cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Golf Ball Sign: Arthroscopic Localization of an Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesion of the Knee

We report on the arthroscopic treatment of a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with an osteochondral defect of the medial femoral condyle. He underwent arthroscopic fixation of the defect, and during the surgery, a blunt trocar was used to localize the lesion. The trocar created a transient dimpling effect on the cartilage overlying the osteochondral defect that resembled the surface of a golf ball. This “golf ball sign” then served as a visual guide during placement of a chondral dart. When present, it is believed that this sign can benefit arthroscopists by helping to improve intraoperative localization of an osteochondral defect.
OXOTREMORINE INDUCED TREMOR IN THE DECORTICATED CAT.

Abstract A technique for the experimental study of tremor is described. Injection of oxotremorine into acutely decorticated cats consistently induced a generalized tremor. The electromyographic analysis showed that the induced tremor was regular with simultaneous contractions of flexor and extensor muscles, although extensors were more affected. The frequency spectrum was wide (8–28 c/s). Tremors started first in the head and neck muscles and were visible during one to two hours as either short or long bursts, with or without waxing and waning characteristics. Frequency spectrum, phase relations of flexor and extensor activity and mode of onset of oxotremorine tremors were similar to those observed in shivering. However, atropine sulfate blocked oxotremorine tremors as it does parkinsonian tremor but it does not affect shivering. Pentobarbital in subanesthetic and anesthetic doses was able to block oxotremorine tremor. Tolerance to oxotremorine appeared to develop with administration of successive doses.
Bibliometric techniques applied to issues management: A case study

Online data bases can be used to track the growth of the literature on some topic and to follow the diffusion of the topic through data bases of various types. This type of tracking may be valuable in identifying topics likely to become significant socOnline data bases can be used to track the growth of the literature on some topic and to follow the diffusion of the topic through data bases of various types. This type of tracking may be valuable in identifying topics likely to become significant social or technological “issues”; it might therefore become a useful tool in issues management. A case study on the subject of acid rain is describe it might therefore become a useful tool in issues management. A case study on the subject of acid rain is described.
Mars Pathfinder Trajectory Based Heating and Ablation Calculations

The Mars Pathfinder probe will enter the Martian atmosphere at a relative velocity of 7.65 km/s. The 2.65-m-diam vehicle has a blunted, 70-deg-half-angle, conical forebody aerobrake. Axisymmetric time-dependent calculations have been made using Gauss-Seidel implicit aerothermodynamic Navier-Stokes code with thermochemical surface conditions and a program to calculate the charring-material thermal response and ablation for heating analysis and heat-shield material sizing. The two codes are loosely coupled. The flovvfield and convective heat-transfer coefficients are computed using the flowfield code with species balance conditions for an ablating surface. The timedependent in-depth conduction with surface blowing is simulated using the material response code with complete surface energy-balance conditions. This is the first study demonstrating that the computational fluid-dynamics code interfacing with the material response code can be directly applied to the design of thermal protection systems of spacecraft. The heat-shield material is SLA-561V. The solutions, including the flowfield, surface heat fluxes and temperature distributions, pyrolysis-gas blowing rates, in-depth temperature history, and minimum heat-shield thicknesses over the aeroshell forebody, are presented and discussed in detail. The predicted heat-shield mass is about 20 kg.
Blockade of VEGFR1 and 2 suppresses pathological angiogenesis and vascular leakage in the eye.

Objective VEGFR1 and 2 signaling have both been increasingly shown to mediate complications of ischemic retinopathies, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study evaluates the effects of blocking VEGFR1 and 2 on pathological angiogenesis and vascular leakage in ischemic retinopathy in a model of ROP and in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a model of AMD. Materials and Methods Neutralizing antibodies specific for mouse VEGFR1 (MF1) and VEGFR2 (DC101) were administrated systemically. CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation and assessed 14d after laser treatment. Retinal NV was generated in oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR) and assessed at p17. NV quantification was determined by measuring NV tufts and vascular leakage was quantified by measuring [3H]-mannitol leakage from blood vessels into the retina. Gene expression was measured by real-time quantitative (Q)PCR. Results VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expressions were up-regulated during CNV pathogenesis. Both MF1 and DC101 significantly suppressed CNV at 50 mg/kg: DC101 suppressed CNV by 73±5% (p<0.0001) and MF1 by 64±6% (p = 0.0002) in a dosage-dependent manner. The combination of MF1 and DC101 enhanced the inhibitory efficacy and resulted in an accumulation of retinal microglia at the CNV lesion. Similarly, both MF1 and DC101 significantly suppressed retinal NV in OIR at 50 mg/kg: DC101 suppressed retinal NV by 54±8% (p = 0.013) and MF1 by 50±7% (p<0.0002). MF1 was even more effective at inhibiting ischemia-induced BRB breakdown than DC101: the retina/lung leakage ratio for MF1 was reduced by 73±24%, p = 0.001 and for DC101 by 12±4%, p = 0.003. The retina/renal leakage ratio for MF1 was reduced by 52±28%, p = 0.009 and for DC101 by 13±4%, p = 0.001. Conclusion Our study provides further evidence that both VEGFR1 and 2 mediate pathological angiogenesis and vascular leakage in these models of ocular disease and suggests that antagonist antibodies to these receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potential therapeutic agents.
American Missionaries in Greece: 1820–1869

