cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Culicoides variipennis : Seasonal Abundance, Overwintering, and Voltinism in Northeastern Colorado

In northeastern Colorado, Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) larvae were most abundant in a zone extending from 7 cm above to 30 cm below the shoreline, as deep as 5 cm in mud, along the perimeter of lentic breeding sites. First instar larvae appeared initially in April, and larval densities were highest from June to September. Larvae overwintered in the ultimate (4th) instar. Adults emerged from March to mid-May, and seasonal emergence ended in late-October. During the summer, peaks of adult emergence corresponded to peaks of 4th instar abundance. Culicoides variipennis produced 7 generations in northeastern Colorado in 1978. From June to August, generation time was ca. 2 wk.
α-Helical distorting substitutions disrupt coupling between m3 muscarinic receptor and G proteins

Acetylcholine stimulation of the m3 or m2 muscarinic receptor expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes induces either a fast transient or slowly oscillating calcium-sensitive chloride current. The speed of these currents reflects the efficiency of receptor coupling to guanine nucleotide-binding proteins and phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover. Point mutations of the m3 receptor were made in a region of the third cytoplasmic loop to test whether receptor function relied on an alpha-helical structure of the G protein-coupling domain. Proline substitution for glutamate at position 257 disrupted the m3 response. Also, single alanine insertions between residues 259 and 260 disrupted the m3 receptor-stimulated response while double alanine insertions at this site had no effect. Based on these results, we suggest that a region of the third cytoplasmic loop of the m3 receptor possesses an amphipathic alpha-helical conformation.
Hybrid protocols for maintaining connectivity of multiagent systems

This paper focuses on a new connectivity control architecture for networked multiagent systems based on hybrid protocols. Specifically, for a group of agents subject to Δ-disk proximity graphs, we consider the consensus problem while preserving connectedness with a priori given bounds on the control inputs. The bounds on the control inputs are shown not to depend on potential functions or system states. Instead the bounds are user selected continuous functions. By using the proposed framework, we show that the maximum distance among neighboring agents decreases strictly, and hence, the connectivity problem is solved while satisfying the consensus objective.
Solar cosmic ray composition above 10 MeV/nucleon and its energy dependence in the 4 August 1972 event

Observations of the proton, helium (C,N,O) and Fe-group nuclei fluxes made during the large 4 August 1972 solar particle event are presented. The results show a small, but significant variation of the composition of multicharged nuclei as a function of energy in the energy region above 10 MeV/nucleon. In particular, the He/(C,N,O) abundance ratio varies by a factor approximately 2 between 10 and 50 MeV/nucleon, and the Fe-group/(C,N,O) ratio suggests a similar variation. Abundance ratios from the 4 August 1972 event are compared as a function of energy with ratios measured in other solar events. At energies approximately greater than 50 MeV/nucleon, the He/(C,N,O) abundance ratio for August 1972 is consistent with all earlier measurements made above that energy.
A new time-of-flight instrument for quantitative surface analysis

A new generation of time-of-flight mass spectrometers that implement ion sputtering and laser desorption for probing solid samples and can operate in regimes of laser post-ionization secondary neutral mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry is being developed at Argonne National Laboratory. These new instruments feature novel ion optical systems for efficient extraction of ions from large laser post-ionization volumes and for lossless transport of these ions to detectors. Another feature of this design is a new in-vacuum all-reflecting optical microscope with 0.5-μm resolution. Advanced ion and light optics and three ion sources, including a liquid metal ion gun (focusable to 50 nm) and a low energy ion gun, give rise to an instrument capable of quantitative analyses of samples for the most challenging applications, such as determining elemental concentrations in shallow implants at ultra-trace levels (for example, solar wind samples delivered by NASA Genesis mission) and analyzing individual sub-micrometer particles on a sample stage (such as, interstellar dust delivered by NASA Stardust mission). Construction of a prototype instrument has been completed and testing is underway. A more advanced instrument of similar design is under construction. The overall design of the new instrument and the innovations that make it unique are outlined. Results of the first tests to characterize its analytical capabilities are presented also.
A relationship between the X-ray luminosity and redshift of extragalactic objects

L'analyse concernant un echantillon de 191 sources RX extragalactiques (QSO, galaxies de Seyfert, BL Lac, galaxies elliptiques, SO, spirales et irregulieres) semble reveler une relation generale entre log z et le logarithme de la luminosite monochromatique equivalente a 2 keV de l'objet le plus brillant
A cis regulatory element in the TAPNAC promoter directs tapetal gene expression

