cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a 60-kilodalton Rb-binding protein, RBP60, that allows the Rb-E2F complex to bind DNA.

Abstract Several reports have indicated that the product of the retinoblastoma gene (Rb) complexes with the transcription factor E2F. We present evidence that the DNA-binding of the Rb-E2F complex involves another cellular factor. Addition of Rb to purified preparations of E2F does not generate an Rb-E2F complex that can bind DNA, and in fact, we see an inhibition of the DNA-binding ability of E2F. On the other hand, addition of Rb to cruder preparations of E2F results in the formation of an Rb-E2F complex (E2Fr) that can bind DNA and produces a distinct complex in gel retardation assays. We have identified and purified a 60-kDa protein that allows the Rb-E2F complex to bind DNA, and we show that this 60-kDa protein exerts its effect by directly interacting with Rb.
The speech community as a social fact

Marrying Durkheim’s definition of the social fact (1895) with Gumperz’ classic framework for studying the speech community (1968), the paper argues that these concepts are crucial to the 21st century sociolinguistic enterprise. It explores the basic dimensions of variation across speech communities, illustrating their applicability to communities of several different types. These include monolingual communities where speakers have a common base in linguistic structure as well as complex multilingual communities with internal social divisions. Illustrations are drawn from the author’s research in French Canada and Papua New Guinea, and from Blanc’s (1964) study of Baghdad. Finally, the study of multilingual speech communities is linked to the understanding of how superposed linguistic knowledge is integrated across the lifespans of individual speakers and across communal groups. Even in such situations, members who do not share a language seek to communicate with each other, finding ways of doing so that respond to social opportunities and circumvent social barriers.
Mapping eye-movement patterns to the visual scene in driving: an exploratory study.

Eye movements of eight drivers were filmed as the drivers traveled on a local expressway at 50 mi. per hour. Search and scan patterns of the drivers became more compact and the center of location shifted down and to the left as the drivers became more familiar with the route. The center of the final pattern was located above the right road edge marker and slightly higher than the horizon. The task of car following appeared to induce greater visual workload as indicated by increased sampling rates of lane markers and greater visual travel distances to examine road signs and other traffic. The search and scan patterns verified that the peripheral area of the eye is used for monitoring lane position, other vehicles, and road signs so that the fovea may be directed for a closer examination when the situation demands it.
The Use of Auger Spectroscopy for the in situ Elemental Characterization of Sub-micrometer Presolar Grains

Presolar grains are small samples of stardust that can be found at low abundances in some of the most unaltered types of extraterrestrial materials. While earlier laboratory studies of stardust mainly focused on grain types that can be extracted from bulk meteorites by acid dissolution techniques, such as silicon carbide and graphite, recent analyses of presolar silicates rely on isotope imaging searches for locating these grains in situ. Since presolar silicates are generally less than a micrometer in diameter and represent at best only a few hundred ppm of their host materials (e.g., primitive meteorites or interplanetary dust particles), locating and studying these particles can be analytically challenging. Recently, we began using scanning Auger spectroscopy for the in situ elemental characterization of presolar silicate grains as a complement to NanoSIMS isotopic studies for obtaining spatially matched compositional data. Auger spectroscopy is a well-established analytical technique for elemental characterizations in the material sciences, but has not been widely used in geological applications. We discuss the application of this technique to sub-micrometer sized silicate grains and address practical issues such as sample preparation, measurement settings, spatial resolution, data processing, and elemental quantification.
Phosphorylation of the antiviral protein interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) dually regulates its endocytosis and ubiquitination.

Interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is essential for innate defense against influenza virus in mice and humans. IFITM3 localizes to endolysosomes where it prevents virus fusion, although mechanisms controlling its trafficking to this cellular compartment are not fully understood. We determined that both mouse and human IFITM3 are phosphorylated by the protein-tyrosine kinase FYN on tyrosine 20 (Tyr20) and that mouse IFITM3 is also phosphorylated on the non-conserved Tyr27. Phosphorylation led to a cellular redistribution of IFITM3, including plasma membrane accumulation. Mutation of Tyr20 caused a similar redistribution of IFITM3 and resulted in decreased antiviral activity against influenza virus, whereas Tyr27 mutation of mouse IFITM3 showed minimal effects on localization or activity. Using FYN knockout cells, we also found that IFITM3 phosphorylation is not a requirement for its antiviral activity. Together, these results indicate that Tyr20 is part of an endocytosis signal that can be blocked by phosphorylation or by mutation of this residue. Further mutagenesis narrowed this endocytosis-controlling region to four residues conforming to a YXXΦ (where X is any amino acid and Φ is Val, Leu, or Ile) endocytic motif that, when transferred to CD4, resulted in its internalization from the cell surface. Additionally, we found that phosphorylation of IFITM3 by FYN and mutagenesis of Tyr20 both resulted in decreased IFITM3 ubiquitination. Overall, these results suggest that modification of Tyr20 may serve in a cellular checkpoint controlling IFITM3 trafficking and degradation and demonstrate the complexity of posttranslational regulation of IFITM3.
MSX FORCE FIELD AND VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCIES FOR BEDT-TTF (NEUTRAL AND CATION)

