cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-task Learning with Multi-head Attention for Multi-choice Reading Comprehension.

Multiple-choice Machine Reading Comprehension (MRC) is an important and challenging Natural Language Understanding (NLU) task, in which a machine must choose the answer to a question from a set of choices, with the question placed in context of text passages or dialog. In the last a couple of years the NLU field has been revolutionized with the advent of models based on the Transformer architecture, which are pretrained on massive amounts of unsupervised data and then fine-tuned for various supervised learning NLU tasks. Transformer models have come to dominate a wide variety of leader-boards in the NLU field; in the area of MRC, the current state-of-the-art model on the DREAM dataset (see[Sunet al., 2019]) fine tunes Albert, a large pretrained Transformer-based model, and addition-ally combines it with an extra layer of multi-head attention between context and question-answer[Zhuet al., 2020].The purpose of this note is to document a new state-of-the-art result in the DREAM task, which is accomplished by, additionally, performing multi-task learning on two MRC multi-choice reading comprehension tasks (RACE and DREAM).
Conclusion: Summing up the Activists

The final chapter summarizes the ALM/ASWJ movement. It updates, and in some cases corrects, other academic work on the movement. A number of recommendations are made so that policy makers and practitioners can better manage the ASWJ movement and keep the threat from escalating. There is also a discussion on the evolution from ‘traditional jihadists’ like ALM/ASWJ, where rules, structure, actions, and beliefs are taught to a more non-rules-based kind of jihadism where there is far less discipline. The chapter concludes with two key quotes from ALM/ASWJ activists that encapsulate their beliefs and determination.
Respiratory depression in the post-anesthesia care unit: Mayo Clinic experience

The anesthesia recovery is a complex physiologic process as systems recover from the effects of surgery and anesthesia. Inadequate recovery of respiratory physiology can lead to severe hypoxemia-induced end-organ damage and even death. Emerging evidence suggests that signs of respiratory depression during early anesthesia recovery may portend increased risk for future severe adverse events. This article briefly reviews the Mayo Clinic research experience and advances in clinical practice. From the implementation of a step-down model of discharge criteria in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), consisting of PACU nurses monitoring patients in predetermined periods for signs of respiratory depression, and delaying PACU discharge for patients who exhibit signs of respiratory depression, and early intervention in high-risk patients. Subsequent studies found that even a single episode of respiratory depression in the PACU was strongly associated with subsequent respiratory complications. Further, patient baseline characteristics found to be associated with respiratory depression included obstructive sleep apnea and low body weight, and surgical factors associated with increased risk included the use of preoperative sustained-release opioids, perioperative gabapentinoid use, higher intraoperative opioids, isoflurane as the volatile anesthetic, and longer surgical duration. Based in part of Mayo Clinic research, the FDA issued a warning in 2019 on gabapentinoids use and respiratory complications, increasing the recommended level of respiratory vigilance in patients using this medication. Understanding the complex nature of postoperative respiratory events requires a range of translational and clinical research and constant update of practice.
Transmotor-Based Powertrain for High-Performance Electric Vehicle

This article presents a Transmotor-based powertrain in order to improve the performance of the powertrain on electric vehicles. In the proposed powertrain, the maximum torque can be available at a larger speed range. This feature leads to three notable improvements that enhance the powertrain performance and efficiency. First, higher gradeability is achievable at any vehicle speed that enables maintaining the desired speed at a higher road grade. Furthermore, acceleration and deceleration (regenerative braking) are significantly improved, in comparison to the conventional powertrain, without increasing the powertrain electrical rating. Finally, the efficiency can be improved due to the effective kinetic energy recovery at higher speeds. Numerical simulations and emulation tests are presented to demonstrate the above improvements.
Human disturbance increases trophic niche overlap in terrestrial carnivore communities

Animal foraging and competition are defined by the partitioning of three primary niche axes: space, time, and resources. Human disturbance is rapidly altering the spatial and temporal niches of animals, but the impact of humans on resource consumption and partitioning-arguably the most important niche axis-is poorly understood. We assessed resource consumption and trophic niche partitioning as a function of human disturbance at the individual, population, and community levels using stable isotope analysis of 684 carnivores from seven communities in North America. We detected significant responses to human disturbance at all three levels of biological organization: individual carnivores consumed more human food subsidies in disturbed landscapes, leading to significant increases in trophic niche width and trophic niche overlap among species ranging from mesocarnivores to apex predators. Trophic niche partitioning is the primary mechanism regulating coexistence in many communities, and our results indicate that humans fundamentally alter resource niches and competitive interactions among terrestrial consumers. Among carnivores, niche overlap can trigger interspecific competition and intraguild predation, while the consumption of human foods significantly increases human-carnivore conflict. Our results suggest that human disturbances, especially in the form of food subsidies, may threaten carnivores by increasing the probability of both interspecific competition and human-carnivore conflict. Ultimately, these findings illustrate a potential decoupling of predator-prey dynamics, with impacts likely cascading to populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Multiple-reference global registration in adaptive optics OCT retina images

