cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1c gain-of-function in the brain results in postnatal microencephaly.

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 388–398. Abstract Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1c (CPT1c) is a newly identified and poorly understood brain-specific CPT1 homologue. Here, we have generated a new animal model that allows the conditional expression of CPT1c in a tissue specific and/or temporal manner via Cre-lox mediated recombination. Brain-specific, exogenous expression of CPT1c was achieved by crossing transgenic CPT1c mice to Nestin-Cre mice. The resulting double transgenic mice (CPT1c-TgN) displayed severe growth retardation in the postnatal period with a stunted development at 2 weeks of age. CPT1c-TgN mice had a greater than 2.3-fold reduction in brain weight. Even with this degree of microencephaly, CPT1c-TgN mice were viable and fertile and exhibited normal post-weaning growth. When fed a high fat diet CPT1c-TgN mice were protected from weight gain and the difference in body weight between CPT1c-TgN and control mice was further exaggerated. Conversely, low fat, high carbohydrate feeding partially reversed the body weight defects in CPT1c-TgN mice. Analysis of total brain lipids of low fat fed mice revealed a depletion of total very long chain fatty acids in adult CPT1c-TgN mice which was not evident in high fat fed CPT1c-TgN mice. These data show that CPT1c can elicit profound effects on brain physiology and total fatty acid profiles, which can be modulated by the nutritional composition of the diet.
Thoracic Trauma in Children

A 20-year experience at The University of Chicago in dealing with chest injuries in pediatric patients has been reviewed. The clinical presentation, including results of diagnostic measures, and the initial and definitive management of thoracic trauma in children are discussed. The condition of the majority of patients was stable at time of presentation. The most frequent surgical intervention performed was intercostal tube placement. Thoracotomy was infrequently required and laparotomy for associated injuries was more common. Trends in the causes and epidemiology of thoracic trauma in an inner city environment over this 20-year period were noted: Blunt trauma, which is increasing in frequency, most commonly involves the younger age group and is usually related to automobile accidents. Penetrating injuries are generally seen in older patients within the pediatric age groups and are similar to those seen in the adult population.
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Act’s Language is Ambiguous; Maybe the Drafters Were High When They Wrote It?

On June 15, 2014, Governor Rick Scott signed the bill, “Compassionate Use of- THC Cannabis.” The “Compassionate Use of THC Cannabis” bill narrowly defines who qualifies to possess and who may treat patients using cannabis. On January 1, 2015, Florida will be the twenty-third state to decriminalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. On November 4, 2014, Florida citizens will be tasked with voting on an additional medical marijuana bill, titled “Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions.” The “Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions” bill’s language leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The bill does not specifically list which conditions would qualify a patient to use marijuana. Florida citizens are debating whether the language of the bill is clearly stated or ambiguous. Opponents argue that the bill hides the fact that almost anyone can gain access to marijuana. Advocates argue the language is clear and understandable. This Comment examines the language’s bill, but is limited in scope: it examines only the bill’s most controversial language in the bill and its potential interpretations.
Small Angle Neutron Scattering Study of Conformation of Oligo(ethylene glycol)-Grafted Polystyrene in Dilute Solutions : Effect of the Backbone Length

The conformation and clusterization of comblike polymers of polystyrene densely grafted with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) side chains in 1.0 wt % solutions of D2O, toluene-d8, and methanol-d4 was investigated as a function of the degree of polymerization (DP) of the backbone by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Each side chain had four EG repeat units, and the DP of the polystyrene backbone varied from 8 to 85. The global conformation of the polymers in toluene and methanol was shown to assume ellipsoidal, rigid cylindrical, or wormlike morphologies with increasing DP of the polystyrene backbone. At the same time, in D2O, the polymer conformation was described by the form factor of rigid cylinders. The second viral coefficient A2 was measured for the polymer with a DP of 85 in all three solvents, and the solvent quality of toluene, methanol, and D2O was identified to be good, marginal, and poor, respectively, for this polymer. Because of a poor solvent quality, the PS backbone (DP = 85) is partially ...
Reliability versus yield and die location in advanced VLSI

Abstract The results of multiple correlations between reliability and yield on a die level basis are presented for an advanced microprocessors fabricated using a 0.25μ, five layer metal CMOS logic process. Traceability information was programmed into each unit; investigated were infant mortality of edge die versus center die, effects of unusual sort yield signatures on infant mortality, alternating row effects, and the sources of variability of burn in failures. The model that reliability defect density is proportional to yield defect density was found to be in excellent agreement with experimental data over a wide range of yield values. The x-y die position yield was found to be an excellent predictor of infant mortality. The variation in infant mortality from wafer to wafer was found to be twice the lot to lot variation, consistent with the large number of single wafer processing tools used on advanced fabrication processes. Because the traceability information was part of the standard manufacturing flow this analysis was performed using very large, 1 million unit sample sizes.
Efalizumab-associated thrombocytopenia

