cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delta function is required for bristle organ determination and morphogenesis in Drosophila.

Abstract Analyses of Delta (Dl) temperature-sensitive mutants reveal that reductions in Dl function during metamorphosis of Drosophila melanogaster can lead to multiplication or loss of bristle organs on the adult notum, depending on the developmental interval during which such mutants are pulsed at restrictive temperature. Site-dependent macrochaeta multiplication or loss results from pulses 0-21 hr after puparium formation (APF). Microchaeta multiplication results from pulses 7-30 hr APF, while microchaeta loss results from pulses 24-47 hr APF. Supernumerary bristle organs that develop in Dl mutants consist of the normal complement of trichogen, tormogen, neuron, and thecogen cells, and appear to arise due to the specification of supernumerary bristle first-order precursor (pI) cells within proneural groups in the developing notum. Loss of complete bristle organs in Dl mutants is correlated with the differentiation of all four progeny of the pI cell into neurons. We conclude that Dl function is required for cellular interactions central to the correct specification of pI cells within proneural groups, as well as for morphogenesis of the bristle organ itself.
Nominal debt, default costs, and output

Abstract This essay analyzes how nominal debt commitments and default incidence interact in the determination of output. It specifies an environment in which concern about the deflationary impact of recessions is well-founded. It is shown that feedback exists between real and monetary shocks, microeconomic outcomes, and macroeconomic performance. The mechanisms for this feedback are the contractual relationships between agents, the state of bankruptcy, and financial intermediaries who disseminate dead-weight default costs to the macroeconomy.
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING SURVEY OF U.S. ENGINEERS AND CONSTRUCTORS

This article summarizes an investigation to determine which areas in the training of U.S. expatriate engineers and constructors are viewed by foreign engineers and construction personnel as inadequate, and to provide information on the areas that are affecting the competitiveness of U.S. firms in the global marketplace. This paper presents information generated by a study of working relationships of foreign and U.S. engineering and construction professionals. The main objective is to quantify evaluations performed by foreign nationals from engineering and construction firms from three East Asian countries, who worked on joint venture projects, or as consultants to U.S. firms, and to determine whether the training that U.S. engineering and construction professionals receive prior to overseas assignments is adequate to prepare them to work in foreign environments. This study also addresses the issue of whether the perceptions of foreign nationals differ by their occupation, by working relationship with U.S....
Some spectroscopic problems of the interstellar medium

Abstract There is approximately as much material in the solar neighborhood between the stars in the form of dust and gas as there is concentrated in the stars. The absorption spectrum of this interstellar material, besides continuous scattering by dust particles, contains (a) sharp absorption lines of cosmically abundant atoms and diatomic molecules, and (b) a number of diffuse absorption bands whose carrier has not yet been identified. A survey of the various mechanisms that have been proposed for molecule formation in space indicates that the evidence favors association in two-body collisions, although there are some difficulties. The interstellar abundances and isotope ratios of the light elements Li, Be, and B have considerable bearing on current hypotheses of nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution, but a great deal more observational work is required. The lines of Be are the best situated with respect to terrestrial observation, while B is essentially hopeless, and work on Li is hampered by a very unfavorable degree of ionization. The combination of spectroscopic observations from outside the atmosphere with terrestrial work pressed to the very limit will certainly clarify some of the outstanding problems in this field.
Prevalence and characteristics of restless legs syndrome in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Background Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have an increased prevalence of risk factors for restless legs syndrome (RLS). We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and characteristics of RLS in this population. Methods Patients filled out two questionnaires during a visit: (1) a diagnostic tool for RLS, based on the core clinical features; and (2) a 10-question rating scale used to assess severity. Data were obtained by medical record review with regard to demographics, characteristics of PH and known RLS risk factors. Results Restless legs syndrome was found in 43.6% (24 of 55) (mean age ± SD: 49 ± 14 years; 41 women, 14 men) of patients and 54% of these had moderate or severe RLS. Patients with RLS were younger but gender differences were not appreciated. Presence of RLS did not correlate with measures of PH severity; however, patients with RLS were more likely to have a better 6-minute walk distance (p = 0.015) and lower BNP level (p = 0.07) and less likely to be WHO Class IV or require oxygen during the 6-minute walk test. Patients with a history of hypothyroidism (67%; p = 0.04) and those on opioids for relief of leg pain (69%) were more likely to have RLS. Conclusions Patients with PH had a very high prevalence of RLS and most had moderate or severe symptoms. RLS was more common in more active patients and those who were hypothyroid or on opioids for relief of leg pain. Patients with PH should be screened for RLS because good treatment options are available.
Substituted biurets as uranophilic ligands: a facile DMSO-induced conversion of a 1:1 into a 2:1 uranyl-ligand complex

Abstract 1,5-Bis[6-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-3-thioureido)-2-pyridindiyl]biuret and uranyl acetate gave a crystalline 1:1 uranyl-ligand complex which, on crystallization from DMSO, underwent rearrangement to a crystalline 2:1 uranyl-ligand complex and a stoichiometric amount of the uncomplexed ligand. Spectral characteristics of these ligands and their uranyl complexes together with single crystal X-ray data for the uranyl-ligand complexes are described.
Cytokinin enhancement of the light induction of nitrate reductase transcript levels in etiolated barley leaves.

