cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
224 Digital Media Use and Sleep in College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: To address the growing sleep deficiency epidemic in college students, more research is needed on recent factors that might affect sleep, such as the digital media use in this young adult population. Furthermore, sleep and the use of digital media can be heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of digital media during the pandemic, and its relationship with sleep disturbance, social isolation, physical and mental health in college students. Methods: An online survey was sent out to college students enrolled in an urban university. Validated questionnaires including PROMIS (Sleep Disturbance, Global Mental Health, Global Physical Health, Social Isolation), Nighttime Media Usage, and Internet Addition Test were included in the survey. In addition, focus groups were conducted with a subsample of survey respondents to elicit a comprehensive understanding of how digital media use in daily life influences sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted during June to December 2020. Results: A total of 358 students completed the online survey. Sleep disturbance was significantly related to greater digital media use for recreational purposes two hours before bedtime (62.6±28.1 minutes, r=0.110, p=0.046), and a higher frequency of playing games (r=0.148, p=0.007) and using social media after going to bed (r=0.142, p=0.10). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with social isolation (r=0.251, p<0.001), poor global physical health (r=-0.186, p<0.001) and mental health (r=-0.376, p<0.001), and lower GPA (r=-0.167, p=0.004). Additionally, seven focus groups were conducted in a total of 32 students, suggesting that the increase in free time from the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater digital media use, compromising sleep duration and quality. With the increase of screen time also came feeling of guilt and anxiety which often led to greater awareness and self-control around media use. Conclusion: Nighttime digital media use during the challenging pandemic time has a significant impact on poor sleep, which may lead to decreased academic performance, greater social isolation, and poor physical and mental health in college students. Effective interventions targeting digital media use are needed to improve sleep in this population.
Urinary Tract Infection in the Neurogenic Bladder: an Update of Surgical and Non-surgical Management

This review explores the current literature surrounding non-surgical and surgical management strategies for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. UTIs in patients with neurogenic bladders (NB) are recurrent and lifelong contributors to morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in this patient population are significantly more challenging and require thoughtful clinical decision-making. Topics such as risk factors, diagnosis, nonoperative treatment strategies, and surgical management will be discussed. Current recommendations indicate that only symptomatic UTIs require treatment. Nonoperative treatments such as antibiotic therapies, bladder instillations, and coated catheters are typically exercised before proceeding with more invasive surgical management. There are no clear guidelines to recommend when patients should or are required to have surgical intervention. Non-surgical management strategies continue to evolve through recent clinical trials. Major surgical intervention is typically considered only after non-surgical options have been exhausted or based on patient and caregiver preference.
Adsorbed Cobalt Porphyrins Act like Metal Surfaces in Electrocatalysis

Carbon electrodes chemically modified with molecular active sites are potent catalysts for key energy conver-sion reactions. Generally, it is assumed that these molecularly modified electrodes operate by the same redox mediation mechanisms observed for soluble molecules, in which electron transfer and substrate activation occur in separate elementary steps. Here, we uncover that, depending on the solvent, carbon-bound cobalt porphyrin can carry out electrolysis by the non-mediated mechanisms of metal surfaces in which electron transfer and substrate activation are concerted. We chemically modify glassy carbon electrodes with cobalt tetraphenylpor-phyrin units that are anchored by flexible aliphatic linkages to form CH-CoTPP. In acetonitrile, CH-CoTPP dis-plays a clear outer-sphere Co(II/I) process which catalyzes the H2 evolution reaction by a step-wise, redox-mediated reaction sequence. In contrast, clear surface redox waves are not observed for CH-CoTPP in aqueous media and H2 evolution proceeds via a non-mediated, concerted proton-electron transfer reaction sequence over a wide pH range. The data suggest that, in aqueous electrolyte, the CoTPP fragments reside inside the electro-chemical double layer and are electrostatically coupled to the surface. This coupling allows CH-CoTPP to carry out catalysis without being pinned to the redox potential of the molecular fragment. These studies highlight that the simple adsorption of molecules can lead to reaction mechanisms typically reserved for metal surfaces, ex-posing new principles for the design of molecularly-modified electrodes.
How we do it: Sleep Disordered Breathing in Hospitalized patients - A game Changer?

