cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3,3′-Diindolylmethane, a Major Condensation Product of Indole-3-carbinol, Is a Potent Estrogen in the Rainbow Trout

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound found in Brassica vegetables has been widely studied for its chemopreventive properties. I3C has been shown to block tumor initiation and promotion; however, it also acts as a tumor promoter. I3C and some of its acid condensation products, particularly 3,3′-diindolylmethane (I33′), have exhibited antiestrogenic properties. We report that I33′ acts as an estrogen in the rainbow trout liver in vitro and in vivo by inducing vitellogenin (Vg), a well-characterized biomarker for estrogens. Precision-cut liver slices from male rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, were incubated at 14°C for 96 h in media containing I3C, I33′, or a mixture of I3C acid condensation products (RXN) (0–250 μM). I33′ and RXN increased Vg levels in rainbow trout liver slices by over 300- and 20-fold, respectively, vs vehicle. The efficacy of I33′ induction of Vg was comparable to 17β-estradiol (E2) with 2500-fold less potency. I33′ and E2 cotreatment resulted in additive Vg induction. Tamoxifen completely inhibited I33′-induced Vg induction, suggesting that Vg induction by I33′ is entirely through the estrogen receptor. In vivo, juvenile male rainbow trout were fed I3C, RXN (0–2000 mg/kg), or I33′ (0–250 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. At 2000 mg/kg, I3C induced Vg by over 100,000-fold compared to controls, which was comparable to 5 mg/kg 17β-estradiol (the dose resulting in maximum induction). I33′ was five times as potent as I3C with equal efficacy. The potency of RXN was only 5% of I3C. Again, I33′ and E2 cotreatment resulted in additive Vg induction. I33′ may have accounted for Vg increases observed in trout fed I3C as it is present in liver after oral dosing at concentrations (70 μM) expected to maximally induce Vg. In trout, results in vitro and in vivo document that I33′ is estrogenic, consistent with our hypothesis that I3C promotes liver cancer in trout by estrogenic pathways.
Contests with productive effort

I consider competitions in which, conditional on winning or losing, the effort exerted by a competitor does not necessarily decrease his payoff. This happens, for example, in competitions for promotions in which workers are intrinsically motivated, and in research and development races in which better performance implies a higher payoff from winning. I characterize players’ equilibrium payoffs in closed form, thereby generalizing Siegel (Econometrica 77(1):71–92, 2009) payoff result to contests in which players’ payoff functions are non-monotonic.
Sister chromatid exchange in regenerating liver and bone marrow cells of mice exposed to styrene.

Abstract Following exposure of BDF 1 males to 565 ± 15.8 ppm styrene for 4 days (6 hr/day), sister chromatid exchange frequencies were analyzed simultaneously in regenerating liver and bone marrow cells from exposed mice. Comparisons were made with nonexposed controls. Regenerating liver as well as bone marrow cells showed a three-to four fold increase relative to the control.
On nonlinear random effects models for repeated measurements

Linear random effects models for longitudinal data discussed by Laird and Ware (1982), Jennrich and Schluchter (1986), Lange and Laird (1989), and others are extended in a straight forward manner to nonlinear random effects models. This results in a simple computational approach which accommodates patterned covariance matrices and data insufficient for fitting each subject separately. The technique is demonstrated with an interesting medical data set, and a short, simple SAS PROC IML program based on the EM algorithm is presented.
The N(4S) + N2O(X̃1∑) reaction

The title reaction, which is spin-forbidden for N2(X1∑) + NO(X2Π) production, has been studied from 960 to 1130 K in a high-temperature photochemistry reactor. No reaction could be observed, indicating k < 1 × 10−15 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. It is concluded that there is no significant contribution from the spin-allowed exothermic path leading to N2(X1∑) + NO(a4Π). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 387–389, 2001
Nondispersive Raman D band activated by well-ordered interlayer interactions in rotationally stacked bilayer graphene

Raman measurements on monolayer graphene folded back upon itself into skewed bilayer (i.e., with interlayer rotation) presents a mechanism for Raman scattering in $s{p}^{2}$ carbons in the $D$-band frequency range, but without disorder. Although the parent monolayer does not exhibit a $D$ band, the interior of the skewed bilayer produces a strong two-peak Raman feature near $1350\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$; one of these peaks is nondispersive, unlike all previously observed $D$-band features. Within a double-resonant model of Raman scattering, these features are consistent with a skewed bilayer coupling wherein one layer imposes a weak but well-ordered perturbation on the other. The discrete Fourier structure of the rotated interlayer interaction potential explains the unusual nondispersive peak.
Design Methodology for a Counter-current Falling Film Evaporative Condenser

