cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The genetics of mating type in the suctorian Tokophrya lemnarum

The two clones produced by the two members of a conjugating pair are normally of the same mating type, about 50% of such synclones being mating type I, 50% type II. This ratio suggests (1) that mating type is determined by a pair of alleles at one locus or by a pair of mating type determining chromosomes, and (2) that one mating type is homozygous, the other heterozygous or hemizygous. Mating type ratios are unaffected by temperature or parental age. Exceptions are of three types: (1) mates that produce one clone of type I, the other of type II, (2) mates which fuse permanently and yield a clone pure for either mating I or mating type II, and (3) conjugation of three mates one of which is regularly non-viable, the two survivors producing either two clones of type I, two clones of type II or one of each type. The bases of these exceptional results remain obscure.
Invariant sets and inverse limits

Abstract In this paper we investigate the nature of inverse limits from the point of view of invariant sets. We then introduce a special class of examples of inverse limits on [0,1] using Markov bonding maps determined by members of the group of permutations on n elements.
Comments on theoretical analyses of isenthalpic solidification

Abstract A comparative study is presented on the major strengths and shortcomings of two approximate theoretical analyses of dendritic growth. The two theories — 1) Temkin's analysis and 2) the modified Ivantsov analysis — both assume non-isothermal paraboloidal dendrites growing at steady state with a maximized velocity, but then differ markedly in their subsequent treatment of the boundary conditions that are satisfied at the solid/liquid interface. The application by Tarshis and Kotler of Temkin's treatment to the analysis of our growth-rate measurements in supercooled phosphorus is discussed in some detail. Particular emphasis is given to explaining the failure of Temkin's theory to yield a rational kinetic analysis of our experimental results. The success of the modified Ivantsov analysis in predicting the growth behavior of phosphorus dendrites is shown to depend, in part, on a thermal interaction among neighboring dendrites during isenthalpic solidification at large supercooling.
Preparing the target for the bullet

Multiple regulatory cascades control inflammatory gene expression. The responsive loci need to be prepared to bind the inducing regulatory factors, and such changes can be invoked by p38-dependent histone modification.
Tumor Induction and Tissue Atrophy in Mice Lacking E2F-1

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) is a transcriptional repressor that regulates gene expression by physically associating with transcription factors such as E2F family members. Although pRB and its upstream regulators are commonly mutated in human cancer, the physiological role of the pRB-E2F pathway is unknown. To address the function of E2F-1 and pRB/E2F-1 complexes in vivo, we have produced mice homozygous for a nonfunctional E2F-1 allele. Mice lacking E2F-1 are viable and fertile, yet experience testicular atrophy and exocrine gland dysplasia. Surprisingly, mice lacking E2F-1 develop a broad and unusual spectrum of tumors. Although overexpression of E2F-1 in tissue culture cells can stimulate cell proliferation and be oncogenic, loss of E2F-1 in mice results in tumorigenesis, demonstrating that E2F-1 also functions as a tumor suppressor.
Far IR dissociation of a highly excited Morse oscillator

Abstract We study the response of a highly excited Morse oscillator to an intense monochromatic field below resonance. The dynamics are calculated using a Fourier transform grid method. Above a threshold intensity the oscillator dissociates efficiently into a coherent asymptotic wave and a localized distribution of oscillator states. A number of features of the dissociation probability bear a strong resemblance to the microwave ionization of hydrogen.
Speculators, swindlers and other Jews: regulating trade in revolutionary White Russia

The Bolshevik Revolution introduced sweeping campaigns for social and economic regulation in the geographic region of the former Pale of Settlement. Focusing on the policing and rhetorical construction of the economic crime of “speculation,” this article examines the effort to reconstruct Jewish economic practices in the early Soviet period of the New Economic Policy. Based on archival material from the National Archive in Minsk, Belarus, and from the contemporaneous Yiddish Press in Minsk, the article concludes that the campaign to regulate speculation and economic practices constituted a primary front in the attempt to construct post‐revolutionary Soviet Jewish culture. At the same time, this article suggests that campaigns to regulate speculation served to reinscribe Jewish actors as socially alien elements in post‐revolutionary society.
A community health worker-led lifestyle behavior intervention for Latina (Hispanic) women: Feasibility and outcomes of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Low-income Latinas (Hispanics) face risk for cardiovascular disease due to high rates of overweight/obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and other factors. Limited access to health care and language barriers may prevent delivery of health promotion messages. Targeted approaches, including the integration of community health workers, may be required to promote healthy lifestyle and prevent chronic disease in underserved ethnic minority groups. The term commonly used to refer to female community health workers in Latino communities is "promotora(s)." Objectives This study evaluates the outcomes and feasibility of a promotora-led lifestyle behavior intervention for overweight, immigrant Latinas. Methods A community prevention model was employed in planning and implementing this study. A randomized controlled trial design was used. A Community Advisory Board provided expertise in evaluating feasibility of study implementation in the community and other important guidance. The sample was comprised of 223 women aged 35–64 years, predominantly with low income and ≤8th grade education. The culturally tailored Lifestyle Behavior Intervention included group education (8 classes based upon Su Corazon, Su Vida), followed by 4 months of individual teaching and coaching (home visits and telephone calls). The control group received a comparable length educational program and follow-up contacts. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and at 6 and 9 months using a dietary habits questionnaire, accelerometer readings of physical activity, and clinical measures (body mass index, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose). Data were collected between January 2010 and August 2012. Results Women in the intervention group improved significantly in dietary habits, waist circumference, and physical activity in comparison to those in the control group. A treatment dosage effect was observed for weight and waist circumference. Knowledge about heart disease increased. High attendance at classes and participation in the individual teaching and counseling sessions and high retention rates support the feasibility and acceptability of the promotora-led lifestyle behavior intervention. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that lifestyle behaviors and other risk factors of overweight Latina women may be improved through a promotora-led lifestyle behavior intervention. Feasibility of implementing this intervention in community settings and engaging promotoras as facilitators is supported.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of δ→ α martensitic transformation in Pu alloys

