cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micro-coordination: because we did not already learn everything we need to know about working with others in kindergarten

How is it that groups of people can complete joint tasks without the expected observable markers of "successful" coordination? The relationship between micro-level, situated actions and broader outcomes such as opportunities for learning is under-explored. We investigated co-located groups as they played a collaborative, problem-solving game using distributed technology on laptops. There was considerable variety in how groups accomplished the work. Some satisfied groups talked a lot but other satisfied groups did not. Talk was diagnostic of satisfaction but lack of talk was not diagnostic of dissatisfaction. In fact, groups that had little or no discourse differed considerably from one another. One kind of group completes the joint tasks very well without observable markers frequently associated with success. Others are less successful in the task goal but man-age difficult interpersonal situations.
Measurement of the Complex Index of Refraction of Liquids below 5-mm Wavelength*

A variable-length reflection cell is employed in the free-space determination of the complex index of refraction of liquids at mm wavelengths. Explicit expressions are obtained for both the ordinary index of refraction η and the extinction coefficient κ.The results of measurements on toluene, dioxane, and cyclohexane are reported for wavelengths of 4.2 mm, 3.2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 1.8 mm.
Effects of Aminoguanidine, an Inhibitor of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, on Nitric Oxide Production and Its Metabolites in Healthy Control Subjects, Healthy Smokers, and COPD Patients

Background Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by resident and inflammatory cells in the respiratory tract by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), which exists in three isoforms: neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endothelial NOS. NO production is increased in patients with COPD, and the production of NO under oxidative stress conditions generates reactive nitrogen species that may amplify the inflammatory response in COPD. Methods To examine the role of increased NO in COPD, we administered a relatively selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine, by nebulization in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in COPD patients, healthy smokers, and healthy nonsmoking subjects. We investigated whether aminoguanidine had any effect on exhaled NO produced in the central lung (flux of NO from the airways [J no ] and peripheral lungs (concentration of NO in peripheral lung [C alv ], on NO metabolites (nitrite [NO 2 − ]/nitrate [NO 3 − ], peroxinitrite [ONOO − ], nitrotyrosine), and on a marker of oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in sputum. Results Aminoguanidine administration resulted in a significant reduction in J no compared with administration of the saline solution control in healthy subjects, smokers, and COPD patients. C alv in smokers and in COPD patients was not completely inhibited 1 h after aminoguanidine inhalation, in marked contrast to previous results in asthma. Moreover, ONOO − and NO 2 − /NO 3 − levels were also increased in EBC and in sputum of smokers and COPD and were not completely inhibited following aminoguanidine inhalation. 8-Isoprostane levels were also increased in smokers and in COPD patients but were not reduced after aminoguanidine inhalation. Conclusions These results suggest that the constitutive NOS isoform as well as iNOS might be involved in NO release and contribute to the high C alv and ONOO − production in patients with COPD. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00180635.
Microstructure development during pack aluminization of nickel and nickel-chromium wires

Abstract Pack aluminization – a chemical vapor deposition process widely used to form protective coatings on Ni-based superalloy components – was used to form shells of Ni 2 Al 3 , NiAl and/or γ′-Ni 3 Al on the surface of γ-Ni wires with diameters of 127 μm. The growth kinetics of these Al-rich intermetallic shells are studied as a function of aluminization time and pack activity at 1000 °C. Similar kinetics but additional phases (Cr/Ni two-phase shell, Cr silicide particles and Al-rich particles distributed in Ni 2 Al 3 ) are found in the shells of pack-aluminized Ni–20 wt.% Cr wires with similar diameters. Fully homogenous Ni–Al and Ni–Cr–Al wires are achieved by interdiffusion at 1200 °C between the deposited Al-rich intermetallic shells and the Ni-rich core of both types of wires. Upon subsequent aging at 900 °C, wires with γ/γ′ structure and high hardness indicative of precipitation strengthening are obtained.
Contrast-enhanced differential mobility-desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging of biological tissues.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) performed under ambient conditions is a convenient and information-rich method that allows for the comprehensive mapping of chemical species throughout biological tissues with typical spatial resolution in the 40–200 μm range. Ambient MSI methods such as desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) eliminate necessary sample preparation but suffer from lower spatial resolution than laser-based and vacuum techniques. In order to take advantage of the benefits of ambient imaging and to compensate for the somewhat limited spatial resolution, a secondary orthogonal separation nested in the imaging scheme was implemented for more selective discernment of tissue features in the spectral domain. Differential mobility spectrometry (DMS), an ion mobility-based separation that selectively transmits ions based on their high-to-low electric field mobility differences, can significantly reduce background chemical interferences, allowing for increased peak capacity. In this work, DESI DM-MS...
Correlation of phenotypes of the apterous mutation in Drosophila melanogaster

