cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Residues of the Rho Family GTPases Rho and Cdc42 That Specify Sensitivity to Dbl-like Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors

The Dbl-like guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Lbc oncoprotein specifically activates the small GTP-binding protein Rho in mammalian fibroblasts to induce transformation and actin stress fiber formation, whereas another Dbl-related molecule, Cdc24, stimulates guanine nucleotide exchange of the Rho family GTPase Cdc42 to elicit effects on both gene induction and actin-based cytoskeleton change in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To understand the mechanism of these functional interactions, we have taken a biochemical approach to probe the sites on Rho and Cdc42 that are involved in coupling to their respective GEFs, the Lbc and Cdc24 proteins. Point mutations in the switch II region of the small G-proteins, many of which would affect the interaction with GEF in the case of Ras, or a mutation in the switch I region that was identified as a contact site between Rab3A and Rab GEF had little effect on RhoA or Cdc42Hs with regard to the ability to interact with Lbc or Cdc24, suggesting that there exists a unique mechanism of regulation of the Rho family proteins by their GEFs. Analysis of a panel of chimeras made between RhoA and Cdc42Hs, which all maintained the ability to respond to Dbl, their mutual GEF, and to GTPase-activating protein, revealed that at least two distinct sites in each of the GTPases are required for activation by the respective GEFs. Further site-directed mutagenesis studies showed that the conserved residue Tyr32 in the putative effector region of both GTPases (numbered by Cdc42Hs) is critical for binding of the GEFs and that specific recognition for Lbc or Cdc24 is achieved at least in part through residues Lys27 of Rho and Gln116 of Cdc42. Moreover, the loss of GEF responsiveness of a RhoA mutation (D76Q) was found to be caused by the impaired GEF catalysis, not by a change in the GEF binding affinity. Together, these results indicate that multiple sites of the Rho GTPases are involved in the regulation by GEFs, contributing to GEF binding or GEF catalysis, and raise the possibility that activation of each Rho family G-protein by a specific GEF may engage in a distinct mechanism.
An atlas of forecasted molecular data. 1. Internuclear separations of main-group and transition-metal neutral gas-phase diatomic molecules in the ground state.

Needed spectroscopic data on diatomic molecules can often be found in the superb critical tables of Huber and Herzberg or in the literature published since 1979. Unfortunately, these sources apply to only a fraction of the diatomic species that can exist and so investigators have had to rely on interpolation, additivity, or ad hoc rules to estimate needed values, all of which require other information that is often lacking. This Atlas presents 1001 additional internuclear separations for use until critical tables are available to fill the needs more precisely. The Atlas was produced by mining the data from Huber and Herzberg for trends with least-squares analysis and with neural network software. There are 162 molecules about whose data Huber and Herzberg had no qualifications and whose data were employed for this work; 248 copies of data with low and high magnitudes were added to reduce the effects of frequency. Internuclear separations for 1001 species not found in Huber and Herzberg are presented, and least-squares predictions supplement some of them. The results, i.e., the Atlas, are presented as Table A, Supporting Information. The average error, based on the average of the absolute differences between the predicted values and tabulated values for the molecules having Huber and Herzberg data, is 0.074 A; if each error is expressed as a percent of the forecast to which it pertains, the average of these errors is 2.94%. There are 25 "questionable" data from Huber and Herzberg, not used in the preparation of the Atlas, for which predictions are included in the Atlas. Of these, 14 agree with the predicted internuclear separations to within twice the stated errors. Additional atlases for other properties of diatomic molecules are in preparation.
Effect of the beta spectrum on self-absorption of beta radiation from 14C.

Abstract By integration of the beta spectrum for 14 C, and application of a formula for the absorption of monoenergetic beta rays, self-absorption was calculated for thin layers of carbohydrate. The absorption coefficient was shown to increase from 0·2 at 6 mg/cm 2 to over 1·05 at near zero-thickness. Absorption rather than scattering was shown to be the prime source of error in detection at near-zero thickness. It was recommended that the thickness range of 0–0·5 mg/cm 2 be avoided in making counts by the Geiger method, or, if this is not possible, that the 0–30 keV electrons be excluded from the count.
Large in‐stream wood studies: a call for common metrics

During the past decade, research on large in-stream wood has expanded beyond North America's Pacific Northwest to diverse environments and has shifted toward increasingly holistic perspectives that incorporate processes of wood recruitment, retention, and loss at scales from channel segments to entire watersheds. Syntheses of this rapidly expanding literature can be facilitated by agreement on primary variables and methods of measurement. In this paper we address these issues by listing the variables that we consider fundamental to studies of in-stream wood, discussing the sources of variability in their measurement, and suggesting more consistency in future studies. We recommend 23 variables for all studies of in-stream wood, as well as another 12 variables that we suggest for studies with more specific objectives. Each of these variables relates either to the size and characteristics of in-stream wood, to the geomorphic features of the channel and valley, or to the ecological characteristics of the riparian zone adjacent to the study reach. The variables were derived from an overview of those cited in the literature and from our collective field experiences.
CRYOFIBRINOGENÆMIA IN WOMEN USING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Abstract Cryofibrinogenaemia was found in 25.6% out of seventy-eight women taking oral contraceptive drugs, 11.7% of sixty women using an intrauterine device, and 7.6% of sixty-six women using neither.
Increased mitochondrial cytochrome c levels and mitochondrial hyperpolarization precede camptothecin-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells

Mitochondria play a central role in apoptosis through release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases. In the present study, we showed that, in Jurkat human T cells, camptothecin-induced apoptosis is preceded by (i) an increase in cytochrome c and subunit IV of cytochrome c oxidase (COX IV) levels in mitochondria; and (ii) an elevation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta(Psi)m). These events are followed by cytochrome c release into the cytosol, cytochrome c and COX IV depletion from mitochondria, externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), disruption of Delta(Psi)m, caspase activation, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase cleavage and DNA fragmentation. The pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD.fmk blocked camptothecin-induced PS externalization, disruption of Delta(Psi)m and DNA fragmentation, suggesting that these events are mediated by caspase activation. In contrast, z-VAD did not prevent cytochrome c release, despite preventing cytochrome c and COX IV depletion from mitochondria. Together, these data suggest that mitochondrial cytochrome c and COX IV enrichment are early events preceding the onset of apoptosis and that cytochrome c release is upstream of caspase activation and loss of Delta(Psi)m. Furthermore, prevention by z-VAD of cytochrome c and COX IV depletion in mitochondria suggests the possibility that a caspase-like activity in mitochondria is involved in the proteolytic depletion of respiratory chain proteins. Activation of this activity may play an important role in drug-induced apoptosis.
A density functional study of geometry and electronic structures of [(SiO4)(MIII)2(OH)2W10O32]4−, M = Mo, Ru and Rh

Abstract The effects of redox-active M-atoms (M = Mo, Ru and Rh) of the di-d-transition-metal-substituted γ-Keggin polyoxometalates [(SiO4)(MIII)2(OH)2W10O32]4−, on the geometry and electronic structure of these species were evaluated at the density functional level. It was shown that open isomers (without two bridging OH ligands between the M centers) may coexist with closed isomers (with bridging OHs) only for M = Mo. The ground electronic state of the closed isomer of all the studied species is found to be the singlet 1A1 state in C2v symmetry, but some of the high-spin states are very close in energy. The calculated M–M distance in the ground state increases via M = Mo (2.28 A)
Somatoform Disorders and a History of Abuse Comorbidity, Dynamics, and Practice Implications

• Summary: Somatoform disorders and functional somatic syndromes are defined as the presence of physical symptoms in the absence of sufficient tissue or organ damage to account for the degree of pain or dysfunction. Many people who suffer from these disorders have a history of childhood abuse. Because these individuals may also have a number of other difficulties in living, social workers encounter such clients in diverse fields of practice. Clients who fall into the category of adult survivors of abuse with a somatoform disorder may experience certain interventions by doctors, therapists, and other helping professionals (including social workers) as repeating interactions they had with their abusers.• Findings: Adult survivors of abuse who have a somatoform disorder often have parallel experiences in terms of their abuse and their somatic symptoms: important others communicate that the abuse and the symptoms are not real, are the client’s fault, and/or that the client is over-reacting to the abuse and sy...
Interview: Diet and lifestyle changes: the road to diabetes prevention

Frank B Hu, MD, PhD, is Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health (MA, USA) and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He received his medical training at Tongji Medical University in Wuhan, China and obtained a doctoral degree in Epidemiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (IL, USA). Dr Hu is Co-director of the Program in Obesity Epidemiology and Prevention at Harvard. He also serves as Director of the Epidemiology and Genetics Core of the NIH-funded Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center. His research is mainly focused on the nutritional and genetic epidemiology of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as gene–environment interactions. Dr Hu has published more than 500 original papers and reviews and a textbook on ‘Obesity Epidemiology’. He is the recipient of an American Heart Association National Established Investigator Award and the Kelly West Award for Outstanding Achievemen...
Selective Primary Health Care: Strategies for Control of Disease in the Developing World. IV. Measles

young children yearly. Essentially all children will become infected; at least 1 %7 of those living in developing countries will die unless protected by immunization. In urban areas, peak incidence occurs in those younger than three years. The youngest and most undernourished children suffer the most severe complications and the highest risk of death. Diarrhea, malnutrition, pneumonia, and blindness associated with vitamin A deficiency are the worst complications. The infection is preventable by the timely administration of a potent vaccine. This endeavor requires a well-managed technical and administrative network that remains difficult to organize in many areas of the world. The vaccine is efficacious and has few adverse effects but must be provided to children during the short interval between loss of transplacentally acquired antibodies and the acquisition of natural infection. The improvements in heat stability of the vaccine increase the likelihood of providing potent vaccine, but a well-managed cold chain remains a prerequisite for any successful immunization program. Health education, improved management skills, publicity, and community support are all important factors for ultimately preventing the morbidity and mortality from this disease.
From bench to bedside GP IIb–IIIa inhibitors

