cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrological changes in the U.S. Northeast using the Connecticut River Basin as a case study: Part 2. Projections of the future

Abstract The focus of this study is on whether the recent warming-induced hydrologic changes in the U.S. Northeast will continue in the future (2046–2065) and how future changes of precipitation characteristics may influence other hydrological processes in the Connecticut River Basin (CRB). Our previous study (Parr and Wang 2014) examines the impact of climate changes during 1950–2011 on hydrological processes in the Northeast using the CRB as a case study. Our results showed a clear increase of precipitation intensity and suggested that the basin is entering a wetter regime more subject to meteorological flood conditions than to drought conditions. For this future analysis, three North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) models are used to derive the meteorological forcing for the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrological model, using both present day and the future projected A1B scenario climate. Our future projections indicate wetter winters including significantly greater precipitation, runoff, and soil moisture, decreases to spring runoff, and enhanced ET for all four seasons. We also find a shift toward earlier and faster snow melting and an earlier date of peak discharge. Future precipitation extremes show a decreased amount compared to the early 21st Century, but increased when compared to our entire historic period or the late 20th Century, as well as a consistently increasing mean intensity throughout the past and future. Analyses of extreme hydrologic events reveals changing characteristics of flooding involving increasing duration but decreasing frequency of flood events as well as a reduction of drought risk.
'Measuring the Benefits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Consumers: Between De Minimis and Small?': Comments on Professor Anthony Sander's Paper

The Ambrose-Sanders paper is one of the thought provoking and useful contributions to this conference. The following comments refer both to the second draft of the paper and to those aspects of the first draft that Tony referenced in his presentation at the conference.
Null mutations in the N-acetylglutamate synthase gene associated with acute neonatal disease and hyperammonemia.

N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the formation of N-acetylglutamate, an essential allosteric activator of carbamyl phosphate synthetase I, the first enzyme of the urea cycle. Liver NAGS deficiency has previously been found in a small number of patients with hyperammonemia. The mouse and human NAGS genes have recently been cloned and expressed in our laboratory. We searched for mutations in the NAGS gene of two families with presumed NAGS deficiency. The exons and exon/intron boundaries of the NAGS gene were sequenced from genomic DNA obtained from the parents of an infant from the Faroe Islands who died in the neonatal period and from two Hispanic sisters who presented with acute neonatal hyperammonemia. Both parents of the first patient were found to be heterozygous for a null mutation in exon 4 (TGG→TAG, Trp324Ter). Both sisters from the second family were homozygous for a single base deletion in exon 4 (1025delG) causing a frameshift and premature termination of translation. The finding of deleterious mutations in the NAGS gene confirms the genetic origin of NAGS deficiency. This disorder can now be diagnosed by DNA testing allowing for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis.
The Influence of Surface Chemistry on MoS2 Transfer Film Formation

A variety of MoS2 films having different initial surface compositions and different degrees of reaction in oxidizing atmospheres have been prepared by sputter deposition onto 440C steel substrates. The compositions of these films, including their degree of oxidation and their molybdenum-sulfur stoichiometry, have been determined by x-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopy immediately before the films were subjected to sliding wear tests. These tests, which used, an inhouse, “ring-on-disk” apparatus operating in an inert atmosphere, involved rubbing coated specimens against initially uncoated, polished 440C steel coutersurfaces. Films that had approximately 30 to 40 percent of their surface layers oxidized to MoO3 gave the best wear results. In addition, the presence of elemental sulfur in the film surface layers appears to enhance wear life. These data are interpreted to mean that much better adhesion between the transfer film and he initially bare steel surface is obtained through chemical bon...
Cronbach's Alpha†

Cronbach's alpha is a measure of internal consistency among m items that are summed or averaged to generate a score characterizing a subject (1), sometimes mistakenly reported as a measure of reliability. Cronbach's alpha is reported as background to the selection of outcome measures in randomized clinical trials. Keywords: Cronbach's alpha; internal consistency; factor analysis; item analysis; reliability
A Golden Pair of Identities in the Theory of Numbers

We find an interesting relationship between the golden ratio, the Moebius function, the Euler totient function and the natural logarithm - central players in the theory of numbers. A number of identities involving the golden ratio and its reciprocal are proved, including an expression for the base of the natural logarithm. The theorem and corollaries highlight a connection between the golden ratio and the factorization of integers that is not obvious; and display a sort of inverse relationship between the Moebius function and Euler totient function.
Challenges of Developing an Ethnography of Children and Childhood

Becoming Tongan: An Ethnography of Childhood. Helen Morton. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1996. 343 pp. Children's Lifeworlds: Gender, Welfare and Labour in the Developing World. Olga Niewenhuys. London: Routledge, 1994. 228 pp.
U.S. Dental School Applicants and Enrollees, 2014 Entering Class.

