cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microdetermination of fluoride using Gran's plots

The known addition method has been used in combination with Gran's plots for the determination of 0.08 to 3 ppm (4.0 · 10−6 to 3.2 · 10−4M) fluoride. The effectiveness of the total ionic strength adjustment buffers (TISAB) recommended by Frant and Ross, Liberti and Mascini, and Peters and Ladd has been investigated. For complexation of Al3+, that used by Peters and Ladd was found most effective, while for Fe3+ and Si4+, that used by Liberti and Mascini was most effective. The original TISAB recommended by Frant and Ross was found adequate in the presence of large amounts of Mg2+, Ca2+, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate.
A thermochemical and kinetic analysis of the mechanisms of pyrolysis of polycyclic molecules

The quantitative kinetics of pyrolysis of some cyclic and polycyclic compounds are examined from the point of view of biradical intermediates. Transition state methods for estimating the Arrhenius parameters of the lowest free energy biradical pathway to products in cyclic and polycyclic compound reactions are described and illustrated. A large number of the polycyclic reactions are found to have Arrhenius parameters consistent with the biradical mechanism estimates. Other reactions are found to have much faster experimental rates and must therefore be concerted. The value of activation energy and activation entropy estimates as discriminatory tests of mechanism, i.e., single step (concertedness) or consecutive step processes, is discussed.
CB1 cannabinoid receptor-mediated neurite remodeling in mouse neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells.

The morphological remodeling of neuronal cells influences neurogenesis and brain functions. We hypothesize that psychoactive and neurotoxic effects of cannabinoids may be mediated, at least in part, by their morphoregulatory activities. In the present study, mouse neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells were used as an in vitro model to investigate cannabinoid-induced neurite remodeling effects and to identify the involvement of cannabinoid receptors in this neurite remodeling process. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence microscopy, the endogenously expressed CB1, but not CB2, cannabinoid receptors were detected in morphologically differentiated N1E-115 cells. Activation of these natively expressed CB1 cannabinoid receptors by cannabinoid agonist HU-210 led to a concentration-dependent inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity. Importantly, HU-210 treatment induced neurite retraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of N1E-115 cells with a CB1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) suppressed HU-210-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, indicating that the knocking down of functional CB1 cannabinoid receptor expression was achieved. Antisense ODN pretreatment also abolished HU-210-induced neurite retraction, demonstrating the involvement of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in mediating the neurite remodeling effects of HU-210. In addition, reversing HU-210-induced intracellular cAMP declination by 8-Br-cAMP partially prevented HU-210-induced neurite retraction, indicating the involvement of cAMP-dependent signaling pathways in mediating the neurite remodeling function of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in N1E-115 cells. These data demonstrate that neurite remodeling is a newly discovered function of CB1 cannabinoid receptors. This morphoregulatory function of CB1 cannabinoid receptors might be a new mechanism that mediates the psychoactive and neurotoxic effects of cannabinoids in developing and adult brain. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:346–353, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pigment granule migration in crustacean photoreceptors requires calcium

We have investigated the role of calcium in the regulation of pigment granule migration in photoreceptors of the semi-terrestrial crab, Sesarma cinereum. Isolated crab eyes (eyecup plus eyestalk) were maintained in crustacean Ringer either prepared normally or calcium-free plus 50 mM EGTA. Pigment granule movement was indirectly observed by monitoring reflectance from the eye during light stimuli using intracellular optical physiological techniques. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were also measured during light stimuli. EGTA treatment caused gradual loss of centripetal migration of pigment granules (normally leading to pupillary closure), and photoreceptors eventually became locked in the open-pupil, dark-adapted state despite repeated stimuli. In contrast, ERG responses continued throughout EGTA treatment, although the size and shape of the response was altered. Normal ERG responses and pigment granule movements returned after replacing EGTA-Ringer with normal-calcium medium. These results suggest that centripetal migration of pigment granules in crustacean photoreceptors requires calcium.
Renal and hepatic pathology following initial remission of acute leukemia induced by prednisone.

Ten children with leukemia in initial bone marrow remission were studied for remaining leukemic cells in the liver, kidney, or central nervous system. Two patients had hepatic infiltrates and two others had kidney infiltrates. Fat accumulation secondary to steroid treatment was a frequent cause of hepatomegaly in these children. The findings indicate that more rigid criteria are needed to determine if a patient is in complete remission.
High frequency ultrasound detection with ultra-high-Q silica microspheres

Due to the nondestructive and noninvasive nature of ultrasound imaging, the technique has a variety of applications in many fields, most notably in healthcare and electronics. Ultrasound detection based on optical microcavities has emerged as one accurate and sensitive method. While previous research using polymer microring cavities showed detection based on device deformation, the approach presented here relied on the photoelastic effect. In this effect, the ultrasound wave induces a strain in the medium leading to a refractive index change. This effect was shown experimentally and in a COMSOL simulation with the use of ultra high quality factor silica microspheres. With an increase in quality factor and input power from previous research, the device response is increased and the noise equivalent pressure is decreased. The simulations presented use the finite element method and integrate acoustic and optics components of the system. The predictive accuracy of the simulation is also presented.
Interaction of dynamic mode-I cracks with inclined interfaces

