cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Institutional Review Boards at Very High Research Activity Universities: An Opportunity for Social Workers

Objectives:This study investigated to what degree social work was represented in the position of chair of social–behavioral institutional review boards (IRBs) at very high research activity (VHRA) universities in the United States.Method:We collected data on IRB rosters for all 108 schools designated by the Carnegie Foundation as VHRAs in the United States and analyzed the percentage of chairs for social–behavioral IRBs that came from social work.Results:Data (104 of the 108 VHRA universities) indicate only 3.8% of chairs come from social work.Conclusions:Universities would benefit from more social workers serving as chairs of social–behavioral IRBs because social work has a professional obligation to ethical and just research and is the most holistic of the social sciences. The background and training of professional social workers have obvious benefits in accessing and understanding the unique risks posed by the diverse proposals IRBs receive.
Structure of RhlG, an Essential β-Ketoacyl Reductase in the Rhamnolipid Biosynthetic Pathway of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Rhamnolipids are extracellular biosurfactants and virulence factors secreted by the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are required for swarming motility. The rhlG gene is essential for rhamnolipid formation, and the RhlG enzyme is thought to divert fatty acid synthesis intermediates into the rhamnolipid biosynthetic pathway based on its similarity to FabG, the β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase of type II fatty acid synthesis. Crystallographic analysis reveals that the overall structures of the RhlG·NADP+ and FabG·NADP+ complexes are indeed similar, but there are key differences related to function. RhlG does not undergo the conformational changes upon NADP(H) binding at the active site that in FabG are the structural basis of negative allostery. Also, the acyl chain-binding pocket of RhlG is narrow and rigid compared with the larger, flexible substrate-binding subdomain in FabG. Finally, RhlG lacks a positively charged/hydrophobic surface feature adjacent to the active site that is found on enzymes like FabG that recognize the ACP of fatty acid synthesis. RhlG catalyzed the NADPH-dependent reduction of β-ketodecanoyl-ACP to β-d-hydroxydecanoyl-ACP. However, the enzyme was 2000-fold less active than FabG in carrying out the same reaction. These structural and biochemical studies establish RhlG as a NADPH-dependent β-ketoacyl reductase of the SDR protein superfamily and further suggest that the ACP of fatty acid synthesis does not carry the substrates for RhlG.
Near-infrared observations of the Jovian ring and small satellites

The Jovian ring has been observed at 2.2 microns at a near-maximum opening angle of 3.2 deg and a phase angle of 2.2 deg. The 126,100 +/- 500 km ring radius at maximum brightness obtained is compatible with Voyager data at high phase angles. Circular orbital elements have also been obtained for the two small satellites (Metis and Adrastea) associated with the ring. A combination of these orbits with the Voyager imaging-based measurements of Synnott yields a substantial improvement in mean motion estimates.
Incompatibility Between Plant-Derived Defensive Chemistry and Immune Response of Two Sphingid Herbivores

Herbivorous insects use several different defenses against predators and parasites, and tradeoffs among defensive traits may occur if these traits are energetically demanding. Chemical defense and immune response potentially can interact, and both can be influenced by host plant chemistry. Two closely related caterpillars in the lepidopteran family Sphingidae are both attacked by the same specialist endoparasitoid species but have mostly non-overlapping host plant ranges that differ in secondary chemistry. Ceratomia catalpae is a specialist on Catalpa and also will feed on Chilopsis, which both produce iridoid glycosides. Ceratomia undulosa consumes members of the Oleaceae, which produce seco-iridoid glycosides. Immune response of the two species on a typical host plant species (Catalpa bignonioides for C. catalpa; Fraxinus americana for C. undulosa) was compared using a melanization assay, and did not differ. In a second experiment, the iridoid glycoside catalpol was added to the diets of both insects, and growth rate, mass, chemical defense, and immune response were evaluated. Increased dietary catalpol weakened the immune response of C. undulosa and altered the development rate of C. catalpae by prolonging the third instar and accelerating the fourth instar. Catalpol sequestration was negatively correlated with immune response of C. catalpae, while C. undulosa was unable to sequester catalpol. These results show that immune response can be negatively influenced by increasing concentrations of sequestered defensive compounds.
Ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer thickness and vision loss in young children with optic pathway gliomas.

