cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling oligonucleotide probes for SNP genotyping assays using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system

Abstract Developing hypothesis from biological data is one of the main interests and challenges of modern molecular biology. This is somewhat in contrast to the traditional science in this area, where the hypotheses and rules are discovered by biologists, based on simple, often one-parameter-at-a-time, design of experiments. In complex assays, the simple visual exploration of the data deems insufficient. In other words, the abundance, the multiplexity, the multidimensionality, and the low signal-to-noise ratio of the data mandate radically different hypothesis development methods. In this article, the problem of probe design for a multiplexed genotyping assay is studied. Each designed probe has several characteristics, all functions of the nucleic acid sequence. The sequence information can be somewhat condensed by defining a few key features. The objective of this study is to understand the interaction between these features and the way they affect the quality of the probes, as gauged by their performance in the genotyping assay.
A “Putty-Clay” Approach to Aggregation of Production/Pollution Possibilities: An Application in Dairy Waste Control

Utilizing the "putty-clay" production framework, a methodology for empirical assessment of the relationship between aggregate economic variables and environmental policy instruments is developed. Practicality is demonstrated by an application of the approach to the problem of dairy pollution in the Santa Ana River Basin of California. Results indicate pollution taxes to be substantially more efficient than emission standards in achieving a predetermined environmental quality goal. However, redistribution of tax revenues back to the regulated industry may be required to promote political feasibility.
Oxygen/nitrogen separation by a nafion®-Ag microcomposite membrane

Abstract Nafion®-silver microcomposite membranes were prepared by permeating hydrogen through silver-ion-exchanged Nafion at 110-130°C. The distribution of deposited silver across the membrane thickness was very homogeneous. As a result of silver deposition the permeability for oxygen increased, while that for nitrogen decreased, leading to a large increase in the oxygen/nitrogen separation factor from 2 to 11 at 25°C. The remarkable improvement of oxygen/nitrogen separating ability could be ascribed mainly to the increase in oxygen solubility. The high separation factor decreased significantly with increasing temperature. The pronounced effect of deposited silver on permeability provides evidence supporting the gas diffusion model in which gases diffuse through the pathways formed by the polymeric ions (the cluster and channel network).
The effect of naproxen-sodium on the prostaglandin concentrations of the menstrual blood and uterine “jet-washings” in dysmenorrehic women

Abstract A group of dysmenorrheic women was treated during two consecutive menstrual bleedings, once with placebo and once with naproxen-sodium (naproxen-Na), a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Concentrations of prostaglandins F and E (PGF, PGE) were assayed in the menstrual blood collected into cervical cups, and in uterine “jet-wash” specimens. In the menstrual blood the high PGF concentrations of patients receiving placebo were significantly reduced following treatment with naproxen-Na (from ± S.E. 227±78.9 ng/ml to 42±19.5 ng/ml; p=0.03). A significant decrease of PGE concentrations was also observed during naproxen-Na treatment (from 10.8±2.1 ng/ml to 3.4±1.7 ng/ml; p=0.03). In the uterine “jet washings” naproxen-Na significantly reduced PGE concentrations (p=0.03) while the decrease of PGF concentrations was close to statistical signficance (p=0.06). These results strenthened the premise of causal relationships between naproxen-Na treatment, decreased uterine prostaglandins, reduction of intrauterine pressure, and relief from dysmenorrehic pain.
A contemporary analysis of the ability of preoperative serum CA-125 to predict primary cytoreductive outcome in patients with advanced ovarian, tubal and peritoneal carcinoma

Abstract Objective We previously reported that preoperative CA-125 may predict primary cytoreductive outcome in patients with stage III ovarian carcinoma (OC). The objective of this study was to perform a contemporary analysis of the ability of CA-125 to predict cytoreductive outcome in advanced OC since our programmatic change in surgical approach that currently incorporates the utilization of extensive upper abdominal procedures, as needed, to achieve maximal cytoreduction. Methods We reviewed the records of all patients with advanced ovarian, tubal or peritoneal carcinoma who underwent primary cytoreduction at our institution between 1/01 and 4/05. Results The study cohort included 277 patients. Primary disease sites were: ovary, 232 (84%); tubal, 9 (3%); and peritoneum, 36 (13%). Stages were: IIIA, 6 (2%); IIIB, 12 (4%); IIIC, 215 (78%); and IV, 44 (16%). Tumor grades were: grade 1, 6 (2%); grade 2, 30 (11%); grade 3, 233 (84%), and undifferentiated, 8 (3%). Cytoreductive outcomes were: no gross residual disease (RD), 68 (25%); ≤1 cm RD, 153 (55%); and >cm RD, 56 (20%). There was no threshold CA-125 level that accurately predicted cytoreductive outcome. However, with CA-125 values >500 U/mL, 50% (57/113) of patients required extensive upper abdominal surgery to achieve RD ≤1 cm, compared to 27% (25/93) for those with CA-125 P =0.001). Conclusion Following our change in surgical paradigm that the incorporated extensive upper abdominal procedures to attain optimal debulking, preoperative CA-125 did not predict the primary cytoreductive outcome of patients with advanced ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal carcinoma. However, with a preoperative CA-125 >500 U/mL, extensive upper abdominal procedures were necessary in 50% of cases to achieve residual disease ≤1 cm. These data may be useful as part of preoperative surgical counseling and planning.
Perceptions of Juvenile Experience Females Involved in Prostitution Versus Property Offenses

