cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Forest Stand and Site Characteristics on the Composition of Exotic Dominated Ambrosia Beetle Communities (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Economic and biological consequences are associated with exotic ambrosia beetles and their fungal associates. Despite this, knowledge of ambrosia beetles and their ecological interactions remain poorly understood, especially in the oak—hickory forest region. We examined how forest stand and site characteristics influenced ambrosia beetle habitat use as evaluated by species richness and abundance of ambrosia beetles, both the native component and individual exotic species. We documented the species composition of the ambrosia beetle community, flight activity, and habitat use over a 2-yr period by placing flight traps in regenerating clearcuts and older oak—hickory forest stands differing in topographic aspect. The ambrosia beetle community consisted of 20 species with exotic ambrosia beetle species dominating the community. Similar percentages of exotic ambrosia beetles occurred among the four forest habitats despite differences in stand age and aspect. Stand characteristics, such as stand age and forest structure, influenced ambrosia beetle richness and the abundances of a few exotic ambrosia beetle species and the native ambrosia beetle component. Topographic aspect had little influence on ambrosia beetle abundance or species richness. Older forests typically have more host material than younger forests and our results may be related to the amount of dead wood present. Different forms of forest management may not alter the percent contribution of exotic ambrosia beetles to the ambrosia beetle community.
Characteristics of a PCR‐Based Assay for In Planta Detection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was carried out with a primer pair targeting a sequence in the genome of Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii, the causative agent of bacterial blight in geraniums. PCR amplification with the primer pair XcpM1/XcpM2 using total nucleic acid preparations from 22 geographically-diverse isolates of X. campestris pv. pelargonii generated a major 197bp DNA product. In contrast, no major amplification products were consistently generated from 12 other pathovars of X. campestris or from 19 isolates representing 10 different plant pathogenic bacteria, including two other bacterial pathogens of geraniums, Corynebacterium fascians and Pseudomonas cichorii. After PCR using this primer pair, between 1380 and 13 800 copies of the X. campestris pv. pelargonii bacterial DNA target as template were detected by ethidium bromide staining of agarose gels, and between 13.8 and 138 copies by blot hybridization to a pathovar-specific biotinylated probe. Similarly, between 630 and 6300 colony-forming units (CFU) of X. campestris pv. pelargonii could be detected after ethidium bromide staining of agarose gels, and between 63 and 630 CFU after blot hybridization. The PCR-based assay was used to identify X. campestris pv. pelargonii in diseased geraniums; whereas discrete amplification products were not obtained with healthy plants.
2009 Special Issue: Glomerular microcircuits in the olfactory bulb

Microcircuits in the olfactory bulb have long received particular attention from both experimentalists and theoreticians, due in part to an abundance of dendrodendritic interactions and other specialized modifications to the canonical cortical circuit architecture. Recent experimental and theoretical results have elucidated the mechanisms and function of these circuits and their presumed contributions to olfactory stimulus processing and odor perception. We here review the architecture and functionality of a prominent olfactory bulb microcircuit: the glomerular network.
Peroneal and tibial intraneural ganglion cysts in the knee region: a technical note.

BACKGROUND Recent research has resulted in an improved understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of intraneural ganglia, particularly with respect to the most common form, the peroneal nerve at the fibular neck region. OBJECTIVE To outline the mechanism for the development and propagation of intraneural ganglia located in the knee region, along with their treatment, as well as highlight how shared principles can be exploited for successful treatment of the more commonly occurring peroneal intraneural ganglia. METHODS A surgical approach has been developed for peroneal intraneural cysts based on the pathogenesis. The treatment of the less common tibial intraneural cysts is designed along the same principles. RESULTS A strategy consisting of (1) disarticulation (resection) of the superior tibiofibular joint (ie, the source), (2) disconnection of the articular branch connection (ie, the conduit), and (3) decompression (rather than resection) of the cyst has improved outcomes and eliminated intraneural recurrences in peroneal intraneural cysts. These same principles and techniques can be applied to the rarer tibial intraneural ganglia derived from the same joint. The mechanism of development and propagation for intraneural cysts in the knee region as well as a surgical technique and its rational are described and illustrated. CONCLUSION Understanding the joint-related basis of intraneural cysts leads to simple targeted surgery that addresses the joint, its articular branch, and the cyst. The success of the shared surgical strategy for both peroneal and tibial intraneural ganglia confirms the principles of the unifying articular theory.
A map of the binding site for catalytic domain 5 in the core of a group II intron ribozyme