PURPOSE To determine if measures of macular ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness can discriminate between children with and without vision loss (visual acuity or field) from their optic pathway glioma (OPG) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS Children with OPGs (sporadic or secondary to neurofibromatosis type 1) enrolled in a prospective study of SD-OCT were included if they were cooperative for vision testing and macular SD-OCT images were acquired. Manual segmentation of the macular GCL-IPL and macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was performed using elliptical annuli with diameters of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mm. Logistic regression assessed the ability of GCL-IPL and RNFL thickness measures (micrometers) to differentiate between the normal and abnormal vision groups. RESULTS Forty-seven study eyes (normal vision = 31, abnormal vision = 16) from 26 children with OPGs were included. Median age was 5.3 years (range, 2.5-12.8). Thickness of all GCL-IPL and RNFL quadrants differed between the normal and abnormal vision groups (P 0.90 for all diameters). Using the lower fifth percentile threshold, the number of abnormal GCL-IPL inner macula (3.0 mm) quadrants achieved the highest AUC (0.989) and was greater than the macula RNFL AUCs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Decreased GCL-IPL thickness (<fifth percentile) can discriminate between children with and without vision loss from their OPG. Ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer thickness could be used as a surrogate marker of vision in children with OPGs.
Dorsal Distal Radius Pedicled Vascularized Bone Grafting for Avascular Necrosis of the Carpus

Although avascular necrosis can occur in any of the carpal bones, they more commonly affect the scaphoid (Preiser disease) and the lunate (Kienbock disease). Many revascularization options have been described, mostly pedicled vascularized bone grafts from the volar and dorsal aspect of the distal radius and carpus. Pedicled vascularized bone grafts from the dorsal distal radius is rooted on a consistent and rich arterial network that allows for many different donor sites based on the location of the recipient carpal bone. In the treatment of Preiser disease and Kienbock disease, we prefer to use the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery and the 4th + 5th extensor compartment artery pedicled dorsal distal radius bone grafts.
Silicon carbide resonant tuning fork for microsensing applications in high-temperature and high G-shock environments

We present the fabrication and testing of a silicon carbide balanced mass double-ended tuning fork that survives harsh environments without compromising the device strain sensitivity and resolution bandwidth. The device features a material stack that survives corrosive environments and enables high-temperature operation. To perform high-temperature testing, a specialized setup was constructed that allows the tuning fork to be characterized using traditional silicon electronics. The tuning fork has been operated at 600°C in the presence of dry steam for short durations. This tuning fork has also been tested to 64,000 G using a hard-launch, soft-catch shock implemented with a light gas gun. However, the device still has a strain sensitivity of 66 Hz/µ and strain resolution of 0.045 µ in a 10-kHz bandwidth. As such, this balanced-mass double-ended tuning fork can be used to create a variety of different sensors including strain gauges, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and pressure transducers. Given the adaptable fabrication process flow, this device could be useful to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) designers creating sensors for a variety of different applications.
On the Design of a Biodegradable POC-HA Polymeric Cardiovascular Stent

The current state of the art in coronary stent technology, tubular structures used to keep the lumen open, is mainly populated by metallic stents coated with certain drugs to increase biocompatibility, even though experimental biodegradable stents have appeared in the horizon. Biodegradable polymeric stent design necessitates accurate characterization of time dependent polymer material properties and mechanical behavior for analysis and optimization. This manuscript presents the process for evaluating material properties for biodegradable biocompatible polymeric composite poly(diol citrate) hydroxyapatite (POC-HA), approaches for identifying material models and three dimensional solid models for finite element analysis and fabrication of a stent. The developed material models were utilized in a nonlinear finite element analysis to evaluate the suitability of the POC-HA material for coronary stent application. In addition, the advantages of using femtosecond laser machining to fabricate the POC-HA stent are discussed showing a machined stent. The methodology presented with additional steps can be applied in the development of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric stents.© 2012 ASME
Distribution of Uranium as Function of Sediment Particle Size: ABSTRACT

Uranium concentrations as a function of size were determined for 100 samples from the Estancia Valley, New Mexico, 100 samples from northeast of the Grants mineral belt, and 46 samples from the Black Hawk mining district, southwestern New Mexico. For the Estancia and Grants samples, statistical analysis shows uranium concentrations in stream sediments size fractions greater than 0.125 mm to be nearly independent of particle size whereas uranium concentration increases with decreasing particle size less than 0.125 mm. The standard deviations of uranium concentrations from both areas vary only slightly for all size fractions. For the Black Hawk mining district the uranium concentrations are strongly dependent on sediment particle size with uranium increasing rapidly with de reasing particle size. A correlation coefficient of 90% is calculated for increasing uranium content with surface area of sedimentary particles. In contrast, a much lower correlation coefficient for uranium-to-surface area is observed for the Estancia and Grants samples. We propose that the observed statistical differences are related to the fact that the stream sediments of the Black Hawk mining district represent control by mechanical disintegration of igneous and metamorphic rocks with little effect of chemical weathering, whereas the sediments of the Estancia Valley and Grants area are more chemically mature. The data imply that the nature (maturity) of the sediments sampled must be considered when sampling on a large grid, such as one sample/10 km2, or else risk false ano alies (positive or negative) or masking any anomalies which may be present. End_of_Article - Last_Page 566------------
Effects of Membrane Mimetics on Cytochrome P450-Cytochrome b5 Interactions Characterized by NMR Spectroscopy

