cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of the human N-acetyltransferase 2 genetic polymorphism in metabolism and genotoxicity of 4, 4′-methylenedianiline

4, 4'-Methylenedianiline (MDA) is used extensively as a curing agent in the production of elastomers and is classified as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence in animal experiments. Human N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) and 2 (NAT2) catalyze the N-acetylation of aromatic amines and NAT2 is subjected to a common genetic polymorphism in human populations separating individuals into rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylator phenotypes. Although MDA is known to undergo N-acetylation to mono- and di-acetyl metabolites, very little is known regarding whether this metabolism is subject to the NAT2 genetic polymorphism. We investigated the N-acetylation of MDA by recombinant human NAT1, NAT2, genetic variants of NAT2, and cryoplateable human hepatocytes obtained from rapid, intermediate and slow acetylators. MDA N-acetylation was catalyzed by both recombinant human NAT1 and NAT2 exhibiting a fivefold higher affinity for human NAT2. N-acetylation of MDA was acetylator genotype dependent as evidenced via its N-acetylation by recombinant human NAT2 genetic variants or by cryoplateable human hepatocytes. MDA N-acetylation to the mono-acetyl or di-acetyl-MDA was highest in rapid, lower in intermediate, and lowest in slow acetylator human hepatocytes. MDA-induced DNA damage in the human hepatocytes was dose-dependent and also acetylator genotype dependent with highest levels of DNA damage in rapid, lower in intermediate, and lowest in slow acetylator human hepatocytes under the same MDA exposure level. In summary, the N-acetylation of MDA by recombinant human NAT2 and cryopreserved human hepatocytes support an important role for the NAT2 genetic polymorphism in modifying MDA metabolism and genotoxicity and potentially carcinogenic risk.
An Evolutionarily Conserved Pathway Essential for Orsay Virus Infection of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Many fundamental biological discoveries have been made in Caenorhabditis elegans The discovery of Orsay virus has enabled studies of host-virus interactions in this model organism. To identify host factors critical for Orsay virus infection, we designed a forward genetic screen that utilizes a virally induced green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter. Following chemical mutagenesis, two Viro (virus induced reporter off) mutants that failed to express GFP were mapped to sid-3, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, and B0280.13 (renamed viro-2), an ortholog of human Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP). Both mutants yielded Orsay virus RNA levels comparable to that of the residual input virus, suggesting that they are not permissive for Orsay virus replication. In addition, we demonstrated that both genes affect an early prereplication stage of Orsay virus infection. Furthermore, it is known that the human ortholog of SID-3, activated CDC42-associated kinase (ACK1/TNK2), is capable of phosphorylating human WASP, suggesting that VIRO-2 may be a substrate for SID-3 in C. elegans A targeted RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown screen further identified the C. elegans gene nck-1, which has a human ortholog that interacts with TNK2 and WASP, as required for Orsay virus infection. Thus, genetic screening in C. elegans identified critical roles in virus infection for evolutionarily conserved genes in a known human pathway.IMPORTANCE Orsay virus is the only known virus capable of naturally infecting the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, which shares many evolutionarily conserved genes with humans. We exploited the robust genetic tractability of C. elegans to identify three host genes, sid-3, viro-2, and nck-1, which are essential for Orsay virus infection. Mutant animals that lack these three genes are highly defective in viral replication. Strikingly, the human orthologs of these three genes, activated CDC42-associated kinase (TNK2), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), and noncatalytic region of tyrosine kinase adaptor protein 1 (NCK1) are part of a known signaling pathway in mammals. These results suggest that TNK2, WASP, and NCK1 may play important roles in mammalian virus infection.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Optimization - From Physics-Based Computer Simulations to High-Fidelity Head Phantom Fabrication and Measurements.

Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates neural networks. Computer simulations, while used to identify how currents behave within tissues of different conductivity properties, still need to be complemented by physical models. Objective/hypothesis To better understand tDCS effects on biology-mimicking tissues by developing and testing the feasibility of a high-fidelity 3D head phantom model that has sensing capabilities at different compartmental levels. Methods Models obtained from MRI images generated 3D printed molds. Agar phantoms were fabricated, and 18 monitoring electrodes were placed on specific phantom brain areas. Results When using rectangular electrodes, the measured and simulated voltages at the monitoring electrodes agreed reasonably well, except at excitation locations. The electric field distribution in different phantom layers appeared better confined with circular electrodes compared to rectangular electrodes. Conclusion The high-fidelity 3D head model was found to be feasible and comparable with computer-based electrical simulations, with high correlation between simulated and measured brain voltages. This feasibility study supports testing to further assess the reliability of this model.
Modeling the effects of sinusoidal stimulation and synaptic plasticity on linked neural oscillators