A lesser known but perhaps significant phase of American religious reformism manifested itself beginning with the eighteen twenties when missionaries attempted to graft Protestantism on Greek soil. These spiritual reformers prepared to plant their faith in Greece while Samuel Gridley Howe, Jonathan P. Miller, and George Jarvis sought to help the Greeks win their independence from the Turks. This phase of missionary activity represented something extraordinary, because the Americans were attempting to impose their kind of Christianity on a people who had been Christians centuries before America was discovered.
Inhibition of aromatase improves nutritional status following portacaval anastomosis in male rats

Background/Aims The portacaval anastamosis (PCA) rat is a model of the nutritional and endocrine consequences of liver cirrhosis. We hypothesized that failure to gain body weight in the PCA rat was the consequence of low testosterone levels and will be reversed by 4-hydroxyandrostenedione, a specific aromatase inhibitor. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats subjected to an end-to-side PCA or sham surgery were administered either 4-hydroxyandrostenedione or vehicle. Food intake, food efficiency, and body weight were measured, animals sacrificed 3 weeks after surgery, visceral organs harvested and plasma sex steroids measured. Hepatic RNA was extracted and dot blots done to quantify the expression of sex hormone dependent enzymes 16α hydroxylase and 15β hydroxylase. Results Growth, food intake, food efficiency and plasma testosterone were lower and plasma estradiol higher in PCA than sham rats. Hepatic expression of testosterone driven 16α hydroxylase was lower and estradiol driven 15β hydroxylase higher in PCA rats. These alterations were reversed by 4-hydroxyandrostenedione. Conclusions These observations demonstrate that use of aromatase inhibitor reverses the nutritional and endocrine abnormalities in the PCA rat and suggest that this approach may be useful in cirrhotic patients.
Parallel evolution of pairs of dehydrogenase isoenzymes

Lactate dehydrogenase and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase are metabolically coupled by the anaerobic dismutation of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and by the NAD redox state. This causes the concentrations of lactate and glycerol 3-phosphate to accumulate proportionally during anaerobic muscle contraction; these concentrations are high relative to those in aerobic tissues such as liver. We show that the isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase from chicken breast muscle haveKm values for lactate and glycerol 3-phosphate, respectively, that are 10-fold higher than theKm values measured for the lactate dehydrogenase and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase isoenzymes from chicken liver. The association of proportionally higherKm values with the potential for proportionally higher accumulation of substrates suggests that the isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase from chicken muscle have evolved in parallel as a coupled metabolic unit distinct from the coupled isoenzymes in liver. The parallelism observed for the reduced substrates extends to the oxidized substrates, and to the coenzymes, NAD+ and NADH.
COBALT EXPOSURE IN A CARBIDE TIP GRINDING PROCESS

Reports relating hard metal disease or nonspecific respiratory symptoms to tungsten or cobalt exposure have been published in the past 20 yr. This report discusses a work site investigation of a small company, employing approximately 50 workers, producing carbide tip saw blades for the woodworking industry. Cobalt exposure was characterized by ambient air monitoring (area and personnel), particle size determination, and biological monitoring. Area sampling for cadmium, cobalt, and tungsten indicated low ambient air levels in all manufacturing areas except the grinding department, which had cobalt air levels approaching the threshold limit value of 0.05 mg/m3. Area airborne cobalt exposure levels measured over six shifts in the grinding department ranged from 0.017 to 0.12 mg/m3 for the total collection method and 0.002 to 0.028 mg/m3 for the method collecting respirable particles. Cobalt content in the total and respirable fractions was similar. Urine monitoring indicated production workers have elevated ...
Gender and gonadectomy influence specific proteins in the cerebellar cortex of the adult rat: a two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis.

