cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of steel building structures with inerter-based dampers under seismic loading

Abstract One way of reducing damage to buildings from earthquakes is through the introduction of passive control devices. Many common passive control devices require relatively large masses to be effective, which increases cost and complicates design efforts. Inerter-based dampers are a promising alternative. Inerter-based dampers utilize inerters, mechanical devices that typically use a flywheel with a relatively small mass to provide large effective inertial mass. The evaluation of inerter-based dampers has typically been performed considering simple linear systems of masses and springs that are subjected to harmonic or random loads. While valuable information can be gained from these models, it is unclear if inerter-based dampers are effective at improving the performance of structures subjected to seismic ground motions, especially if the mechanics of the structure is modeled more explicitly and nonlinear behavior, such as yielding, is considered. This paper presents a numerical investigation on the behavior of structures with three different inerter-based dampers subject to seismic ground motions, including the effects of material and geometric nonlinearity. Designs for the three different inerter-based dampers were produced for 3-story and 9-story benchmark steel structures using existing design equations. The structures and devices were modeled in the OpenSees framework. The inerter-based dampers were found to remain effective outside of the elastic range, but at reduced efficiency. The inerter-based dampers were typically much more effective in the 3-story structure. These results show the potential for inerter-based dampers to reduce damage to structures subjected to earthquakes and will encourage the further study of these innovative devices.
Using the phenomenology of memory for recent events to bridge the gap between episodic and semantic memory

Public events such as celebrity news, tragedies, and political events are widely experienced. Initially at least, memories of these events are “episodic” in nature; however, these events are also stored in associative networks similar to the semantic organization of knowledge (N. R. Brown, 1990, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 119[3], 297–314). Thus, these memories provide a novel way of examining how episodically experienced events might become semanticized and integrated into the knowledge base. Younger and older adults rated their subjective memory strength for and answered questions about details of events occurring over the previous 12 years. Participants also rated their phenomenological experience using a modified remember/know paradigm, in which no instructions about usage of the terms were provided. Interestingly, remembered and known items were equal in terms of subjective strength. Know responses were highly accurate, and more so than remember responses. Older and younger adults performed similarly. Participants’ own definitions of remember, know, and just familiar revealed that knowing is associated with retrieval from semantic memory, whereas remembering and just familiarity are more associated with event/episodic memory. These results suggest that memory for public events shares phenomenological features with both episodic/event memory and semantic memory. Public events thus allow researchers to examine the complex ways in which storage of novel information can be jointly maintained in both episodic and semantic memory.
Experimental and Computational Methods for Guiding Identification and Characterization of Epitranscriptome Proteins

Modifications to the four canonical RNA nucleotides decorate cellular RNAs, forming what is collectively known as the epitranscriptome. A few of the well-studied RNA modifications (e.g., m6A) have been shown to be implicated in processes critical to RNA regulation, including RNA translation, stability, splicing, and nuclear export. Many additional RNA modifications exist which have yet to be characterized in such a manner. Proteins which interface with these RNA modifications via modification formation, binding, and removal (epitranscriptome proteins) are key elements required for a wholistic understanding of the modification’s regulatory functionalities; at present, these epitranscriptome proteins are even less characterized than their cognate RNA modifications. In this chapter, we provide an analysis of the different techniques that are available for epitranscriptome protein identification and characterization. We discuss both experimental (wet-lab) and computational strategies for guiding these investigations. We also include a brief commentary on how knowledge of epitranscriptome proteins can be used to inform strategies for therapeutic intervention with respect to RNA modification-related medical ailments.
Feeling environmental justice: Pedagogies of slow violence

This paper contributes to scholarship exploring the affective politics of environmental education. Building on Nixon’s (2011) conception of slow violence, I argue that the slow violence of ecologic...
Quality in Educational Research

At a time when a methodical criterion is no longer a possibility for judging the quality of social and educational research, considerable concern has arisen over how to sort out good research from the not-so-good. This chapter discusses the philosophical disputes that now circumscribe this issue, with a particular focus on neorealist and relativist approaches to the assessment of research quality. For the former, some prospect still exists for non-time and -place contingent criteria; for the latter, criteria only can be contingent on time and place.
Bicycle helmet use patterns among children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the helmet use patterns of children younger than 15 years of age in the United States. METHODS: A national telephone survey of bicycle riders was conducted by means of the Mitofsky-Waksberg method of random-digit dialing, a survey method intended to give all telephone numbers in the continental United States an equal probability of selection. Based on information collected in the survey, a logistic regression model was used to determine and quantify the factors associated with helmet use. RESULTS: Information was collected on the bicycle and helmet use patterns of a national sample of 399 children younger than 15 years of age who rode bicycles during the year preceding the survey. This sample projects to the approximately 26.4 million children who are estimated to have ridden bicycles in 1991. About 26% of all child riders owned or had the use of bicycle helmets, and about 15% were reported to have used their helmets all or more than half of the time when riding. Information is provided on the reasons the children did or did not wear helmets. The logistic regression analysis shows that helmet use by children is systematically related to their personal characteristics (e.g., age and whether they had previously had bicycle-related accidents requiring medical attention), riding patterns (e.g., riding surface), and household demographic characteristics (e.g., geographic location and whether household members had attended college). CONCLUSIONS: Helmet use rates among children remain low. Less than one fifth of the children who rode bicycles wore helmets all or more than half of the time in 1991. However, based on comparisons with earlier studies, the results of the analysis suggest that helmet use rates have been rising.
Nanosecond hydrodynamic diagnostics using fiber optic probes and a streaking camera

