cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteolytic Action of Pepsin on Glutenin

SUMMARY Pepsin rapidly decreases the viscosity of a glutenin dispersion having an acid reaction and rapidly increases-the amount of water-soluble fragments. The molecular weight of the solubilized fragments, estimated by the gel-filtration method, indicates that most of the fragments are large and have: molecular weights greater than 10,000. A comparison of data obtained by gel filtration and by determination of terminal amino acids in pepsin hydrolysates of glutenin indicates that cleavage of a few pep-tide bonds rapidly produces these large molecular polypeptides from glutenin. Further pepsin action causes a substantial increase in small peptide fragments.
Perceptions of younger single adults as a function of their gender and number of children.

ABSTRACT. Research suggests that children may interfere with single parents’ romantic experiences. Although both male and female single parents face these challenges, they have stronger associations with the romantic satisfaction of single mothers as compared to single fathers. The two current studies examined aspects of attractiveness and dating across various dimensions for both younger single women and men, with and without children. Results of Study 1 indicated interactive effects of target gender and parental status on perceptions of both attractiveness and dating potential. Results of Study 2 indicated differential ratings on multiple dimensions (i.e., attractiveness, stress, motivation for dating, and positive qualities) of younger single adults on the basis of gender, parental status, and the number of children single parents were reported as having. Implications for importance of social support and difficulty of repartnering are discussed.
Quantifying the impact of fixed effects modeling of clusters in multiple imputation for cluster randomized trials

In cluster randomized trials (CRTs), identifiable clusters rather than individuals are randomized to study groups. Resulting data often consist of a small number of clusters with correlated observations within a treatment group. Missing data often present a problem in the analysis of such trials, and multiple imputation (MI) has been used to create complete data sets, enabling subsequent analysis with well-established analysis methods for CRTs. We discuss strategies for accounting for clustering when multiply imputing a missing continuous outcome, focusing on estimation of the variance of group means as used in an adjusted t-test or ANOVA. These analysis procedures are congenial to (can be derived from) a mixed effects imputation model; however, this imputation procedure is not yet available in commercial statistical software. An alternative approach that is readily available and has been used in recent studies is to include fixed effects for cluster, but the impact of using this convenient method has not been studied. We show that under this imputation model the MI variance estimator is positively biased and that smaller intraclass correlations (ICCs) lead to larger overestimation of the MI variance. Analytical expressions for the bias of the variance estimator are derived in the case of data missing completely at random, and cases in which data are missing at random are illustrated through simulation. Finally, various imputation methods are applied to data from the Detroit Middle School Asthma Project, a recent school-based CRT, and differences in inference are compared.
Abstract: Evaluating Methods for Moderation Analysis with Missing Data in the Predictors.

The most widely used statistical model for conducting moderation analysis is the moderated multiple regression (MMR) model. While conducting moderation analysis using MMR models, missing data could...
Role of pharmacoepidemiology in evaluating prescription drug safety in pediatrics.

ABSTRACTBackground: Pharmacoepidemiology is a discipline that applies epidemiological methodologies to the study of drug use, especially the safety of drug use in a large group of people. But this methodology has not been widely utilized to assess drug safety in pediatrics for children aged between 0 and 18 years.Objectives: (1) To describe current gaps in evaluating pediatric drug safety; (2) to use published examples demonstrating the value of pharmacoepidemiology in detecting and quantifying adverse drug events in pediatrics; (3) to review pharmacoepidemiological study designs, their strengths and limitations, and examples of their applications in the field of drug safety evaluation; and (4) to provide recommendations about selecting an appropriate study design and minimizing a major methodological limitation.Overview: Only about 20% of approved drugs are licensed for pediatric use, and many prescription drugs are used as ‘off label’ or ‘unlicensed’ pediatric treatments. Among this small percentage of ...
B. F. Skinner, 1926–1928: From Literature to Psychology

In the two years between graduation from college and enrolling in graduate school, B. F. Skinner tried to initiate a literary career, failed at the task, and chose psychology as a field for graduate study. In this article we examine his literary background for sources and themes specifically relevant to choosing psychology, and provide an interpretive framework of considerations that seem more generally relevant to understanding his failure as a creative writer and his subsequent career choice.
Spatial and temporal lightness anchoring

Research in the area of lightness perception has not adequately addressed the influence of previously viewed visual fields on perceived surface reflectance. In the spatial realm, a spot-in-a-void will appear darker when a second surface of higher intensity is placed adjacent to it. The brighter surface takes the role of white, the anchor, and the dimmer is scaled accordingly. We find that when a spot-in-a-void is presented to observers in a light controlled chamber it is influenced by nonretinal temporal relationships mediated by the degree of complexity. We also find that the influence cannot be explained in terms of successive contrast at a high or low level in the visual system, but can be explained by an anchoring model. The present results follow the same rules governing spatial integration and anchoring and thereby support the currently proposed concept of temporal anchoring.
Forage Lignins and Their Effects on Fiber Digestibility

