cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Damage distribution during the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake relative to generalized categories of surficial geology

Abstract The spatial distributions of severely damaged buildings (red-tagged) and of breaks in the water distribution system following the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake ( M L = 6·4) are investigated relative to the local characteristics of surficial geology. The pipe breaks are used as an indicator of nonlinear soil response, and the red-tagged buildings as indicator of severe shaking. The surficial geology is described by several generalized categories based on age, textural character and thickness of the near surface layer. Two regions are studied: the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles-Santa Monica. The analysis shows that there is no simple correlation between damage patterns and surficial geology. Single family wood-frame buildings were damaged less when built on fine silt and clay (0–3 m thick) from the late Holocene.
Effect of bupropion on depression symptoms in a smoking cessation clinical trial.

Bupropion is an antidepressant shown to be efficacious for smoking cessation. This study examined the short- and long-term effects of bupropion (300 mg/day for 10 weeks) versus placebo on depression symptoms among 497 smokers attempting to quit in a randomized trial of bupropion plus behavioral counseling. Depression symptoms were assessed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (L. Radloff, 1977) at baseline, end of treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. Baseline nicotine dependence level was assessed with the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (T. F. Heatherton, L. T. Kozlowski, R. C. Frecker, & K. O. Fagerstrom, 1991). A regression model of depression symptoms demonstrated a significant interaction between nicotine dependence and treatment for the treatment phase and during follow-up. Depression symptoms did not mediate the effects of bupropion on abstinence at either time point. Highly nicotine-dependent smokers who receive bupropion are more likely to experience a decrease in depressive symptoms during active treatment but are also more likely to experience a rebound in depressive symptoms when bupropion is discontinued.
Effects of disclosing financial interests on participation in medical research: a randomized vignette trial.

Background Little is known about the effects of investigators' financial disclosures on potential research participants. Methods We conducted a vignette trial in which 470 participants in a telephone survey were randomly assigned to receive a simulated informed consent document that contained 1 of 2 financial disclosures (per capita payments to the research institution or equity ownership by the investigator) or no disclosure. The main outcome measures were trust in medical research and willingness to participate in a hypothetical clinical trial. Results Participants in the equity group reported less willingness to participate than participants in the per capita payments group ( P = .01) and the no disclosure group ( P = .03). Trust in the investigator was highest in the per capita payments group and lowest in the equity group ( P P = .04) but did not differ significantly from trust among participants in the per capita payments group ( P = .15). Participants in the equity group made 3 times as many negative comments as participants in the per capita payments group; and 10 participants in the equity group spontaneously said they would not participate in the hypothetical trial because of the financial interest, compared with only 1 such participant from the other groups. Conclusions Although investigators' financial disclosures in research do not substantially affect willingness to participate, potential research participants are more troubled by equity interests than by per capita payments.
Energy release rate calculations for interface edge cracks based on a conservation integral

Abstract A certain conservation integral, the so called M-integral, recently exploited by L B. Freund in the calculation of stress intensity factors for cracks in homogeneous elastic media, is applied to the calculation of energy release rates for interface edge cracks. Specifically, for an edge crack along the interface between two elastic wedges of different opening angles and dissimilar elastic properties, and that is subjected to point loads at the apex, a relation is derived among the length of the crack, the energy release rate of the crack, the applied loads, the wedge angles and the material parameters.
On the thermal degradation of cellulose in cotton fibers

Thermal decomposition of cellulose has been widely studied for the past several years. It has been reported that the source of cellulose and its composition greatly affect its pyrolysis. One of the most widely used analytical tools for the study of cellulose pyrolysis is thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Several model-fitting methods have been employed to study cellulose pyrolysis kinetics. An alternative to the model-fitting approach is the so-called model-free method developed by Vyazovkin. This isoconversional technique calculates the activation energy as a function of the degree of the conversion. In this article, the pyrolysis of cellulose in cotton fibers compared to microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel, PH 105) was investigated. TG curves were acquired as a function of the heating rates (4, 5, 8, 10, and 16 °C min−1) and the model-free method was used to analyze the data. Activation energies of cotton fibers and Avicel were obtained, and compared to the data reported in the literature. In addition, models for isothermal decomposition were calculated and compared with experimental data at the same temperature.
Compensating Differentials and Income Taxes: Are the Wages of Dangerous Jobs More Responsive to Tax Changes than the Wages of Safe Jobs?

