cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in congenital nephrotic syndrome.

Purpose of review This review provides a concise update of the most recent literature related to the diagnosis and care of patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome. This topic is of particular interest in light of the rapidly growing body of literature regarding mutations of proteins such as nephrin and podocin that are expressed at or near the podocyte slit diaphragm. Recent findings The phenotypic variance of patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome with nephrin and podocin mutations resulting from triallelic mutations represents an important advance in our understanding of the effect of multiple genetic mutations on clinical disease expression. Clinically, the management of patients with unilateral nephrectomy, rather than the classic bilateral nephrectomy, represents an efficacious alternative management strategy and may impart better chances of graft survival by allowing later transplantation. Identification of a subset of patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome at increased risk of recurrence who also have antinephrin antibodies may enhance our understanding of recurrent disease in congenital nephrotic syndrome after transplantation. Summary Exciting recent findings in the genotypic/phenotypic correlations of patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome may not only modify our understanding of this disease but may also help to revolutionize our understanding of human genetics. Promising outcomes with unilateral nephrectomy in patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome have permitted transplantation to be delayed and may potentially decrease the risk of complications. New findings regarding recurrence of nephrotic syndrome in patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome after transplantation may lead to improved survival in future renal transplantations.
Characterization of vascular gene transfer using a novel cationic lipid.

Introduction. Cationic liposomes are an alternative non-viral vector for gene therapy, but several factors affect transfection efficiency. A novel cationic lipid, o-ethyldioleoylphosphatidylcholinium (EDOPC), was studied for characterization of the time course and effects of lipid composition, concentration, charge ratio, mixing techniques, passage number, and stimulated state on transfection of human vascular cells, represented by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Methods. HUVEC cultures were seeded at a density of 45,000 cells/well in 24-well plates and incubated overnight. Triplicate wells were transfected with samples of EDOPC/reporter plasmid for 2 h, followed by a 24-h expression time, which was the peak expression time point in an initial time-course experiment. Measuring luciferase in cell lysates quantitated gene expression. Results. Transfection of HUVEC with EDOPC was optimal with a concentration of 100 μg lipid/well, ratio of 3:1 EDOPC:plasmid, fractional mixing of lipid and plasmid, centrifugation, and incubation in serum-free media. Transfections in sequential passages showed striking decreases in gene expression and regression analysis revealed the relationship: RLU = 120,000 − (10,400 × passage number), r2 = 0.947. HUVEC activated by cytokine stimulation remain susceptible to gene transfer specifically with EDOPC. Summary. During transfection of HUVEC with cationic lipid species, an increase in passage number is associated with linear reduction in luciferase expression, and hence passage number must be controlled in comparative experiments. Characteristics of EDOPC may permit site-specific efficient transfection of activated human vascular cells that can be isolated from serum by mechanical methods.
Computing shortest paths amid pseudodisks

Multiple objects in the plane are called pseudodisks if they are convex and the boundaries of any two of them intersect transversely at most twice. Given a set of n (possibly intersecting) pseudodisks of O(1) complexity each and two points s and t in the plane, we develop an O(n2) time algorithm for computing a shortest s-to-t path avoiding the pseudodisks. In over two decades, the previously best algorithms for this problem take O(n2 log n) time, even when all pseudodisks are pairwise-disjoint disks. Our technique is also applicable to a motion planning problem of finding a shortest path to translate a convex object in the plane from one location to another avoiding a given set of polygonal obstacles, improving the previously best known solution. Our algorithm actually solves a more general version of the motion planning problem. Further, as a by-product of our approach, we present an O(n2) time algorithm for computing the visibility graph of a set of n (possibly intersecting) pseudodisks in the plane. The previously best known time bound of this visibility problem is O(n2 log n). In addition, for n pairwise disjoint (non-polygonal) convex objects of O(1) complexity each in the plane, we compute a shortest s-to-t path avoiding all objects in O(n log n + k) time, where k is the size of the visibility graph of the objects.
Occurrence of phosphorylated residues in predicted β-turns: Implications for β-turn participation in control mechanisms

Abstract Twenty-four out of thirty phosphorylated residues (80%) contained in fourteen different proteins were found to exist within regions predicted as β-turns. Phosphorylated sites not predicted within turns were found to be adjacent to predicted turns (± 2 residues) in four other cases. Two proteins were found to be phosphorylated in regions not associated with β-turns. Thus, β-turns may play a more active role in biological function in addition to its directional effect on the folding of globular proteins.
Giardiasis: an elusive cause of gastrointestinal distress.

