cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) modulates dependence-induced alcohol drinking and anxiety-like behavior in male rats.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a devastating illness defined by periods of heavy drinking and withdrawal, often leading to a chronic relapsing course. Initially, alcohol is consumed for its positive reinforcing effects, but later stages of AUD are characterized by drinking to alleviate withdrawal-induced negative emotional states. Brain stress response systems in the extended amygdala are recruited by excessive alcohol intake, sensitized by repeated withdrawal, and contribute to the development of addiction. In this study, we investigated one such brain stress response system, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), and its cognate receptor, PAC1R, in alcohol withdrawal-induced behaviors. During acute withdrawal, rats exposed to chronic intermittent ethanol vapor (ethanol-dependent) displayed a significant increase in PACAP levels in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a brain area within the extended amygdala critically involved in both stress and withdrawal. No changes in PACAP levels were observed in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Site-specific microinfusion of the PAC1R antagonist PACAP(6–38) into the BNST dose-dependently blocked excessive alcohol intake in ethanol-dependent rats without affecting water intake overall or basal ethanol intake in control, nondependent rats. Intra-BNST PACAP(6–38) also reversed ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior in ethanol-dependent rats, but did not affect this measure in control rats. Our findings show that chronic intermittent exposure to ethanol recruits the PACAP/PAC1R system of the BNST and that these neuroadaptations mediate the heightened alcohol drinking and anxiety-like behavior observed during withdrawal, suggesting that this system represents a major brain stress element responsible for the negative reinforcement associated with the “dark side” of alcohol addiction.
A cause for concern: Developing regulatory competitions in NewSpace

Abstract Entrepreneurs and blue-chip corporations alike are seeking to capitalize on outer space's bountifulness, setting the NewSpace industry's growth ablaze and establishing an engine for an economic and technological revolution. However, meaningful impediments that could stifle the industry's growth are still present. The wide array of newly forming opportunities, pursued by a myriad of actors with various interests, encourages national legislatures to regulate where current international law leaves uncertainty. Such encouragement has created a landscape of conflicting national legislations, which thereby constructs an environment of regulatory competition as states vie for the attention of the NewSpace industry. This paper assesses some of the regulatory competitions already underway as well as provides insights into likely future competitions as technology improves and interest in NewSpace grows. Ultimately, this paper finds and warns of the effects of these competitions; specifically that, in many cases, the rise of regulatory competition threatens to lower the standards of governing policies. In such circumstances, this paper foresees the growing possibility of inhibiting the development of NewSpace, an unsettling outcome and a worthy cause for concern.
The Practical Haplotype Graph, a platform for storing and using pangenomes for imputation

Abstract Motivation Pangenomes provide novel insights for population and quantitative genetics, genomics, and breeding not available from studying a single reference genome. Instead, a species is better represented by a pangenome or collection of genomes. Unfortunately, managing and using pangenomes for genomically diverse species is computationally and practically challenging. We developed a trellis graph representation anchored to the reference genome that represents most pangenomes well and can be used to impute complete genomes from low density sequence or variant data. Results The Practical Haplotype Graph (PHG) is a pangenome pipeline, database (PostGRES & SQLite), data model (Java, Kotlin, or R), and Breeding API (BrAPI) web service. The PHG has already been able to accurately represent diversity in four major crops including maize, one of the most genomically diverse species, with up to 1000-fold data compression. Using simulated data, we show that, at even 0.1X coverage, with appropriate reads and sequence alignment, imputation results in extremely accurate haplotype reconstruction. The PHG is a platform and environment for the understanding and application of genomic diversity. Availability All resources listed here are freely available. The PHG Docker used to generate the simulation results is https://hub.docker.com/ as maizegenetics/phg:0.0.27. PHG source code is at https://bitbucket.org/bucklerlab/practicalhaplotypegraph/src/master/. The code used for the analysis of simulated data is at https://bitbucket.org/bucklerlab/phg-manuscript/src/master/. The PHG database of NAM parent haplotypes is in the CyVerse data store (https://de.cyverse.org/de/) and named /iplant/home/shared/panzea/panGenome/PHG_db_maize/phg_v5Assemblies_20200608.db. Contact pjb39@cornell.edu
Early semantic activation in a semantic categorization task with masked primes: Cascaded or not?