The brain exhibits intrinsic oscillatory behavior, which plays a vital role in communication and information processing. Abnormalities in brain rhythms have been linked to numerous disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. Rhythmic electrical stimulation (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation) has been used to modulate these oscillations and produce lasting changes in neural activity. In this computational study, we investigate the combined effects of sinusoidal stimulation and synaptic plasticity on model networks comprised of simple, tunable four-neuron oscillators. While not intended to model a specific brain circuit, this idealization was created to provide some intuition on how electrical modulation can induce plastic changes in the oscillatory state. Linked pairs of oscillators were stimulated with sinusoidal current, and their behavior was measured as a function of their intrinsic frequencies, inter-oscillator synaptic strengths, and stimulus strength and frequency. Under certain stimulus conditions, sinusoidal current can disrupt the network's natural firing patterns. Synaptic plasticity can induce weight imbalances that permanently change the characteristic firing behavior of the network. Grids of 100 oscillators with random frequencies were also subjected to a wide array of stimulus conditions. The characteristics of the post-stimulus network activity depend heavily on the stimulus frequency and amplitude as well as the initial strength of inter-oscillator connections. Synchronization arises at the network level from complex patterns of activity propagation, which are enhanced or disrupted by different stimuli. The findings may prove important to the design of novel neuromodulation treatments and techniques seeking to affect oscillatory activity in the brain.
Towards self-healing and self-sensing using optical waveguides in microvascular composites

Internal delamination in fiber-reinforced composites is difficult to detect and nearly impossible to repair by conventional methods. Bioinspired, microvascular self-healing strategies based on sequestering reactive liquids within hollow conduits have shown promise for repairing internal damage and extending lifetimes of laminated composites. However, difficulties in achieving in situ mixing of two-part healing agents, polymerization times on the order of hours/days at room temperature, and propensity for flow blockages from cross-contamination are research challenges that have limited the adoption of this technology. This paper describes an interdisciplinary research effort to develop self-healing microvascular composites using a one-part, photo-reactive chemistry. The new platform employs microvascular networks for functional fluid transport combined with optical waveguides for rapid, light-activated healing. An epoxy-based, cationic photochemistry was developed to polymerize upon sub-hour exposure to visible light. The one-part cationic chemistry is able to achieve higher recovery ( 75%) in mode-I fracture toughness compared to a commercial free-radical photochemistry ( 55%) and two-part epoxy/amine system ( 65%). In addition to providing targeted light delivery for photo-conversion, the optical waveguides are also intended to serve dual purpose as a self-sensing conduit to relate internal polymerization with mechanical self-recovery. Towards this in situ sensing target, Raman spectroscopy is conducted to show chemical conversion along with fracture recovery increases with increasing light exposure. This novel approach to integrated self-sensing/healing in structural composites outlines a new paradigm in multifunctional material design.
Obscure Visions: The 1867 Aquarium and Its Literary Legacy

The aquarium constructed for the 1867 Exposition captivated nineteenth-century attendees through its unprecedented design uniting two spatial imaginaries exploited by writers and explorers alike: t...
Management of Traumatic Coracoid Fracture and Anterior Shoulder Instability With a Modified Arthroscopic Latarjet Technique.

Abstract Coracoid fractures are an uncommon injury and typically occur in the setting of high-energy trauma. Isolated injury to the coracoid is rare; therefore, a high suspicion for concomitant shoulder injuries should exist. These associated injuries have been shown to be acromioclavicular dislocations, clavicular and acromial fractures, scapular spine fractures, rotator cuff tears, and anterior shoulder dislocations. Although most of these shoulder injuries respond to nonsurgical treatment, there are case reports and literature reviews that present more complicated injuries requiring surgical intervention. Shoulder dislocations with associated coracoid fractures can also manifest glenoid bone loss resulting in continued instability. In this scenario, the fractured coracoid can be used to address the glenoid bone loss, as well as the continued instability. Regarding technique, other authors have described an open procedure with screw or anchor fixation. This Technical Note describes our technique for treating a displaced Ogawa type II coracoid process fracture with concomitant anterior shoulder dislocation by an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using the fractured coracoid.
Reversal of Rényi Entropy Inequalities Under Log-Concavity

We establish a discrete analog of the Renyi entropy comparison due to Bobkov and Madiman. For log-concave variables on the integers, the min entropy is within $\log e$ of the usual Shannon entropy. Additionally we investigate the entropic Rogers-Shephard inequality studied by Madiman and Kontoyannis, and establish a sharp Renyi version for certain parameters in both the continuous and discrete cases.
Organizational Logic in Coworking Spaces: Inequality Regimes in the New Economy:

Globalization, technological advances, and changing employment structures have facilitated greater flexibility in how and where many Americans do their paid work. In response, a new work arrangemen...
Barriers to receiving testosterone replacement therapy in the community during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: While the etiology for the upsurge in testosterone testing and prescriptions is likely multifactorial, increased direct-to-consumer marketing and the expansion of clinical care centers devoted to testosterone treatment likely play a role. Many of these centers require patients to report, in-person, on a regular basis for their injectable therapy and/or lab studies. The purpose of our study was to investigate barriers of care that patients receiving treatment for testosterone deficiency may be experiencing in the setting of COVID-19. Methods: Our survey was posted on a closed Facebook support page for males currently receiving testosterone treatment and members of the group were invited to participate. The survey asked participants several questions related to how they received their injections, if they've experienced difficulties obtaining their injections due to COVID-19 restrictions, and about their interest in telemedicine services for their care. Results: The majority of patients were able to receive their treatment despite barriers enforced by the pandemic. Of the 104 participants, almost half received their testosterone prescriptions from an outpatient clinic dedicated to testosterone replacement, while the other half received their therapy from a PCP, endocrinologist, or urologist. Only 5 patients (4.8%) noted difficulties obtaining their injections during this pandemic, 4 of which received their prescriptions from dedicated testosterone clinics, and the other from a PCP. Nearly 90% of respondents self-administered their testosterone therapy. With regards to telemedicine, 57.8% of patients have utilized the technology in some capacity, however 74.4% said that they would prefer to use telemedicine video services with a urologist or APP with expertise in andrology over in-person services. Conclusions: In our survey, the majority of the respondents have been able to receive their injectable testosterone therapy despite the ongoing pandemic. The majority of respondents self-administer their treatments, which may explain the lack of barriers. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the effect of a pandemic on the receipt of care for those being treated for testosterone deficiency with injectable testosterone.
Optimal load rating-based inspection planning of corroded steel girders using Markov decision process

Abstract Steel girder bridges are vulnerable to corrosion. To maintain their safety above a predefined target level, the load rating can be computed from the inspection results and guide the following maintenance actions. Optimizing inspection and maintenance based on load ratings has substantial practical and economic relevance. Load rating-based strategies can be categorized based on whether the inspection interval and replacement criteria are fixed or flexible. Existing studies focus on fixed inspection intervals throughout the service life. In general, their results are not optimal for inspection planning. To reduce life-cycle cost, aged steel girders may be inspected and repaired in an adaptive manner. To this end, a method based on Markov decision process (MDP) is proposed to compare the life-cycle cost of four load rating-based policies (i.e. uniform or adaptive non-uniform inspection interval, and fixed or adaptive replacement threshold). Load rating-based inspection planning is formulated as MDP and the optimal plans are obtained using dynamic programming. The conventional approach to discretize states cannot accurately approximate the non-stationary deterioration process, while state augmentation is successful in doing this but will increase computational cost. A comparison of two approaches is made to investigate their effects on life-cycle cost. A bridge girder under corrosion attack is used as an illustrative example. The results show that the load rating-based plan with an adaptive non-uniform inspection interval and fixed replacement threshold obtained using the state augmentation technique can be near-optimal.
Active virus-host interactions at sub-freezing temperatures in Arctic peat soil.

Winter carbon loss in northern ecosystems is estimated to be greater than the average growing season carbon uptake and is primarily driven by microbial decomposers. Viruses modulate microbial carbon cycling via induced mortality and metabolic controls, but it is unknown whether viruses are active under winter conditions (anoxic and sub-freezing temperatures). We used stable isotope probing (SIP) targeted metagenomics to reveal the genomic potential of active soil microbial populations under simulated winter conditions, with an emphasis on viruses and virus-host dynamics. Arctic peat soils from the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research site in Alaska were incubated under sub-freezing anoxic conditions with H218O or natural abundance water for 184 and 370 days. We sequenced 23 SIP-metagenomes and measured carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux throughout the experiment. We identified 46 bacterial populations (spanning 9 phyla) and 243 viral populations that actively took up 18O in soil and respired CO2 throughout the incubation. Active bacterial populations represented only a small portion of the detected microbial community and were capable of fermentation and organic matter degradation. In contrast, active viral populations represented a large portion of the detected viral community and one third were linked to active bacterial populations. We identified 86 auxiliary metabolic genes and other environmentally relevant genes. The majority of these genes were carried by active viral populations and had diverse functions such as carbon utilization and scavenging that could provide their host with a fitness advantage for utilizing much-needed carbon sources or acquiring essential nutrients. Overall, there was a stark difference in the identity and function of the active bacterial and viral community compared to the unlabeled community that would have been overlooked with a non-targeted standard metagenomic analysis. Our results illustrate that substantial active virus-host interactions occur in sub-freezing anoxic conditions and highlight viruses as a major community-structuring agent that likely modulates carbon loss in peat soils during winter, which may be pivotal for understanding the future fate of arctic soils' vast carbon stocks.
Stoichiometry and kinetics of the interaction of prostaglandin H synthase with anti-inflammatory agents.