Abstract Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to determine the influence of gender and gonadectomy on individual proteins of the 105,000 g supernatant (cytosol) of the cerebellar cortex of the adult rat. At age 60 days rats were gonadectomized or sham-gonadectomized. At age 140 days the rats were sacrificed and the 105,000 g supernatant prepared from the cerebellar cortex. Sham-operated female rats were sacrificed during the proestrus stage of the estrous cycle. Out of 200 proteins identified, 13 were influenced by gender and/or gonadectomy. Five of these proteins were influenced byboth gender and gonadectomy. A total of 18 differences were observed. Apparent molecular weights and isoelectric points (pIs) for the 13 proteins ranged from 22,000 to 92,000 Da and pH 4.8–6.1, respectively. Sex differences occurred in the percent volumes (spot density) of 9 proteins between intact male and proestrous female rats. Sex differences in 4 proteins were not influenced by gonadectomy. These differences were presumed to be genetically programmed and/or to reflect the permanentorganizational effects of gonadal steroids on the genome. Differences in the remaining 5 proteins depend upon the transientactivational effects of the testicular sex steroids, i.e. these gender differences were eliminated by castration. The effects of gonadectomy on individual proteins weregender specific, i.e. proteins affected by ovariectomy were not influenced by castration and vice versa. This suggests intact gonads are required for the specific gender-dependent proteins identified in the cerebellum. A potentially significant finding was a sex difference in one protein with the identical molecular weight (27,000 Da) and pI (5.3) as the spot 35 protein, an inhibitory Purkinje cell-specific cytosolic protein28,42,49,50. In summary, the role of gender and gonadectomy in the appearance of specific proteins in the cerebellar cortex suggests that either the cerebellum has an unsuspected role in reproductive processes, and/or the gonadal sex steroids have metabolic actions in addition to those associated with sexual activity. In any case, our findings are the first to suggest that gender and gonadectomy influence specific proteins in the adult rat cerebellum.
Growth of the Aorta in Children with Williams Syndrome Does Surgery Make a Difference

Supravalve aortic stenosis (SAS) and arch hypoplasia are features of Williams syndrome. The effect of aortoplasty on growth of the aorta is not established. We hypothesize that growth of the aorta remains deficient whether or not aortoplasty has been performed. Review of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh database revealed 18 patients with Williams syndrome and SAS. Fourteen had sufficient data for inclusion. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they had undergone aortoplasty (groups 1 and 2, respectively). Echocardiographic measurements and Doppler velocity estimates of the aorta were made at two time points in all patients and one additional time point postoperatively for group 1. Measurements were converted to z scores and compared. Peak pulsed echo Doppler velocity (m/sec) in the ascending aorta was higher in patients who underwent aortoplasty. This decreased significantly after surgery. Preoperatively, there was no difference between the groups’ annulus, ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and isthmus measurements. At a mean of 43 months postoperatively, there was no significant change in size of the ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and isthmus. Children with Williams syndrome have hypoplasia of the aortic arch that remains constant. Aortoplasty decreases the aortic gradient but has no effect on the size of the ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus over the short term.
Ultrasound examination of the serratus anterior during scapular protraction in asymptomatic individuals: reliability and changes with contraction.

Objective To determine the ability of 2 clinicians to reliably measure the thickness of the serratus anterior (SA) muscle using ultrasound during scapular protraction and to determine whether that thickness changes during activation of the SA. Design A cross-sectional observational study. Setting An outpatient biomechanical laboratory. Participants Twenty healthy, asymptomatic adults between the ages of 23 and 28 years. Methods Ultrasound imaging measurements were recorded during 3 conditions: (1) with the subject in a side-lying position and resting in a supported position of 90° of shoulder flexion; (2) with the subject in a side-lying position and the shoulder in 90° of shoulder flexion and actively protracting; and (3) with the subject in a side-lying position and the shoulder in 90° of shoulder flexion while holding the protracted position against 15 lb of force. Main Outcome Measurements Reproducibility was examined with use of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error of measurements. The thickness of the SA muscle measured during each condition was compared. Results Intratester and intertester ICC values were high. Ranges for ICCs were 0.892-0.979 for intratester reliability within a session, 0.900-0.912 for intratester reliability between sessions, and 0.929-0.939 for intertester reliability. Statistically significant differences in the thickness of the SA were found between the rest condition and the hold with resistance condition but not between the rest condition and the active hold condition. Conclusion Findings of this study document the high reliability of ultrasound imaging in determining SA muscle thickness and thickness changes at rest and during contraction of the SA. Clinicians should be aware that resistance may need to be added to active scapular protraction in a side-lying position to produce a significant change in SA thickness from the rest position. This information can be used by clinicians who assess the SA and treat scapular dysfunction when activation or facilitation of the SA is required.
Inflation regimes, core inflation measures and the relationship between producer and consumer price inflation

To date, an overwhelming majority of the literature has addressed mean relationships between producer and consumer price inflation. Granger et al . (1986) represent the only attempt to investigate second moment relationships. We examine the consumer--producer price relationship employing a multivariate GARCH-M framework that allows simultaneous estimation of the bivariate system along with providing explicit times series estimates of the variances of consumer and producer price inflation. This research also breaks new ground in the use of core and over-all inflation variance measures as well as examining state dependent mean and variance relationships. We find that mean relationships are generally sensitive to the measure of inflation used. Food and energy prices play an important role in transmitting changes in aggregate input prices to aggregate output prices. When food and energy prices are eliminated from consumer and producer price inflation measures, mean relationships break down irrespective of whe...
Methods to document semantic equivalence of a translated scale

