cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms Involved in the Generation of Mhc Diversity

Class II genes in the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) are extremely polymorphic, with many alleles differing in >10% of their nucleotide sequences. The mechanisms responsible for the generation of this diversity are controversial. We have analyzed the diversification pattern in the Mhc class II Ab gene by sequencing exon 2, exon 3 and a segment of intron 2 in alleles derived from 14 species of mice and rats. Our data indicate that the diversity of exon 2, which encodes the antigen binding site of the class II molecule, is localized to five highly polymorphic segments. This diversity was generated by the slow accumulation of point mutations over long evolutionary periods and has been amplified by repeated intra-exonic recombination. Sequence analysis of exon 3 and intron 2 indicates that these recombinational events occur specifically within exon 2, where a sequence highly homologous to a minisatellite common core sequence has been identified. This sequence may play a role in promoting recombination in Ab, DPb and DRb. The sequence data for Ab, together with other data, suggest that various molecular and genetic mechanisms are involved in the generation of Mhc diversity. The most important mechanism affecting the diversity of class II beta genes is the shuffling of highly conserved ancestral sequence segments.
Implications of Climate Change for U.S. Agriculture

General circulation models of global climate predict that a doubling of current atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) or its equivalent in CO{sub 2} and other greenhouse gases, will increase global average surface temperatures 1.5{degrees}C to 4.5{degrees}C and alter precipitation patterns. The equivalent CO{sub 2} doubling is expected to occur in fifty to one hundred years (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). There is, however, vast scientific uncertainty about all aspects of these predictions, especially concerning regional changes in temperature and precipitation. Whatever these climate changes may turn out to be, it is certain that they will have ramifications for world and U.S. agriculture. Farm-level productivity, resource use, and profitability will be affected, as will food supply, trade, prices, regional comparative advantage, and agricultural policy. The kinds and ultimate extend of these impacts will depend on the magnitude of change in climatic variables, the accompanying indirect environmental effects, and how well society is able to adapt to these changes. In this paper, we examine issues affecting the impacts of climate change on U.S. agriculture and review research results to date on potential impacts. 12 refs.
Primary membranous nephropathy with concomitant IgA nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy (MN), an autoimmune glomerulonephritis which can occur in primary and secondary forms, is one of the most common inflammatory glomerulopathies in elderly patients. The pathophysiology of the primary form is generally due to circulating immunoglobulin (IgG4) antibodies which often target phospholipase A2 receptors (anti-PLA2R) and Thrombospondin Type 1 Domain containing 7A (anti THSD7A). IgA nephropathy is one of the most common autoimmune glomerular diseases in the world and presents with a spectrum of disease ranging from asymptomatic mild hematuria and proteinuria to rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis. We present a rare case of concomitant IgA and primary MN in a single patient treated successfully with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade, corticosteroids, and calcineurin inhibitors. The peak proteinuria was near 7.5-8 g protein/g creatinine by various measures. Serum creatinine remained normal, and anti-PLA2R was detectable and decreased with successful treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of two glomerular disorders in patients with glomerulonephritis and atypical presentations for any single disorder.
Advances in Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Management of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: State of the Art

During the past decade and a half, the most common cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has shifted from tobacco and alcohol to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-driven p16-positive OPSCC and tobacco-related OPSCC differ in their underlying molecular and genetic profiles, socioeconomic demographics, and response to treatment. HPV-related OPSCC tends to occur in younger patients and has a significantly better response to treatment and excellent prognosis. The stark contrast in prognosis-with around 90% overall 5-year survival for HPV-related p16-positive OPSCC and 40% for non-HPV-related p16-negative OPSCC-has prompted major changes in the eighth edition of the staging manual of the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer). The past 10-15 years have also witnessed major advances in surgery, radiation therapy (RT), and systemic therapy. Minimally invasive surgery has come of age, with transoral robotic procedures and laser microsurgery. Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and more recently proton-beam RT have markedly improved the conformity of RT, with an ability to precisely target the cancer and cancer-bearing regions while sparing normal structures and significantly reducing long-term treatment-related morbidity. Progress in systemic therapy has come in the form of immunotherapy and targeted agents such as cetuximab. Owing to the better prognosis of HPV-driven OPSCC as well as the morbidity associated with treatment, de-escalation of therapy via multiple strategies is being explored. The article reviews the advances in diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of OPSCC in the HPV era.©RSNA, 2019.
"No Waiting" in the "Waiting Room": The Self-rooming Patient Pilot Study.

