cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A modified GMDH approach for social science research: exploring patterns of relationships in the data

Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) is a way with which a system of models self-organize themselves by forming higher-order polynomials and selecting the ones with best power of prediction by certain criterion. This method is helpful when we explore patterns of relationships in the data under investigation. In this paper the author presents a modified version of the GMDH algorithm emphasizing the parsimony of models and the behavior of individual parameter estimates as well as of the whole model, and utilizing the consistency and accuracy of bootstrap estimates. This approach is suitable for most research social scientists conduct. An example, the 1907 Romanian Peasant Rebellion, is used to illustrate how to employ the GMDH algorithm when the research topic has been theory-laden. The findings show that GMDH is an appropriate method that social scientists can utilize in their pursuit of a model that is most parsimonious and theoretically meaningful at the same time. Possible extensions of the modified approach, which in its present form works on linear regression type of models, to logit and probit models are also considered.
Spectral linewidth broadening from pair fluctuations in a frozen Rydberg gas

Spectral linewidth broadening in Rydberg gases, a phenomenon previously attributed to the many-body effect, was observed experimentally almost a decade ago. The observed linewidth was typically 80--100 times larger than the average interaction strength predicted from a binary interaction. The interpretation of such a phenomenon is usually based on the so-called diffusion model, where the linewidth broadening mostly originates from the diffusion of excitations. We present a model calculation to show that diffusion is not the main mechanism of the linewidth broadening. We find that the rare pair fluctuation at small separation is the dominant factor contributing to this broadening. Our results give a width of about 20--30 times larger than the average interaction strength. More importantly, by turning off the diffusion process, we do not observe an order-of-magnitude change in the spectral linewidth.
The U.S. presidential election and the Bush v. Gore supreme court decision

The 2000 presidential election produced over two dozen different law suits including two separate decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. The purpose of this essay is to examine the most important of these decisions, George W. Bush v. Albert Gore, Jr., highlighting its logic and geographic implications
Ethnic Microaggressions and the Depressive and Somatic Symptoms of Latino and Asian American Adolescents

Ethnic microaggressions are a form of everyday, interpersonal discrimination that are ambiguous and difficult to recognize as discrimination. This study examined the frequency and impact of microaggressions among Latino (n = 247) and Asian American (n = 113) adolescents (Mage = 17.18, SD = .75; 57 % girls). Latino adolescents reported more frequent microaggressions that dismiss their realities of discrimination and microaggressions characterized by treatment as a second class citizen than Asian Americans, but similar levels of microaggressions that highlight differences or foreignness. There were no ethnic differences in the extent to which adolescents were bothered by microaggressions. Moreover, even supposedly innocuous forms of discrimination are associated with elevated levels of anxiety, anger, and stress, which may increase feelings of depression and sickness. Microaggressions should be recognized as subtle discrimination that send messages about group status and devaluation, and similar to overt discrimination, can evoke powerful emotional reactions and may affect mental health.
Depressive symptoms among young breast cancer survivors: the importance of reproductive concerns

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can negatively impact fertility in premenopausal women and influence reproductive planning. This study investigates whether concerns about reproduction after breast cancer treatment were associated with long-term depressive symptoms. Participants include 131 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at age 40 or younger participating in the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Survivorship Study. Participants were enrolled an average of 1.5 years postdiagnosis and depressive symptoms were monitored 6 times throughout the average additional 10 year follow-up period. Detailed recall of reproductive concerns after treatment was collected an average of 12 years postdiagnosis. Multilevel regression was used to evaluate whether mean long-term depressive symptoms differed as a function of reproductive concerns and significant covariates. Multilevel regression identified greater recalled reproductive concerns as an independent predictor of consistent depressive symptoms after controlling for both social support and physical health (B = 0.02, SE = 0.01, P = 0.04). In bivariate analyses, being nulliparous at diagnosis and reporting treatment-related ovarian damage were both strongly associated with higher reproductive concerns and with depressive symptoms. Reported reproductive concerns after breast cancer treatment were a significant contributor to consistent depressive symptoms. Younger survivors would benefit from additional information and support related to reproductive issues.
Deletional Tolerance Mediated by Extrathymic Aire-Expressing Cells

The prevention of autoimmunity requires the elimination of self-reactive T cells during their development and maturation. The expression of diverse self-antigens by stromal cells in the thymus is essential to this process and depends, in part, on the activity of the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene. Here we report the identification of extrathymic Aire-expressing cells (eTACs) resident within the secondary lymphoid organs. These stromally derived eTACs express a diverse array of distinct self-antigens and are capable of interacting with and deleting naive autoreactive T cells. Using two-photon microscopy, we observed stable antigen-specific interactions between eTACs and autoreactive T cells. We propose that such a secondary network of self-antigen-expressing stromal cells may help reinforce immune tolerance by preventing the maturation of autoreactive T cells that escape thymic negative selection.
Improving efficiency of data-intensive applications in goal-oriented adaptive computer systems