This report analyzes data collected annually by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) on the characteristics of applicants to and first-year enrollees in dental schools. Among the key findings this year are that, since 2010, there has been a gradual decline in the number of individuals taking the Dental Admission Test (DAT), while the number applying to dental schools has remained relatively flat. During the same five-year time period, the number of first-year dental students has continuously increased. The result is an increasing rate of enrollment among applicants. While the overwhelming majority of dental schools utilize some aspect of a holistic admissions process, the DAT scores and grade point averages of applicants and enrollees continue to rise. Unlike a decade ago, women now account for nearly half of all applicants and enrollees. At least part of the gain has come from a decline in the number of men applicants, rather than a change in the enrollment rate. Among underrepresented minorities, there remains a relatively low number of applicants and a lower than average enrollment rate. Overall, by analyzing data about individuals applying to and matriculating in dental schools, this report provides a window into the future dental workforce.
Characterization and testing of microelectromechnical accelerometers

Analog and Mixed Signal circuits pose a greater challenge in semiconductor testing than digital circuits due to the complexity of test requirements and the extremely large test vector sample space [?]. MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) are an emerging field combining mechanical components with semiconductor circuitry on-chip. Conventional testing and characterization methods for MEMS are very resource intensive. Alternate Testing, or Indirect Testing is a methodology used to identify and implement economical, fast and less complex tests to replace conventional complex, specification based tests [?]. This paper describes a methodology to characterize and test the mechanical subsystem of an accelerometer using its electrical sub-system. We use a novel pseudo-mechanical impetus to obtain an analog output which is then used for parameter mapping to characterize both electrical and mechanical subsystems in a purely electrical test. Measurements on commercial accelerometers demonstrate that the results of electrical tests correlates well with those from mechanical tests, providing an accurate low-cost solution for high-volume manufacturing test of accelerometers.
FuncLab: A MATLAB Interactive Toolbox for Handling Receiver Function Datasets

Receiver functions have become a widely used tool to study the seismic velocity structure beneath a single station by imaging impedance boundaries where mode conversions from P to S waves occur. In recent years, the community has seen an increase in the amount of broadband seismic data available through systems such as the IRIS Data Management Center (IRIS DMC), requiring new approaches to managing and handling large datasets in computationally efficient ways. Many receiver function studies have focused on tectonic and geodynamic questions on regional scales of a few hundred square kilometers ( e.g. , Zandt et al. 1995; Sheehan et al. 1995; Dueker and Sheehan 1997). These studies typically have utilized data from temporary networks operating on time scales of a few months to a few years. Others have concentrated on global trends, using data from increasing numbers stations that have operated for years or decades ( e.g. , Andrews and Deuss 2008; Lawrence and Shearer 2006; Tauzin et al. 2008). Over the last several years, the seismological community has seen a rapid increase in the number of deployed passive broadband seismic stations and a resulting increase in data available for receiver function analysis. Large initiatives such as EarthScope’s USArray Transportable Array enable immediate open access to data and have provided the community with an order of magnitude more data than in the previous three decades (Figure 1) based on smaller regional temporary studies using data from IRIS PASSCAL-style field experiments ( e.g. , Suckale et al. 2009; Wilson et al. 2005). While the computation of receiver functions has been well studied and is a relatively straightforward and rapid process, an efficient method to analyze and further evaluate very large receiver function datasets is not widely available. In this paper, we present an efficient workflow and …
Decay Scheme of the Mirror Nucleus P 29 and Related Results

The decay of ${\mathrm{P}}^{29}$ has been investigated with scintillation spectrometers, single and in coincidence. Positron emission (3.945\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev end-point energy for the most energetic spectrum) occurs with a half-life of 4.45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 sec to the ground state and to excited levels of ${\mathrm{Si}}^{29}$ at 1.28, 2.43, and possibly 2.03 Mev. Branching ratios (in percent) of 98.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 (ground state), 0.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 (1.28-Mev level), 0.15 (2.03-Mev level), and ${0.24}_{\ensuremath{-}0.08}^{+0.26}$ (2.43-Mev level) were measured. A study of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the decay of ${\mathrm{Al}}^{29}$ to ${\mathrm{Si}}^{29}$ led to branching ratios (in percent) of 15\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9 (1.28-Mev level), 4 (2.03-Mev level), and 85\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9 (2.43-Mev level). The intensity of a 1.15-Mev $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray (cascading from the 2.43-Mev level) has been set at 11 percent of the total ${\mathrm{Al}}^{29}$ decays. Spin and parity assignments of the ${\mathrm{Si}}^{29}$ levels are discussed and compared with the results of other experiments. The $\mathrm{ft}$ values of the ${\mathrm{P}}^{29}$ decay are shown to agree with values calculated from the coupling constants of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay if the theories of Feenberg and Bohr are used.
Components of water potential estimated from xylem pressure measurements in five tree species

