cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rostral and caudal ventricular infusion of antibodies to dynorphin A(1-17) and dynorphin A(1-8): effects on electrically-elicited feeding in the rat.

Abstract Lateral ventricular injection of antibodies to dynorphin A(1–13) was previously shown to elevate lateral hypothalamic stimulation frequency threshold for eliciting feeding behavior. The antibodies utilized in that study cross-react completely with dynorphin A(1–17) and, to a lesser extent, dynorphin A(1–8). In the present study, highly specific antibodies to dynorphin A(1–17) and dynorphin A(1–8) were infused into the lateral ventricle and mesopontine aqueduct to determine which biologically active dynorphin A fragment mediates feeding and at what level of the CNS this activity is likely to occur. Both antibodies were found to elevate the feeding threshold. Dynorphin A(1–8) antibodies were effective at both injection sites while dynorphin A(1–17) antibodies were only effective at the lateral ventricular site. These findings suggest that feeding-related dynorphin A(1–17) activity may occur predominantly within the forebrain, while dynorphin A(1–8) activity occurs within the brainstem. Only the dynorphin A(1–8) antibodies, infused into the aqueduct, produced a naloxone-like pattern of progressive elevation in serially determined thresholds; this pattern was previously interpreted to reflect a reduction in consummatory reward. Dynorphin A(1–8) activity within some brainstem structure(s) may therefore contribute prominently to the opioid mechanism whose mediation of the hedonic response to food was previously inferred from naloxone antagonism.
Probing Quark Gluon Liquid Using Transverse Momentum Fluctuations

The onset of equilibration of partons in nuclear collisions may lead to related trends in the centrality dependence of 〈 p t 〉 , p t fluctuations, and net charge fluctuations [S. Gavin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 162301 (2004); J. Phys. G 30, S1385 (2004)]. We extend the transport description of ref. [S. Gavin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 162301 (2004); J. Phys. G 30, S1385 (2004)] to include radial flow.
Measurement of nuclear E0 transitions

Abstract A method is described for measurement of excitation functions for ( A , A ′e) reactions. The combination of a pulsed beam and a large solid angle electron detector permits the rapid measurement of reactions which result in E0 transitions. As an example, the 72 Ge(p, p'e) reaction was measured from E p=3.00−4.34 MeV. The half-life of the 691 keV 0 + state in 72 Ge was measured to be (439±4) ns.
Collision frequencies for use in the continuum momentum equations applied to the lower ionosphere

Abstract The collision frequencies for use in the continuum momentum equation are found for low energy electrons in N2 and O2 and for the polarization interaction between ions and neutral molecules; consideration is given to the case of low-frequency transport phenomena in a weakly ionized ionospheric plasma. For the electrons, the method of assuming a displaced Maxwellian velocity distribution function is compared with the method of obtaining transport coefficients from the linearized Boltzmann equation. It is found that the method of assuming a displaced Maxwellian distribution for the electrons is not a good approximation, and reasons why this is so are given.
Different effects of monoamine oxidase inhibition on MPTP depletion of heart and brain catecholamines in mice.

Abstract Pargyline, an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B), did not prevent the depletion of heart norepinephrine 24 hr after a single dose of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) in mice. In mice killed 24 hr after the last of 4 daily doses of MPTP, the depletion of dopamine in the striatum and of norepinephrine in the frontal cortex was completely prevented by pargyline, but the depletion of heart norepinephrine was not prevented. These results with pargyline are the same as results obtained earlier with deprenyl, another selective inhibitor of MAO-B. The doses of pargyline and of deprenyl that were used resulted in almost complete inhibition of MAO-B activity (phenylethylamine as substrate) in brain, heart and liver of mice. Deprenyl did not inhibit MAO-A activity (serotonin as substrate) in brain, but pargyline caused some inhibition of MAO-A in brain. In heart and liver, serotonin was oxidized only at about 1 10 the rate of phenylethylamine oxidation, suggesting that MAO-B predominates in these tissues. Both pargyline and deprenyl caused some inhibition of serotonin deamination in heart and liver, suggesting that the oxidation may have been due partly to MAO-B. Experiments with selective MAO inhibitors in vitro showed that only about 20% of the oxidation of serotonin was occuring via MAO-B in heart and liver. The in vitro oxidation of MPTP by MAO in mouse brain, heart and liver was almost completely inhibited by pretreatment with either pargyline or deprenyl. Neither pargyline nor deprenyl had any significant effect on the concentrations of MPTP in brain or heart one-half hr after injection of MPTP into mice. The concentrations of the metabolite, MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium), were markedly reduced in brain and in heart by pretreatment with either pargyline or deprenyl. The data suggest that MPP+ formation, which is necessary for the depletion of brain catecholamines after MPTP injection, may not be necessary for depletion of norepinephrine in heart. Since the oxidation of MPTP in vitro was inhibited more by pargyline or deprenyl pretreatment than was the appearance of MPP+ in vivo , the possibility exists that some MPP+ formation might occur by an enzyme other than MAO.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Type I Latex Allergy

