cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breakdown of the quasistatic approximation at high densities and its effect on the heliumlike Kα complex of nickel, iron, and calcium

Recent work to include $R$-matrix data within a larger model comprised mostly of distorted-wave and plane-wave Born data has resulted in the general spectral modeling (GSM) code. It employs a quasistatic approximation, a standard, low-density methodology that assumes the ionization balance is separable from a determination of the excited-state populations that give rise to the spectra. GSM further allows for some states to be treated statistically as contributions to effective rates, instead of being included explicitly in the kinetics model. While these two approximations are known to be valid at low densities, this work investigates using such methods to model high-density, non-LTE emission spectra and determines at what point the approximations break down by comparing to spectra produced by the Los Alamos National Laboratory code ATOMIC which makes no such approximations. As both approximations are used by other astrophysical and low-density modeling codes, the results should be of broad interest. He-like $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ emission spectra are presented for three elements, Ni, Fe, and Ca, in order to gauge the effect of both the statistical methods and the ground-state-only, quasistatic approximation employed in GSM. This work confirms that at and above the temperature of maximum abundance of the He-like ionization stage, the range of validity for both approximations is sufficient for modeling the low- and moderate-density regimes one typically finds in astrophysical and magnetically confined fusion plasmas. However, a breakdown does occur for sufficiently high densities; we obtain quantitative limits that are significantly higher than previous works. Additionally, this work demonstrates that, while the range of validity for both approximations is sufficient to accurately predict the density-dependent quenching of the $z$ line, the approximations begin to break down at higher densities. Thus, these approximations should be used with greater care when modeling high-density plasmas such as those found in laser-driven inertial confinement fusion and electromagnetic pinch devices.
An Evaluation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Security Measure with Generalized Linear Mixed Models

Over the last decade, new information has been developed and collected to measure the extent of food insecurity and hunger in the United States. Common measurement of the phenomenon of hunger and food insecurity has become possible through efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a set of survey questions that can be used to obtain estimates of the prevalence and severity of food insecurity. We evaluated the measurement of food insecurity and the effect of household variables on measured food insecurity. The effects of demographic and survey-specific variables on the food insecurity/hunger scale were evaluated using a generalized linear model with mixed effects. Data came from the 1995, 1997 and 1999 Food Security Module of the Current Population Survey. The results generally validated the model currently used by the USDA. In addition, our approach made it possible to consider the effect of demographics and several survey design variables on food security among measurably food-insecure households, as well as interactions between these factors and the food security questions. The analysis of the expanded model with the 1995 data found results similar to those reported based on the Rasch model used by the USDA. Even though the sample size was reduced and a number of screening and questionnaire changes were introduced in 1997 and 1999, the results for those years appear mostly unchanged and confirm the robustness of the scale in measuring food insecurity. There is some evidence that interpretation of questions may vary among different demographic groups.
Dissipation Estimation Around a Rushton Turbine Using Particle Image Velocimetry

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been performed in a cylindrical tank stirred by a Rushton turbine. Two datasets were acquired in the r-z plane with magnification 0.26 and 0.56. Phase-averaged velocity fields and mean square gradients were calculated. The mean velocity field averaged over all blade positions is presented. The mean square gradients are used to estimate turbulent dissipation, e, in the measurement volumes. Two estimates of e are presented, one based only on \( \overline {u_{{1.1}}^{2},} \) and the other based on all of the available measured components. Both employ isotropic assumptions. The applicability of the isotropic assumptions is assessed by comparing the magnitudes of the mean square gradients, and the methods of dissipation estimation are compared. The normalized local dissipation, averaged over all blade positions, is calculated versus z for several values of r/R where R is the radius of the blade. The limitations of using PIV to calculate dissipation directly are addressed.
The effect of purified compared with nonpurified diet on bone changes induced by hindlimb suspension of female rats

The purpose of this study was to compare the bone changes induced by unloading in rats fed different diets, because space flight studies use a semipurified diet, whereas space flight simulation studies typically use nonpurified diets. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a purified American Institute of Nutrition (AIN) 93G diet or a standard nonpurified diet and kept ambulatory or subjected to unloading by hindlimb suspension (HLS) for 38 days. Bone mineral content (BMC), mechanical strength, and factors related to the diet that affect bone (i.e., urinary calcium excretion, estradiol, and corticosterone) were measured. Average food intakes (grams per day) differed for diets, but caloric intake (kilocalories per day) and the final body masses of treatment groups were similar. The HLS-induced decrease in femoral BMC was not statistically different for rats fed a nonpurified diet (-8.6%) compared with a purified AIN-93G diet (-11.4%). The HLS-induced decrease in femoral mechanical strength was not statistically different for rats fed a nonpurified diet (-24%) compared with a purified AIN-93G diet (-31%). However, bone lengths were decreased (P < 0.05) in rats fed a nonpurified diet compared with a purified diet. Plasma estradiol levels were lower (P < 0.05) in the HLS/AIN-93G group but similar in the HLS and ambulatory rats fed a nonpurified diet. Plasma estradiol was related to femoral BMC (r = 0.85, P < 0.01). Urinary calcium excretion was higher (P < 0.05) in rats fed a nonpurified diet than those fed a purified AIN-93G diet, which is consistent with the higher level of calcium in the nonpurified diet. Urinary corticosterone levels were higher (P < 0.05) in rats fed a nonpurified diet than rats fed the AIN-93G diet. Although the osteopenia induced by unloading was similar in both diet groups, there were differences in longitudinal bone growth, calcium excretion, plasma estradiol levels, and urinary corticosterone levels. Results indicate that the type of standard diet used is an important factor to consider when measuring bone end points.
STRESS AND CHALLENGE OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

