cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy: Observations on glucagon (hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor) in normal pregnancy and the puerperium

Abstract 1. The hyperglycemic response to glucagon was studied in pregnant, postpartum, and nonpregnant subjects. Comparable hyperglycemia was found for each group. It is believed that glycogen mobilization by glucagon is unaffected by pregnancy. 2. Failure to observe significant hypoglycemia in pregnant subjects following the glucagon-induced increase in blood glucose is interpreted as secondary to insulin resistance developing in late pregnancy. 3. Attenuation of falls in inorganic phosphorus in late pregnancy and the carly puerperium which are associated with the hyperglycemia as experimentally induced is interpreted as reflecting a gestational change in the peripheral utilization of glucose. 4. The data fail to indicate a deficiency of hepatic glycogen in human pregnancy.
Photoelectron spectroscopy verification of highly charged silver ions in the ethylenebis(biguanide)-silver(III) complex ion

Abstract Photoelectron spectroscopy has established that a highly charged silver ion exists in the ethylenebis(biguanide)silver(III) ion.
A Successful University-School District Partnership to Help San Francisco's K-12 Students Learn About Science and Medicine.

The Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP) is a program at the University of California, San Francisco, established in 1987 to support the San Francisco School District ("the District") in its efforts to improve science education in grades K-12. A large cadre of active biomedical scientists and health professionals and a core program staff provide support to 90-95% of the District's schools. The District's students are from a variety of racial and ethnic groups, including a large percentage from underrepresented minorities (URMs). The SEP program has numerous components, some designed to help teachers (e.g., a clinician or scientist forms an ongoing partnership with a teacher to enrich classroom instruction) and some involving direct work with students (e.g., a contest where teams of students design and present lessons on science or health to their peers; activities related specifically to the encouragement of URM students). The SEP's perspective has evolved from an emphasis on assisting individual teachers and students to one of supporting systemic change throughout the District (e.g., supporting full implementation of hands-on, inquiry-based science instruction throughout the District via professional development). During this evolution, the kinds of issues facing program staff have changed and a great deal has been learned about fostering successful partnership activities. For example, (1) having a coordinator is crucial to make such a program work well; (2) it is easier to find start-up funding than to find continuing funding for ongoing activities that are working; and (3) it is important to work with the volunteering scientists and the teachers to help them understand what each has to offer the partnership and to encourage explicit dialogue about roles and expectations. The author concludes with advice for starting a new partnership: think big but start small, and work toward a long-term association based on communication and trust.
Identification of drugs taken in overdose cases.

Over one year ago, it became very clear to us that the management of patients suffering from overdoses of drugs could be conducted with an increased amount of confidence once the identity of the drug or drugs involved had been established, With this in mind, we embarked upon a collaborative research project involving the Suburban Hospital and the Laboratory of Chemistry of the National Heart and Lung Institute of the National Institutes of Health, both of Bethesda, Md Various techniques for securing the above information were studied and a satisfactory method involving mass spectrometry has been developed [ 11. This has been in routine use for fourteen months and the purpose of this paper is to report some of the results obtained during this period. In a middle class, suburban community such as Bethesda, overdoses of the more notorious drugs such as the opiates represent less of a problem on a day-to-day basis than do overdoses of prescribed drugs such as sedatives and tranquillizers. In cases where massive quantities of such compounds have been consumed by the patient, routine supportive therapy may often be deemed inadequate and recourse may be made to more aggressive detoldfication methods such as hemo- and peritoneal dialysis. Before such measures can be initiated however, reliable identification of the drug or drugs involved is necessary. It is well known that gas-liquid chromatography is an excellent 17
A study of solar flare electron events from October 1972 through December 1974 from Imp 7 and 8

Data from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Charged Particle Measurement Experiment aboard Imp H and J were searched for solar flare produced intensity increases in greater than 0.2-MeV electrons during the 26-month period from October 1972 through December 1974. Of the 44 solar electron events found during this period, 31 were isolated for a detailed statistical study. Systematics among the characteristics of the electron profiles (e.g., peak intensity times and count rates) and those of the associated flares (e.g., H-alpha onset times, H-alpha importance class, heliocentric coordinates, etc.) were examined, and the significant results are presented in several scatter plots. The results reveal that the time delay between the flare onset and the arrival of the peak electron intensity at 1 AU (time to maximum) is a function of the flare's deviation in heliolongitude from the solar region which was well connected to the earth via a magnetic flux tube; the well-connected flares produced electron intensity maxima in the least time.
National measures of extraversion and neuroticism and suicide and homicide rates.

