cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Native Wolbachia Endosymbionts of Drosophila melanogaster and Culex quinquefasciatus Increase Host Resistance to West Nile Virus Infection

Background: The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis has been shown to increase host resistance to viral infection in native Drosophila hosts and in the normally Wolbachia-free heterologous host Aedes aegypti when infected by Wolbachia from Drosophila melanogaster or Aedes albopictus. Wolbachia infection has not yet been demonstrated to increase viral resistance in a native Wolbachia-mosquito host system. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we investigated Wolbachia-induced resistance to West Nile virus (WNV; Flaviviridae) by measuring infection susceptibility in Wolbachia-infected and Wolbachia-free D. melanogaster and Culex quinquefasciatus, a natural mosquito vector of WNV. Wolbachia infection of D. melanogaster induces strong resistance to WNV infection. Wolbachia-infected flies had a 500-fold higher ID50 for WNV and produced 100,000-fold lower virus titers compared to flies lacking Wolbachia. The resistance phenotype was transmitted as a maternal, cytoplasmic factor and was fully reverted in flies cured of Wolbachia. Wolbachia infection had much less effect on the susceptibility of D. melanogaster to Chikungunya (Togaviridae) and La Crosse (Bunyaviridae) viruses. Wolbachia also induces resistance to WNV infection in Cx. quinquefasciatus. While Wolbachia had no effect on the overall rate of peroral infection by WNV, Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes produced lower virus titers and had 2 to 3-fold lower rates of virus transmission compared to mosquitoes lacking Wolbachia. Conclusions/Significance: This is the first demonstration that Wolbachia can increase resistance to arbovirus infection resulting in decreased virus transmission in a native Wolbachia-mosquito system. The results suggest that Wolbachia reduces vector competence in Cx. quinquefasciatus, and potentially in other Wolbachia-infected mosquito vectors.
Hippocampus formation: An intriguing collaboration

Recent genetic studies have shown that the signalling factor Wnt3a is required for formation of the hippocampus; the developmental consequences of Wnt signalling in the hippocampus are mediated by multiple HMG-box transcription factors, with LEF-1 being required just for formation of the dentate gyrus.
Present and future regulatory trends of the United States Environmental Protection Agency

This paper provides an overview of factors that lead to the formation of environmental statutes. Specifically, this paper describes how societal values play a role in the development of environmental regulations, such as those pertaining to pollution prevention, air quality, and protection of children's health. This paper also provides a general discussion of current environmental regulations, their impact on industrial research and development, and the types of environmental regulations that may be in effect within the next 10 years.
Recent trends in treatment admissions for prescription opioid abuse during pregnancy

Prescription opioid abuse is a significant and costly public health problem among pregnant women in the United States. We investigated recent trends in substance abuse treatment admissions for prescription opioids during pregnancy using the Treatment Episodes Data Set. From 1992 to 2012 the overall proportion of pregnant admissions remained stable at 4%; however, admissions of pregnant women reporting prescription opioid abuse increased substantially from 2% to 28% especially in the south. Demographic characteristics of pregnant opioid admissions changed from 1992 to 2012 with younger, unmarried White non-Hispanic women, criminal justice referrals, and those with a psychiatric co-morbidity becoming more common (p<0.01). About a third received medication assisted therapy despite this being the standard of care for opioid abuse in pregnancy. While substance abuse treatment centers have increased treatment volume to address the increase in prescription opioid dependence among pregnant women, targeting certain risk groups and increasing utilization of medication assisted therapy should be emphasized.
Power Conditioning Comes of Age

Solid state power conditioning, after two decades of dominance in the heavy apparatus and industrial areas, is beginning to rapidly penetrate into many other segments of our economy, including wide applications in the telephone industry as well as receiving increasing emphasis in entertainment and consumer products. Much of the present emphasis in solid state power conditioning is on improved efficiency, reduced cost, and maximizing reliability. The strength of the efforts in solid state power conditioning are directly dependent on progress in components, principally semiconductor, although passes such as L's and C's are increasingly important. Thus it will be helpful to review a brief history of the development of solid state power conditioning equipment and devices: also to focus on projections for future developments with regard to devices and possible equipment implications.
Social Structure and Interpersonal Relations in Navanogal (Spain)1

This paper explores the ambivalent quality of interpersonal relations in a small Castilian community. For purposes of economic and psychological security, villagers establish a wide network of social ties outside the nuclear family. Yet they distrust and resent those with whom they must affiliate. In order to maintain successful social and economic ties, then, they resort to a series of standardized devices which operate as a lubricant to social relations.
Neutral-alkaline proteases and protein degradation in rat heart☆

