cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct measurements of viscoelastic flows of DNA in a 2:1 abrupt planar micro-contraction

Abstract Direct measurement techniques are employed to quantify the kinematics of DNA flows in a 2:1 planar abrupt micro-contraction. Flow through micro-contractions subjects the fluid to large spatial gradients in velocity, leading to viscoelastic effects. This study investigates the flow of semi-dilute λ-DNA solutions in a 2:1 micro-contraction for low Reynolds numbers (6.0 × 10−7 105 have been previously unexplored in experiments. Video microscopy and streak images reveal highly elastic behavior evidenced by the presence of large, stable vortices symmetric about the centerline in the corners of the contraction. Digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) is used to obtain high resolution, quantitative measurements of the velocity fields and in particular the vortex growth in this micro-contraction flow. We believe these are among the first measurements of this type in a viscoelastic microflow and the first involving DNA solutions. Knowledge of the fundamental physics that governs viscoelastic microflows will have a profound impact on optimization of lab-on-a-chip systems incorporating macromolecular flows.
Clonal distribution of melanocytes in piebald-spotted and variegated mice.

Experimental observations of mice support the hypothesis that the complete pigmentation of most normal mammals and birds develops by the expansion and merger of clones of pigment cells from the same centers that appear as pigmented spots against a white background in piebald-spotted mutants. Specific piebald-spotted mutants, bt and s, having nearly normal pigment coverge in certain parts of their bodies were selected for progressive restriction of those areas until the center of each area was located. Repeated reversion of the same pigment areas in variegated Miwh, Wa, and Va heterozygotes indicated that each of the areas was a clone of cells derived from a single primordial melanoblast that migrated from the neural crest to the location of the center during embryogenesis. White regions completely separated cells of different clones into differently pigmented spots when piebald-spotting mutants, bt or s, were combined with variegated Miwh/+. Because the separation of clones was so complete, it appears that no pigment cells exist in the intervening white regions at any stage of development. Additional evidence also indicates that restricted proliferation of pigment cells is a common end effect in all piebald-spotting mutants, even though more direct effects may be on the pigment cell, the neural crest or the tissue environment of the skin.
Seasonal variations in the spatial-temporal dependence of total column ozone

The Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) is a satellite-based instrument that measures total column ozone on a daily basis over a fairly dense spatial grid with near global coverage. Statistical models for the spatial-temporal variations in total column ozone provide insights into ozone dynamics, are valuable for obtaining inferences on long-term trends in ozone levels, and can be used to predict ozone levels at unobserved points in space-time. However, developing such a model is complicated by the seasonally varying nature of the space-time dependence and the partial confounding of spatial and temporal variation caused by the sun-synchronous orbit of the satellite. This work considers methods for describing, modeling and estimating the seasonal patterns in the dependence structure for measurements at a single latitude. Applying one of these models to the synoptic prediction of total column ozone at a latitude shows that there is at least the potential for substantially improved predictions by exploiting the high spatial density of observations TOMS provides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated modeling of the ultrasonic/sonic drill/corer (USDC): procedure and analysis results

Rock and soil penetration by coring, drilling or abrading is of great importance for a large number of space and earth applications. An Ultrasonic/Sonic Drill/Corer (USDC) has been developed as an adaptable tool for many of these applications [Bar-Cohen et al, 2001]. The USDC uses a novel drive mechanism to transform the ultrasonic or sonic vibrations of the tip of a horn into a sonic hammering of a drill bit through an intermediate free-flying mass. As the pace of adapting the USDC to various applications has increased, it has become more critical to develop an efficient simulation tool to predict the performance of various designs. A series of computer programs that model the function and performance of the USDC device were previously developed and tested against experimental data [Bao et al, 2003]. The combination of these programs into an integrated modeling package and the analysis of simulated results will be described in this paper.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evaluating cognitive impairment in depression with the Luria-Nebraska neuropsychological battery: Severity correlates and comparisons with nonpsychiatric controls

Depressed patients often complain of memory and attentional difficulties, and some research suggests an increased incidence of neuropsychological impairment in depression. Yet, many prior studies contain methodological problems, including the following: (1) inclusion of medicated patients, (2) small sample sizes, and (3) tests with unknown psychometric properties. We administered the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) to 28 unmedicated inpatients who met Research Diagnostic Criteria for major depression. Twenty of the 28 patients were given additional cognitive measures (e.g., Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Benton Tests). The depressed patients performed similarly to an age- and education-matched nonpsychiatric reference sample. When data for a subset of the most severely depressed patients were analyzed separately, these patients too were found to perform similarly to matched controls. There were no relationships between Hamilton rating scale measures of depression severity and any cognitive measures among the depressed patients. The results suggest that cognitive functioning in depressed patients does not differ significantly from that in carefully matched controls and is independent of symptom severity.
Demand price sensitivity and market power in a congested fuel and electricity network

