cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The renewal of HTR development in Europe

The European HTR-Technology Network (HTR-TN), created in 2000, presently groups 20 organisations from European nuclear research and industry for developing the technologies of direct-cycle modular HTRs, which presently raise a large world-wide interest, because of their high potential for economic competitiveness, natural resource sparing, safety and minimisation of the waste impacts, in line with the goals of sustainable development of Generation IV. All aspects of HTR technologies are addressed by HTR-TN, from the reactor physics to the development of materials, fuel and components. Most of this activity is supported by the European Commission in the frame of its 5th Euratom Framework Programme. The first results of HTR-TN programme are given: the analysis of the reactor physics international benchmark on the commissioning tests of HTTR (Japan), the long term behaviour of spent HTR fuel in geologic disposal conditions, the preparation of a very high burnup fuel irradiation and the development of fabrication processes for producing high performance coated particles, etc.© 2002 ASME
Measurement of the thermal nonlinear refractive index of air at 1.064 microns using a cw laser

The thermal nonlinearity of air at 1.064 microns was measured to be (-5.7/spl plusmn/0.6)/spl times/10/sup -14/ cm/sup 2//W using a high-finesse Fabry-Perot cavity and a 500 mW cw laser with a 0.27 mm beam waist. The dominant contributant was identified as O/sub 2/.
Immigrant Policy: Issues for Social Work Practice

Immigrants make up a significant segment of U.S. society. Immigration to the United States has been characterized by steady growth, dramatic changes in ethnic composition, and declining socioeconomic levels. The challenge for social work is to respond to the social services needs of immigrants by designing appropriate programs that will contribute to the social and economic integration of immigrants. This article provides an overview of the major policy issues relevant to social work practice with immigrants and describes the recent U.S. immigrant population. It discusses current federal policy that affects service provision to immigrants, defines immigrant eligibility for social services, outlines the major areas of need among immigrants, and considers implications for social work practice.
Fidelity in functional coupling of the rat P2Y1 receptor to phospholipase C

1 The rat homologue of the P2Y1 receptor has been heterologously expressed in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells and in C6 rat glioma cells. 2 As has been shown previously for the turkey and human P2Y1 receptors, the rat P2Y1 receptor expressed in either cell type responded to 2MeSATP with increases in inositol phosphate accumulation that were competitively blocked by the antagonist PPADS. Neither of the wild type cell lines exhibited inositol phosphate responses to P2Y1 receptor agonists. 3 Expression of the rat P2Y1 receptor did not confer a capacity of 2MeSATP to inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity in 1321N1 cells. Moreover, the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase mediated by an endogenous P2Y receptor of C6 glioma cells was not enhanced by expression of the rat P2Y1 receptor. The P2Y receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in C6 glioma cells expressing both the endogenous P2Y receptor and the rat P2Y1 receptor remained unaffected by PPADS. 4 Since the P2Y receptor responsible for inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in C6 glioma cells does not share the pharmacological or functional properties of the P2Y1 receptor, even when both receptors originate from the same species and are simultaneously expressed in the same cell line, it is concluded that the P2Y1 receptor is distinct from an endogenous P2Y receptor in C6 cells that couples to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 122, 1021–1024; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0701479
The influence of pick-up ions on space plasma distributions

The addition and incorporation of highly ordered distributions of pickup ions can increase the ordering of space plasmas, decreasing their entropy, and driving them away from equilibrium. In this study, we present a model for describing the entropy decrease of heliospheric plasmas caused by the pick-up ions and their highly ordered arrangement. We consider a plasma flow consisting of two proton populations: (1) a solar wind distribution that is in quasi-equilibrium and (2) a spherical shell distribution of pick-up protons. Because all protons are indistinguishable, they equally share a hybrid state, where the hybrid probability distribution is given by the normalized sum of the distributions of the solar wind and pick-up protons. We derive an analytical formulation of the thickness of the pick-up proton shell distribution. Then we show that the entropy of the hybrid state depends on a dimensionless fluctuation number, {Theta}, which is a measure of the organizing role of pick-up protons. This number characterizes and compares two types of fluctuations, the thermal motion of solar wind protons and the bounded motion of pick-up protons that forms the spherical shell distribution. We find that the entropy variation between the hybrid and original states is proportional to the negativemore » logarithm of {Theta}. When the two competing fluctuations balance each other, {Theta} {approx} 1, the pick-up protons have no effect on the entropy of solar wind protons. Remarkably, while sunward of the termination shock pick-up ions act to slightly increase entropy, throughout the inner heliosheath their effect is to decrease the entropy dramatically.« less
Dynamics of self-driven and flocking particles on periodic arrays