There have been multiple reports of thrombocytopenia associated with efalizumab therapy for the treatment of psoriasis. The current recommendations are to check platelet counts monthly for the first 3 months of efalizumab therapy, then every 3 months for the duration of therapy. We report a case of efalizumab-associated thrombocytopenia that occurred between 10 and 16 weeks after therapy was initiated. Based on our case and a review of the existing reports in the literature, we recommend monthly platelet counts during the first 4 months of therapy, then every 3 months for the duration of therapy. In addition, if the total platelet count drops by 50 × 10 9 cells/L or more between any two consecutive counts, we recommend monthly platelet counts be resumed until the count stabilizes. Finally, patients should be educated about and assessed for the signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia before starting efalizumab therapy and at every follow-up visit.
The Role of Multiculturalism in the Discursive Rescaling of an Eastern European City

Abstract Eastern European cities have been going through complex transformations in the wake of the revolutionary year 1989. Their restructuring has been marked by an abrupt transition from the centralized economy and totalitarianism of the communist period to the free market economy of new capitalism and democracy, under pressures for regionalization and globalization. The article looks at how City Hall texts (available in print and in digitalized form on the City Hall website) draw upon a historically rooted discourse of regional multiculturalism, constantly rearticulating it with EU neoliberal discourses of economic growth and competitiveness, participatory democracy, and interregional cooperation. The texts are thus seen as part of an ongoing strategy employed by the local authorities to rescale the city of Timisoara, the capital of the Banat region (near the western border of the country), as an emerging multicultural regional centre and a pole of mobility. This process is taking place against the ba...
Non‐linearity in race and FHA mortgage lending: a neural network analysis

Explains the strengths and weaknesses of neural networks and uses them to analyse racial patterns in 1994 mortgage (conventional and FHA) data for the city of Atlanta (USA). Admits the difficulty of interpreting the results of neural network models but suggests that race does have an impact on lending patterns. Compares the results from a regression analysis and finds that as the percentage black increases in a neighbourhood FHA loans increase, conventional loans decreased and conventional loans denied increase; but these trends reverse when the black percentage rises further. Considers the practical reasons for the findings and concludes that race remains an important factor in the spatial distribution of lending.
Effect of parasitoids, seed-predators and ant-mutualists on fruiting success and germination of Acacia drepanolobium in Kenya

Acacia drepanolobium is an obligate ant-plant that bears dehiscent pods exploited by predispersal seed-predators and parasitoids. Fruit set and seed germination in relation to ant-association, bruchid and parasitoid infestation were investigated in a large-scale multi-year study in Kenya. Ant-association had a significant impact on the overall numbers of fruiting trees. 94.8% of Crematogaster mimosaeoccupied trees, 25.6% of C. nigriceps-occupied trees, and 82.2% of Tetraponera penzigi-occupied trees set fruit. Within each tree, ant-association had no significant impact on the amount of seed produced: C. mimosae-occupied trees produced 47.5 seeds per branch, C. nigriceps-occupied trees 44.9 seeds per branch and T. penzigi-occupied trees 38.3 seeds per branch. Ant-association did not limit seedpredators or vary significantly by ant. Seeds infested by bruchids germinated in significantly lower proportions (6.2%) compared to uninfested seed (78.6%). Bruchidinfested seed is also exploited by parasitoid wasps. Parasitoids appear to have a moderate but significant ‘rescue’ effect on bruchid-infested seed with 18.4% of parasitoidinfested seed germinating. Stable isotopes (d15N) revealed the trophic structure of the seed-associated insects, showing clearly that bruchids are seed predators and the parasitoid wasp Dinarmus magnus exploits the dominant Bruchidius sp.
Capillary gas chromatography of dihydroxybenzoic, -phenylacetic and -phenylpropionic acids

