cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional economic conditions and crash fatality rates--a cross-county analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Most studies that evaluate the relationship between economic conditions and traffic fatalities focus on the time-series relationship between the two factors. This analysis considers the cross-sectional perspective by estimating the cross-county correlation between per capita income and fatalities per vehicle mile traveled (VMT) in Ohio. Method: The empirical model employed in this analysis allows for interaction effects between per capita income and highway usage, in the determination of fatality rates. Results: The resultant least squares estimates indicate that a significant interaction effect exists between per capita income and the percentage of highway VMT, indicating a nonlinear correlation between per capita income and fatality rates. This correlation rises as the proportion of VMT on highways rises, such that there is an inverse relationship with fatality rates when the highway share of county VMT is low and a direct relationship with fatality rates when the highway share of county VMT is high. Additionally, population density, the presence of interstate highways in rural counties, the prior prevalence of severe alcohol abuse, and the proportion of teen drivers all proved to be significant correlates with county fatality rates. Conclusions: These observations suggest factors that state and federal policy makers should consider when allocating resources that impact (whether directly or indirectly) traffic fatalities. Language: en
Different effects of the Ca2+-binding protein, KChIP1, on two Kv4 subfamily members, Kv4.1 and Kv4.2

Abstract The Ca 2+ -binding protein, K + channel-interacting protein 1 (KChIP1), modulates Kv4 channels. We show here that KChIP1 affects Kv4.1 and Kv4.2 currents differently. KChIP1 slows Kv4.2 inactivation but accelerates the Kv4.1 inactivation time course. Kv4.2 activation is shifted in a hyperpolarizing direction, whereas a depolarizing shift occurs for Kv4.1. On the other hand, KChIP1 increases the current amplitudes and accelerates recovery from inactivation of both currents. An involvement of the Kv4 N-terminus in these differential effects is demonstrated using chimeras of Kv4.2 and Kv4.1. These results reveal a novel interaction of KChIP1 with these two Kv4 members. This represents a mechanism to further increase the functional diversity of K + channels.
The effect of poliovirus infection on the translation In Vitro of VSV messenger ribonucleoprotein particles

Messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) particles were isolated and examined for the presence of factors involved in the inhibition of protein synthesis induced by poliovirus infection. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) mRNNs were used as a model for cellular mRNNs. These mRNNs were translated in HeLa cell extracts with a similar efficiency and optimal conditions to that of purified mRNA, but they were not translated in extracts prepared from poliovirus-infected HeLa cells, which have been shown to be defective in cap-binding protein activity. We conclude that mRNP proteins do not include cap-binding protein activity, since the mRNNs were not able to bypass the restriction on translation of capped mRNAs in polio-infected cell extracts. In addition, VSV mRNNs were isolated from polio-superinfected cells, in which their translation was inhibited. These mRNNs were translated in vitro as well as normal VSV mRNNs. No evidence of a modification or a blocking factor on the mRNNs which prevented their translation following polio infection was observed. Thus, within the limits of the in vitro translation assays used, no factors involved in the discrimination between polioviral and cellular or VSV mRNA could be detected in the mRNP particle.
Name Changes in the Mentzelia multicaulis Complex (Loasaceae)

Results from molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that three varieties of Mentzelia multicaulis (Osterhout) J. Darlington (Loasaceae) are more closely related to other species of Mentzelia sect. Bartonia Torrey & A. Gray than to M. multicaulis var. multicaulis. We elevate three varieties of M. multicaulis, originally described from Utah, to specific rank, recognizing them as M. librina (K. H. Thorne & F. J. Smith) J. J. Schenk & L. Hufford, M. flumensevera (N. H. Holmgren & P. K. Holmgren) J. J. Schenk & L. Hufford, and M. uintahensis (N. H. Holmgren & P. K. Holmgren) J. J. Schenk & L. Hufford. Both stamen and leaf shape characters support evolutionary relationships of these species with their closest relatives among the mentzelias found in the Intermountain West of the United States.
Surgical Excision After Neoadjuvant Therapy With Vismodegib for a Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma and Resistant Basal Carcinomas in Gorlin Syndrome

Vismodegib is useful to treat locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinomas (BCCs),1 but to our knowledge, its use as a neoadjuvant to shrink BCCs before surgery has not been reported. This case illustrates the role of vismodegib as a neoadjuvant agent. In addition, this case highlights the fact that a patient with Gorlin syndrome can develop resistant BCCs while taking vismodegib, a phenomenon not widely recognized although recently reported.2
House price appreciation, liquidity constraints, and second mortgages

Abstract This paper analyzes how households use second mortgages in response to shocks to housing wealth. Two related questions are examined: Do households use home equity in response to house price appreciation? Are liquidity constraints important for homeowners? A theoretical model shows that liquidity-constrained households respond more strongly to house price changes than unconstrained households. Using PSID, I find noteworthy differences in borrowing patterns of homeowners by the ratio of wealth to income. Low wealth-to-income homeowners exhibit a strong reaction to house price appreciation, whereas high wealth-to-income ones do not. The results indicate the importance of liquidity constraints among homeowners.
Development efforts between high tech firms and academic libraries: a case study of one library's experience