Clinical learning experiences provide a means for developing the knowledge, skills, and values essential for practice in nursing. Although some research has examined student stress in the beginning of a clinical course, few studies have focused on the stress of clinical practice at the completion of a course. This research examined the stress and challenge of psychiatric clinical experiences in both associate and baccalaureate nursing programs. Students (N = 476) from 12 randomly selected programs completed the Clinical Stress Questionnaire; 81 students were completing psychiatric nursing courses. Students in psychiatric courses reported moderate degrees of stress and challenge in their clinical experiences and positive emotions associated with their clinical practicum. In comparison with other courses in the curriculum, however, psychiatric clinical courses were among the least challenging. Findings suggest the need for innovative clinical teaching strategies that challenge students and extend their thinking about care of psychiatric patients.
Synthesis and activity of a new generation of ruthenium-based olefin metathesis catalysts coordinated with 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene ligands.

A new family of 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene-substituted ruthenium-based complexes 9a−c has been prepared starting from RuCl2(CHPh)(PCy3)2 2. These air- and water-tolerant complexes were shown to exhibit an increased ring-closing metathesis activity at elevated temperature when compared to that of the parent complex 2 and the previously developed complex 3. In many instances the activity of these complexes also rivaled or exceeded that of the alkoxy−imido molybdenum complex 1. Catalyst loadings of as low as 0.05 mol % could be used.
Integrating formal methods into the development process

It is shown that integrating formal specification and verification with development is faster and more cost-effective than doing the steps separately or in parallel. This case study demonstrates their application in a security context and documents their use in several phases of development, starting from the requirements of a terminal serving a security officer, on through formal requirements and design expressed as state transitions, to detailed design specifications and proofs that these agree with higher-level specifications, stopping just before code-level verification (due to complications typical of such projects). The effects of verification on this particular project are addressed. >
Digital storage of echocardiograms offers superior image quality to analog storage, even with 20:1 digital compression: Results of the digital echo record access study

A large interobserver and intraobserver variability study was performed comparing both digitally compressed and uncompressed echocardiographic images with the same images recorded onto super-VHS video-cassette tape (the current standard). In a blinded, randomized fashion, 179 observers scored the diagnostic and image quality of 20 pairs of echocardiographic loops representing various pathologic conditions. Overall, the digital images were preferred to the S-VHS images both for image quality and diagnostic content (p < 0.0001) regardless of the background or experience level of the observer. Furthermore, uncompressed digital images and those compressed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) algorithm at ratios of 20:1 were judged equivalent. These findings show that digital compression may be used routinely in echocardiography, resulting in improved image and diagnostic quality over present standards.
Adjuvant vancomycin for antibiotic prophylaxis and risk of Clostridium difficile infection after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Objective The incidence of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased rapidly over the past decade; patients undergoing major surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), are at particular risk. Intravenous vancomycin exposure has been identified as an independent risk factor for CDI, but this is controversial. It is not known whether vancomycin administered for surgical site infection prophylaxis increases the risk of CDI. Methods Using data from the Premier Perspective Comparative Database, we assembled a cohort of 69,807 patients undergoing CABG surgery between 2004 and 2010 who received either a cephalosporin alone (65.1%) or a cephalosporin plus vancomycin (34.9%) on the day of surgery. Patients were observed for CDI until discharge from the index hospitalization. In these groups, we evaluated the comparative rate of postoperative CDI with Cox models; confounding was addressed using propensity scores. Results In all, 77 (0.32%) of the 24,393 patients receiving a cephalosporin plus vancomycin and 179 (0.39%) of the 45,414 patients receiving a cephalosporin alone had postoperative CDI (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-0.95). After adjusting for confounding variables with either propensity score matching or stratification, there was no meaningful association between adjuvant vancomycin exposure and postoperative CDI (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.61-1.19; and HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63-1.15, respectively). Results of multiple sensitivity analyses were similar to the main findings. Conclusions After adjustment for patient and surgical characteristics, a short course of prophylactic vancomycin was not associated with an increased risk of CDI among patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Oxidative photocatalysis in the absence of oxygen : methyl viologen as an electron trap in the TiO2-mediated photocatalysis of the Diels-Alder dimerization of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene

Abstract Methyl viologen facilitates the cation-radical-induced dimerization of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene on irradiated titanium dioxide suspensions by acting as an electron trap. No complication by surface-mediated acid catalysis in this dimerization is evident. Metal ions (Cu2+, Fe3+, Fe(CN)63− and Ag+) are less effective electron traps for this conversion and lead to acid-catalyzed dimerization. Highly activated ZnS causes diene decomposition without producing appreciable dimerization product.
Embedded software-based self-test for programmable core-based designs

The programmable cores on SoCs can perform on-chip test generation, measurement, response analysis, and even diagnosis. This software-based approach to self-testing enables at-speed testing and incurs low DFT overhead. We give an overview of the existing embedded software-based self-testing and self-diagnosis methods for core-based SoC designs, and we discuss the challenges to further developing this new testing paradigm.
Conductive CM and DM Noise Analysis of Power Electronic Converters in Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles

In developing a complex power electronic system, proper modeling at prototype sample level can save the time and cost to develop final product. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is equipped with several high powered electric devices such as DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters. Considering that there are many restrictions in mounting and wiring the electric power system in engine room, analysis and modeling of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) coupling path is crucial in designing optimal electric power system satisfying various EMC regulations. In this paper, conductive common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) equivalent models for those electric power converters used in HEV were developed and evaluated through the simulation both in time domain and frequency domain using FFT. It is confirmed that the suggested model followed the actual circuit in the point of conducted CM and DM EMI view.
Global pressure relaxation for laminar two‐dimensional internal flow

This study extends the reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) global pressure relaxation procedure developed by Rubin and co-workers for external flow to internal flow applications. The streamwise pressure gradient is split into a backward-differenced or initial value component, as in boundary layer marching, and a forward-differenced or boundary value component that represents the elliptic downstream effects. The streamwise convection terms are upwind-differenced and all other streamwise derivatives are backward-differenced. A standard boundary layer marching technique imbedded in a conventional line relaxation technique is obtained. For compressible flow the pressure iteration determines the interior flow interaction as well as the inlet mass flux that is consistent with the outflow pressure boundary condition. Results have been computed for incompressible flow in both rectangular and curved channels, and for subsonic compressible flow in the simulation of an aerofoil in a wind tunnel. Converged solutions were obtained over a range of Reynolds numbers generating small to moderately large separation bubbles.
Laboratory study of electrokinetic effects in complex natural sediments

The electrokinetic response to the application of direct current potential fields is examined in four sediments: natural and undisturbed glacial till, reconstituted glacial till, pure kaolinite and pure montmorillonite. Till samples contain abundant calcite and expandable smectite clays. The presence of calcite in till samples buffers the sediment and prevents the development of the low pH conditions seen in pure clay systems. Electroosmotic flow in undisturbed till is equivalent in both horizontal and vertical directions. The volume of electroosmotically driven flow in reconstituted till is relatively independent of the amount of clay minerals present. Electroosmotic efficiency of these sediments is an inverse function of the amount of smectite present. Pure montmorillonite samples exhibit color changes, shrinkage cracks, water loss and an increase in Fe(II) content upon application of a potential field.
Japan’s New Basic Energy Plan

Abstract In June 2010, the Japanese cabinet adopted a new Basic Energy Plan (BEP). This was the third such plan that the government has approved since the passage of the Basic Act on Energy Policy in 2002, and it represents the most significant statement of Japanese energy policy in more than four years, since the publication of the New National Energy Strategy (NNES) in 2006. Perhaps more than its predecessors, moreover, the new plan establishes a number of ambitious targets as well as more detailed measures for achieving those targets. Among the targets are a doubling of Japan's “energy independence ratio,” a doubling of the percentage of electricity generated by renewable sources and nuclear power, and a 30 percent reduction in energy-related CO 2 emissions, all by 2030. This paper explains the origins of the 2010 BEP and why it was adopted. It then describes the content of the plan and how it differs from the NNES. A third section analyzes the appropriateness of the new goals and targets contained in the BEP and their feasibility, finding that achievement of many of the targets was likely to be quite challenging even before the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and receptor in ischemic rats treated with human marrow stromal cells.