The lignin fraction of forage cell walls is negatively associated with fiber digestion by ruminants. Lignins can be classified as core lignins, highly condensed polymeric matrices; and non-core lignins, low molecular weight phenolic monomers. Core lignins are covalently linked to hemicellulose in forage cell walls, with at least some of these linkage being alkali-labile in grasses. Among the non-core lignins, p-coumaric acid is primarily associated with the core lignin fraction of cell walls whereas ferulic acid is generally linked to the hemicellulose fraction. The majority of non-core lignin moities are esterified to other cell wall components, but ether linkages also seem to exist. Legumes and grasses differ in lignin concentration and composition. Physiological maturity of forages influences lignin content. Genetics and environmental influences have been observed to alter both concentration and composition of forage lignins. Lignification seems to depress digestion of grass cell walls more strongly than in legumes. Composition of core lignin may influence fermentation of forages more than does simply concentration. Non-core lignins also are negatively correlated with fiber fermentation, but this may just reflect the positive correlation between core and non-core lignin concentrations. Covalent linkage of lignin to carbohydrate has been shown to be important in model cell wall systems for inhibiting fermentation. Much remains to be learned about lignin structure and the mechanisms by which lignins interfere with ruminal digestion of forages. Contribution from the USDA-ARS in cooperation with the Minnesota Agric. Exp. Stn. Scientific Journal Series Paper no. 15 724.
Live donor renal transplants using kidneys with arteriographic evidence of mild renovascular disease

The objective of the study was to determine whether using a living donor kidney with arteriographic evidence of renovascular disease affects the outcome of the recipient's transplanted graft. Twenty-eight patients who had unilateral renovascular abnormalities on conventional angiography underwent donor nephrectomy of the ipsilateral kidney. Results in the recipients who received these kidneys were reviewed. Comparison was made to a control group of living donor renal transplant recipients who were matched for donor, recipient age. Graft survival, patient survival, serum creatinine for all 28 recipients were evaluated. All 28 donors underwent a successful donor nephrectomy. Recipient graft survival was 96% at 1 yr, 92% at 3 yr, 71% at 5 yr, 62% at 10 yr. Mean serum creatinine values at 1 month, 1 yr, 3 yr were 1.5, 1.5, 1.6, respectively. Similar results were observed in the control group. We conclude that renal transplantation utilizing kidneys with arteriographic evidence of renovascular disease results in excellent short, long-term renal allograft survival.
Secondary structure of human interleuken-3

1. The secondary structure of human interleuken-3 in solution was determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy. 2. The results were then compared with empirical secondary structure predictions based on primary sequence structure of the protein. 3. The two approaches are in extremently close agreement showing the protein to have 40% alpha-helix, 12% total beta-structure and 48% random coil content.
Low angle grain boundary transport properties of undoped and doped Y123 thin film bicrystals

Abstract Undoped and Ca- or Ag-doped YBa 2 Cu 3 O x (Y123) thin films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition on symmetric low angle SrTiO 3 bicrystals (4, 8, 12, 16 degree misorientation angle). The electrical transport properties of the inter- and intragrain critical current densities and V-I curves were investigated at 77K in magnetic fields up to 6T. Ca-doped Y123 bicrystal films (10 % Ca substitution) showed no significant j c -enhancement at 77K in zero field but a strongly decreased j c at higher magnetic fields due to a reduced irreversibility field at 77K. Ag-doped Y123 bicrystal films showed increased critical current densities at higher fields and a slightly shifted transition from strong to weak link behavior compared to undoped Y123 bicrystal films.
Approximating crossed symmetric solutions of nonlinear dynamic equations via quasilinearization

Abstract Crossed symmetric solutions of nonlinear boundary value dynamic problems play an important role in many applications, in particular in adaptive algorithm designs. This article is devoted to the continuation of our investigation on second-order nonlinear companion dynamic boundary value problems on time scales. Monotonically convergent upper and lower solutions of the problems and their quasilinear approximations are investigated. It is shown that, under proper smoothness constraints, the iterative sequences constructed not only converge to the analytic solutions of the desired companion problems monotonically, but also preserve important crossed symmetry properties. The quasilinearization offers an efficient way in the solution approximation. Computational examples are given to illustrate our results.
A dynamical systems/Larmor precession model for weak magnetic field bioeffects: Ion binding and orientation of bound water molecules

