cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National and regional repercussions of regional reallocations of federal expenditures and public services

. This paper considers the problem of regional allocation of government funds in a two-region, two-good economy in which production of each good requires labor, capital, and a local public good. Changes in regional allocation of federal expenditures and public services are found to significantly impact the national economy in addition to the regional economies. For example, output of both regions and the national economy may decrease (or increase) as a result of such reallocation. This is because, output of a region directly depends on the fraction of federal funds spent in that region, and indirectly on output of the other region. Thus even if the proportion of government funds increases for a region, its output may actually decline if the fall in the fraction of government resources for the other region significantly decreases production there. Our results demonstrate that in addition to the amount of government expenditures and public services, an economy's capital accumulation, production, and factor returns are significantly influenced by how these government expenditures and public services are regionally allocated.
The Effects of Sad Mood on Reports of Parents’ Caregiving Behaviors

Two studies examined the hypothesis that recollections of parents’ child-rearing behaviors on the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI: Parker, Tupling, & Brown, 1979) are influenced by current mood. Study 1 investigated the effects of sad versus neutral mood induction on PBI scores in 50 college students. Participants rated their parents as less caring following the sad mood induction than following the neutral induction. Study 2 investigated the effects of naturally occurring changes in depressive symptoms on PBI scores over a two month period. Changes in depressive symptoms correlated with changes in father care scores and tended to correlate with changes in mother care scores. Findings from both studies suggest that retrospective reports of parenting are susceptible to mood bias and highlight the limits of using cross sectional designs to explore the relationship between parenting and depression.
Palaeoclimate across the Late Pennsylvanian–Early Permian tropical palaeolatitudes: A review of climate indicators, their distribution, and relation to palaeophysiographic climate factors

Abstract Global-scale compilations of palaeoclimate indicators include records of the temporal and spatial occurrence of coal, laterite, bauxite, Vertisols, calcrete, eolianite, and evaporite at the scale of geological stage. These palaeoclimate indicators provide the primary evidence for palaeoclimate change during the Late Palaeozoic, and have been used to infer a long-term climatic transition from humid to arid conditions on equatorial Pangaea from Late Pennsylvanian through Early Permian time. The cause(s) of Late Pennsylvanian–Early Permian climate trends are unknown but must have resulted from climate factors operating on timescales of tectonic change (10 6 –10 7 yr), such as tectonic drift, assembly of Pangaea, orogenesis, and long-term carbon cycling. Although higher-resolution, local- to regional-scale palaeoclimate reconstructions for the Late Pennsylvanian–Early Permian exist, they generally lack the time control necessary for accurate correlation among sites. Nevertheless, these high-resolution palaeoclimate reconstructions provide details about Permo-Pennsylvanian palaeoclimate that are not perceptible in lower-resolution global datasets. These studies indicate that (1) although the Late Pennsylvanian equatorial latitudes were more humid than the Early Permian tropics, there was also considerable variability in the amount and seasonality of rainfall, and (2) there were several short (≪ 1 – 3 Ma) excursions toward relatively more humid climate during the long-term Early Permian transition to aridity in western and central equatorial Pangaea. These higher-resolution climate changes were controlled by climate factors which operated on relatively short timescales (10 4 –10 6 yr) such as continental ice-sheet dynamics, sea-level change and associated changes in land–sea distribution, and variations in palaeoatmospheric P CO 2 . Although lithological indicators and geochemical proxies provide the basis for reconstructing past climate, they seldom provide diagnostic evidence to determine which of the possible climate factors were important. To narrow the possible causes of Late Pennsylvanian–Early Permian climate change, we review and evaluate both conceptual and numerical models that have been previously used to explain Late Palaeozoic climate change in light of the detailed spatial and temporal proxy records from across near-equatorial Pangaea. Our ability to test these models is currently limited by our inability to make accurate correlations among proxy sites due to uncertain dating. Nonetheless, we suggest that on tectonic timescales continental drift, increasing atmospheric P CO 2 , and deglaciation could explain much of the low-latitude climate record, while changing atmospheric P CO 2 and orbitally-driven glacial–interglacial cycles could account for higher-resolution climate variability on Pangaea.
Multiple genes/multiple autoantigens role in type 1 diabetes.

