cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback upregulation of HER3 (ErbB3) expression and activity attenuates antitumor effect of PI3K inhibitors

We examined the effects of an inhibitor of PI3K, XL147, against human breast cancer cell lines with constitutive PI3K activation. Treatment with XL147 resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and levels of pAKT and pS6, signal transducers in the PI3K/AKT/TOR pathway. In HER2-overexpressing cells, inhibition of PI3K was followed by up-regulation of expression and phosphorylation of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including HER3. Knockdown of FoxO1 and FoxO3a transcription factors suppressed the induction of HER3, InsR, IGF1R, and FGFR2 mRNAs upon inhibition of PI3K. In HER2+ cells, knockdown of HER3 with siRNA or cotreatment with the HER2 inhibitors trastuzumab or lapatinib enhanced XL147-induced cell death and inhibition of pAKT and pS6. Trastuzumab and lapatinib each synergized with XL147 for inhibition of pAKT and growth of established BT474 xenografts. These data suggest that PI3K antagonists will inhibit AKT and relieve suppression of receptor tyrosine kinase expression and their activity. Relief of this feedback limits the sustained inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway and attenuates the response to these agents. As a result, PI3K pathway inhibitors may have limited clinical activity overall if used as single agents. In patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer, PI3K inhibitors should be used in combination with HER2/HER3 antagonists.
Tangential neutral-beam-driven instabilities in the Princeton beta experiment.

During tangential neutral beam injection into the PBX tokamak, bursts of two types of instabilities are observed. One instability occurs in the frequency range 120-210 kHz and the other oscillates predominately near the frequency of bulk plasma rotation (20-30 kHz). Both instabilities correlate with drops in neutron emission and burst in charge-exchange neutral flux, indicating that beam ions are removed from the center of the plasma by the instabilities. The central losses are comparable to the losses induced by the fishbone instability during perpendicular injection.
Artificial hybridization of the genera zinnia (Sect. Mendezia) and tragoceras (Compositae-Zinninae)

Morphological and cytological observations onZinnia-Tragoceras hybrids are presented. At the diploid level, the cytology of the artificial hybrids indicates thatZinnia sect.Mendezia andTragoceras share a common genomic background, and that the divergence of the two genera has been accompanied by reciprocal translocations involving nonhomologous chromosomes. Diakinesis associations in artificial tetraploids of the hybrids have been used to shed light on the extent of chromosome homology of the parents. As a result of this studyTragoceras has been merged intoZinnia as a new section.
A comparative study of 200 head and neck FNAs performed by a cytopathologist with versus without ultrasound guidance: evidence for improved diagnostic value with ultrasound guidance.

Our previous study showed that the sensitivity of head and neck fine-needle aspiration (FNA) procedures was significantly better in the cytopathologist-performed group than in the noncytopathologist-performed group (96 versus 67%). Recently, cytopathologists have learned to use ultrasound machines to assist them in performing FNA procedures. This study was designed to assess whether cytopathologist-performed FNAs with ultrasound guidance can improve diagnostic value in comparison to those done without ultrasound guidance. Two hundred consecutive head and neck FNA cases performed by the same cytopathologist with and without ultrasound guidance were reviewed. Cases consisted of 100 ultrasound-guided FNAs (USGFNAs) performed between July 2008 and March 2009 and 100 palpation-guided FNAs (PGFNAs) performed before July 2008. These cases were correlated with follow-up surgical diagnosis. The diagnostic, suspicious/atypical/suggestive, and nondiagnostic rates (%) for the head and neck FNAs were 83 versus 86, 10 versus 13, and 7 versus 1 in PGFNA group versus USGFNA group, respectively. Surgical follow-up specimens were found in 50 PGFNAs versus 35 USGFNAs. The true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative rates (%) were 92, 2, 2, and 4 versus 80, 17, 3, and 0 in PGFNAs versus USGFNAs, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 96, 50, 98, 33, and 94% in PGFNAs versus 100, 86, 97, 100, and 97% in the USGFNA group, respectively. This study also shows increased FNAs of thyroid and salivary glands and other smaller nonpalpable lesions with ultrasound guidance. USGFNAs performed by a cytopathologist could significantly improve the specificity and NPV (P = 0.04) while preserving virtually the same excellent sensitivity and PPV as those of PGFNAs. With ultrasound guidance, a cytopathologist will be able to perform FNAs in smaller, nonpalpable lesions and target complex lesions with confidence and accuracy, thus achieving a better outcome. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immunologic Studies of the Origin of Follicle-Stimulating Substances in Pregnancy Urine Extracts

