cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Involvement of apoptosis and interferon-gamma in murine toxoplasmosis.

Purpose A murine toxoplasmosis model has been developed that results in central nervous system (CNS) and ocular inflammation characterized by encephalitis with numerous brain tissue cysts and milder inflammation with rare tissue cysts in the eye after 4 weeks of Toxoplasma gondii infection. In this model IFN gamma and inducible nitric oxide (iNO) are protective against T. gondii infection. In this study, the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis was investigated. Methods C57BL/6 (wild-type mice), B6MRL/lpr, and B6MRL/gld (defective Fas or FasL expression, respectively) mice were infected intraperitoneally with 20 to 30 tissue cysts of the ME-49 strain of T. gondii. Mice were killed at days 0, 14, or 28 after infection. The eyes and brains were harvested for histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies. Analysis included immunostaining for Fas, FasL, Bcl-2, and Bax; in situ apoptosis detection (TUNEL assay); RT-PCR amplification for IFN gamma; and measurement of ocular nitrite levels. The control mice were naive mice of each strain that received no inoculation or injection. Results Wild-type mice appeared to constitutively express apoptotic molecules at higher levels in the eye than in the brain. Consequently, during T. gondii infection, apoptosis was greater in the eyes than in the brain. Untreated naive lpr and gld mice showed no expression of Fas and FasL, respectively. After infection, a slightly higher number of tissue cysts (lpr, 11.8 +/- 2.4; gld, 10.3 +/- 3.4) were found in the brains of the mutants than in the control animals (8.8 +/- 2.9). However, no significant differences between the number of apoptotic cells, inflammatory scores, or number of tissue cysts were noted in the eyes. IFN gamma mRNA in control mice was detected at day 28 after infection, whereas in both mutants, mRNA production occurred earlier, at day 14. Ocular nitrite levels were higher in lpr and gld mice than in wild-type mice. Conclusions No significant difference in the degree of ocular inflammation and apoptosis was detected between the wild-type and Fas or FasL mutant mice. However, there was an earlier and subjectively greater expression of IFN gamma in the brain and eye and a higher level of nitrite in the ocular tissue of mutant strains than in the wild type. Multiple factors are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis.
A Review of: “Sheila Jasanoff and Marybeth Long Martello (Eds.), Earthly Politics: Local and Global in Environmental Governance”

The relationship between global politics and local politics is prone to superficial analyses. The use of awkward terms like “glocal,” to suggest a mix of global and local considerations, or “interm...
Network structure and knowledge transfer in cluster evolution: The transformation of the Napa Valley wine region

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of interactions amongst specialists in an embryonic and emerging network.Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken was qualitative research utilising ethnographic methods of interview of key actors.Findings – Cooperative activities in the early phase of market growth facilitated information pooling crucial to the sector's growth; following industry legitimacy, there is less incentive or need for such pooling as information becomes codified. Governance structure change as a consequence of such an evolution in organizational form.Originality/value – The paper examines how tacit knowledge sharing is crucial to industry growth through informal networks, then how such knowledge is less valuable once industry legitimacy has been established. Cooperation thus becomes increasingly replaced by competition between organization and the key actors therein.
The Law Enforcement Venture: Understanding the Effects of Investment in Class Actions on Corporate Liability Exposure

Class action law enforcement involves a multi-stage sequence of options to invest (similar to financial call options) under conditions of uncertainty. This general theoretical proposition sets forth a conceptually inclusive model of the underlying incentive structure of class action law enforcement across virtually any area of economic and social activity in which the class action mechanism is used to enforce the law. Under this model, the myriad aspects of plaintiffs' attorneys' effort and performance boil down to sequential options to invest and sequential investment decisions. Against this backdrop, this Article examines the compound correlation between (i) the magnitude of plaintiffs' attorneys' incentives to invest; (ii) the level of investment made in the various stages of the class action sequence; (iii) the magnitude of corporate liability exposure for harm caused through systematic wrongful conduct; and (iv) the deterrent and remedial effects of class action law enforcement. Focusing on corporate liability exposure, the inquiry specifically examines the effect of investment on (i) the probability of detecting systematic wrongful behaviors; (ii) the probability of holding corporate defendants liable for the social cost of systematic wrongdoing; (iii) the magnitude of average damages awarded to class members compared with the average harm actually caused; and (iv) the size of the plaintiffs' class compared with the size of the victims' population. The analysis shows how the magnitude of plaintiffs' attorneys' incentives to invest and their corresponding investment decisions interact with other factors to determine the magnitude of liability exposure. While this correlation is sensitive to the economic attributes of the plaintiffs' law firm and the law enforcement context, the analysis generates unambiguous insights concerning its general properties. These insights are germane to identifying the existence of a discrete, privately- and socially-optimal level of investment in class action law enforcement. These insights also provide the intellectual foundations necessary for crafting welfare-enhancing social policy and designing effective regulatory measures that bridge the private-social divergence of incentives to invest in class action law enforcement. Possible investment-oriented regulatory measures are identified and discussed.
Concluding Remarks and Pointers