Fixed demands for electricity are incorporated into a game theoretic model of strategic generators who are supplied by a fuel transportation network and produce power for a congested electricity transportation network governed by an independent system operator. Some counter-intuitive effects on measures of market power result from reducing the proportion of demands that are fixed rather than price-sensitive. Examination of the dual prices found in the complementarity problem's solution reveal how these effects result from either a load pocket created by transmission congestion or the cost structure induced by the fuel supply network. One of the counter-intuitive effects also appears in a competitive benchmark model.
Analysis of the dynamic behavior of a starch foam extrusion process

The starch foam extrusion process was modeled as a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) process, and the dynamics of the process were studied as a response to step changes in the input variables such as starch feed rate, screw speed, moisture content (MC), and poly(hydroxy aminoether) (PHAE) feed rate. The responses were modeled as first-order responses with a time delay. The linearity of the process was determined over a range around the set-point, and the parameters defining the first-order system such as gain “K,” time constant “τ,” and dead time “td” were determined in the linear range. The transfer function models can then be used in a predictive computer control system for on-line fine-tuning of the operating conditions. This could ensure a consistently high quality product even when low frequency disturbances are present in the system. It was observed that the time constants and the dead times recorded for both the pressure and torque responses did not exhibit significant variation within each manipulated or input variable tested, indicating a dynamic linearity with respect to each manipulated variable. It was also observed that for the same step-input variations in the manipulated variables, the torque loading on the twin-screw extruder exhibited a faster response (lower dead time), and also reached a steady state sooner (lower time constant). The MC and screw speed seem to be the most destabilizing variables, as they induce rapid responses in the process variables. The MC in the extruder was, hence, determined to be the most influential factor in the stability of the process, followed by screw speed and starch feed rate. PHAE feed rate was the least significant variable. Multiple step-input tests were carried out to determine the validity of the principle of superposition. The validity of the principle of superposition implied the linearity of the process in the domain tested. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3983–3995, 2006
Technologies on the horizon-voice vs. data: an estimate of future broadband traffic

A number of data and other services are examined, and the total digital traffic generated, compared to voice traffic in digital form, is estimated. The total yearly traffic generated by telephone calls is estimated. The total traffic in digital form is calculated for a number of data services involving terminals and the transmission of text in digital form as alphanumeric characters. Included are results for video telephones, data file transfers, electronic newspapers, information-age labor force, motion picture distribution, network television distribution, data generated by or about people, newspaper and periodical composition and airline reservations. It is found that the total is less than one third of telephone traffic. It is pointed out that telephone traffic dominates because a single call generates a very large amount of data. >
An exactly soluble many channel scattering model

An exactly soluble model for many channel quantum scattering is presented which is a generalization of elastic scattering from a square radial potential. Through the appropriate choice of channel energies and couplings, as well as total energy and potential strength, this model is readily applicable to a wide variety of scattering problems. The relative simplicity of the calculations allows one to characterize a system easily in terms of the relevant collision parameters (basis set size, coupling strengths, etc.). Moreover,the analytic nature of the solutions enables one to interpret the results of such calculations directly. Two applications are presented which illustrate the capabilities of the model and demonstrate interesting scattering behavior.
A study of the anatomy of the human esophagus with special reference to the gastroesophageal sphincter

Summary The muscular wall of the normal esophagus below the level of the first thoracic vertebra was taken from 7 cadavers and examined serially by histologic methods. Quantitative and qualitative evidence was found to refute the presence of an anatomic gastroesophageal sphincter. The details of attachment of the phrenoesophageal ligament have been described, together with extensions of the insertion of this ligament in continuity into a dense elastic framework within the esophageal wall. The presence of submucosal muscle “brackets” was confirmed, and these structures were also identified between the main longitudinal and circular muscular layers.
Intricate gene regulatory networks of helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins support regulation of bone-tissue related genes during osteoblast differentiation

Helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factors are key regulators of neurogenesis, myogenesis and osteogenesis. Here the relative contributions of multiple classes of HLH factors to the expression of bone related genes during osteoblast maturation were compared. We examined the expression of a panel of HLH proteins (e.g., Twist1/2, USF1/2, c-Myc, Id1 approximately 4, E12/47, Stra13) and one Zn finger protein (Snail which recognizes a subset of E-boxes), during osteoblast differentiation and their functional contributions to bone phenotypic gene regulation. While expression of Twist1, Stra13, E12/47 and Snail transcripts remains relatively constant, expression of Twist2 as well as the inhibitory factors Id1, Id2, Id3, and Id4 decreases and USF1 is up-regulated during osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3 cells. Forced expression of selected HLH transcription factors shows that Myc, Snail and USF factors increase expression of the bone markers osteocalcin (OC) and/or alkaline phosphatase (AP), while E12/47, Twist and Id factors decrease their expression. None of these factors affect Runx2 gene expression. Interestingly, Snail enhances expression of osteoblast markers, while Twist1 and Twist2 factors are cross-regulated and inhibit bone specific gene expression and other HLH proteins (e.g., Id) indirectly. Thus, our data suggest that the integrated activities of negative and positive E-box related regulatory factors control osteoblast differentiation.
Accountable? The Problems and Solutions of Online Ad Optimization

