cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards Positional Cloning of the Pto Bacterial Resistance Locus from Tomato

Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) in tomato is conferred by a single dominant locus, Pto. We are attempting to isolate the Pto locus using a multi-step positional cloning strategy. First, using near-isogenic lines (NILs) we identified RFLP and RAPD markers that are tightly linked to the locus (4). Second, we developed and screened a large F2 population (251 plants) that segregated for Pst resistance. This population was used to create a high resolution (0.2 cM) linkage map that allowed the precise placement of Pto in relation to molecular markers (6). One marker, TG538, was found to cosegregate with Pto. Third, we screened a tomato YAC library (5) with TG538 and identified five YACs ranging from 400 to 600 kb that carry sequences derived from the Pto region. Mapping the ends of the cloned tomato DNA from the smallest YAC (PTY538-1) showed that this YAC encompasses the Pto locus. Fourth, PTY538-1 was used to identify cDNA clones from a library made from Pst-induced leaf tissue. Two cDNA clones CD106 and CD127-1, were isolated by this method. Linkage mapping of these clones showed that CD106 maps 0.4 cM from the Pto locus, whereas CD127 cosegregates with Pto. Once we have identified a full-length clone of CD127 we will introduce it (and the corresponding genomic sequence) into tomato plants in an effort to transform a Pst-susceptible line to resistance. The eventual isolation of Pto should open up many avenues of research into the molecular mechanism of plant disease resistance.
Reassortment of CRISPR repeat-spacer loci in Sulfolobus islandicus.

Summary Virus–host interactions are a key factor shaping population dynamics of microbial species. The CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system confers sequence-specific immunity to viral infection and has the potential to dramatically shape coevolutionary interactions between viruses and their microbial hosts. To assess evolutionary dynamics of CRISPR loci, we have sampled a population of closely related Sulfolobus islandicus strains from Kamchatka, Russia at two time points, 10 years apart. Sequence analysis of the conserved trailer sequences reveals that alleles are reassorted among three CRISPR spacer loci into combinatorial genotypes. Reassortment provides the evolutionary independence of CRISPR loci from one another as demonstrated by the differential change in allele frequencies between two time points. Genome sequences of 12 strains from this population also reveal very recent horizontal gene transfer of novel, divergent cas gene cassettes. The evolutionary independence of CRISPR loci from each other and of the cas genes that control their function are consistent with the evolutionary expectation that reassortment increases the efficiency of adaptation at these loci that are likely under strong selection by lytic viruses.
Utilizing Undergraduate Students as Peer Discussion Facilitators in Human Sexuality Classes

This report describes a procedure for selecting and utilizing college students to facilitate discussion in small subgroups of a large undergraduate sexuality class. Information is presented on how facilitators are selected, supervised, and evaluated, and how group members are graded for attendance and participation. Qualitative data on students' evaluations of the discussion groups and the overall class format indicate a high level of satisfaction with this economical form of student involvement. This report has particular relevance to college and university instructors who want to achieve the advantages of both large lecture classes and small discussion groups.
Gauge Invariance and Tachyon Condensation in Open String Field Theory

The gauge invariance of open string field theory is considered from the point of view of level truncation, and applications to the tachyon condensation problem are discussed. We show that the region of validity of Feynman-Siegel gauge can be accurately determined using the level truncation method. We then show that singularities previously found in the tachyon effective potential are gauge artifacts arising from the boundary of the region of validity of Feynman-Siegel gauge. The problem of finding the stable vacuum and tachyon potential without fixing Feynman-Siegel gauge is addressed.
Feedback and Control

Our body uses feedback loops to regulate such things as temperature, oxygen concentration in the blood, cardiac output, and the blood concentration of glucose. We analyze the general properties of a negative feedback loop and introduce concepts such as the operating point and the open-loop gain (OLG). In a feedback loop, systems can approach equilibrium in several ways, often following an exponential approach with a time constant, and sometimes oscillating. Many biological processes are not linear, and we develop some of the techniques used to model nonlinear systems. In some cases of biological significance, nonlinear dynamics can lead to deterministic chaos.
An improved calculation of proximity-effect loss in high-frequency windings of round conductors

The two best-known methods for calculating high-frequency winding loss in round-wire windings-the Dowell method and the Ferreira method-give significantly different results at high frequency. We apply 2-D finite-element method (FEM) simulations to evaluate the accuracy of each method for predicting proximity-effect losses. We find that both methods can have substantial errors, exceeding 60%. The Ferreira method, which is based on the exact Bessel-function solution for the eddy current in an isolated conducting cylinder subjected to a time-varying magnetic field, is found to be most accurate for loosely packed windings, whereas the Dowell method, which approximates winding layers comprising multiple turns of round wire with a rectangular conducting sheet, is most accurate for closely-packed windings. To achieve higher accuracy than is possible with either method alone, we introduce a new formula, based on modifying the Dowell method. Parameters in the new formula are chosen based on fitting our FEM simulation data. By expressing the results in terms of normalized parameters, we construct a model that can be used to determine proximity-effect loss for any round-wire winding with error under 2%.
Brookhaven Responsibility for Cross Section Compilation and Review

