cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and anatomical responses of the convergent lady beetle to parasitism by Perilitus coccinellae (Schrank) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract The development of larval Perilitus coccinellae in the hemocoel of male Hippodamia convergens is described. Especial emphasis is placed upon the development of the trophic cells which originate from the dissociation of the parasite's embryonic membrane. Some aspects of the response of male beetles to parasitism by P. coccinellae are considered. The influence of parasitism on the feeding and respiration rates of the beetles is described. These was no effect on the mating behavior or testicular morphology in parasitized beetles. Two types of lesions are described from the fat body of host beetles: (1) those ascribed to the activity of the P. coccinellae larvae, and (2) those ascribed to the activity of the parasitic cells. Microsporidian infections were found in 10–20% of the P. coccinellae and in about 50% of the H. convergens . The lesions caused by the microsporidian infections in beetles are described including neoplasms in the midgut epithelium and in Malpighian tubules. The influence of the microsporidioses of both H. convergens and P. coccinellae on the development of the wasp are discussed.
Particle size distribution of cataclastic fault materials from Southern California: A 3-D study

The particle size distributions of fault gouge from the San Andreas, the San Gabriel, and the Lopez Canyon faults in Southern California were measured using sieving and Coulter-Counter techniques over a range of particle sizes from 2 μm to 16 mm. The distributions were found to be power law (fractal) for the smaller fragments and log-normal by mass for sizes near and above the peak size. The apparent fractal dimensionD of the smaller particles in gouge samples from the San Andreas fault, the San Gabriel fault and the Lopez Canyon gouge were 2.4–3.6, 2.6–2.9 and 2.4–3.0, respectively. The averageD for the Lopez Canyon gouge was 2.7±0.2, which is in agreement with earlier studies of this gouge using planar 2-D sections. The fractal dimension of the finer fragments from all three faults is observed to be correlated with the peak fragment size, with finer gouges tending to have a largerD. A computer automaton is used to show that this observation may be explained as resulting from a fragmentation process which has a “grinding limit” at which particle reduction stops.
The Minimum Yellow Timing for Ramp Meters

The minimum Yellow timing is an important timing factor that affects metering rate for multiple-vehicle-per-green, such as two-vehicle-per-green, type of operations. In review of the current ramp meter timing practices, it was found that the minimum Yellow timing does not consider the dilemma zone issue for the approaching motorists, and therefore may lead to red-light running. An analytic framework was developed to determine the minimum Yellow timing by integrating the ramp meter timing logic and dilemma zone removal practices. Factors such as roadway geometry, driver and vehicle characteristics, and detector layout are considered. For two-vehicle-per-green type of operations, an evaluation indicated that the minimum Yellow should be timed around 3.6 seconds to consider the situation when the 2nd vehicle is approaching. Such a long but necessary minimum Yellow timing will increase the minimum cycle length to about 7.7 seconds and hence reduce the release capacity by about 10%.
Element ratios and growth dynamics of bacteria in an oligotrophic Canadian shield lake

Basic bacterial physiology predicts that the element composition of cells changes as a function of generation time. Rapidly growing cells are characterized by low C:P and N:P ratios compared to ratios of slowly growing cells. Working from this premise, we (1) determined the element composition of newly synthesized bacteria collected from an oligotrophic Canadian shield lake and (2) compared the changes in element composition of bacteria to their temporal changes in abundance. The element composition of new biomass was determined from the change in bacterial element composition following nutrient enrichment and incubation with nutrients derived from seston concentrated from a eutrophic lake. Bacterial C:P and C:N ratios generally decreased during incubation but N:P ratios changed only slightly. When averaged, new bacterial biomass had a C:P ratio (atomic) of 44.4, N:P of 8.5, and C:N of 5.5 (C N:P 44:9:1). The element composition of the in situ bacterial assemblage of an oligotrophic lake was compared to the temporal dynamics of the assemblage. Cell N:P and C:P ratios were low when cell abundance was increasing compared to the ratios obtained following a rapid decline in cell abundance. The data indicate that bacteria may alter their cellular element composition, and that the growth dynamlcs of bacterial assemblages may be reflected by the element ratios of their biomass.
The higher the decrease in the standardized uptake value of positron emission tomography after chemoradiation, the better the survival of patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Postchemoradiation percentage decrease in standardized uptake value (SUV) of positron emission tomography (PET) from baseline correlates with overall survival (OS) and pathologic response. Analyses of dichotomized data are commonly reported. The authors analyzed percentage SUV decrease as both dichotomized and continuous variables. METHODS: The authors assessed 151 consecutive patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma who had chemoradiation and surgery. Baseline and postchemoradiation PET/computed tomography imaging was performed. The log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models were used to associate percentage SUV changes and OS, and logistic regression models were used to detect the association between percentage SUV changes and pathologic response. RESULTS: A >52% SUV decrease (dichotomized analysis) was associated with a longer OS (log-rank test, P = .023). The univariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that greater percentage SUV decrease (as a continuous variable) was associated with a lower risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; P = .01). Pathologic response (≤50% residual cancer) was associated with longer OS (P = .003). Patients with chemoradiation resistance (>50% residual cancer) tended to have a higher risk of death than those with chemoradiation sensitivity (0-50% residual cancer; HR, 2.12; P = .099). In the multivariate model, the percentage SUV decrease (as a continuous variable) was the only prognosticator of OS (P = .01). The percentage SUV decrease was nonsignificantly associated with pathologic complete response (univariate odds ratio [OR], 1.01; P = .06 and multivariate OR, 1.03; P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: The greater the decline in SUV after chemoradiation, the longer is the OS of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma patients. The percentage SUV decrease as a continuous variable is a better prognosticator of OS than its dichotomized assessments. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
A method of evaluating diffusion coefficients in crystals