Abstract The assumption that activation is cascaded implies that the semantic properties of all neighbors of the input word are activated to varying degrees. This assumption is tested using masked priming in a semantic categorization experiment, where the prime belongs to the same category as the target (a congruent prime), or to a different category (an incongruent prime). In Experiment 1, the prime was a nonword neighbor of an exemplar or non-exemplar of the category, and a clear congruence effect was produced, even though the orthographic overlap was fairly low (e.g., lucchibi-zucchini). In Experiment 2, the prime was a word neighbor (e.g., capable-cabbage), which eliminates the possibility that the prime was simply interpreted as equivalent to the nearest task-relevant word, but a congruence effect was still obtained. Experiment 3 replicated this effect. Experiments 4–6 investigated the possible role of the category using a two-alternative forced choice discrimination task, where the task was simply to guess which of two subsequently presented words was more similar in meaning to the masked word. Despite better than chance performance when the masked word was related to one of the alternatives, performance was at chance when the masked word was a neighbor of a word that was related to one of the alternatives, indicating that semantic activation is not normally cascaded. It is concluded that the categorization task fundamentally alters the way in which a masked word is processed.
Extinction of chained instrumental behaviors: Effects of consumption extinction on procurement responding

Operant behavior is typically organized into sequences of responses that eventually lead to a reinforcer. Response elements can be categorized as those that directly lead to reward consumption (i.e., a consumption response) and those that lead to the opportunity to make the consumption response (i.e., a procurement response). These responses often differ topographically and in terms of the discriminative stimuli that set the occasion for them. We have recently shown that extinction of the procurement response acts to weaken the specific associated consumption response, and that active inhibition of the procurement response is required for this effect. To expand the analysis of the associative structure of chains, in the present experiments we asked the reverse question: whether extinction of consumption behavior results in a decrease in the associated procurement response in a discriminated heterogeneous chain. In Experiment 1, extinction of consumption alone led to an attenuation of the associated procurement response only when rats were allowed to make the consumption response in extinction. Exposure to the consumption stimulus alone was not sufficient to produce weakened procurement responding. In Experiment 2, rats learned two distinct heterogeneous chains, and extinction of one consumption response specifically weakened the procurement response associated with it. The results add to the evidence suggesting that rats learn a highly specific associative structure in behavior chains, emphasizing the role of learning response inhibition in extinction.
Purification of the yeast centromere binding protein CP1 and a mutational analysis of its binding site.

Abstract CP1 is a yeast protein which binds to the highly conserved DNA element I (CDEI) of yeast centromeres. We have purified CP1 to near homogeneity; it is comprised of a single polypeptide of molecular weight 58,400. When bound to yeast CEN3 DNA, CP1 protects a 12-15-base pair region centered over CDEI. Methylation interference experiments show that methylations of residues located outside of the 8-base pair CDEI sequence have no detectable effect on CP1 binding, suggesting that the DNA sequences important for CP1 recognition are confined to the CDEI octanucleotide. The equilibrium constant for CP1 binding to CEN3 DNA is relatively low, 3 x 10(8) M-1. Using a novel method to determine relative DNA binding constants, we analyzed the effect of CDEI mutations on CP1 binding. A C to T point mutation at position 5 (CO1) reduces the equilibrium constant about 35-fold, while the insertion of an additional T at this position (CAT) reduces the equilibrium constant 1,400-fold. The effect of these mutations on mitotic centromere function in vivo was assessed using a plasmid stability assay. While the CO1 mutation had a slight effect, the CAT mutation significantly impaired function, implying that CP1 binding is required for the optimal mitotic function of yeast centromeres.
Consideration of the use of visible light 3D scanning for prisoner contraband possession assessment and other similar purposes

Contraband possession assessment of those being involuntarily confined, whether in the context of a civilian criminal detention facility or detention of captured warfighters is inherently problematic. Some individuals may desire to, for a number of purposes, retain objects beyond screening. These objects may range from benign to weapons or other objects that could injure other detainees or which, in the context of warfighters, may be detrimental to security or defense objectives in other ways. This paper describes the prospective use of a visible light scanner for checkpoint assessment purposes. It contrasts the invasiveness of this technology with conventional techniques.
RNA and small molecule probes of hiPSC-cardiomyocyte differentiation and physiology (207.1)

There is an urgent need for therapies that reverse the course of ventricular dysfunction in heart failure, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. We have performed high throughput chemical and functional genomics screens probing cardiomyocyte differentiation and contractility, and used the results to construct protein-protein interaction networks controlling these complex biological processes. To measure cardiac contractility in high throughput, we have used an automated microscopy platform (Vala Sciences) that optically measures heart muscle cell action potential and calcium transient kinetics and morphology. By screening static and kinetic endpoint assays against whole genome microRNA libraries, we have reconstructed microRNA:protein networks that control myocyte differentiation and contractility. This approach has revealed a number of microRNAs that direct differentiation and modulate physiological function, including microRNAs that adversely affect heart function in vivo. Targeting one o...
Meta-omic signatures of microbial metal and nitrogen cycling in marine oxygen minimum zones

Iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are essential cofactors for microbial metalloenzymes, but little is known about the metalloenyzme inventory of anaerobic marine microbial communities despite their importance to the nitrogen cycle. We compared dissolved O2, NO3-, NO2-, Fe and Cu concentrations with nucleic acid sequences encoding Fe and Cu-binding proteins in 21 metagenomes and 9 metatranscriptomes from Eastern Tropical North and South Pacific oxygen minimum zones and 7 metagenomes from the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Station. Dissolved Fe concentrations increased sharply at upper oxic-anoxic transition zones, with the highest Fe:Cu molar ratio (1.8) occurring at the anoxic core of the Eastern Tropical North Pacific oxygen minimum zone and matching the predicted maximum ratio based on data from diverse ocean sites. The relative abundance of genes encoding Fe-binding proteins was negatively correlated with O2, driven by significant increases in genes encoding Fe-proteins involved in dissimilatory nitrogen metabolisms under anoxia. Transcripts encoding cytochrome c oxidase, the Fe- and Cu-containing terminal reductase in aerobic respiration, were positively correlated with O2 content. A comparison of the taxonomy of genes encoding Fe- and Cu-binding vs. bulk proteins in OMZs revealed that Planctomycetes represented a higher percentage of Fe genes while Thaumarchaeota represented a higher percentage of Cu genes, particularly at oxyclines. These results are broadly consistent with higher relative abundance of genes encoding Fe-proteins in the genome of a marine planctomycete vs. higher relative abundance of genes encoding Cu-proteins in the genome of a marine thaumarchaeote. These findings highlight the importance of metalloenzymes for microbial processes in oxygen minimum zones and suggest preferential Cu use in oxic habitats with Cu > Fe vs. preferential Fe use in anoxic niches with Fe > Cu.
A macro-micromechanics analysis of a notched metal matrix composite

A macro-micromechanics analysis was formulated to determine the matrix and fiber behavior near the notch tip in a center-notched metal matrix composite. Results are presented for a boron/aluminum monolayer. The macro-level analysis models the entire notched specimen using a three dimensional finite element program which uses the vanishing-fiber-diameter model to model the elastic-plastic behavior of the matrix and the elastic behavior of the fiber. The micro-behavior is analyzed using a Discrete Fiber-Matrix (DFM) model containing one fabric and the surrounding matrix. The dimensions of the DFM model were determined by the ply thickness and the fiber volume fraction and corresponded to the size of the notch-tip element in the macro-level analysis. The boundary conditions applied to the DFM model were determined from the macro-level analysis. Stress components within the DFM model were calculated and stress distributions are presented along selected planes and surfaces within the DFM model, including the fiber-matrix interface. Yielding in the matrix was examined at the notch tip in both the macro- and micro-level analyses. The DFM model predicted higher stresses (24 percent) in the fiber compared to the global analysis. In the notch-tip element, the interface stresses indicated that a multi-axial criterion may be required to predict interfacial failure. The DFM analysis predicted yielding to initiate in the notch-tip element at a stress level 28 percent lower than predicted by the global analysis.
Vitamin K deficiency does not functionally impair skeletal metabolism of laying hens and their progeny

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of vitamin K deficiency on indices of skeletal metabolism in laying hens, developing embryos and young growing chickens. Laying hens were fed a vitamin K-deficient diet for 28 wk, which resulted in impaired blood clotting and reduced bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) concentration compared with vitamin K-sufficient hens. However, this treatment did not influence egg production, eggshell deposition or other reproductive performance criteria. Vitamin K-deficient embryos were able to mobilize sufficient quantities of calcium for normal skeletal development, although they exhibited severe reduction in blood clotting and bone Gla concentration. Similar results were obtained from progeny of both vitamin K-sufficient and -deficient hens fed deficient diets for 4 wk after hatching. These results indicate that a severe reduction in skeletal protein Gla concentration does not interfere with normal development of this tissue.
INFANT AVOIDANCE DURING A TACTILE TASK PREDICTS AUTISM SPECTRUM BEHAVIORS IN TODDLERHOOD

The experience of touch is critical for early communication and social interaction; infants who show aversion to touch may be at risk for atypical development and behavior problems. The current study aimed to clarify predictive associations between infant responses to tactile stimuli and toddler autism spectrum, internalizing, and externalizing behaviors. This study measured 9-month-old infants' (N = 561; 58% male) avoidance and negative affect during a novel tactile task in which parents painted infants' hands and feet and pressed them to paper to make a picture. Parent reports on the Pervasive Developmental Problems (PDP), Internalizing, and Externalizing scales of the Child Behavior Checklist were used to measure toddler behaviors at 18 months. Infant observed avoidance and negative affect were significantly correlated; however, avoidance predicted subsequent PDP scores only, independent of negative affect, which did not predict any toddler behaviors. Findings suggest that incorporating measures of responses to touch in the study of early social interaction may provide an important and discriminating construct for identifying children at greater risk for social impairments related to autism spectrum behaviors.
Contour dynamics for the Euler equations: curvature controlled initial node placement and accuracy

Abstract We have performed a systematic study of several contour dynamical algorithms for the Euler equations for short times. We have used the Kirchhoff elliptical vortex alone and subject to weak perturbations. We have found that if the initial placement of nodes is such that the internodal distance is proportional to (curvature) −P where p ≈ 1 3 , then errors in short time calculations are minimized. This follows because the node density is invariant in time.
Demixed Micelle Morphology Control in Hydrocarbon/Fluorocarbon Cationic Surfactant Templating of Mesoporous Silica