We describe a new method for measuring the shape and position of high-velocity surfaces and shock fronts. Our method involves the use of an optical pin quite similar in appearance to the coaxial, self-shorting, electrical pin commonly used. The ionization of xenon gas in the pin tip produces a light signal that is transmitted by a fiberoptic bundle and recorded using a streak camera. We discuss preliminary data from impact tests indicating a pin signal response of 1 to 2 ns.
One country, two systems: What will 1997 mean in telecommunications?

Abstract This article discusses the significance of the 1997 sovereignty transfer for the development of telecommunications in the greater China region. The article argues that the verbally simple ‘one country, two systems’ formula papers over the complexities of what will actually be a long-term process of convergence or integration between the telecommunications regimes of Hong Kong and China. Although the results of that process are indeterminate, the article describes three basic models for structuring the relationship between Hong Kong and China. It goes on to identify some of the political and economic interests which create tendencies to select one or the other model, as well as the implications of each model for economic development.
Homes Affordable for Good: Covenants and Ground Leases as Long-Term Resale-Restriction Devices

Covenants and ground leases have been, and continue to be, used to create shared spaces that are fundamentally, and often invidiously, exclusive. Famously made a dead letter in the case of Shelley v. Kraemer, covenants banning resale to nonwhite households put the force of law behind the segregated birth of America’s suburbs. Today, gated residential communities and shopping malls assure a degree of class exclusivity through covenants and commercial ground leases, respectively. These same legal mechanisms, however, are now deployed to assure long-term inclusion as well. Developers of affordable housing are creating homes that are not only beneficial to the original homeowners but also available for future generations of qualified home buyers. When selling the newly developed homes, they are having subsidized homeowners promise to pass the good deals on to future home buyers. These resale restrictions allow single-family homes to be sold, and later resold, to low and moderate-income households in neighborhoods that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Affordability protections of 15 years or less are relatively common and can be achieved through a number of legal arrangements. Common law and statutory hostility to long-term private arrangements that limit alienability, however, have made the search for perpetual affordability more challenging. Those seeking to sustain economic diversity in residential communities over multiple generations of homeowners have turned to covenants authorized by statute and ground leases as the vehicles by which these promises can be enforced. As stand-alone enforceable promises that run with land, covenants have become the primary vehicle for Inclusionary Zoning programs that seek to preserve the mixed-income nature of affected for-profit housing developments for the long haul. Community Land Trusts have generally preferred the ground lease, a standard device for shopping mall creation, to ensure that subsidized single-family homes developed by nonprofit housing organizations can remain affordable forever. As economic diversity in communities is given its proper place as a long-term goal for America’s metropolitan areas, 21st century real estate law will need to integrate both covenants and ground lease reversion interests as stable, effective means of enforcing affordability-preserving resale restrictions. In addition to arguing for the importance of both covenants and ground leases as affordability conservation mechanisms, this article will analyze and evaluate each device as to its effectiveness in achieving the development goal of creating and sustaining economically diverse communities of choice.
Iterated Timing Analysis

In the previous two chapters, the circuit simulation problem was identified and efficient techniques to solve the problem were described. In this chapter, a detailed description of event-driven electrical simulation based on nonlinear relaxation methods is provided. The chapter begins with the equation flow for nonlinear relaxation when applied to the circuit simulation problem. Then the timing analysis and iterated timing analysis (ITA) algorithms are described. An algorithm for event-driven electrical simulation with a global variable time step approach is given in the next section. Finally, the issues relating to latency detection and event scheduling in ITA are discussed.
Sentience Everywhere: Complexity Theory, Panpsychism & the Role of Sentience in Self-Organization of the Universe