We have examined the kinetics, stoichiometry, and chemical nature of the interaction of three anti-inflammatory agents (indomethacin, flurbiprofen, and meclofenamic acid) with pure ovine prostaglandin H synthase. The kinetics of the interaction with the synthase for each of the three agents, monitored by the decrease in cyclooxygenase activity, was consistent with the model proposed by Rome and Lands (Rome, L.H., and Lands, W.E.M. (1975) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 72, 4863-4865): a rapid and reversible initial binding, followed by a first-order decay of the synthase-inhibitor complex. A relatively stable form of the cyclooxygenase, which had 4-10% of the initial activity, was the eventual product of this decay process. The dissociation constants evaluated for the initial binding were 1.7 +/- 1.5 microM for indomethacin, 0.2 +/- 0.1 microM for flurbiprofen, and 0.08 +/- 0.06 microM for meclofenamic acid. The values of the first order rate constants for the subsequent decay process were 14.9 +/- 11.3 min-1 for indomethacin, 3.4 +/- 0.7 min-1 for meclofenamic acid, and 16.6 +/- 6.2 min-1 for flurbiprofen. In repeated titrations of the cyclooxygenase with the three agents, 1.3 +/- 0.3 mol of indomethacin, 1.2 +/- 0.1 mol of meclofenamic acid, and 1.2 +/- 0.1 mol of S-(+)-flurbiprofen/mol of synthase dimer were found to result in maximal inhibition of the enzyme. Racemic flurbiprofen required 2.4 +/- 0.3 mol/mol synthase dimer for full effect, and the R-(-)-isomer was not inhibitory. Inhibition of the cyclooxygenase activity by these agents thus appears to result from a stereospecific binding to only one of the subunits of the synthase. Intact indomethacin could be recovered quantitatively after prolonged incubation (in stoichiometric quantities) with the synthase had resulted in maximal inhibition of the cyclooxygenase activity. The time-dependent effect of indomethacin on the cyclooxygenase is thus likely to involve a conformational change in the synthase rather than a covalent interaction.
Ex vivo lung perfusion with adenosine A2A receptor agonist allows prolonged cold preservation of lungs donated after cardiac death

Abstract Objective Ex vivo lung perfusion has been successful in the assessment of marginal donor lungs, including donation after cardiac death (DCD) donor lungs. Ex vivo lung perfusion also represents a unique platform for targeted drug delivery. We sought to determine whether ischemia-reperfusion injury would be decreased after transplantation of DCD donor lungs subjected to prolonged cold preservation and treated with an adenosine A2A receptor agonist during ex vivo lung perfusion. Methods Porcine DCD donor lungs were preserved at 4°C for 12 hours and underwent ex vivo lung perfusion for 4 hours. Left lungs were then transplanted and reperfused for 4 hours. Three groups (n = 4/group) were randomized according to treatment with the adenosine A2A receptor agonist ATL-1223 or the dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle: Infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide during ex vivo lung perfusion and reperfusion (DMSO), infusion of ATL-1223 during ex vivo lung perfusion and dimethyl sulfoxide during reperfusion (ATL-E), and infusion of ATL-1223 during ex vivo lung perfusion and reperfusion (ATL-E/R). Final Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratios (arterial oxygen partial pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen) were determined from samples obtained from the left superior and inferior pulmonary veins. Results Final Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratios in the ATL-E/R group (430.1 ± 26.4 mm Hg) were similar to final Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratios in the ATL-E group (413.6 ± 18.8 mm Hg), but both treated groups had significantly higher final Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratios compared with the dimethyl sulfoxide group (84.8 ± 17.7 mm Hg). Low oxygenation gradients during ex vivo lung perfusion did not preclude superior oxygenation capacity during reperfusion. Conclusions After prolonged cold preservation, treatment of DCD donor lungs with an adenosine A2A receptor agonist during ex vivo lung perfusion enabled Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratios greater than 400 mm Hg after transplantation in a preclinical porcine model. Pulmonary function during ex vivo lung perfusion was not predictive of outcomes after transplantation.
Regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak by cytosolic Ca2+ in rabbit ventricular myocytes

Non-technical summary Contraction and relaxation of the heart strongly depend on calcium (Ca2+) stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Ca2+ stored within the SR is determined by the balance between Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ leak that occurs mainly via Ca2+ release channels, called ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Alterations in the RyR activity can lead to enhanced SR Ca2+ leak and arrhythmias. Ca2+ tightly regulates the RyR activity from both sides of the SR (cytosolic and luminal). In this work, we studied the effects of cytosolic Ca2+ on SR Ca2+ leak in isolated ventricular myocytes. Elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ increased SR Ca2+ leak by a direct activation of RyRs. In intact myocytes, at the end of contraction and at the beginning of the relaxation phase, SR Ca2+ leak remains relatively constant due to the coordinated regulation of RyRs by cytosolic and luminal Ca2+. Thus, this dual regulation of the RyR contributes to the control of the SR Ca2+ content, preventing excessive loss of Ca2+ that could lead to pathological conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia.
Stability and control of addition polymerization reactions