Income taxes distort the relationship between wages and nontaxable amenities. When the marginal tax rate increases, amenities become more valuable as the compensating differential for low-amenity jobs is taxed away. While there is evidence that the provision of amenities responds to taxes, the literature has ignored the consequences for job characteristics which cannot fully adjust. This paper compares the wage response of dangerous jobs to the wage response of safe jobs. When tax rates increase, we should see the pretax compensating differential for on-the-job risk increase. Empirically, I find large differences in the wage response of jobs based on their riskiness.
Development of secretagogue response in rat pancreatic acinar cells

Abstract Two to 3 days prior to birth, acinar cells of the rat pancreas acquire morphologic and biochemical characteristics of the adult gland. To determine if differentiation of the secretory apparatus coincides temporally with the capacity of the cell to respond to secretory stimuli, lobules of embryonic, neonatal, and adult rat pancreas were compared for their ability to respond to secretagogues presumed to act directly via hormone receptors [caerulein and carbamylcholine (carbachol)] or indirectly (cyclic nucleotide analogs and the Ca 2+ ionophore A23187). Of all agents tested, only dibutyryl cAMP elicited discharge of secretory proteins at day 20 in utero and preceded hormone stimulation by 1 day. A23187 elicited discharge by Day 21 in utero ; its action was near adult levels in contrast to hormonal stimuli whose effect was maximal only at birth. All secretagogues required Ca 2+ and energy to induce discharge. Pulse-chase autoradiography of lobules from Day 20 embryonic glands indicated that the acinar cells were capable of transporting [ 3 H]leucine-labeled proteins to zymogen granules at rates roughly equivalent to those in adult glands. SDS gel electrophoretograms confirmed that the bulk of 14 C-amino acid incorporation into proteins at a given age was primarily into exportable proteins. The results indicate that acinar cells synthesize and package secretory proteins into zymogen granules about 2 days before they are capable of responding to hormonal stimuli and to intracellular effectors.
Evaluation of Measured and Estimated Dynamic Moduli for Selected Asphalt Mixes

An accurate measurement or estimation of dynamic modulus (|E*|) of a hot mix asphalt (HMA) mix is important to understand stress–strain behavior of flexible pavements under loading and unloading conditions. The Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) (Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., 2004) recommends that |E*| be used in all three levels of design (i.e., Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3). For Level 1, |E*| is measured in the laboratory, while it is estimated using the Witczak models for Level 2 and Level 3 designs. The measurement of |E*| in the laboratory is not always feasible because it requires costly equipment and skilled personnel. Consequently, use of empirical models seems to be a reasonable approach to estimate |E*|. Several researchers have reported that the accuracy of the Witczak models varies with local materials and volumetric properties. The present study was undertaken to compare the measured and the estimated |E*| for some commonly used mixes in Oklahoma. Specifically, |E*| of five different HMA mixes, comprised of aggregates from several sources and sizes, binder grades, and air voids, were measured in the laboratory. The Witczak 1999 model (Andrei , 1999) was used to estimate |E*| for each of these mixes. A comparison was made between the measured and the estimated |E*| at four different levels of air voids, namely, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12%. It was observed that the Witczak 1999 model overestimates |E*| at all four levels of air voids. To address these overestimates, the Witczak 1999 model was calibrated. The calibrated model was similar in form to the Witczak 1999 model but having different numerical coefficients. Verification of this model was done using a mix that was not used in the calibration process. Furthermore, two full depth field cores were obtained to further verify the accuracy of the calibrated model. Three different criteria, namely, goodness-of-fit statistics, matching the measured and the estimated |E*|, and average relative error (%), revealed that the calibrated model exhibits much better performance compared to the Witczak 1999 model. It is expected that the calibrated model would be useful in estimating |E*| for the Level 2 and Level 3 designs for the implementation of the MEPDG in Oklahoma.
In vitro comparison of heliox and oxygen in aerosol delivery using pediatric high flow nasal cannula

Drug administration via high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been described in pediatrics but the amount of albuterol delivery with an HFNC is not known. The purpose of this study is to quantify aerosol delivery with heliox and oxygen (O(2)) in a model of pediatric ventilation. A vibrating mesh nebulizer (Aeroneb Solo, Aerogen) was placed on the inspiratory inlet of a heated humidifier and heated wire circuit attached to a pediatric nasal cannula (Optiflow, Fisher & Paykel). Breathing parameters were tidal volume (V(t)) 100 ml, respiratory rate (RR) 20/min, and I-time of 1 sec. Albuterol sulfate (2.5 mg/3 ml) was administered through a pediatric HFNC with O(2) (100%) and heliox (80/20% mixture). A total of 12 runs, using O(2) and heliox were conducted at 3 and 6 L/min (n = 3). Drug was collected on an absolute filter, eluted and measured using spectrophotometry. The percent inhaled dose (mean ± SD) was similar with heliox and O(2) at 3 L/min (11.41 ± 1.54 and 10.65 ± 0.51, respectively; P = 0.465). However at 6 L/min drug deposition was ≥ 2-fold greater with heliox (5.42 ± 0.54) than O(2) (1.95 ± 0.50; P = 0.01). Using a pediatric model of HFNC, reducing delivered flow from 6 to 3 L/min increased inhaled albuterol delivery ≥ 2-fold but eliminated the increase in inhaled drug efficiency associated with heliox.
Amorphization of single composition powders by mechanical milling