Groups of female criminals were studied by drawing samples of prostitutes and property offenders and then further stratifying them according to race (white versus black) and juvenile economic status (low versus middle class). The eight groups were then compared on six juvenile variables: bonding/ integration, criminal activities, criminal labelling, sexual labelling, and ages of first departure from home and first criminal activity. While prostitutes were significantly more deviant than property offenders on five of these six variables, fewer differences occurred for race and economic status.
Diagnosing intestinal ischemia using a noncontact superconducting quantum interference device.

Intestinal ischemia is associated with changes of the basic electric rhythm (BER) of the small intestine. We hypothesized that these changes can be measured noninvasively using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). After general anesthesia, a laparotomy was performed on 10 animals and the jejunum was placed in a nonmagnetic recording chamber containing Krebs' solution at 38 °C. Five animals had electrodes placed while five others were placed under the SQUID. Injection of thrombin into the mesenteric artery decreased blood flow (measured with a laser doppler flow-meter) 95% within 5 minutes. SQUID measurements showed significant decreases (P < 0.01 for all changes) in the frequency (15.5 ± 0.3 to 8.9 ± 0.2 cycles/min) and the propagation velocity of slow waves (3.5 ± 0.2 to 1.9 ± 0.3 sec). The changes in intestinal biomagnetic activity after ischemia were similar to the changes in electrical activity. The SQUID magnetometer is a reliable noncontact device that can detect early intestinal ischemia in animal models. We have recently recorded human small bowel biomagnetic activity using a SQUID magnetometer and believe further technical developments will permit the noninvasive diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia.
EARLY IRRIGATION IN WEST TURKESTAN1

In the early period, from the fifth millennium B.C. to the fifth century A.D., irrigation techniques evolved in West Turkestan in response to problems imposed by the natural environment, and similar spatial patterns of irrigation development occurred at different times in areas with similar natural conditions. On the piedmonts, there was a progression from naturally irrigated basins to artificial basins fed by small irrigation systems, but only small scattered areas could be irrigated along the piedmonts because of a limited water supply. Along the large lowland rivers, the earliest irrigation occurred on deltas in natural basins along the lower courses of small distributaries. From these beginnings, irrigation spread gradually upstream, and ultimately large oases with extensive irrigation systems were created.
Integrating Cost-effective Rollover Protective Structure Installation in High School Agricultural Mechanics: A Feasibility Study

ABSTRACTThis study with three Appalachian county agricultural education programs examined the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of integrating a cost-effective rollover protective structure (CROPS) project into high school agricultural mechanics classes. The project aimed to (1) reduce the exposure to tractor overturn hazards in three rural counties through the installation of CROPS on seven tractors within the Cumberland Plateau in the east region; (2) increase awareness in the targeted rural communities of cost-effective ROPS designs developed by the National Institution for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to encourage ROPS installations that decrease the costs of a retrofit; (3) test the feasibility of integration of CROPS construction and installations procedures into the required agricultural mechanics classes in these agricultural education programs; and (4) explore barriers to the implementation of this project in high school agricultural education programs. Eighty-two rural students an...
Top‐down tandem mass spectrometry on RNase A and B using a Qh/FT‐ICR hybrid mass spectrometer

Protein characterization using top-down approaches emerged with advances in high-resolution mass spectrometers and increased diversity of available activation modes: collision induced dissociation (CID), infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD). Nevertheless, top-down approaches are still rarely used for glycoproteins. Hence, this work summarized the capacity of top-down approaches to improve sequence coverage and glycosylation site assignment on the glycoprotein Ribonuclease B (RNase B). The glycan effect on the protein fragmentation pattern was also investigated by comparing the fragmentation patterns of RNase B and its non-glycosylated analog RNase A. The experiments were performed on a Bruker 12-T-Qh/FTICR SolariX mass spectrometer using vibrational (CID/IRMPD) and radical activation (ECD/ETD) with/without pre- or post-activation (IRMPD or CID, respectively). The several activation modes yielded complementary sequence information. The radical activation modes yielded the most extensive sequence coverage that was slightly improved after a CID pre-dissociation-activation event. The combination of the data made it possible to obtain 90% final sequence coverage for RNase A and 86% for RNase B. Vibrational and radical activation modes showed high retention of the complete glycan moiety (>98% for ETD and ECD) facilitating unambiguous assignment of the high-mannose glycosylation site. Moreover, the presence of the high-mannose glycan enhanced fragmentation around the glycosylation site.
Assessing the Permeability of Landscape Features to Animal Movement: Using Genetic Structure to Infer Functional Connectivity