The tapetum is a single cell layer surrounding the anther locule and its major function is to provide nutrients for pollen development. The ablation of tapetal cells interferes with pollen production and results in plant male sterility. In spite of the importance of this tissue in the quality and production of pollen grains, studies on promoter gene regulation of tapetal expressed genes are very few and there are no reports on specific cis regulatory sequences that control tapetal gene expression. We have identified a NAC gene, TAPNAC (At1g61110), specifically expressed in the Arabidopsis tapetum via transcriptional profiling. The TAPNAC promoter was studied in detail to identify cis regulatory sequences that confer tapetal specific expression. For this purpose, TAPNAC promoter elements were fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene, and spatial and temporal GUS expression was monitored. The results showed that TAPNAC promoter-driven GUS expression emulates the expression of TAPNAC mRNA in anthers. A conserved TCGTGT motif was identified in the TAPNAC promoter and other tapetal expressed promoters. The TCGTGT motif enhances GUS expression in anthers of transgenic plants but only in the context of the TAPNAC promoter proximal region.
Measurement of phospholipid monolayer surface potentials at a hydrocarbon-electrolyte interface.

The phospholipid monolayer spread at a hydrocarbon-electrolyte interface can be used as a model system for the plasma membrane and its properties and structure probed by measurements of surface pressure and surface potential. To facilitate such studies, (i) the theory of the vibrating plate (Kelvin) method of measuring surface potentials is reexamined and a new interpretation given for the potentials measured and (ii) a new apparatus for performing these measurements is described. The theory and apparatus are illustrated by measurements on films of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine at the interface between 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane) and 0.1 M NaCl.
Hepatotoxicity and pneumotoxicity of styrene and its metabolites in glutathione S-transferase-deficient mice.

Styrene is known to be hepatotoxic and pneumotoxic in rodents, and these adverse effects are related to its metabolism. Mice deficient in the enzymes responsible for both the activation and detoxification of styrene are useful in examining this relationship more closely. In the current study, mice deficient in glutathione S-transferase P1P2−/− (GST−/−) were compared with wild-type mice. Similar changes in serum sorbitol dehydrogenase, as an indicator of hepatotoxicity, and bronchioalveolar levels of protein, cells, and lactate dehydrogenase, as indicators of pneumotoxicity, were observed after styrene administration. Glutathione depletion followed a similar pattern. The administration of the toxic metabolite, styrene oxide, which is a direct substrate for glutathione metabolism, and 4-vinylphenol, which is a minor metabolite but is more potent than either styrene oxide, yielded results similar to those of styrene. The results indicate that either other isoforms of glutathione S-transferase are more import...
Twelve tips for facilitating successful teleconferences.

Background: The work of medical education is increasingly collaborative across geographical sites, sometimes spanning international borders. The success of projects depends more strongly on how meetings are led and run than variables about the task itself; therefore, excellent communication using teleconferencing technology is required. However, we found no medical literature to assist with developing best practices in telecommunication.Aim: Using the organization and management literature, which has examined the use of telecommunication in optimizing work outcomes, we provide a guide for initiating and facilitating teleconferences.Methods: We used Tuckman's framework for group development as a means of organizing guidelines that address practical issues in approaching communication on teleconferences and discuss important aspects of forming work groups using telecommunication, setting ground rules and norms, addressing conflict, and enhancing accountability and outcomes.Results: We identified 12 tips for...
On the nature of cell death during remodeling of hypertrophied human myocardium.

S. Yamamoto, K.-i. Sawada, H. Shimomura, K. Kawamura and T. N. James. On the Nature of Cell Death During Remodeling of Hypertrophied Human Myocardium. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2000) 32, 161–175. Cardiocyte loss during myocardial hypertrophy leads to progressive dysfunction in human hearts with chronic hemodynamic overload. The mechanism for such cell elimination is unknown. We examined lysosomal participation in cardiocytic degradation present in human cardiac biopsies, utilizing electron microscopic cytochemistry (acid phosphatase). Lysosomes were significantly increased in number (t -test, P<0.001) in 50 hemodynamically overloaded hearts (375±69, mean±s.e.m., per 5000 μ m2cardiocytic area; eight controls, 38±11). Secondary lysosomes were prominent near degenerative intracellular organelles in both hypertrophic and atrophic cardiocytes. Increased lysosomal and phagocytic activity in the cytoplasm without typical nuclear apoptosis resembled cytoplasmic degradation in developmental programmed cell death described in different tissues. We also demonstrated cardiocytic DNA degradation (in situ nick-end labeling) in autopsy hearts, including 299 nuclei normalized per 106observed nuclei from five concentrically hypertrophied hearts, 1961 nuclei from five eccentrically hypertrophied hearts, and no positive nuclei in five controls. We postulate a chronic self-controlled cytoplasmic proteolysis in cardiocytes, not initially associated with either nuclear degradation or intercellular dehiscence but later possibly accompanied by apoptotic nuclear elimination, and leading to apoptotic cell death.
T-check: bug finding for sensor networks

