cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retroregulation: Control of integrase expression by the b2 region of bacteriophages λ and 434

Abstract Genetic fusions constructed by a combination of in vivo and in vitro techniques have been used to investigate the cis-regulatory role of a 250-base-pair segment of b2 DNA in the expression of int transcripts originating from three different promoters PI, PL and PTRP. It has been established that (a) the PI and PTRP transcripts, which produce functional int protein, are efficiently terminated by the b2 segment, (b) in the same test system, the PL transcript, which does not result in functional integrase, is not terminated by the b2 segment, (c) this b2 (sib) effect does not depend on genes lying between int and N on the phage genome, (d) the sib effect is also observed with the b2 DNA of phage 434, which resembles that of λ between -197 and att but diverges radically from it to the left of base -197.
Interactions between organic dyes and sol-gel matrices

Abstract The sol-gel process is a chemical route that allows one to prepare amorphous and transparent oxide matrices doped with organic dyes. Luminescence of pyranine-doped aluminosilicate gels was studied during gel formation. The pyranine molecules adsorb on the surface of the oxide particles formed early in the gelation process. The changes in luminescence indicate a strong decrease in the hydrophilic character of the particles during gelation and aging. Absorption studies of rhodamine B- and 6G-doped silica gels show that the initial pH of the gels has a significant effect on the chemistry of the dye. Results suggest that both rhodamine B and 6G are influenced by the electrical charge developed on the silica gel surface.
Computer‐mediated communication and conflict management process: A closer look at anticipation of future interaction

This paper explores the concept of anticipation of future interaction (AFI) in Computer‐Mediated Communication (CMC) with conflict management. Specifically, the tenet of the current paper is to determine whether CMC is suitable for conflict management. This central question was address drawing on anticipation of future interaction. Along this line, the issue of task, identity, self‐presentations are discussed relative to the role of anticipation of future interaction in CMC encounters. Specific propositions are presented. The discussion addresses implications for group conflict management process in general while paying attention to the key stages of conflict management.
Focal parotid necrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: case report and review of the literature.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease that may affect a number of organ systems, particularly the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and immune system. Salivary gland involvement is usually associated with Sjogren's syndrome, in which lymphocytic acinar infiltrates predominate histologically. We present the case of a 29-year-old woman with SLE who developed bilateral parotid enlargement with a unilateral focus of parotid necrosis that was consistent with a cystic mass on computerized tomography. A biopsy of this lesion was histologically similar to a cervical lymph node biopsy in the same patient, with both specimens showing loss of architecture and foci of necrosis consisting of nuclear dust, histiocytes, and scattered plasma cells without formation of granulomata or presence of multinucleated giant cells; these findings are classic for SLE lymphadenopathy. We believe this to be the first reported case of focal necrosis in the parotid gland directly associated with SLE.
Nitric oxide involved in signal transduction of Jasmonic acid-induced stomatal closure ofVicia faba L.

Nitric oxide (NO) and Jasmonic acid (JA) are two key signaling molecules involved in many and diverse biological pathways in plants. Growing evidence suggested that NO signaling interacts with JA signaling. In this work, Our experiment showed that NO exists in guard cell ofVicia faba L., and NO is involved in signal transduction of JA-induced stomata closuring: (i) JA enhances NO synthesis in guard cell; (ii) both JA and NO induced stomatal closure, and had dose response to their effects; (iii) there are synergetic correlation between JA and lower NO concentration in regulation of stomatal movement; (iv) JA-induced stomatal closure was largely prevented by 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO), a specific NO scavenger. An inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS) in mammalian cells,NG-nitro-L-Arg-methyl eater (L-NAME) also inhibits plant NOS, repressing JA-induced NO generation and JA-induced stomatal closure. We presumed that NO mainly comes from NOS after JA treatment.
Belief in the existence of multiple personality disorder among psychologists and psychiatrists

The present study surveyed the attitudes of psychiatrists and psychologists with regard to the existence of dissociative and multiple personality disorders. Questionnaires were sent to psychiatrists and psychologists in all VA Medical Centers. A total of 1,120 VA psychologists and psychiatrists completed the surveys. More than 97% of respondents indicated that they believed in dissociative disorders, while 80% reported a belief in multiple personality disorder. Belief in multiple personality disorder was related significantly to profession, age, and years of experience.
Circulation on the Continental Shelf of the Southeastern United States. Part III: Modeling the Winter Wind-Driven Flow

Abstract A vertically integrated two-dimensional model has been adapted for the study of the wind-driven flow on the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) shelf during the winter season. Wind data are used as an input to the model and current data are used to verify the model results. Initially, a constant wind field in time and space is applied over the whole domain; the predicted flow pattern shows good agreement with observations. Model results using observed spatially and temporally varying wind fields are also in good agreement with observations. At the shelf-break the comparison is rather poor due to the strong influence of the Gulf Stream in the outer shelf data, which was neglected in the model. Water particle trajectories resulting from wind forcing, tidal forcing, and from the combined effect of an along-shelf surface slope with tidal forcing are compared. The along-shelf slope seems to have a significant effect on the net displacement of water particles as well as on the along-shelf volume transport. Comp...
Brownian motion of a spherical particle in a compressible fluid