Abstract In this paper, we report on an experimental study of the deflection/penetration behavior of dynamic mode-I cracks propagating at two different crack velocities (slower and faster) toward inclined weak interfaces of three dissimilar angles ( α ): 30°, 45° and 60°. A simple wedge-loading specimen configuration as proposed by Xu et al. [Xu LR, Huang YY, Rosakis AJ. Dynamic crack deflection and penetration at interface in homogenous materials: experimental studies and model predictions. J Mech Phys Solids 2003;51:461–86], made of brittle Homalite-100, is used. A modified Hopkinson bar setup is used to achieve well-controlled impact loading conditions. Dynamic photoelasticity in conjunction with high-speed photography is used to capture real-time isochromatics associated with deflected/penetrated cracks.
Long-term status of pyramidal cell axon collaterals and apical dendritic spines in denervated cortex

Abstract Cortices of animals in 3 groups were denervated by undercutting at 4 or 40 days of age or at adulthood. Months later electrocortical seizures were studied in terminal experiments and cortical tissues prepared for light microscopic study. Four measures, assumed to be descriptive of or related to axon collateral proliferation, were made: number of axon collaterals, length of collaterals, number of collateral branches and number of apical dendritic spines. Data from adult intact cortex served as controls. Increases in number of collaterals and collateral length were observed, the best evidence being in the 40-day animals. However, since collateral branching decreased, the data do not support the concept of proliferation as described in young brains. If dendritic spines are valid indicators of synaptic contacts then the observed significant loss of spines argues against the maintenance of functional connections, if indeed they were established, following denervation at any age. There were no obvious relationships between morphological changes and duration of afterdischarges. A persistent alteration was frequently seen in cortex which had been undercut at 4 days of age. Lower lying pyramidal cell axons bifurcated with nonrecurrent spread parallel to the glia infiltrated site of the old fiber paths. This glial barrier appeared to have prevented centripetal axon growth.
Anomalies in the electrophoretic resolution of Na+/K+-ATPase catalytic subunit isoforms reveal unusual protein—detergent interactions

Abstract Three different isozymes of the Na + /K + -ATPase α-subunit have slightly different electrophoretic mobilities in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Certain procedures (reduction and alkylation, heating, and the use of sodium tetradecyl sulfate) have been reported either to improve the electrophoretic separation of isoforms or to reveal the presence of new isoforms. The variables affecting gel electrophoretic mobility were investigated here. Reduction and alkylation decreased the mobility of all three isozymes, and slightly improved the separation of α1 from α2 and α3 without causing a qualitative change in the α isoforms detected. Heating the enzyme in SDS caused splitting into two bands. Both bands were intact polypeptides but migrated differently in 5% and 15% polyacrylamide, disclosing an anomalous conformation in detergent. The use of sodium tetradecyl or decyl sulfate instead of dodecyl sulfate altered the relative mobilities of the isozymes, revealing differences in detergent affinity, but no new isoforms were found. In conclusion, Na + /K + -ATPase α-subunit mobility reflects complex detergent—protein interactions that can be affected by experimental conditions. The existence of more than one band on gels may reflect different conformations in detergent, but should not be accepted alone as evidence for subunit structural heterogeneity.
Optimal multiobjective placement of distributed sensors against moving targets

We consider the optimal deployment of a sparse network of sensors against moving targets, under multiple conflicting objectives of search. The sensor networks of interest consist of sensors which perform independent binary detection on a target, and report detections to a central control authority. A multiobjective optimization framework is developed to find optimal trade-offs as a function of sensor deployment, between the conflicting objectives of maximizing the Probability of Successful Search (PSS) and minimizing the Probability of False Search (PFS), in a bounded search region of interest. The search objectives are functions of unknown sensor locations (represented parametrically by a probability density function), given sensor performance parameters, statistical priors on target behavior, and distributed detection criteria. Numerical examples illustrating the utility of this approach for varying target behaviors are given.
The stability of critical and tricritical points in random systems

Abstract Conditions are derived for the stability of critical and tricritical points when the system is perturbed by the introduction of a small amount of randomness.
Does international research and development increase patent output? An analysis of Japanese pharmaceutical firms