A regular solution model is fit to experimental equilibrium temperatures(T 0) and pressures(P 0) for diffusionlessδ→α transformations in Pu-Ga and Pu-Al alloys, in order to define the chemical free energy change ΔG forδ→ α transformation. Analysis of reported isothermalδ→ αtransformation rate data in terms of nucleation-controlled martensitic kinetics gives a nucleation activation energyQ which is a nonlinear function of ΔG. The activation volumeV * defined byδQ/δΔG is of the order of 10 to 40 atomic volumes, suggestive of rate control by an interfacial Peierls barrier. The grain size dependence of the transformation-start temperature at a fixed cooling rate of 2.08 × 10-2 Ks-1 is measured in a Pu-1.7 at. pct Ga alloy, revealing an inhibition of transformation at fine grain sizes. The overall kinetic behavior is characteristic of a martensitic mechanism.
Prognostic Capability of Different Liver Disease Scoring Systems for Prediction of Early Mortality after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

Abstract Purpose To compare the performance of various liver disease scoring systems in predicting early mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. Materials and Methods In this single-institution retrospective study, eight scoring systems were used to grade liver disease in 211 patients (male-to-female ratio=131:80; mean age, 54 y) before TIPS creation from 1999–2011. Scoring systems included bilirubin level, Child-Pugh (CP) score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease sodium (MELD-Na) score, Emory score, prognostic index (PI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) 2 score, and Bonn TIPS early mortality (BOTEM) score. Medical record review was used to identify 30-day and 90-day clinical outcomes. The relationship of scoring parameters with mortality outcomes was assessed with multivariate analysis, and the relative ability of systems to predict mortality after TIPS creation was evaluated by comparing area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves. Results TIPS were successfully created for variceal hemorrhage (n = 121), ascites (n = 72), hepatic hydrothorax (n = 15), and portal vein thrombosis (n = 3). All scoring systems had a significant association with 30-day and 90-day mortality ( P Conclusions Several liver disease scoring systems have prognostic value for early mortality after TIPS creation. MELD and MELD-Na scores most effectively predict survival after TIPS creation.
Radiation products and tunneling process in ionic glasses. 1. Radiation products and recombination in undoped nitrate and acetate glasses

Ionizing radiation acts on 3 : 2 KNO/sub 3/--Ca(NO/sub 3/)/sub 2/ glasses to produce a simple hole center, the NO/sub 3/ radical, and an excess electron center, which is probably the NO/sub 3//sup 2 -/ radical. At 297/sup 0/K, 10/sup -6/ s after a 4-ns pulse of radiation a yield of 3.2 +- 0.2 ion pairs is found per 100 eV of absorbed energy. The ion pairs recombine, as observed by following the red absorption of NO/sub 3/ (lambda/sub max/ 615 nm), from 10/sup -6/ to 10/sup 2/ s. Diffusion of the reacting species is involved above the glass transition temperature (T/sub g/ = 341/sup 0/K), while electron tunneling seems to be the main mechanism below T/sub g/. The reaction is weakly temperature dependent (E/sub A/ approximately equal to 3 kcal) from 77 to 260/sup 0/K, but E/sub A/ jumps to approximately 18 kcal above 260/sup 0/K. These results are discussed in terms of modern electron-transfer theories, which predict such a transition from weak to strong activation. Acetate glasses showed no detectable radiation coloration in the visible, and only a small, decaying absorption in the near UV. 2 figures, 37 references.
Anthropology of Reproduction