Online advertising can be a marketer's dream, but it can also facilitate fraud. The author provides an overview of the problems of online ad optimization and offers some solutions.
Prevalence and distribution of spinal osteoarthritis in women.

Study design Retrospective review of lateral spinal thoracolumbar radiographs, obtained to rule out spinal injury after trauma, were scored for osteoarthritis. Objectives The extent, prevalence, and distribution of spinal osteoarthritis in women aged 20-80 years was determined. Summary of background data Radiographic evidence of disc space narrowing and osteophytosis is one method of assessing osteoarthritis, but population-based surveys of osteoarthritis have been limited due the dangers of exposing human subjects to radiographs. Consequently, the prevalence and the distribution of osteoarthritis in women have not been established. Methods Average individual disc space narrowing and osteophytosis scores were assessed using an atlas method. Prevalence was determined for decadal age groups and spinal level (T4-L7). Results The extent of osteoarthritis is weakly associated with age, while the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age. Two peaks in osteoarthritis prevalence are apparent: in the mid thoracic and lower lumbar spines. Conclusions Although few younger women have high average scores, some older women have no radiographic sign of osteoarthritis, while others are severely affected. While the peak in osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine parallels the clinical symptom of low back pain, the more pronounced peak in the mid thoracic does not have a reported corresponding clinical symptom.
First-principles studies of pressure-induced phase transitions in SiO2

Structural stability is investigated for the CaCl2 structure of SiO2 by using a first-principles linear response theory. Softening of modes is found in the direction of the Γ–X (100) axis in k-space at 810 GPa. The results of the present work strongly support the assertion that the P21/n structure is very reasonable suggestion for the post-CaCl2 structure.
Herpes zoster virus infection.

Purpose of review The virology, pathophysiology, and treatment of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) have been investigated for many years now. Infection with VZV has different ramifications for people of different ages and immune status. The various aspects of VZV disease make it difficult to treat. Selected aspects of VZV disease that pertain to ocular disease are presented. Recent findings The risk factors for VZV disease in the different age spectrums and with concomitant immunodeficiencies have been further clarified. Studies suggest that the VZV may persist for prolonged periods on the cornea after herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) or VZV may cause many cases of idiopathic uveitis with sectoral iris atrophy. The different patterns of retinal disease caused by VZV may relate to the immune status. Systemic antiviral medications for herpes zoster should be instituted within 72 hours of the rash but could be used later. Systemic antivirals combined with systemic corticosteroids improve the early quality of life in HZ patients. Postherpetic neuralgia is not prevented by early systemic antivirals or corticosteroids. Present systemic antivirals are all effective, but Famvir offers the best dosing schedule. The VZV vaccine is effective but there are some issues that suggest the need for a different vaccination regimen. Summary Further research must be performed on the clinical and therapeutic aspects of the VZV disease. Although both the vaccine and systemic antivirals have brought tremendous improvements, the disease persists. Therapy lessens but does not eliminate many of the complications. The disease may manifest in unpredictable patterns in this era of vaccination.
Simultaneous Involvement in Service Product Development: A Strategic Contingency Approach

This paper analyzes how simultaneous involvement by multiple functions in the development of service products affects performance. Early simultaneous involvement entails input from the outset by all relevant functions, especially those representing downstream competencies. Given that cross-functional involvement is time consuming and costly, one may hypothesize that its best for high performance only to the extent needed, such as at early stages of development or under the condition of novelty. The impact of simultaneous involvement on performance is measured as time compression and cost reduction. The contributions of ten functions are examined at three stages of a development cycle: (1) product concept; (2) product release; and (3) after sale. How product innovation strategy moderates the impact of simultaneous influence on performance, measured as time compression and cost reduction, is examined for three product innovation strategies: new, major modifications, and minor modifications. Results from analyzing 62 service enterprises in New York show that simultaneous involvement by multiple functions has the strongest main effects on performance at the earliest stage of the product concept. But, it also has weaker effects after initial sale. If the product innovation strategy is one of novelty, simultaneous involvement by multiple functions has interactions with performance throughout the development cycle. Some functions appear to be a kind of core team that is involved throughout. Others play more stage specific roles. If the product innovation strategy involves a lesser magnitude of innovation, levels of simultaneous involvement are either lower and/or do not have positive interactions with performance. These results are generally consistent with contingency theory that suggests the level of coordination and integration is affected by the novelty and uncertainty of the task environment. These results parallel those observed studies of goods industries. However, the level of augmentation of service products after initial sale, especially those involving interpersonal exchanges and transactions, appears higher than for more tangible goods.
Effectiveness of Potent Antiretroviral Therapy on Time to AIDS and Death in Men With Known HIV Infection Duration