This chapter contains sections titled: Against Reductionism Neuro‐Trust and the Need for a Theoretical Model Trust, Institutions, Politics (Some Pills of Reflection) References
A Model for Quality of Life: Occupational Justice and Leisure Continuity for Nursing Home Residents

ABSTRACTOlder adults in long-term care have reduced autonomy in their daily time use including engagement in leisure occupations. Leisure is associated with enhanced physical and mental health and maintenance of identity through occupational roles. Continuity theory supports continuation of past interests, values, and activities throughout life. Older adults typically maintain previous leisure interests but frequently are deprived of these valued occupations in long-term settings. Occupational justice proposes humans want and need to be engaged in valued occupations of choice for promotion of health and life quality. Residents have a right to access valued leisure occupations to support health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for improved quality of life that incorporates continuity theory and occupational justice to support leisure engagement. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to promote access to leisure activities by identifying clients’ interests and removin...
The ABL kinase inhibitor STI571 does not affect survival of hematopoietic cells after ionizing radiation.

The c-Abl gene encodes a widely expressed tyrosine kinase that is important for development, particularly of the nervous system.[1][1] But the signaling pathways that employ c-Abl in normal cells are not well defined. Abl protein is located in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and recent studies
Potential for free radical-induced lipid peroxidation as a cause of endothelial cell injury in Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Abstract Cells infected by Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, display unusual intracellular morphological changes characterized by dilatation of the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and outer nuclear envelope. These changes are consistent with those that might be expected to occur following peroxidation of membrane lipids initiated by oxygen radical species, such as the hydroxyl radical or a variety of organic radicals. Using a fluorescent probe, we have found significantly increased levels of peroxides in human endothelial cells infected by R. rickettsii. Studies with desferrioxamine, an iron chelator effective in preventing formation of the hydroxyl radical from hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide free radical, reduced peroxide levels in infected cells to those found in uninfected cells. This observation suggests that the increased peroxides in infected cells may be lipid peroxides, degradation products of free radical attack on polyenoic fatty acids. The potential for lipid peroxidation as an important mechanism in endothelial cell injury caused by R. rickettsii is discussed.
Impaired cytoskeletal organization and membrane integrity in lens fibers of a Rho GTPase functional knockout transgenic mouse

To investigate the effects of Rho GTPase inactivation on lens fiber cell cytoskeletal and morphological integrity, a transgenic mouse model expressing C3-exoenzyme (a bacterial toxin) in a lens-specific manner was utilized. Cryosections of whole eyes from C3 transgenic mice and littermate controls were stained for F-actin with rhodamine–phalloidin or immunostained for β-catenin, aquaporin-0 or connexin-50, and confocal images were recorded. Lens fiber cell morphology was examined at both light and electron microscopic levels. To investigate the influence of Rho GTPase inactivation on the profiles of gene expression, cDNA libraries generated from transgenic and littermate control mouse lenses were screened by cDNA microarray analysis. In contrast to the wild-type lens, fiber cells of the transgenic lens were grossly swollen and disorganized, with abnormal membrane architecture. Staining of F-actin, β-catenin, aquaporin-0 and connexin-50 was reduced dramatically in the C3 transgenic lens as compared to controls. Western blot analysis and cDNA microarray analysis did not reveal any noticeable decreases in actin, β-catenin and aquaporin-0 protein levels or expression in C3 transgenic lenses, indicating that altered cytoskeletal organization in response to Rho GTPase inactivation might underlie the noted changes in staining for these proteins. Additionally, cDNA microarray analysis of C3 lens revealed altered expression (at least two-fold, compared to littermate controls) of 44 genes. These include genes encoding extracellular matrix and basement membrane proteins, cell survival and apoptotic pathways, and ion and protein transport. These data indicate that disruption of Rho GTPase function in the developing mouse lens results in abnormal cytoskeletal organization, fiber cell interactions, impaired lens fiber cell morphology and altered gene expression of cellular proteins involved in diverse functions. This work reveals that the morphological and cytoskeletal abnormalities triggered upon Rho GTPase inactivation in lens could be one of the important insults associated with cataract formation in C3 transgenic mouse lens.
Quadratic forms between euclidean spheres

We study the relationship between the dimensions of euclidean spheres which admit a nonconstant homogeneous quadratic map between them. Givenm (respectivelyn), we determine the least (respectively greatest) possible value ofn (respectivelym) for which there exists a nonconstant homogeneous quadratic mapSm→Sn.
Effects of a Water-Miscible Multiple Vitamin Preparation on Tissue Cultures.