Sensor nodes are resource poor and failure-prone. Sensor networks are composed of many such nodes that are often hard to physically reach and that are connected by unreliable wireless links. Together, these factors make sensor network debugging into a challenging activity, and in fact it is not uncommon for a deployed sensornet to encounter sporadic faults that are effectively impossible to locate, reproduce, and fix.We developed T-Check, a tool that uses random walks and explicit state model checking to find safety and liveness errors in sensor network applications running on TinyOS. By building upon TOSSIM---an event-driven simulator that abstracts away interrupt-driven concurrency and other low-level hardware interaction---T-Check loses the ability to detect certain low-level errors, but gains enough scalability to detect distributed errors such as a collection tree protocol's failure to properly repair when a node dies. We have used T-Check to find previously unknown bugs in TinyOS.
Vitellin and vitellogenin concentrations during oögenesis in the first gonotrophic cycle of the house fly, Musca domestica

Abstract The house fly, Musca domestica , contains at least two native vitellin and two vitellogenin proteins. Both vitellins appear to have an identical vitellogenin partner. The major native vitellin has a mol. wt of 281 K Daltons, and the major native vitellogenin has a mol. wt of 283 K Daltons. These proteins are composed of three subunits with mol. wt of 48, 45 and 40 K Daltons. The relationship of the subunits to the native proteins is not known. Haemolymph vitellogenin levels are cyclical during oogenesis with no detectable amounts in previtellogenic flies and low levels in postvitellogenic flies. The highest level of vitellogenin, 10.5 μg/μl, occurred in flies with stage-7 ovaries. The vitellogenin levels during oogenesis fit a parabolic curve and the fat body vitellogenin content during oogenesis showed this same pattern. Uptake of vitellogenin into the ovary during each stage of oogenesis also fit a parabolic curve and produced a high linear correlation with haemolymph vitellogenin levels. The greatest uptake was 37 μg/stage and occurred during stage 6.
Amino acid activated adenosine triphosphate-pyrophosphate exchange by modified Echerichia coli cells

Abstract Amino acid activated adenosine 5′-triphosphate-[ 32P ]pyrophosphate exchange has been studied using suspensions of Escherichia coli cells, and evidence is presented that this exchange reaction is carried out by unlysed cells. Exchange activity in minimal when freshly harvested cells are employed but increases after the cells have been frozen. Exchange activity is also markedly increased when the cells harvested during the logarithmic phase growth are incubated with ethylenediaminetetraacetate or polymyxin B before assay. Cells inhibited in the logarithmic phase of growth by streptomycin, chloramphenicol, or demethylchlorotetracycline show greater amino acid stimulated adenosine 5′-triphosphate-[ 32 P]pyrophosphate exchange activity than do uninhibited cells. It is concluded that the enzymes which exchange adenosine 5′-triphosphate with [ 32 P]pyrophosphate in the presence of amino acids can function at the surface of undisrupted E. coli cells and that the promotion of this activity may be a useful index of alteration of limiting membrane structures.
Relational Themes in Men's and Women's Popular Nonfiction Magazine Articles

Popular magazines serve as an important source of relational information for millions of individuals in this culture. Dependency Theory (Ball-Rokeach & DeFleur, 1976), which specifies a tripartite media-audience-society model, serves as the framework for the present study which explores similarities and differences in relational issues and the manner in which they are discussed in popular men's and women's magazine articles. The sample of nonfiction articles (N= 108) was drawn from three men's (Playboy, Penthouse, and GO) and three women's (Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Self) popular magazines. The articles were compared on types of relation-ships (e.g. marriage, dating, friendship, etc.), relational issues (e.g. conflict, sexual relations, initiating relationships, etc.), and rhetorical presentation. Results indicate similarities between men's and women's magazine articles regarding the relationship types and issues discussed. Differences were found between the men's and women's magazines in the portrayal o...
Dealing with celebrity and accountability in the top job

Today, human resource executives assume prominent leadership roles in their firms and play important roles in the strategy process. Along with the expansion and evolution of the HR function, the responsibilities of coordination, control, and accountability for organizations and their leaders, particularly the CEO, remain. Forming strong relationships with CEOs thus is viewed as one way to encourage HR's prominence in the firm's overall success, particularly its financial health. In recent years, CEOs' presence in the mass media has surged as well, with some CEOs achieving celebrity status. Celebrity status has the potential to increase CEO discretion, decrease CEO accountability, and expand firm resources. As such, achieving celebrity status can affect the relationship between CEOs and HR executives in regard to accountability. In this article, we discuss accountability as a key job demand and address some of the complexities and dynamics of CEO accountability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Brief Lamaze Training and Social Encouragement on Pain Endurance in a Cold Pressor Tank1

The Lamaze method of childbirth involves educating women in pain control techniques and training men to “coach” the women through labor by giving social encouragement to endure pain. In a cold pressor experiment, women volunteers (N= 52) received either Lamaze training (or none) or direct social encouragement to tolerate ice water (or none). Women were tested for tolerance before and after training. They also completed the California Q-Set personality description and an assertiveness questionnaire. The Lamaze training induced longer endurance among participants, whereas direct social encouragement induced very long endurance for some but little for others. The combined treatment powerfully induced endurance in many even though considerable variance was evident. Analyses of Q-Set responses and the assertiveness measure revealed little to help predict who endured the pain. Results suggested that, in this situation, environmental variables were more important in predicting endurance than personality variables.
Older adults attending Georgia senior centers increase preventive behaviors for falls and fractures following a community-based intervention.