Background Latex hypersensitivity affects a significant number of health care workers. No universally accepted method for the diagnosis of latex allergy is currently available in the United States. Objective Determine the accuracy of clinical assessment in predicting type I latex allergy, and compare the ability of various latex skin test preparations and in vitro assays in confirming the diagnosis of latex allergy. Methods Subjects were classified into "history positive," "history ambiguous," or "history negative" based on reports of clinical symptoms. Skin prick tests were performed with ammoniated latex and glove extracts. Sera were analyzed for latex-specific IgE using the Pharmacia CAP and DPC AlaSTAT assays. Results A total of 207 subjects had histories taken, skin testing, and blood drawn. Out of 49 type I latex-allergy "history positive," 42 (86%) were skin test positive, and 24 (49%) were serum positive. Fifty-nine subjects were latex allergy "history ambiguous." In this group, skin testing showed 19 (32%) positives, and latex-specific IgE were detected in 10 (17%). Out of 99 latex "history negative," 9 (9%) were skin test positive, and 11 (11%) were positive for latex-specific IgE. Out of the 61 subjects with IgE symptoms following latex exposure who were skin test positive, a positive in vitro assay was found in 32 (52%). Conclusions Skin testing is more likely to confirm a positive latex allergy history. Use of raw ammoniated and glove skin testing preparation sources combined adds to the diagnostic sensitivity. AlaSTAT and CAP correlate well with each other and have good negative predictive value, but lack the sensitivity of skin testing. Use of AlaSTAT and CAP assays combined raises the diagnostic sensitivity as compared with using one in vitro test alone.
Agent and Finish Stability in Durable Press Processing of Cotton Fabrics Indicated by Formaldehyde Release

Stability of agent and finish was studied during the various steps in durable press processing of cotton fabrics. Determinations of formaldehyde release from the fabric at different stages of treatment were used to assess stabilities and decompositions. These determinations were supplemented with information gained from measuring transport of free formaldehyde from some of the solutions used. The influences of agent and catalyst types, concentrations, presence of excess formaldehyde, inclusion of scavengers or additives, as well as variations in treatment conditions, were inves tigated. The results provide further clarification of the relationships between stability/ decomposition factors and formaldehyde release along pathways of durable press pro cessing.
Utilization of acetate-1-14C by the tarantula, Aphonepelma sp., and the scorpion, Centruroides sculpturatus, in lipid synthesis

Abstract 1. 1. After injection of tarantulas, Aphonepelma sp., and scorpions, Centuroides sculpturatus , with acetate-1- 14 C, over 30 per cent of the radiolabel was expired as 14 CO 2 . 2. li2. The tarantulas and scorpions had 6·3 and 3·6 times the radioactivity in the fatty acids as in teh unsapobifiable lipids. Oleic acid was predominance in both species. The scorpions lacked arachidonic acid which was present in trace amounts in the tarantulas. 3. 3. Cholesterol made up greater than 99 per cent of the sterols in both species, but trace amounts of β-sitosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol were also present.
Substrate effects on the surface-enhanced Raman spectrum of benzoic acid adsorbed on silver oblate microparticles.

The effects of the local dielectric environment on the surface-enhanced Raman-scattering enhancement factor of benzoic acid adsorbed on silver oblate spheroids are studied experimentally and modeled theoretically. Silver-island films were annealed to produce spheroidal-shaped particles which exhibit well resolved resonances in absorption spectra. These resonances are shifted in different amounts by the depolarizing interaction with the substrate. An additional dielectric film has been deposited between the particles and substrate in order to measure the effects of proximity on the surface-enhanced Raman signal. Experimental observations on germanium and silicon are presented and found to be in agreement with calculations involving only the surface-plasmon excitation on the particles.
Rail and property development in Hong Kong: Experiences and extensions

Hong Kong has aggressively pursued transit value capture to finance railway infrastructure through its ‘Rail + Property’ development programme, or R+P. More than half of all income to the railway operators comes from property development. Most R+P projects focus on housing although all have some commercial development. Recent generation R+P projects have stressed pedestrian quality. This research shows this has in turn increased ridership and housing prices. An R+P station with a transit-oriented design averages 35 000 additional weekday passengers. Housing price premiums in the range of 5—30 per cent were found. Hong Kong’s R+P model, it is suggested, is well suited for financing rail infrastructure and advancing transit-oriented designs in the rapidly growing cities of mainland China.
Steady-state convection and fluctuation-driven particle transport in the H -mode transition