Mammalian cytochrome P450 (P450) is a membrane-bound monooxygenase whose catalytic activities require two electrons to be sequentially delivered from its redox partners: cytochrome b5 (cytb5) and cytochrome P450 reductase, both of which are membrane proteins. Although P450 functional activities are known to be affected by lipids, experimental evidence to reveal the effect of membrane on P450-cytb5 interactions is still lacking. Here, we present evidence for the influence of phospholipid bilayers on complex formation between rabbit P450 2B4 (CYP2B4) and rabbit cytb5 at the atomic level, utilizing NMR techniques. General line broadening and modest chemical shift perturbations of cytb5 resonances characterize CYP2B4-cytb5 interactions on the intermediate time scale. More significant intensity attenuation and a more specific protein-protein binding interface are observed in bicelles as compared with lipid-free solution, highlighting the importance of the lipid bilayer in stabilizing stronger and more specific interactions between CYP2B4 and cytb5, which may lead to a more efficient electron transfer. Similar results observed for the interactions between CYP2B4 lacking the transmembrane domain (tr-CYP2B4) and cytb5 imply interactions between tr-CYP2B4 and the membrane surface, which might assist in CYP2B4-cytb5 complex formation by orienting tr-CYP2B4 for efficient contact with cytb5. Furthermore, the observation of weak and nonspecific interactions between CYP2B4 and cytb5 in micelles suggests that lipid bilayer structures and low curvature membrane surface are preferable for CYP2B4-cytb5 complex formation. Results presented in this study provide structural insights into the mechanism behind the important role that the lipid bilayer plays in the interactions between P450s and their redox partners.
Prospective elementary science teachers and biomythographies: An exploratory approach to autobiographical research

This study explores an approach to autobiographical research based on a notion of “outlaw genre” autobiography referred to as biomythography. Outlaw genres of autobiography resist the tendency of western autobiography to craft narratives that will ultimately link the life of an individual to a universalised person—someone to whom all readers can relate. In this study, photo essays are used to learn about prospective elementary teachers' stories of science and science education. The photo essays and the theoretical framework of “biomythography” helped us reflect on layers mediating teaching and learning in our courses. Implications of the study call for us to examine hegemonies extending from our students' personal histories as science learners, and through mythologies of teacher education. Alternative research frameworks and approaches, such as those represented in this study, might help science teacher educators explore myths undermining the preparation of future science teachers and learners.
“It just becomes much more complicated”: Genetic counselors' views on genetics and prenatal testing

Many social scientists and commentators have expressed concerns about the acceleration of genetic medicine and testing in the last few decades. While there is a growing body of work on how patients...
TWO-BOND 13C-13C SPIN-COUPLING CONSTANTS IN CARBOHYDRATES : EFFECT OF STRUCTURE ON COUPLING MAGNITUDE AND SIGN

Abstract An empirical projection method is described to predict the magnitudes and signs of two-bond 13C-13C spin-coupling constants (2JCC) in aldopyranosyl rings. The method has been applied primarily to the interpretation of 2JCCC values, although the behavior of 2JCOC has also been examined in light of the new approach, producing results which may prove useful in the conformational analysis of O-glycosidic linkages in oligosaccharides. High-level ab initio calculations of 2JCC values in model compounds were found to be in agreement with the predictions.
More Than a Single Best Narrative: Collective History and the Transformation of Historical Consciousness

AbstractIn establishing a collective history, past events are utilized to celebrate a nation’s origins. While analysis of these events is often framed in knowing the single best narrative, the events themselves become of interest when examining how the interpretations remain the same or change over time. The recent bicentennial celebration of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 offers an opportunity to examine such a change. This article investigates how students revealed a historical consciousness in realizing what purpose the expedition serves to a national identity. After analyzing conversations occurring among three eighth-grade students, this article explores the student responses to three interpretations, which bears important educational consequences and implications for the teaching and learning of history.
Infinite networks and quadratic optimal control

A discrete-time quadratic optimal control problem is shown to be equivalent to an infinite cascade ofn-port electrical networks. Both problems can be expressed as a generalized Schur complement (or shorted operator) of a block tridiagonal operator. Using Maxwell's principle for resistive networks, a variational formulation of the cascade limit ofn-port networks is given. For one special case a formula for the solution of the quadratic control problem is given in terms of the geometric mean of operators.
Stability and Change in Self-Reported Sexual Orientation Identity in Young People: Application of Mobility Metrics

