cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
γ-Protocadherins Control Cortical Dendrite Arborization by Regulating the Activity of a FAK/PKC/MARCKS Signaling Pathway

The 22 γ-protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs) potentially specify thousands of distinct homophilic adhesive interactions in the brain. Neonatal lethality of mice lacking the Pcdh-γ gene cluster has, however, precluded analysis of many brain regions. Here, we use a conditional Pcdh-γ allele to restrict mutation to the cerebral cortex and find that, in contrast to other central nervous system phenotypes, loss of γ-Pcdhs in cortical neurons does not affect their survival or result in reduced synaptic density. Instead, mutant cortical neurons exhibit severely reduced dendritic arborization. Mutant cortices have aberrantly high levels of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and of phosphorylated (inactive) myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate, a PKC target that promotes arborization. Dendrite complexity can be rescued in Pcdh-γ mutant neurons by inhibiting PKC, its upstream activator phospholipase C, or the γ-Pcdh binding partner focal adhesion kinase. Our results reveal a distinct role for the γ-Pcdhs in cortical development and identify a signaling pathway through which they play this role.
High Frequency Dielectric Characteristics of Tumorous and Non-tumorous Breast Tissues

The broadband dielectric properties of tumorous and non-tumorous tissues were analyzed at the microwave, millimeter wave, and terahertz ranges. In-vitro measurements were obtained using the coaxial probe and dispersive Fourier transform spectroscopy. Both techniques were modified to yield the complex real and imaginary permittivity, absorption coefficient, and refractive index. The results reveal the characteristic signatures of breast tissues and display a significant difference in the electromagnetic response of tumorous and non-tumorous tissues.
High Frequency (139.5 GHz) Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the GTP Form of p21 ras with Selective 17O Labeling of Threonine

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy at 139.5 GHz has been used to study p21 ras complexed with Mn(II) and guanosine 5'-(beta, gamma-imidotriphosphate), an analog of GTP. The p21 sample studied was selectively labeled with [17O gamma]threonine to a final enrichment of 30%. A Mn(II)-17O hyperfine interaction was observed, but the value of the coupling constant, 0.11 +/- 0.04 mT, is the smallest such value yet reported. Ab initio calculations indicate that this value is consistent with direct coordination of the threonine hydroxyl group and provide an estimate for the Mn(II)-17O bond length of 2.7 A. The measured hyperfine coupling constant and associated bond length starkly contrast with typical values for Mn(II)-17O coordination complexes, namely, approximately 0.25 mT and approximately 2.2 A, respectively. This contrast underscores the peculiar weakness of this Mn(II)-O interaction in p21 and persuasively argues that the nucleotide-induced conformational change, which is known to encompass the region of p21 involving Thr35, is not driven by Mn(II) coordination of the Thr35 hydroxyl group.
Potential Competition, Actual Competition, and Economic Welfare

Though the origins of anti-trust legislation, at least in the United States, undoubtedly lie in late nineteenth century Populist sentiments, its current intellectual foundations rest on modern welfare economics. These intellectual foundations provide more than just rhetoric, as courts have increasingly relied on the testimony of economists to interpret and reinterpret the inevitably vague language of the legislation. The reliance on modern welfare economics is somewhat paradoxical. For the assumptions underlying the Fundamental Theorem of Welfare Economics are peculiarly ill-suited to deal with competition in the central area to which anti-trust is applied - the industrial sectors of modern economies. These sectors are characterized by important non-convexities, which admittedly present inherent problems for competition. The competition that does take place is as likely to take the form of product and R&D competition, rather than price competition. Product competition plays no role in the conventional welfare paradigm, which assumes a complete set of commodities.’ And it is not that Arrow and Debreu simply forgot to include technical change in their formulations: the natural assumptions underlying the analysis of the production, marketing, and utilization of knowledge are basically inconsistent with those underlying the Arrow Debreu model.’ ‘Invited paper. European Economic Association meetings, Copenhagen, August, 1987. Financtal support from the National Science Foundation and the Hoover Institution is gratefully acknowledged. ‘The presence of non-convexittes in production is central in explaining why only a ftnite subset of the set of possible commodities is in fact produced, ‘Techmcal change is characterized by non-convexities in its production [Radner and Stiglitz (1984)]. If technology exhibits. say, constant returns to scale at a fixed technology, when inputs devoted to R&D are included. it exhibits non-convexities. The value or information may increuse with the scale of production. While conventional theory focuses on markets for homogeneous commodities. each piece of new knowledge must be dinerent from previously produced knowledge. Knowledge has many of the properties of public goods, it being both dificult and undesirable to exclude. Markets for knowledge are, at best, imperfect, and, as we have argued
Sublethal effects of pentachlorophenol and hypoxia on rates of arginine kinase flux in red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) as measured by 31P magnetization saturation transfer NMR