We report a study of the coassembly behavior of mixed hydrocarbon surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and the fluorocarbon surfactant 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecylpyridinium chloride (HFDePC) with precipitated silica at room temperature. This pair of surfactants is known to segregate into demixed fluorocarbon-rich and hydrocarbon-rich micelles in dilute solution for a range of compositions. Synthesis parameters (including the molar composition of the surfactant mixture, the ammonia concentration, and the addition of NaCl or ethanol to the initial sols) are varied to show how the mixed or demixed micelles found in dilute aqueous solutions act as templates to form mesoporous silica. Four distinct types of pore structures are found. The first are particles with a single mesopore size and structure whose morphology is influenced by the addition of a second surfactant. Adding HFDePC to CTAC for this series of samples induces a transition from 2D hexagonal mesopores to disordered mesopores to mesh ph...
Lateral Migration and Depth of Pupation of the Larvae of the Primary Screwworm Cochliomyia americana C. and P.

The distance that larvae of the primary screwworm, Cochliomyia americana C. and P., will migrate from the place where they have dropped to the ground and the depth at which they pupate in the soil were studied under field conditions during the fall of 1935 and the spring of 1936 at Valdosta, Ga. These tests were conducted to determine the advisability of further studies on methods of control for larvae and pupae of the screwworm in carcasses of animals or in the soil near infested animals. Tests on methods of controlling larvae and pupae in the soil and carcass have been conducted by Brody & Knipling (1940).
Optical write-in for the plasma display panel

Techniques of changing the state of plasma display cells with externally applied light are presented. Optical write-in offers the advantage of high-speed parallel data transfer from a photographic transparency to a plasma display panel. It is established that light incident on a plasma cell causes a photoemission from the inner glass surface. The emitted electrons perturb the wall voltage and cause a change in state. The intensity of light needed to change the state of cells can be reduced, without changing the solid panel materials, by two techniques, Electron avalanches initiated by the photoelectrons can be used to decrease the light needed by a factor of 100. By flashing light during the plasma display cell gas discharge, the intensity of the light can be further reduced.
C6 produced by macrophages contributes to cardiac allograft rejection.

The terminal components of complement C5b-C9 can cause significant injury to cardiac allografts. Using C6-deficient rats, we have found that the rejection of major histocompatibility (MHC) class I-incompatible PVG.R8 (RT1.AaBu) cardiac allografts by PVG.1U (RT1.AuBu) recipients is particularly dependent on C6. This model was selected to determine whether tissue injury results from C6 produced by macrophages, which are a conspicuous component of infiltrates in rejecting transplants. We demonstrated that high levels of C6 mRNA are expressed in isolated populations of macrophages. The relevance of macrophage-produced C6 to cardiac allograft injury was investigated by transplanting hearts from PVG.R8 (C6−) donors to PVG.1U (C6−) rats which had been reconstituted with bone marrow from PVG.1U (C6+) rats as the sole source of C6. Hearts grafted to hosts after C6 reconstitution by bone marrow transplantation underwent rejection characterized by deposition of IgG and complement on the vascular endothelium together with extensive intravascular aggregates of P-selectin-positive platelets. At the time of acute rejection, the cardiac allografts contained extensive perivascular and interstitial macrophage infiltrates. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization demonstrated high levels of C6 mRNA in the macrophage-laden transplants. C6 protein levels were also increased in the circulation during rejection. To determine the relative contribution to cardiac allograft rejection of the low levels of circulating C6 produced systemically by macrophages, C6 containing serum was passively transferred to PVG.1U (C6−) recipients of PVG.R8 (C6−) hearts. This reconstituted the C6 levels to about 3 to 6% of normal values, but failed to induce allograft rejection. In control PVG.1U (C6−) recipients that were reconstituted with bone marrow from PVG.1U (C6−) donors, C6 levels remained undetectable and PVG.R8 cardiac allografts were not rejected. These results indicate that C6 produced by macrophages can cause significant tissue damage.
Interaction of viruses with the mammalian RNA interference pathway

It has been known for some time that plants and insects use RNA interference (RNAi) as nucleic acid-based immunity against viral infections. However, it was unknown whether mammalian cells employ the RNA interference pathway as an antiviral mechanism as well. Over the past years, it has become clear that a variety of viruses, first in plants but recently in insect and mammalian viruses as well, encode suppressors of the RNAi pathway arguing for an antiviral role of this machinery. More recent findings have revealed that certain viruses encode their own microRNAs or microRNA-like RNA molecules, which are processed by the mammalian RNAi machinery. Furthermore, host-encoded microRNAs have been shown to both silence and enhance intracellular levels of viral RNAs. These findings argue that interactions between the RNAi pathway and viral genomes can profoundly affect the outcomes of the viral life cycles and contribute to the pathogenic signatures of the infectious agents.
Bridge Management Strategies and Structural Reliability

