cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transformation-Mediated Developmental Mutants ofGlomerella graminicola (Colletotrichum graminicola)☆☆☆

Abstract Glomerella graminicolatransformants were generated by insertional plasmid mutagenesis. Five transformants with developmental mutant phenotypes that segregated in crosses as single-gene mutations were selected. In four transformants, the mutant phenotype cosegregated with the inserted plasmid DNA. At least three of the mutants result from gene disruption, as demonstrated by recovery of the mutant phenotypes after transformation of wild type with “rescued” plasmid DNA. Whereas the wild type produces uninucleate, salmon-colored conidia, the tagged mutant M26 has white conidia. After exposure to either UV light or singlet oxygen, the percentage germination of M26 conidia is reduced compared to that of the wild-type conidia, indicating that the spore pigment confers protection from UV light and singlet oxygen. The tagged mutant T30 has weakened walls; falcate conidia rupture and hyphae have swollen regions unless the medium is amended with an osmoticum. The tagged mutant T29 has falcate conidia with one to four nuclei; wild-type falcate conidia are uninucleate. Two other mutants, one which grows slowly and one having conidia with increased curvature, are also described.
Cilia on bovine mammary epithelium: ultrastructural observations.

Ultrastructural examination of bovine mammary tissues revealed the presence of 9 + 0 or primary cilia protruding from surfaces of alveolar epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Cilia of epithelial cells protruded approximately 1200 nm into lumina of alveoli and arose from a basal body centriole, the associated centriole of the diplosome, and an accessory rootlet system. Cilia on epithelial cells were more frequently observed than cilia on myoepithelial cells. Occasional cilia made contact with macrophages in the alveolar lumen. The structures were more commonly found in tissues from nonlactating cows, and most were observed in the ventral portion of the mammary gland.
Fine‐Structural Changes Associated with Pseudocyst Formation in Trichomitus batrachorum*

SYNOPSIS. Several fine-structural changes were observed during formation of the so-called pseudocysts of Trichomitus batrachorum grown in an agar-free medium. Among these changes the most frequent were those of the undulating membrane complex. Internalization of the marginal lamella combined with disappearance of the fin-like, membranous dorsal fold occurred with the highest frequency. In many organisms these alterations were accompanied by internalization of the recurrent flagellum, which, however, remained external in other, presumably earlier stages of pseudocyst formation. In some of the internalized and even still external recurrent flagella the microtubules were in various states of disassembly. The often distended flagellar membrane enclosed large accumulations of filaments 5 nm in diameter. Internalization of the anterior flagella also was noted. Changes similar to those characteristic of the recurrent flagella were not seen, however, among the microtubules of the anterior flagella or among those of the pelta or the axostyle.
An Evaluation of the Perceived Needs of Secondary Science Teachers in Kansas.

(1990). An evaluation of the perceived needs of secondary science teachers in Kansas. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 74-79.
More Judicious Use of Fish Oil in Cobia Feeds: II. Effects of Graded Fish Oil Sparing and Finishing

AbstractReplacement of long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich fish oil with alternative lipids in aquafeeds typically reduces the LC-PUFA content and associated nutritional value of farmed fish even if production performance is unaffected. Finishing can be used to augment tissue LC-PUFA levels prior to harvest; however, the effectiveness of this strategy for use with the Cobia Rachycentron canadum is relatively unknown. For 8 weeks, Cobias (initial weight [mean ± SE] = 59.8 ± 0.2 g) were fed diets in which the supplemental lipid consisted of 100% fish oil; 100% beef tallow; a blend of 33% beef tallow and 67% fish oil; or a blend of 67% beef tallow and 33% fish oil. After the 8-week grow-out period, all treatment groups received the 100% fish oil feed for 6 weeks to simulate finishing. Differences in production performance were observed, but growth and growth efficiency were not reduced by inclusion of beef tallow in the grow-out feeds. Prior to the finishing period, fatty acid profiles of ...
Bim, a Proapoptotic Protein, Up-regulated via Transcription Factor E2F1-dependent Mechanism, Functions as a Prosurvival Molecule in Cancer

Proapoptotic Bcl-2 homology 3-only protein Bim plays an important role in Bax/Bak-mediated cytochrome c release and apoptosis. Here, we provide evidence for a novel prosurvival function of Bim in cancer cells. Bim was constitutively overexpressed in multiple prostate and breast cancer cells as well as in primary tumor cells. Quantitative real time PCR analysis showed that Bim was transcriptionally up-regulated. We have identified eight endogenous E2F1-binding sites on the Bim promoter using in silico analysis. Luciferase assay demonstrated that Bim expression was E2F1-dependent as mutation of the E2F1-binding sites on the Bim promoter inhibited luciferase activities. In support, E2F1 silencing led to the loss of Bim expression in cancer cells. Bim primarily localized to mitochondrial and cytoskeleton-associated fractions. Bim silencing or microinjection of anti-Bim antibodies into the cell cytoplasm resulted in cell rounding, detachment, and subsequent apoptosis. We observed up-regulation of prosurvival proteins Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, which sequester Bim in cancer cells. In addition, a phosphorylated form of Bim was also elevated in cancer cells. These findings suggest that the constitutively overexpressed Bim may function as a prosurvival molecule in epithelial cancer cells, and phosphorylation and association with Bcl-xL/Mcl-1 block its proapoptotic functions.
Wave theory for microwave remote sensing of a half‐space random medium with three‐dimensional variations

