cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of Pigmentation in Nonproliferating Cells of Serratia marcescens by Addition of Single Amino Acids

Addition of casein hydrolysate to suspensions of washed, nonpigmented, nonproliferating Serratia marcescens incubating at 27 C induced biosynthesis of prodigiosin. Four amino acids of casein hydrolysate, dl-aspartic acid, l-glutamic acid, l-proline, and l-alanine caused formation of pigment when added individually. dl-Ornithine also was effective. Optimal concentrations for maximal pigmentation were 5 to 10 mg/ml; at these high concentrations, d-serine also induced biosynthesis of some prodigiosin. dl-Alanine and -ornithine were as effective as the l-iosomers, but l-glutamic acid and l-proline gave better responses than their racemic mixtures. Kinetics of prodigiosin biosynthesis after addition of dl-alanine (20 mg/ml) were similar to those of cells suspended in 0.2% casein hydrolysate. The other amino acids were less effective. Addition of 5 mg of dl-alanine or casein hydrolysate per ml to minimal medium increased by 30% the amount of prodigiosin formed by growing cells after incubation for 7 days at 27 C. Cultures grown for 7 days at 27 C in 0.2% casein hydrolsate formed more prodigiosin than did suspensions of nonproliferating cells containing individual amino acids or casein hydrolysate. However, more pigment was produced by cells suspended in l-alanine (5 mg/ml) or l-proline (10 mg/ml) than when suspended in 0.4% natural or synthetic casein hydrolysate. Filtrates from suspensions of nonproliferating cells forming pigment in l-proline induced more rapid formation of prodigiosin, but filtrates from suspensions in dl-alanine did not. The data supported the hypothesis that pyrrole groups of prodigiosin may be synthesized from 5-carbon amino acids such as proline, ornithine, aspartic, and glutamic acids, but the role of alanine is unknown.
Federal Statistical Systems as Data Sources for Intelligence, Investigative, or Prosecutorial Work

The article discusses policy, legal, and technical issues that arise in redeploying federal data systems, such as the decennial census, administrative-based statistical systems, or sample surveys originally designed to generate statistical information about the population at large to serve the narrower, and different, needs of intelligence, investigative, or prosecutorial work. Such work, particularly in the context of protecting “homeland security”, often involves efforts that focus on individuals or population subgroups deemed to be suspect. The law and policy of statistical confidentiality in federal data systems guarantee the nation's continued ability to gather reliable statistical data from the public. Technical issues related to study design and response, sampling errors, and archiving practices limit the usefulness of information generated by statistical data systems for many kinds of intelligence, investigative, or prosecutorial work. Examples are provided for assessing the comparative strengths or weaknesses of different kinds of federal statistical data for the field of homeland security and related work. Keywords: census; counterterrorism; data archiving; Department of Homeland Security (DHS); federal statistical system; microdata; administrative data systems; statistical confidentiality; targeting; surveillance
Altered isoactin gene expression in the affected bowel segments of the lethal spotted mouse

Abstract Background : Actin is a key contractile protein associated with the normal differentiation and function of gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. Distinct changes in gastrointestinal smooth muscle cell morphology and function have been reported for the aganglionic rectum and megacolon of the adult lethal spotted mouse. This study examines what effect these changes in smooth muscle cell morphology and function have on the expression of the actin multigene family in both the aganglionic rectum and megacolon of the lethal spotted mouse. Methods : Expression of the smooth muscle and cytoplasmic isoactins was examined by Northern blot analysis of the aganglionic rectum and megacolon of the homozygotic lethal spotted mouse and the equivalent bowel segments of control animals. Results : The megacolon of the lethal spotted mouse showed a significant increase in γ-smooth muscle isoactin expression. The aganglionic rectum of the lethal spotted mouse displayed a complex pattern of altered isoactin gene expression that included changes in both γ-smooth muscle and β-cytoplasmic isoactin expression. Strain-specific differences in the quantitative levels of isoactin gene expression were observed for the various bowel segments examined in this study. Conclusions : These results show that the changes in smooth muscle cell morphology and function observed in the lethal spotted mutant mouse are accompanied by significant alterations in isoactin gene expression.
Arp2/3 complex and cofilin modulate binding of tropomyosin to branched actin networks.