The origin of follicle-stimulating substances contained in extracts of pregnancy urine has been studied with microimmunodiffusion and microimmunoelectrophoretic techniques. Extracts of normal pregnancy urine contained 2 antigens possessing different electrophoretic mobility, one of which reacted with an antiserum to human urinary postmenopausal gonadotropin (Pergonal-24). In contrast, no antigens reacting with the antiserum to Pergonal-24 could be identified in extracts of trophoblastic tissue or in a urinary extract from a pregnant patient who was hypophysectomized for metastatic breast carcinoma. The data suggest that the follicle-stimulating substances contained in extracts of pregnancy urine are of pituitary origin.
Detailed river stage mapping and head gradient analysis during meander cutoff in a laboratory river

Analytical models of river evolution predict meander narrowing and elongation which creates sinuosity-driven hyporheic exchange across the meander neck, by decreasing flow distance and increasing head loss. We used a laboratory river table and close range photogrammetry to map and analyze sinuosity as a driver of head gradients and hyporheic exchange during cutoff. The river valley had relatively high slopes (1.8%) and moderately cohesive sediment (10% talc, 90% sand) to facilitate cutoff, and ratios of horizontal to vertical scaling were distorted to achieve dynamic similitude (Re = 3200). Incipient to cutoff, the head gradient across the neck increased due to a narrowing neck, upstream aggradation, and downstream degradation. Longitudinal and transverse river surface slopes around the meander bend increased as the meander approached cutoff. The steep head gradient across the moderately cohesive meander neck generated seepage erosion and scour that formed a low-sinuosity avulsion. Sediment-rich flow in the avulsed channel aggraded the downstream bed and separated the active channel and oxbow lake. The limitation in geometric and dynamic similitude in the river table limits extrapolation to natural rivers, yet river evolution may involve aggradation and degradation induced channel head loss and turnover hyporheic exchange as well as seepage-induced meander neck erosion. Our submillimeter maps of meander morphology and water stage provide data to parameterize river evolution and hyporheic exchange models, and may inform analysis and mapping of field sites.
Zfp281 functions as a transcriptional repressor for pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from preimplantation blastocysts have unique self-renewal and multilineage differentiation properties that are controlled by key components of a core regulatory network including Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog. Understanding molecular underpinnings of these properties requires identification and characterization of additional factors that act in conjunction with these key factors in ESCs. We have previously identified Zfp281, a Kruppel-like zinc finger transcription factor, as an interaction partner of Nanog. We now present detailed functional analyses of Zfp281 using a genetically ablated null allele in mouse ESCs. Our data show that while Zfp281 is dispensable for establishment and maintenance of ESCs, it is required for their proper differentiation in vitro. We performed microarray profiling in combination with previously published datasets of Zfp281 global target gene occupancy and found that Zfp281 mainly functions as a repressor to restrict expression of many stem cell pluripotency genes. In particular, we demonstrated that deletion of Zfp281 resulted in upregulation of Nanog at both the transcript and protein levels with concomitant compromised differentiation of ESCs during embryoid body culture. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that Zfp281 is required for Nanog binding to its own promoter, suggesting that Nanog-associated repressive complex(es) involving Zfp281 may fine-tune Nanog expression for pluripotency of ESCs.
Framework for robust 3D change detection

We present an application of our framework for 3-D object- centered change detection to combined satellite and aerial imagery. In this framework, geometry is compared to geometry, allowing us to compare image sets with different acquisition conditions and even different sensors. By working in this framework, we do not encounter the restrictions and short-comings of conventional image-based change detection, which requires that the images being compared have similar acquisition geometry, photometry, scene illumination, and so forth. The contributions of our framework are: (1) using a geometric basis for change detection, allowing image sets acquired under different conditions to be compared; (2) explicit modeling of image geometry to be able to numerically characterize significant and insignificant change. The contributions of this paper are: (1) the algorithms are embedded in an integrated cartographic modeling and image processing system, which can ingest and make use of a variety of government and commercial imagery and geospatial data products; (2) experimentation with a variety of imagery and scene content. Modifications to the algorithm specific to their use with satellite imagery are discussed and the results from several experiments with both aerial and satellite images urban domains are described and analyzed.
Anomalous volume expansion in Hg 1-x Cd x Te melts: An analysis employing the inhomogeneous structure model

Analyse des variations anormales du volume molaire en fonction de la temperature pour HgTe pur, en admettant que le liquide est constitue de 2 sortes de domaines, et que le comportement anormal resulte d'une transformation progressive d'un domaine d'un type en l'autre. On utilise un modele base sur une extension du modele de structure inhomogene developpe par Cohen et Jortner. On peut ainsi expliquer les volumes molaires de solutions a 5, 10, et 20 mole% de CdTe dans le bain fondu. On discute les implications de cette analyse a la lumiere des donnees thermiques existant pour des bains fondus de Hg 1−x Cd x Te
TISSUE ENGINEERING IN UROLOGIC SURGERY

