cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and TNF-alpha production associated with Mycobacterium smegmatis- but not Mycobacterium avium-infected macrophages requires prolonged stimulation of the calmodulin/calmodulin kinase and cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathways.

Previous studies have shown the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to be activated in macrophages upon infection with Mycobacterium, and that expression of TNF-α and inducible NO synthase by infected macrophages was dependent on MAPK activation. Additional analysis demonstrated a diminished activation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in macrophages infected with pathogenic strains of Mycobacterium avium compared with infections with the fast-growing, nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium phlei. However, the upstream signals required for MAPK activation and the mechanisms behind the differential activation of the MAPKs have not been defined. In this study, using bone marrow-derived macrophages from BALB/c mice, we determined that ERK1/2 activation was dependent on the calcium/calmodulin/calmodulin kinase II pathway in both M. smegmatis- and M. avium-infected macrophages. However, in macrophages infected with M. smegmatis but not M. avium, we observed a marked increase in cAMP production that remained elevated for 8 h postinfection. This M. smegmatis-induced cAMP production was also dependent on the calmodulin/calmodulin kinase pathway. Furthermore, stimulation of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway in M. smegmatis-infected cells was required for the prolonged ERK1/2 activation and the increased TNF-α production observed in these infected macrophages. Our studies are the first to demonstrate an important role for the calmodulin/calmodulin kinase and cAMP/protein kinase A pathways in macrophage signaling upon mycobacterial infection and to show how cAMP production can facilitate macrophage activation and subsequent cytokine production.
Mechanistic evaluation of translocation and physiological impact of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant

Sustainable use of nanotechnology for agricultural practice requires an understanding of the plant's life cycle and potential toxicological impacts of nanomaterials. The main objective of this study was to compare the impact of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles of similar size (25 ± 3.5 nm) over a range of concentrations (0 to 1000 mg kg(-1)) on translocation and accumulation of nanoparticles in different plant sections; as well as to establish physiological impact on tomato plants. The results indicated that there is a critical concentration of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles upto which the plant's growth and development are promoted; with no improvement beyond that. Aerosol mediated application was found to be more effective than the soil mediated application on the uptake of the nanoparticles was in plants. A mechanistic description of nanoparticle uptake, translocation and resultant plant response is unraveled. The present investigation demonstrates the concept of nanoparticle farming by understanding plant - nanoparticle interaction and biodistribution.
Improved Toggle Flip-Flop Circuit With Increased Operating Speed and Temperature Range

We have fabricated and tested rapid single flux quantum toggle flip-flop circuits using self-shunted MgB 2 / MgO/MgB 2 Josephson junctions with a single ground layer. The MgB 2 films were deposited using HPCVD, and the MgO barrier was deposited using DC reactive sputtering. We highlight the circuit's voltage divider operation dependence on current bias and temperature which show operation from 7 to 30 K. The highest attained operating speed is 335 GHz at 7 K. These results demonstrate the versatile temperature range and speed of MgB 2 digital circuits.
The Congo Basin Walker circulation: dynamics and connections to precipitation

The existence, seasonality, and variability of a Congo Basin Walker circulation are investigated in reanalyses, and connections with rainfall are explored. A zonal overturning circulation along the equator connects rising motion in the Congo Basin and sinking in the eastern Atlantic during June through October. This timing is out of phase with precipitation over equatorial Africa, which greatest during spring and fall, and does not correlate with the seasonality of land temperatures. Rather, the zonally-overturning circulation only occurs when the Atlantic cold tongue has formed. Although the cold tongue formation is essential for setting up the Congo Basin Walker circulation, variations in equatorial eastern Atlantic sea surface temperatures are not associated with interannual variability in the strength of the circulation. When cold tongue SSTs are anomalously cool (warm), evaporation from the ocean surface is reduced (enhanced) and the westerly flow advects less (more) moisture into the base of the Congo Basin Walker circulation. This reduces (increases) the release of latent heat in the upbranch and weakens (strengthens) the Walker circulation. This process dominates the pure dry dynamical response to enhanced land/sea temperature differences, which has an opposite sign. A positive correlation connects low-level vertical velocity in the Congo basin with low-level vertical velocity and precipitation over West Africa. A wave response to anomalous vertical velocity in the Congo Basin in several reanalyses suggests a teleconnection into West Africa such that an anomalously strong (weak) upbranch is associated with anomalously strong (weak) rainfall over the Guinean coast and southern Sahel.
Pseudo-priming of Escherichia coli maltodextrin phosphorylase by 63-α-D-glucopyranosyl maltotriose