The apterous (ap) mutant in Drosophila melanogaster exhibits phenotypes of wing deficiency, precocious adult death, and nonvitellogenic oocyte development. The latter phenotype previously has been shown to result from juvenile hormone (JH) deficiency in the adult stage. To explore the relationship between the hormone deficiency and the other phenotypes, the expression of each phenotype was measured in five alleles of ap (including a new, chemically-induced allele, ap77f) as wing length, survival five days after eclosion, and initiation and progress of vitellogenic oocyte development. No correlation could be found between severity of wing phenotype and that of precocious adult death or nonvitellogenesis. However, the latter phenotypes were correlated in both ap homozygotes and allelic heterozygotes, since adults that survive have wild-type vitellogenesis, and those fated for precocious death fail to develop vitellogenic oocytes. These results indicate that no relationship exists between wing and JH deficiencies, but that precocious adult death is related to hormone deficiency — probably through pleiotropy, rather than through causality.
Localization of alkaline phosphatase isozymes in mouse duodenum by immunofluorescence microscopy

Recent studies on the alkaline phosphatases of the mouse duodenum have revealed the presence of two classes of isozymes, differing in immunochemical, electrophoretic, chromatographic, and kinetic properties. We have now examined the localization of these two types of phosphatases by the immunofluorescence technique. The use of antisera prepared against both types reveals that the isozymes of both classes are localized in the microvilli of the epithelial cells, and both are found from the villi tips to their bases. No significant intracellular localization of either class of phosphatase was observed.
Process and Structure in Leader-Member Exchange

Theory supporting the key premise of the leader-member exchange (LMX) approach to leadership, that leaders differentiate between subordinates, has not been fully developed. We address this deficiency by (a) returning LMX research to its historical roots in exchange processes by introducing a framework for understanding relationship quality that is based on reciprocity, and (b) extending the traditional domain of LMX research beyond the formal leader-subordinate relationship in order to offer a more complete explanation of the differentiation process. We employ insights derived from social network analysis to describe how social structure facilitates the exchange processes through which leaders assist in incorporating some members into the inner life of an organization but exclude others.
Reversal of the intrinsic effects of Ro 15-4513 on exploratory behavior by two benzodiazepine receptor antagonists.

Abstract In a holeboard test the imidazodiazepine Ro 15-4513 (1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg) reduced exploratory head-dipping. This effect was reversed both by the imidazodiazepine Ro 15-1788 (5 mg/kg) and by the β-carboline ZK 93426 (2.5 mg/kg). These results indicate that the reduction in exploration caused by Ro 15-4513 is mediated by central benzodiazepine receptors.
Patient-physician role relationships and patient activation among individuals with chronic illness.

Many patients have traditionally assumed a passive role toward physicians and their own care, reflecting general social norms governing professional-client relations, as well as status differences that occur between well-educated, high-status individuals such as physicians, and lower-status members such as racial or ethnic minorities. Because most patients heed their physician's direct or subtle prompts about their role in the care process (Blanquicett et al. 2007; Berry et al. 2008), how patients’ experiences with their physicians are associated with patients’ activation in their health and health care is of particular interest. Patient activation occurs when individuals believe they have an important role in their health and health care and have the knowledge, skills, confidence, and emotional commitment to perform this role (Hibbard et al. 2004). Improving and sustaining higher levels of patient activation is desirable because patients who are more activated are more likely to engage in self-management behaviors that can improve health (Hibbard et al. 2007; Becker and Roblin 2008). This paper examines whether chronically ill patients’ reported role relationships with their physicians are associated with levels of patient activation. We define a role relationship as an individual's self-concept vis-a-vis another individual (e.g., professor–student, husband–wife, patient–physician) (Hage and Marwell 1968). Understanding patient–physician role relationships and their association with activation are particularly important for achieving better health and well-being for the chronically ill since this population has diverse and undifferentiated problems that require clinical interventions and behavioral changes during and apart from the office visit (Becker and Roblin 2008).
Phase stability and phase transformations in plutonium and plutonium-gallium alloys

The complexity of phase stability and transformations in plutonium alloys is reflected in the plutonium-gallium (Pu-Ga) phase diagram, which is perhaps the most complex of all binary systems. Although many investigations have explored phase equilibria, transformation systematics, and structure/property relations in the Pu-Ga system, many outstanding problems remain and new issues regularly appear. In this article, we describe recent dilatometry and calorimetry measurements on pure plutonium and plutonium-gallium alloys. We also present recent phase diagram modeling that attempts to unravel differences between the U.S. and Russian Pu-Ga phase diagrams. The ultimate goal of this work is to produce the first internally consistent database of thermophysical properties of this system so that a true equilibrium phase diagram can be produced and so that stability can be predicted over a range of conditions.
Gender and the Divorce Experience