Abstract The role of neutral and alkaline proteases in protein degradation in heart muscle cells was assessed by measuring rates of proteolysis in perfused rat hearts, heart muscle cells, and homogenates of hearts from control rats and rats that were treated with Compound 48 80 , a mast cell degranulator. Endogenous protein degradation in perfused hearts or in suspensions of heart muscle cells, as assessed by release of phenylalanine or disappearance of activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase in the presence of cycloheximide, was unaffected by treatment of the rat with Compound 48 80 . The rate of phenylalanine release in heart muscle cells was similar to the rate that was observed in perfused hearts. Homogenates of control hearts that were incubated in the presence of Triton X-100 released phenylalanine over a pH range from 5 to 8 at rates that were equal to or greater than the rate of protein degradation that was observed in perfused hearts. At pH 5, only 30% of phenylalanine release was assayable in the absence of detergent. Homogenates of hearts from 48 80 - treated rats and heart muscle cells released phenylalanine at pH 5 at the same rate as control homogenates, but at pH 7.8 the rate was only 10% of the value of control homogenates. These studies indicated that a large fraction of the alkaline proteolytic activity was in non-muscle cells and that this activity contributed little to overall protein degradation. These findings emphasize the importance of identifying the cellular localization of proteases before attempting to assess their role in myocardial proteolysis.
Indentation of transversely isotropic power-law hardening materials: computational modelling of the forward and reverse problems

Using a combination of dimensional analysis and large deformation finite element simulations of triple indentations of 120 materials, a framework for capturing the indentation response of transversely isotropic materials is developed. By considering 4800 combinations of material properties within the bounds of the original set of 120 materials, forward algorithms that predict the indentation response of materials and reverse algorithms that predict the materials’ elastic and plastic properties from experimentally measured indentation responses are formulated for both longitudinal and transverse indentations. Issues of accuracy, reversibility, uniqueness and sensitivity within the context of the indentation of transversely isotropic materials are addressed carefully. Using 1400 combinations of material properties, it is demonstrated that there is perfect reversibility between the material properties and their indentation responses as predicted by the forward and reverse algorithms. On average, the differen...
Chromosomal RNA of calf thymus chromatin

Abstract Calf thymus chromatin, the most widely studied deoxyribonucleoprotein, is shown to contain an associated chromosomal RNA as do the chromatins of other species. The chromosomal RNA of calf thymus chromatin is present in an amount corresponding to approx. 1% of that of DNA. The purified material eluted from DEAE-Sephadex column at a NaCl concentration of 0.56 M as do the chromosomal RNA's of other organisms. Its average chain length by end-group assay is approx. 40 nucleotides and it contains approx. 3–4 dihydrouridylic acid residues per chain. Calf thymus chromosomal RNA, like the chromosomal RNA's of other organisms, is associated with chromosomal protein in a form not dissociable by high salt concentration.
Genetic and environmental modifiers of Alzheimer's disease phenotypes in the mouse

As a group, strains of laboratory mice carrying Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related transgenes are currently the most widely studied animal models of AD. Many AD mouse models carrying the same or similar transgene constructs demonstrate strikingly different phenotypic responses to transgene expression, mimicking the apparent genetic complexity of AD pathogenesis seen in the human population. Genetic differences between the numerous mouse model strains used for AD research can significantly affect correct interpretation and cross-comparison of experimental findings, making genetic background an important consideration for all work in mouse models of AD. Furthermore, because of the potential for discovering novel genetic modifiers of AD pathogenesis, the effects of genetic background on AD phenotypes in the mouse can prove a worthwhile subject of study in their own right. This review discusses the implications of genetic modifiers for mouse and human AD research, and summarizes recent findings identifying significant roles for genetic background in modifying important phenotypes in AD mouse models, including premature death, amyloid deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, and responsiveness to environmental or treatment interventions.
Acculturation, Reading Level, and Neuropsychological Test Performance Among African American Elders

The independent effects of cultural and educational experience on neuropsychological test performance were examined among 503 nondemented African Americans ages 65 and older. Measures of cultural experience (acculturation) and quality of education (reading level) were administered. Reading level was the most influential predictor of cognitive test performance, even after accounting for age, sex, years of education, and acculturation level. Age had small but significant unique effects on most measures, especially word list learning. Years of education had independent effects on measures of verbal abstraction, fluency, and figure matching. More acculturated African Americans obtained higher scores on most measures; however, after accounting for age, years of education, sex, and reading level, the effect of acculturation was diminished. The results suggest that quality of education and cultural experience influence how older African Americans approach neuropsychological tasks; therefore, adjustment for these...
Mycorrhizal responses to nitrogen fertilization in boreal ecosystems: potential consequences for soil carbon storage

