cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular dynamics simulation of amorphous silica under uniaxial tension: From bulk to nanowire

Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to study bulk silica glass and amorphous silica nanowire under uniaxial tension. Periodic boundary conditions were employed to mimic infinite bulk samples. Cutting and casting methods were used to prepare nanowires. Our study shows that simulation parameters, such as system size, cooling rate, working temperature and strain rate, need to be carefully chosen in order to correctly reproduce the brittle fracture behavior of amorphous silica. The stiffness of silica glass is less sensitive to these parameters than the tensile strength and the failure strain. However, the sample density and the anomalous nonlinear elasticity of silica glass should be correctly taken into account to get an accurate estimate of its stiffness from MD simulations. Our study also shows that, with proper simulation parameters, amorphous silica nanowires down to 1 nm in radius still exhibits a brittle fracture behavior. Nanowires prepared by the cutting method have a lower stiffness and tensile strength but a higher failure strain than the cast ones, due to more surface defects generated during the cutting process at low temperatures. Defects-induced ductility could be an effective way to make less brittle nanostructures of amorphous silica.
Study of partial discharge characteristics of nano filled polypropylene films according to the variation in electric field distribution on the sample

In this work, partial discharge (PD) measurements of natural nanofilled polypropylene (PP) films have been performed by systematically varying the air gap between rod and plane electrodes to study the effect of field variation on PD characteristics. Results indicated that Partial Discharge Inception Voltage (PDIV) increases when either the nanofiller concentration or air gap is increased. Further, during aging, average PD magnitude and Weibull Scale Factor of PD pulse distributions decrease with increase in air gap. Electric field simulation results agree with our experimental findings.
Through droughts and hurricanes: Tree mortality, forest structure, and biomass production in a coastal swamp targeted for restoration in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain

Abstract Coastal swamps are among the rapidly vanishing wetland habitats in Louisiana due to accelerated sea-level rise and hydrological alterations that alter the natural flooding regime. In particular, the swamp forests of Lake Maurepas, Louisiana, have degraded considerably, and research regarding their condition might suggest approaches for their restoration. We measured forest structure, species composition, tree mortality, annual aboveground net primary production (ANPP) of woody species, and aboveground biomass allocation to leaf litter and wood, and soil strength at forty study plots within the Lake Maurepas basin over 5 years to evaluate the current condition of this coastal forested wetland. Local measures of salinity and regional measures of flooding were used to predict ANPP and aboveground biomass allocation. The 5-year study period included an intense drought as well as years characterized by hurricane-induced flooding. The forty study plots could be divided into four distinct habitat clusters based on standing biomass, structural variables, and salinity. The majority of the plots were co-dominated by Taxodium distichum and Nyssa aquatica. Acer rubrum var. drummondii and Fraxinus pennsylvanica were common mid-story species throughout the western and southern parts of the study area, while Salix nigra, Morella cerifera, and Triadica sebiferum were more important at the more degraded plots in the eastern part of the basin. Annual mean soil salinity reached unprecedented level (2–5 psu) during the drought and cumulative tree mortality reached up to 85% in areas characterized by frequent saltwater intrusions. The ANPP was higher during the drought period in 2000–2001 than during subsequent years, and was dominated by T. distichum. At most sampling plots, litter production exceeded wood production annually. A negative correlation between aboveground biomass allocation to litter and flooding indicated that biomass allocation shifted from litter toward wood during wet years. Overall, the majority of the plots sampled produced less than 400 g m−2 yr−1 of aboveground biomass annually due to the interacting negative effects of saltwater intrusion and prolonged flooding with nutrient-poor water. Reintroduction of Mississippi River water to the Maurepas system has the potential to benefit these swamps greatly by restoring a greater flow of nutrients, sediments, and fresh water through the wetlands. The historically slow (i.e., multi-decadal) process of swamp deterioration was greatly sped by low salinity (i.e., 2–5 psu) saltwater intrusions during a drought in 1999–2000. The majority of the coastal swamps in the Pontchartrain Basin are deteriorating, and most of this swamp area will be lost to open water in the foreseeable future if no restoration action is taken.
SPEs: What is their role in future mergers?

Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) have been a hot news item lately. Enron abused its SPEs to hide debt, and now Congress and the FASB have zeroed in on the issue. How have they changed the rules? What regulations are ahead? What is the FASB likely to do? © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Le Centre culturel Aberdeen : territoire acadien en milieu minoritaire

Depuis une trentaine d’annees, le Centre culturel Aberdeen de Moncton est connu en tant qu’espace francophone dedie a la creation et a la collaboration artistiques acadiennes. Dans le present texte, nous decrirons comment ce centre sert de territoire linguistique revendique dans un milieu minoritaire ou l’anglais est la langue legitime sur le marche linguistique local. Nous montrerons comment le Centre, en tant qu’institution culturelle acadienne, participe a faire societe par le biais de la regionalisation, de la mediation entre francophones et anglophones et de l’etablissement d’une voix publique des acteurs sociaux acadiens. Ensuite, nous examinerons le discours de ces acteurs sociaux vis-a-vis de leur participation au marche artistique francophone du Canada. Nous proposons que les enjeux auxquels le Centre fait face a l’ere de la mondialisation sont emblematiques de ceux qui se posent a d’autres institutions et acteurs dans les societes minoritaires du Canada francophone.
Intracellular responses of caudate neurons to temporally and spatially combined stimuli