To ensure the semantic equivalence of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS)-Spanish Version, multiple methods were used, including back-translation, the committee approach, pretest techniques, and alternate forms equivalence. The back-translation process involved eight translators who represented the four predominant Hispanic groups in the United States. In the committee approach the Hispanic translators convened together to discuss the results of the back-translations and to come to group consensus on problematic items. In pretesting the PDSS-Spanish Version was field-tested with five Hispanic mothers, and it was determined that it accurately captured the connotative meanings of the screening scale. Alternate forms equivalence of the two language versions of the PDSS was assessed with a sample of 30 bilingual Hispanic mothers. Alpha reliability estimates ranged from 0.94 to 0.99. Though lengthy, this systematic procedure was needed to guarantee the production of a fully equivalent linguistic version of the PDSS.
Ontogeny of spontaneous blinking and of habituation of the blink reflex

Habituation of the blink reflex to glabellar percussion was examined in 164 infants and children from ages 2 days to 18 years and in 18 adults aged 18 to 50 years. Spontaneous blink rates were measured in 269 children and 179 adults. The mean number of glabellar taps required for habituation of the blink reflex increased from 2.7 (SD 1.2) at 0 to 2 months of age to a peak of 13.3 (SD 5.6) at age 3 to 4, remained at more than 10 until age 6, after which a rapid decline occurred, reaching the adult level of 2 to 5 blinks to habituation at age 12 years. The mean rate of spontaneous blinking was less than 2 per minute in early infancy and increased steadily during childhood up to age 14 or 15. The inverse relationship of spontaneous blink rate and number of blink reflexes to habituation in early childhood and in disorders of dopamine transmission suggests that spontaneous blink rate and habituation of the blink reflex reflect maturation and integrity of dopaminergic circuits in the brain.
Triple MEL100 Therapy in Multiple Myeloma

Abstract Background Tandem high-dose melphalan therapy with autologous peripheral stem cell support has emerged as the standard of care for patients without prohibitive comorbidities. Mucositis and gastrointestinal side effects are the most common extrahematologic side effects. Two previously published studies presented a triple transplant with a conditioning regimen of melphalan 100 mg/m2 (MEL100) with peripheral stem cell support every 2 to 5 months for patients with prohibitive comorbidities for high-dose tandem transplantation. We present a novel approach that investigates the triple melphalan 100/m2 approach on a dose-dense, every-3-weeks schedule in a patient population without significant comorbidities. Patients and methods Thirteen standard or high-risk patients with stage III multiple myeloma were prospectively treated. This population contained eight patients with immunoglobin G clonality, three immunoglobin A, one nonsecretory, and one light chain isotype. The induction regimens of the 13 patients were heterogenous and included five VAD, three DCIE, two Thal/Dex, two CIE, and one pulse decadron. Patients underwent peripheral blood leukopheresis, and these cells were divided into three equal sets and frozen. The patients were scheduled to receive melphalan at 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 20, and 41, and then the autologous infusions occurred at days 0, 21, and 42. Results All patients were able to receive all three cycles of the MEL100 regimen. Seven patients (54%) received the treatments on the every-3-weeks schedule; three treatments (23%) during the second cycle and six treatments (46%) of the third cycle had to be delayed a median of 6 and 4 days, respectively. Three patients were managed completely in the outpatient setting, and the average total hospital stay for the three transplants was 18 days. Median progression-free survival was 854 days (range 73 to 1571), and the overall survival of this cohort has yet to be reached. No patient had worse than grade II mucositis, and no serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusion Our regimen of three consecutive autologous peripheral stem cell transplants with a reduced dose of melphalan at 100 mg/m2 given every 3 weeks was very well tolerated. The progression-free survival and overall survival are similar and can be compared favorably with the standard tandem myeloma regimens. Our data is intriguing, and further studies with larger numbers need to be performed to confirm these results.
What is this thing called ‘commonsense psychology’?

Abstract Many philosophers ‐ Paul Churchland, among them ‐argue that commonsense psychology in terms of beliefs, desires and intentions is a proto‐science ripe for replacement (or more optimistically, for vindication) by a more mature science. I set out and then criticize three arguments for the conclusion that commonsense psychology is a proto‐science. I try to show that each of these arguments has a false premise that finds its place in a single metaphysical picture that I call “the physicalist picture.” I sketch an alternative picture, “the Practical‐Realist picture,” that is more adequate to the richness of human life. Commonsense psychology is fully integrated into the Practical‐Realist picture. Finally, I consider how my view fits with empirical psychology.
A new phosphonate pendant-armed cross-bridged tetraamine chelator accelerates copper(II) binding for radiopharmaceutical applications

A phosphonate pendant-armed cross-bridged cyclam chelator has been synthesized, complexed to Cu(ii), radiolabeled with (64)Cu under mild conditions, and its biodistribution studied.
Soil-moisture limits on plant uptake: An upscaled relationship for water-limited ecosystems