The genitourinary system is exposed to a variety of possible injuries from the time the fetus develops. Aside from congenital abnormalities, individuals may also suffer from other disorders, such as cancer, trauma, infection, iatrogenic injuries, or other conditions that may lead to genitourinary organ damage or loss, requiring eventual reconstruction. Whenever there is a lack of native urologic tissue, reconstruction is usually performed with native nonurologic tissues, such as skin, gastrointestinal segments, or mucosa from multiple body sites. 14,45 The use of native nonurologic tissues in the genitourinary tract is common, due to a lack of a better alternative, despite the known possible adverse effects. For example, the use of bowel in genitourinary reconstruction is associated with a variety of complications. 15 These include metabolic abnormalities, infection, perforation, urolithiasis, increased mucous production, and malignancy. Alternative approaches are constantly being explored in order to overcome the problems associated with the incorporation of nonurologic segments into the urinary tract. Due to the complications associated with the use of native nonurologic tissues, such as gastrointestinal segments for genitourinary reconstruction, many investigators have sought to use synthetic materials as an alternative. The most common type of synthetic prostheses for urologic use are made of silicone. Silicone prostheses have been used for the treatment of urinary incontinence (artificial urinary sphincter) 34 ; vesicoureteral reflux (detachable balloon system, silicone microparticles) 13,22 ; and impotence (penile prostheses). 46 In some disease states, such as urinary incontinence or vesicoureteral reflux, artificial agents (Teflon paste, glass microparticles) have been used as injectable bulking substances; however, these substances are not entirely biocompatible. 2,4 The literature is replete with a wide array of complications (i.e., device malfunction, infection, and so forth) associated with these artificial devices. Other natural tissues and synthetic materials that have been tried previously in experimental and clinical settings include omentum, peritoneum, seromuscular grafts, de-epithelialized segments of bowel, and polyvinyl sponge. 15 These attempts have usually failed. It is evident that urothelial to urothelial anastomoses are preferable functionally. The limited amount of autologous urothelial tissue for reconstruction, however, generally precludes this option. There is a critical need for tissues to replace lost and functionally deficient genitourinary tissues. 3 Engineering tissues using selective cell transplantation 32 may provide a means to create functional new genitourinary tissues.
A review and critique of U.S. EPA's risk assessments for asbestos

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently conducted a risk assessment for exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos that is precedent-setting for two reasons. First, the Agency has not previously conducted a risk assessment for a specific type of asbestos fiber. Second, the risk assessment includes not only an inhalation unit risk (IUR) for the cancer endpoints, but also a reference concentration (RfC) for nonmalignant disease. In this paper, we review the procedures used by the Agency for both cancer and nonmalignant disease and discuss the strengths and limitations of these procedures. The estimate of the RfC uses the benchmark dose method applied to pleural plaques in a small subcohort of vermiculite workers in Marysville, Ohio. We show that these data are too sparse to inform the exposure-response relationship in the low-exposure region critical for estimation of an RfC, and that different models with very different exposure-response shapes fit the data equally well. Furthermore, pleural plaques do not represent a disease condition and do not appear to meet the EPA's definition of an adverse condition. The estimation of the IUR for cancer is based on a subcohort of Libby miners, discarding the vast majority of lung cancers and mesotheliomas in the entire cohort and ignoring important time-related factors in exposure and risk, including effect modification by age. We propose that an IUR based on an endpoint that combines lung cancer, mesothelioma, and nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD) in this cohort would protect against both malignant and nonmalignant disease. However, the IUR should be based on the entire cohort of Libby miners, and the analysis should properly account for temporal factors. We illustrate our discussion with our own independent analyses of the data used by the Agency.
The educational outcomes of occupational sub-baccalaureate students: evidence from the 1990s

Abstract Occupational students constitute the majority of enrollments at community colleges. Moreover, over the last 15 years, the “vocationalization” of the community college has been one of the most controversial trends in higher education. However, little is known about how the educational experiences of occupational students compare to those of academic students. This paper uses two Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal studies (BPS89 and BPS96) to analyze the educational outcomes of sub-baccalaureate occupational students. Our findings suggest that occupational students pursuing an associate degree complete their degree goals less often than their academic counterparts. Part of this difference can be explained by differences in student characteristics and expectations, but the gap remains after controlling these factors. We conclude that community colleges have yet to figure out and implement the optimal approach to providing direct occupational preparation within an institutional structure that continues to rest on a foundation oriented towards academic education.
Upper limits of rotational states of H2, H+2, CH and CH+

Abstract The theoretical considerations developed by the author in a previous study have been used to obtain the upper limits of rotational states of the systems of H2, H+2, CH and CH+. The potential-energy functions due to Morse and Hulburt-Hirschfelder have been considered for this study. In general, the limiting values for the Morse function are higher than for the Hulburt-Hirschfelder potential in the systems discussed here.
Two dimensional time dependent MHD simulation of plasma armatures