Since the last column was published, the membership of the Anthropology of Reproduction Study Group has grown by nearly 20%. Anyone interested in this topic is encouraged to send his or her name to Kevin R. O'Reilly, Family Planning Evaluation Division, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333. Linda Whiteford (South Florida) has proposed a plan to use the ARSG as a means to coordinate meeting participation. Under this plan, members would submit names of regional, national, and international meetings that would be appropriate forums for symposia on the anthropology of reproduction. Members proposing symposia at these meetings could use the membership list of the ARSG to coordinate their sessions and to find participants with relevant research experience. Alternatively, the ARSG could function as the sponsor and organizer of such symposia. The idea is attractive, as it has the potential for creating a wider audience for anthropologists whose research involves human reproduction. Members are encouraged to comment on this idea.
New Device for Closure of Muscular Ventricular Septal Defects in a Canine Model

Background—Repair of muscular ventricular septal defects (MVSDs) has always been challenging to the surgeon. Long-term morbidity and mortality are significantly increased if the defects are closed via left ventriculotomy or if they are associated with other complex congenital anomalies. The purpose of this study was to close MVSDs with the Amplatz ventricular septal defect device. This device is constructed from 0.004-in nitinol wire mesh filled with polyester fibers. It is retrievable, repositionable, self-centering, and of low profile. Methods and Results—MVSDs were created with the help of a sharp punch in 10 dogs. The location of the defects was anterior muscular (n=3), midmuscular (n=3), apical (n=3), and inlet muscular (n=1). The diameter of the defects ranged from 6 to 14 mm. All defects were closed in the catheterization laboratory. The device was placed with the help of transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy. A 7F sheath was used to deploy the device from the right ventricular side in 8...
Adsorption and Dynamics of Low Molecular Weight Poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) on Silica and Alumina in Toluene

Low molecular weight (ca. 10 000 g/mol) specifically-labeled block copolymers of poly(β-deuterostyrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (β-DSVP) have been prepared by anionic polymerization. The mobility of the adsorbed block copolymer on Cab-o-sil silica and γ-Al2O3, swollen with toluene, was probed with deuterium NMR relaxation time measurements. We found that the styrene segments of these lower molecular weight copolymers exhibited a lower mobility when adsorbed and swollen in toluene than the corresponding polymer in solution. On this basis, the mobility of the styrene segments in this low molecular weight copolymer appears to be intermediate between that of the strongly stretched chains in a higher molecular weight copolymer and randomly attached chains of homopolymers. This was probably due to a combination of a more compact surface structure and styrene segments which were closer to the surface. There was only a small difference in the dynamics of the adsorbed polymer on the type of surface used (Cab-o-sil silic...
The mental health of children in an HMO program

Collaboration between pediatricians and mental health clinicians in an HMO has provided a useful method of identifying and caring for the usual spectrum of developmental and situational disturbances in children and the associated parent-child conflicts. A social worker is included in the primary-care team in pediatrics; other mental health resources are available when indicated. In 1974, 5.7% of total visits and 8.9% of all children under 19 years of age were noted to have emotional problems. A follow-up study carried out early in 1976 disclosed that most of the observed emotional problems were resolved or quiescent.
Acute constrictive pericarditis.

Summary A case of acute constrictive pericarditis secondary to meningococcal infection is presented. Fatal concretio cordis developed with unprecedented speed 21 days after the onset of suppurative pericarditis. The literature is reviewed pertaining to the relationship of suppurative pericarditis and subsequent concretio cordis. It is emphasized (1) that constrictive pericarditis may develop acutely, and (2) that antibiotics alone afford inadequate treatment of suppurative pericarditis, but must be combined with surgical drainage.
Growth and survival of Daphnia in epilimnetic and metalimnetic water from oligotrophic lakes: the effects of food and temperature

SUMMARY 1. In oligotrophic lakes, phytoplankton and bacteria growing in the deep chlorophyll maximum in the cool metalimnion of lakes often dominate biomass and production, but the importance of this source of food for zooplankton is unknown. 2. During much of the day, Daphnia rosea in two mountain lakes inhabited deep chlorophyll layers where food availability was at least equal to that in the epilimnion. 3. To determine the importance of the two strata (epilimnion and metalimnion) for Daphnia, we used a cross-classified factorial experiment to measure how epilimnetic and metalimnetic food and temperature (10 and 16 °C) influenced survival, growth and reproduction. 4. Daphnia survived and grew better when fed seston from the epilimnion of one lake, although chlorophyll, particulate nitrogen and particulate carbon were 2–2.5 times greater in the metalimnion. 5. Temperature had no significant influence on Daphnia survival or growth. Similar results were obtained with food from the second lake, with Daphnia surviving and reproducing better when provided with epilimnetic, rather than metalimnetic food, although the quantities of chlorophyll and carbon in the two strata were similar. 6. Food quality, rather than quantity or temperature, appeared to be the most important determinant influencing survival, growth and reproduction, and the greater food quantity in the metalimnia was not used effectively by the Daphnia.
Glutathione ester protects against hydroxynonenal-induced loss of auditory hair cells