Internationalizing research and development is often advocated as a strategy for fostering the development of technological capabilities. Although firms conduct international R&D to tap into knowledge bases that reside in foreign countries, we argue that in order to benefit from international R&D investments firms must already possess research capabilities in underlying or complementary technologies. We examine the international R&D expansion activities, research capabilities, and patent output of 65 Japanese pharmaceutical firms from 1980 to 1991. We find that firms benefit from international R&D only when they possess existing research capabilities in the underlying technologies. In addition to refining our understanding of when international R&D enhances firm innovation, our results integrate asset-seeking and asset-based theories of foreign direct investment. Internationalizing R&D to tap into foreign knowledge bases is consistent with asset-seeking theories of foreign direct investment, while the contingent nature by which firms benefit from international R&D is consistent with asset-based theories of foreign direct investment and the notion of absorptive capacity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Instrumentation in Voice Assessment and Treatment

Sophisticated, computer-based instrumentation has become increasingly available to the voice clinician. Yet substantial questions remain regarding its clinical necessity and usefulness. A theoretic...
Polarization-selective femtosecond Raman spectroscopy of isotropic and anisotropic vibrational dynamics in liquids

Abstract Femtosecond nonresonant pump–probe experiments using variable polarization configurations are used to directly measure the isotropic and anisotropic polarizability dynamics of the intramolecular vibrational modes of liquid CCl 4 . These two measurements form a fundamental `basis set' that describes the nuclear nonresonant Raman dynamics of an isotropic sample. The isotropic spectrum observes only those dynamics that are totally symmetric, such as the A 1 C–Cl stretch, whereas the anisotropic response only observes the dynamics of the depolarized modes of E and T 2 symmetry.
Conducting distributed exercises: coordinated design and testing

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to provide a basis for planning, designing and testing distributed exercisesand experiments. Lessons-learned from the Synthetic Theater of War - Europe (STOW-E) exercise conducted in November 1 994 are incorporated to provide system engineers/integrators areas of consideration in the design and testing of Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) exercises/experiments.Issues involving DIS compliance in accordance with IEEE 1278.11, and interoperability and compatibilitytesting measures are also discussed. Design and test issues for live, virtual and constructive simulationsare considered. This paper assumes basic knowledge of DIS principles. 1. BACKGROUND "One ofthe emerging capabilities of real-time simulation is the ability to create large virtual worlds in whichmany subjects can interact."2 This virtual or synthetic environment is shared by virtual and constructiveentities, and virtual representations of live entities. Distributed simulations (live, virtual and constructive)share entity information and interaction data via DIS protocols transmitted on local and wide area networksin support of training and testing exercise missions (see figure 1).
Percutaneous Zenith endografting for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

A completely percutaneous approach to infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endografting has the theoretic benefits of being minimally invasive and more expedient. Our goal was to demonstrate the utility of this approach using a suprarenal fixation device and a suture-mediated closure system. We conducted a single-institution, retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent percutaneous AAA repair with the Zenith device between August 2003 and March 2007. Immediate and delayed access-related outcomes were examined over a mean follow-up of 12.1 ± 2.0 months. Mean AAA size was 5.6 cm. Immediate arterial closure and technical success rate was 96% (27/28 vessels). One immediate hemostatic failure required open surgical repair. Over follow-up, one vessel required operative repair for new-onset claudication. No other immediate or delayed complications (thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, infection, or deep venous thrombosis) were detected. A percutaneous approach for the treatment of AAA has several advantages over femoral artery cutdown but also has its own unique set of risks in the immediate and late postoperative period. Ultimately, the "preclose technique" can be safely applied for the Zenith device despite its large-bore delivery system.
Postoperative radiotherapy for malignant tumors of the submandibular gland

Abstract Purpose : This retrospective study assessed the outcome and patterns of failure for patients with malignant submandibular tumors treated with surgery and postoperative radiation. Methods and Materials : Between 1965 and 1995, 83 patients aged 11–83 years old received postoperative radiotherapy after resection of submandibular gland carcinomas. The most common radiation technique was an appositional field to the submandibular gland bed using electrons either alone or mixed with photons. Primary tumor bed doses ranged from 50 to 69 Gy (median, 60 Gy). Regional lymph nodes (ipsilateral Levels I–IV) were irradiated in 66 patients to a median dose of 50 Gy. Follow-up time ranged from 5 to 321 months (median, 82 months). Results : Actuarial locoregional control rates were 90%, 88%, and 88% at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The corresponding disease-free survival rates were 76%, 60%, and 53%, because 27 of 74 patients (36%) who attained locoregional control developed distant metastases. Adenocarcinoma, high-grade histology, and treatment during the earlier years of the study were associated with worse locoregional control and disease-free survival. The median survival times for patients with and without locoregional control were 183 months and 19 months, respectively. Actuarial 2-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 84%, 71%, and 55%, respectively. Late complications occurred in 8 patients (osteoradionecrosis, 5 patients). Conclusions : High-risk cancers of the submandibular gland have a historic control rate of approximately 50% when treated with surgery alone. In the current series, locoregional control rates for high-risk patients with submandibular gland cancers treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy were excellent, with an actuarial locoregional control rate of 88% at 10 years.
Distribution of lipids in 8,500 men with coronary artery disease

