cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MAP kinase- and Rho-dependent signals interact to regulate gene expression but not actin morphology in cardiac muscle cells

Post-natal growth of cardiac muscle cells occurs by hypertrophy rather than division and is associated with changes in gene expression and muscle fiber morphology. We show here that the protein kinase MEKK1 can induce reporter gene expression from the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) promoter, a genetic marker that is activated during in vivo hypertrophy. MEKK1 induced both stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) activity; however, while the SAPK cascade stimulated ANF expression, activation of the ERK cascade inhibited expression. C3 transferase, a specific inhibitor of the small GTPase Rho, also inhibited both MEKK- and phenylephrine-induced ANF expression, indicating an additional requirement for Rho-dependent signals. Microinjection or transfection of C3 transferase into the same cells did not disrupt actin muscle fiber morphology, indicating that Rho-dependent pathways do not regulate actin morphology in cardiac muscle cells. While active MEKK1 was a potent activator of hypertrophic gene expression, this kinase did not induce actin organization and prevented phenylephrine-induced organization. These data suggest that multiple signals control hypertrophic phenotypes. Positive and negative signals mediated by parallel MAP kinase cascades interact with Rho-dependent pathways to regulate hypertrophic gene expression while other signals induce muscle fiber morphology in cardiac muscle cells.
Psychiatry resident graduate comfort with general medical issues: impact of an integrated psychiatry-primary medical care training track.

Objective To determine if a psychiatry-primary medical care (PPMC) training track impacts comfort and behaviors related to addressing general medical issues after residency.
Avoiding local optima with user demonstrations and low-level control

Interactive Evolutionary Algorithms (IEAs) use human input to help drive a search process. Traditionally, IEAs allow the user to exhibit preferences among some set of individuals. Here we present a system in which the user directly demonstrates what he or she prefers. Demonstration has an advantage over preferences because the user can provide the system with a solution that would never have been presented to a user who can only provide preferences. However, demonstration exacerbates the user fatigue problem because it is more taxing than exhibiting preferences. The system compensates for this by retaining and reusing the user demonstration, similar in spirit to user modeling. The system is exercised on a robot locomotion and obstacle avoidance task that has an obvious local optimum. The user demonstration is provided through low-level control. The system is compared against a high-level fitness function that is susceptible to becoming trapped by a local optimum and a mid-level fitness function designed to remove the local optimum. We show that our proposed system outperforms most variants of these completely automatic methods, providing further evidence that Evolutionary Robotics (ER) can benefit by combining the intuitions of inexpert human users with the search capabilities of computers.
Comments on “Estimating the parameter of the population selected from discrete exponential family”

Abstract We provide counter-examples to the statements claimed in Theorems 3.1–3.3 of Vellaisamy and Jain [Vellaisamy, P., Jain, S., 2008. Estimating the parameter of the population selected from discrete exponential family. Statist. Probab. Lett. 78, 1076–1087].
Physical habitat and sediment in the lower Virgin River

The lower Colorado River basin is located in an area of known El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence. A streamflow forecast is developed using Pacific Ocean Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) as predictors in addition to a traditional ENSO predictor, such as the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Significant regions of SST influence on streamflow were determined using linear correlations (LC). These significant SST regions are then used as predictors in a statistically based exceedance probability model previously applied to streamflow stations in Australia and the U.S. Long lead-time (3 and 6 month) streamflow forecasts were developed for El Nino, La Nina and non-ENSO years for the winter-spring (January-February-March – JFM) season. The use of the SSTs resulted in improved forecasts, based on cross-validated skill scores, when compared to forecasts using the SOI. Additionally, forecast leadtimes were increased when using the SSTs as predictors due to the inability of the SOI to provide an acceptable forecast. Also, the use of SSTs provided an improved forecast for all lead times for non-ENSO seasons when compared to the SOI forecasts. Following the methodology presented, water resource planners in ENSO influenced areas are provided a useful tool for forecasting streamflow.
Group dynamics in the language classroom: embodied participation as active reception in the collective Zone of Proximal Development

This article explores the notion of ‘active reception’ during small-group collaborative interaction in the foreign language classroom, focusing on the embodied participation of a secondary (nonspeaking) interactant, Diane. Drawing on Vygotskian sociocultural theory, we argue that within small-group work, a Zone of Proximal Development can form in which individuals pool their collective resources to push the group’s developing understanding of a problem or task while at the same time potentially benefiting individual members of the group. Through the analysis of video-recorded small-group work, we illustrate how Diane attends to the primary interactions driving the group’s solving of a problem, and we suggest that this form of active reception has the potential to help her develop her analytic abilities.
Mutations in HISTONE ACETYLTRANSFERASE1 affect sugar response and gene expression in Arabidopsis.

