cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRANSPARENCY POLICY INITIATIVES IN LATIN AMERICA: UNDERSTANDING POLICY OUTCOMES FROM AN INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Access to public information contributes to the strengthening of democratic institutions and confidence in the political system, of particular importance where government calculi have traditionally favored secrecy rather than transparency. This article compares recent access initiatives in Mexico and Argentina to provide understanding of the forces working to promote or discourage policy adoption. Using an institutional perspective, data from interviews with legal and media analysts, media professionals, public officials and members of non-government organizations were examined, and relevant literature was analyzed. In Mexico, key pressures in the form of press coverage and political opposition were necessary to push the initiative through Congress. In Argentina, such influences were largely absent.
Barotaxis in a Confined Neutrophil

Cells integrate multiple measurement modalities to navigate their environment. Soluble and substrate-bound chemical gradients and physical cues have all been shown to influence cell orientation and migration. Here we investigate a novel form of directional sensing, the response to hydraulic pressure, or barotaxis. Cells confined in bifurcating microchannels identified and migrated toward the path of least hydraulic resistance in the absence of chemical cues. The percentage of cells which migrated toward the lower resistance channel increased with increasing resistance ratios. In a bifurcating channel with asymmetric hydraulic resistances, we observed that the cell elaborated two leading edges with the pseudopod along the less resistive channel exhibiting a faster extension rate. Measurements of the bulk fluid flow in a channel containing a migrating cell show that cells must push the column of water in front of them, suggesting that the observed bias in extension rates is due to the different forces experienced by each leading edge. The pressure differences resulting from asymmetrical resistances, were small, suggesting weak force generation by leading edges. The bifurcating microchannel design allowed us to investigate the effect of picoNewton scale forces on leading edge protrusion, whereas previous studies have focused on nanoNewton scale forces. Through the use of a photocaged analogue of the chemokine formyl-methionyl-leucyl-pheylalanine (fMLP), we found that barotaxis was able to override a dynamically generated chemical cue. Motile cells may use barotaxis in concert with chemotaxis to navigate complex environments.
Solar wind mass and momentum flux variations at 0.3 AU

In the past we have used electron Thomson scattering brightness observations, obtained with the zodiacal-light photometers on board the spacecraft Helios 1 and Helios 2, to study the global density structure of the quiet corona and inner heliosphere (greater than 17 solar radii). This was done by means of a comparison of synoptic maps based on these Thomson scattering observations and synoptic maps based on other solar/heliospheric data, such as IPS velocity, K-coronameter brightness and magnetic source surface data. In this paper we continue this approach by combining the Helios Thomson scattering maps (which provide density information) with IPS solar wind velocity maps to map out variations in mass and momentum flux of the solar wind as a function of latitude and phase of the solar cycle. The method used to construct the Helios and IPS synoptic maps emphasizes the global, persistent (as opposed to transient) structures, and thus can be viewed as approximating conditions in the quiet corona and inner heliosphere.
A theoretical investigation of two possible modifications to reduce pollutant emissions from a diesel engine

The goal of the study is to present and to evaluate theoretically two strategies for reducing simultaneously both particulate and NO x emission from a compression-ignited, direct injection engine. The emission reduction strategies to be considered here include auxiliary exhaust gas injection (AEGI) and a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and AEGI. The auxiliary gas injection (AGI) process consists of the injection of a gas directly into the combustion chamber of a diesel engine during the combustion stroke to enhance fluid mixing. Increased mixing during the combustion process can lower the emission of both soot and NO x . AEGI is a process whereby exhaust gas is the injected gas used in AGI. To predict the effect of AEGI on diesel engine combustion and emission, a gas injection model was developed and used with a multidimensional simulation computer code, KIVA. The program is used to evaluate the combined effect of AEGI and EGR on pollutant emissions in a Caterpillar diesel engine. The results demonstrate that the injection timing of AEGI affects soot emissions quite differently to NO x emissions. A combination of EGR and AEGI is found to be more effective than AEGI alone for the maximum simultaneous reduction of soot and NO x emissions. It is predicted that the EGR and AEGI combination can reduce both particulate and NO x emissions by almost 50 per cent over baseline.
Apparent compatibility in n-alkane/poly(dimethyl phenylene oxide) blends

We report here on the apparent compatibility of a series of n-alkane/PDMPO blends. Three alkanes were examined [eicosane (C20), tetracosane (C24), and Polywax 2000 (nominally C142)] as blends of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% alkane with PDMPO. Samples were judged to be compatible or incompatible according to three criteria: (a) visual appearance, i.e., transparent vs. opaque molded specimens, (b) the presence or absence of an alkane crystalline melting peak in a DSC thermogram, and (c) downward shifts in the PDMPO-rich phase glass transition temperatures from the Tg range of 195–200°C for PDMPO homopolymer. The Tu>Tm alkane component transition has not been observed in any of the blends prepared to date.
Regulation of human cbfa1 gene transcription in osteoblasts by selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).

