cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of mental model formation on group decision making: An agent-based simulation

We investigated dynamics of group decision making on complex problems when agents can form mental models of others from discussion history. Results indicated that as the agents' memory capacity increases, the group reaches superficial consensus more easily. Surprisingly, however, the shared mental model of the problem develops only within a limited area of the problem space, because incorporating knowledge from others into one's own knowledge quickly creates local agreement on where relevant solutions are, leaving other potentially useful solutions beyond the scope of discussion. The mechanisms stifling group-level exploration and their implications for decision making research are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 16: 49–57, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Superstitious Behavior in a Robot: A Mathematical Model and Computer Simulation Based on Adams' Theory of Motor Learning

Strmmary.-A mathematical model and computer simulation of motor learning is presented. The model is based on Adams' theory of motor learning and incorporates detection of errors and correction which is fed back to modify input. In an earlier paper (Brigner, 1983), Godel's arithmetization procedure (Godel, 1931/1962) was used to develop a model for pattern description and recognition. The general process presented there has been extended in the current paper and provides a mathematical account for motor learning, as motor learning has been conceptualized by Adams (1971) in his theory of motor learning. Consider an hypothetical organism or robot that can perform a sequence of two movements. Let us code that sequence using the prime numbers 2 and 3, respectively, with 2 representing the first movement (or muscle innervated) and 3 representing the second movement (or muscle innervated). Let us further assume that random stimuli elicit responses from the motor system, and when random stimuli S1 and S2 occur, the evoked movement sequence, NS, is given by the expression
Albumin selectively inhibits TNFα-induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in human aortic endothelial cells

Objective: Leukocyte adhesion to, and transmigration across, the vascular endothelium are critical initiating steps in inflammation and atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that albumin, the major plasma protein, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent towards endothelial cells. Methods and Results: To test the hypothesis, we studied the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on TNFα-induced expression of adhesion molecules in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). We found that incubation of HAEC for 16 h with BSA (0.5–5%, w/v) dose-dependently inhibited TNFα-induced mRNA and protein expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), but not intercellular adhesion molecule-1 nor E-selectin. Yeast recombinant human serum albumin exerted similar inhibitory effects on VCAM-1 expression, whereas γ-globulin was ineffective. BSA also significantly inhibited TNFα-induced adhesion of monocytic THP-1 cells to HAEC in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, BSA strongly inhibited activation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). For example, the physiologically relevant concentration of 5% BSA inhibited NF-κB activation by 90±7%, VCAM-1 mRNA and protein expression by 81±4 and 80±13%, respectively, and THP-1 adhesion by 73±9% ( n = 3). The inhibitory effect of BSA on TNFα-induced VCAM-1 expression was not attenuated by inhibition of intracellular GSH synthesis. Conclusions: Our data show that physiological concentrations of albumin selectively inhibit TNFα-induced upregulation of VCAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion, most likely by inhibiting NF-κB activation in a GSH-independent manner.
How similar is college teaching to psychotherapy

Psychotherapy and college teaching are examined in terms of their goals, methodologies, interactional systems, outcome evaluations, and common pitfalls. Similar features abound in these seemingly different professions. In view of these similarities, it is not surprising that certain professors make good psychotherapists and certain psychotherapists make excellent teachers at the college level.
FINITE-SAMPLE PROPERTIES OF PERCENTILE AND PERCENTILE-t BOOTSTRAP CONFIDENCE INTERVALS FOR IMPULSE RESPONSES

A Monte Carlo analysis of the coverage accuracy and average length of alternative bootstrap confidence intervals for impulse-response estimators shows that the accuracy of equal-tailed and symmetric percentile-t intervals can be poor and erratic in small samples (both in models with large roots and in models without roots near the unit circle). In contrast, some percentile bootstrap intervals may be both shorter and more accurate. The accuracy of percentile-t intervals improves with sample size, but the sample size required for reliable inference can be very large. Moreover, for such large sample sizes, virtually all bootstrap intervals tend to have excellent coverage accuracy.
Voltage gated carbon nanotube membranes.

Membranes composed of an array of aligned carbon nanotubes, functionalized with charged molecular tethers, show voltage gated control of ionic transport through the cores of carbon nanotubes. The functional density of tethered charge molecules is substantially increased by the use of electrochemical grafting of diazonium salts. Functionality can be forced to occur at the CNT tip entrances by fast fluid flow of an inert solvent through the core during electrochemical functionalization. The selectivity between Ru(bi-pyridine)32+ and methyl viologen2+ flux is found to be as high as 23 with −130 mV bias applied to the membrane as the working electrode. Changes in the flux and selectivity support a model where charged tethered molecules at the tips are drawn into the CNT core at positive bias. For molecules grafted along the CNT core, negative bias extends the tethered molecules into the core. Electrostatically actuated tethers induce steric hindrance in the CNT core to mimic voltage gated ion channels in a ro...
Disposition of deracoxib in cats after oral administration.