Summary Tropomyosins are coiled-coil proteins that bind actin filaments and regulate multiple cytoskeletal functions, including actin network dynamics near the leading edge of motile cells. Previous work demonstrated that tropomyosins inhibit actin nucleation by the Arp2/3 complex and prevent filament disassembly by cofilin. We find that the Arp2/3 complex and cofilin, in turn, regulate the binding of tropomyosin to actin filaments. Using fluorescence microscopy, we show that tropomyosin (non-muscle Drosophila Tm1A) polymerizes along actin filaments, starting from "nuclei" that appear preferentially on ADP-bound regions of the filament, near the pointed end. Tropomyosin fails to bind dendritic actin networks created in vitro by the Arp2/3 complex, in part because the Arp2/3 complex blocks pointed ends. Cofilin promotes phosphate dissociation and severs filaments, generating new pointed ends and rendering Arp2/3-generated networks competent to bind tropomyosin. Tropomyosin's attraction to pointed ends reflects a strong preference for conformations localized to that region of the filament and reveals a basic molecular mechanism by which lamellipodial actin networks are insulated from the effects of tropomyosin.
The link between penile hypersensitivity and premature ejaculation.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the correlation between penile hypersensitivity and premature ejaculation (PE), as defined by the criteria identified by the International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Penile hypersensitivity as a cause of PE is based on historical clinical neurophysiological data and clinical efficacy of the topical desensitizing agent PSD502 in the treatment of PE. PSD502 is a eutectic-like mixture of two local anaesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine, whose primary action is to reduce neuronal conduction in sensory afferents. METHODS Historical neurophysiological data was reviewed, together with data from the recent PSD502 clinical trials, including the first published double-blind clinical trial data evaluating a topical desensitizing agent in a population of men with PE, as per the new ISSM definition. The clinical profile of PSD502, based on its local anaesthetic properties, is used as a surrogate index of the role of sensory afferents in the ejaculatory reflex. RESULTS The published data does not support unequivocally penile hypersensitivity as the cause of PE. Interpretation of the data is hampered by the variability of the populations described as having PE across studies. Data from the PSD502 clinical trials clearly shows that PSD502 increases ejaculatory latency, and improves control and sexual satisfaction when applied topically to men with PE 5 min before intercourse, enabling subjects to delay ejaculation up to six times longer than those who used a placebo. CONCLUSION The clinical profile of PSD502 lends credibility to the penile hypersensitivity hypothesis for PE. The predominant action of local anaesthetics is to reduce neuronal firing in sensory afferents; the clinical profile of PSD502, which shows improvement of ejaculatory function in the absence of a generalized reduction in penile sensitivity, can most readily be explained based on an underlying hypersensitivity in patients with PE.
Goal-Oriented Multimedia Dialogue with Variable Initiative

A dialogue algorithm is described that executes Prolog-style rules in an attempt to achieve a goal. The algorithm selects paths in the proof in an attempt to achieve success and proves subgoals on the basis of internally available information where possible. Where “missing axioms” are discovered, the algorithm interacts with the user to solve subgoals, and it uses the received information from the user to attempt to complete the proof. A multimedia grammar codes messages sent to and received from the user into a combination of speech, text, and voice tokens. This theory is the result of a series of dialog projects implemented in our laboratory. These will be described including statistics that measure their levels of success.
Upscaling of soil hydraulic properties for steady state evaporation and infiltration

[1] Estimation of effective/average soil hydraulic properties for large land areas is an outstanding issue in hydrologic modeling. The goal of this study is to provide flow-specific rules and guidelines for upscaling soil hydraulic properties in an areally heterogeneous field. In this study, we examined the impact of areal heterogeneity of soil hydraulic parameters on soil ensemble behavior for steady state evaporation and infiltration. The specific objectives of this study are (1) to address the impact of averaging methods of shape parameters and parameter correlation on ensemble behavior of steady state flow in an areally heterogeneous field and (2) to investigate the effectiveness of the “average parameters” in terms of the degree of correlation between hydraulic property parameters for the steady state evaporation and infiltration in unsaturated soil. Using an analytical solution of Richards' equation, the ensemble characteristics and flow dynamics based on average hydraulic property parameters are studied for evaporation and infiltration. Using various flow and average scenarios, we illustrated the resulting differences among the various averaging schemes. For vertical evaporation and infiltration the use of a geometric mean value for the shape parameter α of Gardner-Russo model and Brooks-Corey model and arithmetic mean value for the saturated hydraulic conductivity Ks simulates the ensemble flow behavior the best. The efficacy of the “average parameters” depends on the flow condition and the degree of correlation between the hydraulic property parameters. With the α and Ks parameters perfectly correlated, the “average parameters” were found to be generally most effective. The correlation between the hydraulic conductivity Ks and the parameter α results in an ensemble soil behavior more like a sand.
The Profit Impact of Consumer Complaint Solicitation Across Market Conditions

