cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateral stiffness and strength of sheathing braced cold-formed steel stud walls

Abstract The objective of this paper is to provide the stiffness and strength characteristics for walls comprised of cold-formed steel studs stabilized by sheathing. Primary stability resistance for the studs is provided by translational (lateral) stiffness supplied by the sheathing at the stud-to-sheathing fastener locations. This paper separates the source of this translational stiffness into two parts: local and diaphragm. To analyze the local stiffness an experimental study consisting of small-scale stud–fastener–sheathing assemblies is conducted. In these tests sheathing type, stud spacing, fastener spacing, edge distance, environmental conditions, and construction flaws are all varied. The results provide a characterization of the local stiffness and strength that is supplied as the fasteners bear and rotate in a stud–sheathing assembly. Results are sensitive to the design variables: stud, fastener, sheathing, and spacing, as well as the environmental and construction conditions. A simplified and conservative analytical model, supported by more detailed finite element modeling, is also developed, and is appropriate for finding the local stiffness when testing is unavailable. Diaphragm stiffness develops as the sheathing itself undergoes shear, which translates into a lateral resistance at the stud-to-fastener locations. A simple analytical model for the translational stiffness supplied by the sheathing diaphragm action is also proposed and validated. The importance of including both local and diaphragm stiffness is illustrated with a test on a full-scale cold-formed steel stud wall. For the first time, this paper provides a comprehensive bracing model for sheathing-braced stud walls that integrates the two forms of lateral resistance: local and diaphragm.
Children's causal explanations of animate and inanimate motion

Adults frequently refer to nonobvious, internal, or immanent causal mechanisms when explaining certain kinds of movement— such as the movement of animals (e.g., a rabbit hops because of its brain and muscles) and the self-sustained movement of artifacts (e.g., a toy moves on its own because of batteries or gears). This series of studies examined whether and when preschool children are willing to attribute internal and immanent causes to motion. In 3 studies, preschool children and adults viewed animals and artifacts (wind-up toys and transparent objects) either moving independently or being transported by a person. Children explained animal and artifact events differently, even with the kind of movement controlled: They were more likely to attribute immanent cause to animals than to artifacts and more likely to attribute human cause to artifacts than animals. Internal causes were less frequently endorsed overall; however, when asked to describe the insides of artifacts, children who saw them moving alone more often described internal mechanisms (e.g., batteries, electricity) than children who did not see them moving alone. Altogether, the studies suggest that children as young as 3 or 4 years of age honor two principles: For animals more than for artifacts, movement is caused by an immanent source, and across domains, movements without an observable agent have an internal or immanent source.
Luther's Call and Nitrogen Narcosis

During 1505–1506, Martin Luther, then vacillating about a “call” to the religious life and/or the priesthood, underwent spiritual revelations during thunderstorms. This paper proposes that, in addition to theological and psychopathological interpretations, a neurochemical interpretation suggests itself, since severe thunderstorms trigger the rapid release of nitrogen into the atmosphere, producing in some people a condition termed “nitrogen narcosis,” clinically akin to acute alcoholic intoxication.
Beyond the Return on Advertising: Elasticity of the Return on Advertising as a Diagnostic Metric to Maximize Profit

With increased marketing expenditures, managers need to be equipped with valid and reliable measures capable of showing links between marketing investments and a firm's profitable performance. In this paper we demonstrate that traditional return on advertising (ROA) can be a misleading metric if a firm's goal is profit maximization. Then, we introduce a new diagnostic tool: the elasticity of ROA and show how this metric can help marketing managers to choose more profitable levels of advertising. This new measure has the same virtues as other traditional measures of elasticity and provides real advantages over the conventional metrics.
The choice of monetary policy instruments in an open economy

This paper examines the relationship between a central bank's control of the money stock and its exchange-rate policy. It is shown that this relationship influences the central bank's choice of the optimal policy instrument in the following ways. First, a policy of fixed exchange rates may significantly constrain a central bank's choice of instruments or eliminate that choice entirely. Second, for the case of a flexible but managed exchange rate, there may often be a conflict between control of the money stock and control of the exchange rate. Hence, the central bank must be willing to accept some type of tradeoff between these two objectives.
A Copernicus survey of Mg II emission in late-type stars

The behavior of Mg II emission in late-type stars is examined using scan data obtained with the Copernicus satellite. The luminosity in the Mg II k emission line was found to be closely related to stellar absolute magnitude, leading to the suggestion that such correlation may be very useful for future UV observations. The stellar surface flux in the k line was observed to be roughly constant or to decrease slowly with later spectral type, a finding which is then used to show that the pressure at the top of the chromosphere decreases with later spectral type, in agreement with the conclusions by McClintock et al. (1975). An asymmetry in the Mg II k line was noticed to be present in the available data for the stars later than K2-K5.
STRONGLY PERTURBED QUASI-PERIODIC DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS*