Context.—Time to development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and time to death have been extended with the increased use of combination therapy and protease inhibitors. Cohort studies following up persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in periods characterized by different therapies offer the opportunity to estimate therapy effectiveness at the population level.Objective.—To assess the effectiveness of self-reported, long-term potent antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of 536 men whose duration of HIV infection was known (seroconverters).Design.—Cohort study. The cohort was compared for time to development of AIDS and time to death in 1984 to 1990, 1990 to 1993, 1993 to July 1995, and July 1995 to July 1997 when the major treatments were no therapy, monotherapy, combined therapy, and potent antiretroviral therapy, respectively. Survival analysis methods with time zero set as the date of seroconversion and incorporating staggered entries into each period were used. Mean CD4 cell change, stratified by infection duration, was determined for each period using a random effects model.Setting.—The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) in 4 urban areas (Baltimore, Md; Chicago, Ill; Los Angeles, Calif; and Pittsburgh, Pa).Participants.—A total of 5622 men who were 18 years or older were enrolled into MACS. Of the 5622, there were 2191 HIV-positive individuals at enrollment. Of the 3431 men who were HIV-negative, 536 were observed to seroconvert and were followed up for up to 13 years. The group of 536 who seroconverted constituted the study population.Main Outcome Measures.—Time from seroconversion to development of AIDS and to death and change in CD4 cell count.Results.—A total of 231 seroconverters developed AIDS, and 200 men died. Using 1990 to 1993 as the reference period, the relative hazard of AIDS was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.48) during 1993 to July 1995 and 0.35 (95% CI, 0.20-0.61) during July 1995 to July 1997. Relative hazards of death were 0.87 (95% CI, 0.58-1.31) and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.38-1.01) for the same periods. The relative time (the factor by which times are contracted or expanded) to development of AIDS was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.86-1.09) for 1993 to July 1995 and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.40-1.89) for July 1995 to July 1997. Relative survival time for 1993 to July 1995 was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.91-1.12) and for July 1995 to July 1997 was 1.21 (95% CI, 1.07-1.36) relative to 1990 to 1993. The rate of CD4 cell count decline in July 1995 to July 1997 was significantly lower (P<.05) compared with the previous 2 periods.Conclusions.—In the calendar period when potent antiretroviral therapy was introduced, the time to development of AIDS and time to death were extended, and rate of CD4 cell count decline was arrested.
Parental beliefs about developmental processes.

A model of mutual influences within the family that includes parental beliefs about developmental processes as a source of parents’ teaching practices is presented. The model was tested by applying a
Precipitation, fire and demographic bottleneck dynamics in Serengeti tree populations

Tree size distributions are the outcome of demographic processes and disturbance events, and size distribution analysis provides a useful tool for understanding pattern and process in tree population dynamics. Demographic bottleneck mechanisms such as fire “traps” are important for driving tree cover dynamics in savanna systems, and bottlenecks might be expected to be revealed by bimodal size distributions in savanna tree communities. We tested the relative fit of monotonic and bimodal Weibull distributions to tree height distributions across 36 0.1-ha plots over 4 years in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, using a Bayesian analysis. The plots were subjected to two fire treatments and spanned a mean annual rainfall gradient ranging from 600 to 900 mm year−1. We found that Serengeti trees are highly bimodal in their height distributions, with a pronounced gap in the 1–3 m height range, suggesting that demographic bottlenecks are a pervasive feature of this system. We also found that pre- and post-bottleneck tree densities are increasing and declining over time, respectively. Pre-bottleneck density declined with fire and increased with mean annual precipitation, and exhibited a rainfall by fire interaction, with negative fire effects becoming more important at the wet extreme of our rainfall gradient. Overall, despite the negative effect of fire on pre-bottleneck trees, the density of the latter is increasing over time, suggesting that although recruitment into larger size classes has been tightly constrained in the past, there is mixed support for a role of fire in maintaining this pattern under current burning regimes.
Selecting Between Batch and Zone Order Picking Strategies in a Distribution Center

Abstract An order picking strategy in a distribution center (DC) defines the manner in which pickers navigate the picking area to pick items from storage locations. We focus on the problem of selecting between a batch picking and a zone picking strategy. For this problem, we propose a cost model to estimate the cost of each type of picking strategy. In our cost model we consider the effects of pick-rate, picker blocking, workload-imbalance, and the sorting system requirement. Through an example problem, we show how system throughput, order sizes, item distribution in orders, and wavelength affect the picking strategy selection decision.
Adhesive but not signaling activity of Drosophila N-cadherin is essential for target selection of photoreceptor afferents.