Large-scale steady-state convection is found to dominate the particle transport just inside the last closed flux surface (LCFS) in Ohmic discharges in the CCT tokamak. Near the limiter radius and in the scrape-off layer, fluctuation-induced transport is prevalent. At the L-H transition, the convection pattern near the LCFS is disrupted and a more poloidally symmetric, near-sonic plasma flow develops. Convective and turbulent particle transport are reduced across the entire edge region, resulting in the formation of the H-mode edge transport barrier.
Contribution of peptide backbone atoms to binding of an antigenic peptide to class I major histocompatibility complex molecule

Abstract Antigenic peptides are thought to bind to class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules through three modes of interaction: van der Waals interaction and, to a lesser extent, hydrogen bonding of anchor side chain atoms to residues comprising the binding pockets of the MHC molecule; hydrogen bonding of N- and C-termini to residues at the ends of the binding groove; and hydrogen bonding of peptide backbone atoms to residues lining the binding groove. To dissect the relative contribution of each of these interactions to class I MHC-peptide stability, a retro-inverso (RI) analog of VSV-8, an H-2K b restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope and terminally modified variants of both VSV-8 and RI VSV-8 were synthesized and their ability to target H-2K b bearing cells for CTL mediated lysis was compared. None of RI VSV-8 analogs elicited lysis of target cells by CTL specific for VSV-8 nor did they appear to compete with the native peptide for binding to H-2K b . In contrast, terminally modified VSV-8 peptides elicited target lysis. These findings suggest that side chain topochemistry of the peptide is insufficient for stable peptide binding to H-2K b ; rather, hydrogen bonding of the peptide backbone atoms to H-2K b side chain atoms to appears to play a major role in the stability of the complex. Computer modeling confirmed that none of the RI analogs participate in the extensive hydrogen bonding network between the peptide backbone and the MHC molecule seen in the native structure.
The “Basic Law” or “Constitution” of a Small Group

Law can be viewed as a network of small group interaction. Basic characteristics of legal systems govern the interaction and permeate each individual small group. The rule structure within a small group forms a kind of behavioral constitution containing provisions on fundamental policies, internal and external relations, sanctions to be imposed for breach of rules, and so on. The use of a legal frame of reference in small group analysis expands the scope of inquiry and may furnish insights into current social problems. The constitution of a particular experimental group, confined for about three months in a penthouse on the Berkeley campus, is presented as illustration.
Comparison of the electrochemical reduction of monomeric and dimeric cyclopentadienones

Abstract The reduction of several monomeric cyclopentadienones has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, polarography and differential pulse polarography (DPP) in N,N-dimethylformamide as solvent. Reversible reduction to the anion radical is observed, followed by a second irreversible process at more negative potentials. Freshly prepared solutions of several dimeric cyclopentadienones do not contain detectable concentrations of monomer when studied by DPP but monomer concentrations can be determined for some dimers after lengthy equilibration. The monomer/dimer equilibrium constants have been determined at a variety of temperatures between 5 and 75 ° C and confirmed for 2,5-dimethyl-3,4-diphenyl-cyclopentadienone by 1H NMR. Reduction of this dimer is followed by splitting to form the radical anion of the monomer as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry. The reduction of solutions of 2,5-di-methyl-3,4-diphenylcyclopentadienone at 60δ C, where the monomer predominates, produces the corresponding cyclopenta-2-enone, whereas the fully reduced cyclopentanone is obtained upon reduction of the dimer at room temperature.
Contextualizing Attunement Within the Polyrhythmic Weave: The Psychoanalytic Samba

Privileging stillness as a central strategy in the activity of the psychoanalyst is questioned as the only effective clinical strategy for optimizing a psychoanalytic focus. Stillness is demonstrated to have an array of potential affective impact as opposed to the traditional assumption of neutral impact or the creation of a space for meaning to emerge. An example of the duration of silence is used to illustrate that attention to the polyrhythmic weave of timing in the interactions constituted by analysand and analyst can prove to be at least as rich a fulcrum for generating meaning in the psychoanalytic process as a strategy of sustaining silence as space for transference projections by the analysand or reverie for the analyst. The impact of cultural practices and beliefs is further considered for how these can shape the scope and focus of analytic attention. In particular, the concept of attunement is revisited to demonstrate how a particular cultural perspective, which privileges a linear concept of ti...
Enzymes of Penicillium roqueforti involved in the biosynthesis of cheese flavor.

The ripening of blue and Roquefort cheeses is accomplished by the concerted and controlled actions of enzymes of the mold Penicillium roqueforti. The properties and effects of the enzymes involved in flavor development (i.e., proteases, lipase and beta-ketoacid decarboxylase) are reviewed. The metabolic activities of both spores and mycelia of P. roqueforti in relation to fatty acid metabolism and flavor generation are discussed. The chemical composition of blue cheese flavor and the simulation of this flavor by fermentation and formulation are briefly surveyed. Some nutritional aspects of blue cheese are cited.
Four-mode squeezing.