Abstract Cbfa1, a transcription factor critical for bone formation, plays a key role in osteoblast recruitment and differentiation. We have cloned and characterized a 3.0 KB 5′-flanking region of the human cbfa1 gene isolated from a P1 human genomic library. DNA sequencing revealed several known canonical nuclear transcription factor binding sites, including two AP1 and six OSE2 binding sites in the proximal promoter region. Although no estrogen (E2)-response element (ERE) binding sites were identified, E2 has been shown to regulate gene activity via AP1 promoter sites. We examined the effect of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on human cbfa1 gene promoter activity using cell-based luciferase reporter transcriptional assays. Three characterized SERMs, tamoxifen, raloxifene, and ICI 178,180, all upregulated cbfa1–luciferase (cbfa1Luc) gene activity 5- to 10-fold in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was mediated by both ERα and ERβ. Mutational analysis demonstrated that the minimal promoter region for basal of SERM-activated transcription was mapped to adjacent AP1-like and OSE2 binding sites within −93 and +7 of the transcription start condon. Further, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrate that ICI 178,180 increased binding of AP1 and OSE2 site by ERα and cbfa1, respectively. These studies suggest that SERMs can modulate bone-specific cbfa1 gene expression in a human osteosarcoma cell line.
Aligning Antimicrobial Drug Discovery with Complex and Redundant Host-Pathogen Interactions

Drug-resistant microorganisms pose an enormous threat to public health. Here we provide examples of experimental approaches that offer novel ways to think about drug development considering the complexity inherent to host-pathogen interactions. Emergent themes include (1) targeting pathogenicity rather than microbial growth, (2) targeting the host or host-pathogen interface rather than the pathogen, (3) facilitating pathogen-specific immune responses, and (4) utilizing systems-based approaches to identify new drug targets and validate drug efficacy. We posit that together these approaches may allow identification of drugs that disrupt pathogenesis and allow the immune system time to protect, but do not easily engender resistance.
Model-Robust Two-Level Designs Using Coordinate Exchange Algorithms and a Maximin Criterion

We propose a candidate-list-free exchange algorithm that facilitates construction of exact, model-robust, two-level experiment designs. In particular, we investigate two model spaces previously considered in the literature. The first assumes that all main effects and an unknown subset of two-factor interactions are active, but that the experimenter knows the number of active interactions. The second assumes that an unknown subset of the main effects, and all associated two-factor interactions, are active. Previous literature uses two criteria for design construction: first, maximize the number of estimable models; then, differentiate between designs equivalent in estimability by choosing the design with the highest average -efficiency. We adopt a similar strategy, but (1) do not impose orthogonality or factor level balance constraints, resulting in generally equal or larger numbers of estimable models, and (2) use a flexible secondary criterion that maximizes the minimum -efficiency. We provide results fo...
Uncovering Implicit Theories of Creativity in Beginning Design Students

Objectives: An exploratory study examined the theories and understanding beginning design students have about creativity and their own creative processes. Research Design: A qualitative approach was used to identify implicit theories of creativity in design students through their responses to 5 inter-disciplinary assignments. Creative partnering assignments for an introductory design studio and a first-year English composition class were developed and given to 39 participating students over the course of a semester. After completing the writing and/or drawing portion of each assignment, the students exchanged their responses via electronic mail. Analysis: A content analysis of the assignments and responses explored relationships and identified implicit theories. Key Findings: Assignments that emphasized real life cases of creativity appeared effective in enabling the students to articulate their implicit theories. Students perceived creativity as person, process, product, and place and saw relationships among these variables. Conclusions: Enabling students to realize their creative potential is essential to growth and innovation in the interior design profession.
Performance, properties, and plasticity of identified oxytocin and vasopressin neurones in vitro

The neurohypophysial hormones oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) originate from hypothalamic neurosecretory cells in the paraventricular and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. The firing rate and pattern of action potentials arising from these neurones determine the timing and quantity of peripheral hormone release. We have used immunochemical identification of biocytin-filled SON neurones in hypothalamic slices in vitro to uncover differences between OT and VP neurones in membrane and synaptic properties, firing patterns, and plasticity during pregnancy and lactation. In this review, we summarise some recent findings from this approach: (i) VP neuronal excitability is influenced by slow (sDAP) and fast (fDAP) depolarising afterpotentials that underlie phasic bursting activity. The fDAP may relate to a transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, type melastatin (TRPM4 and/or TRPM5), both of which are immunochemically localised more to VP neurones, and especially, to their dendrites. Both TRPM4 and TRPM5 mRNAs are found in the SON, but single cell reverse transcriptase-polymerisation suggests that TRPM4 might be the more prominent channel. Phasic bursting in VP neurones is little influenced by spontaneous synaptic activity in slices, being shaped largely by intrinsic currents. (ii) The firing pattern of OT neurones ranges from irregular to continuous, with the coefficient of variation determined by randomly distributed, spontaneous GABAergic, inhibitory synaptic currents (sIPSCs). These sIPSCs are four- to five-fold more frequent in OT versus VP neurones, and much more frequent than spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents. (iii) Both cell types express Ca(2+)-dependent afterhyperpolarisations (AHPs), including an apamin-sensitive, medium duration AHP and a slower, apamin-insensitive AHP (sAHP). In OT neurones, both AHPs are enhanced during pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, the plasticity of the sAHP is blocked by antagonism of central OT receptors. AHP enhancement is mimicked by exposing slices from day 19 pregnant rats to OT and oestradiol, suggesting that central OT and sex steroids programme this plasticity during pregnancy by direct hypothalamic actions. In conclusion, the differences in VP and OT neuronal function are underlain by differences in both membrane and synaptic properties, and differentially modulated by reproductive state.
MEASURING UNDEREMPLOYMENT AND INEQUALITY IN THE WORK FORCE