The authors report on the development of a two-dimensional MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) code to simulate internal motions in a railgun plasma armature. The equations of resistive MHD with ohmic heating and radiation heat transport are used. A flux-corrected transport code is utilized to advance all quantities in time. Preliminary runs show the growth and subsequent shedding of vortex structures in response to a small perturbation on an initial equilibrium. >
The Immune Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: A Disorder of Diverse Pathogenesis and Clinical Presentation

This article presents a brief history of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from the first clinical description written in 1735, through years of controversy about the nature and causes of what was first known as idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, then immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and, finally, ITP. Current understanding of ITP's primary and secondary forms and the effect of diverse defects in immune self tolerance that result in the development of antiplatelet antibodies is described. This overview is followed by a narrative list of other articles in this issue on topics ranging from a comprehensive review of the role of antiplatelet antibodies in platelet destruction and production to a review of classic treatment modalities and newer approaches to initial treatment.
Spherical coupled-cluster theory for open-shell nuclei

Background: A microscopic description of nuclei is important to understand the nuclear shell model from fundamental principles. This is difficult to achieve for more than the lightest nuclei without an effective approximation scheme.Purpose: Define and evaluate an approximation scheme that can be used to study nuclei that are described as two particles attached to a closed (sub-)shell nucleus.Methods: The equation-of-motion coupled-cluster formalism has been used to obtain ground- and excited-state energies. This method is based on the diagonalization of a non-Hermitian matrix obtained from a similarity transformation of the many-body nuclear Hamiltonian. A chiral interaction at the next-to-next-to-next-to leading order (N${}^{3}$LO) using a cutoff at 500 MeV was used.Results: The ground-state energies of ${}^{6}$Li and ${}^{6}$He were in good agreement with a no-core shell-model calculation using the same interaction. Several excited states were also produced with overall good agreement. Only the ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={3}^{+}$ excited state in ${}^{6}$Li showed a sizable deviation. The ground-state energies of ${}^{18}$O, ${}^{18}$F, and ${}^{18}$Ne were converged but underbound compared to experiment. Moreover, the calculated spectra were converged and comparable to both experiment and shell-model studies in this region. Some excited states in ${}^{18}$O were high or missing in the spectrum. It was also shown that the wave function for both ground and excited states separates into an intrinsic part and a Gaussian for the center-of-mass coordinate. Spurious center-of-mass excitations are clearly identified.Conclusions: Results are converged with respect to the size of the model space and the method can be used to describe nuclear states with simple structure. Especially the ground-state energies were very close to what has been achieved by exact diagonalization. To obtain a closer match with experimental data, effects of three-nucleon forces, the scattering continuum, as well as additional configurations in the coupled-cluster approximations are necessary.
Effect of testosterone on RNA sequence complexity in rat prostate

Abstract Injection of testosterone into castrated rats results in increased sequence complexity of nuclear and polysomal RNA in the prostate two hours after the hormone administration as determined by saturation hybridization with unique sequence rat DNA. A small increase in the ratio of complexity of nuclear RNA to polysomal RNA in the androgen-treated prostate has been observed, suggesting possible androgen-mediated post-transcriptional control. However, testosterone treatment induces relatively more complexity in the nuclear RNA populations than that in the polysomal RNA. The results indicate that many of the androgen-stimulated nuclear transcripts are discarded in the nucleus.
Iron benzene reactions: a matrix isolation Mössbauer investigation

Abstract The products of the cocondensation of iron atoms with benzene, at both 7 and 77 K, have been investigated by Mossbauer spectroscopy. On the basis of a benzene concentration study, it is concluded that iron forms two mononuclear bis-benzene complexes. By comparison of the Mossbauer parameters of these complexes to known systems, the two products are assigned to the 20 electron complex Fe(η6-C6H6)2 and the 18 electron complex Fe(η6-C6H6)(η4-C6H6). An Fe(C6H6) product is also formed at low benzene concentrations.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques in Adult Degenerative Spinal Deformity: A Systematic Review

Background Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches have the potential to reduce procedure-related morbidity when compared with traditional approaches. However, the magnitude of radiographic correction and degree of clinical improvement with MIS techniques for adult spinal deformity remain undefined.
A minimum cover algorithm for PMU placement in power system networks under line observability constraints