Correcting the methodological flaws in an original report by Lester in 1987 showed extraversion was not related to the homicide rate and the national measure of neuroticism was not related to the suicide rate for 18 industrial nations.
B-DNA Helix Stability in a Solvent-Free Environment

B-DNA is the most common DNA helix conformation under physiological conditions. However, when the amount of water in a DNA solution is decreased, B-to-A helix transitions have been observed. To understand what type of helix conformations exist in a solvent-free environment, a series of poly d(CG)n and mixed sequence DNA duplexes from 18 to 30 bp were examined with circular dichroism (CD), ESI-MS, ion mobility, and molecular dynamics. From the CD spectra, it was observed that all sequences had B-form helices in solution. However, the solvent-free results were more complex. For the poly d(CG)n series, the 18 bp duplex had an A-form helix conformation, both A- and B-helices were present for the 22 bp duplex, and only B-helices were observed for the 26 and 30 bp duplexes. Since these sequences were all present as B-DNA in solution, the observed solvent-free structures illustrate that smaller helices with fewer base pairs convert to A-DNA more easily than larger helices in the absence of solvent. A similar trend was observed for the mixed sequence duplexes where both an A- and B-helix were present for the 18 bp duplex, while only B-helices occur for the larger 22, 26, and 30 bp duplexes. Since the solvent-free B-helices appear at smaller sizes for the mixed sequences than for the pure d(CG)n duplexes, the pure d(CG)n duplexes have a greater A-philicity.
Communication apprehension and classroom apprehension in Nigerian classrooms

This study explored patterns and effects of communication apprehension and classroom apprehension in Nigerian classrooms. Significant correlation was found between student communication apprehension and student classroom apprehension. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in classroom apprehension by class type, but no significant differences in communication apprehension by choice of occupation. Perceptions of academic performance were negatively associated with classroom apprehension scores.
Environmental estrogens: can two "alrights" make a wrong?

In a report in this week's issue of Science , Arnold et al . ([p. 1489][1]) show that pesticides that are individually innocuous have effects like the female hormone estrogen when they are mixed together. In his Perspective, Simons outlines several mechanisms by which this synergy may be ocurring in the cell. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.272.5267.1489
The Thermoregulatory Threshold in Humans during Halothane Anesthesia

Although suppression of thermoregulatory mechanisms by anesthetics is generally assumed, the extent to which thermoregulation is active during general anesthesia is not known. The only thermoregulatory responses available to anesthetized, hypothermic patients are vasoconstriction and non-shivering thermogenesis. To test anesthetic effects on thermoregulation, the authors measured skin-surface temperature gradients (forearm temperature--finger-tip temperature) as an index of cutaneous vasoconstriction in unpremedicated patients anesthetized with 1% halothane and paralyzed with vecuronium during elective, donor nephrectomy. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo maximal warming (warm room, humidified respiratory gases, and warm intravenous fluids; n = 5) or standard temperature management (no special warming measures; n = 5). Skin-surface temperature gradients greater than or equal to 4 degrees C were prospectively defined as significant vasoconstriction. Normothermic patients [average minimum esophageal temperature = 36.4 +/- 0.3 degrees C (SD)] did not demonstrate significant vasoconstriction. However, each hypothermic patient displayed significant vasoconstriction at esophageal temperatures ranging from 34.0 to 34.8 degrees C (average temperature = 34.4 +/- 0.2 degrees C). These data indicate that active thermoregulation occurs during halothane anesthesia, but that it does not occur until core temperature is approximately equal to 2.5 degrees C lower than normal. In two additional hypothermic patients, increased skin-temperature gradients correlated with decreased perfusion as measured by a laser Doppler technique. Measuring skin-surface temperature gradients is a simple, non-invasive, and quantitative method of determining the thermoregulatory threshold during anesthesia.
A bézier-based approach to unstructured moving meshes

We present a new framework for maintaining the quality of two dimensional triangular moving meshes. The use of curved elements is the key idea that allows us to avoid excessive refinement and still obtain good quality meshes consisting of a low number of well shaped elements. We use B-splines curves to model object boundaries, and objects are meshed with second order Bezier triangles. As the mesh evolves according to a non-uniform flow velocity field, we keep track of object boundaries and, if needed, carefully modify the mesh to keep it well shaped by applying a combination of vertex insertion and deletion, edge flipping, and edge smoothing operations at each time step. Our algorithms for these tasks are extensions of known algorithms for meshes built of straight--sided elements and are designed for any fixed-order Bezier elements and B-splines. Although in this work we have concentrated on quadratic elements, most of the operations are valid for elements of any order and they generalize well to higher dimensions. We present results of our scheme for a set of objects mimicking red blood cells subject to a precomputed flow velocity field.
Contexts, anyone? The need for contextualization in the debate about the moral status of embryos.