Abstract The mechanism of diffusion proposed by Rice is reconsidered with the aid of an extension of Kac's theorem. The analysis yields an activation energy which, as predicted by Zener , is simply related to the minimal local deformation energy. It is also found that in contrast with Rice 's treatment, the activation energy may be calculated directly from the atomic force constants without resorting to normal mode analysis.
Prehistoric nutrient inputs and productivity in Narragansett Bay

Calculations by others of the preindustrial deposition of inorganic nitrogen from the atmosphere in the area of Narragansett Bay compared with recent measurements suggest that this flux has increased almost 15 times over natural background. On the basis of modern studies of the export of nitrogen and phosphorus from temperate forests, the prehistoric watershed also probably contributed very little reactive N or P to the bay. New information from undisturbed old-growth forests suggests that most of the N that was exported from the watershed was probably associated with refractory dissolved organic matter and thus contributed little to the fertility of the bay. The largest source of reactive dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) for Narragansett Bay under prehistoric conditions was the coastal ocean water entrained in the bay in estuarine circulation. The total input of DIN to this estuary has increased about five-fold and the input of total DIP has approximately doubled as a result of human activities. Recent ecosystem-level experiments using large (13 m3, 5 m deep) mesocosms designed as living models of Narragansett Bay showed that the primary production of phytoplankton in the bay is limited by the supply of DIN and that annual phytoplankton production is strongly correlated with the rate of input of DIN. The relationship between DIN input and annual phytoplankton production in the mesocosms is consistent with observations published by others working in 10 different natural marine systems, and a functional regression of the field and experimental data provides a tool to calculate the rate of prehistoric phytoplankton production that would have been associated with the prehistoric DIN input estimates. The result of this calculation suggests that phytoplankton production in the bay has approximately doubled (from about 130 g C m−2 yr−1 to 290 g C m−2 yr−1 for a baywide average) since the time of European contact. It also seems likely that seagrasses and macroalgae once made a much larger contribution to total system production than they do today.
Design and measurement of a four-port device using metamaterials

A band separating device that uses an anisotropic metamaterial exhibiting negative refraction is designed and measured. The metamaterial has frequency dispersion in one component of the permeability tensor. A beam is incident onto the metamaterial and undergoes frequency dependent reflection and refraction directing different bandwidths towards three distinct measurement ports. Design issues are discussed, and measurement results are presented.
Leadership in the 21st Century: Understanding Global Terrorism

What should organization leaders (in both business and government, in all countries of the world) know about terrorism? They should know that terrorism has a deep history with instances of terrorist-type activities being recorded in the Bible, presently involving many of the world's countries with all continents but Antarctica recording one or more terrorist attacks in the last year, and has many facets to examine. Those parts include knowing about the perpetrators and their goals, the targets, the weapons, the events, and the effects of those events. Leaders should understandthe background of global terrorism and also how to respond to the negative effects of terrorist events. Presently, the United States is considered the top target in the World and is likely to be for the foreseeable future. Al Qaeda is probably the top Foreign Terrorist Organization aiming at the U.S. with intentions of using more lethal weapons and producing severe damage. The future will probably see a significant reduction in ideological terrorism and increases in single-issue terrorist groups attacking major cities with weapons of mass destruction. Further progress in understanding terrorism and its effects on business should come more from quality academic research in business (rather than from conjecture and opinions as at present) and from further quality academic research in other fields such as history, political science, and psychology.
Two-phase Flow of Partially Miscible Components in Submicron Channels

