cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictive genetics for AMD: Hype and hopes for genetics-based strategies for treatment and prevention

Abstract Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease with multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. In the age of molecular genetics, many investigators have established a link between genes and development or progression of the disease. This later evolved to determine whether phenotypic features of AMD have distinct genetic profiles. Molecular genetics have subsequently been introduced as factors in risk assessment models, increasing the predictive value of these tools. Models seek to predict either development or progression of disease, and different AMD-related genes aid our understanding of these respective features. Several investigators have attempted to link molecular genetics with treatment response, but results and their clinical significance vary. Ocular and systemic biomarkers may interact with established genes, promising future routes of ongoing clinical assessment. Our understanding of AMD molecular genetics is not yet sufficient to recommend routine testing, despite its utility in the research setting. Clinicians must be wary of misusing population-based risk models from genetic and biomarker associations, as they are not necessarily relevant for individual counseling. This review addresses the known uses of predictive genetics, and suggests future directions.
Influence of watershed characteristics on streambed hydraulic conductivity across multiple stream orders

Streambeds are critical hydrological interfaces: their physical properties regulate the rate, timing, and location of fluxes between aquifers and streams. Streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) is a key parameter in watershed models, so understanding its spatial variability and uncertainty is essential to accurately predicting how stresses and environmental signals propagate through the hydrologic system. Most distributed modeling studies use generalized Kv estimates from column experiments or grain-size distribution, but Kv may include a wide range of orders of magnitude for a given particle size group. Thus, precisely predicting Kv spatially has remained conceptual, experimental, and/or poorly constrained. This usually leads to increased uncertainty in modeling results. There is a need to shift focus from scaling up pore-scale column experiments to watershed dimensions by proposing a new kind of approach that can apply to a whole watershed while incorporating spatial variability of complex hydrological processes. Here we present a new approach, Multi-Stemmed Nested Funnel (MSNF), to develop pedo-transfer functions (PTFs) capable of simulating the effects of complex sediment routing on Kv variability across multiple stream orders in Frenchman Creek watershed, USA. We find that using the product of Kv and drainage area as a response variable reduces the fuzziness in selecting the “best” PTF. We propose that the PTF can be used in predicting the ranges of Kv values across multiple stream orders.
Therapeutic Targeting of Measles Virus Polymerase with ERDRP-0519Suppresses All RNA Synthesis Activity

Morbilliviruses, such as measles virus (MeV) and canine distemper virus (CDV), are highly infectious members of the paramyxovirus family. MeV is responsible for major morbidity and mortality in non-vaccinated populations. ERDRP-0519, a pan-morbillivirus small molecule inhibitor for the treatment of measles, targets the morbillivirus RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRP) complex and displayed unparalleled oral efficacy against lethal infection of ferrets with CDV, an established surrogate model for human measles. Resistance profiling identified the L subunit of the RdRP, which harbors all enzymatic activity of the polymerase complex, as the molecular target of inhibition. Here, we examined binding characteristics, physical docking site, and the molecular mechanism of action of ERDRP-0519 through label-free biolayer interferometry, photoaffinity cross-linking, and in vitro RdRP assays using purified MeV RdRP complexes and synthetic templates. Results demonstrate that unlike all other mononegavirus small molecule inhibitors identified to date, ERDRP-0519 inhibits all phosphodiester bond formation in both de novo initiation of RNA synthesis at the promoter and RNA elongation by a committed polymerase complex. Photocrosslinking and resistance profiling-informed ligand docking revealed that this unprecedented mechanism of action of ERDRP-0519 is due to simultaneous engagement of the L protein polyribonucleotidyl transferase (PRNTase)-like domain and the flexible intrusion loop by the compound, pharmacologically locking the polymerase in pre-initiation conformation. This study informs selection of ERDRP-0519 as clinical candidate for measles therapy and identifies a previously unrecognized druggable site in mononegavirus L polymerase proteins that can silence all synthesis of viral RNA.
Estimating Compton scatter distributions with a regressional neural network for use in a real-time staff dose management system for fluoroscopic procedures.

Staff-dose management in fluoroscopic procedures is a continuing concern due to insufficient awareness of radiation dose levels. To maintain dose as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), we have developed a software system capable of monitoring the procedure room scattered radiation and the dose to staff members in real-time during fluoroscopic procedures. The scattered-radiation display system (SDS) acquires imaging-system signal inputs to update technique and geometric parameters used to provide a color-coded mapping of room scatter. We have calculated a discrete look-up-table (LUT) of scatter distributions using Monte-Carlo (MC) software and developed an interpolation technique for the multiple parameters known to alter the spatial shape of the distribution. However, the file size for the LUT’s can be large (~2GB), leading to long SDS installation times in the clinic. Instead, this work investigated the speed and accuracy of a regressional neural network (RNN) that we developed for predicting the scatter distribution from imaging-system inputs without the need for the LUT and interpolation. This method greatly reduces installation time while maintaining real-time performance. Results using error maps derived from the structural similarity index indicate high visual accuracy of predicted matrices when compared to the MC-calculated distributions. Dose error is also acceptable with a matrix element-averaged percent error of 31%. This dose-monitoring system for staff members can lead to improved radiation safety due to immediate visual feedback of high-dose regions in the room during the procedure as well as enhanced reporting of individual doses post-procedure.
Experience Using Ustekinumab in Pediatric Patients With Medically Refractory Crohn Disease.