Introduction: Although patient timeliness and appointment flow are highly important for patients and practices, the impact of technology on improving these aspects of healthcare delivery are not widely studied. We evaluated the satisfaction and acceptability of using a handheld internet-enabled tablet computer (the Mobile Patient Communicator (MPC)) that uses interactive maps, and visual and written instructions to direct patients from waiting rooms to exam rooms independently of medical personnel. Methods: At the time of appointment check-in, eligible patients attending their healthcare appointments at a family medicine practice received the MPC that provided them an online orientation about its use and function. The MPC directed patients to their assigned exam rooms. Patients completed pre-/post-visit surveys. We used Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for numeric variables and Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables. Results: Among 200 participated patients, the median level of satisfaction was 9 (1=not at all, 10= very much satisfied), 177 (91%) were successful in finding their room, and 147 (76%) thought the device should be used in the future. Prior to using the MPC, patients ≥65 years old were less comfortable with using the device (median 7 vs. 9; P=0.001), expected to have more problems operating the device (yes 6% vs. 1%; P=0.002), and were less likely to use a computer daily (yes 51% vs. 91%; P<0.001) vs. <65 years old. After using the MPC, patients ≥65 years old were less satisfied with using the device (median 8 vs. 10; P=0.001) but were more likely to watch the video on the device (yes 70% vs. 54%; P=0.04) vs. <65 years old. Conclusion: The pilot results show evidence that using this technology for self-rooming by patients is highly acceptable regardless of age and sex. The findings also indicate this technology was helpful in delivering health care-related information before face-to-face appointments.
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Model to Advance Population Health

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, implementation, and lessons learned associated with an interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) care delivery model initiated at the...
Moral Accountability Principles for Moral Accounting Engagements

I define moral accounting as the crafting of accountability systems that improve moral performance in a moral way. I also propose that accountants are well-positioned to offer Moral Accounting Engagements (MAEs), which evaluate how a client’s systems fall short of moral accounting’s aspirations and advise them on how they can address any shortcomings. I offer a conceptual framework that leaves controversial moral standards in the hands of those with the philosophical, civic or theological expertise to earn moral authority, but requires accountants to structure those standards to make MAEs a feasible endeavor that ties closely to traditional accounting engagements both conceptually and procedurally. Conceptually, moral accounting views people as stewards acting on behalf of society, just as traditional accounting views managers as stewards acting on behalf of owners. Procedurally, an MAE involves gathering objective data on accountability systems, capturing the performance of entities using double-entry bookkeeping, and evaluating systems and performance in light of existing standards. I also offer a set of Moral Accounting Principles (the MAP) that are moral analogs of longstanding principles in traditional accounting, and that guide the accountant’s evaluation of the client. I close by sketching directions for future research.
SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of COVID-19 in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: Morbidity and mortality associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in kidney transplant recipients are high and early outpatient interventions to prevent progression to severe disease are needed. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies including bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab received emergency use authorization in the United States in November 2020 for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 disease. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 27 kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 between July 2020 and February 2021 who were treated with bamlanivimab or casirivimab-imdevimab and immunosuppression reduction. We additionally identified 13 COVID-19 infected kidney transplant recipients with mild to moderate disease at presentation who did not receive monoclonal antibodies and had SARS-CoV-2 serology testing available. Results: There were no deaths or graft failures in either group. Both infusions were well tolerated. Four of the 27 monoclonal antibody treated patients required hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. Four of 13 patients who did not receive monoclonal antibodies required hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. Patients who received monoclonal antibodies demonstrated measurable anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor blocking activity at the highest level detectable at 90 days post-infusion, whereas ACE2 blocking activity acquired from natural immunity in monoclonal antibody untreated group was weak. Conclusions: Bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab combined with immunosuppression reduction were well tolerated and associated with favorable clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19 disease.
Late Prehistoric Plains Trade and Economic Specialization

Traditional views of Plains Indian adaptations, both prehistoric and historic, have stressed the need for limited economic interaction between societies. Trade among Plains Indian societies has gen...
Formation of a Defective Alkaline Phosphatase Subunit by a Mutant of Escherichia coli

A mutant of Escherichia coli that has an alteration in the structural gene for the alkaline phosphatase has been found to synthesize an anomalous subunit that is unable to dimerize under normal conditions of cell growth and, thus, cannot form active enzyme. This subunit was detected by the use of antibodies prepared against a chemically modified subunit obtained from the wild type enzyme. The mutationally altered subunit is detected only when the mutant's growth is limited by inorganic phosphate except in a constitutive strain in which this subunit is formed even though inorganic phosphate is present in the growth medium. When fully induced, cells produce 6% of their total protein as the defective subunit which can be released into the medium when spheroplasts are prepared with lysozyme. Inability to make the active dimeric form of this enzyme does not, therefore, affect the regulation of the synthesis of this protein or its localization to the bacterial cell's envelope. The addition of zinc ions and inorganic phosphate to cultures of this mutant or to extracts of sonically disrupted cells leads to the appearance of enzymatically active protein which differs in several respects from wild type alkaline phosphatase. Subunits prepared from a highly purified sample of the active form of the mutationally altered protein are similar to those found in the growing cells.
Building Distributed Applications Using Multiple, Heterogeneous Environments