In a recent article in this journal, Tipps and Gordon (1985) presented new indicators of underemployment and compared them to indicators obtained from the Labor Utilization Framework (LUF) of Hauser, Sullivan, Clogg, and others. In this note the Tipps-Gordon criticisms of LUF are reviewed, the Tipps-Gordon framework is criticized, and both LUF and the Tipps-Gordon approach are compared empirically as well as conceptually. An extension of LUF is also presented.
The effectiveness of terminal feedback delivery to improve the clinical skills of pre-registration health professional students in simulated environments: A systematic review

Aim: To determine whether terminal feedback is effective in improving the practical, clinical skills of pre-registration health professional students in simulated environments, and how it is best delivered. Methods: Eight databases were searched systematically to identify studies addressing our aim. Eligible studies were published 2004–2014, in English language, within peer- reviewed journals. Study designs were determined and assigned to the National Health and Medical Research Council hierarchy of evidence, with the PEDro scale used to appraise ≥Level III_1 studies. Data regarding the country, participant characteristics, sample size, task critiqued, prior experience with the task, feedback delivered, follow-up time, outcome measures, methods of statistical analysis and the results were extracted and reported descriptively. Results: Eight studies (Levels II–V) were included. Most investigated medical students performing laparoscopic and/or knot tying tasks. PEDro scale scores ranged from 18–54%. Results were mixed when comparing terminal verification feedback and no feedback (n=3), and comparing different types of feedback (n=3). Overall, it would appear that, in terms of terminal feedback, elaborative feedback is more effective in improving the practical, clinical skills of pre-registration health professional students (n=4). Discussion: Whilst there is some indication that elaborative feedback may be more effective than no feedback, the small number of studies and poor methodological quality of the included studies precludes any strong conclusions from being drawn. There are a number of gaps in the current literature, particularly investigating non-medical professions, that should be addressed in future research. Furthermore, larger-scale, well-designed studies in the area are required to guide clinical teaching.
All points addressable raster display memory

This paper discusses display designs which store the image point by point in random access memory, so that independent update of every pixel is possible. A frequent bottleneck in the design of high performance displays of this type is the available bandwidth of the memory subsystem. In this paper, we focus on this issue and present features of a customized dynamic RAM chip which can readily provide the necessary bandwidth and thus greatly simplify the design of very high performance APA raster scan displays. The customized RAM chip is quasi-two-ported. After briefly introducing APA raster displays, we discuss display memory system design and the design of the proposed custom memory chip. We describe the second port for the video refresh, which makes the primary port available for update almost continuously. We also discuss modifications to the existing primary port to make it easily usable for the parallel update required for high update performance as well as for other applications.
Identification of new targets of Drosophila pre-mRNA adenosine deaminase

Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) in Drosophila and mammals has recently become the target of numerous investigations. It is now clear that this protein has a number of functions in the nerv...
Linkages between silviculture and ecology: an analysis of density management diagrams

Abstract Density management diagrams (DMDs) are used to quickly examine alternative density management regimes. DMDs are based upon several ecological concepts, and thus demonstrate links between quantitative silviculture and ecology. We group the important ecological concepts incorporated into DMDs into three broad categories: (1) the generality of allometric relationships; (2) the nature of size-density relationships; and (3) the ability of relative density indices to characterize stand development. We review the evidence for each of these categories as they are applied in DMDs. There is strong evidence for the application of allometric relationships to predict stand yield and for the ability of relative density indices to characterize elements of stand development. Some ambiguity exists concerning the application of size-density relationships. Specifically, there is some evidence indicating that maximum size-density relationships may vary with genetics, management practices, and environmental conditions. In general, we conclude that DMDs rest on a strong conceptual foundation.
Case report 428