Human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) enhance neurological recovery after stroke in rodents, possibly via induction of growth factors. We therefore elected to test the effects of hMSC treatment on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays an important role in growth, development, neuroprotection and repair in the adult. Rats (n=57) were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and injected intravenously with 3×106 hMSCs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 1 day after MCAo. Functional outcome was measured after MCAo using a modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS). Gene expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in the ischemic brain tissue were measured at 2 and 7 days after MCAo using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), doublecortin (DCX), IGF-1 and IGF-1R at 7, 14 and 30 days after MCAo. Treatment of MCAo with hMSCs significantly improved functional recovery from 14 to 30 days. MAB1281-labeled hMSCs entered the ischemic brain and increased time-dependently. hMSC treatment significantly increased IGF-1 mRNA and BrdU+, DCX+, IGF-1+ and IGF-1R+ cells compared to PBS-treated rats (p<0.05). The percentage of BrdU+ or DCX+ cells colocalized with IGF-1 increased in the hMSC-treated rats compared to the PBS-treated rats (p<0.05). IGF-1 and IGF-1R may contribute to improved functional recovery and increased neurogenesis after treatment of stroke with hMSCs.
Circadian Regulation of BK Channel Alternative Splicing in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

The large-conductance calcium and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channel, encoded by Kcnma1, is alternatively spliced at 4 sites in the C-terminus. We investigated whether alternative splicing of Kcnma1 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the brain's circadian clock, contributes to functional regulation of BK current. using real time semi-quantitative RT-PCR, we found increased expression of a 26-a.a. insert near the Ca2+ bowl (Site 3), and decreased expression of the C-terminal VEDEC sequence (Site 4) at night. To determine the effect of these exons on BK currents, constructs containing inserts at Site 3 (α26 and α0) or Site 4 (αVEDEC and αVYR) were expressed in HEK293 cells. The voltage dependence of activation (V1/2), and current kinetics (τact and τdeact) were analyzed at multiple [Ca2+]i. Insertion of exon at Site 3 had no effect on current properties; τact, τdeact, and V1/2 were similar between α26 and α0 currents at each [Ca2+]i (n=8 per condition). V1/2s for αVEDEC and αVYR currents were similar at 0, 1, and 10 uM (n=8 per condition), but the V1/2 was left-shifted at 100 uM Ca2+ (αVEDEC=12.5 ± 5.2, n=8 versus αVYR=47.8 ± 3.2, n=8, p=0.024). While the VEDEC sequence had no effect on activation, τdeact for αVEDEC currents were 30% faster at each [Ca2+]i. In addition, two BK variants were cloned from SCN differing at a 4-a.a. insert at Site 1(αSRKR and αInsertless). Currents from αSRKR were left-shifted compared to αInsertless at 10 uM Ca2+ (ΔV1/2=19.27, n=8). However, when each variant was co-expressed with the β4 subunit, ΔV1/2 increased to 50.9 (n=5), suggesting beta subunits may contribute to the expression of BK splice variant differences. These findings suggest that the SCN exhibits circadian regulation of Kcnma1 alternative splicing and that splicing contributes to differences in BK current properties.
Superconductivity of MgB2: covalent bonds driven metallic.

A series of calculations on ${\mathrm{MgB}}_{2}$ and related isoelectronic systems indicates that the layer of ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}$ ions lowers the nonbonding B $\ensuremath{\pi}$ ( ${p}_{z}$) bands relative to the bonding $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ ( ${\mathrm{sp}}_{x}{p}_{y}$) bands compared to graphite, causing $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}$ charge transfer and $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ band doping of 0.13 holes/cell. Because of their two dimensionality the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ bands contribute strongly to the Fermi level density of states. Calculated deformation potentials of $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ point phonons identify the B bond stretching modes as dominating the electron-phonon coupling. Superconductivity driven by $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ band holes is consistent with the report of destruction of superconductivity by doping with Al.
Participation in and impact of a depression care management program targeting low-income minority patients in an urban community-based clinic.

Abstract Background African American people experience disproportionately higher rates of chronic depression, and among those affected, the condition is less likely to be detected and treated than in non-Hispanic white people. Objective To address this disparity in our primary care clinic, we introduced a validated framework for detecting and managing depression. Methods Over a 5-year period, there were 146 patients diagnosed as having depression and enrolled in a depression care management program. We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of that program using baseline and follow-up screening data from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results The mean baseline severity score of 20.60 was reduced to 15.89 at 6 months ( P P P P = 0.534), patients who remained engaged with the program demonstrated better scores and achieved greater severity score reductions from baseline to the last measure ( P P = 0.074), 6 months ( P = 0.303), and 12 months ( P = 0.429) and best ( P = 0.875) and last ( P = 0.640) scores. Conclusions Most of the improvement was witnessed in the first 10 months of treatment. Patients with more medical comorbidities participated longer in the study than patients with fewer comorbidities. Further research could elicit the relationship between improvement in mental health and medical conditions.
7 Billion and Counting

The world is currently in the midst of the greatest demographic upheaval in human history. Dramatic reductions in mortality, followed (but with a lag) by equally marked reductions in fertility, resulted in a doubling of world population between 1960 and 2000. A further increase of 2 to 4.5 billion is projected for the current half-century, with the increase concentrated in the world's least developed countries. Despite alarmist predictions, historical increases in population have not been economically catastrophic. Moreover, changes in population age structure have opened the door to increased prosperity. Demographic changes have had and will continue to have profound repercussions for human well-being and progress, with some possibilities for mediating those repercussions through policy intervention.
A stochastic approach to modeling the dynamics of natural ventilation systems