Recently there has been growing interest in what is called active matter, or collections of particles that are self driven rather than driven with an external field. Examples of such systems include swimming bacteria, flocks of birds or fish, and pedestrian flow. There have also been recent experimental realizations of self-driven systems using colloidal particles undergoing self-catalytic interactions. One example of this is light-induced catalysis where the colloids become self-driven in the presence of light. Almost all of these studies have been performed in the absence of a substrate. Here we examine how a substrate can be used to direct the motion of the particles. We demonstrate a self-induced ratchet effect that occurs in the presence of disorder as well as the direction of the particle along symmetry directions of the substrate. The type of substrate we consider may be created using various optical techniques, and studies of this system could lead to insights into the nonequilibrium behavior of active matter as well as to applications such as sorting of different active particle species or of active and non-active particles.
Translation of maternal histone mRNAs in sea urchin embryos: A test of control by 5′ cap methylation☆

Recent results have demonstrated the occurrence of mRNA cap methylation in the sea urchin embryo following fertilization. It has been suggested that this methylation event is responsible for the translational activation of maternal histone mRNAs in these embryos. We have used aphidicolin, an effective inhibitor of both DNA synthesis and cap methylation in cleavage stage sea urchin embryos, to examine the relationship between cap methylation and translation. At 5 micrograms/ml, a dose which rapidly abolishes DNA replication and blocks cleavage, we note no effect on recruitment or translation of maternal alpha-subtype histone mRNAs. This suggests that a postfertilization cap methylation event is not critical to the process of regulation of the translation of stored alpha-subtype histone mRNAs.
An efficient scaling procedure for gain networks

A simple and efficient procedure is presented which scales a network with gains to an equivalent one with positive or unit gains, provided certain necessary and sufficient conditions are satisfied.
Concanavalin A agglutinability and surface microvilli of dissociated normal and neoplastic pancreatic acinar cells of the rat.

Abstract Isolated tumor cells of the transplantable pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma of the rat [8] were found to have numerous microvilli by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) when compared to normal acinar cells of the rat pancreas, and were more susceptible to agglutination by concanavalin A (ConA) than the normal acinar cells. However, isolated normal pancreatic acinar cells developed increased numbers of microvilli and microplicae upon 10 min in vitro stimulation with secretin, but this was not associated with an enhancement of concanavalin A-mediated agglutinability. It appears, therefore, that there is a lack of correlation between surface microvilli and lectin agglutinability for acinar cells of the rat pancreas. The neoplastic acinar cells isolated from the transplantable pancreatic acinar carcinoma of the rat should prove to be of value in delinearing differences in cell surface biology of normal and neoplastic epithelial cells.
Minimal flavor violation and the scale of supersymmetry breaking

In this paper we explore the constraints from $B$-physics observables in supersymmetric models of minimal flavor violation, in the large $\mathrm{tan}﻿\ensuremath{\beta}$ regime, for both low and high-scale supersymmetry breaking scenarios. We find that the rare $B$-decays $b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}s\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and ${B}_{s}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ can be quite sensitive to the scale $M$ at which supersymmetry breaking is communicated to the visible sector. In the case of high scale supersymmetry breaking, we show that the additional gluino contribution to the $b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}s\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and ${B}_{s}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ rare decay rates can be significant for large $\mathrm{tan}﻿\ensuremath{\beta}$, $\ensuremath{\mu}$ and ${M}_{3}$. The constraints on ${B}_{u}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\nu}$ are relatively insensitive to the precise scale of $M$. We also consider the additional constraints from the present direct Higgs searches at the Tevatron in the inclusive $H/A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\tau}$ channel, and the latest Cryogenic Dark Matter Search direct dark matter detection experiments. We find that altogether the constraints from $B$-physics, Higgs physics, and direct dark matter searches can be extremely powerful in probing regions of supersymmetric parameter space for low ${M}_{A}$ and large $\mathrm{tan}﻿\ensuremath{\beta}$, leading to a preference for models with a lightest $CP$-even Higgs mass close to the current experimental limit. We find interesting regions of parameter space that satisfy all constraints and can be probed by Higgs searches at the Tevatron and the LHC and by direct dark matter searches in the near future.
PARTICLE IDENTIFICATION FOR THE BABAR EXPERIMENT DETECTION OF INTERNALLY REFLECTED CHERENKOV LIGHT (DIRC)

Abstract We describe a new type of detector for particle identification which will be used in the BaBar experiment at the SLAC B factory (PEP-II). This detector, used in the barrel region of BaBar, is called the DIRC which is an acronym for Detection of Internally Reflected Cherenkov light. Similar to other Cherenkov ring imaging devices, the DIRC provides high resolution determination of the Cherenkov angle for pions and kaons but is also particularly well-matched to the momentum range and angular distribution of CP-violating final states in asymmetric B factories.
Kinetics of chimerism during the early post-transplant period in pediatric patients with malignant and non-malignant hematologic disorders: implications for timely detection of engraftment, graft failure and rejection.