The two-variable expansion technique is used to solve for the mean Green's functions from the Dyson equation under the nonlinear approximation for a half-space random medium with three-dimensional correlation functions. The Bethe-Salpeter equations are then solved under the ladder approximation. The radiative transfer equations, which have been applied extensively in the study of microwave remote sensing problems, are derived under these approximations. The limiting cases of large and small horizontal correlation lengths are discussed. It is found that there is only one propagation constant except for the case of large horizontal correlation lengths, in which there are two propagation constants. It is shown that boundary layer appears in first-order solutions and does not appear in zeroth-order solutions.
Usability of FDA-Approved Medication Guides

BACKGROUND Medication guides are required documents to be distributed to patients in order to convey serious risks associated with certain prescribed medicines. Little is known about the effectiveness of this information to adequately inform patients on safe use.
Gender differences in genetic and environmental influences on gambling: results from a sample of twins from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

Aims To examine the extent to which genetic factors and shared and non-shared environmental factors are impli- cated in the development of gambling behaviors and to examine whether there are gender differences in the genetic and environmental contributors to gambling behaviors. Design A genetically informative analysis was performed by using DeFries-Fulker (DF) analysis. Setting Analysis of secondary data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Participants A total of 324 monozygotic (MZ) twins and 278 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twins were included in the analysis. Of these twins, there were 150 male MZ twins, 144 male DZ twins, 174 female MZ twins and 134 female DZ twins. Measurements Gambling behavior was measured through eight self-reported questions that tapped a range of items designed to measure problems related to gambling. Self-reported measures of self-control and delinquent involvement were also included to examine the degree to which these factors covaried with gambling behavior. Findings The results of the DF analysis indicated that when male and female twin pairs were analyzed simultaneously, genetic factors explained approximately 70% of the variance in gambling and non-shared environmental factors explained the remaining variance. When gender-specific models were calculated, substantial gender differences emerged. For males, genetic factors explained approximately 85% of the variance in gambling, with the non-shared environment accounting for the remaining variance. For females, genetic factors explained none of the variance in gambling behaviors, while the shared environment explained 45% of the variance and the non-shared environment explained 55% of the variance. Conclusions Analysis of twins from the Add Health data suggests that there are significant gender differences in the genetic and environmental underpinnings to gambling behaviors.
Comparison of Three Photochemical Activities of Chloroplasts.

The Hill reaction is one of the simplest chloroplast reactions in which one can measure in unambiguous terms both the reducing and the oxidizing equivalents produced in the process of photosyntnesis. In its simplest aspect, the oxidizing power is measured as oxygen production, while the reducing power is measured in terms of reduction of some electron acceptor (9). Two other photochemical reactions catalyzed by plant chloroplasts are the photochemical oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of the dye 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DPIP), and the photochemical reduction of the dye indigo carmine (IC), which photoreduction requires the presence of both ascorbic acid and DPIP (10, 12). These reactions also can be described in terms of the classical Hill reaction, in which case one could consider the ascorbate-DPIP couple as reacting with the photochemical oxidizing system, allowing the photochemical reducing system to react with oxygen and indigo carmine respectively (10). Although there is to date no decisive experimental proof to show that such is the case, isotopie evidence does support this hypothesis (4). This paper describes the effect of various chloroplast treatments upon the ability of chloroplasts to catalyze a conventional Hill reaction, the photochemical oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of DPIP, and the photochemical reduction of indigo carmine, the purpose being to see if one can in this manner correlate these 3 photochemical activities of the chloroplast.
Computational analysis of two similar neuropeptides yields distinct conformational ensembles.