For the E. coli maltodextrin phosphorylase system, the minimum normal primer, which permits indefinite elongation of the maltodextrin chain, is G 4 . However, B 4 acts as a pseudo-primer. B 4 plus G * -1-P produced slow B 5 * , but only traces of higher homologs. The newly synthesized slow B 5 * was 6 3 -α-maltosyl * maltotriose. Unlabeled slow B 5 was phosphorolyzed to radioactive G-1-P * in presence of 32 P i . The fact that G 4 is the minimum linear primer indicates that E. coli maltodextrin phosphorylase has four primer binding positions, I–IV (starting the numbering from the reducing end). Since B 4 can act as a pseudo-primer, position III can accommodate either a 4- or a 6-linked glucose unit. Models of B 4 and G 4 can be superimposed except at the third glucose unit from the reducing end. Hence, B 4 can bind at the phosphorylase primer site placing glucose units 1,2, and 4 at positions normally occupied by glucose units 1, 2, and 4 of G 4 .
NCIPC's contribution to global injury and violence prevention: past, present, and future.

Injuries and violence impact millions across the globe each year. For the past 20years, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assembled the largest cadre of injury and violence prevention experts in the world to reduce the burden of injuries and violence domestically and to inform global injury and violence prevention efforts. This article focuses on NCIPC's global injury and violence prevention work that involves: increasing awareness of the preventability of injury and violence, partnerships to promote injury research and best practices; establishing standards and guidance for data collection; building capacity through training and mentoring; and supporting evidence-based strategies. To decrease the global burden, the authors propose priority setting to maximize the development and sustainability of financial and human resources for injury and violence prevention. Impact on Industry: The authors call for increased capacity and resources for global injury and violence prevention. Language: en
The non-existence of gaseous cyclopentadienyl cations: An overdue correction to the literature using collision-induced decompositions and charge stripping of negative ions

Abstract The C 5 H 5 + fragment ion bound in many EI spectra is determined not to be cyclopentadienyl cation by CID-MIKE spectrometry.
1f noise in GaAs MESFETS

Abstract An attempt was made to discriminate between number fluctuation and mobility fluctuation 1 f noise in GaAs MESFETs. It was found, that both models could explain the data, even though the mobility fluctuation 1 f model seems more likely.
Activation of guanylate cyclase and inhibition of adenylate cyclase by cytotoxic preparations from marine sponges of Haliclona genus.

Abstract Of seven marine sponges tested only two, Haliclona viridis and Haliclona rubens , yielded preparations that activated rat heart microsomal guanylate cyclase and exhibited direct hemolytic activity. These two preparations also inhibited basal and fluoride-activated adenylate cyclase in rat heart microsomes and glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase in rat liver plasma membranes. Hemolytic activity co-purified with nucleotide cyclase-modulating activity during a standard lipid fractionation procedure. This fraction was cytotoxic to 3T3-4a Swiss mouse fibroblasts.
Stochastic Sensitivity Analysis of Maximum Flow and Shortest Route Networks

This paper presents an algorithm that can be used to solve two types of network sensitivity problems. In the first, arcs are subject to breakdowns that degrade their capacities. It is required, within certain confidence limits, to find the maximum possible effect of n breakdowns on maximum flow. In the second, arcs are subject to improvements that reduce their lengths. It is required, also within certain confidence limits, to find the maximum possible effect n total improvements can have on shortest path length. Capacities resulting from breakdowns and lengths resulting from improvements are random variables specified by their mean values and variances.
Leaders' conceptions of followers: Implications for naturally occurring Pygmalion effects

Abstract We investigated the relationships between leaders' implicit followership theories (LIFTs) (conceptions of followers) and naturally occurring Pygmalion effects (leaders' high performance expectations that improve follower performance). Results based on 151 workplace leader–follower dyads supported a model of naturally occurring Pygmalion effects. Positive LIFTs led to higher performance expectations, liking, and relationship quality from leaders, which impacted follower performance. Supervisory experience moderated the relationship between positive LIFTs and leaders' performance expectations for their followers, such that the performance expectations of leaders with less supervisory experience were more strongly influenced by their conceptions of followers. Implications of the findings for improving follower performance are discussed. Suggestions for future research are offered: antecedents of LIFTs, negative LIFTs, Golem effects, and role reversed Pygmalion effects, among others.
Yeast systems for the expression of heterologous gene products

Significant advances have been made over the past year in our understanding of some of the critical parameters affecting high-level production of heterologous proteins in yeast. Recent studies of plasmid stability, promoter strength and secretion efficiency are yielding potential improvements in expression.
Cuticular wax of Epilachna varivestis