A 20-year-old male presented for the first time approximately 6 months after injuring the left fourth toe. Radiographs were not obtained at the time of injury. A few months later the patient noticed marked swelling of the toe which never completely resolved. Several weeks before presentation, he bumped the toe again on a bed and continued to have pain. On physical examination a hard mass was present along the lateral aspect of the 4th toe; radiographs revealed a large, well-defined bony
Topological properties of the time-reversal-symmetric Kitaev chain and applications to organic superconductors

We show that the pair of Majorana modes at each end of a 1D spin triplet superconductor with ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}\ensuremath{\uparrow}}=\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\downarrow}\ensuremath{\downarrow}}=p{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{0}$ (two time reversed copies of the Kitaev $p$-wave chain) are topologically robust to perturbations such as mixing by the ${S}_{z}=0$ component of the order parameter (${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}\ensuremath{\downarrow}}={\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\downarrow}\ensuremath{\uparrow}}$), transverse hopping, nonagnetic disorder, and also, importantly, to time-reversal (TR) breaking perturbations such as applied Zeeman fields/magnetic impurities and the mixing by the ${S}_{y}=0$ component of the order parameter (${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}\ensuremath{\uparrow}}={\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\downarrow}\ensuremath{\downarrow}}$). We show that the robustness to TR-breaking results from a hidden chiral symmetry, which places the system in the BDI class in the presence of the generic TR-breaking perturbations (the TR-invariant system is both DIII and BDI). Our work has important implications for the quasi-1D organic superconductors (TMTSF)${}_{2}$$X$ ($X=\text{P}$F${}_{6}$, CIO${}_{4}$) (Bechgaard salts) and Li${}_{0.9}$Mo${}_{6}$O${}_{17}$, which have been proposed as triplet superconductors with equal spin pairing (${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}\ensuremath{\uparrow}},{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\downarrow}\ensuremath{\downarrow}}\ensuremath{\ne}0,{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}\ensuremath{\downarrow}}=0$) in the presence of magnetic fields.
Evaluation of load sharing in HARTS with consideration of its communication activities

We rigorously analyze load sharing (LS) in a distributed real-time system, called HARTS (Hexagonal Architecture for Real-Time Systems), while considering LS-related communication activities, such as task transfers and state-change broadcasts. First, we give an overview of the general distributed real-time LS approach described previously, and then adapt it to HARTS by exploiting the topological properties of HARTS. Second, we model task arrival/completion/transfer activities in HARTS as a continuous-time Markov chain from which we derive the distribution of queue length and the rate of generating LS-related traffic-task transfer-out rate and state-region change broadcast rate. Third, we derive the distribution of packet delivery time as a function of LS-related traffic rates by characterizing the hexagonal mesh topology and the virtual cut-through capability of HARTS. Finally, we derive the distribution of task waiting time (the time a task is queued for execution plus the time it would spend if the task is to be transferred), from which the probability of a task failing to complete in time, called the probability of dynamic failure, can be computed. The results obtained from our analytic models are verified through event-driven simulations, and can be used to study the effects of varying various design parameters on the performance of LS while considering the details of LS-related communication activities.
Therapy with the Opioid Antagonist Naltrexone Promotes Mucosal Healing in Active Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Endogenous opioid peptides have been shown to play a role in the development and/or perpetuation of inflammation. We hypothesize that the endogenous opioid system is involved in inflammatory bowel disease, and antagonism of the opioid–opioid receptor will lead to reversal of inflammation. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to test the efficacy and safety of an opioid antagonist for 12 weeks in adults with active Crohn’s disease. Forty subjects with active Crohn’s disease were enrolled in the study. Randomized patients received daily oral administration of 4.5-mg naltrexone or placebo. Providers and patients were masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects in each arm with a 70-point decline in Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score (CDAI). The secondary outcome included mucosal healing based upon colonoscopy appearance and histology. Eighty-eight percent of those treated with naltrexone had at least a 70-point decline in CDAI scores compared to 40% of placebo-treated patients (p = 0.009). After 12 weeks, 78% of subjects treated with naltrexone exhibited an endoscopic response as indicated by a 5-point decline in the Crohn’s disease endoscopy index severity score (CDEIS) from baseline compared to 28% response in placebo-treated controls (p = 0.008), and 33% achieved remission with a CDEIS score <6, whereas only 8% of those on placebo showed the same change. Fatigue was the only side effect reported that was significantly greater in subjects receiving placebo. Naltrexone improves clinical and inflammatory activity of subjects with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease compared to placebo-treated controls. Strategies to alter the endogenous opioid system provide promise for the treatment of Crohn’s disease.
Living life in the balance at midlife: Lessons learned from mindfulness