This paper investigates creeping, two-phase flow of partially miscible components in submicron channels. A continuous gradient technique treats two-phase flow by coupling a single version of the Navier–Stokes equations to the modified Cahn–Hilliard equation (a form of the convective diffusion equation applicable to nonlinear diffusion). A body force based on gradient energy provides the coupling. Results for the cross-channel composition and velocity profiles are easily calculated at far downstream locations, including the case where the viscosity is a function of composition. The pressure drop versus flow rate in small channels is substantially different from that in large channels.Wall effects due to selective attractive forces are unimportant for the ranges of parameters studied. Two forms of entrance length problems are defined. In the simpler problem, the components are fed separately and form an equilibrium interface. The solution methodology for this problem can also be applied to fully miscible fluids that initially differ in composition and viscosity. The other problem envisions an initially homogeneous mixture that phase separates in the channel by spinodal decomposition. The necessary physical parameters are the properties of the pure components and an interaction parameter between the components (e.g., Flory–Huggins or regular solution theory). Potential applications include tertiary oil recovery and microreactors.
Role of ergosterol in growth inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by syringomycin E

The antifungal activity of the lipodepsipeptide syringomycin E from Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is modulated by sterols. To study the requirement of the predominant fungal sterol, ergosterol, in syringomycin E action, the sterol composition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae sterol auxotroph strain FY-14 was modified and sensitivity to syringomycin E examined. Cells containing solely ergosterol, cholesterol, β-sitosterol or stigmasterol were sensitive to syringomycin E with the latter two being the most sensitive. Cells containing growth-promoting cholesterol were the most sensitive and those with growth-promoting ergosterol the least sensitive. It is concluded that sensitivity to syringomycin E is modulated by growth-promoting sterols and does not necessarily require ergosterol.
Hyperconcavity of the Lumbar Vertebral Endplates in the Elite Football Lineman

Background: Hyperconcavity of the vertebral endplates is a previously unreported radiologic phenomenon.Purpose: To analyze hyperconcavity of the vertebral endplates with expansion of the disk space in pre–National Football League lineman and to determine its clinical significance.Study Design: Descriptive anatomical study.Methods: Over a 2-year period (1992-1993), 266 elite football linemen were evaluated at the National Football League scouting combine held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Evaluation focused on the lumbosacral spine and included history, physical examination, and lateral radiographs. Measurements were taken of all the vertebral endplate defects of involved vertebrae and compared with an age-matched control group of 110 patients.Results: The analyzed data revealed the following: (1) hyperconcavity of the vertebral endplates appeared as a distinct entity in a high percentage of pre–National Football League lineman (33%) compared with age-matched controls (8%), (2) there was a trend toward a lower...
Synthesis and cationic photopolymerization of 1-butenyl ether monomers

A new series of cationically polymerizable mono-, di- and multifunctional 1-butenyl ether monomers have been prepared in high yields by the ruthenium catalyzed isomerization of the corresponding crotyl (2-butenyl) ethers. Their straightforward synthesis and high reactivity in photoinitiated cationic polymerization make these monomers highly attractive for a variety of applications. Cationic polymerization rate studies showed that these monomers exhibited comparable reactivity to their related vinyl and 1-propenyl ether analogues. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of large-scale non-Gaussian stochastic fields for the study of corrosion-induced structural deterioration

Abstract Since reinforced concrete structures are normally exposed to several environmental stressors during their service life, it is necessary to measure the extent of corrosion of structural components as a function of time. While a number of predictive models have been developed to evaluate the vulnerability of deteriorating components, most of them are unable to take into account the inherent uncertainties that exist in the corrosion process. To address this issue, a comprehensive finite-element framework is developed to incorporate various sources of uncertainty into the life-cycle predictive models. To consider the probabilistic aspects of the corrosion process, a number of large-scale Gaussian and non-Gaussian stochastic fields are generated using the Spectral Representation method. These fields reflect the spatial and temporal variability of the parameters that represent material properties, structural characteristics, exposure conditions, and limit state criteria. The generated stochastic fields are imported to the finite-element framework to update the corresponding element properties and boundary conditions at each step of analysis. The time-dependent likelihood of corrosion initiation is evaluated by comparing the distribution of chloride content with the expected threshold values. The probabilistic approach introduced in this study not only improves the current deterministic models, but also directly contributes to the procedures proposed for the life-cycle performance and cost assessment of deteriorating civil infrastructure components.
A note on D-optimal designs for a logistic regression model

Abstract We prove that a 2 point design suggested by Ford et al. ( J.Roy. Statist. Soc. Ser B54 (1992), 569–583 ) for a simple logistic regression model is D-optimal. We also propose designs which give efficient alternatives to the D-optimal designs and require less information on the parameters.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression: A three-stage model to guide treatment planning

This article describes a three-stage model that can be used to guide the cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression. During the first stage, the therapist establishes a sound therapeutic alliance, conducts a thorough assessment of depression, and uses differential diagnosis to guide the preliminary treatment plan. During the second stage, a series of modules are used to match the treatment plan with the particular needs of each client. The modules target different areas that are often related to depression: reduced activity, social impairment, ineffective coping, cognitive biases, problem-solving deficits, and inadequate self-esteem. During the third stage, depressed clients can learn specific strategies to reduce the risk of relapse and manage the possible recurrence of depressive feelings. The three-stage model promotes an integration of treatment strategies and allows the therapist to provide a structured treatment plan that remains responsive to the needs of each particular client.
Effect of Training on Upper-Extremity Prosthetic Performance and Motor Learning: A Single-Case Study

