cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Monitoring of Neurotransmitters with Voltammetry and Smallbore HPLC

The temporal and concentration response of microdialysis probes in vivo was characterized. The temporal response was monitored using step changes in dopamine (DA) concentration which were followed with one minute sampling using smallbore HPLC. The response under three conditions was examined: in vitro sampling of DA, in vitro infusion of DA, and local infusion of DA. The dialysate DA concentration stabilized within two minutes after each change. These results suggest that relatively fast changes in DA levels in tissue can be followed by microdialysis probes. The rapid stabilization also suggests that the DA concentration profile does not extend very far from the probe. To characterize the concentration response, the linearity of the gain or loss of DA diffusing between the probe and tissue was determined. The difference in the inflow and outflow concentrations was plotted as a function of the inflow concentration. The correlation coefficient of the linear regression curve was 0.99. The zero point intercept, the extracellular concentration of DA, was 3.8 nM and the slope, or recovery, was 63.4%. There was no break at the zero point which is indicative of symmetrical diffusion into and out of the probe.
Assessing the performance of normal-based and REML-based confidence intervals for the intraclass correlation coefficient

Using normal distribution assumptions, one can obtain confidence intervals for variance components in a variety of applications. A normal-based interval, which has exact coverage probability under normality, is usually constructed from a pivot so that the endpoints of the interval depend on the data as well as the distribution of the pivotal quantity. Alternatively, one can employ a point estimation technique to form a large-sample (or approximate) confidence interval. A commonly used approach to estimate variance components is the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. The endpoints of a REML-based confidence interval depend on the data and the asymptotic distribution of the REML estimator. In this paper, simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the normal-based and the REML-based intervals for the intraclass correlation coefficient under non-normal distribution assumptions. Simulated coverage probabilities and expected lengths provide guidance as to which interval procedure is favored for a particular scenario. Estimating the kurtosis of the underlying distribution plays a central role in implementing the REML-based procedure. An empirical example is given to illustrate the usefulness of the REML-based confidence intervals under non-normality.
A partitioning strategy for efficient nonlinear finite element dynamic analysis on multiprocessor computers

A computational procedure is presented for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of unsymmetric structures on vector multiprocessor systems. The procedure is based on a novel hierarchical partitioning strategy in which the response of the unsymmetric and antisymmetric response vectors (modes), each obtained by using only a fraction of the degrees of freedom of the original finite element model. The three key elements of the procedure which result in high degree of concurrency throughout the solution process are: (1) mixed (or primitive variable) formulation with independent shape functions for the different fields; (2) operator splitting or restructuring of the discrete equations at each time step to delineate the symmetric and antisymmetric vectors constituting the response; and (3) two level iterative process for generating the response of the structure. An assessment is made of the effectiveness of the procedure on the CRAY X-MP/4 computers.
Adsorption of brownian particles in the presence of potential barriers: effect of different modes of double-layer interaction

Abstract Adsorption of colloidal particles on charged substrates critically influences numerous industrial operations and natural systems. Such adsorption is very sensitive to the type of interaction between the electrostatic double layers surrounding the particles and the substrates, and this sensitivity depends, in addition, on the convective field that carries the particles. We present here an extensive quantitative analysis of adsorption rates under the influence of various modes of double-layer interaction (such as constant-potential, constant-charge-density, and combinations of these) for a wide range of Peclet numbers. The interaction profiles are classified under three general classes of shapes that determine whether convection will increase or decrease the adsorption rate. The adsorption rate is shown to be uniquely given (within experimental accuracy) by three parameters [ A /6 k B T , the dimensionless Hamaker constant; V max , the dimensionless interaction energy maximum; and Pe, the Peclet number] when the energy profile has shallow secondary minimum (Type-I profile). A convenient correlating equation for the adsorption rate (in terms of the Sherwood number) is presented. This equation eliminates the need for extensive computer calculations and applies for any type of double-layer interaction as long as the energy profile is Type I. Although the numerical calculations presented are based on a particular choice for the substrate (rotating disks), the correlating equation given can be extended to arbitrary geometries (as shown for the case of mutual coagulation).
Women's Career Progression in the Las Vegas Casino Industry: Facilitators and Constraints

This study assessed female senior executives'perceptions of factors influencing women's career progression to top management positions in the Las Vegas casino industry. In the process, the representation of women in senior management positions and in various de partments was established. A mail survey was employed to gather data on female senior ex ecutives' demographic profile and their perceptions of career facilitators and constraints in the Las Vegas casino industry. Results indicated that hard work, communication and in terpersonal skills, job knowledge, and personality were perceived as the most important fa cilitators for women's progress to top management positions. The "old boys' network," a lack of assertiveness on the part of the women, and male bias and stereotyping represented the highest-ranking constraints on the career advance of women in the industry. The article concludes with the implications of the study and directions for future research.
Elevated CO2 lowers relative and absolute herbivore density across all species of a scrub-oak forest