Currently available management systems often suggest maintenance strategies that are suboptimal due to inadequate consideration of user costs mostly in the worst condition state. The paper suggests an approach that introduces reliability aspects into bridge management systems without abandoning the current widely accepted condition-based approach.
SPIRITUALITY, RELIGION, AND THE INTERRELATIONSHIP: A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE STUDY

How do people define spirituality and religion and what, if any, relationship do they see between the 2 constructs? In this study, we answer these questions using a qualitative methodology with a nationally representative sample of graduate-level social work students affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers (N=303). A relatively diverse array of definitions for both spirituality and religion emerged. Most respondents believed some form of relationship existed between spirituality and religion. A significant minority, however, reported that no or a minimal relationship existed between the 2 concepts. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings.
Assisting children and families who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices: Best practices for school psychologists

In developing individual education plans for children who need assistive technology devices, school psychologists will increasingly be called upon to assist in the decision making process regarding electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. A thorough assessment is required to select a device that is most appropriate for the child and their family. Assessment factors which must be considered within five domains (child, AAC device, service system, family, culture) are reviewed. A self-checklist is provided to help school psychologists develop and conduct thorough “best practice” assessments for the target population. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Silent myocardial ischemia: II. Prognosis and implications for the clinical assessment of patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract Myocardial ischemia is known to be a strong independent predictor of cardiac events. New data suggest that the presence of silent ischemia, like symptomatic ischemia, is indicative of an increased risk of future cardiac events. Ordinarily, patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease are evaluated first for the presence of myocardial ischemia by performing exercise ECG, used as a test of both diagnosis and prognosis. In those patients who have an "intermediate" probability of cardiac event after exercise ECG, prognostic assessment may be enhanced, by using either radionuclide stress testing, to assess the extent and severity of potentially inducible ischemia, or ambulatory ECG, to assess the frequency and duration of spontaneously occurring ischemia. The indications for testing and type of test to be used are highly dependent on a number of clinical factors, not the least of which are the nature of the population to be evaluated and the exercise ECG response. We have proposed an overall approach for prognostic testing that considers the potential strengths and limitations of each form of testing. This potential approach now requires prospective evaluation.
Localized twin bands in sheet bending of a magnesium alloy

Three-point bending tests were performed at room temperature on Mg–Al–Zn sheet material (∼8.0 μm initial grain size). In situ electron backscatter diffraction and optical microscopy examinations revealed a highly localized twinning pattern during bending. In the compression zone, { 10 1 ¯ 2 } 〈 1 0 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 〉 twins were localized in bands, each band comprising high-density twins, but twins were absent between the bands. As the bending angle increased, the twin bands grew across the center line. Possible mechanisms for such localized twin bands are discussed.
On Different Approaches to Combine Cable Information Into Near-Field Data for Radiated-Field Estimation

Near-field scanning is often used to solve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems. Aside from the purpose of visualization of near fields, measured near-field data can be used to estimate radiated fields. One of many challenges associated with using near-field to far-field transform technique for EMC application is the handling of attached cables. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate different methods to add cable information to the near-field data for radiated-field estimation. The investigation is carried out using numerical experiments in EMCoS EMC Studio, which is a commercial software tool for EM simulation providing method-of-moments solver. Measurement results from a specially designed test structure are presented to validate the simulation results.
Limb development in chick embryos: Cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase activity, cyclic AMP, and prostaglandin concentrations during cytodifferentiation and morphogenesis

The effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentrations of chick limb bud cells obtained from limbs at various stages of development were investigated. In addition, endogenous concentrations of PGE2 were examined in whole limbs from comparable stages. Prior to either chondrogenesis or myogenesis (stages 20-23), cells were more responsive to PGE2, in terms of cAMP levels, than those of differentiated phenotypes, obtained at stages 25-28. This greater responsiveness to PGE2 of undifferentiated cells was correlated with endogenous concentrations of PGE2 which were significantly higher in undifferentiated limbs than in limbs containing differentiated cartilage and muscle. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity was detectable in cell homogenates at each stage examined and did not appear to change in cAMP dependency at any stage. The majority (80-85%) of total enzyme activity was localized in soluble fractions of cell homogenates while the residual activity was localized to membrane-enriched, particulate fractions. The results demonstrate that both responsiveness of limb mesenchyme to PGE2 and endogenous concentrations of PGE2 are maximal prior to cytodifferentiation of limb tissues. The presence of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in these undifferentiated cells supports a regulatory role for both PGE2 and a cAMP-protein phosphorylation system in the differentiation of limb tissues.
Interrelations between phosphorus, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and renal phosphate excretion in response to an oral phosphorus load in normal and uremic dogs