ABSTRACT Consumer complaints provide firms with the opportunity to recover from their mistakes, and to retain dissatisfied consumers. Efforts which facilitate the solicitation of complaints may not only be used as immediate means of protecting market share, but may also prove to be highly profitable measures in the long run. However, significant variations in the degree of complaint solicitation exercised by companies can be observed in the marketplace. While certain firms seem to actively pursue consumer complaints, others tend to avoid or ignore them. Such a variation may have much to do with the market conditions facing the firm, and existing research has not conducted a systematic examination of their effects. In two separate studies the impact of various market factors on a firm's motivation to solicit consumer complaints is examined. In the first study, using empirical estimates from prior studies as inputs, a simulation is utilized to establish market conditions which foster responsive complaint ha...
Ambulatory and admitted laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients have comparable outcomes but different functional health status.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is frequently an ambulatory procedure, but some patients are best admitted for a brief hospital stay. In this study, we compared the functional health status, symptoms, and outcomes of patients undergoing ambulatory elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy to those with brief hospital admission. The purpose was to assess patient satisfaction and to identify factors that might assist in selecting patients for ambulatory vs short-stay operations. Methods: A total of 140 patients scheduled for elective cholecystectomy completed the SF-36 health survey and provided additional information regarding symptoms preoperatively, at 2 months, and at 6 months after operation. Results: All patients had symptomatic gallstones; 76 were admitted to the hospital, and 64 were ambulatory. Admitted patients reported more emotional role limitations on preoperative SF-36. They also reported symptoms of depression more often. Patients in both groups were equally relieved of symptoms of pain, nausea, vomiting, and tenderness. Satisfaction with care was similar for both groups; however, at 2 and 6 months, admitted patients continued to report significantly poorer functional health status than ambulatory patients. Conclusion: A reliable, reproducible measure of functional health status, such as the SF-36, may be useful for identifying patients who are appropriate for short-stay hospital admission after laparoscopic cholecystectomy as part of a decision process that tries to optimize outcomes while utilizing resources efficiently.
The phase problem in neutron crystallography.

The straightforward solution of the crystal structure of cyclosporin (C 62 H 111 N 11 O 12 . H 2 O) by a modified Shake-and-Bake procedure, using experimental neutron diffraction data alone, shows that the positivity of the density function is not a necessary prerequisite for solving the phase problem. The initial applications suggest the intriguing possibility that positivity may actually be a hindrance.
High precision discretization model for coded aperture-based compressive spectral imaging

Coded aperture snapshot spectral imaging systems (CASSI) measure the 3D spatio-spectral information of a scene using several compressive 2D focal plane array (FPA) snapshots. The image reconstruction algorithms utilized in CASSI use a first-order approximation of the underlying analog sensing phenomena. A calibration method is then used to compensate for the coarse approximation - an approach not well suited for multishot CASSI systems. This paper develops a more accurate computational model for CASSI which provides a higher quality of image reconstruction. Several simulations are shown to illustrate the performance improvement attained by the new model.
Demographics, clinical course, and outcomes of children with status asthmaticus treated in a pediatric intensive care unit: 8-year review.

Objective. This study was done to understand the demographics, clinical course, and outcomes of children with status asthmaticus treated in a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods. The medical charts of all patients above 5 years of age admitted to the PICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA, with status asthmaticus from 2000 to 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Data from 222 encounters by 183 children were analyzed. Results. The mean age at admission in years was 11 ± 3.8. The median PICU stay was 1 day (range, 1–12 days) and median hospital stay was 3 days. The ventilated group (n = 17) stayed a median of 2 days longer in the PICU and hospital. Nearly half of the children (n = 91; 50%) did not receive daily controller asthma medications. Adherence to asthma medications was reported in 125 patient charts of whom 43 (34%) were compliant. Exposure to smoking was reported in 167 of whom 70 (42%) were exposed. Among patients receiving metered dose inhaler (MDI), only...
Perception Is Everything - A Study On Product Recalls And Corporate Political Strategies

When do product recalls negatively affect firms’ sales? Can corporate political strategies mitigate this potential negative relationship? Based on adaptation-level theory we argue that abnormal pro...
Multi-Asset Sentiment and InstitutionalInvestor Behavior: A Cross-Asset Perspective

Greater financial integration and central bank policy initiatives in major developed markets have made cross-asset return correlations more important, highlighting the interest in broad measures of market-wide sentiment. Using an extensive array of institutional behavioral metrics across asset classes from State Street Associates, we find evidence that suggests market-wide sentiment varies with, and can be forecasted by, broad aggregates across many indicators of institutional investor flows. The number and breadth of these institutional flow measures encourage aggregation into a more manageable set of elements. To this end, we condense this information into what we call a Behavioral Risk Scorecard (BRS), a concise measure of behavior that captures trading sentiment using State Street Associates’ broad information set.
Prenatal ontogeny of the epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligand, transforming growth factor alpha, in the rat brain