Pressure volume curves were measured with a pressure bomb in leaves collected in the field from Ilex opaca, Acer rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Liriodendron tulipifera and Cornus florida. Water potential components were calculated from the curves. The species differed in the relationships measured. In all species the trends from summer to fall were toward lower (more negative) osmotic potentials, lower matric potentials more rapid loss of turgor with increasing leaf water deficit, and the occurrence of incipient plasmolysis at lower values of leaf water deficit. Initial osmotic potentials ranged from-14.8 to-19.8 bars, similar to values reported in the literature for other mesophytic plants. These values, however, were much higher than those reported for halophytes and xerophytes. The fraction of leaf water which contributes to the osmotic potential ranged from 0.74 to 0.98 in this study. Values reported for other mesophytes and for halophytes and xerophytes all fall well within this range. Patterns of component water potentials are discussed in relation to potential growth rates and water flow in the total plant system.
Gain-of-function ADAMTS13 variants that are resistant to autoantibodies against ADAMTS13 in patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is primarily caused by immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies against A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin type 1 repeats, 13 (ADAMTS13). Nearly all adult idiopathic TTP patients harbor IgGs, which bind the spacer domain of ADAMTS13, a region critical for recognition and proteolysis of von Willebrand factor (VWF). We hypothesize that a modification of an exosite in the spacer domain may generate ADAMTS13 variants with reduced autoantibody binding while preserving or enhancing specific activity. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate a series of ADAMTS13 variants, and their functional properties were assessed. Of 24 novel ADAMTS13 variants, 2 (ie, M4, R660K/F592Y/R568K/Y661F and M5, R660K/F592Y/R568K/Y661F/Y665F) exhibited increased specific activity approximately 4- to 5-fold and approximately 10- to 12-fold cleaving a peptide VWF73 substrate and multimeric VWF, respectively. More interestingly, the gain-of-function ADAMTS13 variants were more resistant to inhibition by anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies from patients with acquired idiopathic TTP because of reduced binding by anti-ADAMTS13 IgGs. These results shed more light on the critical role of the exosite in the spacer domain in substrate recognition. Our findings also help understand the pathogenesis of acquired autoimmune TTP. The autoantibody-resistant ADAMTS13 variants may be further developed as a novel therapeutic for acquired TTP with inhibitors.
Teen father participation in child rearing: Family perspectives

Objectives: To explore adolescent fatherhood from the perspectives of teen fathers, teen mothers, paternal grandmothers (PGMs), and maternal grandmothers (MGMs). To identify perceived barriers to and recommendations for the enhancement of teen father participation in child rearing. Methods: A total of 61 teen parents participated in the design of a structured interview. A community-based sample of 173 teen fathers, 167 teen mothers, 76 PGMs, and 79 MGMs were interviewed by teenage assistants. Multiple logistic regression analysis using maximum likelihood estimation and the best subset algorithm identified barriers most predictive of paternal uninvolvement in child rearing. Results: Fifty-four percent of teen fathers and 70% of partners of teen mothers' met the definition of involvement in child rearing. Disinterest in child rearing most consistently predicted uninvolvement. Fathers were less likely than mothers to report paternal disinterest as a barrier and more likely to attribute their lack of involvement to resistance from mothers and MGMs ( p p = 0.002) and lack of knowledge of child care ( p = 0.069). While fathers and mothers disagreed on several interventions, they agreed (82% and 95%, respectively) that availability of jobs would promote paternal involvement. Conclusions: Most teen fathers in this study were involved and interested in child rearing. A young father's financial insecurity or confusion about child care was most likely to lead to a stated disinterest, and that disinterest predicted uninvolvement.
Modeling adult gliomas using RCAS/t-va technology

Malignant gliomas remain the most devastating childhood and adult tumors of the central nervous system. Although adult and pediatric gliomas are histologically indistinguishable, they differ in location, behavior, and molecular characteristics. This implies that the molecular pathways and pathophysiology of malignant gliomagenesis in these two populations are distinct. Such differences between adult and pediatric gliomas may predict different therapeutic responses. Therefore, accurate genetically engineered models of adult and pediatric gliomas may help understand the biology of these tumors and evaluate therapeutic agents in preclinical studies. It has been proposed that gliomas arise from the subventricular zone in mice during development. Here, we demonstrate that, in adult mice, gliomas may arise not only when injected in the subventricular zone but also when injected in the cortex and cerebellum. Our work demonstrates a versatile and highly reproducible adult mouse model of glioma, which can be easily incorporated into preclinical studies.
Photoinduced charge transfer at the poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)—tin oxide interface

An investigation of steady state and transient photoconductivity in films of poly-(N-vinylcarbazole) equipped with SnO2 and metal electrodes is described. The studies have shown that photoinduced charge transfer, leading to hole injection into the polymer film, takes place with photons of energy greater than 1.8–1.9 eV. Dark conductivity studies on samples equipped with grounded guard rings have shown that carriers originating in the bulk of the polymer film dominate the dark current when the metal electrode is at negative bias. Thermionic hole emission from the SnO2 electrode is not observed.
The relationship between parental modeling, eating patterns, and dietary intake among African-American parents

