cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Lactobacillus paracasei and Streptococcus oralis biofilm interactions through agent-based modeling

As common commensals residing on mucosal tissues, Lactobacillus species are known to encourage health, while recent findings highlight the pathogenic roles of Streptococcus species in these environments. In this study we used a combination of in vivo imaging experiments and computational modeling to explore biofilm interactions between Streptococcus oralis, an accessory pathogen in oral Candidiasis, and Lactobacillus paracasei, an organism with known probiotic properties. A computational agent-based model was created where the two species only interact by competing for space and nutrients. Quantification of bacterial growth in live biofilms indicated that S. oralis biomass and cell numbers were much lower than predicted by the model. Two subsequent models were then created to examine more complex interactions between these species, one where L. paracasei secretes a surfactant, and another where L. paracasei secretes an inhibitor of S. oralis growth. Further biofilm experiments support the hypothesis that L. paracasei may secrete an inhibitor of S. oralis growth, although they do not exclude that a surfactant could also be involved. This contribution shows how agent-based modeling and experiments can be used in synergy to address multiple species biofilm interactions, with important roles in mucosal health and disease. IMPORTANCEWe previously discovered a role of the oral commensal Streptococcus oralis as an accessory pathogen. S. oralis increases the virulence of Candida albicans infections in murine oral candidiasis and epithelial cell models through mechanisms which promote the formation of tissue-damaging biofilms. Lactobacillus species have known inhibitory effects on biofilm formation of many microbes, including Streptococcus species. Agent-based modeling has great advantages as a means of exploring multifaceted relationships between organisms in complex environments such as biofilms. Here we used an iterative collaborative process between experimentation and modeling to reveal aspects of the mostly unexplored relationship between S. oralis and L. paracasei in biofilm growth. The inhibitory nature of L. paracasei on S. oralis in biofilms may be exploited as a means of preventing or alleviating mucosal fungal infections.
Whole genome sequences reveal the Xanthomonas perforans population is shaped by the tomato production system.

Modern agricultural practices increase the potential for plant pathogen spread, while the advent of affordable whole genome sequencing enables in-depth studies of pathogen movement. Population genomic studies may decipher pathogen movement and population structure as a result of complex agricultural production systems. We used whole genome sequences of 281 Xanthomonas perforans strains collected within one tomato production season across Florida and southern Georgia fields to test for population genetic structure associated with tomato production system variables. We identified six clusters of X. perforans from core gene SNPs that corresponded with phylogenetic lineages. Using whole genome SNPs, we found genetic structure among farms, transplant facilities, cultivars, seed producers, grower operations, regions, and counties. Overall, grower operations that produced their own transplants were associated with genetically distinct and less diverse populations of strains compared to grower operations that received transplants from multiple sources. The degree of genetic differentiation among components of Florida’s tomato production system varied between clusters, suggesting differential dispersal of the strains, such as through seed or contaminated transplants versus local movement within farms. Overall, we showed that the genetic variation of a bacterial plant pathogen is shaped by the structure of the plant production system.
Developer-Led Adoption of Open Source Software Libraries: A Conceptual Model

Researchers have historically viewed Open Source Software (OSS) as a homogenous group of technologies and assumed adoption behaviors are uniform among OSS types. Focus on specific OSS types is rare and OSS libraries, in particular, have been underrepresented. This paper recognizes the unique characteristics of OSS libraries and notes that their adoption may receive less organizational scrutiny than other software packages. A conceptual model based on an augmented theory of Task Technology Fit (TTF) is offered to provide insight into OSS library adoption. If supported, this model represents not only a theoretical contribution to the OSS literature, but a source of actionable information for practitioners engaged in software development.
Best-Value Process Implementation at the City of Peoria: Five Years of Research Testing

The City of Peoria is Arizona’s ninth largest city. It covers nearly 178 square miles and is home to over 153,000 residents. The projected 10 year growth of the City is estimated to be over 204,000, which has prompted a significant expansion of the City’s municipal services and facilities. In an attempt to efficiently meet the demands of the projected growth, the City of Peoria partnered with the Performance Based Studies Research Group out of Arizona State University in 2004. The objective of the partnership was to test and implement a best value structure within the City’s construction program, specifically as applicable to capital projects. This paper presents a five year summary of the test implementation results, the evolution of the best value structure within the city, project performance, service expansion to include non-construction projects, and lessons learned from the research. The research effort has included $385,691,802 in total projects awarded and implemented under the best value structure, with documented performance increases in cost metrics, schedule metrics, and customer satisfaction.
Strain-induced magnetic properties of Pr 0.67 Sr 0.33 MnO 3 thin films