Abstract A dynamical systems/Larmor precession model is proposed to describe the kinetics of ion binding at a signaling molecule. A bistable potential well represents the hydrated ion in the outer Helmholtz plane of the electrical double layer at the electrified macromolecule-aqueous interface (unbound), or in the binding site (inner Helmholtz plane, bound). Thermal noise drives the binding process resulting in a chaotic hopping between the two states and producing the characteristic Lorentzian or 1/ f power spectrum found in biological systems. It is postulated binding kinetics can be influenced by the precessional motion of bound water in the binding site at the Larmor frequency with a 0.1–1 μT magnetic field threshold in the presence of thermal noise. This modulates bound water orientation angles, causing fluctuations in the instantaneous dielectric constant at the binding site, affecting the kinetics of ion binding. The effect increases with B for static and AC fields (negligible induced E ), with no resonances related to the Larmor precession frequency. However a resonance is expected for frequencies at or near the characteristic interwell hopping rate. AC resonance frequencies are expected to increase with increasing temperature and static field. Application to cell-free myosin phosphorylation accurately predicts static magnetic field results in the 1–200 μT range.
The kinetics of taxoid accumulation in cell suspension cultures of Taxus following elicitation with methyl jasmonate

Cell suspension cultures of Taxus canadensis and Taxus cuspidata rapidly produced paclitaxel (Taxol) and other taxoids in response to elicitation with methyl jasmonate. By optimizing the concentration of the elicitor, and the timing of elicitation, we have achieved the most rapid accumulation of paclitaxel in a plant cell culture, yet reported. The greatest accumulation of paclitaxel occurred when methyl jasmonate was added to cultures at a final concentration of 200 μM on day 7 of the culture cycle. The concentration of paclitaxel increased in the extracellular (cell-free) medium to 117 mg/day within 5 days following elicitation, equivalent to a rate of 23.4 mg/L per day. Paclitaxel was only one of many taxoids whose concentrations increased significantly in response to elicitation. Despite the rapid accumulation and high concentration of paclitaxel, its concentration never exceeded 20% of the total taxoids produced in the elicited culture. Two other taxoids, 13-acetyl-9-dihydrobaccatin III and baccatin VI, accounted for 39% to 62% of the total taxoids in elicited cultures. The accumulation of baccatin III did not parallel the pattern of accumulation for paclitaxel. Baccatin III continued to accumulate until the end of the culture cycle, at which point most of the cells in the culture were dead, implying a possible role as a degradation product of taxoid biosynthesis, rather than as a precursor. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 62: 97–105, 1999.
The pathogenesis of senile plaques

Senile plaques (SP) are complicated lesions composed of diverse amyloid peptides and associated molecules, degenerating neuronal processes,a nd reactive glia. Evidence suggests that diffuse, neurocentric amyloid deposits evolve over time with formation of discrete niduses that eventually become neuritic SP. The evidence for differential amyloid precursor protein metabolism that may favor deposition of A beta 17-42 in this early, possibly aging-related lesion is discussed. This latter molecule, also known as P3, may represent a benign form of amyloid, since it lacks domains associated with activation and recruitment of glia to SP. Subsequent to deposition of A beta 1-42 and then growth of the amyloid with precipitation of soluble A beta 1-40, in an Alzheimer disease-specific process, SP increasingly become associated with activated microglia and reactive astrocytes. In response to interaction with amyloid peptides and possibly glycated proteins, microglia and astrocytes produce a number of molecules that may be locally toxic to neuronal processes in the vicinity of SP, including cytokines, reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, and proteases. They also produce factors that lead to their reciprocal activation and growth, which potentiate a local inflammatory cascade. Paired helical filament- (PHF) type neurites appear to be associated with SP only in so far as neurofibrillary degeneration has progressed to affect neurons in those regions where the plaque forms. Thus, PHF-type neurites are readily apparent in SP in the amygdala at an early stage, while they are late in primary cortices and never detected in cerebellar plaques; where only dystrophic neurites are detected. If the various stages of SP pathogenesis can be further clarified, it may be possible to develop rational approaches to therapy directed at site-, cell type-, and stage-specific interventions. Although controlling the local inflammatory microenvironment of SP may hold promise for slowing lesion pathogenesis, it still remains a fundamental challenge to determine the mechanism of neurodegeneration that results in widespread neurofibrillary degeneration and eventual synaptic and neuronal loss, which is considered to be the proximate cause of the clinical dementia syndrome.
RNA induces conformational changes in the SF1/U2AF65 splicing factor complex.

Abstract Spliceosomes assemble on pre-mRNA splice sites through a series of dynamic ribonucleoprotein complexes, yet the nature of the conformational changes remains unclear. Splicing factor 1 (SF1) and U2 auxiliary factor (U2AF 65 ) cooperatively recognize the 3′ splice site during the initial stages of pre-mRNA splicing. Here, we used small-angle X-ray scattering to compare the molecular dimensions and ab initio shape restorations of SF1 and U2AF 65 splicing factors, as well as the SF1/U2AF 65 complex in the absence and presence of AdML (adenovirus major late) splice site RNAs. The molecular dimensions of the SF1/U2AF 65 /RNA complex substantially contracted by 15 A in the maximum dimension, relative to the SF1/U2AF 65 complex in the absence of RNA ligand. In contrast, no detectable changes were observed for the isolated SF1 and U2AF 65 splicing factors or their individual complexes with RNA, although slight differences in the shapes of their molecular envelopes were apparent. We propose that the conformational changes that are induced by assembly of the SF1/U2AF 65 /RNA complex serve to position the pre-mRNA splice site optimally for subsequent stages of splicing.
Partially Funded Social Security and Inter-Generational Distribution