Abstract Objective This article examines the relationship between the frequency with which African-American parents report modeling healthful dietary behaviors for their children and parental dietary intake. Design Cross-sectional, baseline data from a community-based dietary change study to reduce fat intake and increase fruit and vegetable consumption among African-American parents was analyzed to identify role-modeling behaviors. Subjects/setting Subjects were 456 African-American parents who participated in a dietary change study as part of a national parent education group. Participants completed the Parental Dietary Modeling Scale, an eating patterns questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire. Statistical analyses performed Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results Parental modeling of healthful dietary behavior was associated with the performance low-fat eating patterns ( r =0.48; P r =−0.30; P r =0.18; P Applications The frequency with which parents model healthful dietary behaviors may be associated with parental dietary intake and may have long-term implications for the development of childhood eating patterns. Dietetics professionals need to carefully assess parents' current dietary modeling behaviors and inform parents about how performance of these general behaviors may affect their child's ultimate nutrition health. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:535-541 .
Regulation of carbohydrate mobilization and utilization in Leucophaea maderae.

Abstract Hormonal control of the phosphorylase system, metabolism of radioactive substrates, and trehalose synthesis were examined in the fat body. Fat body phosphorylase is maximally activated within 10 min after being exposed to corpus cardiacum extracts and is sensitive to very low concentrations of the extract. The concentration of phosphorylase-activating factor in the gland appears to be related to changes in glycogen content during oogenesis. The hormone elicits an accelerated rate of trehalose release, an increase in oxygen consumption, and a decrease in the respiratory quotient. The rate of oxidation of glycose to CO 2 is decreased, but that of acetate and palmitate are both increased in fat body incubated with corpus cardiacum extracts. A hypothesis considering the new metabolic effects of the hormone suggests that its regulatory action is effective at a number of different sites.
Strategic planning, reform and governance in French higher education

ABSTRACT The conviction that higher education should be more responsive to ‘the community˚s whether regional or local, is under considerable discussion at the present time. This paper examines the changes introduced in the external and internal systems of governance in French universities as a result of the passing of the Higher Education Guideline Law of February 1984. Higher education planning in France is highly centralised, a fact that often appears contradictory to the basic objectives of the Law which, inter alia, seeks to strengthen the ‘local responsiveness˚s of French universities. After offering a brief description of the structures of French higher education, this paper examines the role and significance of the newly established bodies of governance. It concludes that continuing effective central control does not appear incompatible with developing a strategy of greater local involvement on the part of higher education in France.
Probing nuclear matter with jet conversions

We discuss the flavor of leading jet partons as a valuable probe of nuclear matter. We point out that the coupling of jets to nuclear matter naturally leads to an alteration of jet chemistry even at high transverse momentum ${p}_{T}$. In particular, quantum chromodynamics (QCD) jets coupling to a chemically equilibrated quark gluon plasma in nuclear collisions will lead to hadron ratios at high transverse momentum ${p}_{T}$ that can differ significantly from their counterparts in $p+p$ collisions. Flavor measurements could complement energy loss as a way to study interactions of hard QCD jets with nuclear matter. Roughly speaking they probe the inverse mean free path $1/\ensuremath{\lambda}$ while energy loss probes the average squared momentum transfer ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}/\ensuremath{\lambda}$. We present some estimates for the rate of jet conversions in a consistent Fokker-Planck framework and their impact on future high-${p}_{T}$ identified hadron measurements at RHIC and LHC. We also suggest some novel observables to test flavor effects.
Exploring the Determinants of the Media Negotiation Process: A Qualitative Study

Abstract The negotiation process for buying advertising space and time is examined through analysis of media buyer interviews. Negotiation is an important, complex, and key element in the media buying process. Previous theory and research suggest a number of influential factors such as power, relationships, and conflict. This research supports and extends these findings suggesting other influences and that the known influences may be more complex than previously thought. Five bundles of potential determinants emerge from the analysis: (1) the economic resources of supply, demand, and time; (2) financial, hierarchical, and informational power; (3) the relationship between buyer and seller; (4) the tangible values such as those inherent in the media objectives and the intangible values as the creativity of the negotiated solution; and (5) the subjective utilities and personal skills such as motivation and bargaining skill. A new model emerges from our qualitative analysis. Managerial implications of the fin...
Tyramine-H3: deaminated metabolites in neuroblastoma tumors and in continuous cell line of a neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma tumors, as well as cultured cells of neuroblastoma, contain high monoamine oxidase activity. The major deaminated metabolite of tyramine-H 3 in the incubation mixtures with the tumors or with the cultured cells is p- hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde. Upon addition of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate, the aldehyde was further metabolized by the reductive pathway to p- hydroxyphenylethanol, whereas upon addition of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate the aldehyde was only metabolized to a minor extent by the oxidative pathway to p- hydroxyphenylacetic acid. Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is very low in the neuroblastoma tumors and in the cultured neuroblastoma cells. The generation of aldehydes and alcohols by the action of monoamine oxidase suggests that the deaminated metabolites of biogenic amines might exhibit some toxic effects in neuroblastoma patients.
Sexual behavior and serum concentrations of reproductive hormones in normal stallions.

