cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ERcalcistorin/Protein-disulfide Isomerase Acts as a Calcium Storage Protein in the Endoplasmic Reticulum of a Living Cell: COMPARISON WITH CALRETICULIN AND CALSEQUESTRIN *

ERcalcistorin/protein-disulfide isomerase (ECaSt/PDI), a high capacity low affinity Ca2+-binding protein in the endoplasmic reticulum of sea urchin eggs (Lebeche, D., and Kaminer, B. (1992) Biochem. J. 287, 741–747), shares 55% sequence identity with mammalian PDI and has PDI activity (Lucero, H., Lebeche, D., and Kaminer, B. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 23112–23119). We report on ECaSt/PDI functioning as a Ca2+ storage protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of a living cell and compare it with calsequestrin and calreticulin, high capacity low affinity Ca2+-binding proteins in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and ER, respectively. Stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cell clones expressed these proteins, which were localized in the ER of the cell. Microsomes from cells expressing ECaSt/PDI, calreticulin, and calsequestrin accumulated 17.2 ± 0.27, 20.0 ± 0.82, and 38.0 ± 0.28 nmol of Ca2+/mg of protein, respectively; control microsomes accumulated from 2.6 ± 0.17 to 2.9 ± 0.14 nmol of Ca2+/mg of protein. The initial rate of Ca2+ uptake was similar in microsomes from transfected and control cells. Microsomes containing an ECaSt/PDI mutant in which 45% of the acidic residue pairs in the C terminus were truncated had a reduced Ca2+ storage capacity. This supports our previous hypothesis that the degree of low affinity Ca2+ binding is dependent on the number of pairs of carboxyl groups in the molecule. The maximal Ca2+ accumulation by microsomes containing the expressed ECaSt/PDI, C-terminally truncated ECaSt/PDI, calreticulin, or calsequestrin correlates approximately with the Ca2+binding capacity of the respective proteins.
Ty3/gypsy -like retrotransposon knockout of a 2-methyl-6-phytyl-1,4-benzoquinone methyltransferase is non-lethal, uncovers a cryptic paralogous mutation, and produces novel tocopherol (vitamin E) profiles in sunflower

The m (Tph(1)) mutation partially disrupts the synthesis of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds and was predicted to disrupt a methyltransferase activity necessary for the synthesis of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol. We identified and isolated two 2-methyl-6-phytyl-1,4-benzoquinone/2-methyl-6-solanyl-1,4-benzoquinone methyltransferase (MPBQ/MSBQ-MT) paralogs from sunflower (MT-1 and MT-2), resequenced MT-1 and MT-2 alleles from wildtype (m(+) m(+)) and mutant (m m) inbred lines, identified m as a non-lethal knockout mutation of MT-1 caused by the insertion of a 5.2 kb Ty3/gypsy-like retrotransposon in exon 1, and uncovered a cryptic codominant mutation (d) in a wildtype x mutant F(2) population predicted to be segregating for the m mutation only. MT-1 and m cosegregated and mapped to linkage group 1 and MT-1 was not transcribed in mutant homozygotes (m m). The m locus was epistatic to the d locus--the d locus had no effect in m(+) m(+) and m(+) m individuals, but significantly increased beta-tocopherol percentages in m m individuals. MT-2 and d cosegregated, MT-2 alleles isolated from mutant homozygotes (d d) carried a 30 bp insertion at the start of the 5'-UTR, and MT-2 was more strongly transcribed in seeds and leaves of wildtype (d(+) d(+)) than mutant (d d) homozygotes (transcripts were 2.2- to 5.0-fold more abundant in the former than the latter). The double mutant (m m d d) was non-lethal and produced 24-45% alpha- and 55-74% beta-tocopherol (the wildtype produced 96% alpha- and 4% beta-tocopherol). MT-2 compensated for the loss of the MT-1 function, and the MT-2 mutation profoundly affected the synthesis of tocopherols without adversely affecting the synthesis of plastoquinone crucial for normal plant growth and development.
Isometric responses of the paramyosin smooth muscle of Paragordius varius (Leidy), (Aschelminthes, Nematomorpha)

Preliminary isometric responses of the paramyosin smooth body wall muscles of Paragordius varius (Nematomorpha) are reported. 1. Brief a.c. or d. c. pulses give typical phasic responses, although the time relations are different (Fig. 1A). 2. Longer d.c. (5 sec) (Fig. 1A) as well as ACh (10−6 M) stimulation (Fig. 1B) yield tonic contractions with slow decay of developed tension. 3. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and piperazine citrate (PIP) both relax tonically contracted muscle, but the pattern of subsequent responses to d.c. or ACh stimulation are different (Fig. 1B). 4. Tonic tension as a result of ACh (10−6 M) stimulation is decreased proportionately as the concentration of 5-HT is incrementally increased from 10−14 to 10−7 M (Fig. 1C). 5. Repetitive a.c. stimulation does not show summation, while similar d.c. stimulation characteristically yields summation (Fig. 1D). 6. The occurrence of paramyosin smooth muscle and its properties serves as a basis for understanding the “tight coiling” phenomenon common to fresh-water nematomorphs.
PHYLOGENETIC AFFINITIES OF PLAGIOCIRRUS VAN CLEAVE AND MUELLER, 1932 WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES FROM THE PASCAGOULA RIVER, MISSISSIPPI