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to be a sensitive technique in assessing biochemical effects of sublethal toxicant exposure in live, intact marine organisms. This study builds upon previous work using 31P NMR magnetization saturation transfer techniques to determine rates of exchange through the arginine kinase (AK) reaction. The objective of this study is to compare rates of AK flux during exposure of red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) to pentachlorophenol (PCP; an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation) or hypoxia. Utilizing a teflon and silicon flow-through exposure system, pseudo-first-order rate constants are determined for the ATP-forming direction of the AK reaction during 2-h exposure and 6-h recovery of abalone to 1.2 ppm PCP, or hypoxia by the cessation of water flow. Preliminary results show that AK rates increase during hypoxia, peaking in the first hour of resumed water flow, indicating an increased metabolic demand for ATP production through phosphoarginine hydrolysis during hypoxia and the initial stages of recovery. In contrast, AK flux rates remain low during PCP exposure and several hours into the recovery period, even though the toxic responses, i.e. changes in inorganic phosphate and phosphoarginine concentration, are similar for both exposure regimes. These results provide supporting evidence for a recently described new mechanism of action of PCP by AK inhibition. This study demonstrates a sensitive new method for evaluating sublethal effects of toxicants on a vital biochemical marker in intact marine organisms.
Forest liming increases forest floor carbon and nitrogen stocks in a mixed hardwood forest

In acid-impacted forests, decreased soil pH and calcium (Ca) availability have the potential to influence biotic and abiotic controls on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. We investigated the effects of liming on above- and belowground C and N pools and fluxes 19 years after lime addition to the Woods Lake Watershed, Adirondack Park, New York, USA. Soil pH and exchangeable Ca remained elevated in the forest floor and upper mineral soil of limed areas. Forest floor C and N stocks were significantly larger in limed plots (68 vs. 31 Mg C/ha, and 3.0 vs. 1.5 Mg N/ha), resulting from a larger mass of Oa material. Liming reduced soil basal respiration rates by 17% and 43% in the Oe and Oa horizons, respectively. Net N mineralization was significantly lower in the limed soils for both forest floor horizons. Additional measurements of forest floor depth outside of our study plots, but within the treatment and control subcatchments also showed a deeper forest floor in limed areas; however, the mean depth of limed forest floor was 5 cm shallower than that observed in our study plots. Using a differential equation model of forest floor C dynamics, we found that liming effects on C fluxes measured within our study plots could explain the small observed increase in the Oe C stock but were not large enough to explain the increase in the Oa. Our catchment-wide assessment of forest floor depth, however, indicates that our plot analysis may be an overestimate of ecosystem-scale C and N stocks. Our results suggest that the mechanisms identified in our study, primarily liming-induced reduction in decomposition rates, may account for much of the observed increase in forest floor C. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding of the effects of liming in hardwood forests, and the long-term impacts of acid deposition on forest C and N uptake and retention.
The Influence of Cognitive Impairment and Psychiatric Symptoms on Daily Functioning in Nursing Facilities: A Longitudinal Study

The influence of psychiatric symptoms and cognitive status on daily living skills was explored among persons with dementia residing in skilled nursing facilities. Psychiatric symptoms were examined in three domains: 1) depression, 2) psychosis, and 3) behavioral disturbances. Twenty-eight subjects were followed for a 1-year duration in rural nursing facilities. The relationship between psychiatric symptoms, cognition, and daily living skills was assessed using correlation and regression analyses. Over a one-year period, cognitive and functional impairment progressed significantly. In contrast, psychiatric symptoms across all three domains did not necessarily persist or increase. Deterioration in cognitive function was significantly correlated with reduced functional status both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Among psychiatric symptoms, only behavioral disturbances were significantly associated with functional impairment cross-sectionally. Cognitive decline and loss of social functioning may constitute the greatest source of disability among persons in nursing facilities. Furthermore, both impairments increase over time in contrast to psychiatric symptoms, which appear to have a more variable course. These findings may have implications for treatment interventions that seek to enhance functioning in the skilled nursing setting.
The case report. I. Guidelines for preparation