In the present study we measured fasting lipid profiles in over 8,500 community-living men with coronary artery disease (CAD) to determine the distribution of lipid abnormalities in this population: 81% were white and 16% black; mean age 62.9 +/- 8 years; mean total cholesterol 214 +/- 41 mg/dl; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 140 +/- 37 mg/dl; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 39 +/- 11 mg/dl; and triglycerides 190 +/- 142 mg/dl. After adjusting for age, the only significant difference between blacks and whites was a higher HDL cholesterol in blacks (45 vs 38 mg/dl, p or = 100 mg/dl), 38% had low HDL cholesterol ( 200 mg/dl). We estimated that 42% of men with CAD would be definite candidates for cholesterol-lowering medication according to the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines and that 41% of those in whom cholesterol-lowering medication would not be definitely indicated had low levels of HDL cholesterol. We conclude that (1) black men with CAD have substantially higher HDL cholesterol than white men, (2) almost 90% of male patients with CAD are candidates for dietary intervention and > 40% may need medications to lower LDL cholesterol, and (3) 40% of patients without a definite indication for cholesterol-lowering medications have low levels of HDL cholesterol.
Modification Site Localization Scoring: Strategies and Performance

Using enrichment strategies many research groups are routinely producing large data sets of post-translationally modified peptides for proteomic analysis using tandem mass spectrometry. Although search engines are relatively effective at identifying these peptides with a defined measure of reliability, their localization of site/s of modification is often arbitrary and unreliable. The field continues to be in need of a widely accepted metric for false localization rate that accurately describes the certainty of site localization in published data sets and allows for consistent measurement of differences in performance of emerging scoring algorithms. In this article are discussed the main strategies currently used by software for modification site localization and ways of assessing the performance of these different tools. Methods for representing ambiguity are reviewed and a discussion of how the approaches transfer to different data types and modifications is presented.
Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of Apobec-1-mediated C-to-U RNA editing in mouse small intestine and liver.

Background: RNA editing encompasses a post-transcriptional process in which the genomically templated sequence is enzymatically altered and introduces a modified base into the edited transcript. Mammalian C-to-U RNA editing represents a distinct subtype of base modification, whose prototype is intestinal apolipoprotein B mRNA, mediated by the catalytic deaminase Apobec-1. However, the genome-wide identification, tissue-specificity and functional implications of Apobec-1-mediated C-to-U RNA editing remain incompletely explored. Results: Deep sequencing, data filtering and Sanger-sequence validation of intestinal and hepatic RNA from wild-type and Apobec-1-deficient mice revealed 56 novel editing sites in 54 intestinal m RNAs and 22 novel sites in 17 liver mRNAs, all within 3′ untranslated regions. Eleven of 17 liver RNAs shared editing sites with intestinal RNAs, while 6 sites are unique to liver. Changes in RNA editing lead to corresponding changes in intestinal mRNA and protein levels for 11 genes. Analysis of RNA editing in vivo following tissue-specific Apobec-1 adenoviral or transgenic Apobec-1 overexpression reveals that a subset of targets identified in wild-type mice are restored in Apobec-1-deficient mouse intestine and liver following Apobec-1 rescue. We find distinctive polysome profiles for several RNA editing targets and demonstrate novel exonic editing sites in nuclear preparations from intestine but not hepatic apolipoprotein B RNA. RNA editing is validated using cell-free extracts from wild-type but not Apobec-1-deficient mice, demonstrating that Apobec-1 is required. Conclusions: These studies define selective, tissue-specific targets of Apobec-1-dependent RNA editing and show the functional consequences of editing are both transcript- and tissue-specific.
Tissue and urokinase plasminogen activators instigate the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in a mouse model of glaucoma.

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) promotes the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during the progression of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG). However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning IOP-mediated degeneration of RGCs remain unclear. Therefore, by employing a mouse model of POAG, this study examined whether elevated IOP promotes the degeneration of RGCs by up-regulating tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in the retina. IOP was elevated in mouse eyes by injecting fluorescent-microbeads into the anterior chamber. Once a week, for eight weeks, IOP in mouse eyes was measured by using Tono-Pen XL. At various time periods after injecting microbeads, proteolytic activity of tPA and uPA in retinal protein extracts was determined by fibrinogen/plasminogen zymography assays. Localization of tPA and uPA, and their receptor LRP-1 (low-density receptor-related protein-1) in the retina was determined by immunohistochemistry. RGCs' degeneration was assessed by immunostaining with antibodies against Brn3a. Injection of microbeads into the anterior chamber led to a progressive elevation in IOP, increased the proteolytic activity of tPA and uPA in the retina, activated plasminogen into plasmin, and promoted a significant degeneration of RGCs. Elevated IOP up-regulated tPA and LRP-1 in RGCs, and uPA in astrocytes. At four weeks after injecting microbeads, RAP (receptor associated protein; 0.5 and 1.0 μM) or tPA-Stop (1.0 and 4.0 μM) was injected into the vitreous humor. Treatment of IOP-elevated eyes with RAP led to a significant decrease in proteolytic activity of both tPA and uPA, and a significant decrease in IOP-mediated degeneration of RGCs. Also, treatment of IOP-elevated eyes with tPA-Stop decreased the proteolytic activity of both tPA and uPA, and, in turn, significantly attenuated IOP-mediated degeneration of RGCs. Results presented in this study provide evidence that elevated IOP promotes the degeneration of RGCs by up-regulating the levels of proteolytically active tPA and uPA.
Acute arterial thrombosis in the very young.