Introduction Ustekinumab (UST), a human monoclonal antibody against interleukin-12 and 23, is approved to treat adult patients with psoriasis or Crohn's Disease (CD). Outcomes data for off-label use in pediatric patients with CD are limited. Aim We conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyze the long-term efficacy of UST, including dose adjustments, in the treatment of pediatric patients with medically refractory CD. Adverse events were documented. Methods We identified 40 pediatric patients with CD treated with UST between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, Paris Classification, significant comorbidities, previous CD therapy, adverse events after initiation, and surveillance markers at the time of their first dose and most recent clinic visit. A validated abbreviated pediatric CD activity index (aPCDAI) was used to assess response to therapy. Results Thirty-eight pediatric patients with CD, including 34.2% with stricturing or penetrating disease, were analyzed after initiation of treatment with UST. Median age at diagnosis of CD was 12.5 years, and median age at UST induction was 17.2 years. No patients were anti-TNF naive, and 34.2% were previously exposed to two or more anti-TNF agents. At time of last follow-up, 84.2% of patients remained on UST for a median duration on UST of 62.1 weeks, and 60.5% achieved clinical remission. Patients had significant improvement in aPCDAI scores, clinical remission rates, albumin, and hematocrit, and 89.5% of patients had no significant adverse events. Similar results were observed among those who required dose adjustment, including 61.1% achieving clinical remission, and among those with perianal disease, including 38.5% achieving clinical remission. Conclusion Our data suggest that, within our cohort of pediatric patients with CD, UST has long-term efficacy with no observed safety concerns. Dose adjustment may be helpful in achieving clinical remission.
Environmental Toxicology: Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis is the induction of cancer by exposure to exogenous agents, chemical or physical carcinogens. Cancer is a large family of life-threatening environmental diseases. This definition is supported by the plethora of published evidence that cancer results from the accumulation of DNA mutations, which in turn depends upon progressive cell divisions. This process takes time. The accumulation of a sufficient allotment of oncogenic genetic errors for cancer to develop occurs over a large number of cell divisions (10s to 1,000s), which may take 10–50 years or more. Even without the intentional introduction of carcinogens into the human body by occupation or habits such as tobacco smoking, alcoholic use, and other life-style choices, our environment provides numerous opportunities and sources of DNA-damaging and potentially mutagenic lesions in our cells.
Changes in the transfer of nutrients across the placenta during normal gestation in the rat.

Abstract Transfer of labeled glucose and α-amino isobutyric acid from the maternal circulation into the fetus was studied in the rat at various times during gestation and the results were correlated with placental and fetal growth. It was found that the rate of transfer of both substances per gram of placental tissue increases markedly near term in coincidence with a simultaneous fetal growth spurt. The data suggest a bimodal sequence of growth of the conceptus with a first phase of rapid placental growth and reduced placental transfer and a second phase of slow placental growth, increased transfer, and rapid fetal growth.
High-content imaging with micropatterned multiwell plates reveals influence of cell geometry and cytoskeleton on chromatin dynamics

Understanding the mechanisms underpinning cellular responses to microenvironmental cues requires tight control not only of the complex milieu of soluble signaling factors, extracellular matrix (ECM) connections and cell-cell contacts within cell culture, but also of the biophysics of human cells. Advances in biomaterial fabrication technologies have recently facilitated detailed examination of cellular biophysics and revealed that constraints on cell geometry arising from the cellular microenvironment influence a wide variety of human cell behaviors. Here, we create an in vitro platform capable of precise and independent control of biochemical and biophysical microenvironmental cues by adapting microcontact printing technology into the format of standard six- to 96-well plates to create MicroContact Printed Well Plates (μCP Well Plates). Automated high-content imaging of human cells seeded on μCP Well Plates revealed tight, highly consistent control of single-cell geometry, cytoskeletal organization, and nuclear elongation. Detailed subcellular imaging of the actin cytoskeleton and chromatin within live human fibroblasts on μCP Well Plates was then used to describe a new relationship between cellular geometry and chromatin dynamics. In summary, the μCP Well Plate platform is an enabling high-content screening technology for human cell biology and cellular engineering efforts that seek to identify key biochemical and biophysical cues in the cellular microenvironment.
Identification and purification of a protein that induces production of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteriocin lactacin B.