Publisher Summary The cross section data is of interest to two classes of people: those who measure neutron cross sections and those who use them in one form or another in the description of the interaction of neutrons with matter in bulk and particularly in connection with the design or behavior of nuclear reactor. The need for accuracy in the reactor physics is basically an economic pressure because it is realized that the neutron physics of such systems is one of the important parameters entering into the design of optimum behavior and, in fact, into the economic cost of nuclear power from nuclear power plants. The needs of the reactor physicist have changed considerably. Instead of bare cross section information, physicists want isotopic cross sections, they want resonance parameters, and they want angular distribution from elastically scattered neutrons.
Perceptions, Behaviors, and Satisfaction Related to Public Safety for Persons With Disabilities in the United States:

Data from the 2008 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation is used to investigate fear of crime and satisfaction with police services among adults with and without disabilities in m...
Mibefradil, a T-type channel-selective calcium antagonist: clinical trials in chronic stable angina pectoris

Pharmacotherapy with nitrates, β-blockers, and calcium antagonists is the cornerstone of management of patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. While these agents are all effective, their use may be limited by pharmacologic tolerance, side effects, and drug interactions. Mibefradil is a recently developed calcium antagonist with a unique chemical structure, pharmacologic profile, and mode of action. Unlike all previously available calcium antagonists, mibefradil acts primarily by selective blockade of T-type calcium channels, rather than L-type channels, at clinically relevant concentrations. It has been evaluated as a treatment for angina in placebo-controlled and active-controlled clinical trials. Treatment with 50 mg mibefradil resulted in a significant improvement in exercise tolerance test duration in three of the five placebo-controlled trials, and a significant improvement in time to onset of angina in two of the five trials. Time to onset of ischemia as evaluated by 0.1 mV ST-segment depression was increased in all five placebo-controlled trials. Treatment with 100 mg mibefradil resulted in significant improvement in all three exercise tolerance test parameters in all studies. Mibefradil further improved exercise tolerance test duration and other efficacy parameters when administered concomitantly to patients on background β-blocker or nitrate therapy. In addition, treatment with mibefradil was associated with a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate, double product, frequency of anginal attacks, nitroglycerin consumption, and both frequency and duration of silent ischemic episodes. In comparative trials, 100 mg mibefradil once daily was superior in efficacy to 10 mg amlodipine once daily and was at least equivalent to diltiazem in both efficacy and tolerability. Mibefradil was safe and well tolerated in all studies.
Development of fuzzy logic in embedded control

Examines the growth of a new technology called fuzzy logic and its significance for microcontroller‐based embedded control solutions. Outlines the reasons for the emergence of fuzzy logic and explains the mathematic principles behind fuzzy set theory. Using the example of an oven temperature control system, describes how fuzzy logic is applied to the practical solution of a control problem rather than a conventional solution. Concludes that fuzzy logic has been used primarily in embedded control application as a software‐based methodology in closed‐loop control systems whilst a dedicated fuzzy hardware processor would optimally be based on a parallel architecture, allowing the entire rule base to be evaluated in a parallel fashion.
Toward specifying the nature of the relationship between expressed emotion and schizophrenic relapse: the utility of curvilinear models.

Although expressed emotion (EE) has been demonstrated to be associated with the course of schizophrenia, the nature of this relationship is unclear. This study proposes that testing for curvilinear relationships can identify the specific nature of the relationships between EE indices and relapse. The utility of curvilinear models was explored through a reanalysis of data from a prior study of EE among Mexican-Americans (Karno et al., 1987). The results suggest that the relationship between the EE index of emotional overinvolvement (EOI) and relapse is curvilinear and that high levels of EOI may exert a toxic effect on course of illness whereas medium levels of EOI may be protective. The relationship between the EE index of warmth and relapse is also curvilinear and high levels of warmth appear to exert a protective effect on the course of illness. The role of culture is explored in explaining the specific manner in which EE relates to relapse among Mexican-Americans. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extrapulmonary manifestations of adenovirus type 7 pneumonia simulating Reye syndrome and the possible role of an adenovirus toxin

Three children developed extensive extrapulmonary disease in the course of fatal adenovirus type 7 pneumonia. Several clinical features, including the unexpected onset of coma, suggested the development of Reye syndrome, but biochemical and histopathologic findings were inconsistent with this diagnosis. Virologic and pathologic studies did not reveal evidence of extrapulmonary adenovirus infection, despite clinical involvement of the liver, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system. The detection in premortem sera from all three patients of adenovirus penton antigen, known to be cytotoxic in vitro, suggests a possible mechanism for the production of extrapulmonary pathology in the absence of extrapulmonary virus infection.
Biology and control of the morning-glory leaf miner, Bedellia somnulentella, on sweet potatoes.