It is almost impossible to construct a general theory of the motion of a strongly perturbed dynamical system using classical perturbation theory because this approach uses a reference orbit (e.g. a Keplerian ellipse) which is very different from the actual orbit.
A note on the aggregate effects of social security

Abstract In an overlapping generations economy of Karni and Zilcha (1989), a fully-funded social security program is shown to reduce the aggregate levels of output, consumption, employment, and capital when the social security and the existing private annuities are equally unfair (actuarially).
Decreased intercellular coupling improves the function of cardiac pacemakers derived from mouse embryonic stem cells

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine if embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocyte aggregates (ESdCs) can act as pacemakers in spontaneously active cardiomyocyte preparations when their connexin isoform expression is tuned toward a more sinus nodal phenotype. Using microelectrode array recordings (MEAs), we demonstrate that mouse ESdCs establish electrical coupling with spontaneously active cardiomyocyte preparations (HL-1 monolayer) and obtain pacemaker dominance. WT- and Cx43(−/−)-ESdCs comparably established intercellular coupling with cardiac host tissue (Cx43(−/−): 86% vs. WT: 91%). Although both aggregates had a 100% success rate in pacing quiescent cardiac preparations, Cx43(−/−)-ESdCs had an increased likelihood of gaining pacemaker dominance (Cx43(−/−): 40% vs. WT: 13%) in spontaneously active preparations. No differences in size, beating frequency, V m , or differentiation were detected between WT- and Cx43(−/−)-ESdCs but the intercellular coupling resistance in Cx43(−/−)-ESdCs was significantly increased (Cx43(−/−): 1.2nS vs. WT: 14.8nS). Lack of Cx43 prolonged the time until Cx43(−/−)-ESdCs established frequency synchronization with the host tissue. It further hampered the excitation spread from the cardiomyocyte preparation into the ESdC. However rectifying excitation spread in these co-cultures could not be unequivocally identified. In summary, ESdCs can function as dominant biological pacemakers and Cx43 expression is not a prerequisite for their electrical integration. Maintenance of pacemaker dominance depends critically on the pacemaker's gap junction expression benefiting those with increased intercellular coupling resistances. Our results provide important insight into the design of biological pacemakers that will benefit the use of cardiomyocytes for cell replacement therapy.
Review: Replacing dietary saturated fatty acids with n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids does not reduce mortality

Source Citation Ramsden CE, Zamora D, Leelarthaepin B, et al. Use of dietary linoleic acid for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and death: evaluation of recovered data from the Sydney...
Position-sensitive scintillation neutron detectors using a crossed-fiber optic readout array

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) under construction at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be the most important new neutron scattering facility in the United States. Neutron scattering instruments for the SNS will require large area detectors with fast response (< 1 microsecond), high efficiency over a wide range of neutron energies (0.1 to 10 eV), and low gamma ray sensitivity. We are currently developing area neutron detectors based on a combination of 6 LiF/ZnS scintillator screens coupled to a wavelength-shifting fiber optic readout array. A 25 x 25-cm prototype detector is currently under development. Initial tests at the High Flux Isotope Reactor have demonstrated good imaging properties coupled with very low gamma ray sensitivity. In addition, we have developed a multi-layer scintillator/fiber detector to replace existing He-3 gas detector tubes for higher speed operation. This detector has demonstrated a neutron detection efficiency of over 75% at a neutron energy of 0.056 eV or about twice thermal. The response time of this detector is approximately 1 microsecond. Details of the design and test results of both detectors will be presented.
Hydroponic Seedling Bioassay for the Bioherbicides Colletotrichum truncatum and Alternaria cassiae

A rapid bioassay was developed to measure the bioherbicidal efficacy of spore preparations of the pathogens Colletotrichum truncatum (Schwein.) Andrus and W. D. Moore and Alternaria cassiae Jurair and Khan on hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata) and sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia), respectively. The system uses 4-day-old dark-grown seedlings (grown hydroponically in paper towel cylinders) which were sprayed with spore suspensions. Shoot lengths were monitored non-destructively, and recorded over time under conditions of dark growth, 90-100% relative humidity and 25 C. Shoot growth inhibition and stem collapse (mortality) were directly related to the spore concentration applied. Generally, at 10 3 - 10 4 spores ml-1, these pathogens caused significant shoot growth inhibition within 25-30 h and seedling death within 40-50 h. This bioassay has been used to study herbicide-pathogen interactions, and may be extended to determine the bioherbicidal efficacy of different pathogen isolates, pathovars or spore formulat...
POLYMORPHISMS IN THE CODING EXONS OF THE HUMAN LUTEINIZING HORMONE/CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN RECEPTOR GENE. 637

POLYMORPHISMS IN THE CODING EXONS OF THE HUMAN LUTEINIZING HORMONE/CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN RECEPTOR GENE. 637
A Longitudinal Assessment of Sexual Maturation and Obesity in Black and White Females: The NHLBI Growth And Health Study