Abstract: Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, have become a significant health issue in the United States. It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea going undiagnosed. This number continues to increase with the obesity epidemic. Sleep disordered breathing is associated with multiple cardiopulmonary diseases and has been shown to adversely affect disease outcomes. Hospitalized patients have a disproportionately high prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Screening for sleep disordered breathing in hospitalized patients provides an opportunity to identify the disease in individuals who may otherwise go unrecognized. As will be reviewed, data suggests that identification of sleep disordered breathing in hospitalized individuals may have a positive impact on the post hospital course. Unfortunately, sleep medicine currently remains an ambulatory practice. Hospital sleep medicine addresses this separation. We hereby discuss our experience and future potential of a hospital sleep medicine program.
PT-symmetric cavities with simultaneous unidirectional lasing and reflectionless modes

Using parity-time (PT) symmetric cavities, we introduce a new family of spectral singularities with highly directional response. At these singularities the PT-symmetric cavity support a simultaneous lasing mode from one side and zero reflection mode from the opposite side.
Yes - This is Rocket Science: MMCs for Liquid Rocket Engines

Abstract : The Air Force's Integrated High-Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technologies (IHPRPT) Program has established aggressive goals for both improved performance and reduced cost of rocket engines and components. Achieving these goals relies on developing affordable Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) technologies for application to Liquid Rocket Engines (LREs). Efforts are being conducted on three types of MMCs: Aluminum, Copper, and Nickel matrix material systems. Potential applications include turbopump housings, rotating machinery, and high stiffness flanges and ductwork. This article will address affordability goals, and review the lHPRPT goals as well as the current material requirements for MMC technologies being developed for application to LREs. The authors conclude that MMCs are considered mid-term material solutions to rocket component needs. The potential to spread development costs over several industries make MMC technologies affordable to develop. The potential to tailor specific properties and produce near-net shape components with small capital investment promises to make MMC fabrication technologies affordable for the extremely low production rates of rocket engine components. On the current IHPRPT roadmaps, components employing MMCs should be demonstrated in 2005 with advances continuing through 2010. In the far term, weight and turbine inlet temperature goals may force the community away from metallic materials and toward ceramic and CMC material systems. Thermal and environmental coatings technologies will also require development. However, ductility requirements, geometric constraints, and environmental compatibility needs in rocket engines ensure that metal matrix composites will play an important role in rocket technology development for the foreseeable future. The report includes 37 viewgraphs.
Operating Experience with the Hydrogen Isotope Separation System at Mound

The Hydrogen Isotope Separation System (HISS) is a general-purpose tritium recovery and enrichment processor that uses low-temperature distillation as the separation process. HISS processes feed mixtures containing all three isotopes of hydrogen (H,D,T) and yields an enriched tritium product up to 99.95% tritium, while producing a discardable raffinate. The three-column system operates continuously with unattended overnight operation and limited operation during weekends. Production runs with a full still inventory were started in October 1987, with individual runs lasting up to seven weeks. 6 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Brain and retinal damage from lathyrus excitotoxin, β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid

HUMAN consumption of lathyrus peas, especially during periods of famine, has long been associated in certain parts of the world with outbreaks of neurolathyrism, a crippling neurological disorder characterised by spastic paraplegia1. A neuroexcitatory2 amino acid, β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP), isolated from the seeds of Lathyrus sativus3 is suspected to be the responsible neurotoxic principle. Although paralysis of the lower extremities has been reported in adult monkeys after lumbar intrathecal administration of ODAP4, and similar symptoms have been induced in newborn chicks by intraperitoneal administration3, evidence for central nervous tissue damage from systemically administered ODAP has been lacking. We now report that ODAP, administered intraperitoneally to immature mice, induces lesions in the retina, hypothalamus and lower medulla. This pattern of damage is similar to that demonstrated in animals after oral or subcutaneous administration of glutamate (Glu).
Input Quality in the Sugar Beet Industry

Using 23 years of data (1978-2000), this study examines seven vertically integrated sugar beet plants representing three different companies in the United States. The objective of this research is to identify the marginal costs of producing sugar beets for vertically integrated sugar beet processors as a way of determining the cost savings from higher quality sugar beets. In doing so, we account for quality differences in the sugar beet input that are used to manufacture the refined sugar output. The results quantify links between high quality sugar beets and lower processing costs.
Can investigative reporting tell the truth? The modernity of journalism in Latin America

This article analyses the relation between investigative journalism and truth, with specific focus on reports of wrongdoing in the Latin American press. Although some forms of popular journalism challenge the traditional distinction between truth and falsity, truth-telling continues to be the master narrative of modern journalism. Journalistic truth lies on facts, and facts are primarily constructed on the basis of official testimonies and documents. Dependence on official sources coupled with the difficulties in investigating wrongdoing, business and political pressures on reporting make journalism's relation to the truth problematic. Journalism can approach truth-telling in more modest terms, instead. Truth may not belong to journalism, or for that matter to any other institutional discourse, but to public conversation. However, the latter requires a permanent consensus rooted on moral and philosophical principles. The instability of consensus upon which truth can potentially be based also makes truth-t...
EFFECT OF PARENTAL CIGARETTE SMOKING ON THE PULMONARY FUNCTION OF CHILDREN