Conformational states and thermodynamic properties for two similar neuropeptides, GDPFLRF-NH(2) and GYPFLRF-NH(2), have been computed by Monte Carlo simulated annealing (MCSA) conformational searches and Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) calculations. These peptides were recently shown to have dramatically different conformations in solution by NMR [Edison et al., J Neuroscience 1999;19:6318-6326]. Final conformations of multiple independent MCSA runs were the starting points for MMC calculations, and conformations saved at intervals during MMC runs were characterized in terms of total energy, configuration entropy, side-chain fraction population, and ensemble average inter-nuclear distances. Without the use of any NMR data-generated pseudo-potentials, the present calculations were in excellent qualitative agreement with all previous NMR experimental data and provided a foundation by which to more quantitatively interpret the experimental NMR results. Proteins 2000;40:367-377.
Observations on retrieved polyethylene glenoid components

It is recognized that retrieved polyethylene hip and knee components may undergo substantial changes from their preimplantation form. Little information is available, however, regarding retrieved polyethylene glenoid components. We report on 39 glenoid components removed at an average of 2.5 years after implantation. Of components for which clinical data were available, the commonest reason for the revision arthroplasty was loosening of the glenoid component; many components also showed glenohumeral instability. The articular surface contours of most of the components were altered. Of components, 28 had obvious erosion of the rim, 27 had surface irregularities, 11 were fractured, and 9 had central wear. These observations in retrieved glenoid components point to the potential of polyethylene for deformation in vivo, especially when the mechanics of the arthroplasty are compromised.
Bioproduct adsorption in immobilized adsorbent: Local thermodynamic equilibrium model

A mathematical model using local thermodynamic equilibrium isotherms for adsorption on immobilized adsorbents is proposed in order to optimize the design parameters inin situ bioproduct separation process. The model accurately follows the experimental data on the adsorption of berberine, secondary metabolite produced in plant cell culture. The result shows that the lower loading capacity in immobilized adsorbents is due to the decrease in the maximum solid phase concentration and the isotherm equilibrium constant, not the effective diffusivity. Design parameters inin situ bioproduct separation process, such as the size of the beads, the ratio of beads to bulk volume and the adsorbent content of the bead, are evaluated by using the model. The decrease of bead size is the most effective parameter for adsorption of berberine in immobilized adsorbent due to a reduction in the overall diffusional resistance.
On the Implementation of a Quasi-Generic Synchronization Architecture for Linear Digital Modulations

With increasing availability of software-defined radio platforms, users are no longer tied to receiving or transmitting only one type of signal. In applications, such as signal intelligence, the user may not know ahead of time the characteristics of the signal to be received. This uncertainty results in a need for more flexible receiver architectures that can be easily modified to work for multiple signal types. In this paper the FPGA implementation of a quasi-generic synchronization architecture is presented that is easily adaptable, at implementation time, to most linear modulation schemes. The implementation is shown to work for QPSK, 8QAM, 16QAM and 32QAM with timing frequency errors of up to 4% of the symbol rate.
Ischemia-induced cleavage of cadherins in NRK cells is not sufficient for beta-catenin transcriptional activity

Although ischemia is associated with disruption of cadherin-mediated adhesion in renal cell lines, the impact of decreased cadherin function on the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin remains poorly defined. In these studies, we used a simulated ischemia model in normal rat kidney (NRK) cells to disrupt cadherin function. Cell viability; cadherin/catenin expression, function, and localization; and beta-catenin-mediated transcriptional activity were assessed during ischemia/reperfusion. Following 6 hr of ischemia, a decrease in the expression of E- and N-cadherin was seen that correlated with altered cell morphology indicative of decreased intercellular adhesion. While ischemia was associated with activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3beta), this did not correlate with increased phosphorylation of beta-catenin as assessed by Western blots using phosphoryl-specific antibodies. beta-Catenin was not localized to the nucleus by immunofluorescence in ischemic NRK cells, but rather a strong perinuclear signal was seen in reperfused cells. This was consistent with the finding that neither ischemia nor reperfusion activated the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin as assessed by the TCF-optimal promoter (TOPFlash) construct. However, NRK cells possess a competent Wnt pathway, as challenge with lithium chloride elicited a ten-fold increase in luciferase activity. These results suggest that ischemia-induced disruption of cadherin/catenin complexes is not sufficient to stimulate beta-catenin transcriptional activity in NRK cells.
Adsorption of hematite nanoparticles onto Caco-2 cells and the cellular impairments: effect of particle size