There continues to be genuine interest in expanding application environments to include geographically-distributed resources and to be able to dynamically re-configure the environment to suit the needs of the application. The expansion of an application's resource pool and dynamicity of the environment introduces fresh nuances in programming paradigms and demands novel characteristics of the substrate exportable to the application. This paper describes our research efforts toward the goal of providing applications with such an environment; one that is able to actively adopt and relinquish resource pools, is able to preconfigure and dynamically re-configure attributes to suit the needs of the application, and maintains reliability and persistence in the presence of failures. This paper discusses our findings relating to portability and utility aspects of shared-library usage over heterogeneous environments.
Managing repairable and consumable factory parts: Fab 9's materials management system

This paper describes a system developed and implemented by Intel's Fab 9 to reduce the risk of chemical exposures from, and increase the accountability of, repairable and consumable factory parts. In Q4 1995, a system was developed and implemented that managed the flow of repairable and consumable parts leaving the factory: the materials management system (MMS). The components that make up the MMS are a system owner, a factory wide specification, functional area preventative maintenance specifications, a monitoring system for parts leaving the factory and a comprehensive training program. The implementation of the MMS has ensured a high level of safety for all personnel handling factory parts, meeting Intel's value that "Safety Is Number One" in the work place. The MMS has saved Intel's Fab 9 hundreds of thousands of dollars. The system was developed and implemented using existing factory and site resources. Intel's Fab 9 Materials Management System is now the New Mexico Site standard.
Absolute magnetic susceptibility of rat brain tissue.

Purpose This study was performed to test the commonly held hypothesis that the absolute magnetic susceptibility of brain tissue is close to that of water since water accounts for over 50% of the tissue composition. In addition, the absolute value of susceptibility of brain tissue is needed for the development of materials that are implanted into or in close proximity to tissue. Methods The absolute magnetic susceptibilities of different sections of rat brain, which were exsanguinated and perfusion-fixed, have been measured in a commercial superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer operating in fields up to 7T. Results The average measured values ranged from −(9.51 ± 0.01) × 10−6 for the cerebellum to −(8.99 ± 0.01) × 10−6 for a mixture of hippocampus, corpus callosum, and striatum. The time evolution of the samples was also studied, and deviations of <1% were observed after 4 weeks, although this trend was sample-specific. Conclusion The measured susceptibilities are close to the value measured for high-performance liquid chromatography H2O and depend on the amount of gray and white matter regions present in the samples. Magn Reson Med 72:876–879, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The design of the distributed ABELS brokering system

Many simulations and other applications need to interact seamlessly with distributed data resources. The Agent-Based Environment for Linking Simulations (ABELS) allows the formation of a dynamic "data and simulation cloud" that links a heterogeneous collection of networked resources. ABELS consists of three major types of components: user entities that serve as data producers and/or consumers, a brokering system for organizing and linking the various participants, and generic local agents that connect simulations and data resources to the cloud of participants. This paper presents the design of the distributed brokering system, which is implemented using Java and Sun Microsystems' Jini technology.
Reporting Practice Errors and Improving Patient Safety in Pennsylvania

This article discusses the creation and development of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, emphasizing the importance of reporting patient safety issues. Created as a solution to the twin problems of escalating medical malpractice insurance rates and the surprising number of patients harmed by medical errors, the Authority developed a Web-based system for reporting errors, an award-winning journal for analyzing errors and offering solutions, and educational programs and tools on patient safety. Because of the Authority's work, all Pennsylvania facilities can benefit from a single error in a single Pennsylvania institution.
Detecting and Correcting Data Corruption in Stencil Applications through Multivariate Interpolation

High-performance computing is a powerful tool that allows scientists to study complex natural phenomena. Extreme-scale supercomputers promise orders of magnitude higher performance compared with that of current systems. However, power constrains in future exascale systems might limit the level of resilience of those machines. In particular, data could get corrupted silently, that is, without the hardware detecting the corruption. This situation is clearly unacceptable: simulation results must be within the error margin specified by the user. In this paper, we exploit multivariate interpolation in order to detect and correct data corruption in stencil applications. We evaluate this technique with a turbulent fluid application, and we demonstrate that the prediction error using multivariate interpolation is on the order of 0.01. Our results show that this mechanism can detect and correct most important corruptions and keep the error deviation under 1% during the entire execution while injecting one corruption per minute. In addition, we stress test the detector by injecting more than ten corruptions per minute and observe that our strategy allows the application to produce results with an error deviation under 10% in such a stressful scenario.
Estimates of orientations of stress and strain tensors based on fault-plane solutions in the epicentral area of the great Hawaiian earthquake of 1868