Larvae of the morning-glory leaf miner, Bedellia somnulentella (Zell.), caused extensive damage to the foliage of sweet potatoes in San Diego County, California, during 1959. Biological studies of this leaf miner revealed that there are five larval instars. First- and second-instar larvae form a serpentine mine; larvae in the last three instars form blotch mines, each larva constructing and abandoning several blotch mines during the course of its development. Naturally occurring populations of larvae are heavily parasitized by Apanteles bedelliae Viereck. Chemical evaluation studies showed that the larvae can be controlled by the use of toxaphene, Dylox® (dimethyl 2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethylphosphonate), parathion, malathion, DDT, or Diazinon® [ O,O -diethyl O -(2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6- pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate].
The effects of 11 yr of CO2 enrichment on roots in a Florida scrub-oak ecosystem

Summary Uncertainty surrounds belowground plant responses to rising atmospheric CO2 because roots are difficult to measure, requiring frequent monitoring as a result of fine root dynamics and long-term monitoring as a result of sensitivity to resource availability. We report belowground plant responses of a scrub-oak ecosystem in Florida exposed to 11 yr of elevated atmospheric CO2 using open-top chambers. We measured fine root production, turnover and biomass using minirhizotrons, coarse root biomass using ground-penetrating radar and total root biomass using soil cores. Total root biomass was greater in elevated than in ambient plots, and the absolute difference was larger than the difference aboveground. Fine root biomass fluctuated by more than a factor of two, with no unidirectional temporal trend, whereas leaf biomass accumulated monotonically. Strong increases in fine root biomass with elevated CO2 occurred after fire and hurricane disturbance. Leaf biomass also exhibited stronger responses following hurricanes. Responses after fire and hurricanes suggest that disturbance promotes the growth responses of plants to elevated CO2. Increased resource availability associated with disturbance (nutrients, water, space) may facilitate greater responses of roots to elevated CO2. The disappearance of responses in fine roots suggests limits on the capacity of root systems to respond to CO2 enrichment.
Analytical Review of the Evidence for Renoprotection by Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockade in Chronic Kidney Disease – A Call for Caution

Despite reported renoprotection with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and notwithstanding their increased use, we continue to experience an epidemic of acute renal failure (ARF)/chronic kidney disease/end-stage renal disease. Consequently, concerns about iatrogenic renal failure have resurfaced. Different analysis of these trials revealed flaws such as recruitment of relatively younger patients with preserved baseline renal function, common utilization of lower end doses of ACEIs/ARBs, high drug discontinuation rates, excessive use of surrogate endpoints, inadequate reporting of adverse effects, and short duration studies. Again, lower 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure among patients in the ramipril arm of the micro-HOPE (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation) study raises doubts of renoprotection beyond blood pressure lowering. The disappointing results from the ONTARGET (Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial) study only compounded these doubts. We demonstrated significant renal salvage after ACEI/ARB was discontinued in chronic kidney disease patients recruited with increasing ARF while on ACEI/ARB. Apart from our reports, there are increasing reports incriminating the use of ACEI/ARB with ARF exacerbations. We conclude that close and indefinite monitoring of estimated glomerular filtration rate is an absolute must in these patients. The treating physician must be ready to consider trial discontinuation of ACEI/ARB, promptly. Combination ACEI + ARB therapy should be the exception, rather than the rule. Temporary withdrawal of ACEI/ARB before certain exposures, 'renoprevention', would only further improve the results of renoprotection.
Benefits of a Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at a Children's Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the effect of a comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship program on antimicrobial use, physician interventions, patient outcomes, and rates of antimicrobial resistance. METHODS: Active surveillance of antimicrobial use with intervention and real-time feedback to providers and reinforcement of prior authorization for selected antimicrobials were introduced at a pediatric teaching hospital. Antimicrobial-use indications were incorporated as a mandatory field in the computerized information system. An automated report of antimicrobials prescribed, doses, patient demographics, and microbiology data was generated and reviewed by an infectious-disease pharmacist and a pediatric infectious-disease physician. Antimicrobial use, expressed as the number of doses administered per 1000 patient-days, was measured 3 years before and after the implementation of the program. RESULTS: Total antimicrobial use peaked at 3089 doses administered per 1000 patient-days per year in 2003–2004 before implementation of the program and steadily decreased to 1904 doses administered per 1000 patient-days per year during the postintervention period. Targeted-antimicrobial use declined from 1250 to 988 doses administered per 1000 patient-days per year. Nontargeted-antimicrobial use declined from 1839 to 916 doses administered per 1000 patient-days per year. Rates of antimicrobial resistance to broad-spectrum antimicrobials among the most common Gram-negative bacilli remained low and stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: The successful implementation of antimicrobial stewardship strategies had a significant impact on reducing targeted- and nontargeted-antimicrobial use, improving quality of care of hospitalized children and preventing emergence of resistance.
Interests and Ethics in Politics.