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has now been substantiated by many studies showing that atherothrombosis plays a predominant role. This article reviews the molecular interactions in thrombosis that may serve as therapeutic targets for more effective management of these syndromes. In particular, the discovery of the fact that the glycoprotein (GP) IIb–IIIa receptor plays a central and common role in platelet-mediated thrombosis has focused the therapeutic efforts. Blockade of this receptor has emerged as a new and potent strategy for inhibition of platelet aggregation and thus of clot formation. A number of trials have now corroborated the need for such antithrombotic drugs in the management of patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS.
Controversy over the relationship between major components of sediment-trap materials and the bulk distribution coefficients of 230Th, 231Pa, and 10Be

Abstract A four-end-member mixing model is introduced to estimate the distribution coefficients of 230Th, 231Pa, and 10Be for pure end members (lithogenic clays, organic carbon, carbonates, and opal) in sediment-trap materials from three oceanic regions. Four pure end members contribute differently to the fractionation of nuclides in three regions. Contribution of organic matter to the bulk distribution coefficients cannot be ignored.
Transforming growth factor-β potentiates epidermal growth factor-induced prostaglandin E2 production in amnion cells

Abstract Primary cultures of human amnion cells and the amnion-derived cell line WISH were used to evaluate the hypothesis that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) can modulate epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Cells were preincubated for 1 hr with TGF-β (0.0001–10 ng/ml) and then incubated in the presence or absence of EGF (10 ng/ml) for 4 hrs. TGF-β alone did not stimulate PGE2 synthesis at any dose examined. However, when primary cultures of amnion cells or WISH cells were preincubated with TGF-β and then challenged with EGF, there was a potentiation of PGE2 production that was much greater than the additive values of TGF-β or EGF alone. These data suggest that EGF-induced PGE2 production by amnion cells can be modulated by low concentrations of TGF-β.
Psychology and capital litigation: Research contributions to courtroom consultation

Abstract After briefly reviewing the history of capital punishment in the United States, we describe the activities most often performed by behavioral science litigation consultants, and we review five areas of psycholegal research that courtroom consultants can call on to guide their interventions. The research literatures of most frequent use to psycholegal researchers and litigation consultants are (a) assessment of public opinion about crime and punishment, (b) the effects of death qualification during voir dire, (c) the process and effects of sentencing-phase evidence, (d) the possibility of discriminatory application of the death penalty, and (e) the effects of litigation consultation itself. Practical implications for consultants from each of these literatures are considered.
Succinylated bovine heart mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase

Cytochromec oxidase was prepared by sequential extraction of bovine heart muscle submitochondrial particles with sodium deoxycholate, followed by fractional precipitation with ammonium sulfate and chromatography on Sephadex G-75. The resulting preparation had typical absorption spectra, an activity of 1.28 sec−1 (mg protein)−1 (3 ml)−1 in deoxycholate or 4.13 sec−1 (mg protein)−1 (3 ml)−1 in 0.5% Tween 80, and a minimum molecular weight of 120,000 daltons as calculated from the heme content and the total protein. Amino acid analyses of nine preparations yielded a molecular weight per heme of 86,500 daltons. The net charge was calculated to be +8.7 at pH 7.0. Succinylation of cytochromec oxidase in the presence of 500 molar excess of succinic anhydride produced a soluble preparation having a negative charge at neutral pH. The modified enzyme was highly autoxidizable and had little or no activity toward ferrocytochromec as a substrate. Its averageS 20,w was 5.8 and its apparentD was 4.0 × 10−7 cm2 sec−1, from which a molecular weight of 126,000 daltons was calculated. This size of enzyme is considered to be that of the monomer, because the value is practically the same as the minimum molecular weight reported herein, and since it is approximately onehalf the value obtained in our laboratory (and in others) for the unmodified enzyme.
Exploration of a geometric model of data fusion

Some aspects of Data Fusion (DF) for Information Retrieval (IR) are explored using a set of data from the Fifth International Conference on Text Retrieval, TREC5. It has been observed from time to time that DF applied to a pair of systems or schemes for IR may yield results that are better than those of either participating scheme. It has been conjectured that this occurs only rarely, or occurs only when poor schemes are being combined, or occurs only for problems in which there are so few relevant documents that the results are probably due to statistical fluctuation. Based on a geometrical model of DF, we derive an equation for effective DF. This equation shows that in the ideal case the performance of a pair of IR schemes may be aproximated by a quadratic polynomial. We statistically test this assumption for TREC5 Routing data. Results of the regression analysis shows that our equation for the effect of DF is generally valid.
Online measures of basic language skills in children with early focal brain lesions.

