cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elbow Torque Is Reduced in Asymptomatic College Pitchers With Elbow Laxity: A Dynamic Ultrasound Study.

Purpose To determine the relation between medial elbow torque, as measured by wearable sensor technology, and adaptations of the medial elbow structures on dynamic ultrasound imaging in asymptomatic collegiate pitchers. Methods Thirty-four pitchers from National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II universities were eligible for preseason testing. The exclusion criteria included age younger than 18 years, history of surgery, non-pitcher, or current restrictions. Pitchers were fitted with a wearable sensor sleeve that recorded elbow torque, arm slot, arm speed, and arm rotation. Pitchers threw 5 fastballs in a standardized manner off the mound at game-speed effort. They also underwent dynamic ultrasound imaging of the elbow by a musculoskeletal sonographer, with standardized valgus loading. Images were deidentified, and measurements of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and ulnohumeral joint space (UHJS), to assess elbow laxity, were performed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Results The final analysis included 28 pitchers with an average age of 20.1 years (standard deviation, 1.3 years; range, 18-23 years) and playing experience of 15.3 years (standard deviation, 1.8 years; range, 11-19 years). The dominant UCL thickness (P Conclusions Pitchers with increased dynamic elbow laxity were found to experience reduced medial elbow torque while pitching. Additionally, pitchers with greater UCL thickness on ultrasound were found to experience increased medial elbow torque while pitching. This study’s findings suggest a relation between anatomic adaptations found on ultrasound of the pitching elbow and medial elbow torque. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective cohort study.
Honey robbing: could human changes to the environment transform a rare foraging tactic into a maladaptive behavior?

Human environmental modifications have outpaced honey bees’ ability to evolve adaptive regulation of foraging tactics, possibly including a tactic associated with extreme food shortage, honey robbing. Honey robbing is a high risk, high reward, and understudied honey bee tactic whereby workers attack and often kill neighboring colonies to steal honey. Humans have exacerbated the conditions that provoke such robbing and its consequences. We describe robbing as an individual-level and colony-level behavioral syndrome, implicating worker bees specialized for foraging, food processing, and defense. We discuss how colony signaling mechanisms could regulate this syndrome and then explore the ecological underpinnings of robbing—highlighting its unusual prevalence in the commonly managed Apis mellifera and outlining the conditions that provoke robbing. We advocate for studies that identify the cues that modulate this robbing syndrome. Additionally, studies that apply behavioral ecology modeling approaches to generate testable predictions about robbing could clarify basic bee biology and have practical implications for colony management.
Cancel Culture or Compassionate Change: A Radical Proposal for Rethinking Constitutional Amendments

The United States Constitution is a document of historic importance and yet its purpose as a guiding document for our current government requires us to re-evaluate its impact on all of our citizens. A change in how we integrate the amendments, while still preserving the history, can help reduce the overt racism and sexism that exist in those documents. Using a modified integration method, where amendments that change the text of the Constitution are integrated while others are appended to the document, the Constitution becomes a current and vibrant reflection of the state of our government while maintaining the ability to recognize where improvements have been made over time.
The Zoom Boom: How Video Calling Impacts Attitudes Towards Aesthetic Surgery in the COVID-19 Era.

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the widespread adoption of video calling. A parallel growth in aesthetic surgery demand has been documented. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to identify associations between video call engagement and aesthetic surgery attitudes. METHODS We distributed a cross-sectional survey via Amazon Mechanical Turk in November 2020. Respondents were asked to report their time spent video calling, video calling applications and features (eg, virtual backgrounds) they utilized, and aesthetic surgery attitudes employing the 15-item Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS; higher scores indicate greater acceptance). ACSS scores were compared between video call users and non-users employing t tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient was employed to quantify associations between ACSS scores and time spent on calls and multivariable analysis to estimate associations between video call engagement and ACSS scores. RESULTS A total of 295 respondents (mean age, 37.6 years; 49.5% female) completed the survey. Across all video call applications surveyed, video call users had higher ACSS scores than non-users. Increased time respondents spent looking at their own face on video call was moderately associated with higher ACSS scores (r = 0.48, P < 0.01), whereas time spent looking at another person's face was not associated with a change in ACSS scores (r = 0.09, P = 0.11). Increased video call utilization was associated with higher ACSS scores. CONCLUSIONS Increased video calling utilization is associated with increased acceptance of aesthetic surgery. Although the clinical significance of ACSS scores can be better elucidated, plastic surgeons should consider the effects of video calling on patient motivations for aesthetic surgery in the COVID-19 era.
Isolation and Characterization of Plasma Lipoproteins and Apolipoproteins

