cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative skeletal anatomy of neonatal ursids and the extreme altriciality of the giant panda

Mammalian neonates are born at a wide range of maturity levels. Altricial newborns are born with limited sensory agency and require extensive parental care. In contrast, precocial neonates are relatively mature physically and often capable of independent function shortly after birth. In extant mammals, placental newborns vary from altricial to precocial, while marsupials and monotremes are all extremely altricial at birth. Bears (family Ursidae) have one of the lowest neonatal-maternal mass ratios in placental mammals, and are thought to also have the most altricial placental newborns. In particular, giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are thought to be exceptionally altricial at birth, and possibly marsupial-like. Here we used micro-computer (micro-computed) tomography scanning to visualize the skeletal anatomy of ursid neonates and compare their skeletal maturity with the neonates of other caniform outgroups. Specifically, we asked whether ursid neonates have exceptionally altricial skeletons at birth compared with other caniform neonates. We found that most bear neonates are similar to outgroup neonates in levels of skeletal ossification, with little variation in degree of ossification between ursine bears neonates (i.e. bears of the subfamily Ursinae). Perinatal giant pandas, however, have skeletal maturity levels most similar to a 42-45-day-old beagle fetus (~70% of total beagle gestation period). No bear exhibits the skeletal heterochronies seen in marsupial development. With regards to skeletal development, ursine bears are not exceptionally altricial relative to other caniform outgroups, but characterized largely by the drastic difference between newborn and adult body sizes. A review on the existing hypotheses for ursids' unique reproductive strategy suggests that the extremely small neonatal-maternal mass ratio of ursids may be related to the recent evolution of large adult body size, while life history characteristics retained an ancestral condition. A relatively short post-implantation gestation time may be the proximal mechanism behind the giant panda neonates' small size relative to maternal size and altricial skeletal development at birth.
Molecular characterization and distribution of the voltage-gated sodium channel, Para, in the brain of the grasshopper and vinegar fly

Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, encoded by the gene para, play a critical role in the rapid processing and propagation of visual information related to collision avoidance behaviors. We investigated their localization by immunostaining the optic lobes and central brain of the grasshopper Schistocerca americana and the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster with an antibody that recognizes the channel peptide domain responsible for fast inactivation gating. NaV channels were detected at high density at all stages of development. In the optic lobe, they revealed stereotypically repeating fascicles consistent with the regular structure of the eye. In the central brain, major axonal tracts were strongly labeled, particularly in the grasshopper olfactory system. We used the NaV channel sequence of Drosophila to identify an ortholog in the transcriptome of Schistocerca. The grasshopper, vinegar fly, and human NaV channels exhibit a high degree of conservation at gating and ion selectivity domains. Comparison with three species evolutionarily close to Schistocerca identified splice variants of Para and their relation to those of Drosophila. The anatomical distribution of NaV channels molecularly analogous to those of humans in grasshoppers and vinegar flies provides a substrate for rapid signal propagation and visual processing in the context of visually-guided collision avoidance.
I’d Prefer Another: Pub Culture as a Third-Way Resistance to Capitalism

This article focuses on applying some of Žižek’s theoretical work to a specific space within the capitalist conjuncture, the pub. Jurgen Habermas’ influential conception of the public sphere has shown the important role of the caffeine-centric cafes of the past in producing a lively democratic movement. As most any trip to a post-modern coffeehouse will attest, however, such locations have become little more than outlets for free and always individualized Wi-Fi. But the local pub, in the current political climate, has attained something more. The central argument here is that pub culture, built on neither action nor reaction, is the last bastion of anti-capitalism. Indeed, if Bartleby’s “I’d prefer not to,” was an effective response to the demands of capitalism in the work place, then “I’d prefer another” does such duty with even more resistance and relevance for the present. To make this case, and explore its implications, I will turn to key insights from theorists such as Žižek, Lawrence Grossberg, and Deleuze and Guattari, while also comparing and contrasting today’s global pub culture to that of the historical role of the cafe.
A Dual-Dimer method for training physics-constrained neural networks with minimax architecture

Abstract Data sparsity is a common issue to train machine learning tools such as neural networks for engineering and scientific applications, where experiments and simulations are expensive. Recently physics-constrained neural networks (PCNNs) were developed to reduce the required amount of training data. However, the weights of different losses from data and physical constraints are adjusted empirically in PCNNs. In this paper, a new physics-constrained neural network with the minimax architecture (PCNN-MM) is proposed so that the weights of different losses can be adjusted systematically. The training of the PCNN-MM is searching the high-order saddle points of the objective function. A novel saddle point search algorithm called Dual-Dimer method is developed. It is demonstrated that the Dual-Dimer method is computationally more efficient than the gradient descent ascent method for nonconvex–nonconcave functions and provides additional eigenvalue information to verify search results. A heat transfer example also shows that the convergence of PCNN-MMs is faster than that of traditional PCNNs.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Test and Analysis Campaign of NASA's Mars 2020 Rover

NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover—with a launch window opening July 2020, and landing expected February 2021—has mission objectives to look for evidence of habitability, seek biosignatures of past life, collect and cache samples for possible future return to Earth, and prepare for future human missions to Mars. The Rover platform is similar to the previous Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) “Curiosity” rover that landed in 2012 but contains a new suite of scientific instruments and upgrades to existing functionality: seven new and/or upgraded scientific payloads, an upgraded arm and sampling system, and a Helicopter demonstration. These changes—along with new efficiency goals to operate more Rover subsystems concurrently and thus collect more science-presented new electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges. In this paper, we will describe the campaign to ensure Mars 2020 mission success from an electromagnetic environment perspective: 1) confirming existing MSL heritage subsystems and EMC requirements were compatible with the new Mars 2020 mission objectives, 2) engaging with engineers and scientists early in the project to identify and evaluate risks before hardware assembly and performing ambitious risk reduction tests, 3) undertaking a comprehensive subsystem qualification test program based on tailored MIL-STD-461F requirements, occasionally leading to redesign, 4) synthesizing the data collected to perform detailed analyses toward the goal of making risk-informed decisions at a system level. The spacecraft successfully completed all three planned system level tests, demonstrating self-compatibility with minimal impact to operations from electromagnetic interference in all mission phases.
Configuration space and stability analysis of solar sail near-vertical earth-trailing orbits

Abstract Regions outside the reach of traditional propulsion systems or the ones that require significant propellant, may be reached by harnessing the solar radiation pressure and leveraging coupled dynamics to maneuver a sail-based spacecraft. Earth-trailing orbits have recently been investigated for getting a unique perspective of the Sun while maintaining the spacecraft in close proximity to Earth. Vertical orbits trailing the Earth exhibit the additional capability to view the Sun from above and below the ecliptic plane. In this work, families of sail-based orbits are explored for varying Earth-trailing angles and Z amplitudes in the Sun-Earth circular restricted three-body problem. Optimization is carried out to ensure that the non-traditional vertical orbits exhibit a constant pitch angle control history, as well as symmetry across the X-Y plane. The stability of the resulting orbit families is assessed using an extension of Flouquet theory to Differential Algebraic Equations. Results indicate that sail-based Earth-trailing vertical orbits can be more stable than traditional sub-L1 sail-based vertical orbits.
Electroencephalographic Findings in Pediatric Patients with Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: The San Diego Experience

Diagnosing anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis clinically can be challenging. There is a growing interest in identifying specific electroencephalographic features to help guide early management. A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients admitted to Rady Children's Hospital between January 1, 2010 and April 1, 2017. We included patients with the diagnosis of encephalitis who underwent continuous video electroencephalogram (VEEG) for at least 12 hours, and presented with less than 14 days of symptoms. We compared the electroencephalographic features of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep between patients with antibody confirmed anti-NMDAR encephalitis and patients with encephalitis from other etiologies. We identified seven patients who met our inclusion criteria, five of whom were diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Four of the five patients had a significant reduction in NREM sleep, while one patient had increased NREM sleep associated with clinical catatonia and hypersomnolence. Sleep was preserved in the two cases of nonimmune mediated encephalitis. Our results suggest that a prolonged VEEG to capture sleep coupled with clinical features can aid in early diagnosis and treatment of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, often before confirmatory antibody testing is available.
Opportunistic Shirking Behavior During Unpaid Overtime

We identify the presence of shirking by Major League Baseball umpires during indefinite unpaid overtime, as defined by extra innings. In the presence of new information about expected game length, umpires exert biases in ball and strike calls consistent with opportunistically reducing the likelihood of working additional time. General implications with respect to the effectiveness of salaried workers during unpaid overtime hours are discussed.
Language Use and Generation Status are Associated with Chronic Pain Differences in Mexican Americans.

Little is known about the pain experience of the Mexican American (MA) population. We investigated the associations between language use and generation status with chronic pain prevalence, health insurance coverage, and analgesic medication use. We examined 3373 MA respondents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We found higher levels of English use and generation status were associated with higher odds of reporting chronic pain. For respondents reporting chronic pain, higher levels of English use and generation status were associated with higher odds of being covered by health insurance, lower odds of having a period of time last year without health insurance, and higher odds of being prescribed any analgesic medication, especially opioid medications. We found language use and generation status play a role in MAs’ experience, access, and treatment of chronic pain. Patient-, provider-, and systems-level interventions may be needed to reduce these disparities.
Direct comparison of amplitude and geometric measures of spectral inhomogeneity using phase-cycled 2D-IR spectroscopy.