Abstract Intracellular recordings of caudate neuronal responses evoked by temporally combined stimulations of cortex, thalamus, and substantia nigra were made in the cat. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) which temporally coincided were additive. EPSPs which coincided with an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) previously evoked from the same stimulus site were enhanced. The cortical stimulus was prepotent in the sense that EPSPs evoked from thalamic or nigral stimulation were inhibited by the cortical IPSP. The cortical EPSP was enhanced if it was evoked during a nigral or thalamic IPSP. These results are discussed in the context of recent reports concerning the fine structure of synaptic contacts of input fibers to the caudate nucleus.
Characterization of mature vs aged rabbit articular cartilage: analysis of cell density, apoptosis-related gene expression and mechanisms controlling chondrocyte apoptosis.

Summary Objective The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) is increased in aged individuals and a direct correlation between chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degradation secondary to OA has been demonstrated. To address the question of whether age predisposes articular cartilage to apoptosis, the objective of the present study was to characterize and compare in aged and mature non-OA rabbit articular cartilage, cell density and expression levels of specific genes associated with apoptosis. Mechanistic studies on the inhibition of induced apoptosis were also carried out. Methods Grade I (non-OA) femoral condyles and tibial plateaus from mature and aged rabbits were taken for assessment of viable cell density (VCD) and mRNA (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) expression levels of the pro-apoptotic genes, Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), caspase-8, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and p53. In vitro insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)-mediated inhibition of nitric oxide (NO)-induced apoptosis was also examined using sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as NO donor. Results VCD was decreased 50–70% in aged articular cartilage relative to mature cartilage. mRNA expression levels of Fas, FasL, caspase-8 and p53 were higher in aged cartilage than in mature cartilage. iNOS expression was unchanged. IGF-1-mediated inhibition of NO-induced apoptosis was dose-dependent and reversed with addition of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor. Conclusions This controlled animal model study demonstrates that age predisposes articular cartilage to changes in VCD and expression levels of specific pro-apoptotic genes. It is significant that these findings were demonstrated on cartilage that showed no prior signs of OA; it is also possible that such changes are a prelude to the age-related development of OA.
A comparison of the major lipid classes and fatty acid composition of marine unicellular cyanobacteria with freshwater species

The fatty acid composition of two motile (strains WH 8113 and WH 8103) and one nonmotile (strain WH 7803) marine cyanobacteria has been determined and compared with two freshwater unicellular Synechocystis species (strain PCC 6308 and PCC 6803). The fatty acid composition of lipid extracts of isolated membranes from Synechocystis PCC 6803 was found to be identical to that of whole cells. All the marine strains contained myristic acid (14:0) as the major fatty acid, with only traces of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This composition is similar to Synechocystis PCC 6308. The major lipid classes of the nonmotile marine strain were identified as digalactosyl diacylglycerol, monogalactosyl diacylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, identical to those found in other cyanobacteria.
The Effects of the Local Food Environment and Social Support on Rural Food Insecurity

ABSTRACT Local food environments and the social relationships of people across rural communities are part of the infrastructure that supports rural quality of life. In this study, we examine the relationship between a weak food infrastructure and rural food insecurity to discover differences among rural places in the American Midwest. We find that high local food prices and an inadequate number of food stores are viewed by families as obstacles to meeting their food needs. Some households counteract the local environment by shopping outside the county, farming, or relying on informal support networks. Transportation difficulties exacerbate food acquisition problems, while institutional support provided through food programs is not always effective. Implications for involving low-income rural families in program development are provided.
Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics with Epitaxial Quantum DotsTitle to be Announced

Much in physics is explained through an understanding of harmonic oscillation, but nonlinearity makes physics more exciting and greatly contributes for its many applications. Optical nonlinearities at the single-photon level are key ingredients for future photonic quantum technologies. Here we report unprecedented strong single-photon nonlinearities and single-photon switching on ultrafast timescales in epitaxial quantum dots strongly coupled to microcavities.
School Belonging, Self-Esteem, and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: An Examination of Sex, Sexual Attraction Status, and Urbanicity

Using data from Wave II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health; Bearman, P. S., Jones, J., and Udry, J. R. http://www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/addhealth/design.html, 1997), we conducted multivariate analyses to examine three indicators of psychosocial adjustment (school belonging, self-esteem, depressive symptoms) and their associations with sexual attraction status, sex, and urbanicity. In general, sexual minority adolescents reported lower psychological adjustment than adolescents endorsing other-sex attractions only, with sexual minority females at particular risk. Further, differential patterns of risk for sexual minority youth emerged across rural, urban, and suburban communities. We conclude by discussing implications of these findings for addressing the psychosocial needs of sexual minority adolescents.
Nonperiodic time dependence at the onset of convection in a binary liquid mixture.

