cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perforin polymorphism A91V and susceptibility to B-precursor childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Perforin plays a key role in the cytotoxicity of natural killer and cytotoxic T cells. Genetic mutations in the perforin gene (PRF1) give rise to approximately 30% cases of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. A frequent polymorphism, A91V (C to T transition at position 272), may impair processing of perforin protein to the active form, and has been suggested to increase susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To investigate the role of A91V in ALL, we genotyped 2272 children with de novo ALL registered on the Pediatric Oncology Group ALL Classification study P9900 and 655 normal controls. Allele frequencies in the controls showed a very low frequency of the variant allele in blacks, 0.7% compared to 4% in white controls. In light of this, analysis was restricted to a comparison of white cases and controls only. Overall genotype frequencies were similar in white ALL cases and normal white controls (P=0.58), indicating that in contrast to the previous report, A91V polymorphism is not associated with increased risk of childhood ALL. PRF1 A91V frequency was significantly increased in children with BCR-ABL positive ALL (24 vs 8.5%; P=0.0048); however, this observation includes a relatively small number of cases and needs further exploration.
Care and education of orphaned children in Poland

Poland is going through tremendous changes in its educational and health‐care systems. These changes may bring reforms in the care of orphaned children because the new politics and economy are forcing educators to look for new solutions and forms of care. There are many problems with the care of orphan children in Poland in both Children’s Homes and foster parent care. In this article we analyze the history of care for orphans, and the dilemma stressed in recent research conducted in Poland. We also present an exemplary Children’s Home in Lodz and its effort to provide the best care possible in the existing situation in Poland.
Induction of Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Chickens by Dietary Iodine

Clinical studies have suggested that excess dietary iodine promotes autoimmune thyroiditis; however, the lack of a suitable animal model has hampered investigation of the phenomenon. In this study, different amounts of potassium iodide were added to the diets of chicken strains known to be genetically susceptible to autoimmune thyroiditis. Administration of iodine during the first 10 weeks of life increased the incidence of the disease, as determined by histology and the measurement of autoantibodies to triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroglobulin. Further support for the relation between iodine and autoimmune thyroiditis was provided by an experiment in which iodine-deficient regimens decreased the incidence of thyroid autoantibodies in a highly susceptible strain. These results suggest that excessive consumption of iodine in the United States may be responsible for the increased incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Quantifying Correlations Between Allosteric Sites in Thermodynamic Ensembles

Allostery describes altered protein function at one site due to a perturbation at another site. One mechanism of allostery involves correlated motions, which can occur even in the absence of substantial conformational change. We present a novel method, “MutInf”, to identify statistically significant correlated motions from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Our approach analyzes both backbone and side chain motions using internal coordinates to account for the gear-like twists that can take place even in the absence of the large conformational changes typical of traditional allosteric proteins. We quantify correlated motions using a mutual information metric, which we extend to incorporate data from multiple short simulations and to filter out correlations that are not statistically significant. Applying our approach to uncover mechanisms of cooperative small molecule binding in human interleukin-2, we identify clusters of correlated residues from 50 ns of molecular dynamics simulations. Interest...
A novel copper(II) complex of a tripodal ligand with phenolate-phenol interligand, intramolecular hydrogen bonding

A novel tripodal ligand with three different arms, viz., pyridine, phenol and an oxime and its copper(II) complex were synthesised. The X-ray crystal structure of the compound reveals that it is a dinuclear complex consisting of two copper(II) ions doubly bridged by two oximato groups in a trans arrangement. The complex contains unusual cis-axially coordinated phenolates as well as a novel interligand, intramolecular phenolate-phenol hydrogen bond. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that the two copper(II) centers are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled, with the exchange coupling constant −2J = 800(42) cm−1 ( = −2J Ŝ1·Ŝ2) for the two interacting S = 1/2 centres. The complex yields an 1H NMR spectrum in CD3CN solution at room temperature, with relatively sharp signals and rather small hyperfine shifts, evidencing that the antiferromagnetically coupled dinuclear core is maintained in solution.
Students’ perception of the learning environment at Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba: a follow-up study

Xavier University School of Medicine admits students mainly from the United States and Canada to the undergraduate medical program. A previous study conducted in June 2013 used the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure to measure the educational environment and impact of different teaching and learning methods in the program. The present study aims to obtain information about students' perceptions of changes in the educational environment, which underwent modifications in teaching and learning, in January 2014. Information was collected about the participants' semester of study, gender, nationality, and age. Students' perceptions of the educational environment were documented by noting their degree of agreement with a set of 50 statements grouped into five categories. Average scores were compared among different groups. The mean total and category scores were compared to those of the 2013 study. Sixty of the sixty-nine students (86.9%) who enrolled in the undergraduate medical program participated in the survey. The majority were male, aged 20-25 years, and of American nationality. The mean±SD total score was 151.32±18.3. The mean scores for students' perception in the survey categories were perception of teaching/learning (38.45), perception of teachers (33.90), academic self-perceptions (22.95), perception of atmosphere (36.32), and social self-perception (19.70). There were no significant differences in these scores among the different groups. All scores except those for academic self-perception were significantly higher in the present study compared to the previous one (P<0.05). The above results will be of particular interest to schools that plan to transition to an integrated curriculum.
Magnet Profile Design