Abstract Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in residential and commercial buildings make up 16% of the United States energy consumption. Utilizing natural ventilation strategies is a low energy solution to reduce the energy used by building environmental control systems. Design of effective natural ventilation strategies is challenging because of inherent stochasticity in interior (machine loads, number of people) and exterior conditions (wind load, outside temperature). However, by exploiting the natural dynamics of building systems, efficient design and control seems possible. We explore this idea by introducing a stochastic approach to analyze the natural dynamics of building systems (under natural ventilation) by explicitly incorporating the effects of stochastic wind speeds and stochastic internal loads. We show that complex dynamics in the form of bi-stable behavior emerges when considering a single zone building with stochastic inputs. We show that neglecting these complex stochastic dynamics leads to inaccurate predictions in the thermal response, especially for natural ventilation. We compute the sensitivity of the system with respect to various system parameters which provide insight into developing robust design guidelines. The techniques presented aid in the design process, and are a step toward adaptive, efficient, robust control of natural ventilation systems.
All-Optical Logic Devices For Waveguide Optics

Requirements for all-optical logic devices for waveguide optics are stated. Existing proposals for such devices are briefly reviewed. The Mach-Zehnder waveguide structure is discussed. The device opportunities offered by the Multiple-Quantum-Well structures are discussed.
Origin of Formation Water from the Unayzah and Khuff Petroleum Reservoirs, Saudi Arabia

Chemical and isotopic fingerprinting techniques provide support for tracing the origin and evolution of formation waters taken during downhole and drill stem tests from exploration wells in Saudi Arabian oil and gas fields. Low molar Cl/Br ratios (85-93) and a δ18O reverse loop suggests an evaporative seawater origin for hypersaline water from the Upper Permian-Lower Triassic Khuff Formation. In contrast, formation water from the Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian Unayzah Group shows a heterogeneous trend between low salinity/low δ18O freshwater and hypersaline/intermediate δ18O brine, the latter being a product of evaporated seawater. Unayzah water salinity increases linearly with depth at the rate of 77 to 98 mg/L per meter, allowing quantitative prediction of water resistivity (Rw) at specific reservoir depths. The increase in Ca and depletion of Mg and HCO3 with Unayzah depth suggests the impact of temperature-triggered ion exchange processes that alter the primary host rock and formation water composition.
Growth and Survivorship Differences in Eurosta (Diptera: Tephritidae) Galling Sympatric Host Plants

Life history characteristics of the goldenrod gallmaker, Eurosta solidaginis Fitch (Diptera: Tephritidae), were compared between individuals using separate host species. Infestation rate, gall size, gallmaker larval weight, gallmaker mortality, and parasitoid/predator attack frequencies were examined. Galls from Solidago altissima L. (Compositae) averaged 10% less in diameter than those of S. gigantea Ait. Discordantly, the larval weights of the S. altissima larvae were 26% greater. Gallmaker mortality was approximately equal, although the underlying causes differed. Some of these differences can be explained by difference in gall size. The S. altissima galls, with their smaller mean size, were more vulnerable to attack by the parasitoid wasp, Eurytoma gigantea Walsh (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae). On the other hand, S. gigantea galls, with their greater mean size, were more vulnerable to attack by birds. Early larval death of the gallmaker was greater on S. gigantea . Although survivorship did not differ on the two host plants, the larger size of larval from S. altissima would suggest that females emerging from this host would have greater fecundity. Although S. altissima appears to be the better host, S. gigantea was more heavily infested. The seemingly maladaptive lack of correlation between infestation and performance could be explained if the insects from the two plant species represent two host races.
Factors Affecting Fat, Cholesterol, and Omega‐3 Fatty Acids in Maine Sardines

Maine sardines harvested June, July, October, and November were analyzed for moisture, ash, fat, cholesterol, and fatty acids either as whole fish, raw dressed, steam precooked, and after canning in soy oil, menhaden oil, or in the liquid exuded after steam precooking (cookout liquid). Fat content ranged from 5% for juvenile herring sampled June and October to 11% in maturing herring harvested prior to the spawning season in July. All canning liquids contributed to elevated fat content in the finished product. Herring packed in soy oil or cookout liquid had about 90 mg cholesterol/lOOg samples. Herring packed in menhaden oil had 100–115 mg cholesterol/100g. Herring packed in either of the two fish oil solutions contained significantly more ω3 fatty acids and had a greater ratio of ω3:ω6 than those packed in soy oil.
Measurement as an MIS foundation