The plasma lipoproteins are the major carriers of lipid in the circulation. Structurally, these particles represent a microemulsion of triglyceride and cholesteryl ester stabilized by a polar surface of phospholipid, cholesterol, and protein (Bradley and Gotto, 1978; Morrisett et al., 1977). Four major classes of plasma lipoproteins have been designated on the basis of their ultracentrifugal flotation properties in salt solutions. These are the chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Chylomicrons and VLDL float at d < 1.006 g/ml. The LDL are isolated between d = 1.02 and 1.063 g/ml, and HDL between d = 1.063 to 1.210 g/ml. Although the classification based on ultracentrifugation in salt solutions has proven to be a useful nomenclature, each of these density ranges actually contains a complex mixture of lipoproteins of varying protein and lipid composition. The physical and chemical properties of human plasma lipoproteins are summarized in Table I. Chylomicrons and VLDL contain primarily triglycerides as their neutral lipid, whereas LDL and HDL are the major carriers of cholesteryl esters and phospholipids.
A scalable and efficient inter-domain QoS routing architecture for DiffServ networks

With bandwidth broker (BB) support in each domain, differentiated services (DiffServ) is seen as a key technology for achieving QoS guarantees in a scalable, efficient, and deployable manner in the Internet. We present a route server (RS) architecture that is compatible with the BB model for inter-domain QoS routing. The RS is responsible for determining QoS routes on behalf of all the routers and for exchanging routing information with its neighboring peers. It optimizes network resources by taking the intra-domain resource utilization state into account for selecting a route. It also achieves scalability by precomputing a limited number of paths for each destination region and mapping all the packets to one of these paths regardless of their sources.
Dismantling the Wall: A White Professor and African American Students

for college teachers entitled, "Interpreting the African American Experience through the Performing Arts." In addition, I had gained some practical insights into race relations through associations with friends and colleagues of color. And I had paid close attention to the growing national debate on issues of multicultur alism and race in the academy. Although I made no claim to expertise, I believed I had prepared myself adequately to teach
A Comparative Analysis of Corporate Governance Systems in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela

This paper describes corporate governance systems in five Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela. We account for the broader institutional environment by explaining changes over time as well as existing corporate governance systems. We use a stakeholder definition of corporate governance that includes examining insiders such as owners and boards of directors as well as outsiders such as employees. This corporate governance perspective
The Acceptance and Use of Virtual Gaming as an Intervention Strategy for Older Adults in Occupational Therapy.

Abstract Objective: With the advent of occupational therapists' use of virtual gaming as an intervention strategy to enhance the occupational performance of many populations, there is a need to better understand the factors influencing occupational therapists' acceptance and use of this strategy as it pertains to specific groups. This study investigated the appropriateness of using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to predict what drives occupational therapists' use of this ad hoc, intuitive, and idiosyncratic intervention strategy with their older adult clients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional Web-based survey of occupational therapists who primarily work with older adults was designed to measure constructs based from the validated UTAUT. Evidence was elicited from 516 occupational therapists. Analyses included descriptive analyses, Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and examination of goodness of fit criteria and factor loading indi...
Variability in motor control: supraspino-spinal interactions underlie fractal locomotor rhythms

The motor control system in vertebrates is highly organized and well coordinated. At the same time, the motor rhythms show temporal variability. The gait rhythm in human subjects has been shown to have long-range positive correlations, reflecting a fractal nature. The mechanisms underlying these observations are unknown. Using in-vitro brain-spinal cord preparations of the lamprey, in which fictive locomotor rhythms can be generated, we show that the locomotor rhythm has a Hurst exponent that indicates presence of long-term positive correlations. Interrupting the mixed positive and negative feedforward-feedback loops between the brain and the spinal cord eliminates these long-term correlations. Hence, we conclude that mixed feedback supraspino-spinal interactions likely underlie fractal locomotor rhythms.
Performance of the /spl plusmn/45/spl deg/ slanted polarization scheme in a WLAN

The performance of the /spl plusmn/45/spl deg/ slanted polarization scheme in terms of the output SINR and the power correlation coefficient is analyzed for the antenna placement in (i) a vertical plane, (ii) a plane inclined at 45/spl deg/ to vertical and (iii) a horizontal plane. These arrangements correspond to their use on a laptop computer for use in a WLAN.
How Preschoolers' Social–Emotional Learning Predicts Their Early School Success: Developing Theory-Promoting, Competency-Based Assessments