The four-wave-mixing interactions produced by pumping at two well-separated frequencies can couple four different radiation modes to generate a new kind of squeezed state of light. A dual-frequency homodyne detection scheme is described and is used to observe this type of nonclassical correlation. Initial experimental results in an optical fiber show a noise level 20 percent below the vacuum noise level for the output of the dual-frequency detector, even though the noise at each individual detector remains above the vacuum level.
Improved Hot-Pressed Electrooptic Ceramics in the (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 System

Physical, electrical, and optical properties of selected compositions within the lead lanthanum zirconate-titanate (PLZT) system are presented, including chemically and thermally etched microstructures, examples of residual porosity defects, temperature dependence of remanent polarization and coercive field, lateral switching strains, and thermal expansion and optical transmission data. Optical-quality ceramics were produced by stringent raw material selection and improved ceramic processing and hot-pressing. Optimum results were obtained from starting oxides with higher purity (99.9%) and smaller particle size (<2 μm) than those used in previous investigations. These oxides were processed by methods developed to minimize segregation and promote chemical homogeneity and hot-pressed at temperatures (1050° to 1250°C) higher than those used previously to remove residual porosity.
Is urinary flow rate a major regulator of prostaglandin E excretion in man

Urinary PGE2 excretion is enhanced in several polyuric states in man suggesting that PGE2 synthesis could be a mediator of diuresis. To explore the alternate hypothesis that polyuria is the cause of the increased PGE2 excretion, we increased urine flow rate by intravenous administration of dextrose and water with different magnesium, calcium and potassium solutions in four normal males. Urinary PGE excretion rose in parallel with urine volume (r = 0.65 p < 0.01) independently of the electrolyte solution. To determine the effects of chronic alterations in water balance in 5 female subjects, we sequentially regulated oral water intake to induce 1, 2, 4 and 8 liters of urine volume/day. During low (40 mEq) sodium diets, PGE increased from 540 +/- 50 to 4880 +/- 1240 ng/d with increasing urinary volume (r = 0.81, p < 0.01). Similarly, for 200 mEq sodium intake PGE paralleled urinary volume (from 630 +/- 100 to 4740 +/- 800 ng/d, r = 0.61, p < 0.01). In vitro sample dilution studies demonstrated no interference from method blank, and the addition of thin layer chromatography prior to Sephadex chromatography failed to alter assay measurements. We conclude that extreme increases in urinary flow rate may directly enhance PGE excretion in man.
A note on p-adic L-functions

Abstract An elementary proof is given for the existence of the Kubota-Leopoldt p -adic L -functions. Also, an explicit formula is obtained for these functions, and a relationship between the values of the p -adic and classical L -functions at positive integers is discussed.
Stimulant Drugs and Learning Problems

This review of stimulant drug research highlights the perennial problem of experimental procedures being prematurely applied despite a lack of proven treatment efficacy. This intriguing area of research is summarized as it relates to learning problems. Critical analysis indicates (a) no satisfactory support for the efficacy of stimulants in improving academic learning and performance or behavior problems, and (b) no data regarding the possibility of long-term negative side effects. Thus, widespread use of drugs for learning problems is seen as premature and, until possible side effects are clarified, perhaps dangerous. Amphetamines administered to persons with learning problems are seen as producing the common effects usually attributed to such stimulants. These include mild to moderate improvement in nonacademic performance, concomitant reductions in activity, and shortening of response latency on tasks characterized as repetitious, mechanical, regulated by an external agent, and requiring concentration ...
An N-Linked Glycoprotein with α(2,3)-Linked Sialic Acid Is a Receptor for BK Virus

BK virus (BKV) is a common human polyomavirus infecting >80% of the population worldwide. Infection with BKV is asymptomatic, but reactivation in renal transplant recipients can lead to polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. In this report, we show that enzymatic removal of alpha(2,3)-linked sialic acid from cells inhibited BKV infection. Reconstitution of asialo cells with alpha(2,3)-specific sialyltransferase restored susceptibility to infection. Inhibition of N-linked glycosylation with tunicamycin reduced infection, but inhibition of O-linked glycosylation did not. An O-linked-specific alpha(2,3)-sialyltransferase was unable to restore infection in asialo cells. Taken together, these data indicate that an N-linked glycoprotein containing alpha(2,3)-linked sialic acid is a critical component of the cellular receptor for BKV.
Online Estimation of Dynamic Bayesian Network Parameter

In this paper, we investigate a novel online estimation algorithm for dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) parameters, given as conditional probabilities. We sequentially update the parameter adjustment rule based on observation data. We apply our algorithm to two well known representations of DBNs: to a first-order Markov chain (MC) model and to a hidden Markov model (HMM). A sliding window allows efficient adaptive computation in real time. We also examine the stochastic convergence and stability of the learning algorithm.
QoM and lifetime-constrained random deployment of sensor networks for minimum energy consumption