Mycorrhizal fungi can contribute to soil carbon sequestration by immobilizing carbon in living fungal tissues and by producing recalcitrant compounds that remain in the soil following fungal senescence. We hypothesized that nitrogen (N) fertilization would decrease these carbon stocks, because plants should reduce investment of carbon in mycorrhizal fungi when N availability is high. We measured the abundance of two major groups of mycorrhizal fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, in the top 10 cm of soil in control and N-fertilized plots within three Alaskan boreal ecosystems that represented different recovery stages following severe fire. Pools of mycorrhizal carbon included root-associated AM and ECM structures; soil-associated AM hyphae; and glomalin, a glycoprotein produced by AM fungi. Total mycorrhizal carbon pools decreased by approximately 50 g C m⁻² in the youngest site under N fertilization, and this reduction was driven mostly by glomalin. Total mycorrhizal carbon did not change significantly in the other sites. Root-associated AM structures were more abundant under N fertilization across all sites, and root-associated ECM structures increased marginally significantly. We found no significant N effects on AM hyphae. Carbon sequestered within living mycorrhizal structures (0.051-0.21 g m⁻²) was modest compared with that of glomalin (33-203 g m⁻²). We conclude that our hypothesis was only supported in relation to glomalin stocks within one of the three study sites. As N effects on glomalin were inconsistent among sites, an understanding of the mechanisms underlying this variation would improve our ability to predict ecosystem feedbacks to global change.
Transcriptomic fingerprints of Beta2m−/Thy1+ bone marrow stem cells derived from common bile duct-ligated rats

Introduction: Previously our laboratory identified a population of cells within the bone marrow, known as Beta2m−/Thy1+ bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) that are able to differentiate into hepatocytes. The effect of liver injury on the genes expressed by Beta2m−/Thy1+ BMSC is not known. The objective of this study was to determine the gene expression profile of Beta2m−/Thy1+ BMSC in common bile duct-ligated (CBDL) rats using DNA microarray analysis. Methods: Male Lewis rats underwent CBDL (n = 3)or a sham operation (n = 3). After 10 days, their bone marrow was harvested and Beta2m−/Thy1+ BMSC isolated using a two-step magnetic bead cell sorting technique. The mRNA expression profile of primary hepatocytes harvested from sham-operated male Lewis rats (n = 3) was used for comparison. The gene expression profile of Beta2m−/Thy1+ BMSC was determined using Affymetrix rat genemone U34a array. Results: In sham-operated rats, 24 common genes were found between Beta2m-/Thy1+ BMSC and normal hepatocytes. In the CBDL rats, 189 commonly expressed genes were found between the Beta2m-/Thy1+ BMSC and normal hepatocytes. Several liver-specific genes were identified including HNF1, Complement component C3, cholesterol esterase, Cytochrome P50 3A2, D site albumin promoter binding protein and mitochondrial import stimulation factor. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that liver injury by CBDL alters the gene expression profile of Beta2m-/Thy1+ BMSCs. Cluster analysis of hepatocyte genes revealed Beta2m-/Thy1+ BMSCs from CBDL rats shared more genes in common with primary hepatocytes than Beta2m-/Thy1+ BMSCs from sham-operated rats. Download full-size image
Assessment and Treatment of Self-Injurious Behavior Associated with Donnai-Barrow Syndrome

Donnai and Barrow (American Journal of Medical Genetics, 68, 441–444, 1993) reported multiple participants who shared a variety of specific physical and neurological anomalies. Relatively few cases have been reported since then and few of those have progressed to an age such that the developmental progression of the disorder can be ascertained. We describe one participant with Donnai-Barrow syndrome who engaged in repetitive self-injurious behavior (SIB), which heretofore has not be described in this population. Direct observations of the participant’s SIB were conducted across a range of contexts, and the behavior was successfully decreased using a combination of procedures. This case is discussed within the context of the behavioral phenotype of Donnai-Barrow syndrome.
Lipomatous retroperitoneal tumors

Abstract The medical literature on primary lipomatous retroperitoneal tumors has been reviewed. Included are the highlights of the case reports of historical interest, a summary of published opinions and observations as to origin, etiology, symptoms, physical findings, diagnostic maneuvers and procedures, treatment and pathologic characteristics, and a presentation of such statistical information as seemed applicable. Information recorded in the clinical records and the diagnoses made on multiple microscopic sections from gross pathologic specimens were assembled in each of forty-three cases of retroperitoneal lipomatous tumor treated at the Mayo Clinic. Each of these cases fulfilled certain criteria including completeness of history, physical examination, laboratory studies, surgical exploration and availability of preserved pathologic specimens. Follow-up information was available in forty-two of the forty-three cases. On the basis of our study the following general statements regarding retroperitoneal lipomatous tumors may be made: 1. 1. They may reach astounding size. 2. 2. They usually cause few disturbing or alarming symptoms. 3. 3. A urographie survey is the greatest single aid to accurate diagnosis. 4. 4. The treatment of choice is surgical extirpation. 5. 5. Two of three of these tumors are malignant. 6. 6. Seventy per cent of those removed surgically gave suggestive clinical evidence or pathologic proof of recurrence. 7. 7. Sixty per cent of those removed surgically were followed by death of the patient within five years, in most if not in all instances as a result of recurrence. 8. 8. Of nine patients who survived surgical removal of benign neoplasms six are known to have survived beyond a ten-year period; one of the remaining three is known to have been alive and well nine years after operation; two died within ten years after operation.
Comparative Developmental Osteology in Three Species of Desert Rodents, Peromyscus eremicus, Perognathus intermedius, and Dipodomys merriami