Abstract All six possible ring-substittued dimethoxy and dihyroxy isomers of phynylacetic and β-phenylpropionic acids were prepared. The gas chromatographic (GC) separation, on an SE-54 coated fused-silica capillary column, of all 24 isomers (as their trimethylsilyl derivatives) is presented for the first time, as well as the first reported synthesis of 2,6-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. The GC elution sequence of silylated dihydroxyphenylacetic and dihydroxyphenylpropionic acids is compaed to that of dihydroxybenzoic acids. Mass spectral (MS) fragmentation patterns of the silylated isomers reflect positions of the substituents and can be used to characterize isomers. The data presented wil allow the determination of these isomeric acids, based on their MS and GC data, relative to common, commercially available isomers. The developed data were applied to identifications of unknown phenolic acids of tobacco smoke.
Efficacy of unilateral versus bilateral temporal artery biopsies for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine the utility of unilateral versus bilateral temporal artery biopsies in detecting the pathologic changes of giant cell arteritis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study to determine the utility of unilateral versus bilateral temporal artery biopsies in detecting the pathologic changes of giant cell arteritis. The pathologic reports of consecutive temporal artery biopsy specimens received at the Wilmer Ocular Pathology Laboratory over a 28-year period from 1968 to 1996 were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 908 specimens examined from 758 patients, 300 specimens were simultaneous bilateral biopsies from 150 patients, 72 specimens were bilateral sequential biopsies from 36 patients, and the remaining 536 specimens were unilateral biopsies from 536 patients. Of the 186 patients who had bilateral simultaneous or nonsimultaneous biopsies, 176 had identical diagnoses on both sides. In four patients, no artery was obtained on one side. In each of the remaining six patients, five of whom had bilateral simultaneous biopsies and one of whom had bilateral sequential biopsies performed 8 days apart, the biopsy specimen from one side was interpreted as showing only arteriosclerotic changes with no evidence of active or healed arteritis, whereas the other specimen was interpreted as showing either probable healed arteritis (three specimens) or possible early arteritis (three cases). In none of the six patients with differing diagnoses between the two sides was one side interpreted as showing definite, active giant cell arteritis. Five of the six patients were subsequently determined to have giant cell arteritis, based on a combination of clinical findings, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and response to treatment with systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that performing a bilateral simultaneous or sequential temporal artery biopsy improves the diagnostic yield in at least 3% of cases of giant cell arteritis, whereas in 97% of cases, the two specimens show the same findings. Thus, in patients in whom only one artery can be biopsied, there is a high probability of obtaining the correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, although the improvement in diagnostic yield of bilateral temporal artery biopsies is low, the consequences of both delayed diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis as well as the use of systemic corticosteroids in patients who do not have giant cell arteritis are of such potential severity that consideration should always be given to performing bilateral temporal artery biopsies in patients suspected of having the disease.
Women Physicians and Professional Ethos in Nineteenth-Century America, Carolyn Skinner

Carolyn Skinner’s Women Physicians and Professional Ethos in Nineteenth-Century America is an impressive work; her research is both exhaustive and comprehensive. In this carefully documented text, ...
Shocking Aspects of Canadian Labor Markets

We analyze the flexibility of the Canadian labor market across provinces in both an inter- and intra-national context using macroeconomic data on employment, unemployment, participation, and (for Canada) migration and real wages. We find that Canadian labor markets respond in a similar manner to their U.S. counterparts and are more flexible than those in major euro area countries. Within Canada, the results indicate that labor markets in Ontario and provinces further west are more flexible, particularly with regard to migration, while those further east are less so.
POINTS: the instrument and its mission

POINTS comprises a pair of independent Michelson stellar interferometers and a laser metrology system that measures both the critical starlight paths and the angle between the two baselines. The nominal design has baselines of 2 m, subapertures of 35 cm, and a single- measurement accuracy of 5 microarcseconds for targets separated by approximately equals 90 degree(s). In a five-year mission, POINTS could yield, e.g., a 1% Cepheid distance scale, galactic mass distribution, knowledge of cluster dynamics, and stellar masses and luminosities. In a ten-year mission, POINTS could perform a deep search for other planetary systems, using only 20% of the available observing time. POINTS does global astrometry, i.e., it measures widely separated targets, which yields closure calibration, numerous bright reference stars, and absolute parallax. The instrument has only three moving-part mechanisms, and only one of these must move with sub-milliradian accuracy. On each side of the interferometer, there are only three (interferometrically critical) optical surfaces preceding the beamsplitter or its fold flat. POINTS is small, agile, and mechanically simple. It would prove much of the technology for future imaging interferometers.
Shape transitions and isotope shifts of proton and neutron distributions in the samarium isotopes

The isotope shifts of the radii of the distributions of neutron and nucleon matter in the samarium isotopes are deduced by combining data from x-ray, muonic x-ray, and optical isotope shift measurements of charge (proton matter) radii with data for the isotope shifts of Coulomb displacement energies. The average isotope shifts from A = 144 (spherical) to A = 154 (deformed) are nearly the same for proton and neutron matter with ..gamma../sub N/roughly-equal1.3 or /sup 1/2/proportionalA/sup 0.43/. The neutron matter radii increase more rapidly than the proton matter radii in the region of the light transitional Sm isotopes. The transition from spherical to deformed ground states between N = 88 and 90 is accompanied by a strong increase in the radius of the proton matter distribution (..gamma../sub N/roughly-equal1.9), whereas the radius of the neutron-excess matter distribution remains almost constant (..gamma../sub N/roughly-equal0.0). The data suggest strong even/odd staggering effects for both proton and neutron matter radii which are out of phase. The droplet model of the atomic nucleus when combined with experimental deformation parameters describes the isotope shift of the charge radii very well. The influence of zero-point vibrations in the light transitional Sm isotopes is apparent. The isotope shift ofmore » the neutron matter radii appears to be overestimated. The interacting boson model is found to describe the isotope shift of neutron matter radii satisfactorily but fails to reproduce the isotope shift of the charge radii.« less
Atrioventricular block as a complication of cardiac catheterization in infants and children

Atrioventricular block was accidentally produced in 51 patients during the courseof 1,556 consecutive cardiac catheterizations over a ten-year period in a children's hospital. A majority of these incidents occurred in infants under 1 year of age. Although the duration of heart block was usually short and not attended by serious consequences, in 6 patients heart block persisted for periods up to 6 days, and 2 small infants died with the arrhythmia unrelieved. Factors important in the production of heart block during cardiac catheterization include the presence of a low arterial oxygen saturation, and a cardiac malformation which for diagnosis requires increased manipulation of the catheter.
Learning Cycles for Mathematics: An Investigative Approach to Middle-School Mathematics.