A community-based intervention to reduce risk factors related to falls and fractures administered to Georgians participating in the Older Americans Act (OAA) congregate meal-site program (N = 691, mean age = 75, 84% female, 45% Black and 55% White, convenience sample) was evaluated. The intervention consisted of 16 weekly sessions, with 8 focused on prevention of falls and fractures, and all 16 including a physical activity component. Interviewer-administered pre- and posttests evaluated fall preventive home safety behavior, intakes of calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods, use of calcium- and vitamin D-containing supplements, and five modifiable fall- and fracture-related risk factors. Following the intervention, there were significant increases in the intake of calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods (p < 0.001), the use of calcium- or vitamin D-containing supplements (p < 0.05), days of week with physical activity (p < 0.001) and fall preventive home safety behaviors (p < 0.001), and decreases in overall modifiable fall- and fracture-related risk factors (≥4 to 5 risk factors: pre: 32% vs. post: 18%; p < .001). This evaluation provides evidence that a multi-factorial fall prevention intervention offered at senior centers and delivered by trained staff can be beneficial for improving behaviors that may contribute to decreasing the risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
Partially gapped Fermi surface in the heavy-electron superconductor URu2Si2.

Transport, thermal, and magnetic data for the heavy electron system ${\mathrm{URu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$ indicate that a charge- or spin-density-wave transition opens an energy gap of \ensuremath{\sim}11 meV over a portion of the Fermi surface below ${\mathrm{T}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}17.5 K and demonstrate that bulk superconductivity occurs below ${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}1.5 K. The pressure dependences of ${\mathrm{T}}_{0}$ and ${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ support this interpretation. The unusually large initial slope of the upper critical magnetic field (9.2 T/K) is consistent with the high values of the electronic-specific-heat coefficient and the electrical resistivity.
The GAMS classification scheme for mathematical and statistical software

An extensive tree-structured problem-oriented scheme for classifying mathematical and statistical software is presented. The scheme is a substantially modified version of a scheme proposed by Bolstad, which was based on the widely-used SHARE system. It is an attempt to reflect more accurately the current state of mathematical and statistical software. Our changes resulted from using the Bolstad scheme as the basis for the NBS Guide to Available Mathematical Software (GAMS), which provides NBS scientists information about subprograms in the IMSL, NAG, and PORT libraries, and in dozens of public-domain subprogram packages.
Hands-off the mess: Contract choice for business process outsourcing

An appropriate contract is critical for the success of business process outsourcing (BPO). We investigated how coordination and negotiation costs impact choices of contract types. We characterized three types of contracts in terms of vendor incentives for cost savings and flexibility to change besides payment schedule. There is a trade-off between levels of incentive to reduce costs and flexibility to change. Thus firms need to choose the appropriate type of contract by weighing one type of concern against another based on the characteristics of transactions. Using data from US companies, we found that the concerns of managing interdependence are better mitigated with high incentive contracts with detailed service descriptions such as Fixed Price contracts while the concerns of opportunistic behavior in ex post adaptation should increase the preference to contracts with more flexibility for changes such as Time and Materials contracts.
The Sillimanite Minerals: Andalusite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite

The chemistry and the mineralogy of the three Al 2 O 3 .SiO 2 sillimanite minerals (anadlusite, kyanite, and sillimanite) are described. Their P-T diagram is discussed. The structural differences among the three are reviewed, emphasizing the coordination of the Al 3+ cations that link the double octahedral chains within the structures. Their decompositions to produce mullite and silica are described and con- trasted. The effect of nanomilling on those decompositions is discussed. Finally, the locations of commercial deposits and the industrial applications are addressed.
Use of acute-stage-specific antigens of Toxoplasma gondii for serodiagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis.

Antisera to acetone-fixed tachyzoites were prepared by immunizing rabbits intravenously with the fixed organisms. Immunoblots in which purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) of the antisera was used recognized four antigens of a supernatant (after centrifugation at 10,000 x g for 30 min) fraction of sonicated tachyzoites. A purified toxoplasma antigen fraction, referred to as acute-stage-specific (AC) antigen, that contained mainly three antigens was obtained by affinity chromatography by using the purified IgG. One antigen had a molecular weight of approximately 52,000, and two antigens had molecular weights of approximately 6,000. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (AC-ELISA) in which this purified antigen fraction, obtained by affinity chromatography, was used for detection of IgG antibody detected early acute infection in sera of patients with toxoplasmic lymphadenopathy. Ninety-two percent of sera obtained within 2 months after onset of lymphadenopathy were positive in the AC-ELISA, whereas only 9% of sera obtained later than 5 months after onset of the clinical illness were positive. The AC-ELISA appears highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. Images
Statistical evaluation of Lower Flammability Distance (LFD) using four hazardous release models