The object of this study is to examine the extent to which males and females are converging in their divorce experience. We consider the issue of the convergence by examining both quantitative and qualitative data gathered from a survey questionnaire containing 189 close-ended items and 3 open-ended items administered to 268 persons in Indianapolis. The divorce expericnce is conceptualized along four dimensions: (1) lifestyle, (2) attitude toward married life, (3) life after divorce, and (4) adjustment to divorce. We demonstrate in the quantitative analysis that there is a weak to moderate difference in three of four dimensions between the male and female experience of marital breakup. There is only a demonstrable convergence in the views of males and females in the fourth dimension, adjustment to divorce. The qualitative section examines responses to the open-ended question, "What seems to be the best thing that has happened after your divorce?" While about half of the response categories show similariti...
Morpho-tectonic analysis of the Tekeze River and the Blue Nile drainage systems on the Northwestern Plateau, Ethiopia

This study examines the morpho-tectonic evolution of the drainage system in the Northwestern Plateau in Ethiopia dominated by the Tekeze River and the Blue Nile. The Northwestern Plateau is underlain by Precambrian crystalline rocks, followed by Mesozoic sedimentary section and topped with Oligocene–Quaternary volcanic rocks. The plateau is bounded in the east and southeast by the Afar Depression and the Main Ethiopian Rift, respectively. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data are analyzed to extract morpho-tectonic parameters including the Normalized Steepness Index (Ksn), the Concavity (θ) and the Regression Fit (r2) between the observed and predicted channel profiles from the sub-basins and the tributaries of the Tekeze River and the Blue Nile. Analysis of these morpho-tectonic parameters has shown that the evolution of the drainage systems on the Northwestern Plateau was influenced by three tectonic and geological events. The first event resulted in a broad and regional uplift of the plateau, most likely due to the rise of the Afar mantle plume ∼30 Ma. This regional uplift was accompanied by moderate incision rate of the Tekeze River and the Blue Nile drainage systems within the entire Northwestern Plateau. The second event, which was in the form of shield volcanoes build-up, occurred at ∼22 Ma and resulted in localized increase in the incision rate around these volcanoes. The third event is manifested by rift-flank uplift at ∼11 Ma on the western escarpments of the Afar Depression and the northwestern escarpments of the Main Ethiopian Rift. This event resulted in an increase in the incision rate of the Tekeze River and the Blue Nile drainage systems, but this increase seems to diminish towards the west and northwest leaving the drainage systems in the lower reaches of the two rivers relatively tectonically undisturbed, hence allowing for the establishment of a long-lived hydrological stability.
Genomic imprinting of chromatin in Drosophila melanogaster

During gametogenesis, chromosomes may become imprinted with information which facilitates proper expression of the DNA in offspring. We have used a position effect variegation mutant as a reporter system to investigate the possibility of imprinting inDrosophila melanogaster. Genetic crosses were performed in which the variegating gene and a strong modifier of variegation were present either within the same parental genome or in opposite parental genomes in all possible combinations. Our results indicate that the presence of the variegating chromosome and a modifier chromosome in the same parental genome can alter the amount of variegation formed in progeny. The genomic imprinting we observed is not determined by the parental origin of the variegating chromosome but is instead determined by the genetic background the variegating chromosome is subjected to during gametogenesis.
Resolution of Two Substrate-Binding Sites in an Engineered Cytochrome P450eryF Bearing a Fluorescent Probe

To elucidate the mechanisms of cooperativity of cytochrome P450eryF an SH-reactive fluorescent probe was introduced close to the substrate-binding site. Cys-154, the only accessible cysteine, was eliminated by site-directed mutagenesis, and a novel cysteine was substituted for Ser-93 in the B'/C loop. S93C, C154A, C154S, S93C/C154A, and S93C/S154C were characterized in terms of affinity for 1-pyrenebutanol (1-PB), cooperativity, and ionic-strength dependence of the 1-PB-induced spin shift. S93C/C154S retains the key functional properties of the wild-type, and modification by three different SH-reactive probes had little effect on the characteristics of the enzyme. The labeled proteins exhibited fluorescence resonance energy transfer from 1-PB to the label, which allowed us to resolve two substrate-binding events, and to determine the corresponding KD values (KD1 = 1.2 +/- 0.2 microM, KD2 = 9.4 +/- 0.8 microM). Using these values for analysis of the substrate-induced spin transition, we demonstrate that the interactions of P450eryF with 1-PB are consistent with a sequential binding mechanism, where substrate interactions at a higher-affinity site cause a conformational transition crucial for the binding of the second substrate molecule and subsequent spin shift. This transition is apparently associated with an important rearrangement of the system of salt links in the proximity of Cys-154.
Freeway ramp metering using artificial neural networks