Abstract Recently, it has been reported that impotence in the stallion has a physiological basis that involves decreased serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol-17β, but not testosterone. We have found such a hormonal profile in two of nine stallions studied during an ongoing investigation of the endocrinology of the normal stallion. Nevertheless, both of these stallions possessed vigorous libido and normal seminal characteristics. We conclude that the hormonal profile of low LH, low estradiol and normal testosterone, although it may accompany impotence in the stallion, is not predictive of, or causally related to, abnormalities in sexual behavior.
Achalasia: unusual cause of chronic cough in children

Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the esophagus which results from lack of enervation of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles and leads to dilatation of proximal esophagus. Patients with achalasia presents typically with dysphagia, vomiting of undigested food and failure to thrive. Cough can be present in achalasia patients due to aspiration of food or due to airway compression by the dilated esophagus. We report two cases of achalasia presenting primarily with prolonged cough. Diagnosis of achalasia in both cases was delayed due to this atypical presentation. This highlights the importance of recognizing achalasia as a potential cause of chronic cough in order to avoid delayed diagnosis and mismanagement.
Options Pricing Theoty [Wireless Investor]

This paper presents an intuitive approach to the pricing of options. The most important concept is that options should be priced in a way that does not allow arbitrage. Subsequent columns will look at investment strategies that use options. Some of these strategies are very conservative and others are extremely speculative. A good grasp of option pricing theory is very helpful when using option strategies, but this is far from being the whole story. Individual investors who buy and sell options incur very high transaction costs and cannot borrow at the risk-free rate. The high transaction costs erase the profit potential of a lot of options strategies. Fortunately, there are some options-based strategies that remain viable even after transaction costs are accounted for.
Frequency sensitivity of auditory neurons in the Caiman cochlear nucleus

The characteristic frequencies of single auditory neurons in Caiman crocodilus (South American Alligator) range from 70 to 2,900 Hz. These neurons in the cochlear nuclei show a striking tonotopic organization which parallels that in birds. The sensitivity curve of all neurons and the number of neurons in each frequency range show features similar to those of birds and mammals.
Holographic entanglement entropy and the internal space

We elaborate on the role of extremal surfaces probing the internal space in AdS/CFT dualities. Extremal surfaces in anti--de Sitter space quantify the ``geometric'' entanglement between different regions in physical space for the dual conformal field theory. This, however, is just one of many ways to split a given system into subsectors, and extremal surfaces in the internal space should similarly quantify entanglement between subsectors of the theory. For the case of ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{S}}^{5}$, their area was interpreted as entanglement entropy between $\mathsf{U}(n)$ and $\mathsf{U}(m)$ subsectors of $\mathsf{U}(n+m)$ $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills theory (SYM). Making this proposal precise is subtle for a number of reasons, the most obvious being that from the bulk one usually has access to gauge-invariant quantities only, while a split into subgroups is inherently gauge variant. We study $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM on the Coulomb branch, where some of the issues can be mitigated and the proposal can be sharpened. Continuing back to the original ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{S}}^{5}$ geometry, we obtain a modified proposal, based on the relation of the internal space to the R-symmetry group.
Applied Geography: Then and Now

Applied geography has a strong legacy. However, during the Post-WWII era the discipline focused on the pursuit of science and minimized some aspects of the field, including applied geography. During the 1970s there was resurgence in applied geography and the Applied Geography Conferences played an important part in this renewal. The increased emphasis on applied geography continued to the present. Some agencies institutionalized applied geography prior to WWII and remain dedicated to its value. More recently, other organizations have increased their emphasis on applied geography and contribute to its success in academia and other workplaces that use its useful knowledge. Recent enhancements definitely have brought increased visibility and respect to this subfield. The Applied Geography Conferences must be included among them.
Theories of moral standing

A being has moral standing when its interests must be given consideration in the deliberations of a moral agent. Three single–criterion theories of moral standing are surveyed and found to be inadequate for distinguishing between things that have moral standing and those that do not, as well as for establishing a method for weighing the comparable interests of beings with moral standing. One possible multi–criteria theory of moral standing is considered, and the implications for environmental policy decision–making is explored.
Control of integumentary patterns in the chick