This study investigated stability and change in self-reported sexual orientation identity over time in youth. We describe gender- and age-related changes in sexual orientation identity from early adolescence through emerging adulthood in 13,840 youth ages 12–25 employing mobility measure M, a measure we modified from its original application for econometrics. Using prospective data from a large, ongoing cohort of U.S. adolescents, we examined mobility in sexual orientation identity in youth with up to four waves of data. Ten percent of males and 20% of females at some point described themselves as a sexual minority, while 2% of both males and females reported ever being “unsure” of their orientation. Two novel findings emerged regarding gender and mobility: (1) Although mobility scores were quite low for the full cohort, females reported significantly higher mobility than did males. (2) As expected, for sexual minorities, mobility scores were appreciably higher than for the full cohort; however, the gender difference appeared to be eliminated, indicating that changing reported sexual orientation identity throughout adolescence occurred at a similar rate in female and male sexual minorities. In addition, we found that, of those who described themselves as “unsure” of their orientation identity at any point, 66% identified as completely heterosexual at other reports and never went on to describe themselves as a sexual minority. Age was positively associated with endorsing a sexual-minority orientation identity. We discuss substantive and methodological implications of our findings for understanding development of sexual orientation identity in young people.
The RAS Effector RIN1 Directly Competes with RAF and Is Regulated by 14-3-3 Proteins

Activation of RAS proteins can lead to multiple outcomes by virtue of regulated signal traffic through alternate effector pathways. We demonstrate that the RAS effector protein RIN1 binds to activated RAS with an affinity (Kd, 22 nM) similar to that observed for RAF1. At concentrations close to their equilibrium dissociation constant values, RIN1 and RAF1 compete directly for RAS binding. RIN1 was also observed to inhibit cellular transformation by activated mutant RAS. This distinguishes RIN1 from other RAS effectors, which are transformation enhancing. Blockade of transformation was mediated by the RAS binding domain but required membrane localization. RIN1 recognizes endogenous RAS following transient activation by epidermal growth factor, and a portion of RIN1 fractionates to the cell membrane in a manner consistent with a reversible interaction. RIN1 also binds to 14-3-3 proteins through a sequence including serine 351. Mutation of this residue abolished the 14-3-3 binding capacity of RIN1 and led to more efficient blockade of RAS-mediated transformation. The mutant protein, RIN1S351A, showed a shift in localization to the plasma membrane. Serine 351 is a substrate for protein kinase D (PKD [also known as PKCμ]) in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that the normal localization and function of RIN1, as well as its ability to compete with RAF, are regulated in part by 14-3-3 binding, which in turn is controlled by PKD phosphorylation.
Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Human Breast Milk

Abstract Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can result from numerous sources including dietary as well as environmental. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons has been well-established through combustion sources, particularly coal-fired power plants, automobile and diesel exhaust emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels. In addition, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons occurs through the intake of tobacco smoke, both mainstream and sidestream, and this exposure potentially represents one of the highest concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to which we can be exposed. The plethora of chemicals found in tobacco presents considerable problems when trying to assess biological exposures to single or multiple compounds since the interactions of each of the chemicals with each other may deter the detection of the previous compound. In addition other materials found in tobacco may mask selective detection of certain compounds thereby minimizing their quantitative and quali...
Land Rights, Claims, and Western Shoshones: The Ideology of Loss and the Bureaucracy of Enforcement

This essay examines the shifting legal-political discourses surrounding the concepts “claim,”“property,” and “rights” with regard to the Western Shoshone. It argues that an “ideology of loss” structured the Indian Claims Commission (ICC) proceedings. These proceedings parted Native Americans from their land, often despite existing treaties affirming land rights. Far from “settling” historical claims, the ICC proceedings actually produced and transformed Native and non-Native histories and added a new bureaucratic facet to the colonial encounter. The discussion suggests that the attempted conquest of Native Americans is not a single fact accomplished in the past but is rather an ongoing process that is driven by the American political economy. Reference to the works of contemporary scholars, as well as to those of ancestral scholars Henry Sumner Maine, Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Antonio Gramsci elucidates how a dominant legal philosophy was put into place. This philosophy permitted the wielding of legal power and undermined Native Americans’ contestation of that power. Nevertheless, indigenous peoples such as the Western Shoshones, and the lawyers working with them, have found ways to use law to exert agency in the face of this bureaucratic force—creating an at-times ambivalent or double-edged relationship with legal power.
Manifold traversing as a model for learning control of autonomous robots

This paper describes a recipe for the construction of control systems that support complex machines such as multi-limbed/multi-fingered robots. The robot has to execute a task under varying environmental conditions and it has to react reasonably when previously unknown conditions are encountered. Its behavior should be learned and/or trained as opposed to being programmed. The paper describes one possible method for organizing the data that the robot has learned by various means. This framework can accept useful operator input even if it does not fully specify what to do, and can combine knowledge from autonomous, operator assisted and programmed experiences.
Nutritional Evaluation of Grain Amaranth for Growing Chickens