We report measurements of the convective heat transport near the onset of convection in a normal $^{3}\mathrm{He}$-$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ mixture for values of the separation ratio $\ensuremath{\psi}$ between -0.044 and -0.010. For $\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\lesssim}\ensuremath{-}0.018$, the first bifurcation was to a relatively large-amplitude time-dependent state with characteristic frequencies over an order of magnitude smaller than predicted by linear-stability analysis. The onset of the time dependence was intermittent and not hysteretic. Above onset, the frequency spectrum of the time dependence either contained discrete frequencies or not, depending on $\ensuremath{\psi}$.
Comparison of Yarn Costs Between Standard and Washed Cottons

Washing cotton before it is processed into yarn may eliminate or attenuate the biologically active byssinotic agent, reduce dust levels in mills, and exempt mills from the OSHA cotton dust standard...
How physicians “learn” from pharmaceutical representatives: An exploration

We estimated the prevalence of credibility for the information received by doctors from pharmaceutical companies and developed a qualitative description of how doctors “learn” from pharmaceutical representatives. Two random samples of physicians were interviewed, one made up of rural physicians identified through a two-stage cluster sampling of those practicing in the Dakotas and the second of metropolitan physicians located using a simple random sample of doctors practicing in the seven-county Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Quantitative findings suggested that physicians find pharmaceutical information provided in response to their questions to be more credible than information offered spontaneously by pharmaceutical representatives. Qualitative findings suggest that the credibility requires satisfaction of two criteria: pharmaceutical information must address an existing physician need and it must be examined using additional mechanisms selected by the physician. We conclude that the process physicians use to consider information from pharmaceutical representatives is well described by existing theory on how physicians learn.
Enzymes as Ultrasensitive Probes for Protein Adsorption in Flow Systems

We have developed an assay system that can quantitatively determine protein adsorption of different materials down to submonolayer surface coverage at low solution concentrations under flow conditions. Understanding and controlling protein adsorption under these conditions will be a key element in the performance of microdevices that interact with proteins and other biomolecules because the surface area to volume ratio of these devices is substantially larger than those of current systems. Alkaline phosphatase and glucose oxidase were evaluated as probes for quantitative protein adsorption, and loss of protein due to adsorption onto capillary surfaces under flow conditions has been determined at fractional surface coverages on a variety of microfluidic materials. It was found that polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and Teflon had high affinity for both enzymes, while unmodified fused silica, fused silica treated with poly(ethylene glycol), and polyacrylamide had much lower affinity for the two enzymes under th...
Conformational equilibrium in 8-methyl-cis-2-thiahydrindane and 8-methyl-cis-2-oxahydrindane by 13C NMR spectroscopy

The preferred conformation of 8-methyl-cis-thiahydrindane has been both estimated by 13C NMR chemical shifts and determined by low temperature 13C NMR spectroscopy to be the conformer with the methyl group equatorial with respect to the cyclohexane ring. This result is in disagreement with the interpretation of the temperature dependence of the CD spectra of (+) and (−) 8-methyl-cis-2-thiahydrindane, whereby the conformation with the methyl group axial with respect to the cyclohexane ring was claimed to be the preferred conformation. The preferred conformation of the related oxygen heterocycle, 8-methyl-cis-2-oxahydrindane, has been estimated by 13C NMR chemical shifts to be the conformer with the methyl group axial with respect to the cyclohexane ring. Possible reasons for these observations are discussed.
CAN A BASELINE PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVEL IDENTIFY MEN WHO WILL HAVE LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS LATER IN LIFE

ABSTRACT Purpose: We evaluated the relationship between baseline prostate specific antigen (PSA) and subsequent lower urinary tract symptom development during 3 decades in unselected men in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Materials and Methods: Urinary questionnaires were used to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms in 704 men during 3 decades. The number of repeat evaluations was 1 to 18. We divided subjects into age groups of younger than 50 and 50 to 69.9 years at the time of the first PSA evaluation. Subjects were divided into 3 PSA groups based on initial PSA below the 25th, 25th to 75th and above the 75th percentile. A mixed effects Poisson model was used to test whether there was a significant relationship between PSA grouping and symptom score with time. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in symptom score distribution across PSA percentiles in men younger than 50 years (p = 0.87) or 50 to 69.9 years old (p = 0.59). When age was used as an independent variable in the model, there was no statistically significant relationship between baseline PSA and symptom score (p = 0.38). Conclusions: These data suggest that PSA is not a useful predictor of the development of lower urinary tract symptoms in unselected, asymptomatic men.
Effect of protaglandin E in multiple experimental models. VI. Effects on T-cell subsets