This paper proposes a nonlinear approach for designing local traffic-responsive ramp controls using artificial neural networks. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear feedback control problem, where the system model is the well known hydrodynamic model developed by Lighthill and Whitham (1955), and Richards (1956), the model's flow-density relationship is nonlinear, and the feedback nonlinear controllers are composed of one or a number of feed-forward neural networks. These neural network controllers are of integral (I) or proportional-plus-integral (PI) type, and can be tuned on-line to achieve prescribed performance. Initial simulation results show that such an approach is promising.
Using an innovative multiple regression procedure in a cancer population (Part 1): detecting and probing relationships of common interacting symptoms (pain, fatigue/weakness, sleep problems) as a strategy to discover influential symptom pairs and clusters

Background The majority of patients with advanced cancer experience symptom pairs or clusters among pain, fatigue, and insomnia. Improved methods are needed to detect and interpret interactions among symptoms or diesease markers to reveal influential pairs or clusters. In prior work, I developed and validated sequential residual centering (SRC), a method that improves the sensitivity of multiple regression to detect interactions among predictors, by conditioning for multicollinearity (shared variation) among interactions and component predictors.
Complete healing of ulceration within a gastric leiomyoma

A case of an ulcerated, bleeding gastric leiomyoma is presented in which a follow-up UGI examination showed no evidence of residual ulceration within the tumor. Radiologists should be aware that it is occasionally possible to document complete healing of ulceration within a gastric leiomyoma and that conservative medical management may be an alternative when surgical resection cannot be performed.
Advances and challenges in immunotherapy for solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Although major advances have been made in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the last 50 years, big challenges remain. This review outlines the current immunological limitations for hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplantation and discusses new immune-modulating therapies in preclinical development and in clinical trials that may allow these obstacles to be overcome.
Low frequency sound produced by a ventilated supercavitating vehicle

Abstract An analytical investigation is made of the low frequency noise produced by gas jet impingement on the gas–water interface of a ventilated supercavity. Enclosure within a supercavity enables an underwater vehicle to attain high-speed forward motion. Whereas high frequency components of the cavity self-noise can interfere with the vehicle guidance system, low frequency sound tends to radiate in the water to large distances from the cavity. A canonical mathematical problem is examined that extends a previous study by Foley et al. ( Journal of Sound and Vibration 329 (2010) 415–424.) of sound generation by a specially modified, model scale supercavitating vehicle involving gas jet impingement at normal incidence to the interface. Our analysis determines the influence on low frequency sound production of cavity aspect ratio and the manner in which the efficiency of sound production increases with decreasing distance of the jet impact region from the circular ‘cavitator’ at the vehicle nose, where the supercavity is formed.
Effects of contrast media on fibrinogen and factor VIII

Factor VIII and fibrinogen play an important role in hemostasis and thrombosis because they help bridge functions between platelets, endothelial cells, and the soluble coagulation system. In the present study, we found that the various contrast media examined in concentrations adequate to cause marked anticoagulation did not markedly affect either factor VIII or fibrinogen. These media act predominantly as inhibitors of other fibrinogen functions, not as protein denaturation agents.
Causes of interannual to decadal variability of Gila River streamflow over the past century

Abstract Study region The Gila River, New Mexico, is characterized by two peaks in streamflow: one in the winter–spring (December–May), and summer (August–September). The region is influenced both by Pacific SST variability as well as the North American Monsoon. Study focus The mechanisms responsible for the variability of the winter–spring and summer streamflow peaks are investigated by correlation of streamflow with precipitation and sea surface temperature for 1928–2012. Decadal variability in the flow record is examined for a longer term perspective on Gila River streamflow using tree ring-based reconstructions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). New hydrological insights for the region Results indicate a strong influence of winter–spring precipitation and Pacific SST anomalies on the winter–spring streamflow, with El Nino conditions in the Pacific causing increased precipitation and streamflow. Decadal Pacific variability helps explain the transition from high winter flow in the late 20th century to lower flows in the most recent decade. The summer streamflow has a somewhat weaker correlation with precipitation and Pacific SST than the winter–spring streamflow. Its variability is more likely influenced by local North American Monsoon precipitation variability. PDSI and SPI reconstructions indicate much more severe and extended periods of droughts and pluvials in past centuries as well as periods of concurrent winter and summer drought.
Mechanism of electrolyte imbalance following urointestinal anastomosis

Abstract A case is reported of profound hyperchloremic acidosis and hypokalemic paralysis developing in a thirteen-year-old girl after cutaneous ileocystostomy. An in vivo study of the absorptive characteristics of the ileal segment clarified the pathogenesis of this syndrome and effectively guided further management.
The Use of Continuous Intrathecal Infusion of Octreotide in Patients with Chronic Pain of Noncancer Origin: An Evaluation of Side-effects and Toxicity in a Prospective Double-blind Fashion.