An accurate use of the ability to steer computer efficiency is essential from the database point of view. Effective resource allocation is dependent on the performance indicators gathered from running systems. There must be an appropriate balance between accurate measurements, performance indicators and speed of the reallocation algorithms of the computing resources. The extended measurement of efficiency which the authors propose for applications is: the average number of queries within a time unit for particular groups of users. This paper presents an analysis of using the Workload Manager utility in the AIX 5L operating system to improve the efficiency of applications in the MySQL database environment, and an analysis of methods which allows the use of Workload Manager for steering efficiency dynamically.
Acoustic-microscopy measurements of the elastic properties of TiN/(VxNb1-x)N superlattices.

The elastic constants of (${\mathrm{V}}_{0.6}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.4}$)N and (${\mathrm{V}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.7}$)N films have been determined from anisotropic surface acoustic wave (SAW) dispersion data measured by line-focus acoustic microscopy. Using the acoustic microscope, measurements of SAW velocities have also been carried out on the TiN/(${\mathrm{V}}_{0.6}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.4}$)N (001) and TiN/(${\mathrm{V}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.7}$)N (001) and (111) superlattice films, all grown on cubic-crystalline MgO substrates. The phase velocities, measured as functions of the angle of propagation, display the expected anisotropic natures of (001) and (111) cubic symmetries. Dispersion curves of SAW's propagating along the symmetry axes have been obtained by measuring wave velocities for various film thicknesses and frequencies. From the elastic constants of homogeneous TiN, (${\mathrm{V}}_{0.6}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.4}$)N, and (${\mathrm{V}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.7}$)N films, the effective elastic constants of TiN/(${\mathrm{V}}_{0.6}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.4}$)N and TiN/(${\mathrm{V}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.7}$)N superlattice films and the corresponding phase velocities of SAW's have been calculated. The calculated dispersion curves show very good agreement with the experimental results. The dependence of the elastic properties of the superlattices on the TiN fraction, on the superlattice period, and on the crystallographic orientation has been investigated. The results show no elastic anomalies within measurement errors, indicating that previously reported hardness enhancements were not related to elastic property changes.
Scanning Transmission X-Ray Microscopic Study of Carbonated Calcium Silicate Hydrate

Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) is the main hydration product of portland cement. Studying the structural and chemical decomposition of C-S-H after carbonation is critical for determining the durability and serviceability of concrete. Recent studies showed that the mechanical properties are likely to be enhanced when mineral admixtures and polymers are introduced. So far, no molecular-level studies have been conducted on carbonated C-S-H material to clarify these effects. In this research, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) is used to study C-S-H modified with two organic polymers (hexadecyltrimethylammonium and polyethylene glycol 200) and exposed to different reaction times with CO2. STXM uses light in the soft X-ray region where a number of atomic resonances are present. By tuning the X-ray energies to a certain absorption edge, elemental and chemical identification was performed. The energy of the X-rays was tuned to the C K-edge, Ca L2,3-edge, and Si K-edge. Detailed images were also reco...
High regulatory gene use in sea urchin embryogenesis: Implications for bilaterian development and evolution

A global scan of transcription factor usage in the sea urchin embryo was carried out in the context of the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus genome sequencing project, and results from six individual studies are here considered. Transcript prevalence data were obtained for over 280 regulatory genes encoding sequence-specific transcription factors of every known family, but excluding genes encoding zinc finger proteins. This is a statistically inclusive proxy for the total “regulome” of the sea urchin genome. Close to 80% of the regulome is expressed at significant levels by the late gastrula stage. Most regulatory genes must be used repeatedly for different functions as development progresses. An evolutionary implication is that animal complexity at the stage when the regulome first evolved was far simpler than even the last common bilaterian ancestor, and is thus of deep antiquity.
The role of home literacy practices in preschool children's language and emergent literacy skills.