We report the temperature dependence of the magnetic anisotropy in both compressive and tensile strained films of ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{0.67}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.33}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ (PSMO). Compressive strain induced by growth on ${\mathrm{LaAlO}}_{3}$ (LAO) substrates results in a spontaneous out-of-plane magnetization, while tensile strain (grown on ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3})$ results in in-plane magnetization. The coefficient of linear proportionality between the magnetic anisotropy energy and the tetragonal strain for both compressive and tensile strained PSMO films is larger than that found previously in strained ${\mathrm{La}}_{0.67}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{0.33}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ films. From the data, we estimate a 20 unit-cell magnetic domain wall width for PSMO/LAO. Scattering from such a narrow domain wall could produce a potentially significant contribution to the resistivity.
The multihit model of carcinogenesis: Etiologic implications for colon cancer

A new multihit model of carcinogenesis is developed for use in evaluating age-specific cancer incidence rates in human populations. The model allows for some heterogeneity in both risk (perhaps genetic) and pathway (number of hits). Fitting the model yields estimates of (1) levels of effect of background exposure to environmental agents, (2) tumor growth times after initiation of a malignant cell, and (3) relative sizes of high-risk groups in a human population. Maximum likelihood procedures are used to fit the model to the polyposis coli data of Veale and the colon cancer incidence data from the Third National Cancer Survey. Model estimates may be verified in some cases by review of independent data in the literature and results have both theoretical and practical implications. Findings are generally consistent with the adenoma-carcinoma etiologic sequence postulated by Hill, Morson and Bussey with one exception. A large proportion of the population may be at risk of four-hit colon tumors following a non-adenoma etiologic sequence.
Raman spectroscopic investigation of two grains from comet 81P/Wild 2: Information that can be obtained beyond the presence of sp2‐bonded carbon

Abstract– Raman analyses were performed of individual micrometer-sized fragments of material returned to Earth by the NASA Stardust mission to comet 81P/Wild 2. The studied fragments originated from grains (C2054,0,35,91,0 and C2092,6,80,51,0) of two different penetration tracks that occurred in two different silica aerogel collector cells. All fragments of both particles have Raman spectra characteristic of amorphous sp2-bonded carbon that are in general agreement with the results published in previous Stardust particle studies. The present study, however, does not focus on the discussion of specific details of the D and G band parameters, but rather reports on additional information that can be obtained from returned Stardust samples via Raman spectroscopy. Most notably, the Raman spectra show that all analyzed fragments of the particles were contaminated with the capture medium (i.e., aerogel). The silica aerogel is laced with organic aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon impurities that resulted in strong bands in the ∼ 2900 Δcm−1 spectral range (C-H stretching modes). Aerogel bands are also found in the 1000–1600 Δcm−1 spectral range, where they overlap with the bands of the amorphous sp2-bonded carbon. The peaks associated with the aerogel contamination differ between the two grains that originated from two different aerogel cells. In addition to the bands due to aerogel contamination and the always present sp2-bonded carbon bands, fragments of particle C2092,6,80,51,0 also show Raman peaks for pyrrhotite and Fa30Fo70 olivine. Complete (up to 4000 Δcm−1) raw and baseline-corrected Raman spectra of the Stardust particles are shown and discussed in detail.
Grassland Arthropods Are Controlled by Direct and Indirect Interactions with Cattle but Are Largely Unaffected by Plant Provenance

Cattle grazing and invasion by non-native plant species are globally-ubiquitous changes occurring to plant communities that are likely to reverberate through whole food webs. We used a manipulative field experiment to quantify how arthropod community structure differed in native and non-native California grassland communities in the presence and absence of grazing. The arthropod community was strongly affected by cattle grazing: the biovolume of herbivorous arthropods was 79% higher in grazed than ungrazed plots, whereas the biovolume of predatory arthropods was 13% higher in ungrazed plots. In plots where non-native grasses were grazed, arthropod biovolume increased, possibly in response to increased plant productivity or increased nutritional quality of rapidly-growing annual plants. Grazing may thus affect plant biomass both through the direct removal of biomass, and through arthropod-mediated impacts. We also expected the arthropod community to differ between native and non-native plant communities; surprisingly, arthropod richness and diversity did not vary consistently between these grass community types, although arthropod abundance was slightly higher in plots with native and ungrazed grasses. These results suggest that whereas cattle grazing affects the arthropod community via direct and indirect pathways, arthropod community changes commonly associated with non-native plant invasions may not be due to the identity or dominance of the invasive species in those systems, but to accompanying changes in plant traits or functional group composition, not seen in this experiment because of the similarity of the plant communities.
Inelastic Analysis of R/C Frame Structures

An inelastic dynamic analysis method was developed for reinforced concrete frame structures. The analytical model was able to account for stiffness characteristics related to cracking of the concrete, yielding and strain hardening of the reinforcement, bond slip of tensile reinforcement in a joint core, and stiffness degradation due to load reversals. The location of point of contraflexure in a member was taken into consideration to account for the distribution of inelastic deformation. The analysis method was tested by comparing calculated response waveforms with observed response waveforms of a small-scale three-story one-bay reinforced concrete frame structure, which was subjected to an intense base motion on the University of Illinois Earthquake Simulator. The observed waveforms at large amplitudes were favorably simulated by the analytical model based on the material properties and geometry of the test structure.
Drug-stimulatable ATPase activity in crude membranes of human MDR1-transfected mammalian cells.