Objective. We evaluated the efficacy of octreotide when administered in a continuous fashion by intrathecal infusion. Materials and Methods. We used a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded method of analysis to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal octreotide in a population of patients with noncancer pain diagnoses. The patients in this study had an unacceptable response to intrathecal opioids. In the analysis, the patients served as their own controls with a two-armed approach using a phase of treatment with preservative-free saline and a phase of treatment with preservative-free octreotide to assess pain relief. Assessment tools used included visual analog scales and brief pain inventories. Results. Of the 20 patients randomized in the study, 18 completed all data-collection points. One patient withdrew a week after the first refill because of uncontrollable pain, and the other patient withdrew early due to a lack of transportation. Statistical analysis showed no improvement in efficacy in the octreotide arm at the 6-week end-point when compared to saline. No significant differences were seen in any of the other end-points between the saline and intrathecal drug group. Conclusions. Intrathecal octreotide did not show significant improvement in pain relief when compared to saline in chronic noncancer pain. It did show significant relief when compared to baseline, suggesting a positive effect of placebo in the control phase. While the overall data showed no clinical efficacy, a small group of patients did well and continued on the therapy in an open label fashion after the study concluded. These patients had pain consistent with a neuropathic pain diagnosis. The patients had noncancer pain, which was not responsive to intrathecal morphine. The lack of side-effects suggests that the dose selected for the study should be increased for future analysis of this agent, and patients with neuropathic pain should be more closely examined.
Legal Transnationalism: The Relationship between Transnational Social Movement Building and International Law

This article examines the compelling enigma of how the introduction of a new international law, the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC), helped stimulate labor cooperation and collaboration in the 1990s. It offers a theory of legal transnationalism—defined as processes by which international laws and legal mechanisms facilitate social movement building at the transnational level—that explains how nascent international legal institutions and mechanisms can help develop collective interests, build social movements, and, ultimately, stimulate cross‐border collaboration and cooperation. It identifies three primary dimensions of legal transnationalism that explain how international laws stimulate and constrain movement building through: (1) formation of collective identity and interests (constitutive effects), (2) facilitation of collective action (mobilization effects), and (3) adjudication and enforcement (redress effects).
Modeling nonlinear communication ICs using a multivariate formulation

We present a technique for modeling nonlinear distortion of multirate time-varying communication circuits. To properly consider the weakly nonlinear distortion effects in circuits with multiple large-signal excitations, we capture the quasiperiodic boundary condition of the system Volterra kernels using a multivariate formulation. We then extend the model order reduction work of P. Li et al. (2003) to reduce this large multivariate representation for compact modeling. The proposed approach is demonstrated on a heterodyne front-end receiver.
Development of Methods for the Recovery of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella from Beef Carcass Sponge Samples and Bovine Fecal and Hide Samples†

Culture methods were developed for the concurrent recovery of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella from bovine carcass, hide, and fecal samples. Several enrichment conditions were tested for the overall growth of pure cultures; tryptic soy broth for 2 h at 25°C and then for 6 h at 42°C was the protocol selected for use. Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) was incorporated for sensitivity and selectivity, along with a post-IMS enrichment for the recovery of Salmonella as recommended by the manufacturer. Selective agars for plating after IMS were chosen on the basis of ease of target colony identification. Sorbitol MacConkey agar supplemented with cefixime and potassium tellurite and Rainbow agar supplemented with novobiocin and potassium tellurite were chosen for the recovery of E. coli O157:H7. Brilliant green agar with sulfadiazine and Hektoen enteric agar supplemented with novobiocin were selected for the recovery of Salmonella. The resulting methods were evaluated along with standard or previously used ...
Dynamic modeling of Optical Phased Arrays

Optical Phased Arrays (OPAs) based on liquid crystals (LCs) have useful properties for all-electronic beam steering. Typical devices contain hundreds to thousands of individually-controlled phase shifters. Their behavioral dynamics are modeled in this paper starting from the physics of the LC in a single phase shifter. Results relevant to two useful device types are presented. The first is an endless phase shifter, suitable for adjusting and maintaining coherence throughout a multiple-subaperture optical beamforming (Tx or Rx) system. The second is a beam steerer, also applicable to such systems. Throughput, phase lag, and beam-shape modifications are found and compared with experiment. A simple heuristic form describing the performance, suitable for systems-engineering use, is also presented.
Loss of Insl3: a potential predisposing factor for testicular torsion.