Nutrient response networks are likely to have been among the first response networks to evolve, as the ability to sense and respond to the levels of available nutrients is critical for all organisms. Although several forward genetic screens have been successful in identifying components of plant sugar-response networks, many components remain to be identified. Towards this end, a reverse genetic screen was conducted in Arabidopsis thaliana to identify additional components of sugar-response networks. This screen was based on the rationale that some of the genes involved in sugar-response networks are likely to be themselves sugar regulated at the steady-state mRNA level and to encode proteins with activities commonly associated with response networks. This rationale was validated by the identification of hac1 mutants that are defective in sugar response. HAC1 encodes a histone acetyltransferase. Histone acetyltransferases increase transcription of specific genes by acetylating histones associated with those genes. Mutations in HAC1 also cause reduced fertility, a moderate degree of resistance to paclobutrazol and altered transcript levels of specific genes. Previous research has shown that hac1 mutants exhibit delayed flowering. The sugar-response and fertility defects of hac1 mutants may be partially explained by decreased expression of AtPV42a and AtPV42b, which are putative components of plant SnRK1 complexes. SnRK1 complexes have been shown to function as central regulators of plant nutrient and energy status. Involvement of a histone acetyltransferase in sugar response provides a possible mechanism whereby nutritional status could exert long-term effects on plant development and metabolism.
Time-optimal leader election in general networks

Abstract This note presents a simple time-optimal distributed algorithm for electing a leader in a general network. For several important classes of networks this algorithm is also message-optimal and thus performs better than previous algorithms for the problem.
Dietary phosphorus reduction by pretreatment of human breast milk with sevelamer

Hyperphosphatemia leading to hyperparathyroidism and ultimately renal osteodystrophy is a well-known complication of chronic renal failure. A new hydrogel binder, sevelamer, has recently become available for use in hyperphosphatemic patients with renal failure. We had previously mixed the capsule with pumped breast milk and formula, but discovered that the hydrogel formed a viscous solution that infants were unable or unwilling to swallow. We therefore evaluated the phosphorus content of fresh and frozen breast milk before and after treating with different doses of sevelamer at different temperatures and for varying lengths of time. The hydrogel bound promptly to phosphorus, reducing the phosphorus content 78% within 5 min. The viscous hydrogel settled to the bottom of the container within 10 min allowing the supernatant to be easily decanted. We also evaluated the breast milk for changes in other electrolytes, osmolality, pH, and macronutrient content. These results show that fresh or frozen breast milk can be safely pretreated with sevelamer without significantly changing its macronutrient or ionic content, with the exception of calcium and protein. The supernatant can be fed to infants or instilled through a gastrostomy tube without difficulty since the viscous hydrogel settles rapidly to the bottom of the container.
Amoxicillin pharmacokinetics in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) following single dose intravenous administration: implications for interspecific dose scaling.

The pharmacokinetics of sodium amoxicillin after a single intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg were determined in ten harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and ten northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). The seals ranged in age from 1 to 6 months and the mean weights were 11.7 kg (range, 9.5–18.5 kg) for harbor seals and 47.1 kg (range, 39.5–61.4 kg) for elephant seals. The median half-life of amoxicillin (quartiles) in harbor seals, 1.5 (1.0–3.1) h, was not statistically different from that of elephant seals, 2.0 (1.4–3.8) h, nor were the differences between the terminal elimination rate constants between the two species. The only statistically significant differences between species were for area-under-the-curve (AUC), and total systemic clearance. The lack of statistical significance for differences in the volume of distribution at steady-state (Vss) may have been due to minor differences in the time frame of data collection and dose administered between the two groups. A true physiologic difference in drug handling, possibly related to renal perfusion or tubal secretory efficiency could affect amoxicillin kinetics in these species, and longer administration intervals may be appropriate for elephant seals as compared to harbor seals when administering multiple dose amoxicillin therapy at 20 mg/kg.
Omnes ProUno! Investors’ Collaboration Networks to Influence Responsible Corporate Management

This dissertation abstract and reflection commentary presents the work of Dr. Jegoo Lee. The dissertation addresses collaboration networks among social investors seeking to influence responsible corporate management. The dissertation abstract explains the research questions, setting, and methods. The reflection commentary discusses the author’s views of research process as a junior scholar.
Fibrinogen kinetics in patients with neoplastic disease