Prenatal osteological development was compared in three species of desert rodents. From 241 fetuses, a series of specimens stained with alizarin red s. was made for each species representing four arbitrary stages of development. Twelve indices were calculated from 14 measurements made on each embryo to determine rates of embryonic growth. Ossification occurs craniocaudally in each species. The pelvic girdle and hind limb in Perognathus intermedius develop slowly, suggesting extensive postnatal ossification. Isometric growth is characteristic of Peromyscus eremicus , whereas there is strong allometric bone formation in Dipodomys merriami , particularly in the mastoidal region of the skull and in the tibia and metatarsal elements of the hind limb. Selective pressures have apparently favored an early development of the specialized auditory system and saltatorial locomotion in a young kangaroo rat.
Development of an open-source software package for watershed modeling with the Hydrological Simulation Program in Fortran

The Hydrological Simulation Program in Fortran (HSPF) is used extensively for the assessment of water quantity and water quality issues. Herein, the development of an open-source, cross-platform package for building input files, performing simulations, postprocessing and calibrating HSPF models using the Python Programming Language is presented. The flexible nature of Python opens the door to automated preprocessing and calibration routines, visualization, multiprocessing, and larger-scale model development. The software is applied using Python scripts, which provides a flexible mechanism for learning and applying HSPF. An example application of the software was used to build a calibrated HSPF model the Hunting Creek watershed within the Patuxent River Basin, Maryland, USA, which is the example application distributed with the HSPF calibration software package HSPExp. A script of a few hundred lines was used to build a calibrated model comparable to HSPExp in a simulation time of less than two hours. Developed an operating system-independent interface to the subroutines for the Hydrological Simulation Program in Fortran (HSPF) in the Python Programming Language.Developed an open-source suite of software tools for gathering data and building input files for HSPF using Python scripting.Demonstrated the application of the software tools for automatically building a baseline HSPF model using publically-available data on the World Wide Web.Demonstrated automatic calibration using a parallel processing routine that performed favorably compared to existing software.
European Government-Controlled Enterprises: An Organizational Political View

This article complements a previous article on government-controlled enterprises. It examines the struggles, bargains, compromises and foul-ups between those influential players who determine these companies' decisions and actions. The strategy of such firms is seen as a political resultant: to understand corporate behavior one must explain key individuals' motivations, their stakes and stands and one must analyze their relative power and the pulling and hauling that occurs between them.
Duality and quantum-algebra symmetry of the AN−1(1) open spin chain with diagonal boundary fields

We show that the transfer matrix of the AN−1(1) open spin chair with diagonal boundary fields has the symmetry Uq(SU(l)) × Uq(SU(N−l)) × U(1), as well as a “duality” symmetry which maps l ↔ N − l. We exploit these symmetries to compute exact boundary S-matrices in the regime with q real.
Elicitation of Subjective Probabilities when Preferences are State‐Dependent

This paper presents an experimental design that enables the elicitation of subjective probabilities of decision makers' whose preferences satisfy the axioms of expected utility theory and are state-dependent.
Apparent treatment resistant hypertension and risk for stroke, coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is defined as uncontrolled hypertension despite the use of three or more antihypertensive medication classes or controlled hypertension while treated with four or more antihypertensive medication classes. We evaluated the association of aTRH with incident stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), and all-cause mortality. Participants from the population-based REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study treated for hypertension with aTRH (n = 2043) and without aTRH (n = 12,479) were included. aTRH was further categorized as controlled aTRH (≥4 medication classes and controlled hypertension) and uncontrolled aTRH (≥3 medication classes and uncontrolled hypertension). Over a median of 5.9, 4.4, and 6.0 years of follow-up, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for stroke, CHD, and all-cause mortality associated with aTRH versus no aTRH was 1.25 (0.94-1.65), 1.69 (1.27-2.24), and 1.29 (1.14-1.46), respectively. Compared with controlled aTRH, uncontrolled aTRH was associated with CHD (hazard ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-4.48), but not stroke or mortality. Comparing controlled aTRH with no aTRH, risk of stroke, CHD, and all-cause mortality was not elevated. aTRH was associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality.
Mechanochemically driven nonequilibrium processes in MNH2–CaH2 systems (M = Li or Na)

Abstract Mechanochemical transformations of lithium and sodium amides with calcium hydride have been investigated using gas volumetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and residual gas analysis. The overall mechanochemical transformations are equimolar, and they proceed as the following solid state reaction: MNH 2 + CaH 2 → CaNH + MH + H 2 , where M = Li or Na. The transformation kinetics of the lithium containing system is markedly faster compared to the system with sodium. The difference in the rates of solid state transformations, and therefore, in hydrogen release kinetics can be explained by difference in mobility of lithium and sodium atoms. Total energies and enthalpies of formation for different reaction products during the dehydrogenation of CaH 2 –MNH 2 mixtures were calculated using density functional theory. Compared to thermochemical transformations, which proceed in accordance with thermodynamic equilibrium, reactions induced by mechanical energy drive the MNH 2 –CaH 2 systems to nonequilibrium configurations with different final products.
Subclassification of renal cell neoplasms: an update for the practising pathologist