The monitoring of chimerism by PCR has become a routine diagnostic approach in patients after allogeneic bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Nevertheless, a temporal correlation between molecular and hematologic assessment of engraftment has not been clearly established. To address this issue, and to determine the potential clinical implications of early kinetics of mixed chimerism, we have investigated 66 allogeneic stem cell transplantations (SCTs) in 58 pediatric patients suffering from different types of leukemia (n = 44) or non-malignant hematologic disorders (n = 14) by close molecular monitoring during the first days and weeks after transplantation. Patient- and donor-derived hematopoiesis were assessed at 1- to 3-day intervals in peripheral blood samples by PCR analysis of highly polymorphic microsatellite loci (STR-PCR). Detection of an increasing, and ultimately dominant donor-specific allelic pattern, which we defined as molecular engraftment, preceded hematologic engraftment by a median of 7 days (range 1–17 days) in all patients investigated. PCR analyses during the first days after transplantation facilitated detection of molecular engraftment according to the above definition by day +14 (range day +2 to day +14), thus permitting prediction of successful engraftment (upper limit of the two-sided confidence interval po = 6%) while the peripheral leukocyte counts were mostly below 200/μl. In three cases, however, the criteria for molecular engraftment were not fulfilled by day +14. These patients also failed to show hematologic engraftment, and required a second transplantation. Close monitoring by STR-PCR showed that graft rejection and autologous recovery can occur early and with very rapid dynamics. Molecular analysis of specific leukocyte subsets isolated by flow-sorting enabled sensitive assessment of changes in the pattern of chimerism which had escaped detection in assays using whole white blood cell (WBC) samples. This approach facilitated the identification of expanding or decreasing recipient cells, and permitted early detection of impending rejection or relapse. Moreover, monitoring of the dynamics of chimerism allowed rapid assessment of the response to therapy. Our observations provide support for the concept of initiating genotype analyses early after SCT and monitoring at rather short intervals to permit timely evaluation of clinically relevant processes, and to provide a basis for early implementation of treatment.
Gene expression profiling of plasma cells at myeloma relapse from tandem transplantation trial Total Therapy 2 predicts subsequent survival

We report on prognostic implications for postrelapse survival (PRS) of a gene expression profiling (GEP)–defined risk score at relapse available in 120 myeloma patients previously enrolled in tandem transplantation trial Total Therapy 2. Among the 71 patients with additional GEP baseline information, 3-year PRS was 71% in 40 patients with low risk present both at baseline and relapse contrasting with only 17% in 28 patients with high risk at relapse, 12 of whom with baseline low-risk status fared better than the remainder ( P = .08). On multivariate analysis of relapse parameters available in 104 patients, high risk conferred short PRS (hazard ratio = 4.00, P < .001, R2 = 33%), whereas relapse hyperdiploidy predicted long PRS (hazard ratio = 0.37, P = .022, cumulative R2 = 41%). In case the initial partial response lasted less than 2 years, relapse low-risk identified 26 patients with superior 3-year PRS of 61% versus 9% among 32 with relapse high-risk ( P < .001). Based on its PRS predictive power, GEP analysis should be an integral part of new agent trials in search of better therapy for high-risk myeloma.
A carbon nanotube-based Raman-imaging immunoassay for evaluating tumor targeting ligands

Herein, we describe a versatile immunoassay that uses biotinylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as a Raman label, avidin–biotin chemistry to link targeting ligands to the label, and confocal Raman microscopy to image whole cells. Using a breast tumor cell model, we demonstrate the usefulness of the method to assess membrane receptor/ligand systems by evaluating a monoclonal antibody, Her-66, known to target the Her2 receptors that are overexpressed on these cells. We present two-dimensional Raman images of the cellular distribution of the SWNT labels corresponding to the distribution of the Her2 receptors in different focal planes through the cell with validation of the method using immunofluorescence microscopy, demonstrating that the Her-66–SWNT complexes were targeted to Her2 cell receptors.
Exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling is modulated by intensity

Endocannabinoids (eCB) are endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors that are densely expressed in brain networks responsible for reward. Recent work shows that exercise activates the eCB system in humans and other mammals, suggesting eCBs are partly responsible for the reported improvements in mood and affect following aerobic exercise in humans. However, exercise-induced psychological changes reported by runners are known to be dependent on exercise intensity, suggesting that any underlying molecular mechanism should also change with varying levels of exercise intensity. Here, we examine circulating levels of eCBs following aerobic exercise (treadmill running) in recreationally fit human runners at four different intensities. We show that eCB signaling is indeed intensity dependent, with significant changes in circulating eCBs observed following moderate intensities only (very high and very low intensity exercises do not significantly alter circulating eCB levels). Our results are consistent with intensity-dependent psychological state changes with exercise and therefore support the hypothesis that eCB activity is related to neurobiological effects of exercise. Thus, future studies examining the role of exercise-induced eCB signaling on neurobiology or physiology must take exercise intensity into account.
Analysis of vortex bursting utilizing three-dimensional laser measurements