This study examined how 4 specific measures of home literacy practices (i.e., shared book reading frequency, maternal book reading strategies, child's enjoyment of reading, and maternal sensitivity...
Delay of Gratification: Mothers' Predictions About Four Attentional Techniques

Mothers' predictions about the ability of their own children to delay gratification using different techniques were investigated. Fifty-one mothers of children 4 to 6 years old were asked to evaluate distraction, thinking about the incentive, tasting the incentive, and a control. These conditions were derived from the research of Mischel and his associates (1974), who demonstrated the effectiveness of distraction in aiding children's delay behavior. Parents were predicted to expect delay to be enhanced by the distraction technique and hampered by the thinking about the incentive and tasting the incentive techniques, with the latter being the least effective. Contrary to our predictions, mothers failed to predict effectiveness of distraction compared with the two incentive-focused techniques. Reasons are advanced for more research on parents' knowledge and valuing of metacognitive strategies appropriate for their children.
Purification and properties of phosphoserine aminotransferase from bovine liver

Abstract l -Phosphoserine aminotransferase was purified from bovine liver to apparent homogeneity as judged by nondenaturing and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, analytical ultracentrifugation, and immunochemical analysis. The purification procedure described involves the specific elution of the enzyme from Cibacron blue-agarose by micromolar concentrations of its substrate, phosphohydroxypyruvate. The purified enzyme had a specific activity of approximately 13 μmol of phosphohydroxypyruvate formed min−1 mg−1 of protein at 38 °C. Determinations of the native molecular weight and the subunit molecular weight indicated that the phosphoserine aminotransferase from bovine liver was a dimer composed of two subunits with identical molecular Weights of 43,000.
THE GENERAL, ELECTRIC TURBO-SUPERCHARGER FOR AIRPLANES

Dr. Moss, who developed the General Electric turbo-supercharger, compares the device with others intended for the same purpose and with supercharging engines. He then explains the design of the General Electric supercharger, and narrates the very interesting history of its development which includes a series of tests on Pike's Peak and also in flight. There is also included a very graphic description of the instruments and method of calculation employed in accurately measuring airplane altitude. The author concludes his article with a description of the performance of the supercharger.–Editor.
Further serological analysis of the qa antigens. Analysis of an anti-h-2.28 Serum.

Further serological analyses of the tissue and strain distributions for the Qa-2 antigens indicate that this locus should be subdivided into two loci,Qa-2 andQa-3. TheQa-2 locus determines a lymphocyte alloantigen which is present predominantly on Thy-1+ cells. The lymphocyte alloantigen determined by theQa-3 locus is more limited in its tissue distribution and appears only on lymph node and splenic lymphocytes. Testing of anti-H-2.28 sera has revealed that at least one anti-H-2.28 serum contains anti-Qa-2 and/or anti-Qa-3 activity.
Dislocation Nucleation from a Surface CUSP

Theoretical and experimental studies have suggested that surface roughness may significantly enhance the nucleation of misfit dislocations in a strained heteroepitaxial film, especially in view of a stress-induced roughening instability which tends to form cusp-like stress singularities along the film surface. In this paper, the process of dislocation nucleation is perceived as a single, dislocation emerging from a gradually sharpening surface groove. An analysis similar to the Rice-Thomson model for dislocation nucleation from a crack tip is carried out to determine the nucleation condition in terms of the depth and curvature of the surface groove. Specific applications are made to Si1 −xGex alloy films on Si(100) substrates.
Need and Citizenship after Disaster

AbstractThis paper analyzes the delivery of assistance for displaced people after Hurricane Katrina. Assistance can be understood as part of social welfare assistance in the United States. It is part of the social welfare apparatus in structure, and in how recipients experienced it. The “top tier” of social welfare assistance is available on the basis of claims that a person has worked and contributed to the American economy. However, displacement rather than the work of citizens was the point of access to assistance after Hurricane Katrina. Although humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons has an international grounding, citizenship was central to evacuees’ understanding of why they merited decent treatment. The term “internally displaced person” was not in widespread use, and to receive assistance as a refugee implied being treated disrespectfully. Although for recipients citizenship was key to assistance, analyses of migration are illuminating in (1) the delivery of casework services, w...
Glass and polymeric membrane electrodes for the measurement of pH in milk and cheese

Abstract While there is a considerable interest in the food industry in determining various analytes using ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), only few reports describe their use for direct measurements in food. In this study, the suitability of glass electrodes and ionophore-based solvent polymeric ISEs for the determination of pH in Process cheese, Cheddar cheese and milk was investigated. The liquid junction potential between a 3 M KCl bridge electrolyte and diluted as well as undiluted Process cheese was found to be negligible. Reference electrodes with ceramic plug and sleeve-type junctions performed well, although precautions needed to be taken to prevent plugging at the junctions. While the protein rennet casein posed no problems in pH measurements, the extraction of neutral lipophilic compounds or hydrophobic peptides into solvent polymeric membranes was evident, resulting in some loss of selectivity for monovalent cations upon exposure to cheese. However, it was found that ISEs based on tridodecylamine (R 3 N) as ionophore and o -nitrophenyl octyl ether (oNPOE) as plasticizer can be used to accurately measure the pH of milk and, after desensitization of the electrodes in a cheese emulsion, of diluted Process cheese. Since pH measurements with a glass electrode showed that emulsions of cheese moderately diluted to a cheese content of 70% have the same pH as undiluted cheeses, it is possible to determine the pH in cheese with ionophore-based ISEs. R 3 N membranes also performed well in undiluted milk.
Health literacy and the quality of physician-patient communication during hospitalization