Background The detenninants of the timing of pubertal maturation and the development of adiposity in black and white females are not completely understood. This study assessed the 6-year longitudinal interrelationships among age, race, pubertal maturation, and adiposity in adolescent black and white girls. Methods The study enrolled 2379 girls at three clinical centers. Longitudinal analyses were performed of changes in age, pubertal maturational stage, and adiposity from ages 9 and 10 years ω age 15. The sum of the triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfolds (SSF) was used to characterize obesity. Results Black girls started puberty and attained menarche earlier than white girls. Increased SSF at 10 years of age was significantly associated with earlier attainment of menarche. At every age and in both racial groups, pubertal girls had greater mean SSF than pre-pubertal girls, and post-menarchal girls had larger SSF than pubertal, but pre-menarchal girls. Compared to black girls with an “average” age-at-menarche (i.e., age-at-menarche between the 15th and 85th percentiles), early-maturing black girls (i.e., age 24.0) and late-maturing girls (i.e., age >85th percentile) were 0.71 times as likely; in white girls the respective odds of being overweight were 1.28 (early-maturing) and 0.45 (late-maturing). Regression models showed that for each year that menarche was delayed, there was a 3.2 mm decrease in the SSF at age 15. Hence, on average and within race, early-maturing white girls had SSF 11.6 mm greater and early-maturing black girls 10.4 mm greater than their late-maturing counterparts at age 15. Race was also a significant explanatory factor for adiposity in these models: after controlling for age-at-menarche, black girls had mean SSF 3.4 mm larger than white girls at 15 years of age. Conclusions These analyses demonstrate that 1) black girls mature earlier than white girls, 2) adiposity strongly influences age-at-menarche, 3) age-at-menarche has a significant association with adiposity at 15 years of age, and 4) black girls have a greater increase in adiposity during puberty than white girls.
Noncanonical Reactions of Flavoenzymes

Enzymes containing flavin cofactors are predominantly involved in redox reactions in numerous cellular processes where the protein environment modulates the chemical reactivity of the flavin to either transfer one or two electrons. Some flavoenzymes catalyze reactions with no net redox change. In these reactions, the protein environment modulates the reactivity of the flavin to perform novel chemistries. Recent mechanistic and structural data supporting novel flavin functionalities in reactions catalyzed by chorismate synthase, type II isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase, UDP-galactopyranose mutase, and alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase are presented in this review. In these enzymes, the flavin plays either a direct role in acid/base reactions or as a nucleophile or electrophile. In addition, the flavin cofactor is proposed to function as a “molecular scaffold” in the formation of UDP-galactofuranose and alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate by forming a covalent adduct with reaction intermediates.
Criteria for distinguishing between the rapid equilibrium Ordered and Random Bi Bi kinetic mechanisms

Three criteria are presented that permit a distinction to be made between the conventional rapid equilibrium Random Bi Bi mechanism and a unique Ordered Bi Bi mechanism in which the rapid equilibrium assumption is made[C. Frieden (1976) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 68, 914–917]. A choice between these mechanisms cannot be made using kinetic procedures now in vogue for differentiating between Ordered and Random Bi Bi mechanisms. However, transition state analogs, pulse-chase experiments, and pre-equilibrium isotope exchange procedures can be employed to make this distinction.
Inhibition of Ambiguous Word Activation In the Context of a Working Memory Task

The current study examines the question of whether or not all meanings of an ambiguous word are activated in the context of a working memory task, regardless of context as predicted by the exhaustive access hypothesis or if only context relevant meanings are activated. Three experiments investigated the effects of disambiguating information on the amount of activation for multiple meanings of biased homographs. Lower levels of associative priming were present for the dominant meaning of homographs in which the subordinate meaning was instantiated as compared to the dominant meaning of homographs in which no meaning is instantiated. This research supports a more interactive view of ambiguous word recognition, involving the spread of activation and inhibition of irrelevant meaning through selected attention.
Characterization and Distribution of “H” Serotypes in 25°C Cultures of Tetrahymena pyriformis, Variety 1.

A survey of antigenic types, as revealed by immobilization reactions, among 78 strains of variety 1 of T. pyriformis grown in monoxenic cultures at 25°C discloses a minimum of six distinct classes. These are called the H serotypes, and are designated as types Ha, Hb, Hc, Hd, He and Hf. The terminal members of highly inbred series (Families A, A1, B, D, etc.) are of a single immunological class, but different inbred series show different serotypes. Early representatives of the inbred series show in contrast considerable serotypic variation. The distribution of serotypes is generally consistent with the genetic hypothesis developed in a parallel study, but new serotypes arise occasionally through some mechanism not yet adequately studied.
Novel insulins: expanding options in diabetes management