Twenty children with early focal lesions were compared with 150 age-matched control subjects on 11 online measures of the basic skills underlying language processing, a digit span task, and 6 standardized measures. Although most of the children with brain injury scored within the normal range on the majority of the tasks, they also had a disproportionately high number of outlier scores on the reaction time tests. This evidence for a moderate impairment of the basic skills underlying language processing contrasts with other evidence suggesting that these children acquire normal control of the functional use of language. Furthermore, these children scored within the normal range on a measure of general cognitive ability, suggesting that there is no particular sparing of linguistic functions at the expense of general cognitive functions. Using the MPD procedure (Valdes-Perez & Pericliev, 1997), we found that the controls and the five clinical groups could be best distinguished with two measures of online processing (word repetition and visual number naming) and one standardized test subcomponent (the CELF Oral Directions subtest). The 12 children with left hemisphere lesions scored significantly lower than the 8 other children on the CELF-RS measure. Within the group of children with cerebral infarct, the nature of the processing disability could be linked fairly well to site of lesion. Otherwise, there was little relation between site or size of lesion and the pattern of deficit. These results support a model in which damage to the complex functional circuits subserving language leads to only minor deficits in process efficiency, because of the plasticity of developmental processes.
Msx-1 gene expression and regulation in embryonic palatal tissue

The palatal cleft seen in Msx-1 knock-out mice suggests a role for this gene in normal palate development. The cleft is presumed secondary to tooth and jaw malformations, since in situ hybridization suggests that Msx-1 mRNA is not highly expressed in developing palatal tissue. In this study we demonstrate, by Northern blot analysis, the expression of Msx-1, but not Msx-2, in the developing palate and in primary cultures of murine embryonic palate mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, we propose a role for Msx-1 in retinoic acid-induced cleft palate, since retinoic acid inhibits Msx-1 mRNA expression in palate mesenchymal cells. We also demonstrate that transforming growth factor beta inhibits Msx-1 mRNA expression in palate mesenchymal cells, with retinoic acid and transforming growth factor beta acting synergistically when added simultaneously to these cells. These data suggest a mechanistic interaction between retinoic acid, transforming growth factor beta, and Msx-1 in the etiology of retinoic acid-induced cleft palate.
Meyerhold and constructivism in the Russian theatre

(1943). Meyerhold and constructivism in the Russian theatre. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 182-187.
813-2 Mitral Valvuloplasty Combined with the Maze Procedure

Mitral valve repair is the preferred procedure of choice for mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve disease is frequently associated with atrial fibrillation. Advantages of mitral valve repair are decreased in the patient with chronic atrial fibrillation. Mitral valve repair was combined with the Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation in 12 patients from November 1991 to June 1994. The average age of the 6 men and 6 women was 56 years (42–67 years). All patients had atrial fibrillation for greater than one year. Pre-operatively 9 patients had 4+ mitral regurgitation, 2 had 3+ mitral regurgitation, and 1 patient had mitral stenosis. All patients underwent successful mitral valve repair followed by the Maze procedure. Mean cross-clamp time was 78 minutes and cardio-pulmonary bypass time was 131 minutes. There was no hospital mortality. One patient died 2.5 months after the procedure. Postoperatively 7 patients had no mitral regurgitation, 3 had 1+ and 2 had 2+ mitral regurgitation. Patients resumed normal sinus rhythm an average of 7 days (2–20) after surgery. At last follow-up 9 patients were in normal sinus rhythm, one patient underwent radio frequency ablation for focus of atrial tachycardia and one patient underwent placement of a permanent pacemaker for sick sinus syndrome. Mitral valve repair combined with the Maze procedure is a safe operation with satisfactory results.
IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF ACYL-COENZYME A:CHOLESTEROL O-ACYLTRANSFERASE IN MACROPHAGES

Macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions accumulate large amounts of cholesteryl-fatty acyl esters ("foam cell" formation) through the intracellular esterification of cholesterol by acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol O-acyltransferase (ACAT). In this study, we sought to determine the subcellular localization of ACAT in macrophages. Using mouse peritoneal macrophages and immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that a major portion of ACAT was in a dense reticular cytoplasmic network and in the nuclear membrane that colocalized with the luminal endoplasmic reticulum marker protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) and that was in a similar distribution as the membrane-bound endoplasmic reticulum marker ribophorin. Remarkably, another portion of the macrophage ACAT pattern did not overlap with PDI or ribophorin, but was found in as yet unidentified cytoplasmic structures that were juxtaposed to the nucleus. Compartments containing labeled beta-very low density lipoprotein, an atherogenic lipoprotein, did not overlap with the ACAT label, but rather were embedded in the dense reticular network of ACAT. Furthermore, cell-surface biotinylation experiments revealed that freshly harvested, non-attached macrophages, but not those attached to tissue culture dishes, contained approximately 10-15% of ACAT on the cell surface. In summary, ACAT was found in several sites in macrophages: a cytoplasmic reticular/nuclear membrane site that overlaps with PDI and ribophorin and has the characteristics of the endoplasmic reticulum, a perinuclear cytoplasmic site that does not overlap with PDI or ribophorin and may be another cytoplasmic structure or possibly a unique subcompartment of the endoplasmic reticulum, and a cell-surface site in non-attached macrophages. Understanding possible physiological differences of ACAT in these locations may reveal an important component of ACAT regulation and macrophage foam cell formation.
Pulse Propagation Effects in Optical 2D Fourier-Transform Spectroscopy: Experiment