In their article, “Confronting Deep Moral Disagreement: The President's Council on Bioethics, Moral Status, and Human Embryos,” Nelson and Meyer (2005) make important contributions to this controve...
A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial of divalproex sodium prophylaxis in adults with newly diagnosed brain tumors

Background: Seizures occur after the diagnosis of brain tumors in up to 40% of patients. Prophylactic anticonvulsants are widely advocated despite a lack of convincing evidence of their efficacy in preventing first seizures. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the incidence of first seizures in divalproex sodium- and placebo-treated patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors. Patients and Methods: Patients who had not previously had a seizure were randomized within 14 days of diagnosis of their brain tumor to receive either divalproex sodium or placebo. All patients had at least one supratentorial brain lesion, a Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) more than equals 50%, and no previous anticonvulsant use or other brain disease. Compliance and adequacy of dosing were assessed by pill counts and monthly blood levels. Results: Seventy-four of 75 consecutive eligible patients were entered in this study. Median follow-up was 7 months. The drug and placebo groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, KPS, primary tumor type, number or location of brain lesions, frequency of brain surgery, or pretreatment EEG. Thirteen of 37 patients (35%) receiving divalproex sodium and 9 of 37 patients (24%) on placebo had seizures. The odds ratio for a seizure in the divalproex sodium arm relative to the placebo arm was 1.7 (95% CI 0.6 to 4.6; p equals 0.3). The hypothesis that anticonvulsant prophylaxis provides a reduction in the frequency of first seizure as small as 30% was rejected (p equals 0.05). Conclusions: Anticonvulsant prophylaxis with divalproex sodium is not indicated for patients with brain tumors who have not had seizures. NEUROLOGY 1996;46: 985-991.
Brain connectivity in autism.

With the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the pace of research aimed at understanding the neurobiology of this complex neurodevelopmental disorder has accelerated. Neuroimaging and postmortem studies have provided evidence for disruptions in functional and structural connectivity in the brains of individuals with ASD (Vissers et al., 2012). This burgeoning literature continues to struggle with methodological and conceptual issues inherent to discovering relationships between brain and behavior. While there has been considerable progress, many open questions remain. In this special topic, a collection of empirical contributions and reviews from leaders in the field attempt to synthesize and extend prior work investigating brain connectivity in autism. Multiple theoretical perspectives and neuroimaging methods are brought together with the aim of addressing outstanding questions about the nature and extent of brain connectivity aberrations in autism.
Assembly pressure and membrane swelling in PEM fuel cells

Assembly pressure and membrane swelling induced by elevated temperature and humidity cause inhomogeneous compression and performance variation in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. This research conducts a comprehensive analysis on the effects of assembly pressure and operating temperature and humidity on PEM fuel cell stack deformation, contact resistance, overall performance and current distribution by advancing a model previously developed by the authors. First, a finite element model (FEM) model is developed to simulate the stack deformation when assembly pressure, temperature and humidity fields are applied. Then a multi-physics simulation, including gas flow and diffusion, proton transport, and electron transport in a three-dimensional cell, is conduced. The modeling results reveal that elevated temperature and humidity enlarge gas diffusion layer (GDL) and membrane inhomogeneous deformation, increase contact pressure and reduce contact resistance due to the swelling and material property change of the GDL and membrane. When an assembly pressure is applied, the fuel cell overall performance is improved by increasing temperature and humidity. However, significant spatial variation of current distribution is observed at elevated temperature and humidity.
Retrieval of Structure‐Factor Phases in Non‐centrosymmetric Space Groups. Model Studies Using Multipole Refinements

Structure factors with known magnitude and phase are constructed for seven different molecular crystals in non-centrosymmetric space groups and used to calibrate the retrieval of structure-factor phase information with several different scattering factor models. Monopole models are confirmed to be inadequate, yielding poor estimates of phases and underestimating the Fourier deformation electron density by as much as 50%. Multipole models are generally successful, with the conspicuous exception of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT). The results confirm the known difficulty of phasing structure-factor magnitudes for HMT, but reveal a broad spectrum of behaviour of phase retrieval in various non-centrosymmetric space groups, depending partly on the number of reflections with restricted phases. For several systems (urea, hydrogen peroxide, l-alanine and borazine) the results confirm that multipole refinements of scattering factor models against experimental data are capable of yielding highly accurate phases and hence reliable electron distributions. For the exceptional case of HMT a simple eigenvalue filtering technique enables retrieval of phases and electron densities with an accuracy comparable to the best of the other non-centrosymmetric systems studied.
Triplet Energy Transfer through the Walls of Hemicarcerands: Temperature Dependence and the Role of Internal Reorganization Energy

The dependence of the rate of electronic excitation transfer from a triplet donor (biacetyl) trapped inside a hemicarcerand cage to a range of triplet quenchers in free solution was studied as a function of the driving force and the internal reorganization energy of the acceptor, λacceptor. Acceptors with internal reorganization energies ranging from ∼0 to more than 1.1 eV were investigated. It was found that quenchers with nearly identical triplet energies can lead to transfer rates differing by almost 3 orders of magnitude as a result of large differences in their ineternal reorganization energies. The data were analyzed in terms of the semiclassical Marcus−Jortner theory. Variable-temperature measurements were performed in order to independently evaluate the activation energies and thus to unequivocally determine which acceptors belong to the “normal” and which to the “inverted” Marcus region. Four distinct groups of triplet acceptors emerged from the analysis: (a) rigid aromatics with small geometry ...
Effects of molecular size and structure of amylopectin on the retrogradation thermal properties of waxy rice and waxy cornstarches