Abstract To elucidate some of the parameters of pattern formation, experiments were done using chick skin from feather, large-scale, and small-scale forming regions. Pieces of feather-forming thigh tract skin, isolated 2 days before feathers appear in ovo, develop normally when explanted to the chorioallantoic membrane. The first row forms near the edge of the explant, and the secondary primordia form sequentially, establishing the normal pattern of diagonally intersecting rows. Thus, both the sequential (temporal) appearance and the spatial arrangement of feathers are controlled within the skin itself. Normal development also occurs in each half of the tract when these are separated before explantation. Thus, no tract-specific “initiator row” (which would normally be contained only in the lateral half) is necessary for development. To determine whether a pattern forms early and remains latent until primordia appear, explants of equal size were cultured from young and old embryos. If a latent pattern exists, the explants from the younger embryos should produce a predictably larger number of primordia, which should also be spaced closer together. Neither prediction held, indicating that no latent pattern exists. To identify which tissue controls the temporal sequence of initiation, pieces were separated by trypsinization into dermis and epidermis. The tissues were then rotated 180° with respect to one another and recombined. On these explants, the first primordia appear in the region expected for dermal control. Finally, to determine which tissue controls spatial arrangements, dermal-epidermal recombinations were made between components from different regions and different ages of skin. In all cases the dermis controls spatial arrangement.
A comparison between the effects of dynamic and isometric exercise as evaluated by the systolic time intervals in normal man

Abstract Systolic time intervals (STI) were measured externally in 21 healthy male adults at rest, during isometric exercise (handgrip), and dynamic exercise (bicycle ergometer). Dynamic exercise produced significant abbreviation of the mean QS 2 , LVET, PEP, and ICT ( p 2 and LVET ( p Significant linear regressions against heart rate were found for QS 2 , LVET, and PEP during rest, isometric exercise, and dynamic exercise ( p Although the pressor response during the isometric exercise was marked, the differences in the responses of the STI to the two exercise maneuvers could not be correlated with either mean or systolic arterial blood pressure. The triple product (HR LVET systolic BP) was significantly higher ( p The results indicate that careful consideration must be given to both the type of exercise and protocol used when evaluating the systolic time intervals.
Mating, Oviposition Patterns, Fecundity and Longevity of the Western Corn Rootworm

Field-collected mating pairs of Diabrotica virgifera LeConte were maintained under controlled laboratory conditions. Females lived an average of 78.2 days, had a mean preoviposition period of 12.2 days, and a mean fecundity of 1087 eggs laid in 13.5 clutches over a reproductive period of 76.4 days. Intervals between clutches averaged 5.0 days through the 8th clutch or to 75% oviposition. Females reared from field-collected soil and mated in the laboratory laid fewer eggs. Males lived an average of 102.4 days. Females copulated only once; males will mate with several females. Egg-laying started at a high level with the 3rd clutch averaging largest and, for each female observed, one of her 1st 4 clutches was the largest. On a seasonal basis, 24% of the potential egg population were laid by Aug. 25, and 57% by Sept. 10, 83% by Sept. 30, and 90% by Oct. 10. Mating apparently speeds ovarian development. Ovaries of active gravid females fluctuate between ratings 4 to 3 to 4 etc., and this fact should be considered in interpretations of field populations examined for ovarian development.
Ethanol increases extracellular dopamine concentration in the ventral striatum in C57BL/6 mice

Background: Mesolimbic dopamine is thought to play a role in the reinforcing properties of ethanol, but ethanol-induced changes in extracellular dopamine in the ventral striatum have not been well characterized in mouse models. Methods: Two experiments were used to characterize the pharmacodynamic response of ethanol in the ventral striatum in C57BL/6 mice. The first experiment determined the effect of ethanol on ventral striatal dopamine in male and female mice after intraperitoneal injection of either 2.0 g/kg ethanol or saline. The second experiment was a replication in males, except that the mice were habituated to intraperitoneal injections before the dialysis experiment. Results: Distinct patterns of dopamine activity in response to ethanol were demonstrated in male and female C57BL/6 mice. A significant increase in dialysate dopamine relative to saline injection was observed in females but not in males. With habituation to intraperitoneal injection before the dialysis experiment, ethanol administration caused a significant dopamine response in males as well. A linear decline was observed in dialysate ethanol concentrations after the peak concentration was reached. Concurrent analysis of the time course of dopamine and ethanol content showed that the dopamine response declined significantly faster than the ethanol concentrations. Conclusions: The C57BL/6 mouse strain is a justifiable model system for studying the mechanisms involved in ethanol regulation of mesolimbic dopamine activity. Habituation to intraperitoneal injection should be used in male C57BL/6 mice for experiments in which the dopamine response is measured after intraperitoneal injection of a drug. The dissociation between dopamine and ethanol may indicate an acute neural adaptation to ethanol-induced dopamine response in the ventral striatum after a single ethanol injection.
Experimental study of water degassing from phonolite melts: implications for volatile oversaturation during magmatic ascent