To investigate the molecular mechanism of cytokinin regulation of nitrate reductase (NR) activity, the influence of benzyladenine (BA) on the level of NR transcript was studied in etiolated barley leaves using a barley NR cDNA as a probe. Northern blot analyses of the levels of NR poly (A)+ RNA indicate that the amount present is proportional to the concentration of BA (2×10-8 to 2×10-4 M) applied to the leaves. Enhancement of NR mRNA by 2×10-5 M BA was clearly detected after 15 minutes of exposure of the leaves to light. The enhancement is cytokinin-specific and adenine is ineffective. Brief treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, inhibited BA-enhanced NR activity but did not inhibit BA-enhanced NR transcript level, thus the enhancement was independent of concurrent protein synthesis. Nuclear runoff transcription studies showed that the enhancement of NR mRNA was at least partially due to increased transcription rates.
Electrodermal responses and tolerance thresholds for pure tones.

Electrodermal responses were utilized to determine tolerance thresholds for pure tones. Tones varying in intensity from 70 to 130 dB SPL were presented 4000 at 1000, and 125 Hz respectively. Results indicated that amplitude of electrodermal responses increased with increased intensity and that responses at 1000 and 4000 Hz were consistent with previously reported subjective levels of discomfort. Levels of discomfort were never reached at 125 Hz. The results suggest that amplitude of electrodermal responses may be utilized to indicate thresholds of tolerance.
Bacterial translocation in clinical intestinal transplantation.

Infectious complications and sepsis are associated with high morbidity and mortality in human and experimental small bowel transplantation.1 Enteric microflora is thought to play an important role in the genesis of these infections. The transit of viable bacteria through the intestinal epithelium into the lamina propria, and consequently to the mesenteric lymph nodes, peritoneal cavity, and other previously sterile tissues, is called bacterial translocation (BT). Translocation of microorganisms from the GI tract has been demonstrated in animal and human studies.2,3 Although BT has been suggested to be the mechanism responsible for the high rate of infections occurring after clinical small bowel transplantation (SBTx), data are not available. Bacterial overgrowth, alteration of the mucosal barrier function, consequence of preservation injury or acute rejection (AR), and the use of potent immunosuppression have all been considered responsible for BT in SBTx.4–6 The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of BT with these events.
Symptomatic os trigonum in children.

Abstract Background Symptomatic os trigonum is a rare condition well described in adults responsible for chronic ankle pain. To date there is no published case of successfully managed symptomatic os trigonum in children. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 4 paediatric patients (11–17) successfully operated on for a symptomatic os trigonum through a postero medial approach. One case was bilateral. Results Pain relief was postoperatively obtained in all cases. All of the patients were able to return to physical activities after 3 months. The mean follow up was 12 months. Conclusion Symptomatic os trigonum may be responsible for chronic ankle pain in children and adolescents as well as in adults. The surgical treatment is effective in children.
Oligomerization of hamster UDP-GlcNAc:dolichol-P GlcNAc-1-P transferase, an enzyme with multiple transmembrane spans

Hamster UDP-GlcNAc:dolichol-P GlcNAc-1-P transferase (GPT), which initiates N-linked glycosylation by catalyzing the synthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol, has multiple transmembrane spans and a catalytic site that probably exists on the cytosolic face of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane (Dan, N., Middleton, R. M., and Lehrman, M. A. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 30717–30725). In this report, we demonstrate that GPT forms functional oligomers, probably dimers. Oligomers were detected by chemical cross-linking of GPT and by a dominant-negative effect caused by co-expression of enzymatically inactive (but properly folded) GPT mutants. The GPT mutants had no effect on two other dolichol-P-dependent endoplasmic reticulum enzymes. Mixing experiments indicated that mature GPT was competent for oligomerization. Oligomerization appeared to be favored in detergent extracts compared with intact microsomes. Detergent treatments were found to prevent, rather than promote, nonspecific aggregation of GPT. These results demonstrate that GPT subunits can physically interact and influence each other. The implications of oligomerization for enzyme function are discussed. From these results, we conclude that GPT is one of a very small number of multitransmembrane span enzymes that can form multimers.
Agglutination of Naegleria fowleri by human serum.