Two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy provides access to equilibrium dynamics with the extraction of the frequency-fluctuation correlation function (FFCF) from the measured spectra. Several different methods of obtaining the FFCF from experimental spectra, such as the center line slope (CLS), ellipticity, phase slope, and nodal line slope, all depend on the geometrical nature of the 2D line shape and necessarily require spectral extent in order to achieve a measure of the FFCF. Amplitude measures, on the other hand, such as the inhomogeneity index, rely only on signal amplitudes and can, in principle, be computed using just a single point in a 2D spectrum. With a pulse shaper-based 2D-IR spectrometer, in conjunction with phase cycling, we separate the rephasing and nonrephasing signals used to determine the inhomogeneity index. The same measured data provide the absorptive spectrum, needed for the CLS. Both methods are applied to two model molecular systems: tungsten hexacarbonyl (WCO6) and methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl [Cp′Mn(CO)3, MCMT]. The three degenerate IR modes of W(CO)6 lack coherent modulation or noticeable intramolecular vibrational redistribution (IVR) and are used to establish a baseline comparison. The two bands of the MCMT tripod complex include intraband coherences and IVR as well as likely internal torsional motion on a few-picosecond time scale. We find essentially identical spectral diffusion, but faster, non-equilibrium dynamics lead to differences in the FFCFs extracted with the two methods. The inhomogeneity index offers an advantage in cases where spectra are complex and energy transfer can mimic line shape changes due to frequency fluctuations.
Moral Judgment and Moral Heuristics in Breach of Contract

Most people think that breaking a promise is immoral, and that a breach of contract is a kind of broken promise. However, the law does not explicitly recognize the moral context of breach of contract. Using a series of web-based questionnaires, we asked subjects to read breach of contract cases and answer questions about the legal, financial, and moral implications of each case. Our results suggest that people are quite sensitive to the moral dimensions of a breach of contract, especially the perceived intentions of the breacher. In the first study, we framed the motivation for a contractor's breach as either the chance to make more money or the chance to avoid losing money. Subjects were more punitive when the motivation appeared to be greed (breach to gain) than when the motivation appeared to be fear (breach to avoid loss). In the second study, we manipulated the timing of the negotiation over damages, comparing cases in which the promisor asks to negotiate damages before definitively breaching (as in a liquidated damages clause) with cases in which the breach has already occurred. We predicted that once the contract is breached, the moral violation becomes very salient, and we found that subjects were more punitive when setting damages ex post than ex ante. Finally, results from the third study suggest that subjects believe that intentionally breaking a contractual promise is a punishable moral harm in itself. When presented with identical losses, one from an intentional breach of contract and the other from a negligent tort, subjects were more punitive toward the breacher than the negligent tortfeasor. They treated willful breach as an intentional harm.
Knockdown of Mueller cell specific VEGF reduces retinal neovascularization in a rat model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

in a rat model of retinopathy of prematurity Yanchao Jiang1, Manabu McCloskey1, Haibo Wang1, Zhihong Yang1, Jeremy Strange1, Tal Kafir2, John G Flannery3, Kenneth Greenberg4, Scott Hammond2, ME Hartnett1, 1Dept of Ophthalmology, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 2University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, UT 3University of California, Berkeley, CA 4Spiral Devices, LLC, Berkeley, CA
Acute Axonal Injury in White Matter Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Thrombolysis and revascularization have greatly enhanced our ability to treat acute strokes secondary to large vessel occlusions. Despite these advances, stroke due to small vessel disease remains an important clinical problem accounting for up to 25 % of the 795,000 new strokes occurring annually in the USA. The vast majority of these small vessel infarcts affect brain white matter, resulting in focal myelin loss and axonal degeneration that produces physical and mental disability. There is also increasing evidence that repeated small vessel infarcts within the white matter increase the risk of large vessel cortical strokes and may place patients at risk for the development of vascular dementia.
Effects of Noise and Tonal Stimuli on Hearing in Pinnipeds

Abstract : The practical objective for FY08 was to complete behavioral testing with three subjects against an equal energy matrix of tonal noise exposures (with similar characteristics to mid-frequency sonar) based on pre-determined combinations of stimulus duration and received sound pressure level. The specific aims were (1) to compare the characteristics of the threshold shifts induced by exposure to tonal sounds to the auditory effects induced by broadband noise exposure so that the effects of mid-frequency tonal noise could be incorporated into existing models of TTS for the amphibious pinnipeds, and (2) to evaluate differential auditory responses to waterborne versus airborne sound in order to determine whether the hearing losses incurred in one physical medium translate to equivalent losses the other.
Identity conflict or adaptive flexibility? Bisexuality reconsidered.