Abstract Cuticular lipids of larvae, pupae and adults of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) have been examined using gravimetric and thin layer densitometric techniques. The effects of rearing on different hostplants and of rearing temperature on lipid composition were studied. Total lipid varied with developmental stage as well as hosplant. The amount of lipid extracted ranged from 3.0 mg/g wet weight, in the case of larvae reared on snapbeans in the field, to 5.2 mg/g wet weight for pupae reared in limas under field conditions. Total lipid increased with increasing temperature for larvae reared under controlled climatic conditions. Thin layer densitometry was used to quantify lipid classes. Epicuticular lipids included hydrocarbons, wax esters, triacylglycerols, fatty alcohols, free fatty acids, sterols, three unidentified materials and alkaloid(s). Lipids of larval and pupal stages were composed primarily of wax esters, hydrocarbons and fatty alcohols in roughly equal proportions; free fatty acids, triacylglycerols, sterols, alkaloid(s) and two unknown materials made up of the remainder. Adult cuticular lipids consisted mainly of hydrocarbons (49–60% of total lipid).
Evaluating flood risk and alterations to hydraulic patterns following installation of low-grade weirs in agricultural systems

Because low-grade weirs are designed to impede flow of water there is concern from producers that they will lead to decreased drainage and increased flooding in adjacent fields. The purpose of this study was to determine if weirs increased the risk of flooding and backflow. Analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of low-grade weirs on hydrology. The first analysis targeted how weir-related modifications affected a single ditch by using pre and post weir-implementation data. Results of Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests were mixed, with no significant differences for ditch W1 and significant differences at ditch W2 for both time to peak (p = 0.009) and time to base (p < 0.001) following weir installation. Differences in peak height were significant at W1 (p = 0.004) and not significant at W2 (p = 0.875). The second analysis determined if significant differences existed between ditches modified with weirs in general and ditches which were unmodified in general. Results of a MANOVA indicate no significant difference for time to peak (p = 0.985) between ditches with weirs and those without weirs, and a significant increase in time to base in sites with weirs (p = 0.003). The estimate of weir effect for time to base indicates that it takes approximately 23 h 13 min (s.e. = 7 h 30 min) longer to return to initial water level when weirs are present. The third analysis considered differences between peak heights for ditches modified with weirs in general and ditches which were unmodified in general. Results of a Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test of normalized peak heights indicated that maximum peak heights during storm events were approximately 10% lower in ditches with weirs (18.4 vs. 28.5%, p = 0.015). Results suggest weirs do not increase flooding potential but merely hold water in ditches longer by slowing return to pre-storm-event levels.
Developmental regulation of dentin sialophosphoprotein during ameloblast differentiation: a potential enamel matrix nucleator.

The two major dentin matrix proteins, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein have been shown to be expressed as a single large transcript termed dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). These non-collagenous matrix proteins, identified biochemically by their unique physical-chemical properties, are specific cleavage products of a large parent acidic phosphorylated protein (pi 4.0). Previous studies have shown expression of dentin sialoprotein at the protein level by ameloblasts. The purpose of this study was to determine the temporal-spatial pattern of DSPP expression during amelogenesis. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed on sections of developing mouse molars. These data were correlated with RT-PCR analysis of in vitro enamel organ epithelium monolayer cell cultures enriched for ameloblasts. Our data indicates initial expression of the DSPP transcripts and protein during early ameloblast differentiation prior to the secretory phase when the majority of the enamel matrix is fo...
Hurricane Damage and Loss Estimation Using an Integrated Vulnerability Model

An integrated vulnerability model is presented to estimate structural damage and related economic losses in clusters of residential buildings resulting from hurricane winds. The model accounts for the occurrence of a possible “chain reaction” of events involving wind-pressure damage and wind-borne debris damage, amplifying overall losses. Different approximate damage and loss prediction methods are compared, and three numerical examples are provided.
Survey and recommendations on the selection of optimum powder forging temperature

The purpose of this report is to go through a step-by-step procedure to try to determine and optimize one of the most critical parameters of the powder forging process (PF), that is,preform temperature.
Studies on Lateral Movement of Phosphorus 32 in Peppermint.

Auchter (1) was the first to show that very little lateral movement of nutrient elements occurred in certain plants. The work of Caldwell (3) and McMurtrey (7) also indicated a lack of lateral movemient of mineral elements in the test plants used. From these studies, it seems that there is a lack of lateral movement of mineral nutrients in some plants. It was decided to test this idea using the radioactive element p32, in peppermint (Men tha piperita L.) plants. The purpose of this study was to investigate, using ,a split root technique and p32, the type of movement that occurs when a peppermint plant is fed through a specific portion of its root system.
Accuracy of subjective judgments of information in long-term memory

Thirty Ss received a general information test. A four-stage paradigm referred to as recall-judgment-elimination-choice was used to test S’s ability to predict choice-recognition performance following incorrect recall. The results indicated that Ss can accurately predict which of the failed items will be subsequently recognized. These results were largely due to S’s ability to reject or eliminate incorrect alternatives.
Conformational Changes in the Human Estrogen Receptor Observed by 19F NMR

Abstract The 19 F NMR spectra of the 5F-Trp labeled glutathione- S -transferase fusion protein with residues 282–595 of the human estrogen receptor show that there is a distinct conformational change in the protein when estradiol is added to the unliganded protein. Our studies show the empty receptor to have more conformational flexibility than the liganded form. This study shows the applicability of 19 F NMR to study conformational change in large protein systems.
Steady state visual evoked potentials by dual sine waves