Adaptive optics optical coherence tomography technology enables non-invasive high-resolution retinal imaging and promises earlier detection of ocular disease. However, the images are corrupted by eye-movement artifacts that must be corrected to permit proper image analysis. We developed a method for efficiently removing eye-movement artifacts of A-lines using a multiple-reference global coordinate system. It corrects 3D translational eye movements, torsional eye movements, and image scaling, minimizing image distortion and substantially improving both regularity of the cone photoreceptor mosaic and clarity of individual cones.
Factors Contributing to Operating Speeds on Arterial Roads by Context Classifications

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate and identify the factors influencing operating speed considering context classification. The study focused on three context classifications: C3R–Suburb...
Optimizing Provider Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Training: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Recommendations from Providers Across the PrEP Implementation Cascade

Expanding PrEP access necessitates training that supports healthcare providers' progression along the PrEP implementation cascade, moving from PrEP awareness to prescription. We surveyed 359 USA providers about PrEP training content and format recommendations. We examined the association between cascade location and training recommendations. Most providers were aware of PrEP (100%), willing to prescribe PrEP (97.2%), had discussed PrEP with patients (92.2%), and had prescribed PrEP (79.9%). Latent class regression analysis revealed that cascade location was associated with training recommendations. Although all providers recommended PrEP-specific content (e.g., patient eligibility), providers who were located further along the cascade also recommended more comprehensive content, including sexual history-taking and sexual and gender minority competence training. Providers further along the cascade were also more likely to recommend interactive training formats (e.g., role-playing). These insights from providers furthest along the cascade indicate the importance of including comprehensive content and interactive formats in future PrEP training initiatives.
How to raise artwork prices using action rules, personalization and artwork visual features

This work explores the development of action rules for changing the prices of works of contemporary fine art. We used LISp-Miner to generate action rules related to artwork profiles and developed attributes covering artist descriptions and visual features of the artwork. We focus heavily on developing a method for partitioning a dataset to produce an increase in the coverage of the rule sets.
Interim clinical trial analysis of intraoperative mass spectrometry for breast cancer surgery

Optimal resection of breast tumors requires removing cancer with a rim of normal tissue while preserving uninvolved regions of the breast. Surgical and pathological techniques that permit rapid molecular characterization of tissue could facilitate such resections. Mass spectrometry (MS) is increasingly used in the research setting to detect and classify tumors and has the potential to detect cancer at surgical margins. Here, we describe the ex vivo intraoperative clinical application of MS using a liquid micro-junction surface sample probe (LMJ-SSP) to assess breast cancer margins. In a midpoint analysis of a registered clinical trial, surgical specimens from 21 women with treatment naive invasive breast cancer were prospectively collected and analyzed at the time of surgery with subsequent histopathological determination. Normal and tumor breast specimens from the lumpectomy resected by the surgeon were smeared onto glass slides for rapid analysis. Lipidomic profiles were acquired from these specimens using LMJ-SSP MS in negative ionization mode within the operating suite and post-surgery analysis of the data revealed five candidate ions separating tumor from healthy tissue in this limited dataset. More data is required before considering the ions as candidate markers. Here, we present an application of ambient MS within the operating room to analyze breast cancer tissue and surgical margins. Lessons learned from these initial promising studies are being used to further evaluate the five candidate biomarkers and to further refine and optimize intraoperative MS as a tool for surgical guidance in breast cancer.
Neuronal Circuits for Social Decision-Making and Their Clinical Implications

Social living facilitates individual access to rewards, cognitive resources, and objects that would not be otherwise accessible. There are, however, some drawbacks to social living, particularly when competing for scarce resources. Furthermore, variability in our ability to make social decisions can be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal mechanisms underlying social decision-making are beginning to be understood. The momentum to study this phenomenon has been partially carried over by the study of economic decision-making. Yet, because of the similarities between these different types of decision-making, it is unclear what is a social decision. Here, we propose a definition of social decision-making as choices taken in a context where one or more conspecifics are involved in the decision or the consequences of it. Social decisions can be conceptualized as complex economic decisions since they are based on the subjective preferences between different goods. During social decisions, individuals choose based on their internal value estimate of the different alternatives. These are complex decisions given that conspecifics beliefs or actions could modify the subject's internal valuations at every choice. Here, we first review recent developments in our collective understanding of the neuronal mechanisms and circuits of social decision-making in primates. We then review literature characterizing populations with neuropsychiatric disorders showing deficits in social decision-making and the underlying neuronal circuitries associated with these deficits.
Pathways and distribution of cadmium in grasslands.