Direct contact simultaneous heat and mass transfer processes involve at least two phases and two chemical species. Thus, analysis is inherently complex owing to the number of conservation equations to be solved, the nonlinear coupling of heat and mass transfer through the saturation vapor pressure relationship, and the dependence of properties on both temperature and composition. Given the present stage of development in the use of computers by engineers, it is suggested that the minimum level of approach should involve simultaneous solution of one-dimensional forms of the governing conservation equations using appropriate numerical methods. In this note the authors give, as an example, the analysis of a counter-current falling film evaporative condenser. In addition, some results of parametric design calculations are presented, and the essential features explained.
Density functional theory description of electronic properties of wurtzite zinc oxide

Abstract We report calculated, electronic properties of wurtzite zinc oxide (w-ZnO). We solved self-consistently the two inherently coupled equations of density functional theory (DFT), following the Bagayoko, Zhao, and Williams (BZW) method as enhanced by the work of Ekuma and Franklin (BZW-EF). We employed a local density approximation (LDA) potential and the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO). Most of the calculated, electronic properties of w-ZnO are in excellent agreement with experiment, including our zero temperature band gap of 3.39 eV and the electron effective mass. The doubly self-consistent approach utilized in this work points to the ability of theory to predict accurately key properties of semiconductors and hence to inform and to guide the design and fabrication of semiconductor-based devices.
Prevalence of Secondary Traumatic Stress among Social Workers

Social workers are increasingly being called on to assist survivors of childhood abuse, domestic violence, violent crime, disasters, and war and terrorism. It has become increasingly apparent that the psychological effects of traumatic events extend beyond those directly affected. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is becoming viewed as an occupational hazard of providing direct services to traumatized populations. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of STS in a sample of social workers by examining the frequency of individual symptoms; the frequency with which diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are met; and the severity of STS levels. Results indicate that social workers engaged in direct practice are highly likely to be secondarily exposed to traumatic events through their work with traumatized populations, many social workers are likely to experience at least some symptoms of STS, and a significant minority may meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Portable methane gas sensor with a 1.65μm LED

Because methane is an inflammable and explosive gas, it is indispensable to monitor methane. It is very useful to develop a portable methane detector in order for the application multiple purpose, such as coal mine safety monitoring. This paper gives a prototype design of a portable methane gas sensor with 1.65μm LED. Sensor is made by a 1.65μm LED and high responsivity photo receiver. The experimental result shows nearly linear at low methane concentration. And a prototype portable gas sensor has been demonstrated.
‘Wise contrarians’: a keystone species in contemporary climate science, politics and policy

In the 1980s, celebrity climate contrarians, which we might understand as a kind of ‘keystone species’ or ‘charismatic megafauna’, emerged through resistance to dominant interpretations of scientific evidence, and through divergent views regarding what are the best ways to respond to climate threats. Our research here examines the growth pathways of these beings through historical accounts of the ‘Wise Use’ movements rooted in the United States (US) West, as well as interview data and participant observations at the 2011 Heartland Institute’s Sixth International Conference on Climate Change, and through tracking of media coverage of climate change and contrarian think tanks over the last 25 years. This contribution helps to better understand celebrity climate contrarians embedded in countermovement activities through a threefold analysis: of the motivations that prop up these contrarian stances, such as ideological or evidentiary disagreement to the orthodox views of science (also known as scientific cons...
Modeling cardinal directions in the 3D space with the objects interaction cube matrix

In GIS and spatial databases, cardinal directions are frequently used as selection and join criteria in query languages. However, most cardinal direction models are only able to handle two-dimensional spatial objects. But, e.g., geoscientists and engineers in fields like geography, cartography, soil engineering, and landscape modeling have shown an increasing demand for modeling cardinal directions between objects in the three-dimensional space. Unfortunately, the few available 3D cardinal direction models suffer from several problems like the coarse approximation of the two operand 3D objects in terms of single points and minimum bounding boxes, the lacking property of converseness of the cardinal direction relations computed, and the incomplete coverage of all possible direction relations. All problems mentioned can lead to incorrect results. This paper proposes a new model that solves these problems and in a first stage introduces an objects interaction cube and, as its representation, an objects interaction cube matrix to capture all possible interactions between any two 3D spatial objects. In a second stage, an interpretation technique is applied to the objects interaction cube matrix to determine the cardinal directions.
Prevalence of visual impairment in the United States.