Abstract Starches from waxy rice and waxy corn were treated in anhydrous methanol with 0.36% HCl at 25 °C for 1–15 days to obtain starches with different molecular weights. The retrogradation thermal properties of the HCl–methanol-treated starches, after gelatinized and stored at 4 °C for 7 days, were determined by using differential scanning calorimetry, and effects of molecular size and structure of amylopectin on the retrogradation thermal properties were elucidated. Results indicated that the degree of retrogradation (DR%) of waxy starches increased with decreasing molecular weight. The DR% of waxy starches was found negatively correlated with the logarithmic value of its weight-average degree of polymerization (DP w ) ( r 2 =0.847 for waxy rice and 0.951 for waxy corn). The increment of DR% with the decreasing DP w of waxy cornstarch (slope=−13.98) was profoundly lower than that of waxy rice starch (slope=−25.42). In spite of the botanical source of starch, the DR% and the melting temperature of retrograded waxy starch depended on not only the molecular size, but also the molecular structure such as average chain length and chain length distributions of amylopectin branch chains and its subfractions.
The Scientification of the Study of Politics: Some Observations on the Behavioral Evolution in Political Science

We call our discipline “political science.” The term “science” implies use of the scientific method. “Science” has had different meanings at different times. In the archaic sense, science is just “knowledge,” or knowledge gained by study. In modern usage (since the eighteenth century), science is a method of learning based on systematic observation using the scientific method. It is a method of learning different from the arts. The “scientification of the study of politics” refers to the process through which political science as an academic discipline has come to use the scientific method for the production and dissemination of knowledge about politics. The notion of scientification suggests a two-way relationship between science and politics. As Weingart says, it “can be described as a recursive coupling of two interdependent developments—the scientification of politics and the politicisation of science” (2002). From the genesis of the discipline around the turn of the twentieth century through every stage of development, there has been conflict and debate over the linkages between politics and science:
Cue-selection interference in paired-associate learning

Summary This report was concerned with stimulus selection in a situation in which it was believed that the dominant selection habit would interfere with learning. Paired-associate learning was used in which the critical units were names of colors. In the conditions expected to produce interference, these color names were printed in inappropriate ink colors (the word red was printed in blue ink). The S was required to associate the ink colors with the other terms (single-digit numbers). The words, in different conditions, were used as stimulus terms and also as response terms. In two of the conditions the word appearing with a given ink color was always the same. In two other conditions the word varied from trial to trial with only ink color constant. The results for these conditions (when compared with a control) indicated interference for all, with maximum interference occurring when the word and ink color were consistent from trial to trial and when these were response terms. Performance under this condition was roughly half as good as under the control. The interpretation of the results suggested that the interference is produced because the dominant habit of responding to the words results in an association being established initially between the words and numbers.
Skolem and pessimism about proof in mathematics

Attitudes towards formalization and proof have gone through large swings during the last 150 years. We sketch the development from Frege9s first formalization, to the debates over intuitionism and other schools, through Hilbert9s program and the decisive blow of the Godel Incompleteness Theorem. A critical role is played by the Skolem–Lowenheim Theorem, which showed that no first-order axiom system can characterize a unique infinite model. Skolem himself regarded this as a body blow to the belief that mathematics can be reliably founded only on formal axiomatic systems. In a remarkably prescient paper, he even sketches the possibility of interesting new models for set theory itself, something later realized by the method of forcing. This is in contrast to Hilbert9s belief that mathematics could resolve all its questions. We discuss the role of new axioms for set theory, questions in set theory itself, and their relevance for number theory. We then look in detail at what the methods of the predicate calculus, i.e. mathematical reasoning, really entail. The conclusion is that there is no reasonable basis for Hilbert9s assumption. The vast majority of questions even in elementary number theory, of reasonable complexity, are beyond the reach of any such reasoning. Of course this cannot be proved and we present only plausibility arguments. The great success of mathematics comes from considering ‘natural problems’, those which are related to previous work and offer a good chance of being solved. The great glories of human reasoning, beginning with the Greek discovery of geometry, are in no way diminished by this pessimistic view. We end by wishing good health to present-day mathematics and the mathematics of many centuries to come.
Determination of captopril in pharmaceutical tablets by anion-exchange HPLC using indirect photometric detection; a study in systematic method development.