Summary1. The effects of a commercial water-miscible multiple vitamin preparation, Vi-Penta, on mouse fibroblasts and beating heart fragments grown in tissue culture were investigated. 2. Cultures exposed to a 1:1,000 dilution of the vitamin preparation for a period of 2 weeks were markedly affected morphologically. The most distinctive changes were a notable increase in cytoplasmic granularity and a broadening of the cells. 3. The toxic agent responsible for the morphologic effects appears to be associated with the vitamin A and D fraction of the preparation. However, crystalline vitamin A and irradiated ergosterol had no abnormal effect on the cells. 4. A marked and abnormal decrease in the number of beating heart fragments occurred when Vi-Penta was present in the supernatant. 5. Vi-Penta is not unique in its morphologic and physiologic effects, since tests with a commercial water-miscible vitamin preparation from a different source gave similar abnormal effects.
Temporal patterns of diatom ingestion by larval net‐winged midges (Diptera: Blephariceridae: Blepharicera)

SUMMARY 1. Monthly patterns of diatom ingestion by Blepharicera magna and B. similans (Diptera: Blephariceridae) larvae were examined to determine whether dietary attributes fluctuate within the final-instar stadium. The two species are isolated temporally: B. magna diets were examined from October to December, and B. similans diets were examined from June to August. Each month, the diatom assemblage of larval diets was assessed and compared with that of the forage base. In addition, total diatom ingestion was estimated. 2. Larval gut samples were ordinated on the basis of relative abundance of common diatom taxa, and month‐month comparisons of larval diets were made, which revealed that (i) B. magna dietary assemblages did not vary significantly from October to December; (ii) diatom species composition of B. magna diets generally resembled that of the forage base; and (iii) B. similans dietary assemblages varied significantly from June to August, with few changes attributable to seasonality of ambient diatom flora. 3. Total diatom ingestion by B. magna was relatively stable from October to December. For B. similans, total diatom ingestion was greatest in July, when larvae were midstage of instar IV. The latter result was accompanied by increased ingestion of grazer-resistant diatom taxa (e.g. Achnanthes deflexa var. alpestris, Achnanthidium minutissimum, and Cocconeis placentula var. lineata), which can be more digestible than grazer-susceptible taxa (e.g. chain-forming Fragilaria and rosette-forming Synedra species). This result suggests demand for a large quantity of nutritionally rich food at midstage of instar IV, which could represent a period of critical growth for B. similans.
Wind driven mass transfer in interacting binary systems

Stars in close binary systems can suffer two kinds of mass change : 1) mass transfer between the stars, and 2) mass loss completely from the system. The former process occurs when one the stars fills its Roche lobe while the latter may be in the form of a stellar wind. When both of these exist together, observational estimates indicate that the mass-transfer rate and the mass-loss rate are of the same order. A simple explanation for this similarity can be found if the mass loss, by stellar wind, from the Roche filling star is the driving mechanism behind mass transfer
Effect of Gram Negative and Gram Positive Bacteria on Cytokine Expression by Cultured Intestinal Epithelial Cells: Possible Implications in Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Effect of Gram Negative and Gram Positive Bacteria on Cytokine Expression by Cultured Intestinal Epithelial Cells: Possible Implications in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
LC-MS n Analysis of Isomeric Chondroitin Sulfate Oligosaccharides Using a Chemical Derivatization Strategy

Improved methods for structural analyses of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are required to understand their functional roles in various biological processes. Major challenges in structural characterization of complex GAG oligosaccharides using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) include the accurate determination of the patterns of sulfation due to gas-phase losses of the sulfate groups upon collisional activation and inefficient on-line separation of positional sulfation isomers prior to MS/MS analyses. Here, a sequential chemical derivatization procedure including permethylation, desulfation, and acetylation was demonstrated to enable both on-line LC separation of isomeric mixtures of chondroitin sulfate (CS) oligosaccharides and accurate determination of sites of sulfation by MSn. The derivatized oligosaccharides have sulfate groups replaced with acetyl groups, which are sufficiently stable to survive MSn fragmentation and reflect the original sulfation patterns. A standard reversed-phase LC-MS system with a capillary C18 column was used for separation, and MSn experiments using collision-induced dissociation (CID) were performed. Our results indicate that the combination of this derivatization strategy and MSn methodology enables accurate identification of the sulfation isomers of CS hexasaccharides with either saturated or unsaturated nonreducing ends. Moreover, derivatized CS hexasaccharide isomer mixtures become separable by LC-MS method due to different positions of acetyl modifications.
Surgical treatment of neuroendocrine metastases to the liver: a plea for resection to increase survival.