BEDT-TTF is the donor of the highest Tc organic superconductors. Isotopic shift experiments support an electron−phonon coupling mechanism for the superconductivity. However, the vibrational levels have been only partially observed and assigned, making testing of this mechanism difficult. In order to provide a complete consistent description of all vibrational levels, we carried out Hartree−Fock calculations (6-31G** basis set) to obtain the Hessians and fundamental vibrational frequencies of BEDT-TTF and BEDT-TTF+. With these Hessians and available experimental frequencies, we used Hessian-biased methods to develop the MSX force fields for the neutral and cation BEDT-TTF molecules. Comparison of the calculated frequencies with the available experimental frequencies for the neutral and cation BEDT-TTF molecule shows good agreement.
Characterization of a Dominant Negative Mutant of the Cell Cycle Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme Cdc34

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC34 gene encodes a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that is required for the cell cycle G1/S transition. We show here that a dominant negative Cdc34 protein is generated by simultaneously replacing both Cys95 and Leu99 with Ser residues. Cys95 is an essential catalytic residue that forms a transient thiol ester with ubiquitin during catalysis, and Leu99 is highly conserved among all known ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. Mutants that encode either an alanine or a serine at one or both of these two positions are inactive. Of these eight mutants, overexpression of CDC34-C95S,L99S in wild type strains was found to block cell growth. Although cells overexpressing Cdc34-C95S,L99S do not exhibit the characteristic multibudded phenotype of cdc34 temperature-sensitive or null mutants, this blockade is relieved by simultaneous overexpression of wild type Cdc34. Purified Cdc34-C95S,L99S protein can be shown to inhibit in vitro ubiquitination of the Cdc34-specific substrate, Cln2 protein. We suggest that Cdc34-C95S,L99S selectively sequesters a subset of Cdc34 substrates or regulators. These findings have implications for the structure/function relationships of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, and suggest a general method for identifying components and substrates of specific ubiquitination pathways of eukaryotes.
What happens if it changes color when it moves?: Psychophysical experiments on the nature of chromatic input to motion detectors

Abstract Several lines of evidence indicate that the processing of motion by the primate visual system continues even when a moving stimulus differs from its surroundings by color alone. To illuminate the mechanisms by which our visual system uses color as a token for motion correspondence, we have developed an “apparent motion” paradigm in which red/green sine-wave gratings undergo reversal of chromatic contrast sign each time they are displaced in a particular direction. Under such conditions, correspondence based upon conservation of chromatic sign conflicts with correspondence based upon chromatically-defined borders. When these heterochromatic stimuli also possess luminance modulation, motion is always perceived in the direction in which the sign of luminance contrast is preserved. At isoluminance, however, two very different chromatic influences on motion detection are revealed. First, when stimuli undergo small spatial displacements, motion is perceived in the direction of the nearest chromatically-defined border even when the sign of chromatic contrast at that border alternates over time. Under these conditions, motion detectors apparently exploit information about image borders defined by color while sacrificing information about the colors that make up those borders. By contrast, when spatial displacement is large, motion is more apt to be perceived in the direction for which sign of chromatic contrast is preserved. In this instance, information about the polarity of chromatic contrast facilitates motion detection. These results suggest that chromatic signals contributing to motion detection are of two distinct types. This conclusion has implications for the degree of crosstalk between magnocellular and parvocellular processing streams in the primate visual system and it reinforces our understanding of how image features affect the way we see things move.
Factor domination in graphs

Abstract Given a factoring of a graph, the factor domination number γ f is the smallest number of nodes which dominate all factors. General results, mainly involving bounds on γ f for factoring of arbitrary graphs, are presented, and some of these are generalizations of well known relationships. The special case of two-factoring K p into a graph G and its complement G receives special emphasis.
The Substrate Translocation Pathway and Transport Mechanism in the Dopamine Transporter

The crystal structure of a prokaryotic homolog of the dopamine transporter (DAT), LeuT provided essential structural insights about the family of sodium symport transporters, but only limited clues regarding the molecular mechanism of substrate transport. Utilizing this structure as a template we constructed an experimentally-validated homology model for DAT, and used SMD simulations to explore the substrate translocation pathways. The substrate was first pulled from its primary binding site (S1) toward the extracellular side to evaluate the presence of a secondary binding site (S2) in DAT analogous to the one identified in LeuT (Shi et al, Mol Cell 2008). With such a site identified, a doubly occupied (substrate in S1 and S2) model was constructed and equilibrated. During this MD equilibration, the S1,S2-DAT was found to open towards the intracellular side allowing water to enter. This is accompanied by specific changes in local conformations, e.g., the rotamer of residue F1.42, and a downwards move of the dopamine in S1, which primes it for translocation. Further pulling this substrate towards the cytoplasmic side causes further inward opening, and conformational changes of specific residues that correlate with SCAM data. Thus, residues lining the transport pathway and key interaction-networks stabilizing either inward-facing or outward-facing conformations (e.g., involving Y3.35-E8.66) are revealed. Large-scale helix rearrangements involved in transition between different states are identified, such as (TM1-TM4-TM5 and TM8-TM9) moving as one group, and (TM2-TM6-TM7 and TM10-TM11) moving as another. Hinge regions involved in these movements contain conserved residues such as G/P/S/T/C that could disrupt helix rigid-body motions and are known to be necessary for maintaining dopamine uptake or efflux. Together, our findings delineate both the mechanism and the pathway for substrate translocation at a level of detail that is directly amenable to experimental validation.
Differential effects of alcoholic beverages on experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits

Abstract The effects of different alcoholic beverages on the atherogenic process were studied. Rabbits were fed a semipurified diet that was formulated to simulate the average American diet, and given red wine, ethanol (EtOH)-water, white wine, whiskey, beer, and glucose-water to drink. Red wine consumption significantly reduced aortic atherosclerosis; EtOH-water, white wine, and whiskey ingestion caused slight reductions; and beer had no effect. Incidence of atherosclerosis in the myocardial arteries correlated with the aortic data. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was greatly increased by all the alcoholic beverages except beer. Chronic EtOH ingestion was not hypertriglyceridemic. Frank hepatic lipid accumulation was noted in all groups as a result of diet, but was not enhanced by consumption of alcoholic beverages. Concentrations of hepatic lipids were similar in all groups except for cholesteryl esters, of which the controls had the greatest amount. Consumption of allcoholic beverages does not increase aortic and liver lipid deposition and affords some protection from development of atherosclerosis in this animal model.
EFFECT OF A MAGNETIC FIELD ON THE PLASMA PLUME FROM HALL THRUSTERS

An axial profile of the quasineutral plasma jet exhaust from a Hall thruster is studied. The plasma jet expansion is modeled using the sourceless steady-state hydrodynamic equations. It is considered that the plasma jet has a conical shape with a half angle of about 40°. The magnetic field surrounding the Hall thruster exit is included in the calculation. It is found that a magnetic field may significantly affect the axial profile of the plasma potential. For instance, in the case of zero magnetic field, the plasma potential is about −10 V at 1 m from the thruster exit, while in the case of a 0.1 T magnetic field, the plasma has a potential of about +25 V. Results predicted by the model are found to be in good agreement with experimental data for three different Hall thruster designs.
Building bridges, windows and cultures: Mediating mechanisms between team heterogeneity and performance in global teams

Abstract and Key Results While research on teams shows evidence that heterogeneous composition and global dispersion creates difficulties, it has yet to holistically address how to over-come those difficulties without losing the intended benefits. We describe four mechanisms to mediate the difficulties created by heterogeneous composition and global dispersion on global teams.
Privacy policy compliance for Web services

The growth of the Internet has been accompanied by the growth of Web services (e.g. e-commerce, e-health). This proliferation of Web services and the increasing regulatory and legal requirements for personal privacy have fueled the need to protect the personal privacy of Web service users. We advocate a privacy policy negotiation approach to protecting personal privacy (Yee and Korba, 2003; ). We provided semiautomated approaches for deriving personal privacy policies (Yee and Korba, 2004). However, it is evident that approaches are also needed to ensure that providers of Web services comply with the privacy policies of service users. In this paper, we examine privacy legislation to derive requirements for privacy policy compliance systems. We then propose an architecture for a privacy policy compliance system that satisfies the requirements and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our proposed architecture.
Assertiveness in children: Some research considerations

Abstract This article highlights five major areas in the field of children's assertiveness that have received insufficient attention by researchers and clinical practitioners. These areas include the nature and components of verbal and nonverbal assertiveness; cognitive and affective mediators of assertive expression; the influence of parental values, attitudes, and practices; the adaptiveness and successfulness of assertive vs. unassertive behavior; and the assessment and treatment of specific assertiveness deficits and inhibitions. A critical review of existing research and suggestions for future inquiry in each of these areas are provided.
A cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimen may be better than tacrolimus for long-term liver allograft survival in recipients transplanted for hepatitis C.