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) to produce its biological effects. TGF alpha induces the proliferation and differentiation of central nervous system (CNS) astrocytes and pluripotent stem cells, as well as the survival and differentiation of postmitotic CNS neurons. Both TGF alpha and EGF-R have been localized to the postnatal CNS. As the majority of CNS neuronal proliferation and migration occurs antenatally, we have examined the ontogeny of TGF alpha and EGF-R in the embryonic rat brain by in situ hybridization. EGF-R mRNA was expressed in the brain as early as embryonic day 11 (E11; the earliest age examined). It was initially detected in the midbrain, with subsequent expression first in multiple germinal zones, followed by expression in numerous cells throughout the brain. In many brain areas, EGF-R mRNA appeared in germinal centers during the later stages of neurogenesis and the early stages of gliogenesis. In the midbrain, the distribution of EGF-R mRNA overlapped extensively with that of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA, suggesting that fetal dopaminergic neurons express EGF-R. Immunocytochemistry was used to demonstrate the presence of EGF-R-immunoreactive protein in brain areas that expressed EGF-R mRNA on E15 and E20. The expression of TGF alpha in many brain structures preceded that of EGF-R mRNA. TGF alpha mRNA was distributed throughout many non-germinal centers of the brain on E12 and later. Some brain areas, such as the external granule cell layer of the cerebellum, expressed EGF-R, but not TGF alpha mRNA. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that mRNA species for both TGF alpha and EGF-R were similar in embryos and adults. These data indicate that TGF alpha and EGF-R are positioned to have a role in the genesis, differentiation, migration, or survival of numerous cell populations in the embryonic brain.
You: a poetic game about meaning making and absence

You is a game about play and the illusive pursuit of meaningful play. Each level of the game is about problem solving a space for You to meet objectives while making sense of the in-game content. Using the player character You, the player is both making meaning out of nonsense and finding meaning where it is absent. The game is designed as a light-hearted critical reflection on the intersection of narratology and ludology. Players must play with You, I and Them in the immutable structure of meaning making that forms the challenge of the game.
Chromatophores and their rôle in color change in the marine isopod idotea montereyensis (Maloney)

Abstract Chromatophore response in Idotea montereyensis (Maloney) is closely linked to color variety. When green animals with chromatophores that have fully dispersed pigment are placed on differently colored backgrounds they concentrate the pigment in their chromatophores, maximal concentration occurring within 30 min. The degree of concentration is dependent on the level of light reflected from the substratum. Pigment dispersion is exceedingly slow in these animals. The overall result is the maintenance of highly punctate chromatophores when on a green substratum. Red animals likewise respond to reflected light and, like green animals, concentrate their chromatophore pigments so that the fullest concentration occurs within 30 min but soon after, the chromatophore pigment re-disperses to a stage not far distant from the original state. In both color varieties, chromatophores may also change relative to incident light, but the change is small compared to the influence of reflected light. The chromatophore changes that occur under natural conditions are discussed. The chromatophore differences seen in the two color varieties are highly adaptive allowing green animals to show their green cuticular coloration to full advantage and allowing red animals to closely adapt their color to a wide variety of different shades of red algae. The difference in mechanism provides a means of keeping the color varieties of the population separate and allowing only those exchanges that are highly adaptive to the population as a whole.
Toward a Universal Data Format for the Preservation of Media

There is a significant need for a Universal Preservation Format (UPF), designed specifically for digital technologies, that can store compound content (not only media itself but also information about it) so that the content can be accessed easily both today and into the indefinite future. The UPF could break the bond between the recording format and the machine through which the format is accessed. This paper points out some existing technology that could be used, and is intended to provide a basis for industry discussion toward producing a universal preservation format.
Existence of Gelling Solutions for Coagulation-Fragmentation Equations

We study the Smoluchowski coagulation-fragmentation equation, which is an infinite set of non-linear ordinary differential equations describing the evolution of a mono-disperse system of particles in a well stirred solution. Approximating the solutions of the Smoluchowski equations by a sequence of finite Markov chains, we investigate the qualitative behavior of the solutions. We determine a device on the finite chains which can detect the gelation phenomena – the density dropping phenomena. It shows how the gelation phenomena are reflected on the sequence of finite Markov chains. Using this device, we determine various types of gelation kernels and get the bounds of gelation times.
The mechanisms of lean limit extinguishment of an upward and downward propagating flame in a standard flammability tube

The mechanisms by which lean limit upward and downward propagating flames extinguish in a standard flammability tube (51mm ID, 1.8m long) were deduced using schlieren and direct light photography and temperature measurements and by observing the behavior of the flame under transient loading. The lean methane-air system was studied. The upward propagating flame takes the shape of a stable hemispherical cap attached to a trailing skirt. This flame always extinguishes first at the holding region on the axis of the tube and a failure wave subsequently washes down the flame until extinguishment is complete. The extinguishment occurs because the flame is stretched at the tip and heat loss to the walls is not important to this extinguishment. On the other hand the extinguishment of a downward propagating flame is a multistep process. First heat loss to the walls causes the flame to extinguish near the walls and a smaller residual flame is left in the center of the tube. Once this happens, differential buoyancy of the hotter central gases and the cooler surrounding gases forces the cooler gases to move ahead of the flame. Finally, the downward propagating flame is observed to rise slightly. At this point the flame extinguishes completely.
Modification of place preference conditioning in mice by systemically administered [Leu]enkephalin.