ContextThe prevalence of visual impairment in the US public has not been surveyed nationally in several decades.ObjectiveTo estimate the number of US individuals aged 12 years or older who have impaired distance vision due to uncorrected refractive error.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using a multistage probability sampling design, included a vision evaluation in a mobile examination center. Visual acuity data were obtained from 13 265 of 14 203 participants (93.4%) who visited the mobile examination center in 1999-2002. Visual impairment was defined as presenting distance visual acuity of 20/50 or worse in the better-seeing eye. Visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error was defined as (presenting) visual impairment that improved, aided by automated refraction results, to 20/40 or better in the better-seeing eye.Main Outcome MeasuresPresenting distance visual acuity (measured with usual corrective lenses, if any) and distance visual acuity after automated refraction.ResultsOverall, 1190 study participants had visual impairment (weighted prevalence, 6.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0%-6.8%), and of these, 83.3% could achieve good visual acuity with correction (95% CI, 80.9%-85.8%). Extrapolating these findings to the general US population, approximately 14 million individuals aged 12 years or older have visual impairment (defined as distance visual acuity of 20/50 or worse), and of these, more than 11 million individuals could have their vision improved to 20/40 or better with refractive correction.ConclusionsVisual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error is a common condition in the United States. Providing appropriate refractive correction to those individuals whose vision can be improved is an important public health endeavor with implications for safety and quality of life.
In situ quantitative estimates of the age-related and diabetes-related changes in cerebral endothelial barrier antigen.

To determine whether aging or diabetes, conditions known to alter the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is associated with changes in endothelial barrier antigen (EBA), a rat BBB-specific protein, in situ quantitation of forty vibrotome sections of cerebral tissue of 5 young (4 months old), 5 aged (26 months old) and 5 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after 4 weeks of diabetes were studied using immunohistologic techniques. The anti-EBA-stained microvessels were normalized against the total microvessels identified with either anti-EBA binding or anti-Glut-1 binding. The results indicate that the EBA-stained microvessels of the hippocampus, but not of other cerebral cortical areas or white matter, are reduced in aged rats(88.02±2.19%vs.80.65±2.44%, P < 0.01). There were no significant changes in the diabetic rats. These results support the notion that changes in the BBB correlate with the aging of the central nervous system.
An edge with XAS

X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which relies on synchrotron radiation, can accurately determine aspects of metalloprotein active site structure, can be applied to solution or crystalline samples and can be used independently or to supplement crystallographic information.
Fractionation of deoxyribonucleic acid preparations on substituted cellulose anion exchangers.

Abstract Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from normal mouse spleen and malignant lymphoma cells with p -aminosalicylate and phenol and purified by the method of Kirby. The effect of the following factors upon the chromatographic profiles on ECTEOLA-cellulose of these preparations was investigated: ( a ) protein or ribonucleic acid contamination; ( b ) possible damage suffered by the DNA during its isolation from the tissue, such as attach by depolymerizing enzymes as well as degradation due to other chemical or purely physical processes; and ( c ) different methods of preparing DNA from the same tissue. The per cent of DNA which was eluted by neutral solutions of 0.6 M NaCl could be modified, depending upon: ( a ) the exchange capacity of the anion exchanger, ( b ) the method used to prepare the DNA, ( c ) the extent of tissue autolysis, and ( d ) the use of an “Omnimixer” blender in place of a glass homogenizer to disperse the tissue sample. When the tissue samples were carefully prepared so as to minimize degradative or denaturation processes, the DNA chromatographic profiles of several different tissues were rather similar.
Observations on the musculoskeletal anatomy of the head of a neonate gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a number of studies reported on anatomicalobservations of selected species of living cetaceans. For mysticetes, most accountsfocused on rorquals (Balaenopteridae), although several studies of right whales (Bal-aenidae)werealsopublished.Onenotablestudy(Andrews1914)providedadetailedaccountofthenaturalhistory,externalmorphology,andskeletalanatomyofthegraywhale (
Induced Anxiety and Stroop Color-Word Test Performance: Hemispheric Processing Implications

Some previous research results concerning cerebral hemispheric processing under conditions of anxiety are noted; data using the Stroop Color-Word Test and a reflective eye movement questionnaire are presented which generally support a theory of anxiety resulting in a left-hemisphere overload under high task-demand conditions but resulting in left-hemisphere facilitation and right-hemisphere suppression under conditions of low task-demand.
Structural and magnetic characteristics of the pseudobinary system PrMn2ErMn2

Abstract Alloys were prepared by induction melting and subsequent annealing at 950 °K. Replacement of Er by Pr in ErMn 2 results in increasing lattice parameters in the hexagonal MgZn 2 -type structure. From Pr 0.283 Er 0.05 Mn 0.667 to Pr 0.163 Er 0.17 −Mn 0.667 the alloys crystallize with a cubic face-centered structure with lattice parameters from 12.308 to 12.601 A, isotypical with Th 6 Mn 23 (G-phase). This is also the structure of (TmPr)Mn 2 . PrMn 2 crystallizes as α-Mn type (χ-phase), body-centered cubic, with a = 8.902 A at 950 °K, and as G-phase with a = 12.690 A at 1000 °K. In the liquid He range, Pr and Er magnetic moments align antiferromagne-tically in the MgZn 2 -type structure. High saturation moments at 4.2 °K in the face-centered cubic, phase suggest complex behavior. These alloys show two Curie temperatures around 60 ° and 420 °K and remain ferromagnetic above room temperature. Neutron diffraction at 4.2 ° and 300 °K does not reveal antiferromagnetic ordering within crystallographic sites. Some kind of magnetic order may be retained beyond 1000 °K. The compounds do not follow the Curie-Weiss law to 1000 °K. PrMn2 (χ-phase) has a Weiss constant of —80 °K and may order antiferromagnetically below 4.2 °K on Pr sites.
Book Review: Bailey’s Head and Neck Surgery—Otolaryngology:

Bailey’s 2-volume textbook has become an institution in otolaryngology, with a long history of providing practical, detailed, yet not overly encyclopedic information. The fifth edition in this superb tradition was published in 2014 with Drs Jonas Johnson and Clark Rosen at the helm; it is expected to please students of otolaryngology, both lifelong and in training. The chapters are chock-full with relevant clinical information yet do not succumb to the excessively didactic, providing an excellent balance for practical education. The images are presented in full color and range from intraoperative photography to an exposition of vestibular testing. In addition, the reader gains an access code for online viewing of the material. This electronic interface also permits download of JPEGs of the images in the chapters for teaching purposes. The two hardcover volumes contain 207 chapters in 11 sections. Sections focus on topics spanning the range of Basic Science, Rhinology, Head and Neck Oncological Surgery, Sleep Medicine, Otology, Cosmetic Surgery, Laryngology, Pediatric Otolaryngology, and Trauma. Within these sections, patient problems are addressed according to their clinical relevance, while key research publications are described and referenced. There is an additional section that focuses on Practice Issues and includes subjects such as relevant business law, coding, practice management, and conflict of interest. This Practice Issues section is a topic that many miss during residency and fellowship training and yet remains of great importance among practicing otolaryngologists. Linked to the textbooks is also a paperback review module with multiple-choice questions. Questions are straightforward to understand and based on the material in the hardcover volumes. This supplement will prove useful for those studying for exams presented in this format. In summary, the publication set is very well presented, clinically relevant, practically applicable, and beautifully illustrated. Congratulations to the editors, section editors, and author team on this excellent fifth edition of Bailey’s.
On The Rhetoric of Economics

In applying the concept of rhetoric to economic literature, it is clear that one must define what rhetoric is. The most prominent school of rhetorical thought today is the so-called "new" or "pragmatic" view. But this perspective is not the only position which can be or indeed has been taken. There are advocates of what may be called traditional or classical rhetoric. Naturally, within both of these schools there are bound to be sub-varieties of opinion and, further, the pragmatic school blurs certain distinctions between concepts, rendering them even more difficult to define. There are also areas of agreement and similarity which at first glance may render differentiation difficult. Nevertheless, the significant differences between these two schools are strong enough to allow for a meaningful separation. The purpose of this paper, then, is not to track every variety of opinion, every nuance of thought, but rather to delineate those essential features which most clearly characterize and distinguish the two modes of thought and which also have a definite and differential impact when applied to the rhetoric of economic literature. To this end I fir^t define and discuss the traditional school, relying mainly, but not exclusively, on one of its ablest spokesmen, Richard Weaver. Second, an exposition of modern rhetoric is given, based pri? marily, but again not exclusively, on one of the foremost advocates of that school, Wayne Booth. Then the rhetoric of Adam Smith is exam? ined from the viewpoint of each school, and the similarities and differ? ences between the critiques is discussed.
Science Signaling Podcast: 5 November 2013

This Podcast features an interview with James Faeder and Penelope Morel, authors of a Research Article that appears in the 5 November 2013 issue of Science Signaling, about the importance of the duration of T cell receptor signaling in the differentiation of helper and regulatory T cells. T cells are lymphocytes that are part of the adaptive immune system, and there are several different subtypes of T cells that have distinct molecular and functional characteristics. Whereas helper T cells promote immune responses by releasing cytokines that stimulate other immune cells, regulatory T cells suppress the immune response to prevent tissue damage and autoimmune disease, both of which can occur when the immune response is left unchecked. Although they have very different functions, regulatory and helper T cells develop from the same population of precursor cells, and the amount of signaling each precursor cell receives through its T cell receptor determines whether it develops as a helper T cell or regulatory T cell. Miskov-Zivanov et al . report that the duration of T cell receptor signaling plays a crucial role in the specification of helper and regulatory T cells from their shared precursors.
Essential Air Service: a local, geographic market perspective

Abstract Essential Air Service (EAS) is a federally subsidized program in the United States that provides air transport connections to rural and remote locations. Critics suggest that EAS is too expensive and that many of its airports are underutilized. Proponents of the program argue that connections between rural locales and larger urban hubs help maintain local economic activity. The purpose of this paper is to examine the variations in local geographic markets and their impacts on service levels. Specifically, we use exploratory and confirmatory statistical approaches combined with spatial analysis to examine the geographic, demographic, socio-economic and local business determinants that contribute to commercial flight activity from EAS airports. Results suggest that geographic proximity to larger hubs, subsidy levels and the local population of the EAS catchment area are critical factors in flight activity at EAS airports.
p38 Signaling and Receptor Recycling Events in a Microfluidic Endothelial Cell Adhesion Assay