Transformations of a complex variable have been used by several authors to generate magnet pole contours. The work reported here is restricted to multipole magnets but includes modifications of previous transformations that allow current carrying elements, a plane of symmetry, and a return yoke to be introduced. Application is made to dipole, quadrupole, and sextupole magnets. An extension of the method provides for rectilinear dipole.
Research Resource: Identification of Novel Coregulators Specific for Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β2

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are expressed as a series of interrelated isoforms that perform distinct biological roles. The TRβ2 isoform is found predominantly in the hypothalamus, pituitary, retina, and cochlea and displays unique transcriptional properties relative to the other TR isoforms. To more fully understand the isoform-specific biological and molecular properties of TRβ2, we have identified a series of previously unrecognized proteins that selectively interact with TRβ2 compared with the more widely expressed TRβ1. Several of these proteins preferentially enhance the transcriptional activity of TRβ2 when coexpressed in cells and are likely to represent novel, isoform-specific coactivators. Additional proteins were also identified in our screen that bind equally to TRβ1 and TRβ2 and may function as isoform-independent auxiliary proteins for these and/or other nuclear receptors. We propose that a combination of isoform-specific recruitment and tissue-specific expression of these newly identified coregulator candidates serves to customize TR function for different biological purposes in different cell types.
AIDS prevention and chemical dependence treatment needs of women and their children.

Abstract Female partners of male drug users may not recognize that they are endangered by sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, even when women acknowledge this problem, there are multiple subsequent impediments to behavior change. Chemically dependent women also have specific additional needs. Most chemical dependence outreach and treatment programs are not yet designed to address the issues of contraception, pregnancy, motherhood, childrearing, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Chemically dependent women may not only give birth to drug-affected infants but they may also perpetuate an intergenerational cycle of inadequate parenting. Most women at risk for HIV infection are in their childbearing years. Infection of either or both mother and infant further complicates an already complex problem. Multiple interdisciplinary resources are needed to integrate AIDS prevention and treatment with chemical dependence treatment for women and their children.
Relativistic quantum mechanics of interacting particles

Abstract The relativistic quantum mechanics of several charged scalar particles interacting with a dynamical electromagnetic field is presented in the framework of the many-amplitudes formalism. Each particle and its antiparticle are represented by a separate wave function that satisfies the Klein-Gordon equation and which contributes to the charge-current density that is a source of the electromagnetic field. The probability amplitude for several particles or antiparticles is the symmetrized product of the single-particle probability amplitudes.
A common biochemical change in SV40 and polyoma virus transformed mouse cells coupled to control of cell growth in culture.

Abstract In mouse cell lines after transformation with SV40 or polyoma virus there was shown to be a reduction in the content of higher ganglioside homologs and in the activity of an enzyme (uridine diphosphate N -acetylgalactosamine: hematoside 2 N -acetylgalactosaminyltransferase) necessary for the synthesis of the higher gangliosides. These changes were found to be reversibly coupled to the changes in growth properties in tissue culture: in the flat derivatives of the virus transformed cell lines which reverted to normal phenotypic growth properties in culture there was a trend of reversion in ganglioside pattern and in enzymatic activity near to that of the parent 3T3 line, in spite of the continued presence of the viral DNA. Mouse cells productively infected with polyoma virus did not show decrease in the aminosugar transferase activity. Cocultivation of virally transformed cells with enzymatically active cells did not result in reduced enzyme activity in the enzymatically active cells, or in the restoration of enzyme activity in the virally transformed cells. Similarly, no change in enzyme activity occurred when admixing homogenates of the two type of cells. These biochemical findings are consistent with a similar repressor-like mechanism in both SV40 and polyoma virus induced cell transformation .
Ion and neuropharmacological studies of barnacle settlement

Abstract Experiments tested effects of altering ion concentrations and the effects of additions of biologically active substances in the media surrounding settling stage barnacle larvae. Alteration of ionic concentrations did not result in induction of metamorphosis. Excess potassium ion, magnesium ion and calcium ion inhibited settlement. Potassium ion affected young cyprids while other cations had more pronounced effects on older cyprids. Replacement of one cation by another reduced the inhibitory effects of all but calcium. Excess magnesium was routinely inhibitory while lowered magnesium had little effect. Calcium ion could be increased 50% by lowering magnesium concentrations without affecting settlement. However, low calcium ion concentrations inhibited settlement. Of the biologically active substances tested, only soluble barnacle settlement factor and dibuteryl cAMP induced metamorphosis. SITS, a calcium channel blocker, inhibited settlement and negated the effects SF +. Most of the other compounds inhibited settlement at millimolar concentrations and had no effect when tested at lower concentrations. Picrotoxin, a compound that interferes with chloride ion movement (and membrane depolarization) strongly inhibited metamorphosis with an EC50 of 10−6 mol.
The uredinial state of Puccinia festucae-ovinae