Seven aspects of measurement are of particular importance in terms of MIS foundations: (1) scientific and technical characteristics, (2) basic design choices, (3) level of information and decision support, (4) managerial functions supported, (5) organizational focus, (6) information system component origin, and (7) behavioral dimensions. A brief summary of these aspects is presented, and it is argued that measurement deserves recognition as one of the most important foundations of MIS.
Probing Non-Abelian Statistics with Quasiparticle Interferometry

We examine interferometric experiments in systems that exhibit non-Abelian braiding statistics, expressing outcomes in terms of the modular S-matrix. In particular, this result applies to fractional quantum Hall interferometry, and we give a detailed treatment of the Read-Rezayi states, providing explicit predictions for the recently observed nu=12/5 plateau.
“Feminism Lite?” Feminist Identification, Speaker Appearance, and Perceptions of Feminist and Antifeminist Messengers

Drawing on a communications model of persuasion (Hovland, Janis, & Kelley, 1953), this study examined the effect of target appearance on feminists' and nonfeminists' perceptions of a speaker delivering a feminist or an antifeminist message. One hundred three college women watched one of four videotaped speeches that varied by content (profeminist vs. antifeminist) and target appearance (“feminine” vs. “masculine”). Self-identified feminists responded more favorably to a profeminist message when it was presented by a feminine than a masculine-appearing speaker and expressed less feminist attitudes after viewing a masculine-appearing feminist speaker. Nonfeminists' evaluations did not vary as a function of speaker appearance or message content. Implications for the communication of feminist ideology are discussed.
Vocal communication of wild parrots

Field studies of four sympatric parrot species in Costa Rica are revealing several possible functions for the well‐known ability of parrots to mimic new sounds throughout life. Despite earlier suggestions that this might facilitate exchanges of environmental information, all data so far suggest that vocal mimicry in the wild is associated with mediation of the fission/fusion of groups of parrots and/or of conflicts between mated pairs. Recent results using array recording and interactive playback will be summarized, and several technical problems created by the mechanisms of parrot vocal signal production discussed. [Research supported by NSF Grant IBN‐022927 and by continued encouragement and logistics provided by the staff of the Area Conservacion Guanacaste (Costa Rica).]
Cell Signaling Abnormalities May Drive Neurodegeneration in Familial Alzheimer Disease

Presenilins (PSs) are catalytic components of the γ-secretase complex that produces Aβ peptides. Substrates of γ-secretase are membrane-bound protein fragments deriving from the cleavage of extracellular sequence of cell surface proteins. APP-derived γ-secretase substrates are cleaved at gamma (γ) sites to produce Aβ while cleavage at the epsilon (e) site produces AICD proposed to function in transcription. In addition to APP, γ-secretase promotes the e-cleavage of a large number of cell surface proteins producing cytosolic peptides shown to function in cell signaling. A common hypothesis suggests that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by Aβ peptides or their products. Treatment of patients with inhibitors of Aβ production however, showed no therapeutic benefits while inducing cytotoxicity. Similarly, treatments with anti-Aβ antibodies yielded disappointing results. Importantly, recent evidence shows that PS familial AD (FAD) mutations cause a loss of γ-secretase cleavage activity at e site of substrates thus inhibiting production of biologically important cell signaling peptides while promoting accumulation of membrane-bound cytotoxic substrates. These data support a hypothesis that FAD mutations may increase neurotoxicity by inhibiting the γ-secretase-catalyzed e cleavage of substrates thus interfering with cell signaling while also promoting accumulation of cytotoxic peptides. Similar mechanisms may explain γ-secretase inhibitor-associated toxicities observed in clinical trials. Here we discuss evidence that FAD neurodegeneration may be caused by loss of γ-secretase cleavage function at e sites of substrates.
The time evolution of the hydrogen wavefunction in intense laser fields

Abstract A numerical procedure to investigate the response of a hydrogen atom to an intense laser field by direct numerical solution. of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation is described. This method is nonperturbative and does not involve the eigenstates of the atom. The generation of the spectrum of scattered light, as well as the energy spectrum of the system after the laser pulse has passed, is discussed.
Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa With Severe Hyperopia

We studied a four-generation family with early-onset autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa, severe hyperopia, and axial eye lengths of less than 20 mm. The affected members had decreased vision, night blindness, typical peripheral retinal pigmentary changes, and electroretinographic abnormalities characteristic of retinitis pigmentosa. This pedigree suggests there is another variant of retinitis pigmentosa associated with hyperopia besides Leber's congenital amaurosis and preserved para-arteriole retinal pigment epithelium.
Mother and baby paradox

THE ‘twin paradox’ of relativity theory describes the difference in the elapsed time between the twin who stays at home and the one who goes on a space flight and returns. No genuine paradox is involved; elapsed time is not in general independent of the state of motion. In this case the difference in the elapsed time is related to a difference in the (locally measurable) acceleration histories of the twins; the space traveller must suffer an acceleration, however brief, in order to return.
Assessing toxicity of nanoparticles using Brachionus manjavacas (Rotifera)