From the analysis of experimental three-dimensional laser velocimeter data of a vortex burst condition on a generic fighter configuration, a criterion for vortex breakdown has been evaluated. The measured velocity vectors were rotated from the tunnel coordinate system to the vortex core trajectory to examine the relevant parameters for vortex instability. The Rossby parameters that govern stability were formulated in terms of the local vortex flow variables. The ratio of axial-to-crossflow energy evaluated from the data encompassing a region bounded by the vorticity provides for a parameter that is consistent with Ludwieg's spiral instability analysis for conical flow. Benjamin's analysis for supercritical flow transition is correlated with a parameter for the mean flow vortex variables. The magnitudes of the critical parameters decrease downstream from the adverse pressure gradient along the vortex trajectory providing a threshold that correlates with the vortex breakdown position.
The Self-Consistent Charge Density Functional Tight Binding Method Applied to Liquid Water and the Hydrated Excess Proton: Benchmark Simulations

The self-consistent charge density functional tight binding (SCC-DFTB) method is a relatively new approximate electronic structure method that is increasingly used to study biologically relevant systems in aqueous environments. There have been several gas phase cluster calculations that indicate, in some instances, an ability to predict geometries, energies, and vibrational frequencies in reasonable agreement with high level ab initio calculations. However, to date, there has been little validation of the method for bulk water properties, and no validation for the properties of the hydrated excess proton in water. Presented here is a detailed SCC-DFTB analysis of the latter two systems. This work focuses on the ability of the original SCC-DFTB method, and a modified version that includes a hydrogen bonding damping function (HBD-SCC-DFTB), to describe the structural, energetic, and dynamical nature of these aqueous systems. The SCC-DFTB and HBD-SCC-DFTB results are compared to experimental data and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations using the HCTH/120 gradient-corrected exchange-correlation energy functional. All simulations for these systems contained 128 water molecules, plus one additional proton in the case of the excess proton system, and were carried out in a periodic simulation box with Ewald long-range electrostatics. The liquid water structure for the original SCC-DFTB is shown to poorly reproduce bulk water properties, while the HBD-SCC-DFTB somewhat more closely represents bulk water due to an improved ability to describe hydrogen bonding energies. Both SCC-DFTB methods are found to underestimate the water dimer interaction energy, resulting in a low heat of vaporization and a significantly elevated water oxygen diffusion coefficient as compared to experiment. The addition of an excess hydrated proton to the bulk water resulted in the Zundel cation (H(5)O(2)(+)) stabilized species being the stable form of the charge defect, which diffuses at a rate similar to the underlying water diffusion. These SCC-DFTB results differ significantly from other existing computational descriptions of the hydrated excess proton in water, as well as from the available experimental data.
Commentary on guidelines for the determination of brain death in children.

Un groupe de travail s'est attache a analyser les criteres permettant de determiner la mort cerebrale chez les enfants; les publications de ce groupe sont commentees, avec deux questions importantes: quel degre de certitude est-il necessaire pour declarer le deces, quel est le risque d'un diagnostic «faux positif». Le probleme du don eventuel d'organes est evoque
Detection of common antigenic sites in lethal proteins of non-related animal venoms.

Abstract A. J. Russo , C. S. Cobbs , G. J. Calton and J. W. Burnett . Detection of common antigenic sites in lethal proteins of non-related animal venoms. Toxicon21, 433–437, 1983. — Monoclonal antibodies neutralizing specific coelenterate lethal toxins were used to determine the presence of homologous antigenic sites on toxin proteins of a rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus), a hornet (Vespa orientalis) and the sea wasp (Chironex fleckeri). An anti-Portuguese man-o'war toxin antibody was found useful for isolating a C. d. terrificus toxin.
Amperometric determination of oxidizable solutes in water with a solution exchange technique

Abstract Determination of oxidizable solutes in water is accomplished using amperometric detection in a solution exchange apparatus. The applied potential (Ea) used is + 0.5 V vs. SCE at a nickel working electrode. Electrode pretreatment is performed at −1.0 V vs. SCE. The background electrolyte is 0.1 M NaOH. Analyte solution drawn into the cell replaces background solution. No further convection occurs. Peak anodic current relative to the baseline is used as the analytical signal. The linear range extends down to 1 μM for sucrose, diethylenetriamine, phenol, and ethanolamine. The determination time is 2 min per sample.
Positional Distinctiveness and the Ratio Rule in Free Recall

Abstract The ratio rule relates the recency effect in free recall to the ratio of the duration of the inter-item presentation interval (IPI) and the retention interval (RI). Three experiments examined this ratio rule in an immediate memory setting. An approximately linear relationship was discovered to hold over ratios ranging from 1:12 to 12:1 (Experiment 1), and also for constant ratios ranging from 1:1 to 12:12 (Experiments 2 and 3). However, in contrast to a “true” ratio rule, recency systematically decreased with increases in absolute duration, despite a constant IPI to RI ratio. A new distinctiveness model is proposed that accurately predicts the reported empirical relationships. The model incorporates a precise definition of stimulus distinctiveness, based on the dimensional distinctiveness model, and includes a specific mechanism to account for how the distinctiveness of each item arises, based on the perturbation model.
High resolution two photon excitation spectroscopy by pulse shaping an ultrabroad bandwidth femtosecond laser