A definition of bisexuality is offered, followed by a discussion of two opposing models of bisexual functioning: the "conflict model," which views bisexuality as problematic, stemming from identity conflict and confusion that marks a transitional stage to a homosexual orientation; and the "flexibility model," which views bisexuality as the coexistence of heteroeroticism and homoeroticism, as the successful integration of homosexual and heterosexual identities into a dual sexual orientation. The Kinsey data are reviewed in an effort to determine the incidence of bisexuality in the U.S. population. Finally, specific clinical and empirical studies investigating bisexual subjects are reviewed in light of the two models.
Diphtheritic myocarditis: A histochemical and electron microscopic study

Abstract Electron microscopic, histochemical and histologic studies of diphtheritic myocarditis in a 3 year old child who died of cardiac failure are presented. A correlation between biochemical lesions and morphologic alterations of the myocardium is described. The most striking cytopathologic change was mitochondrial damage associated with depletion of glycogen and accumulation of lipid droplets in the damaged myofibers. The changes appeared to progress throughout the myocardial cells. The localization of the diphtheria toxin was demonstrated in situ in the myocardium by immunofluorescent antibodies. The toxin was patchy in distribution and of varying concentration throughout the myocardium. The toxin was found most frequently and in greatest concentration in the large mononuclear cells which had an eosinophilic cytoplasm in hematoxylineosin stained sections. Since the pathologic lesions of the myocardium in diphtheria vary and are inconsistent, histochemical and immunofluorescent antibody technics are valuable means for detailed study of the pathology of diphtheritic myocarditis and are of considerable aid in the diagnosis of undetermined cases.
Electron paramagnetic resonance studies on nitrogenase. I. The properties of molybdoferredoxin and azoferredoxin.

Abstract Both molybdoferredoxin and azoferredoxin exhibit EPR signals. Reduced azoferredoxin has a g = 1.94 type signal characteristic of nonheme iron proteins. Reduced molybdoferredoxin has EPR signals with g-values of 2.01, 3.78 and 4.27. This resonance appears to be due to an antiferromagnetically coupled system of iron atoms with an effective spin of 3 2 which has been subjected to both axial and rhombic distortions of the crystal field. Oxidation of azoferredoxin with ferricyanide results in the disappearance of the g = 1.94 type signal and replacement by an isotropic line at g ~ 2.0. The EPR signals observed on oxidation of molybdoferredoxin depend on the extent of oxidation. The intensity of EPR lines at g = 3.78 and 4.27 decreases on oxidation and the signal is finally replaced by a single line at g = 4.0. The changes at high field on oxidation are more complex and three types of signals are observed. At a ferricyanide:protein ratio of 5:1, an isotropic line (I), superimposed on the g ~ 2.01 signal is observed. With a ratio of 20:1 the intensity of I decreases to a negligible amount, but now three new signals at g values of 1.70, 1.90 and 1.98 appear; they are part of rhombic trio (Species R). Excess ferricyanide reduces the intensity of R species, but produces an axial EPR spectrum (A species) with g⊥ = 2.00 and g∥ = 2.09.
On the existence of maximal Cohen-Macaulay modules over pth root extensions

This is the published version, also available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1090/S0002-9939-99-04880-7. First published in Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. in 1999, published by the American Mathematical Society.
Leveling the Playing Field: An Urban School System Examines Equity in Access to Mathematics Curriculum.

This study measured the mathematics admissions process, the mechanism by which educators assign students to the critical ninth-grade mathematics courses, against a meritocratic definition of fairness to determine if this process denied access to students from particular segments of society. While controlling for academic ability, this study assessed if socioeconomic status, race, gender, and school assignment taken independently and in combination were significant in predicting which students were denied admission to Algebra I and Geometry. The findings of this study evinced that students who scored in the upper quartile in mathematics were not scheduled into the gatekeeper mathematics courses without regard to their socioeconomic status, gender, or school assignment.
Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder

Aberrant social behaviors in young children who experience serious neglect have been described for more than half a century and have been used as the basis for defining disorders of attachment. A broad consensus notes two phenotypes in early childhood—one characterized by socially withdrawn behavior and restricted positive affect and the other by disinhibited social behavior and repeated violations of conventional interpersonal boundaries. Reactive attachment disorder seems to be quite responsive to enhanced caregiving environments, although the indiscriminate behavior of disinhibited social engagement disorder persists in some cases even after affected children receive enhanced caregiving. Keywords: psychopathology; attachment; disinhibited social engagement disorder; indiscriminate behavior; parenting; reactive attachment disorder
Examination of Cholesterol oxidase attachment to magnetic nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were synthesized by thermal co-precipitation of ferric and ferrous chlorides. The sizes and structure of the particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The size of the particles was in the range between 9.7 and 56.4 nm. Cholesterol oxidase (CHO) was successfully bound to the particles via carbodiimide activation. FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the binding of CHO to the particles. The binding efficiency was between 98 and 100% irrespective of the amount of particles used. Kinetic studies of the free and bound CHO revealed that the stability and activity of the enzyme were significantly improved upon binding to the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the bound enzyme exhibited a better tolerance to pH, temperature and substrate concentration. The activation energy for free and bound CHO was 13.6 and 9.3 kJ/mol, respectively. This indicated that the energy barrier of CHO activity was reduced upon binding onto Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The improvements observed in activity, stability, and functionality of CHO resulted from structural and conformational changes of the bound enzyme. The study indicates that the stability and activity of CHO could be enhanced via attachment to magnetic nanoparticles and subsequently will contribute to better uses of this enzyme in various biological and clinical applications.
Multi-frequency observations of seawater carbonate chemistry on the central coast of the western Antarctic Peninsula