The pharmacokinetics of deracoxib in seven healthy cats were determined following a single oral (1 mg/kg) dose. Minimal variability among cats was found for all estimated pharmacokinetic variables. Terminal half-life (t1/2) was 7.9 hours. The mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was 0.28 μg/mL and was measured 3.64 hours after drug administration. Deracoxib was not detectable in the plasma after 60 hours. The compounded liquid formula was accepted readily, and no adverse effects were observed. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of deracoxib after acute and chronic use in the cat.
From Job Analysis to Performance Management: A Synergistic Rapprochement to Organizational Effectiveness

This article shows how OBM research and practice can incorporate tools from IOP to achieve an effective and socially valid organizational improvement strategy. After a brief review of both fields, a project is described in a major domestic corporation illustrating a synthesis of OBM and IOP techniques. Value-added repair service was targeted for change in a major manufacturer of large home appliances. To accomplish these goals, a standard IOP job analysis was used to define the critical service behaviors related to the value-added dimension, and then both a selection system as well as a customer-directed behavioral assessment instrument to measure this service were developed and validated. Finally, an OBM intervention using task clarification, feedback, and praise was employed to improve the behaviors targeted by the behavioral assessment tool. A synopsis of the results is presented, along with some practical and theoretical implications of this rapprochement of IOP and OBM.
Effect of probenecid on the formation and elimination of acyl glucuronides: Studies with zomepirac

When 100 mg oral zomepirac was taken with 500 mg b.i.d. oral probenecid by six healthy subjects, the disposition of zomepirac was markedly altered. Probenecid decreased total plasma clearance of zomepirac by 64%, which resulted in an increase in bioavailability from 0.55 without probenecid to 0.84 when given concurrently. The apparent metabolic clearance of zomepirac to form zomepirac acyl glucuronide was reduced 71% and zomepirac renal clearance, a minor elimination route, was reduced by 79%. When assayed by a method that prevents degradation of the labile acyl glucuronide, zomepirac glucuronide concentrations in plasma were comparable to those of zomepirac. Probenecid decreased the renal clearance of zomepirac glucuronide by 72%, which, together with the increased zomepirac levels, resulted in a 2.8-fold increase in the AUC of the conjugate. Urinary excretion of zomepirac glucuronide was reduced from 72% to 58% of the dose, but the excretion of free zomepirac was unchanged at 5% of the dose. The ratio of the total clearance/bioavailability of zomepirac in control subjects was 682 +/- 246 ml/min, which is double the value reported in previous studies of zomepirac disposition. We believe that this difference is due to degradation of the unstable zomepirac acyl glucuronide in the previous analytic methodologies used. Qualitatively, the effects of probenecid on zomepirac disposition are similar to those previously reported for other drugs of this class that are metabolized to acyl glucuronides. However, zomepirac appears unusual in that significant levels of its acyl glucuronide metabolite are found in vivo.
Disputed discovery: vivisection and experiment in the 19th century.

In the early 19th century, physiologists Sir Charles Bell and Francois Magendie both claimed to have been the first to identify separate motor and sensory nerve roots, a discovery acknowledged by their contemporaries as one of the most important of the age. This priority dispute came to embody distinct visions of physiology, and of the role of experimentation and vivisection within that discipline. The dispute remained unresolved, in part, because of competing definitions of what was being discovered.
The Electrical Characterization of Molecular-Beam-Deposited LaAlO3 on GaAs and its Annealing Effects

The electrical properties of Al/LaAlO3/GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors were investigated. A thick arsenic (As2) capping layer was used to protect the GaAs from oxidation and contamination during the air exposure that occurred between the deposition of the GaAs and LaAlO3 layers in different molecular-beam epitaxy systems. Amorphous LaAlO3 was deposited on c(4×4)- and (2×4)-reconstructed (100) GaAs surfaces. Post dielectric deposition annealing was found to improve the capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics by eliminating frequency dispersion in the depletion and weak inversion regimes and diminished the bi-directional C-V hysteresis to 210 mV. Reasonably low gate leakage current was maintained after annealing.
Water Vapor Continuum Absorption In The Infrared