Abstract Burn injuries have been showing to impair immune function. One of the hypotheses for the etiology of the immunosuppression is that burn injuries result in an elevation of prostaglandin E (PGE) levels which then impair leukocyte fuction. We evaluated the effect of PGE levels on immune function in multiple animal models utilizing T cell subset levels for our immunologic measurements. Elevations in PGE levels were achieved by adminsgtering 16,16-dimethyl-prostoglandin E (dPGE) and reductions by administering indomethacin. The animal models included burned rats, burned-septic rats, and nonburned rats. Neither indomethacin nor dPGE administration resulted in alterations of any of the T cell subset populations in our models.
Investigation of Damage to Multilayer Optics in X-Ray Laser Cavities: W/C, WRe/C, WC/C, Stainless-Steel/C, and Cr3C2/C Mirrors

Abstract In many applications, multilayer mirrors are exposed to damaging fluences of x rays. In x-ray laser cavities intense optical and broad-band x radiation, from the x-ray laser plasma amplifier, can damage multilayer mirrors on time scales of hundreds of picoseconds. We describe experiments using short duration (500 ps) bursts of soft x rays from a laser produced gold plasma to damage multilayer mirrors designed to reflect wavelengths close to 45 A at normal incidence. The effect of the damaging x-ray flux on normal incidence reflectivity was time resolved for W C , WRe C , WC C , 303-stainless-steel/C, and Cr3C2/ C multilayers. The damage thresholds of the different mirrors were compared, and the Cr 3 C 2 C mirrors were found to be the most resilient. The outer layers of the multilayers were observed to expand slowly as x rays were absorbed, and a more rapid expansion then preceded the total loss of reflectivity, at temperatures well below the melting temperature of the mirror components. It is believed that the dominant expansion mechanism is a change in the amorphous carbon layers to a more graphitic structure. The data are fit quite well by a model that assumes expansion of up to 25% in the thickness of the outermost carbon layers, followed by intermixing of the hotter layers. The rapid expansion has been observed to occur in times from 40 to 150 ps and may be the fastest resolution to date of the phenomenon of graphitization. The integrated reflectivity of the mirrors was observed to increase by up to a factor of 2.5 as they damaged; this reflectivity increase may be consistent with a reduction in the layer roughness.
Loschmidt's and Zermelo's paradoxes do not exist

A strict operational (i.e., informational) analysis of the meaning of preparing a system to realize the paradoxes of Loschmidt or Zermelo is made. Where reversal or recurrence are operationally realizable, no contradiction with the irreversible nature of macroscopic operations occurs. Paradox results either from neglecting irreversible phenomena in the means for preparing a reversed state, or from confusing elements or ensembles, which are meaningful in microstate language but meaningless operationally, with preparable macrostates, whoserepresentation in microstate language is an ensemble whose very definition is incompatible with that of any paradox-generating element or ensemble,
Aerosols and Polar Temperature Changes

Calculations indicate that aerosols are not directly responsible for the present increase in ice abundance in the Northern Hemisphere. Indeed it appears that aerosols cause heating of the atmosphere near the poles. The present background aerosol density at 85°S latitude causes a temperature increase of ∼ 0.2°K, while that at 85°N causes an increase of ∼ 0.05°K.
z/CECSIM: an efficient and comprehensive microcode simulator for the IBM eServer z900

An IBM eServer zSeries™ system uses various types of microcode (firmware) that implement functions such as the execution of complex instructions in the CPUs, I/O operations performed by the system assist processors (SAPs), the management of logical partitions (LPARs), and control by the support element (SE). Each microcode component must be verified by itself and in conjunction with the others. Tight development schedules and a very limited supply of expensive engineering hardware make it desirable to perform this verification in a simulation environment. For the development of the z900, a new microcode simulator, the z/CECSIM (Central Electronic Complex Simulator), was successfully implemented. Several microcode components are connected in a single simulation environment, thereby allowing an unprecedented amount of development, integration, and testing without the use of engineering hardware. z/CECSIM creates a virtual zSeries CEC on VM/ESA® or z/VM™ that allows the simulation of zSeries microcode. It executes the instruction stream as completely as possible on the underlying hardware. Only instructions that are newly introduced with the system being developed or that perform a microcode-internal function are simulated. Additional software models mimic the behavior of I/O and coupling channels. An optional SE connection allows verification of interactions between the CEC and its support element.
Superconductivity above 100 K in compounds containing Hg

The results of studies of new Hg based cuprate superconductors are reported. Several members of a new family of (Hg,Tl)(Ba,Sr)Ca n-2 Cu n O x high temperature superconductors have been synthesized. These compounds, which are analogs to the Hg-Ba-Ca- and Tl-Ba-Ca- layered cuprates, are multi-phased and have superconducting transition temperatures above 100 K. Incorporation of Hg appears to stabilize several of the Tl-compounds, including a double layer Tl/Sr system, in a manner similar to the role that Pb plays in the Tl/Sr- and Bi/Sr-systems. It has been suggested that recent reports of resistive T c 's above 200 K in Hg based samples are due to the presence of free Hg. Magnetization measurements of such a sample confirm this hypothesis.
Physics-based simulation of nonlinear distortion in semiconductor devices using the harmonic balance method