Using four hazardous dispersion models, the ability to predict lower Flammability Distance (LFD), the distance from a release through which the released gas is present in concentration below flammable range, has been evaluated using a set of large-scale propane release field experiment data. The four models evaluated were the DEGADIS model, the SLAB model, the OME Simple Gas model and the OME Heavy Gas model (1983). The observed LFDs were compared with the predicted LFDs for three atmospheric conditions. The complete data set was broken into two parts: (1) the cyclone type releases (representing instantaneous release situations) and (2) the nozzle type releases (representing horizontal jet releases). A procedure based on the USEPA guidelines on air quality models was followed to evaluate the models. The complex models (DEGADIS and SLAB models) appear unreasonably weak in predicting LFD's compared with the relatively simple Gaussian model used in the OME Simple Gas model for instantaneous releases. The OME simple gas model is significantly better than the DEGADIS and SLAB models for cyclone type (instantaneous) releases under unstable and neutral atmospheric conditions; and the DEGASIS model is significantly better than the SLAB model for nozzle type (horizontal jet) releases under stable atmospheric conditions.more » Since the size of the data set is not large enough (n = 20 for cyclone type release and n=18 for nozzle type release), it is difficult to show 95% significant differences between models. 12 refs., 12 figs., 6 tabs.« less
How open innovation strategy is reflected in the firms R&D efficiency DEA ranking?

Open innovation model, which refers to the use of external technology and environment, has boosted the technology developing speed to a large extent. The term “Open Innovation” was launched by Chesbrough. In open innovation model, firms utilize a wide range of both internal & external sources and channels to commercialize their ideas. Technology market is complicated. Therefore, open innovation is not a single, unique strategy. There are many different moves and approaches that can all lead to firm's success in innovation competition. Previous studies have done in this field were usually in qualitative way. In this paper, we are aiming to study open innovation approach with a qualitative method, Data Envelopment Analysis. 18 companies, which are recognized as pioneers in open innovation, have been selected in our study for R&D efficiency evaluating and open innovation strategy discussion. Since R&D efficiency is always a key part of innovation process, the objective of this paper is to analyze how company's choice in open innovation strategy model will influence its R&D efficiency DEA ranking, and how its R&D efficiency at different stages can be aligned with its open innovation strategy.
Marsupial interhemispheric relation.

Three different responses recorded from the opossum neocortex following a stimulus to the homotopical point on the contralateral hemisphere were: the interhemispheric early response (IER), the interhemispheric delayed response (IDR), and the rhythmic afterdischarge (RA). The IER was a short latency biphasic slow wave evoked potential which could be recorded from every homotopic point on the neopallium with the exception of a part of the striate cortex. Each active homotopic point had a limited heterotopic halo. The homotopic positive peak latency varied from 5.3 msec in the area parietalis to 14.7 msec in the area striata. Interhemispheric transfer was effected via the anterior commissure. The IDR was a late slow wave evoked potential and had an extensive heterotopic representation. This potential could be recorded in the contralateral hemisphere after sectioning the anterior commissure. The homotopic positive peak latency varied from 60.2 msec in the area parietalis to 76.1 msec in area striata. To abolish the IDR both the di-mesencephalic junction and the interthalamic commissure had to be sectioned. The RA is a very labile late oscillatory potential which was very difficult to demonstrate without a computer of average transients. The pattern of its homotopic and heterotopic representation resembled very closely that of the IER. Under the conditions of our experiment it had a negative peak latency of 224–230 msec, a frequency of oscillation of three seconds and a maximum duration of 2.2 seconds. To abolish the RA both the di-mesencephalic junction and the interthalamic commissure had to be sectioned. The dorsal commissure contained no neopallial intorhemispheric fibers. The anterior commissure carried these commissural connections. The two late responses reported in the opossum fell within the general context of mammalian late responses.
Developmental disorders of the enteric nervous system

Primary developmental disorders of the human enteric nervous system can be grouped into those characterised by an abnormal number of neurones (hyperganglionosis, hypoganglionosis, aganglionosis) versus abnormal differentiation of neurones (biochemical and/or physiological).1 In each case, the clinical presentation may be similar with a predominance of obstructive symptoms. Comprehensive evaluation of such patients usually involves histopathological studies of a rectal biopsy. However, objective criteria necessary to define and diagnose many enteric dysganglionoses are poorly established or impractical to implement. As a consequence, intestinal aganglionosis and some forms of intestinal hyperganglionosis (for example, MEN2B) may be the only developmental disorders of enteric neurodevelopment that are consistently recognised by most paediatric pathologists. Enteric neurones can also be impaired secondarily by constitutive metabolic defects (for example, lysosomal storage disorders) or acquired forms of injury (for example, ischaemia) but only primary enteric dysganglionoses will be considered in this paper. Congenital intestinal aganglionosis (Hirschsprung disease, HSCR) is characterised by complete absence of ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexi. Diagnosis is usually established by histological analysis of suction rectal biopsies that sample small amounts of rectal submucosa (fig 1). Although the sensitivity and specificity of this approach are generally high, reliability depends a great deal on the quality of the biopsy, number of sections examined, and experience of the pathologist.2 The normal sparse distribution of submucosal ganglia necessitates correct sampling and evaluation of multiple tissue sections to avoid …
Crosslinking of dialdehyde starches with wheat proteins