Group II introns are ribozymes with a complex tertiary architecture that is of great interest as a model for RNA folding. Domain 5 (D5) is a highly conserved region of the intron that is considered one of the most critical structures in the catalytic core. Despite its central importance, the means by which D5 interacts with other core elements is unclear. To obtain a map of potential interaction sites, dimethyl sulfate was used to footprint regions of the intron that are involved in D5 binding. These studies were complemented by measurements of D5 binding to a series of truncated intron derivatives. In this way, the minimal region of the intron required for strong D5 association was defined and the sites most likely to represent thermodynamically significant positions of tertiary contact were identified. These studies show that ground-state D5 binding is mediated by tertiary contacts to specific regions of D1, including a tetraloop receptor and an adjacent three-way junction. In contrast, D2 and D3 are not found to stabilize D5 association. These data highlight the significance of D1-D5 interactions and will facilitate the identification of specific tertiary contacts between them.
Overhead line design in relation to electric and magnetic field limits

Designers of overhead power lines have to contend with many technical and economic factors in their work. More recently, yet another has been added to the list — electric and magnetic fields. This article points out the principal design features which affect the fields from lines and summarises the guidelines and standards which exist around the world for power-frequency fields. It is based on the author's lecture to the IEE Power Division on the 20th February 1991.
Pre-employment drug testing for hospitality sales positions: who's buying in?

Pre-employment drug testing in the workplace has often been adopted by hospitality organizations both nationally and internationally due to the acceptance of conventional wisdom that drug-using workers have substantially lower productivity rates. While research consistently finds hospitality employees display higher rates of substance use, limited hospitality research has been conducted on the topic of pre-employment drug testing in this industry, and applicant and employee responses to this practice have yet to be investigated. Emerging themes based on employee comments are explored, including perceptions of fairness, necessity, and value. Suggestions for future theoretical-based research are offered, and implications for hospitality industry decision makers are discussed.
Target block alignment error in XY stage metrology

This paper discusses a fundamental question in the characterization of XY stages: Is the orthogonality error of the stage distinguishable from a target block alignment error without explicitly measuring the target block misalignment? The conclusion reached here is that, for parallel kinematic stages this is not possible using any metrology setup or any number of measurements.
A Biphasic Radiometric Assay of Glycogenin Using the Hydrophobic Acceptor n-Dodecyl-β-D-Maltoside

Abstract Glycogenin is a self-glycosylating protein that catalyzes early glucosyl transfer steps in the biosynthesis of glycogen. In currently used assays of glycogenin activity, the enzyme is incubated with radioactive UDP-glucose, and the labeled reaction product is then isolated by precipitation with trichloracetic acid. A new assay is reported here which is based on the observation that glycogenin is not only self-glycosylating but may also use exogenous alkyl maltosides as substrates. After incubation of the enzyme with n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside and UDP-[3H]glucose, the radioactivity in the resultant n-dodecyl-β-D-[3H]maltotrioside is determined by any one of the following three procedures, which all rely on the hydrophobic properties conferred on the reaction product by the alkyl aglycone: (i) adsorption of the product to a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge and elution with 70% ethanol; (ii) biphasic liquid scintillation counting in ScintiLene/25% isoamyl alcohol, without isolation of the product, and (iii) precipitation with trichloracetic acid in the presence of carrier protein. The Sep-Pak C18 procedure has the advantage that it allows essentially quantitative isolation of the reaction product, while, under the conditions chosen, only about 50% of the product is precipitated by trichloroacetic acid. For most applications, however, biphasic liquid scintillation counting is the method of choice, since close to 90% of the labeled product is extracted into the organic phase and can be counted directly without interference from the labeled nucleotide sugar which remains in the aqueous phase. In crude enzyme extracts, where nucleotide sugar pyrophosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities are high, inclusion of 1 mM β-NAD and unlabeled UDP-glucose at a final concentration of 10 μM in the reaction mixtures minimizes the apparent breakdown of the radioactive nucleotide sugar, which results in a high background due to extraction of [3H]glucose into the organic phase. The biphasic procedure is potentially applicable to the assay of any glycosyltransferase, for which a suitable hydrophobic acceptor is available.
Developing the therapeutic alliance in child—adolescent psychotherapy

Abstract The psychotherapy process research on the therapeutic alliance in child and adolescent psychotherapy is alarmingly scarce. Findings from the adult therapeutic alliance literature and from the few existing studies on child and adolescent therapeutic alliance are reviewed. Bordin's 1975 model of the working alliance and Prochaska and DiClemente's (1988) stages of change model are employed to evaluate existing strategies for building alliances with child and adolescent clients and to develop proposed strategies. The facts that (a) children are most often not self-referred and (b) frequently come to therapy in a resistant, precontemplative stage of change are presented as the major obstacles to forming effective alliances with children and adolescents. Traditional child and adolescent psychotherapies may fail to develop effective alliances due to their primary focus on the development of the bond and neglect in achieving agreement on the goals and tasks of therapy. Multimodal strategies for building therapeutic alliances with children and adolescents incorporating techniques from emotional script theory, social problem-solving theory, motivational interviewing, and strategic family systems theories are presented.
A Frequency-Domain Method for Time-Shift Estimation and Alignment of Seismic Signals