Plagiocirrus loboides n. sp. (Digenea: Opecoelidae) is described from Fundulus nottii, F. dispar blairae, F. chrysotus, and Notemigonus crysoleucas from the Pascagoula River in Mississippi. Plagiocirrus loboides differs from P. primus Van Cleave and Mueller, 1932, by having a longer postcecal space (14–25% of body length vs. about 7%); a more anterior vitellarium (extending at least to the middle of the ventral sucker vs. to its posterior margin); and larger eggs (51–71 μm long by 23–34 μm wide vs. 40–55 μm long by 30–35 μm wide). Plagiocirrus loboides differs from P. testeus Fritts, 1959, by having a long postcecal space (vs. <5% of body length); irregular, oblique, contiguous testes (vs. strongly lobed, well separated, tandem testes); and a more extensive vitellarium. Plagiocirrus loboides differs from both congeners by having an ovary comprised of 3 or 4 distinct lobes rather than having an entire ovary. Plagiocirrus wuyienensis Wang, 1981, from Hemimyzon zebroidus in Fujian Province, China, is herein ...
Stable Clouding Agent from Isolated Soy Protein

In a dilute suspension the stability of soy protein particles equalled or surpassed that of orange juice prepared from concentrate during short-term storage at 4°C. Soluble soy protein produced a stable cloud only when soluble pectin was present in the incubation medium as the particles were forming. In the absence of soluble pectin the nascent soy protein particles rapidly aggregated. This soy protein based clouding agent may provide a natural and healthy alternative to oil-derived clouding agents. The stabilization of such suspended soy protein particles also provides a model system that may be comparable to orange juice cloud for stability studies.
Observation of electric-field-induced Cs Rydberg atom macrodimers

We report the observation of cold Cs Rydberg-atom molecules bound at internuclear separations of R∼3–9 μm. The bound states result from avoided crossings between Rydberg-atom-pair interaction potentials in an applied electric field. The molecular states can be modified by changing the applied electric field. The molecules are observed by mapping the radial separation of the two Rydberg atoms as a function of time delay between excitation and detection using the Coulomb repulsion of the ions after pulsed field ionization. Measurements were performed for 63D+65D, 64D+66D, 65D+67D and 66D+68D pairs. The experiment is in good agreement with calculations of the pair interactions for these states. Bound macrodimers have now been directly observed for the first time. Macrodimers comprise two Rydberg atoms with a separation as large as 9 μm. The unique properties of macrodimers mean that they enable new experiments for investigating ultracold gases.
Glucose-induced exertional fatigue in muscle phosphofructokinase deficiency.

Background. The exercise capacity of patients with muscle phosphofructokinase deficiency is low and fluctuates from day to day. The basis of this variable exercise tolerance is unknown, but our patients with this disorder report that fatigue of active muscles is more rapid after a high-carbohydrate meal. Methods and Results. To determine the effect of carbohydrate on exercise performance, we asked four patients with muscle phosphofructokinase deficiency to perform cycle exercise under conditions of differing availability of substrate — i.e., after an overnight fast, and during an infusion of glucose or triglyceride (with 10 U of heparin per kilogram of body weight) after an overnight fast. As compared with fasting and the infusion of triglyceride with heparin, the glucose infusion lowered plasma levels of free fatty acids and ketones, reduced maximal work capacity by 60 to 70 percent, and lowered maximal oxygen consumption by 30 to 40 percent. Glucose also increased the relative intensity of submaximal ex...
Dissociation of consummatory and vocal components of feeding in squirrel monkeys treated with benzodiazepines and alcohol.

The primary aim of the current experiments was to develop methods that engender vocalizations associated with positive social situations comprising affiliative behavior and feeding that could be quantified under controlled laboratory conditions and were sensitive to anxiolytic drugs. Classical conditioning procedures were used to elicit vocalizations during presentation of stimulus lights (i.e., CS condition) previously paired with either preferred foods (e.g., grapes, peanuts, bananas) or standard foods (e.g., monkey chow) as well as during presentation of both food types (i.e., UCS condition). When compared to the period before stimulus light presentation (i.e., Pre-CS condition), the rate, duration and number of elemental units of food-related “twitter” vocalizations were increased during the CS conditions regardless of food type. Monkeys spent significantly more time oriented toward the food box during the light stimulus that preceded preferred food than for the light stimulus that preceded standard food. However, twitter vocalizations were higher for standard food regardless of the stimulus conditions (i.e., Pre-CS, CS and UCS). Administration of the benzodiazepine full agonist chlordiazepoxide (CDP, 1–10 mg/kg), the partial agonist bretazenil (BRZ, 1–10 mg/kg), the antagonist flumazenil (FLZ, 1–10 mg/kg) and ethyl alcohol (EtOH, 0.1–1.0 g/kg) differentially altered vocalizations. Although CDP and BRZ increased feeding of standard food, twitters were reduced across stimulus conditions. CDP and BRZ did not alter other social contact calls (i.e., “peeps”). FLZ also reduced twitters without altering peeps, but did not increase feeding. In contrast, EtOH did not increase feeding or peeps, but did increase food-related twitters. These results indicate that there is a dissociation between food-related behaviors, such as food consumption and orientation towards the food source, and vocal behaviors associated with group communication during feeding.
A Comparative Permeation/Release Study of Different Testosterone Gel Formulations