We hypothesize that Type 1 diabetes of humans and NOD mouse results from non-MHC genes, which determine susceptibility to T-cell autoimmunity. MHC class II alleles (and perhaps class I) determines the tissue targeted by these T-cells (DQ8/DQ2 Type 1 diabetes and Addison's disease, DQ2 or DQ8 for celiac disease). The high propensity for islet beta cells to be the target of autoimmunity we believe is the result of a peculiarity of the insulin B-chain peptide, such that it is a dominant beta cell-specific autoantigen. In the NOD mouse, autoreactive T-cells show a restricted Vα repertoire. The ability of selected class II molecules to prevent disease may relate to effects of these molecules (I-E, DQB1*0602, and so forth) on the T-cell repertoire. With improving assays for autoantibodies and T-cell autoimmunity and the availability of transgenic mouse, we believe that the aforementioned hypotheses can be thoroughly tested.
Extension of the associated perturbed anisotropic chain theory to mixtures with more than one associating component

Abstract The Associated Perturbed Anisotropic Chain Theory (APACT), a theory useful for calculation of equilibrium thermodynamic properties for fluid mixtures presented recently by Ikonomou and Donohue has been extended to treat multicomponent mixtures in which two or more components associate. Mixtures containing non-associating components (diluents) also can be treated. Association equilibria for each component hydrogen bonding to itself as well as for cross-association between associating components are considered. Following an approach similar to that used previously in the derivation of APACT, a closed-form equation of state has been derived. Preliminary results show that APACT does well in fitting phase equilibrium data for binary mixtures involving alcohols and water with small values of k ij . The fits are not as good, however, for systems containing small molecules (water and methanol) and the reasons for this shortcoming are discussed.
Behavioral treatment of deviant sex-role behaviors in a male child

This study demonstrated reinforcement control over pronounced feminine behaviors in a male child who had been psychologically evaluated as manifesting “childhood cross-gender identity”. The clinical history of the subject paralleled the retrospective reports of adult transsexuals, including (a) cross-gender clothing preferences, (b) actual or imaginal use of cosmetic articles, (c) feminine behavior mannerisms, (d) aversion to masculine activities, coupled with preference for girl playmates and feminine activities, (e) preference for female role, (f) feminine voice inflection and predominantly feminine content in speech, and (g) verbal statements about the desire or preference to be a girl. The subject was treated sequentially in the clinic and home environments by his mother, trained to be his therapist. The mother was taught to reinforce masculine behaviors and to extinguish feminine behaviors, by using social reinforcement in the clinic and a token reinforcement procedure in the home. During this treatment, his feminine behaviors sharply decreased and masculine behavior increased. The treatment effects were found to be largely response-specific and stimulus-specific; consequently, it was necessary to strengthen more than one masculine behavior and weaken several feminine behaviors, in both clinic and home settings. A multiple-baseline intrasubject design was used to ensure both replication and identification of relevant treatment variables. Follow-up data three years after the treatment began suggests that the boy's sex-typed behaviors have become normalized. This study suggests a preliminary step toward correcting pathological sex-role development in boys, which may provide a basis for the primary prevention of adult transsexualism or similar adult sex-role deviation.
DILATION OPERATOR IN GAUGE THEORIES

The electromagnetic field is expanded in a series of O(4) eigenstates of total spin, and quantized by specifying commutators on surfaces of constant x/sub ..mu../x/sup ..mu../ = R/sup 2/ in four-dimensional Euclidean space. It is demonstrated that, under an arbitrary gauge transformation, some of the O(4) eigenstates are invariant; these gauge-invariant states are labeled by SU(2)xSU(2) total (orbital plus internal) spin quantum numbers (A,B) and with Anot =B. Only these gauge-invariant states are nontrivial in the absence of sources, and are quantized. The leading-twist quantum states of the dilation field theory contain the minimum number of these dilation photons. The remaining spin degrees of freedom of the electromagnetic field are most simply written as a function of the form partial/sub ..mu../phi(x)+x/sub ..mu../psi(x)/R/sup 2/. phi(x) is obviously devoid of physics while psi(x) is a classical field propagating between radial projections of two electric currents x/sub ..mu../ J/sup ..mu../(x) and y/sub ..mu../ J/sup ..mu../(y) only if x/sub ..mu../ x/sup ..mu../ = y/sub ..mu../ y/sup ..mu../. The quantization procedure described herein may be applied to non-Abelian theories. The procedure does not lead to a gauge-invariant decomposition of a non-Abelian field, but the identification of leading-twist quantum states is preserved in the zero-coupling limit.
Non-alloyed, refractory metal contact optimization with shallow implantations of Zn and Mg

Refractory metal contacts to GaAs show great promise for stability during high temperature processing and for high reliabiltiy. In this paper, we report on a study of sputtered W and W-Si contacts to ion-implanted p-GaAs with both Zn and Mg implantations. This study focused on refractory contacts to shallow implanted contact layers that are suitable for devices such as junction field effect transistors and heterojunction bipolar transistors. The very different energy loss mechanisms of Zn and Mg ions result in different levels of implant damage, which is studied by varying the annealing temperatures and measuring the effects on contact and sheet resistances with the transmission line method
Developing a Pain Management Resource Wiki for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers

ABSTRACT Utilizing Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, wikis, and social networking sites can provide innovative and creative means to communicate with library patrons. They can also serve as a purposeful information repository for individuals looking for information on a particular topic. A pain management resource for cancer patients and their caregivers was created to provide a concise “one-stop” location for this community to access the latest and most reliable consumer health information regarding this topic. The process of planning, organizing, building, and maintaining the wiki is chronicled in this article. Patient education material in wiki format can serve as a valuable information tool for others interested in pursuing such technology in other libraries. Patient education material in wiki format can serve as a valuable information tool for others interested in pursuing such technology in other libraries.
Three-Dimensional Optical Storage Memory

A novel three-dimensional (3-D) optical memory device is presented that allows fast random access of the information and extremely high bit densities. This device is based on two-photon writing, reading, and erasing of the information in a photochromic material embedded in a polymer matrix. Absorption and emission data show that two-photon writing and reading of information is feasible. The advantages and properties of such a 3-D optical memory are discussed.
Family planning intentions: a qualitative exploration of postpartum women of Mexican descent in North Carolina

Abstract Background North Carolina has one of the fastest growing Mexican–American populations, yet health care providers have minimal information on how to address the family planning needs of this population. Study Design We conducted semistructured interviews with postpartum Mexican–American women, aged 18–35 years, within 1 month of delivery. Salient themes were identified, coded and analyzed. Results Twenty women were interviewed. The majority had firmly held family size intentions: most desired to have 2 to 4 children with 2 to 5 years between births. Partners’ preferences and the family size in which the participant was raised were factors that most influenced their family size preference. First-generation Mexican–American participants were more likely to have a partner whose intentions are influenced by the gender(s) of their children compared with participants born in Mexico. Participants desired longer intrapartum intervals for optimal infant development, with financial considerations cited less frequently. Conclusion Postpartum women of Mexican descent articulate consistent family planning intentions. Partners’ desires may challenge the achievement of these intentions. Providers can encourage the most effective forms of contraception to promote ideal and intended family size.
Monocular and binocular visual suppression of vestibular nystagmus.

(1991). Monocular and Binocular Visual Suppression of Vestibular Nystagmus. Acta Oto-Laryngologica: Vol. 111, No. sup481, pp. 424-427.
Intermediate Models of Planetary Circulations in the Atmosphere and Ocean.

Abstract Large-scale extratropical motions (with dimensions comparable to, or somewhat smaller than, the planetary radius) in the atmosphere and ocean exhibit a more restricted range of phenomena than are admissible in the primitive equations for fluid motions, and there have been many previous proposals for simpler, more phenomenologically limited models of these motions. The oldest and most successful of these is the quasi-geostrophic model. An extensive discussion is made of models intermediate between the quasi-geostrophic and primitive ones, some of which have been previously proposed [e.g., the balance equations (BE), where tendencies in the equation for the divergent component of velocity are neglected, or the geostrophic momentum approximation (GM), where ageostrophic accelerations are neglected relative to geostrophic ones] and some of which are derived here. Virtues of these models are assessed in the dual measure of nearly geostrophic momentum balance (i.e., small Rossby number) and approximate...
Saxagliptin overview: special focus on safety and adverse effects.

Introduction: Saxagliptin (see drug summary box) is a glucose-lowering agent that belongs to the class of Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DDP-4) inhibitors used in the treatment of T2DM. Clinical efficacy of saxagliptin as single agent as well as in combination with other medications used for the treatment of T2DM has been well established in several randomized trials. Treatment with saxagliptin is effective, generally safe and well tolerated, apart from a small increase in the incidence of infections such as nasopharyngitis. Its use is not associated with increase risk of hypoglycemia and it is weight neutral. Saxagliptin can be used safely in renal failure (with dose adjustment) and in hepatic impairment. When saxagliptin is used in combination with a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/A5, reduction in the daily dosage is recommended. Areas covered: This paper briefly discusses efficacy and pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin. The paper highlights in detail saxagliptin-associated adverse effects, drug interactions, its use ...
Relative Influence of Visible and Infrared Optical Properties of a Stratospheric Aerosol Layer on the Global Climate.

Abstract A simple radiative energy balance model has been developed to assess the impact of stratospheric aerosols on the global climate through their effect on the equilibrium global mean surface temperature. With the assumptions that the radiation in the atmosphere can be treated as diffuse radiation and that the effect of the gases in the stratosphere can be approximated by equivalent gray absorbers and scatterers, an analytic expression which depends only on the optical properties of the aerosol and the planetary albedo is derived for the fractional change in the upward flux of terrestrial infrared radiation at the base of the stratospheric aerosol layer. The fractional change in the upward flux of infrared radiation is then directly related to changes in the global mean surface temperature by using existing results of climate model and radiative convective model calculations. Mie theory is used to compute the scattering and absorbing properties of the aerosol for a range of visible and infrared indic...
From Liquid Crystal Polymers Containing Crown Ethers to Tapered Building Blocks Containing Crown Ethers Which Self-Assemble into Tubular Supermolecules.