The type of Puccinia festucae-ovinae Tai on leaves of sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.) contains five previously unreported uredinia. We present an emended description of this species which was originally described from telia (Tai, 1947). Spores and infected host tissue from the type were wetted with 70% ethanol, then mounted in modified Hoyer's medium for bright-field ob? servation (Cunningham, 1972) or prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as de? scribed previously (Kulik and Dery, 1992). Photographs were taken with a Wild Photoautomat MPS 55 camera apparatus mounted on a Leitz Ortholux microscope.
The mechanical behaviour of cancellous bone

Cancellous bone has a cellular structure: it is made up of a connected network of rods and plates. Because of this, its mechanical behaviour is similar to that of other cellular materials such as polymeric foams. A recent study on the mechanisms of deformation in such materials has led to an understanding of how their mechanical properties depend on their relative density, cell wall properties and cell geometry. In this paper, the results of this previous study are applied to cancellous bone in an attempt to further understand its mechanical behaviour. The results of the analysis agree reasonably well with experimental data available in the literature.
An Interview with Andrew Feenberg

A leading thinker in the philosophy of technology, Andrew Feenberg is recognized by many as a preeminent voice in conversations about the role of technology in contemporary society. The author of s...
Infrared Spectra of Gases Produced by Pyrolysis of Carpet Fibers

An important aspect of the flammability question which needs investigation is that of the lethal gases which are emitted when synthetic carpets are burned. Several studies have found that toxic gases and smoke are a major cause of fatalities to individuals involved in fire situations. This study examined gases which were produced when carpets of nylon, acrylic, or acrylic/modacrylic fibers were burned. Infrared spectra of the carpet fibers were obtained upon pyrolysis of the samples. The results showed that hydrogen cyanide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, acrylonitrile, acetylene, ethylene, methane, and ammonia were emitted. Each of the specific toxicants produced upon burning can be lethal if present in sufficient quantities. In addition, research has shown that cumulative and synergestic effects of these gases may cause debilitation and death. This study indicates the possible need for biological smoke tolerance standards for interior furnishings.
Na+/H+ exchanger 1 deficiency alters gene expression in mouse brain

Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) is well known to function as a major regulator of intracellular pH (pHi). It is activated by low pHi and exchanges extracellular Na+ for intracellular H+ to maintain cellu...
Accelerating divisible load distribution on tree and pyramid networks using pipelined communications

Summary form only given. We propose two methods which employ pipelined communications to distribute divisible loads on tree and pyramid networks. We derive the closed form solutions to the parallel time and speedup for both methods and show that the asymptotic speedup of both methods is 6/spl beta/+1 for a complete b-ary tree network and 4/spl beta/+1 for a pyramid network, where /spl beta/ is the ratio of the time for computing a unit load to the time for communicating a unit load.
Black Women and Intimate Partner Violence New Directions for Research

African American women are at elevated risk for nonfatal and lethal intimate partner violence (IPV). Accordingly, the purpose of this article is to review our current knowledge, with a focus on the sociodemographic factors that make this population particularly vulnerable to abuse. Future research directions include using more diverse Black samples, considering how living at the intersection of multiple forms of oppression shapes Black women's experience with violence, exploring the influence of historical events and oppressive images on victimization, and focusing on survivors' resilience and activism.
Treatment of Prostate Cancer Local Recurrence After Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with 17-Gauge Interstitial Transperineal Cryoablation: Initial Experience

OBJECTIVES Interstitial transperineal cryoablation with 17-gauge cryoprobes is an accepted treatment modality for localized prostate cancer. The effectiveness of cryoablation in the treatment of local prostate cancer recurrence after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) is unknown. METHODS We reviewed the outcome of cryoablative treatment in 15 patients for biopsy-proven locally recurrent prostate cancer after RRP. The follow-up data included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, imaging findings, side effects, and an assessment of voiding habits. RESULTS The mean follow-up time for the entire group was 20 months (range 4 to 32). Of the 15 patients, 6 (40%) had sustained declines in the PSA level (cryoablation success group) and 9 (60%) had disease progression (cryoablation failure group), defined as a PSA increase greater than 0.1 ng/mL from the PSA nadir, or the addition of external beam radiotherapy or androgen deprivation therapy. The pre-RRP PSA level and pre-cryoablation PSA level were similar for both groups. The pre-RRP biopsy Gleason scores (P = 0.03), RRP Gleason scores (P = 0.03), and lesion size on magnetic resonance imaging (P = 0.001) were lower in the success group than in the failure group. All patients who were recurrence free after cryotherapy had a biopsy and Gleason score of 6 or less. Of the 15 patients, 3 (20%) developed worsening of post-RRP incontinence. CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary results suggest that salvage cryoablation can be an effective and safe treatment modality and a possible alternative to external beam radiotherapy for targeted control of confirmed local recurrences after RRP, especially in those with favorable biopsy or pathologic Gleason scores before cryotherapy. Larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed to assess the viability of this treatment.
Vertically restrictive pricing in supply chains with price‐dependent demand