Abstract Lactacin B is a heat-stable bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus N2 that is active against closely related lactobacilli, including Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis (formerly Lactobacillus leichmannii) ATCC 4797. Pure producer cultures propagated in MRS broth (initial pH 6.5) contain no lactacin B; it is detected only in cultures maintained at pH 5.0 to 6.0 and produced optimally at pH 6.0 S. F. Barefoot and T. R. Klaenhammer, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 26:328-334, 1984). Associative growth of producer and indicator, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis ATCC 4797, resulted in production of an inhibitor identical to lactacin B. Associative growth increased lactacin B production from nondetectable levels (< 100 activity units [AU]/ml) to between 3,200 and 6,400 AU/ml in MRS broth (initial pH 6.5) and resulted in early but equal production of lactacin B (approximately 25,600 AU/ml) in broth maintained at pH 6.0. Indicator cells, but not spent culture filtrates, induced lactacin B production. Indicator cells disrupted by a French pressure cell yielded cell-free filtrates containing inducing activity. Chromatofocusing and gel filtration high-performance liquid chromatography of cell-free filtrates yielded a protein with a pI of 4.1 and a molecular size of approximately 58 kDa that induced lactacin B production. Analytical isoelectric focusing yielded a single protein band. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels contained a 28-kDa protein suggesting a two-subunit structure. Protein sequencing identified an N-terminal serine and 18 additional amino acids. To our knowledge, there are not previous descriptions of proteins that induce bacteriocin production in lactic acid bacteria.
"Assessing the Impact of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) in Undergraduate Latin American Studies Courses"'

This article uses several approaches to assess the impact that using computerassisted instruction (CAI) had in several undergraduate courses taught at American University (Washington, DC). The various CAI materials are first described (Part II in general, and Part III in greater detail for one program which was authored in-house) as part of an evolutionary process from conventional teaching of several courses to increasingly heavy use of CAI. The principal focus is a General Education survey course for first and second year college students, "Latin America: History, Art, Literature". Part IV describes the methodology of the assessment process, along with the various sets of data developed. The data are then analyzed in Part IV, and discussed in Part V, with an emphasis on possible reasons for the success (or lack of) in using CAI in these courses, along with some limitations and problems observed. Conclusions are reached in Part VI. In examining the literature on CAI, one is struck by the generally accepted premise that CAI has a strong positive impact on teaching, especially at the K- 12 and lower university levels.2 Understandably, this premise is enthusiastically echoed by those involved in developing and selling the hardware and software labeled as "educational".
ICRF heating in PLT

ABSTRACT Fundamental properties of the modes excited in PLT are being investigated to permit optimization of ICRF heating. In particular, we report here on successful mode tracking through active frequency programming on the plasma density and magnetic field. Also, the damping characteristics in the vicinity of Ω = ω/ωci = 2 are presented and their implications with respect to heating the electrons and ions of PLT discussed.
In-situ comparisons of moored acoustic Doppler profilers with conventional VACM and VMCM current meters

Experiments in Massachusetts Bay, the North Atlantic and the Northern California Shelf are examined where 150 and 300 kHz RD Instruments acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) were deployed near vector averaging (VACM) and vector measuring (VMCM) current meters. The ADCPs were deployed in-line on surface moorings, in both upward and downward looking configurations. Comparisons of ADCP velocities with those of VACMs and VMCMs were used to evaluate the quality of the ADCP data obtained in the surface-moored configuration, and to identify any systematic differences between the ADCP and VACM/VMCM observations. Unlike conventional current meters, the ADCPs were limited by instrumental noise at high frequencies. Regressions of ADCP versus VMCM or VACM speeds showed typical mean differences of 1 to 2 cm/sec and rms differences of about 3 cm/sec. These speed differences are similar to comparisons between conventional current meters. Comparison of ADCP and VACM/VMCM directions showed the direction difference to be a function of direction. The maximum mean difference was 14/spl deg/. These directional differences (attributed to flux-gate compass enters) appear to be the limiting factor in both ADCP and conventional velocity measurements.
Achievement of competency in endoscopic sinus surgery of otolaryngology residents

Objectives/Hypothesis The goal of our study is to identify the number of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) cases required to obtain competency in ESS, using a previously validated assessment tool. Study Design Prospective observational study. Methods Seventeen residents from Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery residency program were evaluated as they performed endoscopic sinus surgery in the operating room. Global and checklist parts of the ESS instrument were used for assessment purposes. Items on the tool were grouped into three different milestones for analysis of data (Milestone 1 = Maxillary Antrostomy + Anterior Ethmoidectomy, Milestone 2 = Posterior Ethmoidectomy + Sphenoidostomy, Milestone 3 = Frontal Sinusotomy). Residents were deemed competent if they achieved a minimum score of 3 on a 5-point Likert scale on each step of the surgery. Results A total of 73 evaluations were completed for 17 residents (Postgraduate Level 2–5) by eight evaluators between 2009 and 2011. A 60% probability of achieving competency in performance of all milestones of ESS is obtained with performing 42 ESS procedures and the probability is increased to a 100% with performance of 55 endoscopic sinus surgery procedures. On average it took residents 23 cases to become competent in performance of maxillary antrostomy and anterior ethmoidectomy. Conclusions Our results suggest that it requires 42 ESS procedures to attain a 60% probability of competency in ESS. These results have implications for otolaryngology residency programs when developing curriculum and benchmarks for the training residents. Laryngoscope, 123:2932–2934, 2013
Distributed Authentication Mechanism for Mobile IP Route Optimization