The increasing applications of engineered nanomaterials nowadays have elevated the potential of human exposure through various routes including inhalation, skin penetration and digestion. To date there is scarce information on a quantitative description of the interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and cell surfaces and the detrimental effects from the exposure. The purpose of this work was to study in vitro exposure of Caco-2 cells to hematite (alpha-Fe(2)O(3)) NPs and to determine the particle size effects on the adsorption behaviors. Cellular impairment was also investigated and compared. Hematite NPs were synthesized as part of this study with a discrete size distribution and uniform morphology examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Caco-2 cells were cultured as a model epithelium to mirror human intestinal cells and used to evaluate the impacts of the exposure to NPs by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Cell surface disruption, localization and translocation of NPs through the cells were analyzed with immunocytochemical staining and confocal microscopy. Results showed that hematite NPs had mean diameters of 26, 53, 76 and 98 nm and were positively charged with minor aggregation in the buffer solution. Adsorption of the four sizes of NPs on cells reached equilibrium within approximately 5 min but adsorption kinetics were found to be size-dependent. The adsorption rates expressed as mg m(-2) min(-1) were greater for large NPs (76 and 98 nm) than those for small NPs (26 and 53 nm). However, adsorption rates, expressed in units of m(-2) min(-1), were much greater for small NPs than large ones. After the adsorption equilibrium was reached, the adsorbed mass of NPs on a unit area of cells was calculated and showed no significant size dependence. Longer exposure time (>3 h) induced adverse cellular effects as indicated by the drop in TEER compared to the control cells without the exposure to NPs. NPs initially triggered a dynamic reorganization and detachment of microvilli structures on Caco-2 cell surfaces. Following this impact, the drop in TEER occurred more significantly, particularly for the exposure to 26 nm NPs, which was consistent with the observations with confocal microscopy that the junctions were more severely disrupted by 26 nm NPs than other sizes. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates the interactions at the ultrastructural level from initial surface adsorption of NPs upon cells, to the subsequent microvilli reorganization, membrane penetration and the disruption of adherens junction and provides the fundamental information on size effects on NP behavior which is often poorly addressed for in vitro cytotoxicity studies of NPs.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide containing neurones in monkey medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC): colocalisation with calretinin

Neurones immunoreactive for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were studied in monkey medial prefrontal cortex. The majority (78.0%) of VIP+ neurones were bipolar cells located mainly in layers 2/3. Calretinin (CR) immunoreactivity was colocalised in 80.5% of VIP+ neurones. Furthermore, VIP+ puncta formed pericellular baskets around GABA immunonegative somata in layers 2/3. These results indicate that VIP/CR are colocalised in some bipolar cells and superficial pyramidal somata are likely targets of VIP+ neurones.
Central features of institutional change

Purpose – To examine and discuss the central features of institutional change and to compare it with organizational change.Design/methodology/approach – Use interviews with managers to highlight key issues.Findings – Results are presented of interviews with managers exploring changes that have for decades been transforming business, government, and other institutions into “organic” systems for the knowledge age. Institutional change differs from organizational change by focusing on the higher‐order unspoken social rules that govern the structure of institutions in common. The study evaluated trends driving this transformation, the obstacles blocking it, and the likely timetable of implementation.Originality/value – Concludes that three central features mark the general direction of institutional evolution: “e‐organizations” operating in real time, “self‐organizing systems” of self‐managed teams, and “stakeholder collaboration” to unify diverse interests into a more powerful enterprise.
Severe regional ischemia alters coronary flow reserve in the remote perfusion area.

Abstract Background. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that coronary flow reserve (CFR) may be abnormal in regions remote from myocardial infarction. We sought to determine the possible relation among stenosis severity, ischemic dysfunction, and impairment of CFR in remote regions. Methods and Results. In 7 open-chest dogs, acute graded left circumflex (LCX) ischemia was created and maintained based on measurement of the transstenotic (aortic-distal LCX) pressure gradient (measured in millimeters of mercury). Regional thickening was assessed with sonomicrometers. Regional myocardial flow was assessed at rest with radiolabeled microspheres. Doppler flow probes were placed on proximal LCX and left anterior descending (LAD) arteries to measure resting flow and CFR in response to intracoronary injection of adenosine (36 μg). These parameters were assessed under baseline conditions and during transstenotic gradients of 10, 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg. Increasing LCX stenosis severity caused progressive impairment of LCX CFR: baseline (2.22 ± 0.10), stenosis 10 (1.80 ± 0.06), stenosis 20 (1.56 ± 0.08), stenosis 30 (1.30 ± 0.04), and stenosis 40 (1.17 ± 0.06) (P
Effect of l-cysteine on drying and neutron irradiation loss of Hg, Se, As, and Br from fish tissue

Abstract Powdered, thawed composited, and fresh frozen fish tissues were analyzed for Hg, Se, As, and Br. Experiments were designed to measure or estimate upper limits of long-term storage, drying, and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) irradiation-related analyte losses. Tissue was analyzed as received (dried, if necessary, for INAA) and treated with l -cysteine to determine if such treatment reduces analyte loss, especially for Hg. Untreated tissues experienced large (23–49%) volatile Hg losses during irradiation. l -Cysteine treatment followed by freeze drying reduced Hg losses to 0.9–3.5%. Desiccation over Mg(ClO 4 ) 2 and oven drying at 40 °C of treated tissues were less successful at reducing Hg irradiation loss. Irradiation losses for volatile Se, As, and Br species were smaller, ranging from 0.06–0.4%, l -cysteine treatment enhanced Se drying loss. There was little evidence of element loss during long-term storage at −80 °C, except for an 8% loss from Hg in desiccator dried, l -cysteine treated powdered fish protein.
Vascular engineering of the vertebral venous drainage system