Abstract Dromerick AW, Schabowsky CN, Holley RJ, Monroe B, Markotic A, Lum P. Effect of training on upper-extremity prosthetic performance and motor learning: a single-case study. Objectives To examine the impact of a new prosthesis on an experienced and highly motivated prosthetic limb user, to evaluate the effects of training and the ability of clinical measures to detect change, and to gain insight into the mechanisms by which improvement occurs. Design A single-case study. Setting An outpatient clinic. Participant A bilateral high-arm amputee (right shoulder disarticulation, left above elbow). Interventions Provision of new prosthesis and occupational therapy. Main Outcome Measures Action Research Arm Test, box and block test of manual dexterity, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and speed and accuracy of reaching movements with and without visual guidance. Results In this experienced prosthesis user, provision of a new prosthesis led to an immediate worsening in functional limitation. With training, the subject recovered his baseline status and then exceeded it in both proximal and distal function. All study clinical measures detected change, but the change detected varied as much as 300-fold depending on the measure chosen. The clinical improvements were associated with modest improvements in the speed of reaching but not the accuracy of reaching under visual guidance. Improvements in reaching accuracy without visual guidance were seen after 10 trials, suggesting that some motor learning had occurred. Conclusions Provision of a new prosthesis can cause functional decline even in an experienced user; this decline can be reversed with training. There is wide variability in sensitivity to change among functional limitation measures. Although some training-related improvements may have been due to increased speed and accuracy of reaching without visual guidance, skill in prosthesis use also plays a role.
The Evolution of Organizational Design from Independent to Dependent Variable

The concept of organizational design is presented and the relationship between structure and process is discussed in the context of design. Three organizational design models and their characteristics are set forth. Principal contingency variables are identified and their relationships to organizational design are discussed. Evolution of organizational design as an independent variable to the role of a dependent variable is shown. Finally, system design based upon sociotechnical systems theory is identified and discussed.
G2/M arrest by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in ovarian cancer cells mediated through the induction of GADD45 via an exonic enhancer.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses the growth of multiple human cancer cell lines by inhibiting cell cycle progression and inducing cell death. The present study showed that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 causes cell cycle arrest at the G2/M transition through p53-independent induction of GADD45 in ovarian cancer cells. Detailed analyses have established GADD45 as a primary target gene for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. A DR3-type vitamin D response element was identified in the fourth exon of GADD45 that forms a complex with the vitamin D receptor·retinoid X receptor heterodimer in electrophoresis mobility shift assays and mediates the dose-dependent induction of luciferase activity by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in reporter assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays have shown that the vitamin D receptor is recruited in a ligand-dependent manner to the exonic enhancer but not to the GADD45 promoter regions. In ovarian cancer cells expressing GADD45 antisense cDNA or GADD45-null mouse embryo fibroblasts, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 failed to induce G2/M arrest. Taken together, these results identify GADD45 as an important mediator for the tumor-suppressing activity of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in human ovarian cancer cells.
A FAMILY OF TYPHOID CARRIERS.

DURING the first week of July 10 cases of typhoid were reported to the health officer of Columbia, Missouri. He appealed to the Public Health Laboratory for aid in finding the cause of the outbreak and the investigation brought forth an interesting story. All of the individuals affected were found to be patrons of a small dairy, operated under a trade name. The dairy was owned by the S. family which consisted of a father, mother, young daughter, a married son and his wife.
Modeling spatial dependence in high spatial resolution hyperspectral data sets

As either the spatial resolution or the spatial scale for a geographic landscape increases, both latent spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity also will tend to increase. In addition, the amount of georeferenced data that results becomes massively large. These features of high spatial resolution hyperspectral data present several impediments to conducting a spatial statistical analysis of such data. Foremost is the requirement of popular spatial autoregressive models to compute eigenvalues for a row-standardized geographic weights matrix that depicts the geographic configuration of an image's pixels. A second drawback arises from a need to account for increased spatial heterogeneity. And a third concern stems from the usefulness of marrying geostatistical and spatial autoregressive models in order to employ their combined power in a spatial analysis. Research reported in this paper addresses all three of these topics, proposing successful ways to prevent them from hindering a spatial statistical analysis. For illustrative purposes, the proposed techniques are employed in a spatial analysis of a high spatial resolution hyperspectral image collected during research on riparian habitats in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
Infusion of Glucose and Lipids at Physiological Rates Causes Acute Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Rat Liver