Philosophical understandings of consciousness divide into emergentist positions (when the universe is sufficiently organized and complex it gives rise to consciousness) vs. panpsychism (consciousness pervades the universe). A leading emergentist position derives from autopoietic theory of Maturana and Varela: to be alive is to have cognition, one component of which is sentience. Here, reflecting autopoietic theory, we define sentience as: sensing of the surrounding environment, complex processing of information that has been sensed, (i.e. processing mechanisms defined by characteristics of a complex system), and generation of a response. Further, complexity theory, points to all aspects of the universe comprising “systems of systems.” Bringing these themes together, we find that sentience is not limited to the living, but present throughout existence. Thus, a complexity approach shifts autopoietic theory from an emergentist to a panpsychist position and shows that sentience must be inherent in all structures of existence across all levels of scale.
Health care provider advice for adolescent tobacco use: results from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

BACKGROUND: Health care providers play an important role in promoting tobacco use abstinence among adolescents. This study aimed to provide nationally representative data on the prevalence of provider tobacco use screening and advice delivered to adolescents. Cessation behaviors and correlates of past year quit attempts among current smokers are also explored. METHODS: Data came from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey, a nationally representative school-based survey of adolescents in grades 6 through 12 ( n = 18 385). Provider screening and advice were assessed by smoking status and demographic characteristics. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between advice and past year quit attempt. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of current tobacco use was 16.6%; 10.8% were current cigarette smokers (3.6% were established smokers, 7.2% were nonestablished smokers); 17.3% were former smokers; and 71.9% were never smokers (22.6% high susceptibility, 77.4% low susceptibility). Among all respondents, the prevalence of being asked about tobacco use by a health care provider was 32.2%; the prevalence of being advised to quit or avoid tobacco was 31.4%. Established smokers were more likely than other groups to report provider assessment of tobacco use and advice. Receipt of advice was associated with a higher adjusted odds of having made a past year quit attempt (odds ratio: 1.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–1.82). CONCLUSIONS: Less than one-third of adolescents report being asked about tobacco use or being advised not to use tobacco. Increased tobacco use intervention by health care providers is needed to prevent initiation and increase cessation.
Vibrational spectra of several fluorine-substituted allene molecules

Abstract The i.r. spectra (200–4000 cm −1 ) of gaseous and the Raman spectra (0–4000 cm −1 ) of both gaseous and liquid H 2 CCCF 2 , HDCCCCF 2 , D 2 CCCF 2 , F 2 CCCF 2 , H 2 CCCHF, FHCCCHF and F 2 CCCHF have been recorded and the data interpreted in detail. The normal modes for these molecules have been assigned on the basis of the i.r. band contours, the depolarization ratios, the observed isotopic shifts, and group frequency correlations. Normal coordinate calculations have been carried out for the 1,1-difluoroallene and tetrafluoroallene molecules. For the 1,1-difluoroallene molecule, extensive mixing was found between the symmetric CCC stretch and the symmetric CF 2 stretch whereas less extensive mixing was found for the CF 2 wag with the CCC out-of-plane bend, the CF 2 scissors with the CCC symmetric stretch, and the CCC in-plane bend with the CF 2 rock. For the tetrafluoroallene molecule, extensive mixing was found for the antisymmetric CCC stretch and the out-of-phase symmetric CF 2 stretch.
C-6 oxidation of ascorbic acid: a major metabolic process in animals.

Abstract Metabolic activity of the C-6 carbon of ascorbic acid has been examined using two experimental methods. 43% of the label from ascorbic-6-3H acid is converted to water in the monkey after i.v. injection. The rate of formation of 3H2O corresponds to the rate of excretion of organic ascorbate metabolites in the urine as measured using ascorbic-6-3H or ascorbic-6-14C acid. Periodate degradations of whole urine from rats or monkeys given ascorbic-6-14C acid by i.v. injection show that 45% of the labeled metabolites do not give formaldehyde from the C-6 carbon, indicating the C-6 carbon is no longer a primary alcohol or that the C-5 and/or C-6 hydroxyl groups are derivitized. There is no significant excretion of 14CO2 in these experiments indicating the metabolites do not enter general carbohydrate catabolism. The combination of these results show that about 45% of the C-6 carbon of ascorbic acid is oxidized in vivo. Because the monkeys had an adequate dietary intake of ascorbic acid and the rats synthesize ascorbic acid as needed, the results also indicate that the precursor of the oxidation is a slowly exchanging form of ascorbic acid in which the C-6 carbon is in the primary alcohol oxidation state.
Renin release from microdissected superficial, midcortical, and juxtamedullary afferent arterioles in rabbits