Abstract : Molecular recognition directed self-assembly of supramolecular architectures or noncovalent synthesis, and molecular recognition directed self-assembly of transition states or self-synthesis, are two of the most active topics of research in the area of supramolecular chemistry. We are concerned with the use of the simplest endo-receptor i.e., crown ether in the design of two classes of systems. The first one is a system which is externally regulated by molecular recognition processes via a crown ether endo-receptor. This system is based on various classes of liquid-crystalline polymers which exhibit phase transitions that are manipulated by the reversible complexation of the crown ether present in different parts of their repeat unit with metal salts. The information gained from these experiments is then exploited in the design of the second group of systems. This consists of self-assembling building blocks containing various combinations of crown ether as endo-receptor and a tapered group as exo-receptor. Upon complexation with metal salts, these building blocks self-assemble into tubular supramolecular architectures. Therefore, while the first system exhibits molecular recognition directed phase transitions, the second one self-assembles into tubular supramolecular architectures via various molecular recognition processes. These tubular supramolecular architectures display a thermotropic hexagona columnar (phi h) liquid crystalline phase, which enables the structure of the self-assembled supramolecular architecture to be determined by X-ray diffraction experiments. jg
The UV nitric-oxide experiment for Atmosphere Explorer

The UV nitric-oxide (UVNO) experiment on Atmosphere Explorer-C and -D (AE-C and AE-D) is a two-channel, fixed-grating Ebert spectrometer which will measure the airglow in the (1, O) gamma band at 2150 A. The observed intensity is produced by resonance fluorescence of sunlight by the NO molecules in the instrument's field of view, and the intensity profiles obtained will be inverted to yield altitude profiles of NO density. These density profiles will be obtained as functions of time and geographic location. The results will be used in investigations of the sources, sinks, and transport of NO and, in cooperation with other AE experiments, in investigations of thermospheric ion chemistry, the morphology of the turbopause, and auroral perturbations of the thermosphere.
Formal concept analysis and lattice-valued Chu systems

This paper links formal concept analysis (FCA) both to order-theoretic developments in the theory of Galois connections and to Chu spaces or systems viewed as a common rubric for both topological systems and systems arising from predicate transformers in programming semantics [13]. These links are constructed for each of traditional FCA and L-FCA, where L is a commutative residuated semiquantale. Surprising and important consequences include relationships between formal (L-)contexts and (L-)topological systems within the category of (L-)Chu systems, relationships justifying the categorical study of formal (L-)contexts and linking such study to (L-)Chu systems. Applications and potential applications are primary motivations, including several example classes of formal (L-)contexts induced from data mining notions. Throughout, categorical frameworks are given for FCA and lattice-valued FCA in which morphisms preserve the Birkhoff operators on which all the structures of FCA and lattice-valued FCA rest; and, further, the results of this paper show that, under very general conditions, these categorical frameworks are both sufficient and necessary for the ''interchange'' or ''preservation'' of (L-)concepts and (L-)protoconcepts, structures central to FCA and lattice-valued FCA.
Evolution of the control of sexual identity in nematodes

Most animals are male/female species and reproduce sexually. Variation in this pattern of reproduction has arisen many times during animal evolution, particularly in nematodes. Little is known about the evolutionary forces and constraints that influenced the origin of self-fertilization, for instance, a type of reproduction that seems to have evolved many times in the phylum Nematoda. Caenorhabditis elegans, a very well known nematode, provides the framework for comparative studies of sex determination. The relative ease with which nematodes can be studied in the laboratory and the fact that many recently developed techniques can be applied to many species make them attractive for comparative research. It is relatively poorly understood how the evolution of new types of sex determination and mode of reproduction results in changes in genome structure, ecology and population genetics. Here, I review the evolution of sex determination and mating types in the phylum Nematoda with the objective of providing a framework for future research.
Hereditary skin defect in the newborn infant

Summary 1. A case of hereditary skin defect of the scalp in a newborn girl has beenreported. For the first time the same defect in the same location was also found in the parent. 2. Considerations have been given to the etiology and prognosis of the condition.
Calcium and magnesium transport by isolated goldfish hair cells

We used electron-probe analysis (EPA) to investigate the transport of the divalent cations calcium and magnesium across the plasma membranes of hair cells. Unlike ion-sensitive fluorescent dyes, EPA detects these ions regardless of the state of chemical combination inside the cell; changes in these cell ions determined by EPA indicate net transport across the cell membrane. Raising or lowering either extracellular divalent cation within 1 mM of its control level raised or lowered its cell contents, but further increases in extracellular concentration of either ion had little additional effect on the cell content of that ion. New steady-state contents could be obtained within minutes, but the net divalent cation currents required to account for the observed changes would have been smaller than most currents recorded electrophysiologically, less than 1 pA. The effects of replacing extracellular Na+ with other ions were consistent with the presence in hair cells of exchangers for divalent cations thought to occur in other tissues: electrically neutral sodium/magnesium exchange (2 Na+ per Mg2+) and electrogenic sodium/calcium exchange (at least 3 Na+ per Ca2+). The increase in cell Ca after 1 minute of potassium-depolarization was similar to that expected from electrophysiological studies of voltage-sensitive calcium currents in goldfish hair cells. After that time in elevated potassium, however, either calcium-entry pathways were inhibited or calcium-export mechanisms were enhanced.
Do parasitoids diversify in response to host‐plant shifts by herbivorous insects?