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has recently been implicated as a cause for obesity-related insulin resistance; however, what causes ER stress in obesity has remained uncertain. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that macronutrients can cause acute (ER) stress in rat liver. Examined were the effects of intravenously infused glucose and/or lipids on proximal ER stress sensor activation (PERK, eIF2-α, ATF4, Xbox protein 1 (XBP1s)), unfolded protein response (UPR) proteins (GRP78, calnexin, calreticulin, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), stress kinases (JNK, p38 MAPK) and insulin signaling (insulin/receptor substrate (IRS) 1/2 associated phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)) in rat liver. Glucose and/or lipid infusions, ranging from 23.8 to 69.5 kJ/4 h (equivalent to between ∼17% and ∼50% of normal daily energy intake), activated the proximal ER stress sensor PERK and ATF6 increased the protein abundance of calnexin, calreticulin and PDI and increased two GRP78 isoforms. Glucose and glucose plus lipid infusions induced comparable degrees of ER stress, but only infusions containing lipid activated stress kinases (JNK and p38 MAPK) and inhibited insulin signaling (PI3K). In summary, physiologic amounts of both glucose and lipids acutely increased ER stress in livers 12-h fasted rats and dependent on the presence of fat, caused insulin resistance. We conclude that this type of acute ER stress is likely to occur during normal daily nutrient intake.
Coordinated regulation of intracellular K+ in the proximal tubule: Ba2+ blockade down-regulates the Na+,K+-ATPase and up-regulates two K+ permeability pathways.

Abstract To avoid large changes in cell K+ content and volume during variations in Na+,K+-ATPase activity, Na+-transporting epithelia must adjust the rate of K+ exit through passive permeability pathways. Recent studies have shown that a variety of passive K+ transport mechanisms may coexist within a cell and may be functionally linked to the activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase. In this study, we have identified three distinct pathways for passive K+ transport that act in concert with the Na+,K+-ATPase to maintain intracellular K+ homeostasis in the proximal tubule. Under control conditions, the total K+ leak of the tubules consisted of discrete Ba2+-sensitive (approximately 65%), quinine-sensitive (approximately 20%), and furosemide-sensitive (approximately 10%) pathways. Following inhibition of the principal K+ leak pathway with Ba2+, the tubules adaptively restored cell K+ content to normal levels. This recovery of cell K+ content was inhibited, in an additive manner, by quinine and furosemide. Following adaptation to Ba2+, the tubules exhibited a 30% reduction in Na+-K+ pump rate coupled with an increase in K+ leak by means of the quinine-sensitive (approximately 70%) and furosemide-sensitive (approximately 280%) pathways. Thus, the proximal tubule maintains intracellular K+ homeostasis by the coordinated modulation of multiple K+ transport pathways. Furthermore, these results suggest that, like Ba2+, other inhibitors of K+ conductance will cause compensatory changes in both the Na+-K+ pump and alternative pathways for passive K+ transport.
On obtaining global nonlinear system characteristics through interpolated cell mapping

Abstract Period doubling bifurcations and fractal basin boundaries are investigated by means of Interpolated Cell Mapping (ICM). ICM is a new method to determine the continuous time trajectory of a nonlinear system by spatially discretizing the system and employing an interpolation procedure to estimate the system's response at any arbitrary point in phase space. The parameter values at which period doubling occurs for a Duffing's oscillator is found by both conventional time integration and two mapping techniques and the results compared. The ICM method is shown to very accurately determine the points of bifurcation. The dimension of a fractal basin boundary is determined by ICM and compared to an exact determination. The ICM procedure produces the same fractal dimension determination as the exact analysis but only requires one thousandth of the computation time.
Evidence that stem cells reside in the adult Drosophila midgut epithelium

In vertebrates, the cells of the intestine are continually replenished by multipotent stem cells. The discovery of a similar regime in the fruitfly Drosophila has come as a surprise, but a welcome one. With such a well developed genetic model to hand, it should be possible to make great strides in the study of normal and abnormal intestinal function. Adult stem cells maintain organ systems throughout the course of life and facilitate repair after injury or disease1. A fundamental property of stem and progenitor cell division is the capacity to retain a proliferative state or generate differentiated daughter cells2; however, little is currently known about signals that regulate the balance between these processes. Here, we characterize a proliferating cellular compartment in the adult Drosophila midgut. Using genetic mosaic analysis we demonstrate that differentiated cells in the epithelium arise from a common lineage. Furthermore, we show that reduction of Notch signalling leads to an increase in the number of midgut progenitor cells, whereas activation of the Notch pathway leads to a decrease in proliferation. Thus, the midgut progenitor's default state is proliferation, which is inhibited through the Notch signalling pathway. The ability to identify, manipulate and genetically trace cell lineages in the midgut should lead to the discovery of additional genes that regulate stem and progenitor cell biology in the gastrointestinal tract.
Differential roles of the insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors in response to insulin and IGF-I