IN BRIEF: The common protozoan Giardia lamblia has a fecal-oral mode of transmission, usually from contaminated water or food or person-to-person contact. Infection may be asymptomatic or result in a broad spectrum of symptoms-most commonly, subacute illness that is mistaken for other gastrointestinal problems. Although most infections are self-limited, treatment is indicated due to the long duration and the risk of transmission. Several therapeutic agents are available, but none is 100% effective. Prevention for people involved in outdoor sports or recreation and for international travelers includes treatment of all surface water and rigorous personal hygiene.
Does concurrent acute ethanol ingestion during omeprazole therapy affect pituitary gonadal axis in male subjects

AbstractObjective: Literature suggests that both ethanol and omeprazole may affect the endocrine system. We studied the effect of concurrent use of ethanol and omeprazole on the pituitary gonadal axis in healthy males. Methods: Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels were assessed in a fasting state before and after ingestion of 0.5 g/kg bodyweight of ethanol. Subjects then received omeprazole therapy (20 mg 2x/d for one week) followed by assessment of hormone levels before and after ethanol ingestion as done previously. Results: Total testosterone levels before and after ethanol at baseline declined an average of 46.6 ng/dL (n = 8; p = NS). The testosterone levels before and after ethanol following omeprazole therapy rose an average of 55.4 ng/dL (n = 8; p = NS). The testosterone levels before and after ethanol following omeprazole therapy rose an average of 55.4 ng/dL (n = 8; p = NS). There was no significant difference in the change of ethanol induced testostero...
Global Patterns of Seasonal Variation in Human Fertility

Pronounced and persistent seasonal patterns in fertility are observed in virtually all human populations. This paper presents evidence on these seasonal patterns. We note that the most pronounced seasonal patterns are in the southern United States, where births decline substantially in April and May, and in northern Europe, where births increase substantially in March and April. Although seasonal variations in fertility were more pronounced in earlier agricultural populations, we show that seasonality has increased in this century in some high income, low fertility populations such as Sweden. We use data on monthly temperature to analyze the potential role of temperature in explaining seasonal patterns. We find strong evidence that summer heat plays an important role in explaining the July-August trough in conceptions in the southern United States. We find little evidence, however, that temperature plays any role in explaining the pronounced June-July peak in conceptions in Sweden. Temperature also appears to be relatively unimportant in several other populations with substantial seasonal variations in births, suggesting that other factors play an important role in birth seasonality.
Reprogramming patient-derived cells to study the epilepsies

In this Review article, Jack Parent and Stewart Anderson discuss the advantages and limitations of using patient-derived cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, to probe the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and disease progression. In addition, they look at potential therapeutic avenues, such as cell-replacement strategies, that may arise from this field.
Dynamics of Biomolecules: Assignment of Local Motions by Fluorescence Anisotropy Decay ☆

Abstract Many biological systems have multiple fluorophores that experience multiple depolarizing motions, requiring multiple lifetimes and correlation times to define the fluorescence intensity and anisotropy decays, respectively. To simplify analyses, an assumption often made is that all fluorophores experience all depolarizing motions. However, this assumption usually is invalid, because each lifetime is not necessarily associated with each correlation time. To help establish the correct associations and recover accurate kinetic parameters, a general kinetic scheme that can examine all possible associations is presented. Using synthetic data sets, the ability of the scheme to discriminate among all nine association models possible for two lifetimes and two correlation times has been evaluated. Correct determination of the association model, and accurate recovery of the decay parameters, required the global analysis of related data sets. This general kinetic scheme was then used for global analyses of liver alcohol dehydrogenase anisotropy data sets. The results indicate that only one of the two tryptophan residues in each subunit is depolarized by process(es) independent of the enzyme's rotations. By applying the proper kinetic scheme and appropriate analysis procedures to time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy data, it is therefore possible to examine the dynamics of specific portions of a macromolecule in solution.
Unzip Single Protein Zippers using Optical Tweezers

Basic leucine zippers (bZIPs) are dimeric alpha-helical domains found in many transcription factors. They comprise coiled coil regions (zippers) that mediate specific protein dimerization, and basic regions that undergo disorder-to-order transitions to grip their cognate DNA binding sites. It remains unclear how folding of the two regions and binding of DNA are coupled. We investigated the detailed folding kinetics of a model bZIP domain derived from GCN4 transcriptional factor, using high-resolution optical tweezers. When pulled from the same amino- or carboxyl-terminals, the coiled coil alone folds and unfolds rapidly in a two-state manner, with little energy barrier. The folding kinetics of the full GCN4 bZIP domain is similar to the coiled coil alone. However, the presence of its binding site (AP1) induces a third new state corresponding to the bZIP-DNA complex. The probability of this new state critically depends upon the AP1 concentration, which reaches a maximum at an intermediate AP1 concentration. Results from our single-molecule manipulation experiments reveal a complex folding energy landscape even for a small protein domain that can be further tuned by their binding ligands.
Trace Fossil Analysis