Abstract Transpiration in water-limited ecosystems is controlled by the availability of soil moisture. Rain events in these natural environments may only partially wet the root zone, leading to a heterogeneous distribution of available water. This spatial variability coupled with the non-linearity of the function relating local uptake to local saturation produces a non-unique relationship when these quantities are scaled up. This work proposes a simple multi-valued relationship between plant transpiration and average root-zone saturation predicated on the distinct spatial patterns of wetting and drying. Predictions of daily transpiration from an upscaled model that uses this relationship match closely those from a vertically resolved model that employs an Ohm’s law analogy for plant uptake.
DOMINANT ROLE OF MITOCHONDRIA IN CLEARANCE OF LARGE CA2+ LOADS FROM RAT ADRENAL CHROMAFFIN CELLS

Abstract Cytosolic Ca 2+ (Ca 2+ c ) clearance from adrenal chromaffin cells was studied by whole-cell patch clamp and indo-1 Ca 2+ photometry after influx of Ca 2+ through voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels. We isolated the rates of Ca 2+ c clearance by several mechanisms using combinations of the following agents (with their expected targets): Li + or TEA substituted for Na + (Na + –Ca 2+ exchange), 1 mM La 3+ applied after the depolarization (Na + –Ca 2+ exchange and plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase), 1 μM thapsigargin (pumping into reticular stores), and 2 μM carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (uptake into mitochondria). Remarkably, whenever [Ca 2+ ] c rose above ∼500 nM, Ca 2+ c clearance by mitochondria exceeded clearance by either Na + –Ca 2+ exchange or the Ca 2+ pumps of the plasma and reticular membranes. As [Ca 2+ ] c fell again, Ca 2+ reemerged from mitochondria, prolonging the final return to basal levels.
Comparison of melanin-concentrating hormone and hypocretin/orexin peptide expression patterns in a current parceling scheme of the lateral hypothalamic zone

The distribution of hypothalamic neurons expressing the peptides melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH; 'MCH neurons') or hypocretin/orexin (H/O; 'H/O neurons') was assessed with immunocytochemistry in male rats at high spatial resolution. Data were plotted on a rat brain atlas that includes a recently revised parcellation scheme for the lateral hypothalamic zone. Quantitative analysis revealed approximately three times more MCH neurons than H/O neurons in the hypothalamus, and approximately twice as many within the parcellations of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). The LHA contained 60% of MCH neurons and 81% of H/O neurons, and the same five LHA regions contained the vast majority of MCH (87%) or H/O (93%) neurons present within the LHA: namely the LHA dorsal region (LHAd: 31% of H/O; 38% of MCH), suprafornical region (LHAs: 28% of H/O; 11% of MCH), ventral region medial zone (LHAvm: 15% of H/O; 16% of MCH), juxtadorsomedial region (LHAjd: 14% of H/O and MCH) and magnocellular nucleus (LHAm: 5% of H/O; 7% of MCH). The zona incerta (ZI) contained 18% of MCH neurons. A high co-abundance of MCH and H/O neurons outside of the LHA was present in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (PH: 11% of H/O; 9% of MCH). Morphological analysis revealed MCH and H/O neurons as typically tri-polar with irregularly shaped somata. These data provide a quantitative analysis of neurons expressing either MCH or H/O peptides within the rat hypothalamus, and they clarify differences in the distribution pattern for different subsets of these neuron types, especially within the LHA.
Internal tandem duplications of the FLT3 gene are present in leukemia stem cells

Internal tandem duplication mutations of the FLT3 gene (FLT3/ITD mutations) are the most frequent molecular abnormality in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are associated with a poor overall survival. While the normal FLT3 receptor is expressed in early hematopoietic progenitor cells, it has not been determined whether FLT3 mutations are present in the leukemic stem cells. In this study, we sorted primary AML samples into stem cell-enriched CD34+/CD38- fractions and then analyzed the sorted and unsorted cells for the FLT3 mutant-wild-type ratio. In each case, the FLT3 mutant-wild-type ratio was not changed by selection of CD34+/CD38- cells, implying that the mutations are present in the leukemic stem cells. We used the stem cell-enriched fraction to engraft nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice and then confirmed that the FLT3/ITD mutation was present in the resultant engrafted marrow. As a final test of the importance of FLT3/ITD signaling in this engraftment model, we used a small molecule FLT3 inhibitor, CEP-701, to inhibit engraftment of FLT3/ITD stem cells. Taken together, these experiments establish that the FLT3/ITD mutations are present in leukemia stem cells, and that FLT3 inhibitors may have activity against these cells. (Blood. 2005;106:673-680)
Does horizontal mixing explain phytoplankton dynamics

The modern era of biological oceanography arguably began in 1978 with the successful launch of the Coastal Zone Color Scanner on the Nimbus 7 satellite. Although limited by today's standards, the Coastal Zone Color Scanner provided the first glimpse of the complex, beautiful, and difficult-to-sample interactions between single-celled phytoplankton and the turbulent mixing of the surface ocean. In the intervening decades, oceanographers have made tremendous advances, with more and better ocean color sensors such as the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, and Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer. The PNAS report by d'Ovidio et al. (1) shows us how much further we need to go and provides a glimpse into the true complexity of the surface ocean and the mechanisms driving this ecological landscape.
Ten cis-clerodane-type diterpene lactones from Gutierrezia texana