Rangelands or grasslands comprise over 45% of the earth’s land surface. In general these areas are restricted to grazing because of physical limitations which prevent their cultivation20,64. These grasslands, shrub-grasslands, or open forest grasslands are not normally fertilized or subjected to sewage sludge application. They are, however, subjected to airborne pollutants including Cd (cadmium) in increasing amounts from smelters, refineries, power stations, or other industrial developments as world population and consumer demands continue to grow. It is in part because of these trace metal inputs to grasslands and their subsequent uptake by grazers that attention has been directed to the transport of Cd through grassland food chains.
Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: common links and potential therapeutic targets

Many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are now recognized to share atypical inflammatory reactions as a major pathological feature. Neuroinflammation can both be a cause, and a consequence, of chronic oxidative stress. Cytokine-stimulated microglia generate copious amounts of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, creating a stress upon ambient neurons. Conversely, oxidants can stimulate pro-inflammatory gene transcription in glia, leading to various inflammatory reactions. This review compares literature regarding neuroinflammation in AD and ALS, with special emphasis on roles played by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism in the genesis of chronic oxidative conditions. Based on our observations made in the G93A-SOD1 mouse model of ALS, and a body of Alzheimer's disease findings, we hypothesize a prominent pathological role for the TNFalpha-signaling axis and neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of both diseases. A discussion is made regarding the relevance of neuroinflammation to potential therapeutic implications for both ALS and AD.
Accuracy of scaled GRACE terrestrial water storage estimates

[1] We assess the accuracy of global-gridded terrestrial water storage (TWS) estimates derived from temporal gravity field variations observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. The TWS data set has been corrected for signal modification due to filtering and truncation. Simulations of terrestrial water storage variations from land-hydrology models are used to infer relationships between regional time series representing different spatial scales. These relationships, which are independent of the actual GRACE data, are used to extrapolate the GRACE TWS estimates from their effective spatial resolution (length scales of a few hundred kilometers) to finer spatial scales (∼100 km). Gridded, scaled data like these enable users who lack expertise in processing and filtering the standard GRACE spherical harmonic geopotential coefficients to estimate the time series of TWS over arbitrarily shaped regions. In addition, we provide gridded fields of leakage and GRACE measurement errors that allow users to rigorously estimate the associated regional TWS uncertainties. These fields are available for download from the GRACE project website (available at http://grace.jpl.nasa.gov). Three scaling relationships are examined: a single gain factor based on regionally averaged time series, spatially distributed (i.e., gridded) gain factors based on time series at each grid point, and gridded-gain factors estimated as a function of temporal frequency. While regional gain factors have typically been used in previously published studies, we find that comparable accuracies can be obtained from scaled time series based on gridded gain factors. In regions where different temporal modes of TWS variability have significantly different spatial scales, gain factors based on the first two methods may reduce the accuracy of the scaled time series. In these cases, gain factors estimated separately as a function of frequency may be necessary to achieve accurate results.
Clinical and angiographic determinants of primary coronary angioplasty success

Clinical and anatomic determinants of the initial success of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty were prospectively evaluated in 826 patients enrolled in the Multi-Hospital Eastern Atlantic Restenosis Trial (M-HEART). The 639 men and 187 women ranged in age from 31 to 85 years. Successful angioptasty (residual stenosis <50% and no major complications) wss achieved in 886 (88.6%) of 1,000 lesions. Success rates were uniform among the eight individual centers. Outcome was not influenced by gender, age or other clinical features, including severity and duration of angina, prior myocardial infarction, rest pain, transient ST segment elevation, history of smoking or diabetes. In contrast, procedural outcome was significantly associated with lesion-specific angiographic factors. Stenoses 60% to 74%, 75% to 89%, 90% to 99% and 100% were associated with success rates of 96%, 90%, 84% and 69%, respectively (p < 0.001). Angioplasty was less successful in calcified than in noncalcified lesions (82% versus 90%, p < 0.01), in thrombotic than in nonthrombotic lesions (82% versus 90%, p < 0.05) and in lesions in the right coronary artery than in other vessels (84% versus 90%, p < 0.01). Outcome was not related to other anatomic variables, including lesion location (proximal versus distal), vessel size, eccentricity, stenosis length or translesional gradient. By multivariate logistic regression, preangioplasty percent stenosis, right coronary artery location and lesion calcification were demonstrated to be significant independent predictors of angioplasty success. Alternative clinical and angiographic variables did not contribute to this regression model. These results suggest that attempted coronary angioplasty is no longer adversely influenced by previously important clinical features (female gender) or anatomic factors (circumflex artery or distal locations or eccentric morphology). Although patientrelated variables had no predictive value, primary angioplasty success was significantly affected by specific angiographic factors. Stenosis severity, calcification, thrombus and right coronary artery location were the principal determinants of coronary angioplasty outcome.
Performance of Process and Reactive Schizophrenics on a Symbol-Digit Substitution Task:

