Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lightning Electromagnetic Fields and Their Induced Currents on Buried Cables. Part I: The Effect of an Ocean–Land Mixed Propagation Path

We use a full-wave finite-element-based solution of Maxwell's equations for the evaluation of lightning electromagnetic fields inside a vertically stratified, two-layer ground (ocean-land mixed propagation path) and their induced currents on the shield of buried cables. For “normal” incidence (with respect to the ocean-land interface), it is shown that the vertical electric field is the component most affected by the ocean-land mixed path when the observation point is close to the ocean-land interface (i.e., 5 m or so). For “oblique” incidence, however, depending on the angle of incidence and the distance between the observation point and the ocean, all the field components are reduced by the ocean-land interface. For the calculation of induced currents, and for the case of a parallel layout (cable laying in parallel to the ocean-land interface); 1) for a strike to the land, when the cable is buried in the soil and the distance to the ocean is greater than about 100 m, the effect of the ocean is negligible. 2) For a strike to the ocean, the induced current magnitudes are appreciable only when the cable is entirely within the land. For the case of a perpendicular layout (cable perpendicular to the ocean-land interface); 1) for a strike to the ocean, when the cable is totally buried in the ocean, the effect of ocean-land mixed propagation is negligible. However, when the cable extends into the land through one end, the induced currents increase at both ends with increasing length of underland portion. 2) For a strike to the land, when the cable is located entirely inside the land, the effect of ocean-land mixed path on the induced currents at both ends is negligible. However, as the cable extends into the ocean, a remarkable enhancement in the induced currents is observed for the termination located inside the land. This enhancement can be as high as a factor of 2 with respect to the case of a cable in homogeneous soil characterized by the properties of the land.
Identification of a Novel Function of the AlphavirusCapping Apparatus

Both genomic and subgenomic RNAs of theAlphavirus have m7G(5′)ppp(5′)N (cap0 structure) at their 5′ end. Previously it has been shown thatAlphavirus-specific nonstructural protein Nsp1 has guanine-7N-methyltransferase and guanylyltransferase activities needed in the synthesis of the cap structure. During normal cap synthesis the 5′ γ-phosphate of the nascent viral RNA chain is removed by a specific RNA 5′-triphosphatase before condensation with GMP, delivered by the guanylyltransferase. Using a novel RNA triphosphatase assay, we show here that nonstructural protein Nsp2 (799 amino acids) of Semliki Forest virus specifically cleaves the γ,β-triphosphate bond at the 5′ end of RNA. The same activity was demonstrated for Nsp2 of Sindbis virus, as well as for the amino-terminal fragment of Semliki Forest virus Nsp2-N (residues 1–470). The carboxyl-terminal part of Semliki Forest virus Nsp2-C (residues 471–799) had no RNA triphosphatase activity. Replacement of Lys-192 by Asn in the nucleotide-binding site completely abolished RNA triphosphatase and nucleoside triphosphatase activities of Semliki Forest virus Nsp2 and Nsp2-N. Here we provide biochemical characterization of the newly found function of Nsp2 and discuss the unique properties of the entire Alphavirus-capping apparatus.
Ethnicity and the prescribing of antidepressant pharmacotherapy: 1992-1995.

Little is known about the prescribing pattern for antidepressant pharmacotherapy by ethnicity. The present study was designed to determine the rates of office-based visits documenting the utilization of antidepressant pharmacotherapy, a diagnosis of a depressive disorder, or both, among whites, blacks, and Hispanics age 20-79 years. Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for 1992-93 and 1994-95 were utilized for this analysis. Comparing these time periods, we observed several trends: (1) The annualized mean rate per 100 US population of office-based visits documenting the use of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for any reason increased from 13.4 to 15.9 among whites (p < or = 0.0001) and from 6.5 to 7.7 among blacks (p < or = 0.0001), but remained unchanged at 7.3 for Hispanics (p > 0.05). (2) Documentation of a diagnosis of a depressive disorder increased for whites (10.9 to 12.0; p < or = 0.0001), for blacks (4.2 to 5.6; p < or = 0.0001), and for Hispanics (4.8 to 5.6; p < or = 0.0001). (3) The recording of a diagnosis of a depressive disorder in concert with the initial prescription or continuation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy also increased for whites (6.5 to 7.7; p < or = 0.0001), for blacks (2.6 to 3.4; p < or = 0.0001), and for Hispanics (3.0 to 3.2; p < or = 0.0001). We conclude that the rate of office-based visits documenting the utilization of antidepressant pharmacotherapy, a diagnosis of a depressive disorder, or both, was comparable among blacks and Hispanics by 1994-95, but was less than half the rate for whites in either time period examined. Further prospective research is required to discern the reasons for observed differences by ethnicity.
Groundwater Protection and Unconventional Gas Extraction: The Critical Need for Field‐Based Hydrogeological Research