Drosophila N-cadherin (CadN) is an evolutionarily conserved, atypical classical cadherin, which has a large complex extracellular domain and a catenin-binding cytoplasmic domain. We have previously shown that CadN regulates target selection of R7 photoreceptor axons. To determine the functional domains of CadN, we conducted a structure–function analysis focusing on its in vitro adhesive activity and in vivo function in R7 growth cones. We found that the cytoplasmic domain of CadN is largely dispensable for the targeting of R7 growth cones, and it is not essential for mediating homophilic interaction in cultured cells. Instead, the cytoplasmic domain of CadN is required for maintaining proper growth cone morphology. Domain swapping with the extracellular domain of CadN2, a related but non-adhesive cadherin, revealed that the CadN extracellular domain is required for both adhesive activity and R7 targeting. Using a target-mosaic system, we generated CadN mutant clones in the optic lobe and examined the target-selection of genetically wild-type R7 growth cones to CadN mutant target neurons. We found that CadN, but neither LAR nor Liprin-α, is required in the medulla neurons for R7 growth cones to select the correct medulla layer. Together, these data suggest that CadN mediates homophilic adhesive interactions between R7 growth cones and medulla neurons to regulate layer-specific target selection.
Audit committee gender differences and earnings management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether gender diversity of audit committees has a significant impact on the firm's earnings management.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a performance‐adjusted discretionary accrual model to examine the association between gender variables and the firm's earnings management. Regression analysis is applied using 320 firms from the S&P Small Cap 600.Findings – The authors find consistent evidence to show that the presence of a female director on the audit committee constrains earnings management by increasing negative (income‐decreasing) discretionary accruals.Research limitations/implications – Future research can explore the behavior of female managers by applying the gender theory. Furthermore, the paper's evidence has implications for regulators and policy makers, since the presence of a female director in the audit committee may affect management decisions and audit quality in a positive way. Therefore, gender diversity on the board sho...
The conundrum of correlation and causation

Biology can inspire robotic simulations of behavior and thus advance robotics, but the validity of drawing conclusions about real behavior from robotic models is questionable. Robotic models, particularly of learning, do not account, for example, for (a) exaptation: co-opting of previously evolved functions for new behavior, (b) learning through observation, (c) complex biological reality, or (d) limits on computational capacity.
The solar UV related changes in total ozone from a solar rotation to a solar cycle

The Nimbus-7 TOMS version 6 data, corrected for the instrument degradation, are analyzed to delineate the solar UV related changes in total ozone (TOZ) against background signals of dynamical origin. It is shown that the solar UV related change in TOZ over a solar cycle is about 1.5 percent that may be attributed to about 6 percent change in the solar UV flux near 200 nm. This estimate is also consistent with the solar UV related changes in TOZ over a time scale of a solar rotation. In the solar rotation case, ozone lags the solar UV by 3-4 days and its sensitivity to solar UV change is a factor of 2-3 less than for the solar cycle case. Both these effects are attributed to chemical time constants in the lower stratosphere that are comparable to the period of a solar rotation.
Extension of AM1 to the halogens

Abstract AM1 parameters are reported for the halogens (F,Cl,Br,I). Results for a large number of halogen-containing organic molecules agree well with experiment, the agreement being generally better than for MNDO. The mean AM1 errors in heats of formation and other properties are now similar to those for compounds containing only the “organic” elements (C,H,O,N) and intermolecular interactions are now reproduced in a reasonable manner. While it is an improvement over MNDO, AM1 fails in the case of hypervalent compounds and it also underestimates the stabilities of π complexes derived from halogen cations.
DNA Methylation Differences Associated with Tumor Tissues Identified by Genome Scanning Analysis

Most investigations on the role of DNA methylation in cancer have focused on epigenetic changes associated with known tumor suppressor genes. This may have led to an underestimation of the number of CpG islands altered by DNA methylation, since it is possible that a subset of unknown genes relevant to cancer development may preferentially be affected by epigenetic rather than genetic means and would not be identified as familial deletions, mutations, or loss of heterozygosity. We used a recently developed screening procedure (methylation-sensitive arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction to scan genomic DNA for CpG islands methylated in white blood cells (WBCs) and in tumor tissues. DNA methylation pattern analysis showed little interindividual differences in the WBCs and normal epithelium (adjacent to colon, bladder, and prostate cancer cells), but with some tissue-specific differences. Cancer cells showed marked methylation changes that varied considerably between different tumors, suggesting variable penetrance of the methylation phenotype in patients. Direct sequencing of 8 of 45 bands altered in these cancers showed that several of them were CpG islands, and 2 of these sequences were identified in GenBank. Surprisingly, three of the bands studied corresponded to transcribed regions of genes. Thus, hypermethylation of CpG islands in cancer cells is not confined to the promoters of growth regulatory genes but is also found in actively transcribed regions.
Status of the lake trout fishery in Lake Superior