Starting on positive trajectories at school entry is important for children’s later academic success. Using partial least squares, we sought to specify interrelations among all theory-based components of social–emotional learning (SEL), and their ability to predict later classroom adjustment and academic readiness in a modelling context. Consequently, self-regulation, emotion knowledge, social problem solving, and social–emotional behaviour were assessed via direct assessment and observation for 101 preschoolers; teachers provided information on classroom adjustment through kindergarten and academic readiness in kindergarten. Our final outer (measurement) model showed robust latent variables for SEL components. Regarding the inner (structural) model, latent variables showed expected predictive relations among SEL components, and with later classroom adjustment and academic readiness: preschoolers’ executive control predicted aspects of their social cognition (i.e., emotion knowledge and social problem solving) and emotionally negative/aggressive behaviour, and emotion knowledge predicted their emotionally regulated/prosocial behaviour. Further, most SEL components directly and/or indirectly predicted teachers’ evaluations of later classroom adjustment and kindergarten academic readiness. Our findings extend our understanding of SEL during preschool, suggesting that early assessment and monitoring is possible using these instruments, and potentially aiding the development of programmes to maximize children’ sS EL in the service of early school success. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In the Name of the People: Democratization, Popular Organizations, and Populism in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador

The regimes of Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, and Rafael Correa undermine contestation while simultaneously increasing the material inclusion of the poor and the excluded. These regimes that are usually lumped together show distinct patterns in fostering participation. Whereas in Ecuador participation is reduced to voting in elections, participatory institutions were created in Venezuela and Bolivia. And whereas mobilization in Bolivia comes mostly from the bottom up, in Venezuela and Ecuador it comes from the top-down. To compare their divergent patterns this paper analyses: 1) the strength of subaltern organizations when these leaders were elected; 2) the confrontation between governments and the oppositions; and 3) the views of democratization of the coalitions that brought these regimes to power.
The experience and expression of anger in maritally violent and maritally discordant-nonviolent men.

We examined the experience and expression of anger in community samples of 31 maritally violent (MV), 23 maritally dissatisfied-nonviolent (DNV), and 34 maritally satisfied-nonviolent (SNV) men. Two methods were used to assess anger. First, participants completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), which assesses respondents' level of anger experience (State Anger, Trait Anger) and usage of various anger expression styles (Anger In, Anger Out, and Anger Control). Second, participants verbally reported their emotions during a laboratory anger-induction paradigm (Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations; ATSS). Results indicated that, relative to DNV and SNV men, MV men scored significantly higher on the STAXI Trait Anger and Anger Out scales, and lower on STAXI Anger Control. MV men articulated a significantly higher number of insulting, demeaning, and belligerent aggressive verbalizations during ATSS anger arousal. Surprisingly, no significant differences were found among the groups in the number of angry verbalizations articulated during ATSS anger arousal. In addition, few relationships were noted between STAXI-assessed anger and ATSS anger verbalizations in MV men. Implications for theories of marital anger and aggression are discussed.
Numerical Simulation of Microscale Ion-Driven Air Flow

Ion-driven air flow is a novel method of pumping air at microscale dimensions using the concept of ion drag. The method employs a series of micro-fabricated electrodes to generate strong electric fields that pump unipolar ions through air. Ions collide repeatedly with neutral molecules, thus generating bulk motion of the gas. Meso-scale motion is obtained by changing the voltage of electrodes rapidly over time to create a nearly continuous force on the ions. One application of this technology involves generation of air flow through microchannels or other micro-featured surfaces to create compact, high flux heat sinks for electronics cooling. A numerical model of the fluid-ion-electric field interaction has been developed. The momentum and continuity equations are supplemented with equations for electric charge transport and for electric potential. The momentum equations are coupled through a body-force term to the charge transport and electric field equations, both of which are coupled to the momentum equations and to each other through source and convection terms. The model describes the one-dimensional, time-dependent flow of air and ions between evenly spaced microscale planar electrodes, of which the voltages are switched at frequencies on the order of 1 MHz. The flow is investigated to determine the effect of switching frequency on maximum velocity and pressure head.© 2003 ASME
Effect of company size on potential for REACH compliance and selection of safer chemicals

REACH represents a global paradigm shift in chemical regulation, and it has introduced a new, complex regulatory process to which chemical producers and users throughout supply chains must adapt. This paper presents results of survey research to illustrate whether and how the business members of a large Scandinavian trade organization understand and comply with REACH. It also explores how these businesses obtain information about the chemicals they use in their products, and whether they feel that the information they have is sufficient to meet their needs. In addition, the paper describes how business size affects these issues. The survey results show that, at the time of this study, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a number of larger firms were unaware of REACH. Survey results consistently showed that the size of a company is an important factor in both understanding of and compliance with REACH, with respondents from large firms having a better grasp of REACH and its implications than smaller companies. An effective implementation of REACH will require, at the most basic level, more attention to educating EU companies, especially smaller ones, on how and why REACH applies to them. Survey respondents who were aware of REACH and its applicability to their firms also reported the types of support they needed in order to better understand and comply with the regulation, with nearly 40% of all respondents expressing a need for help with data systems or tools to manage REACH requirements and communicate REACH requirements to suppliers and customers. Many companies reported needing more information from their suppliers on chemical composition and related health impacts of materials and products. Ensuring that this information is readily available throughout supply chains is essential to reducing the negative impacts of chemicals and products on human health and the environment.
Effect of indigenous animals on chronic end points in freshwater sediment toxicity tests