Objective Test the ability of glutathione monoethyl ester (GSHe) to protect auditory hair cells against the ototoxic effects of 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal (HNE). Study design and setting Organ of Corti explants were either untreated or treated with one of a series of four concentrations of GSHe for one day, then exposed to HNE. Counts of FITC-phalloidin-labeled hair cells determined both HNE ototoxicity and GSHe otoprotection. Results HNE was toxic to hair cells at physiologically relevant levels, eg, 400 μM, and GSHe provided a significant level of protection against HNE ototoxicity (P Conclusion GSHe protects auditory hair cells from damage and loss initiated by a naturally occurring ototoxic molecule, ie, HNE (a by-product of oxidative stress). Significance Treatment with GSHe may be an effective therapy to protect the cochlea against the adverse effects of traumas (eg, electrode insertion) that generate oxidative stress.
Common Extracellular Sensory Domains in Transmembrane Receptors for Diverse Signal Transduction Pathways in Bacteria and Archaea

Transmembrane receptors in microorganisms, such as sensory histidine kinases and methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, are molecular devices for monitoring environmental changes. We report here that sensory domain sharing is widespread among different classes of transmembrane receptors. We have identified two novel conserved extracellular sensory domains, named CHASE2 and CHASE3, that are found in at least four classes of transmembrane receptors: histidine kinases, adenylate cyclases, predicted diguanylate cyclases, and either serine/threonine protein kinases (CHASE2) or methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (CHASE3). Three other extracellular sensory domains were shared by at least two different classes of transmembrane receptors: histidine kinases and either diguanylate cyclases, adenylate cyclases, or phosphodiesterases. These observations suggest that microorganisms use similar conserved domains to sense similar environmental signals and transmit this information via different signal transduction pathways to different regulatory circuits: transcriptional regulation (histidine kinases), chemotaxis (methyl-accepting proteins), catabolite repression (adenylate cyclases), and modulation of enzyme activity (diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases). The variety of signaling pathways using the CHASE-type domains indicates that these domains sense some critically important extracellular signals.
Limited predictive value of inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia for future occurrence of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia in patients with coronary artery disease and relatively preserved cardiac function.

Abstract To evaluate the significance of inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with coronary artery disease and relatively preserved cardiac function, 33 patients who met the following criteria were studied; documented nonsustained VT but no history of life-threatening arrhythmia, inducible sustained VT at electrophysiologic study, and implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. Eighteen patients developed clinical sustained VT within 2 years. By univariate analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and the cycle length of induced VT were associated with clinical VT occurrence. By multivariate analysis, however, EF was the only independent predictor. Among 23 patients with EF ≤40%, 16 patients developed clinical sustained VT compared to 2 of 10 patients with EF >40% ( P
On using exterior penalty approaches for solving linear programming problems

In this paper, we investigate three exterior penalty function approaches for solving linear programming problems. These methods are an active set ?2 penalty approach (ASL2), an inequality-equality-based ?2 penalty approach (IEL2), and an augmented Lagrangian approach (ALAG). Particular effective variants are explored for each method, along with comments and experience on alternative algorithmic strategies that were empirically investigated. Our motivation is that heretofore, there has been no empirical evidence on how variants of these exterior point algorithms that have been suitably tuned might perform with respect to solving moderately large-scale linear programming problems. Our experiments using a set of randomly generated problems of varying sizes and density, as well as a set of NETLIB test problems, provide insights into the relative performance of these different approaches derived from the basic ?2 penalty function, and into their viability for solving linear programs. Average rank tests based on the computational results obtained are performed using two different statistics which assess the speed of convergence and the quality or accuracy of the solution. Overall, a particular variant (ALAG2) of ALAG yielded the best performance with respect to the joint criteria of speed of convergence and the quality of the final solution attained. On the other hand, IEL2 invariably achieved the best quality solutions using comparatively designed termination criteria. However, for highly dense linear programming problems, ASL2 appeared to be the best-alternative among the tested algorithms. Moreover, although our implementation was rudimentary in comparison with CPLEX 6.0, a commercial solver, the tested methods were competitive (sometimes favorable) in attaining a final (though only near optimal) solution for the set of large-scale low-density problems. Scope and purposeAlgorithms based on interior point methods for solving linear programming problems have gained popularity due to some recent techniques which eliminate the ill-conditioning that is inherent within barrier function approaches. Yet, there is comparatively less evidence on the performance of exterior penalty function approaches for solving linear programs. This article investigates three exterior penalty function approaches for solving such problems based on the quadratic penalty function, including the augmented Lagrangian function. Several related algorithmic strategies are explored and tested on a set of randomly generated, degenerate problems, as well as on a standard collection of NETLIB problems. We provide insights into the algorithmic performance and suggest avenues for further research in this relatively less explored domain of approaches for solving linear programming problems.
De novo neuromuscular junction formation on human muscle fibres cultured in monolayer and innervated by foetal rat spinal cord: Ultrastructural and ultrastructural-cytochemical studies

