Log sawing simulation computer programs can be valuable tools for training sawyers as well as for testing different sawing patterns. Most available simulation programs rely on databases from which to ...draw logs and can be very costly and time-consuming to develop. ALOG (Artificial LOg Generator) is a Microsoft Excel-based computer program that was developed to accurately generate random, artificial log data and to serve as an alternative to using a log database. Information obtained from the analysis of actual red oak (Quercus rubra, L.) logs was incorporated into the program to ensure the validity of the generated log data. Generated log feature information includes length, small and large inside-bark diameters, amount of sweep or crook, and defects. External defect attributes include type, location, length, width, and height. Internal defect information, including depth, volume, and angle, is also given for the most common defect types that exhibited a significant linear relationship between external and internal defect attributes within the sample data. The user has the option of specifying the grade of the log as well as the position of the log in the tree, or having the features drawn randomly from known distributions. Finally, a grading algorithm is incorporated into the program to check the grade of the generated log.
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CEKLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
This paper presents a new method for determining the optimal sampling ratio and sample size in different types of study designs involving binary exposure and disease variables. The sampling ratio is ...optimized by maximizing cost efficiency, which is the ratio of the precision in effect estimation to the total sampling cost. One may easily compute the optimal sampling ratio with a hand calculator, and it is independent of the sample sizes of the compared groups. Optimal sample sizes obtain from use of the optimal sampling ratio in the appropriate asymptotic power function for comparing two proportions or rates with unequal sample sizes. We illustrate the method with a case-control design, compare it with other methods for optimizing the sampling strategy, and discuss it in a practical context.
The effects of interleukin (IL)-15 on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus were investigated. Pretreatment with IL-15 for 2 h ...increased PMNL oxidative burst, as measured by superoxide anion (02) release in response to A. fumigatus (P<.05) but not to A. flavus. However, after 22-h, but not 2-h, treatment with IL-15, there was significant enhancement in PMNL-mediated hyphal damage to A. fumigatus. Furthermore, 22-h exposure to IL-15 mediated an enhanced release of IL-8 from PMNLs challenged with hyphae of A. fumigatus and A. flavus (P<.05). In contrast, IL-15 treatment did not affect the release of tumor necrosis factor-α from PMNLs. The selective time- and species-dependent enhancement of 02~ production and hyphal damage, as well as its induction of IL-8 release, suggest that IL15 may play an important role in the immunomodulation of host response to invasive aspergillosis.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Embryonic bioactivation and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the mechanism of phenytoin teratogenicity. This in vivo study in pregnant CD-1 mice evaluated whether maternal ...administration of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and/or catalase conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) could reduce phenytoin teratogenicity. Initial studies showed that pretreatment with PEG-SOD alone (0.5–20 KU/kg IP 4 or 8 h before phenytoin) actually increased the teratogenicity of phenytoin (65 mg/kg IP on gestational days GD 11 and 12, or 12 and 13) (
p < .05), and appeared to increase embryonic protein oxidation. Combined pretreatment with PEG-SOD and PEG-catalase (10 KU/kg 8 or 12 h before phenytoin) was not embryo-protective, nor was PEG-catalase alone, although PEG-catalase alone reduced phenytoin-initiated protein oxidation in maternal liver (
p < .05). However, time-response studies with PEG-catalase (10 KU/kg) on GDs 11, or 11 and 12, showed maximal 50-100% increases in embryonic activity sustained for 8-24 h after maternal injection (
p < .05), and dose-response studies (10–50 KU/kg) at 8 h showed maximal respective 4-fold and 2-fold increases in maternal and embryonic activities with a 50 KU/kg dose (
p < .05). In controls, embryonic catalase activity was about 4% of that in maternal liver, although with catalase treatment, enhanced embryonic activity was about 2% of enhanced maternal activity (
p < .05). PEG-catalase pretreatment (10-50 KU/kg 8 h before phenytoin) also produced a dose-dependent inhibition of phenytoin teratogenicity, with maximal decreases in fetal cleft palates, resorptions and postpartum lethality at a 50 KU/kg dose (
p < .05). This is the first evidence that maternal administration of PEG-catalase can substantially enhance embryonic activity, and that in vivo phenytoin teratogenicity can be modulated by antioxidative enzymes. Both the SOD-mediated enhancement of phenytoin teratogenicity, and the inhibition of phenytoin teratogenicity by catalase, indicate a critical role for ROS in the teratologic mechanism, and the teratologic importance of antioxidative balance.
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IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Familial forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FFSGS) that exhibit autosomal dominant or recessive patterns of inheritance have been described. The genetic basis of these hereditary forms of ...FSGS is unknown. One recent study of a kindred from Oklahoma with an autosomal dominant form of FSGS linked this disease to a region of chromosome 19q. In addition, polymorphisms in a gene in this region on chromosome 19q13 have been linked to congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type. We have ascertained and characterized a large family with autosomal dominant FFSGS (Duke 6530).
Families were compared for clinical and genetic heterogeneity. To test for linkage of our family to this portion of chromosome 19, genomic DNA was isolated from 102 family members, and polymerase chain reaction was performed using eight microsatellite markers that spanned the area of interest on chromosome 19. Data were evaluated using two-point linkage analysis, multipoint analysis, and an admixture test.
Linkage was excluded at a distance of +/- 5 to 10 CM for all markers tested with two-point log10 of the odds of linkage (LOD) scores and from an approximate 60 CM interval in this area of chromosome 19q via multipoint analysis.
FSGS has been called the "final common pathway" of glomerular injury, as it is a frequent pathological manifestation with diverse etiologies. This diversity likely correlates with the genetic heterogeneity that we have established. Thus, our data demonstrate that there are at least two genes responsible for this disease, and there is genetic as well as clinical heterogeneity in autosomal dominant FSGS.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Starting from 3,4-dimethoxyphenacyl bromide, 2-amino-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)butyric acid (homodopa) was synthesized in six steps. 5-Hydroxyhomodopa was similarly prepared. alpha-Methylhomodopa was ...synthesized in four steps from zingerone 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone. alpha-Methylhomodopa showed no antihypertensive activity in the genetic hypertensive rat. Homodopa did not potentiate the behavioral effect of Dopa or inhibit Dopa decarboxylase. Homodopamine, unlike dopamine, did not increase renal blood flow in the dog.
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