Publisher Summary P-Glycoprotein (Pgp), a member of the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of transporters, functions as an ATP-dependent drug efflux pump with broad specificity for chemically unrelated lipophilic compounds. This chapter discusses the Pgp ATPase activity that can be measured in the crude membranes of mouse (NIH 3T3) transfectants. The background activity of other ATPases can effectively be blocked with sodium azide. The inclusion of other inhibitors, such as ethylene glycol bis(β- aminoethyl ether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and ouabain does not have any deleterious effect on Pgp activity. NIH 3T3 transfectants selected at low drug concentration are also suitable for characterization of Pgp ATPase activity. NIH 3T3 cells are suitable for characterization of drug transport function and ATPase activity, as they offer an ideal stable expression system to assess the structure–function relationship of various regions in Pgp.
Expression of the Major Internal Viral Polypeptide in Cells Transformed by Wild-Type and Temperature-Sensitive Murine Sarcoma Virus

Phenotypic expression of the murine intraspecies and interspecies antigenic determinants of the major type C viral structural 30,000-dalton polypeptide, p30, was measured by radioimmunoassay inhibition in cell lines from different species. Uninfected normal rat kidney (NRK) cells did not contain detectable levels of murine intraspecies and interspecies p30 antigen, whereas rat cells transformed by and producing murine sarcoma virus (MSV)-Moloney leukemia virus (M-MSV-MuLV) contained high levels of both murine intraspecies and interspecies p30 antigen. Significant amounts of murine intraspecies and interspecies p30 antigen were detected in wild-type MSV-transformed nonproducer NRK cells. The control of p30 antigen expression was examined in temperature-sensitive MSV-transformed nonproducer cells [NRK(MSV-1b)] which are cold sensitive for maintenance of the transformed phenotype. Both murine intraspecies and interspecies p30 antigens were detected in NRK(MSV-1b) cells when grown at the permissive (39 C) or nonpermissive (33 C) temperature, suggesting that p30 antigen expression is not correlated with maintenance of the transformed phenotype. The results demonstrate that previously undetectable p30 antigens are expressed in MSV-transformed nonproducer NRK cells, and suggest that the expression of p30 antigen may be a useful marker for viral gene expression in mammalian cells.
Studies of exotic light nuclei with nucleon transfer reactions

) have served as fundamental tools for studying the properties of nuclei throughoutthe periodic table. Their selectivity and ease of interpretation have made them some of the most heavily used reactions for the determinationof quantum numbers, and for probing the wave functions of single-particle states in nuclei. With the advent of radioactive beams, interestin these simple transfer reactions has been renewed. I will review the utility of such reactions, and discuss some current applications in thecontext of the modern theoretical understanding of nuclear structure and in nuclear astrophysics. Finally, I will discuss two recent examplesof studies of the (
Isolation and characterization of lipid rafts in Emiliania huxleyi: a role for membrane microdomains in host–virus interactions

Coccolithoviruses employ a suite of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) to successfully infect the globally important coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Lipid rafts, chemically distinct membrane lipid microdomains that are enriched in GSLs and are involved in sensing extracellular stimuli and activating signalling cascades through protein-protein interactions, likely play a fundamental role in host-virus interactions. Using combined lipidomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, we isolated and characterized the lipid and protein content of lipid rafts from control E. huxleyi cells and those infected with EhV86, the type strain for Coccolithovirus. Lipid raft-enriched fractions were isolated and purified as buoyant, detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) in OptiPrep density gradients. Transmission electron microscopy of vesicle morphology, polymerase chain reaction amplification of the EhV major capsid protein gene and immunoreactivity to flotillin antisera served as respective physical, molecular and biochemical markers. Subsequent lipid characterization of DRMs via high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrapole mass spectrometry revealed four distinct GSL classes. Parallel proteomic analysis confirmed flotillin as a major lipid raft protein, along with a variety of proteins affiliated with host defence, programmed cell death and innate immunity pathways. The detection of an EhV86-encoded C-type lectin-containing protein confirmed that infection occurs at the interface between lipid rafts and cellular stress/death pathways via specific GSLs and raft-associated proteins.
High Speed Digital-to-Analog and Analog-to-Digital Techniques

The following treatise describes several techniques for doing high-speed Digital-to-Analog and Analog-to-Digital conversion. In particular, the paper concerns those techniques which either are being implemented monolithically or have the possibility of monolithic fabrication. Several of these systems are examined in detail and a respective comparison is given between the systems with respect to speed, accuracy, cost, etc.
Results of a national neurosurgery resident survey on duty hour regulations.