The sum of sine waves was used to evoke Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEP). The SSVEP responses were elicited by visual stimuli in the form of a flickering light emitting diode (LED). We recorded EEG responses to these stimuli and analyzed the observed spectral differences due to square waves, triangle waves and sine waves. We showed that the resolution of the dual stimuli, which is defined as the difference between two frequencies, is essential to SSVEP experiments. Reliable dual SSVEP spikes from EEG signals can only be acquired if the dual stimuli are at least 4Hz apart. We also tested tri-stimuli and showed that consistent EEG responses are not achievable, even though the stimuli were 4Hz apart. The essence of these experiments is to demonstrate the resolutions under which dual sine waves can generate consistent SSVEP responses.
An examination of alternative beef handling systems for retail firms

The current trend to boxed beef is supported by this study of 10 different retail beef handling systems when both costs and returns are considered. However, on a purely cost basis the least costly system was for the retailer to centrally cut beef at his/her warehouse. The highest ranking system on a total returns basis was a special type of boxed beef called tray-ready beef. In this new system the packer trims and retail cuts the beef, but reassembles it and ships it as boxed beef. The retailer has only to package it for retail sale.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Case Law: Who Really Wins?

The authors examined 62 court cases occurring in 2009 from the LexisNexis database regarding students, ages 3–21 years, with various forms of autism spectrum disorder and violations to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. They analyzed procedural and substantive violations to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education. In addition, they compared results with earlier studies that have indicated an increase in cases overall and a trend from parents prevailing in earlier studies to school districts prevailing overall in recent years.
An analysis of future platinum resources, emissions and waste streams using a system dynamic model of its intentional and non-intentional flows and stocks

Abstract Platinum is increasingly used intentionally and non-intentionally in several applications. This has raised the concern about its future resources, emissions and losses during its life cycle. On the one hand, increasing platinum emissions might affect human health. On the other hand, the accumulated platinum in mineral waste, soil, landfill sites and construction materials as a result of the emissions, losses and the utilization of secondary materials can be seen as potential resources for platinum. This paper is aimed at (1) analyzing the long term impacts of the use of platinum intentionally and non-intentionally on its future demand and supply, release to the environment and accumulation in mineral waste, soil, landfill sites and construction materials and (2) quantifying the amount of platinum in secondary materials that would be available for platinum future supply. The analysis is carried out on a global level using a system dynamic model of platinum intentional and non-intentional flows and stocks. The analysis is based on four scenarios for the introduction of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The results show that platinum demand is increasing overtime in all scenarios at different rates and its identified resources are expected to deplete before the end of the century with or without the introduction of FCVs. The release of platinum to the environment and the accumulation in soil are expected to decrease when conventional ICE vehicles is replaced by FCVs. The amount of platinum accumulated in mineral waste, soil, landfill sites and construction materials by the time platinum is depleted are more than double its identified resources and would be potential resources for platinum that are available in different parts of the world. The methodology presented in this paper can be used in the assessment of other technologies and other metals.
Insulin and EGF receptors integrate the Ras and Rap signaling pathways.

Ras is a low molecular weight (Mr 21, 000) GTP binding protein that plays an essential role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Mutations that result in constitutive activation of Ras are associated with several types of neoplastic tissue in mammals and expression of these alleles into cultured fibroblasts results in cellular transformation. Opposing the Ras activation pathway, the low molecular GTP binding protein Rap was originally observed to revert or suppress the transformed phenotype in Ki-Ras-transformed fibroblasts. This apparent antagonism between Ras and Rap function may reflect the ability of Rap and Ras to interact with the same downstream effectors, since these proteins share identical sequences within their respective effector domains. Although the precise molecular details remained to be established, there is a substantial similarity in the upstream signaling mechanisms that regulate both Ras and Rap activation. Ras GTP binding is stimulated upon the targeting of the Ras guanylnucleotide exchange factor SOS to the plasma membrane location of Ras. The carboxyl terminal domain of SOS contains a proline-rich regions that directs its association with the SH3 domains of the small adapter protein, Grb2. Similarly, the formation of active GTP-bound Rap results from the specific interaction with the Rap guanylnucleotide exchange factor C3G which specifically associates with the central SH3 domain of the small adapter protein, CrkII. Thus, efficient regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase downstream signaling events require the coordinate interplay of these two pathways.
High-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of amino acid phenylthiohydantoins: Comparison with other techniques