BACKGROUND: Overall, poor physician-patient communication is related to post-discharge adverse events and readmission. We analyzed patients' ratings of the quality of physician-patient communication during hospitalization and how this varies by health literacy. METHODS: Medical patients were interviewed during their hospitalization to assess personal characteristics and health literacy. After discharge, patients completed by telephone the 27-item Interpersonal Processes of Care in Diverse Populations Questionnaire (IPC). Using the IPC, patients rated the clarity and quality of physicians' communication during the hospitalization along the following 8 domains: General clarity, Responsiveness to patient concerns, Explanation of patients' problems, Explanation of processes of care, Explanation of self-care after discharge, Empowerment, Decision making, and Consideration of patients' desire and ability to comply with recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients completed both the in-hospital and telephone interviews. Subjects had a mean age of 55, and 44% had inadequate health literacy. Overall, patients gave the poorest ratings to communication that related to Consideration of patients' desire and ability to comply with recommendations. Patients with inadequate health literacy gave significantly worse ratings on the domains of General clarity, Responsiveness to patient concerns, and Explanation of processes of care (P < 0.05 for each). In multivariable analyses, the relationship with General clarity did not persist. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians received relatively poor ratings on their Consideration of patients' desire and ability to comply with recommendations. Patients with inadequate health literacy experienced lower quality and clarity of hospital communication along multiple domains. More attention to effective health communication is warranted in the hospital setting. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:269–275. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
A generalized radar scattering model for multispecies forests with multilayer subsurface soil

A generalized radar scattering model to predict backscattering for different frequencies and polarizations is crucial in the endeavor to understand the relationship between radar measurement and properties of both the vegetation and soil, and for allowing the estimation of both vegetation and soil information from radar data. In this work, we develop a combined radar scattering model of vegetation and multilayered soil structure to represent realistic soils with multiple layers of various textures, depths, and moisture contents. A multilayered soil scattering model based on first order small perturbation method (SPM) is integrated [1] to account for direct ground scattering. Furthermore, the coherent interaction between the vegetation and layered ground is included using a recently developed model based on the Kirchhoff approximation [2].
The distribution and adsorption behavior of aliphatic amines in marine and lacustrine sediments

Abstract The methylated amines—monomethyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl amine (MMA, DMA, TMA)—are commonly found in aquatic environments, apparently as a result of decomposition processes. Adsorption of these amines to clay minerals and organic matter significantly influences their distribution in sediments. Laboratory measurements using 14C-radiolabelled amines and application of a linear partitioning model resulted in calculated adsorption coefficients of 2.4–4.7 (MMA), 3.3 (DMA), and 3.3–4.1 (TMA). Further studies showed that adsorption of amines is influenced by salinity of the porewaters, and clay mineral and organic matter content of the sediment solid phase. Concentrations of monomethyl- and dimethyl amine were measured in the porewaters and the solid phase of sediment samples collected from Flax Pond and Lake Ronkonkoma (NY), Long Island Sound, and the coastal Peru upwelling area. These two amines were present in all sediments investigated. A clear seasonal increase in the solid-phase concentration of MMA and DMA in Flax Pond sediments was likely related to the annual senescence of salt marsh grasses, either directly as a source of these compounds or indirectly by providing additional exchange capacity to the sediments. The distribution of amines in the solid and dissolved phases observed in all sediments investigated suggests that the distribution of these compounds results from a balance among production, decomposition, and adsorption processes.
Effect of synthesis temperature on characteristics of PNIPAM/alginate IPN hydrogel beads

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/alginate interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel beads (IPN beads) were prepared via modified inverse emulsion polymerization, and the effect of the synthesis temperature on the characteristics of the IPN beads was investigated. Varying the synthesis temperature from 10 to 40°C led to slight differences in the FTIR and elemental analysis results, whereas significant differences in optical color, thermoresponsive behavior, and release properties of vitamin B12 were observed. The IPN beads prepared at low temperature were transparent and exhibited a large and drastic thermoresponsive volume change. On the other hand, the IPN beads prepared at high temperature were opaque and exhibited a small and gradual thermoresponsive volume change. In addition, the diffusion coefficient in the IPN beads prepared at 10°C decreased with increasing solution temperature, whereas the diffusion coefficient in IPN beads prepared at 40°C increased with increasing solution temperature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41814.
Nonparametric Comparison for Multivariate Panel Count Data.