Interrelations between phosphorus, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and renal phosphate excretion in response to an oral phosphorus load in normal and uremic dogs. This study evaluates the sequential interactions between serum phosphorus, ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and fractional and absolute phosphate excretion following an oral phosphorus load (100 or 500 mg) in normal (N) and two groups of uremic dogs. One group of uremic dogs (uremic-constant solute intake; U-CSI), maintained on a diet containing 1,500 mg of phosphorus daily, developed the adaptive increases in fractional phosphate excretion and PTH levels characteristic of uremia. A second group of uremic dogs (uremic-proportional reduction of solute; U-PRS), in which dietary phosphorus intake was reduced in proportion to the reduction in GFR, exhibited normal fractional phosphate excretion and PTH values. After an oral phosphorus load, the rise in serum phosphorus was greater in U-CSI than in N dogs but not different than in U-PRS dogs. For any given increase in serum phosphorus, the fall in serum ionized calcium was identical in N and U-CSI dogs. The relationship was not significantly different in U-PRS, but there was a suggestion of a greater fall in serum ionized calcium for any given rise in serum phosphorus. The increase in PTH associated with the decrease in serum ionized calcium was greater, albeit not significantly, in U-CSI than in N dogs, while the same decrease in serum ionized calcium elicited a significantly smaller PTH increase in U-PRS than in N or U-CSI dogs. The maximal tubular capacity for phosphate reabsorption was significantly lower in U-CSI dogs than in either N-or U-PRS animals. Finally, both groups of uremic dogs excreted significantly less phosphorus than did the N dogs after the oral phosphorus load. Both uremic groups excreted significantly more phosphorus per unit of functioning nephron mass than did the N dogs. In conclusion, the phosphorus-calcium-PTH axis in the uremic dog functions in an intact and appropriate manner, although it does so at different levels of sensitivity, depending on renal function and the preceding dietary phosphorus intake.
The warrior state: Pakistan in the contemporary world

In this grim but insightful book, T. V. Paul, a leading scholar on South Asia and security, applies ‘war-making and state-making’ literature to explain Pakistan's dysfunctionalism. Like Husain Haqq...
Transforming DNA sequences present in human prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors.

Five human PRL-secreting pituitary tumors were tested for the presence of DNA-transforming sequences. After calcium phosphate transfection to NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells, DNA samples derived from two prolactinomas induced foci of morphologically transformed cells which subsequently grew in soft agar. After retransfection of transformant DNA, resulting secondary transformants elicited rapidly growing solid tumors in nude mice. Southern analysis of transformant DNA revealed the integration of Alu-positive human DNA sequences into the mouse fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells, as judged by hybridization to a Blur-8 probe. The Alu signal became increasingly more difficult to detect with the multiple passaging (>20) of transformant cells in culture. Alu polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was, therefore, used to selectively amplify human DNA sequences from the NIH-3T3 rodent background. PCR using a human Alu-specific primer resulted in amplification of an Alu-containing DNA region within these transformants. The transform...
A new dynamic electrochemical transduction mechanism for interdigitated array microelectrodes

A dynamic electrochemical transduction mechanism for interdigitated array microelectrodes using an electrical charge pumping method is presented in this paper. In this dynamic transduction mechanism, a charged external capacitor is used as the charge supplier for the electrochemical reaction of the reversible redox species at the interdigitated array electrodes. The charges stored in the capacitor are consumed as the electrochemical reaction current, which causes the capacitor potential decay. The theoretical analysis has shown that the species concentration has a decisive effect on the capacitor potential decay, and therefore the characteristics of the capacitor potential decay are recorded and analyzed to evaluate the concentration of redox species. The new transduction mechanism has the advantages of achieving high sensitivity with small sensor area and simplifying the measurement instrumentation. As a demonstration device, interdigitated array microelectrodes (∼0.2 mm2 electrode surface area) have been fabricated and successfully characterized using p-aminophenol as the redox species under this dynamic mechanism. The detection limit of p-aminophenol was calculated to be approximately 4 × 10−7 M for the sensor with the new dynamic transduction mechanism.
A new assay for ATP sulfurylase based on differential solubility of the sodium salts of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate and sulfate.

A new assay for ATP sulfurylase (ATP:sulfate adenyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.4) has been devised, the key feature of which is the quantitative precipitation of the unreacted substrate as Na/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, in ethanol:water (5:1), leaving the product adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) in solution with an 80 percent yield. This separation procedure, coupled with the use of (/sup 35/S)SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/, makes it possible to assay the synthesis of picomole amounts of (/sup 35/S)APS and thereby determine accurately the initial velocity of the forward reaction catalyzed by ATP sulfurylase. Extracts from tobacco cells synthesized (/sup 35/S)APS and a negligible amount of one unknown sulfur compound, but they did not synthesize 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-(/sup 35/S)phosphosulfate (PAPS) under the assay conditions adopted, so that the /sup 35/S remaining in solution after ethanol precipitation of (/sup 35/S)SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/ is a valid assay of the ATP sulfurylase reaction in these extracts. This assay is simple, rapid, and suitable for assaying multiple samples. Extracts of four additional species of plants were incubated under the same conditions, and each catalyzed the synthesis of (/sup 35/S)APS according to this assay. The assay is suitable for use with the enzyme from any organism, provided that the product APS ismore » not acted upon by another enzyme.« less
Wrong tests, wrong conclusions.