Schizophrenic patients were classified into process and reactive groups on the basis of ratings on the Phillips Symptoms Checklist. There were 18 Ss in each group. Each group was administered 3 forms of a symbol-digit substitution task. The forms differed in the symbol array used. After adjustment for covariance of age, a significant difference in performance was found between the 2 groups. Also, significant differences among the means for forms were obtained, as well as significant interaction of groups and forms. The rate of information processing of this type of visual material is slower in the process schizophrenic. Since other work has shown that performance involving short-term memory is affected by the set of symbols used, the relatively deficient performance of the process schizophrenic may be attributable to a short-term memory deficit for dealing with this type of visual material.
Effective potentials from Langevin dynamic simulations of framework solid electrolytes

Abstract Ionic motion in framework solid electrolytes constitutes a special sort of classical many-body problem. In such electrolytes, the conductivity is due to the motion of interacting mobile ions modulated by the presence of an essentially immobile framework sublattice. Here, a one-dimensional model of interacting particles, governed by Langevin's equations of motion in a sinusoidal potential, is used to calculate particle distribution functions and effective potentials. The effective potential Veff(x), is then defined through the density distribution, ϱ(x), ϱ(x) ∞ e−βVeffx where β = 1/kT. The Langevin dynamics simulation is used to calculate ϱ(x), which in turn gives Veff(x). The dc conductivity and the other distribution functions can be used to investigate commensurability effects, pinning effects, and screening effects. Comparisons can then be made between correct numerical many-body results and various analytical approximations.
The EC proposal for combining carbon and energy taxes. The implications for future CO2 emissions

Abstract As part of its comprehensive strategy to control CO 2 emissions and increase energy efficiency, the European Community is considering new taxes on most major sources of energy. This analysis employs the Global 2100 model to evaluate the EC proposal — both for the USA and for Western European countries as a whole. Our calculations indicate that the proposal is unlikely to achieve its long-term targets for emissions reduction. Moreover, since it provides for a tax on nuclear energy, this feature will add to the difficulties of reducing carbon emissions.
The impact of an international health study abroad program on university students from the United States.

Objective: International experience is paramount in society today. However, many US citizens have little understanding of the world beyond US borders. The purpose of this qualitative study was to (i) assess the impact of a study abroad program on students and (ii) the impact on the career goals of students who completed the program. Participants and Methods: Fall 2005 alumni (N = 68) of an international health study abroad program were sent a mail survey. Results: Twenty-seven of the students who responded to the survey (61%) were currently in medical school, nursing school, or a master’s program. Conclusions: All students indicated the program influenced their global view of the world. Participants indicated the experience continues to have an impact on how they critically think about the world, including US politics. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16(3): pp. 17—23)
Two apparent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase variants in normal XY males: G6PD Alabama

A six-year-old black boy who had transient hemolysis after a viral infection was found to have mildly decreased red cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity (1.25 IU/g hemoglobin). Two G6PD bands, both slightly faster than normal G6PD B, were seen on electrophoresis in both the propositus as well as in his maternal grandfather. This is an unexpected finding, since the G6PD gene is located on the long arm of the X chromosome that is subject to X-chromosome inactivation, and available evidence indicates that it is present as a single functional copy in the human genome. The obvious possibility of duplication of the X chromosome was eliminated by cytogenetic analysis with G-banding. G6PD duplication is unlikely, since peripheral blood granulocytes, platelets, and lymphocytes; cultured skin and bone marrow fibroblasts; and Epstein-Barr virus-stimulated lymphocytes yielded only a single electrophoretic band with mobility identical to the slower band seen in crude red blood cell hemolysate. Study of partially purified red blood cell hemolysate G6PD also yielded a single band with identical mobility. Kinetic studies of the enzyme in the propositus and in three generations of his family identified a unique, previously unpublished G6PD mutant that is herein designated G6PD Alabama. Red blood cells were separated by density gradient into a reticulocyte-enriched, an intermediate, and a dense, older portion. Two distinct enzyme bands were identified on electrophoresis of hemolysate from the reticulocyte-enriched portion, but not from the other two portions. It is postulated that two transcriptional products of the mutant G6PD gene exist; one with a short half-life and detectable only in young red blood cells, and another with a longer half-life present in all cells. The existence of two distinct mutant genes in the genome or a unique post-translational form of the mutant G6PD detected only in reticulocytes cannot be excluded.
The utility of bipolar electrocautery in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Objective The surgical treatment of epistaxis associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is varied. Laser therapy is often inadequate for larger complex lesions. This study sought to determine if bipolar cautery can be effectively and safely used in treating HHT-associated epistaxis. Study design and setting Records from all patients with HHT treated surgically over 8 years were reviewed retrospectively. Outcomes or complications were noted in the clinic on follow-up evaluation. Results Twenty-seven patients with HHT who underwent surgical treatment of epistaxis were evaluated; 18 were treated with bipolar cautery. Forty-two separate bipolar treatments were performed. No new septal perforations or synechiae were noted. Twenty-two of 42 treatments were coupled with ancillary laser treatments. The bipolar was also used as the sole technique in 20 procedures. Conclusion Bipolar electrocautery is a safe and effective tool for the intraoperative control of HHT-related epistaxis. Significance Bipolar electrocautery may be used as an adjunct to laser techniques or as a stand-alone technique. EBM rating: C-4
The allergist in the new millennium