The unabated increase in global atmospheric CO2 is expected to induce physiological changes in plants, including reduced foliar nitrogen, which are likely to affect herbivore densities. This study employs a field-based CO2 enrichment experiment at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to examine plant-herbivore (insect) interactions inside eight open-topped chambers with elevated CO2 (710 ppm) and eight control chambers with ambient CO2. In elevated CO2 we found decreased herbivore densities per 100 leaves, especially of leaf miners, across all five plant species we examined: the oak trees Quercus myrtifolia, Q. geminata, and Q. chapmanii, the nitrogen-fixing vine Galactia elliottii and the shrub Vaccinium myrsinites. Both direct and indirect effects of lowered plant nitrogen may influence this decrease in herbivore densities. Direct effects of lowered nitrogen resulted in increased host-plant related death and an increase in compensatory feeding: per capita herbivore leaf consumption in elevated CO2 was higher than in ambient CO2. Indirectly, compensatory feeding may have prolonged herbivore development and increased exposure to natural enemies. For all leaf miners we examined, mortality from natural enemies increased in elevated CO2. These increases in host-plant induced mortality and in attack rates by natural enemies decreased leaf miner survivorship, causing a reduction in leaf miner density per 100 leaves. Despite increased leaf production in elevated CO2 from the carbon fertilization effect, absolute herbivore abundance per chamber was also reduced in elevated CO2. Because insects cause premature leaf abscission, we also thought that leaf abscission would be decreased in elevated CO2. However, for all plant species, leaf abscission was increased in elevated CO2, suggesting a direct effect of CO2 on leaf abscission that outweighs the indirect effects of reduced insect densities on leaf abscission.
Programmable photoreceiver module for incorporation in an optical field-programmable gate array

The design, demonstration and evaluation of a general purpose, field programmable smart pixel based photonic information processing system is presented. This novel architecture incorporates programmable photoreceiver cells into a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Implemented with a photonic VLSI technology the device is suitable for prototyping photonic information processing systems. We report here on the programmable photoreceiver design methodology and measure device performance.
An Overview of the Efficacy and Safety of Fenfluramine and Mazindol in the Treatment of Obesity

OBJECTIVE To assess the validity of the perceptions that appetite-suppressant drugs are ineffective, potentially addictive, and fraught with side effects, we reviewed the effectiveness and safety of two such drugs with purported low abuse potential in the treatment of obesity: mazindol and fenfluramine hydrochloride. DATA SOURCES Relevant studies in English published before September 1991 were identified using MEDLINE, accompanied by a cross-referenced manual search. STUDY SELECTION All randomized clinical trials conducted with adults for at least 6 weeks' duration with weight change as an outcome. DATA EXTRACTION Data extracted from each report included key study characteristics, clinical information, co-interventions, and outcomes, including dropouts due to either adverse drug effects or perceived lack of effect. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 36 acceptable trials, 35 were double-blinded, 32 were placebo-controlled, and 13 were cross-over. Median duration of drug therapy was 12 weeks. In studies reporting such data, mean patient age was 41 years, and mean baseline weight was 84 kg (143% of ideal body weight). Among 1163 patients receiving drug therapy and 866 patients receiving placebo, mean weight loss across all trials was 5.2 and 1.9 kg, respectively (P < .001). Among 32 direct comparisons between drug and placebo, the mean weight loss by sample size was 3.0 kg greater in the treatment group (P < .001), and did not vary in subgroup analyses of trial type, drug, or dose. Similar proportions of treatment and placebo groups dropped out (20% vs 22%; P = .34); however, overall dropout rates were higher in parallel trials (25% vs 9% for crossover trials). Dropouts due to adverse drug effects were more common in the treatment group (7% vs 2%; P < .001), while those due to perceived lack of effect were more common in the placebo group (6% vs 2%; P < .001). Mazindol resulted in fewer dropouts due to adverse drug effects (4% vs 9%; P < .001) and a perceived lack of effect (1% v 3%; P = .04). No drug addiction or adverse drug effects requiring medical intervention were reported. CONCLUSION The apparent short-term efficacy of these appetite-suppressant drugs and the lack of severe adverse drug effects or addiction suggest that they may be useful in the treatment of obesity. Further study of these agents with attention to long-term efficacy, safety, and health consequences is warranted.
A methodology for fault detection, isolation, and identification for nonlinear processes with parametric uncertainties

This paper presents a novel methodology for systematically designing a fault detection, isolation, and identification algorithm for nonlinear systems with known model structure but uncertainty in p...
Use of Genetic Algorithms with Multiple Metrics Aimed at the Optimization of Automotive Suspension Systems