This article examines the University of Toledo Carlson Library's cooperative effort with IBM personnel in attempting to design a new and cost‐effective method for networking CD‐ROM databases. It outlines how the development effort was conceived and executed, and presents recommendations on how such ventures can be effectively carried out in the future.
Progress toward the Laboratory Simulation of Young Supernova Remnants

Progress in experiments to simulate the hydrodynamics of supernova remnants (SNRs) in the laboratory is reported. The experiment design involves shock heating of a dense material, which expands to become the ejecta that drive a blast wave through low-density foam. In the design, a variety of issues, such as radiative preheat of the unshocked matter, had to be addressed. A careful analysis of the scaling between hydrodynamic systems shows that the experiment is a good, scaled model of a local region in a young SNR. Measurements of the basic hydrodynamic behavior for two blast-wave velocities are nearly complete. Measurements of hydrodynamic instabilities at the contact surface between the ejecta and the low-density matter will commence in the near future.
Structural flexibility within a sterically hindered ligand platform:: mononuclear iron(II) carboxylate complexes as subsite models for diiron(II) centers

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of a series of mononuclear iron(II) carboxylate complexes are described. By using sterically hindered carboxylate ligands, 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoate (ArTolCO2 −) and 2,6-di(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzoate (Ar4-tBuPhCO2 −), a series of four-, five-, and six-coordinate iron(II) complexes were synthesized. The compounds are [Fe(O2CArTol)2(1-BnIm)2] (3), [Fe(O2CArTol)2(1-MeBzIm)2] (4), [Fe(O2CAr4-tBuPh)2(2,2′-bipy)2] (5), [Fe(O2CArTol)2(TMEDA)] (6), and [Fe(O2CArTol)2(BPTA)] (7). Structural analyses of 3–7 revealed that the overall stereochemistry of the [Fe(O2CAr′)2Ln] units is dictated by electronic and steric factors of the N-donor ligands (L), as well as by the flexible coordination of the carboxylate ligands. Distinctive Mossbauer parameters obtained for these and related compounds facilitated the spectral assignment of a diiron(II) complex having asymmetric metal sites, [Fe2(μ-O2CArTol)3(O2CArTol)(2,6-lutidine)] (2). Well-defined mononuclear iron carboxylate complexes thus may serve as subsite models for higher nuclearity species in both synthetic and biological systems.
Neuropsychological sequelae of partial complex status epilepticus

Relatively little is known about the risk of residual neurological deficit following partial complex status epilepticus (PCSE). To address this issue, we administered serial neuropsychological assessments and EEGs to a young cocaine abuser following the resolution of an extended episode of PCSE. Results suggest that PCSE may be associated with prolonged but reversible generalized neuropsychological and EEG abnormalities, as well as persistent focal deficits.
Mercury-nutrient signatures in seafood and in the blood of avid seafood consumers.

Dietary recommendations for seafood are confusing due to the desire to balance both benefits from nutrients and risks from contaminants. The overall health value of different fish and shellfish items depends on concentrations of multiple nutrients (e.g., selenium (Se), omega-3 fatty acids) and contaminants (e.g., mercury (Hg)). However, few studies have examined the connections between human exposure to multiple nutrients and contaminants and the consumption of specific types of seafood. Our goals were to compare 1) Hg, Se and omega-3 fatty acid concentrations (Hg–nutrient signatures) among common fish and shellfish items and 2) Hg–nutrient signatures in the blood of avid seafood consumers, based on seafood consumption habits. We compiled nutrient and Hg concentration data for common fish and shellfish items from the literature. We also measured blood concentrations of Hg and seafood nutrients collected from adult, avid seafood consumers on Long Island, NY. Canonical discriminant analyses revealed distinct Hg–nutrient signatures among seafood items, and these signatures were reflected in the blood of consumers based on different consumption habits. For example, consumers with a salmon-dominated seafood diet had relatively high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in blood, and consumers who tend to eat top predator seafood have higher Hg, but similar blood nutrient concentrations compared to consumers who tend to eat low trophic level seafood. These results provide direct evidence of links between the ecological characteristics of the type of seafood consumed and Hg–nutrient exposure. This approach helps assess the overall human health value of specific seafood types, leads to specific diet recommendations, and can be used to characterize risk:benefit status among seafood consumers.
Second Isaiah Lands in Washington, DC: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" as Biblical Narrative and Biblical Hermeneutic

Even though Martin Luther King, Jr. constantly cited the Bible, no one has seriously examined his rhetoric as biblical hermeneutic. Here I argue that in “I Have a Dream,” King explodes closed memories of the Exodus by reconceptualizing a hermeneutic of (Second) Isaiah as he interprets African-Americans' experience of oppression and exile in Babylon/America and their hope for a new Exodus. Drawing on African-American political rhetoric, King spotlights biblical writers' dialogue with each other and extends the arc of biblical narrative into the present. He also anticipates certain forms of liberation theology of the 1970s and beyond.
Cooperative and Individual Learning and Student Misconceptions in Science