Allergy and immunology emerged as a distinct research area and clinical specialty in the early 20th century. As the 21st century approaches, the evolution of clinical and academic life in American medicine produces unique challenges for this field and its practitioners, educators, and investigators. How we reached our current state and a personal view of the future for the clinician and the academician in this field are discussed.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the endangered spotback skate, Atlantoraja castelnaui

Chondrichthyes are a highly threatened class of organisms, largely due to overfishing and other human activities. The present study describes the complete mitochondrial genome (16,750 bp) of the endangered spotback skate, Atlantoraja castelnaui. The mitogenome is arranged in a typical vertebrate fashion, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 control region.
Exponential describing function in the analysis of nonlinear systems

In this paper, signals in (L)_{2}(- \infty, t] , a subspace of the space of square integrable signals defined on (- \infty, t] , are approximated by signals in (L)_{2}^{1}(- \infty, t] , the one-dimensional subspace of (L)_{2}(- \infty, t] spanned by the first function from the set of reversed time Laguerre functions. A system mapping (L)_{2}(- \infty, t] into itself is associated with a system mapping (L)_{2}^{1}(- \infty t] into itself; the latter system is characterized by a gain-exponential describing function. This type of describing function is developed as an analysis tool for studying the transient response of a large class of nonlinear feedback systems. The contraction-mapping fixed-point theorem is used to develop conditions for the existence of a solution prior to the use of the exponential describing function to obtain an approximate solution.
Effects of temperature and inhibitors on protein synthesis in a temperature sensitie cho cell line. A proposed role for protein synthesis intrinsic to cell nuclei in the synthesis of RNA

Abstract 1. 1. After continuous culture for over 1 year, protein synthesis in a clone of temperature-sensitive Chinese hamster ovary cells (tsH1) continues to be inhibited during incubation at non-permissive temperatures (40°C). 2. 2. As described in the literature, inhibition is reversed after return to permissive (34°C) conditions, provided l -leucine was present in the medium. 3. 3. Complete recovery of protein synthesis occurred after incubating cells with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol in leucine-containing medium for 1 hr, followed by an additional hour in fresh complete aMEM at 34°C. Puromycin at high concentrations impaired subsequent recovery, if prior inhibition was sufficient. 4. 4. Puromycin inhibited cellular RNA synthesis more than cycloheximide and chloramphenicol, and caused an additional concentration-dependent reduction in residual nuclear protein synthesis. 5. 5. There is a temporal and quantitative correlation betwen the ability of puromycin to impair recovery of protein synthesis after incubation under nonpermissive conditions and inhibition of both cellular RNA synthesis and residual nuclear protein synthesis. These observations are consistent with a role for a puromycin-sensitive fraction of protein synthesis intrinsic to cell nuclei in maintaining a component of RNA synthesis necessary for recovery.
Testing type II error rates in biological anthropology.

This paper presents a look at the underused procedure of testing for Type II errors when "negative" results are encountered during research. It recommends setting a statistical alternative hypothesis based on anthropologically derived information and calculating the probability of committing this type of error. In this manner, the process is similar to that used for testing Type I errors, which is clarified by examples from the literature. It is hoped that researchers will use the information presented here as a means of attaching levels of probability to acceptance of null hypotheses.
Description of LOG phase growth for selected microorganisms during modified atmosphere storage

Two mathematical descriptions based on (1) a modified and additive Arrhenius equation and (2) a modified Arrhenius temperature characteristic equation were developed to describe the combined effects of time, temperature and initial gas composition of modified atmosphere storage on the population growth rate coefficients of Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant interaction of temperature with [O2]/(1 + [CO2]) ratio, such that a combined temperature and gas composition ratio term was not needed in an additive Arrhenius description. the Arrhenius temperature characteristic term (μ) was found to be related to the [O2]/(1 + [CO2]). Growth rate coefficients of bacterial populations could be estimated by substituting a term functionally relating to [O2]/(1 + [CO2]) ratio for the μ coefficient in the Arrhenius expression. the mathematical descriptions were shown applicable for determining bacterial population growth rate coefficients in modified atmosphere storage for oxygen concentration from 0 to 20.99% and carbon dioxide concentration from 0.03 to 80%.
This Woman Which is One: Helena Solberg-Ladd's The Double Day