Fibrinogen half-life was determined in 30 patients with active or inactive malignancies by monitoring survival of administered 125I-labeled autologous fibrinogen. Six patients had no evidence of active disease and served as controls having fibrinogen levels and half-lives within the normal range reported in the literature. Twenty-six studies were conducted on 24 patients with various active malignancies. Significantly shorter fibrinogen half-lives were found in patients with active malignancies. The fractional catabolic rates calculated from both the plasma data and the urinary isotope excretion were significantly increased in patients in this group. Although there is some evidence that exposure to intensive chemotherapy may further shorten fibrinogen survival, there is no significant difference between treated and untreated or responding and nonresponding groups. The major determinant of fibrinogen survival appears to be the presence of active malignant disease, in addition to the specific type of malignancy involved.
Calibration of an integrated hydrogen gas-sensing system

An accurate and flexible calibration model has been developed for a single-chip integrated hydrogen-sensing system. The model continuously provides the hydrogen concentration from measurements of the palladium-nickel film resistor, which serves as the active gas-sensing structure, and an on-chip thermometer. Calibration parameters are easily determined from simple measurements that utilize temperature control provided by on-chip heaters. The model is shown to yield accurate results in practical environments, i.e., where time-dependent temperatures and hydrogen concentrations coexist. The model enables the implementation of small practical hydrogen-sensing systems based on an integrated hydrogen-sensing chip.
A simplified approach to teaching medical students ocular movements and the rationale in testing the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducent nerves

The actions of the individual extraocular muscles are best explained to medical students in a lecture format by showing the relationship of each muscle to the axes of the globe and the walls of the bony orbit. The lateral and medial rectus muscles cross only the vertical axis, and consequently, cause only abduction and adduction, respectively. These muscles can be tested simply by asking the patient to abduct or adduct. Inability to do so indicates that the muscles and/or their innervation have been compromised. In contrast, the superior and inferior oblique and rectus muscles cross all three axes (vertical, horizontal, and anteroposterior) of the globe. Therefore, concentric contraction of each of these muscles results in three movements; abduction or adduction, elevation or depression, and intorsion or extorsion. These muscles must be tested with a sequence of two movements. Gaze can be either elevated or depressed by both an oblique and a rectus muscle. If abduction or adduction occurs first, one muscle of the pair becomes incapable of causing elevation or depression of the pupil. The rationale for abducting or adducting first is that either the oblique or rectus muscle of the pair will no longer cross the horizontal axis and will then be unable to effect the desired movement. Inability to elevate or depress gaze from the abducted or adducted position shows which muscle, the oblique or rectus, and/or its innervation has been compromised.
A 2-dimensional computerized biomechanical model

Abstract The main objective of this study is to present a user-friendly computerized biomechanical static model which can be used to estimate the forces and the moments at the major joints of the human body. The model estimates the compression and the shearing forces at the L5/S1 using three different approaches. Both symmetric and asymmetric postures can be analyzed. The symmetric model consists of seven links that represent the hands, lower arms, upper arms, trunk, upper legs, lower legs, and the head. In the asymmetric model, two more links were incorporated to represent the left and the right legs. The user has the choice to run the analysis for a given individual or for a percentile of the population. The program can be used for industrial applications and work place design. It can be also utilized in comparing different methods of performing a specific task.
The Name of War: King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity

“When I came to the place, i found an house burnt downe, and six persons killed, and three of the same family could not be found. An old Man and Woman were halfe in, and halfe out of the house neer halfe burnt. Their owne Son was shot through the body, and also his head dashed in pieces. This young mans Wife was dead, her head skined.” The young woman . . . “was bigg with Child,” and two of her children, “haveing their heads dashed in pieces,” were found “laid by one another with their bellys to the ground, and an Oake planke laid upon their backs.” The three missing family members . . . had been taken captive.3
Palladium−Indium Catalyzed Reduction of N-Nitrosodimethylamine: Indium as a Promoter Metal

An emerging technology for the removal of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) from drinking and groundwater is reductive destruction using noble metal catalysts and hydrogen gas as a reducing agent. Bime...
Microsomal oxidation of thiobenzamide. A photometric assay for the flavin-containing monooxygenase.

Abstract The hepatotoxin thiobenzamide is S-oxidized by the microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenase (MFMO) 1 in liver, lung, and kidney of rabbit, mouse and rat. Its oxidation is accompanied by a large spectral shift which can be used as the basis of a simple convenient photometric assay for the MFMO system.
Possibilities of the Positive Following Violence and Trauma Informing the Coming Decade of Research

The effects of trauma and violence may be better understood by taking a broader perspective that includes resilience and recovery as well as damage and symptomatology. Based on this broader view, this article describes three interrelated, cutting-edge trends in mental health research: (a) the positive psychology movement, (b) the recognition of the role of spirituality and religion in health and well-being, and (c) stress-related growth. The integration of these trends into mainstream studies of trauma and violence will provide a counterbalance to the predominant orientation of victimization and pathology currently evidenced in the literature. All three have important implications for survivors of violence and trauma.
Zero Population Growth and the Family Life of Old People