Abstract It is shown on the basis of hydrodynamic fluctuation theory that the generalized fluctuation-dissipation theorem derived for brownian motion in incompressible liquids is also valid for the case of compressible fluids. The equations used to demonstrate this are the linearized hydrodynamic equations for compressible liquids. The resistance factor for time-dependent motion of a spherical particle is derived, and it is shown that the autocorrelation functions for random force and velocity change with degree of compressibility in a continuous fashion. The asymptotic behavior of these correlation functions for large times is not affected by the compressibility.
Runx2 integrates estrogen activity in osteoblasts.

Steroids significantly effect skeletal integrity. For example, bone mass decreases with glucocorticoid excess or with estrogen depletion after menopause. Glucocorticoid suppresses gene expression by an essential skeletal tissue transcription factor, Runx2, in rat osteoblasts. We now report that estrogen enhances Runx2 activity in dose- and estrogen receptor-dependent ways independently of changes in Runx2 levels or its DNA binding potential. Estrogen receptor and Runx2 can be collected by co-immunoprecipitation. By two-hybrid gene expression analysis, high affinity complex formation involves portions of Runx2 outside of its own DNA binding domain and the DNA binding domain of the estrogen receptor. Consistent with this interaction, the stimulatory effect of estrogen on Runx2 activity is lost when the DNA binding domain of the estrogen receptor is eliminated. Unlike the stimulatory effect of estrogen and the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoid, androgen fails to increase Runx2 activity, whereas Runx2 potently suppresses gene expression induced by all three steroids. Finally, estrogen increases gene transcription by the transforming growth factor-β type I receptor gene promoter, which contains several Runx binding sequences, and enhances Smad dependent gene expression by transforming growth factor-β in osteoblasts. These results reveal that Runx2 can integrate complex effects on gene transcription in hormone-, growth factor-, and tissue-restricted ways.
Numerical simulation of constraint effects in fatigue crack growth

Abstract The computational analysis of constraint effects on fatigue crack growth is discussed. An irreversible cohesive zone model is used in the computations to describe the processes of material separation under cyclic loading. This approach is promising for the investigation of fatigue crack growth under constraint as the energy dissipation due to the formation of new crack surface and cyclic plastic deformation is accounted for independently. Fatigue crack growth in multi-layer structures under consideration of different levels of T -stress are conducted with a modified boundary layer model. Fatigue crack growth is computed as a function of layer thickness and T -stress for constant and variable amplitude loading cases.
Discrete integer Fourier transform in real space: elliptic Fourier transform

The concept of the N -point DFT is generalized, by considering it in the real space (not complex). The multiplication by twiddle coefficients is considered in matrix form; as the Givens transformation. Such block-wise representation of the matrix of the DFT is effective. The transformation which is called the T -generated N -block discrete transform, or N -block T-GDT is introduced. For each N -block T-GDT, the inner product is defined, with respect to which the rows (and columns) of the matrices X are orthogonal. By using different parameterized matrices T , we define metrics in the real space of vectors. The selection of the parameters can be done among only the integer numbers, which leads to integer-valued metric. We also propose a new representation of the discrete Fourier transform in the real space R 2N . This representation is not integer, and is based on the matrix C (2x2) which is not a rotation, but a root of the unit matrix. The point (1, 0) is not moving around the unite circle by the group of motion generated by C, but along the perimeter of an ellipse. The N -block C-GDT is therefore called the N -block elliptic FT (EFT). These orthogonal transformations are parameterized; their properties are described and examples are given.
Novel Optical Technologies to Aid Diagnosis and Guide Therapy in Colorectal Medicine

Optical methods provide unique capabilities in terms of imaging resolution and sensitivity and are relatively low cost. This review presents an overview of emerging optical techniques and their potential roles in detection, mapping, staging, and therapy of dysplasia. In this article we will review the fundamental concepts of complex light interactions with tissue that result in these features. We will discuss a number of optical methods that are used or have the potential to be used in colorectal medicine. These include conventional colonoscopy, scattering-based methods such as optical coherence tomography, light scattering spectroscopy, and confocal endoscopy, fluorescence-based methods using both endogenous fluorophores and exogenous molecular contrast agents, and finally in vivo bioluminescence imaging. For all these methods, we will briefly review the underlying concepts as well as applications, capabilities, and limitations.
Adsorbed polymer and NOM limits adhesion and toxicity of nano scale zerovalent iron to E. coli.