Of the various methods which have been used for over 30 years to prepare amorphous materials, such as vapor phase deposition and rapid solidification, mechanical grinding or milling has also been noted as another but much less studied technique. The intermetallic compounds which were amorphized by MM were described by Weeber and Bakker in their review published in 1988. Since that time numerous additional intermetallic compounds, inorganic non-metallic compounds, and even several elements have been reportedly amorphized by MM. This paper will describe selected aspects of the phenomenology of amorphization by MM in single composition materials and then discuss some possible mechanisms for such amorphization.
A multifunctional plasmid for protein expression by ECPCR: overproduction of the p50 subunit of NF-κB

We report the construction of a new T7-based transcription vector, pLM1, designed for use in the ECPCR method of protein overproduction. The utility of pLMq is illustrated by overproduction of the 50 kDa DNA-binding subunit of the human transcription factor NF-κB in E. coli. pLM1-p50 directs high-level expression of soluble, active NF-κB p50.
Tellurite Specifically Affects Squalene Epoxidase: Investigations Examining the Mechanism of Tellurium‐Induced Neuropathy

A peripheral neuropathy characterized by a transient demyelinating/remyelinating sequence results when young rats are fed a tellurium-containing diet. The neuropathy occurs secondary to a systemic block in cholesterol synthesis. Squalene accumulation suggested the lesion was at the level of squalene expoxidase, a microsomal monooxygenase that uses NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase to receive its necessary reducing equivalents from NADPH. We have now demonstrated directly specificity for squalene epoxidase; our in vitro studies show that squalene epoxidase is inhibited 50% in the presence of 5 microM tellurite, the presumptive in vivo active metabolite. Under these conditions, the activities of other monooxygenases, aniline hydroxylase and benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, were inhibited less than 5%. We also present data suggesting that tellurite inhibits squalene epoxidation by interacting with highly susceptible -SH groups present on this monooxygenase. In vivo studies of specificity were based on the compensatory response to feeding of tellurium. Following tellurium intoxication, there was up-regulation of squalene epoxidase activity both in liver (11-fold) and sciatic nerve (fivefold). This induction was a specific response, as demonstrated in liver by the lack of up-regulation following exposure to the nonspecific microsomal enzyme inducer, phenobarbital. As a control, we also measured the microsomal monooxygenase activities of aniline hydroxylase and benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase. Although they were induced following phenobarbital exposure, activities of these monooxygenases were not affected following tellurium intoxication, providing further evidence of specificity of tellurium intoxication for squalene epoxidase.
A text mining framework for advancing sustainability indicators

Assessing and tracking sustainability indicators (SI) is challenging because studies are often expensive and time consuming, the resulting indicators are difficult to track, and they usually have limited social input and acceptance, a critical element of sustainability. The central premise of this work is to explore the feasibility of identifying, tracking and reporting SI by analyzing unstructured digital news articles with text mining methods. Using San Mateo County, California, as a case study, a non-mutually exclusive supervised classification algorithm with natural language processing techniques is applied to analyze sustainability content in news articles and compare the results with SI reports created by Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) using traditional methods. Results showed that the text mining approach could identify all of the indicators highlighted as important in the reports and that the method has potential for identifying region-specific SI, as well as providing insights on the underlying causes of sustainability problems. Region specific sustainability indicators were identified by analyzing news.Text mining allowed the tracking and reporting of the sustainability indicators.Text mining provided insights into sustainability issues in San Mateo County, CA.Developed a document classification algorithm to handle overlapping indicators.Chronic problems considered less newsworthy proved more difficult to track.
Lack of effect of growth hormone therapy on the count and density of melanocytic naevi in children

Summary An observation of accelerated growth of acquired melanocytic naevi (AMN) during treatment with human growth hormone (GH) raised concerns about the potential risk of melanoma in treated patients. An increased number of AMN, rather than growth rate, is associated with a higher risk for melanoma. It is unknown whether treatment with GH causes an increase in numbers of AMN. We evaluated the effect of GH treatment on the number of AMN in a cross-sectional study of 90 children with GH deficiency. AMN counts and densities in these children were compared with those found in a control group of 100 children. Factors potentially related to increased numbers of AMN, such as age, sex, skin colour, number of episodes of sunburn and duration of GH therapy were determined. Among the various factors, only the age and colour of unexposed skin area were predictive for the total number and density of AMN. No correlation was found between the AMN counts or density and the duration of GH therapy. There was no difference in the AMN counts or density between the GH-deficient patient group and the control groups. We conclude that GH therapy in children is not associated with increased AMN count and density and is unlikely to potentiate the risk for melanoma in these children.
Interferons alpha and beta down-regulate the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in human carcinomas