Abstract Rapid recurrence of severe hepatitis C (HCV) after liver transplantation is a major barrier to survival of the transplanted liver. While cyclosporine (CsA) in vitro has been shown to suppress HCV replication, an effect is not seen with tacrolimus (Tac). Evidence is inconsistent whether or how this translates to clinical practice. To expand the evidence on this issue, we analyzed graft survival and histological outcomes after liver transplantation for HCV hepatitis. Methods Using our longitudinal database (1991 onward) graft outcomes for all liver transplant recipients with HCV were evaluated (105 grafts in 97 patients). Severe activity, severe fibrosis, and graft survival were analyzed. All liver biopsies were scored (blinded) according to the Ludwig scale. Immunosuppression was based on prednisone and a calcineurin inhibitor (Tac n = 89, 85%; CsA n = 15, 14%). Comparisons of outcomes using CsA versus Tac therapy were done using survival analysis via the log-rank test. Results Graft survival was significantly better in the CsA group. Although there was no apparent difference in severe activity (grade 2), there was a statistically significant difference in graft survival without fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis ( P = .01) and a trend toward a difference in fibrosis-free survival ( P = 0.1). The rate of sustained response to antiviral therapy was twice as high in the CsA group, 50% versus 22% ( P = 0.16; NS). Conclusions Graft survival in liver transplant recipients with HCV may be greater with CsA-based immunosuppression. There may also be a lower rate of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis in this group.
Basal Cell Hyperplasia in the Peripheral Zone of the Prostate

Basal cell hyperplasia in the prostate is often viewed as a transition zone proliferation, related to usual, nodular glandular, and stromal hyperplasia. Basal cell hyperplasia in the prostatic peripheral zone, the most common site for development of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma, has not been previously characterized. We characterized the incidence and histomorphological attributes of basal cell hyperplasia in a series of 500 consecutive sextant needle core biopsy samples and in 26 completely embedded prostate glands from radical prostatectomy specimens. Comparative proliferation indices (by MIB-1 staining) and apoptotic indices (by TUNEL labeling) were quantitated for peripheral zone versus transition zone basal cell hyperplasia versus normal basal cells. The incidence of basal cell hyperplasia in prostate needle biopsy tissue was 10.2% (51 of 500 cases). Usual basal cell hyperplasia was detected in 8.2% of the 500 cases, and basal cell hyperplasia with prominent nucleoli, in 2.0% of cases. Basal cell hyperplasia in needle biopsy tissue was typically focal and associated with inflammation, which was usually lymphocytic, in 84% of cases. Peripheral zone basal cell hyperplasia was found in 23% of whole prostate glands. Peripheral zone basal cell hyperplasia was not observed to be in direct physical continuity with intraepithelial or invasive neoplasia. Peripheral zone and transition zone basal cell hyperplasia exhibited similar mean proliferation and apoptotic indices, at 1% and 0.07%, respectively. This proliferation index was elevated, and apoptotic index was decreased, relative to normal basal cells (P = 1 x 10(-7)). Basal cell hyperplasia in the peripheral zone is present in a significant minority of prostate needle biopsy samples and whole prostate glands. The presence of prominent nucleoli in basal cell hyperplasia may cause diagnostic concern for a neoplastic proliferation. The increase in cell number in basal cell hyperplasia appears to be due to a coordinate increase in proliferation index coupled with a diminished apoptotic index. The presence of inflammation in the majority of basal cell hyperplasia foci suggests that peripheral zone basal cell hyperplasia in untreated patients may represent a stereotyped response to injury such as that sustained because of inflammation.
Luminal adrenergic agents modulate intestinal transport.

Abstract Intestinal transport is controlled by luminal solutes, neural pathways, and paracrine or humoral agents. The current study investigated the effect of luminally administered adrenergic agents on the intestinal transport of water and electrolytes. Dogs with 25-cm jejunal Thiry-Vella loops were studied. The loops were luminally perfused with an isotonic solution containing [14C]PEG, and the fluxes of H2O, Na+, and Cl− were calculated. Each experiment consisted of three 1-hr periods: basal, luminal agent infusion, and recovery. Luminal adrenergic agents did not alter heart rate. Norepinephrine (α1 >α2 and β adrenergic agonist) and phenylephrine (α1 adrenergic agonist) caused significant absorption of water and sodium. Clonidine (α2 adrenergic agonist) and isoproterenol (β adrenergic agonist) caused significant secretion of water, sodium, and chloride. Luminally administered adrenergic agents can influence small intestinal water and electrolyte transport. Alpha1 agonists have a proabsorptive effect, while α2 and β agonists have a secretory effect. Luminally administered proabsorptive adrenergic agents may prove useful in pathologic secretory states such as diabetic diarrhea, small bowel transplantation, or diarrhea-associated endocrinopathies.
Comparative Immunogenicity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Particles and Corresponding Polypeptides in a DNA Vaccine

The immunogenicity of a plasmid DNA expression vector encoding both Gag and envelope (Env), which produced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 virus-like particles (VLP), was compared to vectors expressing Gag and Env individually, which presented the same gene products as polypeptides. Vaccination with plasmids that generated VLP showed cellular immunity comparable to that of Gag and cell-mediated or humoral responses similar to those of Env as immunization with separate vectors. These data suggest that DNA vaccines encoding separated HIV polypeptides generate immune responses similar to those generated by viral particles.
Changes in dynamical characteristics of epileptic EEG in rats using recurrence quantification analysis

In this paper, we used Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) in order to study pre-epileptic characteristics in rat's EEG recordings. Four adult rats were used to collect epileptic EEG data in an experiment of animal model of epilepsy. Three RQA measures, recurrence rate, determinism, and entropy were calculated from EEG recordings from rats. A moving average filter was used to identify the decreasing trend in pre-epileptic dynamics which will be useful early detection of seizures.
Spectral-spatial diffusion in inhomogeneously broadened systems