The authors have investigated the effects of parental smoking patterns on the pulmonary function of children in East Boston, Massachusetts. A crude inverse dose-response relationship was observed between the level of FEF25--75% predicted of children who never smoked and the number of smoking parents in the household. Compared to children with two non-smoking parents, the level of FEF25--75% predicted was 0.156 and 0.355 standard deviation units lower for children with one and two currently smoking parents, respectively. An additional decline in level of FEF25--75% predicted was observed for children who themselves had smoked. Smoking children with two smoking parents had an average FEF25--75% predicted level which was 0.355 standard deviation units lower than non-smoking children with two smoking parents. These data not only confirm that cigarette smoking by young children and teenagers has direct measurable effects on their pulmonary function, but also show that cigarette smoking by parents has a measurable effect on the pulmonary function of their children which is independent of any direct use of cigarettes by the children.
Outcomes in Children With Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background— Treatment for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in children includes calcium channel blockade (CCB) for acute responders with vasodilator testing and chronic epoprostenol for nonresponders. We sought to determine parameters associated with survival and treatment success. Methods and Results— A previously identified cohort of 77 children diagnosed between 1982 and 1995 with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension was followed up through 2002. For acute responders treated with CCB (n=31), survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 97%, 97%, and 81%, respectively; treatment success was 84%, 68%, and 47%, respectively. Survival for all children treated with epoprostenol (n=35) at 1, 5, and 10 years was 94%, 81%, and 61%, respectively; treatment success was 83%, 57%, and 37%, respectively. Because of the inconsistent availability of epoprostenol before 1995, we defined a “recent medical era” subset by excluding children from the total 77 patient cohort for whom epoprostenol was recommended but ...
Large time behavior of the broadwell model of a discrete velocity gas with specularly reflective boundary conditions

This paper studies the behavior of the one dimensional Broadwell model of a discrete three velocity gas on a bounded domain 0 ≦ x ≦ 1 with specularly reflective boundary condition at x = 0, 1. For smooth initial data we show that the initial boundary value problem possesses a unique smooth solution which tends as t → ∞ to a free state consisting of traveling waves f 1e (x − ct), f 2e (x + ct), f 3e (x) where each f ie is 2-periodic. The convergence is in the weak* topology of an appropriate Orlicz-Banach “state” space. No smallness assumptions are made on the data.
Two-dimensional periodic grating light coupling in quantum well infrared photodetectors

Quantum well infrared photodetectors do not respond to normal incident light due to the quantum mechanical selection rules associated with intersubband transitions. Thus alternate light coupling systems, such as gratings are required in order to deflect the incoming light away from the normal. The resolution of the photolithography and accuracy of the etching become key issues in producing smaller grating feature sizes especially in shorter wavelengths. An enhancement factor of three due to 2D periodic grating fabricated on a QWIP structure was observed. Variation of the enhancement factor with groove depth and feature size of the grating can be theoretically explained.
Immunohistochemical localization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the guinea pig bowel and pancreas.

Although nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are known to be present on neural elements in both the bowel and the pancreas, the precise location of these receptors has not previously been determined. Immunocytochemistry, by using a rat monoclonal antibody (mAb35), which recognizes α-bungarotoxin (α-Bgt)-insensitive nAChRs, and a polyclonal antibody raised against the α-Bgt-sensitive receptor subunit, α7, was used to locate receptor protein in guinea pig gut and pancreas. mAb35-receptor (mAb35-R) immunoreactivity was abundant in both enteric plexuses, enterochromaffin cells, and pancreatic ganglia. Immunostaining was associated with the cell membrane, and clusters of mAb35-R were observed on cell somas and dendrites. Receptor immunoreactivity was also observed on terminals and axons, suggesting that a subset of nAChRs is presynaptic. Internal sites of mAb35-R were observed in permeabilized ganglia. Cells expressing the receptors were closely associated with ChAT-immunoreactive nerve fibers. In addition, the majority of ChAT-positive neurons expressed both cell surface and internal stores of mAb35-R. In the bowel, clusters of mAb35-R were present on the soma and dendrites of Dogiel type I motorneurons and secretomotor neurons. Receptors were detected at the plasma membrane of calbindin-immunoreactive myenteric neurons. In contrast, calbindin-immunoreactive submucosal neurons did not express cell surface mAb35-R, supporting the idea that they are sensory neurons. A subset of enteric neurons expressed both mAb35-R and glutamate receptor (GluR1) immunoreactivity. In the pancreas, mAb35-R immunoreactivity was only observed in ganglia. α7-immunoreactivity was found on both enteric cell bodies and nerve fibers. Based on these results, it appears that visceral nAChRs are composed of at least four subunits and that both pre- and postsynaptic nAChRs are present in the gut and pancreas. J. Comp. Neurol. 390:497–514, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Lieb-Schultz-Mattis in higher dimensions

