cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary structure of the non-transcribed spacer region and flanking sequences of the ribosomal DNA of Neurospora crassa and comparison with other organisms.

The non-transcribed spacer (NTS) region of the rDNA of Neurospora crassa contains the transcription regulatory sequences. We isolated a 3.4 kb EcoRI fragment from wild type N.crassa rDNA and cloned in the plasmid pBR325 at the EcoRI site. The insert contains the entire NTS region along with the flanking sequences. Nucleotide sequencing of 3592 nt shows many interesting features like: the NTS region is rich in G+C content (65% G+C); it contains the conserved rRNA processing site 6 (with the nucleotide sequence motif GGTGCGAGAACCCGG, from nt residue 226 to 240, a characteristic feature of most eukaryotic rDNA nontranscribed spacer region); and the NTS region also contains the transcription termination site with the representative Sal I box (from nt residue 1469 to 1477). The potential sequences of transcription termination site are located 288 nt downstream from the end of 26S rRNA gene, and another sequence motif CTTCCT (from nt residue 512 to 517) shows similarity with the human transcription termination site T-2 of its pre-rRNA. Nucleotide sequence homology matrix analysis suggests its relatedness to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and not to human, mouse, rat, Drosophila, Xenopus, wheat, rice and cucumber NTS region. The phylogenetic implication of the NTS region and exploitation of N.crassa NTS rDNA clone to correlate the otherwise indistinguishable species of Neurospora and the correlation with other organisms has been discussed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report where the nucleotide sequence of the entire NTS region of a filamentous fungus has been determined.
Tele-service-robot: Integrating the socio-technical framework of human service through the InterNet-world-wide-web

Abstract In a recent survey of robotics in rehabilitative human service, Stanger et al. (1994) re-established the central role of task assessment in defining technical R&D priorities. Among their key findings, and central to the thesis of this paper, is the re-affirmation that engineers and scientists, intent on being helpful, must first assess just who is being served, where they are, what they are trying to do and who is going to pay for it. Moreover, the cost associated with an integral socio-technical framework that addresses user needs for interaction, support and maintenance after the initial installation is the real driver toward adoption of robotics technology over equivalent human service.
Teaching and Learning in the Service of Transformation

(2007). Teaching and Learning in the Service of Transformation. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning: Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 38-42.
Multiple Memory Systems in the Processing of Speech: Evidence from Aging

Young and old adults gave verbatim recall of recorded prose passages that varied in average word predictability and rate of presentation. Subjects were allowed to interrupt the speech passages at points of their choosing for recall of what they had heard on a segment-by-segment basis. For both age groups, the sizes of the segments selected were affected by level of predictability but not by the speech rate of the spoken passages. Subjects tended to interrupt the passages for recall at linguistic constituent boundaries. Recall of the segments was poorer for the elderly adults than for the young adults, with larger age differences for faster speech rates and for passages that were lower in average word predictability. Results are discussed in terms of the recent suggestion that multiple memory representations of a speech message may co-occur briefly in time.
Experimental Characterization of Laser-Assisted Mechanical Micromachining (LAMM) Process

There is growing demand for micro and meso scale devices in the field of optics, semiconductors and bio-medical devices. In response to this demand, mechanical micro-cutting (e.g. micro-turning, micro-milling) is emerging as a viable alternative to lithography based micromachining techniques. However, certain factors limit the types of workpiece materials that can be processed using mechanical micromachining methods. For difficult-to-machine materials such as mold and die steels, limitations in cutting tool stiffness and strength are major impediments to the use of mechanical micromachining methods. This paper presents a Laser Assisted Mechanical Micromachining (LAMM) process that involves highly localized thermal softening of the hard material by focusing a solid-state continuous wave/pulsed laser beam in front of a miniature (100μm–1mm wide) cutting tool. By suitably controlling the laser power, location and spot size, it is possible to cause a sufficiently large decrease in the strength of the work material and thereby minimize catastrophic tool failure and lower tool forces and deflection. This paper presents the results of experimental characterization of the LAMM process. Micro scale grooving experiments are conducted on H-13 mold steel (42 HRc) in order to understand the influence of the laser variables (laser power, beam location with respect to tool) and cutting parameters (depth of cut, cutting speed and tool width) on the cutting forces and surface finish. The results show that, for a given cutting condition, these process responses are significantly influenced by the laser variables. Plausible explanations for the observed trends are given.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Influence of auxin and sulfonylurea herbicides on seeded native communities

Abstract Sulfonylurea herbicides were used extensively for weed control on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) seedings, constituting over 98% of the residual herbicides applied from 1986–1990 in southeastern Colorado. Differences in species establishment were observed in CRP fields treated with sulfonylurea herbicides, suggesting that soils and climatic variation alone did not fully account for this establishment pattern. Impacts of 2 commonly used sulfonylurea herbicides and 2 auxin herbicides on establishment, inter-specific seedling competition and physiological response under CRP field conditions were evaluated. Seeded species were blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (Willd). Ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths], sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.], western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smith; (Rydb.) A. Love], switchgrass [Panicum virgatum L.], and sand dropseed [Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) Gray]. Sulfonylurea herbicide application increased sideoats grama cover and live standing crop as much as 43...
The use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to improve soil mapping at the farm scale

