cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Basis of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Docking to Its Intact Receptor Studied with Carboxyl-terminal Photolabile Probes

The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor is a member of Family B G protein-coupled receptors and represents an important drug target for type 2 diabetes. Despite recent solution of the structure of the amino-terminal domain of this receptor and that of several close family members, understanding of the molecular basis of natural ligand GLP1 binding to its intact receptor remains limited. The goal of this study was to explore spatial approximations between specific receptor residues within the carboxyl terminus of GLP1 and its receptor as normally docked. Therefore, we developed and characterized two high affinity, full-agonist photolabile GLP1 probes having sites for covalent attachment in positions 24 and 35. Both probes labeled the receptor specifically and saturably. Subsequent peptide mapping using chemical and proteinase cleavages of purified wild-type and mutant GLP1 receptor identified that the Arg(131)-Lys(136) segment at the juxtamembrane region of the receptor amino terminus contained the site of labeling for the position 24 probe, and the specific receptor residue labeled by this probe was identified as Glu(133) by radiochemical sequencing. Similarly, nearby residue Glu(125) within the same region of the receptor amino-terminal domain was identified as the site of labeling by the position 35 probe. These data represent the first direct demonstration of spatial approximation between GLP1 and its intact receptor as docked, providing two important constraints for the modeling of this interaction. This should expand our understanding of the molecular basis of natural agonist ligand binding to the GLP1 receptor and may be relevant to other family members.
Considerations in the use of psychotropic drugs in elderly mentally retarded persons.

ABSTRACT. Elderly people tend to be large consumers of medication in general and psychotropic drugs in particular. Sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and neuroleptic drugs tend to be the most commonly used psychotropic medications among elderly people who are not developmentally disabled. These drugs are probably commonly employed among elderly mentally retarded people as well; although the rank order of use probably differs. A number of physiological changes which accompany greater age are described and the impact on pharmacokinetic variables outlined. Other factors associated with aging, which influence drug actions, are also outlined. The net effect appears to be that most drugs are more potent, more toxic, or longer lasting among the elderly. Data are also presented on tardive dyskinesia insofar as aging is concerned. This is followed by overall conclusions and some suggested guidelines for the use of these drugs in older mentally retarded persons.
Exchange Rate Unification Under Non-Credibility: The Haïtian Economy

This paper builds on three strands of literature—Early Warning Systems (EWS), parallel exchange rates, and collapsing exchange rate regimes—by addressing the issue of credibility in the context of unification of the exchange rate in the Haitian economy. It takes the view that when policymakers are perceived as non-credible, economic agents resort to observation of the economy's performance to assess the imminence of reforms. They then readjust their own behavior, particularly in the area of asset holdings. This paper models the adjustment process using the EWS ratios. Data supports the idea that credibility of the reform mounts over time reaching 85 percent on the eve of the reform.
Effects of prenatal amphetamine exposure on the development of behavior in rats

Female rats, maintained on 20 ml water per day, were treated with either 0, 2, or 5 mg/kg/day d-amphetamine sulfate mixed with their drinking water. Treatment was started 30 days prior to mating and continued to parturition of litters. Differences in weight gain during pregnancy were noted for the drug treated mothers, with the differences disappeating after drug treatment was stopped. Turnover latencies at 1 and 3 days of age, eye opening, and vaginal opening were delayed in the offspring of drug treated females. Drugged animals were slower than controls in a behavioral test of bridge crossing at 14 days postpartum. No differences in open field activity were noted.
In Families or as Individuals? Theoretical and Methodological Problems in the Incorporation of Women in Class Analysis

The issue of how to properly include women in class analysis has posed a significant problem for social scientists for the past 40 years. A lack of consensus on this issue has informed the debate regarding women's subjective class identification as well as that regarding their objective class location. The failure to resolve it highlights a deeper problem in the study of social class: an uncertainty regarding whether the proper unit of class analysis should be the family or the individual. This article discusses the theoretical and methodological problems in the study of women's class and suggests further development of the dynamic conception of class offered by an ‘individuals in families’ approach.
Rat drinking rhythms: central visual pathways and endocrine factors mediating responsiveness to environmental illumination.