Abstract The nutritional value of raw and autoclaved grain amaranth, its milling fractions (perisperm and bran), fat-free flour, and of popped amaranth was evaluated for growing chickens. The control diet, which was composed primarily of corn and soybean meal, contained 3.06 kcal apparent ME (AME)/g and 23.6% CP. Test diets contained about the same AME and CP levels, and the following levels of the test samples: whole grain amaranth flour, 61.46%; fat-free flour, 62.10%; perisperm, 49.50%; bran, 35.30%; and popped amaranth, 61.10%. Two groups of six unsexed broiler chicks each, 2-day old when received, were used per diet. Chickens fed diets containing autoclaved grain amaranth or its fractions over 17 or 18 days grew as well as those fed the control diet. Feeding of popped amaranth resulted in poorer performance. On a dry matter basis, AME values of raw grain amaranth flour, fat-free flour, perisperm, bran, and popped amaranth were found to be 3.21, 3.09, 3.68, 3.06, and 2.98 kcal/g, respectively. Respective AME values for the first four autoclaved samples were 3.04, 2.94, 3.10, and 3.17 kcal/g. Autoclaved grain amaranth and its perisperm fraction replaced corn in the diets of growing chickens with similar performance results.
Cloning and characterization of a Dictyostelium discoideum cDNA encoding a protein related to the medium chain subunit of clathrin-associated adaptor complexes

Abstract We describe the cloning and characterization of a cDNA, DdApml, encoding a putative medium chain subunit of a clathrin-associated protein (adaptor or assembly protein [AP]) complex in Dictyostelium discoideum. The DdApml clone is predicted to encode a polypeptide of 439 amino acids (aa) with a molecular mass of 49.9 kDa. The predicted translation product (DdApmlp) shares at least 51.7% identity and 76.3% similarity with the medium chain subunits of plasma membrane (mb)-associated clathrin AP complexes from rat and Caenorhabditis elegans. The deduced aa sequence also demonstrates significant but lesser homology to a number of medium chain subunits of Golgi-associated clathrin AP complexes. Since DdApmlp demonstrates significantly greater homology to plasma mb-associated clathrin AP complex medium chains than to their Golgi-associated counterparts, we suggest that DdApmlp may be a medium chain subunit of an AP complex involved in clathrin function at the plasma mb of D. discoideum. Southern blot analysis indicated that DdApml gene defines a single copy gene in the D. discoideum genome. Northern blot analysis of RNA purified at different times during growth and development demonstrated that the DdApml gene is expressed at relatively constant levels throughout the life cycle of the organism. DdApml is the first reported full-length cDNA encoding a subunit of an AP complex in D. discoideum, and thus provides the first evidence for the existence of AP complexes in this organism.
Centromere Licensing: Mis18 Is Required to Polo-ver

The Mis18 complex is a critical player in determining when and where centromeres are built. A new study identifies Polo-like kinase (Plk1) as a positive regulator required for the localization of Mis18 to centromeres. This is a critical step that is essential for proper centromere function and maintaining the integrity of the genome.
Realizing effective magnetic field for photons by dynamic modulation

We find that dynamic modulation of refractive index can induce an effective magnetic field that couples to photons, and show it leads to the circular motion of light beams, and one-way edge modes in a photonic resonator lattice.
Realization of Input-Output Relations by Sequential Machines

This paper deals with the synthesis of sequential machines (without a distinguished initial state) which satisfies a specified list of input sequences and corresponding output sequences. Readily testable necessary and sufficient conditions are given for such a list to result in a realizable machine, and an algorithm is formulated for constructing the machine when these conditions are fulfilled.
Production and Economics of Native Pecan Silvopastures in Central United States

Riverine silvopastoral practices with native pecan (Carya illinoinensis) are a suitable land use for areas subjected to seasonal flooding in southern and central regions of the United States. Nut, timber and forage production, and the economics of managed pecan silvopastures were examined in southeastern Kansas. During 1981–2000, annual hulled nut production varied between 50 and 1600 kg ha−1 in stands averaging 72 years of age, and ranging in density between 35 and 74 trees ha−1. The nut crop had a pattern of biennial bearing with some exceptions. Tree stem diameter and stand basal area increased linearly with time. Nut production was not related to stand age or tree density, however, suggesting that nut production had reached a steady state level. Merchantable timber yield ranged between 0.25 and 1.35 m3 ha−1 year−1. In pecan silvopastures with a mean tree age of 37 years, forage production varied between 1500 and 4600 kg DM ha−1 in 2001 and 2002. In 2001 only, grass production decreased with decreasing solar radiation within the range of 0.25–0.83 of fraction light transmitted. In both years, the grass understory had acceptable quality for cow-calf production with average crude protein content between 9 and 11.8%, and no evidence of excessive levels of ergoalkaloids from tall fescue. Twenty-seven vascular plants were identified in the understory of which nut sedge (Cyperus esculentus), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), wild oat (Avena fatua) and Canadian wild rye (Elymus canadensis) were the most abundant. Economic simulations obtained with the U.S. Agroforestry Estate Model indicated that pecan nut price is the main variable driving economic outputs under current production conditions. Annual cash flows from nut sales had smaller fluctuations than nut yields because of an inverse relation between nut price and yield. Improved timber production appears an option for increasing profitability of pecan silvopastures.
Delivery of nutrients and seston from the Muskegon River Watershed to near shore Lake Michigan