Suspension models are highly multivariate and require a nonlinear system to model the movements and interaction of the parameters within the suspension system. Multiple metrics must be considered to determine an optimal result. This paper describes a system for the use of a Genetic Algorithm for the optimization of automotive suspension geometries, a description of the suspension model, and the scoring mechanism. The results of this model evaluate the impact of multiple independent metrics. A combined objective function score is determined with the assistance of a user selectable weighting of metrics. The optimization algorithm is also compared to a discrete grid search.
How Often Do Wrong Models Produce Better Phylogenies

As phylogenetic analyses find widespread use in various fields of biology, studies on methods of phylogeny reconstruction are becoming ever more important. Although tree reconstruction has been identified as a statistical estimation problem since the pioneering work of Cavalli-Sforza and Edwards (1967), the complexity of the problem does not seem to be well recognized. In this note I report simulation results in which use of a false model in the maximum-likelihood method recovers the correct tree with higher probabilities than use of the true model. Indeed the false model on average recovers the correct tree more often than the true model, and the difference is not due to small sample sizes or restricted to the case of four taxa. The results highlight the complexity of phylogeny reconstruction and the need for more theoretical work on statistical methods for this type of estimation problem. A simulation study was carried out to examine the performance of phylogeny reconstruction by the maximum-likelihood method when either the correct evolutionary model (referred to as the True method) or a wrong model (the False method) is assumed. The correct model used for simulating data, represented as “JC+G,” uses the substitution model of Jukes and Cantor (1969) in combination with a gamma model of rate variation among sites in which the rates at different sites are multiplied by independent gamma variates normalized to have mean one (Yang 1994). The gamma parameter (x is inversely related to the extent of among-site rate variation and is fixed at (x = 0.2. Probabilities of observing all site patterns were calculated under the JC+G model, and the observed numbers of site patterns, which constitute the simulated data, were sampled from these probabilities (Yang 1996). Five sets of branch lengths for a tree of four taxa and 12 sequence lengths were used (fig. 1); for each tree and sequence length combination, 5,000 data sets were generated. Each simulated data set was analyzed by the two methods to recover the correct tree (Felsenstein 198 1; Yang 1994). Although (x could be estimated from the data under the JC+G model, the correct value (0.2) was used in the True method so that the same number of parameters was estimated in both methods. The only difference between the two methods is that True uses the correct value of CY (0.2) while False uses a false value (a). Twice the log-likelihood difference between the two models averaged from 10.0 for tree D to 27.2 for tree A in the simulation for N = 100 nucleotides and was greater for
OH hyperfine ground state: From precision measurement to molecular qubits

We perform precision microwave spectroscopy---aided by Stark deceleration---to reveal the low-magnetic-field behavior of OH in its $^{2}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{3∕2}$ rovibronic ground state, identifying two field-insensitive hyperfine transitions suitable as qubits and determining a differential Land\'e $g$ factor of $1.267(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ between opposite-parity components of the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ doublet. The data are successfully modeled with an effective hyperfine Zeeman Hamiltonian, which we use to make a tenfold improvement of the magnetically sensitive, astrophysically important $\ensuremath{\Delta}F=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ satellite-line frequencies, yielding $1\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}720\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}529\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}887(10)\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz}$ and $1\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}612\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}230\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}825(15)\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz}$.
Long-term patterns and feeding sites of southern green stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Hawaii macadamia orchards, and sampling for management decisions

Southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula, Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a pest of macadamia nuts, causing pitting to kernels by feeding. In spite of its pest status, many aspects of the ecology of this insect in macadamia orchards are poorly understood. This study analyzes long-term N. viridula damage to macadamia nuts and investigates the extent to which damage to nuts occurs in the tree canopy, prior to nut-drop. We show that there are distinct seasonal peaks in damage detected after harvest and that, over six years of data collection, mean damage levels were fairly low, albeit with spikes in damage levels recorded. Sampling nuts at peak harvest periods from different strata in the trees and from the ground showed that incidence of damaged nuts within the canopy was typically half as high as on the fallen nuts. Damage to fallen nuts may have occurred prior to nut-drop, and continued to accumulate after nut-drop. These results show that management of N. viridula within macadamia canopies, as opposed to only on fallen nuts, is important. A sampling procedure and predictive model for estimating late-season damage based on early-season damage samples is provided. The model uses January and March damage measurements (based on samples with set level of accuracy), mean temperature and month of the year for which damage is predicted. Early-season damage of 6-10% predicts late-season damage levels that should justify N. viridula suppression based on the nominal threshold (13% damage) used by kernel processors to reject nuts based on damage.
Current density and continuity in discretized models