Human-altered environments often challenge native species with a complex spatial distribution of resources. Hostile landscape features can inhibit animal movement (i.e., genetic exchange), while other landscape attributes facilitate gene flow. The genetic attributes of organisms inhabiting such complex environments can reveal the legacy of their movements through the landscape. Thus, by evaluating landscape attributes within the context of genetic connectivity of organisms within the landscape, we can elucidate how a species has coped with the enhanced complexity of human altered environments. In this research, we utilized genetic data from eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) in conjunction with spatially explicit habitat attribute data to evaluate the realized permeability of various landscape elements in a fragmented agricultural ecosystem. To accomplish this we 1) used logistic regression to evaluate whether land cover attributes were most often associated with the matrix between or habitat within genetically identified populations across the landscape, and 2) utilized spatially explicit habitat attribute data to predict genetically-derived Bayesian probabilities of population membership of individual chipmunks in an agricultural ecosystem. Consistency between the results of the two approaches with regard to facilitators and inhibitors of gene flow in the landscape indicate that this is a promising new way to utilize both landscape and genetic data to gain a deeper understanding of human-altered ecosystems.
An H-2 linked difference in the binding of dexamethasone to murine hepatic cytosol receptor. A possible role of endogenous modifier(s).

Abstract The binding of dexamethasone to its receptor in hepatic cytosol preparations from pregnant mice of four congenic and recombinant strains, C57BL/10, B10.A, B10.A(2R) and B10.A(5R), which have almost identical genetic backgrounds other than the H -2 complex, on day 12 of gestation was analyzed by plotting the binding of ligand against cytosol concentration. The plots of C57BL/10 and B10.A(5R) mice were straight lines, but those of the strains B10.A and B10.A(2R) were upward concave curves. The curvature probably did not result from denaturation of the receptor, as indicated by the time course of the dexamethasone binding and by the fact that at a lower concentration of the ligand, at which the receptor would be less stable, there was less curvature than at a higher concentration of the ligand. The curvature can be explained by the presence of endogenous modifier(s) using an analogy from enzymology. Mathematical analysis, partial removal of the modifier(s) by gel filtration, and mixing of the cytosols from the two types of strains indicated the presence of an unsaturated amount of a modifier(s) in the cytosol of the B10.A and B10.A(2R) strains, and the presence of a saturated amount in the cytosol of the c57BL/10 and B10.A(5R) strains. Thus, the H -2 complex contains a gene(s) which regulates the level of a modifier(s) in hepatic cytosol which affects the binding of glucocorticoid to its hepatic cytosolic receptor.
Parental age in Down's syndrome (mongolism)

Because of the new insight afforded by recent cytogenetic discoveries, the need for further clarification of the parental age effect in Down's syndrome was apparent. As part of an epidemiologic study of Down's syndrome in Baltimore, Maryland, the relative significance of maternal and paternal ages as etiological factors was evaluated. By comparing a control group matched by birth certificates, parental age was studied directly, first by controlling maternal, and then paternal ages. There was no statistically significant association between paternal age and Down's syndrome, but the reltionship between Down's syndrome and increased maternal age remains unequivocal. Other observations are made about parental age in Down's syndrome and other trisomic conditions.
Enhancement of early skin fibrosis structure from polarized patterns

The structure of fibrosis skin was enhanced using Fourier transform filtering of polarization degree pattern. The pattern scanning with Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the orientation and characteristic size of hidden structure.
Total energy optimal multicasting in wireless ad hoc networks

In this paper, we present our novel algorithm, SOR (Shrinking Overlapped Range), for the minimum energy multicasting in wireless ad hoc networks. The heuristics in the literature have not considered changing the intermediate tree structure and this may result in worse performance even after local improvements at the end. In SOR, we extensively change the intermediate tree structure to maintain tighter structure in terms of energy consumption. We do so by shrinking the overlapped transmission range following the idea of WMA (wireless multicast advantage) property and by allowing the selection of internal transmissions which further changes the tree structure. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results show SOR outperforms other heuristics in the literature.
Human protein S inhibits the uptake of AcLDL and expression of SR-A through Mer receptor tyrosine kinase in human macrophages

Human protein S is an anticoagulation protein. However, it is unknown whether protein S could regulate the expression and function of macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A) in macrophages. Human THP-1 monocytes and peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and then treated with physiological concentrations of human protein S. We found that protein S significantly reduced acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) uptake and binding by macrophages and decreased the intracellular cholesteryl ester content. Protein S suppressed the expression of the SR-A at both mRNA and protein levels. Protein S reduced the SR-A promoter activity primarily through inhibition in the binding of transcription factors to the AP-1 promoter element in macrophages. Furthermore, human protein S could bind and induce phosphorylation of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (Mer RTK). Soluble Mer protein or tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A effectively blocked the effects of protein S on AcLDL uptake. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the level of protein S was substantially increased in human atherosclerotic arteries. Thus, human protein S can inhibit the expression and activity of SR-A through Mer RTK in macrophages, suggesting that human protein S is a modulator for macrophage functions in uptaking of modified lipoproteins.
Roles of Endoplasmic Reticulum and Energetic Stress in Disturbed Sleep

