered Peptides Cadmium Sulfide Nanocrystals
Authors: Spoerke E. D. , Voigt J. A.
Published: July 2007

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals continue to generate scientific and technological interest, owing to their valuable optical, electronic, and chemical properties. Aqueous nanocrystal syntheses rely on functional capping agents to control nanocrystal form and function. We present a series of linear and dendritic engineered peptides, rich in cysteines and aspartic acids, as CdS capping agents. The chemical composition and peptide geometry were found to significantly influence CdS nanocrystal size, optical properties, and aggregation behavior.
Relative leg length as a biological marker to trace the developmental history of individuals and populations: Growth delay and increased body fat
Authors: Frisancho A. Roberto
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in leg length index are related to differences in body fat. The study included a cross‐sectional sample of 21,021 subjects ranging in age from 2 to 90 years who had anthropometric information and poverty income ratio that participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES III) of the United Stated conducted during 1988–1994. Of the total 21,021 participants, 7,810 were non‐Hispanic white (3,900 men and 3,910, women), 8,134 were African‐American black (3,127 men and 2,889 women) and 6,237 were Mexican‐American (3,221 and 3,016 women). In both males and females and in all three ethnic groups and across socio‐economic status (measured by the poverty income ratio) a low leg length index is associated with increased body fat (measured by skinfold thickness) when compared with those with high leg length index. It is postulated that a low leg length index reflects the consequence of negative environmental conditions leading to growth delay. Previous studies indicate that individuals exposed both during development and adulthood to under‐nutrition respond through inter‐related physiological mechanisms oriented at improving energetic efficiency and low oxidation of fat. These interrelated compensatory physiological adjustments work together to promote fat storage among growth delayed individuals or populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.