Water vapor absorption measurements and comparisons with predictions are discussed along with ongoing and planned research efforts. Hydrogen fluoride (2.7-3.0 μm) laser line measurements as functions of temperature and pressure are presented. Comparisons of these results with predictions suggest the need for using an improved set of absorption line strengths, and a super Lorentz/Voigt line shape. Results thus far have been carried to -18°C although ongoing efforts plan to extend these to -50°C. Deuterium fluoride (3.5-4.0 μm) laser line measurements have been made under mid-latitude summer conditions and as a function of temperature and pressure. The measured absorption in this region is about twice as large as current predictions and ex-hibits a larger self-broadening term. These results can be modeled by assuming both a far wing and a water-aggregate contribution. Other ongoing efforts include determination of pressure and temperature dependencies of water vapor absorption in the 8-12μm region using a carbon dioxide laser including considerations of possible dimer contributions as well as similar measurements in the 0.3-2mm region using a far infrared/submillimeter laser. Possible physical models for the water vapor absorption (continuum or anomalous absorption) in the 3-5 μm and 8-12μm regions are also discussed.
Influence of different calcium materials and spray timing on mineral composition, yield, fruit quality, and control of fruit disorders of 'Anjou' pears

Abstract During a six‐year period (1980, 1985–1989), 20 different calcium (Ca) materials were sprayed at an early (3X; June to July), late (3X; July to August), and an early plus late (5X; June to August) timing on 25‐year‐old ‘Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) sprays increased fruit Ca in the cortex by an average of 10.5% greater than in unsprayed controls and cork spot was reduced by an average of six‐fold. Yield from trees sprayed with Ca materials averaged greater than 13% more crop load than the unsprayed control trees. Leaf and fruit injury from CaCl2 sprays in 1980 were near borderline acceptability, but injury was reduced slightly by halving the spray concentration rate to 681 g CaCl2 per 379 liters of water in 1985 to 1989. Due to temperatures above 26°C, leaf and fruit injury from Ca sprays, particularly calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2], were more severe for the late or early plus late sprays than for the early sprays. Fruit size was slightly larger on trees sprayed only ...
Cortical dynamics of feature binding and reset: Control of visual persistence

An analysis of the reset of visual cortical circuits responsible for the binding or segmentation of visual features into coherent visual forms yields a model that explains properties of visual persistence. The reset mechanisms prevent massive smearing of visual percepts in response to rapidly moving images. The model simulates relationships among psychophysical data showing inverse relations of persistence to flash luminance and duration, greater persistence of illusory contours than real contours, a U-shaped temporal function for persistence of illusory contours, a reduction of persistence due to adaptation with a stimulus of like orientation, an increase of persistence with spatial separation of a masking stimulus. The model suggests that a combination of habituative, opponent, and endstopping mechanisms prevent smearing and limit persistence. Earlier work with the model has analyzed data about boundary formation, texture segregation, shape-from-shading, and figure-ground separation. Thus, several types of data support each model mechanism and new predictions are made.
Quantifying fault recovery in multiprocessor systems

We formalize and quantify various aspects of reliable computing with emphasis on efficient fault recovery. The mathematical model which proves to be most appropriate is provided by the theory of graphs. We have developed new measures for fault recovery and observe that the value of elements of the fault recovery vector depend not only on the computation graph H and the architecture graph G, but also on the specific location of a fault. In our examples, we choose a hypercube as a representative of parallel computer architecture, and a pipeline as a typical configuration for program execution. We define dependability qualities of such a system with or witout a fault. These qualities are determined by the resiliency triple defined by three parameters: multiplicity, robustness, and configurability. We also introduce parameters for measuring the recovery effectiveness in terms of distance, time, and the number of new, used, and moved nodes and edges.
Auxiliary Subunits of Shaker-type Potassium Channels

Voltage-gated potassium channels are important determinants of membrane excitability. This family of ion channels is composed of several classes of proteins, including the pore-forming Kvalpha subunits and the recently identified auxiliary Kvbeta subunits. A combination of a large number of genes that encode various alpha subunits and beta subunits and the selective formation of alpha-alpha and alpha-beta heteromultimeric channels provides rich molecular diversity that allows for regulated functional heterogeneity in both excitable tissues and nonexcitable tissues. Because the Kvbeta subunits can either upregulate or downregulate potassium currents, depending on the specific subunit combination, it is essential to understand their function at the molecular level. Furthermore, targeted changes of the Kvbeta expression or disruption of certain alpha-beta interactions could serve as a molecular basis for designing drugs and therapy to regulate excitability clinically.
A study of some factors involved in the swelling of isolated mitochondria.

Abstract A study was made of the effect of various conditions on the stability of mittochondria isolated from rat liver. The pH of the solution was found to be much more important than the concentration of sucrose in maintaining the stability of these organelles. ATP, ADP, Mg, Ca, versene, and DNP were found to prevent the swelling of isolated mitochondria in hypotonic sucrose at pH 8.0. Calcium was found to have a slight destructive action under hypertonic conditions. The destructive action of phosphate was found to be dependent on hypotonic conditions whereas that of succinate could be observed only in hypertonic suspensions. Although the mitochondria became markedly more unstable to alkaline conditions after short periods of aging at 37° the protective mechanisms utilizing ATP and magnesium are lost more slowly. Little difference in stability was noted among preparations of mitochondria which were round and swollen, “rod” shaped, or well preserved morphologically. Accordingly the alteration in morphology during the process of isolation of the mitochondria probably did not influence the stability of these organelles in the present experiments or in those of others.
Educational choice (vouchers) and social mobility