Abstract Background Hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors have a protracted natural history and are associated with endocrinopathies. Resection is indicated for symptom control. Previous reports have suggested improvement in survival for patients undergoing debulking procedures. Study design The records of all consecutive patients undergoing resection of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors between 1977 and 1998 were reviewed. Tumors were classified according to histology, endocrine activity, and primary location. Patients lost to followup before 1 year were excluded. Followups were based on outpatient evaluations and were updated by correspondence. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate survival and recurrence curves, and the log-rank test was used for comparison. Results A total of 170 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of whom 73 were men. Mean age (±SD) was 57 (±11.5) years. Carcinoid (n = 120) and nonfunctioning islet cell tumors (n = 18) predominated; the ileum (n = 85) and the pancreas (n = 52) were the most common primary sites. Major hepatectomy (one or more lobes) was performed in 91 patients (54%). The postoperative complication rate was 14%, and two patients died (1.2%). Operation controlled symptoms in 104 of 108 patients, but the recurrence rate at 5 years was 59%. Operation decreased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels considerably, and no patient experienced carcinoid heart disease postoperatively. Recurrence rate was 84% at 5 years. Overall survival was 61% and 35% at 5 and 10 years, respectively, with no difference between carcinoid and islet cell tumors. Conclusions Hepatic resection for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors is safe and achieves symptom control in most patients. Debulking extends survival, although recurrence is expected. Hepatic resection is justified by its effects on survival and quality of life.
Where Does German Memory Lie

In the wake of Pierre Nora s enormously influential seven-volume collection Les lieux de memoire,1 historians from a number of countries have entered the race to publish surveys of national memory sites, including the Dutch,2 the Italians,3 and now even the Americans. In the last-named case, emulating Nora resulted in a chatty volume in which American historians reminisce about sites where, in the breathless words ofthe publisher, "the past comes alive for them."4 While in step with the general growth ofthe heritage industry worldwide,5 the European variant of this phenomenon is attributable in part to individual coun? tries' fears that not only globalization (read: Americanization) but also the
Expert system approach to design an automated guided vehicle

The purpose of this paper is to describe an expert system to design the base of an automated guided vehicle. The components of the expert system include: (1) A user-friendly graphic user interface, where the user can enter specifications--like the environment used, application of the robot, etc.; (2) An engine that converts the managerial requirements into technical parameters and designs the robot--initially assuming some parameters and confirming its assumptions during the course of the design; when unable to do so, it iterates with different assumptions until they are met; the code also selects various materials to be used from a corresponding database; (3) A database of various materials from their manufacturers/suppliers; (4) The output data is interfaced with a CAD engine, which generates a 3D solid model of the vehicle; and (5) A `Bill of Materials' file is generated as the output and suggestions for how to assemble them are given. The method has been tested by designing a small mobile robot. The software provides an excellent tool to develop a mobile robot based on performance specifications. Modeling helps the user understand the constraints on the design of the robot and the bill of materials--along with the vendor address, helps the user buy the components needed to assemble the robot.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Predictive value of normal dobutamine stress echocardiogram in patients with low-risk acute chest pain

Abstract Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) has been proposed as a tool for risk stratification of patients with acute chest pain (ACP). In this single-center study, we evaluated the negative predictive value of DSE in 178 patients who presented with low-risk ACP (normal or inconclusive electrocardiogram and negative markers of myocardial damage) and were discharged following a maximal DSE that did not reveal ischemia. During the follow-up (median 321 days), 2 of the 178 patients were admitted with an acute coronary syndrome and were diagnosed with obstructive coronary artery disease at angiography. In the time frame of the study, the negative predictive value of a normal and maximal DSE for an adverse cardiac event was 98.9% (95% CI: 96.0–99.8%). Thus, a normal DSE has a high negative predictive value and comprises a safe and effective tool for early risk stratification of patients who present with acute chest pain of low risk.
In-service physical education teachers: background and understanding of multicultural education

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate in-service physical education teachers' backgrounds and understanding of multicultural education. Data collection included the use of a survey questionnaire. This was given to physical education teachers who registered for a teacher's workshop at a southern university. In data analysis, a constant comparison qualitative technique was used (Goetz & LeCompte, 1984). The findings of the study revealed four themes: non-committal and non-directional orientation, acquisition of conceptual knowledge, awareness of cultural diversity through teaching and inclusive education. Other perspectives emerging from the findings are as follows: the majority of the teachers possessed little information concerning multicultural education as only a handful of them had been exposed to this kind of training in their teacher preparation programmes. Finally, the teachers expressed the need for more knowledge and experience in multicultural education in physical education.
ATOLL DEVELOPMENT AND MORPHOLOGY1

(1959). ATOLL DEVELOPMENT AND MORPHOLOGY. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 31-54.
Selective pyrolysis of paper mill sludge by using pretreatment processes to enhance the quality of bio-oil and biochar products