The major indication for testosterone (T) treatment is male hypogonadism that is characterized by low serum T concentrations. Although a recently developed hydroalcoholic gel, Androgel®, containing 1% T addresses many of the problems associated with the more conventional formulations, the bioavailability of T is only 10% requiring 5 to 10 g of gel to be applied daily. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) content as a penetration enhancer based on its ability to prevent skin dryness and in turn to increase T permeation from hydroalcoholic gels. Five different hydroalcoholic gel formulations, containing 1% T and carbopol as the gel-forming polymer, were formulated by varying the amount of IPA. The release of T from each gel, including Androgel®, was studied in vitro on Franz diffusion cells using cellulose ester and Celgard® 2400 as synthetic membranes and hairless guinea pig skin as a natural membrane. The amount of drug released from the gels was analyzed us...
Neuroimaging in TIAs

The brain responds dynamically to transient episodes of ischemic insult. The standard brain imaging techniques, CT and conventional MRI, are insensitive to dynamic and regionally varying neural parenchymal responses to tissue ischemia. In contrast, perfusion and diffusion MRI permit visualization of these critical tissue processes and have afforded new insights into the pathophysiology of human cerebral ischemia. In addition, clinical studies have demonstrated that both conventional brain imaging and diffusion MRI are of substantial clinical use in patients with TIAs. The current conventional definition of TIA, which dates back to the 1950s, is onset of neurologic symptoms due to focal cerebral ischemia that resolve completely within 24 hours.1 Defects of this definition, which became apparent as early as the CT era (circa 1970s), have been demonstrated even more pointedly by recent MRI investigations. Nevertheless, all imaging studies discussed in this review have employed this conventional definition. Patients with clinical TIAs frequently have had previous cerebral ischemic events, both clinically manifest and silent. Conventional MRI is more sensitive than standard CT in identifying these preexisting lesions. In two different studies, MRI provided evidence of at least one infarct somewhere in the cerebrum in 77% to 81% of TIA patients.2,3⇓ Across 17 different studies, CT showed evidence of at least one infarct somewhere in the cerebrum in 0% to 68% of TIA patients. Many patients who meet conventional clinical criteria for TIA actually exhibit a new radiologic infarct on brain imaging, a phenomenon labeled by Waxman and Toole4 as “cerebral infarction with transient signs.” Conventional CT and MRI frequently demonstrate infarcts that are appropriately located to have accounted for the deficits observed during the TIA. Among patients meeting clinical criteria for TIA, 31% to 39% demonstrate neuroanatomically relevant infarcts on conventional MRI3,5⇓ and 2% to 48% …
The need to ground truth 30.5 m buffers: A case study of the boreal toad (Bufo boreas)

Abstract A buffer zone of 30.5 m is commonly used to protect species in riparian and wetland systems. This 30.5 m standard was developed to protect water quality, not biodiversity, and few studies have tested its effectiveness for protecting riparian and wetland species. We tested the standard implementation of 30.5 m buffers to determine if they protect critical habitat for semi-aquatic vertebrate species, using the boreal toad ( Bufo boreas ) as an example. Using radio telemetry of 84 toads in south-central Utah in 2003 and 2004, we found that the standard implementation of 30.5 m buffers did not protect all critical habitats for boreal toads. Managers should consider the following factors when establishing buffer zones: (1) Buffer requirements may vary by time of year. (2) A single year’s observation may not be sufficient to establish adequate buffers. (3) Buffer requirements may differ by sex. Finally (4), sites should be ground truthed prior to determining buffer zones. Critically, we found that many small streams and seeps used by toads were outside of buffer zones due to low resolution of GIS mapping layers. After ground truthing and extending 30.5 m buffers around these habitats, the average percentage of all observations within 30.5 m buffers increased from 82.4% to 92.4%. Our data suggest that ground truthing may be the most important factor in establishing effective buffer zones.
Imaging and microanalyses of mercury in flood plain soils of east fork poplar creek

Electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry, optical microscopy, and x-ray diffractometry were used to locate, identify, and analyze Hg-bearing matter in the soils from the East Fork Poplar Creek floodplain located adjacent to D.O.E.'s Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant1 Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Several significant findings were made in this study; namely, that ash concentration in soils is an indicator of Hg enrichment, the modes of occurrence of Hg are identical in so-called Hg-rich and Hg-poor soils, and Hg was found to coexist with S in all cases. In addition to Hg other materials employed at the Oak Ridge site such as U, Th, alloys, and rare earth were also observed.
Developmental Differences in Giving Directions: Spatial Frames of Reference and Mental Rotation