A quantitative and degradative study on the gluten–dialdehyde starch reaction product is made, and the possible reaction mechanisms during the degradation reactions are discussed rigorously. The structure of the gluten–DAS reaction product is arrived at by designating a generic protein structure for gluten. This study has produced new evidence regarding crosslinking sites of dialdehyde starches when they react with proteins in general.
The Multidriver: a reliable multicast service using the Xpress transfer protocol

A unique multicast service that exploits features in the next-generation, real-time transfer layer protocol, the Xpress transfer protocol (XTP), is described. As a modular part of the service interface routines, the multicast facility, the Multidriver, exploits features in XTP in order to provide two multicast services, one unreliable and one reliable. In its reliable mode the service offers error, flow, and rate-controlled multidestination delivery of arbitrary-sized messages, with provision for the coordination of reliable reverse channels. Performance measurements on a single-segment Proteon ProNET-4 4-Mb/s 802.5 token ring with heterogeneous nodes are discussed. >
Externalities and nonlinear discounting: Indeterminacy

Abstract This paper studies a one-sector model with externalities and nonlinear discounting. Loosely, if the Bellman equation for a standard model is written as V ( k )=max{ u + βV ( k ′)}, then the Bellman equation for our model is written as V ( k )=max{ u + B ( V ( k ′))} for some concave function B . Our model assumes that period utility ( u ) is linear in consumption and leisure and the production function exhibits increasing social returns and nonincreasing private returns. We establish the existence of a steady state under fairly general conditions and give a necessary and sufficient condition for local indeterminacy. We show that regardless of the degrees of increasing returns and externalities, there exists a discount function B such that indeterminacy arises. We also show that in a certain sense, as the degree of increasing returns converges to zero, the variability of discounting (the second derivative of B ) required to generate indeterminacy also converges to zero. Numerical examples are provided. The main results are also extended to a one-sector model with fixed labor supply.
The diagnostic and prognostic utility of claudin expression in renal cell neoplasms

This study evaluated the expression patterns of claudins 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8 in human renal cell carcinomas and oncocytomas and correlated expression with patient prognosis. Tissue microarrays were created from paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 141 patients with renal cell carcinomas or oncocytoma (90 clear cell, 22 papillary, 17 chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, and 12 oncocytomas). The staining pattern for claudins 3, 4, 7, and 8 was membranous and/or cytoplasmic, whereas claudin 1 was predominantly membranous in both nonneoplastic renal tissue and tumors. Negative to weak claudin 3 staining was predominantly detected in Fuhrman's grade 1 and 2 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (78%; P=0.016), suggesting that upregulation of claudin 3 potentially occurs concomitantly with increasing grade of clear cell renal cell carcinomas. In addition, Kaplan–Meier univariate analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between moderate to strong claudin 3 and 4 expression with overall survival in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (P=0.038 and P=0.031). Moderate to strong claudin 7 expression was significantly more common in chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (94%) than in oncocytomas (55%; P=0.041). Claudin 8 staining was moderate to strong in 92% of oncocytomas, which differentiated them from papillary and clear cell renal cell carcinomas (14 and 12%; both P<0.0001). Only negative to weak claudin 8 staining was detected in all chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, whereas there were no claudin 8 negative oncocytomas and 8% exhibited a weak staining pattern (P<0.0001). Due to their distinctive expression patterns, claudins 7 and 8 can be used as useful immunohistochemical markers for the separation of chromophobe renal cell carcinomas from oncocytomas, whereas claudins 3 and 4 may serve as indicators of prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinomas.
An agent-based infrastructure for parallel Java on heterogeneous clusters

In this paper, we introduce an agent-based infrastructure that provides software services and functions for developing and deploying high performance programming models and applications on clusters. A Java-based prototype, based on this architecture, has been developed. Since this system is written completely in Java, it is portable and allows executing programs in parallel across multiple heterogeneous platforms. With the agent-based infrastructure, users need not deal with the mechanisms of deploying and loading user classes on the heterogeneous cluster. Moreover, details of scheduling, controlling, monitoring, and executing user jobs are hidden. In addition, the management of system resources is made transparent to the user. Such uniform services, when rendered available in a ubiquitous manner, are essential for facilitating the development and deployment of scalable high performance Java applications on clusters. An initial deployment over a heterogeneous, distributed cluster results in significantly enhanced performance; absolute performance compared to C (MPI) improves with increased granularity of the algorithms.
Bayesian Inference and Markov Chain Monte Carlo Sampling to Reconstruct a Contaminant Source on a Continental Scale