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) is used for groundwater remediation. Freshly synthesized bare, i.e. uncoated NZVI is bactericidal at low mg/L concentration, but the impact of surface modifiers and aging (partial oxidation) on its bactericidal properties have not been determined. Here we assess the effect that adsorbed synthetic polymers and natural organic matter (NOM) and aging (partial oxidation) have on the bactericidal properties of NZVI to the gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli. Exposure to 100 mg/L of bare NZVI with 28% Fe0 content resulted in a 2.2-log inactivation after 10 min and a 5.2-log inactivation after 60 min. Adsorbed poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), poly(aspartate) (PAP), or NOM on NZVI with the same Fe0 content significantly decreased its toxicity, causing less than 0.2-log inactivation after 60 min. TEM images and heteroaggregation studies indicate that bare NZVI adheres significantly to cells and that the adsorbed polyelectrolyte or NOM prevents adhesion, thereby decreasing NZVI ...
Different-Age and Mentally Handicapped Listeners' Response to Western Art Music Selections

The purpose of the study was to provide insight into the musical responsiveness of different groups of participants. A listening activity was developed to measure likeability of pre-selected excerpts in different performance media. One-hundred-and-sixty-three subjects, students from Grades 2, 5, 8, 11/12, and trainable mentally handicapped (TMH) students, participated in the study. Students listened to excerpts from Puccini's La Boheme, Haydn's Symphony No. 104, Mozart's Vesperae Solennes, and Hoist's First Suite in E-flat, while simultaneously manipulating a Continuous Response Digital Interface (CBDI) dial. Overlays used with the CRDI dial were developed specifically for the populations tested and included a pictographic scale continuum. Results indicated that (a) second-grade participants rated all excerpts higher than did the other groups, and (b) instrumental music examples were rated higher than vocal music examples. Results concur with findings reported in music preference research literature.
Control of the Density of Polymer Brushes Prepared by Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Growth of polymer brushes from solid substrates is an attractive method for generating robust surfaces with controlled properties and functionality. This work demonstrates enhanced control over such films through variation of the areal density of the immobilized initiators used for their growth. Reaction of mercaptoundecanol monolayers on Au with both an acyl bromide initiator and a structurally similar acyl bromide diluent yields monolayers whose composition reflects the ratio of the acyl bromides in solution. Similarly, derivatization of SiO2 with an initiator and a diluent monochlorosilane also affords control over initiator density. The thickness of polymer films grown from these modified substrates drops dramatically when the fractional coverage of the surface by initiator decreases below 10% of a monolayer because the area per polymer chain increases. However, reduced termination at low initiator coverage results in substantial increases in initiator efficiency as measured by film growth rates norma...
Functional analysis of complement receptor 1 using a new monoclonal antibody, KuN241.

A monoclonal antibody (MAb), KuN241, recognized an antigen present on all monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), B cells, and a subpopulation of T cells. Cell surface expression pattern and immunoprecipitation studies indicated the molecule recognized by KuN241 to be complement receptor 1 (CR1). This was confirmed by sequential immunoprecipitation using Ell, a CR1-specific monoclonal, and by immunoprecipitation analysis of a truncated transfection product of CR1. In vitro activation of PBLs for 7 days with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) abrogated surface expression of CR1 on B cells. Overnight culture with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) downregulated the expression of CR1 detected by KuN241 both on PMNs and monocytes. Addition of MAb KuN241 to purified PMN and monocytes resulted in a transient increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). This was blocked by the Fab fragment of MAb KuFc79 directed against the Fcγ receptor. Further, Fab fragment of KuN241 cross-linked with F(ab')2 goat anti-mouse Ig...
SUBUNIT SEPARATION (α, αprime;, β) OF CRYPTOMONAD BILIPROTEINS *

— Phycocyanin 645, phycocyanin 612 and phycoerythrin 545 are biliproteins isolated from the cryptomonad algae, Chroornonas species, Hemiselmis virescens and Rhodomonas lens, respectively. The protein has α and β subunits. which are separated on an ion exchange column by using a urea gradient and omitting 2-mercaptoethanol from the solvent. This separation establishes that the α and β subunits are not joined by disulfide bonds. In addition it has recently been shown that mercaptoethanol can produce spurious results in the calculation of the chromophore contents of these biliproteins (Guard-Friar and MacColl, 1984). The mercaptoethanol-free experiments allow analysis of the chromophore content in a rapid and artifact-free manner. When the ion exchange chromatography of phycocyanin 645 is manipulated by changing the type of urea gradient, two distinct a subunit fractions are obtained. These two fractions have identical visible absorption spectra but different amino acid compositions. At least two different gene products are, thus. responsible for the a subunits. The sole chromophore on the two a subunits of phycocyanin 645 is the unique 697-nm bilin as seen in acidic urea. Its reactivity with mercaptoethanol is determined. The α subunits of phycoerythrin 545 have two different bilins: cryptoviolin and phycoerythrobilin. Phycocyanobilin is the chromophore on the α subunit of phycocyanin 612.
Pre- and postnatal development of the ganglion cells of the rectum and its surgical implications

Abstract In 1932 de Castro first postulated that the autonomic neurons of the enteric plexuses grow and differentiate throughout life. 1 Since then several workers have made similar observations about the neurons of the sympathetic chain, 2 the water-regulating centers of the hypothalamus 3 and the intramural plexuses of the esophagus, 4 the pylorus, 5 and the duodenum, 6 The present study was undertaken to document chronologically the maturation of the ganglion cells of the sigmoid colon and the rectum during pre- and postnatal development.
CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE 5-A NEURONAL KILLER?