We investigated the influence of interferons alpha, beta, and gamma (IFN-alpha, -beta, and -gamma) on the production of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by human renal carcinoma cells. The human renal carcinoma cell metastatic line SN12PM6 was established in culture from a lung metastasis and SN12PM6-resistant cells were selected in vitro for resistance to the antiproliferative effects of IFN-alpha or IFN-beta. IFN-alpha and IFN-beta, but not IFN-gamma, down-regulated the expression of bFGF at the mRNA and protein levels by a mechanism independent of their antiproliferative effects. Down-regulation of bFGF required a long exposure (> 4 days) of cells to low concentrations (> 10 units/ml) of IFN-alpha or IFN-beta. The withdrawal of IFN-alpha or IFN-beta from the medium permitted SN12PM6-resistant cells to resume production of bFGF. The incubation of human bladder, prostate, colon, and breast carcinoma cells with noncytostatic concentrations of IFN-alpha or IFN-beta also produced down-regulation of bFGF production.
Nonlinear analysis of time-delay position feedback control of container cranes

Time-delay feedback control of container cranes is robustly stable and insensitive to initial conditions for most of the linearly stable region. To better understand this robustness and any limitations of the technique, we undertake a nonlinear analysis of the system. To this end, we develop a nonlinear model of the crane system by modeling the crane-hoist-payload assembly as a double pendulum. Then, we derive a linear approximation specific to this model. Finally, we derive a cubic model of the dynamics for nonlinear analysis. Using linear analysis, we determine the gain and time delay factors for stabilizing controllers. Also, we show that the controller undergoes a Hopf bifurcation at the linear stability boundary. Using the method of multiple scales on the cubic model, we determine the normal form of the Hopf bifurcation. We then show that for practical operating ranges, the controller undergoes a supercritical bifurcation that helps explain the robustness of the controller.
PULSED LIGHT STIMULATION OF MARINE BIOLUMINESCENCE IN SITU

Experiments on the luminescent response in marine organisms subjected in situ to pulses of colored light are discussed. White light stimuli enhance the level of the bioluminescent field as much as 1,000 times. The reaction is greater to white and blue-green stimuli than to blue, green, or red. For all stimuli except red, the reaction appears to have three distinct characteristics, 1) a relatively short flash response, 2) an intermediate response lasting 10 set or more, and 3 ) a long-term response of several minutes’ duration. The intermediate response accounts for most of the increase in the level of luminescence during stimulation. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of the design of optical sensors to which the bioluminescent field is a source of spurious signals.
Enhanced Nitrogen Fixation Increases Net Photosynthetic Output and Seed Yield of Hydroponically Grown Soybean

Imsande, J. 1988. Enhanced nitrogen fixation increases net photosynthetic output and seed yield of hydroponically grown soybean.—J. exp. Bot. 39: 1313-1321. Ten to 20% of the net photosynthetic output of a tropical grain legume may be consumed by the nodulation-nitrogen-fixation process. If plant growth activities during the reproductive phase were limited by photosynthetic output, enhanced nitrogen fixation would seemingly lower total plant mass and seed yield. To test this possibility, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plants were grown hydroponically on nutrient medium supplemented with minimal urea or with an excess of either nitrate or nitrate plus urea. Acetylene reduction activities (i.e. nitrogen fixation rates) and transpiration rates were measured twice weekly on these plants through pod fill. Of the plants inoculated,^hose grown on minimal urea revealed significantly greater acetylene reduction activities and transpiration rates. At maturity, plants that had fixed nitrogen at a rapid rate during pod fill had a significantly greater seed size, total plant mass (i.e. net photosynthetic rate) and nitrogen content than uninoculated or poorly nodulated plants grown on an excess of nitrate. It is concluded, therefore, that a rapid rate of nitrogen fixation during pod fill enhances both transpiration and net photosynthetic output. The increased availability of usable nitrogen (i.e. ureides), coupled with enhanced transpiration and photosynthetic output, significantly increases total plant mass and seed yield. Thus, enhanced nitrogen fixation seems to be an inexpensive means of increasing seed yield of soybean and perhaps of other tropical grain legumes.
PET Imaging I

In 1973, Godfrey Hounsfield introduced radiographic CT, which truly revolutionized the field of radiology. Later that year, the concept of [F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG-PET) was born when three investigators from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn)—Martin Reivich, David Kuhl, and myself—discussed the feasibility of labeling deoxyglucose (DG) with a gamma-emitting radionuclide for in vivo imaging of regional brain function in humans. Up until that time, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Penn had tested the beta-emitting C-DG in rats as a novel radiotracer to image regional cerebral glucose metabolism and, therefore, function in a variety of physiologic and pathologic states. Because C is a beta-emitter and the electrons emitted are stopped internally, a technique called autoradiography was used to map its distribution in the brain and elsewhere in the body. In animal experiments, 40 to 45 minutes following the administration of this radiotracer, slices of the tissue such as the brain are placed on a radiographic film that is exposed to the beta particles emitted by C. The film is then processed to capture the biodistribution of this compound, which reflects regional glucose metabolism with exquisite detail. By the early 1970s, the potential of this preparation as a probe to map regional metabolism and function in humans had become increasingly evident to the scientific community. Therefore, it was quite logical
Research in Public Accountancy