Mobile IP protocol provides a scalable indirection mechanism allowing the mobile hosts to maintain network layer connectivity across mobility. This leads to `triangle' or `indirect' routing towards the mobile host. To ameliorate this routing inefficiency, route optimization has been proposed. One of the open issues in mobile IP Route optimization is the authentication of `binding update' message at the correspondent node. This paper proposes a robust, scalable and efficient distributed authentication mechanism far the `binding update' message in mobile IP route optimization. The mechanism does not require preconfiguration of a shared secret key between the home agent and the correspondent node and is still strong enough to achieve its goal. The proposed mechanism only affects the mobile IP routing protocol and the mobility aware correspondent nodes, and hence is easily incorporated in both MoIPv4 and MoIPv6
Justice Signposts in Evaluation Theory, Practice, and Policy

This chapter, influenced by Ernest House's conceptions of justice from his Evaluating with Validity seminal book, offers two justice signposts in contemporary evaluation theory, practice, and policy. The justice turn in evaluation privileges issues of power, fairness, justice, and rights beyond practical and technical considerations. Cases and examples draw upon Housian notions of justice in advancing and making obvious how evaluation may contribute to more just practices, systems, and structures in our larger society.
The Efficiencies Defense and Commercial Bank Merger Regulation

A binomial probit model is used to estimate the Board of Governors' commercial bank merger policy during the pre-deregulation era from 1963 to 1980. The Board's merger policy is shown to be consistent with a ‘Williamsonian’ efficiencies policy. This contrasts with the merger antitrust environment of the time in which merger-induced efficiencies were not considered. The results also suggest that the Board was influenced by the empirical cost studies of the time.
Tuberculosis of the Nasopharynx : Its Frequent Incidence and Clinical Significance

1. There are many unsolved problems pertaining to the pathology and pathogenesis of human tuberculosis, and this is especially true of tuberculosis of the nasopharynx. 2. Tuberculosis of the nasopharynx, in our opinion, probably occurs more frequently than tuberculosis of the larynx, at least in autopsy specimens, and that fact was brought out in our pathologic study. 3. In 24 specimens of subjects who expired from pulmonary tuberculosis, nasopharyngeal tuberculosis was demonstrated either grossly or histopathologically in 18, or 75 per cent. 4. There are two types of tuberculosis of the nasopharynx, the open or ulcerous, and the closed which is discernible only by microscopic examination. 5. It is reasonable to assume that the nasopharynx may be the persistent source of reinfection of the lungs. 6. Since the detection of tuberculosis of the nasopharynx is as important to the general clinician as to the rhinolaryngologist, a plea is made for all routine examinations to include a thorough investigation of the nasopharyngeal cavity.
Edema in the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the histologic alterations in the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Study design. Surgical specimens were obtained during non-laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty from 5 adult patients (4 male and 1 female) with polysomnographically confirmed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Results. In all of the specimens, interstitial edema was present with mild inflammatory reaction. Fat was not at all prominent. Conclusions. It is confirmed histologically that there is edema present in the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. It is uncertain whether this edema is one of the causative mechanisms of the obstruction or a consequence of the syndrome.
An Arnoldi-based iterative scheme for nonsymmetric matrix pencils arising in finite element stability problems

Abstract A method for computing the desired eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of a large-scale, nonsymmetric, complex generalized eigenvalue problem is described. This scheme is primarily intended for the normal mode analysis and the stability characterization of the stationary states of parameterized time-dependent partial differential equations, in particular, when a finite element method is used for the numerical discretization. The algorithm, which is based on the previous work of Saad, may be succintly described as a multiple shift-and-invert, restarted Arnoldi procedure which uses reorthogonalization and automatic shift selection to provide stability and convergence, while minimizing the overall computational effort. The application and efficiency of the method is illustrated using two representative test problems.
Markers of Inflammation and Fat Distribution Following Weight Loss in African‐American and White Women