Abstract The case records of all infants under the age of 6 months who underwent surgery for acute arterial thrombosis between January 1980 and September 1991 were reviewed. Seven infants (nine ischemic limbs) were identified and ranged in age from 5 days to 5½ months (mean 2.4 months); all weighed less than 5 kg (mean 3.9 kg). The cause in each case was iatrogenic. Diagnosis was based on the presence of a cool, mottled extremity associated with the absence of insonated peripheral arterial Doppler signals. Treatment included aortoiliac thrombectomy ( n = 2), femoral artery thrombectomy with primary closure ( n = 4), femoral artery thrombectomy with autogenous saphenous vein patch ( n = 1), and axillary artery thrombectomy with end-to-end anastomosis ( n = 1). Palpable pulses were restored in five (56%) of nine limbs and Doppler signals in the remaining limbs. There were no instances of limb loss. Excluding aortoiliac thrombectomy, palpable peripheral pulses were reestablished in only 40% of extremities. Thrombectomy is a safe and simple procedure in even the very youngest of patients with arterial insufficiency, but surgical optimism should be tempered by frequent inability to achieve full and durable success. (J Vasc Surg 1992;16:428–35.)
Sediment-magnetic signature of land-use and drought as recorded in lake sediment from south-central Minnesota, USA

Abstract Sediment magnetic properties of a short core from Sharkey Lake, MN, record the effects of Euroamerican settlement and climate change over the last 150 yr. The onset of European-style farming led to increased erosion, reflected in high values of concentration-dependent parameters such as magnetic susceptibility (κ), Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (IRM), and Anhysteretic Remanent Magnetization (ARM). These high values are only partially due to increased supply of terrigenous material to the lake, and recent sediment contains an additional component of authigenic fine (single-domain) magnetite, most likely magnetosomes from magnetotactic bacteria. High organic productivity in the lake during the 1920s to 1940s drought increased this authigenic component resulting in highly magnetic fine-grained sediment. A comparison with older Holocene sediment from the same lake shows that, over time, most of the fine magnetic signal is lost after deposition, leading to decreases in magnetization and a bimodal grain size distribution of ultrafine, superparamagnetic grains and coarser multidomain particles, evident from measurements of ARM/IRM ratios, hysteresis measurements, and low-temperature analyses. The effects of dissolution and the superposition of climate and land-use signals complicate the use of recent sediments as modern analogs for sediment magnetic analyses.
Capacity of fading MIMO channels with channel estimation error

In this paper, we investigate the effect of channel estimation error on the capacity of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems in i.i.d. Rayleigh flat-fading channels. We study lower and upper bounds of mutual information under channel estimation error, and show that the two bounds are tight for Gaussian inputs. It is seen that the mutual information increases with the. number of antennas, but is limited by channel estimation error at high SNR. We also derive tight lower bounds of ergodic and outage capacities and optimal transmitter power allocation strategies that achieve the bounds. For the ergodic capacity, the optimal strategy is a modified waterfilling over the spatial (subchannel) and temporal (fading) domain. For the outage capacity, it is a spatial waterfilling and temporal truncated channel inversion. Numerical results show that some capacity gain is obtained by spatial power allocation. Temporal power adaptation, on the other hand, gives negligible gain in terms of ergodic capacity, but greatly enhances outage performance.
PET imaging of maze processing

Abstract Covered maze traversal models nonverbal planning, involving sequential execution of moves using learned spatial maps. To determine the neural substrate involved in maze processing, eleven adults underwent [H 2 15 O]-PET while performing motor control , following the computer; visual control , choosing the wall with more dead-ends; uncovered maze , traversing fully visible mazes; covered maze , traversing mazes only locally visible. Maze processing lateralizes to the right hemisphere: uncovered maze versus controls revealed area 23 and 29 activation; covered maze versus controls activated areas 8, 10 and 19. The extrastriate region may store path information, evoked by prefrontal areas for spatial planning and navigation.
Food for the Future.