I examine the place of self-interest in political life as given by a conception of politics that invokes ethics. This conception portrays each citizen as an individual with unique hopes and desires who is at the same time joined with others—part of, and continually giving shape to, a shared social and political life. It sees in political diversity and controversy not just conflicting interests but also competing claims about what “we”—unique individuals, linked to particular others through social roles and relationships, and together forming a single citizenry—ought to do or seek. Research that simply adopts a broad conception of utility or interest to admit nonselfish preferences or that employs typologies contrasting self-interested with non-self-interested motives will reveal neither the significance nor the limits of self-interest in this politics. Rather, we must explore how citizens' interests are both championed and challenged by the understandings of “good” and “right” to which our politics gives voice.
The Computer's Debt to Science

The computer industry is introducing new technology so rapidly that each year it produces about 25% more for the customer, at a constant cost. The discoveries and applications of science, which have sustained this growth, are discussed. Potential limits to this progress are also mentioned. The science and technology of disc storage, programming and the end‐user interface, and designing for ease of use are considered.
How We Choose Our Beliefs

Recent years have seen increasing attacks on the "deontological" conception (or as we call it, the guidance conception) of epistemic justification, the view that epistemology offers advice to knowers in forming beliefs responsibly. Critics challenge an important presupposition of the guidance conception: doxastic voluntarism, the view that we choose our beliefs. We assume that epistemic guidance is indispensable, and seek to answer objections to doxastic voluntarism, most prominently William Alston's. We contend that Alston falsely assumes that choice of belief requires the assent to a specific propositional content. We argue that beliefs can be chosen under descriptions which do not specify their propositional content, but instead specify the mental actions by which they are formed and maintained. We argue that these actions partially constitute the beliefs and that is it in virtue of resulting from and being partially constituted by such actions that the beliefs are subject to epistemic appraisal.
Structure and expression of the human MTG8/ETO gene.

Abstract Translocations involving the putative proto-oncogene MTG8/ETO on 8q22 are frequently found in acute myeloid leukemia. To date, little is known of the genomic organization of this gene. Here, we report that the MTG8 gene consists of 13 exons distributed over 87 kb of genomic DNA. Two polymorphic microsatellite repeats are described, including one in intron 3 (three alleles; heterozygosity 0.34) and another in the 3′UTR (15 alleles; heterozygosity 0.89). Expression of MTG8 was detected in a variety of normal human tissues with the highest mRNA levels occurring in brain and heart. Previously, two mRNA forms produced by the alternative usage of the first exon have been reported. We now describe a novel, abundantly expressed, alternatively spliced transcript resulting from the inclusion of a 155-bp exon (designated 9a) that changes the reading frame and introduces a premature stop codon. Identical alternatively spliced mRNA variants were found to be produced by the highly conserved homologous gene ( Cbfa2t1 ) in the mouse, suggesting an evolutionary significance.
Factors predictive of dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Background: Persistent postoperative dysphagia occurs in up to 24% of patients who undergo a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for reflux disease [7]. We hypothesized that patient history, pH testing, and esophageal manometry could be used to preoperatively identify patients at risk for this complication. Methods: Of 156 laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications performed over a 27-month period, we identified 19 patients (12%) who suffered from postoperative dysphagia longer than 3 months. The presenting complaint of preoperative swallowing difficulty was noted as was the presence of a known esophageal stricture. Preoperative pH testing and esophageal manometry were performed for all subjects. We compared the following parameters to an age and gender-matched control group: history of esophageal stricture, presence of preoperative dysphagia, DeMeester reflux score, upper esophageal sphincter pressure and relaxation, esophageal body motility, location of respiratory inversion point, and lower esophageal sphincter length, resting pressure, and relaxation. Data were compared via t-test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Patients who presented before surgery with complaints of difficulty swallowing were more likely to suffer from postoperative dysphagia (p= 0.029). Incidence of stricture, DeMeester score, and manometric measurements did not differ between the dysphagia and control groups (p > 0.05 for all parameters). Conclusions: Although preoperative studies are not helpful in identifying patients at risk for persistent dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, patients presenting with the preoperative complaint of difficulty swallowing are at increased risk for this complication.
Experimental investigation of a DC electric field on positron self-trapping in helium gas

Abstract Positron lifetime spectra taken in helium gas at 5.5 K and 129 standard densities are compared with Monte Carlo simulations of Farazdel and Epstein. This comparison establishes that the energy threshold for positron self-trapping and the decay rate of the self-trapped state are not affected by an electric field of 52 V/cm. The comparison also suggests a small change in the positron diffusion prior to the self-trapping.
Evaluation of lethality and genotoxicity in the freshwater mussel Utterbackia imbecillis (Bivalvia: Unionidae) exposed singly and in combination to chemicals used in lawn care.