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty hour standards that began July 2011 will further limit resident duty hours. Objective To survey neurosurgery residents in the United States on duty hour violations under the current system and the predicted effects on education and patient safety of the new regulations. Methods Surveys were mailed to every neurosurgery training program in the United States and Puerto Rico. Program directors and coordinators were asked to distribute surveys to their residents. Results Three hundred seventy-seven neurosurgery residents mailed surveys back to the study center (34% response rate). More than one-third of respondents reported violating the 80-hour rule occasionally or frequently (36%). Thirty-one residents (8%) reported having been involved in a motor vehicle collision or life-threatening event and 20 (6%) reported having made a medical error resulting in patient harm after an extended shift. Eighty-three percent disagreed with the 16-hour proposed regulation for postgraduate year 1. The majority of respondents thought that the new standards will have a negative or strongly negative effect on their residency training (72%). Conclusion This national duty hour survey of neurosurgical residents reveals considerable concern over the new ACGME proposed standards. The majority of respondents believe that the new standards will have a negative effect on their residency training. Furthermore, this survey indicates an overwhelming negative attitude toward mandated duty hour regulations among neurosurgical residents. Duty hour violations reported in this survey may be a more honest depiction of true violations than previous surveys and are higher than expected.
The structure of pores in isolated pea nuclei

Nuclei were isolated from the apical buds and upper stems of pea seedlings. The structure of the nuclear pores was examined in sections of intact nuclei and in negatively stained preparations of disrupted nuclei. These pores resembled those described in various animal cells and consisted of 1 to 3 granules or possibly tubules, at the center, surrounded by an annulus containing 8 subannuli. Sonic vibration disrupted the nuclear membrane but left the pores largely intact, indicating that they were distinct structural entities. The diameter of pores varied from 570 to 1090 A and the center-to-center distance from 950 to 1300 A. It was estimated that pores occupied a maximum of about 38% of the nuclear surface.
Characterization of nano and meso scale deformation structures with intense X-ray synchrotron sources

Advanced polychromatic microdiffraction is sensitive to the organization of dislocations and other defects that rotate the lattice planes. Using ultra-brilliant third-generation synchrotron sources and non-dispersive X-ray focusing optics, it is now possible to analyze individual dislocation cells and walls at a submicron scale that cannot be probed by traditional methods. The method is applied to an Ir weld sample to illustrate how microdiffraction can be used to determine the locally active dislocation system.
Determination of apoceruloplasmin by radioimmunoassay in nutritional copper deficiency, Menkes' kinky hair syndrome, Wilson's disease, and umbilical cord blood.

Extract: Radioimmunoassay can detect as little as 10 ng apoceruloplasmin. Interference by holoceruloplasmin is overcome by using an antiapoceruloplasmin antibody absorbed with holoceruloplasmin and by correcting for the relatively small inhibition of binding of apoceruloplasmin to absorbed antibody caused by holoceruloplasmin. The apoceruloplasmin concentration in infants with nutritional copper deficiency (2.9 ± 0.9 mg/100 ml), Menkes' kinky hair syndrome (1.4 ± 0.5 mg/100 ml), and Wilson's disease (2.7 ± 2.0 mg/100 ml) did not differ significantly from normal (3.3 ± 3.1 mg/100 ml) despite significant reductions (P < 0.01) in the concentration of holoceruloplasmin in each of these conditions. In umbilical cord blood from normal neonates, however, the concentration of apoceruloplasmin (0.7 ± 0.5 mg/100 ml) was significantly lower than normal (P < 0.01), as was the concentration of holoceruloplasmin. Speculation: In Wilson's disease the incorporation of copper into nascent apoceruloplasmin, which is probably synthesized at a normal rate and is of normal structure, is reduced. There could be a defect in an enzyme required to catalyze the incorporation or a failure of copper to reach the nascent protein. In normal neonates the rate of apoceruloplasmin synthesis is probably reduced. This reduction may be responsible for the lower concentrations of both holo- and apoceruloplasmin observed in sera of neonates compared with that of older subjects.
Determination of 17O and 18O isotopic abundances in 238Pu materials by γ-ray spectrometry

Abstract A procedure has been developed for nondestructive determinations of 17O and 18O isotopic abundances in 238PuO2 fuels produced for biomedical application. Close control of these isotopes is important because they increase the neutron emission rate caused by (α, n) reactions. γ-Rays accompanying these reactions are measured by a lithium-drifted germanium [Ge(Li)] detector and related to their respective isotopic abundances. Each determination has a detection limit approximating the lowest contents encountered in PuO2 samples of 0.005% 17O and 0.001% 18O. The average deviations for each determination are estimated to be about ±25% at their detection levels, and less than ± 10% for abundances above 0.01%.
DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL SOCIAL ACCOUNTING MATRICES WITH DETAILED AGRICULTURAL LAND RENT DATA AND IMPROVED VALUE-ADDED COMPONENTS FOR THE USA