Abstract Ten new 5α,10α- cis -clerodane-type diterpene lactones were isolated from the aerial parts of Gutierrezia texana . Using NMR techniques and some chemical transformations, the structures were established as 6α,18-dihydroxy- cis -cleroda-3,13(14)-diene-15,16-olide; 18,19-dihydroxy- cis -cleroda-3,13(14)-diene-15,16-olide; cis -cleroda-3,13(14)-diene-15,16:18,19-diolide; 18,19-epoxy-19α-hydroxy- cis -cleroda-3,13(14)-diene-15,16-olide; 3α,4:18,19-diepoxy-18β,19α-dihydroxy- cis -cleroda-13(14)-ene-15,16-olide; 3α,4-epoxy-19α-hydroxy- cis -cleroda-13(14)-ene-15,16:18,19-diolide; 3α,4:18,19-diepoxy-19α-hydroxy- cis -cleroda-13(14)-ene-15,16-olide; 3α,4β,19α-trihydroxy-18,19-epoxy- cis -cleroda- 13(14)-ene-15,16-olide; 19- O -α- L -arabinopyranosyl- cis -cleroda-3,3,13(14)-diene-15,16-olide-19-oic ester and 2β,6α-dihydroxy- cis -cleroda-3,13(14)-diene-15,16:18,6α-diolide. One of the structures was also confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Lithium-induced inhibition of Src tyrosine kinase in rat cerebral cortical neurons: a role in neuroprotection against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity

The neuroprotective effects of lithium, a mood stabilizer, against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in rat cortical neurons were associated with a decrease in Tyr1472 phosphorylation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor NR2B subunit and a loss of receptor activity. Since this receptor tyrosine phosphorylation is mediated by the Src-family tyrosine kinases, we investigated the effects of lithium on the Src kinase activity. Levels of phosphorylated Src kinase at Tyr416, an index of Src activation, were reduced after treatment with LiCl (1 mM) for more than 3 days. Protein levels of Src-family kinases such as Src, Fyn, and Yes were unchanged by lithium treatment. The activities of cytosolic protein tyrosine kinase and protein phosphatase were also unchanged by lithium treatment, indicating the selectivity and the modulation. Moreover, the levels of postsynaptic densities (PSD) and SynGAP, the scaffolding proteins of the NMDA receptor complex, were unaltered by lithium. A Src kinase inhibitor, SU6656, and an NR2B antagonist, ifenprodil, partially blocked glutamate excitotoxicity. Our results suggest that lithium-induced inactivation of Src kinase contributes to this drug-induced NMDA receptor inhibition and neuroprotection against excitotoxicity.
Teratogenic effects of gravitational changes

In investigating the effect of gravitational changes on development, it is instructive to think of altered gravity (Δg) as a teratogen - that is, an environmental factor influencing development. Observed effects on skeletal development include: suppression of morphogenesis in centrifuged mouse limb buds; advanced fusion stages in centrifuged mouse palates; smaller crown rump lengths (CRL) and decreased number of pregnancies in centrifuged rats and mice; altered differentiation of growth plates in young growing rats in space; and decreased length of calcified long bone regions in fetal rats exposed to microgravity (μg) in utero. These studies show that Δg is able to alter development in vivo and in vitro and suggest that Δg operates, at least in part, at the cellular level.
A SETI Search of Nearby Solar-Type Stars at the 203-GHz Positronium Hyperfine Resonance

Abstract The development of advanced millimeter-wave technology has made it possible to construct low-noise receivers and high-power transmitters comparable to those available at much lower frequencies. This technology, plus certain physical characteristics of the millimeter-wave spectrum, suggests possible advantages for use of this wavelength range for interstellar communications. As a result, a SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) type search has been conducted for narrow-bandwidth signals at frequencies near the positronium hyperfine spectral line (203.385 GHz), a potential natural reference frequency. A total of 40 solar-type stars within 23 parsecs were observed, in addition to three locations near the galactic center. No detections were made at the detection threshold of 2.3 × 10 -19 W/m 2 in each of two orthogonal linear polarizations. Future observations will be made with a higher resolution fast Fourier transform spectrum analyzer (FFTSA), which should improve sensitivity by an order of magnitude and reduce required observing time.
Highly Stable, Protected Plasmonic Nanostructures for Tip Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

An ultrathin aluminum oxide (Al2O3) coating improves significantly the stability of plasmonic structures used in tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). The coating does not alter the favorable optical properties of metallic structures yet improves wear resistance and inhibits degradation, so that signal enhancement remains constant over 40 days for structures with a 3 nm thick protective coating. Most unprotected structures show substantial losses in enhancement over periods as short as 10 days when stored and used in ambient conditions.
Conservation laws and variational principles in metric theories of gravity

Conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum in metric theories of gravity is studied extensively both in Lagrangian formulations (using generalized Bianchi identities) and in the post-Newtonian limit of general metric theories. Our most important results are the following: (i) The matter response equations $T_{}^{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}{}_{;\ensuremath{\nu}}{}^{}=0$ of any Lagrangian-based, generally covariant metric theory (LBGCM theory) are a consequence of the gravitational-field equations if and only if the theory contains no absolute variables. (ii) Almost all LBGCM theories possess conservation laws of the form $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}{}_{,\ensuremath{\nu}}{}^{}{}_{}{}^{}=0$ (where $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ reduces to $T_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ in the absence of gravity). (iii) $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ is always expressible in terms of a superpotential, $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}=\ensuremath{\Lambda}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{[\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\alpha}]}{}_{,\ensuremath{\alpha}}{}^{}{}_{}{}^{}$, If the superpotential $\ensuremath{\Lambda}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{[\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\alpha}]}$ can be expressed in terms of asymptotic values of field quantities, then the conserved integral ${P}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}=\ensuremath{\int}\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}{d}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ can be measured by experiments confined to the asymptotically flat region outside the source. (iv) In the Will-Nordtvedt ten-parameter post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism there exists a conserved ${P}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ if and only if the parameters obey five specific constraints; two additional constraints are needed for the existence of a conserved angular momentum ${J}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ (This modifies and extends a previous result due to Will.) (v) We conjecture that for metric theories of gravity, the conservation of energy-momentum is equivalent to the existence of a Lagrangian formulation; and using the PPN formalism, we prove the post-Newtonian limit of this conjecture. (vi) We present "stress-energy-momentum complexes" $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ for all currently viable metric theories known to us.
A Survey of Methods Used for Evaluating Student Performance on Business Simulations

Survey results of assessment methods used by simulation instructors to evaluate student performance on business simulations are presented. The learning objectives that instructors were attempting t...
Study design issues in a corneal reshaping contact lens myopia progression study

Advances in contact lens design have led to corneal reshaping contact lenses that can be worn at night to temporarily reduce myopia so that patients can see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. Children are able to wear corneal reshaping contact lenses, but we do not know how they may affect the progression of myopia. A myopia control study with corneal reshaping contact lenses poses study design problems that other studies do not encounter because they temporarily reduce the refractive error. A discussion of the choice of primary outcome and control group will highlight some of these unique study design issues.
Beyond Recruitment: Predictors of Differential Participation in a National Antihunger Organization

Surprisingly little research has sought to explain differential participation after recruitment into social movement organizations (SMOs). This study examines the influence of several sets of predictors on participation by members of a national organization in the antihunger movement. The findings highlight the importance of incentive, ideological, and microstructural factors for differential participation and suggest that favorable perceptions of SMOs also promote participation. Final remarks address the implications of the findings for the social movement and voluntary organization literatures.
Effect of Ester to Amide or N-Methylamide Substitution on Bacterial Membrane Depolarization and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Cyclic Lipopeptides

Cyclic lipopeptides derived from the fusaricidin/LI-F family of naturally occurring antibiotics represent particularly attractive candidates for the development of new antibacterial agents. In comparison with natural products, these derivatives may offer better stability under physiologically relevant conditions and lower nonspecific toxicity, while preserving their antibacterial activity. In this study we assessed the ability of cyclic lipodepsipeptide 1 and its analogues--amide 2, N-methylamide 3, and linear peptide 4--to interact with the cytoplasmic membranes of selected Gram-positive bacteria. We also investigated their bacteriostatic/bactericidal modes of action and in vivo potency by using a Galleria mellonella model of MRSA infection. Cyclic lipopeptides 1 and 2 depolarize the cytoplasmic membranes of Gram-positive bacteria in a concentration-dependent manner. The degree of membrane depolarization was influenced by the structural and physical properties of 1 and 2, with the more flexible and hydrophobic peptide 1 being most efficient. However, membrane depolarization does not correlate with bacterial cell lethality, suggesting that membrane-targeting activity is not the main mode of action for this class of antibacterial peptides. Conversely, substitution of the depsipeptide bond in 1 with an N-methylamide bond in 3, or its hydrolysis to peptide 4, lead to a complete loss of antibacterial activity and indicate that the conformation of cyclic lipopeptides plays a role in their antibacterial activities. Cyclic lipopeptides 1 and 2 are also capable of improving the survival of G. mellonella larvae infected with MRSA at varying efficiencies, reflecting their in vitro activities. Gaining more insight into the structure-activity relationship and mode of action of these cyclic lipopeptides may enable the development of new antibiotics of this class with improved antibacterial activity.
ECOLOGICAL BIOMECHANICS OF BENTHIC ORGANISMS: LIFE HISTORY, MECHANICAL DESIGN AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF MECHANICAL STRESS