Abstract A case report, if prepared properly, is a valuable educational device to describe an unusual clinical syndrome, association, reaction, or treatment. If a case advances basic understanding of a disorder, increases clinical skill, or suggests useful research, it is worthy of publication. Conciseness is paramount. The description of the case should contain only pertinent positive and negative findings. Irrelevant material or excessive detail can obscure the essence of a report and repel editors and readers. The discussion should emphasize the salient features of the case, show their relation to previous knowledge, interpret their significance, draw conclusions or generalizations about future cases when warranted by the evidence presented, or suggest further possible studies. Information withheld by the patient and unjustified speculation can nullify the value of a case report. Illustrations add visual appeal and enhance the educational value of a report. Tables and graphs should reduce any statistical data to readily interpretable form. All visual supplements should be simple, compact, and self-contained. Appropriate documentation is desirable, but only essential citations need be included, and the author should have carefully reviewed and verified all references used. Begin with a clear title and end with an informative Summary . A useful case report is factual, concise, logically organized, clearly presented, and readable. The three primary principles to remember: (1) Make sure the case warrants publication. (2) Include only pertinent information. (3) Be concise.
Precise Satellite Orbit Determination And Gravity Recovery With The Global Positioning Systek

The Global Positioning System will be used for differential positioning of low earth orbiting satellites with unprecedented accuracies. This in turn will lead to major improvements in ocean circulation information obtained from altimetric missions and in the geopotential model obtained from gravity missions.
A combined robotic/universal force sensor approach to determine in situ forces of knee ligaments.

We developed a system that uses a 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) robotic manipulator combined with a 6-DOF force-moment sensor and a control system. The system is used to find and record the passive knee flexion path for controlling the knee flexion positions. It is also used to strain a knee structure by finding a multiple-DOF path in response to specific joint loading, e.g. anterior-posterior tibial force application. It is additionally used to measure in-situ forces in ligaments by recording differences in forces and moments when repeating a prerecorded path, both before and after removal of the ligament of interest. Example applications are included in the study.
Virtual prototype method used in design of electronic circuitry for CDF

The use of powerful CAE/CAD tools allows designers to substantially reduce development time and costs of complex electronic circuitry such as 9U VME Boards used in the CDF experiment. We describe a method implemented to design and fully simulate circuit boards used in the CDF experiment's Level 1, Level 2, and Silicon Tracker (SVT) trigger, considering both the functional and the signal integrity issues. Integrating Synopsys and Altera CAD tools in a Mentor Graphics design environment permits an accurate connector-to-connector or even multi-board functional simulation, which includes the placement and layout effects. This method of evaluating the whole circuit board in a comprehensive simulation process has greatly reduced design and implementation time.
Dimensionality of Creativity

For 239 college students positive correlations of low to moderate magnitude were obtained among indices of creativity in fine arts, crafts, performing arts, math-science, literature, and music. Mor...
Small-sample inference in rational expectations models with persistent data☆

Abstract This paper shows that, in rational expectations (REs) models, accurate small-sample inference in the presence of persistent variables can be explicitly derived using the mapping between the rational expectations hypothesis (REH) restrictions and the parameters on the stationary and persistent variables. An application to the New Keynesian Phillips curve (NKPC) demonstrates that the persistence in the data leads to large size distortion and power loss of commonly-used tests.
Nanocrystal superlattice imaging by atomic force microscopy

Applicability of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for structural characterization of nanocrystal superlattices is demonstrated on high-resolution imaging of superlattices formed by thiol stabilized gold nanoparticles on carbon coated and hydrophobic supports. Thin (<1nm) uniform coating of the samples with metal film before imaging was found to eliminate the undesirable effects of tip-sample interaction. Size and interparticle spacing are in excellent agreement with transmission electron microscopy results. AFM can be used as a complementary technique for nanocrystal superlattice structural characterization providing possibilities for crystal growth investigation on a variety of supports of practical interest and high resolution of the surface structure of superlattice structures.
Very early acute myocardial infarct treated with streptokinase and balloon angioplasty.

A 57-year-old man developed anginalike chest pain for the first time but there was no objective evidence of an infarct (i.e., EKG and serum enzymes were normal). After 12 days the pain increased, but EKG and serum enzymes remained normal ("preinfarct," crescendo, unstable, or accelerated angina). At this time a cardiac catheterization showed 90% occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. On the 17th day after the onset of pain, severe pain recurred together with an abnormal EKG and the patient was taken immediately to the laboratory where a total occlusion of the LAD was now found and he was treated with intracoronary streptokinase. The artery remained open for only a short time, and balloon angioplasty was performed. However, the patient died 12 hours after onset of the last episode of severe pain. A very early acute myocardial infarct was diagnosed at autopsy together with severe coronary atherosclerosis especially of the LAD which had disruption of atherosclerotic plaques and microscopic evidence of embolization.
Regional scale analysis of denitrification in north temperate forest soils