We consider the problem of energy efficient random deployment of sensor network. Our goal is to find the sensor node density, or alternatively, the energy resource density at every point inside a given deployment region, which results in allocating the minimum total number of deployed sensors, or alternatively, the minimum total energy source subject to constraints on the quality of monitoring (QoM) and network lifetime. The QoM is defined as the average of spatial distortion in reconstructed signal at the base station and can be bounded for a random deployment of sensor nodes when sensors are points of a Poisson process in the deployment region. To solve the optimization problem, we first determine a node density which satisfies the QoM constraint. Next we present a continuous space model for random deployment with the associated routing scheme that can be used to provide the minimum total required energy consumption. Finally, we present a spatial distribution of the sensor nodes (or the energy resources) that can achieve this minimum total energy. Simulation result shows that the minimum total energy obtained is close to the actual energy required in a randomly deployed dense network.
Seasonal changes in rule infractions among prisoners: a preliminary test of the temperature-aggression hypothesis

To test the temperature-aggression hypothesis, seasonal changes in aggression as indexed by reported rule infractions were studied for prisoners located at the Patuxent Institution, Jessup, Maryland. 5383 reports of rule infractions occurred between July 1987 and March 1991. Rule infractions occurred more frequently during the hot summer months than the three other seasons of the year. This summer effect, though significant, is only a few percent above a theoretical chance level based on the number of days comprising the seasons. A much stronger monthly effect over 45 months was found, but the bases of erratic fluctuations are not known.
Interference Suppression for Memoryless Nonlinear Multiuser Systems Using Constellation Structure

A generalized concept of interference suppression is introduced for multiuser systems with a known memoryless transmit non-linearity, such as in the downlink amplifier of a satellite communication system. By considering the operation of commonly used multiuser detection techniques from a viewpoint of constellation structure, we extend these notions to nonlinear multiuser systems. We also analyze the performance of such multiuser detectors in terms of their asymptotic multiuser error exponents, which reduce to the asymptotic multiuser effective energies for the respective detectors in the absence of nonlinearity. The asymptotic conditional error exponent is introduced as a quantitative measure for evaluating nonlinear multiuser detectors based on the conditional probability of error at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The optimal affine detector that maximizes the asymptotic error exponent for a given user is derived along with a successive interference annulment (SIA) scheme that maximizes the asymptotic conditional error exponent at each stage of successive detection. We have shown that the optimal affine detector (and hence the SIA detector) is a generalization of existing linear (and successive interference canceller) detectors to include the possibility of nonlinearity and therefore, nonadditive multiuser interference. We introduce the concept of joint successive interference annulment (JSIA) for nonlinear systems, which uses the joint structural relationship between two or more users in an ordered set to achieve higher performance gains in terms of the asymptotic conditional error exponent. We generalize the joint successive interference annulment detector to include more than two users at each stage of JSIA detection to scale the tradeoff between detection complexity and performance gain. We also introduce the decorrelating detector for nonlinear systems which essentially employs a successive interference canceller with a decorrelation kernel in an equivalent but higher-order linear system. Finally, we analyze the optimal affine detector and hence, the family of proposed joint successive interference annulment detectors when the multiuser system is perturbed with noise inside the nonlinearity. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed detectors based on successive interference annulment consistently outperform conventional multiuser detectors based on successive interference cancellation.
Embedding-based placement of processing element networks on FPGAs for physical model simulation

Physical models utilize mathematical equations to model physical systems like airway mechanics, neuron networks, or chemical reactions. Previous work has shown that physical models can execute fast on FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays). We introduce an approach for implementing physical models on FPGAs that applies graph theoretic techniques to make use of a physical model's natural structure--tree, ring, chain, etc.--resulting in model execution speedups. A first phase of the approach maps physical model equations to a structured virtual PE (processing element) graph using graph theoretic folding techniques. A second phase maps the structured virtual PE graph to physical PE regions on an FPGA using graph embedding theory. We also present a simulated annealing approach with custom cost and neighbor functions that can map any physical model onto an FPGA with low wire costs. Average circuit speedup improvements over previous works for various physical models are 65% using the graph embedding and 35% using the simulated annealing approach. Each approach's more efficient use of FPGA resources also enables larger models to be implemented on an FPGA device.
OCS photolysis and absorption in the 200- to 300-nm region