Renal renin content and release decrease from outer to inner cortex; this may be due to a cortical-to-medullary gradient in glomerular density and/or renin content per afferent arteriole. Although low sodium diets have been reported to decrease the tissue renin gradient, little information is available on renin release by different areas of the renal cortex or the effect of a low sodium diet. In the present study, we examined basal- and isoproterenol-stimulated renin release and content in microdissected superficial, midcortical, and juxtamedullary afferent arterioles from rabbits on normal and low sodium diets. Renin content was 25.8 +/- 3.6, 1.4 +/- 0.32, and 0.27 +/- 0.09 ng angiotensin I (Ang I)/hour/arteriole in the superficial, midcortical and juxtamedullary arterioles, respectively. Dietary sodium restriction significantly increased it to 60.1 +/- 7.3, 13.8 +/- 3.1, and 1.48 +/- 0.6, respectively. Renin release was 0.64 +/- 0.13, 0.15 +/- 0.04, and 0.025 +/- 0.013 ng Ang I/hour/arteriole/hour incubation of arteriole in the superficial, midcortical and juxtamedullary arterioles, respectively. With sodium restriction it increased significantly for the superficial, (1.77 +/- 0.27) and midcortical (0.62 +/- 0.11) but not the juxtamedullary arterioles (0.038 +/- 0.02). With either diet, renin release and content among the three types of arterioles were significantly different. Isoproterenol (1.6 x 10(-4) M) significantly stimulated renin release from all three types of arterioles whether rabbits were fed a normal or low sodium diet; however, only in the superficial arterioles was the increase (delta) greater with dietary sodium restriction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Unexpected death after reconstructive surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Abstract Background . Although operative mortality for reconstructive surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome continues to improve, nonoperative mortality, especially in the first year of life, remains relatively high. A number of patients who are thought to be clinically well at hospital discharge die unexpectedly. The goal of the present study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for unexpected death in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods . Retrospectively, we determined the incidence of unexpected death among 536 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who were discharged to home after stage I surgical procedure. To identify potential risk factors, a nested case-control analysis was undertaken. Results . Unexpected death occurred in 22 of 536 patients (4.1%) discharged to home after stage I surgical procedure. The median age at unexpected death was 79 days (range, 25 to 227 days). Seizures preceded cardiac arrest in 2 patients, and ventricular arrhythmias were documented in 3 additional patients during attempted resuscitation. Autopsy studies were performed in 12 patients and identified residual lesions that may have contributed to death in 2 patients. In multivariate analysis documented perioperative arrhythmia and earlier year of stage I surgical procedure were associated with an increased risk for unexpected death ( p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). There were 4 additional patients who had unexpected death after subsequent cavopulmonary operation at a median age of 1.6 years (range, 0.9 to 3.8 years). Conclusions . Unexpected death occurred in more than 4% of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who were discharged to home after stage I surgical procedure and was most common in the first several months of life. Factors that may contribute to unexpected death include residual lesions, arrhythmias, and neurologic events, although in the majority of cases the cause remains largely unknown.
Actin Mediates the Nanoscale Membrane Organization of the Clustered Membrane Protein Influenza Hemagglutinin

The influenza viral membrane protein hemagglutinin (HA) is required at high concentrations on virion and host-cell membranes for infectivity. Because the role of actin in membrane organization is not completely understood, we quantified the relationship between HA and host-cell actin at the nanoscale. Results obtained using superresolution fluorescence photoactivation localization microscopy (FPALM) in nonpolarized cells show that HA clusters colocalize with actin-rich membrane regions (ARMRs). Individual molecular trajectories in live cells indicate restricted HA mobility in ARMRs, and actin disruption caused specific changes to HA clustering. Surprisingly, the actin-binding protein cofilin was excluded from some regions within several hundred nanometers of HA clusters, suggesting that HA clusters or adjacent proteins within the same clusters influence local actin structure. Thus, with the use of imaging, we demonstrate a dynamic relationship between glycoprotein membrane organization and the actin cytoskeleton at the nanoscale.
Real-Time 3D Sonar Image Recognition for Underwater Vehicles

The recognition of objects and environment are one of keys to automate underwater tasks. This paper presents a predictor based image recognition method using high-resolution sonar images. They are very sensitive to sonar's view point changes. The proposed predictor predicts an object images depending on the view point. Using the object model, it modifies a template for optimal recognition. To estimate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method, indoor tank tests were carried out using various shapes of objects.
Investment in Segmented Capital Markets

Bankers' screening devices are identified to determine firms' probability of borrowing in the 'formal' segment of the capital market in Pakistan. Incorporating this information, investment functions are estimated using a two stage switching regressions model with endogenous switching. It is concluded that firms that borrow in the 'formal' markets behave according to the flexible accelerator model of investment while non-borrowing firms plough back profits. Furthermore, the former have higher capital-output ratios and find it less difficult to adjust to their desired capital stocks compared to the latter. Investment determinants related to entrepreneurial and firm features are also identified.
The Cumulative Cost-Effectiveness of Supported and Sheltered Employees with Mental Retardation