The creation of fine resolution soil maps is hampered by the increasing costs associated with conventional laboratory analyses of soil. In this study, near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy was used to reduce the number of conventional soil analyses required by the use of calibration models at the farm scale. Soil electrical conductivity and mid infrared reflection (MIR) from a satellite image were used and compared as ancillary data to guide the targeting of soil sampling. About 150 targeted samples were taken over a 97 hectare farm (approximately 1.5 samples per hectare) for each type of ancillary data. A sub-set of 25 samples was selected from each of the targeted data sets (150 points) to measure clay and soil organic matter (SOM) contents for calibration with NIR. For the remaining 125 samples only their NIR-spectra needed to be determined. The NIR calibration models for both SOM and clay contents resulted in predictions with small errors. Maps derived from the calibrated data were compared with a map based on 0.5 samples per hectare representing a conventional farm-scale soil map. The maps derived from the NIR-calibrated data are promising, and the potential for developing a cost-effective strategy to map soil from NIR-calibrated data at the farm-scale is considerable.
Dynamic response and simulations of nanoparticle-enhanced composites

Abstract The dynamic modulus and damping, low-velocity impact and high-strain (Hopkinson bar) response of nanoparticle-enhanced composites and fly ash based fire resistant structural foams have been characterized. Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations were also used for obtaining the elastic constants for different matrices reinforced with single and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Experimental results on the dynamic and impact response of nylon 6,6 with MWCNT, vinyl ester with nanoclay and graphite platelets, and Eco-Core ® foams are presented; along with some of the predictions from molecular simulations. An increase in dynamic modulus and marginal drop in damping was observed with the addition of multi-wall carbon nanotubes to pristine nylon 6,6. Addition of MWCNT was detrimental to the maximum load and energy absorption under low-velocity impact. However, an improvement in strength and energy absorption was observed with Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus at high-strain rates under compressive loading. Results obtained from molecular simulations show that MWCNTs are transversely isotropic, and the transverse properties are comparatively poor.
Newer concepts of cancer of the colon and rectum: clinical evaluation of a radioimmunoassay for CEA.

Using basically the same reagents and methodology, we have tried to duplicate the optimistic results of Goldet al. Of 578 samples submitted, 393 met the criteria for the study; results for these 393 are presented. Our results indicate that CEA can be detected not only in a smaller proportion of gastrointestinal malignancies than that found by Gold and associates, but also in a similar proportion of inflammatory bowel diseases. Furthermore, we found a significant number of positive in nongastrointestinal malignancies, as well as chronic inflammatory diseases and collagenoses. Therefore, we feel that the assay, in its present form, has limited value as a diagnostic tool in the detection of gastrointestinal malignancies. Better purification procedures, less sensitive methods of detection, or an entirely new approach may produce results of more clinical value than those we have obtained.
A penny-shaped crack in a filament-reinforced matrix—I. The filament model

The electrostatic problem of a penny-shaped crack in an elastic matrix which reinforced by filaments or fibers perpendicular to the plane of the crack was studied. The elastic filament model was developed for application to evaluation studies of the stress intensity factor along the periphery of the crack, the stresses in the filaments or fibers, and the interface shear between the matrix and the filaments or fibers. The requirements expected of the model are a sufficiently accurate representation of the filament and applicability to the interaction problems involving a cracked elastic continuum with multi-filament reinforcements. The technique for developing the model and numerical examples of it are shown.
Magnetohydrodynamic Effects on the Formation of Couette Flow

This paper is concerned with the problem of the formation of Couette flow—i.e., the problem of how the velocity profile varies with the time tending asymptotically to that of the steady flow of an electrically conducting viscous fluid in the presence of a magnetic field. The governing equations and boundary conditions are established and discussed. The cases of both vanishing and nonvanishing mean induced electric field strengths are solved in terms of complimentary error functions as well as some elementary functions. I t is shown tha t the solutions are reducible to tha t of the steady case as the time approaches infinity, and to that of the nonmagnetic field as the Hartmann number becomes zero. Some numerical calculations are given. The results indicate that in the presence of a magnetic field the flow rate is reduced depending on the magnitude of the Hartmann number, and tha t the magnetic field "assists" the flow to reach its steady condition.
Central nervous system tuberculosis: MRI