In dividing cells, cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are cell cycle-associated protein kinases that regulate proliferation, differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis. In neurons that no longer divide, deregulation of Cdks, especially Cdk5, occurs in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Cdk5 is a unique member of the Cdk family because it does not play a critical role in cell cycle progression, and it is not activated by a cyclin. Instead, Cdk5 normally is activated by the regulatory protein p35. This Cdk5/p35 activity has emerged as an important regulator of proper development of the mammalian central nervous system. In vitro studies suggest that aberrant activation of Cdk5 by an endogenous truncated version (p25) of p35 might be a key event in the process of neurodegeneration. One enzyme responsible for cleavage of p35 to form p25 is calpain, a calcium-activated protease that has been shown to be involved in neuronal cell death. Recent studies provided important in vivo evidence that hyperactivation and redistribution of Cdk5 by p25 plays an essential role in the phosphorylation of "pathological" substrates (such as tau) and the cell death of neurons in experimental models of AD and PD. Because amyloid beta peptide, the primary neurotoxic component of amyloid plaques in AD, has been shown to increase the conversion of p35 to p25, aberrant activation of Cdk5 by p25 might be a pathway connecting amyloid beta toxicity to tau hyperphosphorylation in AD.
A numerical and experimental investigation of premixed methane-air flame transient response

Abstract We report the results of a numerical and experimental investigation of the response of premixed methane-air flames to transient strain-rate disturbances induced by a two-dimensional counter-rotating vortex-pair. The numerical and experimental time histories of flow and flame evolution are matched over a 10 ms interaction time. Measurements and computations of CH and OH peak data evolution are reported and compared. Despite the matching of experimental operating conditions, the full resolution of flame length and time scales, and the use of a detailed C 1 C 2 chemical mechanism and temperature-dependent transport properties, we find disagreements with experimental measurements of the transient response of both CH and OH. Besides quantitative disagreements in response time scales, the qualitative transient features of OH at rich conditions are not predicted in the computations. These disagreements suggest deficiencies in the chemical and/or transport models. On the other hand, evolution of computed and measured peak HCO mole fractions are in reasonable agreement, suggesting that certain components of flame chemistry may indeed be accurately predicted by the present model. We also report computed CH 3 O response, which exhibits a strong transient driven by changes to internal flame structure, namely temperature profile steepening, induced by the flow field. Steady state experimental PLIF CH 3 O data is reported and compared to numerical results, but experimental transient CH 3 O data is not available. In general, the present study highlights the importance of validation of chemical-transport models of flames in unsteady flow environments.
Apomorphine-induced inhibition of neostriatal activity is enhanced by lesions induced by 6-hydroxydopamine but not by long-term administration of amphetamine ☆

Single-unit activity was recorded in the neostriatum of locally-anesthetized, immobilized rats which had received either a unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the nigro-neostriatal dopamine pathway, or repeated injections (twice daily for 6 days) of saline, 1.0, 5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg (+)-amphetamine. A staircase regimen of apomorphine was administered intravenously to each rat to determine if the long-term administration of amphetamine changed the sensitivity of postsynaptic dopamine receptors in a way comparable to that produced by 6-hydroxydopamine. In all groups, the most frequent response to apomorphine was inhibition of neostriatal activity. In saline-treated rats, most units were moderately excited by small doses of apomorphine (0.0025-0.02 mg/kg) and then inhibited by doses exceeding 0.04 mg/kg. In rats with lesions induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, apomorphine caused significantly more inhibition than in saline-treated animals. By contrast, neuronal responses in amphetamine-treated rats were not significantly different from those of saline controls. These results indicate that the long-term administration of amphetamine produces an augmentation of behavior by some mechanism other than an increase in the sensitivity of postsynaptic dopamine receptors.
Geographic and temporal correlations of mammalian size reconsidered: a resource rule

The tendency of mammals to increase or decrease body size with respect to geography or time depends on the abundance, availability, and size of resources. This dependency accounts for a change in mass with respect to geography, including latitude (Bergmann's rule), a desert existence, and life on oceanic islands (the island rule), as well as in a seasonal anticipation of winter (Dehnel's phenomenon) and a tendency for some lineages to increase in mass through time (Cope's rule). Such a generalized pattern could be called the "resource rule," reflecting the controlling effect of resource availability on body mass and energy expenditure. The correlation of mammalian size with geography and time reflects the impact of temperature, rainfall, and season on primary production, as well as the necessity in the case of some species to share resources with competitors. The inability of the constituent "rules" to account for all size trends often results from unique patterns of resource availability.
Carboplatin-Loaded PLGA Microspheres for Intracerebral Implantation: In Vivo Characterization