Today, the study of trace fossils—ichnology— is an important subdiscipline of geology at the interface of paleontology and sedimentology, mostly because of the efforts of Adolf Seilacher. His ability to synthesize various aspects of ichnology and produce a hierarchy of marine ichna and sedimentary facies has made ichnology useful worldwide in interpreting paleodiversity, rates of sedimentation, oxygenation of bottom water and sediment pore water, and depositional energy. Seilacher's book Trace Fossil Analysis provides a glimpse into the mind, methodology, and insights of the father of modern ichnology, generated from his course notes as a professor and a guest lecturer. The title sounds misleading—readers looking for up-to-date principles and approaches to trace fossil analysis in marine and continental strata will be disappointed. In his preface, however, Seilacher clearly gives direction for the use of his text: “This is a course book— meaning that it is intended to confer not knowledge, but skill.” Thus, it is not meant as a total compilation of all trace fossils, ichnotaxonomy, ichnological interpretations, applications, or the most relevant and up-to-date references. Rather, it takes the reader on a personal journey, explaining how trace fossils are understood in the context of their three-dimensional (3-D) morphology and sedimentary facies.
Determining PCB sorption/desorption behavior on sediments using selective supercritical fluid extraction. 1: Desorption from historically contaminated samples

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) conditions using pure CO2 from 40 to 150 °C were developed that allow sequential extraction of PCBs associated with “rapidly desorbing, moderately, slowly, and very slowly desorbing” sites on historically contaminated sediments and soil. Five samples with individual PCB concentrations ranging from a few to ∼100 000 ng/g all showed PCBs associated with each type of site, but the fraction of PCBs associated with rapidly desorbing or slowly desorbing sites varied greatly from sample to sample. Although some small differences in the desorption behavior of individual PCBs was observed from a particular sample, the differences among samples were much greater demonstrating that the sample matrix and not the PCB identity was most important in controlling desorption behavior. When all five samples were compared, simple considerations concerning sample particle size, water content, organic content, and PCB concentration could not predict desorption behavior, demonstrating that P...
Tumor Ablation for Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases

As the treatment options for colorectal liver metastases continue to expand, ablation has been integrated into the multidisciplinary management of this disease. Following the success of earlier modalities such as cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation, more options have emerged, including use of microwaves, irreversible electroporation, laser therapy, and focused ultrasound. Indications have also widened from unresectable disease to include treatment with curative intent, often in combination with surgery and systemic and regional therapies. Randomized evidence is relatively lacking overall, but there are ample retrospective data to support the use of ablation. Good patient selection is important, and the treating clinician must understand the strengths and weaknesses of each modality to ensure safety and maximize efficacy. In this review, we discuss the principles of the more commonly used ablation techniques and summarize the evidence, with emphasis on recent data.
The edge reconstruction number of a disconnected graph

The edge reconstruction number of a graph G, RN(G), is the minimum number of edge deleted subgraphs required to determine G up to isomorphism. We prove the following results for a disconnected graph G with at least two nontrivial components. If G has a pair of nontrivial nonisomorphic components then RN(G) ≤ 3. If G has a pair of nontrivial nonisomorphic components, is not a forest, and contains a nontrivial component other than K3 or K1,3 then RN(G) ≤ 2. Finally, if all nontrivial components of G are isomorphic to a graph with k edges, then RN(G) ≤ k + 2. The edge reconstruction results in this paper are similar to the vertex reconstruction results stated by Myrvold (“The Ally-Reconstruction Number of a Disconnected Graph,” Ars Combinatoria, Vol. 28 [1989] pp. 123-127), but a significant difference is that the edge reconstruction number of a disconnected graph is often two, while the vertex reconstruction number of a graph is always three or more. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fatty acid composition of the diglycerides from lipolyzed milk fat.

Summary The diglycerides in eight samples of lipolyzed milk were isolated by silicic acid column and thin-layer chromatography and identified by infrared spectrophotometry. The average recovery of diglycerides was 93.3%. Controls contained negligible quantities. Fatty acids, identified by gas-liquid chromatography, were: palmitate, 29.5%; oleate, 24.4%; myristate, 13.2%; stearate, 8.4%; and at least 16 others commonly found in milk fat. The fatty acid composition of the diglycerides was different in some respects from that in the intact control milk fat. About 70% of the monoglycerides was recovered and similar data are reported for these compounds.
Weighted least squares estimators in possibly misspecified nonlinear regression

The behavior of estimators for misspecified parametric models has been well studied. We consider estimators for misspecified nonlinear regression models, with error and covariates possibly dependent. These models are described by specifying a parametric model for the conditional expectation of the response given the covariates. This is a parametric family of conditional constraints, which makes the model itself close to nonparametric. We study the behavior of weighted least squares estimators both when the regression function is correctly specified, and when it is misspecified and also involves possible additional covariates.
Adaptation of the Paul trap for study of the reaction of multiply charged cations with singly charged anions