Abstract A monomer-terminated addition polymerization with a first-order initiation step carried out in a continuous stirred tank reactor is considered. Propagation and termination steps are assumed to be second-order reactions. From the study of local linear control, general statements are made on the stability of the reactor when the coolant flow rate, coolant temperature, inlet temperature or inlet monomer concentration are controlled. Proportional control based upon the reactor temperature, monomer concentration or a moment of polymer molecular-weight distribution is primarily studied but other control modes are also considered. Spontaneous, combination and disproportionation termination steps are also mentioned. It is shown that the only system capable of controlling these polymerizatino reactions in all cases is proportional control of the coolant flow rate (or its equivalent: coolant temperature or inlet temperature) based on deviations of the reactor temperature from its steady-state value.
MOTHER-CHILD CONVERSATION AND ACADEMIC SKILL

INlROOOcnON There is broad support for the proposition that a child'sdevelopment in language has major effects on socialization, academic progress, and later cultural development (Montessori 1969, Bereiter & Englemann 1966, Spivak & Shure 1974). The mother is the most important agent for the child's early language development (Luris & Yudovich 1971, Leitner 1974). A study of preschool children from middleclass fammes hasindi.cated that there were about 60 instances of language instruction per hour of conversation (Moerk 1976). As language is also a priMary instrument for developing pro-s()Cial behavior, the verbal interaction of mother and child will affect later development of·PQsitive relations in family and school (Volkova 1961). Older siblings also contribute to the child's language development, and in some societies, may regularly take responsibility for their care while their mother is away at work or visiting neighbors (Mintern & Lambert 1964, 113). In some socialist societies, the children are membersofa children's collective in which the older ones have explicit responsibmties to a~ist,protect, and teach those younger than themselves (Bronfenbrenner 1970, 4). Finally, teachers have direct responsibmty to d~elop a child's language skills. In this teaching relation, the child's progress is partially (fependent on existing capacities and.skill levels in language use,. and on the possible effect of a subtle discrimination by the teacher in verbal teaching patterns which may be unconsciously altered for different children (Cherry 1975). Language is universally recognized as a developmental. process in which age categories are significant (Vygotsky 1962; Tingley & Allen 1975; Menyuk 1969,39). As the preschoolchild acquireS language, ver. bal utterances lengthen from two to an average of six words. Sirnple, unmodified assertions and questions become elaborated into more complex grammatical forms. Contrary to the popUlar View that a child masters the main syntax of the native language byage six, Carol Chomsky has found evidence that syntactic acquisition continuestoage nille (Chomsky 1969, 120).The child's acquisition .of language is an outcome, and at the same time, a primary element in the socialization process. The child's abmty to accommodateternporal and substantive verbal response patterns to verbal engagements with a partner may be taken. as an index of the degree of socialization (Welkowitz et al 1976, Whitehurst 1976).
Numerical method for control on shared-memory systems

A description is given of locally convergent algorithms for discrete-time optimal control problems which are amenable to multiprocessor implementation. Parallelism is achieved by concurrent evaluation of the component functions and their derivatives and by the use of a parallel band solver which solves a linear system to find the step at each iteration. Results from implementation on the Alliant FX/8 are described. >
Infochemical-tritrophic Interactions of Soybean Aphids-host Plants-natural Enemies and Their Practical Applications in Pest Management

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is a newly invasive insect species that seriously threatens U.S. soybean production. This aphid pest has kept haunting many soybean growers by developing large colonies on soybeans in North America since 2000. Since its first appearance in Wisconsin, it has spread to over half of US states and southern provinces in Canada. The heavy infestation of this pest whittles soybean growers’ profits and causes hundreds of million dollar losses. The present chapter will mainly describe efforts in studying aphid chemical ecology and sensory physiology for understanding how male aphids find their mates and host plants. It will also cover research efforts to understand host plant associated volatiles being used as cues for overwintering host plant location. In addition, findings on how soybean plant defensive system works against aphid infestation, as well as how those induced plant volatiles are used by aphid’s natural enemies for prey location will be presented. Finally, the use the basic understandings for developing useful tools for soybean aphid practical control will be discussed.
MINERAL CONSTITUENTS OF HONEY

SUMMARY As a result of the analysis of 23 honeys deemed to include representatives of most of the honeys produced commercially in the United States, it appears that there apparently exists a qualitative relationship between degree of pigmentation as measured by the current practice of color-grading this food and the quantity of sulfur and chlorine which it contains. All available data on this phase of honey composition have been collected and collated. Although some measure of similarity in sulfur content exists between the honeys in question and those produced in the foreign countries included in this survey, such has not been found to hold true for chlorine. Honeys of European origins probably do not contain notably greater amounts of this element than do those grown in continental United States, but no such large chlorine content has been found as that reported by others for the honeys characteristic of the product of the Hawaiian Islands nor yet those from the West Indies, South America, and Australia. There is need, however, for more data on the honeys from the latter group of geographical units, except perhaps the Hawaiian Islands, because the number of samples here involved is small.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale

This paper reports an examination of the factor structure of Orbach's Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale (MAST) utilizing confirmatory factor analytic techniques. Participants were 215 undergraduate students ranging in age from 18 to 20 who completed the MAST, the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire, and a self-harmful behavior scale. Support was found for the original factor structure, reliability, and validity of the MAST. A correlated model fit the data significantly better than an uncorrelated model. The results of this study indicate that the MAST is a valid and reliable measure appropriate for use with college-aged individuals for research purposes. Because the correlated model fit the data better than the uncorrelated, we suggest that future studies should attempt to replicate this finding, which would lead to a reexamination of the theory which underlies the MAST.
PAS-II: An Interactive Task-Free Version of an Automatic Protocol Analysis System

PAS-II, a computer program which represents a generalized version of an automatic protocol system (PAS-I) is described. PAS-II is a task-free, interactive, modular data analysis sis system for inferring the information processes used by a human from his verbal behavior while solving a problem. The output of the program is a problem behavior graph: a description of the subject's changing knowledge state during problem solving. As an example of system operation the PAS-II analysis of a short cryptarithmetic protocol is presented.
Biomechanical Function of the Pes Anserinus at the Knee and the Effect of its Transplantation

The mechanics of pes anserinus function before and after Slocum-Larson31 transplantation were determined by dissection and roentgenography, by mechanical tests on limbs of cadavera, and with the use of an analytical model. The three muscles forming the pes anserinus have a marked functional dependence on the position of the knee joint as regards flexion and external rotation. The muscles primarily are knee flexors but secondarily provide a significant contribution to rotatory stability. Transplantation yields a significant increase in rotatory effectiveness.
A hybrid automaton model of the motor control system

Summary form only given. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive model of the motor control system which consists of three major components: the motor cortex which is responsible for strategic decisions, i.e., constructing the precise trajectory to be followed, the basal ganglia which is responsible for exciting the correct neuronal assemblies, and finally, the cerebellum which is responsible for tactical decisions. It is shown how a robust-hybrid automaton constructed from learned primitives can provide a comprehensive model of the motor control system. In the paper, we discuss how this model explains interesting biological behaviors.
Destination environment quality and tourists' spatial behaviour in Nigeria: a case study of third world tropical Africa

In order to ascertain important features of tourist behaviour and destination environments that could form the basis for destination quality improvement in Nigeria, 376 tourists were randomly sampled from seven tourism destinations, using a simple rating scheme in a questionnaire survey. Results obtained showed that activities involving leisure/recreation, cultural appreciation and appreciation of nature, history and cultural artifacts were dominant experiences, values and motivation for destination visit. Results also showed variations in quality of environmental features between tourists in various destinations and between foreign and domestic tourists in their spatial behaviour, values and motivations. The study provides unique implications for tourism planning management and marketing, and a context for cross-cultural comparison with similar western studies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear Localization of α-Synuclein and Its Interaction with Histones†

The aggregation of α-synuclein is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease as well as other neurodegenerative disorders (“synucleinopathies”). However, the func...
Purification and characterization of Arabidopsis ornithine transcarbamoylase (OTCase), a member of a distinct and evolutionarily-conserved group of plant OTCases

Abstract We affinity-purified an ornithine transcarbamoylase (carbamoyl phosphate:L-ornithine carbamoyltransferase; EC 2.1.3.3) 676-fold to near homogeneity from leaf tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana L. cv. Columbia. The purified OTCase protein exhibited a molecular mass of 37 kDa on SDS-PAGE gels and exhibited a pI = 6.8. A 41-kDa polypeptide was immunoprecipitated from Arabidopsis leaf poly(A)+ RNA in vitro translation products by pea OTCase antiserum. This precursor OTCase (pOTCase) is the predicted size (41 170 Da) for a polypeptide encoded by an Arabidopsis OTCase cDNA. Characteristics of N-terminal residues of the deduced amino acid sequence of this pOTCase suggest that it is a chloroplast-targeted protein. The sequences of plant OTCases suggest that they represent a distinct and evolutionarily-conserved group of OTCases. No evidence was found for OTCase isoenzymes in Arabidopsis leaf tissues. The Arabidopsis pOTCase was poorly-expressed in Escherichia coli strain TB-2, an OTCase-deficient mutant, and did not complement the mutant on arginine-minus selection medium.
Growth cone collapse and neurite retraction from cultured Helisoma neurons in response to antibody Fab fragments against an extracellular matrix protein