AbstractCarboplatin is a potent anticancer agent that has shown efficacy in clinical trials against malignant glioma, one of the most deadly cancers in humans. However, a high systemic dose is required to achieve an effective concentration in the brain because of the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Such a high dose can cause many side effects. Local delivery of antitumor agents to the brain using injectable and biodegradable microspheres is a new strategy for the treatment of malignant glioma. This method is able to bypass the BBB and allows maximal local exposure and minimal systemic exposure to avoid the severe side effects of carboplatin. Delivering sustained-release microspheres directly to the tumor site could also control local tumor recurrence and improve survival. In the present studies, carboplatin-loaded microspheres were delivered intracerebrally in rats. No signs of systemic or neurologic toxicity associated with the microspheres implanted in the rat brain were observed. The in vivo...
Estimated chemical usage by manufacturers in Connecticut

Abstract Background There is little available data on chemical use patterns by companies, with few federal requirements for reporting. This results in difficulties for targeting toxics for possible substitution, assisting employers with complying with newer international regulations, and decreased ability to estimate health and environmental impacts. Methods Massachusetts chemical use data for manufacturers required under the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) was acquired, with corresponding information on industrial sector classification and employment levels by sector for both Massachusetts (MA) and Connecticut (CT). The MA chemical data was adjusted based on the ratio of employment levels by sector for CT compared to MA to give estimates of chemical usage by sector in CT. Results It was estimated that there was over 660 million pounds of chemicals used in CT, with over 300 million pounds each of carcinogens and reproductive hazards (categories overlap). The most common chemicals estimated to be used were styrene monomer (266 million lbs.), sodium hydroxide (60 million lbs.), and methanol (50 million lbs.). The industrial sub-sectors estimated with the highest chemical usage were chemical manufacturing, plastics and rubber products manufacturing, and fabricated metal product manufacturing. Conclusion There is extensive chemical use in CT manufacturing, but little direct information on actual use patterns.
Design of low energy beam transport for new LANSCE H+ injector

Abstract The present LANSCE injector utilizes two 750-keV Cockcroft–Walton (CW) based injectors for simultaneous injection of H+ and H− beams into 800-MeV accelerator. To reduce long-term operational risks, the new project to replace the existing H+ CW injector with a Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator is underway [1] . The new injector requires a Low-Energy Beam Transport (LEBT). An ion source and 2-solenoid magnetic LEBT have been designed and optimized to transport beams over a wide range of space-charge neutralization and transverse emittance, while allowing sufficient space for diagnostics and a beam deflector. The design layout minimizes the beam size in the LEBT and potential emittance growth due to solenoid aberrations and nonlinear space-charge forces. This paper describes the details of the LEBT design activity.
Patient characteristics and treatment implications of marijuana abuse among bipolar alcoholics: results from a double blind, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract Objective Marijuana abuse, primarily a disorder of adolescents and young adults, is highly prevalent among patients with severely ill psychiatric population, especially those with bipolar disorder. Additional marijuana abuse may impact on the clinical presentation of bipolar illness and may potentially act as mediator of treatment response in this population. However, the characterization of bipolar disorder patients with additional marijuana abuse and the impact of such abuse on treatment outcome has been rarely examined. The aim of this study was to characterize bipolar alcoholic patients with comorbid marijuana abuse and test the impact of marijuana abuse on alcohol and mood outcome of patients with bipolar disorder and comorbid alcohol dependence. Method We conducted secondary analyses of a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial testing valproate in 52 bipolar alcoholics. Subjects had a comprehensive assessment at baseline using structured diagnostic assessments, and they were then assessed every 2 weeks for 24 weeks. Results Twenty-five subjects (48%) reported marijuana abuse. Those with co-occurring marijuana abuse were younger, had fewer years of education, and had significantly higher number of additional psychiatric comorbidity. They also had more severe alcohol and other drug use and were significantly more likely to present in the manic phase. The mixed model indicated that the placebo-treated marijuana abuse group had the worst alcohol use outcome. Conclusions Marijuana abuse among patients with bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence is associated with higher degree of severity of alcohol and other drugs of abuse and may negatively impact on alcohol treatment outcome.
Induction of colony-stimulating factor from quiescent fibroblasts by avian macrophages and monocytic leukemic cells.