This paper introduces a parametric model of partially funded social security system and analyzes inter-generational distribution of consumption and welfare in an OLG general equilibrium. This paper specifically aims to examine the effects of transition toward more funded system on saving and capital accumulation. It is shown that an increase in intensity of fundedness increases capital accumulation unless the income effect from interest rate change outweighs other effects and negatively affects the total saving severely. By deriving closed form solutions for the variables, this paper finds that an increase in the intensity of fundedness increases saving but decreases consumption, when population growth rate is greater than the net return to capital. This paper also finds that for a partially funded system, an increase in tax rate increases public saving but reduces private saving unambiguously, while the effects on consumption and capital accumulation are not conclusive.
Note on Reactions of Extroverts and Introverts to Sensory Deprivation

11 extroverts and 7 introverts were scheduled for 2 sessions of sensory deprivation. During both sessions, introverts produced more button-presses for a promised time-off reward, and they scored higher on a discomfort index derived from before-after self-ratings of well-being. Of the 5 Ss who did not complete the study, 3 were extroverts who quit during a session and 2 were introverts who quit between sessions. Interest in these results is attributed to their similarity to those obtained in a previous study by another investigator.
Cellular influences on RNA sorting in neurons and glia: an in situ hybridization histochemical study

The unique structures of process-bearing cells in the central nervous system (CNS) present an ideal model with which to study the differential distribution of mRNA. We conducted a side-by-side examination of the intracellular distribution of nine neural mRNAs by in situ hybridization histochemistry in mammalian brain and observed four general types of mRNA distributions. (1) Some mRNA species were confined to cell somas and included those encoding the glial proteins, myelin proteolipid protein and 2'3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase and the neuronal enzymes, neuron-specific enolase and glutamate decarboxylase-67. (2) Some mRNAs were found abundantly within the cell soma and were also located throughout cellular processes. These included myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA, which was localized to the cell soma and myelin sheaths of oligodendrocytes, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA, which was localized to the cell soma and processes of reactive and some non-reactive astrocytes in the adult brain and radial glia in embryonic brain. (3) Some mRNAs were found primarily in perinuclear cytoplasm but in some cells were also observed in cell processes. These included mRNAs encoding the protein kinase C/calmodulin-binding substrates, RC3 (neurogranin) and GAP-43, which were identified in the somas as well as within the proximal dendritic branches of specific forebrain neurons. (4) Some mRNAs were localized primarily within cell processes. These included MAP2 mRNA, which was identified by deep staining within dendritic fields but by only light staining within neuronal cell bodies. The data also indicated that the stage of cellular development and the regional location of a cell within the CNS had a profound influence on translocation events. MAP2 mRNA was found in the dendritic processes of most neurons but was confined to the soma of neurons in specific brainstem nuclei. MBP mRNA was confined to the perinuclear cytoplasm of immature oligodendrocytes and was then transported into the myelin sheath at a developmental stage corresponding to myelination. The distribution patterns of these mRNAs are likely to reflect the mechanism by which the protein products of these molecules are targeted within neurons and glia. In addition, mRNA movement may be influenced by cellular and regional factors not encoded solely within the structure of the translocated mRNA.
TUNNELING VIA INDIVIDUAL ELECTRONIC STATES IN FERROMAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES

We measure electron tunneling via discrete energy levels in ferromagnetic cobalt particles that are less than 4 nm in diameter, using nonmagnetic electrodes. Because of magnetic anisotropy, the energy of each tunneling resonance shifts as an applied magnetic field rotates the particle's magnetic moment. We see both spin-increasing and decreasing tunneling transitions, but do not observe the spin degeneracy at small magnetic fields seen previously in nonmagnetic materials. The tunneling spectrum is denser than predicted for independent electrons, possibly due to spin-wave excitations.
Lumen Formation and Other Angiogenic Activities of Cultured Capillary Endothelial Cells Are Inhibited by Thrombospondin-1 ☆

The large secreted glycoprotein thrombospondin-1 is a potent inhibitor of neovascularization in vivo. In order to better understand its mechanism of action, we have determined the full range of deficits thrombospondin can impose on cultured capillary endothelial cells. Exogenously added thrombospondin-1 blocked the ability of these cells to organize into cords. It blocked the migration of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, but not that of fibroblasts, neutrophils, or keratinocytes, demonstrating specificity. Conversely, when the endogenous thrombospondin-1 produced by the endothelial cells was inactivated using antibodies that can neutralize its inhibition of neovascularization in vivo, migration toward basic fibroblast growth factor and cord formation were stimulated, and sparsely plated cells developed cylindrical cavities. These cavities formed by vesicle fusion, extended the depth of the cell, and appeared to be incipient lumens, staining positively for the luminal marker angiotensin converting enzyme. Antiangiogenic levels of thrombospondin-1 had no measurable effect on the overall level of activity of soluble gelatinases or on urokinase plasminogen activator produced by activated endothelial cells. Coupled with previously published data, these results demonstrate thrombospondin-1 is a multifaceted inhibitor able to block the entire program of dedifferentiation and redifferentiation essential to the formation of new vessels. They also support the contention that the endogenously produced protein contributes to the quiescence of the normal vasculature.
Rapid high fidelity finite element-based synchronous machine model for system simulations