The classification of renal cell neoplasms has been extensively studied in the last decade, and a standardized nomenclature adopted. Although this system is based on a combination of genetic, histological and immunohistological features, in most cases accurate classification can be based on histological features alone. This review summarizes the key features of the tumours included in this system, and then focuses on diagnostic difficulties that can arise when using this system, as well as reviewing several recently characterized tumours that are not yet included.
Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells: reduction of Ca2+ by atriopeptin and 8-bromo-cyclic GMP is mediated by cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase

Abstract Primary rat aortic cells, when treated with arginine vasopressin or depolarizing concentrations of K+, responded to atriopeptin II and 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) with decreases in intracellular Ca2+ levels. The effects of atriopeptin and 8-Br-cGMP were diminished in cells which had been passaged many times. Low levels of cGMP-dependent protein kinase were present in soluble extracts prepared from the unresponsive cells in later passage compared with extracts from responsive cells. Unresponsive cells, when induced to incorporate cGMP-dependent protein kinase into the cytoplasm using the osmotic lysis procedure of Okada and Rechsteiner (Okada, C. Y., and Rechsteiner, M. (1982) Cell 29, 33-41), responded to atriopeptin and 8-Br-cGMP with reductions in peak Ca2+ levels in response to vasopressin and depolarizing concentrations of K+. Cells which were furnished with affinity-purified antibody to the cGMP-dependent protein kinase after the introduction of the kinase remained unresponsive to the effects of atriopeptin. In addition, antibody furnished to responsive primary cultured cells inhibited the effects of atriopeptin and 8-Br-cGMP on Ca2+ levels. These data suggest that repetitively passaged cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells lose their responsiveness to cGMP concurrently with the loss of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Restoration of kinase to the cells results in the restoration of responsiveness to cGMP. Thus cGMP-dependent protein kinase appears to be the mediator of the reduction in Ca2+ levels upon elevation of intracellular cGMP.
RELATIONSHIP OF SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA GROWTH TO SEDIMENT OIL CONTENT FOLLOWING AN OIL SPILL

ABSTRACT A single spill of crude oil in a salt marsh is generally considered to have limited biological effects. A crude oil spill in Dickinson Bayou (in the Galveston Bay system of Texas) in January 1984 provided the opportunity to test this hypothesis in salt marshes exposed to varying amounts of oil. Growth of Spartina alterniflora was unaffected in light to moderately oiled sediments (less than 5 mg oil/g sediment). However, growth was significantly reduced in sediments with high oil content (5 to 51 mg/g) through 18 months. Erosion of shoreline areas with high oil content was evident by 16 months and continued through 32 months. These results demonstrate the adverse effect of high concentrations of crude oil in salt marsh sediments. Each crude oil spill must be evaluated individually with regard to the likelihood of significant accumulation of oil in sediments before a decision is made regarding a cleanup response.
Arabidopsis H + -PPase AVP1 Regulates Auxin-Mediated Organ Development

The transport of auxin controls developmental events in plants. Here, we report that in addition to maintaining vacuolar pH, the H+-pyrophosphatase, AVP1, controls auxin transport and consequently auxin-dependent development. AVP1 overexpression results in increased cell division at the onset of organ formation, hyperplasia, and increased auxin transport. In contrast, avp1-1 null mutants have severely disrupted root and shoot development and reduced auxin transport. Changes in the expression of AVP1 affect the distribution and abundance of the P-adenosine triphosphatase and Pinformed 1 auxin efflux facilitator, two proteins implicated in auxin distribution. Thus, AVP1 facilitates the auxin fluxes that regulate organogenesis.
Open Technique for Transanal Resection

Tumors in the lower third of the rectum present unique challenges for the surgeon. Local excision has long been a technique used as an alternative to radical surgery for these low rectal polyps and tumors. Radical resection in this location often requires a low rectal or colo-anal anastomosis or even an abdominoperineal excision, procedures that carry significant morbidity and mortality. For that reason, local excision has always been an appealing alternative with lower morbidity and preservation of function. However, improved functional outcomes have to be balanced with proper oncologic outcomes.
Nickel and Cobalt Resistance Engineered in Escherichia coli by Overexpression of Serine Acetyltransferase from the Nickel Hyperaccumulator Plant Thlaspi goesingense

The overexpression of serine acetyltransferase from the Ni-hyperaccumulating plant Thlaspi goesingense causes enhanced nickel and cobalt resistance in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, overexpression of T. goesingense serine acetyltransferase results in enhanced sensitivity to cadmium and has no significant effect on resistance to zinc. Enhanced nickel resistance is directly related to the constitutive overactivation of sulfur assimilation and glutathione biosynthesis, driven by the overproduction of O-acetyl-L-serine, the product of serine acetyltransferase and a positive regulator of the cysteine regulon. Nickel in the serine acetyltransferase-overexpressing strains is not detoxified by coordination or precipitation with sulfur, suggesting that glutathione is involved in reducing the oxidative damage imposed by nickel.
Japanese Workers in Protest: An Ethnography of Consciousness and Experience