Abstract A quantitative approach to study the impact of vouchers is thought to yield more meaningful results than theoretical arguments. This paper makes use of a model of the behavior of young people and schools to simulate the effects of vouchers of varying sizes on students in different income categories, living in three communities — poor, average and wealthy — under two assumptions about how public schools spend their resources. The first assumption is that public schools minimize their offerings to individual students (i.e. maximize their surplus) in order to further objectives not valued by students. The second assumption is that public schools act as competitive firms, maximizing their educational offerings to individual students. Findings from the simulation are neither uniformly positive nor negative. They do not support the argument that poor young people will be better off with a voucher system. Even in the most favorable case — when public schools maximize surplus — a systemic choice system would not come close to equalizing educational opportunity across income groups.
Surface photochemistry of carbonyl sulfide adsorbed on Ag(111)

Abstract The surface photochemistry of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) on Ag(111) at 100 K has been investigated using temperature programmed desorption and photoelectron spectroscopy. Adsorption of OCS at 100 K is molecular and lowers the work function by 0.6 eV. In TPD, adsorbed OCS molecules all desorb reversibly at 128 K with no detectable thermal decomposition. Photodissociation of OCS occurs readily at 100 K with photon energies higher than 3.0 eV. Surface S and gas phase CO are produced. There is no photon induced desorption of molecular OCS, but the desorption of CO can be readily monitored with a mass spectrometer during UV irradiation. The photodissociation cross section is ~ 4.4 × 10 −20 cm 2 at 254 nm and decreases with increasing wavelength. Compared to the gas phase photochemistry, the photodissociation of OCS on Ag(111) has a higher cross section and a lower threshold. The surface photochemistry is discussed in terms of direct excitation of the OCS-Ag complex and bulk substrate excitation.
TEXTURE AND LIPID PHASE MORPHOLOGY OF SOME PROCESSED MEATS

The morphology of the lipid phase and resistance to penetration of different brands of commercial wieners, ring bologna and braunschweiger were studied. Even though consistent results were not obtained from all products, it was suggested that products with a smaller lipid globule size had a greater resistance to penetration.
Adsorption of ethylene on the Pt(100) surface

Abstract Clean Pt(100) surfaces with bulk-like 1×1 structure, or the stable, reconstructed 5×20 structure and held at 200 or 330 K were exposed to ethylene. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy identified the nature of the adsorbed species which depends on the structure and temperature of the clean surface and the amount adsorbed. It is ethylene on the 5 × 20 structure at 200 K, a vinyl radical on the same surface at 300 K up to half a monolayer, the remainder being added as acetylene; it is acetylene on the 1 × 1 surface at 330 K and a mixture of acetylene, vinyl and ethylene on the 1 × 1 surface at 200 K. Whatever the nature of the adsorbate, the surface coverage θ increased with exposure ϵ as (1 − θ = Cϵ − 1 3 ) . By contrast, on a surface covered with any C 2 hydrocarbon acetylene adsorbs with Langmuir kinetics. The kinetics are explained in terms of the relationship between the attraction an approaching molecule experiences from the bare surface and its Van der Waals repulsion from preadsorbed molecules.
Shrink Wrapping Cells in a Defined Extracellular Matrix to Modulate the Chemo-Mechanical Microenvironment

Cell–matrix interactions are important for the physical integration of cells into tissues and the function of insoluble, mechanosensitive signaling networks. Studying these interactions in vitro can be difficult because the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that adsorb to in vitro cell culture surfaces do not fully recapitulate the ECM-dense basement membranes to which cells such as cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells adhere to in vivo. Towards addressing this limitation, we have developed a surface-initiated assembly process to engineer ECM proteins into nanostructured, microscale sheets that can be shrink wrapped around single cells and small cell ensembles to provide a functional and instructive matrix niche. Unlike current cell encapsulation technology using alginate, fibrin or other hydrogels, our engineered ECM is similar in density and thickness to native basal lamina and can be tailored in structure and composition using the proteins fibronectin, laminin, fibrinogen, and/or collagen type IV. A range of cells including C2C12 myoblasts, bovine corneal endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes survive the shrink wrapping process with high viability. Further, we demonstrate that, compared to non-encapsulated controls, the engineered ECM modulates cytoskeletal structure, stability of cell–matrix adhesions and cell behavior in 2D and 3D microenvironments.
Primary psychiatric conditions: Dermatitis artefacta, trichotillomania and neurotic excoriations