Paper mill sludge (PMS) is a residual biomass that is generated at paper mills in large quantities. Currently, PMS is commonly disposed in landfills, which causes environmental issues through chemical leaching and greenhouse gas production. In this research, we are exploring the potential of fast pyrolysis process for converting PMS into useful bio-oil and biochar products. We demonstrate that by subjecting PMS to a combination of acid hydrolysis and torrefaction pre-treatment processes it is possible to alter the physicochemical properties and composition of the feedstock material. Fast pyrolysis of pretreated PMS produced bio-oil with significantly higher selectivity to levoglucosenone and significantly reduced the amount of ketone, aldehyde, and organic acid components. Pretreatment of PMS with combined 4% mass fraction phosphoric acid hydrolysis and 220 °C torrefaction processed prior to fast pyrolysis resulted in a 17 times increase of relative selectivity towards levoglucosenone in bio-oil product along with a reduction of acids, ketones, and aldehydes combined from 21 % to 11 %. Biochar, produced in higher yield, has characteristics that potentially make the solid byproduct ideal for soil amendment agent or sorbent material. This work reveals a promising process system to convert PMS waste into useful bio-based products. More in-depth research is required to gather more data information for assessing the economic and sustainability aspects of the process.
Folacin and iron status of adolescents from low-income rural households (1–3)

Abstract The folacin and iron status of 179 black and white adolescents from low-income rural households was evaluated. Red blood cell folacin concentrations were less than 140 ng/ml in 45% of the subjects and 56% of the serum folacin levels were less than 6 ng/ml. Twenty-five percent of all females had low (
Kinetics of nucleotide binding to the β-subunit (AKR6A2) of the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel

The beta-subunits of the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels modulate the kinetics and the gating of Kv channels and assists in channel trafficking and membrane localization. These proteins are members of the AKR6 family. They share a common (alpha/beta)(8) barrel structural fold and avidly bind pyridine nucleotides. Low catalytic activity has been reported for these proteins. Kinetic studies with rat Kvbeta2 revealed that the chemical step is largely responsible for the rate-limitation but nucleotide exchange could also contribute to the overall rate. Herein we report our investigations on the kinetics of cofactor exchange using nucleotide-free preparations of Kvbeta2. Kinetic traces measuring quenching of Kvbeta2 fluorescence by NADP(+) were consistent with a two-step binding mechanism which includes rapid formation of a loose enzyme:cofactor complex followed by a slow conformational rearrangement to form a tight final complex. Closing of the nucleotide enfolding loop, which in the crystal structure folds over the bound cofactor, provides the structural basis for this rearrangement. The rate of the loop opening required to release the cofactor is similar for NADPH and NADP(+) (0.9 min(-1)) and is of the same order of magnitude as the rate of the chemical step estimated previously from kinetic studies with 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (0.3-0.8 min(-1), [S.M. Tipparaju, O.A. Barski, S. Srivastava, A. Bhatnagar, Catalytic mechanism and substrate specificity of the beta-subunit of the voltage-gated potassium channel, Biochemistry 47 (2008) 8840-8854]). Binding of NADPH is accompanied by a second conformational change that might be responsible for a 4-fold higher affinity observed with the reduced cofactor and the resulting difficulty in removing bound NADPH from the protein. These data provide evidence that nucleotide exchange occurs on a seconds-to-minutes time scale and set the upper limit for the maximal possible rate of catalysis by Kvbeta2. Slow cofactor exchange is consistent with the role of the beta-subunit as a metabolic sensor implicated in tonic regulation of potassium currents.
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Premature Ejaculation

ABSTRACT Introduction Until recently, premature ejaculation (PE) was believed to have a psychologic etiology requiring psychosexual therapy. Recognition of a neurobiologic component to the etiology of PE has since highlighted the need for diagnostic and management guidelines for this common sexual problem. One major medical organization—the American Urological Association (AUA)—has established such guidelines. In addition, the Second International Consultation on Sexual Dysfunctions (ICSD) in 2003 developed a set of recommendations for PE, as well as for other sexual dysfunctions. Aim To review the current guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PE. Methods The Sexual Medicine Society of North America hosted a State of the Art Conference on Premature Ejaculation on June 24–26, 2005 in collaboration with the University of South Florida. The purpose was to have an open exchange of contemporary research and clinical information on PE. There were 16 invited presenters and discussants; the group focused on several educational objectives. Main Outcome Measure Data from the AUA Guideline on the Pharmacologic Management of Premature Ejaculation and the Second ICSD. Results Both documents emphasize the importance of a sexual history in diagnosing PE, and each of these two documents recognizes that diagnosis involves a shortened intravaginal latency time as well as patient reports of poor control over ejaculation and patient distress over the condition. Conclusions Condensed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PE are presented. Once diagnosis is suspected, optimal treatment regimens should be established utilizing randomized placebo-controlled trials. Sharlip ID. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of premature ejaculation.
Attomole-Sensitivity Electrospray Source for Large-Molecule Mass Spectrometry