2 model demographic profiles are presented: the modern population ta ble shows the typical structure of most of North America Europe and Oceania and the modern-stationary assumes an increase in life-expectancy to 77.5 years (a figure approximated in the Netherlands) with zero growth achieved through birth control. While the population of the U.S. grew from 40 to 204.8 million between 1870 and 1970 the number of people over 65 years of age grew 17-fold from 1.2 million to more than 20 million. By the year 2000 the aged are expected to increase 40% to approximately 28.8 million. Contrary to popular belief only 5% of aged persons at any 1 time are in institutions. Most live in independent households near children or siblings. 82% of people over 65 have living children less than 50% have only 1 or 2 children 90% of those with children have grandchildren and 40% of those have great-grandchildren. These families offer financial support as well as help in times of illness. In a recent survey 65% of all old people had seen at least 1 or their children within the 24 hours before they were interviewed and 3 4% of all men and 43% of all women had seen at least 1 of their siblings during the week before they were interviewed. Zero population growth would increase the proportions of the aged and decrease the number of ch ildren and grandchildren to help these aged. There will be more older people living alone more couples without children living in age-segrega ted communities and more old people in institutions since there will be fewer children to help in case of illness or infirmity. The government will have to take over many of the functions of the family in providing social supports for the aged. There must be increased employment flexibility so older people can work either full or part time. Zero population growth will make a welfare society for the elderly inevitable. This appears to be a rational response to changes in population structure and technological advances.
TNF-RII and c-IAP1 mediate ubiquitination and degradation of TRAF2

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory mediator that exerts its biological functions by binding two TNF receptors (TNF-RI and TNF-RII), which initiate biological responses by interacting with adaptor and signalling proteins. Among the signalling components that associate with TNF receptors are members of the TNF-R-associated factor (TRAF) family1,2. TRAF2 is required for TNF-α-mediated activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), contributes to activation of NF-κB, and mediates anti-apoptotic signals3, 4. TNF-RI and TNF-RII signalling complexes also contain the anti-apoptotic (‘inhibitor of apoptosis’) molecules c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 (refs 5, 6), which also have RING domain-dependent ubiquitin protein ligase (E3) activity7. The function of IAPs in TNF-R signalling is unknown. Here we show that binding of TNF-α to TNF-RII induces ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of TRAF2. Although c-IAP1 bound TRAF2 and TRAF1 in vitro, it ubiquitinated only TRAF2. Expression of wild-type c-IAP1, but not an E3-defective mutant, resulted in TRAF2 ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, E3-defective c-IAP1 prevented TNF-α-induced TRAF2 degradation and inhibited apoptosis. These findings identify a physiologic role for c-IAP1 and define a mechanism by which TNF-RII-regulated ubiquitin protein ligase activity can potentiate TNF-induced apoptosis.
Use of trephines in oral surgery

Abstract The oral cavity offers a unique location for studying the healing of bone and the value of the various types of bone chip grafts. The trephine technique can also be applied to the study of bone substitutes as possible inductors of new bone formation in cystic cavities, in tooth extraction sockets, and on resorbed alveolar ridges. It is hoped that the simple trephine technique described here will be an aid in the diagnosis of suspicious bone lesions, and that it may be an adjunct to the study of the healing of extraction sockets, thereby giving some insight into the etiology of alveolitis.
Between Chimera and Charybdis: Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Views on the Political Organization of the Italian City-States

This article offers a detailed investigation of Byzantine and post-Byzantine perceptions of the political organization of the Italian city-states. Drawing on philosophical and historical writing produced by Byzantine and post-Byzantine authors between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries, it identifies the main patterns and motifs that informed Byzantine discourse about the constitutional arrangements of such Italian cities as Genoa, Venice, Florence, and Milan. It shows how these come into play in the writings of major figures of Byzantine and post-Byzantine intellectual life such as Theodoros Metochites, John Kantakouzenos, Nikephoros Gregoras, George of Trebizond, Cardinal Bessarion, Laonikos Chalkokondyles, and John Kottunios. It also explores the ways in which the classical legacy of political thought was applied by Byzantine writers in their analysis of various constitutional forms. The findings of this survey provide new insights into cross-cultural exchanges between the Byzantine world and medieval and early modern Europe and the formation of Byzantine identity.
Neural network for Gulf Stream dynamics