We examine the behavior of a manufacturer and a retailer in a decentralized supply chain under price-dependent, stochastic demand. We model a retail fixed markup (RFM) policy, which can arise as a form of vertically restrictive pricing in a supply chain, and we examine its effect on supply chain performance. We prove the existence of the optimal pricing and replenishment policies when demand has a linear additive form and the distribution of the uncertainty component has a nondecreasing failure rate. We numerically compare the relative performance of RFM to a price-only contract and we find that RFM results in greater profit for the supply chain than the price-only contract in a variety of scenarios. We find that RFM can lead to Pareto-improving solutions where both the supplier and the retailer earn more profit than under a price-only contract. Finally, we compare RFM to a buyback contract and explore the implications of allowing the fixed markup parameter to be endogenous to the model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 53: 485-501, 2006.
Failure to avoid rutin diets results in altered food utilization and reduced growth rate of Manduca sexta larvae

The possibility of avoidance of and dietary self-selection relative to the flavonol rutin was examined for third instar Manduca sexta for two thermal regimes and for larvae previously reared on plain or rutin diet. Temperature affected all of the performance indices examined, except efficiency of conversion of digested food. Significant interactive effects between temperature and diet occurred for relative consumption rate, relative growth rate and the food utilization efficiencies. For example, at the warm daytime temperature, relative growth rate prior to head capsule slippage was lower for caterpillars previously reared on rutin diet compared to those reared on plain diet. In contrast, at the cool daytime temperature, the relative growth rates were similar for caterpillars reared on plain diet and on 6 μmoles rutin diet. Consequently, in some treatments (5 of 12), caterpillars with a history of rutin in their diet had lower relative growth rates than those experiencing rutin for the first time. Despite rutin's impact on food utilization indices and negative effect on relative growth rate, the caterpillars did not avoid rutin nor was there evidence of regulation of the intake of rutin. The lack of metabolic feedback is discussed.
Anti-Apical-Membrane-Antigen-1 Antibody Is More Effective than Anti-42-Kilodalton-Merozoite-Surface-Protein-1 Antibody in Inhibiting Plasmodium falciparum Growth, as Determined by the In Vitro Growth Inhibition Assay

Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and the 42-kDa merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP142) are leading malaria vaccine candidates. Several preclinical and clinical trials have been conducted, and an in vitro parasite growth inhibition assay has been used to evaluate the biological activities of the resulting antibodies. In a U.S. phase 1 trial with AMA1-C1/Alhydrogel plus CPG 7909, the vaccination elicited anti-AMA1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) which showed up to 96% inhibition. However, antibodies induced by MSP142-C1/Alhydrogel plus CPG 7909 vaccine showed less than 32% inhibition in vitro. To determine whether anti-MSP142 IgG had less growth-inhibitory activity than anti-AMA1 IgG in vitro, the amounts of IgG that produced 50% inhibition of parasite growth (Ab50) were compared for rabbit and human antibodies. The Ab50s of rabbit and human anti-MSP142 IgGs were significantly higher (0.21 and 0.62 mg/ml, respectively) than those of anti-AMA1 IgGs (0.07 and 0.10 mg/ml, respectively) against 3D7 parasites. Ab50 data against FVO parasites also demonstrated significant differences. We further investigated the Ab50s of mouse and monkey anti-AMA1 IgGs and showed that there were significant differences between the species (mouse, 0.28 mg/ml, and monkey, 0.14 mg/ml, against 3D7 parasites). Although it is unknown whether growth-inhibitory activity in vitro reflects protective immunity in vivo, this study showed that the Ab50 varies with both antigen and species. Our data provide a benchmark for antibody levels for future AMA1- or MSP142-based vaccine development efforts in preclinical and clinical trials.
Brain Microenvironment Promotes the Final Functional Maturation of Tumor-Specific Effector CD8+ T Cells