Most phonon-assisted spectral transfer rates across an inhomogeneously broadened line are proportional to the inverse square of the energy change. The time-dependent optical emission profile is calculated exactly for a rectangular line shape for these processes. Numerical solutions are required for other line shapes (e.g., a Gaussian as found in ruby). They are exhibited as a function of time for a variety of initial excitation energies at different positions across the optical line.
Amino Acid Neurotransmitters Assessed by Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy : Relationship to Treatment Resistance in Major Depressive Disorder

Background Significant alterations in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate levels have been previously reported in major depressive disorder (MDD); however, no studies to date have investigated associations between these amino acid neurotransmitters and treatment resistance. Methods The objective of this study was to compare occipital cortex (OCC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) GABA and glutamate+glutamine (Glx) levels measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS) in 15 medication-free treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients with those in 18 nontreatment-resistant MDD (nTRD) patients and 24 healthy volunteers (HVs). Results Levels of OCC GABA relative to voxel tissue water (W) were decreased in TRD patients compared with both HV (20.2% mean reduction; p = .001; Cohen's d = 1.3) and nTRD subjects (16.4% mean reduction; p = .007; Cohen's d = 1.4). There was a similar main effect of diagnosis for ACC GABA/W levels ( p = .047; Cohen's d = .76) with TRD patients exhibiting reduced GABA in comparison with the other two groups (22.4% to 24.5% mean reductions). Group differences in Glx/W were not significant in either brain region. Only GABA results in OCC survived correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusions Our findings corroborate previous reports of decreased GABA in MDD and provide initial evidence for a distinct neuronal amino acid profile in patients who have failed to respond to several standard antidepressants, possibly indicative of abnormal glutamate/glutamine/GABA cycling. Given interest in novel antidepressant mechanisms in TRD that selectively target amino acid neurotransmitter function, the translational relevance of these findings awaits further study.
Arsenic incorporation during MBE growth of HgCdTe

We discuss the equilibrium model of the amphoteric behavior of arsenic in HgCdTe and its applicability to material grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Suggestions are made on how to achieve active incorporation by manipulating the surface orientation, or by using precursors that provide steric hindrance.
Nuclear fission induced by radiationless transitions in the MU-mesonic atoms Th232, U235 and U238

Abstract The time distribution of fissions in Th232, U235, and U238 indueed by μ− mesons was measured with a multiplate gas-scintillation fission chamber. A significant number of prompt fissions not associated with μ− nuclear capture was observed. The results are: Nucleus Ratio of Promp fissions to fissions from nuclear capture Th232 0.064±0.022 U238 0.072±0.014 U235 0.111± The work of Mukhin et al. shows that the intensities of μ-mesic K x-rays for these elements relative to Pb are 0.85±0.0 (Th), 0.77±0.04 (U238), and 0.71±0.05 (U235). This intensity reduction is qualitatively consistent with earlier predictions that, for these elements, a direct excitation of the nucleus competes with electromagnetic radiation in the transition to the ground state of the mesic atom. Our results indicate such direct nuclear excitation. The number of fissions observed may be consistent with the results of Mukhin et al. and with photofission data, if allowance is made for the effect on the fission barrier of the μ meson in the 1S state of the mesic atom.
Improved estimator for a discretised learning routing algorithm

The use of learning automata in dynamic routing algorithms has shown promise. An improved estimator for the new scheme flow control with discretised learning (NSDL) routing algorithm is presented which provides a better profile of the network environment, to improve the performance of the NSDL scheme.
Perinatal or adult exposure to cannabinoids alters male reproductive functions in mice

Abstract Oral administration of THC or CBN at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight to pregnant and lactating female mice results in long-term effects on their male offspring, including: body weight regulation, pituitary-gonadal function, responsivity to exteroceptive stimuli from conspecifics and copulatory activity. Effects of perinatal exposure to cannabinoids on the male reproductive system did not become evident until after weaning (21 days of age). Male mice exposed to THC had reduced testes weight and elevated plasma LH levels during and after sexual maturation. In contrast, CBN-exposed males had reduced levels of testosterone (T) and LH during the prepubertal period and normal levels of these hormones after sexual maturation, although plasma FSH levels appeared reduced. In prepubertal males, production of androgen-dependent urinary pheromones, as assessed by uterine weight gain in cohabitant immature females, was not differentially affected by perinatal cannabinoid exposure. However, the pattern of body weight gain in the maturing males, the weights of the accessory reproductive organs and pituitary LH release were affected by the interaction of perinatal drug exposure and housing with an immature female. Plasma levels of T were elevated in all prepubertal males housed with an immature female for one week, whether or not the animals were previously exposed to cannabinoids. Copulatory behavior was reduced in adult males exposed to either THC or CBN during the perinatal period of sexual differentiation. Chronic treatment of adult males with 50 mg THC/kg body weight for 3 weeks increased testes weight and decresed the weights of the seminal vesicles. However, these effects were no longer evident after 7 weeks of THC treatment. The levels of copulatory activity displayed by the THC-exposed males were reduced after both 2.5 and 6 weeks of treatment. In contrast, oral administration of 50 mg/kg cannabinol for 3 weeks decreased testes and seminal vesicle weights and plasma T and LH levels. In addition, 2.5 weeks after the onset of CBN treatment, copulatory behavior was significantly suppressed. These findings indicate that both psychoactive and non-psychoactive constituents of mariuana affect pituitary-gonadal function in adult mice, and that the development of the male reproductive system is significantly altered in animals exposured to cannabinoids during critical periods of sexual differentiation. Moreover, some of the observed effects on male reproductive function and androgen-dependent behaviors may be secondary to alterations in the endocrine system produced by non-psychoactive and psychoactive components of marihuana.
The effect of diversity and spatial arrangement on biomass of agricultural cultivars and native plant species