The 95 best-quality fault-plane solutions for earthquakes in a 30 by 10 km area near the epicenter of the 1868 Hawaiian earthquake ( M about 7.9) were used for estimating the orientation of the stress and strain tensors. Most of the earthquakes had magnitudes of ML = 3.5 ± 0.6 with nine events in the range 4.2 ≦ ML ≦ 5.5. Although this area, Hilea, is capable of great earthquakes, it seldom produces events in the range 5.5 ≦ ML ≦ 6.5. We found that the directions of the slip and the principal strains are much more uniform in Hilea than in the neighboring regions of Kaoiki and south Kona, not varying more than 15°. The directions of the stress tensor are poorly constrained because of the uniformity of fault-plane solutions. Therefore one cannot be certain that the stress tensor is uniform in this area, but we assume that it is, because the strain and slip directions are. The stress and strain tensor directions differ significantly from those in the Kaoiki and south Kona areas. The slip directions as well as the plane defined by e1 and e3 are oriented approximately perpendicular to the upper part of Mauna Loa's southwest rift, suggesting that magma intrusions there (at a distance of 20 km) probably provide the stress for the seismic activity in the Hilea area. We propose that a tectonic boundary exists near latitude 19° 19′ separating the Kaoiki and Hilea areas. The stress and strain tensor orientations are significantly different north and south of this boundary, and virtually no strike-slip earthquakes occur in the Hilea area, whereas they are the majority of solutions in the Kaoiki area. The fault-plane solutions in Hilea have a near-horizontal and a near-vertical nodal plane. In other areas of Hawaii, the evidence suggests that the near-horizontal plane is a zone of weakness provided by buried oceanic sediment, which allows slip of the upper crust away from the volcanic centers toward the coasts. Here, however, the stress inversion does not lead to a clear choice of preferred fault plane. Thus, it may be that both nodal planes do act as fault planes in this area and that the rupture process in large earthquakes of the 1868 type may be complex involving decollement, steeply dipping normal faulting, and even strike-slip faulting.
Holistic Darwinism: Synergy, Cybernetics and the Bioeconomics of Evolution

Holistic Darwinism: Synergy, Cybernetics and the Bioeconomics of Evolution. Peter A. Corning. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2005. 546 pp.
Pulsed DC electric fields couple to natural NAD(P)H oscillations in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells.

Previously, we have demonstrated that NAD(P)H levels in neutrophils and macrophages are oscillatory. We have also found that weak ultra low frequency AC or pulsed DC electric fields can resonate with, and increase the amplitude of, NAD(P)H oscillations in these cells. For these cells, increased NAD(P)H amplitudes directly signal changes in behavior in the absence of cytokines or chemotactic factors. Here, we have studied the effect of pulsed DC electric fields on HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. As in neutrophils and macrophages, NAD(P)H levels oscillate. We find that weak (~10(-)(5) V/m), but properly phased DC (pulsed) electric fields, resonate with NAD(P)H oscillations in polarized and migratory, but not spherical, HT-1080 cells. In this instance, electric field resonance signals an increase in HT-1080 pericellular proteolytic activity. Electric field resonance also triggers an immediate increase in the production of reactive oxygen metabolites. Under resonance conditions, we find evidence of DNA damage in HT-1080 cells in as little as 5 minutes. Thus the ability of external electric fields to effect cell function and physiology by acting on NAD(P)H oscillations is not restricted to cells of the hematopoietic lineage, but may be a universal property of many, if not all polarized and migratory eukaryotic cells.
Binding of organic phosphates by human hemoglobin at alkaline pH-values.

Abstract The hemoglobin-oxygen equilibrium binding curve was found to be sensitive to the addition of inositol hexaphosphate at pH 9.1. A solution of hemoglobin A in 0.050 M sodium borate was half-saturated with oxygen at a partial pressure of 0.55mm Hg. Hemoglobin A in 0.050 M sodium borate, 0.001 M inositol hexaphosphate, pH 9.1 was half-saturated with oxygen at a partial pressure of 0.95mm Hg. The Hill plot was linear with a slope of 2.0 in the absence of phosphates. In the presence of inositol hexaphosphate the slope of the Hill plot increased from 1.0 to 2.36. The dependence of fractional saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen on concentration of inositol hexaphosphate was determined at partial pressures of oxygen of 0.46 and 1.07mm Hg.
Properties of an adenovirus type 2 mutant, Ad2d/807, having a deletion near the right-hand genome terminus: Failure to help AAV replication

We have analyzed the ability of an adenovirus type 2 mutant, Ad2 dl 807, to supportreplication of adeno-associated virus (AAV). This mutant has a deletion extending from early region 3 through the late fiber gene and into early region 4. Since AAV growth does not require Ad early region 3 or the fiber gene, the Ad2 dl 807 mutant allows analysis of the function of Ad early region 4 in AAV growth. As determined by assay of AAV DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis as well as the number of cells producing AAV and the yield of infectious AAV particles, growth of AAV with the dl 807 mutant is decreased 10- to 20-fold. The residual AAV growth is probably due to the presence of a low level of contaminating viable Ad virions in the dl 807 preparations. These observations indicate that an Ad early region 4 function is required at a very early stage of AAV DNA replication to allow amplification of duplex replicating (RF) DNA. Thus growth of AAV offers an independent probe for adenovirus early region 4 functions.
The Superintendent and Educational Reform in the United States of America