AbstractThe capability of 154 serum samples from pediatric outpatients and 101 samples from adults to agglutinate amoebae of Naegleria fowleri nN68 was assessed. Sera from all 19 infants tested had an agglutination titer of 1:4 or less; sera of toddlers had a median agglutination titer of 1:8 and those of adults, 1:16. Only 13 of 154 serum samples from children had titers of 1:32 or 1:64; 7 of these high titered sera were from the 38 asthmatic children. Selected sera were found to give comparable titers when assayed against eight other strains of N. fowleri. Agglutination activity was removed by absorption with N. fowleri but not by absorption with N. gruberi. The agglutinating activity was specific for the human pathogenic N. fowleri. The ubiquitous free-living N. gruberi was not the immunogen responsible for the agglutinating activity in human serum.
Zinc homeostasis in 1–4 year olds consuming diets typical of US children

Few data have evaluated Zn balance in young children after the first year of life. The objective of the present study was to study the relationships among Zn intake, absorption, endogenous faecal excretion, and retention in a group of healthy children. Thirty children, aged 15‐48 months, were studied on a diet representative of their usual daily mineral intake. Zn absorption was assessed using a dual-tracer stable-isotope technique. Endogenous Zn faecal excretion and Cu absorption were determined in a subset of children. We found that Zn intake from the in-patient weighed dietary record (5·0 (SD 2·1) mg/d) was significantly greater than the current estimated average requirement (EAR; 2·5mg/d; P,0·0001). Neither fractional Zn absorption, urinary Zn excretion, nor endogenous faecal Zn excretion was significantly related to Zn intake (r 2 ,0·1; P.0·4, for all). Absolute Zn absorption was significantly related to Zn intake (r 2 0·696; P,0·0001), as was Zn retention (r 2 0·506; P,0·0001). Cu absorption was relatively high (75·1 (SD 10·8) %) despite the high Zn intake. The EAR for Zn based on this dataset would appear to be between 4·2 and 4·7mg/d to allow for a net average retention of 120mg/d consistent with growth needs. We concluded that at relatively high Zn intakes there was little evidence of down regulation of absorption or up regulation of urinary or endogenous faecal Zn excretion across the intake range studied. Zn retention was positively correlated with intake. A Zn intake between 4·2 and 4·7mg/d should meet the requirement for normal growth for this age group. Children: Copper absorption: Mineral homeostasis: Nutrient requirements: Zinc absorption
Leadership in a Changing Environment: A Leadership Model for Child Welfare

Numerous studies have shown that a comprehensive and unifying leadership model, with an associated defined set of leadership competencies, has largely been absent from the field of human services. In the complex and turbulent field of child welfare, leadership skills are necessary at all levels of the agency. The purpose of this article is to describe a leadership model specific to child welfare developed by the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI) and to provide examples of how its application in a national training and capacity-building program has led to personal leadership development and systems change.
Assessment and diagnosis of sexual addiction

Abstract As many as 20 million people in the United States are affected by sexual addiction. However, few clinicians assess for its existence, and most nursing program curricula are not addressing this phenomenon. Sexual addiction often coexists with substance addiction, and both can be destructive to persons and families. Clinicians who recognize the risk factors for possible sexual addiction, often revealed in the initial psychiatric assessment, can further assess for its existence in patients. The authors present an algorithm to enhance clinicians' abilities to recognize, assess, and diagnose sexual addiction during a substance addiction assessment. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [2002]. 8, 143-51.)
Aryl Ethynyl Terminated Imide Oligomers and Their Cured Polymers

As part of a program to develop resins for high-performance/high-temperature aerospace structural applications, preliminary neat resin properties of naphthylethynyl terminated imide oligomers were determined and compared with the corresponding phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomers. Prior to oligomer work, four naphthylethynyl and phenylethynyl phthalimide and four naphthylethynyl and phenylethynyl naphthalimide model compounds were prepared and their thermal properties compared. The naphthylethynyl end-caps in N-phenyl- or N-naphthylphthalimide model compounds reacted at a lower temperature than the phenylethynyl end-cap in the same compounds, as previously reported. In contrast to these results, replacement of the phthalimide groups with naphthalimide groups showed that the phenylethynyl end-cap reacted at a lower temperature than the naphthylethynyl end-cap. Four aryl ethynyl terminated imide oligomers having the same imide backbone and molecular weight but different terminal units were prepared and the properties of the cured polymers compared. Phenyiethynyl end-capped or naphthylethynyl end-capped oligomers, cured at 340 or 371 °C, exhibited similar tensile properties in thin films. The chemistry and properties of these materials are presented.
The RCRA Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP): A Concept for a New Method

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has committed to reexamining its use of the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The TCLP was developed to support the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Toxicity Characteristic (40 CFR 261.24) and to help predict whether toxic constituents of solid wastes would be mobilized upon their contact with municipal waste leachate. The method involves a batch extraction test in which wastes are exposed to an aqueous liquid designed to simulate the solvent properties of municipal waste leachates. The resulting extract (i.e., TCLP leachate) is analyzed for the presence of various organic and inorganic contaminants. This article presents a concept for a new method that addresses a number of critical design criteria. The concept is based on a preliminary method developed by the authors as part of a work group chaired by the American Society for Testing and Materials. 2001 © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
THE FLIGHT FROM THE FEN: THE PREHISTORIC MIGRATIONS OF THE BOIKEN OF THE EAST SEPIK PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