Harmonic balance is a popular technique for simulating large-signal harmonic and intermodulation distortion in RF and microwave circuits. In this paper, we present algorithms which extend the applicability of harmonic balance to physics-based semiconductor device analysis. The algorithms presented here have been implemented in the PISCES-II device simulator, and have been used to simulate a wide variety of RF and microwave transistors embedded in realistic circuit networks containing biasing and parasitic elements. The simulator employs Krylov subspace solution techniques to solve the extremely large systems of equations arising in the context of two-dimensional device simulation. In the important case of multi-tone distortion problems, the size and density of the device Jacobian necessitate the introduction of novel preconditioning techniques (dubbed sectioned preconditioning) which exploit the special structure of the device simulation problem.
Variable selection after screening: with or without data splitting?

High dimensional data sets are now frequently encountered in many scientific fields. In order to select a sparse set of predictors that have predictive power and/or provide insightful understanding on which predictors really influence the response, a preliminary variable screening is typically done often informally. Fan and Lv (J R Stat Soc Ser B 70:849---911, 2008) proposed sure independence screening (SIS) to reduce the dimension of the set of predictors from ultra-high to a moderate scale below the sample size. Then one may apply a familiar variable selection technique. While this approach has become popular, the screening bias issue has been mainly ignored. The screening bias may lead to the final selection of a number of predictors that have no/little value for prediction/explanation. In this paper we set to examine this screening bias both theoretically and numerically compare the approach with an alternative that utilizes data splitting. The simulation results and real bioinformatics examples show that data splitting can significantly reduce the screening bias for variable selection and improve the prediction accuracy as well.
Sleep symptoms, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic position.

Study Objectives:Growing evidence indicates sleep is a major public health issue. Race/ethnicity and socioeconomics may contribute to sleep problems. This study assessed whether sleep symptoms were...
Pulsatile equibiaxial stretch inhibits thrombin-induced RhoA and NF-κB activation

Abstract This study investigated interactions between the effects of mechanical stretch and thrombin on RhoA activation in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). Equibiaxial, pulsatile stretch, or thrombin produced a significant increase in RhoA activation. Surprisingly, in combination, 30 min of stretch inhibited the ability of thrombin to activate RhoA. NO donors and 8-bromo-cGMP significantly inhibited thrombin-induced RhoA activation. Interestingly, the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor l -NAME increased basal RhoA activity, suggesting that NOS activity exerts a tonic inhibition on RhoA. Stretching RASMC increases nitrite production, consistent with the idea that NO contributes to the inhibitory effects of stretch. Thrombin stimulates MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways through Rho and these responses were blocked by 8-bromo-cGMP or stretch and restored by l -NAME. These data suggest that stretch, acting through NO and cGMP, can prevent the ability of thrombin to stimulate Rho signaling pathways that contribute to pathophysiological proliferative and inflammatory responses.
Some Applications of an Integrating Sphere Reflectometer to Pharmaceutical Problems

An integrating sphere reflectance attachment was built for the Beckman DU spectrophotometer. This apparatus was then applied to the problem of determining color stability in a bentonite base cream. Rate constants for the decrease in reflectance of the cream aged at room temperature, 55°;, 60°;, 65°;, 70°;, and 75°; were determined. A theoretical rate constant at 25°; was found by use of the Arrhenius relation of reaction rate to absolute temperature. This value was used to predict color stability at 25°;. Reflectance measurements were also made on coated tablets and powders.
A Study of Resiliency Characteristics in the Adjustment of International Graduate Students at American Universities

This research introduced the concept of resilience into the study of adjustment of international graduate students at U.S. universities. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships among resilience characteristics, background variables, and adjustment problem areas, and to gauge the effects of resilience and background variables on adjustment. The Organizational Development Resources' Personal Resilience Questionnaire and the Michigan International Student Problem Inventory were used, and 207 usable responses were gathered. Statistical analyses revealed that resilience characteristics were moderately associated with background variables, highly negatively correlated with adjustment problem areas, better correlated with adjustment problem areas than were background variables, and resilience had the greatest effect on adjustment.
On the Scientific Value of “Unscientific” Data