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the effects of two learning conditions (individual and cooperative learning) and two reward structures (incentive and no incentive) on student misconceptions in science. Sixteen seventh-grade science classes were matched on the basis of pretest scores and assigned to one of four conditions in the 2 × 2 factorial design. Cooperative students worked in groups of four: one high-ability student, two medium-ability students, and one low-ability student. The 6-day instructional treatment was followed by a post-test and attitude survey on Day 7. Students scored significantly higher on the post-test under individual learning than under cooperative learning. Students generally preferred cooperative learning, although high-ability boys were an exception to this pattern. The higher achievement under individual learning may be due to the nature of the learning task and to observed differences in both teacher and student behaviors under individual and cooperative conditions.
The Situational Specificity of Validities: Correcting for Statistical Artifacts Does Not Always Reduce the Trans‐Situational Variability of Correlation Coefficients

Validity generalization research suggests that much of the variability in validity coefficients is due to statistical artifacts, such as sampling error. Correcting for these artifacts usually reduces the trans-situational variability in validity coefficients, but the reverse can happen. Conditions under which corrections for statistical artifacts can increase the variability in validity coefficients are described, examples of meta-analyses reporting larger corrected than observed variance in validity are cited, and implications for the situational specificity of validity coefficients are discussed. In general, the true variability in validity coefficients based on large samples is often larger than the observed variability in test validities.
The Atmospheric General Circulation and Its Variability

Progress in understanding the general circulation of the atmosphere during the past 25 years is reviewed. The relationships of eddy generation, propagation and dissipation to eddy momentum fluxes and mean zonal winds are now sufficiently understood that intuitive reasoning about momentum based on firm theoretical foundations is possible. Variability in the zonal-flow can now be understood as a process of eddy, zonal-flow interaction. The interaction of tropical overturning circulations driven by latent heating with extratropical wave-driven jets is becoming a fruitful and interesting area of study. Gravity waves have emerged as an important factor in the momentum budget of the general circulation and are now included in weather and climate models in parameterized form. Stationary planetary waves can largely be explained with linear theory.
Anionic synthesis of in-chain 3° amine-functionalized polybutadienes

Anionic copolymerizations of butadiene (M1) with excess 1-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-1-phenylethylene (M2) were conducted in benzene at room temperature for 24–48h using sec-butyllithium as initiator. Anisole, triethylamine and t-butyl methyl ether were added in ratios of [B]/[RLi] = 60, 20, 30, respectively, to promote copolymerization. Narrow molecular weight distribution copolymers with Mn = 14 × 103 to 32 × 103 g/mol (Mw/Mn =1.02–1.03) and 8,12 and 30 amine groups per chain for anisole, triethylamine and t-butyl methyl ether, respectively, were obtained. The butadiene monomer reactivity ratios (r1) were 42, 33 and 14 for anisole, triethylamine and t-butyl methyl ether, respectively.
Biology and Control of the Leaf Curl Plum Aphid in Northern California

In 1953, the leaf curl plum aphid, Aphis helihcrysi Kalt., caused considerable damage to plums in the foothill areas of California. Biology and control studies were undertaken in 1954 and continued through 1957. The aphid, although having a very extensive host range, is closely associated with plum in California. It overwinters as an egg located between or behind the buds. The eggs hatch about the petal fall stage of the plums, and the stem mothers give rise to small green apterous forms which tightly curl the leaves. The aphids continue to reproduce within the curled leaves, infesting new growth until early June. At that time, alates are produced which leave the plums for an unknown alternate host. In late fall, alates return to the plums and give rise to small brown oviparae which mate and lay the overwintering eggs. Oil-dinitro treatments were effective in controlling the overwintering eggs, but injured some plum varieties. Oil-phosphate sprays at the delayed dormant stage also controlled the eggs and did not injure the trees. With the exception of Thimet, no phosphate tested gave control of the aphids once they were within the curled leaves.
Left upper quadrant cannula insertion.

Abstract Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of primary left upper quadrant laparoscopic cannula insertion. Design Retrospective review. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Patient(s) Women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic indications. Intervention(s) Left upper quadrant cannula insertion. Main outcome measure(s) Intraoperative complications. Result(s) Primary left upper quadrant cannula insertion was performed 58 times. There were no intraoperative complications. In one woman there was more pain at the LUQ site than at her other incisions. In 12 women (21%) adhesiolysis was performed before insertion of the umbilical cannula. Conclusion(s) Primary left upper quadrant cannula insertion is a safe and effective alternative to primary umbilical cannula insertion.
Comparability of Probable and Definite Autoimmune Hepatitis by International Diagnostic Scoring Criteria