This study investigated the cumulative costs generated by supported and sheltered employees with mental retardation throughout one “employment cycle,” that is, from the moment they entered their respective programs to when they exited or stopped receiving services. Data indicate that supported employees acquired services costing funding sources a total of $6,619 over 5.98 fiscal quarters or a per fiscal quarter cost of $1,107. In comparison, sheltered employees acquired services costing funding sources a total of $19,388 over 6.22 fiscal quarters or a per fiscal quarter cost of $3,117.
A galactosidase immunosorbent test for human immunoglobulin E

Abstract We report here the development of a galactosidase-immunosorbent test (GIST) for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in which the amount of galactosidase adsorbed to a cellulose disc is a single valued function of IgE concentration in human serum. Rabbit anti-IgE immunoglobulin insolubilised on cellulose discs is incubated sequentially with human serum, sheep anti-IgE serum, and a covalent conjugate of rabbit antisheep immunoglobulin with the enzyme β-d-galactoside galactohydrolase (E.C.) 3.2.1.23). Colorimetric assay of enzyme conjugate adsorbed to discs permits quantitation of 1.0 to 25 ng of IgE per test. Concentrations of IgE in 48 sera as measured by the GIST gave a linear correlation coefficient of 0.97 with IgE concentrations as determined by radioimmunoassay. Preliminary studies indicate that the GIST makes possible nonisotopic measurement of ragweed-specific IgE antibodies in human serum. The GIST for IgE is simple to perform and requires neither shortlived radioisotopes, expensive scintillation detection equipment, nor scarce, purified IgE.
Detection of a Vertically Fractured Zone Using Shear Waves: Physical Model Study

In order to investigate the potential of shearwaves for detection of vertically fractured zones, a physical model study was conducted. The model consists of three isotropic layers with a transversely isotropic Phenolite disc (representing the vertically fractured zone) embedded in the central portion of the intermediate isotropic layer. Two sets of shear wave data (source and receiver polarized parallel and perpendicular to the lines) were collected along two seismic lines, one parallel to the fractures and the other with the azimuth of 45 degrees to the fractures. Presented results clearly show shear wave splitting. The position and area1 size of the subsurface vertically fractured zone can be determined by analysing the Sl and S2 seismic sections.
New and emerging therapies for short bowel syndrome in children.

This review provides an overview of traditional as well as emerging therapies useful in the management of pediatric short bowel syndrome. Pediatric short bowel syndrome is relatively uncommon; however, when it does occur, it presents a unique challenge to medical care providers. The use of parenteral and enterai nutrition to maximize growth and enhance intestinal adaptation so as to increase absorptive surface area has been the primary focus of therapy. In recent years, the advent of pharmacologic advances, including the use of antibacterial drugs, anti-motility drugs and hormonal therapies, has had a significant impact on this condition. At times, surgery may be indicated for dealing with complications, or providing alternative therapy such as transplantation. With ongoing research, it is likely that improved pharmacologic therapy will be available for enhanced intestinal adaptation, control of gut motility, treatment of small bowel bacterial overgrowth, and treatment of rejection following small intestinal transplantation.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Flocculation Dynamics

The bacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae is a cause of community- and hospital-acquired lung, urinary tract and blood stream infections. It is a common contaminant of indwelling catheters and it is theorized in that context that systemic infection follows shedding of aggregates off of surface-adherent biofilm colonies. In an effort to better understand bacterial proliferation in the host bloodstream, we develop a PDE model for the flocculation dynamics of Klebsiella pneumoniae in suspension. Existence and uniqueness results are provided, as well as a brief description of the numerical approximation scheme. We generate artificial data and illustrate the requirements to accurately identify proliferation, aggregation, and fragmentation of flocs in the experimental domain of interest.
Oxygen consumption and torpor in the fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius): Rethinking prosimian metabolism

Abstract 1. 1. Oxygen consumption was measured in a lemuriform prosimian, Cheirogaleus medius . throughout a 24-hr cycle. The standard metabolic rate was determined to be 0.95 ml O 2 (g · hr) −1 agreeing well with the value predicted by allometric equations, 0.91 ml O 2 (g · hr) −1 . 2. 2. As a group, prosimians are argued to have metabolic levels in agreement with eutherian norms, rather than hypometabolic levels as previously supposed. 3. 3. Day length is shown to be an important behavioral cue for this species. Its complex yearly and daily torpor cycles are linked to this stimulus.
Mutation of the Ectodysplasin-A Gene Results in Bone Defects in Mice