Management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus with intensive insulin therapy usually includes an intermediate- or long-acting basal component for between-meal and nocturnal glycemic control, together with preprandial bolus injections of a short-acting insulin for control of meal-stimulated increases in serum glucose levels. Although the ideal basal/bolus insulin combination has yet to be found, recent developments may provide safer and more effective options. Two new short-acting semisynthetic analogs--insulin lispro and insulin aspart--can be administered as preprandial bolus injections closer to mealtime than regular human insulin, thereby synchronizing insulin administration and food absorption. In clinical trials, postprandial increases in blood glucose levels were significantly less after treatment with insulin lispro or insulin aspart than with premeal regular insulin. Because of their short duration of action, a slightly greater basal insulin supply may be needed when insulin lispro or insulin aspart is used. Inhalation devices for aerosolized regular human insulin offer another alternative to premeal subcutaneous bolus injections. Inhaled insulin is absorbed more rapidly than subcutaneous regular insulin and may therefore be given closer to mealtime. For basal therapy, insulin glargine, a new long-acting analog, is absorbed more slowly after subcutaneous administration than are conventional neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) and ultralente insulin, and has a relatively flat metabolic effect. Clinical trials indicate that insulin glargine is at least as effective as NPH insulin and ultralente insulin, and is associated with a reduced risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia. Other long-acting analogs, such as fatty acid acylated insulins, have been tested in animal models and are being evaluated in clinical studies.
Access to Multiple Sclerosis Specialty Care

Background Health care providers recommend an annual visit to a multiple sclerosis specialty care provider. Objective To examine potential barriers to the implementation of this recommendation in the Veterans Health Administration. Design Observational cohort study. Setting Veterans Health Administration. Participants Participants were drawn from the Veterans Affairs Multiple Sclerosis National Data Repository and were included if they had an outpatient visit in 2007 and were alive in 2008 (N = 14,723). Main Outcome Measurements Specialty care visit, receipt of medical services. Results A total of 9643 (65.5%) participants had a specialty care visit in 2007. Veterans who were service connected, had greater medical comorbidity, and who lived in urban settings were more likely to have received a specialty care visit. Veterans who were older and had to travel greater distances to a center were less likely to have a specialty care visit. Conclusions Access to care in rural areas and areas at a greater distance from a major medical center represent notable barriers to rehabilitation and other multiple sclerosis–related care.
Superconductivity and the quantum hard-core dimer gas.

We discuss the short-range resonating-valence-bond system as realized by a quantum hard-core dimer gas of arbitrary density on a two-dimensional square lattice. When the dimers completely cover the lattice, we argue that there is a first-order transition from a dimer crystal to an insulating quantum liquid state which possesses low-energy, neutral, spinless excitations which we call "resonons." For less than close-packed densities, the ground state is a superfluid. In addition to the usual Goldstone mode, there are low-energy, spinless zone-boundary excitations.
Decreased O2 consumption by PMNL from humans and rats with CRF: role of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Decreased O 2 consumption by PMNL from humans and rats with CRF: Role of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Bactericidal ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) is impaired in chronic renal failure (CRF). This function of PMNL is mediated by the generation of oxidizing radicals and the latter event requires O 2 consumption by these cells. The present study examined both basal and FMLP-stimulated rise in cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) and O 2 consumption of PMNL from normal subjects and hemodialysis patients and from CRF rats, and evaluated the potential role of secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF on these properties of PMNL. Basal levels of [Ca 2+ ] i were significantly higher, and FMLP-induced increments in [Ca 2+ ] i were significantly lower in PMNL of both humans and rats with CRF than in normals. Basal and FMLP-stimulated O 2 consumption were significantly lower in CRF subjects and rats than in normals. These derangements were prevented by prior parathyroidectomy of CRF rats or by their treatment with verapamil from day one of CRF. Also, therapy of rats with pre-existing CRF with this drug reversed the abnormalities in [Ca 2+ ] i and in O 2 consumption of PMNL. The data indicate that: (1) CRF is associated with derangements in the homeostasis of [Ca 2+ ] i of PMNL and their oxygen consumption, (2) these abnormalities are, most likely, mediated by the state of secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF, and (3) verapamil, which blocks the PTH-induced entry of calcium into cells, and prevents as well as reverses these PMNL dysfunctions. These results implicate the excess PTH of CRF in the genesis of the defective bactericidal function of PMNL, and assign a new dimension to PTH toxicity in CRF.
Isometric virus-like particles from citrus red mites, Panonychus citri

Abstract Virus-like spherical particles found in laboratory-reared citrus red mites but not in field populations were independent of the pathogenic virus affecting this species. Three sizes of particles are present: 18-nm spheres occuring in crystalline array, and 30- and 37-nm spheres. The particles possess antigenic properties and contain RNA.
Use of 3D Finite-Element Models for Predicting Intermediate Damage Limit States in RC Bridge Columns

AbstractIn this paper, three-dimensional (3D) continuum-based finite-element (FE) simulations are implemented for estimating intermediate damage limit states in flexure-dominated ductile reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns. Results from the 3D FE simulations were compared and validated against the experimental data from four large-scale tests. Statistical error measures and test analysis correlation metrics were utilized to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of the models. The validated models were then applied to determine the intermediate damage limit states based on the simulation results. Onset of yielding was associated with the tensile strains on the extreme reinforcement, and compressive strains on the outer concrete surface elements were used to identify the initiation and significant growth of spalling of the cover concrete. The results show that the 3D FE simulations were efficient in predicting intermediate damage limit states in a consistent manner with the experimental observations extr...
Reply to S. C. Mehrotra