Primary psychiatric conditions encountered in dermatology include dermatitis artefacta, trichotillomania (TTM) and neurotic excoriations. For these disorders, the primary pathologic condition involves the psyche; therefore, any cutaneous findings are self-induced. Herein, we review common primary psychiatric conditions in dermatology - dermatitis artefacta, neurotic excoriations and TTM - and examine their epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and treatment strategies. For all primary psychiatric disorders, the most effective underlying strategy is to first establish a strong therapeutic rapport with the patient. Various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies can then be attempted afterwards to successfully manage these patients.
High throughput single molecule tracking for analysis of rare populations and events

High throughput single molecule tracking methods were developed to perform quantitative analyses of rare molecular populations. An optimization strategy for single molecule tracking at interfaces is described that allowed tracking of ∼106 unique trajectories. These large statistical datasets were analyzed in order to identify and characterize distinct molecular populations based on their characteristic dynamic behavior (residence time or surface diffusion) and/or their spatial distribution. Cumulative (i.e. integrated) probability distributions were found to be several orders of magnitude more sensitive to rare populations than were raw probability distributions. Mapping using Accumulated Probe Trajectories (MAPT) was used to characterize molecular populations associated with rare surface heterogeneities. Importantly, large sample sizes were found to result in a dramatic enhancement in the ability to identify rare populations and to resolve their dynamic and spatial parameters.
Evaluation of a school-based sexual abuse prevention program: cognitive and emotional effects.

Abstract This study evaluated a school-based child sexual abuse prevention program which consisted of separate 2-hour workshops for children, parents, and teachers. Questionnaires concerning the children's knowledge about sexual abuse prevention and level of emotional distress were developed and administered to 88 children, ages 5–12, and 60 parents before and after the program. In addition, 12 teachers completed questionnaires about the children's level of emotional distress within 2 weeks after the program. Comparison of the children's knowledge before and after the program showed significant increases in knowledge about strategies for coping with potential abuse situations. Also individual children's responses were compared with their parents' responses. After the program the parents had a more accurate appraisal of their children's knowledge, and in addition, there was a significant increase in how much parents reported that they had talked with their children about sexual abuse. In terms of possible adverse emotional effects of the program, neither teachers nor parents noticed signs of increased emotional distress. In addition, the children reported that the program made them feel safer and better able to protect themselves. The findings support the value of providing sexual abuse prevention programs to children.
Spiritual stress and coping model of divorce: a longitudinal study

This study represents the first longitudinal effort to use a spiritual stress and coping model to predict adults' psychosocial adjustment following divorce. A community sample of 89 participants completed measures at the time of their divorce and 1 year later. Though the sample endorsed slightly lower levels of religiosity than the general U.S. population, most reported spiritual appraisals and positive and negative religious coping tied to divorce. Hierarchical regression analyses controlling general religiousness and nonreligious forms of coping indicated that (a) appraising divorce as a sacred loss or desecration at the time it occurred predicted more depressive symptoms and dysfunctional conflict tactics with the ex-spouse 1 year later; (b) positive religious coping reported about the year following divorce predicted greater posttraumatic growth 1 year after divorce; and (c) negative religious coping reported about the year following divorce predicted more depressive symptoms 1 year after the divorce. Bootstrapping mediation analyses indicated that negative religious coping fully mediated links between appraising the divorce as a sacred loss or desecration at the time it occurred and depressive symptoms 1 year later. In addition, moderation analyses revealed that negative religious coping is more strongly associated with depressive symptoms among those who form high versus low appraisals of their divorce as a sacred loss or desecration. These findings are relevant to divorce education and intervention provided by professionals in legal, family, mental health, and clerical roles. Implications are discussed for clinical and counseling psychology and religious communities.
Fully Connected Cascade Artificial Neural Network Architecture for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Classification From Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data

Automated recognition and classification of brain diseases are of tremendous value to society. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a diverse spectrum disorder whose diagnosis is based on behavior and hence will benefit from classification utilizing objective neuroimaging measures. Toward this end, an international competition was conducted for classifying ADHD using functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired from multiple sites worldwide. Here, we consider the data from this competition as an example to illustrate the utility of fully connected cascade (FCC) artificial neural network (ANN) architecture for performing classification. We employed various directional and nondirectional brain connectivity-based methods to extract discriminative features which gave better classification accuracy compared to raw data. Our accuracy for distinguishing ADHD from healthy subjects was close to 90% and between the ADHD subtypes was close to 95%. Further, we show that, if properly used, FCC ANN performs very well compared to other classifiers such as support vector machines in terms of accuracy, irrespective of the feature used. Finally, the most discriminative connectivity features provided insights about the pathophysiology of ADHD and showed reduced and altered connectivity involving the left orbitofrontal cortex and various cerebellar regions in ADHD.
Why culture and language matter: the clinical consequences of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services to children in the emergency department