Changes in markers of inflammation (MOI) and fat distribution with weight loss between African-American (AA) and white (W) women have yet to be characterized. The purpose of this study was to examine potential ethnic differences in MOI and regional fat distribution with weight loss, and identify the associations between these markers and changes in regional fat distribution with weight loss among AA and W women. Subjects were 126 healthy, premenopausal women, BMI 27-30 kg/m(2). They were placed on a weight-loss intervention consisting of diet and/or exercise until a BMI <25 was achieved. Fat distribution was measured with computed tomography, and body composition with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble TNF receptor-I (sTNFR-I), sTNFR-II, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed. All MOI and adiposity measures significantly decreased with weight loss. Significant ethnic differences with weight loss were observed for fat mass, body fat, intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II. Mixed-model analysis indicated that adjusting for change in IAAT explained ethnic differences in change in TNF-α and the decrease in TNF-α with weight loss, while total fat mass only explained the decrease in sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II with weight loss. In conclusion, all MOI decreased following weight loss among W, whereas only IL-6 and CRP decreased following weight loss in AA. The most distinct phenotypic difference observed was a greater impact of weight loss on TNF-α in W compared to AA, which was directly associated with IAAT in W.
Dextroamphetamine-induced changes in regional cerebral blood flow.

Regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide and mood states were measured before and after IV injections of 15 mg dextroamphetamine sulfate or saline in 22 physically and mentally healthy normal volunteers. Amphetamine administration was associated with significant increases in systolic blood presure and vigor and decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide. There were no significant differences between the amphetamine and saline groups on CBF changes. However, there was a non-significant trend towards a post-amphetamine CBF reduction, even after the flow values were corrected for the acute changes in CO2.
Elevated endothelial microparticle—monocyte complexes induced by multiple sclerosis plasma and the inhibitory effects of interferon-β1b on release of endothelial microparticles, formation and transendothelial migration of monocyte-endothelial microparticle complexes

Monocyte migration through the disrupted cerebral endothelial cell (EC) junctions plays an essential role in formation of multiple sclerosis (MS) demyelinating lesions. During pathogenesis of MS, activated ECs release endothelial microparticles (EMP), which possibly facilitate transendothelial migration (TEMIG) of monocytes. To assess functional roles of EMP in MS, specifically, their (i) interaction with monocytes, (ii) effect on monocyte TEMIG in an in vitro model of the brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC), (iii) phenotypic profiles of EMP elicited by MS plasma and (iv) the effects of IFN-b1b on release of EMP and on TEMIG of monocytes (mono) and monocytes:EMP complexes (mono:EMP) through the BMVEC. The effect of IFN-b1b on the release of EMP and the TEMIG of mono and mono:EMP was assessed by preincubating BMVEC cultures of IFN-b1b prior to addition of plasma. Three EMP phenotypes, CD54, CD62E and CD31 were assayed. Plasma specimens from 20 patients with relapsing—remitting MS (11 in exacerbat...
Aqueous Chemistry of Labile Oxovanadates: Relevance to Biological Studies

Abstract The aqueous chemistry of vanadate (vanadium(V)) is very complex since many protonation equilibria and oligomerization equilibria are occurring simultaneously. Vanadate monomer (V1), dimer (V2), tetramer (V4) and pentamer (V5) are exchanging with each other on a millisecond time scale so that none of these species can be isolated for aqueous biological studies. Measuring the effects of each anion on an enzyme must be carried out in an equilibrium mixture containing the other vanadate oligomers. Defining conditions to measure the effects of oxovanadates is non-trivial, since vanadate interacts with buffers and other assay components. Information concerning the simple aqueous chemistry of vanadate with various ligands is thus necessary to ensure that the vanadate is free to interact with an enzyme or a protein. Experimental approaches, which take into account the aqueous chemistry of labile oxovanadates, to biological studies are described here. For this purpose, the interactions of oxovanadates wit...
ANATOMY OF SOME LEAF GALLS OF ROSA WOODSII (ROSACEAE)

Infection of Rosa woodsii by some members of the order Hymenoptera results in neoplasmic outgrowths on the leaves. One type of outgrowth produces a spherical swelling (leaf gall) while the other has extensive hair-like proliferations (hairy gall). The anatomy and ultrastructure of these galls were examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The leaf gall cells were considerably larger than normal cells, lacked well-developed chloroplasts and were loosely arranged with prominent intercellular spaces. Vascular bundles were scattered throughout the gall tissue. The upper three cell layers of the leaf gall tissue resembles a periderm, having many suberin lamellae. The suberin lamellae were often traversed by pores which may represent incomplete plasmodesmata. Phenolic compounds were commonly seen both in the normal and gall cells. A layer of internal cells of the hairy galls have remarkably thickened cell walls, presumably due to the deposition of cellulosic substances. Unlike leaf galls, the epidermal cells of the hairy galls were not heavily cuticularized and no periderm was found. The hair-like outgrowths present on the outer surface of these galls had a central vascular bundle. The epidermis of the outgrowths also had thickened cell walls, and trichomes occurred on the outer surface. The structural modifications brought about by the insect invasion in these two galls are compared and their roles in gall formation are discussed. PLANT galls are formed by abnormal proliferation of tissue which is induced by another organism. The soil bacteria Rhizobium causes nodule formation on roots of several leguminous plants, and the nodules benefit the plant through their capability for fixing atmospheric nitrogen (Bauer, 1981). Bacteria such as Agrobacterium, a close relative of Rhizobium, cause crown galls on several commercial crops, resulting in extensive damage (Merlo, 1978). In addition to bacteria, other organisms like fungi, nematodes, mites and insects can cause galls on a wide variety of crops (Larew and Capizzi, 1982). Extensive literature is available on fungi, bacterial and nematode induced alteration of plant growth and development. Insect induced plant abnormalities, however, have not been extensively studied. It is suggested that plant galls are caused by phytoalexins, chemicals which regulate cell division, growth and differentiation. Indole acetic acid (IAA), a phytohormone present in the salivary glands of some gall-forming insects is suggested to be the principal chemical inducer
Short-term stress experienced at time of immunization induces a long-lasting increase in immunologic memory.