Discrete approaches have long been used in numerical modelling of physical systems in both research and teaching. Discrete versions of the Schrodinger equation employing either one or several basis functions per mesh point are often used by senior undergraduates and beginning graduate students in computational physics projects. In studying discrete models, students can encounter conceptual difficulties with the representation of the current and its divergence because different finite-difference expressions, all of which reduce to the current density in the continuous limit, measure different physical quantities. Understanding these different discrete currents is essential and requires a careful analysis of the current operator, the divergence of the current and the continuity equation. Here we develop point forms of the current and its divergence valid for an arbitrary mesh and basis. We show that in discrete models currents exist only along lines joining atomic sites (or mesh points). Using these results, we derive a discrete analogue of the divergence theorem and demonstrate probability conservation in a purely localized-basis approach.
Increased permeability of primary cultured brain microvessel endothelial cell monolayers following TNF-α exposure

Abstract TNF-α is a cytokine that produces increased permeability in the peripheral vasculature; however, little is known about the effects of TNF-α on the bloodbrain barrier (BBB). Using primary cultured bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMEC) as an in vitro model of the BBB, this study shows that TNF-α produces a reversible increase in the permeability of the brain microvessel endothelial cells. The BBMEC monolayers were pre-treated with 100 ng ml of TNF-α for periods ranging from 2 to 12 hours. Permeability was assessed using three molecular weight markers, fluorescein (376 MW), fluorescein-dextran (FDX-4400; 4400 MW), and FDX-70000 (MW 70000). The permeability of BBMEC monolayers to all three fluorescent markers was increased two-fold or greater in the TNF-α treatment group compared to control monolayers receiving no TNF-α. Significant changes in permeability were also observed with TNF-α concentrations as low as 1 ng ml . These results suggest that TNF-α acts directly on the brain microvessel endothelial cells in a dynamic manner to produce a reversible increase in permeability. Exposure of either the lumenal or ablumenal side of BBMEC monolayers to TNF-α resulted in similar increases in permeability to small macromolecules, e.g. fluorescein. However, when a higher molecular weight marker was used (e.g. FDX-3000), there was a greater response following lumenal exposure to TNF-α. Together, these studies demonstrate a reversible and time dependent increase in brain microvessel endothelial cell permeability following exposure to TNF-α. Such results appear to be due to TNF's direct interaction with the brain microvessel endothelial cell.
Recurrent adaptation in RNA-interference genes across the Drosophila phylogeny

RNA interference (RNAi) is quickly emerging as a vital component of genome organization, gene regulation, and immunity in Drosophila and other species. Previous studies have suggested that, as a whole, genes involved in RNAi are under intense positive selection in Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we characterize the extent and patterns of adaptive evolution in 23 known Drosophila RNAi genes, both within D. melanogaster and across the Drosophila phylogeny. We find strong evidence for recurrent protein-coding adaptation at a large number of RNAi genes, particularly those involved in antiviral immunity and defense against transposable elements. We identify specific functional domains involved in direct protein-RNA interactions as particular hotspots of recurrent adaptation in multiple RNAi genes, suggesting that targeted coadaptive arms races may be a general feature of RNAi evolution. Our observations suggest a predictive model of how selective pressures generated by evolutionary arms race scenarios may affect multiple genes across protein interaction networks and other biochemical pathways.
Regional climate impacts of a biofuels policy projection

[1] The potential for regional climate change arising from adoption of policies to increase production of biofuel feedstock is explored using a regional climate model. Two simulations are performed using the same atmospheric forcing data for the period 1979–2004, one with present-day land use and monthly phenology and the other with land use specified from an agro-economic prediction of energy crop distribution and monthly phenology consistent with this land use change. In Kansas and Oklahoma, where the agro-economic model predicts 15-30% conversion to switchgrass, the regional climate model simulates locally lower temperature (especially in spring), slightly higher relative humidity in spring and slightly lower relative humidity in summer, and summer depletion of soil moisture. This shows the potential for climate impacts of biofuel policies and raises the question of whether soil water depletion may limit biomass crop productivity in agricultural areas that are responsive to the policies. We recommend the use of agronomic models to evaluate the possibility that soil moisture depletion could reduce productivity of biomass crops in this region. We conclude, therefore, that agro-economic and climate models should be used iteratively to examine an ensemble of agricultural land use and climate scenarios, thereby reducing the possibility of unforeseen consequences from rapid changes in agricultural production systems.
Excess Volatility of Corporate Bonds

This paper examines the connection between the return volatilities of corporate bonds, equities, and Treasuries under the Merton model with stochastic interest rates. Constructing empirical volatilities using bond returns over daily, weekly, and monthly horizons, we find that empirical bond volatilities are too high to be explained by equity and Treasury volatilities. Furthermore, the results are robust to using credit default swaps rather than corporate bonds to measure volatility in the credit market. At the daily return horizon, the excess volatility of corporate bonds is related to known liquidity proxies. However, this relation disappears at the monthly horizon even though corporate bonds continue to be excessively volatile. Thus, there appears to be a disconnect between corporate bonds and equities that goes beyond the illiquidity of corporate bonds.
An Accurate Filtering Technique to Mitigate Transient Decaying DC Offset