Sediment toxicity tests were conducted using three species of benthic invertebrates, Chironomus riparius, Hyalella azteca, and Hexagenia limbata, with various densities of the oligochaete worm Tubifex tubifex. It was shown that indigenous animals, simulated by the presence of Tubifex tubifex, did not affect survival of the test species (P [>=] 0.05) but did reduce growth in all three test species and in two species at the lowest tested densities, equivalent to 1,460 worms per square meter. At densities of Tubifex tubifex equivalent to 20,000 m[sup [minus]2], the growth of Chironomus riparius was reduced by >90%, Hyalella azteca by >60%, and Hexagenia limbata by almost 50%. The densities of oligochaetes are equivalent to those found in many contaminated sites. Therefore, it is concluded that the presence of indigenous organisms can confound the interpretation of toxicity test results, based on chronic end points. It is recommended that removal of organisms by considered before toxicity tests are conducted with freshwater sediments from sites with large populations of benthic invertebrates, especially oligochaete worms.
Restoration of Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation After Reperfusion Injury by Tetrahydrobiopterin

Background A deficit in the endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO) is associated with the sequelae of reperfusion injury. Because endothelial NO synthesis depends on the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), we hypothesized that depletion of this cofactor underlies the reduction of endothelium-dependent dilation in reperfusion injury. Methods and Results After occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery of a pig for 60 minutes followed by 90 minutes of reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion), hearts were removed and the arterioles were isolated, cannulated, pressurized, and placed on an inverted microscope stage. Dose responses to the endothelium-independent dilator sodium nitroprusside and the endothelium-dependent dilators serotonin, A23187, and substance P were obtained under control conditions, after incubation with sepiapterin (intracellularly converted to BH4) or synthetic BH4 6-methyltetrahydropterin (MH4), and again after their washout. After ischemia/reperfusion, sodium nitroprusside ...
Development of Amelogenin-chitosan Hydrogel for In Vitro Enamel Regrowth with a Dense Interface

Biomimetic enamel reconstruction is a significant topic in material science and dentistry as a novel approach for the treatment of dental caries or erosion. Amelogenin has been proven to be a critical protein for controlling the organized growth of apatite crystals. In this paper, we present a detailed protocol for superficial enamel reconstruction by using a novel amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel. Compared to other conventional treatments, such as topical fluoride and mouthwash, this method not only has the potential to prevent the development of dental caries but also promotes significant and durable enamel restoration. The organized enamel-like microstructure regulated by amelogenin assemblies can significantly improve the mechanical properties of etched enamel, while the dense enamel-restoration interface formed by an in situ regrowth of apatite crystals can improve the effectiveness and durability of restorations. Furthermore, chitosan hydrogel is easy to use and can suppress bacterial infection, which is the major risk factor for the occurrence of dental caries. Therefore, this biocompatible and biodegradable amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel shows promise as a biomaterial for the prevention, restoration, and treatment of defective enamel.
Microsurgical reconstruction of the infraorbital nerves

The pathogenesis of damage to and the microsurgical anatomy of the infraorbital nerve are reviewed. Indications for surgery and a microsurgical technique for decompression and scar removal or anastomosis of the nerve are presented. Results from seven surgical cases indicate a high degree of successful regeneration, with complete return of sensation occurring in six cases.
Expression of pregnancy-specific β1-glycoprotein genes in hematopoietic cells

The presence of PSG in blood cells has been demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. However, the origin of these proteins is not known. This report examines the expression of the PSG genes in different types of freshly isolated blood cells. RNA isolated from bone marrow and peripheral blood cells of healthy individuals was analyzed for PSG transcripts by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using synthetic oligonucleotide primers specific for the PSG genes. The level of expression of the PSG genes in different types of cells exhibited significant individual variation. Trace amounts of PSG transcripts could be detected in polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), monocytes and B lymphocytes while T lymphocytes always contained the highest level of transcript. The expression of PSG genes in the blood cells apparently was not affected by the method of isolation nor by overnight culturing of these cells except in the case when lymphocytes were separated by rosetting with sheep red blood cells. All reported PSG transcripts were detected in blood cells. Both type I and type II transcripts of the PSG genes were detected in blood cells with the exception of type II transcript of PSG5 and PSG11 which were only found in the placenta. Tissue specificity in the expression or alternative splicing of some of the PSG family members was implicated.
Accelerated linear iterations for distributed averaging