Many chemicals, including fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides, are routinely applied to turf in the care and maintenance of lawns. These chemicals have the potential to leach into nearby surface waters and adversely affect aquatic biota. In this study, we evaluated the lethal and genotoxic effects of chemicals used in lawn care on an early life stage of freshwater mussels (Utterbackia imbecillis). The chemicals tested were copper and commercial formulations of atrazine, glyphosate, carbaryl, and diazinon. Mussel glochidia were exposed to chemicals singly or in combination (equitoxic and environmentally realistic mixtures) for 24 h and toxic interactions were evaluated with Marking’s additive index. Genotoxicity was quantified with the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet assay). In acute tests, copper was the most toxic of all chemicals evaluated (LC50 = 37.4 µg/L) and carbaryl was the most toxic of all pesticides evaluated (LC50 = 7.9 mg/L). In comparison to other aquatic organisms commonly used in toxicity tests (e.g., amphipods, cladocerans, and chironomids), mussel glochidia were as or more sensitive to the chemicals evaluated with the exception of diazinon, where mussels were observed to be less sensitive. The combined toxicity of equitoxic and environmentally realistic mixtures to mussels was additive. Genotoxic responses were observed in mussels exposed to copper, atrazine and diazinon at levels below their respective no-observed-effect concentrations. Together, these data indicate that freshwater mussels are among the most sensitive aquatic organisms tested for some chemicals commonly used in lawn care and that DNA damage may be useful as a screening tool to evaluate potential sublethal effects of lawn care products on non-target aquatic organisms.
Jacob Hays Linville: A Little Known Giant of Civil Engineering

Men who shaped the Civil Engineering profession in the 19th century, especially the bridge builders, are virtually unknown to engineers of the 21st century. This paper is about a man who was one of the most prolific bridge builders of the period from 1860 to 1880 when railroads began to cross major rivers of the country. He built several long span bridges over the Schuylkill, Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers. He set the record for railroad truss bridge span on three occasions starting at 320 ft going to 420 ft and in 1877 building a span of 520 ft. He developed the pin connected Whipple double intersection truss by placing wrought iron links in the lower chord, built up riveted plate wrought iron upper chords and posts built of two or more wrought iron shapes riveted together.
In fairness to future generations: The role of egocentrism, uncertainty, power, and stewardship in judgments of intergenerational allocations

Abstract In this paper, we found that fairness judgments in intergenerational allocation decisions depend on (1) individuals’ position in the intergenerational sequence (i.e., whether they are in the preceding or succeeding generation), (2) the amount of uncertainty about the effect of the preceding generation’s decisions on the succeeding one, and (3) whether the preceding generation is primed with power. We found that both power priming and greater levels of uncertainty about the future consequences of present decisions can elicit stewardship attitudes, which may temper self-interested behavior on the part of the preceding generation. Our data also indicate that the nature of the uncertainty is important; it is not just a matter of how much future generations will be affected, but also whether or not they will be affected at all by the decisions of earlier generations. Our findings help to explain (1) how intergenerational inequities can occur even when people are explicitly focused on achieving fair allocations of resources between generations, and (2) how social responsibility concerns can motivate intergenerational beneficence in the face of intergenerational conflict.
Jojoba: An Alternative to the Conflict Between Agricultural and Municipal Ground-Water Requirements in the Tucson Area, Arizona