Abstract [Leu]enkephalin (300 μg/kg, i.p.) induced either a positive or negative conditioned place preference response in mice depending on whether the animals were trained against or towards their initial preference. Induction of a positive preference (300 μg/kg) was partially blocked by simultaneous addition of methylnaloxonium (10 mg/kg, i.p.), an opoid antagonist that does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier; methylnaloxonium alone (3 or 10 mg/kg) had no effect on the place preference response. The results indicate that [Leu]enkephalin treatment reverses the initial preference of the animal regardless of training, and that some aspect of the [Leu]enkephalin effect on place preference conditioning is mediated by peripheral opioid receptors. These findings challenge the notion that place preference conditioning is a simple measure of opioid reward.
Live long and prosper

The enduring popularity of Star Trek has its roots in our hope for a better and more rational society, says Lawrence Krauss
Improvement of double-pass crossed-polarized wave efficiency and beam quality via imaging

The efficiency and beam quality of double-pass cross-polarized wave generation is improved by using imaging to better match the two fields for the second pass. The efficiency increase is especially pronounced for low input energy.
Optimization of FeMoco maturation on NifEN.

Mo-nitrogenase catalyzes the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia at the cofactor (i.e., FeMoco) site of its MoFe protein component. Biosynthesis of FeMoco involves NifEN, a scaffold protein that hos...
Tensile strength and microstructure of Al2O3–ZrO2 hypo-eutectic fibers

Abstract Al 2 O 3 –ZrO 2 (Y 2 O 3 ) eutectic materials possess good fracture strengths and creep resistance. Increased Al 2 O 3 content is one means to further improve creep resistance. The objective of this study is to examine fracture strength of Al 2 O 3 -rich (hypoeutectic) compositions at varying Y 2 O 3 contents. Fibers 160–220 μm in diameter with 68 m/o Al 2 O 3 and 1.1–7.6 m/o Y 2 O 3 (30.5 to 16 m/o ZrO 2 ) were directionally solidified at 0.11 mm/s using the laser-heated float-zone process. Defect populations increased in size and severity with higher Y 2 O 3 contents. However, fibers maintained 1 GPa fracture strength in the presence of numerous pores and shrinkage cavities, which extend with crack-like morphology along the fiber axis.
Maximum principle for semilinear stochastic evolution control systems

The stochastic maximum principle for distributed parameter optimal control systems is extended to general semilinear evolution control systems. A new method to treat the existence and uniqueness of the adjoint equation for general case is obtained.
Exchange rate pass-through in the U.S. automobile market: A cointegration approach

Abstract This study analyzes exchange rate pass-through in the presence of monopolistic competition in the U.S. automobile market. Using cointegration techniques, we investigate how foreign competing firms' prices interact following an exchange rate-shock. The results generally indicate price interdependence (competition) among the rival firms. In one case where we did not find any price interdependence, the extent of exchange rate pass-through was higher. This validates the economic intuition that a low degree of price competition corresponds with a high degree of exchange rate pass-through.
Survival with localized carcinoma: radical prostatectomy vs radiation therapy.

Abstract The charts of all patients receiving radical surgery and radiation therapy for cancer localized to the prostate in the years 1950 to 1977 in the State of Connecticut were reviewed. Longterm survival rates at ten and fifteen years were considerably better in those patients treated with radical surgery.
On Auslander‐Reiten Quivers of Enveloping Algebras of Restricted Lie Algebras

Let (L, [p]) be a finite dimensional restricted Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field F of characteristic p ≥ 3, X ∈ L* a linear form. In this article we study the Auslander-Reiten quivers of certain blocks of the reduced enveloping algebra u(L,x). In particular, it is shown that the enveloping algebras of supersolvable Lie algebras do not possess AR-components of Euclidean type.
Spontaneous and drug-induced rotation (circling behavior) in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).

Eight normal gerbils were tested for spontaneous and drug-induced rotation in an automated rotometer. When tested without any drug every other day for five test sessions, each gerbil displayed significant rotation that was consistent in direction and magnitude from session to session. Apomorphine and d-amphetamine potentiated whereas haloperidol antagonized the animals' spontaneous rotational behavior. In previous work with rats and mice, drug-induced rotation has been attributed to an asymmetry in nigro-striatal function. The occurrence of spontaneous rotation in gerbils suggests that gerbils have normally a much larger asymmetry.
Gender preference and transfers from parents to children: an inter-regional comparison

This paper examines whether parents exhibit gender preference in the allocation of family resources to their adult children. Gender preference is defined in the context of an altruistic model for inter-vivos transfer from parents to children extended to include educational investment. Data from the Health and Retirement Study (United States) and the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing are used to show that the degree of gender preference differs across these culturally distinct regions. Among Korean families, empirical results point to male preference as sons receive larger inter-vivos transfers and attain higher levels of education compared with daughters. In contrast, the evidence pertaining to gender preference among American families points to daughter preference as inter-vivos transfers and educational investment is generally higher among female adult children.
Laparoscopic laser-assisted bladder autoaugmentation