“English accounting practice has been developing for many years, but it has not made any substantial contribution to economic science over its own field of the analysis of the results of industry, although it has practically a monopoly grip of the required data. Accountants have the figures; other people cannot use them and if accountants will not, then we get nothing; economics continues its abstract declarations and business blunders on by individual instinct.” This ringing challenge delivered by the late Lord Stamp more than twenty-five years ago has not been fully met by either the English or the American accounting profession. An assessment of progress to date and an analysis of the factors impeding accounting research are the purposes of this paper.
Thyroid Hormone Controls the Gene Expression of HSV-1 LAT and ICP0 in Neuronal Cells

Various factors/pathways including hormonal regulation have been suggested to control herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency and reactivation. Our computer analysis identified a DNA repeat containing thyroid hormone-responsive elements (TRE) in the regulatory region of HSV-1 latency-associated transcript (LAT). Thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, T(3)) functions via its receptor TR (thyroid hormone receptor), a transcription factor. Present study investigated the roles of TR and T(3) in HSV-1 gene expression using cultured neuoroblastoma cell lines. We demonstrated that liganded TR activated LAT transcription, but repressed infected cell protein no. 0 (ICP0) transcription in the presence of LAT TRE. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that TRs were recruited to LAT TREs independently of T(3) and hyperacetylated H4 was associated with the LAT promoter that was transcriptionally active. In addition, ChIP results showed that the chromatin insulator protein CCCTC-binding factor was enriched at the LAT TREs in the presence of TR and T(3). In addition, the BRG1 chromatin remodeling complex is found to participate in the T(3)/TR-mediated LAT activation since overexpression of BRG1 enhanced the LAT transcription and the dominant-negative mutant K785R abolished the activation. This is the first report revealing that TR elicits epigenetic regulation on HSV-1 ICP0 expression in neuronal cells and could have a role in the complex processes of HSV-1 latency/reactivation.
Refractory inappropriate sinus tachycardia successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation at the arcuate ridge

Supraventricular tachycardias similar to sinus rhythm are difficult to evaluate and treat with catheter ablation. In addition to inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), curative ablation of atrial tachycardia arising from the crista terminalis is well described. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman with multiple failed ablation attempts for IST successfully ablated on the arcuate ridge. Ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided mapping and ablation of this specific endocavitary anatomic site may be helpful in certain patients with the diagnosis of IST.
Dynamic Complexes of β2-Adrenergic Receptors with Protein Kinases and Phosphatases and the Role of Gravin

Signals mediated by G-protein-linked receptors display agonist-induced attenuation and recovery involving both protein kinases and phosphatases. The role of protein kinases and phosphatases in agonist-induced attenuation and recovery of β-adrenergic receptors was explored by two complementary approaches, antisense RNA suppression and co-immunoprecipitation of target elements. Protein phosphatases 2A and 2B are associated with the unstimulated receptor, the latter displaying a transient decrease followed by a 2-fold increase in the levels of association at 30 min following challenge with agonist. Protein kinase A displays a robust, agonist-induced association with β-adrenergic receptors over the same period. Suppression of phosphatases 2A and 2B with antisense RNA or inhibition of their activity with calyculin A and FK506, respectively, blocks resensitization following agonist removal. Recycling of receptors to the plasma membrane following agonist-promoted sequestration is severely impaired by loss of either phosphatase 2B or protein kinase C. In addition, loss of protein kinase C diminishes association of phosphatase 2B with β-adrenergic receptors. Overlay assays performed with the RII subunit of protein kinase A and co-immunoprecipitations reveal proteins of the A kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAP) family, including AKAP250 also known as gravin, associated with the β-adrenergic receptor. Suppression of gravin expression disrupts recovery from agonist-induced desensitization, confirming the role of gravin in organization of G-protein-linked signaling complexes. The Ht31 peptide, which blocks AKAP protein-protein interactions, blocks association of β-adrenergic receptors with protein kinase A. These data are the first to reveal dynamic complexes of β-adrenergic receptors with protein kinases and phosphatases acting via an anchoring protein, gravin.
Direct Metal Substitution of Electropolymerized Ferriprotoporphyrin: A Simple Electrode-Modification Process for Developing Electrocatalytic Materials

A simple approach for expanding metalloporphyrins as electrocatalytic materials is introduced. This new method involves the direct electropolymerization of an electrically conducting layer of ferriprotoporphyrin followed by a metal-substitution reaction executed by soaking the electrode in an aqueous metal-salt solution. This process exchanges the iron center of the surface-bound protoporphyrin with the metal ion of the salt solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical methods confirm that this new metal is incorporated into the surface-bound porphyrin structure and alters the electrochemical properties of the electrode. This simple electrode modification process may expand the use of metalloporphyrins for electrocatalytic applications. © 2013 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.005310eel] All rights reserved.
COMPUTATIONAL GEOMETRY COLUMN 20