Background & Aims The diagnostic scoring systems for autoimmune hepatitis categorize some patients as having probable disease; this designation can affect treatment strategies and recruitment to clinical studies. A retrospective study was performed to determine the bases for the classification of probable autoimmune hepatitis and its clinical importance. Methods The study included 185 adult patients who had been assessed at presentation for findings common to both international diagnostic scoring systems. Results Seventeen patients (9%) were graded as probable autoimmune hepatitis by the revised original scoring system, and 28 patients (15%) were similarly designated by the simplified scoring system. These patients were distinguished from those designated as definite autoimmune hepatitis by male sex, concurrent immune diseases, lower serum γ-globulin and immunoglobulin G levels, and lower titers of autoantibody. Patients with definite or probable designations by either scoring system responded similarly to conventional corticosteroid regimens during comparable intervals of treatment. Full, partial, or nonresponses and treatment dependence were evident in all diagnostic categories with similar frequencies. Twenty-seven patients designated as probable autoimmune hepatitis by one system were designated as definite autoimmune hepatitis by the other system. Conclusions The designation of probable autoimmune hepatitis by the international scoring systems is based on differences in clinical manifestations and does not reflect differences in the validity of the diagnosis or its treatment response. Large multicenter prospective studies are necessary to establish these observations.
Nanocrystalline ceria imparts better high–temperature protection

Nanomaterials have attracted considerable interest with numerous technological developments in the last decade. Nanomaterials exhibit different physicochemical properties compared with their bulk counterparts because the diameters of the nanoparticles are less than the Bohr exciton radius. Cerium oxide based materials have been extensively studied for various technological applications. In the present study, the application of nanocrystalline cerium oxide for improvement of high–temperature–oxidation resistance of stainless steel has been studied. The role of coating of nanocrystalline cerium oxide towards improvement of high–temperature–oxidation resistance has been investigated and compared with that of the micrometre–sized cerium oxide particles. It was observed that nanocrystalline ceria improved high–temperature–oxidation resistance of AISI 304 stainless steel to a large extent compared with the micrometre–sized ceria coating. Nanocrystalline ceria coating decreased the isothermal parabolic rate constant of oxidation by more than two orders of magnitude compared with that of the bare alloy. The resistance to oxide scale spallation was also found to improve with the coating of cerium oxide nanoparticles. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) study of nanocrystalline ceria–coated and oxidized specimens revealed the presence of nanoceria at the outermost oxide surface, indicating a change in the oxide scale growth mechanism from outward cation diffusion to inward oxygen diffusion in the bare alloy at high temperature in dry air. The oxide scale morphology was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) while a focused ion beam (FIB) technique was used to study the oxide–alloy interface. X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of nanocrystalline ceria showed the presence of Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ oxidation states. It is proposed that the presence of the Ce 3+ oxidation state in nanocrystalline ceria improves the oxidation resistance of stainless steel, and the related mechanisms are discussed.
Abstract 5146: The histone demethylase KDM2A is a new promoter of tumorigenesis, drug target and negative prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The molecular etiology of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is heterogeneous and mostly dominated by alterations in kinase signaling pathways (i.e. KRAS, EGFR, EML4-ALK, PI3K, MEK1). Epigenetic modifiers, including histone methyltransferase and demethylases, have emerged as important regulators of oncogenic phenotypes in a small but growing number of tumor types, but the pathogenic role of histone methylation modifiers in NSCLC is largely unknown. We found that the histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) demethylase KDM2A is a novel oncogenic promoter of NSCLC. In our analysis KDM2A is frequently overexpressed in NSCLC cell lines and patient samples (≥14% in NSCLC tumors), and high expression levels of KDM2A correlate with poor prognosis in three independent patient populations from the USA and Asia. KDM2A knockdown by RNAi in KDM2A overexpressing cell lines inhibits proliferation and invasiveness of NSCLC cells in vitro and in three mouse xenograft models (subcutaneous, intravenous, and orthotopic models). Consistently, KDM2A overexpression promotes these cellular characteristics in NSCLC cell lines with low endogenous KDM2A levels. Rescue experiments using KDM2A-depleted cells showed that ectopic expression of wild-type KDM2A, but not its catalytic mutant mKDM2A, restored proliferation and invasion. These results indicate that the effect of KDM2A on oncogenic phenotypes is largely dependent on its catalytic activity and validate it as drug target for development of small molecule inhibitors. Mechanistically, we uncovered, that KDM2A activates the MAPK signaling pathway (ERK1/2) by transcriptionally repressing the MAPK phosphatase DUSP3. In summary, these novel findings indicate that KDM2A overexpression promotes NSCLC tumor growth and invasion. Our results provide new insights into how the dysregulation of an epigenetic enzyme can be coupled to activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway to promote NSCLC tumorigenesis and suggest that KDM2A is a promising anti-cancer therapeutic drug target for KDM2A-overexpressing NSCLC patients. Citation Format: Klaus W. Wagner, Hunain Alam, Shilpa S. Dhar, Uma Giri, Na Li, Yongkun Wei, Tina Cascone, Dipak Giri, Jae-Hwan Kim, Yuanqing Ye, Asha Multani, Chia-Hsin Chan, Baruch Erez, Babita Saigal, Hui-Kuan Lin, Xifeng Wu, Mien-Chie Hung, John Heymach, MinGyu Lee. The histone demethylase KDM2A is a new promoter of tumorigenesis, drug target and negative prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5146. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5146
Diminished baroreceptor sensitivity in elderly hypertensives Possible role of atherosclerosis