Solberg's The Double Day (1976), although produced in English, is recognized as the first Latin American feminist documentary. In it, Solberg, by interviewing women from (principally) Argentina, Me...
Studies on human urinary arylamidases

Human urinary protein was found to contain enzymes that hydrolyze leucyl-, alanyl-, and glycyl-prolyl-beta-naphthylamides. The kinetic constants of these enzymes were determined and their chemical properties studied. The pH optima for the hydrolysis of the various naphthylamides were also determined. Glycyl-prolyl-arylaminade was inhibited by Co(2+) and Mn(2+), while two other arylamidases were slightly activated by Co(2+). p-Chloromercuriphenyl-sulfonate and puromycin significantly inhibited leucyl and alanyl arylamidases. The mean values for 24-hour urinary output for leucyl-, alanyl-, and glycyl-prolyl arylamidases in normal human male subjects were 4.32, 9.97, and 2.2 units, respectively.
Using the Miracle Question in Community Engagement and Planning

Actively engaging community members in the revitalization of their neighborhoods is a goal of numerous planning initiatives. In this article, we provide a case example of how the solution-focused b...
Spherical Splines and Average Referencing in Scalp Electroencephalography

EEG analysis and interpretation are affected by the reference electrode. Average referenced potentials are used widely to approximate the potentials relative to infinity, but estimates of the average surface potential are prone to errors due to incomplete sampling of the scalp surface. Even if the electrode density is high, this arises by not sampling the inferior scalp surface. This paper shows analytically how the spherical splines represent the average surface potential. It also shows that, for spline orders m ≥ 3, the interpolating function is well approximated by its large-m limit, weighting near and distant electrodes with opposite signs. Together these motivate the hypothesis that spherical splines permit a better estimate of the potentials relative to infinity than the discrete average computed over superior scalp electrodes. It tests this hypothesis using numerical simulations in a four-sphere head model with single- and many-dipole sources, and variations in spline order, electrode number and head model parameters. The results confirm that the spherical splines yield a better estimate of the potentials relative to infinity, provided the electrode sampling density is adequate.
Electrophoretic mobility of a spherical nanoparticle in a nanochannel

Numerical simulation is used to calculate accurately the electrophoretic mobility of a charged spherical nanoparticle confined in a nanochannel, under a weakly applied electric field. Classic models for electrophoretic mobility are valid only in the linear regime of small particle zeta potential, and for an unbounded fluid domain. However, these models fail to predict the electrophoretic mobility measured experimentally in bounded nanochannels. We adopt asymptotically expanded formulations and solve the fully coupled equations on a 3D finite element domain. Factors affecting particle mobility include electrolyte concentration, channel size, and zeta potentials on both the particle surface and channel walls. Specifically, spherical particles are examined with diameters 2a = 10 and 50 nm, in a 100 nm high channel. The non-dimensional electric double layers were varied between 0.1 < κa < 100. The results indicate that the mobility of a particle located at the nanochannel centerline agrees to within 1% of the average mobility of a particle distributed transversely throughout the nanochannel. Furthermore, confinement by the nanochannel walls was found to affect greatly nanoparticle mobility. As a result, it is feasible to use nanochannels to separate two different size nanoparticles, even when the particles have equal zeta potentials. Finally, a new method is proposed to estimate accurately particle and wall zeta potentials by contrasting the observed differences in mobility between observed in two different height channels.
Talking About the YouTube Indians: Images of Native Americans and Viewer Comments on a Viral Video Site

This study explored the effects of YouTube videos relating to Native Americans on viewer comments posted under the videos. An analysis of user comments as a function of different aspects of racial depictions shows that although users respond favorably to some traditional portrayals of Native Americans, they also respond favorably to Native depictions in contemporary, mainstream contexts and that the videos motivate the viewers to talk about racial discrimination. These findings point to new media outlets’ potential to influence established social perceptions of marginalized racial groups.
Solar Spectral Irradiance and Vertical Atmospheric Attenuation in the Visible and Ultraviolet