Abstract Confluent, quiescent chick embryo fibroblasts maintained in protein-free medium released CSF(s) active on granulocyte and monocyte progenitors and on monocytic leukemia cells induced by avian ‘myeloblastosis’ virus (AMV) when exposed to formaldehyde-fixed AMV leukemic cells. The CSF was assayed under serum-free conditions. Of several normal cell types tested including populations enriched for blast cells, only macrophages exhibited this capacity.
Characterization of a caldesmon fragment that competes with myosin-ATP binding to actin

The protein caldesmon inhibits actin-activated ATP hydrolysis of myosin and inhibits the binding of myosin.ATP to actin. A fragment isolated from a chymotryptic digest of caldesmon contains features of the intact molecule that make it useful as a selective inhibitor of the binding of myosin.ATP complexes to actin without having the complexity of binding to myosin. The COOH-terminal 20 kDa region of caldesmon binds to actin with one-sixth the affinity of caldesmon with a stoichiometry of binding of one fragment per two actin monomers. This contrasts with the 1:6–9 stoichiometry of intact caldesmon. The binding of the 20 kDa fragments to actin is totally reversed by Ca(2+)-calmodulin and, like intact caldesmon, the 20 kDa fragments are competitive with the binding of myosin subfragments to actin. This competition with myosin binding is largely responsible for the inhibition of ATP hydrolysis, although both the fragments and intact caldesmon also reverse the potentiation of ATPase activity caused by tropomyosin. These polypeptides are useful both in defining the function of caldesmon and in studying the role of weakly bound cross-bridges in muscle.
Conductances, conductance fluctuations, and level statistics on the surface of multilayer quantum Hall states

Transport properties on the two-dimensional surface of coupled multilayer heterostructures are studied in integer quantum Hall states. We emphasize the criticality of the surface state and the phase-coherent transport properties in the thermodynamic limit. A stable numerical algorithm for large-scale conductance calculations in the transfer-matrix approach is discussed in detail. It is then applied to a directed network model describing the quantum-mechanical tunneling and impurity scattering of the multilayer edge states. We calculate the two-probe conductance in the direction parallel to the external magnetic field, and its fluctuations and statistical distributions, as functions of the interlayer tunneling strength. Using finite-size scaling, the asymptotic scaling functions of the ensemble-averaged conductance and the conductance fluctuations are calculated for a fixed aspect ratio, and found to be in remarkable agreement with the analytical results obtained using the supersymmetric nonlinear $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-model approach. The conductance distribution is determined in the quasi-one-dimensional metallic, insulating regime, as well as in the crossover regime where comparisons are made to that at the single-layer quantum Hall transition. We present a detailed study of the level statistics in the eigenvalue spectrum of the transfer matrix. Coexistence of metallic and insulating statistics is observed in the crossover regime, which is attributed to the emergence of a finite-range level repulsion in the crossover regime, separating the metallic (Wigner-surmise) behavior at small level spacings from the insulating (uncorrelated or Poisson) behavior at large level spacings.
The processing of conceptual information on spatial directions from pictorial and linguistic symbols

Abstract An analysis was made in a sample of 30 S s of the processing of spatial information when expressed in pictorial and linguistic (verbal) symbolic representations. Outline drawings of arrows pointing in the directions of up, down, right, and left were compounded with the word names for these directions printed within the arrows. A set of predictions were confirmed including (1) that it takes more time to name the arrow directions than to read the words and (2) that an interference phenomenon can be produced using mismatched spatial symbols similar to the color-word interference phenomenon of the Stroop test. A number of lines of further investigation are presented.
Can Investors Detect Managers’ Lack of Spontaneity? Adherence to Pre-determined Scripts during Earnings Conference Calls

This paper examines whether market participants infer negative information about future unexpected firm performance when managers adhere to pre-determined scripts when responding to questions during earnings conference calls. I argue that managers respond to questions from prepared scripts to avoid the disclosure of bad news. Using a measure of the adherence to pre-determined language, I provide evidence that a lack of spontaneity is negatively associated with the market reaction to the call and with the abnormal returns in the subsequent quarter. I further find that analysts downgrade their forecasts following these calls. I also provide evidence that adherence to pre-determined language is negatively associated with future unexpected firm accounting performance, supporting investors’ negative response to it. Finally, I find that bid-ask spreads increase and firms are less likely to guide future earnings when managers adhere to the pre-determined language of a script, suggesting that firms provide less information, not more, during these calls.
Clinical pharmacy services provided to asthma patients in a school-based clinic.