Alignment of seismic signals using time shifts obtained from first breaks or through cross-correlation techniques in the time domain without interpolation can only be done to within an integer multiple of the sampling period. In most seismic applications, the accuracy of such techniques is not sufficient. On the other hand, alignment between only two signals can be achieved to within a fraction of the sampling period by fitting a parabola to the cross-correlation peak. In this paper, we present a new alignment procedure in which the time shifts necessary to align simultaneously an ensemble of signals are determined through a parameter-optimization problem in the discretefrequency omain. A comparison of this procedure with the parabolic fit procedure is performed on synthetic data with various levels of signal-to-noise ratios. The effectiveness of this technique is also demonstrated on a real vertical seismic data set.
Spectral Evolution of a Blocking Episode and Comparison with Wave Interaction Theory

Abstract The structure and evolution of planetary-scale waves in the 500 mb geopotential height field over the Northern Hemisphere during December 1976 and January 1977 are studied with the techniques of one- and two-dimensional Fourier analysis and spherical harmonic analysis. The incipient stages of “split-flow” blocking episodes in this period are associated with an increase in amplitude in two-dimensional wave components having zonal wavenumbers 1 and 2 and meridional wavenumber 1. At the time of observed split-flow blocking, the wave component with zonal wavenumber 3 and meridional wavenumber 2 achieves peak amplitude, while the amplitudes of the other wave components decline. In addition, the height field reconstructed from the sum of these three components is found to simulate well the observed 500 mb height pattern during this episode. It is suggested that these observations may be explained by nonlinear resonant wave interaction theory. A streamline configuration resembling the observed split-flo...
Role of support measures and palliative care.

Purpose of reviewThe care of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is challenging at a time when there are no medications with proven efficacy in extending patient survival or quality of life. However, a number of recent studies suggest that patients participating in clinical trials including
The effects of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators on cardiovascular risk factors.

: Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, favorably alters several markers of cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women. While many of its effects are similar to those of conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there are also important differences. Raloxifene lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels similarly to estrogen. However, raloxifene lacked the potentially beneficial effects of HRT on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and plasminogen activation inhibitor-1, as well as the potentially adverse effects of HRT on triglycerides and C-reactive protein. Raloxifene also had a potentially beneficial fibrinogen-lowering effect not seen with conventional HRT. The net effect of these differences is unclear. Proof that raloxifene or HRT reduces the risk of heart disease must await the results of ongoing clinical trials with cardiovascular event end points.
Analysis of model equations of gas dynamics

Etude de l'application de la methode de decomposition pour analyser les equations de dynamique des gaz avec des valeurs initiales donnees
“Chasing the Dragon”—Heroin-Associated Spongiform Leukoencephalopathy

A 21-year-old male presented with acute ataxia. For 1 week, he became increasingly unbalanced, clumsy, and severely dysarthric. He sustained multiple falls and had difficulty walking. He admitted to inhaling heated heroin vapors twice in the past, the last time was 1 week prior to admission. His symptoms started acutely 24 h after that. He denied injecting heroin in the past as he had a known “needle phobia”. On examination, his speech was severely dysarthric. He demonstrated horizontal nystagmus and positive cerebellar signs bilaterally with inability to stand without assistance and falling backwards when unsupported. Serum toxicology screen was negative. MRI revealed symmetrical white matter hyperintensities with a “C-shaped” lesion in the deep cerebellar hemispheres compatible with edema (Figs. 1 and 2). There was a loss of cerebellar folia, with inferior displacement of bilateral cerebral tonsils, compatible with developing cerebellar herniation through the foramen magnum (Fig. 2). Bilateral hypointensities involving the posterior limbs of the internal capsules were remarkable (Fig. 3).
A distributed source rate control optimization approach in energy harvesting wireless sensor networks

In this paper we propose a new distributed scheme to optimize data transmission quality with application level energy neutrality consideration in harvesting wireless sensor networks. The contribution of this proposed scheme is that, the high level data acquisition precision is maximized by properly selecting distributed source coding ancestors. The quality and error robustness tradeoff is adjusted to the ambient harvestable energy in order to improve overall data transmission reliability. We also investigate the effectiveness of applying different power control strategies to different distributed source coding nodes, in order to further improve the overall DSC information gathering quality. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves improved data precision with efficient usage of harvestable energy resource.
Effects of average-luminance surrounds on the visibility of sine-wave gratings

In the low-spatial-frequency region (below 2 c/deg) contrast sensitivity to sinusoids does not depend on spatial frequency, but does depend on the number of cycles of sinusoid. Contrast sensitivity to sinusoids can vary from 14 to 60 depending on the amount of average-luminance area or flank adjacent to the sinusoid. The influence of average-luminance flanks does not depend on the width of the flank, but does depend on the equivalent number of cycles of flank.
Fast catalytic oxidation of phenol in supercritical water