During the priming phase of an antitumor immune response, CD8(+) T cells undergo a program of differentiation driven by professional APCs in secondary lymphoid organs. This leads to clonal expansion and acquisition both of effector functions and a specific adhesion molecule pattern. Whether this program can be reshaped during the effector phase to adapt to the effector site microenvironment is unknown. We investigated this in murine brain tumor models using adoptive transfer of tumor-specific CD8(+) T cells, and in spontaneous immune responses of patients with malignant glioma. Our data show proliferation of Ag-experienced tumor-specific T cells within the brain parenchyma. Moreover, CD8(+) T cells further differentiated in the brain, exhibiting enhanced IFN-gamma and granzyme B expression and induction of alpha(E)(CD103)beta(7) integrin. This unexpected integrin expression identified a subpopulation of CD8(+) T cells conditioned by the brain microenvironment and also had functional consequences: alpha(E)(CD103)beta(7)-expressing CD8(+) T cells had enhanced retention in the brain. These findings were further investigated for CD8(+) T cells infiltrating human malignant glioma; CD8(+) T cells expressed alpha(E)(CD103)beta(7) integrin and granzyme B as in the murine models. Overall, our data indicate that the effector site plays an active role in shaping the effector phase of tumor immunity. The potential for local expansion and functional reprogramming should be considered when optimizing future immunotherapies for regional tumor control.
Empirical model based control of nonlinear processes using approximate dynamic programming

A major difficulty associated with using an empirical nonlinear model for model-based control is that the model can be unduly extrapolated into regions of the state space where identification data were scarce or even nonexistent. Optimal control solutions obtained with such over-extrapolations can result in performances far worse than predicted by the model. In the multi-step predictive control setting, it is not straightforward to prevent such overuse of the model by forcing the optimizer to find a solution within the "trusted" regions of state space. Given the difficulty, we propose an approximate dynamic programming based approach for designing a model-based controller that avoids such abusage of an empirical model with respect to the distribution of the identification data. The approach starts with closed-loop test data obtained with some suboptimal controllers, e.g., PI controllers, and attempts to derive a new control policy that improves upon their performances. Iterative improvement based on successive closed-loop testing is possible. A diabatic CSTR example is provided to illustrate the proposed approach.
Backward Learning as a Function of Age

Groups of sixth, eighth, and tenth grade students learned eight pairs of paired-associate items followed by recall for the stimulus items. Each group learned a different list constructed from items of comparable meaningfulness determined by standardization for each group. As analysis of variance indicated no significant differences among groups, it was concluded that backward learning is not a variant of incidental learning of paired-associate lists.
Innovative techniques for improved testability

Three independent topics which illustrate innovative methods for improving testability are described. A technique which utilizes a card logic tester as a vehicle for evaluating the effectiveness of new chip-level tests is described. This technique allows rapid implementation and verification of various test algorithms as clip failure mechanisms are discovered. A methodology which combines simulation data with the capabilities of a tester language to provide early verification of the AC characteristics of components is presented. The authors consider tester language limitations and how adjustments can be made to component timing specifications to overcome these restrictions. These techniques were successfully implemented using Programming Language for Testing (PLT). With these methods, the testability and hence the quality of IBM products were improved in a cost-effective manner. >
Real-time spatial interpolation of continuous phenomena using mobile sensor data streams

Technology advances have created a wide variety of novel, inexpensive sensors in the millimeter range that can be attached to or embedded into smartphones. These sensors are now directly connected to the Internet enabling us to collect high frequency updates from potentially thousands of mobile sensors densely deployed over an urban area. Today, data stream management systems (DSMS) are powerful data processing tools for update rates of 100,000-500,0000 tuples/s. In this paper, we investigate extending DSMS for monitoring continuous environmental phenomena such as air borne toxins or air quality based on up to 250K individual mobile sensor updates per query window to be spatially interpolated into a smooth, grid-based representation in near real-time. We propose a stream query operator approach and investigate different strategies to achieve near real-time spatial interpolation, while investigating memory footprint, runtime efficiency and interpolation quality of the different strategies.
Some computational tools for digital archive and metadata maintenance

Computational tools are a mainstay of current search and recommendation technology. But modern digital archives are astonishingly diverse collections of older digitized material and newer “born digital” content. Finding interesting material in these archives is still challenging. The material often lacks appropriate annotation—or metadata—so that people can find the most interesting material. We describe four computational tools we developed to aid in the processing and maintenance of large digital archives. The first is an improvement to a graph layout algorithm for graphs with hundreds of thousands of nodes. The second is a new algorithm for matching databases with links among the objects, also known as a network alignment problem. The third is an optimization heuristic to disambiguate a set of geographic references in a book. And the fourth is a technique to automatically generate a title from a description.
Immunohistochemical detection and quantitation of p-glycoprotein in multiple drug-resistant human myeloma cells: association with level of drug resistance and drug accumulation