A continuum source with three different interference filters and two different monochromatic sources were used to photolyze OCS in the region from 200 nm to 300 nm. The total quantum yield for the production of CO was measured, and the results indicate a primary quantum yield of 0.72 + or - 0.08. Absorption cross sections for OCS measured at 0.5-nm intervals are reported as well as the percent change in absorption upon cooling to 195 K. The structured features in the absorption are reinvestigated and discussed.
Test road experiment on imminent warning rear lighting and signaling.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes an experiment directed toward refinement and initial field testing of two potential countermeasures for the problem of rear-end (RE) crashes. The countermeasures consist of "imminent warning" signals intended to direct the following driver's visual glance to the lead vehicle as it brakes rapidly to a stop and for a short time thereafter. BACKGROUND: RE crashes are the most frequently occurring type of light vehicle crash, making up at least 25% of all crashes. METHOD: A preliminary experiment was conducted to facilitate improvement of the attention-getting capability of an alternating pair of lamps. In the main experiment, an oscillating narrow beam lamp (a promising candidate from a previous experiment) and an improved alternating pair (improved as compared with that in a previous experiment) were compared with ordinary rear lighting. Seventy-two drivers were purposely distracted by in-vehicle tasks as the lead (surrogate) vehicle braked hard. RESULTS: Results showed improvements of 0.25 to 0.35 s in brake activation times for the two enhanced configurations as compared with ordinary rear lighting. CONCLUSION: The two enhanced lighting configurations show promise in reducing the number and severity of RE crashes. APPLICATION: The methods and results of this study can be applied to the future design and evaluation of automotive rear-end lighting designed to reduce RE crashes. Language: en
Amatitlan, An actively resurging cauldron 10 km south of Guatemala City

A 14×16 km diameter collapse caldera has been recognized 10 km south of Guatemala City, Guatemala. The caldera is north of the presently active volcano Pacaya and west of Agua, a large stratovolcano. The caldera was not previously recognized because its eastern and western margins coincide with faults that outline the Guatemala City graben and because the northern margin of the caldera is buried by pyroclastic rocks. The existence of the northern caldera margin is now established by gravity data and a variety of geological observations including circumferential faults, hot springs, well-log data, and lithological changes in sedimentary rocks. A sequence of nine silicic pyroclastic deposits, totaling a volume of more than 70 km 3 dense rock were erupted from the caldera. The ages of these eruptions are mainly between about 300,000 years B.P. to less than 23,000 years B.P. The rocks erupted at the caldera and its associated vents consist of domes and nonwelded pyroclastic flow, surge, and fall deposits, mainly of rhyolitic to dacitic composition. Successive pyroclastic eruptions have generally become smaller in volume and more silicic with time. Major and minor element chemistry distinguish Amatitlan pyroclastics from those of other nearby calderas. The caldera lies at the intersection of an offset of the volcanic chain (the Palin Shear) and the faults along the volcanic front (Jalpatagua fault zone). The caldera has a heavily faulted resurgent dome crosscut by an impressive longitudinal graben. The graben's alignment with the Jalpatagua fault zone suggests a genetic relationship. The longitudinal graben and resurgent dome are morphologically youthful and are the sites of many young silicic vents. Available seismic data show a heavy concentration of epicenters over the northern part of the resurgent dome, near a young silicic intrusion. The caldera is active and will probably erupt again. Over 1 million people live within 20 km and would be threatened in the event of a moderate eruption. Suggestions for future research focus on hazard assessment and forecasting
Dustborne and airborne Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in high versus low ERMI homes

The study aimed at investigating Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in moldy and non-moldy homes, as defined by the home's Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) value. The ERMI values were determined from floor dust samples in 2010 and 2011 and homes were classified into low ( 5) ERMI groups based on the average ERMI values as well as 2011 ERMI values. Dust and air samples were collected from the homes in 2011 and all samples were analyzed for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using QPCR assays, endotoxin by the LAL assay, and N-acetyl-muramic acid using HPLC. In addition, air samples were analyzed for culturable bacteria. When average ERMI values were considered, the concentration and load of Gram-positive bacteria determined with QPCR in house dust, but not air, were significantly greater in high ERMI homes than in low ERMI homes. Furthermore, the concentration of endotoxin, but not muramic acid, in the dust was significantly greater in high ERMI than in low ERMI homes. In contrast, when ERMI values of 2011 were considered, Gram-negative bacteria determined with QPCR in air, endotoxin in air, and muramic acid in dust were significantly greater in high ERMI homes. The results suggest that both short-term and long-term mold contamination in homes could be linked with the bacterial concentrations in house dust, however, only the current mold status was associated with bacterial concentrations in air. Although correlations were found between endotoxin and Gram-negative bacteria as well as between muramic acid and Gram-positive bacteria in the entire data set, diverging associations were observed between the different measures of bacteria and the home moldiness. It is likely that concentrations of cells obtained by QPCR and concentrations of cell wall components are not equivalent and represent too broad categories to understand the bacterial composition and sources of the home microbiota.
Fabrication and deformation of three-dimensional hollow ceramic nanostructures

Creating lightweight, mechanically robust materials has long been an engineering pursuit. Many siliceous skeleton species— such as diatoms, sea sponges and radiolarians—have remarkably high strengths when compared with man-made materials of the same composition, yet are able to remain lightweight and porous1–7. It has been suggested that these properties arise from the hierarchical arrangement of different structural elements at their relevant length scales8,9. Here, we report the fabrication of hollow ceramic scaffolds that mimic the length scales and hierarchy of biological materials. The constituent solids attain tensile strengths of 1.75 GPa without failure even after multiple deformation cycles, as revealed by in situ nanomechanical experiments and finite-element analysis. We discuss the high strength and lack of failure in terms of stress concentrators at surface imperfections and of local stresses within the microstructural landscape. Our findings suggest that the hierarchical design principles offered by hard biological organisms can be applied to create damage-tolerant lightweight engineering materials.
Soil response to surface-applied residues of varying carbon-nitrogen ratios