Abstract Helisonta neurons require a factor(s) present in conditioned medium (CM), for successful neurite outgrowth in vitro. A∼ 300kDa Helisonna extracellular matrix (ECM) protein has been identified in CM and is necessary for neurite initiation. Here we show that purified∼ 300kDa ECM protein supports outgrowth. Furthermore, anti-∼ 300kDa Fab fragments cause a rapid, dose-dependent decrease in outgrowth when added to neurons already growing in CM, culminating in growth cone collapse and neurite retraction at 200 μ/ml. Collapsing growth cones rapidly lost lamellipodia and filopodia transformed into long filamentous strands. Contortion of microtubules in retracting neurites into serpentine shapes, apparently by compressive forces, suggests that large-scale microtubule depolymerization is not a prerequisite for growth cone retraction. These results imply that substrate-bound∼ 300kDa CM protein is necessary and sufficient for CM-stimulated growth cone initiation and neurite elongation fromHelisonta neurons.
Determining Equi-Biaxial Residual Stress and Mechanical Properties From the Force-Displacement Curves of Conical Microindentation

An alternative, improved method to determine mechanical properties from indentation testing is presented. This method can determine the elastic modulus, yield strength and equi-biaxial residual stress from one simple test. Furthermore, the technique does not require the knowledge of the contact area during indentation, a parameter that is hard to determine for highly elastic material. The evaluation technique is based on finite element analyses, where explicit formulations are established to correlate the parameter groups governing indentation on stressed specimens.
GAIN CALIBRATING NONUNIFORM IMAGE-ARRAY DATA USING ONLY THE IMAGE DATA

An algorithm is developed for calibrating the spatial nonuniformity of image-array (CCD-type) detectors. Like other techniques this approach uses multiple, spatially displaced images. In circumstances where high-precision flat fields are not available by other means (i.e., sky flats) this technique is advantageous as it uses the data frames for gain calibration even when the array images extended, nonuniform, sources. Numerical experiments and direct observations with intrinsically uniform and quite nonuniform detectors show that this algorithm is useful when data frames are crowded with sources - circumstance where 'median filtering' flatfielding techniques often fail. The algorithm described is robust and efficiently uses information from multiple data frames to determine pixel gain variations, using visible and IR array observations of extended sources.
How cortical interconnectedness varies with network size

When model neural networks are used to gain insight into how the brain might carry out its computations, comparisons between features of the network and those of the brain form an important basis for drawing conclusions about the network's relevance to brain function. The most significant features to be compared, of course, relate to behavior of the units. Another network property that would be useful to consider, however, is the extent to which units are interconnected and the law by which unit-unit connections scale as the network is made larger. The goal of this paper is to consider these questions for neocortex. The conclusion will be that neocortical neurons are rather sparsely interconnected each neuron receives direct synaptic input from fewer than 3% of its neighbors underlying the surrounding square millimeter of cortex and the extent of connectedness hardly changes for brains that range in size over about four orders of magnitude. These conclusions support the currently popular notion that the brain's circuits are highly modular and suggest that increased cortex size is mainly achieved by adding more modules.
Abstract 2171: Human FLCN delays cell cycle progression through late S and G2/M-phases: Effect of phosphorylation and tumor-associated mutations

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) autosomal dominantly inherited syndrome has clinical features that include the development of skin fibrofolliculomas, lung cysts, and renal neoplasia. Renal tumors occur in approximately one third of individuals with BHD. The gene responsible for BHD syndrome is Folliculin (FLCN), which encodes a 68kD phosphoprotein (FLCN). One allele of the FLCN gene is mutated in the germline of >90% of BHD patients and somatic mutations or loss of the wild type FLCN allele are observed in the renal tumors of patients with BHD, suggesting that FLCN acts as a tumor suppressor protein. The human renal cell carcinoma cell line UOK257, derived from a patient with a germline mutation in the FLCN gene, harbors a truncated version of the FLCN protein. Reconstitution of the wild type FLCN protein into the FLCN-deficient UOK257 cells decreased their proliferation rate. Here we tested whether this difference in cell proliferation rate may be partly attributed to the effect of FLCN on cell cycle progression. We synchronized FLCN-deficient UOK257 cells and their isogenic, wild type or mutant FLCN counterparts, by double thymidine block and followed cell cycle progression after release. UOK257 cells expressing wild type FLCN exhibited a slower progression through the late S and G2/M-phases of the cell cycle compared to the vector only controls (FLCN-deficient). The reintroduction of tumor-associated FLCN mutants failed to delay cell cycle progression in UOK257 cells, indicating that the effect of wild type FLCN on cell cycle progression may contribute to its tumor suppressor function. FLCN phosphorylation on serines S62 and S73 fluctuates throughout the cell cycle and peaks in cells arrested at the G2/M boundary following treatment with nocodazole. In keeping with this observation, the reintroduction of a FLCN S62/73 phosphomimetic mutant into the UOK257 cell line resulted in faster progression through the cell cycle compared to those expressing the wild type FLCN protein. These findings suggest that orderly changes in FLCN phosphorylation during the cell cycle are linked to and may be required for its effect on cell cycle progression and possibly its activity as a tumor suppressor protein. We expect that these studies will provide insight into the role of FLCN in kidney tumorigenesis and will identify putative new targets for therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2171. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2171
Closed suction pelvic drainage after radical pelvic surgical procedures