In optical two-dimensional Fourier-transform (2DFT) spectroscopy, understanding how the spectral line shape is affected by pulse propagation in the sample is crucial for an accurate interpretation of spectra. We report an experimental study of pulse propagation effects in 2DFT spectroscopy performed in a dense atomic vapor. The spectral line shape can be dramatically distorted due to high optical density as well as the physical thickness of a sample. The spectral distortion can be partially corrected by using a reference pulse copropagating with the signal combined with appropriate data processing.
Mathematical equations as executable models of mechanical systems

Cyber-physical systems comprise digital components that directly interact with a physical environment. Specifying the behavior desired of such systems requires analytical modeling of physical phenomena. Similarly, testing them requires simulation of continuous systems. While numerous tools support later stages of developing simulation codes, there is still a large gap between analytical modeling and building running simulators. This gap significantly impedes the ability of scientists and engineers to develop novel cyber-physical systems.We propose bridging this gap by automating the mapping from analytical models to simulation codes. Focusing on mechanical systems as an important class of physical systems, we study the form of analytical models that arise in this domain, along with the process by which domain experts map them to executable codes. We show that the key steps needed to automate this mapping are 1) a light-weight analysis to partially direct equations, 2) a binding-time analysis, and 3) symbolic differentiation. In addition to producing a prototype modeling environment, we highlight some limitations in the state of the art in tool support of simulation, and suggest ways in which some of these limitations could be overcome.
Luteinizing Hormone Response to Pulsatile Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Prepubertal Heifers

The effects of 12 hourly 5-micrograms injections of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone on luteinizing hormone release, were examined in 18 prepubertal Holstein heifers at 4, 7, or 10 mo of age. During a 6-h pretreatment period, mean serum luteinizing hormone concentrations and mean number of endogenous luteinizing hormone episodes per hour were not influenced by age. The 12-h treatment regimen induced a pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone in all heifers. The magnitude, pattern, and total amount of luteinizing hormone released were not influenced by age. However, in the 4 and 10-mo-old age groups, magnitude of luteinizing hormone response to the 3rd hourly injection of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone was greater than the response to the second injection. Magnitudes of luteinizing hormone responses decreased with time after the 4th hourly injection through the 12th injection and patterns of decline appeared similar among the three age groups. The pituitary of the prepubertal dairy heifer is able to respond to an hourly pulsatile administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and this treatment regimen appears to produce a self-priming effect on luteinizing hormone release.
Inhibition of the binding and the behavioral effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) by the triazolobenzodiazepines

The abilities of 4 triazolobenzodiazepines, adinazolam, alprazolam, estazolam and triazolam, to inhibit thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor binding and to antagonize the narcoleptic effects of TRH were examined. The IC50 values for inhibition of 3H-3-methyl-His-2-TRH (MeTRH) binding ranged from 19 μM to 477 μM, and the Hill coefficient from 0.53 to 0.98. Similar ranges of values were obtained from benzodiazepines of other structural classes. Thus, the inhibition of TRH receptor binding by the triazolobenzodiazepines is similar to that produced by other types of benzodiazepines. Furthermore, the triazolobenzodiazepine, alprazolam, antagonized the narcoleptic effect of TRH. However, this action is not necessarily linked to its inhibition of TRH receptor binding since alprazolam also inhibited the narcoleptic effect of amphetamine.
Evaluation of Gas Chromatography/Matrix Isolation-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Samples

Gas chromatography/matrix isolation-infrared spectrometry (GC/MI-IR) is being applied to many analyses previously done only by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Qualitatively, the infrared spectra of matrix-isolated compounds contain much information about then structure. The information obtained from the infrared spectrum is complementary to the information obtained from mass spectrometry. The technique of GC/MI-IR should also be useful as a quantitative detector. In this study, semivolatile priority pollutant mixtures were analyzed quantitatively by GC/MI-IR. Results were compared with results obtained by GC/MS. Calibration curves were obtained on the GC/MI-IR for several semivolatile priority pollutants to measure the precision and linearity of this technique. The results indicated that GC/MI-IR, in its current form, is only suitable for semiquantitative work.
Regulation of the Cyanide-resistant Alternative Oxidase of Plant Mitochondria IDENTIFICATION OF THE CYSTEINE RESIDUE INVOLVED IN α-KETO ACID STIMULATION AND INTERSUBUNIT DISULFIDE BOND FORMATION