Summary 1. For herbivorous insects, the incorporation of a novel host into the diet, and subsequent formation of distinct host associations (races), is thought to be a significant early step in the speciation process. While many studies have addressed this issue, virtually nothing is known about the evolutionary response of natural enemies to herbivore host-race formation. 2. The hypothesis that the parasitoid wasp Eurytoma gigantea (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) has formed host races in direct response to the host shift and subsequent host-race formation by its host, the gallmaker Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae) was tested. Emergence time, mating preference, and female oviposition preference were determined for parasitoids derived from galls of each Eurosta host race. 3. Male and female E. gigantea overlap broadly in their emergence times from each Eurosta host race, suggesting that there is no phenological barrier to gene flow. 4. In choice experiments, female parasitoids did not mate assortatively: females that emerged from one Eurosta host race were equally likely to mate with males from either Eurosta host race. 5. Oviposition behaviour experiments revealed that female parasitoids do not prefer to oviposit on their host race of origin and that there is no overall preference for one host race, even though fitness is higher when parasitoids are reared from Eurosta galls of the Solidago gigantea host race than when reared from Eurosta galls of the Solidago altissima host race. 6. These results suggest that E. gigantea has not diverged in parallel with its host in response to the herbivore host-plant shift. Further studies are needed before the ubiquity of this diversification mechanism can be evaluated fully.
Developmental regulation of an acyl carrier protein gene promoter in vegetative and reproductive tissues

The expression of an Arabidopsis acyl carrier protein (ACP) gene promoter has been examined in transgenic tobacco plants by linking it to the reporter gene beta-glucuronidase (GUS). Fluorometric analysis showed that the ACP gene promoter was most active in developing seeds. Expression was also high in roots, but significantly lower in young leaves and downregulated upon their maturation. Etiolated and light-grown seedlings showed the same level of GUS activity, indicating that this promoter is not tightly regulated by light. Histochemical studies revealed that expression was usually highest in apical/meristematic zones of vegetative tissues. Young flowers (ca. 1 cm in length) showed GUS staining in nearly all cell types, however, cell-specific patterns emerged in more mature flowers. The ACP gene promoter was active in the stigma and transmitting tissue of the style, as well as in the tapetum of the anther, developing pollen, and ovules. The results provide evidence that this ACP gene is regulated in a complex manner and is responsive to the array of signals which accompany cell differentiation, and a demand for fatty acids and lipids, during organogenesis.
Aromatic hydroxylation in PBN spin trapping by hydroxyl radicals and cytochrome P-450.

Abstract Phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) is widely used as a spin trapping agent, but is not useful detecting hydroxyl radicals because the resulting spin adduct is unstable. However, hydroxyl radicals could attack the phenyl ring to form stable phenolic products with no electron paramagnetic resonance signal, and this possibility was investigated in the present studies. When PBN was added to a Fenton reaction system composed of 25 mM H2O2 and 0.1 mM FeSO4, 4-hydroxyPBN was the primary product detected, and benzoic acid was a minor product. When the Fe2+ concentration was increased to 1.0 mM, 4-hydroxyPBN concentrations increased dramatically, and smaller amounts of benzoic acid and 2-hydroxyPBN were also formed. Although PBN is extensively metabolized after administration to animals, its metabolites have not been identified. When PBN was incubated with rat liver microsomes and a reduced nicotinamide adenine dinculeotide phosphate (NADPH)–generating system, 4-hydroxyPBN was the only metabolite detected. When PBN was given to rats, both free and conjugated 4-hydroxyPBN were readily detected in liver extracts, bile, urine, and plasma. Because 4-hydroxyPBN is the major metabolite of PBN and circulates in body fluids, it may contribute to the pharmacological properties of PBN. But 4-hydroxyPBN formation cannot be used to demonstrate hydroxyl radical formation in vivo because of its enzymatic formation.
Beyond the Courtroom Workgroup: Caseworkers as the New Satellite of Social Control