Large scale analyses of biogeochemical processes are necessary for understanding anthropogenic effects on global climate and environmental quality. Regional scale estimates of denitrification from forest soils in southern lower Michigan USA were produced by stratifying the region into landscape experimental units using soil texture and natural drainage classes, and extrapolating data to larger areas using a geographic information system (GIS). Previous landscape-scale research established relationships between soil texture and drainage and denitrification and quantified annual denitrification N loss in nine soil texture/drainage groups. All forest soils within the region (64 series) were assigned to one of these nine groups based on their texture and drainage characteristics and were assigned an annual denitrification N loss value. A regional estimate of denitrification was produced by multiplying the areal extent of each of the nine soil groups by their annual denitrification N loss value. Loam-textured soils underlie 47% of the regional forest and accounted for 73% of the forest denitrification. Sandy soils were found under 44% of the regional forest but produced only 5% of the regional denitrification. Clay loam soils underlie 9% of the regional forest and produced 22% of the denitrification. Annual denitrification N loss for the region was estimated as 1.4×107 kg N/yr. We used denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) as a proxy for annual denitrification N loss to determine if the relationship between denitrification and soil texture and natural drainage that we observed at the landscape scale held up at the regional scale. DEA was measured in 22 soils across the region and was strongly related to soil texture and natural drainage (r2=0.61), suggesting that extrapolation of data from the landscape to the regional scale was justified.
Should U. S. use occupancy tax

Authorities cite pros and cons, discuss problems involved in a change in the basis of assessing real estate from a capital to a rental basis ae used in England and Wales.
Comparison of the properties of rare variants of α1-proteinase inhibitor expressed in COS-1 cells and assessment of their potential as risk factors in human disease

Abstract Among the more than 75 known variants of α 1 -proteinase inhibitor, a sub-population of rare, point mutations causing single amino acid replacements have been identified and classified as “at risk” alleles for development of pulmonary disease. In most cases, it is not clear how the amino acid replacements typical of these variants change the properties of the inhibitor to increase risk of disease in the affected individuals. To begin to address this question, we mutagenized a wild type α 1 -proteinase inhibitor cDNA to encode a panel of eight different point mutants reported to be associated with increased risk for development of pulmonary disease. These variants were then expressed in COS-l cells transiently transfected with plasmids containing the altered cDNAs. The effects of the mutations on the rates of secretion, cellular location, intracellular degradation, activity, stability, and tendency to aggregate were determined. Results of these studies show that, in some cases, the mutations affect the rate of secretion, the activity or both of these properties of α 1 -proteinase inhibitor in a manner consistent with its designation as an “at-risk” allele. In other cases, the mutations do not significantly change the properties of the inhibitor, suggesting that these may be normal variants and that their expression may not increase the risk of disease.
Planting roots in foreign soil? – Immigrant place meanings in an urban park

Abstract This paper explores the place-based meanings of an urban public space, MacArthur Park, in a Latino and immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis revealed a broad range of park experiences that were both positive and negative and produced meanings that were individual, social, cultural, and political. The study found that MacArthur Park affirms traditional national, cultural, and ethnic identities for immigrants and supports their construction of a new, translocal and Central American identity in Los Angeles. Although the study found that the park also serves as a restorative, entertaining, and social space for park goers, these positive experiences were accompanied by negative experiences and meanings of the park related to maintenance and crime and conflicts associated with inequality and access, confirming the importance of considering the full range of social, cultural, and political meanings associated with place.
Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas metastatic to the mandible.

I t is generally agreed today that metastatic tumors of the jaw occur more frequently than was formerly believed. These lesions are of great clinical importance, since their appearance in the jaw may be the first indication of an undiscovered malignancy which might exist in an unknown and distant primary site. This was true in the case that is being reported here. Among the carcinomas that have been known to metastasize to the jaws, the more common primary sites have been the breast, prostate, kidney, lung, thyroid gland, and gastrointestinal tract. The primary site of the tumor being reported here was the pancreas. Anderson1 states that only 2 per cent of all carcinomas are found in the pancreas, with the majority of these occurring in the head of the organ. Carcinoma of the tail of the pancreas is less commonly found. Clinically, carcinoma of the pancreas head is usually associated with obstruction of the common bile duct, accompanied by painless and ever-deepening jaundice, wasting, weakness, and clay-colored stools. Carcinoma of the tail of the pancreas usually is not accompanied by these symptoms. However, it is associated with earlier and more widespread extension and metastasis. Also, widespread venous thrombosis, especially of the lower extremities, and dccpseated pain may bc found in these cases2, 3
An operator approach to functional sensitivity analysis in reactive molecular scattering

The effect of infinitesimal functional variations in a scattering potential on reactive transition amplitudes is studied. A formalism is derived for the functional sensitivity coefficients, i.e., the functional derivatives of the reactive transition amplitudes with respect to the variation of a potential. The resultant coefficients provide a means to access the significance of any region of the potential surface upon the scattering cross section. The formal theory is presented for reactive scattering with variations allowed in the internal Hamiltonian as well as the scattering potential. Both local and nonlocal Hamiltonians are treated. A clear relationship is shown to exist between the structure of the scattering wave function and the regions of significance in the Hamiltonian. The application of the formalism to one‐dimensional barrier penetration and reactive scattering of collinear H+H2 shows that the most important region of the potential for the tunneling is the classical turning point region while ...
Deep shadows in a shallow box