During the last two decades the intensity and complexity of educational reform in the United States of America have heightened interest among policymakers, practitioners, and professors in large-scale, systemic change. As a consequence, superintendents are being viewed as pivotal actors in the complex algorithm for managing districts and leading policy implementation efforts. The challenges—both perceived and real—have provided grist for national debates on superintendent roles, expectations, and effectiveness as school system leaders. This article presents an analysis of discursive stages in the evolution of the American superintendency in response to external and internal change forces within school systems.
Frequency-dependent squeeze-amplitude attenuation and squeeze-angle rotation by electromagnetically induced transparency for gravitational-wave interferometers

We study the effects of frequency-dependent squeeze-amplitude attenuation and squeeze-angle rotation by electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) on gravitational-wave (GW) interferometers. We propose the use of low-pass, bandpass, and high-pass EIT filters, an S-shaped EIT filter, and an intracavity EIT filter to generate frequency-dependent squeezing for injection into the antisymmetric port of GW interferometers. We find that the EIT filters have several advantages over the previous filter designs with regard to optical losses, compactness, and the tunability of the filter linewidth.
Final consonant generalization in hearing impaired children's articulation

Abstract Within a multiple baseline across behaviors design, four hearing impaired children who initially omitted final consonants in words were taught to produce final |k| and |v| in a contrast training procedure. Generalization of the two sounds and their cognates, the |g| and |f|, was tested to items consisting of spontaneously produced single words (naming pictures) and the same words in sentences read by the children. Results showed that the children generalized both final target sounds to a high degree in both contexts. Some generalization also occurred to the cognates which had never been trained. Although individual variability was observed, data showed that the |v| generalized to a greater number of items than the |k|, and possibly, required less training. Generalization to the |f| items was also better than to the |g| items. Response patterns suggested that final consonant production had been thoroughly acquired since variables that could have disrupted or interfered with generalization had no effect on the children's performance.
Which Way to Grow at MBC Farms

Like many farm operations, MBC Farms is trying to determine what strategic actions to take to remain competitive. The farm produces corn and soybeans, contracted specialty corn, and milk. The crops and dairy managers are considering growth opportunities, but have not decided on a strategy. There are a number of possibilities, but the management team is seriously considering expanding either the dairy to take advantage of a milk contract or contract crop production. With the MBC Farms case, instructors can teach farm business managers how to use strategic and financial planning tools to select a growth path for the firm.
Foramen magnum decompression for cervicomedullary encroachment in craniometaphyseal dysplasia: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Foramen magnum encroachment has been cited as a potential cause for the premature demise of patients afflicted with craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD). To our knowledge, the association of Chiari malformation and syringomyelia with CMD has not been previously reported. We describe our evaluation and surgical treatment of a patient presenting with CMD, foramen magnum stenosis, Chiari I malformation, and syringomyelia. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old female patient with CMD presented with severe headaches and progressive myelopathy. Evaluation by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild ventriculomegaly, cervicomedullary compression secondary to Chiari I malformation and foramen magnum stenosis, and C3-T10 syringomyelia. INTERVENTION: Foramen magnum decompression was performed via suboccipital craniectomy, C1-C2 laminectomy, and dural augmentation. Dysplastic bone was revealed to be extremely thick and mineralized. Removal required lengthy and extensive drilling. The postoperative course was complicated by prolonged intubation secondary to airway obstruction and a perforated duodenal ulcer. Airway obstruction was attributed to severe nasopharyngeal bony dysplasia and soft tissue edema. The use of steroids in the treatment of airway edema and delayed enteral feeding was thought to contribute to ulcer development. Nevertheless, neurological symptoms improved dramatically. CONCLUSION: Foramen magnum decompression can be used to treat life-threatening cervicomedullary compression in patients with CMD. However, caution should be used because surgical intervention may be associated with a higher incidence of complications because of lengthy procedures and the spectrum of craniofacial impairments in patients with CMD.
Diversity of Spirogyra (Chlorophyta) filament types on an altitudinal gradient

A seasonal survey of Spirogyra strains in an intermittent stream in southern Arizona, USA, was conducted from spring 1981 to winter 1982. The diversity and distribution of six morphologically distinct filament types were documented at 47 sites on an altitudinal gradient (915–1463 m) in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Spirogyra filament types were differentiated on the basis of filament width, number of chloroplasts per cell and type of end wall (plane or replicate). Spirogyra filaments of all six types were most abundant in early summer and fall, when temperatures were warm (c. 36°C) and water sufficiently abundant to form temporary pools. Filaments were rare during the month (July) when most pools dried up and during the coldest month (4°C, January). A filament type of intermediate width (∼ 50 μm) and variable chloroplast number was the most abundant and broadly distributed. The two widest filament types were virtually absent from the higher altitudes (1340–1463 m), whereas the narrower filament types were...
The combined effect of interferon and 5-FU on tumor-cell metastasis in the nude mouse.