The recent distribution infra-cranial distribution of malignant cerebral neoplasms has prompted a search for possible routes to explain such spread. The intimate connections of the intracerebral veins with the vertebral venous system, the close proximity of cerebral neoplasms to the ventricular system, and the postural hemodynamics of a largely valveless drainage system have all added another dimension to the vertebral venous circulation described by Batson. This flow pattern ascended from the sacrum to the skull. An inferior “reverse” flow is now proposed by which neoplastic cells may extend into the cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes, breast, liver, or lung.
Flat counting distribution for triangularly-modulated poisson process

Abstract Photocounting distributions for an amplitude-stabilized radiation source with triangularly-modulated intensity should exhibit the unusual property of extreme flatness over a tunable region of counts. The result applies to any Poisson process whose mean can be linearly swept.
Integrating clinical research into clinical decision making

Evidence-based medicine has placed a general priority on knowledge gained from clinical research for clinical decision making. However, knowledge derived from empiric, population-based research, while valued for its ability to limit bias, is not directly applicable to the care of individual patients. The gap between clinical research and individual patient care centers on the fact that empiric research is not generally designed to answer questions of direct relevance to individual patients. Clinicians must utilize other forms of medical knowledge, including pathophysiologic rationale and clinical experience, in order to arrive at the best medical decision for a particular patient. In addition, clinicians must also elucidate and account for the goals and values of individual patients as well as barriers and facilitators of care inherent in the system in which they practice. Evidence-based guidelines and protocols, then, can never be prescriptive. Clinicians must continue to rely on clinical judgment, negotiating potentially conflicting warrants for action, in an effort to arrive at the best decision for a particular patient.
Bacterial meningitis associated with lumbar drains: a retrospective cohort study.

Objectives—The infective potential of lumbar drainage is an important topic deserving particular study. The aetiology, incidence, and clinical findings associated with bacterial meningitis are described in patients having continuous lumbar CSF drainage to treat communicating hydrocephalus after subarachnoid haemorrhage or CSF leaks after traumatic dural rents. Methods—Retrospective review of the records of patients with a positive CSF bacterial culture who underwent lumbar drain placement over a 39 month period. Results—Thirteen cases of bacterial meningitis occurred subsequent to the use of 312 lumbar drain kits (4.2%). All meningitic patients had CSF pleocytosis, but not all had peripheral leukocytosis. Fever, peripheral leukocytosis, and CSF pleocytosis did not help to diVerentiate the presence of bacterial meningitis from other infections. Eight patients had prior CSF drainage procedures, including ventriculostomy (n=5) or lumbar drain (n=5) placements; two patients received both procedures. Six of 13 patients developed their CSF infection within 24 hours of lumbar drain insertion. Six of 13 patients developed meningitis while receiving antibiotics for other reasons. Conclusions—External lumbar drainage seems to carry a low risk of infectious meningitis and oVers a safe alternative to ventriculostomy or serial lumbar punctures. Antibiotics do not seem to protect completely against developing the infection. The infection happens most often with skin organisms. The meningitis often appears within 24 hours after lumbar drain placement. Daily CSF samples should include bacterial cultures but cell counts may not oVer any additional useful information in diagnosing the complication. Lumbar drain insertion and management need not be confined to the intensive care unit. (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1999;67:468‐473)
A Behavioral Anchoring Analysis of Three ESL Reading Comprehension Tests

This article reports the results of a behavioral anchoring analysis of three ESL reading comprehension tests. For each test, anchor points on a continuum of ability level were selected for analysis. Items that discriminated between adjacent anchor points were batched and analyzed in terms of their relation to the structure of the text, the reader's prior knowledge, and the cognitive processes required to answer the question. The results indicated that for each of three proficiency levels (Levels 2, 3, and 4), the higher ability students could comprehend micropropositions, whereas the lower ability students could not. The higher ability students at Levels 3 and 4 could comprehend questions whose sources of information were implicit, whereas the lower ability students at these levels could not. Higher ability students and lower ability students at all proficiency levels showed competence with linguistic structures that related parts of the text. And finally, the derivational complexity and the readability levels of the texts covaried with an increase in proficiency level.
Lightning Performance of TVA's 500-kV and 161-kV Transmission Lines

Lightning performance data and detailed design features for many of the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) 500-and 161-kV transmission lines are given. Only lines of homogenous construction for at least 90 percent of their length were selected with performance data given for a 14-year period. The lines were also selected to meet the additional criteria of having a pprformance record of over 100-kilometer years, thus presenting a sample with considerable experience. Analysis of the lightning outage rate as a function of different design features is presented in graphical and tabular form. From the data, conclusions are drawn on the sensitivity of the lightning outage rate to changes in transmission line design.
Effects of carboxy-terminal modifications and pH on binding of a Bacillus subtilis small, acid-soluble spore protein to DNA.