Abstract The catalytic oxidation of phenol in water over a commercial oxidation catalyst, CARULITE 150, was investigated in a fixed bed flow reactor at 250 atm and temperatures from 380°C to 430°C. The phenol and oxygen concentrations at the reactor entrance varied between 0.070 and 1.24 mmol/l, and 9.60 and 39.6 mmol/l, respectively. The reaction conditions produced phenol conversions and selectivities to CO 2 much higher than those produced by non-catalytic oxidation. The kinetics of phenol disappearance and of CO 2 formation were both roughly first-order, and the activation energies were 31 and 47 kcal/mol, respectively. The catalyst did not undergo continuous deactivation during the catalytic oxidation, but rather maintained a high activity even after several days of continuous operation.
Fluorescence detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia for photodynamic therapy with the topical agents 5-aminolevulinic acid and benzoporphyrin-derivative monoacid ring.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether 2 photosensitizers, benzoporphyrin-derivative monoacid ring and 5-aminolevulinic acid, are selectively absorbed by dysplastic cervical cells after topical administration. STUDY DESIGN: This phase I clinical trial involved 18 women with biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia at the Beckman Laser Institute, Irvine, Calif. Colposcopically directed cervical biopsy specimens obtained after 1.5, 3, or 6 hours of exposure to a randomly assigned photosensitizer were evaluated for selective drug absorption with hematoxylin and eosin staining and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: After exposure to 5-aminolevulinic acid, cervical tissue showed maximal fluorescence in dysplastic cells relative to normal cells, with negligible stromal fluorescence. According to our detection methods benzoporphyrin-derivative monoacid ring demonstrated nonselective, diffusion-driven uptake, with fluorescence appearing in the superficial cells, followed by nonselective drug absorption in the remaining cells and stroma of the epithelium. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated selective absorption of 5-aminolevulinic acid by dysplastic cervical cells. This agent therefore represents a promising photosensitizing prodrug for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with photodynamic therapy.
Carotenoid content, physicochemical, and sensory qualities of deep-fried carrot chips as affected by dehydration/rehydration, antioxidant, and fermentation.

Carrot slices were subjected to one of the following experiments prior to deep-frying: (A) dehydration/rehydration, (B) soaking in different antioxidants, and (C) fermentation with/without blanching. There were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) in carotenoid contents among carrot chips treated with/without dehydration. Soaking in sodium metabisulfite resulted in the highest carotenoid content and lightness (L), redness (a), and yellowness (b) values among the antioxidant treatments. Fermentation without blanching significantly decreased (P < 0.05) carotenoid content, vitamin A activity, and fat content. Dehydration and fermentation with blanching significantly increased (P < 0.05) the lightness (L), redness (a), and yellowness (b) values of the chips. Dehydration/rehydration, but not antioxidant and fermentation, significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the water activity of the chips. The textural values of carrot chips prepared using sodium metabisulfite, without dehydration and without fermentation, wer...
Protein kinase C activity contributes to endothelial hyperpermeability during early angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane.

Abstract During angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), microvascular proliferation continues through day 12 of the 18-day CAM lifespan. Up to day 4.5, the neovascularization is associated with endothelial hyperpermeability and differentiation of restrictive barrier function occurs abruptly at day 5.0. Although exogenous activation of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling served to decrease macromolecular extravasation at day 4.5, endogenous signaling cascades responsible for the temporal hyperpermeability remain uncertain. Here, we evaluated protein kinase C(PKC) function in the CAM endothelium at day 4.5 and day 5.0. The specific, broad-based PKC inhibitor calphostin C reduced basal levels of FITC-dextran 40 extravasation at day 4.5.Bisindolymaleimide (BIM), which inhibits selective PKC isoforms, also reduced temporal FITC-dextran 40 efflux, but to a lesser extent than calphostin C. Activation of PKC activity by phorbol-12, 13-didecanoate (PDD) or phorbol-12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) at day 5.0 served to partially de-differentiate barrier properties of the angiogenic endothelium. The associated elevation of FITC-dextran 40 extravasation occurred without interendothelial gap formation along the junctional clefts. Together, these results are consistent with the interpretation that PKC activity contributes, in part, to CAM endothelial hyperpermeability at day 4.5. Furthermore, down-regulation of PKC signaling correlates temporally with the ontogeny of restrictive barrier function at day 5.0.
Alcohol dehydrogenase : multiplicity and relatedness in the solvent-producing clostridia