It would be extremely beneficial if one could harness natural, endogenous, health-promoting defense mechanisms to fight disease and restore health. The psychophysiological stress response is the mo...
Hippocampal aging and adrenocorticoids: quantitative correlations

Altered neural-endocrine relations have been proposed as factors in mammalian aging. In the same rats from three age groups we quantified astrocyte reactivity in hippocampus, performed radioimmunoassays for plasma adrenocorticoids, and measured adrenal weight. These variables were correlated in individual animals and generally increased with age. The findings are consistent with recent hypotheses that endocrine levels are related to brain aging, either as cause or effect.
Genetic Sensor for Strong Methylating Compounds

Methylating chemicals are common in industry and agriculture and are often toxic, partly due to their propensity to methylate DNA. The Escherichia coli Ada protein detects methylating compounds by sensing aberrant methyl adducts on the phosphoester backbone of DNA. We characterize this system as a genetic sensor and engineer it to lower the detection threshold. By overexpressing Ada from a plasmid, we improve the sensor’s dynamic range to 350-fold induction and lower its detection threshold to 40 µM for methyl iodide. In eukaryotes, there is no known sensor of methyl adducts on the phosphoester backbone of DNA. By fusing the N-terminal domain of Ada to the Gal4 transcriptional activation domain, we built a functional sensor for methyl phosphotriester adducts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This sensor can be tuned to variable specifications by altering the expression level of the chimeric sensor and changing the number of Ada operators upstream of the Gal4-sensitive reporter promoter. These changes result in a detection threshold of 28 µM and 5.2-fold induction in response to methyl iodide. When the yeast sensor is exposed to different SN1 and SN2 alkylating compounds, its response profile is similar to that observed for the native Ada protein in E. coli, indicating that its native function is retained in yeast. Finally, we demonstrate that the specifications achieved for the yeast sensor are suitable for detecting methylating compounds at relevant concentrations in environmental samples. This work demonstrates the movement of a sensor from a prokaryotic to eukaryotic system and its rational tuning to achieve desired specifications.
Do Policymakers Locate Prisons for Economic Development

While public goods can provide an overall increase in welfare, ‘inferior’ public facilities produce externalities specifically impacting host locations. Heterogeneous jurisdictional attributes, however, can cause net social benefits to vary across potential host communities. Using data from a unique public works project, this paper empirically investigates whether policymakers consider heterogeneous conditions when locating prison facilities. Results indicate that policymakers follow a process that maximizes net social benefits by systematically delegating such facilities to lagging communities; thereby potentially using the public facilities for economic development. Additionally, results suggest that policymakers properly consider existing infrastructure and agglomeration economies in the siting mechanism.
Encountering the Foreign: Teaching and Learning with Difficult Artworks

In this article the author addresses one of the essential questions that face teachers today: How can we welcome the foreign into our lessons in an authentic way that makes education relevant to the ongoing social, cultural, and political dialogues through which diverse learners understand themselves and their worlds? In response to this question, the author explores the value of teaching and learning with difficult artworks. Though not overtly controversial, difficult artworks often stage encounters with otherness that educators must decide how to navigate. In the context of the author's research, the term difficult is used to describe art that engages with issues such as love and sexuality, death and religious beliefs, or slavery and racial difference. While educators might fear relinquishing control of their curricula and pedagogies when discussing these weighty issues, it is imperative that they resist both didactic and idealistic visions of teaching. The author uses curriculum theory as a framework f...
Conceptual study of distributed CO2 capture and the sustainable carbon economy.