Variants of the wild-type Bacillus subtilis α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) SspCwt were designed to evaluate the contribution of C-terminal residues to these proteins' affinity for DNA. SspC variants lacking one to three C-terminal residues were similar to SspCwt in DNA binding, but removal of six C-terminal residues greatly decreased DNA binding. In contrast, a C-terminal extension of three residues increased SspC's affinity for DNA 5- to 10-fold. C-terminal and N-terminal changes that independently caused large increases in SspC-DNA binding affinity were combined and produced an additive effect on DNA binding; the affinity of the resulting variant, SspCΔN11-D13K-C3, for DNA was increased ≥20-fold over that of SspCwt. For most of the SspC variants tested, lowering the pH from 7 to 6 improved DNA binding two- to sixfold, although the opposite effect was observed with variants having additional C-terminal basic residues. In vitro, the binding of SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 to DNA suppressed the formation of cyclobutane-type thymine dimers and promoted the formation of the spore photoproduct upon UV irradiation to the same degree as the binding of SspCwt. However, B. subtilis spores lacking major α/β-type SASP and overexpressing SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 had a 10-fold-lower viability and far less UV and heat resistance than spores overexpressing SspCwt. This apparent lack of DNA protection by SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 in vivo is likely due to the twofold-lower level of this protein in spores compared to the level of SspCwt, perhaps because of effects of SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 on gene expression in the forespore during sporulation. The latter results indicate that only moderately strong binding of α/β-type SASP to DNA is important to balance the potentially conflicting requirements for these proteins in DNA transcription and DNA protection during spore formation, spore dormancy, and spore germination and outgrowth.
A polynomial time optimal algorithm for simultaneous buffer and wire sizing

An interconnect joining a source and a sink is divided into fixed-length uniform-width wire segments, and some adjacent segments have buffers in between. The problem we considered is to simultaneously size the buffers and the segments so that the Elmore delay from the source to the sink is minimized. Previously, no polynomial time algorithm for the problem has been reported in literature. In this paper, we present a polynomial time algorithm \mathit{SBWS}\ for the simultaneous buffer and wire sizing problem. \mathit{SBWS}\ is an iterative algorithm with guaranteed convergence to the optimal solution. It runs in quadratic time and uses constant memory for computation. Also, experimental results show that \mathit{SBWS}\ is extremely efficient in practice. For example, for an interconnect of 10000 segments and buffers, the CPU time is only 0.127 second.
Self-renewal in nursing leadership: the lived experience of caring for self.

Nurse leaders are often vulnerable to stress as experienced in the workenvironment, including long hours, patient overloads, and challenging work settings. If ignored, these stressors may lead to p...
The study of scientific communities: Bringing space back in?

Abstract Traditionally, sociologists have conceived their subject matter in social terms. However, there is a growing awareness that in order to explain social facts it may be necessary to consider variables of the physical environment as socially significant. This research applies such awareness to the study of scientific communities. Previous research in this area has focused on a variety of consensual and interactional aspects. Findings reported here indicate constraints of geographical accessibility as a significant factor in shaping the pattern of interactions among urban sociologists in Canada. Implications for scientific communities more generally are discussed. It is suggested that further research examine more closely the role of spatial distance in the functioning of scientific communities.
Stress Sonography of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow in Professional Baseball Pitchers A 10-Year Study

Background An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow is potentially career threatening for elite baseball pitchers. Stress ultrasound (US) of the elbow allows for evaluation of both the UCL and the ulnohumeral joint space at rest and with stress. Hypothesis Stress US can identify morphological and functional UCL changes and may predict the risk of a UCL injury in elite pitchers. Study design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods A total of 368 asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers underwent preseason stress US of their dominant and nondominant elbows over a 10-year period (2002-2012). Stress US examinations were performed in 30° of flexion at rest and with 150 N of valgus stress by a single musculoskeletal radiologist. Ligament thickness, ulnohumeral joint space width, and ligament abnormalities (hypoechoic foci and calcifications) were documented. Results There were 736 stress US studies. The mean UCL thickness in the dominant elbow (6.15 mm) was significantly greater than that in the nondominant elbow (4.82 mm) (P .05) increases in baseline ligament thickness, ulnohumeral joint space gapping with stress, and incidence of hypoechoic foci and calcifications. More than 1 stress US examination was performed in 131 players, with a mean increase of 0.78 mm in joint space gapping with subsequent evaluations. Conclusion Stress US indicates that the UCL in the dominant elbow of elite pitchers is thicker, is more likely to have hypoechoic foci and/or calcifications, and has increased laxity with valgus stress over time.
The Impact Of Corporate Governance And The Sarbanes-Oxley Act On CEO Compensation