We present a fast, low-cost technique to gather high-contrast 'relightable' photographs of desktop-sized objects. Instead of an elaborate light stage, we follow Mohan et al.; we place the object and a digitally steered spotlight inside a white cardboard box, aim the spotlight at the box interior, and move the spot to light the object from N repeatable lighting directions. However, strong ambient lighting from box interreflections causes 'shallow' shadows and reduces contrasts in all basis images. We show how to remove this ambient lighting computationally from the N images, by measuring an N ×N matrix of coupling factors between lighting directions using a mirrorsphere light probe. This linear method, suitable for any light stage, creates physically accurate 'deep shadow' basis images, yet imposes only a modest noise penalty, and does not require external light metering or illumination angle measurements. Results from our demonstration system support these claims.
Dostoevskij’s guide to spiritual epiphany in The Brothers Karamazov

The essay examines the three main epiphanic experiences in The Brothers Karamazov and shows how Dostoevskij’s treatment of these experiences may offer a guide to spiritual renewal. The three experiences are Alesha’s vision of the resurrected Zosima and transfigured Christ, Dmitrij’s vision of the suffering babe, and Ivan’s vision of the devil (which serves as a counter example to the first two). By examining the content of each of these visions, as well as the parallels and variations in the scenes leading up to these visions, this essay seeks to explore Dostoevskij’s understanding of transformational revelatory experience.
Functional analysis of voice using simultaneous high-speed imaging and acoustic recordings.

Summary We present a comprehensive, functional analysis of clinical voice data derived from both high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) of the larynx and simultaneously acquired acoustic recordings. The goals of this study are to: (1) correlate dynamic characteristics of the vocal folds derived from direct laryngeal imaging with indirectly acquired acoustic measurements; (2) define the advantages of using a combined imaging/acoustic approach for the analysis of voice condition; and (3) identify new quantitative measures to evaluate the regularity of the vocal fold vibration and the complexity of the vocal output—these measures will be key to successful diagnosis of vocal abnormalities. Image- and acoustic-based analyses are performed using an analytic phase plot approach previously introduced by our group (referred to as ‘Nyquist’ plot). Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectral analyses are performed on the same data for a comparison. Clinical HSDI and acoustic recordings from subjects having normal and specific voice pathologies, including muscular tension dysphonia (MTD) and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) were analyzed using the Nyquist plot approach. The results of these analyses show that a combined imaging/acoustic analysis approach provides better characterization of the vibratory behavior of the vocal folds as it correlates with vocal output and pathology.
Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century

A brilliant state-of-the-art report on how the landmark theory of multiple intelligences is radically changing our understanding of education and human development. . Since its original description in Frames of Mind (1983, 1993), the theory of multiple intelligences has taken its place as one of the seminal ideas of the twentieth century. Further explicated in Gardners 1993 book, Multiple Intelligences, these ideas continue to attract attention and generate controversy all over the world. Now, in Intelligence Reframed, Gardner provides a much-needed state of the art report on the theory. He describes how it has evolved and been revised. He introduces two new intelligences, and argues that the concept of intelligence should be broadened, but not so much that it includes every human faculty and value. In addition, he offers practical guidance on the educational uses of the theory, and responds in lively dialogue to the critiques leveled against it. Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner has been acclaimed as the most influential educational theorist since John Dewey. His ideas about intelligence and creativity - explicated in such bestselling books as Frames of Mind and Multiple Intelligences (over 200,000 copies in print combined) - have revolutionized our thinking. In his groundbreaking 1983 book Frames of Mind , Howard Gardner first introduced the theory of multiple intelligences, which posits that intelligence is more than a single property of the human mind. That theory has become widely accepted as one of the seminal ideas of the twentieth century and continues to attract attention all over the world. Now in Intelligence Reframed , Gardner provides a much-needed report on the theory, its evolution and revisions. He offers practical guidance on the educational uses of the theory and responds to the critiques leveled against him. He also introduces two new intelligences (existential intelligence and naturalist intelligence) and argues that the concept of intelligence should be broadened, but not so absurdly that it includes every human virtue and value. Ultimately, argues Gardner, possessing a basic set of seven or eight intelligences is not only a unique trademark of the human species, but also perhaps even a working definition of the species. Gardner also offers provocative ideas about creativity, leadership, and moral excellence, and speculates about the relationship between multiple intelligences and the world of work in the future.
Diagnosis of epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum by computed tomography