This paper proposes a technique for rapid high fidelity finite element based synchronous machine models for use in system simulators. The computational efficient finite element procedure, CE-FEA, is used to construct harmonic flux linkage arrays for a range of current inputs. In the system simulator, a map is constructed relating rotor position as an input to relate instantaneous flux linkage and d and q axis currents. Using rotor position and flux linkages as inputs from the system simulator and interpolating the flux linkage map, the phase currents of the synchronous machine are determined. In the system simulation, the phase currents are modeled as dependent current sources. This technique allows for the modeling of space and time harmonics, saturation, and cogging torque within the system simulator without directly coupling the finite element solver. Three examples of system simulation results are shown for an interior permanent magnet synchronous machine.
Clinical interpretation of ultrasound biometry for dating and for assessment of fetal growth using a wheel and chart: is it sufficiently accurate?

Objectives To investigate how accurately practicing obstetricians (experts) can apply dating rules and compare the interpretation of gestation-sensitive ultrasound data with those of a computer system. Subjects Seventeen practicing obstetricians, Members of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, from 14 different units throughout the UK. Design Six cases with menstrual and ultrasound data together with identical ultrasound charts and obstetric wheels. Main outcome measures Concordance between the calculated estimated date of delivery (EDD) and growth assessment provided by the experts and the computer system. Results The calculation of the EDD by the experts was imprecise (59% within 3 days overall). Concordance with the computer calculation was poorest when the ultrasound measurements lay close to the upper or lower centile lines (average 7% within 3 days of the computer). Interpretation of growth showed good concordance with the computer when gestation was not critical to the interpretation (94%), but very poor when gestation was critical (7%). Conclusions Calculation of EDD by means of an obstetric wheel and charts is not precise. Compared with the computer system, these errors have a significant effect on the subsequent interpretation of growth scans when the data are borderline. A computer system provides the more accurate method for interpreting gestation-sensitive ultrasound biometry. Copyright © 1999 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
α-Factor leader sequence-directed transport of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase in the secretory pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The constuction of two fused genes is described. One involves the in-frame fusion of the yeast prepro-α-factor coding sequence, and the Escherichia coli lac Z gene. The second gene fusion utilizes a 103 bp yeast invertase NH2-terminal coding sequence at the fusion junction of the hybrid gene described above. The gene fusions, under the control of the α-factor promoter, expressed active β-galactosidase in α haploid yeast cells. The activity could be regulated in a temperature-sensitive sir3 mutant. The incorporation of the invertase coding sequence at the MFα1-lacZ fusion junction provided significantly higher levels of β-galactosidase activity. A substantial quantity of the hybrid proteins generated from the gene fusions was primarily localized in the intracellular membranes of yeast cells, while a processed form could be secreted into the periplasm.
Reich and Rousseau: an essay in psycho-history.

One of the most successful roots of popular sophistication it is heard even on TV detective shows is ascribed originally to Henry Kissinger: "Even paranoids have enemies." Had he said, precisely paranoids have enemies, it would have befuddled his listeners, since paranoids are supposed only to have delusions about enemies, and Kissinger knows better than to appear to be more than one step in advance of his interviewers. The real existence of the enemy is a vital element in the economy of the still-coping paranoid. The enemy is the proof that there is a standard of virtue in the world as well as the evidence of his own innate potency and superiority in the face of the standard (since the enemy will not come out in the open and fight like a man, where everyone can see him). If the enemy does not exist, he will create one, embodying all that the paranoid finds detestable in the human condition, choosing and nurturing him carefully. The enemy is not created out of the whole cloth, but rather under conditions dominated by the paranoid's own internal dynamisms. It is nonetheless true t.hat paranoid thinking is a statement about the external world. The world listens to such statements often attending more to the tone of voice than to their objective validity and has ways of replying to them. And the paranoid responds (this time, perhaps silently): Aha! Just as I thought. Swanson et al. correctly point out the limited usefulness of the nosological dictum of the American Psychiatric Association's Manual of Mental Disorders, according to which the hallmark of the psychotic paranoid is his delusion: "This clearly is too narrow a criterion for Ibaranoid conditions in general; the paranoid personality is not delusional, nor are the subclinical paranoid phenomena which are transiently seen in many individuals. ''1 However, the "state of the art" in psychotherapy (in contradistinction to the popular culture) does not permit much assurance in going beyond the A.P.A. to any certitude as to what the anomaly of paranoid thinking, in general,
Feline urethrostomy—a critique and new method