Abstract The adaptation of a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QITMS) to allow for studies of ion-ion reactions in the dilute gas-phase is presented. This system utilizes a dual-source design with electrospray ionization for the injection of multiply charged cations and an atmospheric sampling glow discharge interface (ASGDI) for the production of singly charged anions. The ASGDI source is mounted 90° to the electrospray interface to facilitate anion injection through a 3 mm hole in the ring electrode. Independent control of the two ion sources allows for selection of the oppositely charged reacting species. Other important instrument capabilities discussed include high mass/high resolution analysis, an ion gate circuit with a variable bipolar output, and use of a TTL pulse for controlling the second (glow-discharge) ion source. Experimental design considerations and representative data from the reactions of multiply charged cations with singly charged anions including electron transfer (porphyrin systems), proton transfer (peptides and proteins), and adduct formation (anion attachment to various compound classes) are also presented. These data illustrate phenomenologically the reaction types that can be investigated using this Paul-trap-based system.
Behavior and autonomic nervous system function assessed via heart period measures: the case of hyperarousal in boys with fragile X syndrome.

Physiological responses may inform us about and help us to interpret behavioral responses. For example, hyperarousal may be a source of behavior problems in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). To evaluate this approach, we examined heart period data in specific contexts in boys with FXS and in normally developing chronological-age-matched boys. Spectral analysis was used to evaluate the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems’ contributions to heart period. Boys with FXS had shorter interbeat intervals, lower parasympathetic activity, and similar sympathetic activity. Also, the groups were differentially responsive to experimental challenge. These results have important implications for our understanding of the basic nervous system dysfunction in FXS and for the strategies likely to be effective in terms of pharmacological intervention with these children. These methods can be applied to a variety of contexts and populations, including children who are sensory defensive, socially avoidant, inattentive, or hyperactive.
Tissue Ablation Dynamics During Magnetic Resonance-Guided, Laser-Induced Thermal Therapy.

Background Magnetic resonance-guided, laser-induced thermal therapy is a real-time magnetic resonance thermometry-guided, minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of intracranial tumors, epilepsy, and pain. Little is known about its dynamics and the effects of various pathologies on overall ablation. Objective To determine the relationship between thermal energy delivery and the time to maximal estimated thermal damage and whether differences exist between various intracranial pathologies. Methods We used real-time ablation data from 28 patients across 5 unique intracranial pathologies. All ablations were performed using the Visualase Thermal Therapy System (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota), which uses a 980-nm diffusing tip diode laser. The thermal damage area was plotted against time for each ablation. We then estimated the duration of time required to reach 50% (t50) and 97% (t97) of maximal damage. Comparisons were then made between different intracranial pathologies. Results The duration required to reach maximal thermal damage estimate (TDE) among all ablations was 159 ± 62 seconds, and the t50 and t97 were 43 ± 21 and 136 ± 57 seconds, respectively, where t97 was reached at an average of 23 seconds before the maximal TDE. The t97 was shorter in the recurrent metastasis/radiation necrosis and epilepsy groups compared with the previously untreated glioblastoma multiforme group. Conclusion The optimal duration can be estimated by the t97, which can be achieved in less than 3 minutes and differs across ablation targets. TDE expansion decelerates with prolonged ablation. Future studies are needed to examine the radiographic and clinical outcomes as well as the effects of ablation power, irrigation speed, and the effect of previous therapies on ablation dynamics.
Coupling air quality and land use modeling within an optimization framework

Abstract Land use regulations and air quality standards can be effective tools to control air pollution. Atmospheric transport/chemistry simulation models could be used to develop suitable regulations and standards; however, these models are not as efficient as air quality management models developed from embedding governing equations for atmospheric transport/chemistry into an optimization framework. Formulations of two steady-state air quality management models are presented to facilitate the development or evaluation of land use strategies to protect regional air quality from pollution generated from distributed point or nonpoint sources. Both models are linear programs constructed with equations that describe steady-state atmospheric pollutant fate and transport. The first model determines feasible pollutant loading patterns for multiple land use activities to accommodate the greatest regional population. The second model ascertains patterns of expanded land use which have a minimum impact on air quality. The primary goal of this paper is to explain how air pollution and land use modeling may be coupled to create an effective management tool to aid scientists and engineers with decisions affecting air quality and land use. The secondary goal is to show the types of air quality and regulatory information which could be obtained from these models. This latter goal is attained with general conclusions as consequence of applying ‘duality theory.’
Aeroelasticity - Frontiers and beyond /von Karman Lecture/

The lecture aims at giving a broad survey of the current reaches of aeroelasticity with some narrower views for the specialist. After a short historical review of concepts for orientation, several topics are briefly presented. These touch on current flight vehicles having special points of aeroelastic interest; recent developments in the active control of aeroelastic response including control of flutter; remarks on the unsteady aerodynamics of arbitrary configurations; problems of the space shuttle related to aeroelasticity; and aeroelastic response in flight.
Adult ADHD vs. bipolar disorder in the DSM-5 era: a challenging differentiation for clinicians.