Abstract High-pressure liquid chromatography, utilizing reverse phase μ Bondapak C18 columns and elution with increasing acetonitrile concentrations, has been used to resolve amino acid phenylthiohydantoins obtained from the automated Edman degradation of proteins. Assignment of identity to residues which are difficult to distinguish or identify conclusively by other conventional techniques is easily achieved by high-pressure liquid chromatographic techniques. The use of high-pressure liquid chromatography, in parallel with gas-liquid and polyamide thin-layer chromatography, allows unequivocal assignments of identity to amino acid phenylthiohydantoins obtained in protein sequencing. Single protein sequence determinations can be extended by 20 to 100% by the use of high-pressure liquid chromatography with rapid, accurate, and quantitative identifications of amino acid phenylthiohydantoins.
Medical Complications Associated with Total Hip Arthroplasty

Medical care of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty is best accomplished using a proactive, multidisciplinary approach aimed at optimizing preoperative health and reducing the incidence of delirium and cardiovascular, thromboembolic, pulmonary, infectious and renal complications. All patients should receive perioperative antimicrobial and thromboembolism prophylaxis. Perioperative beta blockade should be initiated in most patients who have, or are at significant risk for, ischemic heart disease. Early mobilization, judicious use of pain medications, proactive bladder and bowel management, as well as close attention to pulmonary toilet, hydration and nutrition are all important additional ingredients to a successful recovery.
Arthroscopic Management of Triangular Fibrocartilage Tears in the Athlete

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a composite of soft tissues extending from the distal ulna to the ulnar carpus. This complex is considered to be the primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint. Additionally, the TFCC stabilizes the ulnocarpal joint, distributes load between the ulna and ulnar carpus, and allows wrist motion in multiple planes. Numerous athletic activities place participants at risk for injuries of the TFCC. If the TFCC is disrupted or altered by acute or chronic injury, the wrist is potentially destabilized, progressive arthritic changes may occur, and athletes may suffer chronic ulnar-sided wrist pain, loss of motion, and loss of grip strength. We summarize current methods of diagnosing, imaging, and arthroscopically treating TFCC injuries in the athlete.
Structural Rearrangement of Strained Coals

Native coals are strained and glassy. When coals are swollen, this strain is relieved as the coal structure rearranges to a lower free energy and more highly noncovalently associated state. Four coals ranging in carbon content from 77% C to 84% C were warmed in the weak swelling solvent chlorobenzene at 132 °C for 2 weeks and samples were withdrawn at intervals. After evaporation of the chlorobenzene, the pyridine extractability of the treated coals had decreased, sometimes by a factor of 2. The pyridine swelling of Pittsburgh No. 8 coal was sharply reduced. The extractability and swelling decreases with time demonstrate that changes in coal structure occurred with the rearranged coal being more associated. This increased association is not due to hydrogen bond formation because pyridine is known to break most if not all of the hydrogen bonds which occur in coals. The rearranged Pittsburgh No. 8 coal was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Over the 2 week chlorobenzene reflux period, the heat ca...
Existence of Hypercyclic Operators on Topological Vector Spaces

The present paper introduces a very simple, but very useful notion of the so called quasi-extension ofl1-operators and proves that a large class of topological vector spaces admit continuous hypercyclic operators. In particular, it answers in the affirmative a question of S. Rolewicz, posed in 1969,whether or not every infinite dimensional separable Banach space admits a continuous hypercyclic operator.
The Numerical Study for the Thermal Characteristics of 3D Vertical Stacked Die Packages

In this study, the thermal simulations of 3 dimensional IC packages base on 4-layer vertical stacked die (bare die on bare die) with TSV (through silicon vias) and micro-bumps structure are conducted. The thermal models by finite volume method are developed for different geometrical parameters (TSV, micro-bumps distribution arrangement and spacer thickness) and material property (thermal conductivity of spacer). The thermal performance and the heat transfer mechanism for the stacked die package are analyzed for optimizing the geometrical and material parameters. Not only the temperature distributions but also the junction temperature and thermal resistances in 4-layer stacked die package with different multi-die power configurations are shown and discussed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Influence of Culture pH on Chloroplast Structure in Euglena gracilis

SYNOPSIS Chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis grown with phototrophic nutrition at pH 3.0 were compact, while those in cells grown at pH 8.1 were swollen with widely separated lamellae.
Anomalies of the South American summer monsoon associated with the 1997–99 El Niño–southern oscillation †