In this paper we develop a graph-theoretic PMU placement algorithm for multi-area power system networks with the objective of identifying a dynamic equivalent model for the system. The system is considered to be divided into clusters or areas of synchronous generators, with each area connected to other sets of areas through designated transmission networks. The buses in the system are accordingly divided into two types, namely - boundary buses of the areas and boundary buses of the transmission networks. We first show that in order to derive the equivalent line parameters connecting the different areas we must have PMUs placed at the minimum vertex cover of the bipartite graphs formed between every pair of node-sets arising out of the boundary buses of the areas and those of the corresponding transmission networks they are connected to. Considering further that the number of tie-lines observable from any given PMU is constrained by an upper limit, we derive an algorithm to compute the sub-optimal minimum cover for the multi-area system. The method is illustrated via a 4-6 bipartite network, as well as with two small examples from the WECC system. Statistical analyses of the algorithm are also presented describing how the final set of chosen PMU locations as well as the computational time needed to run the algorithm are dependent on the size, complexity and measurement constraints of the network.
Catalytic oxidation of graphite

Abstract Colloidal metal particles placed on graphite single crystals catalyse the oxidation of graphite. The catalysis occurs only at the metal-carbon interface. Spreading of catalytically active fragments from the particles was not observed for colloids of platinum, gold, iron or nickel. The particles produce characteristic etch patterns which are indicative of the crystal perfection. On crystals relatively free of defects, the catalysts attack parallel to cleavage surfaces to produce channels, and occasional pits on prismatic surfaces, but are inactive on the cleavage surfaces. On crystals containing lattice defects or substitutional boron impurities, the catalysts may also attack perpendicular to the cleavage surface and produce pits on it. The channels and pits are often oriented along preferred crystallographic directions. Activation energies for catalysis were estimated from the etch patterns and are about 10 kcal/mole parallel and 56 kcal/mole perpendicular to the cleavage surface. Some details of the mechanism of catalytic action have been deduced. Vanadium is an exceptionally active catalyst for graphite oxidation; it behaves differently from other metals because it forms a liquid pentoxide.
Influence of Substrate Thickness and Preheat Treatment on the Adhesion and Dimensional Stability of Polyacrylate‐based Photoresist Lamination in Printed Circuit Fabrication

During fuser‐roll resist lamination processes, the copper‐clad FR‐4 substrate surface temperature was found to be inversely proportional to the substrate thickness. This temperature fluctuation has resulted in changes of adhesive forces in the copper/resist interface which in turn can affect the yield in the printed circuit manufacturing processes. By using infra‐red preheat treatment on the substrate prior to fuser‐roll lamination, the adhesion was found to be improved in the copper/resist interface. This adhesion improvement was found to be reflected in yield increase in fine line printed circuit fabrication.
The chemical composition of regenerating mouse liver

Abstract The chemical composition of regenerating mouse liver was examined over a 28-day period subsequent to partial hepatectomy. The following chemical constituents were measured: lipides (including phospholipide, neutral fat, and total cholesterol); moisture; nitrogen (total and protein); phosphorus compounds (with special reference to DNA and PNA); and the enzymes, succinoxidase, liver esterase, and acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterases. For purposes of achieving maximum evaluation, the results were computed in most instances on the basis of total regenerated liver, nuclear counts, and nitrogen. All measured chemical constituents were restored to normal or nearly normal levels within the investigated time intervals. A persistent incomplete restoration of cell numbers was found to be a characteristic feature of the regenerated organ, resulting in the presence of a smaller number of cells containing correspondingly greater amounts of chemical constituents.
Observations on rat sertoli ectoplasmic (‘junctional’) specializations in their association with germ cells of the rat testis

The ectoplasmic ('junctional') specialization, a subsurface modification of the Sertoli cell that is often seen facing germ cells, was studied in relation to the development and maturation of these germ cells. This structure is composed of subsurface bundles of filaments and more deeply placed endoplasmic reticulum. The data indicate that these subsurface modifications of Sertoli cells are reutilized in a cyclic fashion, being transferred from their position facing late spermatids to one opposing less mature germ cells. Ectoplasmic specializations appeared to function mechanically in grasping the heads of the spermatids which are undergoing the elongation and maturation phases of spermiogenesis rather than in actually attaching Sertoli cells to these germ cells. It is postulated that the ectoplasmic specialization imparts rigidity to that area of the Sertoli cell that surrounds the head region of the germ cell, forming a recess and a mantle by which the germ cell may be moved toward the base or toward the surface of the seminiferous epithelium. The observed linkage of microtubules to the cisternae of the complex provided a morphological basis for the changes in the cytoarchietecture of the Sertoli cell, which must accompany these movements.
Using the overlay assay to qualitatively measure bacterial production of and sensitivity to pneumococcal bacteriocins