This paper has two goals. Its specific aim is to establish the prehistoric migrations of the Boiken people of the East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, using a large corpus of Boiken settlement histories supplemented by linguistic, genetic, and ecological data. In the course of the analysis, a method of applying cluster techniques to detect underlying directional patterns in settlement histories is demonstrated. The migration history thus revealed fits well with the picture of Middle Sepik prehistory emerging from recent geoarchaeological research. At a more general level, the paper seeks to verify that the spatial aspects of Boiken settlement traditions are indeed historically accurate. This finding is of intrinsic importance for anyone attempting to understand the construction of ethno-historical knowledge, and particularly for regional analysts and historical ethnographers, who are often faced with reconstructing the diachronic dimensions of ethnography in regions of New Guinea where archaeological research is little developed. In the case of the Boiken, the migrations that emerge from ethnohistory help resolve the puzzle of why the symbolic culture of the Ndu-speaking Yangoru Boiken exhibits much closer affinities to that of the Torricelli-speaking Mountain Arapesh than that of any Ndu-speaking group, including some of the Boiken dialect groups to the southeast.
Molecular Structure of the Apical Junction Complex and Its Contribution to the Paracellular Barrier

The major focus of this review is on the molecular structure and functions of proteins that are involved in the formation of tight intercellular junctions and some methods used to modulate intercellular junctions. Tight junctions are a barricade for paracellular delivery of molecules such as peptides and proteins. Understanding the molecular structure and functions of intercellular junction proteins may provide the possibility of systematically designing molecules that can regulate tight junctions. Regulation of proteins involved in the formation of intercellular junctions may open avenues to modulating the porosity of intercellular junctions to improve paracellular drug delivery.
Direct determination of absolute monolayer coverages of chemisorbed C2H2 and C2H4 on Si(100)

A convenient kinetic uptake method has been employed to determine the absolute saturation monolayer coverage of C2H2 and C2H4 on a Si(100)(2×1) surface. Such measurements are important for postulating the structure of the chemisorbed hydrocarbon species on this surface. The saturation surface coverage for both chemisorbed molecules at 105 K is 2.5(±0.2)×1014 molecules/cm2 . This number is consistent with 1 hydrocarbon molecule per Si dimer site at monolayer coverage when the role of surface defects on Si(100) is considered. A di‐σ bonding model for both molecules is proposed at saturation coverage.
Magnetic surface states on Fe(001)

The direct observation of magnetic surface states on Fe(001) is reported. A spin-polarized angle-resolved photoemission study identifies a minority surface resonance at {bar {Gamma}} (2.40-eV binding energy) and a minority surface state at {ital {bar X}} (2.25-eV binding energy) in the surface Brillouin zone. The majority counterpart of the minority surface resonance is not observed. Good agreement with 7- and 13-layer full-potential linearized-augmented-plane-wave calulations is found for the minority {bar {Gamma}} to {ital {bar X}} surface band. In addition, the 13-layer slab calculation is found to more correctly model the decay of the surface resonance into the bulk in contrast to the 7-layer slab where size effects play a role.
Protein kinase C signals thromboxane induced increases in fibronectin synthesis and TGF-β bioactivity in mesangial cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that thromboxane (TX) stimulates matrix protein synthesis in mesangial cells (MC), and that this action is signalled by receptor mediated activation of protein kinase C (PKC). In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that activation of PKC by TX signals increases in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) bioactivity, which in turn induces enhanced matrix protein synthesis. In cultured rat MC, the TXA2/prostaglandin endoperoxide analogue U-46619, but not exogenous human platelet TGF-beta 1, activated PKC as reflected by enhanced in situ phosphorylation of MARCKS protein, an endogenous substrate of PKC. U-46619 and TGF-beta 1 stimulated fibronectin (Fn) synthesis in MC, as shown by [35S]methionine incorporation into immunoprecipitable Fn. Pan-specific rabbit anti-TGF-beta antibody blocked the increases in Fn synthesis induced by exogenous TGF-beta and those induced by U-46619 at 24 to 72 hours after addition. Anti-TGF-beta antibody did not block the small increases in FN synthesis observed six hours after addition of U-46619, suggesting that this acute response was not dependent on TGF-beta. Anti-TGF-beta antibody also failed to block activation of PKC by U-46619. U-46619 and 50 nM of the PKC agonist phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) significantly increased both the active fraction and total (latent plus active) TGF-beta in MC culture media, as assayed with the mink lung epithelial cell bioassay system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
POSITIONAL AND SEASONAL VARIATION IN OAK (QUERCUS; FAGACEAE) LEAF MORPHOLOGY

Within-tree and seasonal variation in quantitative characters of oak leaves were evaluated by factorial analysis of variance. All linear and areal measurements illustrate marked withintree and seasonal variation. Numbers of lobes and bristle tips and primary vein angle appear relatively stable within trees and among seasons. In many instances, size-correction reduces both within-tree and seasonal variance to nonsignificant levels. However, all characters do not illustrate the same trends either within trees or across the seasons. The results have important implications for those attempting to evaluate among-tree and among-population variation.
Chemical potentials and adsorption isotherms of polymers confined between parallel plates