High-resolution two-photon excitation spectroscopy of natural and synthetic fluorescent biological molecules is demonstrated using an ultra-broad-bandwidth (over 400 nm) femtosecond laser. Selective excitation was achieved using a series of specially designed phase and amplitude masks.
A reconstruction algorithm for helical cone-beam SPECT

Cone-beam single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides improved sensitivity for imaging small organs like the brain and heart. Current cone-beam tomography with the focal point traversing a planar orbit does not acquire sufficient data to give an accurate reconstruction. A data-acquisition method is employed which obtains complete data for cone-beam SPECT by simultaneously rotating the gamma camera and translating the patient bed, so that cone-beam projections can be obtained with the focal point traversing a helix surrounding the patient. An implementation of Grangeat's algorithm for helical cone-beam projections is developed. The algorithm requires a rebinning step to convert cone-beam data to parallel-beam data which are then reconstructed using the 3-D Radon inversion. A fast new rebinning scheme is developed which uses all of the detected data to reconstruct the image, and properly normalizes any multiply scanned data. This algorithm is shown to produce fewer artifacts than the commonly used Feldkamp algorithm when applied to either a circular planar orbit or a helical orbit acquisition. The algorithm can easily be extended to any arbitrary orbit. >
EK-SVD: Optimized dictionary design for sparse representations

Sparse representations using overcomplete dictionaries are used in a variety of field such as pattern recognition and compression. However, the size of dictionary is usually a tradeoff between approximation speed and accuracy. In this paper we propose a novel technique called the Enhanced K-SVD algorithm (EK-SVD), which finds a dictionary of optimized size-for a given dataset, without compromising its approximation accuracy. EK-SVD improves the K-SVD dictionary learning algorithm by introducing an optimized dictionary size discovery feature to K-SVD. Optimizing strict sparsity and MSE constraints, it starts with a large number of dictionary elements and gradually prunes the under-utilized or similar-looking elements to produce a well-trained dictionary that has no redundant elements. Experimental results show the optimized dictionaries learned using EK-SVD give the same accuracy as dictionaries learned using the K-SVD algorithm while substantially reducing the dictionary size by 60%.
The role of spacers on the self-assembly of DNA aptamer-amphiphiles into micelles and nanotapes

The self-assembly of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamer-amphiphiles was influenced by the choice of spacer used to link the hydrophobic tail and aptamer headgroup. Aptamer-amphiphiles without spacers or with hydrophilic spacers formed globular micelles while amphiphiles with hydrophobic spacers formed bilayer nanotapes, which are the first such structures formed by DNA-amphiphiles.
Clinicodemographic factors influencing outcomes in patients with low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) of the ovary is a rare tumor that is distinct from its high-grade counterpart. The objective of this study was to determine whether patient demographic factors and clinical treatment histories affected survival in a population of women with LGSC. METHODS: A review of patients who had pathologically confirmed LGSC of the ovary diagnosed between 1977 and 2009 was performed. Abstracted data included medical and social histories, anthropometric measurements, and details about diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Statistical analyses included Fisher exact tests, Cox proportional hazards models, and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The study sample included 194 patients who had a median follow-up of 60.9 months (range, 1-383 months). In multivariate analyses, smoking had a negative association with both overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.92; P = .04) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.00-2.96; P = .05). The median OS was shorter in current smokers than in former/never smokers (48.0 months vs 79.9 months; P = .002). PFS also was predicted by year of diagnosis >1994 (HR, 1.74; P = .01). Although the difference was not statistically significant, hormone consolidation appeared to be associated with better OS (HR, 0.15; P = .06) and better PFS (HR, 0.44; P = .07). A smaller proportion of the patients who received hormone consolidation experienced disease recurrence compared with the patients who did not receive hormone consolidation (66.7% vs 87.6%; P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking was associated negatively with survival outcomes in women with LGSC of the ovary, whereas consolidation treatment with hormone antagonists demonstrated a protective associative trend with survival. Both lifestyle modification and innovative treatment plans should be considered in this group of patients. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Seasonal shift in the effects of predators on juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) energetics

Predator effects on prey populations are determined by the number of prey consumed and effects on the traits of surviving prey. Yet, effects of predators on prey traits are rarely evaluated in field studies. We measured the effects of predators on energetic traits (consumption and growth rates) of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in a large-scale field study. Salmon fry were released at 18 sites that encompassed a wide range in abundance of predatory slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). We sampled salmon after 21 and 140 days to measure salmon growth and estimate consumption using a mass-balance model of methylmercury accumulation. Salmon population density was reduced fivefold at sites with abundant sculpin. Over the early season, salmon consumed less where sculpin were abundant, suggesting that reduced foraging under predation risk contributed to predator-caused mortality. In contrast, over the late season, salmon grew more where sculpin were abundant, suggesting that compensatory growth at reduced salmon population density moderated predator-caused mortality. Predator effects on prey energetics can drive variation in survival and growth, with important consequences for population dynamics.
Spectral efficiency of a hybrid DS/FH-CDMA system employing non-coherent MFSK in slow Rayleigh fading