Multivariate panel count data often occur when there exist several related recurrent events or response variables defined by occurrences of related events. For univariate panel count data, several nonparametric treatment comparison procedures have been developed. However, it does not seem to exist a nonparametric procedure for multivariate cases. Based on differences between estimated mean functions, this article proposes a class of nonparametric test procedures for multivariate panel count data. The asymptotic distribution of the new test statistics is established and a simulation study is conducted. Moreover, the new procedures are applied to a skin cancer problem that motivated this study.
Pyruvate/Air Enzymatic Biofuel Cell Capable of Complete Oxidation

Most enzymatic biofuel cells contain bioanodes with single enzymes to partially oxidize biofuels. This is ideal for implantable devices, but two-electron oxidation of fuels limits energy density for portable power applications. This article details the development of enzymatic bioanodes for complete oxidation of pyruvate, where the bioanode contains the enzymes of the Kreb's cycle, therefore maximizing the energy density. Although pyruvate has not been employed as a fuel for enzymatic biofuel cells in the literature, it has been employed as a fuel for mitochondrial biofuel cells. In this article, we observe 4.6-fold power density increases using individual Kreb's cycle enzymes compared to the intact mitochondria.
Fibroblast Contractility without an Increase in Basal Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation in Wild Type Cells and Cells Expressing the Catalytic Domain of Myosin Light Chain Kinase

Abstract We investigated the role of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation (MLC-P) in non-muscle contractility by comparing MLC-P and the contractile properties of wild type 3T3 fibroblasts and 3T3 fibroblasts expressing the catalytic domain of myosin light chain kinase (tMK). MLC-P is 0.96 mol of PO4/mol of MLC in cells expressing tMK compared to 0.20 mol of PO4/mol of MLC in control cells. Expressing tMK also results in a 2-fold increase in cortical stiffness compared to control cells. Contractile properties were quantified by growing wild type and transfected fibroblasts in collagen and attaching the ensuing fibers to an apparatus for performing mechanical measurements. Serum stimulation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in force with maximal force generated in the presence of 30% (v/v) serum. Surprisingly, MLC-P did not increase in wild type cells following stimulation with 30% serum, and tMK expression did not affect the contractile properties of fibers made from these cells. Moreover, the dose responses to serum, maximal force, force-velocity relationships, and dynamic stiffness were similar in the wild type cells and fibroblasts expressing tMK. These data demonstrate that non-muscle cells can generate force without an increase in MLC-P, and that an increase in MLC-P does not affect the contractile properties of fibroblast fibers.
Resistance to frogeye leaf spot in maturity groups VI and VII of soybean germplasm

Frogeye leaf spot (FLS) (caused by Cercospora sojina Hara) is an important foliar disease in many soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production areas of the world. It can cause severe yield losses, but can be completely managed with genetic resistance. Three dominant genes for resistance have been reported. However, the fungus is known to be genetically variable, and in the past, new races have developed that were capable of infecting previously resistant genotypes. Finding additional sources of resistance may reduce the impact of new virulen races. The objective of this study was to evaluate all available soybean plant introductions in maturity groups VI and VII for resistance to FLS, Plants were inoculated with C-32, an isolate of C. sojina, in the greenhouse. Genotypes were rated on a scale of 0 to 6 on the basis of percent leaf area infected with lesions. Six hundred sixty (39.3%) of the accessions received a rating of 3 or lower, and were identified as resistant. Twelve accessions remained completely disease free after repeated inoculation, thus were considered highly resistant or immune. There appears to be adequate resistance to FLS within the germplasm collection, and many of these may have unique resistance genes.
A facile, low-cost synthesis of high-performance silicon-based composite anodes with high tap density for lithium-ion batteries

Micro-sized carbon-coated Si-based composites have been developed by a simple mechanochemical reaction between SiO, Ni, and Al, followed by an additional milling process with graphite. The resultant carbon-coated Si-based composite exhibits a reversible capacity of over 580 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles with a considerably higher tap density of ∼1.34 g cm−3 compared to nanosized Si (∼0.16 g cm−3). The improvement in the electrochemical performance is achieved due to both highly conductive NiSi2 nanoinclusions and amorphous Al2O3 buffer matrix in the composite. Upon cycling, the multifunctional NiSi2 phase not only provides enhanced electronic conductivity but also suppresses the formation of crystalline Li15Si4 that causes an inhomogeneous volume change. Simultaneously, amorphous Al2O3 plays a crucial role in maintaining particle connectivity by impeding the agglomeration of active Si nanocrystallites. The combination of these advantages with a low-cost, scalable, and environmentally benign synthetic process make the Si-based composite a promising alternative anode for high performance Li-ion batteries.
Novel benzodiazepine photoaffinity probe stereoselectively labels a site deep within the membrane-spanning domain of the cholecystokinin receptor