Full mass spectra of high resolving power are obtained from 0.2 nL sample volumes of large (> 10 kDa) nucleotides and proteins using a new electrospray ionization (ESI) system combined with Fourier transform mass spectrometry. The ESI needles are fabricated by laser-heated pulling of fused-silica tubing (5-20 microns i.d.), followed by chemical etching and surface metalization. Total analyte loaded at the instrument of 8.6 fmol and 216 amol produces signal-to-noise ratios of 400:1 and 60:1, respectively, and resolving power of > 10(5) for full mass spectra, while the total amount of material consumed is approximately 150 and 10 amol, respectively.
Resemblance for body mass index in families of obese African American and European American women

Objective: We determined the levels of resemblance in body mass index (BMI) in large samples of families selected through obese African American and European American women. Research Methods and Procedures: We examined correlations among relatives in 1185 European American and African American families ascertained through age-matched obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). A subset of 801 families were ascertained through extremely obese women (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Results: Parent-offspring and sibling correlations ranged from 0.19 to 0.15, suggesting a moderate level of heritability in both groups. Mean BMI values for female relatives were lower for European Americans than for African Americans even though probands were matched, perhaps because the European American relatives regress to a lower population mean. We found significantly higher family correlations for height in European Americans, suggesting greater environmental variability among African Americans for factors affecting growth and physical development. Discussion: Our results suggest a similar level of heritability of BMI in families of obese African American and European American women. Other genetic studies will be needed to determine the extent to which the same or different genes and environmental conditions contribute to an overall similar heritability in the two racial groups.
A proof of the sufficiency of McMullen's conditions for f-vectors of simplicial convex polytopes

Abstract The f-vector of a convex d-polytope P is the vector f(P) = (f0(P), f1(P),…, fd − 1(P)), where fj(P) is the number of j-dimensional faces of P. McMullen in 1971 proposed a characterization of the set of all f-vectors of simplicial convex d-polytopes. In 1979 the authors announced the sufficiency of the characterization and Stanley proved its necessity. We give here a proof of the sufficiency of McMullen's conditions.
Recent geologic history of lake Atitlán, a caldera lake in western Guatemala

Abstract Lake Atitlan, a caldera lake in western Guatemala, was investigated for evidence of recent volcanic and tectonic activity. No vents, faults, or folds are apparent on high-resolution seismic reflection profiles of lake sediment, representing at least 17,500 years and probably more than 35,000 years of deposition. Three post-caldera stratovolcanoes (San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan) have grown in southern parts of the caldera and two deltas have grown from the north shore of the lake. Elsewhere, the caldera is occupied by Lake Atitlan, which is more than 300 m deep and has a relatively flat floor. Refraction profiles suggest that the original floor of the caldera lies ca. 300 m below the current lake floor, but prodigious amounts of methane gas in the lake sediment attenuated seismic signals and prevented any detailed view of the original caldera floor or faults along which the floor is presumed to have collapsed. Piston cores from deep basins of Lake Atitlan record ca. 2,000 years of unusually rapid sedimentation (ca. 0.5 cm/yr). Only one thin silicic ash layer was penetrated, and it is probably from a distant source. Cores contain evidence of Mayan disturbance of the environment around the lake and, to a lesser degree, of the lake itself; they might also record episodes of increased thermal activity, each lasting several decades. Heat-flow measurements inside and just outside the caldera are high (290 and 230 mW m −2 ), suggesting hydrothermal convection and a shallow heat source. High heat flow, a geological record of post-caldera silicic eruptions, and unexplained fluctuations of lake level (episodic tumescence ofthe lake floor?) suggest that magma remains beneath Lake Atitlan and that future eruptions are possible.
Patterns of polypeptide synthesis of porcine oocytes during maturation in vitro.