We describe a method for creating social accounting matrices (SAMs) with detailed agricultural land rent data for any arbitrary subset of the 48 contiguous states in the USA. Data on land use and land rents from various public sources is merged with national accounts data. The method reorganizes the rental income of persons concept present in national accounts to payments to conventional primary factors of production. This method also reallocates portions of the indirect business tax account to the appropriate sales and import tax accounts. SAMs created using this method should be useful inputs into input–output or computable general equilibrium models explicitly representing a heterogeneous land market and analyzing the economic effects of agricultural, bioenergy, water and climate policies on land-use change, land rents, agricultural commodity markets, trade and households’ welfare. The method's implementation is freely available, enabling others to rapidly create SAMs with their own desired region and ...
Kondo bosons and the Kondo lattice: Microscopic basis for the heavy Fermi liquid.

A consistent Fermi-liquid theory of heavy-electron compounds at low temperatures is microscopically derived from the Kondo-lattice model. Interactions between the heavy quasiparticles are mediated by fluctuations of effective valence-conduction hybridization parameters. The computed values of the Wilson ratio, the ${T}^{3}\mathrm{ln}T$ term in the specific heat, and the ${T}^{2}$ coefficient of the low-temperature resistivity are in agreement with systematic experimental trends.
An Optical Approach for Studying the Cellular Mechanotransduction of Hydrostatic Pressure by Bladder Urothelial Cells

Recent studies have suggested that the bladder urothelium is sensitive to both stretch and hydrostatic pressure during bladder filling, and is considered to play a mechanosensory role in sensing bladder fullness [1, 2]. In a previous study [3], our group demonstrated that compared to the control, rat bladder urothelial cells (UCs) exposed to hydrostatic pressure (10–15 cmH2O for 5 minutes) in vitro released significantly higher levels of ATP and that this response was attenuated by pharmacologically blocking transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, as well as epithelial sodium channels (ENACs). While blocking these ion channels inhibited the ATP response by UCs to hydrostatic pressure, it remains unclear whether these ion channels are being activated directly by hydrostatic pressure or by membrane deformation. Our current hypothesis is that a change in cell volume may occur due to the application of hydrostatic pressure and subsequent changes in cellular osmolality, which, in turn, activate the membrane-bound mechanosensitive channels. Using real-time fluorescent imaging and a custom experimental setup, the present study sought to quantify the UC cell volume changes during exposure to hydrostatic pressure and to better understand the mechanisms by which UCs sense hydrostatic pressure.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Realistic virtual reality and perception

Realistic uses of Virtual Reality (VR) technology closely integrate user training on virtual objects with VR-assisted user interactions with real objects. This paper shows how the Interactive Theory of Perception (ITP) may be extended to cover such cases. Virtual objects are explained as concrete models (CMs) that have an inner generation mechanism, and the ITP is used to explain how VR users can both perceive such local CMs, and perceptually represent remote real objects. Also, concepts of modeling and representation are distinguished. The paper concludes with suggestions as to how the ITP methodology developed here could be extended to iconic external representations and models generally.
Perforated duodenal ulcer disclosing medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD; McKusick 201450) typically presents in the first two years of life with recurrent episodes of hypoketotic hypoglycaemia, lethargy, coma, or sudden infant death. The trigger may be fasting, intercurrent infections, anaesthesia, or surgery. Incidence in the UK is estimated at 0.45–1/10 000 live births.1 We describe the case of a child who presented with marked encephalopathy unexplained by perforated duodenal ulcer, which led to the diagnosis of MCADD. A 2 year old girl presented with a three week history of coryzal symptoms and three day history of frequent coffee ground vomiting. She was shocked, and had hepatomegaly and decreased conscious level. Blood glucose was 3.9 mmol/l (reference interval 3.3–5.5), …
Decreased citrate synthesis by lymphocytes from alloxan-diabetic rat.

SummaryThe effect of alloxan-diabetes on the ability of rat splenic lymphocytes to synthesize citrate has been studied. Untreated and insulin-treated diabetic as well as normal rats were used for these studies. For the in vivo studies, [l-14C]labeled acetate was injected into rats intravenously, 15 min after an intravenous injection of mono-fluoroacetate. The animals were sacrificed 30 min later and the amount of labeled citrate in the blood and spleen of the rats was determined. The splenic tissue of untreated diabetic rats contained significantly decreased amounts of labeled citrate as compared to insulin-treated and control rat spleens. No such differences were observed in the bloods of the three groups.In another study, the splenic tissue of diabetic rats was incubated in vitro with tracer quantities of labeled acetate and substrates. The diabetic rat spleen was found to produce significantly decreased amounts of citrate in contrast to the spleen of normal or insulin-treated rats.A method to isolate s...
Fine-mapping of DNA damage and repair in specific genomic segments