Abstract Various spatial arrangements can be found within natural grassland plant populations and communities. In contrast, spatial arrangement diversity is typically not observed in agroecosystems. Little is known about the influence of spatial arrangement on the productivity and success of agricultural or native plants. Such information is of interest to farmers who want to increase yield and restorationists working with native ecosystems. Agricultural and native plants were planted in two-way mixtures that included combinations of cultivars, species, genera, or functional groups. Each combination was arranged as a random mixture within rows, alternating rows of the different genotypes or species, and as alternating pairs of rows. Aboveground biomass was determined for each mixture component and compared to monoculture controls. Though plot composition had the most consistent influence on aboveground biomass, spatial arrangement appeared to have some influence among agricultural cultivars. Whether native or agricultural, biomass was greater for mixtures containing both a grass and a legume.
Oxidation of isobutane over supported noble metal catalysts in a palladium membrane reactor

Abstract Pd membranes are often used to remove the H 2 produced in dehydrogenation reactions, thereby relieving the equilibrium limitations on the product yield. These processes, however, can still be limited by the slow kinetics of the dehydrogenation reaction. If O 2 is added to the system, the reaction proceeds through both the very fast oxidative dehydrogenation route as well as the dehydrogenation route. Thus, the addition of O 2 can suppress a kinetic limitation, while the removal of H 2 through the Pd membrane can alleviate the equilibrium limitation imposed on the system by the dehydrogenation route. In this study, we have examined the oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane in a Pd membrane reactor over Pt/α-Al 2 O 3 and Rh/α-Al 2 O 3 monoliths and Pt/γ-Al 2 O 3 pellets. We have examined i C 4 H 10 : O 2 ratios of 1.0 to 2.0, resulting in operating temperatures ranging from 400 to 700°C. While most of this heat is generated by the exothermicity of the reaction, some additional heating was used to boost conversions. Typical contact times ranged from 0.04 to 0.25 s. By continuously removing the H 2 produced, isobutylene yields increased. Yield improvements depended strongly on the balance of reaction time with H 2 removal time and the importance of the dehydrogenation in the overall reaction scheme.
Determination of particle size distribution from tissue using light scattering spectroscopy with small source detector separations

The ability to retrieve particle size information from back scattering reflectance with a small source-detector separation would significantly enhance the potential for development of non-invasive and minimally invasive diagnostic techniques. We present a technique for inverse determination of particle size distribution and volume fractions and validate it with polystyrene microspheres. Two of monotonic, third-degree polynomial equations were fitted from Mie theory to relate wavelength exponent 'n' and particle radii. These two equations allow us to inversely estimate the particle size from the measured 'n' value. A genetic algorithm was applied to optimize the particle size distribution and volume fraction. The experimental setup consisted of a tungsten light, CCD spectrometer with a bifurcated optical fiber for light delivery and detection. The measurement system was calibrated with a reflectance standard; different sizes and volume fractions of the suspensions were chosen for measurements. The wavelength dependence of reduced scattering coefficient was derived from the measured reflectance. Polystyrene microsphere suspensions with diameters 0.43 - 2.00 μm were characterized using the developed algorithm. The results show a good agreement between the particle size retrieved by our algorithm and manufacturer’s data, demonstrating a robust method for particle size determination using near infrared reflectance and small source-detector separation.
Electron microscopic observations of horseradish peroxidase transported from the caudoputamen to the substantia nigra in the rat: possible involvement of the agranular reticulum.