Abstract Changes in the pattern of polypeptide synthesis during the in vitro maturation of the porcine oocyte have been studied by high-resolution, two-dimensional, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The findings reveal not only that pig oocytes mature in vitro , but also that they are engaged in the synthesis of a complex pattern of polypeptides throughout maturation. The results also demonstrate the presence of molecular markers, the appearance, disappearance, and significant change in intensity of which are temporally related with the sequential stages of nuclear meiotic maturation. Collectively, the evidence indicates the presence of a developmental program during oocyte maturation.
Development of an airborne excimer-based UV-DIAL for monitoring ozone and sulfur dioxide in the lower troposphere

Attention is given to an airborne UV-DIAL being developed in response to major unresolved issues concerning ozone nonattainment, the single most important air quality problem in the U.S. The system itself, its testing and characterization, and some of the principal applications of the system as an environmental monitoring tool are described. UV-DIAL will allow for the concurrent measurement of range-resolved concentrations of ozone and sulfur dioxide gases in the lower three to four kilometers of the troposphere. Achievable cell resolution will be between 50 and 200 m in the vertical and 500 and 1000 m in the horizontal; the required averaging of 'off-line' and 'on-line' signal pairs prior to the DIAL calculations to achieve acceptable SNRs will largely determine the size of these cells. Simulations conducted to examine the consequences of statistical and systematic errors on the derived gaseous pollutant concentrations and to select suitable algorithms for the detailed data processing showed that the precision of the calculated concentrations for both ozone and sulfur dioxide was generally acceptable with regard to statistical errors.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Heat-induced Elevation of Ceramide in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via de Novo Synthesis

Sphingolipid-related metabolites have been implicated as potential signaling molecules in many studies with mammalian cells as well as in some studies with yeast. Our previous work showed that sphingolipid-deficient strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are unable to resist a heat shock, indicating that sphingolipids are necessary for surviving heat stress. Recent evidence suggests that one role for the sphingolipid intermediate ceramide may be to act as a second messenger to signal accumulation of the thermoprotectant trehalose. We examine here the mechanism for generating the severalfold increase in ceramide observed during heat shock. As judged by compositional analysis and mass spectrometry, the major ceramides produced during heat shock are similar to those found in complex sphingolipids, a mixture of N-hydroxyhexacosanoyl C18 and C20 phytosphingosines. Since the most studied mechanism for ceramide generation in animal cells is via a phospholipase C-type sphingomyelin hydrolysis, we examined S. cerevisiae for an analogous enzyme. Using [3H]phytosphingosine and [3H]inositol-labeled yeast sphingolipids, a novel membrane-associated phospholipase C-type activity that generated ceramide from inositol-P-ceramide, mannosylinositol-P-ceramide, and mannose(inositol-P)2-ceramide was demonstrated. The sphingolipid head groups were concomitantly liberated with the expected stoichiometry. However, other data demonstrate that the ceramide generated during heat shock is not likely to be derived by breakdown of complex sphingolipids. For example, the water-soluble fraction of heat-shocked cells showed no increase in any of the sphingolipid head groups, which is inconsistent with complex sphingolipid hydrolysis. Rather, we find that de novo ceramide synthesis involving ceramide synthase appears to be responsible for heat-induced ceramide elevation. In support of this hypothesis, we find that the potent ceramide synthase inhibitor, australifungin, completely inhibits both the heat-induced increase in incorporation of [3H]sphinganine into ceramide as well as the heat-induced increase in ceramide as measured by mass. Thus, heat-induced ceramide most likely arises by temperature activation of the enzymes that generate ceramide precursors, activation of ceramide synthase itself, or both.
Computing the Branches, Singularity Trace, and Critical Points of Single Degree-of-Freedom, Closed-Loop Linkages

This paper considers single degree-of-freedom (DOF), closed-loop linkages with a designated input angle and one design parameter. For a fixed value of the design parameter, a linkage has input singularities, that is, turning points with respect to the input angle, which break the motion curve into branches. Motion of the linkage along each branch can be driven monotonically from the input. As the design parameter changes, the number of branches and their connections, in short the topology of the motion curve, may change at certain critical points. Allowing the design parameter to vary, the singularities form a curve called the critical curve, whose projection is the singularity trace. Many critical points are the singularities of the critical curve with respect to the design parameter. The critical points have succinct geometric interpretations as transition linkages. This paper presents a general method to compute the singularity trace and its critical points. As an example, the method is used on a Stephenson III linkage, and a range of the design parameter is found where the input angle is able to rotate more than one revolution between singularities. This characteristic is associated with critical points that appear as cusps on the singularity trace.
Persistent median artery as a cause of pronator syndrome

Pronator syndrome may be caused by a persistent median artery that passes completely through the proximal median nerve and then gives origin to a vascular leash to the flexor muscles that compresses the nerve. A "double crush" compression of the median nerve caused by persistent median artery producing first a carpal tunnel syndrome and then a pronator syndrome is described.
Pre-big-bang cosmology and circles in the cosmic microwave background

We examine the possibility that circles in the cosmic microwave background could be formed by the interaction of a gravitational wave pulse emitted in some pre-big-bang phase of the universe with the last scattering surface. We derive the expected size distribution of such circles, as well as their typical ring width and (for concentric circles) angular separation. We apply these results in particular to conformal cyclic cosmology, ekpyrotic cosmology as well as loop quantum cosmology with and without inflation in order to determine how the predicted geometric properties of these circles would vary from one model to the other, and thus, if detected, could allow us to differentiate between various pre-big-bang cosmological models. We also obtain a relation between the angular ring width and the angular radius of such circles that can be used in order to determine whether or not circles observed in the cosmic microwave background are due to energetic pre-big-bang events.
The new dimensions of human rights