The MRI findings of 18 proven cases of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis were reviewed; 10 patients were seropositive for HIV. All had medical, laboratory, or surgical proof of CNS tuberculosis. Eleven patients had meningitis, of whom two also had arachnoiditis. Five patients had focal intra-axial tuberculomas: four brain masses and one an intramedullary spinal lesion. Two patients had focal extra-axial tuberculomas: one in the pontine cistern, and one in the spine. In all 11 patients with meningitis MRI showed diffuse, thick, meningeal enhancement. All intraparenchymal tuberculomas showed low signal intensity on T2-weighted images and ring or nodular enhancement. The extra-axial tuberculomas had areas isointense or hypoitense relative to normal brain and spinal cord on T2-weighted images. Although tuberculous meningitis cannot be differentiated from other meningitides on the basis of MR findings, intraparenchymal tuberculomas show characteristic T2 shortening, not found in most other space-occupying lesions. In the appropriate clinical setting, tuberculoma should be considered.
A Stochastic System for Large Network Growth

This letter proposes a new model for preferential attachment in dynamic directed networks. This model consists of a linear time-invariant system that uses past observations to predict future attachment rates, and an innovation noise process that induces growth on vertices that previously had no attachments. Analyzing a large citation network in this context, we show that the proposed model fits the data better than existing preferential attachment models. An analysis of the noise in the dataset reveals power-law degree distributions often seen in large networks, and polynomial decay with respect to age in the probability of citing yet-uncited documents.
The effects of training set size and keeping rules on the emergent selection pressure of learnable evolution model

Evolutionary algorithms with computationally expensive fitness evaluations typically have smaller evaluation budgets and population sizes. However, smaller populations and fewer evaluations mean that the problem space may not be effectively explored. An evolutionary algorithm may be combined with a machine learner to compensate for these smaller populations and evaluations to increase the likelihood of finding viable solutions. Learnable Evolution Model (LEM) is such an evolutionary algorithm (EA) and machine learner (ML) hybrid that infers rules from best- and least-fit individuals and then exploits these rules when creating offspring. This paper shows that LEM introduces a unique form of emergent selection pressure that is separate from any selection pressure induced by parent or survivor selection. Additionally this work shows that this selection pressure can be attenuated by how the best and least fit subsets are chosen, and by how long learned rules are kept. Practitioners need to be aware of this novel form of selection pressure and these means of adjusting it to ensure their LEM implementations are adequately tuned. That is, too much selection pressure may mean premature convergence to inferior solutions while insufficient selection pressure may mean no sufficient solutions are found.
Reinvestigation of long-range magnetic ordering in icosahedral Tb-Mg-Zn

We present results of a study of possible magnetic ordering in the icosahedral phase of Tb-Mg-Zn probed by bulk magnetization measurements and neutron diffraction. Measurements on both crushed single grains and cast polycrystalline samples of Tb-Mg-Zn were performed. Magnetization measurements on both samples reveal only a spin-glass-like transition at approximately 5.8K. Neutron diffraction from the crushed single grains reveals only short-range magnetic ordering at low temperatures, with no evidence of the long-range magnetic ordering reported previously [Charrier, Ouladdiaf, and Schmitt, Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 78}, 4637 (1997)]. Likewise, the cast polycrystalline samples exhibit primarily diffuse magnetic scattering at low temperature, but at least one relatively sharp diffraction peak was observed. Our results indicate that for single grain samples there is no long-range magnetic ordering and that, at best, the magnetic ordering in these quasicrystalline alloys is not very robust. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Soil organic carbon and nitrogen in a Mollisol in central Ohio as affected by tillage and land use

Abstract Minimum tillage practices are known for increasing soil organic carbon (SOC). However, not all environmental situations may manifest this potential change. The SOC and N stocks were assessed on a Mollisol in central Ohio in an 8-year-old tillage experiment as well as under two relatively undisturbed land uses; a secondary forest and a pasture on the same soil type. Cropped systems had 51±4 (equiv. mass) Mg ha −1 lower SOC and lower 3.5±0.3 (equiv. mass) Mg ha −1 N in the top 30 cm soil layer than under forest. Being a secondary forest, the loss in SOC and N stocks by cultivation may have been even more than these reported herein. No differences among systems were detected below this depth. The SOC stock in the pasture treatment was 29±3 Mg ha −1 greater in the top 10 cm layer than in cultivated soils, but was similar to those under forest and no-till (NT). Among tillage practices (plow, chisel and NT) only the 0–5 cm soil layer under NT exhibited higher SOC and N concentrations. An analysis of the literature of NT effect on SOC stocks, using meta-analysis, suggested that NT would have an overall positive effect on SOC sequestration rate but with a greater variability of what was previously reported. The average sequestration rate of NT was 330 kg SOC ha −1 year −1 with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 47 to 620 kg SOC ha −1 year −1 . There was no effect of soil texture or crop rotation on the SOC sequestration rate that could explain this variability. The conversion factor for SOC stock changes from plow to NT was equal to 1.04. This suggests that the complex mechanisms and pathways of SOC accrual warrant a cautious approach when generalizing the beneficial changes of NT on SOC stocks.
3D-printed biological organs: medical potential and patenting opportunity