Abstract The intracellular distribution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) transported intraaxonally from the caudoputaminal complex to the substantia nigra has been examined with the electron microscope. The reciprocal axonal connections between the caudoputamen and the substantia nigra permitted observation not only of HRP transported retrogradely from axons and axon terminals in the caudoputamen to the cell bodies of origin in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, but also provided information suggesting that HRP may be transported anterogradely by neurons of the caudoputamen to their terminals, which are especially numerous in the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra. Special attention was focused on observations which might elucidate the manner in which exogenous proteins are compartmentalized and transported intracellularly. It is suggested that the agranular reticulum is involved in the retrograde transport of proteins which are pinocytosed near the axon terminal and ultimately reach lysosomes in the perikaryon. A possible anterograde movement of HRP may also involve the agranular reticulum. The implications such findings have on the use of HRP in neuroanatomical tracing techniques are also discussed.
Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion by intraluminal suture : I. Three-dimensional autoradiographic image-analysis of local cerebral glucose metabolism-blood flow interrelationships during ischemia and early recirculation

Using autoradiographic image-averaging strategies, we studied the relationship between local glucose utilization (LCMRglc) and blood flow (LCBF) in a highly reproducible model of transient (2-hour)...
A secondary electron emission correction for quantitative auger yield measurements

Abstract The Auger electron yield from the de-excitation of L 2,3 core holes of Cu is determined, in the approximation of isotropic emission, from the integral of the characteristic (elastic) Auger emission. The characteristic emission function is obtained from the secondary electron spectrum in two steps: First, the cascade background at a given Auger line is characterized accurately by the method of cascade linearization and subtracted. In the second step the resulting line is debroadened by an approximation to deconvolution debroadening. The concept of modulation stability is introduced as a criterion for credibility of the results of this analysis.
Depth adjacency in simultaneous contrast

The Gelb phenomenon, as an example of whiteness contrast, was investigated with three amounts of separation in depth between the test and induction disc. The cue of binocular disparity was used to vary the perceived depth between the discs. It was found that the magnitude of the contrast effect decreased with an increase in the perceived depth between the two discs. This change was regarded as an instance of the adjacency principle. The problem of whether the binocular disparity cue per se or perceived depth was the significant variable was discussed. The consequences of the results were considered with respect to the relation between whiteness constancy and whiteness contrast and the problem of neural localization of the contrast effect.
Sexuality and the institutionalized mentally ill

To be mentally ill is an agony; to be institutionalized is a stigma. We should do anything we can to reduce suffering. Most of us come to associate our sexuality with something negative in the process of growing up: shame, guilt, fear, embarrassment, or disgust. There are ways of reducing these sad feelings about one's sexuality. Sex education that truly answers peoples questions is a good beginning.
Congenital Longitudinal Deficiency

Radial and ulnar longitudinal deficiencies are the 2 most common types of congenital longitudinal deficiencies of the arm, with radial deficiency being 3 to 4 times more common. They are a spectrum of abnormalities, ranging from mild deficiency of the digits to complete loss of one-half the forearm, wrist, and fingers. Radial longitudinal deficiency is associated with a number of medical syndromes that require a comprehensive medical evaluation, while ulnar longitudinal deficiency (ULD) is associated with other musculoskeletal anomalies. Both conditions have a high incidence of ipsilateral thumb abnormalities. Wrist and forearm procedures, such as soft tissue distraction and centralization, are more often required in radial longitudinal deficiencies than in ULD. Elbow involvement can occur in both conditions but is more frequent and often more severe in ULD.
Study of Diffraction Tomography For Layered Backgrounds

We have implemented and tested a diffraction tomography algorithm capable of imaging areas whose velocity structure can be approximated aa a set of parallel layers. Twodimensional structures, such as faults, dipping beds, ad pinchouts, are considered to be perturbations about the onedimensional background. Within the limitations of the Born approximation, the layered diffraction tomography algorithm applies corrections to the background to show these structures. Since the subsurface in many areas has an approximately layered structure, this algorithm has the potential for being widely applicable to reservoir imaging problems. Initially, studies of synthetic data from simple models explicitly constructed as perturbations about a known layr Wu and ToksGz, 1987), which is designed to image weak scatterers embedded in a constantbackground medium. Our results for these models demonstrate that the layered diffraction tomography algorithm can image targets for which filtered backpropagation fails. The importance of the new algorithm lies in its ability to image models of realistic geological complexity. We have utilized the algorithm to image synthetic crosshole data generated for a realistic model constructed using well logs and outcrop studies from several field sites. We demonstrate the ability of the algorithm to image faults, dipping beds, and lateral velocity changes, and find that beds as thin as onequarter wavelength can be mapped using diffraction tomography.
Epistemologies in the Text of Children's Books: Native- and non-Native-authored books

An examination of artifacts provides insights into the goals, practices, and orientations of the persons and cultures who created them. Here, we analyze storybook texts, artifacts that are a part of many children's lives. We examine the stories in books targeted for 4–8-year-old children, contrasting the texts generated by Native American authors versus popular non-Native authors. We focus specifically on the implicit and explicit ‘epistemological orientations’ associated with relations between human beings and the rest of nature. Native authors were significantly more likely than non-Native authors to describe humans and the rest of nature as psychologically close and embedded in relationships. This pattern converges well with evidence from a behavioral task in which we probed Native (from urban inter-tribal and rural communities) and non-Native children's and adults' attention to ecological relations. We discuss the implications of these differences for environmental cognition and science learning.
How to stay well in Tzintzuntzan