Abstract Middle-school-aged students are a complex mixture of often conflictive social, intellectual, and physical ingredients while middle-school mathematics content becomes increasingly abstract and procedure driven. Preparation for algebra and higher mathematics often ignores the developmental and social needs of the middle-school student while overemphasizing computational facility with previously learned elementary mathematics content. The need to explore and question will be encouraged by a classroom atmosphere and instructional strategies that provide for active problem solving and cooperative group learning. This article articulates the philosophical and research bases forlearning cycle pedagogy which, when applied to mathematics teaching, is especially appropriate for the special needs of the middle-school student. The components of, and theoretical/research bases for, the learning cycle are described. Learning cycle pedagogy is the embodiment of the vision of mathematics classroom instruction depicted in the Standards (NCTM, 1989).
On the rate-controlling mechanism during the plastic deformation of nanocrystalline Cu

Data in the literature on the effect of grain size from micrometers to nanometers on the flow stress, dislocation density, apparent activation volume and strain rate sensitivity parameters for Cu are analyzed to determine the rate-controlling mechanism. Accord occurs for the intersection of dislocations over the entire grain size range from 10 nm to 150 μm. The dislocation density and its structure and the related Friedel factor are important parameters.
Maximal vectors and multi-objective optimization

Maximal vector andweak-maximal vector are the two basic notions underlying the various broader definitions (like efficiency, admissibility, vector maximum, noninferiority, Pareto's optimum, etc.) for optimal solutions of multi-objective optimization problems. Moreover, the understanding and characterization of maximal and weak-maximal vectors on the space of index vectors (vectors of values of the multiple objective functions) is fundamental and useful to the understanding and characterization of Pareto-optimal and weak-optimal solutions on the space of solutions.
Decreased Expression of Vitamin D Receptors in Neointimal Lesions following Coronary Artery Angioplasty in Atherosclerotic Swine

Background: Inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-a, play a key role in the pathogenesis of occlusive vascular diseases. Activation of vitamin D receptors (VDR) elicits both growth-inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the expression of TNF-a and VDR in post-angioplasty coronary artery neointimal lesions of hypercholesterolemic swine and examined the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the development of coronary restenosis. We also examined the effect of calcitriol on cell proliferation and effect of TNF-a on VDR activity and expression in porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells (PCASMCs) in-vitro. Methodology/Principal Findings: Expression of VDR and TNF-a and the effect of vitamin D deficiency in post-angioplasty coronary arteries were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry. Cell proliferation was examined by thymidine and BrdU incorporation assays in cultured PCASMCs. Effect of TNF-a-stimulation on the activity and expression of VDR was analyzed by luciferase assay, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. In-vivo, morphometric analysis of the tissues revealed typical lesions with significant neointimal proliferation. Histological evaluation showed expression of smooth muscle a-actin and significantly increased expression of TNF-a in neointimal lesions. Interestingly, there was significantly decreased expression of VDR in PCASMCs of neointimal region compared to normal media. Indeed, postballoon angioplasty restenosis was significantly higher in vitamin D-deficient hypercholesterolemic swine compared to vitamin D-sufficient group. In-vitro, calcitriol inhibited both serum- and PDGF-BB-induced proliferation in PCASMCs and TNFa-stimulation significantly decreased the expression and activity of VDR in PCASMCs. Conclusions/Significance: These data suggest that significant downregulation of VDR in proliferating smooth muscle cells in neointimal lesions could be due to atherogenic cytokines, including TNF-a. Vitamin D deficiency potentiates the development of coronary restenosis. Calcitriol has anti-proliferative properties in PCASMCs and these actions are mediated through VDR. This could be a potential mechanism for uncontrolled growth of neointimal cells in injured arteries leading to restenosis.
A call for proactive xenoarchaeological guidelines – Scientific, policy and socio-political considerations