Many jurisdictions nationwide are faced with overcrowded jails, backlogged court dockets, and high rates of recidivism for mostly nonviolent offenders. To address these complex problems, law enforcement officials have institutionalized alternatives to incarceration programs, including work furloughs, electronic monitoring, and treatment courts. These recent trends in legal reform are designed to reduce and prevent criminal behavior by helping to reintegrate defendants back into their local communities. One aspect that has been largely unaddressed in prior research is that jail-alternative programs are primarily staffed by caseworkers with outside nonprofit agencies. This important group of nonlegal actors plays a pivotal role in crafting decisions to divert low-level offenders from the criminal justice system; few studies, however, explore the organizational contexts surrounding caseworkers' everyday decision-making practices. In response, I draw upon ethnographic data to analyze the ways that pretrial release caseworkers in a California county evaluate defendants' entitlement to release on their own recognizance. The results of this study suggest that caseworkers exercise discretion beyond the traditional power structure of the courtroom workgroup. I conclude that caseworkers emerge as the new satellite of social control in contemporary courts.
Derivatization of oryzalin for characterization by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

Dans le but d'obtenir des informations sur la presence, la repartition et le metabolisme de l'herbicide Oryzaline dans le sol, l'eau, les plantes et les animaux, une methode d'obtention de produits derives de l'herbicide est utilisee, le produit chimique intact ne possedant pas de bonnes proprietes pour sa caracterisation par chromatographie gazeuse
Contribution of Perceptions in Analysis of Walking Behavior

Researchers have recently begun to include psychosocial factors such as mental maps, social supports, and perceptions in analyses of travel behavior. Indeed, these subjective factors are distinct from the environment as measured objectively and might provide more insight regarding travel decisions. This study investigates the relationships between residents' perceptions of their neighborhood environment and corresponding objective measures of the same attributes and ultimately tests their influence on walking behavior. This cross-sectional, disaggregate research design incorporates three major categories of data: (a) objective measures of the environment, (b) residents' perceptions and attitudes about the environment, and (c) walking behavior data. Six indices representing major features of the environment are constructed from both the objective and perceptual measures. The analysis, which consists of models of walking behavior, reveals that walking behavior is associated with the environment both when measured through perceptions and objectively but that different aspects of the environment are significant from either perspective. These findings point to the need for more research into the influence that psychosocial factors have on travel behavior.
Achievement of steady state optimizes results when performing indirect calorimetry

BACKGROUND: The use of steady state as the endpoint for performance of indirect calorimetry (IC) is controversial. We designed this prospective study to evaluate the necessity and significance of achieving steady state. METHODS: Patients with respiratory failure placed on mechanical ventilation in a short- or long-term acute care unit at any 1 of 3 university-based urban hospitals were eligible for the study. The 24-hour total energy expenditure (TEE) was determined by a Nellcor Puritan Bennett 7250 continuous IC monitor. Measured gas exchange parameters were obtained and averaged every 1 minute for the initial hour and then every 15 minutes for the next 23 hours. Over the initial hour, resting energy expenditure (REE) was averaged for intervals over the first 20, 30, 40, and 60 minutes, and for various definitions of steady state where oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) changed by <10%, 15%, and 20%. Coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated for VO2 over the first 30 minutes...
Correlation between the detection and interpretation of image features

Radiological diagnoses include tasks of detection and interpretation. Information from previous studies of observer performance was used to investigate the correlation between the detection and characterization of imaging features for five groups of observers who reviewed 300 posteroanterior (PA) chest images using each of the following modes: conventional films, digitized images displayed on laser-printed films, and high-resolution soft display with and without edge enhancement. Feature detection tasks for each image included the presence or absence of septal lines and nodules; interpretation tasks included the diagnosis of interstitial disease and the characterization of nodules as benign or malignant. In this study, edge enhancement resulted in an increase of both true- and false-positive detection of septal lines. Although limited by the small number of pathologically classified nodules (31), there was no significant correlation between a reader's ability to detect nodules and characterize them as benign or malignant, regardless of the mode of image presentation.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Transcriptional Control Mechanism of Fibrinogen Gene Expression

Although fibrinogen genes are expressed constitutively in hepatocytes, their transcription can be greatly increased during inflammatory stress. Extensive studies have focused on the cytokine mediated transcriptional regulation of fibrinogen genes. It is clear that interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its family of cytokines are the major inducers of fibrinogen gene expression. Functional analyses of all three fibrinogen promoters for human and rat all demonstrate that the conserved CTGGGAA motifs within the proximal promoter of each fibrinogen gene are the IL-6 responsive elements. Exploration of the rat gamma fibrinogen gene demonstrated that the IL-6 activated transcription factor, STAT3, binds to the CTGGGAA motif and is required for the IL-6 mediated upregulation of this gene. IL-6 mediated fibrinogen production can be significantly elevated by glucocorticoid treatment. The synergistic effect of glucocorticoids and IL-6 relies on the functional interaction between STAT3 and glucocorticoid receptor. In addition to the upregulation signals for fibrinogen gene expression during inflammatory stress, other signaling also downregulates the expression of fibrinogen genes. For example, the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta exerts inhibitory function on IL-6 mediated fibrinogen gene expression. Given the fact that elevated levels of fibrinogen in blood correlate with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, there is strong motivation to explore the molecular mechanisms that control fibrinogen expression, especially those signals that may downmodulate expression and thus provide novel approaches to controlling fibrinogen levels.
The Design of a Quantitative Western Blot Experiment