Abstract Drowned river mouth lakes are major features of coastal Great Lakes habitats and may influence nutrient and organic matter contributions from watersheds to near shore coastal zones. In May through October 2003, we measured loads of nutrients, surficial sediment, and seston to track the delivery of riverine-derived materials from the lower Muskegon River Watershed (MRW) into the near shore area of southeast Lake Michigan. Nutrient flux data indicated that seasonal loads of 1800 metric tons (MT) of particulate organic carbon, 3400 MT of dissolved organic carbon, and 24 MT of total phosphorus were discharged from the lower Muskegon River, with approximately 33% of TP load and 53% of the POC load intercepted within the drowned river mouth terminus, Muskegon Lake. Carbon: phosphorus molar ratios of seston in Muskegon River (C:P = 187) and Muskegon Lake (C:P = 176) were lower than in Lake Michigan (C:P = 334), indicating phosphorus limitation of phytoplankton in near shore Lake Michigan. Isotopic signatures of seston collected in Muskegon Lake were depleted in δ 13 C (− 30.8 ± 1.6‰) relative to the isotope signatures of seston from Lake Michigan (− 26.2 ± 1.3‰) or the mouth of the Muskegon River (− 28.1 ± 0.5‰), likely due to the presence of biogenic methane in Muskegon Lake. Seston δ 15 N increased on a strong east-to-west gradient within Muskegon Lake, indicating significant microbial processing of nutrients. The extent of nutrient uptake in Muskegon Lake altered the chemical and isotopic characterization of seston flowing into Lake Michigan from Muskegon River.
The Discrete Agglomeration Model: Equivalent Problems

In this paper we develop equivalent problems for the Discrete Agglomeration Model in the continuous context.
“De-Risking” Private Sector Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Recent recessions have caused a great deal of instability in defined benefit pension funding requirements. That has been exacerbated by the provisions of the Pension Reform Act of 2006, accounting and reporting changes and revised policies of credit rating bureaus. The result has been the shifting of large amounts of pension debt to corporate balance sheets. This has moved pension policy from the employment side of the house to the CFO. The response has been dubbed “de-risking.” It involves transferring longevity, investment and interest-rate risk from the sponsor to the participants through lump sum distributions and to an insurance company through the purchase of a group annuity contract. A related approach is to “immunize” the plan assets from instability by moving out of equities and into fixed-income bonds that duration match the plan’s liabilities. 2012 was a banner year for de-risking. It will continue in 2013. This article examines what may prove to be the death knell of traditional defined benefi...
Variants for HDL-C, LDL-C, and Triglycerides Identified from Admixture Mapping and Fine-Mapping Analysis in African American Families

Background—Admixture mapping of lipids was followed-up by family-based association analysis to identify variants for cardiovascular disease in African Americans. Methods and Results—The present stu...
Moments and efficiency of the median and trimmed mean for finite populations

Exact formulas for the expected value and variance of the median and trimmed mean are found as functions of the elements of a finite population under simple random sampling. A simulation study is performed to compare the performance of the median and trimmed mean versus the mean when sampling from various simulated finite populations. Finally, the asymptotic performance of these estimators, when sampling from infinite populations, is compared with the finite populations results.
NOAA Ocean Explorer Web site

NOAA Ocean Explorer is NOAA's official Web site for ocean exploration. It is an educational Internet offering for all who wish to learn about, discover, and virtually explore the ocean realm. Debuting in April 2001, it provides public access to current information on many NOAA scientific and educational explorations and activities in the marine environment.
Physiology of Thrombospondin

Thrombospondin is a large, multifunctional glycoprotein released from activated platelets and secreted by growing cells. It binds to components of the cell surface and extracellular milieu. Thrombospondin probably modulates a number of processes, including aggregation of platelets, formation and lysis of fibrin, adhesion and migration of cells, and progression of cells through the growth cycle. Studies relating thrombospondin to disease processes are just beginning.
Growth of clinical isolates in the cold.

Common clinical isolates were tested to determine their ability to multiply after 7 days at 4°C in trypticase soy broth. 34% of the 214 isolates grew in the cold.Citrobacter freundii, Group D Enterococci,Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri andSerratia marcescens grew best of all. The importance of growth in the cold is discussed.
The structure of the Hoyle state and its 2+ partner state in 12C