Abstract The development and validation of a significantly cost effective and simpler anion-exchange high performance liquid chromatorgaphic (HPLC) procedure than the compendial methods for the analysis of captopril in tablet dosage forms using indirect photometric detection is described. A low capacity anion-exchange column was used with potassium phthalate as the mobile phase marker and indirect detection at 280 nm. The chromatographic conditions were optimized using the Box and Behnken factorial experimental design. The method was precise and accurate with percent recovery (±%R.S.D.) of 99.8±0.7% ( n =12) with the spiked concentrations ranging between ±30% of the assay level. Youden and Steiner's robustness test, involving seven chosen variables, showed that the method is robust. Using the developed method, commercially available captopril tablets were assayed and the results were found to be comparable with those obtained by the compendial method.
Genotype modulates the aggression-promoting quality of progesterone in pregnant mice

During late pregnancy, female mice of the DBA/2J inbred strain are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior toward a standard stimulus intruder male than C57BL/6J females. This strain difference can not be accounted for by differences in circulating levels of progesterone (P) since pregnant DBA/2J and C57BL/6J females exhibit similar patterns of the steroid throughout pregnancy. Upon receiving subcutaneously implanted Silastic capsules containing P, virgin DBA/2J mice are more likely than virgin C57BL/6J to respond to the steroid by exhibiting aggression. Strain differences in the aggressive behavior exhibited by pregnant mice may be related to genotype-based variation in central neural tissue sensitivity to P.
Observations on high and low voltage compartments in the crystalline lens of the frog.

Abstract A range of electrical potentials could be measured in the frog lens. The most frequently measured potentials were ∼−30 and ∼−70 mV, with the latter being more predominant. These potentials were designated low and high potential compartments, respectively. The low and high potential compartments depolarized by 18 and 27 mV respectively, when the potassium concentration in the bathing solution was increased from 2·5 to 25 m m . The high potential compartments consistently depolarized when the lens was bathed in calcium-free solutions, whereas certain low potential compartments depolarized and others hyperpolarized. These findings suggested that both the high and low compartment potentials are membrane potentials of lens fibres with different ionic permeability properties. The depolarization of the high and low potential compartments in 25 m m potassium solution had identical time courses with half-times of approximately 100 sec. It can be inferred from these observations that both the high and low compartment membranes lie close to the surface of the lens. A number of low compartment potentials exhibited a rapid hyperpolarizing jump in potential following depolarization to about −15 mV by either high potassium or calcium-free solutions. The behaviour of the potential subsequent to the jump suggested that the compartment had changed from a low to a high potential compartment.
Marked Malapposition and Aneurysm Formation After Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Implantation

A 52-year-old female presented with an acute coronary syndrome, anterior T wave inversions, and elevated cardiac markers. After cardiac catheterization, a critical mid-left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis involving the origin of the second diagonal branch and a critical mid-right stenosis were observed. It was felt that the “culprit” vessel was the LAD, and a successful angioplasty was performed with a drug-eluting stent (DES), Cypher (Cordis), placed in the LAD and the diagonal branch dilated with a balloon. The right coronary artery (RCA) was treated with a drug-eluting stent 3 days later (Figure 1 …
A resilience perspective on biofuel production

The recent investment boom and collapse of the corn ethanol industry calls into question the long-term sustainability of traditional approaches to biofuel technologies. Compared with petroleum-based transportation fuels, biofuel production systems are more closely connected to complex and variable natural systems. Especially as biofeedstock production itself becomes more independent of fossil fuel-based supports, stochasticity will become an increasingly important, inherent feature of biofuel feedstock production systems. Accordingly, a fundamental change in design philosophy is necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the biofuels industry. To respond effectively to unexpected disruptions, the new approach will require systems to be designed for resilience (indicated by diversity, efficiency, cohesion, and adaptability) rather than more narrowly defined measures of efficiency. This paper addresses important concepts in the design of coupled engineering-ecological systems (resistance, resilience, adaptability, and transformability) and examines biofuel conversion technologies from a resilience perspective. Conversion technologies that can accommodate multiple feedstocks and final products are suggested to enhance the diversity and flexibility of the entire industry.
Water column impacts of macrophyte decomposition beneath fiberglass screens

Abstract The use of fiberglass screens to control nuisance growth of aquatic plants is a relatively new method which is rapidly increasing in usage. Laboratory experiments and field enclosure studies were used to assess potential nutrient regeneration and exertion of oxygen demand resulting from the decomposition of macrophyte material beneath these screens. Nutrient regeneration was a function of plant nutrient content and sediment retention capacity. Due to the high C : N ratio of most macrophytes relative to that of decomposing organisms, the regeneration of nitrogen was not observed. Decomposition of macrophytes with a moderate phosphorus content resulted in the retention of the plant phosphorus within the sediment. In the laboratory the use of plants with an abnormally high phosphorus content and sediment with a low mineral fraction, resulted in the regeneration of much of the plants' initial phosphorus content to the water column. The potential for water column oxygen depletion was a function of the rate of plant death, the initial plant biomass, the magnitude of the natural diurnal oxygen fluctuation and the rate of reaeration or dilution via water movement. Overall the potential for adverse water column impacts is low under typical field conditions, Postulated impacts would be dependent upon site-specific characteristics such as area of treatment, water mixing, plant biomass, and nature of the substrate. Placement of the screens in the early spring prior to the development of a large plant biomass should be sufficient totally to offset impacts associated with plant decomposition.
On the Relationship of Geomagnetic Storms to the Density of the Upper Atmosphere