Abstract The susceptibility of various genomic regions to DNA damage and repair is heterogeneous. While this can be related to factors such as primary sequence, physical conformation, and functional status, the exact mechanisms involved remain unclear. To more precisely define the key features of a genomic region targeted for these processes, a useful tool would be a method for fine-mapping gene-specific DNA damage and repair in vivo. Here, a polymerase chain reaction-based assay is described for measuring DNA damage and repair in small (less than 500 bp) genomic segments of three transcriptionally active but functionally distinct loci (rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region [Ig VDJ], low-density lipoprotein receptor gene, and N-ras proto-oncogene) in human tonsillar B lymphocytes. Analysis of ultraviolet (254 nm)-induced DNA damage revealed single-hit kinetics and a similar level of sensitivity (D50% approximately 6000 joule/m2) in all three regions, indicating that a single photoproduct was sufficient to fully block PCR amplification. A similar time period per unit length was required for repair of this DNA damage (average t1/2 per fragment length = 23.5 seconds per bp). DNA damage and repair was also detectable with the base adducting agent, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide. However, in this case IgVDJ differed from segments within the other two loci by its relative inaccessibility to alkylation. This assay thus permits high-resolution mapping of DNA damage and repair activity.
Parents’ Beliefs Regarding Sex Education for Their Children in Southern Alabama Public Schools

This study investigated the attitudes of parents of public school children in a conservative southern U.S. metropolitan area concerning the incorporation of a variety of adolescent pregnancy prevention strategies taught in the public school curriculum. It also assessed how attitudes from parents living in high risk teen pregnancy zip codes compared to the attitudes from parents living in the larger community. A telephone survey included 402 randomly selected parents from Mobile County, Alabama and an additional 120 Mobile County parents who lived in specific regions with high rates of teen pregnancy (target group). When the participants from the entire group were asked if schools should teach sex education, almost 80 % responded affirmatively and 16.5 % responded negatively. There were statistically significant income, education, and race differences between the at-large and target groups and statistically significant differences in parents' attitudes about whether or not their children should be taught about abstinence and other methods for preventing adolescent pregnancy in public schools. More than three-fourths of both groups, however, supported an assortment of adolescent pregnancy prevention strategies, a finding that could belie statistical difference in opinions between the two groups. The results suggest there is strong parental support for an approach to sex education in Alabama public schools that extends beyond abstinence-only. Informing state public policy-makers of these research findings could result in a sustained investment in the implementation of evidence-based adolescent sex education programs appropriate for the adolescents served.
Hormonal regulation of transcription of rDNA: glucocorticoid effects upon initiation and elongation in vitro

Various parameters of transcription of cloned mouse rDNA have been examined using extracts from control P1798 cells and from cells treated 24 h with 0.1 microM dexamethasone. Highly purified RNA polymerase I from either source catalyzes nucleotidyl transfer (elongation) at a rate of approximately 30 nucleotides/sec. Extracts from hormone-treated cells are capable of forming stable, preinitiation complexes. The rates of stable complex formation are the same in extracts from control and hormone-treated cells. Nevertheless, initiation of transcription does not occur in extracts from hormone-treated cells. Initiation in such extracts may be restored by the addition of a partially purified RNA polymerase I initiation factor, designated TFIC. The data indicate that initiation by RNA polymerase I is a multi-step process. The first step involves the formation of stable, preinitiation complexes, as demonstrated by a number of groups. Initiation, per se, requires an additional protein, TFIC. Glucocorticoids and perhaps other mitogenic agents regulate transcription of rDNA by influencing the amount or activity of TFIC.
New approaches to the management of fibroids.

Leiomyoma uteri are among the most common tumors of women and can result in a host of problems. To combat these growths, gynecologists have used a limited but effective armamentarium of surgical procedures—hysterectomy (abdominal or vaginal) and myomectomy (abdominal or hysteroscopic). Although these operations have been helpful for many years in the treatment of uterine fibroids, there is consumer demand for less invasive, less costly, and less morbid procedures. This article reviews new procedures for treating uterine leiomyomata. Limited data are available on the efficacy and safety of these techniques; however, their promise should be evident. As research continues, it is unclear which, if any, of these techniques will supplant traditional approaches to fibroids.
Narratives, community and land use decisions

Abstract This article explores the narrative character of community, arguing that communities are intrinsically storied. Narratives are conceptualized as social acts and are thereby of inherent importance to social scientific endeavor. Following Weber, narratives also are seen to be entrenched in institutions and in the political economy of communities. State tourism and land use decisions are suggested as ideographic situations in which such entrenchment is found.
Ultrasonically guided antegrade pyelography of an obstructed solitary pelvic kidney.

This report emphasizes the value of antegrade pyelography in evaluation of upper urinary tract obstruction. In this case, gray scale ultrasonography was particularly valuable in localizing a solitary obstructed pelvic kidney.
3He mobility and localization in thin 4He films.