Abstract Distributed averaging deals with a network of n > 1 agents and the constraint that each agent is able to communicate only with its neighbors. The purpose of the distributed averaging problem is to devise a protocol which will enable all n agents to asymptotically determine in a decentralized manner, the average of the initial values of their scalar agreement variables. Most distributed averaging protocols involve a linear iteration which depends only on the current estimates of the average. Building on the idea proposed in Muthukrishnan, Ghosh, and Schultz (1998) , this paper investigates an augmented linear iteration for fast distributed averaging in which local memory is exploited. A thorough characterization of the behavior of the augmented system is obtained under appropriate assumptions. It is shown that the augmented linear iteration can solve the distributed averaging problem faster than the original linear iteration, but the adjustable parameter must be chosen carefully. The optimal choice of the parameter and the corresponding fastest rate of convergence are also provided in closed form.
Transient Liquid Phase Bonding of T91 Steel Using Two-Step Heating Process

A novel two-step heating process, consisting of a short-time high temperature heating followed by isothermal solidification at a lower temperature, was used to transient liquid phase (TLP) bond T91 steel. The interface morphology of the joint was investigated and compared with that of conventional TLP bond made at a constant bonding temperature. The results show that the two-step heating process produces a non-planar interface at the initial stage, which is different from the planar interfaces associated with conventional heating process. No interface can be found in the final joint by two-step heating process, however, a planar interface still exists in the final conventional TLP bond. Therefore, the bending ductility of the joint is dramatically improves by the two-step heating process, and the joint properties are similar to that of base metal.
Patterns of peripheral innervation of the tongue and hyobranchial apparatus in caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona).

The innervation of the musculature of the tongue and the hyobranchial apparatus of caecilians has long been assumed to be simple and to exhibit little interspecific variation. A study of 14 genera representing all six families of caecilians demonstrates that general patterns of innervations by the trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves are similar across taxa but that the composition of the “hypoglossal” nerve is highly variable. Probably in all caecilians, spinal nerves 1 and 2 contribute to the hypoglossal. In addition, in certain taxa, an “occipital,” the vagus, and/or spinal 3 appear to contribute fibers to the composition of the hypoglossal nerve. These patterns, the lengths of fusion of the contributing elements, and the branching patterns of the hypoglossal are assessed according to the currently accepted hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships of caecilians, and of amphibians. An hypothesis is proposed that limblessness and a simple tongue, with concomitant reduced complexity of innervation of muscles associated with limbs and the tongue, has released a constraint on pattern of innervation. As a consequence, a greater diversity and, in several taxa, greater complexity of neuroanatomical associations of nerve roots to form the hypoglossal are expressed.
Amyloid β-peptide inhibits Na+-dependent glutamate uptake

The purpose of this review is to summarize much of the work on the inhibition of the astroglial glutamate transporter in relation to excitotoxic neurodegeneration, in particular, inhibition of uptake by the beta-amyloid peptide (A beta) found in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. There is evidence for oxidative stress in the AD brain, and A beta has been found to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus adding to the stress or possibly initiating it. The oxidative inhibition of the glutamate transporter protein by A beta increases the vulnerability of glutamatergic neurons, and by rendering them susceptible to the excitotoxic insult that results from impaired glutamate uptake, A beta can be directly connected to the neurodegeneration that follows.
The Protestant ethic and self-characterization

Abstract The present study investigated the relationship between endorsement of the Protestant Ethic and self-characterizations reflected in personality test scores and self-ratings. As anticipated, the stronger the endorsement of Protestant Ethic ideology, the greater the tendency to describe oneself as having dispositions that are highly valued by that ideology. Endorsement was positively related to scores on Jackson's Personality Research Form (PRF) [Personality Research Form Manual (2nd edn), 1974] for Achievement, Endurance, and Order, and negatively related to scores for Impulsivity and Autonomy. Strength of Protestant Ethic endorsement was also positively related to the tendency to rate oneself as high in willpower and self-discipline, and as low in anxiety in comparison with ‘other college students’. A negative correlation between endorsement and scores on the Infrequency scale of the PRF suggests that persons who avow the Protestant Ethic may indeed be predisposed to act in accordance with its prescriptions.
Some approaches to handle noise in concept learning

Abstract Noise is a veritable problem in almost all real-world systems. Noise is something the system should effectively recognize and gracefully handle. In this paper, we focus on the effects of attribute and quantization noise on concept learning. Different noise-handling methodologies can be employed depending on whether inductive approaches or theory-based approaches are being employed. We find that associating weights and thresholds with concepts hypothesized using conventional inductive approaches can help combat noise. In an explanation-based framework, we suggest the use of a meta-domain theory for controlling the effects of quantization noise and for capturing meta-level notions such as the amount of precision called for in the domain. Based on the idea of near-misses, two new algorithms which can insulate standard explanation-based learning from the effects of noise are presented. These approaches have been validated within the framework of a system that models the process of learning and reasoning about everyday objects and their inter-relationships.
PS3-20: Prevalence of Obesity and Extreme Obesity in Children Aged Three to Five Years