The paper presents an analytical evaluation of a hybrid direct-sequence/frequency-hopped code division multiple access (DS/FH-CDMA) system employing non-coherent M-ary frequency shift keying (MFSK) modulation in a Rayleigh fading environment. Multiple access interference (MAI) is taken into account and the spectral efficiency is calculated for uncoded as well as convolutionally encoded systems.
Stabilization of non-linear systems†

The problem of stabilizing a discrete-time non-linear system is considered. For a rather large class of common stabilizable non-linear systems, a procedure leading to the stabilization of a given non-linear system Σ belonging to that class is derived. In this procedure, a pair of compensators is constructed, consisting of a precompensator and an output feedback compensator, which, when connected in closed loop around the system Σ, yield a closed-loop system that is internally stable for bounded input sequences. The procedure allows the construction of infinitely many different pairs of such compensators, thus facilitating the choice of a convenient one.
Yanomamology, Missiology, and Anthropology

The Yanomami and Their Interpreters: Fierce People or Fierce Interpreters? Frank A. Salamone. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1997. 117 pp. Spirit of the Rainforest:. Yanomamo Shaman's Story. Mark Ritchie. Chicago: Island Lake Press, 1996. 271 pp. Yanomamo Interactive: The Ax Fight. Peter Bella. Napoleon Chagnon. and Gary Seaman. Case Studies in Cultural Anthropology Multimedia Series Windows/Macintosh CDROM. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace, 1997.
Histopathological changes induced by ergasilid copepod infections on the gills of food fish from Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka

Histopathological changes induced by ergasilid parasitic infections on the gills of economically important fish from Batticaloa lagoon were investigated from October 2003 to November 2004. Anabas sp, Ambassis gymnocephalus , Chanos chanos , Cirrhinus mrigala , Etroplus suratensis , E. maculatus , Hemirhamphus sp, Leiognathus splendens , Lutjanus sp, Mugil cephalus , Nematalosa nasus , Oreochromis mossambicus , Siganus lineatus , S. oramin , Tachysurus sp, Terapon jarbua and Triacanthus brevirostris were naturally infected with the ergasilids viz. Ergasilus sieboldi , E. parvitergum , and Dermoergasilus sp. Intensity of infection ranged from 0 to 30 ergasilids per host fish. Histopathological investigations of infected gills showed extensive tissue damage due to attachment and feeding of ergaslids. Ergasilus sp attached close to the base of the filaments near the gill arch and the pressure exerted by the parasite attached to the lateral margin of the gill filaments induced atrophy of the secondary lamellae. Tissue reactions included hyperplasia and mucous cell proliferation of the gill epithelium and damaged primary and secondary lamellae. In addition, considerably high numbers of eosinophilic granular cells and rodlet cells were noticed in the gills of the infected fish. Histopathological changes induced by the ergasilid infections would adversely affect the proper functioning of the gills of these host fish. Mass mortalities of the fish inhabiting Batticaloa lagoon which occurred during April and May 2004 may be attributed to the infection of the fish gills by these ergasilids. DOI: 10.4038/sljas.v12i0.2215 Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 12 (2007): 77-87
Analysis of Mechanisms of Flow in Fractured Tight-Gas and Shale-Gas Reservoirs

In this paper we analyze by means of numerical simulation the mechanisms and processes of flow in two types of fractured tight gas reservoirs: shale and tight-sand systems. The numerical model includes Darcy’s law as the basic equation of multiphase flow and accurately describes the thermophysical properties of the reservoir fluids, but also incorporates other options that cover the spectrum of known physics that may be involved: non-Darcy flow, as described by a multi-phase extension of the Forschheimer equation that accounts for laminar, inertial and turbulent effects; stress-sensitive flow properties of the matrix and of the fractures, i.e., porosity, permeability, relative permeability and capillary pressure; gas slippage (Klinkenberg) effects; and, non-isothermal effects, accounting for the consequences of energy balance and temperature changes in the presence of phenomena such as Joule-Thompson cooling in the course of gas production. The flow and storage behavior of the fractured media (shale or tight sand) is represented by various options of the Multiple Interactive Continua (MINC) conceptual model, in addition to an Effective Continuum Method (ECM) option, and includes a gas sorption term that follows the Langmuir isotherm. Comparison to field data, analysis of the simulation results and parameter determination through history matching indicates that (a) the ECM model is incapable of describing the fractured system behavior, and (b) shale and tight-sand reservoirs exhibit different behavior that can be captured (albeit imperfectly) using some of the more complex options of the multi-continua fractured-system models. The sorption term is necessary to describe the behavior of shale gas reservoirs, and significant deviations from the field data are observed if it is omitted. Conversely, production data from tight-sand reservoirs can be adequately represented without accounting for gas sorption. All the other processes and mechanisms allow refinement of the match between predictions and observations, but appear to have secondorder effects in the description of flow through fractured tight gas reservoirs.
Individualism and Institutionalism Revisited: A Response to Professor Bush