Streptococcus pneumoniae colonizes the highly diverse polymicrobial community of the nasopharynx where it must compete with resident organisms. We have shown that bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) dictate the outcome of these competitive interactions. All fully-sequenced pneumococcal strains harbor a bacteriocin-like peptide (blp) locus. The blp locus encodes for a range of diverse bacteriocins and all of the highly conserved components needed for their regulation, processing, and secretion. The diversity of the bacteriocins found in the bacteriocin immunity region (BIR) of the locus is a major contributor of pneumococcal competition. Along with the bacteriocins, immunity genes are found in the BIR and are needed to protect the producer cell from the effects of its own bacteriocin. The overlay assay is a quick method for examining a large number of strains for competitive interactions mediated by bacteriocins. The overlay assay also allows for the characterization of bacteriocin-specific immunity, and detection of secreted quorum sensing peptides. The assay is performed by pre-inoculating an agar plate with a strain to be tested for bacteriocin production followed by application of a soft agar overlay containing a strain to be tested for bacteriocin sensitivity. A zone of clearance surrounding the stab indicates that the overlay strain is sensitive to the bacteriocins produced by the pre-inoculated strain. If no zone of clearance is observed, either the overlay strain is immune to the bacteriocins being produced or the pre-inoculated strain does not produce bacteriocins. To determine if the blp locus is functional in a given strain, the overlay assay can be adapted to evaluate for peptide pheromone secretion by the pre-inoculated strain. In this case, a series of four lacZ-reporter strains with different pheromone specificity are used in the overlay.
Haloanaerobiaceae: A New Family of Moderately Halophilic, Obligatory Anaerobic Bacteria

Summary The anaerobic moderately halophilic bacteria Haloanaerobium praevalens (DSM 2228)and Halobacteroides halobius (ATCC 35273) were characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA oligonucleotide cataloging. The strains appeared to be related to each other, but, though clearly belonging to the Eubacteria, not to be specifically related to any of the previously recognized subgroups within the Eubacteria. We propose to classify both genera in a new family, the Haloanaerobiaceae.
Evaluation of dynamic range for LLNL streak cameras using high-contrast pulses and pulse podiatry on the NOVA laser system

A standard LLNL streak camera has been used to analyze high contrast pulses on the Nova laser facility. These pulses have a plateau at their leading edge (foot) with an amplitude which is approximately 1 of the maximum pulse height. Relying on other features of the pulses and on signal multiplexing we were able to determine how accurately the foot amplitude was being represented by the camera. Results indicate that the useful single channel dynamic range of the instrument approaches 100:1. 1. BACKGROUND Requirements for achieving power balance among the ten Nova beamlines demand that complex pulse shapes be measured with accuracy of better than 10 at all points in time. The standard instrument used to measure pulseshape is the LLNL streak camera. While this streak camera has a well understood sweep rate and flat field response1 its small signal response is less certain. The purpose of this work is to determine the minimum on-line signal level that meets the 10 accuracy specification. As a final " footnote" regarding the background of the title since we are analyzing a (pulse) foot to see how healthy (accurate) it is the colloquialism " pulse podiatry" seemed appropriate. 1. 1. The LLNL streak camera The LLNL streak camera uses a large format streak tube coupled to a 40mm diameter microchannel plate intensifier. The intensifier output is imaged through a lens onto a CCD chip© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Speciation and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci

During a six month period, 191 isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci from blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and heart valves were identified to species level and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Seventy-one percent of isolates wereStaphylococcus epidermidis, 8 %Staphylococcus warneri, 7 %Staphylococcus hominis, 7 %Staphylococcus haemolyticus, 4 %Staphylococcus capitis, 2 %Staphylococcus saprophyticus and 1 %Staphylococcus cohnii. Approximately 4 % of isolates were felt to be associated with infection. Overall, 18% of isolates were susceptible to penicillin G, 61 % oxacillin, 98 % cephalothin, 98 % cefamandole, 72 % cefotaxime, 95 % cefsulodin, 76 % gentamicin, 64 % clindamycin and 98 % rifampicin. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. Vancomycin, rifampicin, cephalothin and cefamandole showed excellent activity against oxacillin-resistant isolates. With one exception, speciation was not helpful in determining whether or not an isolate was associated with infection.
Pressure and endothelial coculture upregulate myocytic Fas–FasL pathway and induce apoptosis by way of direct and paracrine mechanisms

Background: Pressurized endothelial cell (EC)-smooth muscle cell (SMCs) coculture significantly increases the apoptosis of SMCs. Our current hypothesis was that in EC-SMC coculture, pressure upregulates SMC apoptosis SMCs through EC-derived paracrine factors and that SMC apoptosis is induced through Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) activation. Methods: Conditioned media (CM) from ECs and SMCs exposed to ambient or high pressure was transferred to recipient SMCs. SMCs were stained with terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxy undine tnphosphate nick-end labeling. Fas and FasL expression was assessed in SMC grown in monoculture, coculture with EC, pressurized monoculture, and pressurized coculture with EC. Results: CM from pressurized ECs caused a 30% increase in SMC apoptosis compared with CM from control ECs (P <.05). Pressure increased Fas and FasL expression in monocultured and cocultured SMCs (1.6-fold and 2.3-fold for Fas [P <.05] and 1.65-fold and 1.7-fold for FasL [P ≤.05]). Coculture had synergistic effect on Fas expression and no effect on FasL expression. Conclusions: Pressure plays significant role in EC-SMC interaction, SMC apoptosis, and vascular remodeling.
Sex differentiation and early gonadal development in Bombina orientalis (anura: Discoglossidae).