Background/Aims Early childhood adiposity may have significant later health effects, highlighting the importance of early recognition in young children. This study examines the prevalence and recognition of obesity and severe obesity in preschool-aged children.
The realities of incorporating sustainable development into local-level planning: a case study of Davidson, North Carolina

Abstract The paper uses a case study to illustrate some issues and challenges that occur when trying to use sustainable development as a goal when creating a local land-use plan, and in particular the different ways in which sustainability can be interpreted. It is concluded that the meaning of sustainable-based planning and development must be guided by locally framed community based needs and visions.
Chelation of divalent cations by lomofungin: Role in inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis

Abstract Lomofungin inhibition of yeast growth and RNA synthesis is prevented by Cu++ or Zn++ ions which chelate with the antibiotic and prevent its uptake by the cells. EDTA potentiates the inhibition. Mg++ ions do not protect in vivo or against the inhibition of purified bacterial RNA and DNA polymerases. Lomofungin prevents formation of the RNA polymerase. DNA initiation complex, probably by chelation with the firmly bound Zn++ of the enzyme.
Neuroanatomical evidence that vagal afferent nerves do not possess a high affinity uptake system for glutamate

The ability of vagal and glossopharyngeal afferent neurons to retrogradely transport 3H-d-aspartate from the nucleus tractus solitarius to the nodose and petrosal ganglia was examined. Injections of 3H-d-aspartate centered in the medial NTS at the rostral-caudal level of the area postrema failed to consistently label cells in the nodose and petrosal ganglia. In 5 of the 10 rats studied no retrogradely labeled neurons were observed in these ganglia ipsilateral to the injection site, while in the other 5 rats a small number of cells (< 3%) were labeled. Injections of 3H-d-aspartate into the NTS consistently produced retrograde labeling of neurons in the ipsilateral paratrigeminal area. In addition, many heavily labeled neurons were observed in the injected as well as the contralateral NTS. Injections of 3H-d-asparate into the spinal trigeminal nucleus consistently labeled neurons in the trigeminal ganglion. Since the uptake and retrograde transport of 3H-d-aspartate appears to be characteristic of neurons that use glutamate or aspartate as a neurotransmitter, these results suggest that vagal and glossopharyngeal afferents are not glutamatergic or aspartatergic.
Parallel Computation of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) WDM5 Cloud Microphysics on a Many-Core GPU

The Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) Double Moment 5-class (WDM5) mixed ice microphysics scheme predicts mixing ratio of hydrometeors and their number concentrations for warm rain species including clouds and rain. WDM5 can be computed in parallel in the horizontal domain using a many-core GPU. In order to obtain better GPU performance, we manually rewrote the original WDM5 Fortran module into a highly parallel CUDA C program. The GPU-based implementation of WDM5 microphysics scheme on 1 GTX590 GPU achieves a significant speedup of 147× over its CPU-based single-threaded counterpart when we use asynchronous data transfer and non-coalesced memory access. More importantly, the speedup excluding the host-device data transfer time is 206× when using coalesced memory access. Since the WDM5 microphysics scheme is only an intermediate module of the entire WRF model, its input data should be already available in the GPU global memory from previous modules and its output data should reside at the GPU global memory for later usage by other modules.
Use of the recursion method in the study of disordered systems

Applied to the determination of the density of states of disordered systems, the recursion method permits the local Green's function to be written as a continued fraction. We examine the effect that truncating this fraction has upon the local Green's function and present a means of reducing this effect. Further, a self-consistent approach for obtaining the local Green's function is developed. This approach is shown to be suitable for the study of disordered systems.
A Quantitative Immunocytochemical Study of the Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Cells in the Adenohypophysis of Adult Male Rats and Adult Female Rats throughout the Estrous Cycle*