We report measurements of spin-diffusion coefficients for 0.1 monolayero${\mathrm{f}}^{3}$He adsorbed on thi${\mathrm{n}}^{4}$He filmsas a function of temperature an${\mathrm{d}}^{4}$He coverage. Fo${\mathrm{r}}^{4}$He coverages below a critical coverage ${D}_{c}$ the ${}^{3}$He are immobile. The ${}^{3}$He quasiparticles in the film experience a mobility edge as the ${}^{4}$He coverage is increased beyond ${D}_{c}$. This is accompanied by a vanishing of local moments as evidenced by the disappearance of a Curie-like component of the magnetization for coverages $Dg{D}_{c}$. A peak in the transverse relaxation ${T}_{2}$ occurs near ${D}_{c}$.
Spontaneous electrical potentials and pituitary hormone (MSH) secretion.

CELLULAR secretions from either exocrine or endocrine glands are regulated in most cases by hormonal or neurohormonal agents. These chemical messengers interact with cellular receptors to stimulate a particular secretory response. In general, it would seem that changes in the transmembrane electrical potential of the secretory unit is in some way intimately involved in this stimulus–secretion coupling1. Here we provide evidence of cellular secretion resulting from spontaneous electrical activity (most probably depolarisations) after removal of a previously inhibitory stimulus.
Morphological changes in senescing adult male sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka Walbaum)

Mature male sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka Walbaum) were measured, tagged and released into a gravel holding pond adjacent to the spawning site, then remeasured when dead for possible changes in shape or size. Body length, depth, snout length and caudal peduncle thickness decreased at the end of life, 1–2 weeks later.
Calcitonin-gene-related-peptide-immunoreactive innervation of the rat head with emphasis on specialized sensory structures.

The distribution of calcitonin-gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-IR) was studied in sections of decalcified rat head and selected whole-mount preparations in order to address the complex peptidergic innervation patterns in peripheral cephalic specialized zones and to examine neuronal ganglia in situ. Labeled neuron somata in trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, and vagal ganglia comprised a large proportion of small to medium size type B ganglion cells. Parasympathetic ganglia (ciliary, otic, sphenopalatine, submandibular) revealed a small population of labeled somata and numerous perisomatic IR axons, whereas sympathetic ganglion cells (superior cervical) were devoid of label though richly innervated by perisomatic IR axons. The gustatory geniculate ganglion contained only a few labeled neurons and axons. Coarse peripheral CGRP-IR axons were traced to skeletal muscle motor end plates (e.g., lingual, tensor tympani, etc.), and thin sensory axons most densely innervated the cornea, iris, general integument, all mucosal epithelia lining the tympanic, nasal, sinus and oropharyngeal cavities, and the cerebral meninges. Blood vessels, glands, ducts, and their orifices were often heavily innervated, and specific specializations and exceptions are discussed. Distinctive patterns of IR innervation characterized the various specialized sensory systems, including 1) cochlear and vestibular hair cells; 2) lingual, palatal, oropharyngeal, and laryngoepiglottal taste buds; 3) main olfactory epithelium and axons projecting to glomeruli in specific sectors of main olfactory bulb; 4) septal-olfactory organ; 5) vomeronasal organ; and 6) the nervus terminalis system. Secretory epithelia (ciliary body, choroid plexus, and stria vascularis) were notably lacking in CGRP-IR. Despite the multiplicity of functionally distinct CGRP neuronal and axonal populations, certain generalizations merit consideration. The extensive innervation of chemosensory nasal and oral epithelia may contribute to specific chemical sensitivities (e.g., relating to olfactory and gustatory senses) as well as evoking "nociceptive" responses to chemical irritants as part of a "common chemical sense." An efferent role for some of these peptidergic afferent axons may also be inferred from their specific distributions. Sites involved in regulating access to and sensitivity of sense organs to external stimuli (e.g., cochlear and vestibular hair cells, taste bud orifices, and main olfactory epithelium) are heavily innervated. Other IR axons are in position to exert control over airflow through nasal turbinates, glandular secretion, blood circulation, and duct transport systems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Design of a high-speed optical arithmetic unit

The design of a high-speed, parallel arithmetic unit using the redundant binary representation is presented. The arithmetic unit consists of an adder and multiplier. The adder performs the addition/subtraction of two numbers in a single stage independent of the length of the numbers and the multiplier performs the multiplication in a computation time of O(log n) with O(n squared) computational elements.
The Alveolar Epithelium Determines Susceptibility to Lung Fibrosis in Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome

Rationale: Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a family of recessive disorders of intracellular trafficking defects that are associated with highly penetrant pulmonary fibrosis. Naturally occurring HPS mice reliably model important features of the human disease, including constitutive alveolar macrophage activation and susceptibility to profibrotic stimuli.Objectives: To decipher which cell lineage(s) in the alveolar compartment is the predominant driver of fibrotic susceptibility in HPS.Methods: We used five different HPS and Chediak-Higashi mouse models to evaluate genotype-specific fibrotic susceptibility. To determine whether intrinsic defects in HPS alveolar macrophages cause fibrotic susceptibility, we generated bone marrow chimeras in HPS and wild-type mice. To directly test the contribution of the pulmonary epithelium, we developed a transgenic model with epithelial-specific correction of the HPS2 defect in an HPS mouse model.Measurements and Main Results: Bone marrow transplantation experiments de...
Gender, health ambiguity, and depression among survivors of first stroke: a pilot study.