We have measured the 12 C(γ, 3α) reaction with an Optical Time Projection Chamber (O-TPC) detector operating with the CO 2 (80%) + N 2 (20%) gas mixture and gamma-ray beams from the HIγS facility of the TUNL at Duke. We measured complete angular distributions (between 9.1 – 10.7 MeV) from which we determine the cross section yield curve and E1 – E2 relative phases leading to an unambiguous identification of the second 2 + state in 12 C at 10.03(11) MeV. The observed spectrum of 12 C below 12 MeV including the 2 2 + state observed in this work resembles the rotation-vibration spectrum predicted for a triangular shape oblate spinning top in which the Hoyle state is the first vibrational breathing mode of the triangular three alpha-particle system. We also observed a hint of the 2 3 + state which is predicted by the U(7) model as a member of the 1 - bending mode band, but the existence of this 2 3 + is yet to be confirmed. The predicted rotation-vibration spectrum of a triangular shape oblate spinning top (with a D 3h symmetry) allows us to compare the moment of inertia of the predicted Hoyle rotational band to the ground state rotational band and in this way extract the (large) rms radius of the Hoyle state of 3.22(8) fm. We compare the deduced rms radius with recent ab-initio theories and cluster models as well as the radius extracted from 12 C(p, p′) data.
Effects of composition-dependent modulus, finite concentration and boundary constraint on Li-ion diffusion and stresses in a bilayer Cu-coated Si nano-anode

Abstract During the lithiation of a Si anode from pure Si to fully lithiated alloy, the volume expands four times and modulus varies by several tens of times. Thus, the Li-ion diffusion and the stress evolution can be strongly coupled, which may play a significant role in determining the anode performance. In this work, we present a theoretical study of the fully coupled diffusion and stresses in a nonequilibrium Li Si system by taking into account the effects of composition-dependent modulus, finite concentration, and boundary constraint. The Li-ion diffusion and induced stresses in a bilayer Cu-coated Si anode at the nanometer scale is examined to show these important effects. The transient stress-assisted diffusion problem is solved numerically by a finite difference method, whilst the stress field is obtained analytically. It is shown that the modulus variation with composition plays a mild role in the Li-ion diffusion. In order to account for the finite concentration effect, a nonlinear flux equation is introduced that describes the Li-ion diffusion over the full range of concentration from dilute to near-saturation state in a unified, symmetric manner. The finite concentration effect is significant, especially during the early delithiation process. The boundary constraint effect is found to play an intriguing role in the chemical diffusion. The bending stress results in a resisting force to Li-ion flow preventing effectively the Si anode from full lithiation. The constraint effect is significant for a wide range of Cu thickness.
Electron-ion dissociative recombination rate constants relevant to the Titan atmosphere and the Interstellar Medium

Following the arrival of Cassini at Titan in 2004, the Titan atmosphere has been shown to contain large complex polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons. Since Cassini has provided a great deal of data, there exists a need for kinetic rate data to help with modeling this atmosphere. One type of kinetic data needed is electron-ion dissociative recombination (e-IDR) rate constants. These data are not readily available for larger compounds, such as naphthalene, or oxygen containing compounds, such as 1,4 dioxane or furan. Here, the rate constants for naphthalene, 1,4 dioxane, and furan have been measured and their temperature dependencies are determined when possible, using the University of Georgia's Variable Temperature Flowing Afterglow. The rate constants are compared with those previously published for other compounds; these show trends which illustrate the effects which multi-rings and oxygen heteroatoms substitutions have upon e-IDR rate constants.
Basis for relativistic models of nuclear structure in field-theoretic models of the strong interaction

We make use of the auxiliary (bilocal) field technique in an attempt to understand the relation between modern relativistic models of nuclear structure and quantum chromodynamics. The advantage of the model introduced here is that we are able to discuss and interconnect chiral symmetry breaking, (nontopological) models of hadron structure, and relativistic quantum field theories of nuclear structure. The proposed relation of the auxiliary fields of this model to the fields which play a central role in Dirac phenomenology is an important aspect of our work. It can be seen that the large scalar fields used in Dirac phenomenology, which serve to reduce the mass of the nucleon (or the quarks), are a reflection of a partial restoration of chiral symmetry at finite baryon number, that is, within nuclear matter.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF LIGHT, TEMPERATURE, AND CURRENT TO THE SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF BATRACHOSERMUM (RHODOPHYTA)12

SUMMARY Observations of the 2 growth sites and the laboratory experiments performed on B. vagum and B. moniliforme indicate that B. moniliforme is better suited to higher intensity illumination than is B. vagutn. B. vagnm was found growing year-round in a dark-water stream protected from high intensity light by the filtering effect of the bog-dark water. B. moniliforme was found growing in a clear water stream. Without the protection of dark water, the B. moniliforme disintegrated under the high light intensities of summer. In the laboratory, B. moniliforme retained a healthy macroscopic condition over a full range of light-intensity treatments; above 250 ft-c B. vagum was increasingly distintegrated. Light intensity, however, was not the only factor regulating the growth, of Batrachospermum in the 2 growth sites. The pattern of growth of B. vagum in Sinking Creek varied with the depth of the water and, therefore, with the light intensity it received. However, it was found that where all Conditions were the same, the greatest percent cover of the algae was in the center of the stream where the current was the greatest. Thus it was found that within the limitations caused by water depth, current velocity can become limiting to the growth of B. vagum. Although the evidence for environmental factors affecting the growth of B. moniliforme in Smay's Run is less extensive, light intensity and current velocity in this site also appear to interact to control the growth pattern of the algae.
“Herbal incense”: Designer drug blends as cannabimimetics and their assessment by drug discrimination and other in vivo bioassays