. In the book which provoked individualist/institutionalist controversy in several journals, including this one, the author emphasized aspects of “muddled” thinking in the work of Clarence E. Ayres which he believes has brought forth neo-institutionalist contributions that are a “hodge-podge.” Neo-institutionalism, he is convinced, is a form of historicism in Karl R. Popper's terms. Lord Robbins is quoted to prove that individualists do not necessarily espouse laissez-faire capitalism and extreme income inequality. F. A. Hayek is a conservative but some individualists are socialists. The distinction on which individualists base interpersonal comparisons of utility is not between normative and positive but between science and philosophy; Thorstein Veblen never attempted to build a bridge between science and value. The real issue between individualists and neo-institutionalists is individualism vs. collectivism.
Polarization and angle-of-arrival fluctuations for a plane wave propagated through a turbulent medium

The correlation function of the fluctuations of the depolarized component of a plane wave as a function of the distance between two parallel line-of-sight paths is derived in terms of the index of refraction variations. A first-order solution to the wave equation is found using spectral analysis techniques. The mean square polarization fluctuation is predicted to have a \lambda^{2} dependence, in contrast to the work of another author which showed no wavelength dependence. Some numerical values are calculated and the restrictions on the solutions are discussed. At optical wavelengths the depolarized component is extremely small. From the point of view of minimizing the noise introduced by a turbulent atmosphere, polarization modulation seems attractive compared to amplitude or angle modulation. The problem of determining the angle-of-arrival fluctuations when using a wave optics formulation is discussed. If one accepts the statement that the angle-of-arrival is the normal to the wave front at any point, then the correlation function of the angle-of-arrival is simply related to the correlation function of the phase fluctuations and agrees with the ray optics results.
Pseudo-lignin formation and its impact on enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract Pseudo-lignin, which can be broadly defined as aromatic material that yields a positive Klason lignin value and is not derived from native lignin, has been recently reported to form during the dilute acid pretreatment of poplar holocellulose. To investigate the chemistry of pseudo-lignin formation, GPC, FT-IR and 13 C NMR were utilized to characterize pseudo-lignin extracted from dilute-acid pretreated α-cellulose and holocellulose. The results showed that pseudo-lignin consisting of carbonyl, carboxylic, aromatic and aliphatic structures was produced from dilute acid pretreated cellulose and hemicellulose. Pseudo-lignin extracted from holocellulose pretreated at different conditions had similar molecular weights ( M n ∼ 1000 g/mol; M w ∼ 5000 g/mol) and structural features (carbonyl, carboxylic, aromatic and methoxy structures). These characterizations have provided the pseudo-lignin formation mechanisms during pretreatment. The presence and structure of pseudo-lignin is important since pseudo-lignin decreases the enzymatic conversion.
Gene therapy: Applications to the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases

There has been much progress in our understanding of molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of inherited metabolic disorders. In addition, powerful new molecular techniques have made possible phenotypic alterations by delivery of foreign genes to target cells. As a result, concepts and methods that would have been considered purely science fiction 10 years ago can now be found in human clinical trials engaged in the treatment of these disorders. In this review, we have attempted to provide an introduction and survey of the topic of gene therapy, with specific examples of laboratory and clinical achievements to date, and highlights on potentials for applications in digestive diseases.
Abstract T P337: Outcomes for a Cohort of Patients Not Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy Due to Mild or Rapidly Improving Stroke Symptoms: A Retrospective Review

Background: Symptoms too mild and rapidly improving stroke symptoms (RISS) are relative contraindications for thrombolytic therapy (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS), yet several studies indicate that some of these patients may have a poor outcome. Baptist Health System (BHS) includes five Certified Primary Stroke Center hospitals which admit nearly 2,000 ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients a year. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the discharge ambulatory status and disposition of the AIS patients that were not treated with tPA because their symptoms were to mild, defined as NIHSS ≤ 5, or with RISS. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted using GWTG data to determine the total number of AIS admitted between 2011 - 2013, the total number of patients who were eligible for tPA with an NIHSS ≤ 5, and the total number of patients who did not receive tPA because of a documented reason of symptoms too mild or RISS. Results: From 2011 to 2013, BHS admitted 3,035 AIS patients, of which 396 patients arrived within 3.5 hours of last known well and had an NIHSS ≤ 5. Of those, 317 (80.05%) patients had an exclusion documented of symptoms too mild or RISS. The discharge disposition of these patients include: Home 59.94% (n=190), Acute Rehab Facility 22.40% (n= 71), Skilled Nursing Facility 14.82% (n- 47), Hospice 1.89% (n=6), Left AMA 0.63% (n=2), and Expired 0.31% (n=1). At discharge, the data reveals 51.74% (n=164) were able to ambulate independently with or without a device, 37.22% (n=118) were unable to ambulate without assistance from another person, 10.73% (n=34) were unable to ambulate and 1 patient died. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite being identified as having a mild and rapidly improving stroke, the patients not treated with IV tPA and an NIHSS ≤ 5 do not necessarily have mild outcomes. The exact reason for these short-term outcomes cannot directly be concluded from this review. This retrospective review of our community cohort shows that there are disabilities and extended care requirements in the context of a mild stroke and more data review, research, evaluation and consideration of the mild stroke patient is indicated.
PRECIPITATION OF METAL 8-HYDROXYQUINOLATES FROM HOMOGENEOUS SOLUTION. II. THORIUM