Adhesion-based microfluidic cell separation has proven to be very useful in applications ranging from cancer diagnostics to tissue engineering. This process involves functionalizing microchannel surfaces with a capture molecule. High specificity and purity capture can be achieved using this method. Despite these advances, little is known about the mechanisms that govern cell capture within these devices and their relationships to basic process parameters such as fluid shear stress and the presence of soluble factors. This work examines how the adhesion of human endothelial cells (ECs) is influenced by a soluble tetrapeptide, Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (REDV) and fluidic shear stress. The ability of these ECs to bind within microchannels coated with REDV is shown to be governed by shear- and soluble-factor mediated changes in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression together with recycling of adhesion receptors from the endosome.
Universal statistical cure for predicting memory loss

Novel nonvolatile memory (NVM) technologies are gaining significant attention from semiconductor industry in the competition of universal memory development. However, as nanoscale devices, these emerging NVMs suffer from the intrinsic technology challenges such as large process variations. The importance of effective statistical approaches for yield estimation and robust design arises in the commercialization of the emerging nonvolatile memory technologies. In this paper, we used Spin-Transfer Torque Random Access Memory (STT-RAM) as an example to explain some new memory failures mechanisms we have to face in the emerging memory technologies. Then, we applied a mixture importance sampling methodology to enable yield-driven design and extended its application beyond memories to peripheral circuits and logic blocks. The goal of these discussions is to propose a universal statistical methodology to predict memory loss and enable robust design practices.
Distributed Sensor Resource Management and Planning

The goal of sensor resource management (SRM) is to allocate resources appropriately in order to gain as much information as possible about a system. In our previous paper, we introduced a centralized non-myopic planning algorithm, C-SPLAN, that uses sparse sampling to estimate the value of resource assignments. Sparse sampling is related to Monte Carlo simulation. In the SRM problem we consider, our network of sensors observes a set of tracks; each sensor can be set to operate in one of several modes and/or viewing geometries. Each mode incurs a different cost and provides different information about the tracks. Each track has a kinematic state and is of a certain class; the sensors can observe either or both of these, depending on their mode of operation. The goal is to maximize the overall rate of information gain, i.e. rate of improvement in kinematic tracking and classification accuracy of all tracks in the Area of Interest. We compared C-SPLAN's performance on several tracking and target identification problems to that of other algorithms. In this paper we extend our approach to a distributed framework and present the D-SPLAN algorithm. We compare the performance as well as computational and communications costs of C-SPLAN and D-SPLAN as well as near-term planners.
Nonlinear discrete systems with global boundary conditions

Abstract This paper is devoted to the study of boundary value problems on infinite time intervals for nonlinear, discrete-time systems. For problems of the form x(k+1)=f k,x(k) +h(k), k=0,1,2,…, subject to constraints or nonlocal boundary conditions of the form ∑ k=0 ∞ g k,x(k) =y we analyze how perturbations in h and y affect the existence of l∞-solutions of this problem. In this setting, h is an element of l∞ and y belongs to R p . We also study the existence and behavior of bounded solutions to problems of the form x(k+1)=f λ,k,x(k) , k=0,1,2,…, subject to ∑ k=0 ∞ g λ,k,x(k) =0. We place particular importance on the behavior of the solutions as a function of the parameter λ.
Suppression of larval Colorado potato beetle growth and development by digestive proteinase inhibitors

Evidence is presented that the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)) depends, at least partially, on cysteine proteinases for protein digestion. Midgut homogenates of CPB larvae have a mildly acidic pH and exhibit major proteolytic activity in the mildly acidic pH range. This proteolytic activity is activated by reducing agents, is inhibited by E-64 (a specific cysteine proteinase inhibitor), and is not inhibited by serine proteinase inhibitors. In addition, consumption of E-64 treated potato leaves by CPB larvae at rates as low as 0.8 μg/cm2 of leaf tissue has a deleterious effect on larval growth and development. Resume Suppression par des inhibiteurs de proteinases intestinales, de la croissance et du developpement des larves de doryphores Les proteinases intestinales des larves de Leptinotarsa decemlineata sont en partie caracterisees par les pH limitant leur activite, et par l'effet d'inhibiteurs de proteinases de specificites connues. Les proteinases ont ete testees avec la methemoglobine tritiee comme substrat et nous avons determine les taux relatifs de peptides radioactives TCA solubles, liberees, dans des conditions precises, pour des pH compris entre 2,0 et 12,0. Le taux le plus eleve d'activite proteolytique a ete observe pour des pH 5,0 a 6,0, bien qu'il y ait eu une activite appreciable aux pH 4,0 et 8,0. Parmi les inhibiteurs examines, le E-64, inhibiteur proteinase cysteine tres selectif, a ete le plus efficace sur l'activite proteinase. La pepstatine, inhibiteur proteinase aspartique, a ete actif, mais seulement dans une gamme plus moin de pH. Les inhibiteurs proteinase serine, ont ete pratiquement inactifs sur l'activite proteinase. Chez des larves de doryphores nourries de feuilles de pommes de terre traitees avec differentes concentrations de E-64 ou de pepstatine, la consommation de E-64 a retarde fortement la croissance larvaire et le developpement, la pepstatine a provoque un retard du developpement plus limitee. Nos resultats suggerent que le doryphore depend, tout au moins partiellement, des proteinases cysteine pour l'assimilation des proteines.
60-Hz AC losses in Ag-doped high-temperature superconductors