I am indebted to Dr Mehrotra for pointing out a possible misunderstanding in my paper (Long, 1974). I did not mean to infer that hydraulic drops were a special, perhaps unattainable, phenomena in a two-fluid system. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1975.tb01696.x
A study of control approaches for large-angle beam slewing with an adaptive truss

This paper presents an analytical study of large-angle beam slewing with a double-octahedral adaptive truss and documents the performance of different control laws for simultaneous vibration control and beam slewing. A general nonlinear model of an adaptive truss and flexible beam is derived which includes a degree-of-freedom previously considered negligible for a double-octahedral adaptive truss actuated at its mid-plane. Linear and nonlinear, gain-scheduled, control laws are developed and applied to the nonlinear model for various large-angle slewing maneuvers. The nonlinear, gain-scheduled, control law is found to perform better than the linear control laws.
Impact of sulfur on the performance of vehicle-aged palladium monoliths

Abstract A commercially prepared catalyst which uses Pd technology and which had been vehicle-aged for 56 000 miles was characterized for three-way catalytic performance in a laboratory reactor under conditions simulating the operation of the catalyst in a vehicle. The tests were conducted with the concentration of SO2 in the simulated exhaust feedstream set at 1 ppm, 5 ppm and 30 ppm (corresponding to 15, 75 and 450 ppm in fuel, respectively) to evaluate the magnitude and reversibility of the effect of sulfur on HC, CO and NOx activity. Tests were conducted using a propene/propane mixture as a surrogate for the hydrocarbon mixture in exhaust. The lightoff and warmed-up activities, particularly for HC and NOx, were found to be deteriorated when SO2 was added to the simulated exhaust feedstream, in agreement with previous work on the impact of sulfur on three-way catalysts conducted in this laboratory. In addition, the impact on lightoff and warmed-up activity of NOx and HC was found to be generally non-linear with sulfur concentration. The impact of sulfur on activity was found to be partially non-reversible at temperatures below 650°C, but the original activity could be restored when the catalyst was operated at temperatures above 650°C. Consistent with this result, the impact of sulfur on activity was found to be minimal for operation above 700°C.
Mechanisms of vegetation-induced channel narrowing of an unregulated canyon river: Results from a natural field-scale experiment

Abstract The lower Yampa River in Yampa Canyon, western Colorado serves as a natural, field-scale experiment, initiated when the invasive riparian plant, tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), colonized an unregulated river. In response to tamarisk's rapid invasion, the channel narrowed by 6% in the widest reaches since 1961. Taking advantage of this unique setting, we reconstructed the geomorphic and vegetation history in order to identify the key mechanisms for which, in the absence of other environmental perturbations, vegetation alters fluvial processes that result in a narrower channel. From our reconstruction, we identified a distinct similarity in the timing and magnitude of tamarisk encroachment and channel change, albeit with a lag in the channel response, thus suggesting tamarisk as the driving force. Within a decade of establishment, tamarisk effectively trapped sediment and, as a result, increased floodplain construction rates. Increasing tamarisk coverage over time also reduced the occurrence of floodplain stripping. Tamarisk recruitment was driven by both hydrologic and hydraulic variables, and the majority of tamarisk plants (84%) established below the stage of the 2-year flood. Thus, upon establishment nearly all plants regularly interact with the flow and sediment transport field. Our analyses were predicated on the hypothesis that the flow regime of the Yampa River was stationary, and that only the riparian vegetation community had changed. While not heavily impacted by water development, we determined that some aspects of the flow regime have shifted. However, this shift, which involved the clustering in time of extremely wet and dry years, did not influence fluvial processes directly. Instead these changes directly impacted riparian vegetation and changes in vegetation cover, in turn, altered fluvial processes. Today, the rate of channel change and new tamarisk recruitment is small. We believe that the rapid expansion of tamarisk and related floodplain construction that led to a narrower channel pushed the Yampa River into a new stable state, characterized by a relatively static channel.
The pitfalls of planning for demographic change.