The cyanide-resistant alternative oxidase of plant mitochondria is a homodimeric protein whose activity can be regulated by a redox-sensitive intersubunit sulfhydryl/disulfide system and by α-keto acids. After determining that theArabidopsis alternative oxidase possesses the redox-sensitive sulfhydryl/disulfide system, site-directed mutagenesis of an Arabidopsis cDNA clone was used to individually change the two conserved Cys residues, Cys-128 and Cys-78, to Ala. Using diamide oxidation and chemical cross-linking of the protein expressed in Escherichia coli, Cys-78 was shown to be: 1) the Cys residue involved in the sulfhydryl/disulfide system; and 2) not required for subunit dimerization. The C128A mutant was stimulated by pyruvate, while the C78A mutant protein had little activity and displayed no stimulation by pyruvate. Mutating Cys-78 to Glu produced an active enzyme which was insensitive to pyruvate, consistent with α-keto acid activation occurring through a thiohemiacetal. These results indicate that Cys-78 serves as both the regulatory sulfhydryl/disulfide and the site of activation by α-keto acids. In light of these results, the previously observed effects of sulfhydryl reagents on the alternative oxidase of isolated soybean mitochondria were re-examined and were found to be in agreement with a single sulfhydryl residue being the site both of α-keto acid activation and of the regulatory sulfhydryl/disulfide system.
A phylogenetic perspective on the distribution of plant diversity

Phylogenetic studies are revealing that major ecological niches are more conserved through evolutionary history than expected, implying that adaptations to major climate changes have not readily been accomplished in all lineages. Phylogenetic niche conservatism has important consequences for the assembly of both local communities and the regional species pools from which these are drawn. If corridors for movement are available, newly emerging environments will tend to be filled by species that filter in from areas in which the relevant adaptations have already evolved, as opposed to being filled by in situ evolution of these adaptations. Examples include intercontinental disjunctions of tropical plants, the spread of plant lineages around the Northern Hemisphere after the evolution of cold tolerance, and the radiation of northern alpine plants into the Andes. These observations highlight the role of phylogenetic knowledge and historical biogeography in explanations of global biodiversity patterns. They also have implications for the future of biodiversity.
Thermostads and circulation in the upper layer of the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract There are three major permanent thermostads with roughly the same potential densities in the upper layer of the Atlantic Ocean. One is the thermostad of the 13°C Water in the equatorial Atlantic. The original type of the 13°C Water is formed in the thermocline in the eastern sector of the South Atlantic subtropical gyre by vertical mixing of dense, low-salinity water from the winter outcrop farther south and overlying less dense, high-salinity water. There might also be a lateral contribution of relatively high-salinity water from the Indian Ocean. The original 13°C Water thus formed is transported northwestward along the northern edge of the subtropical gyre and fed into the North Brazilian Current, which flows equatorward along the coast of Brazil. In the region of the equator, the Equatorial Undercurrent and the subsurface North and South Equatorial countercurrents branch off from the North Brazilian Current and carry the 13°C Water eastward to the thermostad region. Vertical mixing does not explain the development of the thermostad, but is found to be essential in determining the ultimate characteristics of the 13°C Water. The other two thermostads are those of the 18°C Water in the Sargasso Sea and the Subantarctic Mode Water in the western South Atlantic. Unlike the 13°C Water, both of these mode waters are formed as thermostads in the surface layer by winter convection, but vertical mixing in the subtropical gyres may play a role in determining their characteristics. All the three thermostads appear to be required to balance the system of flows in opposing directions.
Family Firms and Labor Relations

This paper examines the relationship between family ownership and the quality of labor relations. We find that family ownership is more prevalent in countries in which labor relations are hostile, consistent with the notion that family firms are particularly effective at coping with difficult labor relations. Our results are robust to controlling for minority shareholder protection and other potential determinants of family ownership. To address endogeneity issues, we show that, controlling for industry- and country-fixed effects, industries that are more labor dependent have relatively more family ownership in countries with worse labor relations. (JEL G32, G34, J52, J53)
Are the returns to technological change in health care declining

Whether the U.S. health care system supports too much technological change-so that new technologies of low value are adopted, or worthwhile technologies become overused-is a controversial question. This paper analyzes the marginal value of technological change for elderly heart attack patients in 1984-1990. It estimates the additional benefits and costs of treatment by hospitals that are likely to adopt new technologies first or use them most intensively. If the overall value of the additional treatments is declining, then the benefits of treatment by such intensive hospitals relative to other hospitals should decline, and the additional costs of treatment by such hospitals should rise. To account for unmeasured changes in patient mix across hospitals that might bias the results, instrumental-variables methods are used to estimate the incremental mortality benefits and costs. The results do not support the view that the returns to technological change are declining. However, the incremental value of treatment by intensive hospitals is low throughout the study period, supporting the view that new technologies are overused.
Cigarette Smoke Toxins Deposited on Surfaces: Implications for Human Health