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors are highly homologous tyrosine kinase receptors that share many common steps in their signaling pathways and have ligands that can bind to either receptor with differing affinities. To define precisely the signaling specific to the insulin receptor (IR) or the IGF-I receptor, we have generated brown preadipocyte cell lines that lack either receptor (insulin receptor knockout (IRKO) or insulin-like growth factor receptor knockout (IGFRKO)). Control preadipocytes expressed fewer insulin receptors than IGF-I receptors (20,000 versus 60,000), but during differentiation, insulin receptor levels increased so that mature adipocytes expressed slightly more insulin receptors than IGF-I receptors (120,000 versus 100,000). In these cells, insulin stimulated IR homodimer phosphorylation, whereas IGF-I activated both IGF-I receptor homodimers and hybrid receptors. Insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation was significantly impaired in IRKO cells but was surprisingly elevated in IGFRKO cells. IRS-2 phosphorylation was unchanged in either cell line upon insulin stimulation. IGF-I-dependent phosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 was ablated in IGFRKO cells but not in IRKO cells. In control cells, both insulin and IGF-I produced a dose-dependent increase in phosphorylated Akt and MAPK, although IGF-I elicited a stronger response at an equivalent dose. In IRKO cells, the insulin-dependent increase in phospho-Akt was completely abolished at the lowest dose and reached only 20% of the control stimulation at 10 nm. Most interestingly, the response to IGF-I was also impaired at low doses, suggesting that IR is required for both insulin- and IGF-I-dependent phosphorylation of Akt. Most surprisingly, insulin- or IGF-I-dependent phosphorylation of MAPK was unaltered in either receptor-deficient cell line. Taken together, these results indicate that the insulin and IGF-I receptors contribute distinct signals to common downstream components in response to both insulin and IGF-I.
Induced Ocular Pseudopemphigoid

Two patients with a clinical picture identical to idiopathic ocular cicatricial pemphigoid had received long-term (six to nine years) echothiophate iodide treatment for control of glaucoma in the affected eyes after cataract extraction. Basement membrane zone staining for IgG was seen in the conjunctiva of one affected eye. Decreased or absent goblet cells, epidermalization of the conjunctiva, fibroses, and abnormal numbers of inflammatory cells were seen in both affected eyes.
Implications of the NEAR mission for internal structure of Mathilde and Eros

Abstract The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) performed a flyby of the C-type main belt asteroid 253 Mathilde and an orbital study of the S-type near-Earth asteroid 433 Eros. These asteroid datasets provide a basis for inferences regarding physical properties and internal structure. The NEAR flyby of Mathilde revealed a heavily cratered surface with at least five giant craters (close to geometric saturation). Mathilde's density was unexpectedly low at 1.3 ± 0.3 g cm−3, indicating a high porosity. Such a high porosity may be consistent with a rubble pile structure and may favor a compressional style of cratering. There are structural features, such as a 20-km long scarp, and polygonal craters indicating that Mathilde is not completely strengthless. At least one of its structural components appears coherent over a few tens of km. NEARs study of Eros found an average density of 2.67 ± 0.03 g cm−3, almost uniform within the asteroid. Several lines of evidence suggest a globally consolidated internal structure: topographic features indicating tectonic deformations, regional scale linear features with related orientations, and structural control of craters in an intermediate size range. Eros is interpreted to be extensively fractured, but it was not disrupted and reaccumulated gravitationally. Some constraints can be placed on its strength. The consolidated interior must support a shear stress at least on the order of a few bars. Crater morphologies can be interpreted as suggesting a `strength' near the surface of a few tens of kPa. Macroscopic fractures within Eros should be filled with fines, so the low average density of Eros relative to ordinary chondrites is not simply explained by macroscopic void space.
Non-destructive observation of internal cracks in stressed rocks

Using x-rays and an electrostatic image method, images of internal cracks in a stressed specimen were developed as the stress was increased. Usually images were made after a stress drop occurred. There were some problems in interpretation. (LTN)
Epigenetic gene silencing in cancer

The classical theory of recessive oncogenesis predicted a mutational mechanism for the inactivation of tumor suppressor (TS) genes. This prediction has been amply confirmed, but an alternative, nonmutational, pathway for loss of TS gene activity has also come into focus. For some TS genes, this epigenetic pathway is more frequent than the mutational one. The best-studied DNA modification that correlates with epigenetic gene silencing is methylation of cytosine residues in CpG sequences, and CpG methylation has recently been linked to an even more general mechanism of epigenetic silencing, histone deacetylation. From a combination of descriptive studies and manipulative experiments, some hints of mechanisms for epigenetic silencing of TS genes in cancer cells are beginning to emerge. Here, I discuss several well-documented examples of epigenetic gene silencing in human cancers. I then consider potential mechanisms for de novo methylation of TS genes in cancer. These include spreading of DNA methylation from repetitive sequences into promoterassociated CpG islands secondary to loss of transcriptional activator proteins, gain of methylation secondary to hyperexpression of transcriptional repressors, primary hypermethylation due to hyperexpression of methyltransferases, and interallelic transfer of methylation via gene pairing. In some cancers, environmental pressures that select for a hypermethylating cellular phenotype may drive these processes. DNA methylation and heritable gene silencing Epigenetic gene silencing refers to nonmutational gene inactivation that can be faithfully propagated from precursor cells to clones of daughter cells. The addition of methyl groups to cytosine residues in CpG dinucleotides in DNA is a biochemical modification that meets this requirement. A very striking example of the potential for CpG methylation to be heritable is provided by epimutations in plants. Genes carrying epimutations cause morphological phenotypes to be transmitted from generation to generation, not based on any alteration in the
INTERLANGUAGE PRAGMATICS: EXPLORING INSTITUTIONAL TALK, Kathleen Bardovi-Harlig and Beverly Hartford (Eds.)