An understanding of the molecular basis of drug action provides opportunities for refinement of drug properties and for development of more potent and selective molecules that act at the same biological target. In this work, we have identified the active enantiomers in racemic mixtures of structurally related benzophenone derivatives of 1,5-benzodiazepines, representing both antagonist and agonist ligands of the type A cholecystokinin receptor. The parent compounds of the 1,5-benzodiazepine CCK receptor photoaffinity ligands were originally prepared in an effort to develop orally active drugs. The enantiomeric compounds reported in this study selectively photoaffinity-labeled the CCK receptor, resulting in the identification of a site of attachment for the photolabile moiety of the antagonist probe deep within the receptor's membrane-spanning region at Leu(88), a residue within transmembrane segment two. In contrast, the agonist probe labeled a region including extracellular loop one and a portion of transmembrane segment three. The antagonist covalent attachment site to the receptor served as a guide in the construction of theoretical three-dimensional molecular models for the antagonist-receptor complex. These models provided a means for visualization of physically plausible ligand-receptor interactions in the context of all currently available biological data that address small molecule interactions with the CCK receptor. Our approach, featuring the use of novel photolabile compounds targeting the membrane-spanning receptor domain to probe the binding site region, introduces powerful tools and a strategy for direct and selective investigation of nonpeptidyl ligand binding to peptide receptors.
Simvastatin attenuates microglial cells and astrocyte activation and decreases interleukin-1beta level after traumatic brain injury.

Objective Our previous studies demonstrated that simvastatin promotes neurological functional recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rat; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of simvastatin by measuring the level of cytokines and activation of glial cells. Methods Controlled cortical impact injury was performed in adult male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, saline control group, and simvastatin treatment group. Simvastatin was administered orally starting at day 1 after TBI until animals were killed at days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 35 after treatment. Functional outcome was measured using modified neurological severity scores. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical staining were used to measure the expression of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and to identify activated microglial cells and astrocytes. Results At days 1 and 3 after simvastatin or saline treatment, cytokine levels in the lesion boundary zone were significantly higher in the simvastatin- and saline-treated rats compared with the sham group, peaking at day 3. Simvastatin only reduced the level of IL-1beta but not IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, compared with the saline group. Also, simvastatin significantly reduced the number of activated microglial cells and astrocytes compared with the saline control animals. There was also a trend toward improvement of modified neurological severity score, reaching statistical significance (P = 0.003) toward the end of the trial. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that TBI causes inflammatory reaction, including increased levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as activated microglial cells. Simvastatin selectively reduces IL-1beta expression and inhibits the activation of microglial cells and astrocytes after TBI, which might be one of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits of simvastatin treatment of TBI.
Marijuana: Respiratory Tract Effects

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug of abuse in the USA. It is commonly abused through inhalation and therefore has effects on the lung that are similar to tobacco smoke, including increased cough, sputum production, hyperinflation, and upper lobe emphysematous changes. However, at this time, it does not appear that marijuana smoke contributes to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Marijuana can have multiple physiologic effects such as tachycardia, peripheral vasodilatation, behavioral and emotional changes, and possible prolonged cognitive impairment. The carcinogenic effects of marijuana are unclear at this time. Studies are mixed on the ability of marijuana smoke to increase the risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and cervical cancer. Some studies show that marijuana is protective for development of malignancy. Marijuana smoke has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the immune system. Components of cannabis are under investigation as treatment for autoimmune diseases and malignancy. As marijuana becomes legalized in many states for medical and recreational use, other forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been developed, such as food products and beverages. As most research on marijuana at this time has been on whole marijuana smoke, rather than THC, it is difficult to determine if the currently available data is applicable to these newer products.
Organization of inhibitory feed-forward synapses from the dorsal to the ventral cochlear nucleus in the cat: a quantitative analysis of endings by vesicle morphology

The main ascending, excitatory pathway from the cochlea undergoes synaptic interruption in the dorsal and ventral cochlear nuclei. The dorsal cochlear nucleus also forms a feed-forward circuit, which receives cochlear input and projects to the ventral cochlear nucleus by a tuberculo-ventral tract. This circuit may provide an inhibitory fringe (side bands) surrounding the center bands of the main ascending pathway. Biotinylated dextran injections into the dorsal cochlear nucleus anterogradely labeled the tuberculo-ventral tract and its endings in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus but also retrogradely filled cochlear nerve fibers and their terminals in the same regions. To distinguish tuberculo-ventral from cochlear nerve terminals, we used electron microscopy of the immunolabeled endings. Images were digitized and filter-enhanced, and the sizes and shapes of synaptic vesicles were used to construct quantitative profiles of the terminal types. The cochlear nerve endbulbs mapped to the same iso-frequency band of the injection site (main band). Flanking the main band were smaller labeled endings. About 45% of labeled terminals were pleomorphic and equally represented in the main band and side bands. Therefore, if there is an inhibitory fringe in the main projection pathway, it was not selective for tuberculo-ventral tract endings. Surprisingly, an excitatory category of round vesicles of intermediate size was labeled in the main band but not in the side bands. These intermediate endings may balance the feed-forward inhibition from the tuberculo-ventral tract. The quantitative method devised for classification of ending types by their vesicle profiles should be a generally useful tool for analysis.
Temporal polyethism in incipient colonies of the primitive termite Zootermopsis angusticollis: a single multiage caste