The solar spectral irradiance outside the earth’s atmosphere was determined by Langley’s method of extrapolation to zero air mass, from measurements taken on Mount Lemmon at an elevation of 8025 ft near Tucson, Arizona, during October, 1951. The spectrum was produced and the energy scanned by a Leiss quartz double-monochromator, detected by a 1P21 photomultiplier, amplified, and presented on a strip chart recorder. About twenty-five spectra were recorded from sunrise to noon, with band widths ranging from 10 A at 3030 A to 170 A at 7000 A. The equipment was calibrated frequently by recording the spectrum of a standard tungsten lamp. Compared with earlier work performed in this field, our results agree best with those of Pettit. There is good agreement with the direct measurements from a rocket obtained by Purcell and Tousey in 1954 and with the Sacramento Peak ultraviolet observations by Stair and Johnston in 1955. The change of solar intensity with air mass showed that the attenuation of the atmosphere above Mount Lemmon was approximately 15% higher than that for a Rayleigh atmosphere in the region 3400 A to 4650 A, where there is no absorption due to ozone. A discussion is included which emphasizes the importance of clear and constant atmospheres which are necessary to obtain accurate values of solar spectral irradiance outside the earth’s atmosphere by the Langley method. The solar illuminance computed from spectral data was 12 700 lumens/ft2.
1012-105 Endothelin Immunoreactivity in Human Coronary Atherosclerosis

Coronary atherosclerosis and restenosis are disease processes involving cell proliferation and activation of growth factors. Endothelin-l (ET-l), a vasoconstrictor and mitogenic peptide, is produced from its precursor Big-ET. Coronary plasma ET concentrations are elevated in coronary atherosclerosis and following coronary interventions. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that ET is produced and present in human coronary atherosclerotic and restenotic lesions and localized to both endothelial and nonendothelial cells. Twenty coronary lesions were obtained utilizing directional atherectomy. Immunohistochemistry for endothelins was performed with rabbit polyclonal ET-l and Big-ET antiserum without cross reactivity between Big-ET and ET-1 antisera. In addition, staining for specific cell types, including macrophages (KP-1), endothelial cells (Factor VIII), and myointimal cells (actin), was performed. Eight primary native lesions, six restenotic lesions, and six vein graft (VG) lesions were studied. In all lesion types, intracellular Big-ET and ET-1 were present and in the extracellular matrix and colocalized to area with endothelial cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, and myointimal cells. ET-1 and Big-ET were colocalized to area with myointimal cells only in the primary native lesions. This study demonstrates the presence of Big-ET and ET-1 in coronary and VG atherosclerotic and restenotic lesions. This study suggests that ET is produced locally in the atherosclerotic and restenotic lesions by endothelial and nonendothelial cells. ET may playa role in the changes in tissue architecture and pathogenesis of coronary and VG atherosclerosis and restenosis.
Inhibition of Mitochondrial Function in Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria by Azole Antifungals

Ketoconazole is an imidazole oral antifungal agent with a broad spectrum of activity. Ketoconazole has been reported to cause liver damage, but the mechanism is unknown. However, ketoconazole and a related rug, miconazole, have been shown to have inhibitory effects on oxidative phosphorylation in fungi. Fluconazole, another orally administered antifungal azole, has also been reported to cause liver damage despite its supposedly low toxicity profile. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic integrity of adult rat liver mitochondria after exposure to ketoconazole, miconazole, fluconazole, and the deacetylated metabolite of ketoconazole by measuring ADP-dependent oxygen uptake polarographically and succinate dehydrogenase activity spectrophotometrically. Ketoconazole, N-deacetyl ketoconazole, and miconazole inhibited glutamate-malate oxidation in a dose-dependent manner such that the 50% inhibitory concentration (I50) was 32,300, and 110 microM, respectively. In addition, the effect of ketoconazole, miconazole, and fluconazole on phosphorylation coupled to the oxidation of pyruvate/malate, ornithine/malate, arginine/malate, and succinate was evaluated. The results demonstrated that ketoconazole and miconazole produced a dose-dependent inhibition of NADH oxidase in which ketoconazole was the most potent inhibitor. Fluconazole had minimal inhibitory effects on NADH oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase, whereas higher concentrations of ketoconazole were required to inhibit the activity of succinate dehydrogenase. N-deacetylated ketoconazole inhibited succinate dehydrogenase with an I50 of 350 microM. In addition, the reduction of ferricyanide by succinate catalyzed by succinate dehydrogenase demonstrated that ketoconazole caused a dose-dependent inhibition of succinate activity (I50 of 74 microM). In summary, ketoconazole appears to be the more potent mitochondrial inhibitor of the azoles studied; complex I of the respiratory chain is the apparent target of the drug's action.
Bertrand price competition with differentiated commodities

Abstract This develops a general equilibrium, differentiated commodity version of Bertrand price competition. We study two, related market games in which buyers as well as sellers announce both quantities and prices. In the first game, buyers' strategies are artificially restricted. The Nash allocations of this game will be nearly competitive, provided that the commodities supplied by sellers are sufficiently similar. In the second game, the restriction on buyers' strategies is relaxed and a stronger solution criterion, called local perfection , is invoked. The locally perfect equilibria of the unrestricted game coincide the Nash equilibria of the restricted game.
Factors Affecting College Student Migration across States