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of performing a laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation and to assess the urodynamic characteristics of an autoaugmented bladder. Methods. Laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation was performed in 9 female canines (20 to 30 kg). Following laparoscopic access to the peritoneal cavity, a midline bladder seromyotomy was performed using the potassium titanyl phosphate 532 nm laser. This produced a large bladder diverticulum. Changes in bladder volume and compliance were quantified over a 3-month period of follow-up. Results Urodynamic evaluation demonstrated an increase in bladder capacity 6 weeks postoperatively in 8 of 9 dogs, with an average volume increase of 45%. Bladder compliance improved in 7 of 9 dogs with an average increase in compliance of 67%. Three months postoperatively, bladder capacity remained increased in 5 of 9 dogs, with an average increase in volume of only 5.3%. An improvement in compliance was sustained in 5 of 9 animals with an average increase of 13.9%. Laparoscopic exploration revealed grossly normal bladders with adhesions of omentum to the seromyotomy site in all canines and the anterior abdominal wall in 2 of 9 canines. Histologically, the seromyotomy site was devoid of muscle with an intact urothelium and a proliferation of loose connective tissue. Conclusions The technique of laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation can be performed easily in the canine model. Although results at 6 weeks show significant improvement, the longer term, 3-month results were not statistically significant. This technique has the potential to offer a minimally invasive correction for patients with low-capacity, high-pressure bladders that have failed pharmacologic treatment.
Comparison of PCB congeners and pesticide levels between serum and milk from lactating women

Samples of blood and milk were obtained from lactating women participating in the New York State Angler study. A total of seven women gave one blood and one milk sample at time intervals between blood and milk collection different for each woman. The time between samples varied from 3 to 318 days. One subject provided a second milk sample 219 days after the first milk sample. The samples were analyzed for 69 PCB congeners, DDE (a metabolite of DDT), Mirex, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Lipid content was determined by gravimetric analysis. The congener profiles in serum and milk were similar for each individual but different among all subjects. The sum of the concentrations of the congeners present above the limit of detection was used to estimate the total PCB concentration that was in the range of 2.6 to 5.8 ng/g of serum and 3.5 to 14.1 ng/g of milk. The ratio of serum to milk concentrations varied from 0.18 to 1.66 with a mean of 0.65+/-0.49 showing no consistency among individuals prior to adjusting the data for lipid content. The total PCB levels normalized for lipid content were 320-728 ng/g of serum lipid and 239-428 ng/g of milk lipid. The range of the lipid adjusted serum/milk ratio was 1.1 to 2.8 and the mean+/-SD serum/milk ratio was 1.9+/-0.5. The ranges of lipid adjusted serum concentration of DDE, HCB, and Mirex were 95 to 591, 8 to 48, and 3 to 29 ng/g lipid, respectively. The ranges of lipid adjusted milk concentration of DDE, HCB, and Mirex were 90 to 577, 11 to 22, and 1 to 10 ng/g lipid, respectively. For DDE, HCB, and Mirex, the means of the individual lipid adjusted serum to milk ratios were 1.5+/-0.7, 2.5+/-1.5, and 5. 3+/-4.6, respectively. Considerable differences were found among lipid adjusted concentrations of these environmental pollutants in serum and milk samples from the same individual. This suggests that body burden estimates in lactating women using different matrices may not be equivalent even when lipid adjusted values are used.
A New Species of Chloromyxum (Myxozoa: Chloromyxidae) from the Gall Bladder of Eurycea spp. (Caudata: Plethodontidae) in North America

A previously undescribed species of Chloromyxum (Myxozoa: Chloromyxidae) was found in plasmodia adhering to the epithelium of the gall bladders in salamanders of the genus Eurycea (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from Arkansas and Texas (USA) in November, December, and January, 1987 to 1994. Bivalved spores of Chloromyxum salamandrae sp. n. from Eurycea multiplicata griseogaster (type host) were subspherical, with a mean size ± SD of 8.3 ± 0.3 × 7.7 ± 0.4 (7.8 to 8.8 × 7.0 to 8.2) μm (n = 20), and had a shape index (length/width) of 1.07 ± 0.03 (1.02 to 1.14). The valves measured 0.8 to 1.0 μm thick and had 10 to 12 external striations each. Each of the four polar capsules were piriform, with a mean size ± SD of 4.0 ± 0.1 × 2.6 ± 0.1 (3.8 to 4.2 × 2.4 to 2.8) μm (n = 20), and there appeared to be about four coils of each polar filament. The sporoplasm was irregular in shape and appeared to be binucleate. Adherent plasmodia observed in winter months were small, with a mean size ± SD of 31.5 ± 6.3 × 24.9 ± 2.6 (20...
The lesions produced by ultraviolet light in DNA containing 5-bromouracil.

