On the nature of cis-acting regulatory proteins and genetic organization in bacteriophage: the example of gene Q of bacteriophage lambda

We note the existence of a "partially cis-acting" regulatory protein of bacteriophage lambda: the product of the phage Q gene. We suggest that there may be a complete spectrum from "all cis" to "all trans" for such regulatory proteins. This behavior might arise because a DNA-binding protein either acts at a nearby (cis) site soon after synthesis or becomes "lost" for its trans activity on another genome through nonspecific interactions with DNA. Our proposed explanation provides one evolutionary basis for the linkage of genes for regulatory proteins and the sites at which such proteins act; it also suggests a possible rationale for the "metabolic instability" of certain regulatory proteins.

Application of a computer-based chromatograph for automated water pollution analyses

A modified head-space analysis technique, coupling thermal extraction with subsequent adsorption of organics on a poly (para 2,6-diphenyl phenylene) oxide adsorbent (Tenax-GC), has been found to be an efficacious tool when combined with gas chromatography for the study and monitoring of low molecular weight organics present in drinking water supplies (1-4). This procedure has allowed for the analysis of volatile organics in the low parts-per-billion range from 1 liter or less of tap water. Because thermal extraction requires smaller sample sizes than required in carbon-chloroform extraction methods and liquid/liquid extractions, the EPA has recently adopted this type of methodology (5,6). Passage of the Safe Water Drinking Act in December of 1974 has mandated that each state assumes the primary responsibility for carrying out the purposes of the legislation (7). Because the Act says that any supplier of water serving 25 individuals or more must comply with these regulations, large-scale monitoring programs will have to be undertaken. It was thus our desire to try to simplify the sample collection and data acquistion and reduction processes as much as possible, in the effort to make the procedure more adaptable for incorporation into routine monitoring programs. Also, automation reduces the experience and number of personnel required to perform the analyses. In addition to analysis of drinking water samples, the automated procedure described hereinafter can also be applied to monitoring industrial plant effluents, waste water treatment processes, and general quality control monitoring of low molecular weight organic compounds.

Computerized transaxial tomography in the evaluation of patients with focal epilepsy

Computerized transaxial tomography was carried out on 50 consecutive unselected patients referred to a neurologic practice for evaluation of focal epilepsy. Structural abnormalities were defined in 35.3 percent of these studies: porencephalic cysts in six patients, diffuse cerebral atrophy in five, cerebral hemiatrophy in three, focal cortical atrophy in two, neoplasms in two, hydrocephalus in one patient, and cerebeller hypoplasia in one. Computerized transaxial tomography is a useful outpatient procedure for evaluation and follow-up of patients with focal seizure disorders.

Mononeuropathy multiplex as a complication of amphetamine angiitis

A patient who abused multiple drugs developed a rapidly progressive mononeuropathy multiplex, which appeared to respond to corticosteroid therapy with partial resolution. Intravenous methamphetamine had been used almost exclusively from the fourth month prior to the onset of symptoms. Biopsy material revealed a necrotizing angiitis involving medium and small sized arteries, capillaries, and venules, typical of a hypersensitivity-type angiopathy, rather than the previously reported polyarteritis nodosa-type lesions secondary to illicit drugs. The apparent response to corticosteroids suggests that these agents might be useful in the treatment of some complications of drug abuse.

Comparison of three culture media for isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a 6-year study

Among 2,648 specimens positive on culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis over a 6-year period, 82% grew on Lowenstein-Jensen medium (LJ), 79% on American Trudeau Society (ATS), and 56% on Middlebrook 7H10 (7H10). When these commercial culture media were compared in regard to the number of acid-fast bacilli seen on the original smears, LJ cultures were found to have the highest isolation rates for each smear category, and 7H10 had the lowest rates. Comparing the media from the aspect of number of mycobacterial colonies produced, LJ and ATS had the highest average colony counts, followed by 7H10. These findings were relatively constant over the 6-year period. One possible reason for the low positive rate of 7H10 was the lack of CO(2) enrichment.