As research scientists we are justifiably inclined to be skeptical about data that are subjective, or qualitative, in nature—data such as anecdotal accounts of earthquake effects and the modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) estimates derived from them. Especially where perceptions of earthquake ground motions are concerned, noninstrumental data are generally considered suspect at best. “Everyone knows” that people exaggerate the severity of earthquake effects; “everyone knows” that subjective perceptions are not to be trusted. The engineering community has been known to discount instrumental data as outliers in light of more general damage patterns, but the seismology community generally turns to MMI data only out of desperation, because we need to analyze important events for which no instrumental data exist. Even so, a certain cloud of suspicion always hangs over the results from such investigations in the minds of some. And there can be remarkably little interest in ever revisiting original historical accounts once someone has done the dirty job of wading through them once. [N]oninstrumental data are generally considered suspect at best. The first purpose of this note is to suggest that it bespeaks a certain arrogance to suppose that we have nothing left to learn from the voices from the past. Historical accounts of earthquakes are a treasure trove of information that can be revisited to test and even develop new hypotheses as our collective understanding grows. The second purpose of this note is to summarize the reasons why subjective accounts and MMI data are often discounted and to respond to each one by drawing on arguments from the published literature as well as my own experiences with anecdotal/historical accounts, from the New Madrid sequence of 1811-1812 especially. One of the happy surprises of my New Madrid work has been discovering the extent to which contemporary observers displayed both credibility …
A quantitative cytotoxicity assay using whole blood: application to h-2 tissue typing.

A fluorochromatic cytotoxicity assay featuring direct use of whole blood and quantitative evaluation is described. Its application to tissue typing for H-2 antigens together with data indicating reproducibility specificity of the assay are presented. Procedures for visual and automated quantification are included.
Effects of physostigmine on rat brain acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase and conditioned pole jumping

Abstract The present study was designed to provide evidence that the behavioral effects of physostigmine are related to inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Adult male Holtzman rats were trained to pole jump to a buzzer as the conditioned stimulus and to electric shock to the grid floor as the unconditioned stimulus. All drugs were given s.c. as base. Physostigmine (0.125–0.25 mg/kg) depressed pole jump behavior in methyl atropine (2.1 mg/kg) or saline-treated rats. (−) Hyoscyamine (1 mg/kg) blocked the actions of physostigmine, suggesting a central site of action. Total brain acetylcholine (ACh) and AChE were determined in various groups of animals. The increase in brain ACh and the decrease in AChE activity were negatively correlated in physostigmine-treated rats. These changes were highly correlated during the onset and peak of physostigmine behavioral effects but not during the recovery period. Although (−) hyoscyamine antagonized the behavioral effects of physostigmine, it did not alter the increase in brain ACh or decrease in brain AChE. It is concluded that most of the behavioral effects of physostigmine are related to central AChE inhibition.
Calculation of the optimal imaging parameters for frequency modulation atomic force microscopy

True atomic resolution of conductors and insulators is now routinely obtained in vacuum by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy. So far, the imaging parameters (i.e., eigenfrequency, stiffness and oscillation amplitude of the cantilever, frequency shift) which result in optimal spatial resolution for a given cantilever and sample have been found empirically. Here, we calculate the optimal set of parameters from first principles as a function of the tip–sample system. The result shows that the either the acquisition rate or the signal-to-noise ratio could be increased by up to two orders of magnitude by using stiffer cantilevers and smaller amplitudes than are in use today.
Integrative biological systems modeling: challenges and opportunities

Most biological systems are by nature hybrids consist of interacting discrete and continuous components, which may even operate on different time scales. Therefore, it is desirable to establish modeling frameworks that are capable of combining deterministic and stochastic, discrete and continuous, as well as multi-timescale features. In the context of molecular systems biology, an example for the need of such a combination is the investigation of integrated biological pathways that contain gene regulatory, metabolic and signaling components, which may operate on different time scales and involve on-off switches as well as stochastic effects. The implementation of integrated hybrid systems is not trivial because most software is limited to one or the other of the dichotomies above. In this study, we first review the motivation for hybrid modeling. Secondly, by using the example of a toggle switch model, we illustrate a recently developed modeling framework that is based on the combination of biochemical systems theory (BST) and hybrid functional Petri nets (HFPN). Finally, we discuss remaining challenges and future opportunities.
Monodentate vs Bidentate Binding of Lanthanide Cations to PO2- in Bacteriorhodopsin

The frequency difference between the symmetric and antisymmetric stretching vibration of PO{sub 2}{sup +} in phosphatidylglycerol phosphate (PGP) is used to differentiate between monodentate and bidentate binding of these groups to metal cations in the membrane of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate. The binding of Ca{sup 2}{sup +} to PGP is found to have a frequency difference corresponding to monodentate binding. The symmetric and antisymmetric PO{sub 2}{sup +} bands in bR show similar frequency shifts upon Ca{sup 2}{sup +} binding, which is independent of pH. This suggests that Ca{sup 2}{sup +} has a monodentate type binding with the PO{sub 2}{sup -} in bR. In contrast, the PO{sub 2}{sup -} symmetric and antisymmetric frequencies of PGP complexes with trivalent lanthanide cations with higher charge density (Ho{sup 3}{sup +} and Dy{sup 3}{sup +}) are observed to have smaller separations and to increase their separation with increasing pH toward the value observed for Ca{sup 2}{sup +} binding. Lanthanide cations (Ho{sup 3}{sup +}, Dy{sup 3}{sup +}, Eu{sup 3}{sup +}, Nd{sup 3}{sup +}, and La{sup 3}{sup +}) binding in bR and pH 4 show small frequency separations that are observed to have similar frequency shifts with pH, the magnitude to which is dependent on themore » cation. It is proposed that at low pH the lanthanide cations with higher charge density have bidentate binding to bR, while at high pH, complexation with the OH{sup -} competes with one of the oxygens of the PO{sub 2}{sup -} for the binding of the lanthanide ion thus changing the bidentate to monodentate type binding. 25 refs., 5 figs.« less
Diffusion flame instabilities in a 0.75 mm non-premixed microburner