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is a key enzyme for the production of butanol, ethanol, and isopropanol by the solvent-producing clostridia. Initial studies of ADH in extracts of several strains of Clostridium acetobutylicum and C. beijerinckii gave conflicting molecular properties. A more coherent picture has emerged because of the following results: (i) identification of ADHs with different coenzyme specificities in these species; (ii) discovery of structurally conserved ADHs (type 3) in three solvent-producing species; (iii) isolation of mutants with deficiencies in butanol production and restoration of butanol production with a cloned alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase gene; and (iv) resolution of various ‘C. acetobutylicum’ cultures into four species. The three ADH isozymes of C. beijerinckii NRRL B592 have high sequence similarities to ADH-1 of Clostridium sp. NCP 262 (formerly C. acetobutylicum P262) and to the ADH domain of the alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase of C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824/DSM 792. The NADH-dependent activity of the ADHs from C. beijerinckii NRRL B592 and the BDHs from C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824 is profoundly affected by the pH of the assay, and the relative importance of NADH and NADPH to butanol production may be misappraised when NAD(P)H-dependent activities were measured at different pH values. The primary/secondary ADH of isopropanol-producing C. beijerinckii is a type-1 enzyme and is highly conserved in Thermoanaerobacter brockii (formerly Thermoanaerobium brockii) and Entamoeba histolytica. Several solvent-forming enzymes (primary ADH, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase) are very similar between C. beijerinckii and the species represented by Clostridium sp. NCP 262 and NRRL B643. The realization of such relationships will facilitate the elucidation of the roles of different ADHs because each type of ADH can now be studied in an organism most amenable to experimental manipulations.
Aza-Crown-Capped Porphyrin Models of Myoglobin: Studies of the Steric Interactions of Gas Binding

A series of myoglobin active site analogues (1−6) has been synthesized and characterized. These synthetic models differ in their cavity dimensions, and have been designed to demonstrate the effects of steric factors on O2 and CO binding affinities. Quantitative gas titrations were employed to measure these affinities, yielding M values that are strikingly lower than those reported for hemoglobin and myoglobin. The 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-capped porphyrin 1 has about 1200 times the CO affinity but only about 10 times the O2 affinity of the cyclam-capped porphyrin 2, suggesting a more open gas binding cavity for 1. The cavity dimensions and conformation of 2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of the Zn analogue 7. This paper unequivocally demonstrates that steric effects can control the ratio of O2/CO binding constants.
Screening, Early Detection, and Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occurs as an idiopathic process or as a component of a variety of disease processes, including chronic thromboembolic disease, connective tissue diseases, congenital heart disease, and exposure to exogenous factors including appetite suppressants or infectious agents such as HIV. This article reviews evidence for screening in susceptible patient groups and the approach to diagnosing PAH when it is suspected, and provides specific recommendations for applying this evidence to clinical practice.
The Characterization of Biologically Available Strontium Isotope Ratios for the Study of Prehistoric Migration

Strontium isotope analysis of bone and tooth enamel from prehistoric human skeletons is an important new technique used to address questions regarding migration. Two problems arise in such investigations: (1) levels of strontium isotope ratios in local bedrock, soil, water, plants and animals are variable; and (2) a range of values in human bone and enamel data make it difficult to distinguish some migrants from locals. Analysis of the bones of small animals provides a robust measure of local strontium isotope ratios and a reliable, if conservative, means for determining confidence limits for distinguishing migrants. Data from various geographical areas are presented here in a discussion of variability in strontium isotope values. Examples are provided using modern and prehistoric materials. We conclude with the recommendation that studies involving strontium isotope analysis should incorporate small animal samples for comparative purposes whenever possible.
Energetics of intrachain salt-linkage formation in collagen

The energy of formation of salt linkages between Arg or Lys with Asp or Glu in a polypeptide chain having the collagen fold have been estimated using the fully empirical energy minimization scheme AMBER. The polypeptide was considered both in an isolated and a hydrated triple helical state. The collagen fold associated with a one-bonded triple helical conformation allows intrachain salt linkages having stabilization energies of 60-100 kcal when the reacting residues are separated by no more than two intervening residues. The amino end of one side chain always approaches the carboxyl end of the other side chain, and simultaneously approaches the carbonyl oxygen of the intervening backbone residue. The salt linkage conformation and the backbone conformation of the isolated collagen fold in vacuo are maintained when the molecules are in a hydrated triple helix. These results are compatible with a fold-forming role for salt linkages, especially in proline poor regions, during collagen polypeptide synthesis, and with the persistence of intrachain salt linkages throughout molecular and fibril assembly.
Dans les marges des théologies de l’expiation

Billy Budd, la derniere oeuvre de Melville, contient le recit de quatre morts violentes. Deux marins meurent victimes de leur devoir en temps de guerre. L’amiral Nelson succombe lors de la bataille de Trafalgar apres s’etre theâtralement expose au feu de l’ennemi ; le heros eponyme, condamne par effet de la loi martiale, meurt innocent mais parfait dans sa soumission. Toutes ces morts, mais surtout les deux dernieres, sont presentees par l’auteur comme pouvant etre eclaircies, peut-etre, en ayant recours a une notion de sacrifice. L’article assure qu’il n’en est rien, car aucune de ces victimes n’est la « victime parfaite » qu’exige la conception biblique de sacrifice expiatoire.
The role of estrogen in the developmental appearance of sensory-motor behaviors in the zebrafish (Danio rerio): The characterization of the “listless” model