Using several multiple drug-resistant human myeloma cell lines as standards, we developed an immunohistochemical staining technique and means of quantitating P-glycoprotein in individual myeloma cells. The level of staining intensity for P-glycoprotein in individual myeloma cells was quantitated by measuring the average optical density of each cell with a microscopic computerized cell analysis system. Using this system, we observed that the level of P-glycoprotein for individual cells within a cell population of known drug sensitivity was very homogeneous (coefficient of variation less than or equal to 13%). Analysis of cell lines with gradually increasing levels of multidrug resistance (8226/S, 8226/Dox6 and 8226/Dox40) demonstrated a close association between the level of resistance to doxorubicin, defined by the mean lethal dose (D0) and the amount of P-glycoprotein on individual cells determined by the optical density (r = 0.82, P less than 0.0005). Intracellular doxorubicin (DOX) accumulation in the individual cell lines was inversely related to the level of drug resistance expressed as D0. P-glycoprotein was also detected in the marrow-derived myeloma cells of patients with drug refractory disease using immunohistochemical staining. The amount of P-glycoprotein in the cells of one patient was directly compared to the amount found in the simultaneously stained standard cell lines (8226/Dox6 and 8226/Dox40) by comparing the optical densities for individual cells. Using this immunohistochemical technique to detect and quantitate P-glycoprotein in patient myeloma cells and comparing it to standard multidrug resistant myeloma cell lines may be of value in determining the contribution of P-glycoprotein to clinical drug resistance in patients with multiple myeloma.
Development of AFLP and RAPD markers linked to a locus associated with twisted growth in corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa').

Summary Salix matsudana Koidz. cultivar ‘Tortuosa’(corkscrew willow) is characterized by extensive stem bending and curling of leaves. To investigate the genetic basis of this trait, controlled crosses were made between a corkscrew female (S. matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) and a straight-stemmed, wild-type male (Salix alba L. Clone 99010). Seventy-seven seedlings from this family (ID 99270) were grown in the field for phenotypic observation. Among the progeny, 39 had straight stems and leaves and 38 had bent stems and curled leaves, suggesting that a dominant allele at a single locus controls this phenotype. As a first step in characterizing the locus, we searched for amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to the tortuosa allele using bulked segregant analysis. Samples of DNA from 10 corkscrew individuals were combined to produce a corkscrew pool, and DNA from 10 straight progeny was combined to make a wild-type pool. Sixty-four AFLP primer combinations and 640 RAPD primers were screened to identify marker bands amplified from the corkscrew parent and progeny pool, but not from the wild-type parent or progeny pool. An AFLP marker and a RAPD marker linked to and flanking the tortuosa locus were placed on a preliminary linkage map constructed based on segregation among the 77 progeny. Sectioning and analysis of shoot tips revealed that the corkscrew phenotype is associated with vascular cell collapse, smaller cell size in regions near the cambium and less developed phloem fibers than in wild-type progeny. Identification of a gene associated with this trait could lead to greater understanding of the control of normal stem development in woody plants.
Fine-root biomass and fluxes of soil carbon in young stands of paper birch and trembling aspen as affected by elevated atmospheric CO 2 and tropospheric O 3

Rising atmospheric CO 2 may stimulate future forest productivity, possibly increasing carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems, but how tropospheric ozone will modify this response is unknown. Because of the importance of fine roots to the belowground C cycle, we monitored fine-root biomass and associated C fluxes in regenerating stands of trembling aspen, and mixed stands of trembling aspen and paper birch at FACTS-II, the Aspen FACE project in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Free-air CO 2 enrichment (FACE) was used to elevate concentrations of CO2 (average enrichment concentra- tion 535 µl l -1 ) and O 3 (53 nl l -1 ) in developing forest stands in 1998 and 1999. Soil respiration, soil pCO 2 , and dissolved organic carbon in soil solution (DOC) were monitored biweekly. Soil respiration was measured with a portable infrared gas analyzer. Soil pCO 2 and DOC samples were collected from soil gas wells and tension lysimeters, respectively, at depths of 15, 30, and 125 cm. Fine-root biomass averaged 263 g m-2 in con- trol plots and increased 96% under elevated CO 2. The increased root biomass was accompanied by a 39% in- crease in soil respiration and a 27% increase in soil pCO 2 . Both soil respiration and pCO 2 exhibited a strong seasonal signal, which was positively correlated with soil temperature. DOC concentrations in soil solution averaged ~12 mg l -1 in surface horizons, declined with depth, and were little affected by the treatments. A sim- plified belowground C budget for the site indicated that native soil organic matter still dominated the system, and that soil respiration was by far the largest flux. Ozone decreased the above responses to elevated CO2, but effects were rarely statistically significant. We con- clude that regenerating stands of northern hardwoods have the potential for substantially greater C input to soil due to greater fine-root production under elevated CO 2 . Greater fine-root biomass will be accompanied by greater soil C efflux as soil respiration, but leaching losses of C will probably be unaffected.
The Modeled Atmospheric Response to Midlatitude SST Anomalies and Its Dependence on Background Circulation States