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the perceived effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on stress and quality of life of women in midlife. A total of 20 nurses, aged 45 to 55 years, who participated in a stress reduction course were contacted for interviews. A total of 9 nurses agreed to be interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyze these interviews. The five themes that emerged from the analysis were as follows: strengthening of interpersonal communication through social support, increased personal awareness through becoming more mindful and reflective, a spiritual awakening, effective ways of dealing with stress, and living life in balance by taking hold of one’s life. This study increased the authors’ understanding of effects/benefits, adherence, and application of MBSR techniques for women in midlife. It is concluded that MBSR may be a useful intervention for nurses in midlife to develop successful strategies for dealing with stress and to improve thei...
COMPLIANCE OF THE OBSTRUCTED FETAL RABBIT BLADDER

We evaluated compliance in the developing bladder using a newly developed animal model of posterior urethral valves: partial infravesical obstruction in the fetal rabbit bladder. Partial bladder outlet obstruction was created in fetal rabbits at day 23 of a 31 to 32-day gestation period. An in vitro whole bladder preparation provided data on compliance and an isolated bladder strip preparation provided data on the mechanical properties of the bladder wall. In addition, the influence of calcium on both preparations was evaluated. Partial bladder outlet obstruction in the fetal rabbit resulted in a markedly larger bladder weight (246.4 +/- 22.3 mg, n = 14) than control bladders (90.2 +/- 5.7 mg, n = 13). Isolated smooth muscle strips from obstructed and normal bladders revealed identical stretch-stress patterns. In contrast, obstructed bladders had significantly increased compliance in the whole bladder preparation. Since the increase in compliance was not correlated to mechanical properties of the isolated bladder strips, it must therefore result from the pattern of mass increase of the whole bladder wall. During filling, both the control and obstructed bladders had the same slow, large amplitude spontaneous contractions. In addition, both had rapid contractions: those in the obstructed bladders had significantly lower frequency and higher amplitude than the ones in the control bladders. Removing the calcium from the organ bath eliminated the spontaneous contractions but did not change the baseline pressure or force values, indicating that the compliance of these fetal rabbit bladders is a function of the passive properties of the bladder wall. Three main patterns occur in cystometrograms of patients with posterior urethral valves: myogenic failure, hyperreflexic bladders, and low compliance bladders. Using our model of partial outlet obstruction in the fetal rabbit bladder, we could not imitate the group with low compliance. We therefore hypothesize that the different patterns of bladder dysfunction associated with posterior urethral valves are due to infravesical obstruction occurring with different severities or at different ages of gestation.
A Search-Theoretic Model of the Retail Market for Illicit Drugs

A search-theoretic model of the retail market for illegal drugs is developed. Trade occurs in bilateral, potentially long-lived matches between sellers and buyers. Buyers incur search costs when experimenting with a new seller. Moral hazard is present because buyers learn purity only after a trade is made. The model produces testable implications regarding the distribution of purity offered in equilibrium, and the duration of the relationships between buyers and sellers. These predictions are consistent with available data. The effectiveness of different enforcement strategies is evaluated, including some novel ones which leverage the moral hazard present in the market.
Mutagenicity to mammalian cells in culture by (+) and (-) trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo(a)pyrenes and the hydrolysis and reduction products of two stereoisomeric benzo(a)pyrene 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxides.

Summary The mutagenicity for mammalian cells of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) and 9 of its derivatives was tested by resistance to ouabain in Chinese hamster V79 cells. The derivatives included the (−) and (+) enantiomers of trans -7, 8-diol; the racemic (±) trans -7, 8-diol; two triols, (7/8, 9)-triol and (7, 9/8)-triol; and four tetrols, (7, 10/8,9)-tetrol, (7/8,9,10)-tetrol, (7,9/8,10)-triol and (7,9,10/8)-tetrol. Since V79 cells do not metabolize polycyclic hydrocarbons, mutagenesis was tested both in the presence and in the absence of Golden hamster cells capable of metabolizing polycyclic hydrocarbons. Neither BP nor any of its 9 tested derivatives showed mutagenicity for V79 cells in the absence of normal Golden hamster cells. However, in the presence of these cells, BP and the optically active and racemic trans -7, 8-diols exhibited a mutagenic response that was dose-dependent. All other derivatives were inactive. The most active mutagenic hydrocarbon was (−) trans -7, 8-diol, and activity decreased in the order (±) trans -7, 8-diol, (+) trans -7, 8-diol and BP. These results suggest that (-) trans -7, 8-diol is the most active precursor of the mutagenic benzo(a)pyrene 7, 8-diol-9, 10-epoxides, while the triols and tetrols are detoxification products of the 2 stereoisomeric diolepoxides.
Humoral antibodies to anaerobic bacteria isolated from patients with pulpal-periapical disease.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine if anaerobic bacteria isolated from pulpal-periapical infections elicit a humoral immune response in the host. Results indicated that patients with pulp and periapical disease do not have significantly raised levels of lgG or lgM in their serum and that in the acute sera the precipitin antibody titer to the anaerobic bacteria was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in antibody titer for the convalescent sera in the patient and control groups or the acute and convalescent sera for the patient group.
Flux-induced isometry gauging in heterotic strings