60-Hz ac lossesP were measured at temperature 77 K for sintered powder (YBa2Cu3O7)1-x Ag x samples as a function of applied magnetic fieldh. Rod-shaped samples were cut from pellets forx= 0 and 0.05. The losses were measured in a uniform ac magnetic fieldh applied parallel to the sample surface. Measurements were made in fields up toh= 1000 A/cm rms at temperature 4.2 K and up toh=600 A/cm rms at temperature 77 K. The results may indicate an increase of the intergranular current density and are discussed in relation to the grain size.
Individual and Collective Rationality in Pastoral Production: Evidence From Northern Kenya

This study explores the individual and collective rationality of livestock accumulation in pastoral production using data gathered in northern Kenya. Results suggest accumulating wealth in livestock even when facing the prospect of sudden dramatic loss makes sense at the household level, and that there is limited empirical support to the contention that herd accumulation at the household level imposes a cost on other households. I conclude by arguing the record of failure in pastoral development may be at least partially due to a faulty conceptual foundation, and suggest facilitating herd accumulation may offer more promise than discouraging it.
On the Representation of Band-Dominant Functions on the Sphere Using Finitely Many Bits

A band-dominant function on the Euclidean sphere embedded in Rq+1 is the restriction to this sphere of an entire function of q+1 complex variables having a finite exponential type in each of its variables. We develop a method to represent such a function using finitely many bits, using the values of the function at scattered sites on the sphere. The number of bits required in our representation is asymptotically the same as the metric entropy of the class of such functions with respect to any of the Lp norms on the sphere.
Let's talk about error

In the time it will take you to read this editorial eight patients will be injured, and one will die, from preventable medical errors. Medication error—wrong drug, wrong dose, wrong route of administration, wrong patient, wrong time—is the most common single preventable cause of patient injury. When all sources of error are added up the likelihood that a mishap will injure a patient in hospital is at least 3% and probably much higher.1–4 This is a serious public health problem. When one considers that a typical airline handles customers' baggage at a far lower error rate than we handle the administration of drugs to patients, it is also an embarrassment. Given the prevalence of errors in our work, and given also that one of our first principles is “first do no harm,” it is strange that we talk so little in our hospitals and consulting rooms about this problem. Perhaps it is because we tend to view most errors as …
Implications of Growth and Starvation Conditions in Bacterial Adhesion and Transport

Biofouling is synonymous with unwanted biofilms and leads to problems ranging from efficiency and resource loss to health risks. While a number of bacterial properties including biomass concentration and hydrophobicity are considered critical to biofilm development and bacterial adhesion, the variations in these properties under growth and starvation conditions are not very well known. Here, we describe the trends in these properties for four Gram-negative bacteria under growth and extended starvation conditions. A convenient and frequently-used laboratory assay, the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH) test, was used to determine the microbial hydrophobicity based on the partitioning of cells at an aqueous-hydrocarbon interface. The bacteria tested exhibited a plateau in hydrophobicity values during the stationary growth phase and longer starvation durations (10 days). Starved cultures had higher hydrophobicity and lower cell sizes than growth cultures. Interestingly, hydrocarbon exposure led to an increase in cell size for starved cells as compared to control cultures, while cells under growth conditions did not show significant size changes due to hydrocarbon presence. Cells starved for short durations (up to 7‐10 days) exhibited significant variations in microbial hydrophobicity, cell size, and biomass concentration (total proteins and optical density). These results show the importance of studying the bacterial properties as a function of growth and starvation phase for cell adhesion in the context of biofilm formation and biofouling. © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2011
Methamphetamine Increases LPS-Mediated Expression of IL-8, TNF-α and IL-1β in Human Macrophages through Common Signaling Pathways