Abstract As planetary exploration advances, the likelihood of encountering suspected artifacts of astrobiological activity increases, which, it is argued, should be investigated under the auspices of proto-scientific xenoarchaeology. Considering both the unfavorable conditions under which such an investigation may be undertaken (e.g., while observing international planetary protection protocols, utilizing remote sensing techniques in exotic pressure, temperature, chemical, and gravity environments, or adhering to stringent terrestrial biological quarantine and security measures) as well as the demonstrated propensity of the social mind to romanticize or mythologize even the most benign planetary landforms, it is clear that a reactive and poorly preconceived xenoarchaeological methodology will be plagued by inaccuracies, rushed judgments, unrealized bias, misinformation, and erroneous conclusions, along with the negative socio-political impacts that accompany them. Central principles for establishing a rigorous xenoarchaeological methodology are proposed, scientific and technical difficulties are discussed, pertinent international protocols and agreements are reviewed, and sociological and historical considerations are explored.
Dehydrofluorination of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in dimethylformamide solution: Synthesis of an operationally soluble semiconducting polymer

The reaction of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with several different bases in dimethylformamide solution yields dehydrofluorinated products with conjugated polyene structures. The extent of elimination can be controlled by varying the amount of added base. The structural properties of dehydrofluorinated materials depend on the base used. Polymer films cast from DMF solution exhibit electronic conductivity upon iodine doping; the conductivity is also a function of the base used.
Preliminary perspectives gained from individual plant examination of external events (IPEEE) seismic and fire submittal review

As a result of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) initiated Individual Plant Examination of External Events (IPEEE) program, every operating nuclear power reactor in the United States has performed an assessment of severe accident due to external events. This paper provides a summary of the preliminary insights gained through the review of 24 IPEEE submittals.
Behavior of ray optics in the Dray-'t Hooft geometry

Abstract The Dray-'t Hooft geometry describes a single “photon” embedded in the horizon of the Schwarzschild solution. I investigate the properties of ongoing null rays in this geometry. The most remarkable feature arises that the geometry is not stationary, but rather the singularity associated with the “photon” weakens with time.
A fast neutron spectrometer for D-D fusion neutron measurements at the Alcator C tokamak☆

Abstract A neutron spectrometer using a high pressure 3He ionization chamber has been designed and used to measure the neutron spectrum from an ohmically heated deuterium plasma. The resolution of the spectrometer at 2.45 MeV is determine to be 46 keV full width at half-maximum (fwhm). Particular attention has been paid to optimizing the detector shielding and collimation to reject thermal and epithermal neutrons scattered from the tokamak structure. As a result, measurements indicate that the ratio of the number of counts in the 2.45 MeV peak to the total number of detected neutron events is 1 67 . For the 8 μs amplifier time constant used, a count rate as high as 44 counts per second has been achieved in the thermonuclear peak. The observed spectra have been compared with calculated spectra using the MCNP Monte Carlo Neutral Particle Transport code and they show good agreement. There is little evidence of neutrons produced from photoneutron reactions or electrodisintegration. It has been possible to confirm that the shape of the thermonuclear peak is consistent with the Gaussian shape predicted and that the ion temperature as determined from the line width is consistent with other Alcator C ion temperature diagnostics, and follows the trends predicted by the theory of Doppler line broadening.
Progress-report of the Jesuit Seismological Association for 1944

War conditions have continued to affect seriously the work of the member stations of the Jesuit Seismological Association during the year 1944. Nevertheless, reports of earthquakes were received at the Central Station in Saint Louis from the seismological stations at the following Jesuit colleges and universities: Canisius College, Buffalo; Loyola University, Chicago; Xavier University, Cincinnati; Regis College, Denver; Fordham University, New York; Georgetown University, Washington; Mount Saint Michael's, Spokane; Loyola University, New Orleans; University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara; Spring Hill College, Spring Hill; Weston College, Weston; and from the Saint Louis University cooperative stations at Cape Girardeau and Florissant, Missouri, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Mechanisms of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy

Purpose of review Human and experimental research has identified cardioautonomic and respiratory dysfunction as a frequent accompaniment in human and animal model events of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This review aims to provide an overview of the scientific evidence behind the currently accepted risk factors and working hypotheses regarding SUDEP pathophysiology. Recent findings Epidemiological analysis of public health burden of SUDEP has shown that it rates second only to stroke in the years of potential life lost. Clinical and experimental studies uncovered the dynamic cardiorespiratory dysfunction interictally and imminently to SUDEP, and model systems have facilitated discoveries in SUDEP mechanistic understanding and application of pilot therapeutic interventions. Pilot molecular profiling of human SUDEP has uncovered complex genomic structure in the candidate gene network. Summary Extensive clinical and experimental work has established a rationale for the conceptual thinking about SUDEP mechanisms. The application of the global molecular profiling will be invaluable in unraveling the individually unique genomic complexities and interactions that underlie the physiological signature of each patient. At the same time, sophisticated model systems will be critical in the iterative translation of human genetics, physiology, pharmacological interventions, and in testing preventive interventions.
How the Shape of an H-Bonded Network Controls Proton-Coupled Water Activation in HONO Formation

Many chemical reactions in atmospheric aerosols and bulk aqueous environments are influenced by the surrounding solvation shell, but the precise molecular interactions underlying such effects have rarely been elucidated. We exploited recent advances in isomer-specific cluster vibrational spectroscopy to explore the fundamental relation between the hydrogen (H)-bonding arrangement of a set of ion-solvating water molecules and the chemical activity of this ensemble. We find that the extent to which the nitrosonium ion (NO+)and water form nitrous acid (HONO) and a hydrated proton cluster in the critical trihydrate depends sensitively on the geometrical arrangement of the water molecules in the network. Theoretical analysis of these data details the role of the water network in promoting charge delocalization.
Interface fungal infection after laser in situ keratomileusis presenting as diffuse lamellar keratitis. A clinicopathological report.