Abstract We examine the cellular instabilities of laminar non-premixed diffusion flames that arise in a polycrystalline alumina microburner with a channel wall gap of dimension 0.75 mm. Changes in the flame structure are observed as a function of the fuel type (H 2 , CH 4 , and C 3 H 8 ) and diluent. The oxidizer is O 2 /inert. In contrast to previous observations on laminar diffusion flame instabilities, the current instabilities occur in the direction of flow above the splitter plate, and only occur for the heavier fuel types. They are not observed in a H 2 –O 2 mixture, which will only support a continuous laminar flame inside our burner, regardless of the initial mixture strength and whether or not the flame is in near-quenching conditions. The only exception is when helium is added to the H 2 –O 2 mixture, raising the effective Lewis numbers of both components.
Intraperitoneal Injections of Tryptophan Inhibit Food Intake in the Fowl

The effects of intraperitoneal injections of tryptophan on food intake in the chicken were examined. Four levels of tryptophan (12.5, 25, 50, 100 mg), and a saline control were tested in birds that were ad libitum fed or fasted 24 hr. The tryptophan treatments decreased food intake in the ad libitum-fed chickens in a dose-dependent manner. Food intake of the 24-hr fasted chickens was not influenced by the tryptophan injections. It is not known whether tryptophan is acting centrally or peripherally to decrease food intake of ad libitum-fed chickens.
Pressure effects on the GTPase activity of brain membrane G proteins of deep-living marine fishes.

Abstract In marine fishes, heterotrimeric guanyl nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins), which couple cell surface membrane receptors to their effector elements, are sensitive to hydrostatic pressure. The intrinsic high affinity GTPase activity of the α subunits of G proteins in three signaling systems coupled to adenylyl cyclase, the A 1 adenosine receptor, the muscarinic cholinergic receptor and the β-adrenergic receptor, was tested at pressures up to 340 atm. Brain membrane preparations from four members of the deep-sea teleost fish family Macrouridae were studied. Coryphaenoides armatus , C. filifer , C. rupestris and Macrourus berglax have depth distributions which together span 100–5810 m. Increased pressure inhibited basal GTPase activity only in M. berglax , which of the four species has the shallowest center of abundance. Increased hydrostatic pressure did not alter the response of GTPase activity to the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. Increased pressure decreased the stimulation of GTPase activity by the A 1 adenosine receptor agonist cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) in C. armatus and M. berglax , and by the muscarinic cholinergic receptor agonist carbamyl choline in C. armatus , C. filifer and M. berglax . Decreased agonist-stimulation of the GTPase activity at elevated pressure may result from pressure-induced changes in conformational states or inhibition of agonist binding. The binding of the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog guanosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) in response to CPA was determined at 5 °C and atmospheric pressure. Six macrourid species and a morid were studied. The halftime ( t 1/2 ) values for GTP[S] binding, ranging from 20.8 to 40.9 min, are similar to values previously reported for two other cold-adapted fishes.
Andrea Cesalpino and systemic circulation

Resume Depuis la publication de De motu Cordis en 1628, la majorite des historiens a toujours considere William Harvey comme le decouvreur de la circulation sanguine ; une minorite a cependant essaye d’attribuer cette decouverte a Andreas Cesalpino (c.1520-1603). Cette question a ete largement debattue au cours des siecles passes. L’opinion generale qui prevaut aujourd’hui est que Harvey merite le credit de la decouverte et que la contribution de Cesalpino fut negligeable. En essayant de clarifier cette controverse, l’auteur a traduit de novo, du texte latin original de Cesalpino, tous les passages concernant la circulation et a passe en revue les critiques dirigees contre ses idees sur cette question. Les resultats de ce travail ont ete surprenants et ont amene l’auteur aux conclusions suivantes : 1) il apparait evident que, bien des annees avant Harvey, Cesalpino avait clairement envisage l’idee de la circulation sanguine ; 2) le rejet de la contribution de Cesalpino est base sur des malentendus et des interpretations erronees. Ces erreurs, dans la majorite des cas, resultent elles-memes de deux facteurs : a) les detracteurs de Cesalpino n’ont pas lu tous les passages pertinents (probablement parce que sa prose latine d’une extreme lourdeur est parfois confuse) ; b) certains passages ont ete mal traduits. En ce qui concerne la paternite de la decouverte de la circulation sanguine, l’auteur s’interroge enfin sur la definition du concept de « decouverte scientifique ».
Are Girls Getting More Violent?: Exploring Juvenile Robbery Trends