Abstract Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) is an X-linked, recessive genetic disease characterized by dysfunctional sweat glands, poorly developed teeth, and premature balding in human beings. This disorder results from mutations in the gene for ectodysplasin-A, a type II transmembrane protein with tumour necrosis factor-α domains. An animal model of EDA, the Tabby mouse, also has mutations in the ectodysplasin-A gene and defects similar to those of human beings with EDA. In addition to these defects, Tabby mice acquire deformities in the distal portion of their tails at 10–12 weeks of age. Whole-mount staining of the skeleton with Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue revealed that the tail defect resulted from vertebral fractures just distal to the epiphysis. Histological analysis demonstrated that the structure of both the epiphysis and the subepiphyseal zone of the tail vertebrae was dysplastic while the shaft of the diaphysis was relatively normal. The overall structure of the trabecular bone of these animals was examined through 3-dimensional microcomputed tomography of the tibia. This analysis indicated that Tabby mice had a mild increase in the interconnectivity of the intertwined trabecular bone network but that individual trabeculae were relatively normal. Since it has been determined recently that the ectodysplasin-A gene is expressed in the osteoblasts of developing human embryos, it appears likely that this gene plays a role in normal bone development.
Somatostatin and Pancreatic Polypeptide Secretion: Effects of Glucagon, Insulin, and Arginine

The isolated perfused canine pancreas with duodenal exclusion was used to examine islet hormone output in response to arginine and exogenous glucagon and insulin. Exogenous glucagon (100 ng/ml) stimulated insulin and somatostatin secretion, which occurred in a biphasic pattern. The insulin response to glucagon was markedly enhanced by increased perfusate glucose, unlike the somatostatin response, which was little affected. The insulin and somatostatin responses were seen between 15 and 45 s after the glucagon stimulus. Pancreatic polypeptide secretion was uninfluenced by exogenous glucagon. Biphasic release of glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide was evoked by 10 mM arginine, the responses first being apparent within less than 30 s. Exogenous insulin (50 mU/ml) infused for 10 min had no statistically significant effect on glucagon, somatostatin, or pancreatic polypeptide secretion. This study suggests that these four islet hormones may all be involved in the dynamic mechanisms of nutrient metabolism. In addition, potential intra-islet paracrine effects are identified.
Competitive multi-facility location games with non-identical firms and convex traffic congestion costs

This paper studies a set of heterogenous competitive firms simultaneously locating facilities at a set of locations to serve a set of markets. Firms incur firm-specific transportation, congestion, and location costs, and market price is linear and decreasing in the amount shipped to the market by all firms. First, firms’ market-supply decisions for given facility locations are characterized using a variational inequality formulation. Then, firms’ location decisions are analyzed. A heuristic method is provided for finding equilibrium locations, and its computational efficiency is compared to a random search method.
Conservation of Deep Pelagic Biodiversity

The deep ocean is home to the largest ecosystems on our planet. This vast realm contains what may be the greatest number of animal species, the greatest biomass, and the greatest number of individual organisms in the living world. Humans have explored the deep ocean for about 150 years, and most of what is known is based on studies of the deep seafloor. In contrast, the water column above the deep seabed comprises more than 90% of the living space, yet less than 1% of this biome has been explored. The deep pelagic biota is the largest and least-known major faunal group on Earth despite its obvious importance at the global scale. Pelagic species represent an incomparable reservoir of biodiversity. Although we have yet to discover and describe the majority of these species, the threats to their continued existence are numerous and growing. Conserving deep pelagic biodiversity is a problem of global proportions that has never been addressed comprehensively. The potential effects of these threats include the extensive restructuring of entire ecosystems, changes in the geographical ranges of many species, large-scale elimination of taxa, and a decline in biodiversity at all scales. This review provides an initial framework of threat assessment for confronting the challenge of conserving deep pelagic biodiversity; and it outlines the need for baseline surveys and protected areas as preliminary policy goals.
Atmospheric photochemical reactions in a tube flow reactor.

Abstract The complexities of atmospheric chemistry lead to the expectation that changes in the nature and not just in the amount of photochemical smog will result from the current program for controlling hydrocarbon emissions. When the amount of reactive hydrocarbon is no longer sufficient to convert all the nitric oxide to products, marked decreases in most smog symptoms should be observed, but there may also be an appreciable increase in nitrogen dioxide exposure. These changes were studied in a transparent flow reactor using artificial ultraviolet irradiation. The output of ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate decreased sharply when the amount of hydrocarbon used was not sufficient to convert all the input nitric oxide to nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen compounds detected in the output (nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxyacyl nitrate, and trace amounts of alkyl nitrate) fell short of accounting for all the nitric oxide in the input. Each molecule of propylene or cis-2-butene consumed caused, at maximum, about two molecules of nitric oxide to be converted to nitrogen dioxide.
Decreased expression of the transcription factor NURR1 in dopamine neurons of cocaine abusers