Abstract We present the results of Monte Carlo simulations of chains confined in a very narrow slit, in the limit of strongly attractive walls. Simulations are performed in the canonical ensemble, and the chain increment method of Kumar ( Phys. Rev. Lett. , 66 , 2935, 1991) is applied to obtain the chemical potentials of the polymers in the pore and the bulk. Results are summarized in three groups: conformation of chains inside the pore, chemical potentials of confined polymers and adsorption isotherms. Due to the proximity between the walls and the strong attraction they exert on the polymers, a strong bridging effect is observed. The incremental chemical potential of a chain in the pore becomes independent of chain length for long chains, as seen previously for chains in the bulk. The influence of the pore width on the adsorption behavior is also discussed.
A Controllable Automated Environmental Data Acquisition and Monitoring System

A real-time data acquisition and monitoring system was developed for coastal oceanographic parameter measurements. This system continuously measures profiles of temperature, conductivity, current velocity and direction as a function of depth at a number of fixed off-shore locations. The data acquisition, monitoring and control system features make this system generally suitable for unattended area monitoring applications.
Trailer fleet planning for industrial gas distribution

For industrial gas providers, fleet planning is important to their financial and operational performance. This article considers long-term vehicle purchase decisions, medium-term vehicle relocation decisions, and short-term rental decisions that are useful for increasing flexibility to meet time-varying demand. A mixed-integer programming model is developed to minimize total distribution costs and fleet investment costs over multiple time periods and multiple depots. To solve the industrial-sized problem efficiently, a two-phase approach is proposed. In Phase I, routes are generated to capture the characteristics of typical gas delivery operations. A reduced model is solved to select routes for meeting customer demands, estimate distribution costs, and determine the preferred fleet size. Phase II addresses the trailer purchase, relocation, and rental decisions based on the outputs of Phase I. The numerical studies, conducted using a data set from a leading industrial gas company, demonstrate the effective...
The Effect of Ambient Pressure on Flame Spread Over Thin Cellulosic Fuel in a Quiescent, Microgravity Environment

Results from recently conducted experiments on flame spread over a thin cellulosic fuel in a quiescent, microgravity environment of a 50/50 volumetric mixture of oxygen and nitrogen (oxygen mass fraction 0.53) at three different pressures-101, 152, and 203 kPa (1, 1.5, and 2.0 atm)-are analyzed. The results are compared with established theoretical results and two different computational flame spread models : one that includes gas-phase radiation, and one that does not. The spread rate behavior from experiment, i.e., an increase of spread rate with pressure, is consistent with the theoretical model that includes gas-phase radiation, and side-view photographs of the flames compare favorably with two-dimensional temperature contours produced computationally from the same model. In contrast, neither the dependence of spread rate on pressure nor the flame shape can be predicted with favorable comparison to experiment if radiation is neglected.
The Demand for Money in a Small Open Economy: The Case of Switzerland

The paper uses cointegration analysis to investigate the demand for money in Switzerland in the context of an open economy. It considers the general process of financial asset substitution and tests for the relevance of an exchange rate and a foreign interest rate variable in a conventional money demand equation. The results show that the variables entering into the demand for either monetary base or narrow money equation may not form a cointegrated system unless the exchange rate or foreign interest rate variable is included. This provides support to both the currency substitution and capital mobility hypotheses.
TBM performance prediction using rock fracture parameters

Rock cutting with a tunnel boring machine (tbm) involves the indentation of a rock surface by cutting tools, which are mounted in an array on the front of a cutterhead. A simplistic view of a tbm would be that of a machine which generates thrust to push the cutterhead forward and supplies torque to turn the cutterhead against the tangential forces resisting cutting tool motion and indentation. This note describes the nature of rock-tool interaction during cutting indentation. Parameters to describe tbm performance are defined, and the importance of using case history studies to identify optimum tbm performance is discussed. Rock comminution effected by a tbm is accomplished by the propagation of fractures which release rock chips. This fracture mechanism suggests that excavation efficiency should be linked to fracture material properties. The results of a preliminary investigation into the correlation between intact rock fracture properties and the performance of tbms involved in actual construction projects are given. (TRRL)
Steadying the boat: integrating mechanisms of membrane and nuclear-steroid-receptor signalling.