Public discussion regarding youth violence is at an all-time high, and this is particularly true of girls' violence. Girls have long been forgotten when juvenile crime is discussed. However, recent statistics showing dramatic increases in the arrests of girls, particularly for traditionally male-dominated offenses (such as assault and robbery), have prompted some to report that girls are getting more violent. Using data from reported juvenile robbery incidents for the City and County of Honolulu during two specific time periods, this research addresses the question, are girls getting more violent? The data indicate that despite claims that youth have become increasingly violent, no major shift in the pattern of juvenile robbery occurred over the two time periods. Instead, it appears that less serious offenses, particularly those committed by girls, are being swept up into the criminal justice system.
Electrical measurements near the orthorhombic-tetragonal phase transformation in single crystal YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract Normal-state electrical resistance measurements were made on single crystal YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ over the temperature range 200–800°C in oxygen and argon atmospheres, and the twin structure was observed simultaneously by hot-stage optical microscopy. The resistance of the crystal maintained a linear metallic-type behavior to higher temperatures (500°C) than reported for bulk ceramic specimens. Anomalous resistance behavior was observed in the vicinity of the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transformation under certain probe configurations and measuring conditions. Correlations between observed in situ twinning and resistance characteristics are discussed.
Untangling the Fiber Yarn: Butyrate Feeds Warburg to Suppress Colorectal Cancer

Dietary composition has an important role in shaping the gut microbiota. In turn, changes in the diet directly impinge on bacterial metabolites present in the intestinal lumen. Whether such metabolites play a role in intestinal cancer has been a topic of hot debate. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Donohoe and colleagues show that dietary fiber protects against colorectal carcinoma in a microbiota-dependent manner. Furthermore, fiber-derived butyrate acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells experiencing the Warburg effect.
Rejoinder to William Lane Craig

While I may have misunderstood certain points in Craig's Molinist theodicy, a careful reading of my article will show that Craig is incorrect in his claim that I have failed to evaluate his proposal on the basis of its asserted standard: plausibility. The heart of my argument is that Craig's theodicy is implausible because it fails to provide a credible explanation of the culpability of all non-believers. In this rejoinder I try to show (1) why an evidentialist exoneration of reflective disbelievers (in Christ) also applies, contra Craig, to the unevangelized; and (2) that an evidentialist account of reflective disbelief is more plausible than Craig's sinful-resistance account.
MOCAP game reserve: a study of puppetry and motion capture

This animation sketch presents a study of human-driven character animation with motion capture as presented as part of the 2002 SIGGRAPH Course Motion Capture: Pipeline, Applications, and Use.
Basis sets and restricted Hartree–Fock instabilities in thiocarbonyls

While calculating zero-field splitting terms for the lowest triplet state of 4H-pyran4-thione, at the experimental geometry, it was found that the ground state was unstable with respect to an unrestricted Hartree–Fock perturbation. The smallest fragment of the molecule retaining this instability was found to be diatomic CS. The instability is dependent on the basis set used for the calculation. The instability and its relationship to basis set, equilibrium geometry, and the importance of polarization functions for second row elements has been explored for CS and H2CS as a function of internuclear distance. Minimal basis set calculations involving second row elements may be particularly prone to such instabilities.
ALTERATIONS IN CONSTITUENT URINARY PROTEINS IN RESPONSE TO BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION IN RATS

AbstractPurpose: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, resulting in bladder outflow obstruction, induces well recognized clinical symptoms and morphologic bladder changes. Despite these phenomenon, relatively little is known with regard to the precise molecular events occurring in the bladder as a consequence of obstruction. In an effort to screen for alterations in bladder gene expression induced by obstruction, and/or alterations in uroepithelial integrity, this study compared pre-and post-obstructive constituent urinary proteins in an animal model.Materials and Methods: Outlet obstruction was created using a previously established model system. Experimental animals were surgically obstructed for either 2 or 7 days, at which time the urine was aspirated and the bladders removed and weighed. Urinary proteins were separated using 2-D PAGE. Following comparison of sham versus experimental animals, microsequencing was performed on proteins that were down regulated.Results: Duplicate experiments confirmed the presen...
Social insurance and social justice—Another look at the antipoverty effects of social insurance programs

This paper analyzes social insurance programs in the United States to determine if they support the principles of social justice, with special emphasis on the principle of preferential treatment of the poor. The paper also examines the antipoverty effects of social insurance programs. The major conclusions are the following: (1) social insurance programs generally are consistent with the principles of social justice, but parts of certain programs clearly violate the norms of social justice; (2) social insurance programs are especially powerful in reducing the poverty rate and poverty gap for the elderly, but are generally ineffective in reducing the poverty rate for single-parent families with related children under age 18; (3) social insurance programs have only a minor impact in reducing the poverty rate among married-couple families with related children under age 18; and (4) although the Social Security payroll results in a small increase in the poverty rate, social insurance programs are especially effective in reducing income inequality.