Purpose: The testicular hormone Insl3 is critical for mouse gubernacular development. Knockout mice exhibit bilateral intra-abdominal cryptorchidism with absent gubernaculum. Prior studies described torsion of the vas deferens in Insl3 mutant mice. We performed a detailed anatomical analysis of the vas deferens and testis in Insl3 mutant mice to characterize associated anomalies further.Materials and Methods: Insl3 wild-type (Insl3+/+), heterozygous (Insl3+/−) and knockout (Insl3−/−) male mice were examined either prepubertally (postnatal day 23) or in adulthood (postnatal day 90 or later). The macroscopic appearance, characteristics, and mobility of the testes and spermatic cord were recorded.Results: We examined 56 prepubertal and 33 adult mice (175 testes, 28 [20:8] Insl3+/+, 97 [60:37] Insl3+/−, 50 [32:18] Insl3−/−). Unlike normal Insl3+/+ testes, 94% of Insl3−/− testes were located intra-abdominally at all ages. Delayed descent occurred in Insl3+/− testes, since 37% of postnatal day 23 and 8% of P90 ...
Marine microgels: Optical and proteomic fingerprints

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a major carbon reservoir for the global carbon cycle, and its molecules play a key role in the biogeochemistry of the ocean. Colloidal DOM macromolecules assemble to form polymer hydrogels known as marine microgels. Marine microgels represent one of the most dynamic pools of organic carbon in the ocean. However, their optical characteristics and their contribution to ocean optical properties are largely unknown. In this work, we explore the optical and proteomic properties of spontaneously assembled DOM polymer microgels. Microgels from cultures and from Puget Sound seawater were sorted and counted using a dual-laser (365 nm/365 nm) high-speed cell sorter. This sorter has been adapted to interface with a scanning monochromator to measure the fluorescence emission spectrum of the microgels over the range from 300 to 850 nm. Surprisingly, the microgels show a broad fluorescence emission from 420 to 520 nm when excited with UV light. The microgels were classified according to their blue autofluorescence, and by three criteria that are used to define microgels: 1) staining with chlortetracycline 2) the ability to undergo phase transitions at low pH, and 3) dispersion following calcium chelation by EDTA. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
On Air–Sea Interaction at the Mouth of the Gulf of California

Surface flux, wind profiler, oceanic temperature and salinity, and atmospheric moisture, cloud, and wind observations gathered from the R/V Altair during the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) are presented. The vessel was positioned at the mouth of the Gulf of California halfway between La Paz and Mazatlan (23.5°N, 108°W), from 7 July to 11 August 2004, with a break from 22 to 27 July. Experimentmean findings include a net heat input from the atmosphere into the ocean of 70 Wm 2 . The dominant cooling was an experiment-mean latent heat flux of 108 W m 2 , equivalent to an evaporation rate of 0.16 mm h 1 . Total accumulated rainfall amounted to 42 mm. The oceanic mixed layer had a depth of approximately 20 m and both warmed and freshened during the experiment, despite a dominance of evaporation over local precipitation. The mean atmospheric boundary layer depth was approximately 410 m, deepening with time from an initial value of 350 m. The mean near-surface relative humidity was 66%, increasing to 73% at the top of the boundary layer. The rawinsondes documented an additional moist layer between 2and 3-km altitude associated with a land–sea breeze, and a broad moist layer at 5–6 km associated with land-based convective outflow. The observational period included a strong gulf surge around 13 July associated with the onset of the summer monsoon in southern Arizona. During this surge, mean 1000–700hPa winds reached 12 m s 1 , net surface fluxes approached zero, and the atmosphere moistened significantly but little rainfall occurred. The experiment-mean wind diurnal cycle was dominated by mainland Mexico and consisted of a near-surface westerly sea breeze along with two easterly return flows, one at 2–3 km and another at 5–6 km. Each of these altitudes experienced nighttime cloudiness. The corresponding modulation of the radiative cloud forcing diurnal cycle provided a slight positive feedback upon the sea surface temperature. Two findings were notable. One was an advective warming of over 1°C in the oceanic mixed layer temperature associated with the 13 July surge. The second was the high nighttime cloud cover fraction at 5–6 km, dissipating during the day. These clouds appeared to be thin, stratiform, slightly supercooled liquid-phase clouds. The preference for the liquid phase increases the likelihood that the clouds can be advected farther from their source and thereby contribute to a higher-altitude horizontal moisture flux into the United States.
Human psychopharmacology and dose-effects of salvinorin A, a kappa opioid agonist hallucinogen present in the plant Salvia divinorum