Abstract A methodology combining Bayesian inference with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling is applied to a real accidental radioactive release that occurred on a continental scale at the end of May 1998 near Algeciras, Spain. The source parameters (i.e., source location and strength) are reconstructed from a limited set of measurements of the release. Annealing and adaptive procedures are implemented to ensure a robust and effective parameter-space exploration. The simulation setup is similar to an emergency response scenario, with the simplifying assumptions that the source geometry and release time are known. The Bayesian stochastic algorithm provides likely source locations within 100 km from the true source, after exploring a domain covering an area of approximately 1800 km × 3600 km. The source strength is reconstructed with a distribution of values of the same order of magnitude as the upper end of the range reported by the Spanish Nuclear Security Agency. By running the Bayesian MCMC algorit...
15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase is an in vivo suppressor of colon tumorigenesis

15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is a prostaglandin-degrading enzyme that is highly expressed in normal colon mucosa but is ubiquitously lost in human colon cancers. Herein, we demonstrate that 15-PGDH is active in vivo as a highly potent suppressor of colon neoplasia development and acts in the colon as a required physiologic antagonist of the prostaglandin-synthesizing activity of the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) oncogene. We first show that 15-PGDH gene knockout induces a marked 7.6-fold increase in colon tumors arising in the Min (multiple intestinal neoplasia) mouse model. Furthermore, 15-PGDH gene knockout abrogates the normal resistance of C57BL/6J mice to colon tumor induction by the carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM), conferring susceptibility to AOM-induced adenomas and carcinomas in situ. Susceptibility to AOM-induced tumorigenesis is mediated by a marked induction of dysplasia, proliferation, and cyclin D1 expression throughout microscopic aberrant crypt foci arising in 15-PGDH null colons and is concomitant with a doubling of prostaglandin E2 in 15-PGDH null colonic mucosa. A parallel role for 15-PGDH loss in promoting the earliest steps of colon neoplasia in humans is supported by our finding of a universal loss of 15-PGDH expression in microscopic colon adenomas recovered from patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, including adenomas as small as a single crypt. These models thus delineate the in vivo significance of 15-PGDH-mediated negative regulation of the COX-2 pathway and moreover reveal the particular importance of 15-PGDH in opposing the neoplastic progression of colonic aberrant crypt foci.
P‐127: Vertically Aligned Deformed Helix Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Configuration for Reflective Display Device

We discuss a configuration using vertically aligned deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystals to create a tunable single panel full-color reflective display without need for color filters or stacked panels. The narrow bandwidth of reflection coupled with the polarization insensitivity and fast response times enable strong and high purity reflection spectra. Thermal tunability is disclosed here to demonstrate potential performance of this device, followed by preliminary results of continuous in-plane electrode tuning. The pitch deformation scaling with applied field coupled with the fast response times inherent for ferroelectrics with spontaneous polarization make this device an ideal candidate for low-power reflective displays.
Buprenorphine in Maintenance Therapy

Although methadone maintenance is a safe and effective treatment for opioid dependence that has been available for many years, its benefits have been limited by the requirement that it be used only in licensed specialized clinics. Treatment options have been substantially expanded by the introduction of buprenorphine for office-based maintenance. Buprenorphine has been shown to be as clinically effective as methadone [1–3] and cost-effective [4, 5], and even to be preferable in some patient populations [6]. In a study of heroin-dependent incarcerated men who were voluntarily randomly assigned to methadone or buprenorphine maintenance, all of the patients in the buprenorphine group stated that they would recommend the medication to others, 93 % of them intended to enroll in buprenorphine treatment after release, and one-quarter of the methadone patients intended to enroll in buprenorphine treatment instead [7].
Genomic Epidemiology of an Endoscope-Associated Outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC)-Producing K. pneumoniae

Increased incidence of infections due to Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) was noted among patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at a single hospital. An epidemiologic investigation identified KPC-Kp and non-KPC-producing, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Kp in cultures from 2 endoscopes. Genotyping was performed on patient and endoscope isolates to characterize the microbial genomics of the outbreak. Genetic similarity of 51 Kp isolates from 37 patients and 3 endoscopes was assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Five patient and 2 endoscope isolates underwent whole genome sequencing (WGS). Two KPC-encoding plasmids were characterized by single molecule, real-time sequencing. Plasmid diversity was assessed by endonuclease digestion. Genomic and epidemiologic data were used in conjunction to investigate the outbreak source. Two clusters of Kp patient isolates were genetically related to endoscope isolates by PFGE. A subset of patient isolates were collected post-ERCP, suggesting ERCP endoscopes as a possible source. A phylogeny of 7 Kp genomes from patient and endoscope isolates supported ERCP as a potential source of transmission. Differences in gene content defined 5 ST258 subclades and identified 2 of the subclades as outbreak-associated. A novel KPC-encoding plasmid, pKp28 helped define and track one endoscope-associated ST258 subclade. WGS demonstrated high genetic relatedness of patient and ERCP endoscope isolates suggesting ERCP-associated transmission of ST258 KPC-Kp. Gene and plasmid content discriminated the outbreak from endemic ST258 populations and assisted with the molecular epidemiologic investigation of an extended KPC-Kp outbreak.
Property Rights and Benefit-sharing for DNA Donors?