This paper examines the effects of corporate governance on CEO compensation in light of regulatory controls introduced by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). The influence of economic and corporate governance variables on incentive-based CEO compensation are considered, using cross-section time-series panel data that includes multiple observations for the years 1999 to 2005. As expected, sales, firm performance (returns), and CEO age were found to positively affect the incentive components of CEO compensation. CEO duality, board size, and the percentage of outside directors had a significant influence on CEO compensation in the preSOX, but not post-SOX, period. The influences of these three variables in the pre-SOX period were not in the expected directions. Stratification of our sample into two groups by size reveals similarities and differences between smaller and larger firms. For both groups, economic determinants are more dominant than corporate governance variables as determinants of incentive-based CEO compensation. We find differences in the pattern and significance of variables between the smaller and larger firms, particularly for corporate governance variables, pre- and post-SOX. These results suggest that the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms may vary by size of company.
Counseling Competence: Application and Implications of a Model

Working from their proposed model of counseling competence, the authors address critical implications and applications of the model. First, they present a 10-parameter juxtaposition of the model of counseling competence and the microskills training model, including points of comparision and contrast. Second, they discuss implications of the model for practice, including guidelines for teaching and an application exercise. Third, they discuss implications of the model for research, including improvements over design flaws and the limited focus that has typified research on microskills training.
Damage in MMCs using the GMC: theoretical formulation

In this work the incorporation of damage in the material behavior is investigated. Damage is incorporated into the generalized cells model (GMC), and applied to metal-matrix composites (MMCs). The local incremental damage model of Voyiadjis and Park is used here in order to account for damage in each subcell separately. The resulting micromechanical analysis establishes elasto-plastic constitutive equations that govern the overall behavior of the damaged composite. The elasto-plastic constitutive model is first derived in the undamaged configuration for each constituent of the metal-matrix composite. The plasticity model used here is based on the existence of a yield surface and flow rule. The relationships are then transformed for each constituent to the damaged configuration by applying the local incremental constituent damage tensors. The overall damaged quantities are then obtained by applying the local damage concentration factors obtained by employing the rate of displacement and traction continuity conditions at the interface between subcells and between neighboring repeating cells in the generalized cells model. Examples are solved numerically in order to explore the physical interpretation of the proposed theory for a unit cell composite element.
Particle-laden turbulent flows: direct simulation and closure models

This paper presents an overview of the state-of-the-art of direct numerical simulation (DNS) and closure models of particle-laden turbulent flows. The paper also shows how the results of direct simulation can be used to improve current closure models of these flows. Particle dispersion in a decaying grid-turbulence is studied using DNS, and the results are compared with the measurements of Snyder and Lumley (1971).
Family violence: implications for the pediatrician

1. Jane F. Knapp, MD* 2. M. Denise Dowd, MD MPH† 1. 2. *Director, Division of Emergency Medical Services, Children’s Mercy Hospital; Professor of Pediatrics 3. 4. †Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO. 1. Primary prevention should have the highest priority in attempting to eliminate family violence. 2. A high percentage of mothers of abused children are themselves victims of battering. 3. Children who witness violence are at risk for the same psychosocial and developmental sequelae as children who are the direct victims of abuse. 4. The pediatrician may identify family violence through screening. 5. The pediatrician can be an advocate for the prevention and management of family violence. There is no escape from violence in America, even for children. Public health leaders have identified violence as a problem of epidemic proportions. Family violence has been described as endemic; its existence is a constant feature of many American families, with the home as its major setting. Family violence accounts for at least 21,000 hospitalizations, 99,800 hospital days, 28,700 emergency department (ED) visits, and 39,000 physician visits each year. The United States Department of Justice estimates that from 1987 to 1990, the aggregate cost of domestic violence amounted to$ 67 billion per year. Losses due to violence against children exceed$ 164 billion annually. In 1962, Dr Henry Kempe raised the consciousness of the nation and pediatricians to the problem of child abuse with the publication of his paper “The Battered Child Syndrome.” Over the subsequent decades, pediatricians have become well educated and familiar with the problems of child abuse, sexual assault, and neglect. Yet, overwhelming evidence indicates that violence in childhood is much more complex than abuse and neglect. Children are exposed to violence in their communities and in their homes. Children suffer from witnessing violence in a variety of ways, including the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children also are the perpetrators of violence. For pediatricians, this realization means that to have a significant effect on both the short-term and long-term consequences of violence, we cannot view …
Quagmires in the periphery: Foreign wars and escalating commitment in international conflict

(1998). Quagmires in the periphery: Foreign wars and escalating commitment in international conflict. Security Studies: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 94-144.
Using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers to reconstruct human evolution

Molecular genetic-data have greatly improved our ability to test hypotheses about human evolution. During the past decade, a large amount of nuclear and mitochondrial data have been collected from diverse human populations. Taken together, these data indicate that modern humans are a relatively young species. African populations show the largest amount of genetic diversity, and they are the most genetically divergent population. Modern human populations expanded in size first on the African continent. These findings support a recent African origin of modern humans, but this conclusion should be tempered by the possible effects of factors such as gene flow, population size differences, and natural selection.
A non‐Darwinian role for mutagenesis in stem cell–derived cancers