The Tucson, Arizona, metropolitan area has 450,000 inhabitants and is expected to have nearly 800,000 inhabitants by the year 2000. Tucson is totally dependent on ground water drawn from two basin aquifer systems for its water supplies, as are agricultural, mineral and industrial operations in the area. Municipal, agricultural, mineral and industrial ground-water withdrawals in the two basins amount to some 376,000 acre-feet per year (AFY). Dependable ground-water supplies in the two basins amounts to about 80,000 AFY. Thus, the two aquifer systems are overdrafted by approximately 296,000 AFY, 80 percent of which is by irrigation agriculture. In Arizona, ground water belongs to the owner of the land overlying the aquifer. To ensure adequate ground-water supplies, the City of Tucson has been purchasing and retiring farmlands in one of the basins. However, litigation that reached the Arizona Supreme Court led the Court to rule that the City could pump only 2.4 AFY per acre of farmland retired. The City has retired about 12,000 acres in the basin and in 1978 withdrew some 20,000 AFY of ground water for municipal use. Retiring these farmlands to secure water rights impacts on area economy and creates weed problems for farmers who own land near the retired lands. The City of Tucson budgets about $50,000 annually for weed control. A possible alternative to retiring farmlands and to cultivating crops that require heavy irrigation is cultivating arid-adapted vegetation that has economic potential. Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a shrub native to the Sonoran Desert that appears to be an economically viable arid-land crop. It needs about 1.5 AFY per acre compared with traditional crops grown in the Southwest that have average needs of 4 AFY or more. The economic value of jojoba is based on the oil extracted from its seeds. It is a unique, unsaturated oil composed of nonglyceride esters consisting almost entirely of straight-chain acids and alcohols. Such oils are difficult to synthesize in commercial quantities, and the only known natural source is the sperm whale, an endangered species. If farmers in the basin cultivated jojoba, water use could be reduced by about 2.5 AFY per acre, from 4 AFY per acre for traditional crops to 1.5 AFY for jojoba. Even if the City of Tucson had to subsidize farmers at a rate of $40 per acre for the 10 years it takes jojoba to produce economically feasible yields, the City would save more than 50 percent of the cost to purchase and retire farmlands and still be able to draw water from the basin for municipal uses. This dual use of water in the basin would permit agriculture to continue its contribution to area economy while the City could continue meeting its water needs by piping water out of the basin into the metropolitan area. However, implementing this plan would require changing Arizona ground-water laws.
The 'ideal' management of retinopathy of prematurity.

Aim Retinopathy of prematurity continues to be a serious, but largely preventable cause of blindness and its detection and treatment is of increasing importance as survival rates of premature babies increase. This is particularly important in Medium Human Development Countries where the guidelines for detection used in the US or UK may not be appropriate. Method This report addresses identification of infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity, detection, and treatment of serious disease, and what to do when treatment fails. Results and conclusions Retinopathy of prematurity occurs almost exclusively in small premature babies, but the demographic characteristics of these babies vary depending on where they are born. Detection of serious retinopathy requires carefully timed examinations and the treatment criteria will continue to evolve as new therapies are developed. Timely detection and treatment of serious retinopathy of prematurity minimizes the likelihood of blindness, but it is not always successful.
Asteroids and meteorites: origin of stony-iron meteorites at mantle-core boundaries

Stony-iron meteorites formed at the core/mantle interfaces of small asteroidal parents. The mesosiderites formed when the thick crust of a largely molten parent body (100-200 km in diameter) foundered and sank through the mantle to the core. Pallasites formed in smaller parent bodies (50-100 km) in which olivine crystals from the partially molten mantle sank to the core/mantle interface and rafted there. Subsequent collisions stripped away the rocky mantles of both kinds of parent bodies, exposing the stony-iron surfaces of their cores to direct impacts, which continue to knock off meteorite fragments.
Two-stage temporalis flap reconstruction for facial paralysis

Treatment of the paralyzed face remains a challenging surgical problem. When facial nerve damage is irreparable or facial nerve grafting has failed, static and dynamic techniques must be considered. A two-staged modification of the dynamic muscle transfer using ipsilateral temporalis muscle is described. Initially, a free temporalis fascia graft, harvested from the contralateral scalp, is placed around the oral commissure of the paralyzed side of the face through an incision in the nasolabial crease. Several weeks later, an ipsilateral temporalis muscle and fascia transfer is made to the anterior face and attached to the previously placed fascia graft. Oral commissure grafting, as a first step, provides for a secure anchoring point for the temporalis flap, and achieves a more satisfactory correction of the oral commissure.
Potency and specificity of CGS-16949A as an aromatase inhibitor

Inhibitors of aromatase are useful for treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer and as probes for study of normal physiology. Inhibitors of this enzyme with more favorable properties are necessary since the most extensively utilized inhibitor, aminoglutethimide, lacks specificity and causes frequent side effects. The present study compared the potency and specificity of a new aromatase inhibitor, CGS-16949A, with that of aminoglutethimide in a variety of in vitro enzyme preparations. CGS-16949A blocked aromatase by 50% in human breast cancer homogenates, live breast cancer cells, human placental microsomes and porcine ovarian microsomes at concentrations of 0.008 to 0.02 microM. In contrast, concentrations of 10-25 microM of aminoglutethimide were required to inhibit aromatase similarly in these tissues. For human placental microsomes, the Ki for CGS 16949A was 0.17 nM and for aminoglutethimide, 0.54 microM. Preincubation studies indicated that CGS-16949A acts by a competitive inhibitory mechanism and not by "suicide inhibitory" properties. With respect to specificity, CGS-16949A had no effect on cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity in rat testicular mitochondria. A 54% reduction in enzyme activity was observed in adrenal mitochondria but only at concentrations five orders of magnitude higher (i.e. 100 microM) than required to inhibit aromatase. In contrast, 10 microM concentrations of aminoglutethimide blocked cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity in rat testicular and adrenal mitochondria by 67 and 91%, respectively. These data suggest that CGS-16949A has favorable properties as a specific and potent aromatase inhibitor.
Wnt7a overexpression delays β-tubulin III expression in transgenic mouse embryos