We investigated whether 1) the absolute or the relative numbers of LH and FSH cells change during the rat estrous cycle, 2) the percentages of gonadotrophs that contain LH and/or FSH change during the estrous cycle, and 3) gonadotrophs change in size during the rat estrous cycle. Groups of four female rats were decapitated at one of five different times during the estrous cycle. Four male rats were also decapitated. Serum concentrations of LH and FSH were determined by RIA. Paired horizontal flip-flopped or nonflipped paraffin sections were mounted from the dorsal, middle, and ventral portions of each pituitary gland. In each pair of sections, one was stained with a-rat LH-S4 and the other with a-rat FSH-S7 by the unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. All immunoreactive cells were counted. Photographs were taken from randomly chosen corresponding areas, and the cells were individually matched to determine the percentage that contained one or both hormones. Correction factors had to be used because in paired flip-flopped or nonflipped sections stained with the same antibody (a-rat LH-S4), not all of the stained cells found in one section were found in the other section. The absolute numbers of LH and FSH cells did not change throughout the estrous cycle. The ratio of LH cells to FSH cells in the pars distalis of female rats was also constant throughout the estrous cycle. In female rats, 75.2% of LH cells also contained FSH, while 99.4% of FSH cells also contained LH. In the male rats, 88.6% of LH cells also contained FSH, while 98.6% of FSH cells also contained LH. Similar results were obtained in paired flip-flopped sections stained with a-rat LH beta and a-rat FSH beta. Sequential staining of additional individual tissue sections with a-rat LH-S4 and then a-rat FHS-S7 or vice versa revealed the following. Staining of LH-stained tissue for FSH revealed less than 1% new cells, but staining of FSH-stained tissue for LH revealed a 8.7% increase in gonadotrophs in males and a 25.4% increase in females. The gonadotrophs in female rats did not change in size during the estrous cycle and were significantly smaller than the gonadotrophs in male rats. The results suggest that in normal adult rats: 1) virtually all FSH-containing cells contain LH, 2) about 25% of the gonadotrophs in females and about 11% of the gonadotrophs in males contain LH but not FSH, 3) the number of cells containing LH or those containing LH and FSH does not change during the estrous cycle, 4) gonadotrophs in female rats do not change in size during the estrous cycle and are smaller than the gonadotrophs in male rats, and 5) FSH release during the early morning of estrus, when the serum FSH concentration is elevated and the serum LH concentration is low, occurs from cells that contain both LH and FSH.
Reaction of dicarbomethoxycarbene with quadricyclane

Dicarbomethoxycarbene reacts with quadricyclane to give mainly 3,3-dicarbomethoxy-exo-tricyclo[3.2.1.02,4]oct-6-ene. Although this is the same major product as formed by reaction of the carbene with norbornadiene, it is shown that reaction with quadricyclane is direct and does not involve prior isomerization to the diene.
Intra-colony demography and reproductive rate of the Africanized honeybee in South America

1. Demography and growth patterns of Africanized honeybee colonies in South America are described, and the influence of worker survivorship, rate of worker production, age structure, and colony growth patterns on their reproductive rate (swarm production) is discussed. 2. During a reproductive cycle, a colony passes through four phases: pre-emergence, post-emergence, pre-swarming, and post-swarming. Growth in the worker population approximates a sigmoid curve, but swarming occurs before high growth rates peak. Colonies swarm at a small size, with sufficient workers to produce viable prime swarms and afterswarms, as well as to continue the parent colony. 3. The timing of adult worker emergence influences the number of afterswarms, as well as the number of adults maintained in the original colony when swarming is completed. 4. Patterns of survivorship for both brood and adult workers shift during swarming cycles, with high brood mortality and reduced adult longevity early in the cycle, in contrast with lower brood mortality and increased longevity of adults as colonies mature. 5. Survivorship appears to be related to the age structure of colonies, with high mortality at points in the swarming cycle at which there is a high mean worker age and a low proportion of young workers. The age structure of colonies also shifts during swarming cycles with a progressive increase in the proportion of young workers. A consequence of this shift is that swarms are populated predominantly by young workers. Patterns of survivorship and age structure influence colony growth rates, and thus partly determine the rate of swarm production.
The pharmacological properties of GABA receptor-coupled chloride channels using36Cl-influx in cultured spinal cord neurons

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) synaptic pharmacology was studied in cultured mouse spinal cord using various biochemical techniques. The intact cultures were used to study GABA uptake, benzodiazepine (BZ) binding and GABA-stimulated 36Cl-influx, all under similar physiological conditions. The cultures appear to contain a population of GABAergic neurons, since there was evidence of neuronal active transport of [3H]GABA by these cells. There also was a significant population of neuronal BZ receptors based on the finding of clonazepam-displaceable [3H]flunitrazepam (FLU) binding. In addition, the presence of GABA receptors coupled to the BZ receptors was shown by the enhancement of FLU binding by GABA (10-100 microM). GABAA and glycine-coupled Cl- channels were also demonstrated using 36Cl-influx. GABA-induced 36Cl-influx was specific for GABAA agonists, since GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen and other excitatory neurotransmitters did not alter the 36Cl-influx. Both GABA (Km = 9.1 microM) and muscimol (Km = 2.0 microM) produced concentration-dependent increases in 36Cl-influx in the cultures. The GABA-stimulated Cl-influx was blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonist (+)bicuculline (IC50 = 4.5 microM) and by the Cl- channel antagonist picrotoxinin (IC50 = 25 microM). These results indicate that spinal cord cultures are a useful model for comparing the binding characteristics of the GABA receptor complex to the activation of the coupled Cl- channels using the 36Cl-influx assay.
Proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs) in the nervous system: Roles in neuroplasticity and neurotrauma