Abstract The production of lake trout in the United States waters of Lake Superior was low (only 1,465,000 pounds) in 1879, the first year for which there is a record. Expansion of the fishery must have started soon thereafter, for the take was 3,488,000 pounds in 1885, the next year for which we have statistics, and averaged 3,416,000 pounds in 1885–1892. The years after 1892 can be divided readily into three general periods with average yields as follows: 1893–1907–4,599,000 pounds; 1908–1925–2,168,000 pounds; 1926–1949–3,049,000 pounds. A take of 3 million pounds can be held as “normal” in the modern fishery. During the three periods just listed the percentage contributions of the individual states to the United States total (as computed from the averages for individual periods) ranged from 65.1 to 71.5 for Michigan, 17.5 to 25.6 for Wisconsin, and from 9.3 to 11.0 for Minnesota. In the Canadian (Province of Ontario) waters of Lake Superior the average annual output of lake trout rose from 309,000 poun...
The distinctive pattern of proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan free chain synthesis by cultured human epidermal keratinocytes.

Abstract The in vitro synthesis of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycan free chains was studied in human epidermal keratinocytes. Preconfluent and confluent cultures established on 3T3 feeders were steady state labeled with [ 35 S]-sulfate and [ 3 H]-glucosamine after removal of the 3T3 cells. Products in nonionic detergent extracts of keratinocytes and in the medium were analyzed in the presence of protease inhibitors. Glycosaminoglycans as proteoglycans and as free chains were defined by susceptibility or resistance, respectively, to alkaline borohydride reduction. Products associated with the cells were-30% proteoglycans and-70% glycosaminoglycan free chains, whereas in the medium virtually all was proteoglycan. The heparan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans were small compared to those of many other cell types. Their Kav on Sepharose CL-4B was 0.56 (estimated 50 kDa), whereas the free chain Kav was 0.74 (estimated 12 kDa). Relative amounts of the sulfated products varied with confluence and differentiation; heparan and chondroitin sulfates were equally represented within the free chains and proteoglycans of the cells in preconfluent, proliferating cultures, whereas in postconfluent, differentiated cultures the major labeling was in the heparan sulfate products, consistent with our prior reports (J Invest Dermatol 88:215-9, 1987 and 91:492-8, 1988). The cellular localization of the products was probed with glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes added to isotopically prelabeled cultures. The proteoglycans appeared to be located on the external surface of plasma membranes, whereas the glycosaminoglycan free chains resisted digestion and are either intracellular or membrane associated, but otherwise inaccessible. These data establish the distinctive pattern of low Mr proteoglycans and abundant cell-associated glycosaminoglycan free chains synthesized by keratinocytes.
Trends in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for unilateral cancer: a report from the National Cancer Data Base, 1998-2007.

Background Several studies have reported an increased rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in patients with unilateral breast cancer. This study reports on CPM trends from the American College of Surgeon’s National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) diagnosed over a 10-year period.
Settlement patterns, foraging behavior, and reproductive success of ospreys along a heterogeneous riverine corridor

In 1998 and 1999, we determined the spatial distribution, foraging behavior, and reproductive success of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus (L., 1758)) nesting along the upper Missouri River, Montana. We c...
Reality Asserts Itself: Public Opinion on Iraq and the Elasticity of Reality

Prevailing theories hold that U+S+ public support for a war depends primarily on its degree of success, U+S+ casualties, or conflict goals+ Yet, research into the framing of foreign policy shows that public perceptions concerning each of these factors are often endogenous and malleable by elites+ In this article, we argue that both elite rhetoric and the situation on the ground in the conflict affect public opinion, but the qualities that make such information persuasive vary over time and with circumstances+ Early in a conflict, elites ~especially the president! have an informational advantage that renders public perceptions of "reality" very elastic+ As events unfold and as the public gathers more information, this elasticity recedes, allowing alternative frames to challenge the administration's preferred frame+ We predict that over time the marginal impact of elite rhetoric and reality will decrease, although a sustained change in events may eventually restore their influence+ We test our argument through a content analysis of news coverage of the Iraq war from 2003 through 2007, an original survey of public attitudes regarding Iraq, and partially disaggregated data from more than 200 surveys of public opinion on the war+
Dynamic Network Cartography: Advances in Network Health Monitoring