Unconventional natural gas extraction from tight sandstones, shales, and some coal‐beds is typically accomplished by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing that is necessary for economic development of these new hydrocarbon resources. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for contamination of shallow groundwater by stray gases, formation waters, and fracturing chemicals associated with unconventional gas exploration. A lack of sound scientific hydrogeological field observations and a scarcity of published peer‐reviewed articles on the effects of both conventional and unconventional oil and gas activities on shallow groundwater make it difficult to address these issues. Here, we discuss several case studies related to both conventional and unconventional oil and gas activities illustrating how under some circumstances stray or fugitive gas from deep gas‐rich formations has migrated from the subsurface into shallow aquifers and how it has affected groundwater quality. Examples include impacts of uncemented well annuli in areas of historic drilling operations, effects related to poor cement bonding in both new and old hydrocarbon wells, and ineffective cementing practices. We also summarize studies describing how structural features influence the role of natural and induced fractures as contaminant fluid migration pathways. On the basis of these studies, we identify two areas where field‐focused research is urgently needed to fill current science gaps related to unconventional gas extraction: (1) baseline geochemical mapping (with time series sampling from a sufficient network of groundwater monitoring wells) and (2) field testing of potential mechanisms and pathways by which hydrocarbon gases, reservoir fluids, and fracturing chemicals might potentially invade and contaminate useable groundwater.
Lyα Emitters at Redshift 5.7 in the COSMOS Field

We present results from a narrowband optical survey of a contiguous area of 1.95 deg2, covered by the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS). Both optical narrowband (λc = 8150 Å and Δλ = 120 Å) and broadband (B , V, g′, r′, i′, and z′) imaging observations were performed with the Subaru prime-focus camera, Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope. We provide the largest contiguous narrowband survey, targeting Lyα emitters (LAEs) at z ≈ 5.7. We find a total of 119 LAE candidates at z ~ 5.7. Over the wide-area covered by this survey, we find no strong evidence for large-scale clustering of LAEs. We estimate a star formation rate (SFR) density of ~7 × 10-4 M☉ yr-1 Mpc-3 for LAEs at z ≈ 5.7 and compare it with previous measurements.
Simple and practical parameters for differentiation between destruction‐induced thyrotoxicosis and Graves’ thyrotoxicosis

orjective Differentiation of destruction‐induced thyrotoxicosis from Graves’ thyrotoxicosis is important for selection of therapy. It is, however, often difficult to make this distinction without measurement of radioactive iodine uptake. We searched for simple and practical parameters that might allow differentiation between the two entities.
Higher-dimensional cosmology with Gauss-Bonnet terms and the cosmological-constant problem.

Cosmological solutions of field equations derived from a ten-dimensional (10D) action containing higher-derivative terms in the Gauss-Bonnet combination have been studied. An attempt has been made to construct a scenario which includes a spontaneous compactification and an inflationary epoch followed by a four-dimensional radiation-dominated stage. It is noted that one can have a realistic scenario, provided there is an inflationary stage of the early 10D universe. A mechanism is suggested which makes the 4D cosmological constant small. The action considered is different from the superstring-corrected action. The study reveals a rich structure of the theory due to the presence of Gauss-Bonnet terms, although one gets back the usual Einstein equation in 4D at a large time.
The tau mutation affects temperature compensation of hamster retinal circadian oscillators