Phasor estimation, as performed by the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), is adversely affected by the decaying dc offset which occurs following a fault. This letter presents an improved algorithm based on the DFT, hereafter named IDFT, which effectively mitigates the decaying dc component. The IDFT uses the even and odd samples of the estimated phasor. The method is based on the fact that, in the phasor domain, the even and odd samples in a purely sinusoidal signal produce the same results for the amplitude estimation. However, in an exponential signal, especially at the beginning of the fault due to a higher slope, they are different. The IDFT technique is compared with the conventional full-cycle DFT algorithm. The results show that IDFT is more accurate and has faster convergence than the desired value compared to the conventional DFT algorithm.
Recent trends in type-specific HPV infection rates in the United States

SUMMARY This study examined recent trends in type-specific HPV infection rates in women referred for HPV typing as part of cervical cancer screening in the United States. HPV analyses were performed from March 2004 to March 2011. Women were aged 21-65 years at testing. The 18 most prevalent HPV types were analysed. Type-specific HPV infection rates were estimated in 3-month blocks. Lowess smoothing was used to examine time trends in infection rates for each HPV type, both combined, and separated by age group (younger women 21-30 years, older women 31-64 years). A total of 220914 women were included in the final analysis. The number of HPV tests performed on the younger age group increased, with the number of HPV infections and multiple type HPV infections decreasing. When separated by HPV type-specific analysis, the majority of HPV infection rates decreased; however, HPV types 61 and 83 increased. When analysing the older age group, there was a marked increase of the number of HPV tests. Overall, the rates of any HPV infection, as well as multiple type infections, were lower compared to the younger age group. The change in type-specific HPV rates in the older age group was minimal, with many rates remaining the same. In this population of women, overall rates of HPV infection decreased, while the number of HPV tests increased. Younger women had a more marked decrease in HPV infection rates, while for older women type-specific HPV infection rates appear consistent.
Relationship Between Counselors' Clinical Hypotheses and Client Ratings of Counselor Effectiveness

The authors assessed the relationship of counseling students' hypothesis formation skill levels to counseling effectiveness. Hypothesis rating scales were selected to assess skill in using a comprehensive range of client data, integrating multiple client dimensions, and forming questions for hypothesis testing. Results indicated that higher ratings of hypothesis formation skill were associated with higher client ratings of counselor effectiveness. A combination of four hypothesis skill ratings predicted more than 60% of the variance in total Counselor Rating Form-Short version (CRF-S) scores, and one or more hypothesis formation skills were predictive of each CRF-S subscale score.
Shear-SANS study of single-walled carbon nanotube suspensions

Abstract We report a combined shear small-angle neutron scattering (shear-SANS) and rheo-optical study of dilute aqueous suspensions of SWNT bundles dispersed using ionic surfactants. Both shear-SANS and flow birefringence reveal weak shear-induced alignment of SWNT bundles along the direction of flow. In terms of a nematic order parameter, the degree of alignment is found to increase with the shear rate, reaching ca. 0.08 at 2000 s−1. Addition of a soluble polymer to the SWNT suspensions diminishes shear-induced alignment. The factors limiting shear alignment in dilute SWNT suspensions are discussed.
Conflict management style, supportive work environments and the experience of work stress in emergency nurses

Aims To examine the conflict management style that emergency department (ED) nurses use to resolve conflict and to determine whether their style of managing conflict and a supportive work environment affects their experience of work stress. Background Conflict is a common stressor that is encountered as nurses strive to achieve patient satisfaction goals while delivering quality care. How a nurse perceives support may impact work stress levels and how they deal with conflict. Methods A correlational design examined the relationship between supportive work environment, and conflict management style and work stress in a sample of 222 ED nurses using the expanded nurse work stress scale; the survey of perceived organisational support; and the Rahim organisational conflict inventory-II. Results Twenty seven percent of nurses reported elevated levels of work stress. A supportive work environment and avoidant conflict management style were significant predictors of work stress. Conclusions Findings suggest that ED nurses' perception of a supportive work environment and their approach to resolving conflict may be related to their experience of work stress. Implications for nursing management Providing opportunities for ED nurses in skills training in constructive conflict resolution may help to reduce work stress and to improve the quality of patient care.
Does Knowledge Management Matter? The Empirical Evidence from Market-Based Valuation