The 2004 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Summer Research Conference on ‘Steroid Hormone Receptors: Integration of Plasma Membrane‐ and Nuclear‐Initiated Signalling in Hormone Action’ took place from 31 July to 5 August, 2004, in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and was organized by R. Pietras, E. Levin and M. Farach‐Carson ![][1] This unifying conference provided new insights into the connections between the membrane and nuclear cellular actions of the main classes of steroid hormone receptors (progesterone, oestrogen, androgen, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid), and other important members of the nuclear receptor superfamily (receptors for thyroid hormone (TH) and vitamin D). Speakers at the conference addressed important questions about the characteristics and actions of steroid membrane receptors, many of which remain unresolved. The topics ranged from the cell biology of sex steroids in hormonally responsive cancers to new aspects of steroid receptor (SR) signalling at non‐classical sites of action. Here, we present highlights from the meeting that address ‘burning questions’ about the integration of membrane‐ and nuclear‐receptor‐initiated signalling. We concentrate primarily on new information about the characteristics of membrane SRs, their relationship to their nuclear counterparts and new experimental approaches for addressing these issues. ### What are the general features of membrane SR actions? Almost 30 years ago, Richard Pietras and Clara Szego reported that cell‐surface forms of oestrogen receptors (ERs) were coupled to the rapid activation of intracellular signalling pathways (Pietras & Szego, 1975, 1977); this finding ‘rocked the boat’ in a field that was dominated by the study of transcription. Since that time, some general concepts that characterize the so‐called membrane‐initiated or rapid actions of SRs have emerged. These actions occur on a timescale of milliseconds to minutes and alter the levels or activities of signalling molecules, such as lipids, ions, enzymes or protein complexes. They are therefore separable from the transcriptional activities of their classically defined (nuclear) receptors, although … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Infectious complications of neoplastic disease

Progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of infection in patients with neoplastic disease. Among the advances is the appreciation that certain opportunistic infections occur in association with particular host immune defects and epidemiologic factors. Such immune defects are seen secondary to or as a consequence of treatment for the patient's basic disease. Improved methods such as serology, open lung biopsy, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy have allowed for earlier diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections. The development of empiric antibiotic regimens, particularly aminoglycosides and the antipseudomonal penicillins, have improved the outcome in the febrile neutropenic patient. The benefits of protective environments have been challenged; prophylactic antibiotics and various forms of immunotherapy are of interest but remain investigational.
Combined translational-rotational jumps in solid α -CO

Combined translational-rotational jumps of CO molecules have been measured with the use of $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ NMR in $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-CO solid. A molecule which jumps to a neighboring site in the $\mathrm{Pa}3$ structure reorients because of the orientationally ordered nature of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-CO. The reorientations were detected at high fields through the modulation of the chemical shift anisotropy; line narrowing, spin echoes, and stimulated echoes were used. The translational jumps modulated the dipolar interactions and were studied at low fields with line narrowing and ${T}_{1D}$ measurements. The rates of translations and rotations agree, confirming that they are two aspects of one motion. The rate of motion is described by the Arrhenius expression; the high prefactor of 2 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is shown to be related to that seen in the similar solid ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$O. The activation energy of 2100 K also agrees via corresponding states with that of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$O.
Identification of an OmpA Protein from Bacteroides fragilis: omp A Gene Sequence, OmpA Amino Acid Sequence and Predictions of Protein Structure

Abstract The 41 kDa heat-modifiable OmpA-like protein from Bacteroides fragilis ATCC 25285 was purified and tryptic peptide sequences were used to design degenerate oligonucleotide primers which were then used in amplification and identification of the omp A gene. The omp A gene was cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession Number AY028459). Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1188 bases. The deduced amino acid sequence (which contained the experimentally determined peptide sequences) has 395 amino acids; the mature protein consists of 376 amino acids, has a predicted MW of 41 448 and a theoretical pI of 7.95. It is preceded by 19 amino acids that correspond to elements typical of a signal peptide sequence, including the Lys-Lys sequence near the N-terminus followed by a hydrophobic region (LLALAGV). The C-terminus of B. fragilis OmpA is homologous to the highly characteristic OmpA signature domain (75% similarity with the OmpA consensus domain). Three-dimensional modeling of B. fragilis OmpA predicts an eight-stranded β-barrel; the predicted loops are in agreement with those predicted as hydrophilic maxima in hydrophobicity plots. B. fragilis OmpA was cloned into pET-27b(+) and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3)pLysS. The recombinant B. fragilis OmpA was recovered from inclusion bodies, solubilized in 8 M urea and refolded in 4 mM Zwittergent 3-14. Recombinant, refolded B. fragilis OmpA was active in a liposome assay (swelling rate for arabinose was 0.495/5.6μg protein) and preliminary analysis indicated that channels of three sizes were formed in a black lipid bilayer assay. This is the first description of an ompA homolog in Bacteroides.
The generalized cone in human spatial organization

The generalized cone is one of the newer concepts useful for describing spatial structures, and it has become popular as a volumetric primitive in models of object recognition. Apart from this use of the concept (or perhaps underlying it), the generalized cone can be considered a species of spatial regularity. In the general definition of symmetry as invariance across transformation, the generalized cone is a combination of translation and dilation symmetry. In such symmetry, there is homogeneity both of the slants of edges and surfaces of an object about an axis and the radial positions of these features about the axis. The results of two research projects are reviewed suggesting that the generalized cone is useful in human spatial organization. In the first instance, each of the three simpler regular polyhedra, the Platonic Solids, are easiest to perceive and imagine when they are organized as generalized cones. In the second instance, people imagine simple rotations best when the symmetric space that would be traced by the motion is aligned with salient spatial reference systems.
Human chorionic gonadotropin and 8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate stimulate [125I]low density lipoprotein uptake and metabolism by luteinized human granulosa cells in culture