Gonadal differentiation in premetamorphic Bombina orientalis is described and staged. The pattern of events during differentiation in Bombina differs in several respects from that previously described in other anurans. The Bombina gonad initially develops on the ventral surface of the vena cava, where there is no pre-existent somatic genital ridge prior to the arrival of the germ cells. The sexually undifferentiated gonad does not have a distinct cortex and medulla; instead, medullary cells ingress from the mesonephric blastema during sexual differentiation. Formation of a testis or an ovary appears to depend on the ability (or lack of ability) of the medulla to invade the germ cell-containing cortex. In the germ line, sexual differetiation can be recognized by a premeiotic increase in oogonial cell volume.
GI motor inhibition associated with acute exposure to methyl methacrylate vapor

Abstract A mixture of monomeric methyl methacrylate vapor in air was delivered into the breathing air of chloralose-urethan anesthetized dogs. Fixed length exposures to 2000-ppm doses of the vapor resulted in a transient drop in arterial blood pressure and a marked inhibition of ongoing GI motor activities. Motor inhibition always continued for a variable time (~ 10–15 min) subsequent to the cessation of methyl methacrylate vapor administration. This inhibitory response was not blocked by bilateral vagotomy, spinal transection, splanchnectomy, or the intravenous administration of tetraethylammonium chloride. Another series of experiments determined that the administration of blood from a dog receiving methyl methacrylate vapor produced GI motor inhibition in another dog not connected to the experimental gas mixture. Therefore, it is concluded that, aside from any reflex effects produced, methyl methacrylate vapor in sufficient concentration probably exerts a direct inhibitory effect upon GI smooth muscle that is mediated by the cardiopulmonary systems.
Monte Carlo solutions of a joint pdf equation for turbulent flows in general orthogonal coordinates

Abstract The modeled transport equation for the joint probability density function (pdf) of the velocities and a single scalar composition in a turbulent flow is an integro-differential equation in up to seven independent variables and time. Because of its large dimensionality, this equation may be efficiently solved by a Monte Carlo method. An algorithm is developed that allows the pdf equation to be solved in a general orthogonal coordinate system. The method is based on a Lagrangian approach in which the behavior of fluid particles in a turbulent flow is modeled and particle trajectories are computed in the Monte Carlo solution algorithm. The technique is applied to three self-similar turbulent free shear flows: the plane mixing layer, the plane jet, and the axisymmetric jet. Numerical test results are presented which compare the new algorithm with earlier methods, verify the statistical error estimates, and demonstrate convergence.
A singular perturbation problem in unsteady groundwater flows with a free surface

Abstract Perturbation methods are employed to study the seepage resulting from a heavy, prolonged rainfall over the slopes of a symmetric hill (two dimensions). The emergence of horizontal velocity components in the seepage is an important item of study, since such velocities tend to destabilize soil slopes. The study does establish the development of such outward horizontal components of flow. In addition, the geometry of the descending free-surface (dry-wet soil interface) also forms part of the solution. The perturbations introduced turn out to be of a “singular type”, and the techniques of matched asymptotic expansions are used in the construction of the solution.
Feline Herpes Virus Infection

Abstract Ten cases of naturally occurring dendritic keratitis (feline herpes keratitis), which are manifestations of the disease commonly known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, have been identified in domestic cats in San Francisco. Neonatal, juvenile, and adult forms of the disease are described and their treatment is discussed.
A User‐Oriented Approach to Construction Simulation of Buildings

: This paper describes a modeling approach for construction operations that uses a Form metaphor rather than the familiar network-based icons. The objective is to facilitate the construction of simulation models by nonprogrammers. This paper discusses object orientation in modeling and how the technology may be used to help the user (a nonprogrammer) by facilitating the modeling process and to translate the object-based model into a simulation program. The simulation model development is facilitated by the creation of company-wide “construction operation libraries” limiting model development to the specification of resource interactions. An example demonstrating the application of this approach to a complex construction project and a comparison with CYCLONE are presented.
Secondary Nucleation and Growth of ZnO