Abstract As the proportion of racial, ethnic, and cultural minorities in the United States continues to expand, pediatric emergency medicine providers are increasingly likely to encounter cultural and language barriers in practice. This paper reviews a conceptual framework encompassing the decision to seek emergency care, the process of providing such care, and the adherence to treatment plans and follow-up. The ways in which cultural and language barriers can negatively impact each element of this model are discussed in detail. Specific examples include provider ignorance of dangerous folk beliefs, communication barriers secondary to inappropriate interpreter use, and discriminatory assumptions regarding child abuse, pain management, and sexual activity. The practitioner is then provided with concrete recommendations to reduce these negative effects.
A Smart Polymer Composite for Repeatedly Self-Healing Impact Damage in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Vessels

This paper investigated the impact properties of a novel polymer composite material with a potential to repeatedly self-heal impact damage in FRP vessels. The composite was fabricated by first dispersing copolyster thermoplastic particles in a shape memory polymer (SMP) matrix, and then reinforcing the material with three-dimensional (3D) woven glass fibers. Specimens of the reinforced composite with dimensions of 152 mm × 101 mm × 12.7 mm were produced by machining and divided into two groups (G1 and G2). G1 specimens were subjected to several impact/healing test cycles with 42 J of impact energy. G2 specimens were subjected to repeated impact test cycles with no healing at the same energy level. A third group of specimens without thermoplastic particles (G3), with identical dimensions as G2 was also produced and tested in a similar manner as G2 to evaluate the effects of thermoplastic particles on impact resistance. G2 specimens were perforated at the 40th impact while G3 specimens were perforated at the 27th impact. G1 specimens lasted an additional 9 rounds of impact to a total of 49 impacts compared to G2 specimens.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Influence of daylight and incubation interval on water column respiration in tropical fish ponds

Water column respiration (WCR) was measured in dark BOD bottles for 2, 4 and 8 h intervals during 22 h periods in two 1000 m2 ponds stocked withOreochromis niloticus at 1 m−2, and fertilized weekly with chicken litter at 750 kg total solids ha−1. Mean WCR ranged from a low of 0.39 mg l−1 for 8 h nocturnal intervals to a high of 0.62 mg l−1 for 2-h diurnal intervals. WCR was significantly influenced by daylight and time into the diurnal or nocturnal period when it was determined. Mean WCR was significantly greater during the day than during the night (P 0.05). Higher WCR during the day and during short diurnal incubation intervals was attributed to greater availability of photosynthetic respiration substrate. Diurnal, diel, or nocturnal WCR could be best estimated by a single 2, 4 or 8 h incubation interval, respectively, beginning at 0800 h.
An investigation of hydraulic fracturing. Part I: one-phase flow model

Abstract The prediction of the growth of a hydraulic fracture in an oil bearing formation based on the injection rate of fluid is valuable in applications of the waterflood technique in secondary oil recovery. In this paper, the problem of hydraulic fracture growth is studied under the assumption of uniform distribution of pressure in the fracture and unidirectional permeating flow in an infinitely large isothermal linearly elastic porous medium saturated with a one-phase incompressible fluid. The condition of plane strain is imposed in the study. A comparison of the constant fracture toughness criterion based on the asymptotic value for large crack growth with the crack tip ductility criterion for an ideally plastic solid under plane strain and small-scale yielding conditions indicates that the effect of ductility of rock on the crack growth is so small that the steady state value of the energy release rate can be reached within a short period of crack growth. Thus we can employ the constant fracture toughness criterion in our study. The analysis includes the effects of both fracture volume increase and leak-off of fluid from the surface of the fracture. A nonlinear singular integro-differential equation can be formulated for the quasi-static hydraulic fracture growth under a prescribed injection rate. It is solved numerically by a modified fourth order Runge-Kutta method.
The effects of molecular weight and cooling rate on fine structure, stress-strain behavior and wear of polytetrafluoroethylene

Abstract The effects of the molecular weight of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin and the cooling rate during the processing of PTFE on its fine structure, stress-strain behavior and wear were investigated. The studies revealed a correlation between the crystallinity, the morphology and the dimensions of the fine structure of PTFE. It was also found that the ultimate strength, ultimate elongation and wear are affected by both molecular weight and crystallinity. An increase in the molecular weight or crystallinity could result in a decrease in wear. However, different effects of both factors on wear were observed when different rubbing conditions were used in wear tests. The different effects might be attributed to a crystalline transition of PTFE at about room temperature.
Codon usage in twelve species of Drosophila