Open problems from the Ninth ACM Symposium on Computational Geometry (May 1993) are listed tersely.
Schizophrenia: age at onset, gender and familial risk

In a family history study of 366 schizophrenic probands and their 1851 first-degree relatives, we found a relationship between age at onset of psychosis in the male probands and the risk for schizophrenia in their relatives. The relatives of male schizophrenic probands whose onset of psychosis occurred when they were younger than 17 years of age had an increased risk of schizophrenia when compared with the relatives of male probands with an age at onset greater than 17. We did not find an association between age at onset of psychosis in the female probands and familial risk. Cox proportional hazards models permitted us to examine the relationship between age at onset of psychosis in the probands and familial risk while controlling for possible confounding effects.
Coronary arterial reperfusion. III. Early and late effects on regional myocardial function and dimensions in conscious dogs

Regional myocardial function was studied in five conscious chronically instrumented dogs for 4 weeks after coronary reperfusion following a 2 hour period of occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. A cuff and flowmeter were placed around the left circumflex coronary artery, and a micromanometer and three pairs of ultrasonic crystals were implanted 1 cm apart subendocardially in control, marginal and ischemic segments of the left ventricle. Control normal segments showed progressive increases in end-diastolic length and extent of active shortening. Ischemic segments tended to show slight improvement early after reperfusion, but in succeeding weeks, despite some improvement in shortening, they showed progressive decreases in end-diastolic length compatible with subendocardial tissue loss. In marginally ischemic segments, shortening initially remained depressed after reperfusion, but showed late recovery so that shortening and end-diastolic length were not different from control values by 4 weeks. These results contrasted with findings in five similarly studied dogs subjected to permanent coronary occlusion; in that group the data suggested greater tissue loss and less recovery of function in marginal and ischemic segments. The late return of segmental function and reduced loss of subendocardial tissue several weeks after coronary reperfusion suggest that substantial time periods may be required to assess the ultimate effect of therapeutic interventions. The findings further indicate that in this experimental model the usual time constraints for occurrence of irreversible tissue damage do not apply to all of the myocardium within the ischemic zone.
A novel vacuum assisted scaffold system for bony regeneration

Worldwide, there is a tremendous need to improve the healing of long bone defects and fractures. The purpose of this study was to explore the theoretical feasibility of a novel approach to bone healing. Using a vacuum assisted scaffold system, we performed a theoretical analysis and computational modeling. Results indicate that a standard extracorporeal device can create enough negative pressure to develop a pressure drop across a scaffold that will enhance fluid flow through the scaffold. The velocity of fluid flow is affected by fibrin deposition and scaffold permeability. The fluid flow is predicted to create shear stress that would increase cell growth and migration.
Controlling distributed parameter systems using mobile actuator-plus-sensor networks

This paper proposes a stable scheme for the guidance of a mobile actuator/sensor network utilized for the performance enhancement of PDEs. The class of systems is governed by diffusion PDEs equipped with actuators having a box spatial distribution and a collocated sensing device that provides the spatially averaged state measurement over the range of the actuating device. Using Lyapunov stability arguments, a stable guidance scheme is provided for each of the mobile agents. Extensive numerical simulations for both a 1D and a 2D PDEs are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of a such a mobile actuator/sensor network in suppressing the effects of disturbances and enhancing the system's performance.
Combined car-following and unsafe event trajectory simulation using agent based modeling techniques

This paper presents a research effort aimed at modeling normal and safety-critical driving behavior in traffic under naturalistic driving data using agent based modeling techniques. Neuro-fuzzy reinforcement learning was used to train the agents. The developed agents were implemented in the VISSIM simulation platform and were evaluated by comparing the behavior of vehicles with and without agent behavior activation. The results showed very close resemblance of the behavior of agents to driver data.
Genetic evidence for local retention of pelagic larvae in a Caribbean reef fish

The pelagic larvae of many marine organisms can potentially disperse across hundreds of kilometers, but whether oceanographic or behavioral mechanisms can constrain dispersal over periods sufficient for the evolution of genetic differentiation remains unclear. Here, we concurrently examine larval duration and genetic population differentiation in a cleaner goby, Elacatinus evelynae, a member of the most species-rich genus of Caribbean reef fishes. Despite evidence for extended pelagic duration (21 days), populations of E. evelynae show strong genetic differentiation: among color forms (1.36 to 3.04% divergent at mitochondrial cytochrome b) and among island populations within color forms (Phi(ST) up to 70%). These results suggest that marine populations can remain demographically closed for thousands of generations despite extended larval duration, and that recognition cues such as color may promote speciation when geographic barriers are transient or weak.
Alongshore Wind Forcing of Coastal Sea Level as a Function of Frequency