Asthma is a highly prevalent disease with numerous direct and indirect costs. Between 1980 and 1994, there was a 74% increase in asthma prevalence among children 5–14 years of age (from 42.8 per 1000 to 74.4 per 1000).[1][1] In 2005, over 9 million children under age 18 years in the United States
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Surgical Prevention

Definitive surgical management of gastric dilatation volvulus involves gastric repositioning, gastric resection when indicated and surgical formation of a permanent adhesion to prevent recurrence of the problem. Derotation and gastropexy procedures are recommended as soon as the patient is a reasonable anesthetic risk. Splenectomy and pyloric outlet procedures are of questionable value in preventing recurrence in the majority of cases. In North America, most veterinary surgeons perform right-sided antral gastropexy as a means of preventing recurrence. The technical advantages and disadvantages and experimental and clinical results of several techniques, including the tube gastrostomy, incisional gastropexy, circumcostal gastropexy, and belt-loop gastropexy, are discussed.
Cultural transmission of social essentialism

Social essentialism entails the belief that certain social categories (e.g., gender, race) mark fundamentally distinct kinds of people. Essentialist beliefs have pernicious consequences, supporting social stereotyping and contributing to prejudice. How does social essentialism develop? In the studies reported here, we tested the hypothesis that generic language facilitates the cultural transmission of social essentialism. Two studies found that hearing generic language about a novel social category diverse for race, ethnicity, age, and sex led 4-y-olds and adults to develop essentialist beliefs about that social category. A third study documented that experimentally inducing parents to hold essentialist beliefs about a novel social category led them to produce more generic language when discussing the category with their children. Thus, generic language facilitates the transmission of essentialist beliefs about social categories from parents to children.
Hope in the Midst of Tragedy: (Isa 5:1-7; 27:2-6; Matt 21:33-46 par.)

The unity of the Bible is exemplified through the agrarian image of the vine/vineyard in the songs of Isa 5:1-7; 27:2-6 and in the parable of Matt 21:33-46. The metaphor expresses a development and reinterpretation of the themes of judgment and promise, wherein God wills to accomplish his purposes for his people, despite his repeated frustration with human rebellion. God expresses his love for his people in a wholly vulnerable manner. Both Isaiah and Jesus underscore the truth that God could do nothing more than he had already done for his people; no blame can be attached to God. Where there is unbelief and rejection of the Beloved Son, there is tragedy and destruction. Where there is receptivity, there is joy, promise, fruitfulness and fulfillment.
The presence of plasma inhibitors during the crisis phenomenon in experimental relapsing fever (Borrelia novyi).

The intensity and duration of Borrelia novyi infection in rats depends upon the dose of spirochetes administered. The spirochetemia in response to an inoculum of 1 x 108 spirochetes/kg. characteristically reaches a peak of 4 to 5 million organisms per c.mm. of blood at about 72 hours. Resolution of the primary infection occurs within 48 hours after the peak counts have been observed, with crisis ending at 100 to 120 hours after inoculation. Treatment of the acute infection, so standardized, by 10 ml./kg. of crisis plasma intraperitoneally delays the onset of the spirochetemia 76 to 140 hours, and reduces the maximal spirochetal count 10–3 to 10–6 that of the unmodified controls. This is evidence that inhibitor is present in the plasma at the time of crisis and plays a role in limiting the primary infection and subsequent relapses. The activity of crisis plasma is not destroyed by freezing, or after storage at 4°C. for 4 days. Fractions I + II + III and IV + V+ VI from crisis plasma, obtained by method 10 of Cohn et al., were also effective in suppressing the acute spirochetemia, but differed in duration and effectiveness. The first of these was about as potent as the undiluted whole plasma, and the second about as potent as plasma diluted 1:4.
Cartographic data structures: alternatives for geographic information systems

Means of capturing and encoding cartographic data for machine processing is a major issue in the design and the development of geographic information systems. The available and potential technology constitutes a bewildering array of choices for system designers from which to select formats and processing capabilities to meet user applications. Designers are not provided a very precise statement of data requirements (or fidelity requirements for the data capture and processing system); therefore, the tolerable distortion rates and tolerable information losses are not well expressed so as to assess coding efficiencies. Nor is there substantial agreement as to the appropriate breadth of comparative tests, as some systems can replicate coverages well for cartographic purposes, while other systems may provide stronger analytical capabilities for processing encoded geographic data.One of the major problems in encoding cartographic data is the lack of measures by which to assess the effectiveness of the coding. One set of effectiveness measures relates to the ability to replicate the source document in map form, while a second set of effectiveness measures relates to the use of the map or coverage data. There are a number of effectiveness measures that need developing in order to compare and test the effectiveness of alternative system approaches. A source document constructed to possess features that will test the effectiveness of alternative systems fairly and equitably needs development. This would result in the ability to establish benchmark tests by which systems could be compared.
Directional motility in strongly malignant murine tumor cells