A procedure for perineal urethrostomy is described in thirty cats. The opening for the stoma is separate from the main skin incision. Haemorrhage from the crura of the penis is controlled by ligation of the crura. Haemorrhage from the corpus cavernosum urethrae is controlled by a tourniquet around the penis, then by compression from the sutures which unite the urethra to the skin. The operation is applicable for primary procedures as well as to the repair of a stenosed perineal urethrostomy. Post-operative catheterization is avoided. The cats have been examined up to 30 months, median 14 months, post-operatively; one of the thirty urethrostomies stenosed at 7 months. Resume. On decrit un procede pour uretrostomie chez trente chats. L'ouverture des stoma est separee de l'incision principale de la peau. On controle l'hemorragie de la cuisse du penis par ligature de la cuisse. L'hemorragie du corps caverneux de l'uretre se controle au moyen d'un tourniquet autour du penis, puis par compression des sutures qui unissent l'uretre a la peau. L'operation est applicable pour des procedes primaires de meme que pour la remise en etat d'une uretrostomie perineale stenosee. Une catheterisation postoperatoire est evitee. On a examine les chats jusqu'a 30 mois, median 14 mois, de maniere postoperatoire. Une des trente uretro-stomies a stenose a 7 mois. Zusammenfassung. Ein Verfahren fur perineale Harnrohrenfistelung in 30 Katzen wurde beschrieben. Die Offnung fur das Stoma ist von dem Haupthauteinschnitt getrennt. Blutung von dem Crus penis wird durch Ligatur der Crura kontrolliert. Blutung von dem Corpus cavernosum urethrae wird durch eine Staubinde um den Penis unter Kontrolle gebracht, dann durch Kompression von den Suturen die den Urethra mit der Haut verbinden. Die Operation ist angebracht fur primare Verfahren sowie fur Ausbesserung einer stenosierten perinealen Harnrohrenfistelung. Nachoperative Katheterisierung wird vermieden. Die Katzen bis zu 30 Monaten untersucht worden, durchschnittlich 14 Monate, postoperativlich; eine von den 30 Urethrostomien stenosierten um den 7. Monat.
Use of spectroscopy for assessment of color discrimination in animal vision

Animals use color vision for a number of tasks including food localization, object recognition, communication, and mate selection. For these and other specific behaviors involving the use of color cues, models that quantify color discriminability have been developed. These models take as input the photoreceptor spectral sensitivities of the animal and radiance spectra of the surfaces of interest. These spectra are usually acquired using spectroscopic instruments that collect point-by-point data and can easily yield signals contaminated with neighboring colors if not operated carefully. In this paper, I present an equation that relates the optical fiber diameter and numerical aperture to the measurement angle and distance needed to record uncontaminated spectra. I demonstrate its utility by testing the discriminability of two solid colors for the visual systems of a dichromatic ferret and a trichromatic frog in (1) a conspicuous scenario where the colors have little spectral overlap and (2) a perfect camouflage scenario where the spectra are identical. This equation is derived from geometrical optics and is applicable to spectroscopic measurements in all fields.
Coordinated Action of Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) and Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MRP1) in Antineoplastic Drug Detoxification MECHANISM OF GST A1-1- AND MRP1-ASSOCIATED RESISTANCE TO CHLORAMBUCIL IN MCF7 BREAST CARCINOMA CELLS

To examine the role of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in cellular resistance to antineoplastic drugs, derivatives of MCF7 breast carcinoma cells were developed that express MRP1 in combination with one of three human cytosolic isozymes of GST. Expression of MRP1 alone confers resistance to several drugs representing the multidrug resistance phenotype, drugs including doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, and mitoxantrone. However, co-expression with MRP1 of any of the human GST isozymes A1-1, M1-1, or P1-1 failed to augment MRP1-associated resistance to these drugs. In contrast, combined expression of MRP1 and GST A1-1 conferred approximately 4-fold resistance to the anticancer drug chlorambucil. Expression of MRP1 alone failed to confer resistance to chlorambucil, showing that the observed protection from chlorambucil cytotoxicity was absolutely dependent upon GST A1-1 protein. Moreover, using inhibitors of GST (dicumarol) or MRP1 (sulfinpyrazone), it was shown that in MCF7 cells resistance to chlorambucil requires both intact MRP1-dependent efflux pump activity and, for full protection, GST A1-1 catalytic activity. These results are the first demonstration that GST A1-1 and MRP1 can act in synergy to protect cells from the cytotoxicity of a nitrogen mustard, chlorambucil.
Effects of the Relative Extrachloroplastic Concentrations of Inorganic Phosphate, 3-Phosphoglycerate, and Dihydroxyacetone Phosphate on the Rate of Starch Synthesis in Isolated Spinach Chloroplasts