We study the effect of flux-induced isometry gauging of the scalar manifold in N = 2 heterotic string compactification with gauge fluxes. We show that a vanishing theorem by Witten provides the protection mechanism. The other ungauged isometries in hyper moduli space could also be protected, depending on the gauge bundle structure. We also discuss the related issue in IIB setting.
The structure and assembly of active chromatin

Abstract Much effort has been expanded towards understanding the details of how nucleosomes are established on newly replicated DNA. More recently it has begun to be possible to study the binding of both trans-acting factors and histones to DNA. This review is concerned with an assessment of the current status of this work. In addition, we discuss some of the questions that still need to be addressed in order to understand how trans-acting factors can establish extensive interactions with the DNA of active genes while they are excluded from inactive genes.
Isomeric Forms of Divalent Heavier Group 14 Element Hydrides: Characterization of Ar‘(H)GeGe(H)Ar‘ and Ar‘(H)2GeGeAr‘·PMe3 (Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-Dipp2; Dipp = C6H3-2,6-Pri2)

The reduction of Ar‘GeCl (Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-Dipp2; Dipp = C6H3-2,6-Pri2) with LiBH(Bus)3 affords the first heavier group 14 element dimetallene hydride Ar‘(H)GeGe(H)Ar‘ which, upon further reaction with PMe3, yields the base-stabilized isomeric form Ar‘(H)2GeGeAr‘·PMe3.
DOSES IN RODENT CANCER STUDIES: SORTING FACT FROM FICTION

The belief that rodent cancer bioassays predict for human cancers is a fundamental public health precept based on sound biological principles. Nonetheless, it is appropriate to periodically debate this point as scientific understanding of cancer causation advances. This presentation addresses one of the many factors that determines the predictive value of rodent tumor bioassay results for human health. This is the issue of dose. Examination of several recent National Toxicology Program (NTP) studies demonstrates that the applied dose often far overestimates the actual effective dose, or maximum blood concentration attained in a rodent, when compared with similar relationships in humans. Further examination of the NTP database on rodent toxicity and carcinogenicity studies revealed summary information on factors that were pivotal in prechronic studies for selecting doses for chronic studies. Contrary to popular belief, target organ toxicity was a determining factor in only about half of the studies. The ty...
Development of a T7 Phage Display Library to Detect Sarcoidosis and Tuberculosis by a Panel of Novel Antigens

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory disease, diagnosed through tissue biopsy of involved organs in the absence of other causes such as tuberculosis (TB). No specific serologic test is available to diagnose and differentiate sarcoidosis from TB. Using a high throughput method, we developed a T7 phage display cDNA library derived from mRNA isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and leukocytes of sarcoidosis patients. This complex cDNA library was biopanned to obtain 1152 potential sarcoidosis antigens and a microarray was constructed to immunoscreen two different sets of sera from healthy controls and sarcoidosis. Meta-analysis identified 259 discriminating sarcoidosis antigens, and multivariate analysis identified 32 antigens with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 83% to classify sarcoidosis from healthy controls. Additionally, interrogating the same microarray platform with sera from subjects with TB, we identified 50 clones that distinguish between TB, sarcoidosis and healthy controls. The top 10 sarcoidosis and TB specific clones were sequenced and homologies were searched in the public database revealing unique epitopes and mimotopes in each group. Here, we show for the first time that immunoscreenings of a library derived from sarcoidosis tissue differentiates between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis antigens. These novel biomarkers can improve diagnosis of sarcoidosis and TB, and may aid to develop or evaluate a TB vaccine.
Lymphoid progenitors exhibit accelerated thymimic and marrow engraftment relative to stem cells

Abstract We have recently described a mouse bone marrow population defined by the phenotype Thy1.1 Neg , Sca1 Pos , Lin Neg (Thy Neg ) which contains lymphoid progenitor cells. To evaluate the engraftment kinetics of these progenitors in comparison to Thy1.1 Low , Sca1 Pos , Lin Neg hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC), each population was transplanted intravenously into sublethally irradiated (6.5 Gy) Ly5 congenic mice at 10 3 cells per mouse. Over a course of 14 to 28 days post-transplant, both thymic lobes and one femur from each mouse were collected and assayed for the presence of donor cells by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. Engraftment of CD19 Pos B cells was observed in bone marrow of Thy Neg recipients by day 14, three days earlier than recipients of HSPC. Myeloid engraftment (Gr-1 Pos ) was also observed in HSPC transplant recipients by day 17, but was not observed in Thy Neg recipients. Thymic reconstitution was observed at significant levels (>10 6 cells per lobe) in 25% of Thy Neg recipients by day 14. In contrast, donor-derived thymocytes were not observed in recipients of HSPC until day 21, when 1 of 20 thymic lobes was positive for significant engraftment compared to 9 of 24 lobes assayed from Thy Neg recipients. HSPC engraftment proceeded rapidly after day 21, and by day 28 all of the lobes assayed were positive for >10 6 donor-derived thymocytes. Thy Neg recipients achieved this degree of engraftment in only 33% of lobes assayed. We conclude from these observations that the Thy Neg population contains lymphoid progenitors capable of more rapid thymic engraftment relative to HSPCs. This suggests that specific commitment steps have predisposed these cells to thymic homing and engraftment. The difference in engraftment kinetics will allow us to distinguish the activity of lymphoid progenitors from HSPCs. This assay will facilitate enrichment and characterization of bone marrow-derived T cell progenitors.
X-ray diffraction studies on macromolecular aggregates of bovine lens