The increase in the temperature and density of the upper atmosphere during geomagnetic storms is discussed. The latitude dependences of various phenomena related to storms are examined in an effort to determine the latitude dependence of the neutral heating, which is not well determined by the drag of satellites. The energy balance in the auroral zone during storms is also discussed.
NOTEWORTHY LEJEUNEAE FROM FLORIDA

Our knowledge of the Hepaticae occurring in Florida has been materially increased during the past few years. This is due in great part to the careful collections made by Mr. Severin Rapp in the vicinity of Sanford, Orange County, although Dr. J. K. Small, Mr. N. L. T. Nelson and other collectors have made notable discoveries. In I9I5 Miss Caroline C. Haynes2 published a list of sixty-four species which Mr. Rapp had found, including twenty-four members of the Lejeuneae. In the present paper six additional Lejeuneae are noted. Four of these are apparently undescribed, although one has already been reported from Sanford under another name. One of the remaining species has been previously reported from Cuba and the other from Jamaica. Of the new species two, according to our present knowledge, are endemic to Florida. The number of Lejeuneae now known from Sanford is twenty-nine; from the entire state of Florida, forty-four; from the entire United States, forty-eight.
Accurate parking planning of Tractor-Trailer-Trailer mobile robot

Accurate parking planning strategies for Tractor-Trailer-Trailer (TTT) mobile robot are proposed in this paper. Restricted by the nonholonomic constraint, accurate parking planning for such driftless underactuated system is usually difficult. However, a local system coordinate transformation method provides an easily handled form, for whom, a time-varying continuous controller is utilized. Combined with an extra robust control law, this controller can reduce the oscillatory term, and keep all the state variables asymptotically stable. Numeric simulation results are presented to verify this result.
Molecular mechanisms of astrogliosis : New approaches with mouse genetics

Astrocytes are increasingly being recognized as dynamic participants in many aspects of normal central nervous system function. In disease states, reactive astrocytes undergo complex phenotypic changes, generically referred to as astrogliosis. Unraveling the functions of reactive astrocytes and underlying molecular mechanisms is a difficult problem. The use of genetically modified mice is beginning to yield some answers to long-standing questions in the field. What are the functions of reactive astrocytes? What extracellular factors and intracellular signaling mechanisms are responsible for astrocyte activation in various forms of neural injury? In this review we will highlight studies using astrocyte reporter lines for cellular imaging and lineage tracing, as well as gain- and loss-of-function mutations that have begun to shed light on mechanisms of astrogliosis.
Design of thermoelectric heat pump unit for active building envelope systems

Abstract Active building envelope (ABE) systems represent a new thermal control technology that actively uses solar energy to compensate for passive heat losses or gains in building envelopes or other enclosures. This paper introduces initial steps in exposing the community to this new technology, and explores an optimization based design strategy for its feasible application. We discuss the overall ABE system, and focus on the design and analysis of a key component—the thermoelectric heat pump unit, or the TE unit. This unit becomes an integral part of the generic enclosure, and is a collection of thermoelectric coolers, or heaters. As a critical component of the optimization based design strategy, computationally inexpensive approximate analytical models of generic TE coolers/heaters (referred to as TE coolers) are developed. A multi-objective optimization technique is implemented to design and evaluate different design configurations of the TE unit. The multi-objective optimization simultaneously minimizes two design objectives: (1) the total input power required to operate the TE unit and (2) the number of TE coolers for economic considerations. Preliminary results indicate that the total input power required to operate the TE unit decreases as the distribution density of the TE coolers increases. In addition, the thermal resistance of the heat sink (attached to the TE cooler) plays a key role in determining the number of TE coolers required. These preliminary findings may have practical implications, influencing the implementation of the ABE system.
Effects of flooding regimes on two impounded bottomland hardwood stands

The relationships between flooding regimes, stand structure, regeneration, and tree stress and mortality were evaluated within two overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) — willow oak (Quercus phellos) greentree reservoirs, one impoundment with levees and one without levees. Record rainfall resulted in extensive growing-season flooding in both impoundments; however, the levee system and the topographic relief of the impoundment with levees impeded drainage of surface water and prolonged growing-season flooding. Limited regeneration of all species except overcup oak was observed in both impoundments. In the impoundment with levees, the total number of overcup oak seedlings at peak establishment and overcup oak seedling mortality were related to flooding regimes. In the impoundment without levees, establishment densities were not related to any of the measured environmental variables. Stress and mortality were significantly higher in trees in larger diameter classes, and stress generally increased with flooding. these results suggest that the decision to create GTRs within a stand of naturally flooded bottomland hardwoods should be thoroughly and cautiously reviewed.
The axon terminals of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-containing bipolar cells in rat visual cortex

In vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreacted preparations, bipolar neurons are the cells most commonly labelled. The VIP-positive axon terminals form symmetrical synapses, and their most common postsynaptic targets are small and medium sized dendrites. These are of both smooth and spiny types. Additionally, there is a concentration of VIP-positive axon terminals around the cell bodies of pyramidal neurons, and it is suggested that an important function of VIP-labelled bipolar cells is to inhibit vertically oriented groups of pyramidal cells. In order to further examine the features of axon terminals that label with VIP antibodies, conventionally prepared material was examined by electron microscopy. Those terminals which label with VIP antibody are characterized by irregular profiles of varying sizes and shapes, and by containing closely packed pleomorphic vesicles. Such terminals form symmetrical synapses. The junctions are not well marked by associated cytoplasmic densities, but there is an inherent density within the synaptic cleft. It is suggested that these features characterize all axon terminals in which GABA coexists with peptides in cerebral cortex.
Structural Basis of the Enhanced Stability of a Mutant Ribozyme Domain and a Detailed View of RNA–Solvent Interactions

Abstract Background: The structure of P4-P6, a 160 nucleotide domain of the self-splicing Tetrahymena thermophila intron, was solved previously. Mutants of the P4-P6 RNA that form a more stable tertiary structure in solution were recently isolated by successive rounds of in vitro selection and amplification. Results: We show that a single-site mutant (ΔC209) possessing greater tertiary stability than wild-type P4-P6 also crystallizes much more rapidly and under a wider variety of conditions. The crystal structure provides a satisfying explanation for the increased stability of the mutant; the deletion of C209 allows the adjacent bulged adenine to enter the P4 helix and form an A-G base pair, presumably attenuating the conformational flexibility of the helix. The structure of another mutant (ΔA210) was also solved and supports this interpretation. The crystals of ΔC209 diffract to a higher resolution limit than those of wild-type RNA (2.25 A versus 2.8 A), allowing assignment of innersphere and outersphere coordination contacts for 27 magnesium ions. Structural analysis reveals an intricate solvent scaffold with a preponderance of ordered water molecules on the inside rather than the surface of the folded RNA domain. Conclusions: In vitro evolution facilitated the identification of a highly stable, structurally homogeneous mutant RNA that was readily crystallizable. Analysis of the structure suggests that improving RNA secondary structure can stabilize tertiary structure and perhaps promote crystallization. In addition, the higher resolution model provides new details of metal ion–RNA interactions and identifies a core of ordered water molecules that may be integral to RNA tertiary structure formation.
Strain Energies of the Cyclophosphanes

Abstract Strain energies of (PH)n rings, n = 3–8, are obtained from geometry optimized ab initio total energies of (PH)n rings and H(PH)mH chains. These quantities are then compared with strain energies of On, Sn, (NH)n, (SiH2)n, and (CH2)n rings.
Labour Market Institutions and Flexibility in Italy

: The paper surveys three broad categories of labor market institutions in Italy: employment protection legislation unemployment benefit systems and wage bargaining arrangements In each we the recent evolution and current state of Italian institutions are evaluated and compared With those in other major European countries
To Do A “Root Canal”

Endodontic treatment is often referred to as “a root canal”. This article discusses the need to be more refined and descriptive in the selection of treatment alternatives. The pathological involvement of teeth needing endodontic treatment varies significantly from superficial pulp inflammation to pulp necrosis and infection, often complicated with a periradicular osteolytic process. This diversity should lead to a variety of treatment modalities based on the severity of the disease. Failure to do so and use a one-size-fits-all approach – “a root canal” – is an oversimplification and a disservice to the patient and the profession.
Modeling spatial dependencies and semantic concepts in data mining

Data mining is the process of discovering new patterns and relationships in large datasets. However, several studies have shown that general data mining techniques often fail to extract meaningful patterns and relationships from the spatial data owing to the violation of fundamental geospatial principles. In this tutorial, we introduce basic principles behind explicit modeling of spatial and semantic concepts in data mining. In particular, we focus on modeling these concepts in the widely used classification, clustering, and prediction algorithms. Classification is the process of learning a structure or model (from user given inputs) and applying the known model to the new data. Clustering is the process of discovering groups and structures in the data that are "similar," without applying any known structures in the data. Prediction is the process of finding a function that models (explains) the data with least error. One common assumption among all these methods is that the data is independent and identically distributed. Such assumptions do not hold well in spatial data, where spatial dependency and spatial heterogeneity are a norm. In addition, spatial semantics are often ignored by the data mining algorithms. In this tutorial we cover recent advances in explicitly modeling of spatial dependencies and semantic concepts in data mining.
Vascular Endothelial Cell Adherens Junction Assembly and Morphogenesis Induced by Sphingosine-1-Phosphate