In searching for a suitable animal model system to study colorectal tumor-cell metastasis, the method of injecting tumor cells directly into the spleen of athymic nude mice was explored. The cells used in this study consisted of the Colo 205 cell line, isolated and established from the ascitic fluid of a patient with adenocarcinoma of the colon. In spite of showing tumorigenicity in nude mice after subcutaneous injections, anchorage-independent clonal growth in soft agar, and invasion in the chick embryo skin, the Colo 205 cells failed to metastasize to the lung or liver after intrasplenic injections. The effects of interferon, and interferon in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), on tumor formation in the spleen, were studied. The combined interferon- and 5-Fu-treated animals displayed a significant difference from the controls in the generation of spleen tumors. This combination may possess potentially useful applications in the treatment of solid tumors such as those in the colon and rectum.
Cloning-independent plasmid construction for genetic studies in streptococci

Abstract Shuttle plasmids are among the few routinely utilized tools in the Streptococcus mutans genetic system that still require the use of classical cloning methodologies and intermediate hosts for genetic manipulation. Accordingly, it typically requires considerably less time and effort to introduce mutations onto the S. mutans chromosome than it does to construct shuttle vectors for expressing genes in trans. Occasionally, shuttle vector constructs also exhibit toxicity in Escherichia coli, which prevents their proper assembly. To circumvent these limitations, we modified a prolonged overlap extension PCR (POE-PCR) protocol to facilitate direct plasmid assembly in S. mutans. Using solely PCR, we created the reporter vector pZX7, which contains a single minimal streptococcal replication origin and harbors a spectinomycin resistance cassette and the gusA gene encoding β-glucuronidase. We compared the efficiency of pZX7 assembly using multiple strains of S. mutans and were able to obtain from 5 × 103 to 2 × 105 CFU/μg PCR product. Likewise, we used pZX7 to further demonstrate that Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii are also excellent hosts for cloning-independent plasmid assembly, which suggests that this system is likely to function in numerous other streptococci. Consequently, it should be possible to completely forgo the use of E. coli–Streptococcus shuttle vectors in many streptococcal species, thereby decreasing the time and effort required to assemble constructs and eliminating any toxicity issues associated with intermediate hosts.
A simulation model of decomposition in a shortgrass prairie

Abstract A simulation model is developed from a conceptual framework. Groups of decomposer organisms are aggregated into functional groups whose dynamics are primarily controlled by temperature and soil moisture. Soil substrates and mineral nitrogen are also considered. It is concluded that ecological theory together with a relatively small quantitative data base can produce models which not only simulate expected field behavior but also provide insight into the process being modeled.
Missed dialysis sessions and hospitalization in hemodialysis patients after Hurricane Katrina

In order to evaluate the factors that contributed to missed dialysis sessions and increased hospitalizations of hemodialysis patients after Hurricane Katrina, we contacted 386 patients from 9 New Orleans hemodialysis units. Data were collected through structured telephone interviews on socio-demographics, dialysis factors, and evacuation characteristics. Overall, 44% of patients reported missing at least one and almost 17% reported missing 3 or more dialysis sessions. The likelihood of missing 3 or more sessions was greater for those whose dialysis vintage was less than 2 years compared to those for whom it was 5 or more years, who had 38 or fewer billed dialysis sessions compared to those who had 39 or more in the 3 months before the storm, who lived alone before the storm, who were unaware of their dialysis facility's emergency plans, who did not evacuate prior to hurricane landfall, and who were placed in a shelter. The adjusted odds ratio of hospitalization among patients who missed 3 or more compared to those who did not miss any dialysis sessions was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.05-4.43). These findings suggest that when preparing for future disasters more emphasis needs to be placed on patient awareness and early execution of emergency plans.
A Perturbation Solution for Nonlinear Solute Transport in Porous Media

A perturbation method is applied to the transport equation for a single reactive chemical with nonlinear rate loss relevant for a soil and water system. The results are compared with the linear rate loss case and the effect of different values of the perturbation parameter is shown. Exponential and step sinks modeling water withdrawn from the profile are illustrated.
Patterns of diversity in leaves from canopies of Ginkgo biloba are revealed using Specific Leaf Area as a morphological character