A generalization of the Lieb-Schultz-Mattis theorem to higher-dimensional spin systems is shown. The physical motivation for the result is that such spin systems typically either have long-range order, in which case there are gapless modes, or have only short-range correlations, in which case there are topological excitations. The result uses a set of loop operators, analogous to those used in gauge theories, defined in terms of the spin operators of the theory. We also obtain various cluster bounds on expectation values for gapped systems. These bounds are used, under the assumption of a gap, to rule out the first case of long-range order, after which we show the existence of a topological excitation. Compared to the ground state, the topologically excited state has, up to a small error, the same expectation values for all operators acting within any local region, but it has a different momentum.
The Spinoza-intoxicated man : Deleuze on expression

That Deleuze’s thought is heavily indebted to Spinoza is a claim that is both obvious and obscure. On the one hand, Deleuze says quite plainly that he is “a Spinozist,” and that Spinoza is for him “the ‘prince’ of philosophers.”1 On the other hand, it is hard to imagine that the thinker of difference and pre-individual singularities could have anything in common with Spinoza, thinker of the one absolutely infinite substance and monist par excellence. One might, under the circumstances, be tempted to divide Deleuze’s books into two groups: those in which he speaks in his own name, such as Difference and Repetition and The Logic of Sense; and those which deal with the history of philosophy, such as Expressionism in Philosophy: Spinoza. But to make such a division would be a mistake. Deleuze’s reading of Spinoza, far from being peripheral to his own thought, is in fact central to it. Indeed, I want to argue here that Deleuze’s ontology of difference cannot be adequately understood outside the context of Expressionism in Philosophy. I intend to show that Difference and Repetition and The Logic of Sense are in large part attempts to articulate an expressionistic ontology, and that they must be read in light of what Deleuze says about expression in his work on Spinoza. Accordingly, what follows is divided into three parts. The first gives an overview of Deleuze’s ontology, and shows that it invokes a tripartite distinction among Being, the virtual, and the actual. Part Two traces this tripartite scheme back to Deleuze’s reading of Spinoza, and fleshes out Deleuze’s claim that it is a necessary part of an expressionistic ontology. And in Part Three, I explain how Deleuze both preserves and modifies the Spinozist scheme in his own work. In doing so, I try to show that Difference and Repetition and The Logic of Sense are attempts “to make substance turn around the modes – in other words, to realize univocity in the form of repetition.”2
On the Coding-Link Cost Tradeoff in Multicast Network Coding

We investigate the issue of the tradeoff between network coding and link usage in multicast network coding. Network coding makes minimum-cost multicast, an NP-complete problem with traditional routing alone, polynomially solvable, but if we consider the network coding capability as a resource, the link cost is actually minimized at the expense of the coding cost. We show that identifying such a tradeoff is NP-hard. For this problem, we propose an evolutionary approach that generalizes our previously proposed algorithms for coding resource optimization. Based on an existing multi-objective genetic algorithm, we develop a novel selection mechanism that utilizes some specific characteristics of the problem. We then show that the algorithm can be implemented in a distributed manner and evaluate the algorithm's performance by performing experiments on several topologies.
Studies of the optical properties of the proflavine–DNA complex

We report studies of the optical properties of the proflavine–DNA complex, using absorbance and circular dichroism spectroscopy. From comparison of the absorption spectra of proflavine complexed with calf thymus and T2 DNA, we conclude that stacking of the dyes external to the double helix is comparatively much weaker with T2 DXA, probably because of its glucosylation. Several sources are found for the circular dichroism induced in proflavine when it is complexed with DNA. There is a relatively weak circular dichroism induced when the dye is infinitely dilute on the DNA lattice; this presumably arises from the environmental asymmetry of the binding site. Stronger circular dichroism effects are induced by interaction of intercalated and stacked dyes; studies with T2 DNA, for which stacking seems to be blocked, permit a tentative resolution of effects due to the two modes of binding. One recurring theme of these studies is the observation that the optical properties are quite dependent on environment. The most dramatic example is a strong variation with salt concentration of the amplitude of the circular dichroism induced in the isolated (intercalated) monomer by the surrounding DNA. This suggests that the structure of the intercalated complex is quite sensitive to external conditions.
Statistical characterization and robust design of RTM processes

Abstract Resin transfer molding (RTM) process has been gaining extensive attention for its capability of producing complex structural parts. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the process. These achievements have resulted in a rapid growth of the number of RTM applications. However, this process is still underutilized relative to its potential. One major barrier is that the reproducibility of the finished parts is often lower than expected. This, in turn, results in high cost of RTM components. In RTM process, major quality problem comes from unbalanced resin flow in mold filling process. Fiber preform permeability is the key parameter influencing the resin flow behavior. On the other hand, due to the variations existed in the raw materials and processing, the preform permeability varies across the regions within a part and from part to part. This variability results in reduced reproducibility of the composite components made by RTM. It is imperative to understand the statistical behavior of the permeability variations of preform in typical RTM processes. In this research, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the statistical property of the typical flow disturbance due to race-tracking in RTM processes. It was found that the ratio of the permeability values caused by race-tracking over average value for a rectangular mold could be represented as Weibull variables. With the statistical analysis results, a robust RTM process design method was introduced and illustrated. This new process design approach can help design RTM processes to be insensitive to preform permeability variations coming from materials and processing. Therefore, high quality composite components can be made consistently.
Formulation and characterization of inhalable magnetic nanocomposite microparticles (MnMs) for targeted pulmonary delivery via spray drying.