Ultrastructural features of neuromuscular junction formation and transverse tubule development were studied utilizing a newly developed model in which human muscle fibres cultured in monolayer are innervated by foetal rat spinal cord with dorsal root ganglia attached. At early innervation (7–10 days), when distinct ‘boutons’ are contacting muscle fibres, the contacts of nerve terminals with the muscle fibres are, ultrastructurally, superficial and unorganized, and there is no basal lamina-like material between nerve terminals and muscle fibres. A bouton consists, ultrastructurally, of a cluster of small nerve terminals contacting the muscle fibre. At 2–3 weeks of innervation, shallow ‘beds’ are formed on the muscle fibre just beneath nerve terminals, and occasionally there are irregular and miniscule fragments of basal lamina-like material in the cleft. There is no Schwann cell apposing the nerve terminal at this stage of innervation. After 4–5 weeks of innervation there is more definite basal lamina material in the cleft and suggestive postsynaptic plasmalemmal densities and invaginations. However, there is no Schwann cell apposing the nerve terminal at this stage. At 6–8 weeks of innervation, deep postsynaptic folds are present, a Schwann cell apposes the nerve terminal, and basal lamina surrounds the entire muscle fibre. At all four stages of innervation examined, ultrastructural cytochemistry of alpha-bungarotoxin binding reveals that nicotinic ACh receptors are located exclusively at the neuromuscular junctions. After 1–2 weeks of innervation, very few lanthanum-positive transverse tubules are observed and only in close proximity to the surface membrane. After 3 weeks of innervation, more lanthanum-positive tubules are present, and they are located deeper within the muscle fibre. Five weeks after innervation, somewhat more elaborated tubules (but no lateral sacs) appear, and honeycomb structures are often present. After 6–7 weeks of innervation the tubular system is very elaborate and lateral sacs are present. Hence, this study describes consecutive stages of the formation of neuromuscular junctions and transverse tubules in innervated cultured human muscle, and provides an important basis to which similar studies related to the diseased human muscle can be compared.
Diffusion Model for a Convective Layer. Part II: Plume Released from a Continuous Point Source

Abstract A two-dimensional diffusion model for a convective planetary boundary layer is presented. Three prognostic equations are employed for the concentration, the concentration flux, and the covariance of temperature and concentration. The environmental background, which includes the mean wind, the mean virtual potential temperature, the turbulent kinetic energy and other second moments, is generated from Part I of this study. For an elevated point source, the plume concentration centerline descends until it intercepts the ground, then it rebounds and returns to the mixed layer, while the material released from a surface point source gradually ascends into the mixed layer, carried aloft by the updrafts of the convective motion. Compared to the laboratory and field experiments, this model simulates well the diffusion of passive pollutants released from a continuous point source into the convective layer.
Identification of a Novel Isopeptidase with Dual Specificity for Ubiquitin- and NEDD8-conjugated Proteins

Covalent conjugation of proteins by ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like molecules is an important form of post-translational modification and plays a critical role in many cellular processes. Similar to the concept of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, these conjugates are regulated by a large number of deconjugating enzymes. Here, we report the cloning of a 2,141-base pair DNA fragment from human placenta cDNA library by a strategy that involves expressed sequence tag data base searching, polymerase chain reaction, and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the cloned cDNA contains an open reading frame of 1,143 base pairs encoding a novel protease, USP21, which is composed of 381 residues with a calculated molecular mass of 43 kDa. The humanUSP21 gene is located on chromosome 1q21 and encodes a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family with highly conserved Cys and His domains. The activity and specificity of USP21 were determined by using a COS cell expression system in vivo.We showed that USP21 is capable of removing ubiquitin from ubiquitinated proteins as expected. Furthermore, USP21 is capable of removing NEDD8 from NEDD8 conjugates but has no effect on Sentrin-1 conjugates. As expected from its biochemical activity, overexpression of USP21 has a profound growth inhibitory effect on U2OS cells. Thus, USP21 is the first ubiquitin-specific protease shown to have dual specificity for both ubiquitin and NEDD8 and may play an important role in the regulation of cell growth.
Cerebrospinal fluid F2-isoprostanes are elevated in Huntington's disease.

Numerous investigations using a variety of experimental model systems have suggested that oxidative stress in the context of impaired energy metabolism may be an important element in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease (HD).1 To test further the hypothesis that oxidative damage may contribute to the progression of HD, we measured a quantitative and specific marker of lipid peroxidation, F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoP), in CSF from HD patients early in the course of disease. This was then compared with control subjects and patients with another degenerative disease of the basal ganglia that also has been associated with increased oxidative damage: multiple system atrophy—striatonigral degeneration type (MSA-P).2 Following informed consent, CSF was aspirated from the lumbar cistern, and 1 to 2 mL were immediately frozen at −80 °C and later used for F2-IsoP quantification as described.3 All CSF had protein and glucose concentrations as well as cell counts within normal ranges. Statistical comparisons were made with GraphPad Prism 2.0 software (San Diego, CA). Control subjects (n = 23) were hospitalized patients who underwent diagnostic evaluation …
Colorimetric determination of nitrate after hydrazine reduction to nitrite