Epiphrenic diverticulum is typically demonstrated by computed tomography examination as a thin walled, air or air-fluid filled structure communicating with the esophagus. However, those not associated with a distal esophageal obstruction (stricture, achalasia) may remain contracted in resting state and thus may not be visible. Occasionally the diverticulum may have to be differentiated from mediastinal abscess or tumors and even hiatus hernia.
A heat transfer model for phase-change thermal energy storage

Abstract The modelling of the heat-transfer process in a phase-change storage medium consisting of parallel flow channels is presented. The model describing the mechanism of heat transfer from the process air stream to the surface of phase-change material by convection and diffusion of heat by conduction in the media consists of coupled, non-linear partial differential equations. These equations are solved by a finite difference scheme. Numerical solutions are used to study the performance of phase-change storage media during a single blow operation. A parametric study is also carried out for different non-dimensional parameters and operating conditions.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: A comparative perspective

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ah receptor or AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in the regulation of several genes, including those for xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P450 1A and 1B forms. Ligands for the AHR include a variety of aromatic hydrocarbons, including the chlorinated dioxins and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons whose toxicity occurs through activation of the AHR. The AHR and its dimerization partner ARNT are members of the emerging bHLH-PAS family of transcriptional regulatory proteins. In this review, our current understanding of the AHR signal transduction pathway in non-mammalian and other non-traditional species is summarized, with an emphasis on similarities and differences in comparison to the AHR pathway in rodents and humans. Evidence and prospects for the presence of a functional AHR in early vertebrates and invertebrates are also examined. An overview of the bHLH-PAS family is presented in relation to the diversity of bHLH-PAS proteins and the functional and evolutionary relationships of the AHR and ARNT to the other members of this family. Finally, some of the most promising directions for future research on the comparative biochemistry and molecular biology of the AHR and ARNT are discussed.
Regulation of a Geminivirus Coat Protein Promoter by AL2 Protein (TrAP): Evidence for Activation and Derepression Mechanisms

Tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV) is a bipartite member of the subgroup III Geminiviridae. Like all geminiviruses, TGMV replicates in the nucleus of susceptible cells by rolling circle replication (RCR). Double-stranded replicative form DNA generated during RCR serves as template for the transcription of viral genes by RNA polymerase II and the associated cellular transcription machinery. Previous studies in tobacco protoplasts and Nicotiana benthamiana leaf discs have shown that the viral AL2 gene product transactivates expression of the coat protein (CP) and BR1 movement protein genes, and that activation occurs at the level of transcription. Because of its function and properties, we propose the name TrAP, transcriptional activator protein, for the AL2 gene product. Using transgenes consisting of complete and truncated versions of the CP promoter fused to the GUS reporter gene, we show in the studies presented here that TrAP is required for CP gene expression in both mesophyll and phloem tissues. Surprisingly, TrAP appears to induce CP expression by different mechanisms in different cell types: it may activate the CP promoter in mesophyll cells, and acts to derepress the promoter in phloem tissue. In addition, TrAP is clearly capable of inducing the expression of responsive chromosomal promoters and could, in principle, activate host genes. Distinct viral sequence elements mediate expression and derepression in phloem and activation in mesophyll, suggesting that TrAP interacts with different components of the cellular transcription machinery to accomplish CP gene expression in different cell types, and underscoring the intricacy and complexity of virus-host interactions.
The impact of the English language on cross‐cultural consumer research in Asia and Latin America

This article reports a study using respondents from three different cultures – traditional Americans, Hispanics, and Taiwanese – to assess the reliabilities of measures assessing 29 consumer constructs used in various studies reported in major marketing journals. In general, these measures were designed for use with a traditional American sample and are not reported to have been used with other cultural samples. Results indicate that for respondents who demonstrate a certain level of English language fluency, regardless of where they are from, these measures perform reliably across cultures. Thus, under certain circumstances, the fears that researchers have about instrument reliability across cultures may be largely ungrounded.
Clonal heterogeneity in the fibroblast response to mononuclear cell derived mediators

Human dermal fibroblasts were examined for heterogeneity in proliferation and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthetic response to supernates of mitogen activated mononuclear cell cultures. Eleven substrains from a single neonatal foreskin culture displayed marked clonal heterogeneity in the fibroblast response to mononuclear cell derived mediators. Supernates of mononuclear cell cultures stimulated fibroblast PGE2 synthesis and suppressed proliferation. Substrains displayed tenfold differences in PGE synthesis and the extent of growth suppression. Release of immunologic mediators at sites of inflammatory lesions could lead to alterations in the clonal composition and phenotypic expression of connective tissue cells.
Explaining the Reagan Years in Central America: A World System Perspective