Information technology is inseparable from contemporary knowledge management (KM). Although anecdotal evidence and individual case studies suggest that effective knowledge management initiatives contribute to superior firm performance, other kinds of empirical investigations are scarce, and more to the point, most of them are based on perceptions of survey participants embedded in the firms being studied. Moreover, studies analyzing the question of whether superior KM performance can predict superior market-based valuation appear to be virtually nonexistent. Findings of such studies would be of value to those who champion and direct a firm’s KM efforts, and to the firm’s strategists, planners, and operational managers. Here, we empirically examine the relationship between KM performance and firm valuation; the former is assessed by international panels of independent KM experts and the latter is evaluated in terms of market-based measures. Based on data spanning eight years, the results show that superior KM performance has a statistically significant positive association with firm valuation in terms of Tobin’s q, price-to-book ratio, and price-to-sales ratio. This study contributes to the management literature by using independent expert judges and archival data to substantiate the notion that KM competencies are an important ingredient in a firm’s performance as indicated by market-based valuation.
Approaches for gene delivery to the subfornical organ and magnocellular neurons.

SUMMARY 1. The subfornical organ (SFO), the magnocellular neurons in supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei and the neurohypophysis (NH) constitute an important neuroendocrine axis for the maintenance of cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis in mammals. The SFO lacks a blood–brain barrier and is an important target for the effects of circulating angiotensin II on thirst. The SON and PVN, which receive projections from the SFO, synthesize the peptide vasopressin, which is stored in the NH nerve terminals and is released into the circulation under conditions of hypovolaemia and hyperosmolality. 2. Although neuropharmacological methods are still of fundamental importance for the understanding of the central nervous system (CNS), the techniques of gene transfer to the CNS that have been developed recently provide a new means to study and influence neural function. A key vector for delivering reporter or functional genes to the brain has been replication-deficient adenovirus, because it is safer, can be generated in high titres, can transfect non-dividing cells and can be retrogradely transported from nerve terminals to somata. 3. In the present review, we describe new approaches that have been developed to transfer genes to the SFO, SON, PVN and NH cells both in vitro and in vivo. We have defined the adenoviral concentrations required to optimize gene expression without causing cytotoxicity and an inflammatory response in the target cells. Gene transfer is an important tool to reveal mechanisms of SFO and SON control of cardiovascular homeostasis and may provide a therapeutic approach for prevention and/or treatment of pathophysiologies, such as arterial hypertension and genetic diabetes insipidus.
7 Things You Need to Know About: Contract Formation (Presentation Slides)

These slides teach you the seven things you absolutely need to know about forming contracts. They begin with the basis of all contracts the promise and delve into the ethical underpinnings of promises. They then move to the four elements of a valid contract: agreement (including offer and acceptance), consideration, legality and capacity. They end with a discussion of promissory estoppel -- a discretionary remedy utilized by judges to enforce promises in the interests of justice where a valid contract doesn't exist. These cases come up all the time when lenders promise to modify loans, buyers stop making payments and yet the lenders fail to consider the modification and initiate foreclosure proceedings.
The Tariff in Relation to Agriculture

In recent years the farmer and the economist have shown a greatly increased interest in the relation of the tariff to agriculture. Among the factors contributing to this increased interest there stand out prominently: (1) the apparently greater possibilities, under the changed conditions governing American agriculture, that protection against foreign competition may afford the farmer substantial benefits; (2) the agricultural crisis, which has stimulated the farmer to seek relief in every possible direction; and (3) the increased political cohesion and organization of the agricultural interests, which have enabled the farmers to influence the course of legislation more effectively than hitherto. In this opening paper of the tariff discussion I propose frankly to treat the relationship of the tariff to agriculture in very general terms and in the light of general principles, in the confidence that my successors will make what contribution to the question can be made by a more or less detailed analysis of the bearing on agriculture of particular rates of duty or of protection for particular products. I propose further to seek in the classical or orthodox theory of international trade the fundamental principles which I am to apply to this general problem. I follow this procedure without any elaborate attempt here at its defense. The classical approach to tariff problems and the conclusions to which it leads when rigorously applied to this or other tariff issues may not be acceptable to this audience. But the time at my disposal clearly does not permit of both the establishment of fundamental principles and their application to the specific problem under immediate consideration. In any case any plea I could make in defense of these fundamental principles would be wasted on those whom Adam Smith, Ricardo, and Mill have failed to persuade and would be superfluous for those who already subscribe to the teachings of the classical economists and
Oxygen Reduction Characteristics on Ag, Pt, and Ag-Pt Alloys in Low-Temperature SOFCs