Abstract Continuous environmental illumination (L-L) suppressed water consumption in Sprague-Dawley rats. Bilateral transection of the inferior accessory optic tracts (IAOT) completely abolished this effect of light on drinking. On the other hand, bilateral ablation of the primary optic tracts (POT) increased the suppressive effect of light on water intake. POT rats were impaired in the acquisition of a light-dark discrimination in a Y-maze, whereas IAOT animals performed normally. These results suggest that the inferior accessory optic tracts mediate the inhibitory effects of excessive light on drinking and that the visual pathways which underlie pituitary responsiveness to illumination are distinguishable from those which mediate visually guided behavior. Pinealectomy did not attenuate the effect of L-L on drinking, but unilateral blinding diminished and hypophysectomy completely eliminated the suppressive effects of light. Rats maintained in a 12:12 light-dark (L-D) cycle displayed nocturnal rhythms in water intake; when the illumination cycle was inverted (D-L), they required 6–9 days to completely re-entrain drinking. Bilateral interruption of the inferior accessory and primary optic tracts and pinealectomy did not interfere with nocturnal drinking rhythms in L-D nor with their re-entrainment in D-L. Hypophysectomy attenuated nocturnal eating and drinking rhythms, and unilateral enucleation as well as hypophysectomy retarded re-entrainment in D-L. The effects of combined bilateral transection of the IAOT and POT were described; a drinkometer analysis of water intake confirmed results obtained with less refined measures of rhythmicity. Our findings indicate that excessive illumination influences the neuroendocrine drinking system of the albino rat via a completely decussated visual pathway. We propose that neither the primary nor the accessory optic tracts mediate the entrainment of drinking to the day-night cycle; this function may be fulfilled by a direct retino-hypothalamic pathway.
Death from asthma: Rare but real

Asthma mortality has been increasing over the past 15 years. Since the incidence of fatal asthma is rare, death is perceived as an unexpected outcome. This paper reviews the nature of asthma, and the circumstances and characteristics of patients with fatal asthma attacks. In light of these features, the emergency care of acute asthma is discussed. Recommendations for improvement of prehospital and hospital care are made. Despite optimum therapy and management, death is sometimes unavoidable.
An Evaluation of Chemical Aging/Oxidation in High Performance Composites Using the Vickers Micro-Indentation Technique:

Vickers micro-indentation was utilized to follow the changes in micro-hardness and thereby evaluate the chemical aging/oaidation phenomena in two different high performance polymeric composite systems. The two systems under study were1M8/954-2, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic-toughened thermoset composite, and IM8/ITX, a semicrystalline thermoplastic composite. Oxidation profiles with aging, were obtained on [0°]8s (unidirectional) composite specimens by indenn across the thickness of the samples in the fiber direction. Samples were aged up to 6 months in environmental chambers at 150°C in three different environments: an inert nitrogen environment, a reduced air pressure of 13.8 kPa (2 psi air), and ambient air pressure. The experimental results show a considerable drop in overall hardness of both IM8/954-2 and 1M8/ITX composites after a week of aging in all of the three environments, possibly attributable to a thermal stress-reieving effect. Very little additional change was observed after 6 wee...
Red tide blooms of Cochlodinium polykrikoides in a coastal cove

Abstract Successive blooms of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides occurred in Pettaquamscutt Cove, RI, persisting from September through December 1980 and again from April through October 1981. Cell densities varied from 20 g C m−3. Primary production by the dinoflagellate-dominated community during the bloom varied between 4.3 and 0.07 g C m−3 d−1. Percent carbon turnover calculated from primary production values and ATP-carbon varied from 6 to 129% d−1. The dinoflagellates dominated the entire summer period; other flagellates and diatoms were present in lesser amounts. A combination of low washout rate due to the cove dynamics, active growth, and life cycles involving cysts allowed C. polykrikoides to maintain recurrent bloom populations in this area.
Molecular Pharmacology of Agouti Protein in Vitro and in Vivo

Agouti protein and Agouti-related protein (Agrp) are paracrine signaling molecules that act by antagonizing the effects of melanocortins, and several alternatives have been proposed to explain their mechanisms of action. Genetic crosses in a sensitized background uncover a phenotypic difference between overexpression of Agouti and loss of Mc1r function, demonstrate that a functional Mc1r is required for the pigmentary effects of Agouti, and suggest that Agouti protein can act as an agonist of the Mc1r in a way that differs from alpha-MSH stimulation. In vitro, Agouti protein inhibits melanocortin action by two mechanisms: competitive antagonism that depends on the carboxyterminus of the protein, and downregulation of melanocortin receptor signaling that depends on the aminoterminus. Our findings provide evidence of a novel signaling mechanism whereby alpha-MSH and Agouti protein function as independent ligands that inhibit each other's binding and transduce opposite signals through a single receptor.
Ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of the dopamine D2 receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase in the rat ventral pallidum.