Objective. Patients with adult attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can present with similar symptoms, including increased energy, distractibility, disorganization, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and rapid speech. Determining whether the patient has either, or possibly
The energy curve of XeF, X 2Σ+

Abstract The energy curve of the ground state of XeF is obtained theoretically assuming that the energy is represented by the sum of the “first order energy” and the dispersion energy. Since the inverse power expansion of the dispersion energy is not valid when the atoms overlap significantly, the dispersion energy is estimated in the overlap region by noting that the Coulomb integrals now vary exponentially with internuclear distance. The onset of overlap was chosen to occur over a range of distances which then permits a range of well depths to be determined. Comparison with recent experimental results indicates that the σ of the analogous van der Waals well provides agreement with the well depth. The energy curve has an unusual shape which suggests that the region around the minimum is determined by a small mixing of charge transfer into the ground state. Since this study is intended to determine the qualitative electronic basis of the binding in molecules like XeF, no attempt was made to calculate the vibrational spectrum but it is clear from the curve shape that the spectrum could be fit only with a large anharmonicity coefficient.
Geographic isolation, gene flow and population differentiation in Goodea atripinnis (Pisces: Goodeidae)

An allozyme survey of thirty-four loci from seventeen populations of the goodeid fish Goodea atripinnis was conducted to examine the extent of differentiation between continuous and isolated populations. Differentiation, based upon the Rogers genetic distance, among a group of populations isolated since the Pleistocene was no greater than that observed among apparently continuous populations within a single lake/river system. These data suggest that, for Goodea, the presence or absence of gene flow (the physical contiguity of the populations) is a minor factor in determining the extent of genetic differentiation.
Expression of the Copper Metallothionein CUPI from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus R2-PIM8( smtA )

The coding sequence for Saccharomyces cerevisiae copper metallothionein (CUPI), the protein responsible for enhanced sequestration of Cu2+ in yeast, was placed under the control of an inducible synthetic Escherichia coli promoter in the cyanobacterial vector pTrcIK. Strain R2-PIM8(smtA) of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 was transformed with the resulting construct pMcK2, and the yeast CUPI gene was integrated into its genome via homologous recombination. The pMcK2 plasmid directed the synthesis of a protein product of the expected size in an in vitro E. coli transcription/translation system. In the transgenic cyanobacteria, the integrated CUPI gene was transcribed and produced a protein product with the expected metallothionein characteristics, as determined by 109Cd2+ binding assays. At this level of expression, the yeast metallothionein, although functional, did not increase the tolerance range of the transgenic Synechococcus to Cu2+ or Cd2+ beyond that of the untransformed R2-PIM8(smtA).
Titanium basal joint arthroplasty: a finite element analysis and clinical study.

Purpose To define the mechanics and determine the clinical outcome of titanium implant arthroplasty in trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Methods For the finite element analysis (FEA) a 2-dimensional FEA mesh of the titanium arthroplasty was constructed with 8-node quadrilateral elements and analyzed. Flexion–extension displacement of the metacarpal was analyzed. For the clinical study, between 1996 and 2003, 47 patients (50 thumbs) with Eaton stage 3 trapeziometacarpal arthritis were treated with titanium basal joint arthroplasty. The average follow-up period was 2 years. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire answers and grip and pinch measurements were obtained before surgery and at the final follow-up evaluation. Failure was defined strictly as the point when revision to the standard soft-tissue interposition arthroplasty became inevitable. Results In the FEA the titanium implant showed pistoning behavior with maximum stress concentration in the midmetacarpal shaft of 1.92 MPa. The convex sphere of the implant rotates and lifts out of the trapezial crater with a high stress concentration of 0.51 MPa at the radial and ulnar corner of the trapezium. In the clinical study treatment failed in 10 of the patients before 9 months. All were converted successfully to a standard ligament reconstruction tendon interposition. The remaining 80% of the patients showed significant improvement in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores albeit with continued weakness at the 2-year follow-up evaluations. The reconstructed thumbs never attained the strength of the contralateral thumbs; even in the success group residual swelling was not uncommon with any increase in activity level. Conclusions Anecdotal quotations show success rates for titanium implant arthroplasty for basal joint arthritis to be as high as 97%. Our results are quite to the contrary in that high failure rates were common early in the follow-up period. Our FEA results are confirmed by the clinical study. Titanium implant arthroplasty may have a role in low-demand patients with good bone stock; however, we have stopped offering titanium hemiarthroplasty to patients at our institution.
Cartographic feature extraction with integrated SIR-B and Landsat TM images

A digital cartographic multisensor image database of excellent geometry and improved resolution was created by registering SIR-B images to a rectified Landsat TM reference image and applying intensity-hue-saturation enhancement techniques. When evaluated against geodetic control, RMSE(XY) values of approximately + or - 20 m were noted for the composite SIR-B/TM images. The completeness of cartographic features extracted from the composite images exceeded those obtained from separate SIR-B and TM image data sets by approximately 10 and 25 percent, respectively, indicating that the composite images may prove suitable for planimetric mapping at a scale of 1:100,000 or smaller. At present, the most effective method for extracting cartographic information involves digitizing features directly from the image processing display screen.
Evolution of murine alpha 1-proteinase inhibitors: gene amplification and reactive center divergence.