Neural networks are general nonlinear systems that map from one vector space into another. These trainable mappers have been applied to numerous problems in geosciences and scientific computing. This study investigates the use of neural networks to map the present positions of mesoscale features in the ocean into future positions, thus performing neural-based 'forecasting' of mesoscale dynamics. Specifically, a neural network has been trained to predict the position of the North Wall of the Gulf Stream based on a recent history of Gulf Stream positions. An archive of Gulf Stream positional data covering several years has been assembled. Eigenvector analysis of the archive showed that any given realization of Gulf Stream shape can be reasonable parameterized as a set of eigenvector, or normal mode, coefficients. Gulf Stream dynamics can, therefore, be conceptualized as a time series of these coefficients. A neural network has been trained to take advantage of any existing time coherency in Gulf Stream normal mode coefficients to produce forecast coefficients that describe Gulf Stream shape and position in the future. The neural network performance is compared with persistence and with other forecasting systems. Forecast skill for the neural network is found to be generally superior to other methods considered, but computational requirements are only a fraction of those required by alternate methodologies.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Calcium accumulation by subcellular fractions from vascular smooth muscle

Abstract A mitochondrial enriched fraction and a fraction containing sarcoplasmic reticulum (vesicular or microsomal fraction) has been prepared from the medial, muscular layer of bovine aorta. Calcium uptake by the vesicular fraction was dependent upon ATP, was not inhibited by sodium azide, and was greatly potentiated by potassium oxalate. Calcium uptake by the mitochondrial enriched fraction was dependent upon ATP, was completely inhibited by sodium azide and was not enhanced by oxalate. At a calcium concentration of 4.5 × 10 −5 m , the mitochondrial fraction took up more calcium at a faster rate than the vesicular fraction. This suggests that the mitochondria may play a role in the regulation of intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle.
THERAPEUTIC MONITORING FOR CYCLOSPORINE : DIFFICULTIES IN ESTABLISHING A THERAPEUTIC WINDOW

Despite the fact that cyclosporine (CsA) has been used clinically for a number of years, there is still uncertainty about the efficacy of monitoring its blood levels. Few if any studies have documented clear differentiation of rejection, immunosuppression, and toxicity on the basis of CsA concentrations alone. The issues in CsA monitoring include selection of sample matrix, analytical method, dosing interval and the timing of trough measurements, the temporal relationship between measurements and physiological events such as toxicity, the concurrent presence of multiple other immunosuppressive agents, and the lack of "gold standards" for determining rejection, adequate immunosuppression, and toxicity. In contrast to using CsA levels for the differential diagnosis of rejection and toxicity, there is evidence that maintenance of CsA concentrations within a therapeutic window results in a lower prevalence of toxicity and rejection.
Effects of elevated temperature on bacterial community structure and function in bioreactors treating a synthetic wastewater

The impact of elevated temperature on bacterial community structure and function during aerobic biological wastewater treatment was investigated. Continuous cultures, fed a complex growth medium containing gelatin and α-lactose as the principal carbon and energy sources, supported mixed bacterial consortia at temperatures ranging from 25–65°C. These temperature- and substrate-acclimated organisms were then used as inocula for batch growth experiments in which the kinetics of microbial growth and substrate utilization, efficiency of substrate removal, and mechanism of substrate removal were compared as functions of temperature. Bacterial community analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) revealed that distinct bacterial consortia were supported at each temperature. The efficiency of substrate removal declined at elevated temperatures. Maximum specific growth rates and the growth yield increased with temperature from 25–45°C, but then decreased with further elevations in temperature. Thus, maximum specific substrate utilization rates did not vary significantly over the 40°C temperature range (0.64 ± 0.04 mg COD mg−1 dry cell mass h−1). A comparison of the degradation of the protein and carbohydrate portions of the feed medium revealed a lag in α-lactose uptake at 55°C, whereas both components were utilized simultaneously at 25°C. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 24, 140–145.
Genetic Modulation of BDNF Signaling Affects the Outcome of Axonal Competition In Vivo

Summary Background Activity-dependent competition that operates on branch stability or formation plays a critical role in shaping the pattern and complexity of axonal terminal arbors. In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), the effect of activity-dependent competition on axon arborization and on the assembly of sensory maps is well established. However, the molecular pathways that modulate axonal-branch stability or formation in competitive environments remain unknown. Results We establish an in vivo axonal-competition paradigm in the mouse olfactory system by employing a genetic strategy that permits suppression of neurosecretory activity in random subsets of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Long-term follow up confirmed that this genetic manipulation triggers competition by revealing a bias toward selective stabilization of active arbors and local degeneration of synaptically silent ones. By using a battery of genetically modified mouse models, we demonstrate that a decrease either in the total levels or the levels of activity-dependent secreted BDNF (due to a val66met substitution), rescues silent arbors from withering. We show that this effect may be mediated, at least in part, by p75(NTR). Conclusions We establish and experimentally validate a genetic in vivo axonal-competition paradigm in the mammalian CNS. By using this paradigm, we provide evidence for a specific effect of BDNF signaling on terminal-arbor pruning under competition in vivo. Our results have implications for the formation and refinement of the olfactory and other sensory maps, as well as for neuropsychiatric diseases and traits modulated by the BDNF val66met variant.
Cosmic ray physics with AMS