: As we begin to understand the biology of aging, it will be ever more tempting to try to plan for the social consequences of the coming biomedical interventions in this arena. However, this will remain a daunting task, because the larger consequences of the arrival of antiaging interventions will greatly depend on the relative character and timing of the specific procedures that emerge. Three basic classes of interventions are likely: ones that slow aging in adults, ones that reverse aging in adults, and embryonic interventions that modify the overall trajectory of human aging. The consequences of each will differ significantly in the time required before noticeable demographic shifts begin to manifest in the human population, and in the social and political changes the interventions evoke. The specific societal consequences generally will arrive long before the demographic ones, and will hinge on the technical details of the interventions themselves—their complexity, physiological targets, modes of delivery, costs, unpleasantness, and the character and frequency of side effects.
Give more tomorrow: Two field experiments on altruism and intertemporal choice

Abstract This paper conducts two natural field experiments to test inter-temporal choices in charitable giving by varying the timing of commitment and payment. Monthly donors were asked to increase their contributions (1) immediately, (2) in one month, (3) in two months. The results are consistent between the two field experiments; first, mean increases in donations are significantly higher when donors are asked to commit to future donations. Second, follow-up data shows that the treatment effect is persistent, making the strategy highly profitable to the charity. Finally, I provide evidence of heterogeneity in the response to different time lags, indicating differences in inter-temporal choices among donors.
The inhibition of corrinoid-catalyzed oxidation of mercaptoethanol by methyl iodide: Mechanistic implications

The cobalamin coenzymes (5'-deoxyadenosyl- and methylcobalamin) and their cobinamide counterparts (5'-deoxyadenosyl- and methylcobinamide) catalyze the oxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol to its disulfide with hydrogen peroxide formation under aerobic conditions. The reactions are blocked by methyl iodide. Inhibition by methyl iodide is apparently due to the formation of the trans dialkyl corrinoids: methyl(adenosyl)cobalamin, dimethylcobalamin, methyl(adenosyl)cobinamide, and dimethylcobinamide, respectively. When the reaction system is illuminated with visible light, inhibition is released and a dramatic enhancement in the rate of oxygen consumption occurs. For reactions catalyzed by adenosyl- and methylcobalamin and then inhibited by methyl iodide, the rates observed during photolysis approach those obtained with aquacobalamin. For reactions catalyzed by adenosyl- and methylcobinamide and then inhibited by methyl iodide, the rates observed during photlysis approach those obtained with diaquacobinamide. Thus, both trans axial carbon-cobalt bonds in the putative dialkyl corrinoid are homolyzed during photolysis. In contrast to these results, the catalysis of the aerobic oxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol by aquacobalamin is only weakly inhibited by methyl iodide. This observation suggests that aquacob(II)alamin is produced during the catalysis of this reaction. Superoxide, the anticipated product of the reaction between aquacob(II)alamin and dioxygen, is formed during aquacobalamin-catalyzed 2-mercaptoethanol oxidation since superoxide dismutase decreases the rate of oxygen consumption by 50%. However, the enzyme has no effect on oxygen uptake during reactions catalyzed by cobalamin coenzymes and their cobinamide counterparts. These corrinoid catalysts apparently transfer two electrons to dioxygen from cobalt(I) intermediates formed during the reactions. Nitrogenous bases inhibit corrinoid-catalyzed thiol oxidation by competing with 2-mercaptoethanol for axial-ligand coordination sites on the catalyst. In contrast to the inhibition observed with methyl iodide, visible light has no effect on the inhibition obtained with nitrogenous bases.
Interleukin-12 Synergizes With Interleukin-2 to Generate Lymphokine-Activated Killer Activity in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Cultured in Ovarian Cancer Ascitic Fluid

The ascites-associated lymphocytes in ovarian cancer have altered immunologic function, and cell-free ascitic fluid has immunomodulating properties. We determined (1) whether interleukin (IL)-2 could induce lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultured in ovarian cancer ascitic fluid, and (2) whether IL-12 could synergize with IL-2 to generate LAK activity in normal PBMC cultured in ascitic fluid. Normal PBMC were cultured in control medium and in media consisting of 50% ascitic fluid (ascitic medium), with and without IL-2 and LI-12. Cell activation to assess LAK activity (cell lysis) was determined in a 51Cr-release assay with the tumor cell lines FMEX and SKoV3 as target cells. To determine a possible mechanism for any synergistic effect, the expression of perforin, a pore-forming protein, was determined by Northern blot analysis. Interleukin-2 alone could not induce LAK activity in normal PBMC cultured in 50% ascitic fluid for up to 3 days. Interleukin-12 did mediate some or minimal LAK activity after 1, 2, or 3 days of incubation in control medium or in 50% ascitic fluid. When IL-2 and IL-12 were used in combination, PBMC cultured for 3 days in 50% ascitic fluid had remarkably high lytic activity against FMEX and SKOV3 tumor cells. In some experiments, this cytotoxicity was greater than that in PBMC cultured in control medium with IL-2 and IL-12. Lower concentrations of IL-12 (1 U/mL) with IL-2 (100 U/mL) were as effective as, and often more effective than, higher doses of IL-12 with IL-2. Very low-dose IL-12 (0.01-0.03 U/mL) in combination with IL-2 also induced a range of cytotoxicities. Only the combination of IL-2 and IL-12 up-regulated expression of perforin mRNA in ascitic medium. The cytotoxicity responses of PBMC cultured in ascitic fluid in the presence of IL-2 and IL-12 are complex. Low-dose IL-2 and IL-12 can overcome the inhibitory property of ascitic fluid on LAK generration and can restore and enhance cytotoxic activity, possibly by reconstituting the expression of perforin. These findings may have therapeutic potential.
Use of specifically labelled sucrose for the quantitative assay of levansucrase activity.