There is ample justification for concern about adequate food supplies for future generations of mankind, but this concern should be broadened to include the immediate problem of an adequate standard of living for the world's present population. The successful solution of the immediate problems would furnish the best background of experience for meeting those that will arise in the future. First steps include the acceptance by society of responsibilities for the extension of the benefits of education throughout the world and provision for the type of scientific, economic, social, political, and religious leadership necessary to assure food for all on a continuing basis. Striking improvements in the food supply can be readily made through the application of present knowledge, if the foregoing conditions are met. The rapid pace of modern science, both pure and applied, gives promise that future benefits may be much greater than those thus far experienced. Current advances do not signal the end of a technical road but rather that the great scientific developments still lie ahead. If we have the intelligence and wisdom to recognize human responsibilities and to make constructive use of our natural and human resources, we can look forward to a better world in the future and improved standards of living for all.
Building the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System: Maintaining and enhancing

Regional Associations (RAs) govern Regional Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (RCOOSs), which are elements of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). Federal monies have been provided for developing governance structures for the RAs. However, to date there has been little federal money for enhancements to the observing system elements of the RCOOSs. This situation may continue for some time. Thus Regional Associations must devise novel approaches to maintaining and enhancing their existing observing systems. This paper summarizes approaches adopted by the RA governing the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS).
The Evolution of HoxD-11 Expression in the Bird Wing: Insights from Alligator mississippiensis

Background: Comparative morphology identifies the digits of the wing of birds as 1,2 and 3, but they develop at embryological positions that become digits 2, 3 and 4 in other amniotes. A hypothesis to explain this is that a homeotic frame shift of digital identity occurred in the evolution of the bird wing, such that digits 1,2 and 3 are developing from embryological positions 2, 3 and 4. Digit 1 of the mouse is the only digit that shows no late expression of HoxD-11. This is also true for the anterior digit of the bird wing, suggesting this digit is actually a digit 1. If this is the case, we can expect closer relatives of birds to show no HoxD-11 expression only in digit 1. To test this prediction we investigate HoxD-11 expression in crocodilians, the closest living relatives of birds. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using degenerate primers we cloned a 606 nucleotide fragment of exon 1 of the alligator HoxD-11 gene and used it for whole-mount in-situ detection in alligator embryos. We found that in the pentadactyl forelimbs of alligator, as in the mouse, late expression of HoxD-11 is absent only in digit 1. Conclusions/Significance: The ancestral condition for amniotes is that late-phase HoxD-11 expression is absent only in digit 1. The biphalangeal morphology and lack of HoxD-11 expression of the anterior digit of the wing is like digit 1 of alligator and mouse, but its embryological position as digit 2 is derived. HoxD-11 expression in alligator is consistent with the hypothesis that both digit morphology as well as HoxD-11 expression are shifted towards posterior in the bird wing.
Geomagnetic quiet-time behavior of the thermospheric meridional winds and temperature at Albany, New York

Abstract High resolution Fabry-Perot interferometer data were used to deduce the thermospheric temperatures and meridional winds at a mid-latitude station, Albany (42.7°N, 73.8°W), New York, during 6 geomagnetically quiet nights in the year 1981. The meridional wind velocities are generally equatorward and they increase from less than 100ms−1 shortly after sunset, to a maximum value of around 170ms−1 before local midnight, and then decrease to small values toward early morning hours and become poleward by morning twilight. The neutral temperature varied between 890 and 1450 K and a detailed comparison was made with the predictions from the empirical models of MSIS-83 and MSIS-86. The observed variations in the thermospheric neutral temperatures are in qualitative accord with the computed structure based on the MSIS models. In general, the MSIS-86 model gave temperatures smaller than the observed values by nearly 42 K compared to the 106 K difference obtained between the MSIS-83 model values and the experimental temperatures. In summary, the results of this study show a good agreement between the observed temperature structure and the MSIS model values for quite-time geomagnetic conditions. The mean meridional wind is essentially equatorward in agreement with the thermospheric circulation theory and is also in general accord with other mid-latitude optical wind observations.
The effects of pentazocine, a kappa agonist, in patients with mania.

Past evidence suggests that activation of kappa opiate receptors may lower mood. However, kappa agonists may also induce psychotomimetic symptoms. We tested the effects of the kappa agonist pentazocine in patients in the manic phase of bipolar disorder to determine if pentazocine might reduce symptoms of mania without worsening psychosis. In an open-label, add-on, single-day acute-dose study, ten in-patients with bipolar disorder, type 1, hospitalized for mania received two 50 mg doses of pentazocine 2 h apart. Symptoms of mania were reduced 1 h after each dose, 44% after the first dose and 41% 1 h after the second dose ( F =3.69, p =0.01). No adverse effects, including psychotomimetic effects were observed or reported. Sedation was minimal. Further study of pentazocine and other kappa agonists in mania seems warranted.
Workspace boundaries of serial manipulators using manifold stratification