The AMS-02 experiment is the first large acceptance magnetic spectrometer to perform high statistics studies of cosmic rays in space. It will operate on the International Space Station for more than three years and precisely measure the cosmic ray fluxes of individual elements in the rigidity range from ~1GV to ~1TV. It will test propagation models through the precise measurement of secondary to primary ratios as 3He/4He in the range from a few hundreds of MeV to tens of GeV, and B/C up to 1TV.
Designer Bugs: Structural Engineering to Build a Better Mouse Model

Many animal models of bacterial diseases are hampered by differences in tissue tropism and the course of pathogenesis. In a recent issue of Cell , by rationally mutating a surface invasion protein (InlA) to have higher binding affinity for its cognate host receptor (E-cadherin), Wollert et al. were able to "murinize" Listeria monocytogenes , creating a strain capable of invading intestinal epithelial cells in mice, mimicking the route of infection in humans.
THE IMPACT OF LABOR MARKET INVOLVEMENT ON PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY

In this paper the relationship between labor market involvement and community participation is examined at the community level. Social capital theory postulates that if employment facilitates acquaintanceships, trust, and norms supporting collective action, then it will result in higher levels of participation. Conversely, aspects of employment such as commuting and dual wage earner households might negatively impact participation levels. An analysis of data from 10,798 residents of 99 Iowa small towns reveals that smaller communities, those with a higher percent of residents employed full time, more college graduates, and more of their employed working in town have higher community participation levels. The association of population size, full time employment, and working in the community with participation levels is partially explained by their contribution to acquaintanceship levels in communities. Other factors may also be involved in explaining the role of full time employment and population. The imp...
Race, intervening variables, and two components of low birth weight

The low birth weight (LBW) gap between blacks and whites has remained largely unexplained in past research. Most previous research on the topic has focused on LBW as a single entity, and without using a causal framework for. analysis. The present study examines the determinants of race differences in the two main components of LBW-preterm birth (PRETERM) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)-within a partially causal framework that includes social and proximate explanatory variables. The data come from the 1988 National Survey of Family Growth. This study asks, first, through what intervening variables do race and other exogenous sociodemographic variables operate to raise the risk of these adverse pregnancy outcomes? Second, what are the determinants of the two components of LBW when all explanatory variables are included in the model? The findings reveal differences in how race (and other exogenous variables) act through downstream variables to affect PRETERM and IUGR, as well as differences in the net determinants of these pregnancy outcomes. The models are better able to account statistically for race differences in IUGR (which is explained by intervening sociodemographic, attitude, and behavior variables) than in PRETERM (which is explained partly by intervening health variables).
Priority ranking—a fuzzy expert system for priority decision making in building construction resource scheduling

Abstract Resource allocation is a critical issue in building construction project scheduling. CPM/PERT schedules without resource allocation are today inadequate for baseline control. One major concern in resource allocation is the determination of a priority ranking for all activities that are candidates for assignment. In this paper, an expert system PRIORITY RANKING, which uses possibility theory and the generalized modus ponens logic inference rule to determine the priority ranking, is described.
No Sustained Sound Illusion in Rhythmic Sequences

Recent research has shown that subdivision of intervals between beats makes the beat tempo seem slower——a "divided time illusion" (DTI) in music. Another temporal illusion described in the psychophysical literature is that a sustained sound seems longer than a silent interval of the same duration. This "sustained sound illusion" (SSI) may be due to acceleration of an internal pacemaker by continuous sound, or it may result from slower perception of sound offsets than of sound onsets. Experiment 1 tested the pacemaker acceleration hypothesis in a rhythmic context by asking musicians to compare or reproduce the tempi of isochronous tone sequences played legato ("filled") or staccato ("unfilled"). There was no indication that legato sequences were perceived as slower than staccato sequences. Experiment 2 tested the delayed offset perception hypothesis by asking musicians to judge the relative time of occurrence of abrupt or decaying tone offsets in the interonset intervals of isochronous sequences. There was no evidence of delayed perception of abrupt offsets, and decaying offsets were perceived only slightly late. These results suggest that the SSI, unlike the DTI, does not occur in rhythmic contexts and thus is probably not of musical relevance. More generally, the results challenge some proposed explanations of this illusion and call for further research on the conditions under which it does occur.
Correlation Between Anatomy and Electrical Activation in Canine Pulmonary Veins