Laminin, fibronectin and 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) were examined for their ability to induce biological responses (cell-to-substrate adherence and motility) in a series of strongly malignant and weakly malignant murine fibrosarcoma cells. All three agents caused increased cell-to-substrate attachment of the cell lines. Laminin and fibronectin induced a slow but sustained response, whereas with TPA the response was rapid and transient. The 3 agents also stimulated motility in the same cells. Random motility was seen with all of the cells but directional motility was observed primarily in the strongly malignant cells. With TPA, the response was chemotactic but laminin and fibronectin induced cell migration by haptotaxis. Since laminin and fibronectin are constituents of the extracellular matrix and since malignant tumor cells must cross the extracellular space during invasion, those properties of cells which allow for migration across a substrate containing these materials may contribute to the expression of malignancy.
Interactions between cimetidine, methylparathion, and parathion.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cimetidine exerts a protective effect against toxicity of organophosphate pesticides requiring metabolic activation in mice and rats. In both species, pretreatment with cimetidine (75 mg/kg/ip) 30 min prior to methylparathion (MP) reduced lethality and delayed the onset of cholinergic signs of toxicity. In contrast when cimetidine was administered simultaneously with MP to mice, neither MP‐induced lethality nor cholinergic signs of toxicity were altered. Moreover, cimetidine pretreatment failed to decrease parathion‐induced toxicity in mice. In conclusion, pretreatment with cimetidine decreases the toxicity of MP but not of parathion in mice and rats.
Pathogenesis of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus in fifth-instar Anticarsia gemmatalis larvae.

We have investigated infection and pathogenesis of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) in Anticarsia gemmatalis (velvetbean caterpillar) larvae using a lacZ recombinant virus (AcMNPV-hsp70/lacZ) to track the temporal progression of infection in the midgut intestine and haemocoel. A. gemmatalis was highly resistant to fatal infection by occlusion bodies (OBs; LD50>5.5×105 OB) and budded virus (BV; LD50>3×105 BV) administered via oral and systemic routes, respectively. Orally administered occlusion-derived virus (ODV) efficiently attached and fused to midgut cells; however, high levels of infection-induced apoptosis limited infection in the midgut. Transcriptional analysis of AcMNPV genes expressed in the midgut of OB-inoculated A. gemmatalis larvae showed high levels of mRNA encoding the major capsid protein VP39 in the absence of immediate-early transactivator 1 (ie-1) expression. In the midgut, virus was efficiently transferred from infected midgut epithelial cells to nearby tracheolar cells and circulating haemocytes to initiate systemic infection in the haemocoel. However, haemocoelic BV did not efficiently disseminate infection and only cuticular epidermal cells displayed high levels of viral infection. Flow cytometry analysis of haemocytes isolated from BV-inoculated A. gemmatalis larvae showed low-level expression of the BV envelope protein GP64 on the cell surface, suggesting that A. gemmatalis haemocytes have a limited capacity for amplifying virus. These results show that AcMNPV is not an effective biological control agent for limiting crop damage caused by A. gemmatalis larvae.
Endoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Subepithelial lesions are increasingly being identified with improved endoscopic imaging technologies. Many of these lesions are now recognized as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Recent advances in immunohistochemistry have allowed for reliable differentiation of GISTs from other subepithelial tumors, thereby significantly improving our understanding of these lesions. The wealth of recent information and continual evolution in our understanding of GISTs has exposed some knowledge gaps pertaining to the optimal management of these lesions. In this article, we review the endoscopic management of GISTs as it relates to the identification, diagnosis and management of these lesions based on the best available literature and our own clinical experience to date.
Temperature dependence of levoglucosan yield from fast pyrolysis of acid infused biomass

Background: We have previously shown that alkali and alkaline earth metals inherent in biomass, which catalyze pyranose ring breaking reactions during fast pyrolysis, can be passivated using mineral acid infusions thereby significantly enhancing the yield of levoglucosan (LG). Results & Discussion: The temperature dependence of LG yield for fast pyrolysis was studied using a micropyrolyzer/GC/flame ionization detector system, and acid-infused switchgrass, red oak and loblolly pine feedstocks. The study revealed that the yield of LG from acid-infused biomass is almost constant in the temperature range of 350–500°C. Conclusion: The results points to potential low temperature pyrolysis of acid-infused biomass feedstocks for enhanced recovery of the LG produced.
Can beach dune ridges of the Texas Gulf Coast preserve climate signals

A study of the evolution of North Padre Island (southern Texas Gulf Coast) dunes was carried out using LIDAR topographic data, dune vibracores through the center of the dunes, and grab samples of shoreface sand at four locations along a cross-shore profile. Grain-size analyses of the vibracores show vertical variations in shoreface sand deposition over decimeter depth intervals. A dune ridge growth model is introduced that describes the dune vertical accretion rate as a function of island progradation and freshwater lens expansion. This model allows indirect dating of the dune core samples based on a known island progradation rate (1 m/year), and height and spacing of the dunes calculated from the topographic data. A sand provenance model is also proposed that links the sand deposition in the dunes with sand sourced from various depths along the shoreface profile, depending on storm activity. We present evidence linking the changes in storm-sand deposition in the dune cores with yearly climatic fluctuations in the Gulf of Mexico associated with landfalling tropical storm activity in the period from 1942–1965. This record of storm-induced sand variability is negatively correlated with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (Pacific) sea surface temperature variability, and positively correlated with North Atlantic decadal sea surface temperature variability.