Abstract Purpose To report clinicopathological analyses of 3 cases of interface fungal infection following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). Setting Center for Research on Ocular Therapeutics and Biodevices and Arthur and Holly Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Methods Clinicopathological analysis of 5 eyes of 3 patients who developed culture-proven interface fungal infection after LASIK was performed. Detailed pathological analysis of the amputated flap from 1 case included light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Results Culture and pathological analysis revealed Candida albicans in all 3 cases. Common links among the cases were early onset of DLK following intensive corticosteroid and antibiotic treatment and later onset of interface fungal infection. All cases resolved, and good visual acuity was restored after medical treatment with antifungal agents. Conclusions Interface fungal infection after LASIK can be sight-threatening. Early lifting of the flap, fungal culture, and aggressive antifungal treatment are required to treat this complication and avoid deleterious sequelae.
SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI: HUMORAL TRANSFER OF PROTECTIVE FACTORS PRODUCED BY IRRADIATED CERCARIAE.

PREVIOUS investigations1,2 have produced information concerning the manner in which prior exposure of mice to irradiated cercariae of Schistosoma, mansoni affects the course of the challenge infection. The results indicated that the principal effect of the aborted infection with irradiated cercariae was to slow the migration and development of worms from the challenge infection. The delay in accumulation of recoverable worms and eggs suggested the probability of inhibitory factors being produced by the aborted infection with irradiated cercariae, although their relation to specific acquired resistance could not be defined.
Inhibitory Difficulties and Anxiety Sensitivity

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to the tendency to interpret anxiety related physical sensations as dangerous (S. Reiss & R. J. McNally, 1985). We hypothesized that individuals with elevated AS would show a difficulty in inhibiting the threat relevant meaning of homographs (words with two meanings, e.g., faint). To test this hypothesis, we used a modified version of Gernsbacher's inhibition paradigm in which participants were first presented with a sentence (e.g., “The car sounds were faint.”) and then a probe word (e.g., “pass-out”) and were asked whether or not the probe word was related to the meaning of the sentence (M. A. Gernsbacher, K. R. Varner, & M. E. Faust, 1990). One half of the sentences ended in a homograph, and one half ended in a nonhomograph word. Results revealed that individuals with elevated AS showed difficulty in inhibiting the threat-relevant meaning of homographs when the interval between the presentation of the sentence and the probe word was short (i.e., 100 ms), but that low AS participants did not. This difficulty in inhibiting threat relevant meanings may be a vulnerability factor involved in elevated AS, as well as the development of panic disorder.
The Yuma desalting plant and Cienega de Santa Clara dispute: a case study review of a workgroup process

Despite progress in international water management in recent decades, innovative methods for ongoing collaborative decision making are still needed to resolve and avoid disputes over transboundary waters. One such conflict is over the operation of the Yuma Desalting Plant (YDP) in Arizona, which has implications for the Cienega de Santa Clara, a recently formed downstream wetland in Mexico. Although treaties have been negotiated in the past to govern the quantity and quality of Colorado River water entering Mexico from the USA, renewed interest in reclaiming low quality wastewater in the context of a long-run drought has sparked a new conflict over developing this water supply for human use or maintaining the flows for ecosystem protection. The formation of a problem-focused workgroup, unofficially representing a range of interested parties, is reviewed as a creative, complementary solution to address this dispute. Specific strengths and limitations of the approach are discussed within the broader context of managing international waters. While the workgroup shows innovation as a collaborative process for conflict resolution, the lack of an open, transparent process and the exclusion of Mexico threaten the successful resolution of the YDP dispute and potential future conflicts over transboundary waters.
Adaptive changes induced by high altitude in the development of brain monoamine enzymes.