Neural retinas of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) express circadian rhythms of melatonin synthesis when cultured in constant darkness. Retinas from wild-type hamsters synthesize melatonin with a period close to 24 h, while retinas obtained from hamsters homozygous for the circadian mutation tau, which shortens the free-running period of the circadian activity rhythm by 4 h, synthesize melatonin with a period close to 20 h. The retinal circadian oscillators of both wild-type and tau mutant hamsters are temperature compensated; however, temperature compensation is adversely affected by the mutation.
Deletion of the C‐terminal domain of the NR2B subunit alters channel properties and synaptic targeting of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors in nascent neocortical synapses

Channel properties and synaptic targeting of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors determine their importance in synaptic transmission, long‐term synaptic plasticity, and developmental reorganization of synaptic circuits. To investigate the involvement of the C‐terminal domain of the NR2B subunit in regulating channel properties and synaptic localization, we analyzed gene‐targeted mice expressing C‐terminally truncated NR2B subunits (NR2BΔC/ΔC mice; Sprengel et al. [1998] Cell 92:279–89). Because homozygous NR2BΔC/ΔC mice die perinatally, we studied embryonic neocortical neurons differentiating in culture. At early stages in vitro, neurons predominantly expressed NR1/NR2B receptors, as shown by the NR2B subunit‐specific antagonist ifenprodil. At these nascent synapses, NMDA excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in neurons from NR2BΔC/ΔC mice showed a strong‐amplitude reduction to 20% of control, but AMPA EPSCs were unaltered. Analysis of the MK‐801 block of NMDA receptor‐mediated whole‐cell currents revealed a decreased peak open probability of NMDA receptor channels (to about 60%) in neurons from NR2BΔC/ΔC mice, although their single channel conductance was unchanged. To study effects on synaptic targeting, we determined the fraction of synaptically localized NMDA receptors relative to the whole‐cell NMDA receptor population. In neurons from NR2BΔC/ΔC mice, the synaptic NMDA receptor fraction was drastically reduced, suggesting that the C‐terminal domain of the NR2B subunit plays a major role in synaptic targeting of NMDA receptors at nascent synapses. With increasing time in culture, the reduction in NMDA EPSCs in neurons from NR2BΔC/ΔC mice diminished. This is explained by the expression of additional NMDA receptor subtypes containing NR2A subunits at more mature synapses. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in the Diagnosis of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

Patients with superior canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome have vertigo and oscillopsia induced by loud noises and by stimuli that result in changes in middle ear or intracranial pressure. We recorded vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP responses) in 10 patients with SCD syndrome. The diagnosis had been confirmed in each case by evoked eye movements and by high-resolution CT scans of the temporal bones that showed a dehiscence overlying the affected superior canal. For the 8 patients without prior middle ear disease, the VEMP threshold from the dehiscent ears measured 72 - 8 dB NHL (normal hearing level) whereas the threshold from normal control subjects was 96 - 5 dB NHL ( p < 0.0001). The VEMP threshold measured from the contralateral ear in patients with unilateral dehiscence was 98 - 4 dB NHL ( p > 0.9 with respect to normal controls). Two patients with apparent conductive hearing loss from middle ear disease, and SCD, had VEMP responses from the affected ears. In the absence of dehiscence, VEMP responses would not have been expected in the setting of conductive hearing loss. These findings confirm earlier studies demonstrating that patients with SCD syndrome have lowered VEMP thresholds. Conditions other than SCD syndrome may also lead to lowered VEMP thresholds. Rather than being based upon a single test, the diagnosis of SCD syndrome is best established when the characteristic symptoms, signs, VEMP response, and CT imaging all indicate SCD.
Representation and quantitation of the binding interaction between prednisone, prednisolone and corticosteroid binding globulin

The interaction between prednisone and prednisolone (0–500 ng ml−1) for binding sites on corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) in rabbit plasma has been investigated. The fraction unbound of each steroid rose markedly with increasing concentration at low concentrations (250 ng ml−1), tending to a plateau (0·29 prednisone, 0·15 prednisolone) at the higher concentrations (250–500 ng ml−1), indicating both saturation of CBG and the importance of binding to albumin in higher concentrations. A method is proposed of representing graphically the prednisone–prednisolone–protein interaction in three dimensions.
[Effects of chronic subclinical hyperthyroidism from levothyroxine on cardiac morphology and function].