To the Editor.— The article in theArchivesby Black et al, 1 "The Mutagenicity of Dinitrochlorobenzene [DNCB]," presents an inaccurate, straw-man version of our position. Black et al stated that we "conclude that highly purified DNCB might still be safe for clinical use." We presented this only as a possibility in the context of an article that broadly argued against the use of all current commercially available sources of DNCB. Furthermore, their experimental design has managed to miss testing any important hypothesis. In the two studies cited by Black et al, 2,3 we (and our coauthors) hypothesized that DNCB contaminated with mononitrochlorobenzene is mutagenic, at least in part, because of this contaminant. Black et al argued that DNCB is inherently mutagenic and that contaminants have no role in this activity. Unfortunately, they chose to test—except for controls—only dichloronitrobenzenes (2,3-DCNB; 2,4-DCNB; 2,5-DCNB; and 3,4-DCNB) rather than mononitrochlorobenzenes (l-chloro-2-nitrobenzene and 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene), which we had postulated to be the major offenders. Thus, Black et al have failed to refute our contention that mononitrochlorobenzenes add to the potential hazard of the use of DNCB in humans.
Quantitative confocal Raman microscopy study of ion-interaction retention at reversed-phase chromatographic interfaces.

Ion-interaction chromatography utilizes the addition of amphiphilic (surfactant) molecules to the mobile-phase solution in order to bring about the retention and separation of hydrophilic ionic analytes on reversed-phase liquid chromatographic stationary phases. The mechanism by which retention and separation in ion-interaction chromatography is accomplished remains unclear, although two primary mechanisms of this phenomenon have been proposed: preadsorption of the hydrophobic counterions to the hydrophobic stationary phase followed by interaction with the ionic analyte or adsorption of ion-paired species to the hydrophobic surface. There is evidence that both mechanisms contribute to ionic retention and separations. In this work, ion interactions at a C18 stationary-phase interface are investigated by confocal Raman microscopy of individual stationary-phase particles, which is capable of quantifying surface concentrations of surfactants and model solutes. Raman spectra taken within the interior of the pa...
Effect of Mitogenic Stimulation of Murine Splenocytes on PEG-Induced Cell Fusion

A cell fusion assay system was devised as a means of measuring cell activation. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to induce fusion between spleen cells of various mouse strains and the BW5147 thymoma cell line. A fusion index (FI) was calculated by determining the ratio of the number of nuclei in fused cells to the number of nuclei in all cells and multiplying by 100 (the FI could range from 0 to 100). Spleen cells from BALB/c mice were compared in PEG-induced fusion assays. BALB/c spleen cells stimulated with phytohemagglutinin, leucoagglutinin, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen and LPS showed FI two- to three-fold higher than those found in unstimulated cultures, indicating that stimulated cells fuse at much higher rates. This response is mitogen dose-dependent and parallels DNA synthesis as measured by 3H-TdR incorporation. Treatment of spleen cells with cycloheximide 12 h prior to fusion had no effect on FI. In vivo and in vitro stimulation of BALB/c, C57BL/6 and NZW mice with LPS resulted in enhanced FI. This was not the case in low-responder DBA/2 and nonresponder C3H/HeJ animals.
White Counselor Self-Awareness: A Prerequisite for Developing Multicultural Competence.

This review of the literature examines White counselor self-awareness as an important variable in developing multicultural competence. The self-dimension discussed in this article includes worldview, cultural values, and racial identity. It is suggested that counselor self-awareness is a prerequisite to developing multicultural competence and that an in-depth understanding of these factors may improve the delivery of mental health services to culturally diverse client populations.
Potassium chromate potentiates frameshift mutagenesis in E. coli and S. typhimurium

Possible comutagenic effects of chromate on frameshift mutagenesis were studied in bacterial assays. In these experiments, cells were treated with potassium chromate and 9-aminoacridine either singly or in combination. Results were analyzed to detect synergistic, additive and antagonistic responses. Data from these investigations show a clear potentiation of 9-aminoacridine-induced mutagenesis in the presence of chromate in S. typhimurium strain TA1537. Results from cell viability assays shows that the effect is not due to a toxicity artifact. Similar results are obtained in E. coli strains 343/358 (repair-proficient parental strain), 343/415 (recA-deficient), and 343/435 (mismatch-repair-deficient). These data indicate the neither induction of recA-protein nor inhibition of mismatch repair is involved in the action of chromate. In E. coli strain 343/447 (DNA polymerase I deficient), the potentiation was observed at lower concentrations of chromate. This finding suggests that polymerase I functions in recovery of cells from 9-aminoacridine-induced DNA damage and that its absence allows some of this damage to be dealt with in a manner which promotes mutagenesis in the presence of chromate. One possible explanation of these findings is that chromate and 9-aminoacridine react chemically to produce a unique mutagen and that damage caused by this mutagen is repaired via some excision process. However, no reaction between chromate and 9-aminoacridine could be detected by TLC under conditions similar to those in the bacterial assays, even at very high concentrations of both agents. Thus, it seems most likely that the potentiation is due to some action of chromate on repair and/or replication at sites of 9-aminoacridine intercalation. Chromate appears, then, to have significant comutagenic actions in bacterial systems.
Concept transfer as a function of age and variability of irrelevant features during acquisition