Capture of carbon dioxide from distributed sources is often neglected as a viable solution to the global problem of CO2 emissions management. Small scale power plants, including those applicable to the transportation sector, can be designed to capture their CO2 exhaust stream, provided it is not heavily diluted with air. Liquefaction of carbon dioxide allows the captured CO2 to be stored densely, with a minimal energetic penalty and space requirement, until it can be permanently sequestered. In this short-term solution, the energetic penalty for CO2 capture can be further offset by exploiting novel energy conversion processes involving regeneration of the reaction product stream – a simple strategy that is not exploited in conventional systems. More importantly, in the long-term, as the renewable energy infrastructure is built up, the collected CO2 can be recycled into synthetic carbon-based liquid fuels which act as energy carriers in the sustainable carbon economy.
A high energy resolution modulated GaAs photoelectron source

Abstract A photoelectron source that produces an electron current of as high as 200 × 10−6 A with an effective electron brightness as high as between 107A/cm2 sr has been developed. This electron source has been shown to have an energy width as low as 0.036 eV FWHM.
Checklist for Successful Implementation of Field-Based Research.

In this paper, we describe a checklist for the implementation of a collaborative model for conducting field-based research. The purpose of this checklist is to provide assistance to university pers...
Averaging techniques for self-adjoint matrix equations on a measure chain☆

Abstract We apply averaging techniques to establish oscillation and nonoscillation criteria for the self-adjoint matrix dynamic equation LX(t):=[P(t)XΔ(t)]Δ+Q(t)Xσ(t)=0 on a measure chain T . These results extend and unify earlier results for the differential and difference equation case.
Effects of Ultrasound, Irradiation, and Acidic Electrolyzed Water on Germination of Alfalfa and Broccoli Seeds and Escherichia coli O157:H7

The ability of power ultrasound, acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), and gamma irradiation to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated onto alfalfa and broccoli seeds was examined. The treatment conditions under which the alfalfa and broccoli seeds treated with sterile deionized water (SW), AEW, ultrasound cleaning tank (UST), ultrasound probe (USP), and irradiation (IR) would retain a germination percentage of >85% were first determined for each disinfection hurdle. E. coli O157:H7 inactivation tests were then conducted with the experimental conditions determined in the germination tests to find out the maximum inactivation ability of each disinfection hurdle. AEW treatment at 55 oC for 10 min reduced E. coli O157:H7 population by 3.4 and 3.3 log CFU/g for the alfalfa and broccoli seeds, respectively. IR at 8 kGy resulted in a 5-log reduction with seed germination of >85% for both seed types, but a reduction in the length and thickness of the sprouts was observed. None of the ultrasound treatments achieved over a 2-log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 population without lowering the germination to below 85%. The results of this study demonstrated that AEW and ultrasound, when applied individually or in combination with thermal treatment at 55 oC, were not able to deliver a satisfactory inactivation of E. coli O157:H7. A combination of several hurdles must be used to achieve a complete elimination of E. coli O157:H7 cells on alfalfa and broccoli seeds.
Transferring whole genomes from bacteria to yeast spheroplasts using entire bacterial cells to reduce DNA shearing

Direct cell-to-cell transfer of genomes from bacteria to yeast facilitates genome engineering for bacteria that are not amenable to genetic manipulation by allowing instead for the utilization of the powerful yeast genetic tools. Here we describe a protocol for transferring whole genomes from bacterial cells to yeast spheroplasts without any DNA purification process. The method is dependent on the treatment of the bacterial and yeast cellular mixture with PEG, which induces cell fusion, engulfment, aggregation or lysis. Over 80% of the bacterial genomes transferred in this way are complete, on the basis of structural and functional tests. Excluding the time required for preparing starting cultures and for incubating cells to form final colonies, the protocol can be completed in 3 h.
The Coiled Coil Dimerization Element of the Yeast Transcriptional Activator Hap1, a Gal4 Family Member, Is Dispensable for DNA Binding but Differentially Affects Transcriptional Activation

The heme activator protein Hap1 is a member of the yeast Gal4 family, which consists of transcription factors with a conserved Zn2Cys6 cluster that recognizes a CGG triplet. Many members of the Gal4 family contain a coiled coil dimerization element and bind symmetrically to DNA as homodimers. However, Hap1 possesses two unique properties. First, Hap1 binds asymmetrically to a direct repeat of two CGG triplets. Second, Hap1 binds to two classes of DNA elements, UAS1/CYC1 and UAS/CYC7, and permits differential transcriptional activation at these sites. Here we determined the residues of the Hap1 dimerization domain critical for DNA binding and differential transcriptional activation. We found that the Hap1 dimerization domain is composed of functionally redundant elements that can substitute each other in DNA binding and transcriptional activation. Remarkably, deletion of the coiled coil dimerization element did not severely diminish DNA binding and transcriptional activation at UAS1/CYC1 but completely abolished transcriptional activation at UAS/CYC7. Furthermore, Ala substitutions in the dimerization element selectively diminished transcriptional activation at UAS/CYC7. These results strongly suggest that the coiled coil dimerization element is responsible for differential transcriptional activation at UAS1/CYC1 and UAS/CYC7 and for making contacts with a putative coactivator or part of the transcription machinery.
Surface modification. I. Graft polymerization of acrylamide onto low-density polyethylene by Ce4+-induced initiation