Thirty-four women had short-term, low-pressure, closed suction pelvic drainage after radical gynecologic surgical procedures. Mean collected fluid losses were significantly higher after radical hysterectomy (25.3 ml/kg) when compared with abdominal hysterectomy (10.7 ml/kg) and lymphadenectomy. There was no correlation between the volume of pelvic drainage and patient's age, patient's weight, duration of operation, or amount of blood loss. The fluid contents resembled serum and were rarely culture positive. Short-term (5-day) drainage was not associated with lymphocysts.
Expansive Clay Suction Measurements Using Filter Paper and Polymer-Capacitance Sensor Methods

Total suction values of undisturbed partially saturated expansive soil samples were synchronously measured using filter paper and miniature polymer-capacitance sensors. Soil suction-water content curves derived from enclosed headspace water vapor measurements were obtained for each method. Shrink-swell measurements were then correlated to the total suction values in order to demonstrate the applicability of either test method for estimating potential volume change.
PHOTOREGULATION OF ROOT: SHOOT RATIO IN SOYBEAN SEEDLINGS*

— The partitioning of plant growth between shoot and root has the potential to affect diverse physiological processes including water and nutrient uptake, nitrogen fixation, light interception, and interactions between plant and soil microorganisms. Root: shoot ratio is determined both by genetics and developmental status as well as by availability of water, nutrients and light. It is shown here that relative root growth was modulated by photomorphogenetic treatments designed to affect phytochrome (supplemental far-red radiation given either as an end-of-day treatment or continuously during the photoperiod) or blue light photoreceptors (blue light-deficient low pressure sodium lamps ± low irradiances of supplemental blue [i.e. 5% of total photon flux: 25 μ.mol m−2 s−1]). Photomorphogenetic control of root: shoot ratio was apparent within1–2 days when light treatments were initiated at emergence, and did not necessarily involve changes in net seedling growth. On the other hand, shortened daylength inhibited early seedling growth but had little effect on partitioning. Changes in relative root dry matter induced by supplemental far red radiation or blue light deficiency were similar to those caused by low irradiances, suggesting that phytochrome or blue light photoreceptors may be involved in regulating the partitioning of growth between shoot and root as a part of adaptation to vegetation shade. The influence of spectral quality on root: shoot ratio should be considered when comparing plants grown under different types of lighting or with different spacing.
Spontaneous feline sporotrichosis: a fine structural study.

Fine structural details of the parasitic yeastlike phase of Sporothrix schenckii contained in biopsy tissue from a naturally-occurring case of disseminated feline sporotrichosis are described and illustrated by electron microscopy. Both free and phagocytosed fungal cells were observed. The fungal cells were contained within an extracellular, electron transparent vacuolar area which was bounded by a limiting membrane of probable host origin. The yeastlike cells were characterized by a conspicuous layer of osmiophilic microfilaments which occurred along the outermost surface of the cell wall. In many yeastlike cells, scattered, membranebound vacuoles containing electron opaque material were observed in the cytoplasm. Asteroid bodies were not observed.
Adolescent elbow injuries

Purpose of review The most common causes of adolescent elbow disorders are either secondary to overuse, most often associated with athletics, or trauma. In this review, we describe the most recent developments in treatment of several of these disorders. Recent findings Osteochondral allografting has been shown to be a reasonable alternative for patients with large, displaced osteochondritic lesions of the capitellum. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, utilizing a docking technique, produces a high rate of return to overhead sport in male baseball players. Ulnar collateral ligatment repair should be considered in female athletes with ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency. Open contracture release and dynamic elbow external fixation with distraction have been shown to provide predictable outcomes in adolescent elbow contractures. Elbow injury prevention in youth baseball should be a high priority, as part of minimizing overuse and fatigue in youth pitchers. Summary Several recent studies have introduced innovations in the treatment of difficult adolescent elbow disorders, including large osteochondritic capitellar lesions and resistant elbow contractures. Recent data have also supported the continued use of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, medial epicondyle fixation and open contracture release in the adolescent patient.
Government spending and the Great Recession

In this paper government spending during the Great Recession is examined. A measure of full-employment government spending was estimated by representing the economy with a Keynesian model. The empirical evidence reveals that government spending has been systematically below its full-employment level during the Great Recession and through 2012. Rather than a runaway expansion in government spending, findings indicate a government spending shortfall from the first quarter of 2008 through the first quarter of 2012.