Abstract The soluble proteins of bovine lenses that precipitate at pH 5. contain α and β crystallins and a number of presumptive phosphopeptides. Only this combination of crystallins yields an X-ray diffraction pattern that implies molecular alignment of polypeptide subunits into a crystalline matrix by the phosphopeptide.
Field research with underserved minorities: the ideal and the real.

The realities of doing field research with high-risk, minority, or indigenous populations may be quite different than the guidelines presented in research training. There are overlapping and competing demands created by cultural and research imperatives. A National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded study of American Indian youth illustrates competing pressures between research objectives and cultural sensitivity. This account of the problems that were confronted and the attempts made to resolve them will hopefully fill a needed gap in the research literature and serve as a throught-provoking example for other researchers. This study built cross-cultural bridges. Researchers worked as a team with stakeholders to modify the instruments and methods to achieve cultural appropriateness. The researchers agreed to the communities demands for increased service access and rights of refusal for all publications and presentations. Data indicate that these compromises did not substantially harm the first year of data collection completeness or the well-being of the youth. To the contrary, it enhanced the ability to disseminate results to those community leaders with the most vested interests. The conflicts between ideal research requirements and cultural demands confronted by the researchers and interviewers in the American Indian community were not necessarily different from issues faced by researchers in other communities. Of major import is the recognition that there are no easy answers to such issues within research.
Relative leg length as a biological marker to trace the developmental history of individuals and populations: Growth delay and increased body fat

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in leg length index are related to differences in body fat. The study included a cross-sectional sample of 21,021 subjects ranging in age from 2 to 90 years who had anthropometric information and poverty income ratio that participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES III) of the United Stated conducted during 1988-1994. Of the total 21,021 participants, 7,810 were non-Hispanic white (3,900 men and 3,910, women), 8,134 were African-American black (3,127 men and 2,889 women) and 6,237 were Mexican-American (3,221 and 3,016 women). In both males and females and in all three ethnic groups and across socio-economic status (measured by the poverty income ratio) a low leg length index is associated with increased body fat (measured by skinfold thickness) when compared with those with high leg length index. It is postulated that a low leg length index reflects the consequence of negative environmental conditions leading to growth delay. Previous studies indicate that individuals exposed both during development and adulthood to under-nutrition respond through inter-related physiological mechanisms oriented at improving energetic efficiency and low oxidation of fat. These interrelated compensatory physiological adjustments work together to promote fat storage among growth delayed individuals or populations.
Two-dimensional computer simulations of antenna-plasma interaction

Abstract Computer simulations are presented in which a two-dimensional electrostatic model is used to represent the region inside a plasma near an Ion-Cyclotron Radio Frequency (ICRF) antenna. The results show an increase in energy both of the bulk plasma and of the ions striking the antenna over the undriven case, as well as increased flux to the antenna. This effect is strongly frequency dependent, but only over a range of frequencies greater than that applied in experiments. From the dependence of heating on frequency, it appears that ion Bernstein waves are responsible, and potential structures of the proper size are observed, but positive identification of these structures as Bernstein waves has not been achieved. In addition to the heating, a large radial electric field is seen, oscillating with the drive frequency but out of phase with it. This effect, which is easy to understand in retrospect, may be partly responsible for the rectification observed in experiments.
Boundary Objects, Agents, and Organizations: Lessons from E-Document System Development in Thailand

Star and Griesemer's concept of boundary objects has become a central analytic framework in the fields of science and technology studies (STS), computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), information science, and organizational studies. Scholars have also begun to extend the original boundary object concept in useful ways: for example, to boundary agents and organizations, emphasizing the active nature of translation or communication between networks, organizations, and social worlds. These insights have for the most part not carried over into scholarship on information technology and organizational reform in the public sector, and still less to DG reform efforts outside of the global north. The present paper develops a suite of boundary concepts -- objects, agents, and organizations -- and connects these to core problems in DG scholarship. Our empirical focus is on DG reform efforts in Thailand -- in particular, tensions and challenges surrounding ongoing efforts to develop interoperable and government-wide e-Document systems and practices.
Assignment of resonance in the 1H spectrum of rat brain by two-dimensional shift correlated and J-resolved NMR spectroscopy.