The mesopallidal dopamine system plays a role in locomotor activity and reward. To understand the potential contribution of the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) to the action of dopamine in the ventral pallidum (VP), we used electron microscopic immunocytochemistry to examine the cellular and subcellular localization of an antipeptide antiserum against the D2R in both ventromedial and dorsolateral VP compartments. In each region the majority of the total D2R-labeled profiles (n = 1,132) were axon terminals (55%) and small unmyelinated axons (27%). These terminals were often apposed to other axon terminals or dendrites and formed almost exclusively symmetric, inhibitory-type axodendritic synapses. Immunogold D2R labeling in axon terminals was seen on the plasmalemma and membranes of nearby synaptic vesicles. In ventral pallidal sections processed for dual detection of D2R peptide and the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), D2R labeling was detected in a few axons and axon terminals containing TH immunoreactivity as well as in axons contacted by TH-labeled terminals. In most cases, however, the D2R-labeled profiles were located at a distance from small axons and terminals containing TH. Our results provide the first ultrastructural evidence that D2Rs in the two VP subterritories are strategically located for primary involvement in modulation of the presynaptic release of nondopaminergic inhibitory transmitters. They also suggest that in this region the presynaptic D2 receptors are 1) minimally involved in autoregulation of dopaminergic transmission, and 2) differentially activated by dopamine, depending in part on levels and distance from release sites.
Swift's Comet.—Williams College Observatory

I HAVE computed a set of elements of the comet lately discovered by Mr. (now Dr.) Swift. They are from observations made by Prof. Lewis Boss, Director of the Dudley Observatory at Albany, on June 24, June 30, July 8. They are these:—
Management of the Continent Cutaneous Stomal Complications

Continent cutaneous urinary diversion can be employed after cystectomy when orthotopic diversion is not appropriate and a continent diversion is desired. It is a technically challenging operation and requires careful pre-operative and intra-operative planning as well as an experienced surgeon and ancillary staff. Overall, continent cutaneous diversion (CCD) carries a high rate of long-term continence and patient satisfaction, and is an important and widely accepted part of the urologist’s armamentarium. Many different types of CCD and efferent channels have been described with variable success. Complications are largely related to the stoma and catheterizable channel. These complications can usually be managed outside of the operating room although occasionally re-operation is required.
Catalyzed gas-liquid reactions in trickling-bed reactors

Kinetic studies were made in a differential flow reactor of the hydogenation of α-methyl-styrene with the liquid trickling over a bed of catalyst pellets countercurrent to a stream of hydrogen. The catalysts consisted of palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and nickel supported on the external surfaces of aluminal pellets. With palladium at pressures above 3 atm. the apparent rate-controlling step was a surface reaction between dissociated hydrogen and α-methylstyrene both adsorbed on different type of active sites. Below 3 atm. pressure the reactants competed for similar active sites. With platinum the apparent rate-controlling step was a surface reaction between dissociated hydrogen and α-methylstyrene on similar active sites. Rhodium and nickel catalyzed the polymerization α-methylstyrene together with slow hydrogenation. Ruthenium had negligible activity for catalyzing the hydrogenation under the moderate conditions used in this work. In all cases mass transfer resistances were negligible.
An eighty-four-year-old man with fever and painless jaundice: a case report and brief review of Clonorchis sinensis infection.

An 84-year-old-man o SGOT and SGPT of 68 and 124 (IU/L), respectively; alkahne phosphatase was 205 (IU/L). His white cell count was 7000 and the peripheral smear was unremarkable. A tuberculin skin test was negative. Sputum samples grew normal flora and nothing grew from blood cultures.
The ultrastructural pathology of the rat epididymis after administration of -chlorhydrin (U-5897). I. Effects of a single high dose.

The ultrastructural pathology of the rat epididymis after administration of a single high dose of alpha-chlorhydrin (U-5897) was examined at intervals ranging from 2 hours to 9 days posttreatment. 17 adult male rats each received a single dose of 140 mg/kg by gastric tube and all the animals were sacrificed between 2 hours and 9 days later. The first effects were seen as early as 2 hours posttreatment and within 48 hours the lumen of the greater part of the initial segment was filled with degenerating cells and debris which blocked further passage of sperm along the duct. These results provide insight into the nature of the early events in the evolution of this epididymal lesion. Possible mechanisms of action are discussed.
Rapid Metropolitan Growth and Community Disparities

Does rapid growth in a metropolitan area amplify or reduce disparities among its differentiated communities? Theoretical economic and political arguments can support both tendencies but lean in the direction of greater differentiation and disparities following a period of rapid regional growth. This article examines uneven population, employment and tax base growth as both causes and consequences of economic and social disparities. The analysis posits that growth bypasses the built-up and lowest income communities in favor of the more distant middle-income suburbs with extensive land for development. The implications of these uneven growth patterns are widening inter-municipal disparities consistent with growth rates. The analysis is carried out for the 365 contiguous jurisdictions in northern New Jersey, a region that experienced modest growth in the 1970s and rapid growth in the 1980s. The findings confirm the uneven pattern of growth and widening disparities during the growth spurt of the 1980s.
Simulation-based control of building systems operation