Targeted pulmonary delivery facilitates the direct application of bioactive materials to the lungs in a controlled manner and provides an exciting platform for targeting magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to the lungs. Iron oxide MNPs remotely heat in the presence of an alternating magnetic field (AMF) providing unique opportunities for therapeutic applications such as hyperthermia. In this study, spray drying was used to formulate magnetic nanocomposite microparticles (MnMs) consisting of iron oxide MNPs and d-mannitol. The physicochemical properties of these MnMs were evaluated and the in vitro aerosol dispersion performance of the dry powders was measured by the Next Generation Impactor(®). For all powders, the mass median aerosol diameter (MMAD) was 200W/g, and in vitro studies on a human lung cell line indicated moderate cytotoxicity of these materials. These inhalable composites present a class of materials with many potential applications and pose a promising approach for thermal treatment of the lungs through targeted pulmonary administration of MNPs.
Stability of viable lactobacillus products

A study was conducted to determine the viability of three commercially available lactobacillus products in non-medicated and medicated (lincomycin at 110 mg kg−1) feed stored for 3 months in five environments, these being: refrigeration (4°C), ambient temperature (21°C) in a sealed container, ambient temperature in an unsealed container, swine nursery (32°C) in a sealed container, and swine nursery in an unsealed container. Feed samples were counted for lactobacillus at Weeks 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 12, with four replications. The three commercial products differed in stability while they were maintained in teh various environmental conditions. Refrigerated storage prolonged (P < 0.05) stability of all products. Products stored at ambient temperature were more stable than those stored in the nursery (P < 0.05). The lincomycin medication had a slightly adverse effect on the product stability. There was little difference in stability between samples stored in sealed or open containers. These results demonstrate that the stability of viable lactobacillus products can be influenced by storage environment, length of storage and the type of medication in the feed.
Involvement of a Pertussis Toxin-sensitive G Protein in the Mitogenic Signaling Pathways of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate

Sphingosine 1-phosphate, a sphingolipid metabolite, was previously reported to increase DNA synthesis in quiescent Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts and to induce transient increases in intracellular free calcium (Zhang, H., Desai, N. N., Olivera, A., Seki, T., Brooker, G., and Spiegel, S. (1991) J. Cell Biol. 114, 155-167). In the present study, pretreatment of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with pertussis toxin reduced sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced DNA synthesis. Sphingosine 1-phosphate decreased cellular cAMP levels and also caused a drastic decrease in isoproterenol- and forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Pertussis toxin treatment prevented the inhibitory effect of sphingosine 1-phosphate on cAMP accumulation, suggesting that a pertussis toxin-sensitive Gior Gi-like protein may be involved in sphingosine 1-phosphate-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation. Mitogenic concentrations of sphingosine 1-phosphate stimulated production of inositol phosphates which was inhibited by pertussis toxin, while the response to bradykinin was not affected. Furthermore, calcium release induced by sphingosine 1-phosphate, but not by bradykinin, was also attenuated by pertussis toxin treatment. However, sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced phosphatidic acid accumulation was unaffected by pertussis toxin. The increase in specific DNA binding activity of activator protein-1, which was induced by treatment of quiescent Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with sphingosine 1-phosphate, was also inhibited by pertussis toxin. These results suggest that some of the sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced signaling pathways are mediated by G proteins that are substrates for pertussis toxin.
Expression and localization of COL2A1 mRNA and type II collagen in human fetal cochlea

The expression and localization of COL2A1 mRNA and protein was examined in human fetal cochlea to study the role of this gene in hearing and to begin to understand the pathogenesis of mutations in COL2A1 in hearing disorders. Northern blot analysis revealed COL2A1 expression in fetal membranous cochlea to be markedly greater than that in fetal skin, kidney, cartilage, eye and brain. In situ hybridization revealed COL2A1 expression in marrow cells, osteoblasts, fibroblasts and some osteocytes, in addition to chondrocytes in otic capsule. In the membranous cochlea, connective tissue elements (spiral ligament, spiral limbus and modiolar connective tissue), neuronal cells, secretory cells (stria vascularis) and organ of Corti cells (sensory hair cells) were found to express COL2A1. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess distribution of type II collagen and correlation with COL2A1 mRNA in these morphologically and functionally diverse cell populations. In otic capsule, only cartilage was found to stain positively, and in membranous cochlea, only connective tissue structures including spiral ligament, spiral limbus, tectorial and basilar membranes, modiolar and spiral lamina cartilage contained type II collagen. Nonconnective tissue cells, marrow cells and osteoblasts did not contain immunohistochemically identifiable protein. Absence of type II collagen in a subset of cochlear cells may reflect potentially either inability to detect low levels of protein in these cells or posttranscriptional regulation.
Difference between Ishimaru’s and Furutsu’s theories on pulse propagation in discrete random media