Abstract The amplitude of the frequency response function between coastal alongshore wind stress and adjusted sea level anomalies along the west coast of the United States increases linearly as a function of the logarithm (log10) of the period for time scales up to at least 60, and possibly 100, days. The amplitude of the frequency response function increases even more rapidly at longer periods out to at least 5 yr. At the shortest periods, the amplitude of the frequency response function is small because sea level is forced only by the local component of the wind field. The regional wind field, which controls the wind-forced response in sea level for periods between 20 and 100 days, not only has much broader spatial scales than the local wind, but also propagates along the coast in the same direction as continental shelf waves. Hence, it has a stronger coupling to and an increased frequency response for sea level. At periods of a year or more, observed coastal sea level fluctuations are not only forced b...
Seasonal variations in host-parasite relations between fish and their Protozoa

From July 1955 to June 1956 a study of host-parasite relations between three species of marine fish and their Protozoa was made at Plymouth. Callionymus lyra, a bottom-dweller, tends to be more abundant during the summer months, consumes a wide variety of food, and was more heavily infected with Protozoa than were the other two species offish. Gadus merlangus is an active predator, feeding on small fish, and although it has about the same numbers of kinds of Protozoa as does C. lyra, it was less heavily parasitized. G. merlangus, however, was more heavily parasitized with worms than were the other two fish. Microstomus kitt is a sluggish bottom-dweller, feeding on annelids, and, although over 99% were infected with myxosporidia, the intensity of infection was generally low. Very few other parasites were found in M. kitt.An active predatory habit combined with a taste for a wide variety of food appears to predispose to heavy parasitism. Some evidence for seasonal variations in intensities of protozoan infection in Callionymus lyra was obtained, but for conclusive results more precise methods of measuring numbers of parasites, and further studies carried on over a period of at least three consecutive years, must be made. The report is presented primarily to emphasize the importance of an ecological approach to the study of parasitology.
Dislocation constriction and cross-slip: An ab initio study

A model based on the Peierls framework of dislocations is developed. The theory allows the study of dislocations spreading at more than one slip planes. As an example, we study dislocation cross-slip and constriction processes in two contrasting fcc metals, Al and Ag. The energetic parameters entering the model are determined from ab initio calculations. We find that the screw dislocation in Al can cross-slip spontaneously in contrast with the screw dislocation in Ag, which splits into partials and cannot cross-slip without first being constricted. The response of the dislocations to an external stress is examined in detail. We determine the dislocation constriction energy and the critical stress for cross-slip, and from the latter, we estimate the cross-slip energy barrier for the straight screw dislocations.
Use of Simulation in Evaluating Management Policies under Uncertainty: Application to a Large Scale Ranch

Price and weather environment and decision‐making processes are simulated for a large California range‐feedlot operation; then DYNAMO programming is used to write the equations and to obtain the equivalent of 400 years of data by simulations on an electronic computer. Formulation of expectations of prices are the main managerial policies tested in the article, but the technique has broader applications to policies and decision making under uncertainty. A comparison among simulated net incomes is made over the period 1954–1963. It is concluded that relatively naive price forecasting methods are sufficiently accurate for the feeder buying decision considered here.
A remote stereochemical lever arm effect in polymer mechanochemistry.

Molecular mechanisms by which to increase the activity of a mechanophore might provide access to new chemical reactions and enhanced stress-responsive behavior in mechanochemically active polymeric materials. Here, single-molecule force spectroscopy reveals that the force-induced acceleration of the electrocyclic ring opening of gem-dichlorocyclopropanes (gDCC) is sensitive to the stereochemistry of an α-alkene substituent on the gDCC. On the ∼0.1 s time scale of the experiment, the force required to open the E-alkene-substituted gDCC was found to be 0.4 nN lower than that required in the corresponding Z-alkene isomer, despite the effectively identical force-free reactivities of the two isomers and the distance between the stereochemical permutation and the scissile bond of the mechanophore. Fitting the experimental data with a cusp model provides force-free activation lengths of 1.67 ± 0.05 and 1.20 ± 0.05 A for the E and Z isomers, respectively, as compared to 1.65 and 1.24 A derived from computational ...
Finite Element Modeling and Vibration Analysis of Aeroelastic Wing Structures