Communication networks have evolved from specialized research and tactical transmission systems to large-scale and highly complex interconnections of intelligent devices, increasingly becoming more commercial, consumer oriented, and heterogeneous. Propelled by emergent social networking services and high-definition streaming platforms, network traffic has grown explosively thanks to the advances in processing speed and storage capacity of state-of-the-art communication technologies. As "netizens" demand a seamless networking experience that entails not only higher speeds but also resilience and robustness to failures and malicious cyberattacks, ample opportunities for signal processing (SP) research arise. The vision is for ubiquitous smart network devices to enable data-driven statistical learning algorithms for distributed, robust, and online network operation and management, adaptable to the dynamically evolving network landscape with minimal need for human intervention. This article aims to delineate the analytical background and the relevance of SP tools to dynamic network monitoring, introducing the SP readership to the concept of dynamic network cartography? a framework to construct maps of the dynamic network state in an efficient and scalable manner tailored to large-scale heterogeneous networks.
NMR in chemically exchanging systems. Is the number of sites equal to the number of frequencies

Abstract In the treatment of the NMR spectra of multisite exchanging systems, it is sometimes possible to reduce the dimension of matrices by using the fact that some of the sites are equivalent. However, the existence of identical spin Hamiltonians at some of the sites is found to be insufficient in general for simplification of the problem: The symmetry of the exchange network linking the sites must be considered too. Some cases in solid-state and liquid-state NMR are examined. The conditions for simplification of multisite exchange problems are compared with the distinctions between chemical and magnetic equivalence in the high-resolution NMR of coupled spin systems.
Purification of Produced Water by Ceramic Membranes: Material Screening, Process Design and Economics

Abstract Produced water, generated from underlying formations during the recovery of hydrocarbons, constitutes the largest waste stream associated with oil and gas production. Currently, over 90% of produced water is reinjected into the formation, either in support of enhanced oil recovery or for disposal. In arid areas, reclamation of produced water for beneficial uses such as irrigation or tower cooling may be an attractive alternative if the produced water can be purified to an adequate quality, specifically through the removal of dissolved components including inorganic compounds (salts, heavy metals, and radiochemicals) and organic compounds (fatty acid, aliphatic, and aromatics). Membranes technologies show advantages in both energy efficiency and high water quality. Due to the presence of dissolved organics, reverse osmosis with organic membranes is highly limited. Research efforts focus on developing new materials that are less prone to fouling and are easy to regenerate. Novel ceramic membranes a...
Complicated spiritual grief II: a deductive inquiry following the loss of a loved one.

Recent studies have revealed an association between complicated grief—a severe, prolonged response to the loss of a loved one—and complicated spiritual grief—a spiritual crisis following loss. Furthermore, bereavement research has benefitted from a number of studies using qualitative inquiry as a means of examining the experiences of individuals grieving a variety of types of losses. However, a gap in the literature remains in terms of the qualitative investigation of spiritual struggle following loss. Thus, using participants' written responses to open-ended questions along with systematic exploration of this topic with a five-member focus group, we designed this qualitative study to better understand the firsthand experiences of bereaved individuals who have suffered a crisis of faith after the death of a loved one. Specifically, our directed content analysis of bereaved focus group members' responses revealed 17 different common and salient themes subsumed in an overarching narrative of resentment and ...
Surface-plasmon resonance as a sensitive optical probe of metal-film properties

The resonance excitation of surface plasmons, detected by the scattered-light method, is used in a number of experiments on Ag, Au, and Cu films. These include (i) the determination of optical constants, (ii) the use of a multilayered structure allowing sequential excitation of plasmons on both surfaces of a film, (iii) the study of interference between bulk- and surface-plasmon scattered light, and (iv) the demonstration of surface anisotropy on films grown with the metal vapor beam striking the substrate at an oblique angle. The optical-constant measurements, which were done on the substrate interface, agree with data on bulk samples prepared and measured in vacuum and with film data by Dujardin and Th\`eye, but they disagree with film data by Schulz and by Johnson and Christy. In samples grown on 77-K substrates a strong increase in bulk scattering is observed which interferes with the roughness-coupled plasmon signal producing a dispersive line shape rather than the usual Lorentzian.
Which Lesson Components Mediate Refusal Assertion Skill Improvement in School-Based Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention?