Sleep disturbances are contributing factors to health risk for several diseases including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, and stroke. On a molecular level, sleep disturbances that incur sleep loss and sleep fragmentation result in cellular stress, inflammation, and an impaired immune system. It has been hypothesized that sleep deprivation or prolonged waking leads to increased energy demand and thus energetic stress. Sleep loss and sleep fragmentation are also known to lead to cellular stress specifically endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This review will summarize the current knowledge of the roles of ER and energetic stress during sleep loss and fragmentation that are characteristics of many sleep disturbances. Sleep research pertinent to these specific pathways will be discussed.
Binding of copper(II) ions to the polyproline II helices of PEVK modules of the giant elastic protein titin as revealed by ESI-MS, CD, and NMR†

Titin, a family of giant elastic proteins, constitutes an elastic sarcomere matrix in striated muscle. In the I-band region of the sarcomere, the titin PEVK segment acts as a molecular spring to generate elasticity as well as sites of adhesion with parallel thin filaments. Previously, we reported that PEVK consists of tandem repeats of 28 residue modules and that the "polyproline II-coil" motif is the fundamental conformational motif of the PEVK module. In order to characterize the factors that may affect and alter the PPII-coil conformational motifs, we have initiated a systematic study of the interaction with divalent cations (Cu2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+) and a conformational profile of PEVK peptides (a representative 28-mer peptide PR: PEPPKEVVPEKKAPVAPPKKPEVPPVKV and its subfragments PR1: kvPEPPKEVVPE, PR2: VPEKKAPVAPPK, PR3: KPEVPPVKV). UV-Vis absorption difference spectra and CD spectra showed that Cu2+ bound to PR1 with high affinity (20 microM), while its binding to PR2 and PR3 as well as the binding of other cations to all four peptides were of lower affinity (>100 microM). Conformational studies by CD revealed that Cu2+ binding to PR1 resulted in a polyproline II to turn transition up to a 1:2 PR1/Cu2+ ratio and a coil to turn transition at higher Cu2+ concentration. ESI-MS provided the stoichiometry of PEVK peptide-Cu2+ complexes at both low and high ion strength, confirming the specific high affinity binding of Cu2+ to PR1 and PR. Furthermore, NMR and ESI-MS/MS fragmentation analysis elucidated the binding sites of the PEVK peptide-Cu2+ complexes at (-2)KVPE2, 8VPE10, 13APV15, and 22EVP24. A potential application of Cu2+ binding in peptide sequencing by mass spectrometry was also revealed. We conclude that Cu2+ binds and bends PEVK peptides to a beta-turn-like structure at specific sites. The specific targeting of Cu2+ towards PPII is likely to be of significant value in elucidating the roles of PPII in titin elasticity as well as in interactions of proline-rich proteins.
Energy loss of relativistic electrons and positrons traversing cosmic matter

Questions of adiabatic expansion are considered along with aspects of Compton scattering, bremsstrahlung, electronic excitation, synchrotron radiation, and electron-positron pair production. It is found that, unless the intergalactic magnetic field is very small, synchrotron radiation will dominate all other energy loss processes at ultrahigh electron and positron energies. The dependence of the loss rates on the cosmic epoch is also discussed.
Modeling the performance of optical recording read channels.

The error rate performance of optical recording read channels has been modeled. Predictions of error rates can be made for a wide variety of modulation codes, data rates, linear densities, media quality, and data detection schemes. The model is described in this paper, and some representative results are shown. The model is useful in distinguishing better-performing code choices, comparing data detection schemes, and developing signal-to-noise requirements for different operating conditions. The flexibility built into the model allows it to be easily adjusted to cover the range of operating conditions encountered in the wide variety of potential applications of optical recording.
Hydroxyethyl starch and change in renal function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Hydroxyethyl starch and change in renal function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Background Several case reports and clinical lore have suggested that exposure to the colloid hydroxyethyl starch may impair renal function, but few studies have systematically addressed this issue, and several have produced conflicting results. We sought to study the question in a formal analysis of postoperative change in renal function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods We identified 238 consecutive patients who underwent CABG surgery at a large academic medical center. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Cockroft-Gault formula at baseline as well as on postoperative days 3 and 5. Linear regression analysis was used to study the relation between changes in GFR and intraoperative hydroxyethyl starch administration. Multivariate models controlled for potential demographic, clinical, and surgery-related confounders. Results Hydroxyethyl starch use was independently associated with a reduction in GFR on both postoperative days 3 and 5, with GFR declining by 7.2mL/min/1.73m 2 on day 3 per unit of hydroxyethyl starch administered (95% CI, 1.7 to 12.7; P = 0.012), and by 6.6mL/min/1.73m 2 on day 5 (95% CI, 1.2 to 11.9; P = 0.018). Conclusion Intraoperative use of hydroxyethyl starch may be associated with modest impairment in renal function in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Randomized clinical trials will be necessary to confirm these findings and to further investigate their clinical implications.
Reversal of Succinylcholine Induced Apnea with an Organophosphate Scavenging Recombinant Butyrylcholinesterase