A 5-year study was conducted to monitor patterns of NO3 - accumulation following the addition of plant residues of varying C:N ratios to the soil surface, to determine whether the availability of NO3 - following these applications would be timely and sufficient for typical annual crop uptake. Microbial respiration was measured in the last 3 years of the study to investigate how microbial activity was related to treatment differences in NO3 - accumulation. Treatments included: hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) cut at mid-bloom; wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw applied at 4 Mg ha-1; vetch with 4 Mg ha-1 wheat straw; and a bare ground control. Soil NO3 - and respiration rates were correspondingly high for the 3–4 weeks following residue placement. Peak NO3 --N accumulation in vetch treatments occurred between 25 June and 10 July and ranged from 100 to 168 kg ha-1, with an average of 140 kg NO3 −-N ha-1. Nitrate was sufficient and timely enough to meet most summer annual crop needs in the region. Over 5 years, peak NO3 −-N was approximately 100 kg ha-1 higher in vetch than non-vetch treatments and roughly twice as high at 0–5 cm than at 5–20 cm. The addition of wheat straw caused a reduction of approximately 20% NO3 --N throughout the season as compared to vetch alone.
Propulsion and steering of a floating mini-robot based on Marangoni flow actuation

This paper discusses the propulsion and steering of a floating mini-robot based on thermal Marangoni flow. The normal component of the surface tension force keeps the robot floating on the liquid surface, while the localized heating of liquid surface results in tangential Marangoni flows which propel the robot. Lift force modeling shows that six legs of 1 cm long and 300 µm in diameter generate a lift force of 7.56 mN. Simulations suggest that a propulsion force of 0.638 mN per leg can be generated for a heater temperature of 60°C. Preliminary experiments using a 2×1.5cm2 H-shaped structure demonstrate that a velocity of 4.4 mm/sec and a rotational velocity of 0.2 rad/sec can be achieved.
Designing communication systems for decentralized organizations: a new role for technical communicators

It is pointed out that many organizations have decentralized their operations to respond more quickly to rapid changes in markets and technologies. Decentralization has legitimized crossfunctional communication and decision making at relatively low levels in these organizations as a means of improving the quantity and timeliness of information. However, decentralization can adversely affect an organization's communications unless a new communication system is designed as part of the altered communication process. It is suggested that working within a new approach to organizational change, called sociotechnical design, technical communicators can help define performance standards for new communication systems, including those integrated with computer-mediated information systems. The objectives of sociotechnical design are consistent with the language-action perspective of the modern office. That perspective asserts that language organizes work relationships and actions by means of conversations (or transactions) in which requests and promises are made among individuals and groups. These conversations are structured by procedures, policy guides, handbooks, training materials, and a host of other communications. >
Determinants of Coastal Tourism: A Case Study of Florida Beach Counties

Abstract The coastal zone of the United States is a major source of economic growth and as a result has seen significant increases in population over the past 50 years. Most aspects of the coastal economy—tourism and residential and commercial development—are heavily dependent upon the environmental preservation and recreational quality of ocean beaches. In earlier work, we documented the economic benefits of ocean beach enhancement projects on several important Florida tourism-dependent counties, which are reflected in greater-than-expected increased earnings in the tourism sector. However, the direction of causality of the analysis was somewhat ambiguous. Although we anticipated that beach nourishment projects would attract visitors, it is equally true that, in the allocation of scarce beach nourishment project dollars, it is likely that eroding beaches in areas that are already flourishing tourist destinations will attract beach nourishment funding to preserve their tourist industries. This article lin...
The spatial configuration of greenspace affects semi-aquatic turtle occupancy and species richness in a suburban landscape

Abstract Within urbanized areas, the importance of greenspaces for wildlife has been widely investigated for some animal groups, but reptiles have generally been neglected. To assess the importance of the amount, spatial distribution, and configuration of greenspaces (comprised of terrestrial and aquatic areas), we examined semi-aquatic turtle species richness in urbanized areas. In this study, we sampled turtles from 2010 to 2011 at 20 ponds, including farm (rural) ponds, ponds in urbanized environments, and golf course ponds. We used a hierarchical Bayesian species-richness model to estimate species richness and species-specific occupancy responses to three pond types (rural, golf, or urban) and four landscape measurements of greenspace (i.e., Euclidean nearest neighbor, interspersion juxtaposition, percent of landscape, and connectance), generated in FRAGSTATS. We found that probability of occupancy of four species, Kinosternon subrubrum , Trachemys scripta , Chelydra serpentina , and Pseudemys concinna increased substantially with an increase in connectance of greenspace within 500 m of each pond. When the model examining the configuration of greenspaces was analyzed, estimated species richness was greater at golf ponds as compared to either rural or urban ponds, and richness increased with increasing connectivity of greenspaces. Our results indicate that in golf course ponds can potentially support a greater diversity of semi-aquatic turtle species than rural or urban ponds and thus may be considered superior habitat in suburban environments. In addition, we suggest that maintaining connectivity of greenspaces in suburban areas is important for semi-aquatic turtles and should be considered in urban planning.
CASE STUDY: Changes in nutrient composition of cattle diets fed at 2 Southwestern cattle facilities experiencing bird depredation