The organization and sequence of genes encoding the α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1PI), a major serine proteinase inhibitor of the mammalian bloodstream, have been compared in several species, including murine rodents (genus Mus). Analysis of gene copy number indicates that amplification of α1PI genes occurred at some time during evolution of the Mus genus, leading to fixation of a family of about three to five genes in several existing species (e.g., M. domesticus and M. saxicola), and only a single gene in others (e.g., M. caroli). A phylogeny for the various mammalian α1PI mRNAs was constructed based upon synonymous substitutions within coding regions. The mRNAs in different murine species diverged from a common ancestor before the formation of the first species lineages of the Mus genus, i.e., about 10–13 million years ago. Thus, α1PI gene amplification must have occurred prior to Mus speciation; gene families were retained in some, but not all, murine species. The reactive center region of the α1PI polypeptide, which determines target protease specificity, has diverged rapidly during evolution of the Mus species, but not during evolution of other mammalian species included in the analysis. It is likely that this accelerated evolution of the reactive center, which has been noted previously for serine proteinase inhibitors, was driven by some sort of a positive Darwinian selection that was exerted in a taxon-specific manner. We suggest that evolution of α1PI genes of murine rodents has been characterized by both modification of gene copy number and rapid reactive center divergence. These processes may have resulted in a broadened repertoire of proteinase inhibitors that was evolutionarily advantageous during Mus speciation.
Clinical experience with office-based duplex-guided balloon-assisted maturation of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis.

Background To examine the effect of office-based duplex-guided balloon-assisted maturation (DG-BAM) on arteriovenous fistula (AVF), we retrospectively analyzed our experience. Methods Over the past 10 months, we performed 185 DG-BAMs (range, 1–8 procedures; mean, 3.7) in 45 patients (29 male, 16 female; mean age, 68.2 ± 12.8 years) with 31 radial–cephalic, 7 brachial–cephalic, and 7 brachial–basilic AVFs. Balloon sizes (3–10 mm) were chosen based on duplex measurements (1–2 mm larger than minimal vein diameter). Forearm AVFs were dilated to 8 mm, and arm AVFs were dilated to 10 mm. Results All cases but one (99.5%) were successfully dilated. This exception was a large AVF rupture that required surgical repair. AVFs failed to mature in seven of the remaining 44 patients (16%) despite DG-BAM because of proximal vein stenoses (PVS). Four patients had cephalic arch stenoses, and three had proximal subclavian vein stenoses. Arm AVFs were more commonly associated with PVS (6 of 14 patients, 43%) as compared with the ones placed in the forearm (1 of 30 patients, 3.3%), with a P value of 0.0024. All these seven AVFs subsequently matured after successful balloon angioplasty of the venous outflow. Conclusions These data suggest that office-based DG-BAM of AVFs is feasible, safe, and averts nephrotoxic contrast and radiation. PVS appear to be the most common cause of failure for AVFs subjected to BAM. Because arm AVFs are at increased risk of PVS, we suggest that a careful duplex evaluation of the outflow be performed in these cases and in all AVFs that fail to mature.
Murine alloantigen acquisition by schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni: further evidence for the presence of K, D, and I region gene products on the tegumental surface.

Previous studies have demonstrated that shistosomula, recovered from the lungs of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice, acquire H-2Kk and both Ik and Is gene products. We confirmed and extended those observations by identifying several individual antigenic specificities mapping not only to H-2Kk and I-Ak (Sher, Hall & Vadas 1978), but to H-2Dk, I-Ek, H-2Kb, H-2Db and I-Ab as well. Private H-2 specificites 23 (H-2Kk) and 32 (H-2Dk) were identified on the tegumental surface of schistosomula isolated from C3H/Crgl mice (H-2k). Larvae isolated from C57Bl/10Sn (B10) mice (H-2b) were shown to acquire private specificities 33 and 2, which map to H-2Kb and H-2Db respectively. I region associated (Ia) antigens coded for by genes mapping in the I-A subregion (Ia. 2 and 3) and I-E subregion (Ia. 7) were also acquired from C3H/Crgl mice. Schistosomula from B10 donors were shown to acquire Ia specificities 3 and 8, which are under I-A subregion control. Evidence that monoclonal antibodies recognize H-2 antigens on the larval surface is also demonstrated.
Development of connectional diversity and specificity in the mammalian brain by the pruning of collateral projections.