Rotifers are major components of zooplankton in freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems throughout the world and could be useful indicator species, providing valuable insight into the effects of nanoparticles on microinvertebrate grazers. Here we report initial efforts to characterize the immediate and longer-term effects of nanoparticle exposure on the reproduction of the coastal marine and salt lake rotifer Brachionus manjavacas. We used chemically unreactive fluorescent nanoparticles to probe how size and concentration affects the mode of uptake, distribution within the rotifer body, reproductive rate, feeding behavior, and offspring fitness. Population growth rate (r) was depressed 50% in rotifer populations exposed to 0.30 μg mL(-1) of 37-nm particles, and 89% in populations exposed to 1.1 μg mL(-1). Larger particles of identical chemical composition, but with diameters up to 3000 nm, caused no reduction in population growth rate. These larger particles remain confined in the gut, implicating nanoparticle size as a critical factor in the ability to penetrate the gut wall and enter tissues. Transfer of the F1 offspring from nanoparticle exposed maternal females into nanoparticle-free media demonstrated that nanoparticles are rapidly cleared from the animals with no significant residual adverse effects.
Role of Lateral Interactions in Type IV Collagen Network Mechanics

The basement membrane is a specialized part of the extra-cellular matrix. It is usually characterized as a scaffold for epithelial cells but in some tissues it serves other, mechanical, roles [1]. The mechanical properties of the basement membrane are mainly determined by one of its main constituents — type IV collagen. Unlike the well-known fibrous type I collagen, collagen IV assembles into planar networks (Fig. 1) [2]. The α1(IV) and α2(IV) collagen IV chains assemble into the so-called major chain network, present in all basement membranes. The α3(IV), α4(IV), α5(IV) collagen IV chains form the minor chain network which is found only in the adult basement membranes of the kidney glomerular capillaries (GBM), ocular lens (LBM), cochlea, and the testes [3]. The minor chains have a higher number of cysteine residues, allowing them to form a higher number of lateral interactions. In the minor chain network, the greater potential to interact laterally manifests in the formation of super-coils, which are rarely observed in the major chain network [4]. Increasing the number of cross-links in a polymeric material is known to increase material stiffness; therefore, it is believed that the minor chain network confers basement membranes with additional strength and stability [5]. In the hereditary disease Alport syndrome, a mutation causes the absence of the minor chain network. The GBM and LBM of Alport patients appear weakened and unable to meet their mechanical demands, further supporting this theory [6]. The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of cross-linking in the minor chains for the mechanical properties of type IV collagen networks, specifically in the GBM and LBM where the absence of the minor chains has an observed mechanical effect.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Grain size distribution in 3 mol.% yttria-stabilized zirconia sintered with a small AC electric field

The grain size stereology in 3 mol.% yttria-stabilized zirconia sintered with a small AC field was essentially the same as in specimens sintered without field or with an equivalent DC field. With the DC field there was no clear difference adjacent to the positive electrode compared to near the negative electrode. Thus, neither polarization nor stereology are major factors in the greater retarding effect of an AC field on grain growth compared to an equivalent DC field.
Effect of pregnancy on the relationship between concentration and anticoagulant action of heparin

The anticoagulant effect of heparin, as reflected by the slope of the relationship between heparin concentration and the logarithm of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), was determined in citrated plasma of seven women in the third trimester of pregnancy and in 10 nonpregnant women of comparable age. Factors II, V, and VII to XII, albumin, individual globulins, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, α-1-acid glycoprotein, α-1-antitrypsin, α-2-macroglobulin, prothrombin time, and hematocrit were also determined. Baseline APTT (i.e., APTT without heparin) was 30.2 ± 3.0 sec (mean ± SD) in the pregnant women and 29.6 ± 4.7 sec in the controls (NS). The heparin slope value was 1.68 ± 0.46 ml/U in the pregnant women and 2.33 ± 0.49 ml/U in the controls, showing that the anticoagulant effect of heparin is decreased in pregnancy. The prothrombin time was also decreased in pregnancy (19.1 ± 0.8 vs 23.1 ± 0.5 sec; P < 0.01). Pregnancy was associated with a significant increase in the activity of factors VII, VIII, IX, and X and in the concentrations of fibrinogen, α-1-globulin, and α-1-antitrypsin. The plasma albumin concentration was decreased in the pregnant group. In both the pregnant and nonpregnant women (considered separately), the heparin slope value correlated negatively with factor XI activity (r = −0.85 and −0.71; P < 0.05). Baseline APTT, which was consistently found to correlate with heparin slope value in previous reports on men and nonpregnant women, also showed such correlation in the nonpregnant group of the present study (r = 0.85; P < 0.05) but not in the group of pregnant women (r = −0.54; NS). The relative heparin resistance in pregnancy in this investigation is consistent with clinical reports of increased heparin requirements during pregnancy. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 34, 23–28; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.123
A glucosamine O,N-disulfate O-sulfohydrolase with a probable role in mammalian catabolism of heparan sulfate