Any of three components of current school-based refusal assertion training might mediate improvement of seventh grade students' ability to refuse tobacco use offers: 1) teaching students knowledge of ways to say “no,” 2) engaging students in the practice of refusal assertion, or 3) motivating students to perform refusal assertion in a socially skilled way. A 3-condition true field experimental “component study” of the differential effects of these three components yielded improvement in role-played behavioral skill to refuse tobacco offers that was evident in both the Knowledge and Practice conditions but not in the Motivation condition. In these same two conditions, skills training led to a significant decrease in students' intention to use smokeless tobacco in the future but not cigarettes. A focus on engaging students in Knowledge and Practice components of refusal assertion training appears warranted.
Weight Loss and Reduction of Blood Pressure and Hypertension

The article in the current issue of Hypertension by Aucott et al1 raises some interesting questions. Does weight loss in the long term (ie, >3 years) result in a decrease in blood pressure (BP) levels? Is there difference in the effect of weight loss on decreased systolic BP (SBP) versus diastolic BP (DBP)? They combined 8 clinical trials and 8 cohort studies and tried to evaluate the linear relationship between change in BP and weight change. Overall, there was only a 2.8-kg weight loss, which resulted in a 1.9-mm decrease in DBP and 2.9 mm for SBP, neither of which were significant. Most important, the association between decrease in SBP with weight loss dissipated substantially over time (that is, >3 years from the onset of the study). The conclusion is that in long term, weight loss had little effect on change in BP levels. Weight loss has been a recommended nonpharmacological therapy for reducing BP levels for many years. Before the introduction of effective antihypertensive drug therapy, reduction of salt in the diet, weight loss, and mild sedation were recommended therapies for patients with nonmalignant hypertension.2 Previous meta-analyses of clinical trials on the effects of weight reduction on BP concluded that weight loss is important in both the prevention and treatment of hypertension.3 Most of the studies in the meta-analysis had relatively small sample sizes and short duration, usually <1 year. Is there really no health benefit of weight loss with decreased BP in the long term? To test such a hypothesis, participants would have to lose a substantial amount of weight (ie, >10 kg), have good BP measures before and after weight loss, a comparison group without substantial weight loss but having similar diet except for the differences in caloric intake or energy expenditure (ie, physical …
Predicting Condom Use Among Sexually Experienced Latino Adolescents

There is limited research on how aspects of Latino culture affect condom use among Latino adolescents. In this study, the authors examined the effects of familialism, gender roles, and religiosity on condom use intentions and past condom use. Results showed only religiosity predicted past condom use; no other cultural variable had either a direct or an indirect effect on condom use intentions or past condom use. These findings represent an important effort in promoting safer sex behaviors among sexually active Latino adolescents.
February 27, 2010 Chile Earthquake: Preliminary Observations on Structural Performance and Implications for U.S. Building Codes and Standards

Performance of reinforced concrete buildings in Vina del Mar, Chile following the M7.8 1985 earthquake led to changes to the Uniform Building Code (UBC-94) and the American Concrete Institute Code for design of reinforced concrete buildings (ACI 318-99). In 1996, Chile adopted, with minor modifications, the ACI 318-95 Code. Reinforced concrete buildings are the predominant form of construction in Chile for buildings over four stories. Over the last 10 to 15 years, a construction boom similar to that in the US and other countries resulted in the construction of a substantial number of new buildings. Thus, the Feb. 27, 2010 earthquake provides a unique opportunity to assess the performance of modern reinforced concrete buildings designed using modern codes similar to those used in the US. Preliminary observations on building performance and the potential impact on US codes and practices, particularly with respect to ACI 318 seismic provisions, is presented.
Electrodiffusion in ionic channels of biological membranes

Abstract An important class of biological molecules - proteins called ionic channels conduct ions (like Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl−) through a narrow tunnel of fixed charge. Ionic channels are the main pathway by which substances move into cells and son are of great biological and medical importance: asubstantial fraction of all drugs used by physicians act on channels. Ionic channels can be modified by the powerful techniques of of molecular biology. Charged groups can be engineered (i.e. replaced one at a time) and the location of every atom can be determined. channels can be studied in the tradition of electrochemistry. If coupled to the Poisson equation, the drift diffusion equations (i.e. Nernst-Planck equations) form an adequate model of the current through 6 different channel proteins with quite different characteristics in 10 solutions over ±150 mV. In this theory the channel is represented as a distribution of fixed charge, and the ion as a mobile charge with a diffusion coefficient. The theory predicts the electric field (i.e. potential profile) and resulting current produced by the fixed charge and other charges in the system. In this theory, the shape of the electric field is found to be a sensitive function of ionic conditions and the potential difference across the channel, in contrast to traditional theories that assume potential profiles (or rate constants) independent of experimental conditions. Traditional theories fail to fit data, probably for because they assume the shape of the electric field. The Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) theory is nearly idemntical to the drift diffusion equations used to analyze the flow of quasi-particles in semiconductors, implying that - given appropriate geometry and profiles of fixed charge - ionic channels can perform many of the useful functions of transistors, acting as resistors, voltage amplifiers, current amplifiers, or logic elements. Channels form a useful system for electrochemistry since they are biologically and clinically important, they follow the simple rules of electrodiffusion, and they promise to be of considerable use in technology.