Division of labor was studied in incipient colonies of the dampwood termite Zootermopsis angusticollisby recording repertoire size, behavior frequencies, and time budgets of larvae. Behavioral repertoire size increased with age: first- and secondinstar larvae were mainly inactive, whereas larvae of the third through seventh instars performed 64–100% of all tasks. The increase in repertoire size from the second to the third instar was abrupt; repertoire size and composition remained more or less constant for older instars. No correlation between age (instars III–VII) and tasks was identified, suggesting that colony labor is performed by a single functional caste that spans the third to the seventh instar without any age-based division of labor. Small colony size, low oviposition rate, simple nest architecture, a lack of spatial association of tasks, and the potential for attaining reproductive status appear to be associated with the lack of age-related behavioral specialization in Z. angusticollis.In effect, the absence of temporal polyethism in this species is likely a consequence of its nesting habits and physiological and developmental constraints.
Manufacturing competitive priorities and productivity: an empirical study

Compares and contrasts the competitive priorities (manufacturing capabilities) of high‐ and low‐productivity firms, from the perspective of the cumulative model for manufacturing competitiveness by using various statistical tests. Contends that the analysis of 561 firms worldwide demonstrates clearly differences in manufacturing strategy between the two productivity subsets, one of which is that better performing firms are the more likely to address multiple capabilities simultaneously; another is that these firms appear to have the more clearly defined competitive strategies. The high‐productivity firms are thus more supportive than are the low‐productivity firms of the cumulative model. Also discusses other findings.
Telencephalic progenitors maintain anteroposterior identities cell autonomously

Grafting experiments have demonstrated that determination of anteroposterior (AP) identity is an early step in neural patterning that precedes dorsoventral (DV) specification [1,2]. These studies used pieces of tissue, however, rather than individual cells to address this question. It thus remains unclear whether the maintenance of AP identity is a cell-autonomous property or a result of signaling between cells within the grafted tissue. Previously, we and others [3-5] have used transplants of dissociated brain cells to show that individual telencephalic precursor cells can adopt host-specific DV identities when they integrate within novel regions of the telencephalon. We have now undertaken a set of transplantations during the same mid-neurogenic period used in the previous studies to assess the ability of telencephalic progenitors to integrate and differentiate into more posterior regions of the neuraxis. We observed that telencephalic progenitors were capable of integrating and migrating within different AP levels of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite this, we found that telencephalic progenitors that integrated within the diencephalon and the mesencephalon continued to express a telencephalic marker until adulthood. We speculate that during neurogenesis individual progenitors are determined in terms of their AP but not their DV identity. Hence, AP identity is maintained cell autonomously within individual progenitors.
Macroalgal blooms in shallow estuaries: Controls and ecophysiological and ecosystem consequences

Macroalgal blooms are produced by nutrient enrichment of estuaries in which the sea floor lies within the photic zone. We review features of macroalgal blooms pointed out in recent literature and summarize work done in the Waquoit Bay Land Margin Ecosystems Research project which suggests that nutrient loads, water residence times, presence of fringing salt marshes, and grazing affect macroalgal blooms. Increases in nitrogen supply raise macroalgal N uptake rates, N contents of tissues, photosynthesis-irradiance curves and P max , and accelerate growth of fronds. The resulting increase in macroalgal biomass is the macroalgal bloom, which can displace other estuarine producers. Fringing marshes and brief water residence impair the intensity of macroalgal blooms. Grazing pressure may control blooms of palatable macroalgae, but only at lower N loading rates. Macroalgal blooms end when growth of the phytoplankton attenuates irradiation reaching the bottom. In estuaries with brief water residence times, phytoplankton may not have enough time to grow and shade macrophytes. High phytoplankton division rates achieved at high nutrient concentrations may compensate for the brief time to divide before cells are transported out of the estuary. Increased N loads and associated macroalgal blooms pervasively and fundamentally alter estuarine ecosystems. Macroalgae intercept nutrients regenerated from sediments and thus uncouple biogeochemical sedimentary cycles from those in the water column. Macroalgae take up so much N that water quality seems. high even where N loads are high. Macroalgal C moves more readily through microbial and consumer food webs than C derived from seagrasses that were replaced by macroalgae. Macroalgae dominate O 2 profiles of the water columns of shallow estuaries and thus alter the biogeochemistry of the sediments. More frequent hypoxia and habitat changes associated with macroalgal blooms also changes the abundance of benthic fauna in affected estuaries. Approaches to remediation of the many pervasive effects of macroalgal blooms need to include interception of nutrients at their watershed sources and perhaps removal by harvest of macroalgae or by increased flushing. Although we have much knowledge of macroalgal dynamics, all such management initiatives will require additional information.
Muscle activation during side-step cutting maneuvers in male and female soccer athletes.