Abstract Building performance simulation research has traditionally concentrated on the building design phase. However, computational modeling can also apply to the building operation phase. To explore this potential, we (a) describe the model-based building systems control idea, (b) illustrate this idea using a simple computational scenario pertaining to the control of the thermal environment in buildings, (c) report on a prototypical implementation of a model-based lighting control strategy.
Reachable sets and singular arcs for minimum fuel problems based on norm-invariant systems

A class of norm-invariant systems with an added fuel coordinate is shown to have easily described reachable sets. A class of minimum fuel problems defined on such systems, having a solution that follows from Athans and Falb [1], is shown to contain singular arcs.
Relationships between toxicity and structure of aliphatic nitriles

A retrospective structure-activity relationship (SAR) comparison was undertaken of several of the toxicological properties (acute and subchronic toxicity, teratogenicity, and biochemical mechanism studies) of a series of structurally similar aliphatic nitriles based on available published data. Members of this chemical class included several mononitriles (aceto-, propio-, butyro-, and acrylonitrile), dinitriles (succino- and adiponitrile), and cyanohydrin derivatives (lactonitrile and acetone cyanohydrin). Broadly defined, retrospective SAR analysis suggested that the toxicological profiles of this group of aliphatic nitriles were similar; however, unique differences were observed within each of the toxicity categories and nitrile subclasses as the toxicological focus narrowed. Additionally, the toxicological properties associated with acetonitrile, the first of this chemically similar series, were unique and quite different from others within the homologous series. Finally, knowledge regarding the mechanism of toxicological action provided valuable information in relating toxicological properties among the aliphatic nitriles.
Gene deletion data based genomic regulatory network inference

The gene deletion data is a type of gene expression data, which is obtained by deleting each gene consecutively from the network and measuring the fitness of the remaining network under various environmental conditions. Compared to the microarray data, the deletion data is much easier and economical to obtain. The gene tag technology has enabled the deletion data to be largely available for various regulatory networks. However, very few inference algorithms are proposed for the deletion data in spite of its advantages. In this paper, we propose an inference algorithm based on gene deletion data. The proposed inference algorithm capture the dynamical and non-linear natures of the regulatory networks. We conduct experiment on the GAL network to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm has been shown to serve as a good alternatives for exploring various regulatory networks other than using microarray data.
A Study of Velocity Profiles Through the Main Thermocline

Abstract A time series of velocity profiles derived from three methods are used to describe the variations of current in time and in the vertical. Absolute velocity profiles were Obtained by acoustically tracking a falling probe; relative profiles were derived from motional electric fields (EM method) measured by a second free-fall instrument and from density observations using the dynamic method. The two free-fall profile methods agree within 0.01 m s−1 rms averaged over depth intervals in which the observations were separated in time by less than 10 min. Although the rms differences between profiles increases to about 0.02 m s−1, due to the fact that one device falls at one-third the speed of the other, the agreement between methods was sufficiently good that the eight acoustic profiles and six EM profiles were combined to yield a time series lasting 4 days. These profiles, taken near Bermuda In May 1971, were divided into two sets having a mean time separation of 2 days. Each set of profiles was fitted...
Dynamics and the failure of transition state theory in alkene hydroboration.

Transition state theory fails to accurately predict the selectivity in an example where it is ubiquitously invoked, hydroboration. The hydroboration of terminal alkenes with BH3 is moderately regioselective, affording an 88:12−90:10 ratio of anti-Markovnikov/Markovnikov adducts. High-level ab initio calculations predict too large of an energy difference between anti-Markovnikov and Markovnikov transition structures to account for the observed product ratio, and consideration of calculational error, solvent, tunneling, and entropy effects does not resolve the discrepancy. Trajectory studies, however, predict well the experimental selectivity. The decreased selectivity versus transition state theory arises from the excess energy generated as the BH3 interacts with the alkene, and the observed selectivity is proposed to result from a combination of low selectivity in direct trajectories, moderate RRKM selectivity, and high selectivity after thermal equilibration.
The anchor oral endosteal implant.

Since the accidental rediscovery of the endosteal implant by Formaggini in the late 1940's, the field has witnessed a tremendous evolution in theory and clinical application. Chercheve, in his efforts to improve on earlier spiral designs, proposed several theories on the relationship of the metallic endosteal implant to its osseous environment. Some of the problems he experienced still have not been overcome in our present designs. The development of the blade implant marked a true advancement in endosteal design. This implant proved to be much more functional and reliable than the spiral concept; however, it too had certain disadvantages which became obvious after a relatively short period of clinical trial. The anchor endosteal implant was developed as a result of efforts to correct the various problems associated with the blade. Preliminary animal research using both anchor and blade implants was begun. Four dogs had each type of implant inserted in edentulous areas. The animals were sacrificed four months post insertion for histologic examination. More sophisticated animal implant studies are being performed at the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. Clinical evaluation of the anchor implant over a 3-year period has been very encouraging. Results have indicated a higher level of clinical success than previously achieved with blade or spiral designs.
Strategies for homeless research in the 1990s