Abstract We have experimentally studied degassing of phonolite melts between 50 and 200 MPa and 825 and 850 °C. Our results indicate that decompressed phonolite melts contain equilibrium water contents regardless of decompression rate or final pressure. In addition, the total porosities of our experiments agree with predicted equilibrium values, regardless of final pressure or decompression rate. Combined observations of mean bubble diameters, porosities, and arrangement of bubbles in our experiments indicate that degassing occurs preferentially in the large bubble fraction of the population. Because of this, retardation of growth in the small bubble population occurs. This may lead to bimodal bubble size distributions in completely degassed phonolites. Our results indicate that water saturated phonolites at temperatures >800 °C can degas in equilibrium, while rhyolites follow a disequilibrium trend, at decompression rates of ∼0.5–1.0 MPa/s. Thus, hotter, water-saturated phonolitic magmas are likely to maintain equilibrium magma water contents during ascent at rates up to 20 m/s, which are typical of highly explosive eruptions. These results may apply to eruptions such as the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius, which is the type location for Plinian-style, explosive eruptions. However, caution must be used when applying these results to lower temperature, more differentiated, and water-undersaturated phonolite magmas. If fragmentation can occur at depths of ∼2 km or greater in the conduit, our results indicate that highly explosive eruptions of phonolitic magma may occur in the absence of water oversaturation in the magma during ascent. Fast ascent rates and high shear stresses in the conduit may provide a better explanation for fragmentation in this case.
Activated protein C correlates inversely with thrombin levels in resting healthy individuals

To study whether the circulating anticoagulant, activated protein C (APC), could be a regulator of thrombin activity in basal physiological conditions, fibrinopeptide A and activated protein C levels were determined in samples from 40 healthy individuals. There was a significant inverse correlation between the fibrinopeptide A and APC levels (Spearman rank correlation R = -0.487; P = 0.0023). Because of well-known mechanisms by which decreasing APC levels could cause increased thrombin formation, we suggest that APC may downregulate thrombin activity in subjects with normal protein C levels. Regulation of thrombin formation in health is likely significant for maintaining vascular patency but its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. The current data suggest that a single physiological anticoagulant, namely APC, may be a significant regulator of procoagulant thrombin activity.
A genome scan in affected sib-pairs with familial vesicoureteral reflux identifies a locus on chromosome 5

The basis for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is considered to be primarily genetic, with a 30–50% incidence of VUR in first-degree relatives of patients. The search for the causative gene or genes has been elusive, likely because of VUR being genetically heterogeneous with complex inheritance patterns. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of VUR with high-density single nucleotide polymorphisms was conducted with the aim of identifying susceptibility loci for VUR in 98 families with two or more affected children. Using the affected sib-pair method of analysis in 150 sib-pairs, we identified a genome-wide statistically significant linkage peak with an LOD score greater than 4 on chromosome 5 and two linkage peaks with LOD scores greater than 3.6 on chromosomes 13 and 18 were identified in these 98 families. These results suggested that multiple genes are likely to contribute to the formation of VUR phenotype. Further mapping of these linkage peaks may help identify the causative genes.
Urethral plugs in dogs.

Background Crystalline-matrix urethral plugs have not been previously reported in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives To report the composition of urethral plugs in dogs, describe clinical features of the disease, and identify overrepresented breeds. Methods Retrospective case series. A Minnesota Urolith Center (MUC) record search was performed for urethral plugs in dogs submitted during a 6-year period. The composition of the plugs and signalment of affected dogs were recorded. Breed risk analysis was performed using a control group without plugs from the Veterinary Medical Center, University of Minnesota (VMC UMN). Breed risk was also calculated for a group of dogs with struvite (plugs and uroliths). Medical records for the subset of plug cases from the VMC UMN were reviewed and described. Results Between 2006 and 2011, 42 urethral plugs from dogs were submitted to the MUC. All came from male dogs, and the mineral component of the majority (83%) was struvite. Thirty (71%) samples were from Pugs. Pugs were overrepresented in plug submissions (OR 179; CI 88–389; P < .001), and for struvite in general (OR 14.3; CI 7.9–24.4; P < .001). Nine of the dogs were treated at VMC UMN; all were castrated male Pugs. None of these cases had bacteriuria or positive urine cultures, and no underlying cause of plug formation was identified. Conclusions and Clinical Importance When evaluating dogs with urethral obstruction, plugs need to be considered, especially in male Pugs. Further investigation into the underlying cause of plug formation in dogs is warranted.
Pediatric Ambulatory ECMO