Background— The roles of complex muscle sleeve geometry and fiber orientation in the pulmonary veins (PVs) in wave-front propagation are poorly understood. Methods and Results— We mapped the left superior PV (LSPV, n=7) and left inferior PV (LIPV, n=4) of dogs with 420 bipolar electrodes (1-mm resolution) and performed detailed histological examination. In the anterior LSPV–left atrial (LA) junction, myocardial muscle fibers were oriented perpendicular to PV blood flow. A wedge filled with connective tissues led to a complete muscle separation or an abrupt increase in muscle thickness between the PV and LA (0.42±0.12 versus 2.0±0.31 mm, P<0.01). Distal LSPV pacing resulted in conduction block at the anterior PV-LA junction, with double potentials. In contrast, the posterior LSPV-LA junction showed gradual muscle thickening and a fiber orientation parallel to the blood flow. The maximum PV muscle thickness in the anterior PV-LA junction is thinner than that in the posterior junction (0.83±0.15 versus 1.3±0...
Whistle sharing in paired male bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus

The signature whistle hypothesis states that dolphins produce highly stereotyped, individually distinctive whistles when in isolation. The presence of signature whistles has been called into question by recent studies proposing that dolphins produce a shared, simple upsweep whistle when in isolation, and that whistles produced by socializing dolphins are shared across individuals and social groups. This shared repertoire hypothesis suggests that when two animals produce the same whistle type, it is due to sharing the same common repertoire rather than one animal learning to produce the whistle of another. One difference between studies supporting or denying the existence of signature whistles is the method used to classify whistle types. We examined whistle production by 17 free-ranging bottlenose dolphins while temporarily restrained. We used both a quantitative comparison technique similar to that used to support the shared repertoire hypothesis and human judges to classify whistle types and quantify similarity between types. Contrary to recent studies that emphasize shared whistles, overall whistle sharing between isolated individuals was low (25%) and a simple upsweep did not account for the most common whistle type in half of the animals. Some species of birds, bats, and primates with stable social groups use vocal learning to converge over time to one common group distinctive call type. We examined whistle similarity between adult male dolphins that are partners in a close social alliance in order to test whether vocal learning may enable a similar vocal convergence. Whistle similarity was rated very high between partners and low between non-partners by both the quantitative technique and human observers. This suggests that as in songbirds and some other mammals, adult male bottlenose dolphins may use vocal learning to converge on similar whistles as they develop affiliative social relationships.
Digestion and absorption of bovine milk xanthine oxidase and its role as an aldehyde oxidase.

The effects of acidic and intestinal proteolytic environ ments on bovine milk xanthine oxidase (XO) activity were determined in order to evaluate the extent to which this enzyme was absorbed in biologi cally active form. The inhibition of XO by folie acid and the relative affinities of XO for the oxidation of palmitaldehyde, stearaldehyde, and xanthine were compared. The effects of acid and gastric juice on XO activity were measured by incubating purified enzyme, and non-purified enzyme (milk), in buffers ranging in pH from 2 to 9. Fresh gastric juice was also incubated with milk. Increasing amounts of the enzyme were inactivated as the pH of the incubation mixture was reduced below pH 6.5. Below pH 3.5, the enzyme was completely inactivated. Gastric juice, pH 2.2, also reduced the enzyme activity in proportion to the amount of gastric juice incubated with milk. Milk XO activity was reduced 36% when milk was incubated with an equal volume of gastric juice. Homogenized milk had 59% less XO activity compared with raw milk. Fresh raw milk XO, homogenized milk XO, and purified XO were equally susceptible to inactivation by acid or gastric juice. After incubation of milk with gastric juice, or gastric juice followed by pancreatin, XO activity was associated with a macromolecule of 300,000 daltons molecular weight and subunits containing activity were not found. It was estimated that 0.00008% of the XO in the intestine was absorbed. Both folie acid and allopurinol inhibited XO activity in vitro. Allopurinol was 3.5 times more potent an inhibitor than folie acid. A large excess of dietary folie acid did not reduce rat liver or intestinal XO activity in vivo. XO had a much greater affinity for xanthine than for palmitaldehyde or stearaldehyde substrates. It was esti mated that of 100 mg of XO in fresh raw milk, 41 mg remained after homogenization, 27 mg entered the intestine and only 20 ng were ab sorbed as intact enzyme. J. Nutr. 106; 1600-1609, 1976.
Discrepancies in Adolescents' and Parents' Perceptions of Family Functioning and Adolescent Emotional Adjustment

Discrepancies between adolescents' and their parents' perceptions of family functioning were examined in a sample of 74 sixth-and seventh-grade students and their parents during the fall and the spring of the school year The effect of both the adolescent's gender and the gender of the parent on differences in perceptions was explored. In addition, the relation between discrepancies in perceptions of family functioning and adolescent emotional adjustment was examined. Results indicated that girls and boys perceived lower levels of family cohesion than did their parents. Girls also perceived lower levels of family adjustment than did both parents. Not surprisingly, mothers' and fathers' perceptions of family functioning were more similar to one another than the adolescents' perceptions (especially boys') were to either parent. Discrepancies in perceptions of family functioning also were related to the adolescents' reported levels of depressive symptomatology and anxiety, particularly for girls.
Effects of water and mineral nutrient deficiencies on pyrrolizidine alkaloid content of Senecio vulgaris flowers.