The brain is a steroidogenic organ and is thus dependent on estrogen for many aspects of its development and maintenance in both males and females. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to investigate the effect of estrogen on zebrafish sensory-motor (S-M) maturation through mechanisms found in the central nervous (CNS) and peripheral nervous (PNS) systems. In these experiments the aromatase inhibitor (AI), 4-hydroxy androstenedione (4-OH-A), which blocks estrogen synthesis, was used to diminish estrogen's effects on zebrafish CNS and PNS development. During these various treatments the zebrafish were analyzed for neurological deficits, including tactile response, swimming movements, vestibular behavior, pectoral fin and eye movements. Over a three to five day time period (48-168 h post fertilization), in response to AI treatment, none of these S-M behaviors were developmentally expressed creating a "listless" or non-responding condition. Furthermore, when the AI was removed from the treatment medium the S-M behaviors were fully expressed over a two to three day time period. Most importantly, when estrogen was added at the same time as the AI in a co-treatment paradigm, normal developmental appearance of S-M behaviors was rescued in all neurological parameters measured. Furthermore, the addition of estrogen alone after AI washout accelerated the recovery of the tactile response during the first 24 h of treatment. Treatment of developing zebrafish with the selective estrogen receptor blocker ICI 182,780 mimicked the deficit in S-M behaviors caused by AI treatment. This deficit was overcome by low concentrations of estrogen in a co-treatment paradigm with high ICI levels indicating the possibility of a non-genomic mechanism for estrogen's actions on the developmental expression of these S-M behaviors. Eventually, AI exposed fish died of cardiac arrest 4 to 5 days after the start of treatment; however, AI/estrogen co-treatment allowed for 90-100% survival and the maintenance of normal heart rates during this time period. In conclusion, these studies have demonstrated that the presence of estrogen in the early developing zebrafish embryo is necessary for the proper developmental expression of critical nervous system S-M behaviors necessary for survival, as well as the health of the cardiovascular system. These studies also establish a unique "listless" model for further analysis of estrogen's role in the development of brain, brainstem, and spinal cord circuitry related to the maturation of these behavioral and cardiovascular phenomena.
Constitutively active melatonin MT1 receptors in male rat caudal arteries

Abstract This study assessed the state of melatonin MT 1 receptor coupling in sections of male rat caudal arteries by [ 35 S]GTPγS binding autoradiography. The melatonin MT 1 receptor inverse agonist 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetraline (4P-PDOT) (0.1–1 μM) significantly decreased [ 35 S]GTPγS binding compared to basal, strongly suggesting the presence of constitutively active receptors. Formation of constitutively active receptors during subjective day, when the levels of melatonin are low, may be a physiological mechanism by which the organism maintains vascular tone.
Firewall policy change-impact analysis

Firewalls are the cornerstones of the security infrastructure for most enterprises. They have been widely deployed for protecting private networks. The quality of the protection provided by a firewall directly depends on the quality of its policy (i.e., configuration). Due to the lack of tools for analyzing firewall policies, many firewalls used today have policy errors. A firewall policy error either creates security holes that will allow malicious traffic to sneak into a private network or blocks legitimate traffic and disrupts normal business processes, which in turn could lead to irreparable, if not tragic, consequences. A major cause of policy errors are policy changes. Firewall policies often need to be changed as networks evolve and new threats emerge. Users behind a firewall often request the firewall administrator to modify rules to allow or protect the operation of some services.In this article, we first present the theory and algorithms for firewall policy change-impact analysis. Our algorithms take as input a firewall policy and a proposed change, then output the accurate impact of the change. Thus, a firewall administrator can verify a proposed change before committing it. We implemented our firewall change-impact analysis algorithms, and tested them on both real-life and synthetic firewall policies. The experimental results show that our algorithms are effective in terms of ensuring firewall policy correctness and efficient in terms of computing the impact of policy changes. Thus, our tool can be practically used in the iterative process of firewall policy design and maintenance. Although the focus of this article is on firewalls, the change-impact analysis algorithms proposed in this article are not limited to firewalls. Rather, they can be applied to other rule-based systems, such as router access control lists (ACLs), as well.
Phonology Courses Offered by MATESOL Programs in the U.S

This article reports the results of a survey on the content, objectives, and learning tasks of phonology courses as offered through MATESOL programs in the U.S. Participating MATESOL instructors from 70 different institutions contributed a total of 68 questionnaires, 2 partially completed questionnaires, and 58 course syllabi. The data analysis illuminates the nature of MATESOL phonology courses, including their requirement status, prerequisites, enrollment, course titles, targeted L2 teacher populations, content foci, participant tasks, required readings, and instructors' suggestions for course development. A final section posits six directions for enriching the quality of phonology courses in MATESOL programs.
Kinetics of bulk azide/alkyne “click” polymerization