Recently we discovered that under certain conditions new crystal growth (branch) can be induced on specific crystalline planes of the same material. This is a new phenomenon and is in sharp contrast to typical nucleation and growth in which a crystal will simply grow larger in preferred directions depending on the surface energy of the specific crystalline planes. Based on our observation, we developed a sequential nucleation and growth technique offering the power to assemble complex hierarchical crystals step-by-step. However, the key questions of when and how the secondary nucleation takes place have not been answered. Here we systematically study secondary ZnO crystal growth using organic diamine additives with a range of chain lengths and concentration. We found that ZnO branches form for a narrow diamine concentration range with a critical lower and upper critical nucleation concentration limit, which increases by about a factor of 5 for each additional carbon in the diaminoalkane chain. Our results suggest that the narrow window for secondary growth is dictated by the solubility of the ZnO crystals, where the low critical nucleation concentration is determined by slight etching of the surface to produce new nucleation sites, and the upper critical concentration is determined by the supersaturation concentration. Kinetic measurements show that the induction time and growth rate increase with increasing diamine concentration and follow classical nucleation and growth theory. Observations of branch morphological evolution reveal the mechanisms guiding the tunable crystal size and morphology.
Prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants

Prematurely born infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) suffer significant morbidity and mortality, particularly those infants with high grade hemorrhage. The more premature infants have a higher incidence, experiencing more severe IVH. Early onset IVH is also likely to be severe and to progress to a higher grade. The etiology of intraventricular hemorrhages is clearly multifactorial, with differing sets of risk factors for early onset and later occurring hemorrhage. Prevention reqires multilayered strategies, both prenatal and postnatal. These strategies are discussed in detail, highlighting unresolved controversies. Certain recommendations for prevention can be made. These include efforts to prevent preterm delivery, transfer of high risk mothers to tertiary care centers and antenatal maternal steroid use. Postnatally, the importance of optimal resuscitation and neonatal care practices is stressed, particulary those which minimize cerebral blood flow fluctuation. Postnatal indomethacin use should be considered in most infants. Further investigation of other strategies is necessary, including multicenter randomized trials to further evaluate antenatal pharmacologic agents, as well as the relative efficacy of different modes of delivery. The different risk factors for early onset versus later onset IVH must be more clearly delineated. Most importantly, any strategy must include sustained neurodevelopmental followup.
Multiplication of potato yellow dwarf virus on vector cell monolayers.

Abstract The rate of multiplication of sanguinolenta yellow dwarf virus (SYDV) in monolayers of cultured vector cells was determined by infectivity tests on assay cell monolayers. The concentration of cell-associated progeny SYDV decreased gradually during the first 9 hr after inoculations which resulted in 100% of the cells being infected. After the eclipse period there was an exponential increase from 9 to 29 hr during which the virus population doubled every 80 min to give an increase spanning 4 log units. Subsequently the concentration of progeny virus was maintained at the same plateau level until the end of the experiments at 52 hr postinoculation.
The Observed Dispersion Relationship for North Pacific Rossby Wave Motions

Abstract The phase speeds of ocean surface height variability obtained by analyzing the time–longitude sections of altimetric anomalies have been widely reported as being generally faster than those of free, first baroclinic linear mode flat-bottom Rossby (planetary) waves. In contrast to previous analyses, extraction of the different signals in the time–longitude domain is performed here by array processing methods better able to separate different frequency and wavenumber bands. Although an incomplete description of oceanic variability in the North Pacific, real oceanic motions with energy levels varying from about 10% to 40% of the total in each frequency band are indistinguishable from the simplest theoretical description. At higher latitudes, as the linear waves slow, they disappear altogether. Nonequatorial latitudes display some energy with frequencies too high for consistency with linear theory; this energy produces a positive bias if a lumped average westward phase speed is computed for all the m...
Delta and theta oscillations as risk markers in adolescent offspring of alcoholics.

Abstract Background Visual P300 is consistently lower in alcohol-dependent individuals, their offspring and subjects at risk. Delta and theta event-related oscillations (ERO) are the major contributors to the P300 signal. The total and evoked power in delta and theta bands in the 300 to 700 ms post-stimulus window (corresponding to the zone of P300 maxima) was compared between adolescent offspring of alcoholics (high-risk) and age-matched normal controls (low-risk), to assess the utility of the risk markers. Methods EEG was recorded during the performance of a visual oddball task. The S-transform algorithm decomposed the EEG signals into different frequency bands and the group differences in total and evoked power in the oscillatory responses during the P300 time window (300 to 700 ms) were analyzed using a multivariate design. Similar analysis was performed on P300 peak amplitude for the target. Results The high-risk group showed significantly lower parietal post-stimulus evoked and total power in the delta band for targets. A decrease in total power was seen centrally and parietally in the theta band. The P300 peak amplitude in the parietal electrodes was also significantly lower in the high-risk group. Conclusions The decreased total theta power and total and evoked delta power for visual targets in high risk individuals may serve as an endophenotypic marker in the development of alcoholism and other disinhibitory disorders. The differences seen between the offspring of alcoholics and controls may have a cholinergic basis. The ERO measures appear to be more robust than the P300 amplitude in differentiating the groups.