Abstract Recently, synthetic cannabinoids originally designed for testing in the laboratory only have found use recreationally in designer herbal blends, originally called “Spice”. The myriad of compounds found are for the most part potent full agonists of the cannabinoid receptor 1, producing effects similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana. Drug discrimination of these compounds offers a specific behavioral test that can help determine whether these new synthetic compounds share a similar “subjective high” with the effects of marijuana/THC. By utilization of drug discrimination and other behavioral techniques, a better understanding of these new “designer” cannabinoids may be reached to assist in treating both the acute and chronic effects of these drugs. The paper provides a brief expose of modern cannabinoid research as a backdrop to the recreational use of designer herbal blend cannabimimetics.
Guided Participation in Three Youth Activism Organizations: Facilitation, Apprenticeship, and Joint Work

Multiracial youth activism groups, based in working class and poor neighborhoods, seek to improve social conditions by organizing grassroots campaigns. Campaigns such as these, which require sophisticated planning, organizing, and advocacy skills, are noteworthy not just for their political impact, but also because of the insights they provide about learning environments outside of school. In this study I adopted Rogoff's (2003) theory of guided participation as a lens through which to analyze adult approaches to working with youth and how these approaches relate to opportunities for youth to participate in social action. Drawing on 2 years of ethnographic fieldwork in 3 multiracial activism groups, I found that adults managed tensions between youth empowerment principles and the task demands of campaigns in 3 distinct ways: facilitation, apprenticeship, and joint work. This analysis is relevant to educators who wish to support youth participation in mature social practices and researchers interested in e...
Statistics of conserved quantities in mechanically stable packings of frictionless disks above jamming

We numerically simulate mechanically stable packings of soft-core, frictionless, bidisperse disks in two dimensions, above the jamming packing fraction ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{J}$. For configurations with a fixed isotropic global stress tensor, we compute the averages, variances, and correlations of conserved quantities (stress ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathcal{C}}$, force-tile area ${A}_{\mathcal{C}}$, Voronoi volume ${V}_{\mathcal{C}}$, number of particles ${N}_{\mathcal{C}}$, and number of small particles ${N}_{s\mathcal{C}}$) on compact subclusters of particles $\mathcal{C}$, as a function of the cluster size and the global system stress. We find several significant differences depending on whether the cluster $\mathcal{C}$ is defined by a fixed radius $R$ or a fixed number of particles $M$. We comment on the implications of our findings for maximum entropy models of jammed packings.
Tin at high pressure: An energy-dispersive x-ray-diffraction study to 120 GPa.

The high-pressure phases of tin have been studied by energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction to 120\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 GPa at room temperature in a diamond-anvil cell. The body-centered cubic structure, evolving from the body-centered tetragonal structure at 45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 GPa, is found to be stable to the highest pressure of 120 GPa. Along with previously published data, the present results complete the equation of state of tin to 120 GPa at room temperature. The stability of the bcc phase is discussed in the broader perspective of the pressure behavior of the other Goup-IVA elements and the isoelectronic III-V compound InSb.
The Specificity of Urinary Aquaporin 1 and Perilipin 2 to Screen for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Renal cancer is frequently asymptomatic until late stages of the disease and it has a poor prognosis when not discovered early. AQP1 and PLIN2 are recently discovered, sensitive urine biomarkers of clear cell and papillary kidney cancer. We validated these biomarkers in a second cohort of patients and determined the effect of common kidney diseases on specificity.Materials and Methods: Urine samples were obtained from 36 patients with clear cell or papillary kidney cancer, 43 controls, 44 patients with documented urinary tract infection, 24 diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy and 18 diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. Urine levels of AQP1 and PLIN2 normalized to urine creatinine were determined by a sensitive, specific Western blot procedure.Results: Compared with controls, urine AQP1 and PLIN2 levels in patients with kidney cancer were 23-fold and fourfold greater, respectively, and they decreased 83% to 84% after tumor excision. There was a linear correlation between urine AQP1 and PLIN2 levels,...
Space-charge layers in semi-insulating GaAs: Photoexcited two-dimensional electron systems

Abstract Resonant Raman spectra of photoexcited semi-insulating GaAs and Fe/GaAs show features characteristic of two-dimensional electron plasmas. The results are ascribed to the presence of a space-charge layer at the surface, originating in a slight mismatch of Fermi-level positions at the vacuum (or metal) interface and in the bulk. Calculations using values of intersubband transition energies from the data give an estimated shift of ∼0.04 eV for the Fermi-level position at T = 85K.