A bulk step-growth polymerization of multifunctional azides and alkynes through the copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction is described. The polymerization kinetics of two systems containing different diynes, bisphenol E diyne (BE-diyne)/bisphenol A bisazide (BA-bisazide) and tetraethylene glycol diyne (TeEG-diyne)/BA-bisazide, are evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), shear rheology, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of catalyst concentration on reaction kinetics are investigated in detail, as are the thermal properties (glass transition and decomposition temperatures) of the formed polymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 4093–4102, 2010
Consonant Development in Pediatric Cochlear Implant Users Who Were Implanted Before 30 Months of Age

This study provided a yearly record of consonant development for the initial 4 years of cochlear implant (CI) use and established a precedent for using a standardized articulation test, the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation-2 (Goldman, R., & Fristoe, M. [2000]. Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation-2. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Services). The study used CI age as a referent for 32 children who received their CI before 30 months of age. Consonants produced by 70% of the children were listed, as were the most common error types, which were consonant omissions and substitutions. Using consonant repertoire lists and standard scores, the study revealed that children with CIs had acquisition patterns that were similar to their peers when the duration of CI experience was similar to the chronological age norms of typically developing children. The results revealed that CI users need time to coordinate their articulatory organizing principles with the input they receive from their CI. It is appropriate to use length of CI use as a proxy for chronological age during the first 4 years when comparing articulation development with hearing peers.
Big Customers and Their Suppliers: A Case Examining Changes in Business Relationships and Their Financial Effects

In this case, you will analyze large retailers' increasing clout and its implications for the pricing, inventory, and credit practices of their suppliers. You will use accounting data to explore how changes in these business practices and other phenomena at the firm and industry levels affected retailers' and suppliers' financial performances. In addition, you will examine stock return information to determine how Wall Street responded to the effects of these changes on firms' profitability. As a result, the case will increase your understanding of how to use accounting data to assess the effect of marketing and managerial decisions on financial performance. You will consider these issues for four large retailers (JCPenney, Target, Toys “R” Us, and Wal‐Mart) and three manufacturer‐suppliers (Garan, Mattel, and National Presto).
A theory for mentally developing robots

This paper introduces a theory about mentally developing robots. The limitation of the traditional agent model is raised and a new SASE agent is proposed, based on our SAIL developmental robot. We formulate the manual development paradigm and autonomous development paradigm. The performance of a developmental robot is then formulated as reaching the norm of a human age group. The framework of autonomously generating brain representation is investigated in mathematical terms. Some techniques of such a representation are provided based on the author's SAIL-2 developmental algorithm (1996). We establish the conceptual limitation of symbolic representation and from the limitation we propose that no developmental robot can use a symbolic representation. Finally, the completeness of developmental robot is investigated conditioned on five factors.
Aortic suspension (aortopexy) for severe tracheomalacia in infants and children

Abstract Background: Tracheomalacia with anterior great vessel compression is a common disorder in infants and children, which can lead to life-threatening airway occlusion. In this study, a large number of patients underwent anterior aortopexy to provide a more normal distal airway. Methods Thirty-two infants and children with tracheomalacia associated with esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (18), vascular ring (8), abnormal innominate artery takeoff (4), and primary (2) were evaluated with bronchoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and pulmonary functions. Aortopexy was accomplished through left thoracotomy and suture fixation of the aorta and innominate artery to the posterior sternum. Results Intraoperative bronchoscopy showed marked improvement in airway caliber and rigidity, and no patients had further obstructive episodes. Forced expiratory volume improved from 52% ± 4% of predicted to 82% ± 3%. Conclusions Aortopexy is a simple procedure for the treatment of distal tracheomalacia that is immediately effective and provides permanent relief of obstructive episodes.
Lesions in Southdown sheep with hereditary hyperbilirubinemia.

Seven mutant Southdown sheep, with congenital hyperbilirubinemia, 1 %-5 years of age, were necropsied. Gross lesions were yellow and green discolorations, testicular atrophy, radial renal fibrosis, pulmonary edema, hydrothorax, and ascites. Pigmentation was detected only in the teeth unless the sheep had been exsanguinated; light green bones, periosteum, fascia, serosa, tracheal and esophageal m~icosae, and yellow intinia of the aorta and endocardium were then visible. All lymph nodes showed mild lymphadenitis with hyperplasia of the reticulohistiocytic cells that contained bilirubin. Pigment ('lipo- fuscin') was present pericanalicularly in the hepatocytes without any zonal distribution. Seminiferous tubular degeneration res~ilted in reduced spermatogenesis. Most deaths were attributed to renal failure associated with renal radial fibrosis. Hereditary congenital hyperbilirubinemia of Southdown sheep was de- scribed first in New Zealand (7) and later in California (6). Affected sheep had decreased hepatic bilirubin excretion caused by a decreased net hepatic uptake of unconjugated bilirubin (I 11. Because this mechanism was similar to that of Gilbert's disease in man, CORNELIUS (4) proposed Southdowns with congenital hyperbilirubinemia as biomedical models for Gilbert's disease. Recent work showed that affected Southdowns also have renal lesions that result in renal insufficiency and ultimately in death (lo). In addition, they have tissue changes associated with high plasma bilirubin and phylloerythrin.
Modulation of Intracellular Glutathione and Cysteine Metabolism in Bovine Oviduct Epithelial Cells Cultured In Vitro