The spatial referents “left” and “right” are one of the most common means for specifying direction and location, yet little is known about the processes that underlie the use of these concepts. Two studies tested the hypothesis that children and adults who correctly identify left-right directions from nonoccupied orientations perform imagined rotations to align the self's frame of reference with the other's. Children who make incorrect judgments from nonoccupied orientations were hypothesized to use a stationary egocentric reference frame. 28 6- and 8-year-old children and 9 adults were tested on a task that required making left-right direction judgments from various rotated orientations. The results supported the mental rotation hypothesis: Only correct responders showed a linear increase in response time with increasing angular disparity between the self and other. Mental rotation permits the continued use of an egocentric reference frame for specifying left-right relations from nonoccupied positions.
Agenda Setting and Acid Precipitation in the United States

The objective of this research was to analyze the retention of acid precipitation as a viable policy issue on the Congressional agenda during the 1980s. Issue maintenance (a term borrowed from Barbara Nelson's discussion of the four stages associated with agenda decision making) was examined in relation to a set of issue characteristics originally developed by Roger Cobb and Charles Elder, i.e., concreteness, social significance, temporal relevance, complexity, and categorical precedence. Each issue attribute was found to be somewhat useful in explaining the longevity of acid rain as an agenda item although the direction of influence for two factors, complexity and temporal relevance, was contrary to expectations. It was suggested that a conceptual merger of this sort could contribute to the comparative analysis of agenda policy decisions by providing a clearer and more restricted set of decision points to be explained.
Automated structural synthesis for nondeterministic loads

Abstract Optimal design of structural systems subjected to probabilistic loads is posed as a standard nonlinear programming problem. The salient complexities of the problem are identified and solution strategies are proposed. Realistic design constraints pertaining to structural integrity of the optimized design are formulated. Structural fatigue is examined from the standpoint of crack propagation rates. The optimization system consists of a sequence of finite element subroutines interfaced with a feasible directions optimization algorithm through the COMMAND language on a VAX 11-750 computer. Representative numerical results are presented.
Teaching systems design through systems documentation

This paper describes a teaching methodology, illustrating:• Use of case studies having general appeal to full-time students and professional persons,• Generally-accepted system documents,• A prototype sequence for presentation of each document type,• Measures of success of the methodology, and• Pitfalls.
Isomorphism and Measure Rigidity for Algebraic Actions on Zero-Dimensional Groups

We consider mixing ℤd-actions on compact zero-dimensional abelian groups by automorphisms. Rigidity of invariant measures does not hold for such actions in general; we present conditions which force an invariant measure to be Haar measure on an affine subset. This is applied to isomorphism rigidity for such actions. We develop a theory of halfspace entropies which plays a similar role in the proof to that played by invariant foliations in the proof of rigidity for smooth actions.
A stochastic distributed-delay model of disease processes in dynamic populations

Abstract 1A stimulation model that is applicable to infectious and non-infectious disease is proposed. This paper describes a model for simulation of infectious and non-infectious disease processes in dynamic populations, and compares its behavior to a stochastic version of the Reed-Frost model for a hypothetical infectious disease. A distributed-delay model is applied. Monte-Carlo simulations of both modeling approaches produced epidemics of randomly determined sizes. Although both models demonstrated the characteristic bimodal distributions of total number of cases per epidemic, the shape of the distributions was slightly different. Separation between the two peaks was not as great with the distributed-delay model as with the Reed-Frost model. The tail was slightly more extended than the Reed-Frost, and there were more epidemics in the 50–100 case range. Both models produced similar average attack rates.
BLOC-3, a Protein Complex Containing the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Gene Products HPS1 and HPS4

Abstract The Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a genetic disorder characterized by defective lysosome-related organelles. HPS results from mutations in either one of six human genes named HPS1 to HPS6, most of which encode proteins of unknown function. Here we report that the human HPS1 and HPS4 proteins are part of a complex named BLOC-3 (for biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 3). Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that epitope-tagged and endogenous HPS1 and HPS4 proteins assemble with each other in vivo. The HPS1·HPS4 complex is predominantly cytosolic, with a small amount being peripherally associated with membranes. Size exclusion chromatography and sedimentation velocity analyses of the cytosolic fraction indicate that HPS1 and HPS4 form a moderately asymmetric protein complex with a molecular mass of ∼175 kDa. HPS4-deficient fibroblasts from light ear mice display normal distribution and trafficking of the lysosomal membrane protein, Lamp-2, in contrast to fibroblasts from AP-3-deficient pearl mice (HPS2), which exhibit increased trafficking of this lysosomal protein via the plasma membrane. Similarly, light ear fibroblasts display an apparently normal accumulation of Zn2+ in intracellular vesicles, unlike pearl fibroblasts, which exhibit a decreased intracellular Zn2+ storage. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that the HPS1 and HPS4 proteins are components of a cytosolic complex that is involved in the biogenesis of lysosomal-related organelles by a mechanism distinct from that operated by AP-3 complex.
Basophils take a slice of IRF8 pie.