Abstract The atmospheric response to a midlatitude SST anomaly in the North Pacific and its dependence on background flow are examined in a GCM. Experiments are conducted using the same warm SST anomalies but two different model states: perpetual January and perpetual February. The atmospheric responses to the SST anomalies are statistically significant in both January and February but are completely different. The anomalous circulation in January is characterized by a trough decaying with height immediately downstream of the SST anomalies. In February, the anomalous circulation is dominated by a downstream ridge growing with height. The patterns of the anomalous heights in the two months are nearly orthogonal. Vorticity and thermodynamic budgets are diagnosed to illustrate how the anomalous circulations are maintained. Over the SST anomalies, low-level convergence and ascent are observed in both months. In January the anomalous convergence is balanced by a residual due primarily to the forcing by submont...
What shall we teach in environmental statistics

The need for statistical methodology in environmental and ecological applications has grown dramatically over the past few decades, to where targeted and/or specialized courses in environmental statistics are necessary at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We discuss here the construction of such courses, and pose questions on the course development process for the statistical and environmental community. Our exposition is based upon our own experience with the design of a graduate environmental statistics course.
A new modality in nonstress testing: evaluation of beat-to-beat fetal heart rate variability.

Abstract Fetal monitoring equipment that provided accurate external measurement of the interval between each fetal heartbeat permitted the evaluation of beat-to-beat fetal heart rate (FHR)variability as part of routine nonstrees testing. Nonstress tests (NSTs) were performed on 350 high-risk patients over a 12-month period. The beat-to-beat FHR variability and the reactivity of the last NST within 7 days of labor were analyzed in relation to the appearance of fetal distress during laboras indicated by late decelerations. Beat-to-beat FHR variability combined with nonstress testing more predictive of subsequent fetal distress than nonstress testing alone. In all instances, complete loss of beat-to-beat FHR was followed by fetal distress during labor. Fetal distress was present in only 39% of labors following nonreactive NSTs. The inclusion of beat-to-beat FHA variability in nonstress testing can significantly aid in the detection of fetal compromise. (Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 141 :521, 1981.)
Carleman weight functions for solving ill-posed Cauchy problems for quasilinear PDEs

This is the first publication in which a numerical method with rigorously guaranteed convergence is presented for some ill-posed Cauchy problems for semilinear PDEs of the second order. The key tool is the use of the Carleman weight functions in a Tikhonov-like functionals. The method works for elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic semilinear equations of the second order. S Online supplementary data available from stacks.iop.org/ip/31/125007/ mmedia
Effects of ischemic and adenosine preconditioning on interstitial fluid adenosine and myocardial infarct size.

The accumulation of adenosine during a brief coronary occlusion has been proposed to mediate the infarct size-limiting effect of ischemic preconditioning. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ischemic preconditioning and a transient adenosine infusion on myocardial interstitial fluid (ISF) adenosine levels and infarct size. Microdialysis fibers (10.0 mm length) were placed in the left ventricular myocardium of pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized rabbits to estimate ISF adenosine. Ischemic preconditioning was induced by 5 min of coronary artery occlusion and 10 min of reperfusion before 45 min of occlusion. Adenosine preconditioning was induced with 5 min of intravenous adenosine infusion (140 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) followed by a 10-min washout before the prolonged occlusion. Myocardial infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining after 3 h of reperfusion. Five minutes of ischemia and 5 min of adenosine infusion produced comparable increases in dialysate adenosine levels (from 0.19 +/- 0.02 to 0.69 +/0- 0.11 and 0.28 +/- 0.10 to 0.71 +/- 0.18 microM, respectively) that decreased to baseline before the prolonged ischemia; however, ischemic-preconditioned hearts exhibited elevated dialysate adenosine levels for the first 5 min of reperfusion. Ischemic-preconditioned hearts exhibited significantly reduced dialysate adenosine concentrations for the first 20 min of the prolonged occlusion (P < 0.05 vs. control), and infarct size was reduced from 41 +/- 6 to 10 +/- 4% of risk area. Adenosine preconditioning had no effect on dialysate adenosine levels during prolonged ischemia but did reduce infarct size to 25 +/- 5% of risk area. These results indicate that a transient increase in ISF adenosine can reduce myocardial infarct size, but adenosine alone does not fully replicate the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning.
Chromosome studies in repeated spontaneous abortions and stillbirths

Abstract Chromosome studies, performed on 39 couples and 4 women who experienced repeated spontaneous abortions and/or stillbirths, revealed only one parent with a structural aberration: a D/D translocation. Five additional structural alterations were found, including an asymmetrical No.1 chromosome, utra chromatin material on the short arms of a 17–18 chromosome, and loss of the short arms of a G chromosome. These minor changes were interpreted as normal variants in the human chromosome complement. Karyotypic analyses of couples would appear advisable where the etiology has not been established for the repeated production of nonviable conceptions and live-born infants with multiple congenital malformatians
Right Time at the Right Place in History