The objective of this study was to determine how alterations in intracellular thiol levels of oviduct epithelium occur in response to chemical or environmental conditions that could result in oxidative stress. Bovine oviducts were classified as follicular (F) or luteal (L) according to the reproductive stage of the ovary. Epithelial cells were harvested from the ampulla (AMP) and isthmus (ISTH) region of each oviduct, suspended in culture medium, and then plated into collagen-coated culture plates and grown to confluency. Basal levels of intracellular cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) were determined in oviduct epithelial cells and found to range from 0.36 to 0.46 pmol/ microg protein for Cys and from 5.3 to 6.4 pmol/ microg protein for GSH. Oxidized Cys values ranged from 21% to 39% of total Cys, whereas the oxidized GSH levels observed were from 21% to 28% of total GSH except in luteal ISTH, where they were significantly lower (6%). Confluent cells were exposed to GSH-depleting agents, L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO) or diethyl maleate (DEM), at doses ranging from 10 to 5000 microM. Both compounds depleted GSH in a dose-dependent manner, and 500 microM concentrations were chosen for subsequent studies with each compound. Cys levels in BSO (500 microM)-treated oviduct epithelial cells were transiently elevated over control values during the initial 5-h incubation; there was then a decrease in Cys levels by AMP but not ISTH oviduct epithelial cells. BSO-treated oviduct epithelial cells displayed a continued depletion of GSH over the incubation period and by 24 h were depleted by 38% to 61%. These results demonstrate a difference in GSH turnover in oviduct epithelial cells associated with reproductive stage. Exposure to DEM (500 microM) caused a decline in both Cys and GSH levels, which were partially restored after DEM removal. In general, L-staged oviduct epithelial cells were observed to be more competent at replenishing thiol stores than F-staged oviduct epithelial cells. Results from this study suggest that reproductive stage and region influence intracellular oviduct epithelium thiol status and therefore may affect how this tissue responds to chemicals or environmental conditions leading to oxidative stress.
Runx2 activates PI3K/Akt signaling via mTORC2 regulation in invasive breast cancer cells

The Runt-related transcription factor Runx2 is critical for skeletal development but is also aberrantly expressed in breast cancers, and promotes cell growth and invasion. A de-regulated serine/threonine kinase Akt signaling pathway is implicated in mammary carcinogenesis and cell survival; however, the mechanisms underlying Runx2 role in survival of invasive breast cancer cells are still unclear. The phenotypic analysis of Runx2 function in cell survival was performed by gene silencing and flow cytometric analysis in highly invasive MDA-MB-231 and SUM-159-PT mammary epithelial cell lines. The expression analysis of Runx2 and pAkt (serine 473) proteins in metastatic breast cancer specimens was performed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein levels of kinases and phosphatases functional in Akt signaling were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, while DNA-protein interaction was studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The high Runx2 levels in invasive mammary epithelial cell lines promoted cell survival in Akt phosphorylation (pAkt-serine 473) dependent manner. The analysis of kinases and phosphatases associated with pAkt regulation revealed that Runx2 promotes pAkt levels via mammalian target of rapamycin complex-2 (mTORC2). The recruitment of Runx2 on mTOR promoter coupled with Runx2-dependent expression of mTORC2 component Rictor defined Runx2 function in pAkt-mediated survival of invasive breast cancer cells. Our results identified a novel mechanism of Runx2 regulatory crosstalk in Akt signaling that could have important consequences in targeting invasive breast cancer-associated cell survival.
Improved Approach to Lidar Airport Obstruction Surveying Using Full- Waveform Data

Over the past decade, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Geodetic Survey, in collaboration with multiple organizations, has conducted research into airport obstruction surveying using airborne light detection and ranging (LIDAR). What was initially envisioned as a relatively straightforward demonstration of the utility of this emerging remote sensing technology for airport surveys was quickly shown to be a challenging undertaking fraught with both technical and practical issues. We provide a brief history of previous work in LIDAR airport obstruction surveying, including a discussion of both past achievements and previously unsolved problems. We then present a new processing workflow, specifically designed to overcome the remaining problems. A key facet of our approach is the use of a new LIDAR waveform deconvolution and georeferencing strategy that produces very dense, detailed point clouds in which the vertical structures of objects are well characterized. Additional processi...