In this issue of Blood , Sasaki and colleagues demonstrate a strict requirement for the transcription factor interferon regulator factor 8 (IRF8) in the development of mouse basophils.[1][1] ![Figure][2] IRF8 represses neutrophil potential and promotes basophil and mast cell development.
Using the Balanced Scorecard as a Control System for Monitoring and Revising Corporate Strategy

This paper illustrates how a company can use its performance measurement system to i) evaluate its operating strategy, ii) identify potential problems with its strategy, and iii) devise plans to mitigate these problems. Kaplan and Norton (1992) define strategy as a set of hypotheses linking non-financial measures to future value through a series of cause-and-effect relationships. Using data from a convenience store chain, we demonstrate how performance measures and the links between the measures can be used to identify potential problems with the firm's operating strategy. Furthermore, we explore whether the performance measurement system can highlight the causes of these problems and identify possible solutions. While preliminary tests indicate no significant direct relationship between non-financial measures of strategy implementation and the firm's financial performance, detailed analysis reveals that financial performance is associated with the interaction of measures of strategy implementation and employee skills. Financial performance also directly relates to employee skills and store location proxies. We find that the firm's strategy positively (negatively) impacts financial performance in stores with high (low) employee skill levels. Thus, a poor fit between strategy and capabilities primarily caused the ineffectiveness of the strategy. These findings highlight the importance of conditioning the formulation and implementation of a firm's strategy on its core competencies. More importantly, we demonstrate that performance measurement systems can be used to monitor, analyze, and revise a firm's strategy.
Mantle upwelling, magmatic differentiation, and the meaning of axial depth at fast-spreading ridges

Since the fi rst systematic mapping of the East Pacifi c Rise, its axial depth profi le has been used to infer variability in magma supply or mantle temperature. Here, however, we show that segment-scale, rise-parallel undulations of both on- and off-axis seafl oor depth result pri- marily from variations in the bulk density of oceanic crust. Using seismic images of crustal and upper mantle structure combined with gravity data and lava chemistry, we demonstrate that segment-scale variations in crustal density are caused by magmatic differentiation. Rise- parallel changes in magmatic differentiation are attributed to a skew between the axes of mantle upwelling and plate spreading. We conclude that segmentation of axial depth along fast-spreading ridges is controlled primarily by the geometry of mantle upwelling.
Early nutrition and adult health: perspectives for international and community nutrition programs and policies.

Recent economic changes throughout the world, either development or crises and recessions, have prompted a host of nutrition‐related problems, including a decreased prevalence of undernutrition, an increase in the prevalence of diet‐related diseases, widespread food insecurity as crop prices increase, and so on. In addition, evidence is mounting that suggests that exposure to poor nutrition early in life is a predisposing factor for chronic diseases in adulthood. Thus, the role of international or community nutrition professionals is vital to not only studying and understanding the interplay between economics, food policy, and health, but also to improving the ability to intervene and prevent many problems related to food insecurity in developed and developing countries. The purpose of this review is to outline and describe these issues as a means to open discussion on how to best alleviate major nutrition problems in the world.
Drag reduction characteristics in straight and coiled tubing — An experimental study

Abstract An excessive friction pressure loss due to the small tubing diameter and curvature (which is believed to cause secondary flow) of Coiled Tubing (CT) often limits the maximum obtainable fluid flow rate in most CT operations. Good drag reduction property becomes a desirable quality for drilling, completion and workover fluids for CT applications. Yet, the drag reduction phenomenon in coiled tubing has not been well understood. This paper presents an experimental study of drag reduction performance of commonly used drag reducing agent, high molecular weight, anionic, AMPS copolymer (Nalco ASP-820) in straight and coiled tubing. The flow loop used consisted of three 1/2-in. OD coiled tubing reels with curvature ratios of 0.01, 0.019, and 0.031. A 1/2-in. OD, 10-ft straight section was also included to compare the drag reduction behavior between straight and coiled tubing. Various concentrations of drag reducing fluid were tested. The optimum concentration was then determined from the results of drag reduction exhibited by the fluid. The differential pressure versus flow rate data were reduced in terms of Fanning friction factor and solvent Reynolds number for estimating drag reduction characteristics. The results show that the drag reduction in coiled tubing are significantly lower than in straight tubing. As curvature ratio increases, the drag reduction decreases. A new drag reduction envelope (which is parallel to the Virk's envelope for drag reduction in straight pipes) is proposed to evaluate the essential characteristics of drag reduction in coiled tubing. The test data plotted on this new envelope clearly show the delayed onset of drag reduction and the effects of curvature and polymer concentration on drag reduction. Presently, the correlations for accurately predicting drag reduction characteristics of a commonly used drag reducing fluid in coiled tubing are non-existent. In this study, new drag reduction correlations are developed that can be used for the engineering design of coiled tubing hydraulics. The correlations are also evaluated using the experimental data from full-scale coiled tubing flow experiments and results showed the good agreement with the predictions from the developed correlations.
Using ionospheric scintillation observations for studying the morphology of equatorial ionospheric bubbles