The traditional assumption in most genetic research is that the donors of genetic material used in research act altruistically and are entitled to no property rights or direct benefit-sharing in the fruits of the research. This traditional assumption is now being challenged from several different directions. Some international ethics guidelines, advocacy organizations for families suffering from genetic diseases, and special populations such as Indian tribes are all pushing for greater control, rights, and benefit-sharing for genetic donors. The failure to resolve the tensions between these new demands and the traditional assumption of genetic research has the potential to create a bottleneck in the supply of genetic samples vital to the advancement of genetic research. This Article traces the recent controversies and trends that are challenging the traditional assumption that DNA donors in genetic research have no property or other rights in their donated material and outlines some alternative approaches for resolving this problem.
Controlling silicon nanowire growth direction via surface chemistry.

We report on the first in situ chemical investigation of vapor–liquid–solid semiconductor nanowire growth and reveal the important, and previously unrecognized, role of transient surface chemistry near the triple-phase line. Real-time infrared spectroscopy measurements coupled with postgrowth electron microscopy demonstrate that covalently bonded hydrogen atoms are responsible for the ⟨111⟩ to ⟨112⟩ growth orientation transition commonly observed during Si nanowire growth. Our findings provide insight into the root cause of this well-known nanowire growth phenomenon and open a new route to rationally engineer the crystal structure of these nanoscale semiconductors.
Electropharmacology of potassium canrenoate.

SummaryThe action of and interaction between ouabain and potassium canrenoate were determined using changes of transmembrane potential and contractile characteristics of isolated ventricle strips of guinea pigs. Concentrations of ouabain ≥ 3 × 10-6M were always arrhythmogenic and induced intrinsic rhythmicity in normally quiescent ventricular strips. Potassium canrenoate at 10-4M did not inhibit ouabain-induced arrhythmias or intrinsic rhythmicity. Although 10-3M potassium canrenoate inhibited ouabain-induced intrinsic rhythmicity, there was a severe and progressive depression in the contractile magnitude. It was concluded that effective concentrations of potassium canrenoate which will inhibit ouabain-induced ventricular arrhythmias compromise the contractile function of the heart to such an extent that this drug may have little or no value in overcoming digitalis intoxication.The authors thank Roger L. Bergstrom, G. D. Searle and Co., for supplying the samples of potassium canrenoate (Soldactone) used i...
PACAP-induced ERK activation in HEK cells expressing PAC1 receptors involves both receptor internalization and PKC signaling

The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-selective PAC1 receptor (Adcyap1r1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that activates adenylyl cyclase and PLC. Similar to many other GPCRs, our previous studies showed that the PAC1 receptor is internalized after ligand binding to form signaling endosomes, which recruit additional second messenger pathways. Using a human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) PAC1Hop1-EGFP receptor cell line, we have examined how different PAC1 receptor signaling mechanisms contribute to MEK/ERK activation. Unlike PAC1 receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase/cAMP production in the plasma membrane, PACAP-mediated ERK phosphorylation was partly dependent on receptor internalization, as determined by treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of endocytosis or temperature reduction, which also suppressed receptor internalization. Stimulation of cAMP generation by forskolin or exposure to the cell-permeable cAMP analogs 8-bromo-cAMP and dibutyryl cAMP had minimal effects on ERK phosphorylation in this system. The ability of reduced temperature (24°C) to consistently suppress ERK activation to a greater extent than the endocytosis inhibitors Pitstop 2 and dynasore indicated that other mechanisms, in addition to PAC1 internalization/endosome activation, were involved. Inhibition of PAC1 receptor-stimulated PLC/diacylglycerol/PKC signaling by bisindoylmaleimide I also attenuated ERK phosphorylation, and direct PKC activation with phorbol ester increased ERK phosphorylation in a temperature-dependent manner. Inhibition of PAC1 receptor endocytosis and PKC activation completely blocked PACAP-stimulated ERK activation. PACAP augmented phosphorylated ERK staining uniformly over the cytoplasm and nucleus, and PKC signaling facilitated nuclear phosphorylated ERK translocation. In sum, our results show that PACAP/PAC1 receptor endocytosis and PLC/diacylglycerol/PKC activation represent two complementary mechanisms contributing to PACAP-induced ERK activation.