Background Concerns about the safety of paralytics such as succinylcholine to facilitate endotracheal intubation limit their use in prehospital and emergency department settings. The ability to rapidly reverse paralysis and restore respiratory drive would increase the safety margin of an agent, thus permitting the pursuit of alternative intubation strategies. In particular, patients who carry genetic or acquired deficiency of butyrylcholinesterase, the serum enzyme responsible for succinylcholine hydrolysis, are susceptible to succinylcholine-induced apnea, which manifests as paralysis, lasting hours beyond the normally brief half-life of succinylcholine. We hypothesized that intravenous administration of plant-derived recombinant BChE, which also prevents mortality in nerve agent poisoning, would rapidly reverse the effects of succinylcholine.
A Dark Side of Coping with Chronic Illness Stigma at Work

Workers with chronic health conditions may feel stigmatized at work, where ill health is thought to conflict with productivity and reliability. Threat of stigmatization is a stressor that can lead to strains. Certain responses to stigma threat (coping strategies) may also play a fundamental role in the strain process. We hypothesized that threat of stigmatization based on chronic illness would relate to job-induced tension and absenteeism, and that these relationships would be mediated by work-related engagement and disengagement coping. Additionally, we identified two potential moderators of these mediated relationships: work centrality and continuance commitment. We surveyed 315 individuals who were working at least 30 hours per week and had at least one chronic illness or health condition. As expected, stigmatization threat significantly related to both job-induced tension and absenteeism. Also, work-related engagement coping mediated the relationship between stigma threat and job-induced tension, and ...
FLUORESCENCE OF THE 1,4-BENZOQUINONE RADICAL ANION

Information about excited states of radical ions can enable their use as powerful oxidizing and reducing agents capable of driving chemical reactions. This article presents the first measurements of fluorescence from an excited state of the radical anion of 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ-), and the first report of a fluorescence quantum yield from any radical anion. BQ- was observed in both a 77 K 2-methyltetrahydrofuran matrix and a room temperature isooctane solution. The low fluorescence quantum yield, φf = 0.003, and the presence of a 0.5 eV red shift of the emission band edge (593 nm) from the absorption band edge (475 nm) imply that the lowest energy transition in BQ-, which is the source of the weak fluorescence, is formally forbidden. This conclusion is supported by both semiempirical and ab initio molecular orbital calculations. In addition, we determined the excited state lifetime of BQ- at 77 K to be 63 ns, with an excited state absorption spectrum peaking at 415 nm.
Chemical Synthesis of Metastable Germanium-Carbon Alloys Grown Heteroepitaxially on (100) Si

High-quality diamond-structured Ge1-xCx alloys have been grown on (100) Si using ultrahigh-vacuum chemical vapor deposition techniques and novel chemical precursors. Two-dimensional growth of single-crystal heteroepitaxial layers (30−120 nm thick) of germanium−carbon alloys with carbon concentrations up to 7% has been achieved by reactions of GeH4 with germylmethanes, (GeH3)4-xCHx (x = 1−3), at 470 °C. The composition of the materials was established by extensive Rutherford backscattering (RBS) carbon resonance analysis, and the layer crystallinity was characterized by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and RBS channeling experiments. RBS ion channeling revealed that the carbon primarily occupied substitutional sites in the diamond-like Ge lattice. Alloys with low carbon content displayed virtually perfect crystallinity whereas materials with high carbon incorporation had structural defects in the form of {111} stacking faults and microtwins. The thin film microstructure of a given alloy com...
Sexual content induced delays in unprimed lexical decisions: Gender and context effects

Two experiments are reported in which subjects made unprimed lexical decisions where the targets included sexual, romantic, and neutral words. Predicted gender differences in lexical decision times are found. Women delayed their lexical decisions when the target was sexual and the delay was present, but reduced, when the target word was romantic. For men these delays while in the same direction, were smaller and failed to attain statistical significance. Data were collected on the several characteristics of the target words. We found that word familiarity influenced decision time but could not account for the word content induced delay. Similarly, neither word emotionality nor word acceptability accounted for the delay. Finding a strong effect of sexual word content for women in unprimed lexical decisions makes it clear that the effect is present at very basic levels of information processing. This suggests that it is a pervasive characteristic of the responding to sexual stimuli that occurs throughout much of cognitive activity.
In vitro production of zoospores by the mosquito pathogen Lagenidium giganteum (Oomycetes: Lagenidiales) on solid media.