[1] For a study of the equatorial ionosphere, ionospheric scintillation data at VHF and L-band frequencies have been routinely collected by ground-based receivers at Ancon, Peru, Antofagasta, Chile, and Ascension Island, UK, since May 1994. The receivers routinely monitor VHF transmissions from two geosynchronous satellites located at 100°W longitude and 23°W longitude, and L-band signals from satellites located at 75°W longitude and 15°W longitude. This combination provides a network of seven usable, reasonably separated links for monitoring ionospheric equatorial bubble activity in the South American longitude sector. A data set of seven years covering the period from 1995 to 2001 was studied to determine the temporal, diurnal, and seasonal behavior of equatorial bubbles. The results of our statistical study are presented here. In general the equatorial ionospheric bubble activity shows a strong systematic and primary dependence in temporal, diurnal, and seasonal variation, and a secondary weak dependence on geomagnetic and solar flux activity. At present, the dependence on solar and magnetic activity is not usable for near-time and short-term prediction of the equatorial bubble activity. Equatorial bubbles usually start 1 hour after sunset, the activity peaks before local midnight, and vanishes by early morning. The activity peaks in the months of November and January–February and is practically absent (weak) from May to August. On a daily basis on the average one sees 1 to 3 bubbles. The duration of bubbles is about 70 min, and the time spacing between the bubbles is 1 to 2 hours. The bubble activity in general follows the phase of solar cycle activity. The observed systematic behavior of the equatorial bubbles allows for a now cast and short-term forecast of the bubble activity in the South American sector.
Time judgments of musical endings: Effects of expectancies on the “filled interval effect”

In two experiments, the influence of musical endings on duration judgments was examined. In Experiment 1, subjects were asked to compare the duration of paired folk tunes that could vary in their degree of resolution. Results showed that melodies ending on the leading tone interval were underestimated relative to songs ending on the conventional tonic. Experiment 2 further revealed that time estimates were influenced by a melody’s preceding temporal accent structure. Melodies ending earlier than expected were judged significantly shorter, particularly when the tune ended on the leading-tone interval. Conversely, tonic endings were judged substantially longer when they appeared to occur “too late” in time. Results are discussed in terms of a contrast model which emphasizes the role of expectancies on duration judgments
Where concerned citizens perceive police as more responsive to troublesome teen groups: theoretical implications for political economy, incivilities and policing

The current investigation extends previous work on citizens' perceptions of police performance. It examines origins of between-community differences in concerned citizens' judgements that police are responding sufficiently to a local social problem. The problem is local unsupervised teen groups, a key indicator for both the revised systemic social disorganisation perspective and the incivilities thesis. Four theoretical perspectives predict ecological determinants of these shared judgements. Less perceived police responsiveness is anticipated in: lower socioeconomic status (SES) police districts by both a political economy and a stratified incivilities perspective; more predominantly minority police districts by a racialised justice perspective; and in higher crime police districts by a proposed extension of Klinger's ecology of policing model. The current work improves upon earlier conflicting work in this area in several ways; most importantly it distinguishes between perceived need for police and perce...
Bifurcation of singular arcs in an optimal control problem for cancer immune system interactions under treatment

A mathematical model for cancer treatment that includes immunological activity is considered as an optimal control problem. In the uncontrolled system there exist both a region of benign and of malignant cancer growth separated by the stable manifold of a saddle point. The aim of treatment is to move an initial condition that lies in the malignant region into the region of benign growth. In our formulation of the objective a penalty term is included that approximates this separatrix by its tangent space and minimization of the objective is tantamount to moving the state of the system across this boundary. In this paper, for various values of a parameter that describes the relative effectiveness of the killing action of a cytotoxic drug on cancer cells and the immunocompetent cell density, the existence and optimality of a singular arc is analyzed. The question of existence of optimal controls and the structure of near-optimal protocols that move the system into the region of attraction of the benign stable equilibrium is discussed.
Lung Cancer Case-Control Study of Beryllium Workers