Japanese Workers in Protest: An Ethnography of Consciousness and Experience. Christena L. Turner. Berkeley. University of California Press, 1995. 268 pp.
Treasurers Under Investigation

Questionable actions by treasurers lie at the heart of many financial scandals and investigations. Cash and liquid assets—a primary concern of treasurers—have inherently high risk. So it is not surprising that the risks of treasury fraud and mismanagement require special design, monitoring, and auditing—all with continuous diligence. The author takes a look at some recent cases where treasurers have been under investigation, and reveals insights about how to prevent such disasters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Some determinants of successful analogical transfer in the solution of algebra word problems

Abstract This article reports the results of a study of the interrelations among and predictors of success at executing the three post-retrieval processes of analogical transfer: mapping, pattern completion, and adaptation. These questions were addressed in the context of algebra word problem analogies. The results indicated that mathematical expertise and deductive reasoning ability both positively impacted success at determining the mapping between a pair of related problems. Only success at mapping predicted subjects' ability to infer appropriate solution operators for the test problem (the pattern completion process). These results were predicted based on a theoretical analysis of the component processes of analogical transfer. A preliminary taxonomy of types of adaptations for mathematical word problem analogies was proposed, and the results provided some support for the proposed distinctions. Contrary to previous theorising, inductive reasoning ability was unrelated to success at any of the componen...
Hydrogen fluoride saccharification of wood: Lignin fluoride content, isolation of α‐D‐glucopyranosyl fluoride and posthydrolysis of reversion products

Wood chips from bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata Michx.) were saccharified by reaction with hydrogen fluoride either anhydrous or containing up to 10% v/v water. The reaction products were separated into a solid lignin fraction and a water-soluble saccharide fraction. The fluoride content of the lignin (determined after alkaline fusion) was initially about 1 mg/g wood, but was lowered to 0.1 mg/g wood by grinding and washing. Thus little or no chemical binding of fluoride to lignin occurred during hydrogen fluoride (HF) solvolysis. Analysis of the water-soluble fraction by gel filtration on Biogel P2 columns showed a range of low-molecular-weight oligosaccharides an only 10-20% sugar monomers. Thus considerable reversion occurred during HF evacuation. Posthydrolysis conditions were optimized for these reversion products by varying temperature and acid concentration. Optimal conditions at 1 h were 140/sup 0/C with 100mN sulfuric acid or 225mN hydrofluoric acid resulting in monomer yields of > 90% for 0.5% sugar solutions and > 80% for 10% sugar solutions. After reaction of pure cellulose (filter paper) with hydrogen fluoride in the absence of water, and terminating the reaction with calcium carbonate, the reaction intermediate ..cap alpha..-D-glucopyranosylfluride was isolated with a maximal yield of 0.2 g/g paper. Upon purification viamore » paper chromatography glucosyfluoride was identified by its specific rotation and also by gas chromotography-mass spectrometer of its tetra-O-trimethylsilyl derivative.« less
The urban fire ant paradox: native fire ants persist in an urban refuge while invasive fire ants dominate natural habitats

In contrast to the widespread extirpation of native fire ants (Solenopsis geminata) across southern US following the invasion by imported red fire ants (S. invicta), some residential areas of Austin form unexpected refuges for native fire ants. Ironically, these urban environments provide refuges for the native fire ants while adjacent natural habitats have been overrun by invasive fire ants. Resistance to invasive fire ants in these urban areas occurs mainly in older residential properties constructed prior to the S. invicta invasion, while more recent construction has allowed establishment by S. invicta. The invasive ability of S. invicta is often attributed to escape from parasitoids and efficient dispersal of polygyne multiple queen colonies. Here we also show the importance of landscape parameters in the invasion process, where low levels of disturbance and continuous plant cover in older residential areas form possible barriers to colonization. Dense leaf cover (high NDVI) was also found to be associated with native ant refuges. Long term residential land ownership may have resulted in lower recent disturbance levels and increased plant cover that support refuges of native fire ants.
The use of spectral recomposition in tailored forward seismic modeling of outcrop analogs

Spectral recomposition is an improved methodology for generating forward seismic models of outcrop analogs that make use of the full range of frequencies found within real-world seismic volumes. It overcomes the issue common to conventional forward seismic models in which single-peak frequencies are modeled, with the resultant models not capturing the range of frequency content that is found in the real world image. This variable frequency content of real-world seismic volumes has long been known to contain more detailed information within different spectral bands, which forms the basis of the spectral decomposition process, in which different spectral frequencies can correlate to different stratigraphic thicknesses, for example. In this article, we introduce and illustrate the use of a new method termed spectral recomposition. Spectral recomposition is a poststack seismic method operating in the frequency domain that recomposes forward seismic models generated at separate peak frequencies to derive a final image, which has a frequency spectrum similar to that of a targeted real-world image. Using this method, forward seismic models can be tailored to specific real-world images and be used as a more appropriate comparison between the known outcrop geometries and those that are imaged in the subsurface.
Characterization of the genes encoding urease activity of Klebsiella pneumoniae