BACKGROUND Thyroid hormones greatly affect the cardiovascular system. Although the effects of overt hyperthyroidism on the cardiovascular system have been diffusely studied, only in the last years the effects of subclinical hyperthyroidism on the heart have been investigated. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a symptomatic or asymptomatic condition with an absent response of thyrotropin (TSH) to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in the presence of normal serum levels of thyroid hormones for the general population, though supraoptimal for the individual. The more frequent causes of endogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism are multinodular goiter, toxic, adenoma and Graves's disease, whereas the exogenous causes are induced by levothyroxine (LT4) therapy used to suppress TSH in patients with nontoxic goiter and differentiated thyroid cancer. This paper reports our experience derived from the study of 60 patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism due to TSH-suppressive therapy with LT4 compared to normal subjects. METHODS Patients (9 males and 51 females, mean age 39 +/- 10 years) were studied by complete Doppler echocardiography, standard and 24 hour ECG Holter monitoring, exercise test with cycloergometer, and radionuclide ventriculography at rest and during fixed workload (75 W). RESULTS Holter monitoring showed a significant increase in mean 24 hour heart rate (80 +/- 10 vs 70 +/- 9 b/min, p < 0.001) and supraventricular arrhythmias (42 vs 12 patients, p < 0.003). Echocardiography showed an increase in left ventricular mass index (94 +/- 13 vs 80 +/- 18 g/m2, p < 0.001) due to increased septal and posterior wall thickness. At rest, echocardiographic indices of systolic function (fractional shortening and mean corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening) were higher in patients than in controls (fractional shortening 40 +/- 6 vs 34 +/- 4%, p < 0.001; mean corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening 1.23 +/- 0.17 vs 1.05 +/- 0.14 circ/s, p < 0.001), while the Doppler indices of diastolic function were significantly impaired as documented by the reduced E/A ratio (1.18 +/- 0.3 vs 1.8 +/- 0.5, p < 0.001) and the prolonged isovolumic relaxation time (94 +/- 13 vs 78 +/- 12 ms, p < 0.001). Exercise tolerance was also significantly impaired in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism: maximal exercise time (6.4 +/- 0.7 vs 9.4 +/- 1.4 min, p < 0.001) and peak workload (81 +/- 11 vs 121 +/- 17 W, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced and radionuclide ventriculography showed a decrease in ejection fraction during exercise (from 62 +/- 7 to 53 +/- 8%, p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Persistent subclinical hyperthyroidism by TSH-suppressive doses of LT4 significantly affects heart morphology and function. Thus, we suggest that a complete suppression of TSH must be recommended only in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, while in patients with begin thyroid disease it could be sufficient to maintain subnormal TSH levels.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Children Presenting to a Pediatric Sleep Disorders Clinic

The present study is a retrospective review of a clinical database that assessed the association between childhood sleep disturbances and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The sample consists of 80 caretakers of children ages 5 to 18 years referred to a pediatric sleep disorders clinic. Caretakers completed the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form (CHQ-PF50) and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Compared to a normative sample, caretakers of children with a sleep disorder reported poorer scores on the CHQ-PF50. Caretaker reports of HRQOL did not differ across sleep diagnostic groups, and scores on the CSHQ were not associated with scores on the CHQ-PF50. Results suggest that children with sleep disturbances experience a variety of HRQOL decrements that may benefit from intervention.
Hormone-Sensitive Lipase Serine Phosphorylation and Glycerol Exchange Across Skeletal Muscle in Lean and Obese Subjects