Abstract Existing empirically based knowledge about homelessness is neither extensive nor well grounded. Proper policy formation and program design that address homelessness are badly served by knowledge deficiencies. This paper lays out a strategy that will develop appropriate research methodology and generate better empirically based knowledge. It proposes a program of technical research, as well as moditica‐tions to several national data collection programs, such as the Current Population Survey, to collect data on the literal homeless and the precariously housed. It also presents a rationale for starting longitudinal studies that focus on the processes that lead into and out of the homeless state. Finally, it proposes evaluation research to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of promising programs.
What determines aggregate returns to scale

Abstract This paper develops a unified framework that incorporates four features important in existing models with increasing returns: fixed costs, decreasing marginal costs, product variety, and market power. When fixed costs are not allowed to vary and profits are imposed to be zero in every period, only the degree of returns to variety determines the degree of aggregate increasing returns to scale. When fixed costs respond to changes in aggregate activity or the zero-profit condition does not hold in the short run, aggregate returns depend not only on product variety but also on diminishing marginal costs or market power. The degree of market power, however, does not affect input prices, which are critical to determine the uniqueness of equilibrium.
Cultural determinants of media choice for deception

In today's business environment, deception is commonplace (Blumberg, 1989; Ruane, Cerulo, et al., 1994). Historically, individuals were limited in their media options, however recent technological advances have given individuals more ways in which to communicate and deceive. The use of these new media change the communication dynamic substantially. Previous studies have found that deception detection differs across media, as media vary in their ability to transmit cues, convey emotion and reversibility, among others. Researchers are beginning to understand the dynamics between media characteristics, individual characteristics and media choice in a deceptive communication context. Not only is deception commonplace in today's multicultural business environment, communication participants can come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Taking this into account, the current study seeks to use media synchrony theory to derive a model of media choice based on an individual's espoused national culture. In this study a scenario-based media choice task was given to subjects in the United States and China, and the results indicate that espoused national culture does influence media choice for deception. Specifically, individuals who scored highly on collectivism preferred to lie using text-based media, individuals who scored high on power distance preferred to lie using audio media and individuals who scored high on masculinity preferred to lie using visual media. Implications for research and practitioners are discussed.
The neural path probabilistic delay model

The neural path probabilistic delay (NPPD) algorithm models the neural network in a discrete-time manner analogous to the computer network. The four stages of the basic neuron cell component, i.e. neuron cell body, axon branches, synapse region, and dendrite trees are represented by the mathematical structures of cascaded Markov chains. A state probability transition matrix for the neuron cell is generated by a queueing model of signal interarrival and service rate probability density function (PDF) data. To obtain the delay value for the soma, the PDF functions respectively describing the rate of action potential generation at each cell body and neuron signal arrival at synaptic dendrite terminals, are subtracted and quantized horizontally. This quantization of service minus interarrival PDFs is analogous to the human nervous system encoding of action potential pulses. The specific state transition probability matrices associated with the axon, synapse, and dendrite stages are computed from experimental link structure data. Both PDF and link structure data are measured from neurons located in the specific section of the nervous system considered. An example of the NPPD measure is derived for a neural path in a segment of the cerebellar folium in the cerebellar cortex of the human brain, because a path in this area is initiated by a pain sensation stimulus to the cerebral cortex. Therefore, the motor response path delay parameters for the pain stimulus are of interest in the implementation of the robotic system.
Analysis of v-Ha-ras and v-fos oncogene transduction into a mouse epidermal cell line with "initiated" phenotype in culture but normal skin phenotype in vivo

Cell line SCR722 was derived from adult SENCAR mouse epidermal cells initiated in culture by treatment with the carcinogen N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and selection for foci proliferating in medium with calcium levels that induce terminal differentiation in normal cells. Expansion of one of these foci and two additional cell clonings produced cell line SCR722, which was near-tetraploid and formed normal skin when grafted to athymic nude mouse hosts. However, unlike normal keratinocytes, SCR722 cells fail to suppress papilloma formation when grafted along with papilloma cell line SP-1. For optimum growth in culture, SCR722 cells required fibroblast-conditioned medium and 0.5 mM Ca2+. SCR722 cells had a wild-type c-Ha-ras gene but had lost their requirement for conditioned medium in culture and produced dysplastic papillomas in grafts when transduced with the v-Ha-ras gene. SCR722 cells stably expressing the v-fos gene produced normal epidermis in grafts, but when these cells were transduced with the v-Ha-ras gene, they produced carcinomas. Clones with greater expression of the transfected v-fos gene had a more invasive phenotype in vivo. These results indicate that carcinogen treatment of epithelial cells can result in an altered but nontumorigenic phenotype that may be at risk for becoming a more advanced neoplastic state with additional genetic alterations. © 1995 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
IMMUNE REACTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH BLADDER AND PROSTATIC CANCER1