Assessments of benthic coastal seawater carbonate chemistry in Antarctica are sparse. The studies have generally been short in duration, during the austral spring/summer, under sea ice, or offshore in ice-free water. Herein we present multi-frequency measurements for seawater collected from the shallow coastal benthos on a weekly schedule over one year (May 2012–May 2013), daily schedule over three months (March–May 2013) and semidiurnal schedule over five weeks (March–April 2013). A notable pH increase (max pH = 8.62) occurred in the late austral spring/summer (November–December 2012), coinciding with sea-ice break-out and subsequent increase in primary productivity. We detected semidiurnal variation in seawater pH with a maximum variation of 0.13 pH units during the day and 0.11 pH units during the night. Daily variation in pH is likely related to biological activity, consistent with previous research. We calculated the variation in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) over each seawater measurement frequency, focusing on the primary DIC drivers in the Palmer Station region. From this, we estimated net biological activity and found it accounts for the greatest variations in DIC. Our seasonal data suggest that this coastal region tends to act as a carbon dioxide source during austral winter months and as a strong sink during the summer. These data characterize present-day seawater carbonate chemistry and the extent to which these measures vary over multiple time scales. This information will inform future experiments designed to evaluate the vulnerability of coastal benthic Antarctic marine organisms to ocean acidification. Keywords: Antarctica; aragonite; calcite; pH; seawater chemistry; total alkalinity (Published: 28 July 2015) Citation: Polar Research 2015, 34 , 25582, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v34.25582 To access the supplementary material for this article, please see supplementary files in the column to the right (under Article Tools).
Considering an Exotic Pet

A predatory reptile makes a cute pet when it's young, but can it be fun to eat from a can instead of catching food on the hoof? And what if the owner gives up trying to care properly for it? Only really well prepared people can take care of an adult exotic pet well enough to give it a pleasant life. Copyright held by creator.
2009 Carolyn Wood Sherif Award Address: Riding Trojan Horses from Symbolism to Structural Change--In Feminist Psychology, Context Matters.

Against the backdrop of the historical 2008 presidential election, I discuss the ways that the election of marginalized group members to public office can be used to silence the discourse on the so...
Comparison of saphenous vein graft relaxation between Plasma-Lyte solution and normal saline solution

Venospasm of saphenous vein grafts may damage endothelial cells and compromise early and late graft performance. Hence it is desirable to identify and use storage solutions that minimize vascular spasm during vein preparation. In view of this, we initiated isometric tension-recording studies in isolated canine and human saphenous vein to evaluate the acute, vasoactive effects of two storage solutions, Plasma-Lyte solution and normal saline solution. In initial experiments, canine saphenous veins were mounted in tissue baths containing physiologic salt solution and tonically constricted by 2 × 10-6 mol/L norepinephrine. The physiologic salt solution in the bath was then replaced by Plasma-Lyte solution or normal saline solution containing the same norepinephrine concentration, and changes in contraction amplitude were recorded for 90 minutes. Storage in Plasma-Lyte solution at 37° C completely relaxed norepinephrine-activated canine saphenous vein within 20 minutes, whereas veins remained partially constricted in normal saline solution. Both Plasma-Lyte solution and normal saline solution relaxed canine saphenous vein less at room temperature (25° C) than at 37° C, implying that warming of storage solutions in the operating room may promote graft dilation. To identify the mechanism by which Plasma-Lyte solution induced relaxation, we replaced its putative vasodilator components of gluconate and acetate with NaCl, but this alteration did not reduce relaxation induced by Plasma-Lyte solution. However, adding 1.6 mmol/L CaCl2 to Plasma-Lyte solution completely reversed the venodilation, suggesting that the low Ca2+ content of Plasma-Lyte solution confers its relaxant action. Finally, we tested the vasoactive effect of Plasma-Lyte solution on human saphenous vein obtained by discard from coronary bypass operations. Plasma-Lyte solution at 37° C effectively dilated norepinephrine-activated human saphenous vein, inducing complete relaxation within 20 minutes. On this basis, we recommend the use of Plasma-Lyte solution as a venodilatiog storage solution during coronary bypass operations to optimize vein graft relaxation before implantation.
Ethical Considerations in the Recruitment of Military Partners in Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Background The recruitment of military partners in combat-related posttraumatic disorder (PTSD) research necessitates nurses' awareness to their unique ethical concerns. Safeguarding the ethical rights of partners living with veterans with PTSD is crucial to the development and implementation of quality, rigorous research designs. Nurses should understand the unique ethical considerations that pertain to partners' participation in PTSD research. Objective To describe the ethical considerations relating to the recruitment of partners in PTSD research. Method A succinct discussion of the recent concerns in the recruitment of military partners in PTSD research. Results The ethical guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association are employed to describe implications for researchers, educators, and administrators. For clinical nurses, the American Nurses Association's initiative to support military families is used to guide our discussion. Nurses are in a leading position to advocate for the ethical recruitment of military partners in PTSD research.
Sensitivity of aerosol indirect effects to cloud nucleation and autoconversion parameterizations in short‐range weather forecasts during the May 2003 aerosol IOP