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a new disruptive technology that may address the ever-increasing demand for organ transplants. 3D bioprinting offers many technical features that a...
Control Of Sparse Data Systems: Anticancer Drug Therapy

The problem of anticancer drug dosage design is treated from a stochastic control perspective, and illustrated using a pharmacokinetic model for the drug teniposide. The therapeutic control objective involves maximizing the probability that the patient’s systemic exposure (defined ?,s an integral of the drug’s plasma concentration) is within some selected target interval.
Broadening of solar wind strahl pitch-angles by the electron/electron instability: Particle-in-cell simulations

[1] Solar wind electrons in the suprathermal energy range from about 70 eV to greater than 1 keV usually are observed as two distinct, relatively tenuous components: an approximately isotropic halo and a strongly anisotropic “strahl” directed along the magnetic field. This manuscript describes a two-dimensional electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation in a magnetized, homogeneous, collisionless plasma with such a two-component representation of suprathermal electrons. In this computation the electrostatic electron/electron instability is driven by a strahl with a large average speed along the background magnetic field Bo. The simulation demonstrates that this instability leads to substantial strahl velocity scattering perpendicular to Bo. The most important result here is that, for strahl speeds large compared to the halo thermal speed, after instability saturation the width of the electron pitch-angle distribution exhibits a maximum as a function of electron energy.
Scattering and absorption characteristics of lossy dielectric objects exposed to the near fields of aperture sources

The extended boundary condition method (EBCM) is used to obtain the absorption and scattering characteristics of lossy dielectric prolate spheroidal models of biological objects exposed to the near fields of large aperture sources. Two equivalent methods are employed to expand the incident fields, from the aperture sources, in terms of the vector spherical harmonics about the spheroidal origin. The results obtained for a spheroid located a large distance away from the aperture source agree well with those obtained from the corresponding plane-wave irradiation studies. Other near-field absorption characteristics are examined, and the applicability conditions for each of the two methods for obtaining the incident field expansions are discussed. In particular, it is emphasized that meaningful evaluation of hazardous levels of electromagnetic radiation should be made in terms of the magnitudes and the directions of the electric- and magnetic-field components, rather than the incident power density level. The calculated results also conform to the understanding previously obtained from studying irradiation of the spheroidal models of biological interest by plane waves and by near fields of various elementary radiation sources.
Mathematics, Computer Development, and Science Policy Debates after World War II

This study focuses on the work of three mathematicians who collaborated on post-World War II projects. Specifically, the article examines connections between science policy debates and how practices of early computer developers were affected. Debate topics included ownership of technologies developed in private industry and at universities with public funding. Computer developers found solutions to the issues debated, ultimately forming the Association for Computing Machinery.
Epidemiology of Nosocomial Infection and Resistant Organisms in Patients Admitted for the First Time to an Acute Rehabilitation Unit

The objectives of this study were to define the epidemiology of nosocomial bacterial colonization and infection and to define predictors of nosocomial infection among a cohort (n=423) of admissions to an acute rehabilitation unit. Overall, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and enterococci were the most commonly identified colonizing organisms. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most commonly identified colonizing gram-negative bacilli. During 70 (16.5%) of the 423 hospitalizations in the unit, 94 nosocomial infections occurred. The most common infections were those of the urinary tract (30% of 94 infections) or a surgical site (17%), Clostridium difficile diarrhea (15%), and bloodstream infection (12.8%). Antibiotic-resistant bacteria most commonly caused bloodstream infection (41.7%) and surgical site infection (56.3%). Independent predictors of nosocomial infection at the time of admission were functional status (measured with the functional independence measure), APACHE III score, and spinal cord injury. In conclusion, gram-positive organisms were the predominant strains causing nosocomial colonization and infection. The logistic model, if verified, may be useful in defining patients who should be targeted for measures to prevent nosocomial infection.
Southern Community Women Teach a New Generation Lessons of Leadership for Social Change

Service-learning can profoundly alter students' perceptions of leadership, often clouded by negative stereotypes of racial and ethnic, gender, and social-class differences that dis-advantage one group while advantaging another. This article presents findings from a 5-year study conducted at a women's college linking program design to students' perceptions of women's leadership for social justice. Before venturing into community organizations, female students complete a preassessment designed to measure definitions and perceptions of leadership. Students then engage in a program design emphasizing discontinuous experiences. Students also read and respond to multiple, often contradictory texts regarding women's leadership and social change while engaging with female community leaders often of differing racial and ethnic and social-class backgrounds. At semester's end, a postassessment is administered. Although the preand postassessments in this study found no change in students' perceptions of gender differ...
Division-linked generation of death-intermediates regulates the numerical stability of memory CD8 T cells