Workspace boundaries of serial manipulator arms have traditionally been presented as numerical curves traced on a boundary or as analytical formulations for a specific class of manipulators. This paper presents a broadly applicable formulation to identify and visualize the workspace, based on methods adapted from differential geometry and topology. Because the position Jacobian for manipulators with more than three degrees of freedom is not square, manifold stratification of the vector function (a topological vector space) yields nonlinear analytic functions. These functions give rise to analytic and semi-analytic varieties, some of which characterize lower-dimensional manifolds (submanifolds). The process is repeated until all strata are identified. The problem of determining which stratum (or part thereof) is on the boundary is addressed by introducing an acceleration function, which yields a quadratic form whose definiteness properties delineate the exact boundary. The method yields the exact boundary of the workspace in the form of closed-form equations and is capable of identifying voids therein. A complete example is first illustrated, followed by numerous tabulated examples (some of which are compared with reported works in the literature).
Modafinil attenuates disruptions in cognitive performance during simulated night-shift work.

Common complaints among shift workers are sleep disruptions and increased sleepiness while working, which may contribute to shift workers being more susceptible to diminished performance and work-related accidents. The purpose of this double-blind, within-participant study was to examine the effects of the alerting agent modafinil on cognitive/psychomotor performance, mood, and measures of sleep during simulated shift work. In all, 11 participants completed this 23-day residential laboratory study. They received a single oral modafinil dose (0, 200, 400 mg) 1 h after waking for three consecutive days under two shift conditions: day shift and night shift. Shifts alternated three times during the study, and shift conditions were separated by an ‘off’ day. When participants received placebo, cognitive performance and subjective ratings of mood were disrupted during the night shift, relative to the day shift. Objective and subjective measures of sleep were also disrupted, but to a lesser extent. Modafinil reversed disruptions in cognitive performance and mood during the night shift. While modafinil produced few effects on sleep measures during the night shift, the largest dose produced several sleep alterations during the day shift. These data demonstrate that abrupt shift changes produced cognitive performance impairments and mood disruptions during night shift work. Therapeutic doses of modafinil attenuated night-shift-associated disruptions, but the larger dose produced some sleep impairments when administered during day-shift work.
Antibody-mediated modulation of Cryptococcus neoformans infection is dependent on distinct Fc receptor functions and IgG subclasses.

Coupling of an antibody response to effector cells through the Fc region of antibodies is a fundamental objective of effective vaccination. We have explored the role of the Fc receptor system in a murine model of Cryptococcus neoformans protection by infecting mice deleted for the common γ chain of FcRs. Passive administration of an IgG1 mAb protects FcRγ+/− mice infected with C. neoformans, but fails to protect FcRγ−/− mice, indicating that the γ chain acting through FcγRI and/or III is essential for IgG1-mediated protection. In contrast, passive administration of an IgG3 mAb with identical specificity resulted in enhanced pathogenicity in γ chain–deficient and wild-type mice. In vitro studies with isolated macrophages demonstrate that IgG1-, IgG2a-, and IgG2b-opsonized C. neoformans are not phagocytosed or arrested in their growth in the absence of the FcRγ chain. In contrast, opsonization of C. neoformans by IgG3 does not require the presence of the γ chain or of FcRII, and the internalization of IgG3-treated organisms does not arrest fungal growth.
Transplantation of brain tissue from murine trisomy 16 into euploid hosts: effects of gene imbalance on brain development.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes preliminary results from studies involving the transplantation of cortex from trisomy 16 (Ts16) and euploid littermates at days 15/16 of gestation (E15/16) into neonatal euploid hosts. Aside from the histological analysis of Nissl stained sections, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expressing fibers is visualized as a presynaptic marker for developing cholinergic innervations from the basal forebrain. In addition, immunocytochemical and/ or in situ hybridization methods have been used to visualize the expression and gene product of growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) and preprosomatostatin (ppSmst). GAP43, also known as F1, PP46, and B50, is expressed in association with axon growth during development, regeneration, and plasticity; and therefore, it may play an important role in postmitotic neuronal differentiation. Somatostatin (Smst), on the other hand, shows a transient peak of expression during the second and third weeks after birth, the period of cortical cell differentiation and synapse formation. Furthermore, Smst expression appears to be regulated, in part, by cholinergic innervations. Many of the cells expressing Smst during cortical development are probably members of a class of early subplate neurons of the Cajal–Retzius type. These neurons presumably play a transient role in cortical morphogenesis and appear to die as development proceeds. Quantifications of the mitochondrial RNA (mRNA) for both GAP43 and ppSmst indicate that they are over-expressed in Ts16 fetal brains, in levels consistent with a simple gene dosage effects. The chapter discusses the role of the host brain in correcting the overexpression of these 2 genes in the cortical grafts.
Capital structure theory: Reconsidered