Although there are many reports of cellular immune reactions in bladder and prostatic carcinoma patients, few have demonstrated the presence of humoral reactivity. The use of microtechniques, especially the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), has made sequential studies possible on patients with early or small tumours. Using this assay, the presence of serum antibodies has been demonstrated in both bladder and prostate patients, the specificities of these reactions being checked against a battery of different tumours and normal tissues. In many of the patients, with low or transient antibody levels, the presence of circulating immune complexes was shown by the Raji cell assay and analysed by double counter-current immunoelectrophoresis (DCIE). The content of these complexes appeared to be either antibody and tumour antigen or antibody and antiimmunoglobulin. In a small series of cryosurgically treated prostatic carcinoma patients, the course of these antibodies was monitored over several weeks, and the fluctuations in antibody levels were related to the presence of these different types of complexes.
Mobility in development context: changing perspectives, new interpretations, and the real issues☆

Abstract Aside from the acknowledged basic importance of transport in development, there remains the question of contemporary interpretations on its real role and the issues and concerns that must drive new research. A brief capsule of recent salient transport research is provided. The emphasis however is on the new conceptualizations of development and how mobility may be viewed and inserted in such interpretations. The paper addresses concerns such as the role of women, control of resources, institutional structures, environmental sustainability, the nature of transport enterprises and service delivery and employment and the labor process among others. Prescriptions for new research are provided. Salient development issues with transport dimensions which deserve further inquiry are de-agrarianization, the non-farm rural economy and the changing nature of the urban transition. Especially critical is our need to have a deeper understanding of personal and family mobility needs and to encourge transport policies directed to these.
Air Quality at Bus Stops: Empirical Analysis of Exposure to Particulate Matter at Bus Stop Shelters

Congested traffic corridors in dense urban areas are key contributors to the degradation of urban air quality. While waiting at bus stops, transit patrons may be exposed to greater amounts of vehicle-based pollution, including particulate matter (PM), because of their proximity to the roadway. Current guidelines for the location and the design of bus stops do not take into account air quality or exposure considerations. This study compared the exposure of transit riders waiting at three-sided bus stop shelters that either faced the roadway traffic or faced away from the roadway traffic. Shelters were instrumented with air quality monitoring equipment, sonic anemometers, and vehicle counters. Data were collected for 2 days at three shelters during both the morning and the afternoon peak periods. Bus shelter orientation was found to significantly affect concentration of four sizes of PM: ultrafine particles, PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. Shelters with an opening oriented toward the roadway were consistently observe...
Structural and functional analysis of surface domains unique to bacteriophage T4 thymidylate synthase.

The bacteriophage T4 genome encodes most of its own enzymes for dNTP synthesis, which form a complex in infected Escherichia coli. The T4 thymidylate synthase (TS) and the T4 deoxycytidylate deaminase (CD) catalyze sequential reactions and are physically linked within this complex [McGaughey, K. M., Wheeler, L. J., Moore, J. T., Maley, G. F. , Maley, F., and Mathews, C. K. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 23037-23042]. From the crystal structure of T4TS [Finer-Moore, J. S., Maley, G. F., Maley, F., Montfort, W. R., and Stroud, R. M. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 15459-15468], it appears that three regions corresponding to insertions relative to E. coli TS lie on one side of the enzyme surface. We have investigated the residual activity of T4TS in response to complete deletion or substitution mutagenesis of these insertions. Two deletions generated in the small domain (residues 70-103) reduced the TS activity to 0.2% and 0.7% of the wild-type activity, with the latter able to complement growth of a thyA- E. coli strain in the absence of thymidine. By insertion of exogenous sequences variable in length and in sequence into these deletion mutants, enzyme activity increased to 44% that of the wild type. Restoration of the TS activity depended mostly on the hydrophobicity of the inserted residues. The sites of insertions also displayed distinct permissiveness for accommodating the exogenous insertions. Deletions and substitutions near the C-terminus resulted in complete inactivation of the T4TS. Proteolysis experiments revealed that the modified surface loops of the small domain were still accessible and flexible for protein-protein interactions. We have used ELISA to detect a physical association between T4TS and T4CD and compared the binding affinity of WT T4TS for two purified insertion mutants of T4CD. The results obtained showed that the native sequences of the small domain inserts are not required for T4TS/T4CD complex formation.
Intimate Partner Femicide–Suicides in Ghana Victims, Offenders, and Incident Characteristics