There are significant differences between Ishimaru’s theory [ J. Opt. Soc. Am.68, 1045 ( 1978)] and Furutsu’s theory [ J. Opt. Soc. Am.70, 360 ( 1980)] on pulse propagation in discrete random media, although both deal with the same physical problem. In this paper we attempt to clarify the confusion created by the two theories. A simple numerical example is shown to illustrate the difference and the range of validity of the theory. It is shown that if a delta-function pulse is initiated at r = 0 and t = 0 in a discrete random medium, Furutsu’s diffusion theory predicts. that the pulse diffuses instantly and arrives at all points with infinite speed for t > 0; therefore its range of validity is limited to the time interval t ≫ L/C, where L is the propagation distance and C is the velocity of light. Ishimaru’s theory gives a delta-function pulse propagating out at a finite velocity of c/3 followed by a diffusing tail. Therefore Ishimaru’s is not a usual diffusion theory, but it includes both propagation and diffusion, and its range of validity is different from that of the pure diffusion theory. The limitations of both theories are also discussed.
Entropy reduction in open systems

Abstract An example of ordering in an open system is presented within the context of a generalized version of the Onsager and Machlup theory of irreversible thermodynamics. The significance of this example for an understanding of biological ordering processes is discussed.
Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays

Anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays prepared by electrochemical anodization were used to fabricate ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. The devices annealed at 450 degrees C exhibit the highest UV-sensitive photoconductance due to the pure anatase phase of the TiO2. The large surface area and one-dimensional nanostructure of the TiO2 nanotubes lead to great photosensitivity (more than 4 orders of magnitude) and fast response with rise time and decay time of 0.5 and 0.7 s, respectively. High responsivity of 13 A/W is found under 1.06 mW/cm(2) UV (lambda = 312 nm) illumination at 2.5 V bias, which is much higher than those of commercial UV photodetectors. The high responsivity mainly comes from the internal gain induced by the desorption of oxygen from the nanotube surfaces and the reduction of the Schottky barrier at TiO2/Ag contact under UV illumination. The devices are promising for large-area UV photodetctor applications.
The impact of promotions on hotel decision choice: a demographic study.

Proper promotion choice is vital for lodging establishments. Promotions that produce positive results are especially important given the current situation. The double impact of September 11 and a f...
Reliance on God, prayer, and religion reduces influence of perceived norms on drinking.

Objective:Previous research has shown that perceived social norms are among the strongest predictors of drinking among young adults. Research has also consistently found religiousness to be protective against risk and negative health behaviors. The present research evaluates the extent to which reliance on God, prayer, and religion moderates the association between perceived social norms and drinking.Method:Participants (n = 1,124 undergraduate students) completed a cross-sectional survey online, which included measures of perceived norms, religious values, and drinking. Perceived norms were assessed by asking participants their perceptions of typical student drinking. Drinking outcomes included drinks per week, drinking frequency, and typical quantity consumed.Results:Regression analyses indicated that religiousness and perceived norms had significant unique associations in opposite directions for all three drinking outcomes. Significant interactions were evident between religiousness and perceived norms...
Principle-Based Consumption Communities: Exploring the Meanings Derived from Socially Conscious Consumption Practices

This exploratory study examines the consumption behavior of people participating in a wind energy program. The authors use the psychological sense of community as a theoretical grounding for the study because it provides a way to examine socially conscious behaviors not solely as the behaviors of individuals but rather as behaviors within a social context with social meaning. The authors analyze indepth interviews using a hermeneutical approach, and the findings identify a principle-based, consumption community to which the informants felt they belonged. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for marketers, policy makers, and environmental activists.
A new nonhydrolyzable reactive cGMP analogue, (Rp)-guanosine-3′,5′-cyclic-S-(4-bromo-2,3-dioxobutyl)monophosphorothioate, which targets the cGMP binding site of human platelet PDE3A