Abstract Context: Female soccer athletes are at greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than males. Sex differences in muscle activation may contribute to the increased incidence of...
Co-integrating currencies and yield differentials

This study investigates the relationship between currencies and interest rates of different maturity horizons. The real exchange rate is found to depend both on short-term real domestic and foreign interest rate difference and on long-term real domestic and foreign interest rate difference. Co-integrating regressions of contemporaneous currency rates generate negative and significant coefficients for long-term rate differentials, consistent with uncovered interest parity. Therefore, the expectations hypothesis holds for long horizons. On the other hand, positive coefficients for real short-term interest rate differentials reveal the forward premium puzzle: the failure of uncovered interest parity for short-horizons. Results are partly driven by the very different risk characteristics of short-term bonds and foreign bonds.
The stochastic response of strongly yielding systems

The bilinear hysteretic model is used to examine the nature of the stochastic response of strongly yielding (nearly elasto-plastic) systems. Both second-order and third-order equivalent linearization schemes are examined. It is shown that although these approximate techniques generally give acceptable results for second-order response statistics they fail to yield an accurate description of the nature of the response in the frequency domain. The influence of the excitation Power Spectrum on the response is examined. The desirability of decomposing the response into an elastic and inelastic component is demonstrated.
Liability Prevention via the CourtߞIs it Possible

Though common law declares the safety of the people as the supreme law and guarantees to every individual the right of personal safety, courts cannot protect individuals from product-caused injuries because of inherent shortcomings of the judicial process. Scientific and technological changes take place on a predetermined time scale but ethics and human values do not develop in the same manner. The adversary system of adjudication of private disputes cannot promote a contextual approach to technology assessment whereby goal-oriented policy can be made by courts.
Simulation and experimental validation of heat transfer in a novel hybrid solar panel

A hybrid solar panel has been invented to integrate photovoltaic (PV) cells onto a substrate through a functionally graded material (FGM) with water tubes cast inside, through which water serves as both heat sink and solar heat collector. Therefore, the PV cells can work at a relatively low temperature while the heat conduction to the substrate can be minimized. Solar panel prototypes have been fabricated and tested at different water flow rates and solar irradiation intensities. The temperature distribution in the solar panel is measured and simulated to evaluate the performance of the solar panel. The finite element simulation results are very consistent with the experimental data. The understanding of heat transfer in the hybrid solar panel prototypes will provide a foundation for future solar panel design and optimization. The finite element model is general and can be extended for different material design and other size of panels.
Fugitive women: Slavery and social change in early modern Southeast Asia

Female slaves in VOC-controlled Southeast Asia did not fare well under a legal code which erected a firm partition between free and slave status. This codification imposed a rigid dichotomy for what had been fluid, abstract conceptions of social hierarchy, in effect silting up the flow of underclass mobility. At the same time, conventional relationships between master and slave shifted in the context of a changing economic climate. This article closely narrates the lives of several eighteenth-century female slaves who, left with increasingly fewer options in this new order, resorted to running away.
Buruli toxin genes decoded

The ancient scourges of leprosy and tuberculosis are diseases caused by mycobacteria. These afflictions remain widespread in much of the world. It is estimated that one-third of Earth's population is infected with tuberculosis, and >2 million die of the active form of the disease annually. Tuberculosis claims the greatest number of victims of any infectious disease and has reawakened public health concerns everywhere with the emergence of multiply drug-resistant strains. A lesser-known but devastating skin disease known as Buruli ulcer is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans . This human pathogen is carried by aquatic insects (1), and the occurrence of the disease is spreading in central and west Africa, where its incidence now exceeds that of leprosy and is similar to tuberculosis in highly affected areas. Infection with M. ulcerans causes progressive necrotic lesions that, if untreated, can extend to 15% of a victim's body and lead to lifelong disability and occasionally death. Curiously, even advanced disease is usually marked by little inflammatory response and no physical pain. Pathogenesis by M. ulcerans is caused by the secretion of …