The compound 5-bromouracil (BrU) may be incorporated into DNA in place of its analog thymine. This review is concerned with the photochemical lesions produced by the action of ultraviolet light on such BrU-DNA, and consequent biological effects of such lesions.
Identification of human intracellular targets of the medicinal Herb St. John's Wort by chemical-genetic profiling in yeast.

St. John’s wort (SJW; Hypericum perforatum L.) is commonly known for its antidepressant properties and was traditionally used to promote wound healing, but its molecular mechanism of action is not ...
MULTICENTRIC RETICULOHISTIOCYTOSIS IN A PATIENT WITH MALIGNANT MELANOMA: A RESPONSE TO CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE AND A UNIQUE CUTANEOUS FEATURE

We describe a patient with multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and a history of malignant melanoma. His widely disseminated disease did not affect the site of surgical removal of the malignant melanoma nor the donor site of a skin graft. The multicentric reticulohistiocytosis progressed while the patient was taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, but showed significant response during a 10-month course of cyclophosphamide. While he was taking the cyclophosphamide, however, his melanoma recurred, and the patient subsequently died.
Automated estimation of power consumption for rapid system level design

This paper describes an early power estimation method for Electronic System Level(ESL) design, which provides a scalable API to support automated power profiling and analysis at the early stages of the design process. The proposed framework utilizes a high-level power modeling mechanism along with an automated profiler to extract energy activity from the simulated system model. These two features are integrated into PowerMeter, a framework that automatically annotates power meters as well as energy and performance functions into the executable model. This integrated profiling helps the designer to rapidly explore the design space, trading off performance against power cost in order to make best design decisions. Our approach also provides the designer with the ability to quantify the effect of revisions in the ESL design models, in terms of both power and performance. Despite the high abstraction level, our results show that the PowerMeter delivers rapid estimates with high fidelity and at minimal cost.
Environmental effects on solar concentrator mirrors

Abstract Multiple samples of eight candidate solar concentrator mirrors, including both first and second-surfaces types, were deployed 2.13 m above ground level. This exposure included the majority of the 1977, 1978 and 1979 dust storm seasons in West Texas. Additional samples were deployed at the 28.96–30.48 m elevation on a radio transmitter tower. The samples were evaluated at regular intervals and after every major dust and hailstorm and after most thunderstorms in the area. All materials tested failed except the Carolina Glass Co. mirrors. Polymeric materials failed due to disintegration of the reflective (second) surface; one first surface material failed due to hailstone pitting. Other materials failed due to blistering of the reflective surface or the inability to withstand 1.27–2.54 cm hail. These results are confirmed by the reflectivity and topographic studies (by scanning electron microscopy) reported here. The effects of different methods used to clean naturally occurring dust deposits from the mirrors is reported in terms of changes in reflectivitity.
3D widgets for exploratory scientific visualization

Scientists use a variety of visualization techniques to help understand computational fluid dynamics (CFD) datasets, but the interfaces to these techniques are generally two-dimensional and therefore are separated from the 3D view. Both rapid interactive exploration of datasets and precise control over the parameters and placement of visualization techniques are required to understand complex phenomena contained in these datasets. In this paper, we present work in progress on a 3D user interface for exploratory visualization of these datasets.
The novel anticonvulsant MK-801: a potent and specific ligand of the brain phencyclidine/gd-receptor

MK-801 (5-methyl-10, 11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5, 10-imine maleate) is a novel anticonvulsant agent reported to antagonize certain N-methyl-spd-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated effects non-competitively. The question arises of the mechanism underlying the anti-NMDA and anticonvulsant effects of MK-801. In the present study MK-801 is shown to be an extremely potent inhibitor of the binding of N-[3H](1-[2-thienyl]cyclohexy)piperidine) ([s3H]TCP to brain phencyclidine (PCP)/δ-receptors. It is IC5) value of 3.8 ± 0.8 nM in this assay ranks it as the most potent known ligand of brain PCP/δ-receptors. Addition of MK-801 altered the apparent Kd but not the apparent Bmax values for [3H]TCP binding, indicating a competitive interaction. The specificity of action of MK-801 is supported by the finding that MK-801 strongly inhibited the binding of (+)-N-[3H]allylnormetazocine ((+)-[3H]SKF 10.047) to the PCP/δ-receptor but its effect on (+)-[3H]SKF 10.047 binding to the non-PCP, haloperidol-sensitive δ-binding site was weaker by several orders of magnitude. Furthermore, MK-801 exerts PCP-like antagonistic effects upon NMDA-induced [3H]norepinephrine release. These findings support the concept that the anticonvulsant and anti-NMDA effects of MK-801 result from its being the most potent known ligand of PCP/δ-receptors.
An architecture independent study of parallel segment trees