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to evaluate changes in nutrient composition of cattle diets at 2 cattle feeding facilities experiencing bird depredation of diets. In Exp. 1, samples from 8 diets (concentrate level from 52 to 78% as fed) were collected from feed troughs at 0, 6, and 24 h after feeding. Ash, DM, and CP increased (P 0.10). Separately, in a location not accessible to the cattle, differently processed corn, soybean meal, and a high-concentrate diet were placed in a feed trough; corn feedstuffs were preferred (P 0.10) between 8 and 24 h. Birds feeding in the troughs and feed buckets included pigeon (Columbia livia), mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura), and greattailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). The economic loss of bird depredation at Southwestern cattle feeding operations can be attributed to cost of grain, starch depredated, and nutrient losses to cattle.
ETA-receptor blockade prevents matrix metalloproteinase activation late postmyocardial infarction in the rat

Endothelin (ET) A (ETA) receptors activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Since endothelin-1 (ET) is increased in myocardium late postmyocardial infarction (MI), we hypothesized that stimulation ...
Postintervention Patency: A Comparison of Stenting versus Patch Angioplasty for Dysfunctional Hemodialysis Access Sites

Background Arteriovenous access dysfunction is commonly caused by venous outflow stenosis, leading to thrombosis of the conduit. Given that there are limited lifetime hemodialysis access sites, the preservation of existing sites through novel means is of high priority. This study compares the efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stent placement to surgical patch angioplasty for upper arm (brachium) thrombosed or dysfunctional hemodialysis access sites in a group of patients at a single institution. Methods Using the operating room log and electronic medical record system, we retrospectively examined the outcomes of 52 consecutive patients (3 were lost to follow-up), who had either stent placement (34 patients) or patch angioplasty (15 patients) for hemodialysis access salvage to calculate postintervention patency. Results Initial postinterventional patency (PIP1) for patch angioplasty compared with stent placement was not statistically significant at any time during a mean 6-month follow-up (60% vs. 67.65% at 1 month, 33.33% vs. 41.18% at 3 months, and 13.33% vs. 17.65% at 6 months, respectively; P = 0.75). Patency after secondary reintervention (PIP2) was longer for patients who had stent placement as the initial intervention (n = 15) than patients who had patch angioplasty (n = 5; 100% vs. 80% at 1 month, 66.68% vs. 80% at 3 months, and 46.67% vs. 40% at 6 months, respectively), but again there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.84). At last, the initial PIP1 of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and arteriovenous graft (AVG) salvaged before occlusion was significantly different from that of occluded access sites (40% vs. 10% at 6 months, P = 0.024). Conclusions Our data suggest that AVF had a longer postinterventional primary patency than AVG though the difference did not reach statistical significance. Stents extended PIP1 for the thrombosed or failing arteriovenous access longer than patch angioplasty, but the difference was not statistically significant. Patency is longer if intervention is made before graft thrombosis. Our data also indicate better prolongation of patency with a second reintervention (PIP2) if the first intervention was a stent placement. Patch angioplasty appears to be a less attractive alternative for correction of venous outflow stenosis given the more invasive and occasionally technically difficult procedure.
Serum miR-30e and miR-223 as Novel Noninvasive Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers and is the third leading cause of all cancer-related death. Limited noninvasive biomarkers are available for HCC detection. Early detection is the key in improving the survival of HCC patients. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that serum miRNAs can be used as a potential biomarker for HCC. Quantitative RT-PCR for miRNA analysis was performed using 70 serum samples. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to measure the prognostic power of the miRNAs. The miRNA expression level was also measured from liver biopsy samples. Our study revealed that two miRNAs, miR-30e and miR-223, were expressed at significantly lower levels (P < 0.003) in the sera of HCC patients compared with healthy volunteers. Furthermore, expression of these miRNAs was compared between sera from chronic liver disease and sera from HCC patients. miR-30e and miR-223 expression was significantly lower in HCC sera compared with sera from chronic liver disease patients. Both miRNA expression levels were lower in HCC liver biopsy specimens compared with normal liver RNA. Taken together, our results suggested that serum miR-30e and miR-223 are useful biomarkers of HCC, irrespective of etiology, and deserve further study for their diagnostic value.