Salvinorin A is a potent, selective nonnitrogenous kappa opioid agonist and the known psychoactive constituent of Salvia divinorum, a member of the mint family that has been used for centuries by Maza- tec shamans of Mexico for divination and spiritual healing. S. divinorum has over the last several years gained increased popularity as a recreational drug. This is a double-blind, placebo controlled study of salvinorin A in 4 psychologically and physically healthy hallucinogen-using adults. Across sessions, par- ticipants inhaled 16 ascending doses of salvinorin A and 4 intermixed placebo doses under comfortable and supportive conditions. Doses ranged from 0.375g/kg to 21g/kg. Subject-rated drug strength was assessed every 2 min for 60 min after inhalation. Orderly time- and dose-related effects were observed. Drug strength ratings peaked at 2 min (first time point) and definite subjective effects were no longer present at approximately 20 min after inhalation. Dose-related increases were observed on question- naire measures of mystical-type experience (Mysticism Scale) and subjective effects associated with classic serotonergic (5-HT2A) hallucinogens (Hallucinogen Rating Scale). Salvinorin A did not significantly increase heart rate or blood pressure. Participant narratives indicated intense experiences characterized by disruptions in vestibular and interoceptive signals (e.g., change in spatial orientation, pressure on the body) and unusual and sometimes recurring themes across sessions such as revisiting childhood mem- ories, cartoon-like imagery, and contact with entities. Under these prepared and supportive conditions, salvinorin A occasioned a unique profile of subjective effects having similarities to classic hallucinogens, including mystical-type effects.
The Healthy Body Paradox Organizational and Interactional Influences on Preadolescent Girls’ Body Image in Los Angeles

In this article, we present paradoxical findings from a formative evaluation research project that explores how preadolescent girls understand and feel about their bodies after participating in “Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County”(GOTR LA), a girl-serving positive youth development program. Findings from pre/post test data (n=138) show that girls’ body image improved after participation in GOTR LA, yet many girls also reported the dominant thin ideal and the importance of not being fat as key characteristics of strong and healthy bodies. Ethnographic data suggest that institutional, organizational, and interactional factors contribute to these findings. Institutionalized fat-negative discourses translate into subtle messages regarding health and the body through organizational communications and through interactions between volunteer coaches and participants in ways that solidify dominant conceptions of the feminine body despite explicit programmatic intentions to challenge them. Theoretically, we dra...
The entrance of water into beef and dog red cells.

The rate constants for diffusion of THO across the red cell membrane of beef and dog, and the rate of entrance of water into the erythrocytes of these species under an osmotic pressure gradient have been measured. For water entrance into the erythrocyte by diffusion the rate constants are 0.I0 ~ 0.02 msec. --I (beef) and 0. 14 0.03 msec. -I (dog); the permeability coefficients for water entrance under a pressure cm. 4 cm. 4 gradient of 1 osmol./cm, s are 0.28 -- (beef) and 0.72 -- (dog). These osm., sec. osm., seC. values permit the calculation of an equivalent pore radius for the erythrocyte membrane of 4.1 A for beef and 7.4 A for dog. In the beef red cell the change in THO diffusion due to osmotically produced ceil volume shifts has been studied. The resistance to THO diffusion increases as the ceil volume increases. At the maximum volume, (1.06 times normal), THO diffusion is decreased to 0.84 times the normal rate. This change in diffusion is attributed to swelling of the cellular membrane. The rate of diffusion of radioactive water (THO) into human red cells has recently been determined (1), as has the rate of water entrance into these cells under an osmotic pressure gradient (2). The results of these two kinds of measurements have been combined to characterize the resistance of the cellular membrane to water entrance in terms of an equivalent pore radius. The present experiments are concerned with an extension of these studies to cells of two other species, beef and dog, using the same techniques for measurement. In addition, diffusion of water into beef cells has been studied after the cells have been allowed to increase or decrease in volume in slightly anisotonic media. When the cells have come to equilibrium with their new environment, the rate of THO exchange with cellular water has again been measured under isosmotic conditions. In this way, small changes in cellular volume have been shown to produce large effects on the diffusion of water into beef red cells.
Moral Authority, Power, and Trust in Clinical Ethics

Moral concerns about the authority, power, and trustworthiness of physicians have become important topics in clinical ethics during the past three decades. These concerns have come to greater prominence with the increasing involvement of large-scale private institutions in the organization and delivery of medical services, especially managed care organizations, and with the increasing involvement of government in the payment for and organization and delivery of medical services. When physicians act as the agents of large institutions or governments. the power of physicians over their patients increases. The purposes of this article are (1) to reflect briefly on the historical origins of the moral problem of physicians' power in medicine, and (2) to introduce the articles in the 1999 annual number of the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy on topics in clinical ethics.
Ownership and Control of Farmland: Landlord‐Tenant Relations in Wisconsin1

This paper addresses the ownership and control of farmland, presents a conceptual model of landed property, and uses it to examine landlord-tenant relations in Wisconsin. A profile of farmland owners is constructed using survey data from two agricultural counties, Particular attention is paid to who controls farm management decisions on rented land. Results suggest that tenants enjoy much latitude in managing rented land and that relations between landlords and tenants seem satisfactory to both parties.
A Heuristic Model for Scheduling Large Projects with Limited Resources