In nonsteroidogenic cells, cellular cholesterol requirements and sterol availability determine low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression and LDL metabolism. We wished to learn if hCG and cAMP increase LDL metabolism by cultured luteinized human granulosa cells and whether this increase is dependent on enhanced metabolism of cellular cholesterol stores to steroid. Granulosa cells were cultured for 48 h in medium containing 20% human male serum and then for 48 h in serum- and hormone-free medium. The cells then received either fresh medium (no additions) or one of the following treatments: 500 mIU hCG/ml, 1.5 mM 8-bromo-cAMP, 100 micrograms aminoglutethimide (AG)/ml to inhibit cholesterol metabolism to steroid hormones, hCG plus AG, or 8-bromo-cAMP plus AG. After 6-48 h of exposure to tropic agents, specific metabolism of [125I]LDL was determined. hCG and 8-bromo-cAMP significantly increased (P less than 0.05) the amount of [125I]LDL bound (2.2-fold), internalized (2.3-fold), and degraded (2.9-fold) by the luteinized granulosa cells. The apparent Km values for LDL degradation in control and hCG-treated cells were similar (2.0 and 2.6 micrograms/ml, respectively). As little as 10 mIU hCG/ml stimulated LDL metabolism in a time-dependent fashion: a stimulatory effect was detected within 6 h of exposure to hCG and was greater after 24 h. AG attenuated but did not prevent the hCG- or 8-bromo-cAMP-stimulated increase in both LDL uptake and metabolism, although it completely inhibited the steroidogenic response. AG alone had no significant effect on [125I] LDL metabolism. We conclude that hCG and cAMP increase LDL metabolism by luteinized human granulosa cells. These effects are apparently not simply a consequence of enhanced cellular cholesterol metabolism to steroids.
Critical tissue concentration and chloride requirements for wheat

Previous research in the Pacific Northwest and Great Plains has provided evidence that wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields are often improved by Cl - fertilization. Published reports on critical tissue concentrations and Cl - requirements for wheat are few in number. Our objectives were to define a critical plant Cl - concentration (head emergence) for maximum yield, develop a Cl - fertilizer recommendation, and determine the effect of Cl - fertilizer on grain protein. Thirty-two field experiments (18 winter and 14 spring wheat) were conducted in Montana between 1988 and 1995. Experiments included comparisons with multiple cultivars and Cl - rates (0-90 kg ha -1 ). Relative yield vs. plant Cl - concentration relationships were assessed from 219 cultivar x experiment episodes. Three zones of Cl - status were identified: (i) a deficiency zone, plant Cl - <1.0 g kg -1 , where significant (P < 0.10) yield responses to applied Cl - occurred in 59 of 86 episodes (69%); (ii) an adequate Cl - status zone, plant Cl - ≥ 4.0 g kg -1 , where yield responses occurred in only 2 of 44 episodes (<5%); and (iii) a critical range between these two zones, where responses were observed in 25 of 89 episodes (28%). Regression of plant Cl - concentration on soil (0-60 cm) plus fertilizer Cl - revealed that deficient, critical range, and adequate Cl - zones were associated with <7.5, 7.5 to 32, and ≥33 kg Cl - ha -1 , respectively. The proposed guideline for wheat is to add sufficient Cl - to reach the upper end of the critical range (4.0 g kg -1 plant Cl -) . This recommendation ensures adequate Cl - nutrition for maximum yield and kernel weight, although at some sites a slight reduction in grain protein (0.5%) may result.
Lipoprotein(a): its inheritance and molecular basis of its atherothrombotic role.

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), is a member of the plasma lipoproteins with general properties of LDL but with a protein moiety represented by apoB100 disulfide linked to apolipoprotein(a) or apo(a). Apo(a) is polymorphic in size; at present a total of 11 isoforms have been reported, but more are likely to be identified in view of the fact that at least 19 alleles of the apo(a) gene have recently been reported. There are remarkable variations in the plasma Lp(a) levels; but uncertainties still exist about the factors responsible for this variability. High plasma Lp(a) levels have been associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, mainly based on epidemiological evidence. Both atherogenic and thrombogenic potentials have been suggested; the first attributable to the LDL-like properties of Lp(a) and the other to the plasminogen-like characteristics of apo(a). From the mechanistic viewpoint in vitro studies suggest that the thrombogenic action may occur at the level of the endothelium whereas Lp(a) that localizes in the sub-endothelial intima is expected to undergo complexation with matrix components and favor the formation of the atherosclerotique plaque. How Lp(a) polymorphism relates to the postulated cardiovascular pathogenicity of this lipoprotein remains to be established.
Coastal insect herbivore populations are strongly influenced by environmental variation