The effect of external inorganic phosphate (Pi) on starch synthesis in isolated spinach (Spinacia oleracea American Hybrid No. 424) chloroplasts in the presence of millimolar concentrations of 3-phosphoglycerate (PGA) and/or dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DAP) was examined. Whereas CO2 fixation was relatively constant as the ratio of the external phosphate to the PGA + DAP varied from 1:3 to 3:1, starch synthesis varied from 17% to 2% of the CO2 fixation rate. With DAP alone, maximal starch synthesis was about 10% of the CO2 fixation rate. The data demonstrate that the Pi/(PGA + DAP) ratio in the cytoplasm of plant cells could serve to regulate the flow of newly fixed carbon into starch without alterations in the rate of CO2 fixation.
Effect of postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on adult male reproductive function

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found widely distributed in the ecosystem, including human milk, yet there is limited information concerning the effect that PCB exposure during the postnatal period might have on subsequent reproductive capacity of adult male offspring. In this study, fertility and condition of reproductive organs were examined in male offspring of rats that received Aroclor 1254 orally (8, 32, or 64 mg/kg) on Days 1–3, 5, 7, and 9 of lactation. It was found that the experimental male offspring as adults were less successful in mating and reproducing when compared with control offspring. Virgin females mated with males exposed through suckling to the two higher doses of PCBs had a significantly lower proportion of ovulated eggs that implanted, a significantly lower number of live fetuses, and a significantly higher rate of resorption. At autopsy, although body weights were not significantly different, ventral prostate weights were significantly less in all treated male offspring; there were fewer alveoli and flattened epithelial cells in these glands as compared to controls. Seminal vesicle weights were significantly less in males exposed to the two higher doses of PCBs, while the testes were significantly larger. PCB-derived material remained in adipose tissue and liver at the time of autopsy. These data support the hypothesis that exposure of male offspring to PCBs during early postnatal development results in an hypoandrogenic condition that is detrimental to normal reproductive functioning in the adult.
Delayed influence of tactile–visual input on proprioception in autism: Evidence from the rubber hand illusion

In the rubber hand illusion, perceived hand ownership can be transferred to a rubber hand after synchronous visual and tactile stimulation. Perceived body ownership and self-other relation are foundational for development of self-awareness, imitation, and empathy, which are all affected in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We examined the rubber hand illusion in children with and without ASD. Children with ASD were initially less susceptible to the illusion than the comparison group, yet exhibited the effects of the illusion as time went on. Delayed susceptibility to the illusion may result from atypical multisensory temporal integration and/or an unusually strong reliance on proprioception. Children with ASD who display less empathy were significantly less likely to experience the illusion than those with more intact ability to express empathy. A better understanding of body representation in ASD may elucidate neural underpinnings of social deficits, thus informing future intervention approaches.
Molecular Dynamics of Acetylcholinesterase Dimer Complexed with Tacrine

We have studied the dynamic properties of acetylcholinesterase dimer from Torpedo californica liganded with tacrine (AChE−THA) in solution using molecular dynamics. The simulation reveals fluctuations in the width of the primary channel to the active site that are large enough to admit substrates. Alternative entries to the active site through the side walls of the gorge have been detected in a number of structures. This suggests that transport of solvent molecules participating in catalysis can occur across the porous wall, contributing to the efficiency of the enzyme.
Band offset determination in ZnSe-based heterostructures involving ZnBeSe

Abstract Magneto-transmission measurements were carried out on a series of ZnMnSe/ZnBeSe quantum wells (QWs) in order to determine the band offset of ZnBeSe relative to ZnSe. We observed strong transitions from the ground state of the valence band to that of the conduction band in this system. The transition energy was observed to systematically increase with increasing Be concentration in the ZnBeSe barrier. Transitions also exhibited a large Zeeman shift due to the presence of Mn in the well layer. We calculated transition energies and their magnetic field dependence for this system using the 8-band k·p model, in which the valence band offset (VBO) was the only fitting parameter. By comparing the experimental results with the calculations we conclude that the chemical VBO between ZnSe and ZnBeSe corresponds to approximately 40% of the band gap difference.
Integrated safety management information system part II: Allocation of resources

Abstract Part II of this paper (Part I was published in this journal in Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 135–157) illustrates the potential use of ISMIS decision algorithms in dealing with safety resources problems. Examples are included to demonstrate how the system can be used in the development and implementation of optimum safety inspection plans. The potential role of the system in maintaining and improving occupational safety and health programs is outlined.
1169 INCREASED RISK OF INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS AMONG SIBLINGS

The development of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced infectious mononucleosis (IM) among close contacts of a patient with EBV-IM has been considered to be relatively low. The present study investigated the accuracy of this assumption during a close surveillance of families with an index (pediatric) patient experiencing documented EBV-IM. Eighty-three families were enrolled initially in the study; fifty-two families were examined on two or more occasions. Five children from 4 families had an IM episode (4 proved EBV-related) concurrently or within a 2 month period prior to the child enrolled as the index patient. Fourteen of 44 children (33 families) that lacked EBV antibodies on the first examination during the acute episode of the index patient seroconverted during the surveillance period. Five (5 different families) of the 14 children developed IM with their subsequent primary EBV infection 2 months to 13 months later. The latter clinical rate approximates that reported by others for young adults experiencing primary EBV infections. It appears then that the relative risk for a child developing IM from a primary EBV infection is substantially increased when a sibling has experienced this disease in the past. The reason for this newly described phenomenon is unclear.
Spotlight interaction effects in main-effect plans: A supersaturated design approach