Abstract A procedure to quantitate the synthesis of levan from sucrose by a levansucrase is described. Levan is separated from sucrose (fructose-l-[ 3 H]) by chromatographic techniques and the radioactivity in the levan determined. The amount of levan synthesized equals the amount of glucose released during the polymerization.
Automated data-driven discovery of motif-based protein function classifiers

This paper describes an approach to data-driven discovery of decision trees or rules for assigning protein sequences to functional families using sequence motifs. This method is able to capture regularities that can be described in terms of presence or absence of arbitrary combinations of motifs, A training set of peptidase sequences labeled with the corresponding MEROPS functional families or clans is used to automatically construct decision trees that capture regularities sufficient to assign the sequences to their respective functional families. The performance of the resulting decision tree classifiers is then evaluated on an independent test set. We compared the rules constructed using motifs generated by a multiple sequence alignment based motif discovery tool (MEME) with rules constructed using expert annotated PROSITE motifs (patterns and profiles). Our results indicate that the former provide a potentially powerful high throughput technique for constructing protein function classifiers when adequate training data are available. Examination of the generated rules in relation to known three-dimensional structures of members in the case of two families (MEROPS families C14 and M12) suggests that the proposed technique may be able to identify combinations of sequence motifs that characterize functionally significant three-dimensional structural features of proteins.
The record of global change in mid-Cretaceous (Barremian-Albian) sections from the Sierra Madre, Northeastern Mexico

Our current understanding of mid-Cretaceous global change is largely based on investigations of pelagic sections from southern Europe and deep sea drilling sites. Much less information exists from other continents and from hemipelagic sections deposited on continental margins. This investigation seeks to broaden our understanding of mid-Cretaceous global change by focusing on the record from hemipelagic sections deposited along the continental margin of northeastern Mexico. The major goals are to compare the record, timing, and extent of the Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs) in Mexico and other areas, and to determine the relationship between these events and the global burial of organic material using carbon isotopes. We have investigated four sections from the Sierra Madre Oriental, integrating biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and carbon isotope stratigraphy. Carbon isotopes, measured on the organic carbon (C org ) fraction, show identical stratigraphic changes to curves from Barremian to lower Albian European and Pacific deep-sea sections. Our results add new detail to the C-isotope stratigraphy of the middle and late Albian interval. Three abrupt peaks in C org content correlate with OAE1a (early Aptian), OAE1b (early Albian) and an event in the late Aptian Globigerinelloides algerianus Zone. All three events are marked by short-term, 0.5-3 per mil decreases in C-isotope values followed by increases of similar magnitude. The decreases may reflect changes in the type of C org , the nature of carbon cycling, or an increase in hydrothermal activity. The increases in C-isotope values reflect widespread burial of C org . The similar shape of the C-isotope curves in Mexico and other areas, and the response of C-isotopes to the OAEs, indicate that the late Aptian episode was extensive, and that OAE1a and OAE1b were global. The three anoxic events appear to correlate with rising relative sea level. OAE1a also corresponds to major changes in nannofossil assemblages; the well-known "nannoconid crisis" can be easily recognized in the Mexican sections. This event is characterized by an increase in abundance of nannofossils and foraminifera in sediments, possibly reflecting a decrease in dilution as a result of the rise in relative sea level.
Measurement of Angles of Abduction for Diagnosis of Shoulder Instability in Dogs Using Goniometry and Digital Image Analysis

Objective-To compare abduction angles of shoulders with medial instability and unaffected shoulders in the same dogs and in age- and breed-matched dogs. Study Design-Case-control study. Animals-Dogs with medial instability of the shoulder (n = 33) and 26 control dogs. Methods-Dogs were sedated and positioned in lateral recumbency with both scapulas parallel to the table. With the elbow and shoulder in extension, the non-recumbent limb was maximally abducted and the angle between the scapular spine and lateral aspect of the brachium measured with a goniometer; a digital image was taken from the cranial aspect. Both techniques were performed in triplicate by 2 examiners. Mean abduction angles for each shoulder were determined from goniometric measurements and image analysis. Data were analyzed for significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders, measurement techniques, and examiners. Strength of correlation between measurement techniques was determined. Results-Mean abduction angles for shoulders with instability (53.7 +/- 4.7 degrees goniometric, 51.2 +/- 4.9 degrees image) were significantly (P<.001) larger than for all unaffected shoulders (32.6 +/- 2.0 degrees goniometric, 30.9 +/- 2.3 degrees image). In dogs diagnosed with instability, affected shoulders had significantly (P<.001) larger abduction angles than the contralateral (unaffected) shoulders. No significant differences were identified between right and left shoulders for control dogs, measurement techniques, or examiners. A strong (r = 0.90) significant (P < .001) positive correlation between measurement techniques was noted. Conclusions-Shoulder abduction angles measured under sedation provide objective data for diagnosis of shoulder instability in dogs. Shoulders with clinical and arthroscopic evidence of medial instability have significantly higher abduction angles than shoulders that are considered normal. Clinical Relevance-Determination of shoulder abduction angles should be included in the diagnostic protocol for forelimb lameness assessment in dogs.
The Association Between Genetic Risk and Contact With the Criminal Justice System in a Sample of Hispanics