. 1 Pissonotus quadripustulatus is a brachypterous planthopper that feeds on the clonal salt marsh plant, sea oxeye daisy, Borrichia frutescens. Asphondylia borrichiae is a macropterous gall fly that creates galls on the apical meristems. Most Borrichia occurs in isolated patches consisting of more than one genotype. 2 Densities of Pissonotus and Asphondylia do not significantly differ within patches but they do differ between patches. I tried to find out why some patches of Borrichia support consistently higher densities of Pissonotus and Asphondylia than others. 3 Reciprocal transplants of Borrichia between patches showed that for both Pissonotus and Asphondylia recipient site (local environment) had a strong effect on population densities. However, the best sites for Asphondylia were generally the worst sites for Pissonotus and vice versa. 4 Donor site (local plant genotypes) was not significant for Pissonotus but was marginally significant for Asphondylia. However, for Asphondylia recipient site had a greater effect. Local plant genotype effects may be greater for gall-forming insects, which tend to be specialists, than for more generalist sapsucking insects.
Na+/L+ selectivity in transport systemA: Effects of substrate structure

The effect of amino acid structure on the selectivity between Na and Li as co-substrates for transport SystemA in the Ehrlich cell has been explored to localize relative binding positions. By various tests the relative effectiveness of the two cations varies over fivefold. Changes in structure of the amino acid that lower its response to Na tend to decrease its selectivity for Na over Li, but with many exceptions. The higher the Li level required to half-maximize amino acid entry, the slower tends to be the entry attainable for both Li and amino acid. Our attention fell on strong departures from these trends. An atypically fast uptake is produced by Li in the presence of a second amino group pK′2<8.5, in exceptional association with the known fast uptake in Na. The hydroxyl group of serine yields exceptionally strong uptake, whereas hydroxyl groups in restrained orientation (as in threonine and hydroxyprolines) sharply limit co-substrate interaction. Despite the absence of a sidechain, glycine shows unexceptional relative co-substrate responses. A sidechain in the α2 position, as ind-alanine, lowers tolerance for both ions, an aberration largely corrected by the insertion of a second (α2) methyl group, and surprisingly, even by an N-methyl group. Forl-alanine, an N-methyl group has in contrast unfavorable effects on co-substrate interaction. These factors point to disturbance by the α2 methyl group of the position taken by the amino acid at the site, largely rectifiable by balancing effects of a second methyl group. They also point to a position of the alkali ion quite close to the α-carbon and far from the position taken in SystemASC. Addition of an ethylene bridge between the α-methyl groups of α(methylamino)-isobutyric acid leads to the strongest discrimination seen against Li+ relative to Na+, suggesting through crowding of the area that the alkali ion adjoins the three methyl groups of this analog.
Preservation of hepatic phenotype in lentiviral-transduced primary human hepatocytes.

Abstract Lentiviral vectors effectively transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells and stably integrate into the genome of the host cell. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of a lentiviral system for genetic modulation of primary human hepatocyte cultures. Infection with GFP-expressing lentivectors shows that Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines, as well as primary cultures of human hepatocytes, are efficiently transduced by lentiviral vectors. Real-time RT-PCR analyses demonstrate that infection with lentivectors does not alter hepatic hallmarks such as the expression of the nuclear receptors CAR, PXR, RXRα, or HNF4α, or expression of the secretory protein, albumin. Additionally, infected hepatocytes retain the capacity for CYP3A4 induction in response to treatment with phenobarbital, a uniquely sensitive indicator of hepatic differentiation status. Lentivectors may be used for both over-expression and knockdown analyses in primary hepatocytes, as demonstrated in this study by >200-fold CAR over-expression and knockdown of CAR to less than 40% of endogenous levels, with corresponding effects on CYP2B6 expression. In summary, lentiviral vectors provide a novel methodology by which primary human hepatocytes may be stably genetically manipulated, with minimal effects on the differentiated hepatic phenotype. These approaches offer considerable advantage over current methodologies, providing a valuable alternative for use in pharmacological and toxicological investigations involving primary human hepatocyte models and potentially for cell-based therapeutics to treat hepatic dysfunction in vivo .
Continuous audit implications of Internet technology: triggering agents over the Web in the domain of debt covenant compliance

The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants have together called on the research community to show how continuous audit (CA) could be implemented in various auditing domains. In response to this call, we look at the domain of debt covenant compliance, and we utilize Cold Fusion, a leading Web applications development technology, to design and demonstrate an implementation of a continuous process audit within this domain. We design and demonstrate a system that uses agents sent over the Internet to continuously monitor whether actual values of client's variables are in compliance with standards for these variables set out in the debt covenant agreement-all from a remote location, the loan officer's desk.
Global Asymptotic Stability of Delayed Cellular Neural Networks

A new criterion for the global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium point of cellular neural networks with multiple time delays is presented. The obtained result possesses the structure of a linear matrix inequality and can be solved efficiently using the recently developed interior-point algorithm. A numerical example is used to show the effectiveness of the obtained result