We describe the rainfall and circulation anomalies of the South American summer monsoon (SASM) during December–January–February (DJF) of 1997–98 (El Nino) and 1998–99 (La Nina). The most pronounced rainfall signals in DJF 1997–98 include (a) excessive rainfall over northern Peru and Ecuador, (b) deficient rainfall over northern and central Brazil, and (c) above-normal rainfall over southeastern subtropical South America. The rainfall anomalies in (a) and (b) are associated with the excitation of an anomalous east–west overturning cell with rising motion and low-level westerlies over the equatorial eastern Pacific, coupled to sinking motion and low-level easterlies over northern Brazil. The easterlies turn sharply southeastward on encountering the steep topography of the Andes, enhancing the summertime low-level jet (LLJ) along the eastern foothills of the Andes near 15–20° S, possibly contributing to the increased rainfall in (c). During DJF 1997–98, the sea-surface temperature-induced warming spreads and expands over the entire tropical troposphere. The eastward expansion of a warm upper tropospheric geopotential and temperature ridge from the Nino-3 region, across subtropical South America to the southeast Atlantic, enhances warming over the Altiplano Plateau, hydrostatically strengthening the Bolivia high. Similar to previous warming events, the South Pacific high is weakened, and the South Atlantic high is strengthened. During DJF 1998–99, as cold water develops over the equatorial central Pacific, the SASM anomalies in the tropics are weaker and less organized and appear to be in transition to the opposite phase to those found in DJF 97–98. In the subtropics, notable features include a weakening of the LLJ, a rainfall pattern associated with a poleward shift of the South Atlantic convergence zone, and development of the Pacific–South America teleconnection pattern. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidermal growth factor modulates extracellular Ca2+ requirement for multiplication of normal human skin fibroblasts.

Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) at 10 ng/ml reduces by over 50-fold the extracellular Ca 2+ required for multiplication of normal human skin fibroblasts. Therefore, a Ca 2+ -related process may play a central role in the mechanism by which EGF exerts its effect on cell multiplication.
An Analysis of Tubing and Casing Buckling in Horizontal Wells

This paper presents new theoretical results for predicting the buckling behaviour of pipe in horizontal holes. Pipe buckling in horizontal holes occurs initially in a sinusoidal mode along the low side of the hole and at higher axial compression a helix is formed. Equations are given for computing the forces required to initiate these different buckling modes. Simple laboratory experimental results are also used to confirm the theory. Results presented in this paper can have applications in friction modelling of buckled tubulars to help predict when pipe can be forced to move along a long section of a horizontal well.
Impact of vitamin D on immune function: lessons learned from genome-wide analysis

Immunomodulatory responses to the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 1,25D) have been recognized for many years, but it is only in the last 5 years that the potential role of this in normal human immune function has been recognized. Genome-wide analyses have played a pivotal role in redefining our perspective on vitamin D and immunity. The description of increased vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) expression in macrophages following a pathogen challenge, has underlined the importance of intracrine vitamin D as key mediator of innate immune function. It is now clear that both macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are able to respond to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D), the major circulating vitamin D metabolite, thereby providing a link between the function of these cells and the variations in vitamin D status common to many humans. The identification of hundreds of primary 1,25D target genes in immune cells has also provided new insight into the role of vitamin D in the adaptive immune system, such as the modulation of antigen-presentation and T cells proliferation and phenotype, with the over-arching effects being to suppress inflammation and promote immune tolerance. In macrophages 1,25D promotes antimicrobial responses through the induction of antibacterial proteins, and stimulation of autophagy and autophagosome activity. In this way variations in 25D levels have the potential to influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. More recent genome-wide analyses have highlighted how cytokine signaling pathways can influence the intracrine vitamin D system and either enhance or abrogate responses to 25D. The current review will discuss the impact of intracrine vitamin D metabolism on both innate and adaptive immunity, whilst introducing the concept of disease-specific corruption of vitamin D metabolism and how this may alter the requirements for vitamin D in maintaining a healthy immune system in humans.
Ozone concentrations above a Douglas-fir forest canopy in western Washington U.S.A.

Abstract Ozone concentrations were monitored above a 30 m Douglas-fir canopy at Cedar River, Washington from 1 April to 30 September in 1986 and 1987. Maximum average hourly ozone concentrations were similar in both years. Ozone concentrations exceeded 0.12 ppm on 2 days in 1986 and 1 day in 1987. Fifteen and 14 days had ozone concentrations greater than or equal to 0.08 ppm in 1986 and 1987, respectively. Ozone concentrations were positively related to daily radiation and maximum daily air temperature. However, only 46 per cent of the variance in ozone concentration in 1986 could be explained by solar radiation and even less was explained by maximum temperature (26%). In 1987, 51 and 54 per cent of the variation in ozone concentration was explained by solar radiation and temperature, respectively. Maximum average hourly ozone concentrations peaked near 1500 h (Pacific Standard Time) for days > 0.06 ppm with minimum values near 0600 h. Highest concentrations were observed when the wind was blowing from the northwest from the Seattle area indicating that photochemical oxidation of NO x was a major source of elevated ozone. If the data represent current levels of ozone some potential for forest damage exists in Puget Sound forests.
Effect of gastrointestinal hormones on isolated bovine parathyroid cells.