It is clear that mutations cause cancer. The implicated mechanism is Darwinism. That is, a stochastic series of mutations is purported to effect the cellular variability upon which natural selection acts to yield increasingly cancer-like intermediates leading ultimately to malignant clones. It is no wonder then that the neoplastic phenotype is considered "alien," having evolved via random unrehearsed events. Neoplasia, however, has also been depicted as something less than foreign, bordering on familiar. This is because cancer shares proliferative and invasive qualities with the native developmental processes of embryogenesis and adult tissue renewal/repair. A question then arises: If key features of malignancy already naturally exist within well-choreographed programs, why reinvent this phenotype via stochastic multistep schemes rather than reactivate it largely en bloc? Indeed, as will be shown, tissues do harbor a malignant potential capable of reactivation. Specifically, this capability is maintained by stem cells (having inherited such from embryonic precursors)-a phenotype controlled by a microenvironment favoring perpetual rearing by (quiescent) stem cells of proliferative progeny for orderly renewal over neoplasia. Accordingly, normally well-sequestered stem cells, when amid carcinogen/mutagen-induced disruption to local surroundings, produce progeny tending by default toward disorderliness (neoplasia) over renewal. Because such tumor-causing mutations act non-cell autonomously, this cancerous state is potentially reversible but subsequent cell-autonomous mutations can impair particular clonal progeny, already cancerous, from regressing. Thus, a scenario wherein mutations (1) de-repress malignancy non-cell autonomously and then (2) slow its reversion cell autonomously, commonly misinterpreted as Darwinian, may constitute a non-Darwinian mechanism for the genesis of cancers that are stem cell derived.
A time‐dependent molecular orbital approach to electron transfer in ion–metal surface collisions

A time-dependent molecular orbital method has been developed to study charge transfer in collisions of ions with metal surfaces at energies between 1 and 100 au. A set of localized basis functions consisting of generalized Wannier functions for the surface and s- and p-atomic functions for the ion, is used to separate the system into primary and secondary regions. An effective Hamiltonian and time-dependent equations for the electron density matrix are obtained in the primary region, where most charge transfer occurs. The equations for the electron density matrix are solved with a linearization scheme. The method is suitable to study atomic orbital orientation for collisions of ions and surfaces. A model calculation for Na+ + W(110) collisions with a prescribed trajectory is presented. The interaction potentials between the W(110) surface and Na+ 3s and 3p orbitals are calculated from Na+ pseudopotentials. Results show that the yield of neutralized atoms in 3p states changes as the collision energy is lowered.
Effects of Intracoronary Infusion of Escalating Doses of Cardiac Stem Cells in Rats With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background—Although c-kitpos cardiac stem cells (CSCs) preserve left ventricular (LV) function and structure after myocardial infarction, CSC doses have been chosen arbitrarily, and the dose–effect relationship is unknown. Methods and Results—Rats underwent a 90-minute coronary occlusion followed by 35 days of reperfusion. Vehicle or CSCs at 5 escalating doses (0.3×106, 0.75×106, 1.5×106, 3.0×106, and 6.0×106 cells/heart) were given intracoronarily 4 h after reperfusion. The lowest dose (0.3×106) had no effect on LV function and morphology, whereas 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0×106 significantly improved regional and global LV function (echocardiography and hemodynamic studies). These 3 doses had similar effects on echocardiographic parameters (infarct wall thickening fraction, LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, LV ejection fraction) and hemodynamic variables (LV end-diastolic pressure, LV dP/dtmax, preload adjusted maximal power, end-systolic elastance, preload recruitable stroke work) and produced similar ...
Sensitivity of Physiological Time in Arthropods to Variation of its Parameters

This paper presents a method for clarifying the relationships between development rate curves and temperature regimes in affecting development accumulation or physiological time. By this method, one can determine the conditions under which changes in the parameters of the development rate curve will be most significant to the ecology and evolution of insect life histories. In the examples considered, the most important parameters of the development rate curve were its height, Rm, and its position, Tm. Its spread, Tσ, played a lesser role. The response of development accumulation to changes in these parameters was monotonic, except in the case of variation in position during midsummer for high values of mean annual temperature, in which case increasing Tm may either increase or decrease development accumulation.
Bioassays of Mexican Fruit Flies to Determine Residual Effectiveness of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Bait Sprays in Southern Texas

Bioassays made with Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), to determine the residual effectiveness of aerial applications of malathion bait sprays for control of Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in southern Texas showed that foliar deposits on bougainvillea, oleander, and citrus were effective 9 days after application. Some variation in knockdown and mortality was detected for the different types of foliage.