Vascular endothelial cells undergo morphogenesis into capillary networks in response to angiogenic factors. We show here that sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP), a platelet-derived bioactive lipid, activates the EDG-1 and -3 subtypes of G protein-coupled receptors on endothelial cells to regulate angiogenesis. SPP induces the Gi/mitogen-activated protein kinase/cell survival pathway and the small GTPase Rho- and Raccoupled adherens junction assembly. Both EDG-1-and EDG-3-regulated signaling pathways are required for endothelial cell morphogenesis into capillary-like networks. Indeed, SPP synergized with polypeptide angiogenic growth factors in the formation of mature neovessels in vivo. These data define SPP as a novel regulator of angiogenesis.
Isomerization of bicyclo[5.1.0]-2,4-octadieneiron tricarbonyl to bicyclo[4.2.0]-2,4-octadieneiron tricarbonyl☆

Abstract It has been shown that bicyclo[5.1.0]-2,4-octadieneiron tricarbonyl undergoes thermal isomerization to bicyclo[4.2.0]-2,4-octadieneiron tricarbonyl. The first-order rate constant for this process at 120.6° was determined to be 1.8 X 10 −5 s −1 which corresponds to Δ F ‡ = 31.8 kcal/mol. Gas chromatographic results coupled with a kinetic analysis very strongly suggest that 1,3,5-cyclooctatrieneiron tricarbonyl is an intermediate in this isomerization. Two plausible mechanisms are offered to explain this rearrangement.
Abstract B24: Ras-mediated epigenetic reprogramming: NF-κB-dependent and independent effects

In addition to many genetic alterations, cancer cells also harbor global epigenetic abnormalities, a fundamental hallmark of cancer. K-Ras, the most commonly mutated oncogene, has been shown to induce aberrant epigenetic changes, including the methylation and subsequent silencing of key tumor suppressors. Furthermore, in the majority of K-Ras-driven tumors, the NF-κB pathway is constitutively active and contributes to cellular transformation. Specifically, our lab has shown that knocking out the p65 subunit of NF-κB significantly reduces tumor development in a mouse model of K-Ras-induced lung cancer. NF-κB subunits have been shown to associate with HDAC1 and to promote DNMT1 recruitment to chromatin, suggesting the involvement of NF-κB in epigenetic regulation. However, the role of the NF-κB pathway in Ras-mediated epigenetic changes remains unclear. Based on the above, I hypothesize that oncogenic K-Ras cooperates with the NF-κB pathway to alter the epigenetic landscape and promote transformation. Using the Infinium Methylation Assay, we have uncovered genome-wide differences in DNA methylation in lung epithelial cells expressing K-RasG12V (SAKRAS) compared to wild-type (SALEB) cells. Expression of oncogenic K-RasG12V was accompanied by hypermethylation of many tumor suppressors and demethylation of established oncogenes. Notably, many of these changes in methylation correlated with changes in gene expression. Inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in SAKRAS cells also led to significant changes in the methylation profile of a subset of genes. Together, these preliminary results support a role for the K-Ras and NF-κB pathways in the epigenetic reprogramming observed in K-Ras-driven cancers. Citation Format: Joel Durand, Albert Baldwin. Ras-mediated epigenetic reprogramming: NF-κB-dependent and independent effects. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Jun 19-22, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(13 Suppl):Abstract nr B24.
Magic-angle 13C-NMR of cured and degraded acrylic copolymer/melamine formaldehyde coatings

Magic-angle carbon-13 NMR has been used to probe the structure and dynamics of acrylic copolymer melamine formaldehyde crosslinked coatings. Changes in chemical composition that occur in conventional accelerated weathering tests were found to be dominated by hydrolysis of acrylic-melamine crosslinks and subsequent formation of melamine-melamine crosslinks. Evidence for photo-oxidation was also observed. These results are in substantial agreement with infrared measurements also made on these coatings. Gated high-power decoupling experiments were used to determine relative mobilities of the different carbon resonances as a function of acrylic copolymer composition and as a function of degradation. It was found that motion of the side-chain carbons on the acrylic copolymer was not sensitive either to the chemical composition of the coating or to the extent of degradation. Mobilities of the main-chain carbons of the acrylic copolymer decrease with increasing glass transition temperature of the acrylic copolymer. For acrylic copolymers containing styrene, it is found that the main-chain carbon mobilities decrease with weathering. The melamine triazine ring becomes very rigid after degradation consistent with the formation of short melamine-melamine crosslinks.