Oxygen reduction reactions on Pt, Ag, and Pt-Ag alloys were investigated at temperatures between 300oC and 500oC with the help of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The rate-determining step in oxygen reduction reactions was found to depend on the choice of material as well as porosity and thickness. On 600nm dense Ag, dissociative adsorption/reduction of oxygen was dominant. On porous Pt charge transfer reaction in the vicinity of triple phase boundary is rate determining. Slow oxygen diffusion was rate dominant with 600nm dense Ag3Pt. I-V characterization was also performed at 350oC on fuel cells consisting of different metal cathodes. Silver-based alloys were found not suitable as cathodic catalysts for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells due to formation of silver oxide, in turn leading to a rapid decline in voltage with increasing current densities. Among the investigated metals, thin porous Pt was identified as the best cathode.
Wing Polymorphism in Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

In Acheta domesticus (L.) wing polymorphism, the development of macropterous, monopterous, or micropterous metathoracic wings, is a function of the quality of the diet upon which the insect feeds. Photoperiod showed no measurable relationship.
Influence of Rice Variety on Oviposition and Development of the Rice Weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, and the Maize Weevil, S. zeamais

Subsequent to the field trials of Doggett (1957), which confirmed the existence of varieties of sorghum resistant to the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), other workers have indicated the effects of this and other grain species on the biology of this insect. Russell (1962) and Russell and Rink (1965) found that the relative hardness of the grain of various sorghum varieties was a dominant factor in affecting the oviposition rates and adult emergence rates of both S. oryzae and of the maize weevil, S. zeamais (Motschulsky). Relatively soft varieties received 2–6 times as many eggs as relatively hard varieties. Davey (1965) reported that the number of S.oryzae emerging from mealy (soft) varieties of sorghum could exceed that emerging from vitreous (hard) varieties by about 20 times after a single generation. Pant et al. (1964) tested 11 maize varieties against the sameinsect and showed the existence of at least partial resistance. In small-scale experiments using 3 varieties of paddy, Breese (1960) found no infestation of S. sasakii (Takahashi) (=oryzae) in any grain with an intac thusk. Infestability for the most part was induced during harvesting or thrashing when husks became split or broken; varietal effects were minor.
Reincorporation and the American State in South Korea: The Textile Industry in the 1950s:

The development of South Korea's cotton manufacturing industry during the First Republic (1948–1960) is examined as a way to better understand the process of “reincorporation” of a peripheral state into the postwar capitalist world system. An examination of the character of cotton manufacturing in South Korea, and the role played by the United States in reincorporating the former Japanese colony into an American-dominated world system, suggests the process was largely one of “constrained bureaucratic expansion.” The study illustrates how the earlier process of incorporation under Japanese hegemony shaped subsequent reincorporation under American suzerainty. Additionally, the analysis underscores the importance of geopolitical factors, and the interaction of the local situation with the world system in shaping the process of reincorporation.
Transport characteristics of the thin limbs of Henle

The loop of Henle is, in part, composed of two functionally distinct thin limbs, the thin descending (DLH) and thin ascending (tALH) limb of Henle. Each of these segments has a unique and a critical role in the overall operation of the countercurrent multiplication system. The vast majority of the published information concerning the quantitative aspects of the mechanism of electrolyte and water transport across these segments has been obtained by in vitro microperfusion techniques. In view of their different transport properties, it is convenient to consider these segments separately.
Sonolysis of High Macroviscosity Systems: Hen Albumen Hydrogel

To understand molecular effects of ultrasound on protein gels (cross-linked, hydrated macromolecular systems of immeasurably high macroviscosity, but low microviscosity), the thick fraction of hen albumen was sonicated. The immeasurably high viscosity of the intact thick fraction decreased to 2.5–4.0 mPa·s (depending on the sample) after a 12 min sonication (0.14 mM of radicals were produced and 19 J g–1 of thermal energy absorbed) indicating that the 3D protein network was degraded. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated the breaking of intermolecular S–S bridges holding together the protein network rather than the primary structure of constituent proteins. Despite the relatively large concentration of OH radical produced in the sonication time range applied, no protein cross-linking was observed which can be attributed to the high degree of protein glycosylation and protein immobility. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that both the amount of bound water and the enthalpy of denaturation of the constit...
Biochemical Characteristics of Rat C-Type Virus WF-1

SummaryThe non-oncogenic rat C-type virus WF-1, isolated from a Wistar-Furth rat embryo cell line, was characterized biochemically. The purified virus has a buoyant density of 1.15 to 1.16 g/cm3 in sucrose, RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase) activity, and RNA with a sedimentation coefficient of 62 to 68 S. The viral RNA is single-stranded, and, upon treatment with heat, yields components with sedimentation coefficients of 36 S, 18 to 20 S, and 4 to 12 S.
Neighborhood poverty and children's food insecurity