 Premise of the study : The difference reported in the literature for the Specifi c Leaf Area (SLA, cm 2 /g) of leaves on short- and long-shoots of Acer rubrum could mean that SLA can serve as a quantitative morphological trait. Our survey of SLA in canopies of Ginkgo biloba sampled a different clade of seed plants to investigate this morphological phenomenon. Such a survey in this dioecious taxon, and one in which a single canopy may have juvenile and reproductive portions, as well as one where canopies bear leaves of several shapes, examine these additional morphological factors as well as any long-shoot short-shoot differences.  Methods : We measured SLA for a set of 642 dried leaves, a sampling across all morphological levels in canopies of large landscape specimens. The tabulated values were analyzed as distributions.  Key results : Populations of leaves of G. biloba , sorted by morphological features of canopy structure, differ between long- and short-shoots (175%), on the two genders of tree (131%), in the juvenile and reproductive portions of a canopy (183%), and with the presence or absence of seed on short-shoots in the reproductive portion of megasporangiate canopies (114%). Basipetal leaves of long-shoots and leaves of short-shoots have similar values of SLA.  Conclusions : With the exception of the acropetal decrease in SLA along long-shoots, the differences among the several classes of leaf seem to refl ect local sink strength, even though the sink itself develops after leaves mature. The large overall range in the values of SLA in Ginkgo underscores the relevance of the details of canopy structure to parsing ecological phenomena.
Conservative treatment of a Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich müllerian anomaly variant, noncommunicating hemiuterus with Gartner duct pseudocyst.

Asymmetric obstructed uterus didelphys (Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome) is a rare congenital mullerian anomaly consisting of uterus didelphys, hemivaginal septum, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Herein is reported a case of incomplete Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome diagnosed using 3-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound in a 14-year-old patient with absence of the hemivaginal septum. The most contributive diagnostic factors and appropriate therapeutic management in such cases are discussed.
Induction of embryonic dormancy in the calanoid copepod Acartia hudsonica: heritability and phenotypic plasticity in two geographically separated populations

The planktonic copepod Acartia hudsonica apparently requires summer diapause or dormancy to persist in Narragansett Bay, RI. In estuaries to the north, however, active A. hudsonica populations are present year-round and may not express dormancy. Using a full-sibling rearing design and analysis of variance (ANOVA), I assessed the importance of phenotypic and genetic sources of variation in two geographically separate populations, one from Maine and one from Rhode Island. Both populations showed phenotypic plasticity in the percentage of dormant eggs produced. Moreover, experiments revealed significant sibship–environment interactions in both populations, indicating that the phenotypic plasticity has a genetic component. Both populations also revealed a significant amount of genetic variation in the percentage of dormant eggs produced. For the Maine population, broad sense heritability was high (0.91, 1.10) in two short-day (12L:12D) treatments and near zero (0.08) in the long-day treatment (15L:9D). For a Rhode Island population, broad sense heritability was higher (0.95) in a low-temperature short-day treatment (13.5 °C, 12L:12D) than in a high-temperature short-day treatment (17.5 °C, 12L:12D; h2=0.25).
Chemical composition of the cell-wall constituent and acid detergent fiber fractions of forages.

Abstract Cell-wall constituent (CWC) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) fractions of forages were analyzed for their chemical constitution. For 14 grasses, four alfalfas, and three alfalfa-grass mixtures, respectively, cellulose plus lignin represented 51, 69, and 58% of the total CWC. Acid-detergent fiber as an entity followed the same trend. In CWC crude protein (N×6.25) and ash residues were present, and hemicellulose was calculated. Of the original plant content the CWC fraction recovered 95% of ADF, 94% of cellulose, 91% of lignin, and 27% of crude protein. For all forages, cellulose represented a consistent portion (79.0±0.68%) of total ADF. Lignin content of ADF for grasses was 10.6±0.69%, significantly different (P c predicted cellulose C for grasses, using regression equation C = 4.56+0.81 c ; for alfalfas and alfalfa-grass mixtures C = 5.66+0.83 c . Cell-wall constituent, and particularly the ADF fraction, represented a more complete forage entity than crude fiber.
Design and synthesis of conformationally constrained, extended and reverse turn pseudopeptides as Grb2-SH2 domain antagonists

A series of conformationally constrained and flexible pseudopeptide derivatives of the tripeptide pYVN were prepared as potential antagonists of interactions of phosphotyrosine peptides with the Grb2-SH2 domain. The conformationally constrained compounds contained trans- and cis-cyclopropanes as replacements to enforce locally extended and reverse turn peptide conformations, respectively.
The effects of strength and geometry on cleavage fracture stress and strain limits of martensitic stainless steels

Abstract A two-parameter procedure (TTP) for evaluating cleavage fracture stresses was investigated. The TPP interpolates between linear elastic and fully plastic fracture regimes. Predictions of the TPP were compared to experimental data obtained from bend bars 0.5 to 2.0 cm wide with various crack-to-width ratios, at −73°C and −101°C, and at three displacement rates. Agreement was good. The results suggest that thin-walled components containing shallow cracks will fail near plastic collapse stresses. In such a case, irradiation would probably result in an increase in the fracture stresses. Bend ductilities were low and found to be very sensitive to geometry and strength level.
Causal analysis of embryonic differentiation. II. Dual function of exogenous RNA in differentiation of presumptive ectoderm.