Background Cohort mortality studies have found elevated lung cancer mortality among beryllium-exposed workers, but none evaluated the association between beryllium exposure level and lung cancer risk. A nested case‐control study of lung cancer within a beryllium processing plant was conducted to investigate the relationship between level of beryllium exposure and lung cancer. Methods Lung cancer cases were identified by mortality follow-up through 1992 of a cohort of male workers at a beryllium alloy production plant. Each of 142 lung cancer cases was age‐race-matched to five controls. Calendar-time-specific beryllium exposure estimates were made for every job in the plant and were used to estimate workers’ cumulative, average, and maximum exposures. The potential confounding effects of smoking were also evaluated. Results Lung cancer cases had shorter tenures and lower lifetime cumulative beryllium exposures than controls, but higher average and maximum exposures. However, after applying a 10- and 20-year lag, exposure metrics were higher for cases. Odds ratios in analyses lagged 20 years were significantly elevated for those with higher exposure compared to the lowest exposure category. Significant positive trends were seen with the log of the exposure metrics. Smoking did not appear to confound exposure‐response analyses. Conclusion Increased lung cancer among workers with higher lagged beryllium exposures and lack of evidence for confounding by cigarette smoking, provide further evidence that beryllium is a human lung carcinogen. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:133‐144, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. y
Towards a Modeling Infrastructure for Studying Plant Cells

The use of high-throughput technologies in recent years has generated extensive information on the various levels of cellular and developmental processes in plants. The major challenge, however, remains the integration of this information toward a broad understanding of how the different biological
Setting the activity level in sparse random networks

We investigate the dynamics of a class of recurrent random networks with sparse, asymmetric excitatory connectivity and global shunting inhibition mediated by a single interneuron. Using probabilistic arguments and a hyperbolic tangent approximation to the gaussian, we develop a simple method for setting the average level of firing activity in these networks. We demonstrate through simulations that our technique works well and extends to networks with more complicated inhibitory schemes. We are interested primarily in the CA3 region of the mammalian hippocampus, and the random networks investigated here are seen as modeling the a priori dynamics of activity in this region. In the presence of external stimuli, a suitable synaptic modification rule could shape this dynamics to perform temporal information processing tasks such as sequence completion and prediction.
ON THE APPLICATION OF A CONSUMER PREFERENCE-BASED METHOD FOR DESIGNING PRODUCTS TO WINE FERMENTATION MONITORING DEVICES

This article applies a recently proposed procedure for product design (Bagajewicz, 2007) to the design of a wine fermentation monitoring device. The procedure is based on connections made between consumer preferences and the characteristics of the product; it includes a price-demand model and maximizes the profit by simultaneously changing product characteristics and product price, something that has not yet been applied to devices. We conclude that, unlike other cases, a product that maximizes consumer satisfaction can be successfully marketed. In conclusion, the study is mostly devoted to showing how the methodology applies to this segment of industry, rather than to proposing the best device.
The Relationships Between Web Parameters and Spiderling Predatory Behavior in the Orb‐weaver, Nephila clavipes

and Summary The relationships between growth, web parameters, and predatory behaviors in juveniles of the orb weaver, Nephila clavipes, were examined in a Louisiana forest. Large spiderlings took longer and captured more prey than small spiderlings. Large spiderlings initiated wrapping only when they captured second and subsequent prey while small spiderlings usually wrapped each prey captured. Large spiderlings built larger webs that were more capable of retaining prey. Longer capture latencies of large spiderlings may have been related to greater adhesiveness and larger mesh size of their webs; however, their slower responses did not diminish success in capturing prey. Wrapping prey increased the probability of additional prey capture; small spiderlings tended to lose additional prey if earlier prey items were not wrapped. Smaller spiderlings held longer cheliceral bites at capture; they stopped capturing prey when the bite was longer than 30 s, which might be due to venom or energy depletion. Zusammenfassung Untersucht wurde das Wachstum junger Nephila clavipes, die Grose ihrer Radnetze und der Fangerfolg. Grosere Tiere gingen spater zu einer gefangenen Beute hin, begannen dann bei ihr aber rascher zu fressen als kleinere Spinnen. Die lange Latenz scheint mit dem Netzbau zusammenzuhangen; grosere Spinnen bauen festere Netze mit groseren Maschen. Das scheint Vibrationen schlechter weiterzuleiten. Kleine Spinnen — nicht aber grosere — verlieren leicht Beute, die nicht eingesponnen wurde, wenn neue Beute ins Netz kommt. Kleine Spinnen beisen ihre Beute langer und horen auf, Beute zu fangen, wenn sie langer als 30 s beisen mussen; wahrscheinlich ist dann ihr Giftvorrat aufgebraucht.
Theory, Research, and Application in Educational Anthropology

The historical development of educational anthropology is examined within the context of the growth of professionalism and specialization in the discipline as a whole. It is argued that the 1954 Stanford Conference and the formal organization of the Council on Anthropology and Education in 1970 culminated previous developments in the field of educational anthropology and inaugurated new ones. However, these events also reflected changes in economic support for anthropology, modifications in anthropologists' relationships to applied problems, and redefinitions of the meaning of professionalism in the discipline.
Predicting Job Satisfaction from Life Satisfaction: Is There a General Satisfaction Factor?