Abstract Baroreceptor sensitivity was studied in twelve young normotensive subjects and forty hypertensive patients, separated into two groups according to their age, severity of hypertension and signs of severe atherosclerotic vascular disease. Under stabilized circulatory conditions, the changes of pulse rate in response to changes of blood pressure, attained by infusion of trimethaphan camphorsulfonate alone or with norepinephrine, was examined. There was gradually diminished change of pulse rate in relationship to blood pressure change as age and hypertension advanced. However, although the blood pressure threshold of stimulation was obviously higher in the middle-aged hypertensive subjects than in the normotensive ones, the slightly reduced baroreceptor sensitivity was not significantly different from that in the normotensive group. Only in the elderly hypertensive patients was significantly diminished baroreceptor sensitivity demonstrated, which was also significantly different from that in the middle-aged hypertensive patients. It is speculated that the significantly diminished baroreceptor sensitivity found in the elderly hypertensive patients may be due to atherosclerotic changes in the region of the baroreceptors, although proof of that is not available at the present time.
A trans-dominant negative HIV type 1 Rev with intact domains of NLS/NOS and NES.

The nuclear diffusion inhibitory signal (NIS) is a 15-amino acid peptide motif (10-24; EDLLKAVRLIKFLYQ) in the N-terminus of the HIV-1 Rev protein. NIS appears to be involved in maintaining the pro...
Role of cutaneous feedback in ventral rubbing in the male Mongolian gerbil.

Abstract The importance of the peripheral nervous system to ventral rubbing was investigated by inhibiting cutaneous feedback from the ventral surface. The relationship between cutaneous feedback and the presence of the gland pad was also assessed. Twenty-three adult male gerbils were randomly assigned to gland excision, sham excision, or intact groups. The animals were then assigned to two matched drug treatment groups which received injections of 2% lidocaine HCL (Xylocaine) and physiological saline on alternating trials. Gland excision had no effect on ventral rubbing, locomotor activity, or sniffing. There was a significant decrease in ventral rubbing and a significant increase in locomotor activity on Xylocaine trials; there was no significant difference in sniffing frequency. Results were interpreted as an interaction of peripheral and central mechanisms in the regulation of ventral rubbing.
Extracellular phosphohydrolases from suspension cultures of Nicotiana tabacum

Abstract Several phosphohydrolase activities were detected in the medium after growth of suspension cultures of tobacco cells. A rapid rate of hydrolysis was observed with DNA, RNA, 3′-nucleotides, phosphoric anhydrides, p -nitrophenyl phosphate, and synthetic phosphodiesters. A fractionation of some of these phosphohydrolase activities was achieved by gel chromatography.
Methylphenidate effects on task-switching performance in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the specificity of methylphenidate effects on the processes that support the ability to rapidly and accurately coordinate the performance of multiple tasks in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Twenty children with ADHD performed the task-switching paradigm while on and off medication. The paradigm involves switching between two different tasks, discriminating the value of a number presented on a computer screen and deciding how many numbers were present on the screen. The children also performed single-task control conditions. Results Analyses of variance indicated the medication selectively enhanced the children's ability to rapidly and accurately switch between tasks and to focus attention on the currently relevant response set. Conclusions This study helps to elucidate the nature of methylphenidate effects on the cognitive processes which support the ability to coordinate the performance of multiple tasks. Medication appears to selectively enhance inhibitory processes which support task-switching.
Value management: an underlying framework

The concept of value management is becoming quite prevalent in industry. Despite this popularity, there is little evidence of the development of accompanying theory in the literature. Without theory development, it is difficult to identify specific hypotheses and propositions which can be tested, resulting in research that lacks focus and is perhaps irrelevant. This paper begins the development of a theory of value management. It uses the literature base and practices of industry to articulate and describe a conceptual system underlying value management. Based on the framework, implications are presented for practice and research.
The nonstructural proteins of Sindbis virus as studied with an antibody specific for the C terminus of the nonstructural readthrough polyprotein.

A dodecapeptide containing the sequence of the C terminus of the nonstructural polyprotein of Sindbis virus has been synthesized and used to immunize rabbits. The antisera obtained precipitated polypeptides from cells infected with the HR strain of Sindbis or with temperature-sensitive mutants tsll or tsl8. Four different polypeptides, having apparent molecular weights of approximately 250,000, 220,000, 155,000, and 72,000, were immunoprecipitated by the antipeptide antiserum. The largest of these polypeptides is sufficiently large to represent a polyprotein translated from the entire nonstructural region of the genome. These data suggest that nsP4 of molecular weight 72,000 is produced by translation of the entire nonstructural region of the genome, which requires readthrough of an opal termination codon immediately upstream of nsP4, followed by post-translational cleavage of this polyprotein. The amounts of nsP4 and its precursors found in infected cells are small relative to the amounts of other nonstructural proteins present, as would be expected if readthrough of a termination codon is required. In addition, the relative amounts of nsP4 and of its precursors differ in HR-infected or ts mutant-infected cells and differ with temperature of infection, suggesting that temperature of infection or ts lesions affect translation and processing of the precursor polyprotein.
Release of microorganisms from soil with respect to transmission electron microscopy viewing and plate counts.