The influence of two different levels of variability of irrelevant information during acquisition on concept transfer for second-, fourth-, and sixth-grade children was investigated. Two different figures, faces, or houses constituted an additional between-subjects variable. The shapes of specific features for faces (e.g., eyes, ears, etc.) and for houses (e.g., doors, windows, etc.) constituted the irrelevant dimensions varied. One feature for each figure constituted the relevant dimension. One or three irrelevant features resulted in two levels of irrelevant dimension variability. The number of new irrelevant dimensions (T) that varied during transfer constituted a within-subjects variable. The results differed for the two figures but generally indicated a decrement in errors over all levels of T, with increase in variability during acquisition for older but not for younger children.
Adenocarcinoma of minor salivary gland origin with skeletal metastasis in a child.

Primary epithelial neoplasms of the salivary gland in children are uncommon but are well recognized and occur principally in the major salivary glands. The purpose of this report is to document our experience with an adenocarcinoma of the buccal submucosa (one of several sites of minor salivary gland tissue) that metastasized to multiple bones as the initial sites of distant disease after a local recurrence. The clinical history, imaging studies, and microscopic sections including immunoperoxidase studies were evaluated from the primary tumor, local recurrence, and a metastatic lesion from the femur. The histopathologic features and immunohistochemical phenotype of the adenocarcinoma in the buccal submucosa supported its salivary gland origin. This case of adenocarcinoma of the intraoral buccal tissues independent of the parotid gland in a 12-year-old female is an unusual clinical presentation of a salivary gland neoplasm in childhood, and its ability to metastasize to distant skeletal sites is also remar...
TQM – A World View

Discusses the key differences in business approach to TQM within the three major global economies of the Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Suggests that TQM can act as a catalyst in the emerging economies of Eastern Europe through their reliance on teamwork and employee empowerment. Identifies the main principles of management training common to most TQM models. Goes on to point out the quality review policy within the author′s own company, which is geared to enhancing the standard and consistency of customer service by continually responding to the customer′s needs. Believes that worldwide implementation of these standards would help organizations in exceeding the expectation of customers.
Androgyny, stress, and satisfaction: Dual- career and traditional relationships

Forty-one female and 61 male assistant professors, of whom 46% were involved in dual-career relationships, responded to a mail questionnaire that assessed (1) androgyny; (2) satisfaction at work, home, and in their personal life; (3) stress at work, home, and in their personal life. A 2×2×2 analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effects of relationship status, androgyny, and sex of subject. The results indicated that being androgynous was associated with increased work stress, but simultaneously increased personal satisfaction. A significant interaction between androgyny and relationship status demonstrated that androgynous dual-career persons reported highest personal satisfaction; androgynous nondual-career persons reported highest work satisfaction. Dualcareer status increased personal and work stress, as well as relationship satisfaction. The importance of considering each person's specific life situation when evaluating androgyny as a positive or negative attribute is discussed.
Electrophysiological properties of neurones contained in the locus coeruleus and mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve in vitro

Intracellular recordings were made from neurones contained in the locus coeruleus and mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (MNV), in tissue slices cut from guinea-pig pons and maintained in vitro. Locus coeruleus neurones were of -52.7 ± 2.7 mV resting membrane potential; had an input resistance of 58.0 ± 7.6 MΩ and a membrane time constant of 7.3 ± 1.0 ms. These neurones fired action potentials in response to depolarizing current pulses. Depolarizing synaptic potentials (DSPs) were recorded in locus coeruleus neurones in response to focal stimulation of the surface of the slice. MNV neurones were of-51.9 ± 3.6 mV resting membrane potential; had an input resistance of 15.0 ± 1.8 MΩ and a membrane time constant of 1.35 ± 0.16 ms. These neurones were also excitable but differed from locus coeruleus neurones in that they showed accommodation to depolarizing current pulses and time-dependent anomalous rectification with hyper-polarizing current pulses. In MNV neurones focal stimulation did not give rise to DSPs. Intracellular injection of Lucifer yellow revealed that the cell bodies of locus coeruleus neurones were small and multipolar whereas MNV neurones had larger, monopolar cell bodies.