Abstract Since nitrate could be a precarcinogen or a pretoxicant, several sensitive, reproducible manual methods for the determination of nitrate based on the coppercatalyzed reduction of nitrate to nitrite with hydrazine sulfate have been developed. Optimum conditions were obtained using sulfanilamide and N -(1-naphthyl)ethyl-enediamine dihydrochloride as the color-developing reagent. Two new and even more sensitive pairs of reagents for nitrate analysis are introduced that do not involve the use of a possibly carcinogenic naphthylamine. These were 4-amino-acetophenone and azulene or 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid.
Native Grass Cultivars for Multiple Revegetation Goals on a Proposed Mine Site in Southcentral Alaska

Native grasses may be used for multiple, sometimes conflicting, goals in revegetation projects. Woody plants are frequently desired for moose browse and timber in Alaska, but naturally occurring Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint reedgrass) hinders the establishment of these desired species. Seven grass cultivars of Alaskan origin were evaluated for their ability (1) to stabilize the soil, (2) to reduce regeneration of C. canadensis, (3) to allow openings for natural colonization, and (4) to permit establishment of desirable rooted cuttings. Cultivars tested are “Arctared” Festuca rubra (red fescue), “Alyeska”Arctagrostis latifolia (polar-grass), “Nugget”Poa pratensis (bluegrass) “Norcoast”Deschampsia beringensis (Bering hairgrass), “Nortran”Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), “Gruening” Poa alpina (alpine bluegrass), and “Sourdough” Calamagrostis canadensis. These were tested as single species and in multi-species mixtures, with two seeding rates of the multi-species mixture (0.5, 0.25 seeds/cm2). Experimental plots included unfertilized, unfertilized with rooted Salicaceae cuttings, and fertilized (350 kg/ha 20:20:10). A control plot was not seeded. After three growing seasons, Nortran D. caespitosa and Arctared F. rubra were the most successful cultivars. They provided 87% to 98% of the seeded-species cover for soil stabilization and suppressed C. canadensis on the fertilized subplots without reducing species diversity. Gruening Poa alpina was less than 3 cm tall, and it helped stabilize the site without interfering with woody plant establishment. Although cuttings were shorter under some seed treatments compared to the nonseeded control, heights of cuttings were not related to cover of seeded cultivars (r = 0.09, p > 0.55) but were positively correlated with total vascular plant cover (r= 0.61, p < 0.001).
Bacteriophage HK022 Nun protein arrests transcription by blocking lateral mobility of RNA polymerase during transcription elongation

Coliphage HK022 excludes phage λ by subverting the λ antitermination system and arresting transcription on the λ chromosome. The 12 kDa HK022 Nun protein binds to λ nascent transcript through its N-terminal Arginine Rich Motif (ARM), blocking access by λ N and arresting transcription via a C-terminal interaction with RNA polymerase. In a purified in vitro system, we recently demonstrated that Nun arrests transcription by restricting lateral movement of transcription elongation complex (TEC) along the DNA register, thereby freezing the translocation state. We will discuss some of the key experiments that led to this conclusion, as well as present additional results that further support it.
Resistance to the Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) in wheat and wheat-related hybrids.

Five hundred forty-seven lines of intergeneric hybrids of Thinopyrum, Secale , and Triticum were evaluated for resistance to the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko). Quantitative damage ratings based on the amount of leaf rolling and chlorosis indicated that 23 of the lines had varying levels of resistance to the aphid. Additional tests of seven of those resistant lines revealed antibiosis and tolerance as the modes of resistance.
Cost-Effectiveness of Transfers to Centers With Neurological Intensive Care Units After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose—Our aim was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of transferring patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from centers without specialized neurological intensive care units (neuro-ICUs) to centers with neuro-ICUs. Methods—Decision analytic models were developed for the lifetime horizons. Model inputs were derived from the best available data, informed by a variety of previous cost-effectiveness models of stroke. The effect of neuro-ICU care on functional outcomes was modeled in 3 scenarios. A favorable outcomes scenario was modeled based on the best observational data and compared with moderately favorable and least-favorable outcomes scenarios. Health benefits were measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs were estimated from a societal perspective. Costs were combined with QALYs gained to generate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. One-way sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to test robustness of the model assumptions. Results—Transferr...
Pediatric eye injuries related to consumer products in the United States, 1997-2006.

This study examines which consumer products are most commonly associated with pediatric eye injuries that are treated in emergency departments in the United States. The results demonstrate that, overall, boys experienced proportionally more consumer product–related eye injuries than girls, but eye injuries from specific product categories are more likely to be associated with one sex than the other. Age-specific patterns also revealed that certain product categories are more likely to be associated with eye injuries among different age groups. These findings are salient because children experience a disproportionate amount of ocular trauma, possibly resulting in visual disability or blindness and concomitant developmental delays. Given the heretofore lack of detailed information on products that may contribute to the burden of pediatric eye injuries in the United States, the results of the current study provide valuable information for identifying priorities for prevention and intervention.
What's new in infectious diseases.