The flowers of Senecio vulgaris contain the alkaloids senecionine, sene- ciphylline, and their N-oxides, compounds which are toxic to some grazing animals. Deficiencies of water, mineral nutrients, or both did not significantly alter concentrations of the individual alkaloids. However, more favourable growing conditions resulted in a greater quantity of flowers, which animals find quite palatable, so that each of these plants was potentially more toxic because it contained a larger total amount of the alkaloids.
A Case of Coffee Enema-induced Colitis

A coffee enema, which has been suggested as a part of cancer treatment, is a hazardous derivative of colon therapy and has been misused as a treatment for obesity and constipation among the general population. Its proponents claim that caffeine is absorbed in the colon and leads to vasodilatation in the liver, which in turn enhances the process of elimination of toxins. None of this is proven, nor is there any evidence for the clinical efficacy of coffee enemas. We experienced a patient who presented with abdominal pain and bloody stool after receiving a coffee enema to relieve constipation. We report this case of coffee-associated colitis with a review of the relevant literature.
Efficient G-band digital communications using continuous phase modulation

The use of continuous phase modulation (CPM) for digital communications at G-band (216 GHz) has been investigated and demonstrated. The unique combination of constant envelope and multi-level symbol-maps of CPM offer the advantages of simultaneous high power-efficiency and spectral-efficiency. A transmitter/receiver communication link consisting of an I/Q modulator followed by a multiplier is used to generate 16-level CPM waveforms at 216 GHz. Waveforms with minimal distortion at the full saturated power of the transmitter were demonstrated without output power backoff. The system architecture provides an efficient technique for generating high power digital waveform, thus extending the link distance. The technique is ideal for upper millimeter-wave and terahertz communications where output power is limited.
Widowhood and Depression Gender Differences

Hypotheses predicting why widowhood should be more difficult psychologically for men than women are tested on a sample of 746 older persons. Widowhood does have a stronger effect on depression for men, partly because of the intervening effects of health and time since widowhood. However, much of the gender difference remains unexplained. Possible causes, including the fact that widowhood is a more usual component of the life cycle for women, are discussed.
Ada and real-time robotics: lessons learned

The Supervisory Telerobotics Laboratory (Steler) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a prototype telerobotic system to demonstrate the type of technology that will be used aboard Space Station Freedom Although the concept of telerobotics for space exploration is not new, the Steler system broke new ground in its demonstration of the feasibility of a local-remote architecture, including ground-remote control, for space applications. A remote space environment poses some interesting computational challenges to ground-remote control of space applications. A remote site has limited computation facilities, is burdened by minimal bandwidth and by round-trip communication delays of as much as 8 seconds, and yet is expected to respond quickly, predictably, and with recoverability to any anomalous situation. Additional design constraints are imposed by NASA's limitations on software, including on-board programs for the robot, being uploaded to the remote site without prior flight qualification. The authors discuss the use of Ada to meet the computational requirements of this project. >
Relationships between Convective Storm Kinematics, Precipitation, and Lightning

Combined multiparameter radar, dual-Doppler, thermodynamic sounding, and lightning observations of 11 thunderstorms (6 from the midlatitudes, 5 from the Tropics) are examined. The thunderstorms span a wide spectrum of intensities, from weak monsoontype to severe tornadic, and include both unicellular and multicellular convection. In general, the kinematically strongest storms featured lower production of negative cloud-to-ground lightning (typically ,1 min21 flash rates for large portions of the storms’ lifetimes) when compared with more moderate convection, in accord with an elevated charge mechanism. The only significant differences between intense storms that produced predominately positive cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning for a significant portion of their lifetimes (PPCG storms) and intense storms that produced little CG lightning of any polarity (low-CG storms) was that PPCG storms featured much larger volumes of significant updrafts (both.10 and .20 m s21) and produced greater amounts of precipitation (both rain and hail). Otherwise, peak updrafts and vertical airmass fluxes were very similar between the two types of storms, and both types were linked by anomalously low production of negative CG lightning. PPCG effects in storms may result from an elevated region of negative charge (reducing negative CG flash rates) combined with enhanced net positive charge regions created by the larger volume of significant updrafts.