Present PERT-type scheduling models implicitly assume unlimited availability of resources. As most project schedulers are aware, however, activities may be constrained in their start dates by availability of resources as well as by technological orderings. Analytic solutions to the limited-resource, project scheduling problem are infeasible at present for all but small projects; heuristic approaches seem most promising of useful results. One such approach, described here, is a computer model capable of scheduling single or multiple projects within resource limits and other constraints commonly encountered by the project scheduler. The basic formulation of the model is discussed along with its scheduling heuristics which determine the period-by-period allocation of resources to activities in a project. By changing certain parameters and heuristics in the model, one can simulate project scheduling under varying constraints and scheduling rules. Applications of the model to a number of fictitious and real projects are described.
An Intense, Quasi-Steady Thunderstorm over Mountainous Terrain. Part II: Doppler Radar Observations of the Storm Morphological Structure

The morphological characteristics of mean storm-scale airflow patterns of an intense quasi-steady storm formed in South Park, Colorado are described. Vertical transport of northerly low-level momentum within the updraft imparted a significant blocking on mid-level flow with southerly momentum. The blocking affected the movement and characteristics of adjacent, less organized storms, and additional storm-environment interactions produced an organized recirculation of precipitation particles from the mid-level updraft to the low-level updraft. The steadiness of the storm is found to have depended on the introduction of low-level flow directed opposite to mid-level flow, and on the formation of persistent downdrafts of sufficient magnitude to sustain an active gust front.
A review of current clinical studies leading to improved outcomes in patients treated with newer-generation thrombectomy devices

Treatment with endovascular treatment in conjunction with intra-venous Tissue Plasminogen Activator (IV tPA) under specific clinical situations leads to improved functional outcomes in patients. This review addresses the efficacy of endovascular stroke treatment in patients selected under ideal inclusion criteria and treated with the most up to date embolectomy devices. Recent trials such as ESCAPE, MR CLEAN, EXTEND IA and SWIFT PRIME showed that demonstration of proximal vessel occlusion in CT scans, stratification of penumbral patterns, along with expedient recanalization with the most up to date embolectomy devices leads to a statistically significant improvement in function, NIHSS scores, and mortality in patients treated with endovascular tPA. SWIFT PRIME, in particular, demonstrated that patients demonstrated a 4.5 point improvement in NIHSS scores 27 hours after treatment and decreased mortality along with an increased number of patients with a Rankin score of 1-2 90 days after therapy. Evidence shows that endovascular stroke treatment leads to improved outcomes in patients who are selected based on refined CT guided inclusion criteria and rapid revascularization by newer generation embolectomy devices in conjunct with IA tPA.
Investigation of coupling mechanisms in attosecond transient absorption of autoionizing states: comparison of theory and experiment in xenon

Attosecond transient absorption spectra near the energies of autoionizing states are analyzed in terms of the photon coupling mechanisms to other states. In a recent experiment, the autoionization lifetimes of highly excited states of xenon were determined and compared to a simple expression based on a model of how quantum coherence determines the decay of a metastable state in the transient absorption spectrum. Here it is shown that this procedure for extracting lifetimes is more general and can be used in cases involving either resonant or nonresonant coupling of the attosecond-probed autoionizing state to either continua or discrete states by a time-delayed near infrared (NIR) pulse. The fits of theoretically simulated absorption signals for the 6p resonance in xenon (lifetime = 21.1 fs) to this expression yield the correct decay constant for all the coupling mechanisms considered, properly recovering the time signature of twice the autoionization lifetime due to the coherent nature of the transient absorption experiment. To distinguish between these two coupling cases, the characteristic dependencies of the transient absorption signals on both the photon energy and time delay are investigated. Additional oscillations versus delay-time in the measured spectrum are shown and quantum beat analysis is used to pinpoint the major photon-coupling mechanism induced by the NIR pulse in the current xenon experiment: the NIR pulse resonantly couples the attosecond-probed state, 6p, to an intermediate 8s (at 22.563 eV), and this 8s state is also coupled to a neighboring state (at 20.808 eV).
Walking the open science walk.

On 22 January, B. Owens reported that the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) is the first scientific institute to practice the principles of the “open science” movement (“Montreal institute going ‘open’ to accelerate science,” In Depth, p. [329][1]). Owens quotes the director as
Difference in Calcium Level of the Blood Between the Male and Female Cod.

As far as we are aware, no reports have been made of calcium in the blood of fish. In the course of a study of various physiologic phenomena in the cod, a marked difference was found in the level of calcium in the blood of the male and the female. The percentage in the former was found to be approximately 9 to 12.5 mg., the cause of the variability not being ascertained. In the female a percentage as high as 29 was not uncommon, the lowest figure being 12.7 mg. These variations were due clearly to the generative state of the fish. When the roe was large and mature, the serum calcium percentage was high, whereas when the roe was hard, or after the fish was spent, the percentages were markedly lower. A similar relationship between spawning season and calcium level of the serum was found to exist in the puffer fish. Calcium in the female was found as high as 26 mg. %, whereas in the male it was about 12 mg. %. This phenomenon is not, however, common to all fish. For example, in the dog fish, a viviparous spe...