Exposure to high altitude (HA) affects neurotransmitter levels in the adult brain and induces a number of neurologic and behavioral disturbances. The present work was undertaken to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to a moderate hypoxic environment (natural altitude of 3800 m, 12.8% O2 in inspired air) on the development from birth until adulthood of brain monoamine enzymes in rats. The activity of synthesizing (tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase) and catabolizing (catechol-O-methyl transferase and monoamine oxidase) enzymes was studied in discrete brain areas (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, mesodiencephalon, hypothalamus, corpus striatum, and pons medulla) and was shown to be selectively affected by HA, depending on the age of the animal and the brain region. In general, enzyme activity was less susceptible to HA during the first week after birth than at later ages, some brain areas such as the hypothalamus showing significant alterations in some enzymes throughout development, and in all enzymes at adulthood. Furthermore, in all brain areas and at all ages, tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase were more affected by HA than the catabolizing enzymes, and their activity was increased in some areas (e.g., cerebral cortex and cerebellum) but decreased in other areas (e.g., hypothalamus, mesodiencephalon, corpus striatum). These enzymatic changes and the corresponding alterations in precursor amino acids, particularly tryptophan, seem to be due more to the direct effect of hypoxia on oxygen-dependent enzymes, than to the stress. It appears that an hypoxic environment may provoke both early and long-term alterations in catecholamine and serotonin metabolism, thus neurotransmitter imbalances may explain some of the alterations in neurologic and endocrine development characteristic of the hypoxic animal.
Climate change and inuits

The Inuit Circumpolar Conference will seek a declaration from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that emissions of greenhouse gases, which the conference says, are destroying the Inuit way of life, are a violation of human rights, conference chair Sheila Watt-Cloutier announced on 15 December. Her announcement comes shortly after the mid-November release of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, a scientific study by an international team of 300 scientists. That assessment noted, “The Arctic is now experiencing some of the most rapid and severe climate change on Earth. Over the next 100 years, climate change is expected to accelerate, contributing to major physical, ecological, social, and economic changes, many of which have already begun. Changes in Arctic climate will also affect the rest of the world through increased global warming and rising sea levels.”
RESHAPING JAPANESE FOREIGN AID FOR THE POST‐COLD WAR ERA

Japan recently became the world's largest bilateral aid donor. Tokyo views foreign aid as a ‘main pillar’ of its foreign policy for addressing post-Cold War global challenges. Western understanding of Japanese foreign aid remains a poorly understood perspective both in the foreign aid and Japan studies literature. Therefore, this article improves conceptualization of Japan's aid activities by focusing on past trends, present changes and possible future developments. An approach is adopted in this study that focuses on both the Japanese domestic policymaking environment and the international context. Empirical evidence suggests that the Japanese employed an ‘entrepreneurial’ approach to aid that incorporates strong private sector involvement and a regional Asia-Pacific concentration but that its approach is gradually changing toward a more multidimensional one. The ‘perceived’ success of Japanese aid involvement enables Tokyo to promote its international development approach as an alternative to the Western development
Time-Related Changes in Conners' CPT-II Scores: A Replication Study

The objective of this study was to replicate an earlier study on the effect of the administration sequence on Conners' Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT-II) scores (Erdodi, Lajiness-O'Neill, & Saules, 2010). Participants were recruited at a university training clinic (13 males, 12 females; M age = 26.7 years, SD = 13.3), and they were administered the CPT-II twice in the same day: at the beginning and at the end of the testing session. The overall trends described in the original study were observed in the present sample. However, order effects were generally less pronounced. The pre–post contrast on the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Index score was not statistically significant. The Neurological Index was more impaired at Time 2 (M = 36.3, SD = 19.7) compared with Time 1 (M = 33.3, SD = 19.9): t(17) = 1.63, p = .06, d = 0.38. Likewise, pre–post changes were detected in the number of T-scores >60 from Time 1 (M = 1.6, SD = 2.1) to Time 2 (M = 2.3, SD = 2.8): t(23) = 2.53, p...
Plasmid-determined Transformation of cis-Abienol and Sclareol in Rhodococcus erythropolis JTS-131

cis-Abienol-transformable bacterium JTS-131 was identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis. This bacterium had a plasmid, pCA4. Cured strains which had no plasmid were obtained by mitomycin C treatment. These cured strains lost the ability to oxidize the C-18 methyl of cis-abienol and sclareol. From these results, it was considered that C-18 methyl oxidation of these labdanes was determined by the plasmid, pCA4, in this bacterium.
Influence of heating and estradiol on the activation and transformation of the estradiol receptor of the rat uterus

Abstract Cytosol from uteri of ovariectomized rats was incubated at different temperatures (0°C, 15°C, 25°C) for various lengths of time before or after tritium labeled estradiol was added. The influence of these treatments on the incorporation of a given amount of estradiol-receptor complex into uterine nuclei and on its sedimentation in sucrose density gradients was studied. Prolonged incubation of the cytosol at 0°C resulted in increased nuclear uptake. Incubating the cytosol at higher temperatures (15°C, 25°C) produced first an increased, then a decreased nuclear uptake. Thus the estradiol-receptor complexes were first activated and then inactivated. Both processes are accelerated with increasing temperature, but the inactivation process has a higher temperature coefficient than the activation process. At higher temperatures (15°C, 25°C) the absolute amount of activation achieved was smaller in the presence than in the absence of estradiol. Prolonged incubation of the cytosol resulted in a 4S to 5S transformation of the estradiol receptor complex, which was enhanced at increased temperature and by the presence of estradiol. At 15°C transformation becomes dominant only after activation has stopped and inactivation has begun. Since activation occurs rapidly it is distinctly different from transformation and inactivation, which occur later.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing buffers using multiphasic buffer systems: properties of the stack, valid Rf- measurement, and optimized procedure.