Abstract Food insecurity among children and their families negatively affects children's health and well-being. While the link between household resources and food insecurity is well-established, family income alone does not explain food insecurity; neighborhood disadvantage, shown to affect other areas of children's development, may also play a role in food insecurity. This study examines associations between neighborhood poverty and children's food insecurity, and whether family characteristics account for identified associations. We merge data on kindergarten-age children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten 2010–11 Cohort (ECLS-K:2011) with data on poverty rates from the American Community Survey (ACS) and on food access from the USDA's Food Environment Atlas using children's residential census tracts (N = 12.550 children in 3750 tracts). Using a series of multilevel models, we test for associations between neighborhood poverty, household economic, demographic, and parenting characteristics, and food insecurity at the child, adult, and household levels. Children living in higher-poverty neighborhoods are more likely to experience food insecurity than those in lower-poverty neighborhoods. Associations between neighborhood poverty and household- and adult-level food insecurity disappear when household characteristics are controlled. However, living in a very high poverty neighborhood remains predictive of child-level food insecurity, which may be an indicator of severe hardship. Findings indicate that neighborhood poverty may be a useful proxy to identify vulnerable children.
Absense of Ocular Pathology after Repeated Exposure of Unanesthetized Monkeys to 9.3-GHz Microwaves

Unfettered monkeys (Macaca mulatta) have been trained to expose the face and eyes to pulsed microwave radiation at a frequency of 9.31 GHz and an average power density of 150 mW/cm2. Performance of an operant response required the monkeys to maintain the head within the field of the radiation source. Twelve monkeys were individually irradiated during 30 to 40 sessions and then were observed for a period of one year. No deleterious effects such as cataracts have been observed.
Correlation Between Markers of Bone Turnover and Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)

Intro: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy that arises from MGUS, however the majority of patients with MGUS do not go on to develop MM. A deeper understanding of the biology of progression from MGUS to MM is needed to identify patients at higher risk of progression and identify potential strategies to prevent development of MM. Altered bone metabolism is common in MGUS with upregulation of the receptor-activator of nuclear kB ligand (RANKL) to osteoprotegrin (OPG) ratio. Vitamin D has a central role in bone metabolism and has recently been associated with progressive disease in several malignancies, including MM. We hypothesized that progressive alterations in the key molecules of bone remodeling would correlate with the risk group of MGUS and that correction of vitamin D deficiency would lead to improved equilibrium of selective cytokines involved in bone remodeling and metabolism. Methods: 43 patients with MGUS or smoldering myeloma were assigned to low (0 or 1 risk factor) or high (2 or 3 risk factors or smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)) risk of progression to MM based on the IMWG consensus statement (Leukemia. 2010, June; 24(6); 1121-7). We measured 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels, IL-6, and the RANKL/OPG ratio via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients with low levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D were treated with 6,000 units of cholecalciferol daily for 8 weeks and then 2,000 units daily thereafter. Repeat levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and RANKL/OPG were repeated after three months of cholecalciferol therapy. Results: Total enrollment was 43 patients, with 26 patients with low risk disease and 17 patients with high risk disease. There was no significant difference in IL-6, OPG, RANKL, or the RANKL/OPG ratio levels between patients with low versus high risk disease. Patients with SMM versus patients with MGUS had higher levels of IL-6 RANKL and the RANKL/OPG ratio. 14 patients were found to have vitamin D deficiency with 25 hydroxyvitamin D Conclusions: These data provide clues that vitamin D deficiency is pervasive in MGUS . Additionally, hypovitaminosis D and its correction modulates the RANKL/OPG ratio that could play a pivotal role between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Further study is required to determine if alterations in bone metabolism and the correction of abnormal metabolism can alter the disease course of patients with MGUS, especially serum free light chains and bone marrow plasma cells (PC) and the PC karyotype. This trial was conducted with IRB approval from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Disclosures Yacoub:seattle genetics: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; sanofi: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; alexion: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mikhael:Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.
Photoreceptor rescue in an organotypic model of retinal degeneration.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous family of degenerative diseases in the retina. It is the leading cause of inherited blindness affecting 100,000 people worldwide. In 1958, results on dietary night blindness led Dowling and Wald (1958) to speculate, "that some forms of hereditary night blindness may possibly involve the failure to synthesize the specific protein of the rods--rod opsin." This observation foreshadowed recent discoveries of mutations in opsin and related genes. The progressive loss of RP was considered unstoppable. However, an explosion of research in this area has led to several possible treatments currently under investigation including transplantation, gene therapy, and trophic factor therapy. Studies using trophic factors may help us to understand the complex signaling pathways involved in the development and death of retinal neurons. Many excellent genetic models of RP have been developed in the mouse retina, including the well characterized retinal dystrophy (rd) mouse (Farber et al., 1994). Rod photoreceptors in the rd mouse retina undergo a rapid degeneration within the first 3 weeks postnatal due to a mutation in the