INTERLANGUAGE PRAGMATICS: EXPLORING INSTITUTIONAL TALK. Kathleen Bardovi-Harlig and Beverly Hartford (Eds.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2005. Pp. v + 230. $29.95 paper.This volume is an edited collection of recent research on institutional talk from an interlanguage pragmatics (ILP) perspective. It is targeted at ILP researchers, particularly those who have restricted themselves to the collection of elicited data. Its purpose is to demonstrate the value of and procedures for conducting research on institutional and workplace talk. The volume consists of an introduction, eight chapters (an overview chapter, six chapters on ILP research in institutions, and a final chapter that provides guidelines for conducting research in institutions), each with its own bibliographic references, and separate author and subject indexes.
How Offshore Outsourcing is Perceived: Why Do Some Consumers Feel More Threatened?

ABSTRACT As globalization intensifies, multinational companies are not only compelled to expand their operations, but are also facing greater pressure to enhance productivity and concomitant return on investment (ROI). One way to achieve cost efficiencies is by offshoring selected business operations to overseas firms. Such offshoring, however, has generated public concern and, in some cases, outrage. Angst against offshoring is based on many perceptions, including perceived job losses and damage to domestic industries. In the wake of this threat, multinational firms in Europe and North America confront a public relations problem in justifying their offshoring activities. Yet, no systematic study has investigated why some consumers feel threatened by offshoring while others do not. Our study addresses this concern by using Americans as a sample. We show that economic threat and consumer ethnocentrism have a negative impact on offshoring attitudes while perceived quality of services delivered by offshore f...
Genetic predisposition to carcinoma of the breast: Multiple human genotypes for estrogen 16 alpha hydroxylase activity in caucasians

The ratio of administered estrioVestrone or estradiol 178 modifies the uterotropic action of estrogen upon uterine growth i n spayed rodents in vivo and the binding of tritiated estrone or estradiol to uterine and mammary estrogen receptor proteins in vivo and in vitro. Caucasian women with untreated breast cancer excrete significantly lower urinary ratios of estrioVestrone + estradiol (estriol quotient, Eq) compared to age-matched noncancerous women. Pregnancy, which induces a 10-fold augmentation of estriol production from fetoplacental sources above that of estrone and estradiol, significantly reduces human breast cancer risk.
Solution of the radial equation for hydrogen atom: series solution or Laplace transform?

Different approaches to the solution of the radial equation for the hydrogen atom are examined. We point out several important issues: In the conventional series solution method, when two roots of the indicial equation are found to differ by an integer, there can be only one independent solution according to the known theorem; in the recent Laplace transform approach adopted by Shertzer, the asymptotic behaviour of the solution was implicitly assumed. We traced back the original treatment of Schrodinger and reviewed his rigorous Laplace transform approach. Finally, the suggestion of how to present this subject at different levels is discussed.
Molecular Evolution of Three Avian Neurotrophin Genes: Implications for Proregion Functional Constraints

Neurotrophin proteins are essential for the survival, differentiation, and maintenance of neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Recent studies have shown that the unprocessed proforms of the neurotrophins are preferential high-affinity ligands for p75NTR and potent inducers of p75(NTR)-mediated cell death. Here, we explore differences in the selective constraints acting on the proregions of the three avian neurotrophin genes--NT-3, BDNF, and NGF--in an explicit phylogenetic context. We found a 50-fold difference in levels of constraint as estimated by dN/ds ratios, with the NGF proregion showing the lowest degree of constraint and BDNF the highest. These patterns suggest that the high conservation exhibited by the BDNF proregion results from intense functional constraints that are relaxed in NGF and somewhat relaxed in NT-3. The proregion of BDNF is likely to have a function that differentiates it from the corresponding regions of the NGF and NT-3 genes, suggesting that BDNF is the avian neurotrophin most likely to be used both in its precursor and mature forms in vivo.
The Life History, Ecology, and Distribution of the Jackson Lake Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis robusta Walker 1908)