Abstract Reliable, large-scale production of Lagenidium giganteum zoospores was obtained on solid media. The fungus was grown for 7 days in a liquid medium of wheat germ, hemp seed, yeast extract, and glucose, then placed onto hemp-seed agar. Zoosporogenesis was induced on agar by immersing the fungal cultures into water. Zoospore production began 10 hr postimmersion, peaked at 18 hr, and ceased by 36 hr. A single, 10-cm Petri dish of fungus on hemp-seed agar produced 1.7−3.8 × 107 zoospores during the 26 hr of zoosporogenesis. Optimal zoospore production occurred with 4- to 7-day-old cultures; cultures older than 10 days produced few zoospores. The temperature range for zoosporogenesis was 15–35°C. The extent of zoosporogenesis was directly related to the volume of water used to induce zoospore formation and inversely proportional to agar thickness. Bioassay of zoospores against second instar Culex quinquefasciatus larvae yielded an LD50 of 400 zoospores/ml.
Endoscopic Trans-septal Frontal Sinusotomy: The Rationale and Results of an Alternative Technique:

Endoscopic transseptal frontal sinusotomy (TSFS) represents an alternate approach to surgical treatment of chronic frontal sinus disease that is refractory to traditional modes of medical and surgical therapy. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with endoscopic TSFS from 1995-1997. Twenty-one procedures were performed through a transseptal approach. One patient was excluded for failure to follow-up, for a total of 20 procedures. Patients were followed with serial endoscopic examinations and a telephone questionnaire with a mean follow-up of 12 months (Range 1-24 months) and 16 months (range 5-31), respectively. The primary indication for surgery was frontal recess stenosis after previous endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in 17/20 (85%). Three patients were considered poor candidates for a primary endoscopic frontal sinusotomy. Patency was maintained in all patients during the follow-up period. A diameter of greater than 3 mm was confirmed by passage of a curved suction in 19/20 (95%). Of the 19 patients that were evaluated via a telephone questionnaire, 17 patients (89.5%) reported some degree of improvement in their nasal/sinus symptoms, and 12/18 patients (67%) felt the frequency of medication requirements was less than that before undergoing endoscopic TSFS. We conclude that endoscopic TSFS represents an alternate approach to the frontal sinus that may be used by the experienced endoscopist, to augment treatment of refractory frontal sinus disease. This procedure seems especially suited for revision surgery in those patients with acquired frontal sinus stenosis. In revision operations with distorted anatomical landmarks, localization of the frontal sinus may be improved with the aid of 3-dimensional computer assisted localization systems. Unlike traditional frontal sinus obliteration, endoscopic TSFS does not preclude radiographic assessment postoperatively, and allows for endoscopic evaluation of the frontal sinus in the office setting.
Hydrologic processes at the urban residential scale

In the face of increasing urbanization, there is growing interest in application of microscale hydrologic solutions to minimize storm runoff and conserve water at the source. In this study, a physically based numerical model was developed to understand hydrologic processes better at the urban residential scale and the interaction of these processes among different best management practices (BMPs). This model simulates hydrologic processes using an hourly interval for over a full year or for specific storm events. The model was applied to treatment and control single-family residential parcels in Los Angeles, California. Data collected from the control and treatment sites over 2 years were used to calibrate and validate the model. Annual storm runoff to the street was eliminated by 97% with installation of rain gutters, a driveway interceptor, and lawn retention basin. Evaluated individually, the driveway interceptor was the most effective BMP for storm runoff reduction (65%), followed by the rain gutter installation (28%), and lawn converted to retention basin (12%). An 11 m3 cistern did not substantially reduce runoff, but provided 9% of annual landscape irrigation demand. Simulated landscape irrigation water use was reduced 53% by increasing irrigation system efficiency, and adjusting application rates monthly based on plant water demand. The model showed that infiltration and surface runoff processes were particularly sensitive to the soil's physical properties and its effective depth. Replacing the existing loam soil with clay soil increased annual runoff discharge to the street by 63% when climate and landscape features remained unchanged. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Image-based target detection with multispectral UWB OFDM radar

This paper proposes an image-based automatic target detection algorithm to be used in clutter and sparse target environments. We intend to apply the algorithm to an ultra-wideband multispectral radar concept by means of employing multi-carrier waveforms based upon Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. Individual sub-bands of an OFDM waveform can be processed separately to yield range and cross-range reconstruction of a target scene containing both targets and clutter. Target detection in resulting images will be performed and contrasted with the detection performance of a traditional fixed-waveform Synthetic Aperture Radar system. The target detection algorithm is implemented through the use of scalar and vector field operations performed on the images from the reconstructed target scene. We hypothesize that the use of vector operations and field analysis will allow for an adaptive approach to the detection of targets within clutter.
Genotypes produced by individual recombination events involving bacteriophage f1.