In his analysis of the relations between the United States and Central America through the 1980s, Brown seeks to broaden our view of events and historical processes by examining these relations in historical and global terms in lieu of the usual local or regional comparative focus. By drawing on the central concepts of Immanuel Wallerstein's World System Theory, the ideologically and strategically contorted policies of the Reagan years can be understood in the context of an evolving American society within the Modern World System. This critical historical narrative follows the growth of an American state and nation and its relations with Central America from its origins as a collection of colonies on the periphery of the world system, through eras of expansionism, imperialism, world wars, and triumph as global hegemon, and into ultimate crisis, decline, and conservative reaction through the 1980s. Primary emphasis is placed on the internal ideological and global strategic polarizations of the Cold War and their influence on American society, foreign relations with Central America, and the conservative extremes of the Reagan years.
Social leadership skills in young children

This study describes leadership development activities with young children enrolled in the University of Redlands summer school program and a private elementary school in Redlands. Leadership skills can be taught and instruction should begin in the early years. Skills of social sensitivity, problem‐solving and conflict resolution can be developed through role‐taking and creative drama activities. The social aspects of leadership are becoming increasingly important and should be included in the early childhood curriculum.
Mesospheric temperature observations at the USU/CASS Atmospheric Lidar Observatory (ALO)

The Center for Atmospheric and Space Sciences (CASS) at Utah State University (USU) operates the ALO for studying the middle atmosphere from the stratosphere to the lower thermosphere. ALO's mid-latitude location (41.74°N, 1 1 1.81°W, 1466 m) is very unique in that it is in the middle of an extensive set of rugged mountains, the Rocky Mountains, which are a major orographic source of gravity waves that may give rise to a longitudinal variation in the mesospheric structure. Mesospheric observations between approximately 45 and 90 km have been carried out on many clear nights with the ALO Rayleighscatter lidar since late 1993. They have been carried out, mostly, with a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser producing 18 W at 532 nm and a 44-cm zenith-pointing telescope. To obtain better and more complete observations in the future, a considerably bigger steerable telescope, an alexandrite ring laser for resonance scatter, and an expanded data-acquisition system are being developed. The observations in the extensive existing database have been reduced to provide absolute temperature profiles, which provide important information for understanding the physics and chemistry of the middle atmosphere and for examining global change. They have been used to make a mesospheric temperature climatology that has been and is being used to examine secular, annual, seasonal, and tidal variations, to compare with other temperature observations and with modeled temperatures, and to study mesospheric inversion layers. Day-to-day changes in the temperature profiles are also being compared to meteorological parameters to see if mesospheric changes can be related to low-altitude sources. Temporal and spatial fluctuations in the density profiles have also been examined to provide more direct information on gravity wave activity. And, on 24 June 1999 UT, the lidar probed the first known noctilucent cloud to penetrate to this low latitude, approximately 10° equatorward of previously reported sightings and detections.
Decreased breaking strength of diabetic rat bone and its improvement by insulin treatment

A simple instrument is described which measures the breaking strength of rat bones. The apparatus yields reproducible results and is suitable for use in measuring the strength of bones from both large and small animals. Diabetic rat femurs were more fragile and required less force to break in contrast to those from diabetic rats treated with insulin or normal rats. Daily insulin treatment significantly improved the bone cortical thickness and enhanced their capacity to withstand pressure, although these did not reach the level of the normal controls. The amount of force required to break the bone appears to be related to its cortical thickness and mass.
The magnitude of brain dopamine depletion from prenatal cocaine exposure is a function of uterine position

Abstract Cocaine’s teratogenicity remains equivocal in the literature. The variance in cocaine-induced teratogenic data led us to consider that the intrauterine exposure to cocaine is not homogenous and that sampling methods presently utilized in the literature lead to inconsistent results. Cocaine’s vasoconstrictive actions, in concert with regional variance in the uterine milieu of the rodent, were postulated to differentially reduce the distribution of cocaine to fetal brains as a function of uterine position. Fetuses in positions with the highest levels of cocaine exposure were also hypothesized to have the most pronounced deficits in whole brain dopamine (DA). The results indicated that whole brain cocaine levels vary significantly in relation to a fetus’ position in the uterine horn following a single SC injection of 30 mg/kg cocaine HCl as measured by GC/MS. Brains of fetuses from the most proximal uterine position (in relation to the cervix) received an average of 329% of the cocaine of fetuses from the most distal uterine position, whereas no such relationship existed for amniotic fluid cocaine levels. Following exposure to cocaine from embryonic days 7 to 21, brain DA levels were significantly reduced in distal fetuses relative to proximal fetuses and to distal controls. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the results indicated that the magnitude of cocaine exposure was inversely related to the magnitude of DA reduction. Based upon findings in the literature related to the uterine gradient of placental progesterone distribution in the rat, cocaine’s ability to lower brain DA levels was attributed primarily to its vasoconstrictive actions. Recommendations on how to statistically treat littermates, when foreknowledge of uterine position exists, are discussed.
Migration of thiolthiocarbonyl groups in selectively protected methyl α-d-glucopyranoside xanthates