SDS-proteins can be stacked in sharp starting zones in SDS-PAGE in multiphasic buffer systems, Stacking of SDS-proteins has been possible with a lower stacking limit of up to 0.300, above neutral pH in “nonrestrictive” gels. Under the same conditions, SDS is stacked. Stacking of SDS, derived from both the SDS content of the sample and the upper buffer, broadens the stack in proportion to SDS load and duration of electrophoresis. Such broadening produces an inordinately wide starting zone in the stacking gel, leading to impaired resolution, unless one limits the SDS load. In the resolving gel, this zone broadening makes the trailing edge of the stack, and the tracking dye migrating there [e.g., bromphenol blue at low gel concentration (%T)] unsuitable as a valid reference for Rf. However, the leading edge of the stack and the tracking dye migrating there (e.g., pyronin-Y-SDS at low %T) are a valid Rf reference. At high %T, both SDS and pyronin-Y-SDS unstack, whereas bromphenol blue now moves to the leading edge of the stack and becomes, for that %T range, a valid reference of Rf. An optimized system for SDS-PAGE is described which contains no SDS in the gel, 0.03% SDS in the upper buffer, 150 μg or less SDS in the sample, and a single set of gel buffer constituents in stacking and resolving gels. Valid Rf measurement is a requisite for linear Ferguson plots (log Rf vs %T). Since the slope of these plots, KR, is a measure of molecular weight the procedure of SDS-PAGE proposed in this study should provide improved reliability of melecular weight estimates.
Microwave Assisted Vacuum Drying and Endpoint Determination Using Mass Spectrometry, Part II, On-Line Moisture Content Profiling

Quantitative methods were developed to compute on-line conventional loss-on-drying (LOD) profiles from mass spectrometry (MS) measurements. Good agreement between calculated LOD values and actual LOD measurements were obtained for single and multiple solvent wet cakes. Characteristic drying curve profiles were determined for calcium carbonate, sand, cellulose, starch, and silica gel solids, and the corresponding critical moisture contents were estimated. Although this work was developed for microwave drying, the methods apply to conventional dryer monitoring as well.
Deformation response and constitutive modeling of vinyl ester polymer including strain rate and temperature effects

The deformation behavior of vinyl ester polymer under monotonic tensile loading is characterized and modeled. The Standard Linear Solid model, which is a physical model, was used and modified to represent the stress–strain behavior of this polymer over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures. This model was also used to predict the stress-relaxation and short-term creep behavior of this material. The comparisons between the predictions and experimental data from tensile and relaxation tests demonstrate that this model can represent the deformation behavior of the material reasonably well.
Decomposition of silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) woody debris in a central illinois bottomland forest

The decomposition rate of silver maple (Acer saccharinum) woody debris was measured in a seasonally flooded mature wetland forest in central Illinois. Small diameter woody debris logs (5-cm diameter × 0.75-m long) of three successive decomposition classes (fresh, intermediate, and rotten) were placed in the floodplain for a period of 1.5 years. By incorporating a chronosequential design that extended the time frame to about 3.5 yr, the decomposition coefficient (k) of sample logs was estimated at 0.089 yr−1 with a half-life of 7.8 years. Mass loss by microbial activity and leaching was estimated at 90%, whereas fragmentation accounted for 10%. Nutrient analysis of the logs indicated that P and K seemed to be released, whereas N, Ca, and Mg were immobilized. Overall, Ca and N were found in significantly higher concentrations than other nutrients (Ca>N>>K>Mg>P). Because small diameter woody debris has limited quantities of nutrients and a long residence time, its role in this mature forested wetland does not seem to be a nutrient reservoir but rather a long-term organic matter storage pool.
Incentives for secession in the presence of mobile ethnic groups

Abstract This paper presents a model on secessions and nationalism, with special emphasis on the role of imperfectly mobile ethnic minorities. Individuals trade off political benefits of homogeneity against economic costs from increasing returns to scale in production. The main findings are: (i) Mobility decreases the political motivation for independence, because increased competition for labour forces the ethnic majorities in the separating countries to accommodate their policy. (ii) The impact of mobility depends on whether separation is politically or economically motivated. (iii) Increased mobility leads to a less accommodated policy in case of no separation.
Eliciting neutralizing antibodies with gp120 outer domain

Methods We constructed gp120, gp120-OD, and a trimeric form of gp120-OD (ODx3) based on an M group consensus sequence. Proteins were expressed in 293 cells, and their antigenic properties were evaluated by immunoprecipitation using gp120 bnAbs (b12, 2G12 and 447-52D) and by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Rabbits were immunized and antibody responses were characterized by ELISA and neutralization assays.