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between health ambiguity and depressive symptoms among stroke survivors and whether survivor gender moderates this association. Design Cross-sectional survey study. Setting General community. Participants Survivors of first stroke (N = 36) recruited through provider referral, support groups, and print and Web-based sources. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results Health ambiguity (β=.984, P P P Conclusions Gender and health ambiguity impact survivor depressive symptoms, independently and in conjunction with one another. Results are promising, and further research with larger samples and more comprehensive statistical models is needed to confirm these findings.
POU homeodomain genes and myogenesis

We show that members of the POU homeodomain family are among the transcription factors expressed in developing mouse skeletal muscle. From a cDNA library prepared from fetal muscle mRNA, we cloned a cDNA identical to that of Brn-4, a POU class II gene previously cloned from neural tissues. In limb muscle, we found that Brn-4 mRNA expression was highest at embryonic days 15-18, declined-after birth, and was undetectable in adults. The mRNAs of two additional POU genes, Emb (POU class VI) and Oct-1 (POU class II), were also expressed in developing muscle and, unlike Brn-4, continued to be expressed in postnatal and adult muscles. In skeletal muscle, expression of Brn-4 is myogenin-dependent, because muscles from myogenin-deficient fetuses contained much less Brn-4 mRNA than muscles from myogenin-expressing littermates. In contrast, expression of Emb was the same in the presence or absence of myogenin. The distinct pattern of Brn-4 mRNA expression and its dependence on a myogenic regulatory factor suggest that Brn-4 is part of the network of interacting transcription factors that control muscle-specific gene expression during mammalian myogenesis.
Cluster analysis in school psychology: An example

Abstract This investigation demonstrates the use of Ward's method of cluster analysis to uncover the underlying classification structure in a group of children (N = 200) referred for psychological evaluations by their public school teachers. Data were acquired on children's intellectual development, academic achievement, and social adjustment. The cluster solution identifies six groups of children which are statistically distinct. All three measurement areas are important in distinguishing among the different groups. The six-group solution accounted for appreciable amounts (95%) of the variability in the three measurement areas. Implications for psychologists working in the schools are discussed.
IS Planning autonomy in US subsidiaries of multinational firms

Research has suggested that information systems planning is an important challenge to managers of multinational firms. Although studies have examined marketing, finance, and manufacturing, limited research has considered IS planning autonomy in such firms. A field survey of 55 US subsidiaries collected data from matched pairs of senior IS and non-IS managers to test hypotheses based on corporate governance theory and agency theory. The former described their planning autonomy and the latter described organizational characteristics. Data analysis revealed that foreign product diversity, extent of local ownership of the subsidiary, intracompany purchases, and age of the subsidiary were related to the subsidiary's IS planning autonomy. The findings indicated that parent companies treat the IS function differently from other areas of the organization. Future researchers should investigate the proposed explanations of this difference.
Purification and Characterization of the Platynota idaeusalis Baculovirus Pathogenic to the Tufted Apple Bud Moth

Abstract The polyhedral occlusion bodies (OBs) of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus were purified from larvae of the tufted apple bud moth Platynota idaeusalis. Electron micrographs of OB thin sections revealed a number of enveloped virions containing one or two rod-shaped nucleocapsids. However, fractionation of alkaline buffer released virions on sucrose gradients (10-55%, w/w) showed four closely spaced bands indicative of discrete sets of virions containing from one to four nucleocapsids per envelope and a considerably lighter band (1.084 g/ml) probably consisting of envelope material. Purified undegraded polyhedrin, which has a molecular weight of 31.7 kDa as determined by 12% SDS-PAGE, was assayed by immunodiffusion with antisera (polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies) specific to Heliothis zea SNPV (HzSNPV) polyhedrin. Precipitin bands were evident between the polyclonal antibody and the polyhedrins of P. idaeusalis MNPV (PiMNPV), HzSNPV, and Autographa californica MNPV. The type 1 reaction observed among these bands indicated a close serological relatedness of PiMNPV to baculovirus subgroup A. However, a monoclonal antibody (1003) could be used to differentiate the polyhedrin of PiMNPV from the other polyhedrin antigens. The viral DNA at a density of 1.686-1.707 g/ml was purified from 1.695 g/ml (w/w) CsCl gradient. Genetic heterogeneity of the virus was confirmed by the appearance of submolar bands following restriction endonuclease analysis. The genome size was estimated to be 79 × 106 Da (121.6 kb). The LD50, determined by a dose mortality assay of 8-day-old larvae, was 334 OBs with a 95% confidence interval from 269 to 408 OBs.