The present study investigated the scope, nature, and determinants of intimate partner femicide-suicides (IPFS) that occurred in Ghana during 1990 to 2009. All 35 reported cases of intimate partner homicide-suicides with female homicide victims that occurred during the study period were extracted from a major Ghanaian daily newspaper. Findings indicate that offenders were of lower socioeconomic background and tended to be older than their victims. The results further show that shooting with a firearm and hacking with a machete were the primary homicide methods, whereas self-inflicted gunshots and hanging were the dominant suicide methods. Results showed that suspicion of infidelity and sexual jealousy were core contributing factors in arguments, disputes, and altercations that preceded the femicide-suicides. Furthermore, estrangement and threatened divorce or separation by the female intimate partner was a major precipitant of femicide-suicides.
Experience matters: prior exposure to plant toxins enhances diversity of gut microbes in herbivores

For decades, ecologists have hypothesised that exposure to plant secondary compounds (PSCs) modifies herbivore-associated microbial community composition. This notion has not been critically evaluated in wild mammalian herbivores on evolutionary timescales. We investigated responses of the microbial communities of two woodrat species (Neotoma bryanti and N. lepida). For each species, we compared experienced populations that independently converged to feed on the same toxic plant (creosote bush, Larrea tridentata)
A Self-Associating Protein Critical for Chromosome Attachment, Division, and Polar Organization in Caulobacter

Cell polarization is an integral part of many unrelated bacterial processes. How intrinsic cell polarization is achieved is poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that Caulobacter crescentus uses a multimeric pole-organizing factor (PopZ) that serves as a hub to concurrently achieve several polarizing functions. During chromosome segregation, polar PopZ captures the ParB•ori complex and thereby anchors sister chromosomes at opposite poles. This step is essential for stabilizing bipolar gradients of a cell division inhibitor and setting up division near midcell. PopZ also affects polar stalk morphogenesis and mediates the polar localization of the morphogenetic and cell cycle signaling proteins CckA and DivJ. Polar accumulation of PopZ, which is central to its polarizing activity, can be achieved independently of division and does not appear to be dictated by the pole curvature. Instead, evidence suggests that localization of PopZ largely relies on PopZ multimerization in chromosome-free regions, consistent with a self-organizing mechanism.
B-cell factor 1 is required for optimal expression of the DRA promoter in B cells.

Abstract The X box in the DRA promoter of the human histocompatibility complex is required for expression of the DRA gene in B cells. We show that a B-cell factor binds to a sequence that is clearly distinguishable from binding sites for the previously described X box binding nuclear proteins RF-X, NF-X, NF-Xc, NF-S, hXBP, and AP-1. Mutations in the DRA X box that disrupt the binding of this factor result in a lower level of gene expression, as does the presence of Id (a trans-dominant regulatory protein that negatively regulates helix-loop-helix proteins). Furthermore, this factor is recognized by antibodies directed against the helix-loop-helix protein A1, a mouse homolog of the immunoglobulin enhancer binding proteins E12/E47, and it binds to sequences in other genes that were previously shown to bind these proteins. By these criteria, this factor is BCF-1.
FMA-RadLex: An Application Ontology of Radiological Anatomy derived from the Foundational Model of Anatomy Reference Ontology

Domain reference ontologies are being developed to serve as generalizable and reusable sources designed to support any application specific to the domain. The challenge is how to develop ways to derive or adapt pertinent portions of reference ontologies into application ontologies. In this paper we demonstrate how a subset of anatomy relevant to the domain of radiology can be derived from an anatomy reference ontology, the Foundational Model of Anatomy (FMA) Ontology, to create an application ontology that is robust and expressive enough to incorporate and accommodate all salient anatomical knowledge necessary to support existing and emerging systems for managing anatomical information related to radiology. The principles underlying this work are applicable to domains beyond radiology, so our results could be extended to other areas of biomedicine in the future.
Counterpressure: the concept that made the indirect measurement of blood pressure possible

Blood pressure is measured noninvasively every medical examination. It is also measured routinely throughout the course of nearly all illnesses, and we all take this measurement for granted. Yet the ability to make this measurement is due to the creative genius of Etienne Jules Marey, a French physiologist, who, in 1876, applied the concept of using counterpressure to measure blood pressure noninvasively in humans. This article describes his original experiments and briefly summarizes evolution of the technology to its present state.
Eat, drink, and tip: exploring economic opportunities for full-service restaurants.