The effects of gastrointestinal hormones on cAMP accumulation and parathyroid hormone (PTH) release were investigated in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. Secretin (10 (-7) M) caused a 4- to 6-fold increase in cAMP accumulation, while glucagon, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and gastrin caused little if any stimulation. Cholecystokinin caused a 2- to 3-fold increase in cAMP accumulation at 10(-6) M, but this effect may be related to contamination with endogenous secretin since synthetic cholecystokinin octapeptide had no effect. Maximal intracellular cAMP accumulation due to 10(-7) M secretin was reached within 5 min and returned to control over the next 30-60 min, concomitant with a progressive rise in extracellular cyclic nucleotide. cAMP accumulation was half-maximally stimulated by 5 x 10(-9) to 1 x 10(-8) M secretin and was unaffected by alpha- or beta-adrenergic or dopaminergic blockers. Parallel effects were noted on PTH release : 10(-8) M secretin caused a 20-50% increment in PTH release at 15 min which persisted for up to 2 h; PTH release was stimulated half-maximally by approximately 6--8 x 10(-9) m secretin. The specificity of the observed results for secretin and the lack of effect of adrenergic antagonists suggest the presence of a receptor for secretin on dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. These results also suggest the possibility that secretin may modulate parathyroid function in vivo in the cow.
The effect of tyre pressure on the economy of cycling

Cycling requires power generation to overcome gravity, air resistance, and rolling resistance. When rolling surface and roiling speed are constant for a given tyre, rolling resistance is determined by tyre inflation pressure and the combined weight (CW) of the bicycle and rider. In this study, the oxygen uptake per unit CW (V˙O2 ·CW−1) of seven trained bicycle racers (5 men, 2 women, 24 ± 2 years) was measured while each cycled up a 4% incline at 19·3 km·h−1 and 75 revolutions·min−1 on a motor-driven treadmill, using randomly-ordered tyre pressures of 552, 690, 827, and 965 kPa. Subjects (55·8–78·4 kg) rode their racing bicycles equipped with the same set of sew-up tyres and wheels. V˙O2·CW−1 was averaged over the last 3 min of a 5 min ride at each pressure. A repeated measures analysis of variance was performed and significance set at p<0·05. V˙O2·CW−1 ranged from 28·1 ± 0·6 to 28·9±0·5 ml·kg−1·min−1 and was not significantly different between tyre pressures. We conclude that differences in rolling resis...
Affective Leadership and Emotional Labor: A View from the Local Level

At first glance, readers of Professors Newman, Guy, and Mastracci’s article may conclude that emotional labor and affective leadership are obvious qualities that we should expect from adults in the workplace. It seems that effective employees and managers have always shown strengths in these competencies. Is this another academic effort to explore an area that practitioners already understand and manage fairly well? Further reflection reveals, however, that taking emotional labor and affective leadership for granted can lead to dire consequences. Failure to empathize and manage emotions during citizen contact events can create costs in money and, in the most severe cases, costs in lives. A lack of appreciation for affective leadership can produce productivity and morale problems that, again, create costs for all involved.
The sign of the Hall effect in hopping conduction

Abstract The absolute sign of the Hall effect is determined for several situations charac teristic of hopping in covalent materials. In particular, it is shown that the hopping of an excess electron between the antibonding orbitals of an odd-membered (three-site) ring will yield an ‘anomalously’ signed Hall effect, namely, p-type. In addition, the Hall effect for holes moving between bonding orbitals in a similar odd-membered structure will yield an n-type Hall effect. However, electron hopping between the antibonding orbitals and hole hopping between the bonding orbitals of an even-membered (four-site) ring yields the conventional result : n-type and p-type Hall effects, respectively. Other physically relevant situations are also discussed. These examples all serve to illustrate that the sign of the Hall effect for both electrons and holes depends not only on the local geometry but on the nature and relative orientations of the local orbitals between which the carrier moves. Furthermore, these results pr...
Amino acid composition and electrophoretic properties of ovine luteinizing hormone.

Abstract The amino acid composition of ovine luteinizing hormone has been determined. Electrophoretic mobility in several buffers was studied by free boundary electrophoresis. The relatively poor buffering capacity of the protein in the neighborhood of the isoelectric point indicated by the titration curve, presented herein, and amino acid composition were used to explain the shift in isoelectric point when determined in acetate, borate, or phosphate buffers as compared to other monovalent buffers.
Structure, vibrational spectra and energetics of OBrO+

Abstract Structural, energetic and vibrational frequency data for OBrO + are calculated at the MP2, MP4 and CCSD(T) levels of theory. The adiabatic ionization potential for OBrO is estimated to be 234.3±3 kcal mol −1 , and is calibrated using the adiabatic ionization potential for OClO. From the calibration, the probable uncertainty in the adiabatic potential for OBrO is estimated.
Aqueous synthesis of alkanethiolate-protected Ag nanoparticles using Bunte salts.