Two-dimensional shift-correlated (COSY) and J-resolved NMR spectroscopy was used to identify and assign resonances in the aliphatic region (0.8 to 4.5 ppm) of the 1H spectrum of acid extracts and tissue of rat brain. The chemical shift and spin-spin coupling constants of several resonances, which could not be resolved in one-dimensional spectra of tissue, were determined. These properties, together with the appropriate multiplet structure and scalar coupling patterns observed in 2D J-resolved and COSY spectra, were used to assign the resonances of lactate, threonine, alanine, γ-amino butyrate, N-acetyl aspartate, aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, taurine, and myo-inositol. The single peak observed at 1.33 ppm in the ID 1H spectrum of excised brain tissue, which is generally assigned to lactate, was shown instead to consist of two overlapping peaks in 2D COSY contour plots. The intensity of both resonances increased considerably after death. The second resonance was assigned to threonine and the assignment was confirmed by ion-exchange chromatography. Several cross peaks were identified in 2D COSY spectra of intact brain tissue that were not present in similar spectra of the acid extract. These nonmetabolite resonances were assigned to macromolecules. Analysis of 2D COSY contour plots in conjunction with 1D spectra revealed that the total creatine (creatine + phosphocreatine) resonance at 3.0 ppm was overlapped by both GABA and macromolecules. This macromolecule resonance was present in a 2D COSY spectrum of the rat brain obtained in situ with a surface coil following cardiac arrest, indicating that its presence in the 2D spectrum of excised brain tissue did not arise from tissue disruption. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Focal angiogen therapy using intramyocardial delivery of an adenovirus vector coding for vascular endothelial growth factor 121.

Abstract Background . Adenovirus (Ad) vector-mediated gene therapy strategies have emerged as promising modalities for the "biological revascularization" of tissues. We hypothesized that direct intramyocardial, as opposed to intracoronary, administration of an Ad vector coding for the vascular endothelial growth factor 121 cDNA (Ad GV VEGF121.10) would provide highly focal Ad genome levels, and increases in VEGF, ideal for inducing localized therapeutic angiogenesis. Methods . Persistence and regional distribution of the vector were assessed by TaqMan real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, after intramyocardial Ad GV VEGF121.10 in the rat, and either intramyocardial or intracoronary (circumflex territory) vector in Yorkshire swine. Based on these results, we assessed the focal nature of the improved cardiac blood flow in a previously reported porcine myocardial ischemia model. Results . Intramyocardial delivery of Ad GV VEGF121.10 in the rat resulted in local persistence of the Ad genome that decreased 1,000-fold over 3 weeks, with peak myocardial VEGF expression 24 to 72 h after vector delivery. After intramyocardial Ad GV VEGF121.10 in the circumflex distribution of pigs, Ad vector genome and VEGF protein levels were more than 1,000-fold and more than 90-fold higher, respectively, in this distribution than in other myocardial regions. In comparison, intracoronary injection yielded maximum myocardial Ad genome and VEGF levels 33-fold and 9-fold lower, respectively, than that after intramyocardial delivery. Angiograms obtained 28 days after intramyocardial Ad GV VEGF121.10 demonstrated rapid circumflex reconstitution via collaterals localized to the region of vector administration. Conclusions . These studies demonstrate that direct intramyocardial administration of Ad GV VEGF121.10 results in focal genome and VEGF levels, including focal angiogenesis, sufficient to normalize blood flow to the ischemic myocardium, findings that are relevant to designing human trials of gene therapy-mediated cardiac angiogenesis.
Exploring Engagement in Household Activities and Decisions on Residential Tenure and Household Type

Residential locations play an important role in the spatial distribution of household activities and travel decisions and, subsequently, in long-term forecasting models. This study examined the relationship between housing location choices, time allocation to out-of-home activities, and other socioeconomic attributes related to household life-cycle stages. A choice model of housing tenure and type was formulated and estimated to provide a methodological framework for examining the impacts of engagement in household activities and life-cycle stage. Engagement in household activities was represented by factor scores from a factor analysis on the proportion of time households spent on 14 activity types. The scores of the identified factors, in addition to other socioeconomic and travel characteristics of the household, were estimated in a nestedlogit choice model of housing tenure and type. Furthermore, households were segmented into different life-cycle stages on the basis of household size and age of membe...
A mechanism for suppression of optokinesis

We have studied optokinetic responses to oscillating patterns of dots, and the suppression of these responses by a foveally stabilized target. Such a target suppressed most of the optokinetic response, although the target provided neither retinal target motion nor target offset from the fovea. This indicates that suppression of OKN can occur by other means than smooth pursuit eye movements to traditional stimuli. We studied the form of the suppression for different optokinetic stimulus strengths and stimulus frequencies (0.25-1.0 Hz). The results show that over this frequency range the optokinetic response is substantial, and also that the suppression continues to operate. We also examined the time-course of suppression: it begins to appear within 150-200 msec of the appearance of a fixation target in motion relative to the optokinetic stimulus field.