Abstract A comparison has been made of the precipitation of thorium with 8-hydroxyquinoline by the direct method of addition of reagent and by precipitation from homogeneous solution by generation of the reagent from 8-acetoxyquinoline. The latter reagent produces a thorium precipitate with superior physical characteristics. Separation studies using cerium III as a diverse ion also indicate the superiority of the method using 8-acetoxyquinoline. Further studies of thorium 8-hydroxyquinolate, precipitated by either method, indicate that ignition to thorium oxide is a reliable way to conclude the determination. Methods involving weighing or brominating the 8-hydroxyquinolate generally furnish erroneous results.
Shear-Velocity Measurement In The Logging-While- Drilling Environment: Modeling And Field Evaluations

In the logging while drilling (LWD) environment, the presence of the drill collar substantially influences the acoustic wave propagation characteristics. Measurement principles that are proven in wireline logging may suffer drawbacks or become invalid. Therefore, new LWD measurement approaches need to be investigated. This paper evaluates the LWD shear-wave velocity measurement using low-frequency monopole, dipole, and quadrupole acoustic sources. Theoretical analyses show that the LWD monopole and dipole acoustic waves contain strong tool waves traveling along the collar. Further, the LWD dipole-flexural wave, unlike its wireline counterpart, has a velocity that is significantly lower than the shear velocity of a slow formation. In comparison, the quadrupole wave is a better measurement candidate for two reasons. First, the tool quadrupole-wave contamination can be avoided by operating at low frequencies. Second, the formation quadrupole wave velocity is close to shear-wave velocity at low frequencies and can thus be used to measure it. A multipole LWD array acoustic tool has been constructed for the shear measurement. Several field measurements have been made in various fast and slow formations. In a frequency range of 2-10 kHz, the monopole acoustic data consist primarily of a collar (extensional) wave and Stoneley waves. The dipole data consist of both collar and formation flexural waves. The quadrupole data are least contaminated by the collar wave and comprise mostly the formation quadrupole wave. The characteristics of the measured multipole-wave data are found to be in good agreement with the modeling. Theoretical analysis and field evaluations demonstrate that the quadrupole acoustic measurement is a promising technology for determining an LWD shear-wave velocity.
A Realistic Hot Water Draw Specification for Rating Solar Water Heaters

In the United States, annual performance ratings for solar water heaters are simulated, using TMY weather and specified water draw. This paper proposes a more realistic ratings draw that eliminates most bias by improving mains inlet temperature and by specifying realistic hot water use. Presented at the 2012 World Renewable Energy Forum; Denver, Colorado; May 13-17, 2012.
Integrate JavaScript into the course: organization of programming languages

"Organization of Programming Languages" is a course offered in many Computer Science programs today. This course discusses principles of programming languages, and explores different features in programming languages. To better understand the contents of the course, students are strongly recommended to learn a few programming languages in different categories before taking the course. The students in our program have learned C++ and Java languages. The important change I made in teaching the course is that I add JavaScript details into the course because JavaScript has some features different from C++ and Java, and is a popular scripting language widely used in web client-side programming. This change helps students understand the contents of "Organization of Programming Languages" more easily and deeply, and makes students become familiar with the web programming platform. This paper shares my experience of teaching this course and provides some useful information for other instructors teaching the same course in Computer Science programs.
Children's Reasoning About Social Exclusion: Balancing Many Factors

Social exclusion is pervasive throughout development. In this article, I explore the factors involved in children's and adolescents' reasoning about and evaluation of group-based exclusion: (a) social-cognitive skill level, (b) social-contextual factors, (c) emotion evaluations, and (d) competing moral and group-based norms. Social exclusion in group-based contexts involves balancing moral principles (focused on preventing harm and ensuring just and equitable treatment) with loyalty and allegiance to one's group. Children and adolescents evaluate these complex scenarios by weighing contextual factors, considering the role of the emotions experienced by excluders and by those who are excluded, and relying on their social-cognitive skills and knowledge. With age, children reason about social exclusion with greater and more nuanced sophistication across many contexts.
Examining the Complexity of the Campus Racial Climate at a Hispanic Serving Community College

Objective: Despite the growing representation of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) among community colleges, relatively little is known about student perceptions of the campus climate at these i...