A study was conducted to obtain information concerning the fate of soil microorganisms during the procedures normally used in separating them from the soil in connection with various types of investigations. A silty clay loam (pH 6.0, moisture content 25%, organic content 3.5%) was used in the study. The results of the study indicate that many of the microbial cells naturally residing in soil remain attached to or, for some other reason, are not separated from the soil debris despite the use of various combinations of blending, sonication, and chemical dispersing agents. The method B used by Balkwill et al. (1975) provides a reasonable electron microscopy evaluation of the soil microflora.
TOWARDS MORE THOUGHTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF PUBLIC OPINION DATA BY LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS

Local administrators need to understand the potential and the problems of using citizen opinion surveys. This paper examines the public opinion monitoring process, with the purpose of increasing administrators' ability to use public opinion data thoughtfully and responsibly. Topics examined include the objectives of public opinion monitoring, the lessons derived from public opinion research, and practical guidelines for measurement and analysis. Finally, the paper warns against the misuse of opinion measures, and argues that administrators need to balance the use of opinion measures with traditional performance measures.
PDP-1 Links the TGF-β and IIS Pathways to Regulate Longevity, Development, and Metabolism

The insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway is a conserved regulator of longevity, development, and metabolism. In Caenorhabditis elegans IIS involves activation of DAF-2 (insulin/IGF-1 receptor tyrosine kinase), AGE-1 (PI 3-kinase), and additional downstream serine/threonine kinases that ultimately phosphorylate and negatively regulate the single FOXO transcription factor homolog DAF-16. Phosphatases help to maintain cellular signaling homeostasis by counterbalancing kinase activity. However, few phosphatases have been identified that negatively regulate the IIS pathway. Here we identify and characterize pdp-1 as a novel negative modulator of the IIS pathway. We show that PDP-1 regulates multiple outputs of IIS such as longevity, fat storage, and dauer diapause. In addition, PDP-1 promotes DAF-16 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. Interestingly, genetic epistasis analyses place PDP-1 in the DAF-7/TGF-β signaling pathway, at the level of the R-SMAD proteins DAF-14 and DAF-8. Further investigation into how a component of TGF-β signaling affects multiple outputs of IIS/DAF-16, revealed extensive crosstalk between these two well-conserved signaling pathways. We find that PDP-1 modulates the expression of several insulin genes that are likely to feed into the IIS pathway to regulate DAF-16 activity. Importantly, dysregulation of IIS and TGF-β signaling has been implicated in diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Our results may provide a new perspective in understanding of the regulation of these pathways under normal conditions and in the context of disease.
From Cat's Cradle to Beat the Reaper: getting evidence-based treatments into practice in spite of ourselves.

Kurt Vonnegut was one of the most influential novelists of the late 20th Century. His wry views of people and organizations are applicable to the today's efforts to use science to improve the effectiveness of substance use treatment programs. His 1963 book, Cat's Cradle pointed to the potentially disastrous consequences of the development of science for science's sake. Moving to more current viewpoints, in 2009 the young writer and medical doctor Josh Bazell published Beat the Reaper, a novel that discusses modern medical care and pharmaceutical treatments with sarcasm and wit. Currently we are witnessing many developments to incorporate evidence-based practices into addiction treatment, ranging from Institute of Medicine overviews to the organization the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, fielding the National Registry of National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices for preventing and treating substance abuse and mental health disorders, legislative initiatives, efforts to upgrade the treatment workforce and, most recently, health care reform. There are signs that these and other efforts are upgrading the effectiveness of treatments for addiction. Yet the checks and balances of every effort to create change make for a field that shows halting and peripatetic development. “Top-down” reforms are watered down by “bottom-up” approaches, and vice-versa. Several concrete steps can be taken to improve the magnitude and speed of change in the field. We cannot change human nature, but we can improve addiction treatment.
Epidermal growth factor signalling and bone metastasis

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signalling is well known for its multifaceted functions in development and tissue homoeostasis. The EGF family of ligands and receptors (ERBB family) have also been extensively investigated for their roles in promoting tumourigenesis and metastasis in a variety of cancer types. Recent findings indicate that EGF signalling is an important mediator of bone metastasis in breast, prostate and kidney cancers. The EGF signalling stimulates the growth of bone metastasis directly by increasing tumour cell proliferation and indirectly by engaging bone stromal cell in metastasis-promoting activities. Therefore, molecular targeting of ERBB receptors may benefit patients with bone metastasis and should be evaluated in clinical trials.
An exploratory mixed-methods crossover study comparing DVD- vs. Web-based patient decision support in three conditions: The importance of patient perspectives.