[1] Aerosol-cloud interactions begin with the direct involvement of aerosols in cloud nucleation followed by its indirect contribution to the formation of precipitation through autoconversion. Since the treatments of cloud microphysics in climate models are highly parameterized, a thorough study is needed to examine the range of simulations associated with different parameterizations of aerosol-cloud interactions. Unlike previous studies focused on climate-mode simulations, our interest is in short-range model response before the development of model bias and the compensation of multiple feedback mechanisms. In this study, we modified CAM4 to explore model sensitivity to treatments of cloud nucleation and autoconversion over the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains (SGP) facility during the May 2003 Aerosol Intensive Operations Period (IOP) under the Cloud-Associated Parameterizations Testbed framework. Simulated liquid water path and low cloud fraction were sensitive to the choice of parameterization; however, change of modeled precipitation was insignificant with varying parameterization in short-range (∼3 day) simulation. In general, simulated cloud properties were more sensitive to the treatment of autoconversion than nucleation. Calculations of sulfate indirect effects indicate that the change of shortwave fluxes from cloud lifetime effect is much more sensitive to cloud parameterizations than cloud albedo effect. Microphysical feedbacks complicate the local response of the climate system and can yield a positive 2nd indirect sulfate forcing that counters the expectation that increases in aerosol concentration decrease the shortwave fluxes. As a result, the calculated total sulfate indirect forcing over SGP varies widely ranging from −0.1 to −2.1 W m−2 during the IOP.
High-Voltage Glow Discharges in D 2 Gas. III. Starting Potential Theory

A theoretical treatment of the left branch of the Paschen urve for parallel plate discharges in D/sub 2/ gas is presented for potentials at 5 to 120 kv. The effect of electrons back;attered from the anode is considered and found to be ignificant. The Paschen curve is extremely sensitive to we secondary emission coefficient at low energies. The ign of the slope of the Paschen curve depends on the nergy dependence of the secondary emission coefficient. auth)
Loneliness, self-concept, and adjustment.

Summary Two studies (N = 194) investigated the relationship between loneliness and self-concept and adjustment. College students completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, and an inventory which assessed the degree of other-focused attention. Results indicated that loneliness was related to more negative self-concepts, possibly less adjustment, and more self-focus. Discussion centers on the relationship between loneliness and self-concept; the possible role of attention in maintaining the negative self-image of lonely people is suggested.
The protective effect of specific medium additives with respect to bubble rupture

A significant degree of cell damage is observed during suspension cell culture with air sparging. Protective agents can be added to the culture medium to protect the cells from damage. It has been observed that cells tend to adhere to air-medium interfaces and cell damage is mainly due to this cell-bubble interaction; protective additives have been found to prevent this cell adhesion to the bubble surfaces. In this article, it is demonstrated that the interfacial tension between the air and medium is related to the effectiveness of the protective additives to prevent adhesion of cells to this interface. Five different types of additives (Pluronic F-68, Methocels, dextran, Polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycols) were studied in an effort to determine their protective characteristics. Liquid-vapor interfacial tensions of the culture medium, with and without the additives, were measured by two different techniques (maximum bubble pressure method and Wilhelmy plate method). In addition, visualization techniques showed that in the presence of certain protective additives cells do not adhere to the bubble surface. Results obtained from these experiments indicate that the additives which rapidly lower the liquid-vapor interfacial tension of the culture medium also prevent adhesion of cells to the bubble surface. Experiments have also been conducted to determine the number of cells killed due to bubble rupture, and it was observed that this number is related to the amount of cells adhering to the bubble surface.
Doxorubicin induces apoptosis in normal and tumor cells via distinctly different mechanisms. intermediacy of H(2)O(2)- and p53-dependent pathways.

Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, exhibits cardiotoxicity as an adverse side effect in cancer patients. DOX-mediated cardiomyopathy is linked to its ability to induce apoptosis in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes by activation of p53 protein and reactive oxygen species. We evaluated the potential roles of H2O2 and p53 in DOX-induced apoptosis in normal bovine aortic endothelial cells and adult rat cardiomyocytes and in tumor cell lines PA-1 (human ovarian teratocarcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma). Time course measurements indicated that activation of caspase-3 preceded the stimulation of p53 transcriptional activity in endothelial cells. In contrast, DOX caused early activation of p53 in tumor cells that was followed by caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. These findings suggest that the transcriptional activation of p53 in DOX-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells may not be as crucial as it is in tumor cells. Further evidence was obtained using a p53 inhibitor, pifithrin-α. Pifithrin-α completely suppressed DOX-induced activation of p53 in both normal and tumor cell lines and prevented apoptosis in tumor cell lines but not in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. In contrast, detoxification of H2O2, either by redox-active metalloporphyrin or overexpression of glutathione peroxidase, decreased DOX-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes but not in tumor cells. This newly discovered mechanistic difference in DOX-induced apoptotic cell death in normal versus tumor cells will be useful in developing drugs that selectively mitigate the toxic side effects of DOX without affecting its antitumor action.
44 Nysa - An iron-depleted asteroid

The minor planet 44 Nysa has a unique combination of photopolarimetric parameters, with the most nearly neutral UBV colors, the shallowest negative polarization branch, and by far the highest polarimetric albedo yet obtained for any asteroid. Its surface apparently consists of a low-opacity, iron-free silicate strongly suggestive of enstatite achondrites.
Effects of beraprost sodium, a prostacyclin analogue, on tail flick response in two models of diabetic-neuropathy in rats and its mechanism.

Abstract The effects of beraprost sodium (BPS), a stable prostacyclin analogue, on the tail flick (TF) latency were investigated in streptozotocin-induced (STZ;55mg/kg, i.p.) diabetic male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and in spontaneously diabetic WBN/Kob rats. The SD rats were divided into 5 groups, i.e., (I) normal, (II) diabetic control, diabetic treated with (III) BPS (10μg/kg/day), (IV) BPS (30μg/kg/day), and (V) aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI; epalrestat, 50mg/kg/day). The drugs were administered orally. At 12 weeks, TF latency was significantly longer in untreated diabetic rats than in normal rats. After 4 weeks treatment, BPS significantly improved the abnormality in TF latency dose-dependently. But ARI did not normalize the response. The 45 weeks male WBN/Kob rats were divided into 2 groups: diabetic control and diabetic treated with BPS at 30μg/kg/day, P.O., respectively. Untreated, age-matched wistar rats were served as the normal group. At 61 weeks, TF latency was significantly longer in control WBN/Kob rats than in normal wistar rats in time-dependent manner. After 16 weeks treatment, BPS significantly normalized the prolongation in TF latency. In in vivo experiments, BPS significantly increased the cyclic AMP (cAMP) content in sciatic nerves from normal rats dose-dependently. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, cAMP content in sciatic nerves were significantly reduced, and 4 weeks treatment of BPS significantly restored this reduced cAMP content. It was suggested that BPS may be effective on diabetic neuropathy by, at least in part, maintenance of cAMP contents in the nerves.
Innovative Method to Mix Corrosion Inhibitor in Emulsified Acids

Acid in oil emulsions stimulate carbonate formation of limestone and dolomite. These emulsions consist of internal inhibited acid phase and an external hydrocarbon phase mixed with an emulsifier. In this current technology, the corrosion inhibitor is dissolved in the acid phase and encapsulated by hydrocarbon in the outer phase. The facts that the corrosion inhibitor is inside the emulsion will retard it from dispersing on metal surface of the tubing to create a metal protective film. In this paper, a method is proposed where the corrosion inhibitor is replaced from being in the internal phase to be in the external phase of the emulsion. This situation will allow the corrosion inhibitor to directly disperse onto the tubing metal surfaces to form the protective film required to prevent the tubing from any acid attack. Acid in oil emulsion with corrosion inhibitor being in the external phase of emulsion was successfully created in the lab and resulted in a much better thermal stability at room and reservoir conditions. In this lab study, thermal stability of emulsion with corrosion inhibitor in the external phase resulted in more stable emulsion than those with corrosion inhibitor in the internal phase. At reservoir temperature of 248oF emulsions with corrosion inhibitor in the external phase acid start to separate after 60 minutes and at 150 minutes was completely separated. Emulsions at same conditions with corrosion inhibitor in the internal phase acid start to separate after 30 minutes and at 110 minutes were completely separated from hydrocarbon phase. When corrosion inhibitor removed completely from the emulsion, it start to separate at 140 minutes and at 180 minutes separation was only 20%. Corrosion inhibitor being in the external phase will enhance emulsions retardation and hence deeper penetration in the reservoir. In addition this new method will protect the well tubing and stimulation equipment much better than before.
Temperature regulation in the white-tailed ptarmigan, Lagopus leucurus.