Provides a model of human capital search by examining college student migration across states. Tests pertinent investment and consumption benefits. Employs OLS estimation for 49 states, with unique measures for college quality, college climate, and college location. Tests income and price parameters, as well as “super‐selectivity” among certain college groups. The variables for price and college quality are highly significant, while the evidence with consumption benefits remains unresolved. Although several policy options remain open to college administrations, certain public choice incentives may act to impede the working of the university as a “firm”.
Vibrational modes of silicon nanostructures

Abstract We present a method for predicting the vibrational modes of small semiconductor clusters. We employ ab initio pseudopotentials and apply a higher-order finite difference procedure to solve the Kohn-Sham equations. We predict the vibrational modes of small silicon clusters (Si n , n = 4–7) based on their ground state structures. Our calculated vibrational modes agree very well with experimental data, and with other theoretical calculations based on quantum chemistry and tight binding methods. This comparison confirms the accuracy of the finite difference procedure for calculating not only the first order derivative of the energy, but the second derivatives as well. It also validates the accuracy of pseudopotential-local density calculations for the ground state structures for Si clusters.
Effect of humic acid on callus culture of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm) 1

Abstract An investigation was conducted to study the effect of humic acids (HA) on growth and nutrient uptake of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) callus in vitro. Callus, differentiated from excised pine seed embryos, was grown at pH 5.7–5.8 for a total of nine weeks on a Brown and Lawrence culture medium to which 0 to 800 μg HA/mL were added. The treatments were replicated nine times. Samples of callus cultures were taken at periods of 3, 6 and 9 weeks, for size, fresh weight measurements, and macrostructure analyses by light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental composition of single callus cells was determined by x‐ray energy dispersive analysis (EDAX). SEM analysis indicated that HA had a slight effect on callus size. However, calli in 9 wk‐old cultures were significantly heavier than the control, whereas EDAX indicated that the P, K, Ca and S contents were increased considerably in individual callus cells over those in the control at 80, 160, and 200 μg HA/mL applications....
Surface-Slip Gradients of Large Earthquakes

For earthquakes that are large enough to break the earth's surface, slip can be measured directly, providing model-independent information of spatially vary- ing behavior in earthquakes. Here new techniques are developed and applied to extract robust measures of surface slip. In particular, I examine how differences in slip scale with differences in separation. Examining slip distributions of seven large earthquakes in a digital database, I find that the curves collapse into a common behavior over kilometer to tens-of-kilometer length scales. Distributions of differences of slip are found to be reasonably well fit by normal distributions, with the variance of the dis- tributions scaling with separation distance. In particular, average slip differences are seen to be increasing linearly out to length scales of the seismogenic crust, but with a nonzero intercept when extrapolated back to a zero separation of around 1 m offset. The variability of slip extrapolated to zero separation, the mean offset, of around 1 m (:96 � :15 m) is a remarkable feature of the observations, holding for all seven of the large earthquakes analyzed. Leaving aside the offset and looking at the increase as a function of separation, the slope or lateral strain has a value consistent with large scale average strains. Thus, behavior consistent with constant stress drop is seen at length scales smaller than the event size, revealing a further invariant of earthquake dy- namics. Finally, taking into account the noisy environment by looking for coherent structures unlikely to be noise related, I find structures which have moderate values of lateral strains, on the order of a factor of 10 times mean values, with values appearing to be independent of length scale and magnitude.
Control of BF2 dissociation in high-current ion implantation

Abstract High-current BF2+ implants have been studied under various implant conditions, extraction and acceleration voltages, and vacuum conditions to determine the critical controls required to eliminate (or minimize) dissociation of BF2+ during ion implantation. Dissociated BF2+ ions can produce a higher-energy contaminant which extends the junction depth beyond the desired value and destroys devices. In this study, preamorphized Si wafers were used to minimize the channeling tail and optimize the measurement sensitivity. SIMS analysis was performed to determine the size and position of the unwanted energy-contaminant peak (if any). Results are presented and discussed which show that implants between 20 and 60 keV, where the total energy is provided in one stage, have no BF2 dissociation peak, and for implants between 60 and 80 keV, where the extraction voltage is 60 kV, there is no measurable high-energy contaminant. However, if the extraction voltage is lowered to 20 kV for the equivalent implant, there is a discernible energy contaminant. The size of this peak can vary significantly, depending on the implanter design and pumping capability. In a system with extraction energy limited to low values and/or limited post-analysis pumping, this value can be greater than 5%. In this paper it is shown how this value can be minimized. 130 keV BF2 implants are also reviewed and comparisons made between 50 keV BF2+ and 11.2 keV B+ implants. In addition a second energy-contamination peak associated with the stripping of the dissociated B+ ion into B++ has been observed at higher beam-line pressure and is discussed in detail in this paper.