This chapter outlines the author’s role as ecology program director with the National Science Foundation during the early 1980s, when he recommended funding for the Allerton Park Workshop held in Piatt County, Illinois, from 25 to 27 April 1983. This workshop became the catalyst and a milestone in the establishment of landscape ecology in North America.
Basement membrane antigens in renal polycystic disease

Status of basement membrane antigens in renal polycystic disease was investigated. Antibodies directed against various components of basement membrane, including anti-heparan sulfate proteoglycan, Type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin, were employed. Their reactivities with basement membranes of normal and cystic segments of the renal tubules were ascertained by indirect immunofluorescence. The tissues were obtained either from kidneys of patients with adult (autosomal dominant) polycystic disease or from rats with renal cystic change induced by administration of 2-amino-4,5-diphenylthiazole HCl. The human and rat tissues that had undergone cystic change exhibited essentially similar results. A loss of reactivity to anti-heparan sulfate proteoglycan antibodies was observed. The reactivity toward anti-Type IV collagen and laminin either remained unchanged or was focally increased. The reactivity toward fibronectin, normally absent, increased dramatically in the peritubular regions and interstitium. The results indicate that there is an imbalance in various antigenic components associated with renal tubular cystic disease in rat and man, which may have a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Note on “Context Effect” and Free-Operant Avoidance Behavior

Summary.-The avoidance behavior of 11 rats was observed following a change in the stimulus context of training. Following 75 90-min. sessions, the lever was moved from a right-side to a center-wall position. Avoidance performance was severely disrupted in the first session following the lever-change but had recovered by the fifth session. When a change is made in the stimulus conditions present during training, an impairment in performance may be expected, i.e., a generalization decrement or the "context effect." The context effect has well documented influence over retention (cf. Crowder, 1976) and extinction (cf. Kimble, 1961) but has not received the same attention with nonextinction performance. This note presents observations on the effect of moving the lever in an operant chamber on the avoidance behavior of well-trained subjects. The subjects were 11 adult female hooded rats which had been given 75 90-min. avoidance sessions. Three LVE operant chambers (No. 143.2). measuring 25 cm x 27 cm X 31 un (long x wide x deep), were used during these sessions. Each chamber had a 3-cm x 1-cm lever positioned on the right side, with 3 cm from the side of the lever to the side wall. The lever extended 2.5 cm into the chamber 6 cm above the grid floor. A deadweight of 20 gm. (.2 N) on the lever operated the microswitch. The rats had completed an experiment involving a free-operant avoidance schedule in which each lever-press postponed shock for 15 sec. In the absence of a response, a I-mA, 0.33-sec., scrambled shock was given every 5 sec. On the same day that the last of 10 avoidance baseline sessions had been given, the lever in each chamber was moved to the center of the intelligence panel, i.e., a lateral displacement of 8.5 cm. The other parameters were unchanged. The next day, three subjects were returned to the chamber for what was to have been an abbreviated avoidance session simply to test the equipment. However, all 11 subjects received a full 90-min. session plus four additional daily 90-min. sessions. The changes in avoidance resulting from the repositioning of the lever are summarized in Fig. 1. The data from the four sessions preceding the lever-change are given to indicate normal between-session variation in the measures. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (Bruning & Kinn, 1968) on the response data for each subject from the final pre-change session and each post-change session yielded reliable differences (P6.m = 4.42, f~ < ,005). The reduced response rate in the first post-change session, compared to the final pre-change session, was significant (p < .01). An analysis of the shock-rate data also showed significant differences (finru = 12.897, p < .001). The shock rates in the first and second postchange sessions were reliably different (p < .05) and both were greater than the final pre-change session shock rate (ps < .O5). Avoidance improved over sessions, and by the final post-change session the means of both measures matched their respective pre-change levels.
Toxicity and Feeding Deterrency of a Dihaloalkyl Arylsulfone Biocide, A-9248, Against the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The topical LD50 of A-9248 (diiodomethyl para-tolyl sulfone) against the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, was estimated at 141.7 µg/g with 95% fiducial limits of 110.4-168.3 µg/g. A-9248 showed protracted activity against this termite. Time required to kill 90% of C. formosanus (ELT90) was 8.4-18.9 d when administered topically, 21-26 dafter 24-h forced feeding, and 19-22 d when C. formosan us were confined continuously on treated feeding substrate. Results of a choice test revealed that A-9248 is a feeding deterrent at concentrations ≥8,000 ppm. Initially, C. formosanus fed on wood treated with 1,000-6,000 ppm A-9248 but learned to avoid the treatment as a result of ingesting sublethal doses of A-9248. Only those groups exposed to wood treated with <1,000 ppm continued feeding on the treated substrate; ingestion of these concentrations resulted in 85-100% mortality at the end of the 4-wk experiment.
Millimeter wave tunable wide band gap filter

A novel tunable band gap filter for use in the microwave and millimeter wave domain is presented. The device is based on the use of liquid crystal in resonant cells. Simulations are presented showing the tunable range and bandgap bandwidth.