Hepatitis C Virus The term non-A, non-6 (NANB) hepatitis has been used for the past decade or so to include those acute hepatitic illnesses that clearly are not related to infection with hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus, or Epstein-Barr virus. NANB hepatitis accounts for an estimated 150,000 cases yearly in the United States, of which 5% to 10% are transfusion-related; 40% are associated with intravenous drug abuse; 5%, with occupational (health care) exposure; and lo%, with heterosexual activity with multiple partners, or household and/or sexual contact with an individual with hepatitis. Forty percent are without an identifiable source of infection. It has been clearly established that a prolonged NANB hepatitis carrier state develops frequently and, more importantly, that chronic hepatitis may develop in about half of patients with NANB hepatitis. Twenty percent of the latter group progress to cirrhosis. In addition, NANB hepatitis may be causally related to hepatocellular carcinoma and to sporadic community-acquired hepatitis. Until recently, attempts to identify a specific viral agent that could be associated with significant numbers of cases of NANB hepatitis had been frustrating and unsuccessful. Choo and associates, using techniques of modern molecular biology and working with sera capable of transmitting NANB hepatitis to primates, isolated a cDNA clone derived from the genome of a blood-borne NANB hepatitis agent.’ This agent, the hepatitis C virus (HCV), is thought to be an RNA virus, probably related to the togaviruses or flaviviruses. An assay for measuring antibodies to this agent was quickly developed,2 and there has been a veritable explosion of related knowledge. It has already been established that HCV is the major cause of posttransfusion NANB hepatitis. Screening of blood donors for antibody to HCV should prevent the majority of such cases and has recently been instituted. In addition, HCV appears to be the etiologic agent of up to 90% of sporadic, community-acquired NANB hepatitis that occurs in patients without a history of parenteral exposure. Studies of sera from patients in Italy and Japan, as well as from those in the United States, have confirmed HCV as a major cause of NANB hepatitis worldwide. Development of anti-HCV antibody is delayed, being first detected an average of 22 weeks after transfusion, or some 15 weeks after onset of clinical hepatitis. It is important to note that some patients do not become seropositive for anti-HCV until as long as 1 year after infection. 3 In patients with chronic liver disease, antiHCV has persisted, but in patients with acute resolving hepatitis, anti-HCV disappeared after approximately 4 years. Treatment trials that utilized interferon alfa for patients with chronic hepatitis C have shown promising results.4 We can expect much additional data to be generated in the next few years to elucidate more fully the impact of HCV. A readily available diagnostic test for anti-HCV has been developed and is now widely available.
Two-Photon Mechanism of Particle Production by High-Energy Colliding Beams

We report on the calculation of the cross sections for the production of positive-charge-conjugation states such as ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$, $\ensuremath{\eta}$, ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ by a two-photon mechanism in ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{+}$ and ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collisions. We give the precise relationship of the process $e+e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}e+e+X (X \mathrm{is}\mathrm{any} C=+ \mathrm{state})$ to the corresponding two-photon annihilation process $\ensuremath{\gamma}+\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X$, as well as a careful derivation of the equivalent-photon approximation. In the case of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ production, we have found that, for the beam energy $E$ in the 1-3 GeV range, the exact total cross section is 20-30% larger than the one calculated previously in the equivalent-photon approximation. However, the introduction of form factors cuts down the exact total cross section, reducing it to within 10% of the equivalent-photon-approximation result. For $\ensuremath{\eta}$ production the agreement is even better. Thus it appears that the use of the equivalent-photon approximation is justified in most cases. We discuss detailed angular distributions in this approximation for the case of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ production. One important problem which cannot be adequately studied in the equivalent-photon approximation is the degree of noncoplanarity of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ (and the ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) pair. We have studied this problem using the exact formula and found that, for $E=1$ GeV, typically 40-50% of pion pairs will be produced with the noncoplanarity angle greater than 12\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. We discuss the general structure of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}+\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ amplitude as well as a simple model incorporating the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ meson. We also give a rough estimate of multihadron production cross sections.
Construction and Analysis of an Infectious Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C Molecular Clone

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C is now the predominant subtype in the global epidemic. This subtype is encountered in southern Africa and parts of Asia, where the epidemic is rapidly spreading. One possible explanation for these epidemiological observations is that this subtype has genetic characteristics that may contribute to its spread and/or pathogenic potential. In this report, we describe the construction of MJ4, an infectious chimeric molecular clone of HIV-1 subtype C that replicates in donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells and macrophages. We also tested this clone for its ability to use the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2b, CCR3, CXCR4, and CCR5 and found that the clone utilizes only CCR5 as the coreceptor for cell entry. The MJ4 clone will be useful in further biological and virological characterization of HIV-1 subtype C and will be an important tool in the continuing efforts to understand what may constitute protective immunity in HIV-1. The clone may also be used in experimental design of vaccine candidates that may be directed against HIV-1 subtype C.
DIVER: A Distributed Virtual Environment Research platform