Abstract In the mainstream of the academic field of finance, the Modigliani and Miller's (1958) proof of capital structure irrelevance theory, has been praised as the cornerstone of modern scientific finance. However, the capital structure irrelevance theory is based on a set of assumptions, which are both unrealistic and contradictory to the main assumption of the mainstream academic finance. This paper shows that by making more appropriate assumptions, capital structure becomes relevant. The paper, on a foundational ground, argues that since the results of sophisticated mathematical models change as soon as their underlying assumptions are changed, the claim about the scientific nature of the mainstream academic finance becomes questionable.
Shape-dependent magnetic properties of Co nanostructure arrays synthesized by pulsed laser melting

Abstract One dimensional (1D) magnetic nanowires show unique magnetic behaviors, such as large coercivity and high remanence, in comparison to the bulk and thin film materials. Here, planar arrays of Co nanowires, nanorods and nanoparticles were fabricated from thin Co films by a nanosecond pulsed laser interference irradiation technique. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) and surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE) techniques were used to study the individual and average magnetic properties of the nanostructures. Magnetic domain orientation was found to depend on the in-plane aspect ratio of the nanostructure. The magnetic orientation was out-of-plane for in-plane aspect ratio ranging from 1 to 1.4 and transitioned to an in-plane orientation for aspect ratios greater than 1.4 (such as in nanorods and nanowires). Our results also showed that polycrystalline Co nanowires showed much higher coercivity and remanence as compared to bulk and thin film materials, as well as shapes with smaller aspect ratio. This result was attributed mainly to the shape anisotropy. This study demonstrated that nanosecond pulsed laser synthesis is capable of fabricating various nanostructures in a simple, robust and rapid manner and SMOKE is a reliable technique to rapidly characterize such magnetic nanostructures.
Coming Full CERCLA: Why Burlington Northern is Not the Sword of Damocles for Joint and Several Liability

The Supreme Court’s decision in Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co. v. United States is a case study of the intersection of common law concepts of divisibility of harm with Superfund statutory pronouncements designed to charge the cost of cleanup to the parties associated with contamination or to those who benefit from the property’s cleanup. It is also a study in the deference owed to reasonable, factually supported district court decisions concerning questions of fact. Burlington Northern is not a sea change in the law of apportionment of harm among otherwise jointly and severally liable parties under CERCLA.The Court made clear that apportionment of harm to void joint and several liability is not the same as the analysis required for the more equitably oriented CERCLA contribution claim. Similarly, understood in the context of the unique facts presented by the Burlington Northern contamination, the Court acknowledged district court authority to reasonably apportion harm when the facts support such an analysis, as in Burlington Northern’s reasonably simple division between two owners of separate properties, where there were no other liable parties and contribution would not balance the equities because of the insolvency of the most culpable party. The Supreme Court emphasized that the burden of proving divisibility is upon the parties seeking it while overlooking this problem in Burlington Northern in order to rein in an overly restrictive appellate review of the district court’s divisibility analysis and consequential apportionment. The Article is divided into three parts. Part I provides an overview of CERCLA and its application to the contamination at the Railroads’ and B&B’s properties. Part II examines the first and second installments of the Supreme Court’s “CERCLA trilogy”: Cooper Industries v. Aviall Services, Inc. and United States v. Atlantic Research Corp. and why those decisions frame the conclusions to be drawn about the Burlington Northern ruling. Part III reflects on the common law and how the facts unique to Burlington Northern and the nature of the Supreme Court’s evidentiary review of the district court’s decision combine to confirm that Burlington Northern only brings us “full CERCLA.” The decision reaffirms twenty-seven-year-old CERCLA common law on the divisibility of harm. The ruling follows in the wake of other CERCLA decisions that were once haled as the end of joint and several liability in CERCLA.
Benign prostate hyperplasia: a review of the year's progress from bench to clinic.

Purpose of review Therapeutic tools for classic benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have focused on the dynamic component of obstruction and/or elimination of the static component via surgical or pharmaceutical therapies. Unfortunately, an exact cause for this disease process has not been identified, but additional insight has been achieved. This article presents an update of the BPH literature with a special focus on basic science or translational studies concerned with the cause of clinically significant BPH with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Recent findings Investigators are exploring connections between BPH with clinically significant LUTS, the metabolic syndrome, inflammation, alterations in cell signaling, and genetics which in turn has provided additional information concerning the pathogenesis, medical therapies as well as surgical therapies. Summary BPH is a chronic, progressive disease with important care implications and financial risks to the healthcare system. Continued improvements in length of life will demand that we unlock the cause of LUTS secondary to BPH with the goal of prevention as the ideal therapy. Studies reported in the last year contributed to our understanding of the disease process and provide insight for additional studies.
Do Food Production Systems Matter to a Healthy Lifestyle

Copyright: © 2014 Wunderlich SM. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Our food may come from different farms, be produced via diverse agricultural practices, and sometimes be transferred to food markets from far away locations. Consumers have come to expect the same varieties of food choices at all seasons in western supermarkets and have not historically questioned the food production systems used to achieve this.