Abstract A series of benzylxanthate esters of methyl α- d -glucopyranoside selectively methylated at various hydroxyl groups was synthesized. The esters were converted into the corresponding xanthate salts, and their behavior was investigated under alkaline conditions typical of xanthation media. Results reveal that migration of thiolthiocarbonyl groups from the 2- or 3-position to the 6-position proceeds via the hydroxyl group at C-4. Direct migration across the pyranose ring from the 2- or 3-position to the 6-position was negligible. The (benzylthio)thiocarbonyl position for each ester was identified by n.m.r. spectroscopy. Primary substitution caused the signals for the two protons at C-6 to be displaced downfield by about 1.0 p.p.m., and secondary substitution caused a 2.4-p.p.m. downfield shift of the signals for protons at C-2, C-3, and C-4.
Near-IR CO Overtone Emission in 51 Ophiuchi

We present high spectral resolution observations of CO overtone (Δv = 2) emission from hot gas orbiting the Ae star 51 Oph. Using the NIRSPEC instrument on the Keck Telescope we observed various bandheads at high spectral resolving power (R = 25,000). Modeling of the spectra indicates that the radial distribution of excitation temperatures for the vibrational levels is consistent with the gas being in radiative thermal equilibrium except at the inner edge, where low vibrational bands have higher excitation temperatures. Our model fits the emission line width, which has a significant effect on other fitted parameters. We also confirm earlier findings that the emission is caused by hot gas orbiting close to the star in a turbulent disk that is seen close to edge-on. The 10-4 M⊕ of CO gas that is responsible for most of the emission has an average column density of 7.5 × 1020 cm-2.
Study of phthalocyanines in aqueous solutions and adsorbed on electrode surfaces

Abstract The in-situ surface enhanced Raman spectra and voltammetry curves have been examined for metal-free, cobalt and iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines (H 2 −, Co− and Fe-TSPc) adsorbed on silver in acid, neutral and alkaline electrolytes. The aqueous solutions of these species have also been examined with UV-visible absorption and Raman spectroscopy. O 2 has been found to produce significant changes in the Raman spectra of the adsorbed and solution phase species.
Structural design criteria for high heat flux components

The high temperature design rules of the ITER Structural Design Criteria (ISDC), are applied to first wall designs with high heat flux. The maximum coolant pressure and surface heat flux capabilities are shown to be determined not only by the mechanical properties of the first wall material but also by the details of the blanket design. In a high power density self-cooled lithium blanket, the maximum primary stress in the first wall is controlled by many of the geometrical parameters of the blanket, such as, first wall span, first wall curvature, first wall thickness, side wall thickness, and second wall thickness. The creep ratcheting lifetime of the first wall is also shown to be controlled by many of the same geometrical parameters as well as the coolant temperature. According to most high temperature design codes, the time-dependent primary membrane stress allowable are based on the average temperature (ignoring thermal stress). Such a procedure may sometimes be unconservative, particularly for embrittled first walls with large temperature gradients. The effect of secondary (thermal) stresses on the accumulation of creep deformation is illustrated with a vanadium alloy flat plate first wall design.
Age-dependency of various protein methylases.

Abstract The levels of protein methylase, I, II and III in rat testis and liver were examined during the life span after birth. Even in the same animal, the levels of different methylases are greatly influenced by the stage of the life span. Protein methylase I and III decreased greatly in the testis during life while protein methylase II rather increased and then decreased In the liver, on the other hand, protein methylase I and III decreased greatly while protein methylase II did not significantly. Most of the drastic changes occur during puberty and this suggests that protein methylation might be controlled by endocrine secretion, particularly testosterone.
Innate Immune Activation in Primary HIV-1 Infection

There is growing evidence that highlights the role of the immune response during acute human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in the control or development of disease. The adaptive immune responses do not appear until after HIV-1 infection is already well established, so the role of earlier and faster-responding innate immunity needs to be more closely scrutinized. In particular, 2 aspects of innate immunity for which there are growing research developments will be examined in this review: the actions of type I interferons and natural killer cells. These two components of the innate immune response contribute to viral control both by killing infected cells and by modulating other immune cells that develop. However, the role of interferon α in immune activation is a double-edged sword, causing recruitment of adaptive immune cells that can assist in viral control but concurrently contributing to immune activation-dependent disease progression. Understanding the complexity of how innate responses affect the outcome of HIV-1 infection will help in the development of vaccines that can use innate immunity to enhance viral control with minimal pathogenesis.