DIVER is the Virtual Environment software architecture library developed at the University of Virginia. It is similar to SGI's Inventor, but was developed specifically as a toolkit for creating Virtual Environments rather than for mouse-based applications. Like Inventor, DIVER was implemented on top of the SGI's GL library and provides a powerful hierarchical graphics database. Unlike Inventor, DIVER is distributed, divorcing the application computations from the rendering computations. DIVER runs the application on a remote CPU and transparently spawns asynchronous rendering processes onto one or more SGIs. DIVER extends the graphics database hierarchy by allowing programmers to perform graphics transformations in any other object's nested coordinate system, and by allowing the programmer to nest the virtual camera (viewpoint) anywhere in the hierarchy. DIVER has been active use for over a year by more than twenty researchers. >
Aggression-promoting and aggression-eliciting properties of estrogen in male mice

Abstract Two experiments assessed the aggression-promoting and aggression-eliciting properties of estradiol benzoate (EB). When given daily to gonadectomized adult male mice, EB induced attack behavior toward stimulus males at a level similar to that observed in intact males or castrate males treated with testosterone propionate (TP). A second experiment showed that significantly fewer gonadectomized/olfactory bulbectomized males given EB were attacked by adult males in comparison to similarly prepared TP-treated or intact/olfactory bulbectomized males. Thus, EB is as effective as TP in promoting aggression but is less effective in eliciting fighting.
The primordial germ cells of the chick I. the effect on the gonad of complete and partial removal of the ‘germinal crescent’ and of removal of other parts of the blastodisc

The ‘germinal crescent’ of the primitive streak stage chick embryo is located in the zone of junction anterior and lateral to the proamnion. The primordial germ cells supposedly arise from this area. The following experiments were carried out. 1. Complete removal of the germinal crescent. 2. Partial removal of the germinal crescent. 3. Removal of areas of corresponding size of the blastodisc other than the germinal crescent. The results are as follows: In experiment 1, a careful search of the entire specimen failed to reveal any primordial germ cells. Such embryos invariably died during or before the fifth day of incubation. In experiments 2 and 3, the presence of the primordial germ cells was quite obvious. Such embryos did not invariably die. Some from each group was brought through to hatching, with the exception of that group in which the piece was taken from the lateral region of the blastodisc. In this case the injury to the circulation was too great to overcome. As was to be expected, in those specimens in which the circulatory system was injured rather severely death always ensued and occurred before the third day of incubation regardless of the type of experiment. Both cauterization and removal with scissors were tried. Mechanical removal gave superior results and was used exclusively in the latter part of the experiment.
Agonistic behavior correlated with hydrocarbon phenotypes in dampwood termites,Zootermopsis (Isoptera: Termopsidae)

The dampwood termite genus ZootermopsisEmerson contains three recognized species with four distinct and consistent hydrocarbon phenotypes. Agonistic behaviors among nonreproductive insects from colonies of the same and different hydrocarbon phenotypes were observed in the laboratory. Various combinations of soldier versus nymphs, pseudergate versus pseudergate, and soldier versus soldier encounters were used in experimental trials. Soldiers or pseudergates seldom attack individuals of the same hydrocarbon phenotype. Z. angusticollis(Hagen) (phenotype II) is typically aggressive toward phenotype III of Z. nevadensis(Hagen) but not always aggressive against phenotype I of Z. nevadensis.The variation in response is dependent on which castes are placed in the bioassay arena: soldier versus soldier bouts result in consistent aggression, while pseudergate versus pseudergate or soldier versus nymphs contacts do not. Both pseudergates and soldiers of Z. laticeps(Banks) (phenotype IV) respond agonistically toward the other three phenotypes: Z. angusticollis (II) and Z. nevadensis(I and III). Although hydrocarbon phenotypes I and III, both Z. nevadensis,are morphologically indistinguishable, agonistic behavioral responses between phenotype I and phenotype III are not equivalent to I versus I or III versus III behavioral responses. The I versus III engagements, regardless of the castes involved, display a greater proportion of avoidance and aggressive responses than I or III intraphenotype encounters. We interpret the lack of avoidance or aggressive behavior within each of the two phenotypes of Z. nevadensisand the significant avoidance and aggressive behavior between phenotypes as definite evidence of discrimination between disparate hydrocarbon phenotypes. These agonistic bioassays along with data on distinct hydrocarbon patterns and geographic distributions serve as the basis for creating two subspecies of Z. nevadensis: Z. n. nevadensis(Hagen) and Z. n. nuttingiHaverty and Thorne, ssp. nov.