This exploratory study sought to empirically confirm anecdotal observations by local area full-service restaurant servers, who reported that their tip income was nearly always better when customers purchased alcoholic beverages. Analysis of unambiguous point of sale guest check and credit card receipt data confirmed a positive relationship between alcoholic beverage purchases and servers' tip percentages. This is encouraging news for the restaurant industry, especially during the current economic downturn, because increased tip levels should motivate servers to sell more alcoholic beverages, which are highly profitable. Managerial implications are discussed.
Are Political Freedoms Converging

This article tests for convergence o f freedom using Freedom House's (2002) indices of political rights and civil liberties in 136 countries from 1972 to 2001. Time-series tests, using structural breaks, are employed to test for stochastic and [beta]-convergence. Cross-section tests are performed to examine the impact of legal systems, education, natural resources, economic freedom, and other variables. We find that political freedoms are converging for one-half of the countries. Additionally, we find that the level of freedom is significantly related to the legal system, education, economic freedom, and natural resources.
Molecular pathology in the obese spontaneous hypertensive Koletsky rat: a model of syndrome X.

: The SHROB rat is a unique strain with genetic obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, renal disease with proteinuria, and genetically determined hypertension, characteristics paralleling human Syndrome X. The obese phenotype results from a single homozygous recessive trait, designated faK, and is allelic with the Zucker fatty trait (fa), but of distinct origin. The faK mutation is a premature stop codon in the extracellular domain of the leptin receptor, resulting in a natural receptor knockout. The SHROB are glucose intolerant compared to heterozygous or wild-type SHR, but retain fasting euglycemia even on a high sucrose diet, suggesting that diabetes requires polygenic interaction with additional modifier genes. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on the insulin receptor and on the associated docking protein IRS-1 are reduced in skeletal muscle and liver compared to SHR, due mainly to diminished expression of insulin receptor and IRS-1 proteins. Despite multiple metabolic derangements and severe insulin resistance, hypertension is not exacerbated in SHROB compared to SHR. Thus, insulin resistance and hypertension are independent in this model. Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system may be a common factor leading by separate pathways to hypertension and to insulin resistance. We studied the chronic effects of sympathetic inhibition with moxonidine on glucose metabolism in SHROB. Moxoni-dine (8 mg/kg/day), a selective I1-imidazoline receptor agonist, not only reduced blood pressure but also ameliorated glucose intolerance. Moxonidine reduced fasting insulin by 47% and plasma free fatty acids by 30%. Moxonidine enhanced expression and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 in skeletal muscle by 74 and 27%, respectively. Thus, central sympatholytic therapy not only counters hypertension but also insulin resistance, glucose tolerance, and hyperlipidemia in the SHROB model of Syndrome X.
Quantifying phalangeal curvature: An empirical comparison of alternative methods

It has been generally assumed and theoretically argued that the curvature of finger and toe bones seen in some nonhuman primates is associated with cheiridial use in an arboreal setting. Assessment of such curvature in fossil primates has been used to infer the positional behavior of these animals. Several methods of quantifying curvature of bones have been proposed. The measure most commonly applied to phalanges is that of in cluded angle, but this has come under some criticism. We consider various other approaches for quantifying phalangeal curvature, demonstrating that some are equivalent to use of included angle, but that one—normalized curva ture moment arm (NCMA)—represents a true alternative. A comparison of NCMA to included angle, both calculated on manual and pedal proximal phalanges of humans, apes, some monkeys, and the Hadar fossils, revealed that these two different measures of curvature are highly correlated and result in very similar distributional patterns. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Maternal High-Fat Diet Promotes Body Length Increases and Insulin Insensitivity in Second-Generation Mice

Maternal obesity and diet consumption during pregnancy have been linked to offspring adiposity, cardiovascular disease, and impaired glucose metabolism. Furthermore, nutrition during development is clearly linked to somatic growth. However, few studies have examined whether phenotypes derived from maternal high-fat diet exposure can be passed to subsequent generations and by what mechanisms this may occur. Here we report the novel finding of a significant body length increase that persisted across at least two generations of offspring in response to maternal high-fat diet exposure. This phenotype is not attributable to altered intrauterine conditions or maternal feeding behavior because maternal and paternal lineages were able to transmit the effect, supporting a true epigenetic manner of inheritance. We also detected a heritable feature of reduced insulin sensitivity across two generations. Alterations in the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR), the GHSR transcriptional repressor AF5q31, plasma IGF-I concentrations, and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) suggest a contribution of the GH axis. These studies provide evidence that the heritability of body length and glucose homeostasis are modulated by maternal diet across multiple generations, providing a mechanism where length can increase rapidly in concert with caloric availability.
The Effects of Class Size and Learning Style on Student Performance in a Multimedia-Based Marketing Course

Traditionally, students in large sections perform worse in terms of content knowledge than those in small sections. In addition, research has shown that students with different learning styles perform differently in the same classroom. This study shows that these effects may be minimized by the extensive use of multimedia technology in the classroom.