Codon usage bias (CUB), the uneven use of synonymous codons, is a ubiquitous observation in virtually all organisms examined. The pattern of codon usage is generally similar among closely related species, but differs significantly among distantly related organisms, e.g., bacteria, yeast, and Drosophila. Several explanations for CUB have been offered and some have been supported by observations and experiments, although a thorough understanding of the evolutionary forces (random drift, mutation bias, and selection) and their relative importance remains to be determined. The recently available complete genome DNA sequences of twelve phylogenetically defined species of Drosophila offer a hitherto unprecedented opportunity to examine these problems. We report here the patterns of codon usage in the twelve species and offer insights on possible evolutionary forces involved. (1) Codon usage is quite stable across 11/12 of the species: G- and especially C-ending codons are used most frequently, thus defining the preferred codons. (2) The only amino acid that changes in preferred codon is Serine with six species of the melanogaster group favoring TCC while the other species, particularly subgenus Drosophila species, favor AGC. (3) D. willistoni is an exception to these generalizations in having a shifted codon usage for seven amino acids toward A/T in the wobble position. (4) Amino acids differ in their contribution to overall CUB, Leu having the greatest and Asp the least. (5) Among two-fold degenerate amino acids, A/G ending amino acids have more selection on codon usage than T/C ending amino acids. (6) Among the different chromosome arms or elements, genes on the non-recombining element F (dot chromosome) have the least CUB, while genes on the element A (X chromosome) have the most. (7) Introns indicate that mutation bias in all species is approximately 2:1, AT:GC, the opposite of codon usage bias. (8) There is also evidence for some overall regional bias in base composition that may influence codon usage. Overall, these results suggest that natural selection has acted on codon usage in the genus Drosophila, at least often enough to leave a footprint of selection in modern genomes. However, there is evidence in the data that random forces (drift and mutation) have also left patterns in the data, especially in genes under weak selection for codon usage for example genes in regions of low recombination. The documentation of codon usage patterns in each of these twelve genomes also aids in ongoing annotation efforts.
DEVELOPMENTAL REGULATION AND PKC DEPENDENCE OF ALZHEIMER'S-TYPE TAU PHOSPHORYLATIONS IN CULTURED FETAL RAT HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONS

Attempts to describe a mechanism of neurofibrillary tangle formation often focus on site specific phosphorylations of tau protein. These have typically been described in both Alzheimer's disease and developing brains. Therefore, study of the developmental regulation of Alzheimer epitope tau phosphorylations may help explain their persistence or recurrence during Alzheimer's disease. Using fetal rat hippocampal cultures, we report a spatial and temporal expression of tau phosphorylation during neuronal differentiation. We have examined phosphorylation at the epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies, PHF-1 and Tau 1. Tau was highly phosphorylated at the PHF-1 epitope at all culture ages examined using both immunohistochemical staining and Western blots. Tau was heavily phosphorylated at the Tau 1 epitope only in older cultures. The populations of tau recognized by the two antibodies also exhibited different solubilities, suggesting different microtubule binding behaviors: tau phosphorylated at PHF-1 was retained in axons following solubilization whereas Tau 1 immunoreactive tau was not retained in any cell compartment. Finally, in this culture system, maintenance of phosphorylation at the PHF-1 epitope, but not the Tau 1 epitope, required protein kinase C activity. These results indicate unique regulatory mechanisms and roles for each of these phosphorylated tau epitopes.
Police use of force against drug suspects: Understanding the legal need for policy development

When confronted by the police, drug suspects sometimes attempt to destroy evidence by orally ingesting the contraband in their possession. Police officers have limited time to react before this evidence is destroyed. These conditions raise the question of exactly how much force officers may employ lawfully to prevent the imminent destruction of evidence. If an officer overreacts and uses more force than reasonably necessary to retrieve the drugs, the evidence may be ruled as inadmissible at trial. Furthermore, the application of excessive force may expose the officer and the agency to claims of civil liability for injury or damages. Given the myriad of legal questions arising within this unique context, this paper reviews relevant federal and state case law to assess the legality of various levels of force when resolving such situations. Law enforcement agencies need to develop appropriate policy statements to guide officer behavior during these types of field encounters.
Cartilage cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase: Inhibition by anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract Soluble 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity is described in chicken epiphyseal and articular cartilage. Kinetic studies of these enzymes demonstrate a high and low K m for the substrates, adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP). Epiphyseal and articular PDE activities are inhibited by those anti-inflammatory agents which are potent inhibitors of the enzyme, prostaglandin synthetase (PS). Specificity of this inhibition is indicated by the activity of these agents against the low K m enzyme. Other anti-inflammatory agents with significantly less potency as PS inhibitors or with no activity against prostaglandin synthetase are found to be either inactive or relatively less potent as inhibitors of cartilage PDE activity. A variety of other anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatic agents, which are not known to affect prostaglandin synthetase activity, are poor inhibitors of cartilage PDE activity. These data provide insight into the mechanism of action of certain anti-inflammatory agents and into the relationships between prostaglandins and inflammatory reactions.
A Synthetic Receptor Which Uses Multiple Edge-Face Interactions To Bind Aromatic Guests.