The genes encoding urease activity of Klebsiella pneumoniae were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Transformants containing recombinant plasmids were selected by the antibiotic resistance phenotype and the production of urease in a Urease-test agar. Deletion derivatives of the parental recombinant plasmid were construced, and the relative position of six genes, necessary for urease production, was determined. Using a colorimetric assay it was demonstrated that some of the transformants exhibited ureolytic activity up to six-times greater than that of the original K pneumoniae isolate. Dot-blot DNA hybridization analysis revealed that the urease gene cluster of K. pneumoniae possesses no significant homology with those of Proteus species and Morganella morganii.
Comparison of blood lipids, lipoproteins, anthropometric measures, and resting and exercise cardiovascular responses in children, 6--7 years old.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine sex differences and interrelationships in anthropometric, blood lipids and lipoproteins, steady rate and maximal bicycle ergometric measures in boys (IV = 38) and girls (N = 28) ages 6 to 7 years. After adjusting for a significantly (P i 0.05) higher sum of skinfold measure for the girls, significant (P 0.05) existed in preexercise and maximal heart rates. Multiple regression analyses resulted in weak but significant (P C 0.05) prediction equations for cholesterol and cumulative work performed on the bicycle. A significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation between HDL-C vs triglycerides (r = 0.46) was obtained for the girls. These data indicate that sex differences exist for selected ergometric, anthropometric, and blood lipid and lipoprotein measures as early as 6 years. Also, the association among blood lipid and lipoprotein measures may differ between boys and girls.
A homolog of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Rbx1 is induced during hyperosmotic stress of salmon.

Juvenile salmon migrating from freshwater to the marine environment confront a marked change in environmental osmolality. Using differential display of mRNA expression, we cloned a 1.9-kb cDNA upre...
Assessing the compressive strength of corroded tubular members

The relationship between compressive strength and loss of wall thickness due to corrosion is analyzed, including consideration of Euler global buckling, inelastic global buckling, and the onset of yielding in a member with asymmetric corrosion. A limiting condition is analyzed in which external corrosion is very asymmetric and distributed in such a way as to maximize the bending moment due to eccentricity. It is demonstrated that the American Petroleum Institute design formulas for inelastic buckling are sufficiently conservative to predict the strength even for this asymmetric member. Thus, it appears that one can predict the ultimate capacity of a typical tubular bracing member without explicit consideration of patterns of corrosion. This allows thickness testing on a member within an older structure to be used in determining a conservative (i.e. lower bound) estimate of the remaining wall thickness of the member, rather than in finding patterns of corrosion.
USING THE PATH CODE FOR MODELING GRADUAL SEP EVENTS IN THE INNER HELIOSPHERE

We model a gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) event that occurred on 2001 September 29, and was possibly caused by a coronal mass ejection related shock. A computer code PATH (particle acceleration and transport in the heliosphere) was tuned to simulate this event. The model includes local particle injection at an evolving quasi-parallel shock, first-order Fermi acceleration at the shock, and self-consistent excitation of MHD waves to enhance particle scattering, particle trapping, and escape from the shock complex, and transport in the inner heliosphere up to several AU. The shock and solar wind boundary conditions are derived from Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) observations at 1 AU, which are then extrapolated to 0.1 AU. Modeled time-dependent spectra for energetic protons, iron, and oxygen ions are compared with ULEIS and SIS measurements onboard ACE, and with GOES-8 data. The use of the PATH code to model gradual SEP events superimposed on a pre-event background from previous SEPs is discussed.
ABO3, a WRKY transcription factor, mediates plant responses to abscisic acid and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis

Summary The biological functions of WRKY transcription factors in plants have been widely studied, but their roles in abiotic stress are still not well understood. We isolated an ABA overly sensitive mutant, abo3, which is disrupted by a T-DNA insertion in At1g66600 encoding a WRKY transcription factor AtWRKY63. The mutant was hypersensitive to ABA in both seedling establishment and seedling growth. However, stomatal closure was less sensitive to ABA, and the abo3 mutant was less drought tolerant than the wild type. Northern blot analysis indicated that the expression of the ABA-responsive transcription factor ABF2/AREB1 was markedly lower in the abo3 mutant than in the wild type. The abo3 mutation also reduced the expression of stress-inducible genes RD29A and COR47, especially early during ABA treatment. ABO3 is able to bind the W-box in the promoter of ABF2in vitro. These results uncover an important role for a WRKY transcription factor in plant responses to ABA and drought stress.
Use of a laser beam with an oblique angle of incidence to measure the reduced scattering coefficient of a turbid medium