Western blotting is a technique that has been in practice for more than three decades that began as a means of detecting a protein target in a complex sample. Although there have been significant advances in both the imaging and reagent technologies to improve sensitivity, dynamic range of detection, and the applicability of multiplexed target detection, the basic technique has remained essentially unchanged. In the past, western blotting was used simply to detect a specific target protein in a complex mixture, but now journal editors and reviewers are requesting the quantitative interpretation of western blot data in terms of fold changes in protein expression between samples. The calculations are based on the differential densitometry of the associated chemiluminescent and/or fluorescent signals from the blots and this now requires a fundamental shift in the experimental methodology, acquisition, and interpretation of the data. We have recently published an updated approach to produce quantitative densitometric data from western blots (Taylor et al., 2013) and here we summarize the complete western blot workflow with a focus on sample preparation and data analysis for quantitative western blotting.
Reactions of DI-η5-cyclopentadienyltricarbonyltriphenylphosphinediiron; an improved synthesis of the cyclopentadienylcarbonyliron tetramer

Abstract The compound (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe 2 (CO) 3 PPh 3 , previously obtained by the photolysis of (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe 2 (CO) 4 with PPh 3 , may also be obtained by reflluxing these same reactants in benzene. The compound was isolated in pure form by means of low temperature column chromatography. It is unstable in solution in the absence of added PPh 3 . Solid samples also are unstable over long periods of time. Decomposition in solution is complete within one hour at 80° yielding a mixture of (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe 2 (CO) 4 and (C 5 H 5 ) 4 Fe 4 (CO) 4 . This reaction is suppressed by excess PPh 3 . Heating a mixture of (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe 2 (CO) 3 PPh 3 and P(OEt) 3 gives a nearly quantitative yield of (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe 2 (CO) 3 P(OEt) 3 . Refluxing a xylene solution of (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe 2 (CO) 4 containing a slight molarr excess of PPh 3 for 7 h results in the isolation of (C 5 H 5 ) 4 Fe 4 (CO) 4 in 56% yield, making this reaction by far the most convenient method for the preparation, in gram quantities, of this transition metal cluster.
A Methodology for Visually Lossless JPEG2000 Compression of Monochrome Stereo Images

A methodology for visually lossless compression of monochrome stereoscopic 3D images is proposed. Visibility thresholds are measured for quantization distortion in JPEG2000. These thresholds are found to be functions of not only spatial frequency, but also of wavelet coefficient variance, as well as the gray level in both the left and right images. To avoid a daunting number of measurements during subjective experiments, a model for visibility thresholds is developed. The left image and right image of a stereo pair are then compressed jointly using the visibility thresholds obtained from the proposed model to ensure that quantization errors in each image are imperceptible to both eyes. This methodology is then demonstrated via a particular 3D stereoscopic display system with an associated viewing condition. The resulting images are visually lossless when displayed individually as 2D images, and also when displayed in stereoscopic 3D mode.
A Natural Experiment Opportunity in Two Low-Income Urban Food Desert Communities Research Design, Community Engagement Methods, and Baseline Results

A growing body of evidence has highlighted an association between a lack of access to nutritious, affordable food (e.g., through full-service grocery stores [FSGs]), poor diet, and increased risk for obesity. In response, there has been growing interest among policy makers in encouraging the siting of supermarkets in "food deserts," that is, low-income geographic areas with low access to healthy food options. However, there is limited research to evaluate the impact of such efforts, and most studies to date have been cross-sectional. The Pittsburgh Hill/Homewood Research on Eating, Shopping, and Health (PHRESH) is a longitudinal quasi-experimental study of a dramatic change (i.e., a new FSG) in the food landscape of a low-income, predominantly Black neighborhood. The study is following a stratified random sample of households (n = 1,372), and all food venues (n = 60) in both intervention and control neighborhoods, and the most frequently reported food shopping venues outside both neighborhoods. This article describes the study design and community-based methodology, which focused simultaneously on the conduct of scientifically rigorous research and the development and maintenance of trust and buy-in from the involved neighborhoods. Early results have begun to define markers for success in creating a natural experiment, including strong community engagement. Baseline data show that the vast majority of residents already shop at a FSG and do not shop at the nearest one. Follow-up data collection will help determine whether and how a new FSG may change behaviors and may point to the need for additional interventions beyond new FSGs alone.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) decreases myocardial infarct size and improves cardiac function in rat models of ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion

As pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor in mammals, we asked if it is cardioprotective. Rats were subjected to 2 h of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation without reperfusion (model 1, ischemia). In model 2 (ischemia/reperfusion), rats were subjected to 17 or 30 min of LAD occlusion and 2 h of reperfusion. PQQ (15–20 mg/kg) was given i.p., either 30 min before LAD occlusion (Pretreatment) or i.v. at the onset of reperfusion (Treatment). In model 1, PQQ reduced infarct size (10.0 ± 1.5 vs 19.1 ± 2.1%, P < 0.01). In model 2, either PQQ Pretreatment or Treatment also reduced infarct size (18.4 ± 2.3 and 25.6 ± 3.5% vs 38.1 ± 2.6%, P < 0.01). PQQ resulted in higher LV developed pressure and LV (+)dP/dt after 1–2 h of reperfusion (P < 0.05), and fewer ventricular fibrillation episodes. PQQ dose (5–20 mg/kg) was inversely related to infarct size. PQQ reduced myocardial tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation (316 ± 88 vs 99 ± 14 nmol/g, P < 0.01). PQQ given either as Pretreatment or as Treatment at the onset of reperfusion is highly effective in reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function in a dose-related manner in rat models of ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion. The optimal dose in this study, which exhibited neither renal nor hepatic toxicity, was 15 mg/kg, but lower doses may also be efficacious. We conclude that PQQ, which appears to act as a free radical scavenger in ischemic myocardium, is a highly effective cardioprotective agent.
Ultradian oscillations in somatostatin and growth hormone-releasing hormone mRNAs in the brains of adult male rats.

Abstract In the adult male rat, growth hormone (GH) secretion is characterized by an ultradian rhythm generated by the rhythmic interplay of the stimulatory effects of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and the inhibitory effects of somatostatin (Ss). Although considerable evidence indicates that GHRH and Ss are secreted in reciprocal 3- to 4-hr rhythms, the mechanism underlying the rhythmic secretion of these two neuropeptides is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the rhythmic and reciprocal oscillations in secretion of Ss and GHRH are associated with parallel changes in synthesis and that this would be reflected by coincident oscillations in levels of the respective mRNAs. In the first experiment, Ss mRNA was significantly greater in the periventricular nucleus of animals sacrificed at the time of a presumed peak in the GH rhythm than in animals sacrificed at the time of a presumed trough; this variation was limited to the anterior third of this nucleus. Conversely, GHRH mRNA content throughout the arcuate nucleus was significantly greater at the time of a GH trough. In the second experiment, groups of animals were sacrificed during two consecutive cycles. In this set of animals, Ss mRNA content was 40% greater (P less than 0.005) during peak GH concentrations, whereas GHRH mRNA content was 42% greater (P less than 0.005) during the GH trough. This difference persisted when the two cycles were analyzed separately. The findings that the cellular mRNA content for Ss and GHRH varies in a reciprocal manner with the presumed secretion of these neuropeptides suggest that, like secretion, the synthesis of Ss and GHRH also varies rhythmically. The occurrence of this rhythm suggests a model for a transcriptional oscillator that may subserve the generation of this and possibly other neuroendocrine rhythms.
New Means to an Old End: Early Modern Maps in the Service of an Anti‐Ottoman Crusade

Three 1605 manuscript maps of Ottoman fortresses, held in the Newberry Library in Chicago, are beautiful and technically proficient. They were drawn during the Habsburg–Ottoman Long War (1593–1606) by one Christofaro Tarnowskij, who is otherwise unknown as a cartographer, apparently in the context of plans for an anti‐Ottoman uprising by Christian subjects in the western Balkans. While the maps help to illuminate decades of plotting against the Ottomans in the late‐sixteenth and early‐seventeenth centuries and the continuing relevance of the ideal of crusade in early modern Europe, they do much more; for they demonstrate the artificiality for the period of two of our own intellectual constructs of East as opposed to West and medieval as opposed to modern. They also reinforce the centrality of the history of cartography in understanding Europe's past.
Investment in Transportation Network Capacity Under Uncertainty: Simulated Annealing Approach

A model of investment planning for transportation networks is formulated. The model seeks to maximize expected system capacity subject to uncertainty that will occur in the future demand pattern and with a limited budget for investment. Simulated annealing is used to solve the investment planning problem. A case study of a simplified version of the western U.S. double-stack container network is included to illustrate the application of the model.
Coordinate Binding of ATP and Origin DNA Regulates the ATPase Activity of the Origin Recognition Complex

Abstract The Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) is a six-protein assembly that specifies the sites of DNA replication initiation in S. cerevisiae. Origin recognition by ORC requires ATP. Here, we demonstrate that two subunits, Orc1p and Orc5p, bind ATP and that Orc1p also hydrolyzes ATP. ATP binding and hydrolysis by Orc1p are both regulated by origin DNA in a sequence-specific manner. ATP binding to Orc1p, but not ATP hydrolysis, is responsible for the ATP dependence of the ORC–origin interaction, indicating that ATP is a cofactor that locks ORC on origin DNA. These data demonstrate that occupancy of the Orc1p ATP–binding site has a profound effect on ORC function and that ATP hydrolysis by Orc1p has the potential to drive transitions between different functional states of ORC.