Abstract A trisaccharide of sequence: (glucosamine O,N-disulfate)-(iduronic acid O-sulfate)-(3H-anhydromannitol O-sulfate) was prepared from degradation products of heparin and was used as a substrate to demonstrate, in rat and bovine tissues, a novel O,N-disulfoglucosamine O-sulfatase. The enzyme, purified 720-fold from extracts of beef kidney, has optimal activity at pH 4.1. It is distinct from arylsulfatases A or B, N-acetylglucosamine 6-sulfate sulfatase, and urinary 3,N-disulfoglucosamine 3-O-sulfatase. Data are given on the substrate specificities of the presently described O-sulfatase, of heparin sulfamidase, and of α-L-iduronidase.
Entrapment of Hydrophobic Drugs in Nanoparticle Monolayers with Efficient Release into Cancer Cells

Gold nanoparticles functionalized with water-soluble zwitterionic ligands form kinetically stable complexes with hydrophobic drugs and dyes. These drugs and dyes are efficiently released into cells, as demonstrated through fluorescence microscopy and cytotoxicity assays. Significantly, there is little or no cellular uptake of particle, making these low toxicity particles promising for delivery applications.
Functional coupling of the 5-HT2C serotonin receptor to G proteins in Xenopus oocytes

The serotonin 2c (5-HT2C) receptor mediates its cellular effects by interacting with heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins). To characterize which G proteins are involved in functional coupling to the receptor, a mouse 5-HT2C receptor was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and antisense oligoncleotides complementary to the mRNA sequence of the endogenous Xenopus G protein alpha subunits were used to inhibit G protein synthesis. Antisense oligonucleotide against the Xenopus G(o) alpha subunit inhibited the 5-HT2C receptor function, and coexpression of a rat G(o) alpha subunit reversed the inhibition by the anti-Xenopus G(o) oligonucleotide. Furthermore, antisense oligonucleotides against both the G(o) and Gi1 alpha subunits inhibited the electrophysiologic response induced by stimulation of the 5-HT2C receptor. These data suggest that both G(o) and Gi1 are involved in functional coupling of the 5-HT2C receptor to phospholipase C in Xenopus oocytes.
Characterization of calmodulin-activated protein kinase activity of rat adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum fraction

Abstract 1. 1. Calmodulin-activated protein kinase activity in the endoplasmic reticulum fraction of rat adipocytes was identified and characterized. 2. 2. The major endogenous protein substrate of the calmodulin-activated kinase activity has an apparent molecular weight of 54,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. 3. 3. The calmodulin-activated component of the activity was saturated at 10 μM ATP. 4. 4. Calcium or calmodulin alone did not increase the activity, but the simultaneous presence of calcium and calmodulin increased activity three to four-fold. Half-maximal activation of this activity occurred at 8 μM Ca2+. The addition of increasing amounts of calmodulin caused a concentration-dependent activation in the presence of calcium, which was saturable at high calmodulin concentrations. 5. 5. Magnesium was required for activity, with half-maximal activity occurring at 230 μM. 6. 6. The antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine inhibited the activation of the protein kinase activity by calmodulin, but had a negligible effect on the basal activity. Half-maximal inhibition occurred at 63 μM. 7. 7. Phosphorylation of the 54,000 mol. wt band was independent of cAMP, cGMP and the combination of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. 8. 8. Calmodulin-activated protein kinase phsphorylated both phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues in the 54,000 mol. wt substrate. 9. 9. These experiments have partially characterized a calmodulin-activated protein kinase activity from adipocytes, which appears to be a unique activity of unknown function.
An Abstract Analysis of Ethical Dilemmas

In The Ethics of Genetic Engineering, Roberta Berry explores the deep divide over the ethical and policy issues related to genetically engineering human beings. Berry distinguishes between two very different ways of thinking about the issues – reductionist/pluralist approaches and communitarian/holist approaches – and argues that neither of these approaches has the conceptual tools necessary to bridge this gap. Berry proposes that the only way to make some headway on the issues related to genetic engineering is to draw insights from both of these ways of thinking about moral and social problems. Her analysis is thoughtful and incisive and her main conclusions are plausible. The book is interesting, insightful, and well-written. In Chapter 1, Berry gives an introduction to the ethical and policy issues related to genetic engineering. She describes the social and political history of the topic and important scientific and technological developments. Berry argues that the issues related to genetic engineering are fractitious problems’, which means that they are generated by novel advances in science and technology, challenge our understanding, tap into our deep secular or religious beliefs, are of public concern, and are unavoidably divisive (pp. 1–2). In this chapter, Berry also distinguishes between reductionist pluralists and holist communitarians. Reductionist pluralists, such as utilitarians and deontologists, view ethical and policy issues as ‘‘amendable to