Abstract The amino acids involved in substrate (cAMP) binding to human platelet cGMP-inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE3A) are identified. Less is known about the inhibitor (cGMP) binding site. We have now synthesized a nonhydrolyzable reactive cGMP analog, Rp-guanosine-3′,5′-cyclic- S -(4-bromo-2, 3-dioxobutyl)monophosphorothioate (Rp-cGMPS-BDB). Rp-cGMPS-BDB irreversibly inactivates PDE3A ( K I = 43.4 ± 7.2 μM and k cart = 0.007 ± 0.0006 min −1 ). The effectiveness of protectants in decreasing the rate of inactivation by Rp-cGMPS-BDB is: Rp-cGMPS ( K d = 72 μM) > Sp-cGMPS (124), Sp-cAMPS (182) > GMP (1517), Rp-cAMPS (3762), AMP (4370 μM). NAD + , neither a substrate nor an inhibitor of PDE3A, does not protect. Nonhydrolyzable cGMP analogs exhibit greater affinity than the cAMP analogs. These results indicate that Rp-cGMPS-BDB targets favorably the cGMP binding site consistent with a docking model of PDE3A-Rp-cGMPS-BDB active site. We conclude that Rp-cGMPS-BDB is an effective active site-directed affinity label for PDE3A with potential for other cGMP-dependent enzymes.
The use of deuterium as a nucleus for locking, shimming, and measuring NMR at high magnetic fields

Abstract The use of deuterated solvents for NMR field-shimming and -locking procedures at magnetic fields corresponding to a proton frequency of 300–400 MHz or higher is evaluated. It is shown that the appearence of quadrupolar splittings and interference of scalar deuterium-deuterium couplings influence lock sensitivity and stability for many deuterated solvents. The influence of self-decoupling on this process and on the detectability of quadrupolar couplings in the deuterium NMR spectrum is also discussed. A list of problematic and suitable lock solvents is presented.
AUDITORY EVOKED RESPONSE COMPARISON DURING COUNTING CLICKS AND READING.

Abstract The shift from a casual task directed away from auditory stimuli to a task requiring a low order of effort directed to the auditory stimuli produced significant changes in the 4 major amplitudes and the total duration of the auditory evoked response.
Effective Group Leadership: Continuing the Search for Greater Clarity and Understanding.

Abstract Four nationally recognized experts in group counseling research, practice, and training present their views of effective group leadership
Comparison of Intramedullary Nailing Versus Plate-Screw Fixation of Extra-Articular Metacarpal Fractures

Purpose To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of metacarpal fractures with those of plate-screw (PS) fixation. Methods Between 2004 and 2006, we treated 52 consecutive closed, displaced, extra-articular metacarpal fractures operatively using 1 of 2 fixation methods: IMN or PS. Patient characteristics, mechanism of injury, pattern of fracture, and preoperative radiographic parameters were similar in both groups. The outcome measures were collected and analyzed:total active motion of the digit and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and radiographic parameters. Results Thirty-eight patients received IMN fixation and 14 patients received PS fixation. Mean follow-up time was 18 weeks in the IMN group and 19 weeks in the PS group. The mean and median total active motion were 237° and 250° for the IMN group, 228° and 248° for the PS group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 9.47 in the IMN group and 8.07 in the PS group. The association between hardware type and fracture location (middle or distal third of metacarpal) was not statistically significant. Time to radiographic healing also did not reach statistical significance between groups. Operative time was significantly shorter with use of the metacarpal nail. Five patients in the IMN group displayed loss of reduction; no failure was observed in the PS group. Conclusions There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes using either technique. Although operative time was shorter in the IMN group than in the PS group, the incidences of loss of reduction, penetration to the metacarpal-phalangeal joint, and secondary surgeries for hardware removal in the operating room were much higher in the IMN group. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Cascade-driven mixing at metal oxide interfaces

Abstract Advanced nuclear fuel concepts sometimes involve metal oxide interfaces between fissile and nonfissile phases. During operation, cascade damage as secondary events from a fission track will occur throughout the material. Some of that damage will take place at the interface between phases. Here we simulate representative secondary events of this nature. As a model system, ongoing experiments consider a composite in which the nonfissile material is magnesia and the fissile phase is modeled via hafnia as a surrogate. In correspondence the experiments, the atomistic simulation cells are composed of hafnia in the fluorite structure and magnesia in the rocksalt structure. Molecular dynamics simulations of cascade damage across interfaces of these materials shows Hf cations becoming kinetically trapped in the magnesia phase. The Hf cations remained trapped for the duration of the 20-ps simulations. When the primary-knock-on atom energy is above a few hundred eV in the direction of the interface and is within five lattice spacings, the propensity for trapping is very high. Under these same conditions, an Mg cation will occasionally become trapped in the hafnia. Complementary electronic structure calculations indicate that Hf cations are thermodynamically unstable in magnesia. Furthermore, these calculations indicate that the charge on the Hf ions reduces by one electron if no compensating defect is present, but reverts to the charge in HfO2 bulk in the presence of a defect such as an oxygen interstitial. Extensions of these observations to the behavior of urania and ceria are mentioned.
Power Optimization in the STAR-LM Modular Natural Convection Reactor System