Abstract The pruning of collateral projections, first demonstrated 10 years ago, is now recognized as a fundamental and widespread mechanism for the development of the diversity and specificity evident in axonal connections of the adult mammalian brain, at multiple levels within neural systems, and across species.
Mechanisms of Interface Trap Buildup and Annealing During Elevated Temperature Irradiation

Both enhanced interface trap buildup and interface trap annealing can occur during elevated temperature irradiation (ETI), depending on the temperature, total dose, and dose rate. In this paper we describe mechanisms that govern the rate-limiting processes of interface trap buildup and annealing during ETI. Hydrogenated oxygen vacancies can facilitate hydrogen dimerization at elevated temperatures. This results in the removal of protons that can create interface traps, so degradation is suppressed. Hydrogen dimerization becomes more competitive with degradation mechanisms as the concentration of protons near the interface increases and/or as temperature increases.
Regulation of V-ATPase recycling via a RhoA- and ROCKII-dependent pathway in epididymal clear cells.

Luminal acidification in the epididymis is critical for sperm maturation and storage. Clear cells express the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) in their apical membrane and are major contributors to pr...
Airborne Separation Assurance and Traffic Management Research of Concepts and Technology

To support the need for increased flexibility and capacity in the future National Airspace System, NASA is pursuing an approach that distributes air traffic separation and management tasks to both airborne and ground-based systems. Details of the distributed operations and the benefits and technical challenges of such a system are discussed. Technology requirements and research issues are outlined, and NASA''s approach for establishing concept feasibility, which included development of the airborne automation necessary to support the concept, is discribed.
Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles Resource management and knapsack formulation in distributed multimedia networks

In this paper, the problem of allocating multiple finite resources to satisfy the quality of service (QoS) needs of multiple applications along multiple QoS dimensions is presented. A mathematical model that captures the dynamics of such adaptive problem is presented. This model formulates the problem as a multiple-choice multidimensional 0-1 knapsack problem (MMKP), an NP-hard optimization problem. A heuristic algorithm is then proposed to solve the MMKP. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm finds 96% optimal solutions on average, and outperforms other heuristic algorithms for MMKP. Furthermore, the time required is on average 50% to 70% less than that required by other benchmark heuristics. These two properties make this heuristic a strong candidate for use in real-time multimedia applications
Functions of a computerized classification subsystem in a materials management system

Within a Materials Management System, one of the most important functions is the classification of items. At the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the classification subsystem provides support for standardized procedures for identifying, classifying, and describing material and equipment used and purchased throughout the Agency. This paper describes the three major functions performed by that subsystem. First, the items are classified and identified as unique items or duplicates. Second, material information is provided to the user in the form of hard copy catalogs, fiche, and on-line inquiry. Finally, the Classification Subsystem maintains a Materials Data Base for use by other subsystems to obtain descriptive, supply, and other types of information about the item.
Photodesulfinylation of Optically Active N-Sulfinyl Amines.

The reaction gives the corresponding amines without racemization and does not require acidic or basic conditions.
Characterization of a moderately halo-acidophilic bacterium isolated from Lake Brown, western Australia

Compared to prevalent alkaline to neutral hypersaline environments, acidic hypersaline environments have been scarcely studied. However, they hold interest to many researchers in that these environments have similar geological and geochemical characteristics as those found in lithified strata on Mars. Fieldwork indicated that Lake Brown, located in Western Australia, possessed pH values of 3.1-4.5 and salinity between 13.0-23.0%. Water column, groundwater, and sediment samples were collected from the lake during the austral winter of 2005. These samples were analyzed with both traditional culture and molecular methods. Modified growth media and minimal media were designed to match the composition (Cl, Na, Mg, SO4, K, Ca, and Br) of Lake Brown surface and ground waters for the enrichment of microorganisms. One of the isolates obtained, Brown 1, can grow in media that possesses pH values of 3-7 with optimal growth at pH 4, salinity that ranged from 5% to saturation with optimal growth at 5% and could grow under temperatures that ranged from 20°C to 65°C with optimal grow occurring at 37°C. The isolate's optimum growth conditions are similar to those found in Lake Brown. The isolate is a Gram-negative rod that forms yellow colonies on 17% Phytogel. Its 16S rRNA gene can be amplified with bacterial primers but not with archaeal primers. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence suggests that the isolate is a gamma proteobacterium. Studies on organisms isolated from environments such as Lake Brown, an acid hypersaline lake, can provide an opportunity to both expand our knowledge of terrestrial extremophiles and gain insight on the possible forms of life that might have existed on Mars.
Frequency of λ light chain subtypes in mouse antibodies to the 2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) group