A considerable amount of research has examined the genetic correlates to a wide array of antisocial behaviors. The results culled from this line of research have revealed that genes of the dopaminergic system are associated with criminal and delinquent involvement. Whether these associations would be detected with samples of various racial/ethnic origins remains to be determined. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the association between genetic risk (as measured by dopaminergic genes) and contact with the criminal justice system in a sample of Hispanics. Analyses of data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health revealed that genetic risk was related to the odds of being arrested, being sentenced to probation, being incarcerated, and being arrested multiple times. Limitations of the study are discussed and avenues for future research are explored.
Molecular and biochemical analysis of a 105 kDa Mycoplasma gallisepticum cytadhesin (GapA)

SUMMARY: The identification of a gene (g8pA) from Mycoplasma gallisepticum with homology to the P I cytadherence gene of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is reported. The gapA gene is a 28 pORF encoding a protein with a molecular mass of 105 kDa. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the gapA gene revealed 45% homology t o the M. pneumoniae P I gene, 46% homology t o the Mycoplasma genitalium MgPa gene and 47% homology to the Mycoplasma pirum PI-like protein gene. It has a 64 mol% A+T content compared to 46,60 and 72 mol%respectively for the PI, MgPa and the Pl-like protein genes. As with the PI and MgPa genes, gapA is a central gene in a multi-gene operon, but unlike the P1 and MgPa genes, there is only a single copy of gapA in the genome. GapA is a trypsin-sensitive surface-exposed protein. Chicken tracheal-ring inhibition-of-attachment assays, using anti-GapA Fab fragments, resulted in 64% inhibition of attachment. These results indicated that GapA plays a rolein cytadherence of M. gallisepticum to host cells.
International Counseling Introduction

The growth of counseling around the world is one of the major and most exciting emerging trends in the counseling profession. Although it was once thought to be primarily a U.S. phenomenon, other countries located on virtually every continent are developing counseling services to meet their unique mental health needs. The globalization of communication technology, transportation systems, and business has stimulated the initiation and growth of governmentally and privately sponsored mental health programs. Many nations throughout the world recognize that positive mental health is a valuable social/ economic asset regardless of a country's political orientation. The American Counseling Association, the National Board of Certified Counselors, various universities, and private consultants are providing assistance to other countries to assist them in developing counseling programs tailored to meet their mental health needs. The United States has the most advanced counseling system in terms of professional associations, credentialing, number of trained counselors, and counseling programs. However, that is not to say that other countries want to simply adopt these programs. In fact, other countries warn against the wholesale application of U.S. counseling theories/techniques and programs in other countries and cultures. Most advocate the development of their own theories/techniques and programs to meet their unique needs or at least significantly tailoring existing U.S. practices to their own cultures. The purpose of this special section of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD) is to describe counseling in several countries and facilitate understanding of the growth of counseling worldwide. The articles for the special section were solicited through announcements on CESNET-L (an unmoderated listserv concerning counselor education and supervision) and other communications. As a result of those announcements, more than 20 potential authors volunteered to write articles about the development of counseling services in various countries. To get broad coverage, I selected articles that represented countries from several major world regions. As a result, articles were selected from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Although there were many excellent recommendations for articles from countries other than the ones chosen, only eight are published in this issue due to space limitations. Others will be published in future JCD issues. This issue contains descriptions of counseling in China, Botswana, Lebanon, Malaysia, Romania, Italy, Mexico, and Denmark. Each article contains at least three major sections: (a) a review/history of the development of counseling in the particular country, (b) current status, and (c) future trends, it was further recommended that each article have at least one author who is a native of the particular country described. …
The Impact of Access to Rail Transportation on Agricultural Improvement: The American Midwest as a Test Case, 1850-1860

During the 1850s, land in U.S. farms increased by more than a third—100 million acres—and almost 50 million acres, an area almost equal to that of the states of Indiana and Ohio combined, were converted from their raw, natural state into productive farmland. The time and expense of transforming this land into a productive agricultural resource represented a significant fraction of domestic capital formation at the time and was an important contributor to American economic growth. Even more impressive, however, was the fact that almost half of these total net additions to cropland occurred in just seven Midwestern states which comprised somewhat less than one-eighth of the land area of the country at that time. Using a new GIS-based transportation database linked to county-level census data, we estimate that at least a quarter (and possibly two-thirds or more) of this increase in cultivable land can be linked directly to the coming of the railroad to the Midwest. Farmers responded to the shrinking transportation wedge which raised agricultural revenue productivity by rapidly expanding the area under cultivation and these changes, in turn, drove rising farm and land values.