The current literature provides a modest experience regarding ambulating adult patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), with some older teens also reported. However, there is no previous report of ambulation in a younger child. We report the ambulation of an 8-year-old child on VVECMO who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome due to a medication reaction to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. At his initial presentation, he had developed fever, cough, and dyspnea soon after starting the antimicrobial coverage for osteomyelitis. With worsening respiratory status and facial swelling, he presented to a community pediatric facility where he was found to have a pneumothorax and was intubated. Due to refractory hypercapnia, he was transferred to a quaternary pediatric facility for implementation of VV-ECMO through cannulation of the internal jugular with a bicaval dual-lumen catheter. With a prolonged course in the intensive care unit, he underwent tracheostomy. To avoid complications from immobilization, he was ambulated on VV-ECMO and underwent active participation of physical therapy including riding a hand and foot-pedaled tricycle (Figure). In a critical care setting especially with ECMO support, prolonged immobilization can result in skeletal muscle atrophy and loss of muscle fibers, which can result in the loss of muscle strength, decreased range of motion, and contractures. Moreover, this clinical situation can further be complicated by polyneuropathy and myopathy due to critical illness, which can further worsen muscle wasting and weakness. Based on our experience, ambulatory VVECMO can be safely performed in early school-age children while allowing them to improve muscle strength on invasive extracorporeal support.
Photooxidation of methionine with immobilized methylene blue photooxidizer

Abstract Methylene blue immobilized on porous glass beads was used to catalyze the photooxidation of methionine alone and the methionine residues of lysozyme. A solution of 2 mM methionine in 50% acetic acid was oxidized to methionine sulfoxide in the presence of immobilized methylene blue after 6 h of photooxidation at 37°C. Selective photooxidation of the methionyl residues in lysozyme was achieved after 26 h of reaction in 84% acetic acid at 4°C. The specific activity of lysozyme exposed to light in the presence of methylene blue decreased by 94% while that of a lysozyme solution in the presence of methylene blue not exposed to light decreased by 21%. The lysozyme solution exposed to light but not containing the methylene blue beads lost 33% of its specific activity after the same period of photooxidation. It was shown that the decrease in enzyme activity was not caused by adsorption of the enzyme onto the beads.
Improving the quality of immunoblots by chromatography of polyclonal antisera on keratin affinity columns

Abstract Unwanted reactivity of polyclonal antisera against keratins (“fingerprint proteins”) is a problem commonly encountered when proteins transferred to nitrocellulose are studied by immunoblotting. Immunoreactivity against keratins is generally accompanied by a spotted background. This antikeratin immunoreactivity could be removed by adsorption of the antisera to human keratin bound to nitrocellulose. Larger amounts of antisera were purified from contaminant antikeratin antibodies by a single passage over a column of human keratin coupled to activated CH-Sepharose 4B. In contrast to nonpurified antisera and their IgG fractions, the column effluent no longer recognized the Mr 55,000–70,000 keratin proteins and exhibited a marked decrease in background labeling. We propose this simple method as a valuable alternative when affinity purification of polyclonal antisera on antigen columns is not practical.
Spin fluctuations and the magnetic phase diagram of ZrZn 2

The magnetic properties of the weak itinerant ferromagnet ${\mathrm{ZrZn}}_{2}$ are analyzed using Landau theory based on a comparison of density-functional calculations and experimental data as a function of field and pressure. We find that the magnetic properties are strongly affected by the nearby quantum critical point, even at zero pressure; local-density approximation LDA calculations neglecting quantum critical spin fluctuations overestimate the magnetization by a factor of $\ensuremath{\approx}3.$ Using renormalized Landau theory, we extract pressure dependence of the fluctuation amplitude. It appears that a simple scaling based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem provides a good description of this pressure dependence.
Auger intensity mapping of monolayers of Ni/Cu(001)

Abstract Complete angle-resolved Ni LMM Auger electron diffraction patterns have been obtained for 1–3 monolayer coverages of Ni deposited on Cu(001). The Ni grows in a layer-by-layer manner up to 6 ML, but is tetragonally distorted from the fcc Cu structure.
Science Signaling Podcast: 25 October 2011

This Podcast features a conversation with authors of a Research Resource published in the 25 October 2011 issue of Science Signaling . Although the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) pathway has been extensively studied, our understanding of all the regulatory interactions that modulate signaling is by no means complete. Adam Friedman and Norbert Perrimon discuss their group’s strategy of combining functional and genomics approaches to identify common and specific regulators of ERK signaling in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster . The ERK pathway plays an important role in normal developmental and physiological contexts as well as in disease states, such as tumorigenesis.
Internet-based collaborative product design with assembly features and virtual design spaces

Typically, during product design collaborating, designers share design data and assembly models. However, due to the limited bandwidth of the Internet transfer of detailed CAD based assembly models is slow. Therefore, tools based on polygonized representations of assembly models have been utilized during collaborative design. These models are primarily used for visualization, which is an important activity during modeling. However, providing the designers with the ability to perform real-time geometric modification, assembly constraints specification and concurrent design of different components/sub-assemblies will enable designers to collaborate effectively during design. This paper presents a new geometric representation called the AREP and a prototypical system (cPAD) that uses this representation, which implements the collaboration paradigm by supporting these activities.