Chronic exposure to cocaine induces long-term adaptations that are likely to involve changes in transcription factor expression. This possibility has not been examined in the cocaine-exposed human brain. The transcription factor nurr1 is highly expressed in rodent midbrain dopamine neurons and is essential for their proper phenotypic development. Here we show that human NURR1 gene expression is robust within control subjects and reduced markedly within the dopamine neurons of human cocaine abusers. NURR1 is known to regulate transcription of the gene encoding the cocaine-sensitive dopamine transporter (DAT). We show here that DAT gene expression also is reduced markedly in the dopamine neurons of NURR1-deficient cocaine abusers, suggesting that NURR1 plays a critical role in vivo in controlling human DAT gene expression and adaptation to repeated exposure to cocaine.
Hippocampal interneuron loss and plasticity in human temporal lobe epilepsy

It has been hypothesized on the basis of animal models of epilepsy that abnormal neural activity in epilepsy may be related to reorganized neural circuits that facilitate epileptogenesis. Little evidence of this was available for human epilepsy. This paper provides the first evidence of such reorganization of a hippocampal seizure focus in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This reorganization involves the selective loss of somatostatin and neuropeptide Y immunoreactive interneurons, and axonal sprouting of other neuropeptide Y neurons and dynorphin-A immunoreactive granule cells. This set of changes is not exactly like those that are reported in animal models.
Thinness Portrayals of Fashion Models: Perceived Body Dissatisfaction in Self and Others

The third person media effect is a social judgment phenomenon in which respondents differentiate between media effects on self and others. In this study, we extend this social judgment bias to advertisements for women's clothing. Magazine and catalog photographs of women were digitally altered to present the same models in different weight conditions. Sixty female undergraduates were assigned to view one of three sets of pictures: thin female models, thinness-relaxed female models, or controls (no models) and perceived body dissatisfaction evaluated for self, friends, and other students. In the control condition, perceived effect of media on self and others was negative, with a greater negative effect on others than self. In the thin models condition, respondents did not concede to effect on self, but perceived a strong negative effect only on others. However, in the thinness-relaxed condition, the difference in perceived effects on self and others was neutralized. Theoretical and applied significance of ...
Factors contributing to skeletal health of postmenopausal Mexican‐American women

Incidence rates of hip fracture are lower in Hispanic (HC) than non-Hispanic Caucasians (NHC). To investigate factors that may affect skeletal health of Hispanics, we recruited 152 healthy community-dwelling Mexican-American Caucasian women into a 4-year longitudinal study that evaluates bone mass, nutritional status, muscle strength, mobility, falls, and other factors that may contribute to fracture risk. Results from the baseline component of the study are reported herein. Average bone mineral densities (BMD) evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in this study group did not differ from BMDs in healthy, NHC women of similar age. Hip axis length (HAL), however, was significantly shorter than that reported for nonosteoporotic NHC. Factors independently associated with greater BMD and BMC at certain skeletal sites were lean body mass, fat mass, acculturation, years of estrogen use, sun exposure, hip adductor strength, grip strength, erythrocyte folate, and serum glucose concentrations. Factors independently associated with lower BMD and BMC at certain skeletal sites were age, parity, and vertebral deformities (all p < 0.05). Thus, the decreased risk of hip fracture in HC compared with NHC does not appear to be due to high bone mass. However, other factors such as HAL and body composition may play a role in maintenance of skeletal integrity.
Nitrogen and phosphorus utilization by Spartina alterniflora in a salt marsh in Barataria Bay, Louisiana

Abstract A study was made of the effect of added inorganic nitrogen and phosphate on yield and nutrient uptake of Spartina alterniflora in a salt marsh in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Supplemental nitrogen increased the yield 15%. The use of an 15N-depleted nitrogen compound showed that the percentage of plant nitrogen derived from the added inorganic nitrogen ranged from 41% in early summer to 31% in September. Twenty-nine per cent of the 200 kg/ha of added nitrogen was recovered in the above-ground portion of the plants in September. The total concentration of nitrogen in the plant was increased by one-fourth to one-half by the added nitrogen. Although the concentration of phosphorus in the plant was increased about 20% by the addition of inorganic phosphate, no yield increase resulted. The increase in phosphorus uptake represented a very small fraction (about 1%) of the added phosphate. This study indicates that the salt marsh may be dificient in nitrogen but not in phosphorus for growth of S. alterniflora.
Age-related long-term posttreatment occlusal and arch changes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate differences in long-term postretention changes between adolescents and adults. Materials and Methods: The sample included 96 subjects, 51 adolescents and 45 adults (...
Critical Thinking in Wikibook Creation with Enhanced and Minimal Scaffolds.