The use of methamphetamine (MA) has increased in recent years, and is a major health concern throughout the world. The use of MA has been associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV-1, along with an increased probability of the acquisition of various sexually transmitted infections. In order to determine the potential effects of MA exposure in the context of an infectious agent, U937 macrophages were exposed to various combinations of MA and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treatment with MA alone caused significant increases in the levels of TNF-α, while treatment with both MA and LPS resulted in significant increases in TNF-α, IL-1β and the chemokine IL-8. The increases in cytokine or chemokine levels seen when cells were treated with both LPS and MA were generally greater than those increases observed when cells were treated with only LPS. Treatment with chemical inhibitors demonstrated that the signal transduction pathways including NF-kB, MAPK, and PI3-Akt were involved in mediating the increased inflammatory response. As discussed in the paper, these pathways appear to be utilized by both MA and LPS, in the induction of these inflammatory mediators. Since these pathways are involved in the induction of inflammation in response to other pathogens, this suggests that MA-exacerbated inflammation may be a common feature of infectious disease in MA abusers.
Expression of the human ADH2 gene: an unusual Sp1-binding site in the promoter of a gene expressed at high levels in liver

Abstract The sequence 5′-GTGGGTGTGGC (G3T) is important for the efficient initiation of transcription from the human ADH2 promoter. We show here that the purified transcription factor Sp1 binds with high affinity to the G3T site of ADH2 (encoding ββ-alcohol dehydrogenase), even though the G3T sequence does not contain the canonical Sp1-binding site, GGGCGG. Proteins from mouse liver nuclei and purified Sp1 both footprint the same sequence of the ADH2 promoter with similar patterns. UV crosslinking demonstrates that the major G3T-binding protein in the liver extract is similar in size to Spl. Mouse liver nuclear extract resembles purified Sp1 in its relative binding affinity to a series of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing either the Sp1-binding site or variants of the G3T sequence. These data indicate that the G3T sequence can interact with Sp1 and that Sp1 may be important m the expression of ADH2. The G3T sequence from the closely related ADH3 gene (encoding γγ-alcohol dehydrogenase) diners from that of ADH2 in the first two nucleotides; it binds both the liver protein and purified Sp1 with lower affinity. This might explain why ADH3 is expressed at lower levels than ADH2 in the liver.
Effect of Melatonin on the Force of Spontaneous Contractions of In Vitro Rat Small and Large Intestine

Segments from various locations of the small and large intestine of the rat were removed, bathed in Tyrode's solution and attached to a force displacement transducer. Melatonin, while not influencing the frequency of contraction, did reduce the force of spontaneous contractions of duodenal and colon segments of rat intestine by 92 and 52%, respectively compared to only 25 and 22% for the ileum and jejunum, respectively. Areas with greatest responsiveness to melatonin were those that previous studies have shown to contain the largest concentrations of endogenous melatonin. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate, when tested in similar preparations, did not produce an inhibitory response characteristic of melatonin. It is hypothesized, therefore, that this hormone has physiological action within the gut, including motility; however, its action may not be directly on smooth muscle contraction but may be through an indirect action inhibiting the contractile response of serotonin, as suggested by other investigators.
On the gauge properties of Green’s functions

The transformation properties of Green’s functions in quantum electrodynamics are derived by functional analysis. Also, the generalized Ward identities and branching equations are obtained from differential equations for the generating functional.
Mediators of Estradiol-Stimulated Mitosis in the Rat Uterine Luminal Epithelium

The effects of estradiol treatment, which stimulates cell division in rat uterine epithelial cells, on the in vivo expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), cyclin D1, and cyclin B1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in these cells have been examined using ribonuclease protection assays. Estradiol gave rise to significant increases in steady state levels of HB-EGF 2 and 24 h after treatment. Cyclin D1 mRNA levels were elevated 8 and 10 h after estradiol administration, corresponding to the G1 phase of the mitotic cycle, and cyclin B1 mRNA was only expressed 16-24 h after estradiol treatment, which corresponds to the G2 and M phases of the rat uterine epithelial cell cycle. Estradiol-stimulated increases in HB-EGF mRNA were not affected by treatment with cycloheximide, but were inhibited by the estrogen antagonist compound, ICI 164,384, demonstrating that the estrogen-stimulated increase in HB-EGF mRNA is a primary, estrogen receptor-mediated response of rat uterine epithelium to estradiol. Progesterone treatment, which blocks epithelial cells in G1 of the cycle, suppressed levels of HB-EGF mRNA below those observed in ovariectomized rats. These results indicate that HB-EGF mediates the regulatory effects of both estradiol and progesterone on rat uterine epithelial cell proliferation through an effect on the production of G1 phase molecules such as cyclin D1.
Expression of Fas-receptor on basal cell carcinomas after treatment with imiquimod 5% cream or vehicle