Wnt7a and HA-tagged Wnt7a have previously been shown to promote or delay neuronal differentiation respectively. In this study, we show that embryonic days 9.5 and 10.5 transgenic mouse embryos overexpressing Wnt7a specifically in nestin-positive neural stem/progenitor cells displayed a delay in neuronal differentiation, assayed by β-tubulin III expression. Our results corroborate previous studies using HA-Wnt7a, and suggest a critical role for Wnt7a in control of neuronal progenitor maturation.
Socialization to Race and Its Relationship to Racial Identification among African Americans

This study focuses on the relationship between socialization to race and the level of racial identification among African Americans. In a survey of 225 African Americans (140 females and 85 males, 18 years of age or older) participants were asked to report on the extent and content of discussions related to race in their family and the impact of these discussions on their beliefs and attitudes related to race. Racial identification was assessed using a 30-item questionnaire that assessed racial identity on four parameters: cultural, physical, sociopolitical, and psychological. The relationship offamily socialization to race and racial identification was examined. The results indicated that 79% of African American adults reported having discussed race and race relations with their parents and 85% had discussed the issue with anotherfamily member There was an association between racial socialization and racial identification on each of the four parameters. Discussions of race with family members other than ...
Expression of biologically active TAT-fused recombinant islet transcription factors

Abstract Aims Differentiation of pancreatic endocrine cells depends upon the activation of genes that are regulated by islet transcription factors (ITFs). Evidence suggests that ITFs contribute to the development of the pancreas. These studies are focused on developing a system to deliver individual ITF from different stages of islet cell development to promote precursors or other cell types to trans-differentiate into islet-like insulin-positive cells. Main methods Protein transduction domains (PTDs) derived from the HIV-TAT peptide (YGRKKRRQRRR) were fused with three ITFs, Ngn3, Pdx1, and NeuroD/β2, to facilitate the uptake of ITF recombinant proteins into various cell types. The three TAT-fused ITFs, Ngn3, Pdx1, and NeuroD/β2 were constructed in a bacterial 6 × His affinity tag-TAT recombinant protein expression system. The recombinant proteins were expressed using IPTG induction and purified to homogeneity using a nickel affinity column. Key findings The biological activity of each TAT-fused ITF was demonstrated by nuclear translocation, induction of target gene promoter activity, and the trans-differentiation of pancreatic acinar cells, AR42J, into insulin-positive cells. Significance This study provides advanced information for developing strategies using recombinant TAT-fused ITF proteins in place of adenoviral vectors for the conversion of pancreatic exocrine cells into insulin-positive cells for the treatment of diabetes.
Electric fields induced by a modified double exponential current waveform

Abstract This paper presents a novel approach for developing a closed form solution for a lightning generated electric field which uses a modified double exponential base-current waveform. In the literature, several models have employed the square pulse waveform to derive the corresponding electromagnetic fields. However, given the Department of Defense (DoD) has incorporated the double exponential current waveform as part of their “Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Requirements For Systems”, it is noteworthy to develop a solution for the electric field which utilizes this waveform. In order to facilitate the integration required for deriving the field, Taylor series expansion will be used for all variable dependent exponential terms within the current waveform. This methodology greatly simplifies the integration required to solve for the electric field in an approximated closed form. However, by utilizing Taylor series to approximate the variable dependent exponentials, the electric field’s accuracy becomes a function of the number of terms used. Consequently, a correction factor will need to be added in order to help reshape the electric field which resulted from the modified base-current waveform.
Generation of mutagens during arachidonic acid metabolism

The development of malignant tumors from human epithelial cells is associated with mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes [1]. The accumulation of genetic alterations appears to be more important than a particular sequence of gene inactivation. This suggests that induction of mutations occurs continuously throughout the carcinogenic process. The present article describes pathways by which arachidonic acid metabolism results in species capable of damaging DNA and inducing mutations in cellular genes.
Effects of Central Cortical EEG Feedback Training on Incidence of Poorly Controlled Seizures

A growing literature in recent years suggests that operant conditioning of certain central cortical EEG patterns may provide a behavioral approach for the control of seizure disorders. Research in this area developed from studies in the cat which indicated that animals could learn to voluntarily increase the incidence of rhythmic 12- to 16-Hz sensorimotor cortex EEG activity (Sterman & Wyrwicka. 1967; Wyrwicka & Sterman, 1968). When challenged with a convulsant dose of the toxic hydrazine derivative, monomethylhydrazine, animals overtrained in this task demonstrated increased threshold for seizures, as compared with untrained or oppositely trained animals (Sterman, LoPresti, & Fairchild, 1969; Sterman, 1976). Other studies in cats confirmed the previously noted association between this activity and behavioral immobility (Chase & Harper, 1971; Howe & Sterman. 1972; Rougeul, Letalle, & Corvisier, 1972) and demonstrated a correlated reflex suppression (Babb & Chase, 1974) and attenuation of unit discharge in sensorimotor pathways (Harper & Sterman, 1972). Recent studies in primates have documented similar behavioral correlates in this species (Bouyer, Dedet, Konya. & Rougeul, 1974; Holcombe, Sterman, Goodman, & Fairchild, 1979).
Alterations in calcium homeostasis and bone during actual and simulated space flight.