Host 1 binds bicyclic aromatic guests such as 6-nitro-2-naphthol 2, serotonin mimic 3, and stilbene-derivative 4 with high affinity. Competition studies were performed to determine the association constants for complexation of 2−4 by 1. Lower-affinity host 14 lacked the structural requirements to form edge−face contacts with guests 2−4 and served as the competitive host. For each guest, evaluation of the geometry of the host−guest interaction by low-temperature NMR experiments revealed two edge−face interactions between the face of the anthracene bridge of 1 and the edge of the guest. The results reported in this paper suggest that the observed edge−face interactions stabilize the complexes formed by host 1. The synthesis of host 1 and the complexation of 2−4 by this host are described.
Using physics-based macroscopic and microscopic mixture models for hyperspectral pixel unmixing

A method of incorporating macroscopic and microscopic reflectance models into hyperspectral pixel unmixing is presented and discussed. A vast majority of hyperspectral unmixing methods rely on the linear mixture model to describe pixel spectra resulting from mixtures of endmembers. Methods exist to unmix hyperspectral pixels using nonlinear models, but rely on severely limiting assumptions or estimations of the nonlinearity. This paper will present a hyperspectral pixel unmixing method that utilizes the bidirectional reflectance distribution function to model microscopic mixtures. Using this model, along with the linear mixture model to incorporate macroscopic mixtures, this method is able to accurately unmix hyperspectral images composed of both macroscopic and microscopic mixtures. The mixtures are estimated directly from the hyperspectral data without the need for a priori knowledge of the mixture types. Results are presented using synthetic datasets, of macroscopic and microscopic mixtures, to demonstrate the increased accuracy in unmixing using this new physics-based method over linear methods. In addition, results are presented using a well-known laboratory dataset. Using these results, and other published results from this dataset, increased accuracy in unmixing over other nonlinear methods is shown.
Rock mechanics observations pertinent to the rheology of the continental lithosphere and the localization of strain along shear zones

Emphasized in this paper are the deformation processes and rheologies of rocks at high temperatures and high effective pressures, conditions that are presumably appropriate to the lower crust and upper mantle in continental collision zones. Much recent progress has been made in understanding the flexure of the oceanic lithosphere using rock-mechanics-based yield criteria for the inelastic deformations at the top and base. At mid-plate depths, stresses are likely to be supported elastically because bending strains and elastic stresses are low. The collisional tectonic regime, however, is far more complex because very large permanent strains are sustained at mid-plate depths and this requires us to include the broad transition between brittle and ductile flow. Moreover, important changes in the ductile flow mechanisms occur at the intermediate temperatures found at mid-plate depths. Two specific contributions of laboratory rock rheology research are considered in this paper. First, the high-temperature steady-state flow mechanisms and rheology of mafic and ultramafic rocks are reviewed with special emphasis on olivine and crystalline rocks. Rock strength decreases very markedly with increases in temperature and it is the onset of flow by high temperature ductile mechanisms that defines the base of the lithosphere. The thickness of the continental lithosphere can therefore be defined by the depth to a particular isotherm Tc above which (at geologic strain rates) the high-temperature ductile strength falls below some arbitrary strength isobar (e.g., 100 MPa). For olivine Tc is about 700°–800°C but for other crustal silicates, Tc may be as low as 400°–600°C, suggesting that substantial decoupling may take place within thick continental crust and that strength may increase with depth at the Moho, as suggested by a number of workers on independent grounds. Put another way, the Moho is a rheological discontinuity. A second class of laboratory observations pertains to the general phenomenon of ductile faulting in which ductile strains are localized into shear zones. Ductile faults have been produced in experiments of five different rock types and is generally expressed as strain softening in constant-strain-rate tests or as an accelerating-creep-rate stage at constant differential stress. A number of physical mechanisms have been identified that may be responsible for ductile faulting, including the onset of dynamic recrystallization, phase changes, hydrothermal alteration and hydrolytic weakening. Microscopic evidence for these processes as well as larger-scale geological and geophysical observations suggest that ductile faulting in the middle to lower crust and upper mantle may greatly influence the distribution and magnitudes of differential stresses and the style of deformation in the overlying upper continental lithosphere.
Synthesis and site-specific incorporation of a simple fluorescent pyrimidine

We describe procedures for the synthesis of a fluorescent pyrimidine analog and its site-specific incorporation into a DNA oligomer. The 5'-protected and 3'-activated nucleoside 4 is synthesized in three steps with an overall yield of 40%. Site-specific incorporation into a DNA oligomer occurs with greater than 88% coupling efficiency. This isosteric fluorescent DNA analog can be used to monitor denaturation of DNA duplexes via fluorescence and can positively detect the presence of abasic sites in DNA duplexes. The total time for synthesis of the phosphoramidite 4 is about 75 h, whereas the total time for site-specific incorporation of nucleoside 2 into an oligonucleotide and purification of the corresponding oligonucleotide is about 114 hours.