Infection or successful vaccination results in the formation of long-lived memory CD8 T-cell populations. Despite their numerical stability, memory CD8 T-cell populations are thought to completely turn over through proliferation within a 2- to 3-mo period. Therefore, steady-state memory cell proliferation must be balanced by a precisely regulated and equivalent death rate. However, the mechanisms regulating this balancing process remain completely undefined. Herein, we provide evidence for “death-intermediate memory cells” (TDIM) within memory CD8 T-cell populations generated by infection. Importantly, CD62LLo/CD27Lo TDIMs are functionally characterized by an inability to produce cytokines, the failure to internalize T-cell receptor following antigenic stimulation, and signatures of apoptotic death. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, mechanistically, TDIM are directly generated from dividing “central memory” T-cell populations undergoing memory turnover in vivo. Collectively, these results demonstrate that as central memory CD8 T cells proliferate, they continuously generate a population of CD8 T cells that are nonfunctional and apoptotic; thus, our data support a model wherein division-linked generation of TDIM contributes to numerically stable CD8 T-cell memory.
Predicting Technology Related Performance: Where Self-Prophecy and Computer Self-Efficacy Meet

Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) has been traditionally viewed within the IS discipline as an important factor contributing to enhancements in computer-related task performance. Despite these acknowledgements, however, the empirical results involving the effect of CSE on performance have not always been consistent. Further, increasing an individual’s CSE is also a cumbersome process from a practical perspective of implementation. In this study, we introduce a new construct, selfprophecy (from the consumer psychology literature), and investigate whether this social influence strategy can be used as a mechanism to improve computer-related task performance. An experimental study was conducted to examine the effects of self-prophecy in enhancing computer-related task performance. Results show that self-prophecy and CSE interact to influence technology-related task performance. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of organizations ability to increase performance with self-prophecy versus influencing individuals’ CSE.
A survey of methods for setting minimum instream flow standards in the Caribbean basin

To evaluate the current status of instream flow practices in streams that drain into the Caribbean Basin, a voluntary survey of practising water resource managers was conducted. Responses were received from 70% of the potential continental countries, 100% of the islands in the Greater Antilles, and 56% of all the Caribbean island nations. Respondents identified ‘effluent discharges’, ‘downstream water quality’ and ‘existing extraction permits’ to be the most common sources of instream flow conflicts. In 75% of the countries, some type of ‘formal procedures’ exist for reviewing permit applications for freshwater extraction. In 82% of the countries, effluent discharge permits state the amount of effluent that can be discharged into a water body while only 69% require that surface water extraction permits explicitly state the quantity of water that can be extracted. In setting instream flow requirements, record low flow is used over 83% of the time. Freshwater fish were identified as the most important aquatic organism but no country ‘always’ considers the ecology or habitat requirements of aquatic species in their instream flow determinations and nearly 70% of the respondents indicated that multivariate, ecological-based methods are ‘never’ used in their country. Survey responses also indicate there is a notable lack of public involvement during the issuing of water permits. Moreover, over 80% of the countries do not provide public announcements or hearings during the permit process. In summary, this survey indicates that while there is a widespread recognition of the need for instream flows, there is a general lack of regionally based information and public involvement regarding stream flow determination. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of several covariance matrix estimators for portfolio optimization

Modern portfolio theory dates back to a seminal 1952 paper by H. Markowitz and has been very influential both in academic finance and among practitioners in the financial industry. Given a set of assets, the theory can be used to compute the amount to be invested in each asset in order to construct an optimally diversified portfolio. One of the parameters required in this calculation is the covariance matrix of asset returns which, in any practical application, is unknown and must be estimated from historical data. Due to the fact that financial data is often nonstationary, basing the estimates on historical data over a very long time period may not be advisable. This renders the problem of covariance estimation difficult, especially for large portfolios. A large body of literature exists proposing different covariance estimators. We focus on one frequently cited paper by Ledoit and Wolf [5] which proposes a covariance estimation method and purports to show that this method leads to statistically significant improvements over several other methods. We show that this is not the case: in fact, their method does not exhibit statistically significant differences from three other methods.
The metabolic pace-of-life model: incorporating ectothermic organisms into the theory of vertebrate ecoimmunology

We propose a new heuristic model that incorporates metabolic rate and pace of life to predict a vertebrate species' investment in adaptive immune function. Using reptiles as an example, we hypothesize that animals with low metabolic rates will invest more in innate immunity compared with adaptive immunity. High metabolic rates and body temperatures should logically optimize the efficacy of the adaptive immune system--through rapid replication of T and B cells, prolific production of induced antibodies, and kinetics of antibody--antigen interactions. In current theory, the precise mechanisms of vertebrate immune function oft are inadequately considered as diverse selective pressures on the evolution of pathogens. We propose that the strength of adaptive immune function and pace of life together determine many of the important dynamics of host-pathogen evolution, namely, that hosts with a short lifespan and innate immunity or with a long lifespan and strong adaptive immunity are expected to drive the rapid evolution of their populations of pathogens. Long-lived hosts that rely primarily on innate immune functions are more likely to use defense mechanisms of tolerance (instead of resistance), which are not expected to act as a selection pressure for the rapid evolution of pathogens' virulence.
ALFA: automated load forecasting assistant