ABSTRACT We present here the known life history, ecology, and distribution of the Jackson Lake springsnail (Pyrgulopsis robusta) based on original research, field collected information, and review of the available literature from primary sources, government publications, and private industry reports. We report on the feeding, reproductive biology, life cycle, habitat use, and distribution of P. robusta in the northwestern United States.
Round-Efficient Broadcast Authentication Protocols for Fixed Topology Classes

We consider resource-constrained broadcast authentication for $n$ receivers in a static, known network topology. There are only two known broadcast authentication protocols that do not use asymmetric cryptography, one-time signatures, multi-receiver MACs, or time synchronization [1], [2]. Both these protocols require three passes of a message front traversing the network. We investigate whether this amount of interaction can be improved efficiently for specific common topology classes, namely, linear topologies, tree topologies and fully connected topologies. We show modifications to the protocols allowing them to complete in just two passes in the linear and fully connected cases with a small constant factor increase in per-node communication overhead, and a further optimization that achieves the equivalent of just a single pass in the linear case with $O(\log n)$ increase in per-node communication overhead. We also prove new lower bounds for round complexity, or the maximum number of consecutive interactions in a protocol. We show that protocols with efficient per-node communication overhead (polylogarithmic in $n$) must require at least $2\log n$ rounds in any topology; this implies that our two-pass protocol in the fully-connected topology requires the fewest possible passes, and this bound is asymptotically tight for the full-duplex communication model. Furthermore, we show that communication-efficient protocols must take asymptotically more than $2\log n$ rounds on trees; this implies that that there are some tree topologies for which two passes do not suffice and the existing three-pass algorithms may be optimal.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor regulates fibrinogen gene expression in hepatocytes by binding to the interleukin-6 receptor

Abstract Treatment of primary rat hepatocytes with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) resulted in increased fibrinogen mRNA levels and protein expression in a time- and dose- dependent manner. The stimulation was similar to but not as potent as the response observed with interleukin-6 (IL-6). Equilibrium binding studies using radioiodinated CNTF revealed approximately 1,900 binding sites per cell with a binding affinity of 1.6 - 2.0 nM, indicating the presence of specific CNTF receptors on the hepatocyte surface. Binding of CNTF to the hepatocyte surface could be competed by IL-6. Additionally, IL-6 binding was also competed by CNTF, although not entirely. These findings suggest that the CNTF-induced stimulation of fibrinogen gene expression occurs, at least in part, by this cytokine′s interaction with the IL-6 receptor.
Technical Analysis on Lignite Drying Technology with High Temperature Flue Gas

The procedure and system of drum drying technology are introduced for lignite drying and upgrading with high temperature flue gas. The total moisture and inherent moisture of lignite decrease significantly after being dried and the lower heat value (LHV) increases greatly, which means that the quality of lignite is improved obviously. Both the moisture and air dried volatile of the dried product coal decrease gradually when increasing the drum inlet temperature. However, only the moisture decreases and the volatile varies little when increasing the drum outlet temperature.The rotating speed of drum will make a few impact on the drying degree. Because the combustion load and the drying output will affect each other, it is recommended that the independent pulverized coal system is added. The key factors affecting the system material balance are the ratio of fine-grained powder and lower heat value. The appropriate ratio of fine-grained powder is suggested. The inert atmosphere feeding system which can control the oxygen content independently must be designed.
REPAIR REPLICATION IN CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS AFTER DAMAGE FROM ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

— After irradiation with u.v. light, Chinese hamster cells perform repair replication of their DNA. Small numbers of nucleosides are inserted into DNA, such that when BrUdR is used there is no detectable change in density. Repair replication begins immediately after irradiation, but it decelerates steadily and at least half is complete within 4 hr. Repair replication saturates above 200 ergs/mm2 at a level which represents 0.055 per cent replacement of all thymine sites in 4 hr. Repair replication in mammalian cells, in contrast to that in microorganisms, does not appear to replace pyrimidine dimers excised from DNA in acid soluble form, and neither repair nor semiconservative replication discriminates between BrUdR and TdR.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Kidney Injury

The potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, also called mesenchymal stromal cells) in endogenous repair and cell-based therapies for acute kidney injury (AKI) is under intensive investigation. Preclinical studies indicate that administered MSCs both ameliorate renal injury and accelerate repair. These versatile cells home to sites of injury, where they modulate the repair process. The mechanisms responsible for their protective and regenerative effects are incompletely understood. Some have reported that MSCs are capable of direct engraftment into injured nephrons under certain circumstances. This is highly controversial, however, and even those who argue there is engraftment acknowledge that the primary means of repair by these cells most likely involves paracrine and endocrine effects, including mitogenic, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic influences. There is a good deal of interest in MSCbased approaches for the treatment of human kidney injury, thanks to positive preclinical results, the strong clinical need for novel therapies to treat AKI, the ease of isolation and expansion of MSCs, and encouraging preliminary clinical trial results in other fields. This review summarizes current knowledge and identifies gaps in our understanding of MSC biology that will need to be filled in order to translate recent discoveries into therapies for AKI in humans.