Treatment with imiquimod 5% cream, capable of inducing interferon (IFN)-alpha, effectively cures basal cell carcinoma (BCC), both clinically and histologically. IFN-alpha induces expression of CD95-receptor (FasR) on BCC cells, which normally fail to express Fas receptor (FasR). Expression of the FasR is postulated to lead to apoptosis via CD95 receptor-CD95 ligand (FasL) interaction. Absence of this receptor may be responsible for the longevity of the cells of BCCs by preventing them undergoing 'suicidal' apoptosis, as well as apoptosis induced by neighbouring BCC cells and/or by infiltrating T-lymphocytes. We examined the expression of FasR on BCC after very short-term exposure to imiquimod 5% cream or vehicle. In a double-blind study, 10 patients with BCC applied either imiquimod (n = 5) or vehicle (n = 5) five times per week for up to 2 weeks. At the end of treatment, the treated area was excised and examined for the presence or absence of FasR by immunoperoxidase staining of rat antihuman FasR with haematoxylin and eosin counterstaining. Histologically, BCC cells were present in all (5/5) of the vehicle-treated BCCs and in 4/5 of the imiquimod-treated BCCs. BCC cells expressed FasR in 3/4 imiquimod-treated BCCs but in none (0/5) of the vehicle-treated tumours. T-lymphocytes apposed to BCC cells were evident in all three imiquimod-treated BCCs expressing FasR and in none of the FasR-negative, vehicle-treated BCCs. Imiquimod-induced FasR-mediated apoptosis may contribute to the effectiveness of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of BCC.
Copulatory Behavior of Non-Migratory Whooping Cranes in Florida

Abstract Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) are a long-lived, monogamous avian species, yet little documentation of copulatory behavior and timing in relation to egg-laying has occurred in wild populations. We monitored 10 crane pairs in Florida before and during the 2010 breeding season to document copulation timing and pre- and post-copulatory behavior. Monitoring began 111 days before incubation initiation for the first nest of the season. Pairs were observed for 124.62 hrs ( = 76.30 min, range = 14–375 min) during 98 observation periods; 17 observation periods occurred on days with precipitation. Three copulations were observed, two by one established pair and another by unpaired individuals. The copulations by the established pair occurred 9 and 18 days before incubation began. The third was an extra-pair copulation, which occurred between a paired female and a lone male, the first documented for the species. No copulations were observed on days with precipitation. We examined flock monitoring acco...
The Influence of Thermal Expansion and Plastic Deformation on a Thermo-Electro Mechanical Spherical Asperity Contact

Electrical contacts are expected to be influenced by coupled thermo-electro mechanical mechanisms. In this paper a single spherical asperity contact has been investigated with a coupled finite element thermo-electro mechanical approach. Thermo-electro mechanical behavior of a sphere in contact with a block has been analyzed while focusing on the effect of plastic deformation and thermal expansion. A finite element model is developed to analyze different cases and various parameters. Stress distribution, voltage drop and temperature profile have been presented. Results suggest that the thermal expansion influences the contact resistance significantly only for cases where the interferences are small. The thermal expansion decreases the contact resistance at a given interference, probably by effectively increasing the contact force. A non-dimensional parameter is derived to predict whether or not the influence of thermal expansion is important on an electrical contact.
Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of nerve conduction measurements in normal subjects.

Nerve conduction studies are widely employed in evaluating patients with peripheral nerve disease and are often used serially to measure disease progression or to assess a therapeutic intervention. We determined the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of electrophysiological data by performing serial nerve conduction studies on 7 normal subjects. A high degree of inter-examiner reliability was present, but significant inter-examiner differences were found. Our results suggest that if nerve conduction studies are to be used longitudinally, they should optimally be performed by a single examiner to minimize the degree of variability associated with different examiners.
Spatial genetics of wild tomato species reveals roles of the Andean geography on demographic history

 Premise of the study : Understanding the demographic history of natural populations in relation to the geographic features in their habitats is an important step toward deciphering the mechanisms of evolutionary processes in nature. This study investigates how the complex geographic and ecological features of the Andes play a role in demographic history, species divergence, dispersal patterns, and hybridization in wild tomato species.  Methods : We investigated spatial genetics of two closely related wild tomato species, Solanum lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium , by integrating amplifi ed fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker data and geographic information system (GIS)-derived geographic and climatic data.  Key results : The two species represent genetically distinct lineages largely separated by the Andes, but hybridize extensively in central to northern Ecuador, likely mediated by the transitional climatic conditions between those of the two species. Solanum lycospericum has likely experienced a severe population bottleneck during the colonization of the eastern Andes followed by a rapid population expansion.  Conclusions : The study demonstrates that the evolutionary patterns of the two wild tomatoes, including demographic history, dispersal patterns, interspecifi c divergence, and hybridization, are intimately related to the complex geographic and ecological features of the Andes. Integrating genetic data across the genome and GIS-derived environmental data can provide insights into the patterns of complex evolutionary processes in nature.
Thermal Performance of Various Multilayer Insulation Systems Below 80K

The SSC collider dipole cryostat consists of a vacuum shell operating at room temperature, two thermal shields operating near 80K and 20K respectively, and the superconducting magnet assembly operating near 4K1. The cryostat design incorporates multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets to limit radiant heat transfer into the 80K and 20K thermal shields. Also, an MLI blanket is used to impede heat transfer through residual gas conduction into the 4K superconducting magnet assembly.