ALFA, an expert system for forecasting short-term electricity demand is presented. ALFA is in operation at the Energy Management System center at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation in upstate New York, generating, in real time, hourly load forecasts for up to 48 hours in advance. ALFA uses an extensive 10-year historical database of hourly observations of 12 weather variables and a rule base that takes into account daily, weekly, and seasonal variations of load, as well as holidays, special events, and load growth. A satellite interface for the real-time acquisition of weather data, and the machine-operator interface are also discussed. >
Ductal Lavage and Ductoscopy: The Opportunities and the Limitations

Two related techniques of breast epithelial sampling have emerged in the past several years: ductal lavage, in which fluid-yielding nipple ducts are cannulated at their orifices and lavaged with saline while the breast is intermittently massaged; and ductoscopy, in which discharging or fluid-yielding duct orifices are dilated, intubated with a microendoscope, and the lumen directly visualized. Both of these techniques have significant potential in terms of allowing the repeated sampling of ductal epithelium over time and, as such, have generated considerable enthusiasm. However, data regarding the impact of these techniques on the detection of significant breast disease is very scant. It is important at the outset of the assessment of this new technology that breast cancer clinicians and clinical researchers think carefully about the standards of evidence that need to be met regarding the benefits of these procedures before they are widely adopted. In this review of the rationale and early results of these procedures, we attempt to define some of these evidentiary requirements.
Immature Cervical Teratoma Arising in One Fetus of A Twin Pregnancy:Case report and reveiw of the literature

This is the first recorded case of an immature cervical teratoma arising in one fetus of a twin pregnancy. Although real-time ultrasound detected the presence of an abnormality, its true nature was not established until after histological examination. Extra-amniotic prostaglandin pregnancy termination was performed at 20 weeks' gestation due to the onset of acute hydramnios and the rapid increase in tumor size. Delivery of both fetuses was performed under general anesthesia. Extraction of the abnormal twin was only possible after the tumor was separated off from the fetal neck in utero.
The effects of prion protein proteolysis and disaggregation on the strain properties of hamster scrapie.

Native mammalian prions exist in self-propagating strains that exhibit distinctive clinical, pathological and biochemical characteristics. Prion strain diversity is associated with variations in PrPSc conformation, but it remains unknown precisely which physical properties of the PrPSc molecules are required to encipher mammalian prion strain phenotypes. In this study, we subjected prion-infected brain homogenates derived from three different hamster scrapie strains to either (i) proteinase K digestion or (ii) sonication, and inoculated the modified samples into normal hamsters. The results show that the strain-specific clinical features and neuropathological profiles of inoculated animals were not affected by either treatment. Similarly, the strain-dependent biochemical characteristics of the PrPSc molecules (including electrophoretic mobility, glycoform composition, conformational stability and susceptibility to protease digestion) in infected animals were unaffected by either proteolysis or sonication of the original inocula. These results indicate that the infectious strain properties of native prions do not appear to be altered by PrPSc disaggregation, and that maintenance of such properties does not require the N-domain (approximately residues 23–90) of the protease-resistant PrPSc molecules or protease-sensitive PrPSc molecules.
Mutational analysis of blue‐light sensing in Arabidopsis

Blue light regulates many physiological and developmental processes in higher plants through the action of multiple photosensory systems. The analysis of photomorphogenic mutants is leading to a better understanding of how the different photosensory systems mediate the wide range of responses observed in blue light. A review of the current literature on photomorphogenic mutants makes it apparent that redundancies exist in photoreceptor function. For example, many blue-light responses that have been shown to be regulated by a blue-light photosensory system are also under phytochrome control. The study of various light-response mutants suggests that a complex sensory network regulates light-mediated responses. This article attempts to piece together information regarding the sensory systems responsible for blue-light-regulated responses.
THE EFFECT OF HYPERTENSIVE EPISODES AND CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY ON THE CANINE CARDIAC BAROREFLEX