The purpose of the study was to investigate how to scaffold students’ critical thinking skills in the process of co-writing and co-reflection of wikibooks in formal learning contexts. To observe critical thinking skills in wiki collaborations under different levels of instructional guidance, two graduate wikibook projects were selected: an enhanced scaffolding case (ESC) which involved structured wikibook guidelines and critical feedback exercises, and a minimal scaffolding case (MSC) which involved only basic wikibook guidelines. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods were adopted to compare students’ perceived and observed levels of critical thinking and participation in wikibook creation. Results showed that participants in the ESC displayed relatively higher critical thinking levels as wikibook authors and peer editors. Participants in the MSC displayed relatively lower critical thinking levels, but showed more active participation in terms of the frequencies of words edited in wikibook chapters. As peer editors, however, students in both cases tended to show low levels of critical thinking and participate passively even though they considered wikibooks to be a useful online collaboration tool. Document and interview analyses revealed that MSC students experienced difficulties developing their wikibooks due to the lack of instructional assistance and displayed more trial and error, which led to their low critical thinking levels and high participation levels. One student with expertise in wikis dominated peer editing in the MSC group, but the ESC group had relatively even contributions among peers in critical thinking and participation because enhanced scaffolding was more effective for those who did not have prior knowledge and experience in wikis or editing.
3α,5α-THP: a potential plasma neurosteroid biomarker in Alzheimer's disease and perhaps non-Alzheimer's dementia

A plasma biomarker for neurodegenerative disease is desirable because blood is relatively simple to obtain compared with other biological samples such as cerebrospinal fluid. Recent literature suggests that neurosteroid metabolism may be altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We sought to measure the plasma levels of seven steroids to assess their potential as biomarkers for dementia and AD. Methods: Steroids were measured using validated radioimmunoassay methods in AD (n=15), non-AD dementia (n=4), and control subjects (n=20). Demented subjects were in the mild-to-moderate stages of illness. Measurements were done blind to subject status in an independent laboratory. The notable finding was the significantly lower 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP) level in demented subjects compared with controls (25% decrease; p=0.004); 3α,5α-THP was the only one of the steroids demonstrating an effect of dementia. Lowered 3α,5α-THP levels appear promising as a biomarker in dementia, but further work is needed to establish the sensitivity and specificity of these findings in AD.
Sliding and deformation of metallic glass: experiments and MD simulations

Abstract The sliding behavior of metallic glass (MG) was studied using pin-on-disk tests and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Friction coefficients and wear rates of a Zr–Ti–Cu–Ni–Be alloy were similar to those reported for ductile materials, e.g., normal crystalline metals; i.e., exceptional friction and wear characteristics of bulk MG were not observed. Sliding caused plastic deformation, transfer, mechanical mixing and reamorphizing of devitrified material. In vacuum, a softer layer developed adjacent to the interface. In air, an additional harder layer appeared when oxidation products were incorporated into the near-surface material. MD simulations involved a two-component 2D amorphous system. Simulations of tensile tests showed elastic/perfectly plastic response, strain rate dependence, void formation and shear bands. Simulations of sliding showed decreased density near the interface, suggesting an increase in free volume during shear, but neither voids nor shear bands. Subsurface displacement profiles were similar to those reported in experiments on crystalline materials and were consistent with flow patterns expected for flow near a boundary. The MD results on mechanical mixing suggest relevance to other processes, including mechanical alloying, friction welding, formation of nanocrystals, erosion and deformation at high strain rates.
EPR properties of an intermediary electron acceptor (pheophytin) in photosystem‐II reaction centers at cryogenic temperatures

The primary photo~hemical act in photosystem II (PS II) reaction centers consists of an electron transfer from the primary donor, P680 (probably a chlorophyll (chl) dimer), to the primary acceptor, Q (a special form of plastoquinone) (reviewed [ 1,2]). When Q is ~herni~~ly reduced beforehand, reversible photoreduction of pheophytin (Ph) is observed in PS II subchloroplast preparations [3-83 as well as in chloroplasts [7-81. This photoreaction, which can occur at temperatures as low as 100 K [3], is inactivated by heat treatment or Tris washing but can be reactivated by the addition of Mn2* [8]. It has been proposed [3-81 that pheophytin acts as an intermediary electron carrier in PS II, analogous to the role played by bacteriopheophytin (BPh) in photosynthetic bacteria [9-l l] and by chlorophyll in PS I [12]. It has been suggested [3-51 that the ‘variable’ fluorescence of PS II, which appears upon reduction of Q [ 131 but disappears upon photoreduction of Ph [3-81, may indeed be recombination luminescence arising from [P68O’,Ph-1. Investigation of this luminescence has shown that the return of the electron from Phto the excited level of P680 has an activation energy of 0.06-0.08 eV, and the lifetime of [P68O’.Ph-] is 2-4 ns at 295 K [S]. The redox potential of the Ph/Phcouple in PS II has been measured to be -610 mV 173. The quantum yield for photoaccumulation of the long-lived state [P680+.Ph-]Qafter prior reduction