Of the three lambda chain subtypes made by inbred mice, chains of the lambda 1 subtype are much more frequent than those of the other subtypes (lambda 2,lambda 3) in antibodies (Ab) to those few antigenic structures that are known to elicit responses, in which lambda chains are the predominant type of light chain [(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) and dextran]. The reason for the frequency differences are not understood, and the large difference between the lambda 1 and lambda 3 frequencies is particularly puzzling, because in nearly all (about 95%) chains of these subtypes the N-terminal 97 or 98 amino acids are endoded by the same V lambda-gene segment. In an effort to identify an Ab response that has different lambda subtype frequencies, we analyzed the light chains of the Ab made by BALB/c and B6 mice in response to 2,4-dinitrophenylated chicken gamma globulin (DNP-CGG). We found that approximately 40% of the elicited anti-DNP molecules had lambda chains and of these approximately 40% were of the lambda 2 or lambda 3 subtype. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the lambda 2 and lambda 3 chains were about equally abundant. Similar lambda subtype frequencies were found in the anti-DNP Ab produced by the hybridoma made with spleen cells from the same immunized mice. In the anti-DNP Ab elicited by DNP-CGG and in the anti-NP Ab elicited by NP-CGG the different lambda subtype frequencies (lambda 1/lambda 2 + lambda 3 = ca. 1.0-1.5 in anti-DNP and ca. 30 in anti-NP) were unaffected by immunizing mice with each of these antigens alone or with a mixture of the two. This finding, though preliminary, suggests that isotype-specific regulatory T cells are not responsible for the markedly different lambda subtype frequencies in anti-DNP and anti-NP Ab.
Stop laser uranium enrichment

The US Congress should discourage efforts to advance the technology to make fuel for nuclear reactors, say Francis Slakey and Linda R. Cohen — the risks outweigh the benefits.
Nitrogen Fixation in Soils and Canals of Rehabilitated Raised-Fields of the Bolivian Altiplano1

Raised-field agricultural systems were exploited extensively by pre-Columbian Andean civilizations and now are used less extensively by contemporary Bolivian and Peruvian farmers as a method for farming the perennially wet soils of the intermontane pampas of the Andean high altiplano. The raised-field agricultural systems are linear or semi-linear raised planting platforms interspersed with shallow, parallel canals filled with water. The elevated planting platforms raise the critical rooting zone of crops such as potatoes, quinoa, or barley above perennially saturated soils. A hypothesized advantage of the raised-field system is that agricultural production can be increased by exploiting the ability of bacteria and Azolla fililculoides to fix nitrogen in the canals adjacent to the planting platforms. To test this hypothesis, nitrogen fixation was estimated in situ in the water column of canals, in the soils of planting platforms, in the soils of a dry hillside field, and in the sediments and water column of marshes and totora beds. Nitrogen fixation was significantly greater in the canals of the raised-field systems and in marshes compared to planting platforms and the hillside field. These data support the theory that pre-Hispanic agricultural prosperity of the Andes, as well as other regions of Central and South America, was partially supported by extensive development of raised-field agriculture and probable exploitation of nitrogen fixation.
Global distributions of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the fossil-fuel era: a projection.

Abstract A model describing latitudinal mixing and accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the entire (projected) fossil-fuel era of human history but in the absence of climatic feed back is developed, including a new formulation of the oceanic sink term based on the tendency of atmospheric concentrations toward chemical and phase equilibrium with carbonic acid reactions in the deep oceans. For a “Gaussian” fuel consumption cycle wherein all potentially recoverable fossil reserves are eventually burned, the model predicts a doubling in global CO2—above a pre-industrial level of approximately 300 ppm—by the year 2025, and a five-fold increase about 200 y from now. Some latitudinal asymmetry in ambient concentration was found to be generated by anthropogenic sources which predominate in the northern hemisphere at peak emission rates. At most, a difference of some 20 ppm was predicted between the hemispheres, much less than the changes which can be induced in global-mean concentrations by fossil fuel burning over the coming century. While projected increases in CO2 levels were found to be largely reversible within the next 10 y, they become increasingly less so as the carbonic acid equilibrium of the oceans is shifted. The qualitative effects of climatic feedbacks and the relationship of the present work to a more general model for climatic change are also discussed.
Human gene therapy — of tortises and hares

The race isn't always to the swift, but that is no excuse for dragging one's feet (pages 1148–1154).
Civil Reality? Simulation Experiments on the Impact of Civil War in a Realist World

The most widely used theoretical framework in international relations is realism. Realism takes many forms, and there have been hundreds of writings on the topic. In the United States, the two most popular exemplars of realism are Morgenthau (Morgenthau & Thompson, 1985; original 1948) and Waltz (1979). There is no systematic attempt to incorporate civil wars into the realist framework. In this paper, we use a computer simulation to explore the impact of a state's civil war experience on its interstate war experience. The results suggest that a state's civil war experience can have an impact on its interstate war experience.