SUMMARY I. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy has been implicated in the reduction of baroreflex sensitivity present in hypertension. The aim of the current study was to investigate the mean arterial pressure-heart rate reflex (MAP-HR) in a model which induced left ventricular hypertrophy but no sustained blood pressure elevation. 2. Five mongrel dogs were exposed to transient blood pressure elevation of between 20 and 30 mmHg, through hindlimb compression using a pneumatic pressure suit, for 7 h per day, 6 days per week for 6 weeks. Resting blood pressure was not altered by the 6 week hindlimb compression intervention. 3. Echocardiographically determined LV mass (mean + s.e.m.) was 116.0 & 7.4g prior to hindlimb compression (baseline) and elevated to 125.4f 8.1 g (P = 0.003) after 6 weeks of compression. A reduction in the early (E) to late (A) transmitral diastolic flow ratio (E/A) from 1.80+0.06 at baseline to 1.54& 0.09 (P = 0.037) after the 6 week intervention suggested that cardiac compliance was reduced. 4. The maximum gain of the MAP-HR reflex, studied using the ‘steady-state’ drug technique, when blood pressure was normal, showed a trend for reduction from 3.85 * 0.43 beatslmin per mmHg at baseline to 3.10f0.45 beats/min per mmHg (P = 0.067) after 6 weeks of compression. This gain reduction became significant after P-adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol(3.13 & 0.55 vs 2.32 & 0.25 beats/ min per mmHg; P = 0.039). Covariant analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between LV mass and maximum gain (r = 0.96; P<O.OOl) during the 6 week compression period. 5. The MAP-HR reflex changes in this model mimic those present in hypertension and implicate cardiac hypertrophy as one possible mediator.
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor ZD1839 (Iressa) Suppresses c-Src and Pak1 Pathways and Invasiveness of Human Cancer Cells

Purpose: Abnormalities in the expression and signaling pathways downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) contribute to the progression, invasion, and maintenance of the malignant phenotype in human cancers, including those of the head and neck and breast. Accordingly, agents such as the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) ZD1839 (Iressa) are promising, biologically based treatments that are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. The process of tumor progression requires, among other steps, increased transformation, directional migration, and enhanced cell survival; this study explored the effect of ZD1839 on the stimulation of c-Src and p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1), which are vital for transformation, directional motility, and cell survival of cancer cells. Experimental Design: We examined the effect of ZD1839 on biochemical and functional assays indicative of directional motility and cell survival, using human head and neck squamous cancer cells and breast cancer cells. Results: ZD1839 effectively inhibited c-Src activation and Pak1 activity in exponentially growing cancer cells. In addition, ZD1839 suppressed EGF-induced stimulation of EGFR autophosphorylation on Y1086 and Grb2-binding Y1068 sites, c-Src phosphorylation on Y215, and Pak1 activity. ZD1839 also blocked EGF-induced cytoskeleton remodeling, redistribution of activated EGFR, and in vitro invasiveness of cancer cells. Conclusions: These studies suggest that the EGFR-TKI ZD1839 may cause potent inhibition of the Pak1 and c-Src pathways and, therefore, have potential to affect the invasiveness of human cancer cells deregulated in these growth factor receptor pathways.
Airborne phthalate partitioning to cotton clothing

Abstract Accumulation on indoor surfaces and fabrics can increase dermal uptake and non-dietary ingestion of semi-volatile organic compounds. To better understand the potential for dermal uptake of phthalates from clothing, we measured the mass accumulation on cotton fabrics of two phthalate esters commonly identified in indoor air: diethylphthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP). In 10-day chamber experiments, we observed strong air-to-cloth partitioning of these phthalates to shirts and jean material. Area-normalized partition coefficients ranged from 209 to 411 (μg/m 2 )/(μg/m 3 ) for DEP and 2850 to 6580 (μg/m 2 )/(μg/m 3 ) for DnBP. Clothing volume-normalized partition coefficients averaged 2.6 × 10 5 (μg/m 3 )/(μg/m 3 ) for DEP and 3.9 × 10 6 (μg/m 3 )/(μg/m 3 ) for DnBP. At equilibrium, we estimate that a typical set of cotton clothing can sorb DnBP from the equivalent of >10,000 m 3 of indoor air, thereby substantially decreasing external mass-transfer barriers to dermal uptake. Further, we estimate that a significant fraction of a child's body burden of DnBP may come from mouthing fabric material that has been equilibrated with indoor air.
A Spatio-temporal Coupling Method to Reduce the Time-to-Solution of Cardiovascular Simulations

We present a new parallel-in-time method designed to reduce the overall time-to-solution of a patient-specific cardiovascular flow simulation. Using a modified Para real algorithm, our approach extends strong scalability beyond spatial parallelism with fully controllable accuracy and no decrease in stability. We discuss the coupling of spatial and temporal domain decompositions used in our implementation, and showcase the use of the method on a study of blood flow through the aorta. We observe an additional 40% reduction in overall wall clock time with no significant loss of accuracy, in agreement with a predictive performance model.
In vivo studies of low absorbing and scattering heterogeneity in breast imaging based on higher-order diffusion equations

We report on both absorption and scattering images of in vivo human breast with a cyst using our third-order diffusion equations based reconstruction algorithm. To validate these in vivo images a series of low absorbing and scattering heterogeneity phantom experiments are conducted, in which we use one target consisting of distill water or mixer of water and very diluted Intralipid (0.05% and 0.1%) to mimic cyst regions. Scattering and absorption images of the female volunteer with a 2-cm cyst show a marked localized decrease in both scattering and absorption coefficients in the lesion.
The Universe Strikes Back