OBJECTIVE—Increased intramuscular triacylglycerol (IMTG) storage is a characteristic of the obese insulin-resistant state. We aimed to investigate whether a blunted fasting or β-adrenergically mediated lipolysis contributes to this increased IMTG storage in obesity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Forearm skeletal muscle lipolysis was investigated in 13 lean and 10 obese men using [2H5]glycerol combined with the measurement of arteriovenous differences before and during β-adrenergic stimulation using the nonselective β-agonist isoprenaline (ISO). Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and during ISO to investigate hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) protein expression and serine phosphorylation. RESULTS—Baseline total glycerol release across the forearm was significantly blunted in obese compared with lean subjects (P = 0.045). This was accompanied by lower HSL protein expression (P = 0.004), HSL phosphorylation on PKA sites Ser563 (P = 0.041) and Ser659 (P = 0.09), and HSL phosphorylation on the AMPK site Ser565 (P = 0.007), suggesting a blunted skeletal muscle lipolysis in obesity. Total forearm glycerol uptake during baseline did not differ significantly between groups, whereas higher net fatty acid uptake across the forearm was observed in the obese (P = 0.064). ISO induced an increase in total glycerol release from skeletal muscle, which was not significantly different between groups. Interestingly, this was accompanied by an increase in HSL Ser659 phosphorylation in obese subjects during ISO compared with baseline (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS—Obesity is accompanied by impaired fasting glycerol release, lower HSL protein expression, and serine phosphorylation. It remains to be determined whether this is a primary factor or an adaptation to the obese insulin-resistant state.
12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate‐dependent up‐regulation of dopaminergic gene expression requires Ras and neurofibromin in human IMR‐32 neuroblastoma

The dopaminergic transcriptional programme is highly regulated during development and in the adult, in response to activation of membrane receptor signalling cascades. Gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, is known to be regulated by receptors that act through protein kinase C (PKC) or Ras signalling. To investigate possible interactions between these two pathways before they converge on Raf activation, we evaluated whether phorbol ester (12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate, TPA)‐dependent PKC activation required Ras for regulation of TH expression in IMR‐32 cells. We found that long‐term treatment with TPA, which induces down‐regulation of PKC‐α, led to induction of both protein and message levels of TH by autocrine factors. This was dependent on endogenous Ras, but independent of the transcription factor Nurr1. Moreover, this mechanism of action mimicked the effects of overexpression of the Ras‐GAP domain of neurofibromin, GAP‐related domain (GRD) I, which is part of the upstream mechanism for regulation of Ras activation and a PKC‐α substrate. Overexpression of Ras also led to transcriptional and translational up‐regulation of TH, independent of Nurr1 induction, as well as distinct phenotypic changes consistent with cell hypertrophy and increased secretory activity shown by induction of expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and synaptosomal‐associated protein‐25. Most interestingly, overexpression of GRDI and down‐regulation of the endogenous GRDII neurofibromin led to significant increases in Nurr1 message, possibly reflecting a transcriptional hierarchy during development. Taken together, these studies suggest that PKC‐α, neurofibromin and Ras are essential in regulation of TH gene expression in IMR‐32 cells.
Vertical MFN's and the Credit Card No-Surcharge Rule

A vertical MFN prohibits a multi-product retailer charging more for a supplier's product than for the products of rival suppliers. In the market for credit card services, this restraint takes the form of a no-surcharge rule: that a retailer not surcharge for transactions with a particular credit card. This paper sets out a general theory of the vertical MFN restraint and then applies the theory to credit cards. In a symmetric, differentiated duopoly, the vertical MFN raises price from the Bertrand equilibrium value to a level greater than the fully collusive value. In a monopoly-competitive fringe model, the restraint can allow the dominant firm to leverage its power to extract surplus from the entire set of consumers. The theory applies directly to the credit card market. Contrary to accepted wisdom and an important legal case, the two-sided nature of the credit card market does not mandate new economic foundations.
Postsecondary Education for Students with Learning Disabilities

Increasingly, students with learning disabilities are attending community colleges and traditional 4-year colleges and universities. This article presents the results of a review of the literature on services available or recommended for students with learning disabilities. The results suggest that postsecondary institutions have begun to provide a wide array of services to these students. There is little empirical evidence, however, on the effectiveness of those services. An agenda for future research is also discussed.