Abstract We have analyzed the phage yields of bacteria infected with two mutants of bacteriophage f1. The chromosomes of these mutants are unable to multiply in the host before the occurrence of a recombination event that generates a wild-type particle. As a result the genotypes found in the phage yields of individual cells consist exclusively of the products of this recombination event. The majority of the observed recombination events generate one recombinant genotype and one other genotype identical to that of either of the two parents, with respect to both selected and unselected markers. These results cannnot be reconciled with a reciprocal breakage-reunion model for recombination. Other models for recombination between DNA duplexes are discussed. We propose a breakage-copying model that accounts for our results and could also account for the general occurrence of both reciprocal and non-reciprocal recombination.
Phase-II trial of rebeccamycin analog, a dual topoisomerase-I and -II inhibitor, in relapsed "sensitive" small cell lung cancer.

Relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) carries a poor prognosis. Topoisomerase I and II inhibitors and DNA-damaging agents are considered among the most active agents against SCLC. Rebeccamycin analog (RA, Becatecarin) is an antitumor antibiotic with inhibitory activity against both topoisomerase I and II, and DNA-intercalating properties. We performed a phase-II trial of RA in relapsed, sensitive SCLC with the primary end point of response rate. Patients with previously treated SCLC who relapsed more than 60 days after the completion of first-line chemotherapy were treated with RA-administered intravenously at a dose of 140 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5 of 21-day cycles for a maximum of six cycles. Eligibility included Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2 and adequate organ function. A two-stage design was employed. Twenty evaluable patients were enrolled. Median age was 61 years. Two patients (10%) had a partial response and six had stable disease. The clinical benefit rate was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23–64%). The median progression-free survival was 2 months (95% CI, 1.2–5.2 months). The median survival was 6.7 months (95% CI, 3.3–8.0 months). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Grade-4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 23% and 14% of the patients, respectively. In conclusion, RA has single-agent activity in relapsed, sensitive SCLC with manageable toxicities but is unlikely to provide any superiority compared to existing agents for this disease.
Mechanism of heparin inhibition of adrenal steroid A ring reduction

Abstract The ability of heparin to inhibit A ring reduction of various adrenal steroids by liver homogenates has been further investigated. Protamine sulfate blocks the action of heparin on steroid metabolism and protamine by itself produces moderate inhibition of corticoid A ring reduction. Reduction of the C-17 side chain of cortisone is not inhibited by heparin. The light absorbing characteristics of TPN and TPNH are not changed in the presence of heparin which makes it unlikely that heparin binds these cofactors of steroid reduction. Heparin had no obvious effect on the rate of conversion of TPN to TPNH by a G-6-P G-6-PD system. While the mechanism of heparin inhibition of steroid A ring reduction is still not fully known, the most likely possibility seems to be a competition between heparin and TPNH for attachment to the steroid reductases and/or a direct inhibition of the steroid reductases.
Nationwide survey of neonatal mass-screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Japan

Abstract Introduction: Neonatal mass-screening for 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) conducted in 51 laboratories throughout Japan was surveyed, and the screening data on a total of 4 085 448 neonates screened by March 1992 were collected. Methods: 17-OHP in disc blood was measured by ELISA. Specimens were initially assayed without ether extraction (direct assay). The combination of a percentile and concentration level was used for cut-off (the first cut-off ) in assessing the 17-OHP value measured by direct assay by 47 laboratories. In 43 laboratories, samples with values higher than the cut-off level were extracted in ether and 17-OHP measured again. Infants with 17-OHP values in the ether extract higher than the second cut-off level were either referred to a hospital or contacted for a second specimen. Results: A total of 217 patients with 21-OHD were detected. The incidence of the disease detected by newborn mass-screening was 1 18 827 live births (95% confidence interval 1 12 265–1/29 626), which was more than double the incidence by case survey ( 1 43 764). Derived heterozygote incidence and gene frequency were 1 69 ( 1 56 – sol1 87 ) and 0.007 (0.006–0.009), respectively. The ratio of male to female was 1.13, which was significantly higher than that by case survey (0.60). The ratio of salt-wasting to simple virilizing form was 4.3, which was significantly higher than that reported from other countries or from case survey in Japan (1.2). The incidences from newborn screening in Shikoku Islands ( 1 6785 ) and its adjacent Chyugoku Area ( 1 10 804) were significantly higher ( P Discussion: These results suggest that about half of the patients with CAH in Japan were missed prior to newborn screening and that most of them were male and/or had severe salt-wasting disease. It is concluded that nationwide neonatal screening in Japan is a important procedure for early detection of 21-OHD CAH.
The Effects of Climate Change on the Hydrology and Water Resources of the Colorado River Basin