Abstract Ethanol-fixed bone marrow extract (BME) was used to condition the presumptive ectoderm ( E ) of Ambystoma tigrinum . Periods of 3 and 7 h rendered E responsive to calf brain ( B )- and kidney ( K )-RNA respectively. The response to B -RNA was shown by an increase in the frequency of forebrain formation at the expense of unorganized neural tissue. In contrast, K -RNA reduced forebrain formation but stimulated mesenchyme formation. The effect of B -RNA on the 7-h conditioned E was shown by the inhibition or reduction in the frequency of spinal cord, notochord and connective tissue (mesothelium and mesenchyme). On the other hand, K -RNA stimulated the formation of pronephros but inhibited that of brain and related tissue, spinal and notochord. These capacities were abolished by treatment with pancreatic ribonuclease.
Elemental concentrations in fresh snowfall across a regional transect in the northeastern U.S.: Apparent sources and contribution to acidity

Fresh snowfall was collected on the surface of 8 lakes across a 350 km west-east transect from northeastern New York state to the coast of Maine after a single storm. In addition, every snowfall event during the winter of 1993 was collected on a single lake near the center of the transect. Across the transect, midwestern sources appear to dominate Pb and Cd concentrations, while Sb appears to be derived from midwestern sources as well as local and/or industrial East Coast sources. In all samples, the highest Na, Cl and Mg concentrations reflect a marine influence, but at some transect sites roadspray aerosol appears to contribute to Na and Cl concentrations. The regional pattern of Ca, K, Mn and Sr concentrations and Mn/Sr ratios indicate that woodsmoke may be an important winter source of these elements at some sites. In all samples, H+ is strongly correlated with NO3− (R2 = 0.97) and mean NO3−/SO42− molar ratios of 6.4 for transect samples, and 4.7 for temporal samples, are higher than mean NO3−/SO42− reported for other precipitation studies in the same region. The contribution of NO3− to the snowpack greatly exceeds that of SO42−, and may be a major source of acidity in aquatic ecosystems during snowmelt.
Effects of Turbulent Blood Flow on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Fluid-Structure Interaction Study

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), local dilations of the infrarenal aorta, is the 13th leading cause of mortality in US. Various tools have been used to investigate the effect of blood flow on the mechanics of AAA, which might predict its fracture potential, a life-threaten event. The modeling techniques are gaining popularity, including the partially or fully coupled fluid-structure interaction method (p-FSI and f-FSI, respectively) and the static computational solid stress (CSS) analyses. In the present study, comparison among the above mentioned three computational methods were performed to identify the effective means to characterize the effects of pulsatile turbulent blood flow on predicting the stress distribution on AAA. Results have shown that ignorance of blood flow in simulation will underestimate the wall stress calculation and the flexibility of aneurysm wall has a large impact in simulating the blood through the AAA.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Cocaine affects prostaglandin production in human umbilical cord cell cultures.

Objective: To investigate the possible effects of cocaine on prostacyclin and prostaglandin (PG) E2 production from endothelial cells derived from human umbilical cord. Study design: First-passaged endothelial cells derived from the umbilical vein were incubated with various doses of cocaine, procaine and lidocaine and 24 h later the supernatants were assayed for prostacyclin metabolites 6-keto-PGF1α and PGE2. Cocaine concentrations tested were 0, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 μg/ml. Results: Cocaine produced a dose-dependent reduction in prostacyclin and PGE2 production from endothelial cells (p < 0.05). Acetylcholinesterase (a possible detoxifier of cocaine) abolished the effect of cocaine on prostacyclin production. Procaine, an esterol-type anesthetic, produced a similar effect on prostacyclin production, an effect not observed with lidocaine. Conclusion: It is speculated that, when present in high concentrations, cocaine may affect vascular tone by inhibition of endothelial cell prostacyclin and PGE2 release.
Multi-Criteria Sustainability Assessment in Transport Planning for Recreational Travel

ABSTRACT A transport planning framework is considered that incorporates a multi-criteria, composite sustainability index (CSI) with elastic decision-maker preferences, and applied to a case study of an outdoor recreational destination. A stated preference survey is conducted on transit alternatives to access the United States. Mojave National Preserve from Barstow, California, located 160 kilometers away. A binary logit model is developed to relate policy variables to sustainability dimensions. A revised CSI is applied to evaluate eight alternatives under three decision-making schemes. Findings suggest that a zero-emissions train service with two round trips per day is preferred over the other alternatives under all three schemes.