Brzezinski shapes his discussion around three “new dimensions” of human rights: the protection of human rights from the arbitrary power of the state, the institutionalization of democracy, and the need to confront the potential exploitation of human individuality by science. Brzezinski predicts that the interface between ethics and science will be the new frontier of politics, and it will place on the shoulders of democratic leaders, and ultimately on all those who are concerned with human rights, the obligation to be at least part-time scientists and philosophers.
International Geophysics Committee

The CIG, to use the authorized initials after the French name, Comite International de Geophysique, held its initial and organizing session at The Hague, November 4–6, 1959. Established by the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) in conjunction with four unions (IUGG, IAU, URSI, and IUPAP), the new committee is charged with “adequately terminating the work of the IGY and IGC-1959” and with responsibilities relating to “continued international and inter-disciplinary scientific cooperation in the fields of geophysics and related sciences.” At its first meeting the CIG considered the charter of its functions, composition, and procedures as drafted by the ICSU Executive Board on the basis of suggestions by CSAGI and others. It examined the question of bringing to completion the IGY and IGC-59 endeavors, and then turned its attention to the future. Recommendations in the latter area, as well as the prospect that CIG provides a means for further international and interdisciplinary collaboration along the lines of the IGY, are perhaps of immediate interest to the scientific community. In effect, it is the successor body to ICSU's special committee for the International Geophysical Year—the CSAGI, which terminated on June 30, 1959.
A new Profenusa (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) from Red Oak, with keys to the adults and known larvae of the Nearctic species.

Members of the genus Profenusa are leaf-miners in their larval stage. Their known hosts include Betula , Quercus, and Platanus . The adult and larva of a new species damaging red oak in Maine are described. A key is given to the adults of the 6 known Nearctic species: canadensis (Marlatt), lucifex (Ross), thomsoni (Konow), platani Burks, inspirata (MacGillivray), and mainensis , new species. Larvae are known for canadensis , thomsoni , platani, and mainensis, and a key is also given for their separation.
Getting specialized: presynaptic and postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors

Dopamine (DA) signaling controls many physiological functions ranging from locomotion to hormone secretion, and plays a critical role in addiction. DA elevation, for instance in response to drugs of abuse, simultaneously activates neurons expressing different DA receptors; how responses from diverse neurons/receptors are orchestrated in the generation of behavioral and cellular outcomes, is still not completely defined. Signaling from D2 receptors (D2Rs) is a good example to illustrate this complexity. D2Rs have presynaptic and postsynaptic localization and functions, which are shared by two isoforms in vivo. Recent results from knockout mice are clarifying the role of site and D2 isoform-specific effects thereby increasing our understanding of how DA modulates neuronal physiology.
Synthesis of the first diethylenetriaminepentahydroxamic acid (DTPH) bifunctional chelating agent.

Synthesis of a new pentahydroxamic acid bifunctional chelating agent (BCA), constructed on the aminoazaalkyl core of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), is reported. Rational modifications in the structure of DTPA, which could result in an enhancement of its chelation properties, add to the collection of diagnostic and therapeutic metals bound by this chelator, and might implement significant improvements in the in vivo behavior of this compound, are described. Further improvements in the stability of the ligand−metal complexes of DTPA may improve both diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes such as tumor-to-normal tissue ratios and target-delivered radioactivity. A combination of hydroxamate functions with the azaalkyl backbone of DTPA might be a suitable approach to generate such higher stabilities. This rationale may be justified by the well-known affinity of hydroxamates against different transition metals and favorable properties of DTPA as a versatile chelator. Thus, the N4,Nα,Nα,Ne,Ne-pentakis[[...
A single gene from yeast for both nuclear and cytoplasmic polyadenylate-binding proteins: domain structure and expression.

Abstract Nuclear and cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding proteins have been purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and antisera have been used to isolate a gene that encodes them. The gene occurs in a single copy on chromosome 5 and gives rise to a unique, unspliced 2.1 kb transcript. The nuclear protein appears to be derived from the cytoplasmic one by proteolytic cleavage into 53 and 17 kd polypeptides that remain associated during isolation. DNA sequence determination reveals four tandemly arrayed 90 amino acid regions of homology that probably represent poly(A)-binding domains. A 55 residue A-rich region upstream of the initiator methionine codon in the mRNA shows an affinity for poly(A)-binding protein comparable to that of poly(A) 180–220 , raising the possibility of feedback regulation of translation.