In a traditional screening experiment, a first-order model is commonly assumed; that is, all interaction effects are tentatively ignored. The construction of first-order main-effect designs that are optimal in some sense has received a great deal of att..
Risks of Online Direct-to-Consumer Tumor Markers for Cancer Screening

Kimberly M. Lovett, Kaiser Permanente; University of California San Diego School of Medicine; and Institute of Health Law Studies, California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA Bryan A. Liang, University of California San Diego School of Medicine; and Institute of Health Law Studies, California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA Timothy K. Mackey, University of California San Diego School of Medicine; San Diego State University; and Institute of Health Law Studies, California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA See related article in J Oncol Pract doi: 10.1200/JOP.2011.000513
Extremal eigenvalue problems for composite membranes, II

Given an open bounded connected set Ω ⊂R N and a prescribed amount of two homogeneous materials of different density, for smallk we characterize the distribution of the two materials in Ω that extremizes thekth eigenvalue of the resulting clamped membrane. We show that these extremizers vary continuously with the proportion of the two constituents. The characterization of the extremizers in terms of level sets of associated eigenfunctions provides geometric information on their respective interfaces. Each of these results generalizes toN dimensions the now classical one-dimensional work of M. G. Krein.
Comment on “isotopic and incompatible element constraints on the genesis of island arc volcanics from Cold Bay and Amak Island, Aleutians, and implications for mantle structure” by J. D. Morris and S. R. Hart

Abstract Similarities between incompatible element ratios and isotopic characteristics of oceanic island basalts (OIB) and andesites from Cold Bay and Amak Island have led Morris and Hart (1983) to suggest that Aleutian Island and arc magmas in general are derived from mantle sources similar to those which produce OIB. We suggest that shallow-level fractionation can substantially affect certain LIL-element ratios in evolved arc rocks and therefore such ratios are not indicative of the source values. We also debate their modal melting model which relies on an incompatible element-rich residual phase and an enriched mantle source in order to produce typical arc-type enrichments (e.g. Ba La ) from OIB sources. Furthermore, typical metasomatism associated with alkaline volcanic rocks cannot be relied upon to selectively produce Cs enrichments in arc volcanics. The broad overlaps in OIB and arc isotopic values cannot be used to define a unique mixture of sources as Morris and Hart suggest. Rather, we suggest that the range and variability of arc isotopic values are characteristic of individual arcs and reflects a melt fluid signature from the slab. Recent studies of short-lived isotopes in Aleutian volcanic rocks have also indicated they could have been derived from MORB-type sources contaminated by slab-derived components. Theories suggesting that enrichments in OIB sources are ultimately a consequence of subduction are currently in vogue. Differences between localized melt dehydration processes beneath arcs and more complete, long-term fusion at deeper levels in the mantle are invoked to account for significant differences in major and trace element compositions between island arc basalt (IAB) and OIB magmas.
Does the MgO(100)-support facilitate the reaction of nitrogen and hydrogen molecules catalyzed by Zr2Pd2 clusters? A computational study.

Reactions of the “naked” and MgO(100) supported Zr2Pd2 cluster with nitrogen and four hydrogen molecules were studied at the density functional level using the periodic slab approach (VASP). It was shown that adsorption of the Zr2Pd2 cluster on the MgO(100) surface does not change its gas-phase geometry and electronic structure significantly. In spite of this the N2 coordination to the MgO(100)-supported Zr2Pd2 cluster, I/MgO, is found to be almost 30 kcal/mol less favorable than for the “naked” one. The addition of the first H2 molecule to the resulting II/MgO, that is, II/MgO + H2 → IV/MgO reaction, proceeds with a relatively small, 9.0 kcal/mol, barrier and is exothermic by 8.3 kcal/mol. The same reaction for the “naked” Zr2Pd2 cluster requires a slightly larger barrier (10.1 kcal/mol) and is highly exothermic (by 23.3 kcal/mol). The interaction of the H2 molecule with the intermediate IV/MgO (i.e., the second H2 molecule addition to II/MgO) requires larger energy barrier, 23.3 kcal/mol vs 8.8 kcal/mol...
Dimension-based analysis of hypotheticals from supreme court oral argument

In this paper we examine a sequence of hypotheticals taken from a Supreme Court oral argument. We use the idea of a “dimension,” developed previously in our case-based reasoning system HYPO, to analyze the hypotheticals and to speculate on how the Justices might have arrived at them. The case we consider is taken from the area of Fourth Amendment law concerning warrantless search and seizure.