In this paper the basic principles of humoral pathology in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan, Mexico are outlined, and related to the strategies people follow to avoid illness. It is suggested that most Latin American accounts of humoral pathology are deficient in their failure to give due weight to thermal temperature, as well as to the metaphoric qualities embodied in the 'hot-cold dichotomy'. Emphasizing preventive rather than therapeutic measures highlights a basic, usually overlooked, characteristic of humoral pathology: whereas the well-known 'principle of opposites' explains therapies, a diametrically-opposed 'principle of the avoidance of opposites' explains most behavior when people are well. Although scientific medicine is now first choice for villagers for therapy, explanation of illness continues to be based on humoral principles. Since people believe humoral principles account for what has happened to them, and since they believe that humoral precepts in prevention give them a high degree of control over their health, it is likely that humoral pathology--at least as a belief system--will flourish for a long time to come.
A real-time fluorescence method for enzymatic characterization of specialized human DNA polymerases

Specialized DNA polymerases are involved in DNA synthesis during base-excision repair and translesion synthesis across a wide range of chemically modified DNA templates. Notable features of these enzymes include low catalytic efficiency, low processivity and low fidelity. Traditionally, in vitro studies of these enzymes have utilized radiolabeled substrates and gel electrophoretic separation of products. We have developed a simple homogeneous fluorescence-based method to study the enzymology of specialized DNA polymerases in real time. The method is based on fluorescent reporter strand displacement from a tripartite substrate containing a quencher-labeled template strand, an unlabeled primer and a fluorophore-labeled reporter. With this method, we could follow the activity of human DNA polymerases beta, eta, iota and kappa under different reaction conditions, and we investigated incorporation of the aberrant nucleotide, 8-oxodGTP, as well as bypass of an abasic site or 8-oxoG DNA template lesion in different configurations. Lastly, we demonstrate that the method can be used for small molecule inhibitor discovery and characterization in highly miniaturized settings, and we report the first nanomolar inhibitors of Y-family DNA polymerases iota and eta. The fluorogenic method presented here should facilitate mechanistic and inhibitor investigations of these polymerases and is also applicable to the study of highly processive replicative polymerases.
Further studies on the nature of persistent reserpine binding: evidence for reversible and irreversible binding.

Abstract Tritium-labeled reserpine of high specific activity was injected into rats, and drug levels measured in heart, spleen, adrenal glands, and small intestine. All tissues showed a first-order reserpine decline terminating about 24–30 hr after injection. After this time there was a semi-permanent binding persisting for many days. Experiments in which high doses of unlabeled reserpine were given 18 or 30 hr after the labeled drug reveal that at the 18 hr time a portion of the drug is reversibly bound, while at the 30 hr time the drug is irreversibly bound. It is suggested that the reversibly bound phase is associated with blockade of the intraneuronal amine carrier system, while the irreversible phase is associated with prolonged alteration of the granular amine storage mechanism.
Prognostic implications of prostatespecific antigen in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer treated with high energy neutron beam therapy: Preliminary results

Abstract Serial serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were analyzed retrospectively for prognostic implications in 70 patients with locoregional (Stages B2, C, and Dl) prostate cancer who were managed with high energy neutron beam therapy. Three groups of patients were identified. Group I included 30 patients whose serum PSA level decreased to the reference range (0–4 ng/mL) following neutron therapy and remained so subsequently: 28 (93 % ) remained disease free and 2 (7 %) have failed distantly. All 30 patients (100 % ) had no evidence of locally progressive disease. This group was categorized as having a good prognosis. The mean time for serum PSA value to decline to reference range was six months; calculated mean time to achieve a stable baseline PSA was 53 ± 37 days. Follow-up period ranged from twelve to fifty-six months (median: 21 months). Group II consisted of 13 patients in whom there was an initial decrease in serum PSA to reference range followed by a subsequent increase: 6 of 13 (46 %) have no overt clinical progression of disease; 7 (54 %) have either persistent locoregional or distant metastatic disease. Follow-up period was from twelve to seventy-two months (median: 39 months). Calculated mean time to achieve stable baseline PSA for serum PSA in this group was 61 ± 21 days. Group III patients had a persistently elevated or rising serum PSA concentration. Of 27 patients in this group, only 9 (33 %) have no evidence of disease progression, while 18 patients (67%) have failed already, either locoregionally or distantly. Follow-up period ranged from twelve to sixty-nine months (median: 21 months). Mean time to achieve stable baseline of serum PSA in this cohort of patients with a poor prognosis was 108 ± 76 days. We conclude that PSA has a predictable prognostic value in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer managed with high energy neutron beam therapy. Rapid normalization of PSA after therapy indicates a good prognosis. Persistent elevation signifies either presence of persistent locoregional disease or development of distant metastases. Subsequent elevation of the serum PSA concentration after definitive therapy signals progression of prostate cancer.