Skeletal alteration in experimental animals induced by actual and simulated spaceflight are discussed, noting that the main factor contributing to bone loss in growing rats placed in orbit aboard Soviet Cosmos biosatellites appears to be diminished bone formation. Mechanical unloading is seen as the most obvious cause of bone loss in a state of weightlessness. Reference is made to a study by Roberts et al. (1981), which showed that osteoblast differentiation in the periodontal ligament of the maxilla was suppressed in rats flown in space. Since the maxilla lacks a weight-bearing function, this finding indicates that the skeletal alterations associated with orbital flight may be systemic rather than confined to weight-bearing bones. In addition, the skeletal response to simulated weightlessness may also be systemic (wronski and Morey, 1982). In suspended rats, the hindlimbs lost all weight-bearing functions, while the forelimbs maintained contact with the floor of the hypokinetic model. On this basis, it was to be expected that there would be different responses at the two skeletal sites if the observed abnormalities were due to mechanical unloading alone. The changes induced by simulated weightlessness in the proximal tibia and humerus, however, were generally comparable. This evidence for systemic skeletal responses has drawn attention to endocrine factors.
Conformation independent molecular weight determinations of RNA by gel electrophoresis

Abstract A conformation independent method of obtaining RNA molecular weights from their polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic mobilities is described. RNA samples are first denatured in 1.1 M formaldehyde in 0.09 M Na2HPO4plus 0.01 M NaH2PO4 at 63° for 15 min and then electrophoresed for 3 h in a buffer containing 1.1 M formaldehyde and one fifth the phosphate buffer used for denaturation. If 6.4 M urea is used instead of formaldehyde to denature RNA, the denaturation is incomplete at room temperature, whether or not the urea solutions are preheated at 63°. Using tobacco mosaic virus and Escherichia coli rRNA as standards, it was found that Qβ and R17 phage RNA's have molecular weights of 1500 000 and 1300 000, respectively.
Spinor genera of binary quadratic forms

Abstract Spinor genera are defined for binary quadratic forms with integer coefficients in such a way that the theory fits in with the Gaussian theory of genera. It is shown that spinor generic characters exist which distinguish the various spinor genera in the principal genus, and how they can be determined. It is known that each ambiguous class contains exactly two forms of the type [a, 0, c] or [a, a, c], each with its associate [c, 0, a], [4c − a, 4c − a, c]. Since the principal class contains such a form with a = 1, it is an interesting question whether one can predict the second form (not counting associates). This question includes that of Dirichlet about the representability of −1 by the principal class. Methods are given for evaluating the spinor-generic characters of ambiguous forms in the principal genus for variable discriminants d, and are carried through in the eleven cases where d is fundamental, there are two or four genera, and two spinor genera in the principal genus. The problem of determining the “second form” is thus completely solved except when there is more than one ambiguous class in the principal spinor genus.
The goblet cavity matrix in the larval midgut of Hyalophora cecropia.

Abstract The larval midgut of the silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Goblet cells were observed to contain within their cavities a matrix plug. This matrix material was extruded onto the lumen side of the epithelium when the tissue was stretched. The role of this matrix material in maintenance of the capacity of the midgut to transport ions in vivo and in vitro is discussed.
Mercury blockade of thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransport in flounder urinary bladder

The effects of HgCl2 on ion transport were investigated using isolated sheets of flounder urinary bladder, a model epithelium that is capable of electrically silent NaCl absorption and electrogenic K secretion. Exposure of the mucosal surface of the bladder to submicromolar doses of HgCl2 reduced K secretion, but the effect was not due to blockade of apical K channels. Rather, the effects of HgCl2 were virtually identical to those seen with experimental maneuvers that blocked the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter in the apical membrane, e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, Cl-free solutions, and Na-free solutions. Mucosal HgCl2 also blocked 22Na absorption, suggesting that the effect of the metal was mediated by blockade of NaCl entry. The effects of HgCl2 had a rapid onset and were readily reversed by washing, suggesting a noncovalent binding reaction. The abundance of polyanionic Hg complexes in salt solutions prompts the speculation that one of these may bind to the Cl-binding site on the cotransporter, thereby blocking it. The results provide the first evidence that the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter is a specific site of action for inorganic mercury.