The mysteries of particle physics are conventionally probed at large accelerators. At present, much of the fascinating new phenomenology predicted by the currently fashionable crop of Unified, Grand Unified and Super Unified theories is too rare or at too high energy to be studied at accelerator facilities. To remedy this doleful situation, imaginative and ambitious new experiments in exotic terrestrial settings are being planned and built. It must be granted, however, that the most radical approach to date has been that which attempts to utilize the entire Universe as a laboratory.
The Use of Aspiration Catheter Systems for Embolic Protection during Intracranial Vertebral Artery Angioplasty and Stenting

Background: Posterior circulation strokes comprise approximately 20-25% of all strokes of ischemic origin. Strokes affecting this area carry a significantly higher risk for subsequent stroke or death as compared to anterior circulation strokes. Embolic protection device (EPD) use for carotid artery stenosis has translated into percutaneous interventions of proximal vertebral artery (VA) stenosis. However, the use of EPDs when treating intracranial lesions has yet to be studied and may not be feasible as the vessel caliber is frequently smaller than in existing devices. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe a proximal aspiration technique used during the treatment of intracranial VA and basilar artery (BA) atherosclerotic disease. Methods: Proximal embolic protection was utilized during the treatment of intracranial VA/BA stenosis with angioplasty and stenting in patients with medically refractory disease. Results: Three patients with severe symptomatic posterior circulation stenosis refractory to medical management were treated with angioplasty and stenting utilizing proximal aspiration. Pre- and post-treatment angiograms and MRIs were compared. Treated vascular stenoses were significantly improved, without new neurological deficits or ischemic injury identified on imaging. Conclusions: The proposed technique of proximal embolic protection may help overcome the challenge of embolus propagation inherent to the treatment modality that was encountered during the treatment of intracranial VA/BA stenosis.
RESOURCE-ASSOCIATED POPULATION SUBDIVISION IN A SYMBIOTIC CORAL-REEF SHRIMP.

The importance of sympatric speciation remains controversial. An empirical observation frequently offered in its support is the occurrence of sister taxa living in sympatry but using different resources. To examine the possibility of sympatric differentiation in producing such cases, I measured genetic, behavioral, and demographic differentiation between populations of the tropical sponge-dwelling shrimp Synalpheus brooksi occupying two alternate host species on three reefs in Caribbean Panama. This species belongs to an apparently monophyletic group of ≥ 30 species of mostly obligate, host-specific sponge-dwellers, many of which occur in sympatry. Demographic data demonstrated the potential for disruptive selection imposed by the two host species: shrimp demes from the sponge Agelas clathrodes were consistently denser, poorer in mature females, more heavily parasitized by branchial bopyrid isopods, and less parasitized by thoracic isopods, than conspecific shrimp from the sponge Spheciospongia vesparium. Laboratory assays demonstrated divergence in host preference: shrimp on all three reefs tended to choose their native sponge species more often than did conspecific shrimp from the other host. Because S. brooksi mates within the host, this habitat selection should foster assortative mating by host species. A hierarchical survey of protein-electrophoretic variation also supported host-mediated divergence, revealing the following: (1) shrimp from the two hosts are conspecific, as evidenced by absence of fixed allelic differences at any of nine allozyme loci scored; (2) strong genetic subdivision among populations of this philopatric shrimp on reefs separated by 1-3 km; and (3) significant host-associated genetic differentiation within two of the three reefs. Finally, intersexual aggression (a proxy for mating incompatibility) between shrimp from different host species was significantly elevated on the one reef where host-associated genetic differences were strongest, demonstrating concordance between genetic and behavioral estimates of divergence. Adjacent reefs appear to be semi-independent sites of host-associated differentiation, as evidenced by differences in the degree of host-associated behavioral and genetic differentiation, and in the specific loci involved, on different reefs. In philopatric organisms with highly subdivided populations, such as S. brooksi, resource-associated differentiation can occur independently in different populations, thus providing multiple "experiments" in differentiation and resulting in a mosaic pattern of polymorphism as reflected by neutral genetic markers. Several freshwater fishes, an amphipod, and a snail similarly show independent but remarkably convergent patterns of resource-associated divergence in different conspecific populations, often in the absence of obvious spatial barriers. In each case, substantial differentiation has occurred in the face of continuing gene flow.
Life stages and population of Proechinophthirus zumpti (Anoplura: Echinophthiriidae), from the cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus)

The egg and nymphs of Proechinophthirus zumpti are described for the first time and the adults are redescribed. Preliminary data on infestation, population and topographic distribution of P. zumpti based on 10 pelt samples of Arctocephalus pusillus are presented, and a phylogenetic inference is made for Proechinophthirus by comparing P. fluctus and P. zumpti .