Abstract Job satisfaction has been shown to be related to a number of individual and organizational effectiveness variables. Consequently, it is suggested that attempts to select individuals with inclinations towards satisfaction would be of theoretical and practical importance. For five samples of individuals representing a wide variety of occupations, regression analyses were used to assess the usefulness of life satisfaction in the prediction of subsequent job satisfaction, while statistically controlling various demographic variables, pay, tenure, and perceptions of task characteristics. In a sixth sample of workers eligible for retirement, the hypothesis that life satisfaction can be predicted from job satisfaction was also examined. The results showed that in three of the first five samples, life satisfaction was a significant predictor of job satisfaction. In the sample of retirees, significant results were also obtained using job satisfaction to predict subsequent life satisfaction. It is suggeste...
A Regulatory Gene Network That Directs Micromere Specification in the Sea Urchin Embryo

Micromeres and their immediate descendants have three known developmental functions in regularly developing sea urchins: immediately after their initial segregation, they are the source of an unidentified signal to the adjacent veg2 cells that is required for normal endomesodermal specification; a few cleavages later, they express Delta, a Notch ligand which triggers the conditional specification of the central mesodermal domain of the vegetal plate; and they exclusively give rise to the skeletogenic mesenchyme of the postgastrular embryo. We demonstrate the key components of the zygotic regulatory gene network that accounts for micromere specificity. This network is a subelement of the overall endomesoderm specification network of the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus embryo. A central role is played by a newly discovered gene encoding a paired class homeodomain transcription factor which in micromeres acts as a repressor of a repressor: the gene is named pmar1 (paired-class micromere anti-repressor). pmar1 is expressed only during cleavage and early blastula stages, and exclusively in micromeres. It is initially activated as soon as the micromeres are formed, in response to Otx and β-Catenin/Tcf inputs. The repressive nature of the interactions mediated by the pmar1 gene product was shown by the identical effect of introducing mRNA encoding the Pmar1 factor, and mRNA encoding an Engrailed-Pmar1 (En-Pmar1) repressor domain fusion. In both cases, the effects are derepression: of the delta gene; and of skeletogenic genes, including several transcription factors normally expressed only in micromere descendants, and also a set of downstream skeletogenic differentiation genes. The spatial phenotype of embryos bearing exogenous mRNA encoding Pmar1 factor or En-Pmar1 is expansion of the domains of expression of the downstream genes over most or all of the embryo. This results in transformation of much of the embryo into skeletogenic mesenchyme cells that express skeletogenic markers. The normal role of pmarl is to prevent, exclusively in the micromeres, the expression of a repressor that is otherwise operative throughout the embryo. This function accounts for the localization of delta transcription in micromeres, and thereby for the conditional specification of the vegetal plate mesoderm. It also explains why skeletogenic differentiation gene batteries normally function only in micromere descendants. More generally, the regulatory network subelement emerging from this work shows how the specificity of micromere function depends on continuing global regulatory interactions, as well as on early localized inputs.
Mitochondria and Dopamine: New Insights into Recessive Parkinsonism

Recessively inherited mutations in parkin, DJ-1, and PINK1 have recently been linked to familial forms of parkinsonism. These syndromes are often clinically indistinguishable from Parkinson's disease, as similar neuronal groups, notably dopaminergic neurons, are selectively affected. Studies of the functions of these gene products may provide insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Emerging evidence that one or several of these genes play important roles in mitochondrial function and the dopaminergic system suggests that these events may be early steps of the pathophysiological changes of the disease. This review will summarize recent advances in our understanding of these gene products, with emphasis on the surprising convergence of their functions.
System capability effects on algorithms for network bandwidth measurement

A large number of tools that attempt to estimate network capacity and available bandwidth use algorithms that are based on measuring packet inter-arrival time. However in recent years network bandwidth has become faster than system input/output (I/O) bandwidth. This means that it is getting harder and harder to estimate capacity and available bandwidth using these techniques. This paper examines the current bandwidth measurement and estimation algorithms, and presents an analysis of how these algorithms might work in a high-speed network environment. This paper also discusses the system resource (hardware and software) issues that affect each of these algorithms, especially running on generic platforms built from off-the-shelf components.
Distribution and diversity of halophilic bacteria in a subsurface salt formation.

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is a salt mine constructed 650 meters below the ground surface by the United States Department of Energy. The facility will be used for permanent disposal of transuranic wastes. This underground repository has been constructed in the geo- logically stable Permian age Salado salt formation. Of the wastes to be placed into the facility, 85% will be biode- gradable cellulose. A 3-year survey of the bacterial popula- tions existing within the facility was conducted. Bacterial populations were found to be heterogeneously distributed throughout the mine. Populations in some mine areas reached as high as 1.0 3 10 4 colony-forming units per gram of NaCl. The heterogeneous distribution of bacteria within the mine did not follow any recognizable pattern related to either age of the workings or to human activity. A biochemical comparison between ten known species of halophilic bacteria, and strains isolated from both the mine and nearby surface hypersaline lakes, showed the presence of extreme halophiles with wide biochemical diversity, some of which could prove to represent previously undescribed groups. The halophilic bacteria isolated from the mine were found to degrade cellulose and a wide variety of other carbon compounds. When exposed to two types of common laboratory paper, the cellulose-degrading halo-