The effects of infection by the human cytomegaloviruses Ad-169 on the incorporation of [¹⁴C] acetate into the polar and neutral lipids of human embryonic lung cells and human saphenous vein smooth muscle cells were compared to [¹⁴C]acetate incorporation in mock-infected control cells. Cytomegalovirus infection caused a shift in the relative amounts of polar and neutral lipids, with infected cells having lower amounts of polar lipids and higher amounts of neutral lipids than mock-infected controls. When neutral lipids were separated into diglyceride (DG), cholesterol (C), fatty acid, triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol ester (CE) components, Ad-169-infected cells had lower levels of incorporation of label into CE, TG, and DG fractions, and higher levels of label incorporation into C than mock-infected cells.

In studies designed to determine the factors responsible for control of herpesvirus replication in an infected cell, we examined the interaction of varicellazoster (VZ) virus-infected human embryonic lung cells with the pesticide carbaryl. The replication of the cell-associated VZ virus was enhanced 2to 13-fold as compared to control cultures in Sevin 4 Oil-treated cultures and in cultures treated with the pesticide's active ingredient, carbaryl. The replication of VZ virus in cultures treated with the base oil plus inert ingredients found in the pesticide formulation was not enhanced. Possible differences in cytotoxicity induced by Sevin 4 Oil, pure carbaryl, or the base oil preparation were ruled out since treated and control cultures were shown to have similar numbers of viable cells when measured by trypan blue exclusion tests or by the ability of treated cells to form foci. A dose response study showed a decrease in viral enhancement in cells treated with decreasing carbaryl concentrations.

In two upper-level elective biology courses and one beginning-level general biology course, college students participated in Learning Partnerships with middle or high school classes to study some aspect of biology. The goals were to enhance learning by providing resources to middle and high school students and teachers and by encouraging college students to consider teaching as a learning tool and a possible career goal. The college students designed lessons, activities, and laboratories that were done at the schools and at Bates College. Feedback and data suggest that the partnerships have helped teachers enrich their curricula, enhanced student learning, encouraged additional high school students to consider applying to college, and encouraged college students to consider teaching science.

Further characterization of the viral enhancement system of varicella-zoster virus by the pesticide carbaryl (1-naphthyl-N-methylcarbamate) is presented. It was necessary to expose cells to the enhancing chemical during the period of virus replication to detect enhancement. The optimum time for the pretreatment is 20 to 24 h. Maximum enhancement of virus expression occurs 48 to 72 h postinoculation. Treated cells cannot pass on to daughter cells the ability to produce increased amounts of virus. a-Napthol, a metabolite of carbaryl, is also capable of enhancing virus replication; Guthion, another pesticide tested, did not enhance varicella-zoster virus. The stable cell line HEP-2 can be used in place of human embryonic lung cells to detect enhancement. Differences in enhancement levels were not due to cell lot, cell passage, or a change in the stability of the cell membrane to sonic disruption.