The potential effects of climate change on the hydrology and water resources of the Colorado River basin are assessed by comparing simulated hydrologic and water resources scenarios derived from downscaled climate simulations of the U.S. Department of Energy/National Center for Atmospheric Research Parallel Climate Model (PCM) to scenarios driven by observed historical (1950–1999) climate. PCM climate scenarios include an ensemble of three 105-year future climate simulations based on projected `business-as-usual'(BAU) greenhouse gas emissions and a control climate simulation based on static 1995 greenhouse gas concentrations. Downscaled transient temperature and precipitation sequences were extracted from PCM simulations, and were used to drive the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) macroscale hydrology model to produce corresponding streamflow sequences. Results for the BAU scenarios were summarized into Periods 1, 2, and 3 (2010–2039,2040–2069, 2070–2098). Average annual temperature changes for the Colorado Riverbasin were 0.5 °C warmer for control climate, and 1.0, 1.7, and 2.4 °C warmer for Periods 1–3, respectively, relative to the historicalclimate. Basin-average annual precipitation for the control climate was slightly(1%) less than for observed historical climate, and 3, 6, and 3%less for future Periods 1–3, respectively. Annual runoff in the controlrun was about 10% lower than for simulated historical conditions, and 14, 18, and 17% less for Periods 1–3, respectively. Analysis of watermanagement operations using a water management model driven by simulated streamflows showed that streamflows associated with control and future BAU climates would significantly degrade the performance of the water resourcessystem relative to historical conditions, with average total basin storage reduced by 7% for the control climate and 36, 32 and 40% for Periods 1–3, respectively. Releases from Glen Canyon Dam to the LowerBasin (mandated by the Colorado River Compact) were met in 80% of years for the control climate simulation (versus 92% in the historical climate simulation), and only in 59–75% of years for the future climate runs. Annual hydropower output was also significantly reduced for the control and future climate simulations. The high sensitivity of reservoir system performance for future climate is a reflection of the fragile equilibrium that now exists in operation of the system, with system demands only slightly less than long-term mean annual inflow.
Changes in mate recognition through alterations of pheromones and receptors in the multisexual mushroom fungus Schizophyllum commune.

Schizophyllum commune has thousands of mating types defined in part by numerous lipopeptide pheromones and their G-protein-coupled receptors. These molecules are encoded within multiple versions of two redundantly functioning B mating-type loci, Bα and Bβ. Compatible combinations of pheromones and receptors, produced by individuals of different B mating types, trigger a pathway of fertilization required for sexual development. Analysis of the Bβ2 mating-type locus revealed a large cluster of genes encoding a single pheromone receptor and eight different pheromones. Phenotypic effects of mutations within these genes indicated that small changes in both types of molecules could significantly alter their specificity of interaction. For example, a conservative amino acid substitution in a pheromone resulted in a gain of function toward one receptor and a loss of function with another. A two-amino-acid deletion from a receptor precluded the mutant pheromone from activating the mutant receptor, yet this receptor was activated by other pheromones. Sequence comparisons provided clues toward understanding how so many variants of these multigenic loci could have evolved through duplication and mutational divergence. A three-step model for the origin of new variants comparable to those found in nature is presented.
A simple model of productivity slowdown

This article demonstrates a simple mechanism of productivity slowdown. There are two types of technological change: exogenous and endogenous. After news arrives that there will be an acceleration of exogenous technological progress in the future, endogenous technological progress may slow down.
Reply to Hockings and Brace

Gatherers and Agriculturalists. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 63:39-56. Suzuki, Hisashi 1956 Medieval Japanese Skeletons From the Burial Site at Zaimokuza, Kamakura City. (In Japanese, English Abstract, pp. 171-190.) Anthropological Society of Nippon. Tokyo: Shoten. Waugh, L. M. 1937 Influence of Diet on Jaws and Face of the American Eskimo. Journal of the American Dental Association 24:16401647.
Display power management policies in practice

We present the first study of the real-world behavior of display power management (DPM) policies. DPM policies control the mechanism of powering on and off the display - turning off the display typically reduces total system power by ~31%. The most widely used DPM policy, human interface device (HID) timeout, powers off the display after a user-configurable period of human interface device inactivity, and powers it back on in response to activity. To increase energy savings, we also consider an alternative policy, user presence detection, that uses sonar sensing to power off the display when user absence is detected. Our study captures how these DPM policies work "in the wild", both in terms of energy savings and the user irritation. We also determine the maximum energy saving opportunity for any DPM policy, based on measured behavior. Our study, based on a 3,738 hours of computer usage by 181 volunteers with different machines, reveals several surprising results. User idle periods follow power law distributions with little temporal correlation. The maximum possible reduction in energy used for the display is 81%, while the HID timeout policy manages to reduce this energy by 51%. Many users have already customized the HID timeout policy on their machines, resulting in a high variation of timeout values, and surprisingly low levels of user irritation. However, the 44% of users that have not customized HID timeouts experience more irritation. The proposed user presence detection policy, when effective, further reduces display energy consumption by 10% when combined with the HID timeout policy. 40% of the 2,869 machines tested can effectively generate and record ultrasound for sonar.