Polyacrylamide was grafted onto a hydroxylated LDPE (low-density polyethylene) surface yielding a highly hydrophilic and stable new surface. LDPE was first oxidized by chromic acid and then reduced with diborane to form a hydroxyl-rich surface. Polymerization was then initiated by Ce4+/HNO3 solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform-IR/attenuated total reflection were used for elemental analysis and identification of the functional groups introduced.
Ex vivo analysis of topotecan: advancing the application of laboratory-based clinical therapeutics

Topotecan is currently approved for relapsed small-cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. Topotecan's efficacy in the second-line setting and novel mechanism of action suggest broad antitumour activity. We utilised a clinically validated, cell-death, ex vivo assay in human tumour explants to examine the activity profile of topotecan alone and in combination with other antitumour agents. Serial dilutions of topotecan alone and in combination with other cytotoxic agents were applied to biopsy specimens of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Dose-response curves were interpolated to provide 50% lethal concentrations (LC(50)). The degree of synergy (by median effect) and normalised Z-scores (raw scores converted to relative activity distributed around the mean) were then computed. Single-agent activity was observed for topotecan in all four tumour types. In 57 chemotherapy-naive specimens, NSCLC revealed the highest activity, demonstrated by the lowest LC(50) value (0.26+/-0.06 microg ml(-1); P=0.002). Overall, previously treated and chemotherapy-naive specimens revealed no significant differences in mean LC(50)'s. Synergy was observed for several combinations, including topotecan plus cisplatin in prostate and for topotecan plus 5-fluorouracil in breast cancers. The Z-score analyses conducted suggest activity for previously unexplored drug regimens, including topotecan plus 5-fluorouracil, vinorelbine, and mitomycin-C in NSCLC and breast cancer. Phase II studies are underway to determine the degree to which these ex vivo findings will translate into improved clinical results.
A parallelized point rowwise successive over-relaxation method on a multiprocessor

A parallelized point rowwise Successive Over-Relaxation (SOR) iterative algorithm is developed for the Heterogeneous Element Processor (HEP) multiple instruction stream computer. The classical point SOR method is not easily vectorizable with rowwise ordering of the grid points, but it can be effectively parallelized on a multiple instruction stream machine without suffering in computational and convergence rate. The details of the implementation including restructuring of a serial FORTRAN program and techniques needed to exploit the parallel processing architectural concept of the HEP are presented. The parallelized algorithm is analyzed in detail. The lessons learned in this study are documented and may provide some guidelines for similar future coding since new approaches and restructuring techniques are required for programming a multiple instruction stream machine, which are totally different than those required for programming an algorithm on a vector processor. To assess the capabilitiesof the parallelized algorithm it was used to solve the Laplace's equation on a rectangular field with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Computer run times are presented which indicate significant speed gain over a scalar version of the code. For a moderate to large size problem seventeen or more processes are required to make efficient use of the parallel processing hardware. Also, to demonstrate the capability of the algorithm for a realistic problem, it was used to obtain the numerical solution of a viscous incompressible fluid in a square cavity. Since point iterative relaxation schemes are at the core of many systems of elliptic as well as non-elliptic partial differential equations occuring in engineering and scientific applications, the present study suggests the possibility of both reducing the real time processing and increasing the scope of computational modeling.
Market and Technology Drivers for Cellular Infrastructure Modem Development

Cellular Infrastructure seems to be a fertile ground for new and sometimes not so new architectural ideas. Start ups as well as mature companies propose variants on software defined radio, reconfigurable architectures and dedicated chip sets. However the bulk of modems today have remained a combination of digital signal processors and ASICs. The demise of the DSP has been predicted many times over the last decade and yet it remains a strong part of cellular infrastructure. So what changes are really happening? In this paper we take a methodical approach to this question by first identifying the forces that are driving the industry today, and then deducing the architecture evolution implied by these forces. We discover that software defined radio and reconfigurability do indeed play a role but perhaps not in the way many suspect.
Increasing Academic Productivity of Severely Multi-Handicapped Children with Self-Management: Idiosyncratic Effects.

Abstract The effectiveness of a self-management training program in maintaining productivity rates of four severely multi-handicapped students was investigated. In a multiple baseline design, the subjects' productivity on a paper-and-pencil task was increased with an externally managed token economy. Subjects were then instructed to self-manage the token economy. Generalization across time and tasks was measured in consecutive sessions. Two of the four subjects accurately self-managed the token economy, although all subjects maintained productivity levels. Generalization across tasks and time was also evident across individuals.
Content Analysis of False and Misleading Claims in Television Advertising for Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs

BACKGROUND False and misleading advertising for drugs can harm consumers and the healthcare system, and previous research has demonstrated that physician-targeted drug advertisements may be misleading. However, there is a dearth of research comparing consumer-targeted drug advertising to evidence to evaluate whether misleading or false information is being presented in these ads.