Cigarette smoking remains a significant health threat for smokers and nonsmokers alike. Secondhand smoke (SHS) is intrinsically more toxic than directly inhaled smoke. Recently, a new threat has been discovered – Thirdhand smoke (THS) – the accumulation of SHS on surfaces that ages with time, becoming progressively more toxic. THS is a potential health threat to children, spouses of smokers and workers in environments where smoking is or has been allowed. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of THS on liver, lung, skin healing, and behavior, using an animal model exposed to THS under conditions that mimic exposure of humans. THS-exposed mice show alterations in multiple organ systems and excrete levels of NNAL (a tobacco-specific carcinogen biomarker) similar to those found in children exposed to SHS (and consequently to THS). In liver, THS leads to increased lipid levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a precursor to cirrhosis and cancer and a potential contributor to cardiovascular disease. In lung, THS stimulates excess collagen production and high levels of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting propensity for fibrosis with implications for inflammation-induced diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. In wounded skin, healing in THS-exposed mice has many characteristics of the poor healing of surgical incisions observed in human smokers. Lastly, behavioral tests show that THS-exposed mice become hyperactive. The latter data, combined with emerging associated behavioral problems in children exposed to SHS/THS, suggest that, with prolonged exposure, they may be at significant risk for developing more severe neurological disorders. These results provide a basis for studies on the toxic effects of THS in humans and inform potential regulatory policies to prevent involuntary exposure to THS.
Undergraduates' Punish-Help Judgments: The Effect of Transgressor's and Victim's Sex.

Thirty-six undergraduates were presented with four hypothetical court cases in which the negligent actions of one individual (male or female) resulted in harm to another individual (male or female). Each participant read one case from each of the four sex of transgressor— sex of victim dyads. The sex dyads associated with the cases were counterbalanced across the four nine-member groups. Following each case, the subjects were asked to (1) rate the importance of punishing the transgressor and aiding the victim, (2) allocate $1000 of tax revenues to punishing the transgressor and/or helping the victim, (3) select either punishing or helping if the available resources could be used for only one, and (4) rate how angry and how sad they thought the victim felt. Although the undergraduates generally favored helping over punishing, their ratings indicated that they perceive female victims as more emotional and as meriting more assistance than males experiencing the same misfortunes. The relation of the present findings to those of a similar study involving children is discussed.
Elevated tongue-flicking rate to cricket surface chemicals by the arthropodivorous rough green snake Opheodrys aestivus

The rough green snake Opheodrys aestivus is a dietary specialist on insects and other arthropods. In a laboratory experiment, I tested chemosensory responses to chemical cues from several taxa palatable to other snakes and two control stimuli presented on cotton swabs. The snakes tongue-flicked at significantly higher rates in response to cues from crickets than from any of the other stimuli, and none of the other potential prey types elicited more tongue-flicks than cologne, the control for response to an odorous substance irrelevant to feeding. These findings are consistent with existing data for a few other species of snakes that are prey specialists, suggesting that correlated evolution may occur between diet specialization and chemosensory responsiveness to cues from the specialized prey. Tests of additional species of prey specialists are needed to establish whether this hypothesis is correct.
Field evaluation of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Neodiprion taedae linearis

Abstract Aerial applications of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus were evaluated for control of Neodiprion taedae linearis . Based on colony size, cocoon counts, and defoliation, rates of 5 × 10 7 , 1 × 10 7 , and 5 × 10 6 PIB/ml of spray concentration were most effective in reducing sawfly populations. Sex ratio of cocoons recovered from the treated plots indicated a greater percentage of females succumbed to the virus than did males.
Experimental studies of electroosmotic flow dynamics during sample stacking for capillary electrophoresis.

Electroosmotic flow dynamics during a field-amplified sample stacking experiment have been studied experimentally using the periodic photobleaching of a dilute, neutral fluorophore added to the separation buffer. The effects of hydrodynamically injecting different sample plug lengths containing a mixture of arsenic compounds dissolved in 0.125 mM (120, 240, and 600 s) and 41.7 μM (27, 45, and 74 s) phosphate buffer with a separation buffer concentration of 12.5 mM phosphate buffer were examined. Changes in electroosmotic flow during sample stacking and separation were monitored at a rate of 1 Hz. The observed effects of increasing the sample plug length on electroosmotic flow and electrophoretic current agreed qualitatively with predictions by theoretical models presented in the literature. Electroosmotic flow changes on the order of 100% (1.6−3.3 mm/s) were observed. Broadening of the flow monitoring peaks has been used to examine parabolic flow due to the discontinuous buffer systems used for sample sta...
The effect of entrepreneurial rhetoric on microlending investment: : An examination of the warm-glow effect

Microlending provides a valuable alternative to traditional financing for entrepreneurs in impoverished countries. Drawing from theory on political rhetoric and the concept of warm-glow giving, we examine characteristics of entrepreneurial narratives that are related to how quickly entrepreneurs receive funding. Using a sample of 6051 narratives from entrepreneurs in developing countries, we demonstrate that narratives higher in language indicating blame and present concern lead to more rapid funding, while narratives higher in accomplishment, tenacity, and variety lead to slower funding. Our findings suggest that the presentation of investment profiles should be carefully managed to maximize funding likelihood.
Rickettsia-like Bacterium Associated with Pierce's Disease of Grapes