Background The last 15 years have witnessed considerable progress in the development of decision support interventions (DESIs). However, fundamental questions about design and format of delivery remain. Methods An exploratory, randomized mixed-method crossover study was conducted to compare a DVD- and Web-based DESI. Randomized participants used either the Web or the DVD first, followed by the alternative format. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess decision-specific knowledge at baseline and a questionnaire and structured qualitative interview after viewing each format. Tracking software was used to capture Web utilization. Transcripts were analyzed using integrated inductive and deductive approaches. Quantitative data were analyzed using exploratory bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results Exploratory knowledge analyses suggest that both formats increased knowledge, with limited evidence that the DVD increased knowledge more than the Web. Format preference varied across participants: 44% preferred the Web, 32% preferred the DVD and 24% preferred 'both'. Patient discussions of preferences for DESI information structure and the importance of a patients' stage of a given decision suggest these characteristics may be important factors underlying variation in utilization, format preferences and knowledge outcomes. Conclusions Our results suggest that both DESI formats effectively increase knowledge. Patients' perceptions of these two formats further suggest that there may be no single 'best' format for all patients. These results have important implications for understanding why different DESI formats might be preferable to and more effective for different patients. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between these factors and DESI utilization outcomes across diverse patient populations.
Implant matching has no clinical or scientific basis

containment initiatives as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in May 1992. Implant matching is one of several methods for controlling joint arthroplasty implant costs, which also include vendor discounts, price caps, and competitive bid implant purchasing~ Implant matching provides objective guidelines for when to use less expensive implants~ Implant matching programs reduce the variation of implant selection and have the potential to reduce the hospital's cost for joint implants without affecting the quality Of patient outcome following total joint arthroplasty,
Reading the Hedgehog morphogen gradient by measuring the ratio of bound to unbound Patched protein

Morphogens are ‘form-generating’ substances that spread from localized sites of production and specify distinct cellular outcomes at different concentrations. A cell's perception of morphogen concentration is thought to be determined by the number of active receptors, with inactive receptors making little if any contribution1. Patched (Ptc)2,3,4,5, the receptor for the morphogen Hedgehog (Hh)6,7,8,9,10,11,12, is active in the absence of ligand and blocks the expression of target genes by inhibiting Smoothened (Smo), an essential transducer of the Hh signal3,13,14,15,16. Hh binding to Ptc abrogates the ability of Ptc to inhibit Smo, thereby unleashing Smo activity and inducing target gene expression2,3,12,13,14,15,16. Here, we show that a cell's measure of ambient Hh concentration is not determined solely by the number of active (unliganded) Ptc molecules. Instead, we find that Hh-bound Ptc can titrate the inhibitory action of unbound Ptc. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this effect is sufficient to allow normal reading of the Hh gradient in the presence of a form of Ptc that cannot bind the ligand12 but retains its ability to inhibit Smo. These results support a model in which the ratio of bound to unbound Ptc molecules determines the cellular response to Hh.
Two‐dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular systolic function in human fetuses with ductal constriction

Ventricular systolic function was assessed in fetuses, 18 with and 18 without constriction of the ductus arteriosus by serial two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic studies. Ductal constriction was defined as maximum systolic velocity of > 140 cm/s and diastolic flow velocity of > 30 cm/s. Ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic areas were measured from a four-chamber view and area shortening fraction (SF) was calculated: area SF = (area in end-diastole - area in end-systole)/area in end-diastole. In fetuses with ductal constriction, right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic areas were significantly increased and right ventricular area SF decreased significantly compared with those values in fetuses without ductal constriction (186 ± 48 vs. 150 ± 38 mm2, 112 ± 34 vs. 81 ± 19 mm2 and 0.40 ± 0.05 vs. 0.47 ± 0.03, respectively, p c 0.01) without any significant changes in left ventricular area SF. Serial studies were available in eight ductal constriction fetuses before and during indomethacin administration, and after withdrawal of the drug for a mean of 24 h. Both systolic and diastolic ductal flow velocities in all fetuses returned to normal range after discontinuation of the drug. During ductal constriction during indomethacin therapy, right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic cavity areas were significantly larger and area SF was significantly less than those values before and after the therapy (179 ± .38 vs. 157 ± 30 and 154 ± 27 mm2, 108 ± 33 vs. 82 ± 15 and 83 ± 15 mm2 and 0.40 ± 0.07 vs. 0.48 ± 0.03 and 0.46 ± 0.03, respectively, p < 0.01). This study suggests that ductal constriction influences right ventricular systolic performance. Copyright © 1997 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Synthesis of mono- and diglucosiduronates of metabolites of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone and analysis by a new mass spectrometric technique