A brief overview is presented of the rapidly evolving effects of thrombin, other serine proteinases, their proteinase-activated receptors (PARs), and their downstream signaling pathways in the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). In other articles presented in this volume of Drug Development Research, emphasis on the role of thrombin and PARs in astrocyte and microglial function is emphasized and will only be touched upon herein. This overview focuses on the PAR family, principally PAR1, in neuronal dysfunction and what appears to be a differential vulnerability to thrombin in neuronal subsets. It also emphasizes upregulation of PARs in neurodegeneration and neurotrauma as part of a neuroplastic response, but which may be maladaptive as well as adaptive in effect. Finally, regulation of PAR signaling will be mentioned—through one or more G-protein-coupled receptor regulated protein kinases—as they relate to microglial responses. The role(s) of thrombin and PAR signaling in neuroplasticity is in keeping with emerging roles for these pathways in pathophysiologic responses, and demands a careful evaluation by the pharmacologic community in terms of drug development in the CNS. Drug Dev. Res. 60:58–64, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Addisonian crisis and tuberculous epididymo-orchitis.

Objective: To describe a case of acute primary adrenal insufficiency in which tuberculosis was subsequently detected as the etiologic factor when the patient presented with tuberculous epididymo-or...
Bicriteria scheduling concerned with makespan and total completion time subject to machine availability constraints

In the past, research on multiple criteria scheduling assumes that the number of available machines is fixed during the whole scheduling horizon and research on scheduling with limited machine availability assumes that there is only a single criterion that needs to be optimized. Both assumptions may not hold in real life. In this paper we simultaneously consider both bicriteria scheduling and scheduling with limited machine availability. We focus on two parallel machines' environment and the goal is to find preemptive schedules to optimize both makespan and total completion time subject to machine availability. Our main contribution in this paper is that we showed three bicriteria scheduling problems are in P by providing polynomial time optimal algorithms.
Dispersion Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate in Supercritical CO2

A series of graft copolymers, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-g-poly(perfluoropropylene oxide), was synthesized for application as stabilizers in dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide. The backbone, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), is effectively insoluble in carbon dioxide and the grafted chains, poly(perfluoropropylene oxide), are completely miscible in carbon dioxide at moderate pressures. The effect of molecular architecture on polymerization rate and PMMA particle size was evaluated by varying the molecular weight of the anchor group (backbone of the copolymer), molecular weight of the CO2-soluble graft chain, and graft chain density. The efficiency of the graft copolymers as dispersants was demonstrated as micron-size polymer beads of molecular weight greater than 100 000 were produced. The results showed that a careful balance between anchor group size (backbone length) and amount of soluble component (either g...
Short communication. Photochemical reactions of riboflavin: covalent binding to DNA and to poly (dA) . poly (dT).

Summary: Standard phototherapy illumination of human cells in the presence of riboflavin is known to produce single-strand breaks in intracellular DNA. A new photochemical reaction is described between riboflavin and purified DNA in which an adduct is formed. Unlike the previously described oxygen-dependent reaction between light-activated riboflavin and deoxyguanosine, this new photochemical reaction is oxygen-independent and involves deoxyadenosine or thymidine.
Steroid hormones modulate prolactin binding by cultured porcine granulosa cells

Abstract We have studied the effects of the gonadal steroids — testosterone, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone on the prolactin-binding activity of porcine granulosa cells maintained in monolayer culture. Testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone all significantly enhanced prolactin binding (55%, 107%, and 112% above control, respectively). In contrast, the non-aromatizable androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, caused an insignificant suppression of prolactin binding. The anti-androgen, cyproterone acetate, did not influence prolactin binding when used alone, and did not inhibit the effects of testosterone. These data suggest that the stimulatory effects of testosterone may require aromatization to estradiol.
SPIN-ISOSPIN FORMALISM FOR MULTIPLE SCATTERING OF PIONS.

Abstract We consider the scattering of pions by composite particles, including effects of spin and isospin, using the Glauber formalism. The spin-isospin terms produce the group SU(4) in the scattering amplitude, which must be treated in the supermultiplet basis. We derive expressions for pion scattering by light nuclei in terms of the pion-nucleon amplitudes, considering in particular the deuteron, 3He and 4He. An application is also made to multiple scattering in the quark model.
Improving the activity of immobilized subtilisin by site-directed attachment through a genetically engineered affinity tag.

An octapeptide affinity tag, Asp-Tyr-Lys-Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Lys (termed FLAG), was genetically fused to the C-terminus of subtilisin BPN′ (SBT) from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The fusion protein SBT-FLAG was immobilized to nonporous polystyrene and silica beads both in a site-directed and a random fashion. Site-directed immobilization was achieved by employing the interaction between protein A and a monoclonal antibody specific for the FLAG peptide, while random immobilization was obtained by using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking reagent. The activity of the immobilized enzymes was compared. It was found that the site-directed subtilisin had higher catalytic efficiency, kcat/KM, which was more than 7-fold of that of the randomly immobilized enzyme. It was also noted that the site-directly immobilized enzyme had superior storage stability over the homogeneous enzyme.