We can gain biomechanical insights if we couple knowledge of the environments, ecological roles and life history strategies of organisms with our laboratory analyses of their mechanical function or fluid dynamics, as illustrated by studies of the mechanical design of bottom-dwelling marine organisms. Obviously, measurements of the spatial and temporal distribution of loads on an organism in nature reveal the magnitudes and rates at which biomechanical tests should be performed in the laboratory. Furthermore, knowledge of the population biology and ecological interactions of the organisms being studied is crucial to determine when during the life of an individual particular aspects of mechanical performance should be measured; not only can the size, shape and material properties of an individual change during ontogeny, but so can its habitat, activities and ecological role. Such ecological information is also necessary to determine whether the aspects of mechanical performance being studied are biologically important, i.e. whether they affect the survivorship or fitness of the organisms. My point in raising these examples is to illustrate how ecological studies can enhance or change our understanding of biomechanical function.
Concise formal synthesis of (-)-peduncularine via ring-closing metathesis.

A synthesis of the 6-aza[3.2.1]bicyclooctene (−)-2 has been completed by a short sequence of reactions that required only six operations from (S)-malic acid and featured a novel ring-closing metathesis to form the bridged bicyclic ring. Because 2 was previously converted into (−)-peduncularine (1), its preparation constitutes a formal enantioselective synthesis of 1.
Social Cognition in Williams Syndrome: Relations Between Performance on the Social Attribution Task and Cognitive and Behavioral Characteristics

Williams syndrome (WS) is a developmental disorder of genetic origin, with characteristic cognitive and personality profiles. Studies of WS point to an outgoing and gregarious personality style, often contrasted with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, recent research has uncovered underlying social reciprocity difficulties in people with WS. Participants in the current study included 24 children with WS ages 8 through 15. A lab-based measure of social perception and social cognition was administered (Social Attribution Test), as well as an intellectual functioning measure (KBIT-II) and parent reports of communication and reciprocal social skills (Social Communication Questionnaire, Social Responsiveness Scale). Relations between social cognition, cognitive abilities, and social-communication were examined. Results demonstrated relations between parent-reported social reciprocity and the typicality of the responses provided in the lab-based measure, even once variability in intellectual functioning was taken into account. In addition, a significant improvement in performance was seen with the added scaffolding particularly for participants with stronger intellectual functioning.
Fifty years of attempted biological control of termites - Analysis of a failure

The use of pathogens as biological control agents has long been considered a promising technology for termite control. Over the past five decades, there has been a large accumulation of scientific literature on the development of control methods using various pathogens. However, despite the evidence that biological control has essentially failed, or failed to be developed, as a method for commercial termite control, this field of research remains very active. In this study, we examined 50 years of research on the microbial control of termites in order to understand why commercial products have failed to be developed and why this field of research remains so active. All (to the extent of our knowledge) of the literature published between 1960 and 2011 was evaluated to investigate any publication bias and to detect false positives in the form of overly optimistic conclusions. This re-interpretation supports the idea that the conclusions frequently expressed have been misleading to some extent, or at least overly optimistic, about the potential for application of biological control to termites. Many results obtained from bioassays with poor biological relevancy have been interpreted as promising, while few results actually support practical application. We also suggest that the failure of termite biological control and the continued research emphasis in this area resulted in part from unrealistic optimism about the potential for development of environmentally friendly methods to control termites, publication bias, and poor understanding of termite biology.
Network-Coding-Based Relay MAC Protocols for Drive-Thru Internet Services in Vehicular Networks

We propose the network-coding-based relay MAC protocols that aim at providing drive-thru Internet services to the moving vehicles by utilizing the dedicated short range communication (DSRC) over vehicular networks. Our proposed MAC protocols can adaptively switch between two communications modes according to the highway traffic-load conditions. When the highway traffic load is heavy, our system works under the one-hop communications mode. When the density of vehicles on the road is low, the service base station turns on the network-coding-based two-hop relay mode that can extend the coverage of the non-safety data services to the two-hop area. We propose the wireless-network-coding schemes in the relay communications mode to improve the network performance. We also develop the analytical models to analyze the performance of our protocols. Also conducted are simulation experiments to validate and evaluate our proposed MAC protocols. Compared with the traditional IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol for Internet drive-thru services, our proposed relay MAC protocol can significantly increase the network efficiency.
What is a limit cycle

A limit cycle is the stability boundary for linear and non-linear control systems. Hamiltonian mechanics and power flow control are employed to demonstrate this property of limit cycles. The presentation begins with the concept of linear limit cycles which is extended to non-linear limit cycles. Many examples are used to demonstrate these concepts including linear and non-linear oscillators, power engineering, and an extension to a class of plane differential systems. Power flow control based on Hamiltonian mechanics is shown to be applicable to a large class of non-linear systems. Finally, eigenanalysis and flight stability for linear systems are extended to non-linear systems and is referred to as ‘the power flow principle of stability for non-linear systems’.