The one-pot synthesis of monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles derived from sodium S-dodecylthiosulfate (Bunte salt) in aqueous solution is described. Silver nanoparticles, which were produced by the borohydride reduction of silver nitrate in H2O, were stabilized by the adsorption of S-dodecylthiosulfate followed by the removal of the SO3- moiety. Temporary stabilization of silver sols by the adsorption of borohydride and borate prevented aggregation of silver nanoparticles in H2O. The syntheses of other metal nanoparticles, including gold, copper, and palladium particles in H2O, were less successful. Gold and copper particles were completely aggregated and precipitated out immediately after the addition of NaBH4, yielding only insoluble clusters. Stable and soluble palladium nanoparticle could be prepared, but the presence of Pd−thiolate complex was also observed. These nanoparticles were characterized using 1H NMR, UV−vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
Experimental Study on Saturated Flow Boiling Critical Heat Flux in Microchannels

The saturated flow boiling critical heat flux in microchannels is investigated using water as the working fluid. The experimental test section has six parallel microchannels with each having a cross sectional area of 1054 × 157 micrometers. The mass flow rate, inlet temperature of the working fluids, and the electric current supplied to the resistive cartridge heater are controlled to provide quantitative information near the CHF condition in microchannels. The trends in present CHF with mass flux and quality are similar to those obtained by Qu and Mudawar [1] and earlier investigators.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Hypocitraturia in Calcium Nephrolithiasis

Several investigators have reported that hypoci-traturia is frequent in patients withidiopathic kidney stones. In these studies, however, glomerular filtration rate, urinary tract infection, sex, diet, time of day, and medications, all potentially influential variables, were uncontrolled. Fifteen men, aged 3–52 yr, with recurrent idiopathic calcium oxalate stones and 15 normal age-matched men were studied. Patients with hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, reduced creatinine clearance (<80 ml-min⁄1.73 M2), or urinary infection were excluded. Medications were stopped 2 weeks before the study began. A standard constant diet, furnishing 800 mg calcium and free of citrate, was fed for 20 days. During the last 10 days, 4.5 g sodium citrate were given orally. Eight-hour collections of urine were analyzed for calcium and citrate. Filtered load and net tubular reabsorption of citrate were also calculated. The 24–h urinary excretion of calcium was elevated in eight stone formers, and citrate excretion was ...
Tertiary climatic fluctuations and methods of analysis of tertiary floras

Abstract On theoretical grounds, an analysis of the physiognomy of a Tertiary leaf assemblage is more direct and reliable than a circuitous floristic analysis in assigning thermal regimes to fossil assemblages. Using primarily foliar physiognomy and secondarily floristic composition, it can be shown that: (1) some middle latitude Tertiary assemblages probably lived under meteoroligically tropical climates; (2) a major and rapid climatic deterioration occurred in the Oligocene; and (3) a major climatic fluctuation probably occurred in the Late Eocene. These analyses thus substantiate the conclusions of several other paleobotanists regarding climatic fluctuations. Recent criticisms of these analyses are shown to be invalid and to be based largely on misinterpretations.
The management of chronic cholecystitis

T HE gaII bIadder is an organ of indeterminate function, not necessary to Iife or the maintenance of good heaIth. It is entireIy absent in many of the mammaIia and is present in some and absent in other animaIs of the same species. Rare instances have been reported where it has been congenitaIIy absent in the human being. Infection of the gaI1 bIadder may be associated with gaIIstone formation, choIesteroI deposit in the mucosa, infected bile contents, or with perichoIecystic adhesions, but the essentia1 pathoIogica1 changes are found in the gaII-bIadder wall itseIf. Recognition of we11 advanced disease is simpIe, but because of the insidious onset and variabiIity of symptoms, the condition is often unrecognized unti1 it is too Iate for effective treatment and compIete reIief. DeIay in the institution of treatment is responsibIe for the great majority of incompIete cures and recurrences. GaII-bIadder disease is a condition of aduIt Iife, when restorative and compensatory tendencies are Iess pronounced than in the earIier years; and patients with advanced pathoIogicaI changes can in no way be so handIed as to correct the damage ah-eady done to stomach, liver, pancreas or heart function. As Iong as an infected gaI1 bIadder exists in the body, even when producing no symptoms, it remains a threat to the heaIth and even to the Iife of the individua1. Improvement in end-resuIts wiI1 occur onIy when treatment is instituted in the earher stages, before permanent pathoIogica1 and functiona changes have occurred in the Iiver and associated organs. Chronic ChoIecystitis may resuIt from an acute attack or may appear graduaIIy. RareIy is the galI-bladder infection an entireI?; primary one. Infections in the teeth, bony sinuses, aIimentary and urinary tracts may resuIt in metastatic invoIvement of the gaI1 bIadder, and this secondary Iesion may remain active Iong after the orIgina focus has disappeared or has been eradicated. The secondary gaII-bladder infection may in turn serve as a base for further Iymphatic or hematogenous extension to other organs, so that at times the gaII-bIadder focus may be onIy a link in a chain of processes originated and continued in other parts of the body.