A simple and quick approach is used to measure the reduced scattering coefficient (μs′) of a semi-infinite turbid medium having a much smaller absorption coefficient than μs′. A laser beam with an oblique angle of incidence to the medium causes the center of the diffuse reflectance that is several transport mean-free paths away from the incident point to shift away from the point of incidence by an amount Δx. This amount is used to compute μs′ by μs′ = sin(αi)/(nΔx), where n is the refractive index of the turbid medium divided by that of the incident medium and αi is the angle of incidence measured from the surface normal. For a turbid medium having an absorption coefficient comparable with μs′, a revision to the above formula is made. This method is tested theoretically by Monte Carlo simulations and experimentally by a video reflectometer.
Adaptive robust sliding-mode control of a flexible beam using PZT sensor and actuator

This work presents an adaptive robust sliding-mode control scheme based on Lyapunov's direct method for active vibration control of a flexible beam using PZT (lead zirconate titanate) sensor and actuator. PZT, a type of smart materials, has the advantages of high reliability, high bandwidth and solid state actuation and is adopted here in forms of surface-bond PZT patches for vibration control. Two adaptive robust sliding-mode controllers for vibration suppression are designed: one uses a discontinuous bang-bang robust compensator and the other uses a smooth compensator with a hyperbolic tangent function. Both controllers guarantee asymptotic stability as proved by the Lyapunov's direct method. Experimental results showed that both controllers suppress vibrations of the flexible beam with the PZT sensor and actuator. However, the bang-bang robust compensator causes small-magnitude chattering because of the discontinuous switching actions. With the smooth compensator, vibration is quickly suppressed and no chattering is induced. Furthermore, the robustness of the controllers is successfully demonstrated by adding mass to the flexible beam.
Neuronal growth cones and regeneration: gridlock within the extracellular matrix

The extracellular matrix is a diverse composition of glycoproteins and proteoglycans found in all cellular systems. The extracellular matrix, abundant in the mammalian central nervous system, is temporally and spatially regulated and is a dynamic "living" entity that is reshaped and redesigned on a continuous basis in response to changing needs. Some modifications are adaptive and some are maladaptive. It is the maladaptive responses that pose a significant threat to successful axonal regeneration and/or sprouting following traumatic and spinal cord injuries, and has been the focus of a myriad of research laboratories for many years. This review focuses largely on the extracellular matrix component, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, with certain comparisons to heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which tend to serve opposite functions in the central nervous system. Although about equally as well characterized as some of the other proteoglycans such as hyaluronan and dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are the most widely researched and discussed proteoglycans in the field of axonal injury and regeneration. Four laboratories discuss various aspects of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and proteoglycans in general with respect to their structure and function (Beller and Snow), the recent discovery of specific chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan receptors and what this may mean for increased advancements in the field (Shen), extracellular matrix degradation by matrix metalloproteinases, which sculpt and resculpt to provide support for outgrowth, synapse formation, and synapse stability (Phillips et al.), and the perilesion microenvironment with respect to immune system function in response to proteoglycans and central nervous system injuries (Jakeman et al.).
The Atmospheric Energy Budget and Large-Scale Precipitation Efficiency of Convective Systems during TOGA COARE, GATE, SCSMEX, and ARM: Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations

Abstract A two-dimensional version of the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model is used to simulate convective systems that developed in various geographic locations (east Atlantic, west Pacific, South China Sea, and Great Plains in the United States). Observed large-scale advective tendencies for potential temperature, water vapor mixing ratio, and horizontal momentum derived from field campaigns are used as the main forcing. The atmospheric temperature and water vapor budgets from the model results show that the two largest terms are net condensation (heating/drying) and imposed large-scale forcing (cooling/moistening) for tropical oceanic cases though not for midlatitude continental cases. These two terms are opposite in sign, however, and are not the dominant terms in the moist static energy budget. The balance between net radiation, surface latent heat flux, and net condensational heating vary in these tropical cases, however. For cloud systems that developed over the South China Sea and eastern Atlan...
Comparison of Three Types of Traps Baited with Sexual Pheromones for Ambrosia Beetle Megaplatypus mutatus (Coleoptera: Platypodinae) in Poplar Plantations

Megaplatypus mutatus (Coleoptera: Platypodinae) is an ambrosia beetle native to South America that only attacks standing live trees and is a serious problem for commercial poplar (Populus L.; Salicaceae) plantations in Argentina. The development of traps baited with synthetic pheromones that can be used for monitoring M. mutatus in infested poplar plantations is an important goal in preventive programs. Pioneer male M. mutatus emit a pheromone composed mainly by (+)-sulcatol and sulcatone. In the current study, we tested their release rates from several polymeric reservoir systems, to develop and manufacture a pheromone-releasing device. The efficacy of three different types of traps was evaluated in the field. Single funnel traps equipped with cross-vanes (CIPEIN-CV) captured significantly more insects than multiple funnel traps (LINDGREN) and simple funnel traps (CIPEIN-F).