A pleomorphic bacterium was observed by electron microscopy in grape plants infected with Pierce's disease. The organism was located in xylem tissue, and its occurrence was closely associated with symptoms of Pierce's disease. The bacterium resembled a rickettsia in morphology, in its failure to grow on cell-free media, and in its sensitivity to tetracycline antibiotics.
Transplantation of CD34 human cells into mice with severe combined immunodeficiency results in functional T cells 4 weeks after transplantation.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether transplantation of fetal human CD34 + cells into mice with severe combined immunodeficiency results in functional T cells. Study Design: The cells used in this study were isolated from fetal human liver tissue obtained after elective termination of normal 18- to 24-week pregnancies. Women with medical conditions that could confound the outcome were excluded. Cells were labeled with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies that recognized CD34 or other cell surface antigens. The cells were then sorted with the use of a fluorescein-activated cell sorter. The human sorted cells were injected intraperitoneally in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency. Four groups of mice were studied: group 1, injected with 10 5 CD34 + cells (n = 17); group 2, injected with 10 5 CD34 – cells (n = 14); group 3, injected with 10 6 unsorted cells (n = 19); and group 4, sham-injected with phosphate-buffered saline solution as controls (n = 14). At 1, 2, and 4 weeks after transplantation, the peripheral blood monocytes of the study mice were analyzed for functional T cells. Aliquots of cells (10 5 ) were incubated for 48 hours with 0, 5, 10, and 20 μg of phytohemagglutinin. Thereafter the cells were treated with 1 μCi of tritiated thymidine. Subsequently the incorporation of tritiated thymidine was determined by liquid scintillation counting. Results: Cells from mice transplanted with either unsorted cells, sorted CD34 + cells, or CD34 – cells showed a response to phytohemagglutinin that varied with time and with the mitogen concentration. Even though unsorted fetal human liver cells had a maximal response at 2 weeks, this posttransplantation response was not statistically significant. CD34 + cell response to phytohemagglutinin was significant at 4 weeks after transplantation. CD34 – cells also had a peripheral blood cell response at 4 weeks after transplantation; however, this response was not statistically significant. In addition, all mice transplanted with fetal human liver cells had some functional T cells at 4 weeks; however, this response was statistically significant only for CD34 + cells. Conclusion: Transplantation of either sorted CD34 (positive or negative) cells or unsorted fetal human liver cell preparations into mice with severe combined immunodeficiency results in functional T cells. However, only the mice with transplanted CD34 + cells demonstrated a statistically significant response. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:80-6.)
Determination of brain concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Abstract A liquid Chromatographic method using electrochemical detection is described for the assay of brain concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a centrally acting serotonin agonist selective for the 5HT-1A subtype of serotonin receptors. The method is sensitive to approximately 5 ng/g concentrations. After a 1 mg/kg s.c. dose of 8-OH-DPAT in rats, its concentration in whole brain declined rapidly during the first 4 hr with a half-life of 26 min. At 30 min after a 1 mg/kg s.c. dose of 8-OH-DPAT, concentrations were approximately equal in hypothalamus, striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum and brain stem but were slightly lower in midbrain. 8-OH-DPAT disappeared from hypothalamus, midbrain and hippocampus at similar rates during the first 90 min after a 1 mg/kg s.c. dose. Concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT in whole brain were markedly higher after s.c. than after i.p. administration of 8-OH-DPAT, consistent with earlier data showing 8-OH-DPAT to be more potent when given s.c. than when given i.p. in decreasing brain concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Pretreatment with proadifen (SKF-525A), an inhibitor of microsomal drug metabolism, slightly increased brain concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT. Pindolol, which antagonized the elevation of serum corticosterone concentration by 8-OH-DPAT, did not alter brain concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT. The analytical method should be useful in correlating brain concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT with various neurochemical, behavioral or other functional effects that have been described for this compound.
Appearance of Powdery Mildew of Wheat Caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici on Pm17-Bearing Cultivars in North Carolina

Pm17 is a gene for resistance to powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) E.O. Speer f. sp. tritici. The gene was first confirmed in the wheat-rye translocation cultivar Amigo (1). In Amigo, the translocation is T1AL-1RS and the 1RS arm has the gene Pm17. In the mid-Atlantic United States, at least two widely deployed soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, McCormick (2) and Tribute (3), possess Pm17 inherited from Amigo. Before 2009, low frequencies of mostly intermediate virulence to Pm17 were detected among isolates from research plots of highly susceptible cultivars (4), but Pm17-bearing cultivars remained immune to mildew in the field. In April 2009, moderately severe powdery mildew was observed for the first time throughout plots of McCormick, Tribute, and other cultivars in both Kinston and Raleigh, NC. At Kinston, Pm17 virulence was observed at two research sites, separated by approximately 10 km, throughout plots of Amigo, McCormick, Tribute, and the hard red winter wheat ...