Abstract 1. 1. Standard metabolic rate of 48·8 kcal/24 hr for the white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus) is slightly higher than expected and may be associated with the continuous molt in this species. 2. 2. The lower critical temperature (6·5–11·5°C) is one of the lowest values recorded for birds and reflects the ptarmigan's excellent insulation. 3. 3. The ptarmigan has the lowest evaporative efficiency recorded in birds. Differences in efficiency of evaporative cooling may be adaptive, since they are correlated with habitat. 4. 4. Ambient temperature may be an important factor in habitat selection in some cases.
Differential gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in the perinatal rat lung.

ABSTRACT: It has been previously demonstrated that the developing rat lung markedly increases its catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GP) activities during the final 10 to 15% of gestation. In the present studies, we tested whether four major antioxidant enzymes (AOE) in perinatal rat lungs might share a similar pattern of developmental AOE gene expression via a pretranslational mechanism. The left lungs of 18-d to term fetuses and early postnatal rat pups were used to measure the concentrations of AOE mRNA by solution hybridization and the right lungs of the same group of animals were assayed for AOE activities. Results revealed differential AOE gene expression in developing rat lungs. Whereas the CAT and GP activities progressively increased prenatally, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity either declined [copper-zinc SOD (Cu,ZnSOD)] or remained constant [manganese SOD (MnSOD)j in late gestation. Postnatally, Cu,ZnSOD and CAT activities progressively increased, whereas MnSOD remained constant and GP activity declined slightly. For Cu,ZnSOD, MnSOD, and CAT, the activity changes were generally consistent with the patterns of changes in their mRNA concentrations in both the prenatal and postnatal period, but for GP they were not. At the time of birth, however, the mRNA levels of Cu,ZnSOD and CAT decreased ∼40%, whereas their enzyme activities increased. For MnSOD, only a slight rise in mRNA level was observed versus ∼100% increase in its activity at the time of birth. These findings suggest that the AOE are not coordinately regulated, and that developmental regulation of AOE gene expression in the perinatal rat lung is complex and likely exerted at different levels of regulation.
Dendritic arbors and central projections of physiologically characterized auditory fibers from the saccule of the toadfish, Opsanus tau

Neurobiotin was injected iontophoretically into saccular afferents of toadfish (Opsanus tau) after intracellular recording to examine dendritic arbors and central projections with respect to the physiological and directional response properties of the cells. Dendritic arbors of 36 afferents were examined in detail. Maximum diameter of the arbor and the number of terminal points were positively correlated with each other, but neither was predictive of spontaneous activity or sensitivity. Best azimuths were centered around 30 degrees -40 degrees, which corresponds to the angle of the saccule with respect to the fish's midline. In general, best elevations for afferents corresponded to hair cell orientations in the region innervated; unexpectedly low elevations obtained from afferents innervating the middle saccule may reflect curvature of the sensory epithelium against the otolith. Three efferent cells were filled partially. The location and large size of the efferent projections indicate that activity along the saccule could be modulated by a single efferent. All afferents projected to the dorsal zone of the descending octaval nucleus (dDON); many afferents bifurcated to terminate in the anterior octaval nucleus, and a few of those also had terminal fields in the medial zone of DON. All afferent projections into the dDON consisted of multiple axon collaterals projecting to numerous sites along the rostral-caudal extent of the nucleus. Variation in terminal field sites also was noted in the medial to lateral axis of the dDON; however, there were no consistent correlations between terminal field locations, physiology, and best directions of the saccular afferents.
Selective α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists target epigenetic mechanisms in cortical GABAergic neurons.

Nicotine improves cognitive performance and attention in both experimental animals and in human subjects, including patients affected by neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine-induced behavioral changes remain unclear. We have recently shown in mice that repeated injections of nicotine, which achieve plasma concentrations comparable to those reported in high cigarette smokers, result in an epigenetically induced increase of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression. Here we explored the impact of synthetic α4β2 and α7 nAChR agonists on GABAergic epigenetic parameters. Varenicline (VAR), a high-affinity partial agonist at α4β2 and a lower affinity full agonist at α7 neuronal nAChR, injected in doses of 1–5 mg/kg/s.c. twice daily for 5 days, elicited a 30–40% decrease of cortical DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1 mRNA and an increased expression of GAD67 mRNA and protein. This upregulation of GAD67 was abolished by the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine. Furthermore, the level of MeCP2 binding to GAD67 promoters was significantly reduced following VAR administration. This effect was abolished when VAR was administered with mecamylamine. Similar effects on cortical DNMT1 and GAD67 expression were obtained after administration of A–85380, an agonist that binds to α4β2 but has negligible affinity for α3β4 or α7 subtypes containing nAChR. In contrast, PNU–282987, an agonist of the homomeric α7 nAChR, failed to decrease cortical DNMT1 mRNA or to induce GAD67 expression. The present study suggests that the α4β2 nAChR agonists may be better suited to control the epigenetic alterations of GABAergic neurons in schizophrenia than the α7 nAChR agonists.