Abstract We study the computation, communication and synchronization requirements related to the construction and search of parallel segment trees in an architecture independent way. Our proposed parallel algorithms are optimal in space and time compared to the corresponding sequential algorithms utilized to solve the introduced problems and are described in the context of the bulk-synchronous parallel (BSP) model of computation. Our methods are more scalable and can thus be made to work for larger values of processor size p relative to problem size n than other segment tree related algorithms that have been described on other realistic distributed-memory parallel models and also provide a natural way to approach searching problems on latency-tolerant models of computation that maintains a balanced query load among the processors.
Ecopsychology and the restoration of home

Abstract This article examines ecopsychology as the study of psyche and home. Because of the many problems in defining “nature,” it recommends a return to ecopsychology's etymological origins as the study of the structure (logos) of home (oikos) and its habitation by the soul (psyche). Home and psyche are examined in light of their historical and psychological developments. It argues that by staying focused on the home's existential‐phenomenological constitution, ecopsychology can help restore at‐homeness to humans and nature to it own self‐presencing.
Polarity in filamentous fungi: establishment, maintenance and new axes.

Germ tube emergence in filamentous fungi appears to be similar to bud emergence in yeast. Several key proteins (e.g. Cdc42, septins, Bni1 formin, Rho1 and Rho3) play common roles in polarity establishment and early polarity maintenance in both processes. Although germ tube extension, which can be thought of as extreme polarity maintenance, uses some of the same genes, they are likely to be regulated differently. Mutations in polarity maintenance genes often lead to a split tip in filamentous fungi, a phenotype without an analogue in yeast. Cell cycle regulation differs between tip splitting and subapical branching, but in both processes filamentous fungi maintain several axes of polar growth simultaneously.
Exposure therapy for combat-related PTSD: A critical review

Abstract This review critically examines the treatment outcome literature using exposure treatment for combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the current literature is quite underdeveloped, available data suggest that exposure is superior to wait-list controls and “standard treatment.” In particular, exposure treatment results in decreased symptoms of intrusive images, cognitions, and physiological arousal. Treatment gains are maintained for as long as 6 months. Limitations of current studies, important procedural variables, patient characteristics, and issues of measurement are highlighted. Finally, efficacy of exposure alone as a treatment for PTSD and the need for addition of other behavioral treatment strategies to exposure is discussed.
Barriers to Initial Outpatient Treatment Engagement Following First Hospitalization for a First Episode of Nonaffective Psychosis: A Descriptive Case Series

Due to the increasingly recognized importance of adequate treatment early in the course of schizophreniform disorder and schizophrenia, this report addresses the dearth of hypothesis-generating case series describing facilitators and barriers to engagement in initial outpatient care. This case series included six single, African-American first-episode patients. Narratives describing the initial hospitalization and the first outpatient appointments in an urban community mental health setting are presented. Several barriers to outpatient treatment engagement emerged from this relatively homogenous series of first-episode patients. Apparent barriers included inadequate remission of paranoia, impaired insight, and involvement with the criminal justice system between hospital discharge and the first outpatient appointment. Good family support appeared to be an important facilitator of treatment engagement during the first several months of outpatient treatment. A variety of other potential barriers, such as involuntary status at the time of hospital discharge, are considered. Though these are preliminary findings from a small case series, further research, based at least in part on the hypotheses generated here, is warranted. Many factors, at the level of the patient, the family, and the system of care, likely affect treatment engagement early in the course of schizophreniform disorder and schizophrenia. Clinicians should give special attention to this issue when caring for first-episode patients.
Photonic devices made with semiconducting conjugated polymers: New developments

Abstract We present recent progress on polymer devices developed at UCSB. We have fabricated polymer devices with dual functions: light emission and photodetection. The same Ca/MEH-PPV/ITO devices can be used as light emitting devices under forward bias with external quantum efficiency of ∼1% photons/electron, and as photodiodes under reverse bias with photosensitivity of −90mA/Watt and quantum yield of −20% electrons/photon (∼ 1μW/cm 2 , 430nm). We have also fabricated polymer photodiodes with P3OT and MEH-PPV:C 60 composites with excellent visible-UV sensitivity. For wavelengths shorter than 540 nm, the sensitivity is over 0.3A/Watt under reverse bias of 15 V, greater even than that of commercial UV-enhanced Si photodiodes. By matching MEH-PPV LEDs with P3OT photodiodes, we have demonstrated polymer optocouples with current transfer rate of ∼2×10 −3 , comparable to that of commercial optocouplers made with inorganic semiconductors.
A Human Telomeric Protein

Telomeres are multifunctional elements that shield chromosome ends from degradation and end-to-end fusions, prevent activation of DNA damage checkpoints, and modulate the maintenance of telomeric DNA by telomerase. A major protein component of human telomeres has been identified and cloned. This factor, TRF, contains one Myb-type DNA-binding repeat and an amino-terminal acidic domain. Immunofluorescent labeling shows that TRF specifically colocalizes with telomeric DNA in human interphase cells and is located at chromosome ends during metaphase. The presence of TRF along the telomeric TTAGGG repeat array demonstrates that human telomeres form a specialized nucleoprotein complex.