STAR-LM is a modular, factory-fabricated, overland transportable, proliferation resistant, autonomous load following, and passively safe liquid metal-cooled fast reactor system that utilizes inert lead-bismuth eutectic coolant combined with 100+% natural circulation heat transport to achieve radial design simplification, enhanced reliability, and cost savings. STAR-LM has the potential to meet all of the U.S.DOE Generation IV goals of sustainable energy development, safety and reliability, and economics. Previous development of STAR-LM resulted in a 300 MWt modular pool type reactor in which modular steam generators are immersed directly inside the primary coolant and the core is part of a reactor module/flow-thru fuel cartridge that provides no access to fuel during the core lifetime. Recent concept development has focused on raising the power achievable in a small module size based on preserving key criteria for: i) full spectrum of modes of module transport from factory to site (including rail transport); ii) ultralong core cartridge lifetime; iii) 100% natural circulation heat transport; and iv) coolant and cladding peak temperatures well within the existing (mainly Russian) database for lead-bismuth eutectic coolant and ferritic steel core materials. For example, natural circulation is found to be capable of transporting 400 MWt in a fully transportable module size with 15 year core life (at 100% capacity factor;100,000 MWd/tonne average burnup; 1.5 peaking factor) with a core outlet temperature of 489 C, peak cladding inner surface temperature of 580 C, and steam outlet superheat of 82 C at 10 MPa.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Formation of RNA and protein in cells infected with standard and defective Sindbis virus.

Our studies on the formation of Sindbis virus proteins have established that: 1. one of the two envelope proteins (E2) accumulates in infected cells as a higher molecular weight precursor that is slowly converted to the virion protein; 2. the large protein (mol. wt ≧ 130000 daltons), that accumulates in cells infected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of Sindbis virus contains sequences of the three virion proteins; and 3. the protein (mol. wt. ≧ 100000 daltons) isolated from BHK cells infected with Sindbis virus is related in sequence to the two envelope proteins. We have investigated the formation of defective-interfering (DI) particles of Sindbis virus and their ability to inhibit the replication of standard virus. BHK cells infected with passages of Sindbis virus containing DI particles accumulate a species of RNA (20S) that is about half the molecular weight of the 26S RNA. We have demonstrated by competitive hybridization experiments that 20S RNA contains half the sequences of 26S RNA. We also present evidence that in contrast to 26S RNA, 20S does not bind to polysomesin vivo and is not translatedin vitro.
Modeling high-resolution spatiotemporal land-use data

Abstract Spatiotemporal land-use data offer the potential to improve our understanding of the past as well as enhance our ability to manage land and plan for the future. Although there is a need for spatiotemporal data in decision making, local governments often do not have or even do not see the need for these data. This paper addresses these information gaps by both presenting and testing a model that outputs annual parcel-level land-use data based on a single year’s cadastral layer and demonstrating the policy relevance of model outputs. Spatiotemporal data are modeled from an attribute recording date of building construction associated with parcels and a small number of straightforward transition rules. Model validation is demonstrated with an error analysis of estimated land-use transitions indicating accurate results over the time period of the modeling. The policy relevance of the modeling is demonstrated by incorporating spatiotemporal data outputs into the evaluation of local government goals, objectives and policy as articulated in a comprehensive plan. The value of the model lies in its explanatory power, simplicity, and potential to address local government issues with both spatial and temporal dimensions.
Toxicity of inhaled chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene) in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice

Chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene) is a high production chemical used almost exclusively in the production of polychloroprene (neoprene) elastomer. Because of its structural similarity to isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) and to 1,3-butadiene, a potent trans-species carcinogen, inhalation studies were performed on chloroprene to characterize its toxicological potential and to provide a basis for selecting exposure concentrations for chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies. Thirteen-week inhalation toxicology studies were conducted in male and female F344 rats and B6C3F(1) mice at exposure concentrations of 0, 5, 12, 32 or 80 ppm (6 h/day; 5 days/week). A 200 ppm exposure group was also included for rats only, because a previous study showed that this concentration of chloroprene is lethal to mice. In mice, exposure to 80 ppm chloroprene caused a marginal decrease in body weight gain in males and epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach in males and females. This lesion has been observed in mice exposed to isoprene or 1,3-butadiene. In rats, exposure to 80 ppm chloroprene or higher concentrations caused degeneration and metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium and exposure to 200 ppm caused anemia, hepatocellular necrosis and reduced sperm motility. These lesions have not been observed in rats exposed to isoprene or 1,3-butadiene. The profile of toxic effects of chloroprene is considerably different from that of isoprene or 1,3-butadiene; this may be due to differences in exposure concentrations that were used in toxicology studies of these compounds and /or to the influence of the chlorine substitution on the toxicokinetics of these compounds, on their biotransformation, or on the reactivity of metabolic intermediates with tissue macromolecules.