By condensing 3 alpha,21-dihydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-20-one, or its appropriate monoacetate, with methyl 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-1-bromo-1-deoxy-alpha-D-glucuronate in the Koenigs-Knorr reaction beta-D-glucosiduronates 10, 4, and 7 were obtained as polyacetate methyl esters. Alkaline hydrolysis of these substances cleaved the ester groups and gave the corresponding steroidal glucosiduronic acids 12, 6 and 8. Upon treatment with diazomethane, these acids produced the equivalent methyl esters. The C-3, the C-21 and the C-3,21 glucosiduronates of 3 alpha,21-dihydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-11,20-dione were prepared by previously reported methods and converted into the corresponding C-20 semicarbazones (14, 20 and 26). With C-20 stabilized by the semicarbazone group against reduction, it was possible to reduce the 11-oxo function in these substances to an 11 beta-hydroxyl group; after removal of the semi-carbazone moiety from these products at pH 2.0, glucosiduronic acids 18, 22 and 28 were obtained. The mass spectra of a representative group of the mono- and diglucosiduronic acids and esters were determined by utilizing fast atom bombardment and monitoring ions in both positive and negative modes of operation.
Modeling fracture in large scale shell structures

We consider a problem of modeling fracture and failure preceded by large scale yielding of ductile shells from the point of view of large-scale structural analysis. We place a special emphasis on the computational efficiency of the constitutive formulation. In this context, we seek the formulation embedded in the shell mechanics framework, which is both theoretically sound and easily implementable into a large-scale explicit dynamic finite element code without precluding vectorization or parallelization. This is achieved through the elasto-plastic damage constitutive model for finite-element analysis of plates and shells. The proposed damage model is purely phenomenological with a scalar damage parameter, which has no physical interpretation, except that it represents on a global scale the micromechanical changes the material undergoes during the process of necking and fracture. The localization leading to softening and fracture is represented by the damage calibration function with exponential damage growth after the onset of necking. The proposed phenomenological damage model uses a general plasticity and shell mechanics frameworks which makes it general and easily implementable into existing finite element codes. The proposed formulation has been implemented into the explicit dynamic finite element software code EPSA (Atkatsh et al., 1980, 1983).
Immunofluorescent localization of the Ca2+‐dependent proteinase and its inhibitor in tissues of Crotalus atrox

The native 108,000 dalton Ca2+-dependent proteinase (CDP) and its 115,000 dalton protein inhibitor (CDPI) were purified from bovine skeletal muscle using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and were used to elicit antibody production in rabbits and BALB/c mice. Polyclonal antibodies were purified as IgG fractions by column chromatography; monoclonal antibodyies were produced by the hybridoma technique. Indirect immunofluorescence localizations of CDP and CDPI in tissues of Crotalus atrox show both proteins to be ubiquitous. Both occur in the cytoplasm and are absent from the cell membrane and the nucleus; CDPI is also present in the I-band of skeletal muscle.
INTERACTION-ORIENTED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

This paper describes a new approach to the production of robust software. We first motivate the approach by explaining why the two major goals of software engineering — correct software and reusable software — are not being addressed by the current state of software practice. We then describe a methodology based on active, cooperative, and persistent software components, i.e., agents, and show how the methodology produces robust and reusable software. We derive requirements for the structure and behavior of the agents, and report on preliminary experiments on applications based on the methodology. We conclude with a roadmap for development of the methodology and ruminations about uses for the new computational paradigm.
3.1.1 USING THE THEORY OF CONSTRAINTS TO EXAMINE THE CHANGE APPROVAL PROCESS

A team was assembled to examine the change approval process using the theory of constraints (TOC). The premise of the theory of constraints is that the performance of a system, in this case the change approval process, is constrained in the ability to achieve throughput at key points in the process. It was perceived that improvements could be made in the change approval process, the main characteristic of which was an excessive time from the documentation of an idea to project approval. The team identified many areas for improvement and concluded that a fundamental shift was required from a focus on a time-consuming effort to minimize the uncertainty in the project before approval to authorize development funds to new criteria which would justify the project's effort in a shorter time. The resulting actions to modify the process, called the new approval process (NAP), suggest key aspects of system engineering (SE).
The β-glucuronidase catalyzed hydrolysis of a glucopyranosiduronamide and a glucopyranoside: Evidence for the oxocarbonium ion mechanism for bovine liver β-glucuronidase

Abstract Bovine β-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) catalyzes hydrolysis of ammonium 1-deoxy-1-(6-thiopurinyl)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronate (I), 1-deoxy-1-(6-thiopurinyl)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronamide (II), and 1-deoxy-1-(6-thiopurinyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (III) to 6-mercaptopurine and the corresponding glucopyranose. Plots of log Vmax and log Vmax/Km vs. σ I , the comparative electronic substituent constant for -CO2−, -CONH2, and -CH2OH, gave slopes ϱI = −5.1 (r=0.971) and ϱI = −8.1 (r=0.998) respectively. These data, taken together with literature data, are interpreted to mean that the critical transition state has appreciable oxocarbonium ion character and that this transition state is primarily stabilized by the 6-carboxylate ion of the enzyme-bound substrate.