This paper presents an aeroelastic formulation and implementation of coupled aeroelastic bending-torsion equations using the finite-element method and conducts modal analysis of symmetric and anti-symmetric aeroelastic modes of flexible aircraft wing structures.. The computational method is used to develop an aeroelastic model which is capable of computing static and dynamic wing aeroelastic deflections under a coupled bending-torsion motion. The wing aeroelastic model is derived from a one-dimensional structural dynamic theoretical framework and is coupled with aircraft rigid-body longitudinal states. The contribution of the propulsive forces and moments to wing aeroelasticity is accounted in the aeroelastic model. An eigenvalue analysis of the generalized linear aeroelastic system allows for the determination of aeroelastic l frequencies, damping, and mode shapes. The computation is iterated until the solution converges within a specified error tolerance. Simulations are performed using geometry and material properties of a wing structure of a Generic Transport Model (GTM) to demonstrate the capability of the aeroelastic model.
New Essentialism in Biology

The architects of the modern synthesis banned essentialism from evolutionary theory. This rejection of essentialism was motivated by Darwin’s theory of natural selection, and the continuity of evolutionary transformation. Contemporary evolutionary biology witnesses a renaissance of essentialism in three contexts: “origin essentialism” with respect to species and supraspecific taxa, the bar coding of species on the basis of discontinuities of DNA variation between populations, and the search for laws of evolutionary developmental biology. Such “new essentialism” in contemporary biology must be of a new kind that accommodates relational (extrinsic) properties as historical essences and cluster concepts of natural kinds.
Effects of an Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor Agonist in Spinal Rats

It is now several decades that diverse surgical and pharmacological treatments have been employed to prevent and/or ameliorate the sensory motor deficits which ensue an injury to the spinal cord. The restoration of impaired histological and physiologic parameters by compounds which are membrane stabilizers, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant, and which increase the regional blood flow such as methylprednisolone sodium succinate, naloxone, hypothalamic thyrotropic releasing hormone, and epsilonaminocaproic acid suggest that the changes seen after trauma may be secondary to a marked membrane disorganization and dysfunction. The changes in the phospholipid-dependent, membrane bound enzyme monoamine oxidase and the formation of microglobules and non-cellular material on the endothelial lining are early signs of membrane pathology (1).
The Death of Independent Directors and CEO Acquisitiveness

This study examines the influence of independent director deaths on CEO acquisitiveness. Drawing from social psychology research on mortality awareness, I argue that an independent director death c...
Determination of rhodamine B in chili powder,chili oil and hotpot additive by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector

Objective:A method was developed for determination of rhodamine B in chili powder,chili oil and hotpot additive by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector.Methods: The samples were extracted with 30% methanol-water,the target analytes were separated on C18 reversed-phase column,detected by fluorescence detector with gradient elution using methanol-water as mobile phases,Ex:550 nm,Em:580 nm.Results: The linear range was 2.0 ng/ml~200 ng/ml,r2=0.9998,the detection limit was 0.02 mg/kg,recovery rate was 83%~102%,RSD was 1.3%~3.2%.Conclusion: The method is simple,rapid,highly sensitive with high recovery rate.It is suitable for the determination of rhodamine B in chili powder,chili oil and hotpot additive.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence and Ultraviolet Detection of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Barley Malt

A simple, rapid method has been developed for the separation and determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in barley malt. An ultrasonic-cyclohexane extraction method was used to separate the PAHs from ground barley malt. The cyclohexane extracts were purified by chromatography through a water-deactivated silica gel-alumina column. The eluate from the column was concentrated and purified further by partitioning between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and cyclohexane. The DMSO extract was diluted with water and the PAHs were extracted back into cyclohexane. The cyclohexane extract was washed with water, dried through sodium sulfate, and evaporated, and the resulting residue was dissolved in 80% aqueous acetonitrile-methanol (1 + 1) and subjected to reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Thirty barley malt samples were analyzed using this procedure. Peaks having the same retention time as the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene were isolated from 18 of the samples, and were equivalent to trace levels ranging from less than 0.1 to 0.2 ppb. Average recoveries of 11 PAHs, including benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, and benz(a)anthracene, added to 25 g samples at 2.5 and 5 ppb, ranged from 78 to 97%, with a mean relative standard deviation of 6.6%.
Hamartoma and renal transplant implications.

AbstractA 19-year-old woman with tuberous sclerosis, bilateral renal hamartomas and polycystic kidneys required separate nephrectomies for severe hemorrhages 6 months apart. The case is presented, the diagnoses of the disease in relation to a negative family history are considered and the importance of early diagnosis in a potential transplant recipient and the use of leukocyte-free transfusions are discussed.
Exploiting regularity: breakthroughs in sub-7nm place-and-route

As pitch scaling is becoming constrained not only by lithographic resolution limits but alos by fundamental device and interconnect challenges the semiconductor industry has turned to cell-height reduction as a means of achieving competitive area scaling. The risk in using cell-height reduction to compensate for insufficient pitch scaling is that place- and-route inefficiencies caused by wiring congestion at the block level of the design can easily eliminate any area scaling gains made at the cell level of the design. This paper shows how careful cell-architecture optimization, physical design methodology changes, and place-and-route innovations have led to competitive block level area scaling for 7nm technology nodes and beyond. Data is presented to show that an entire node’s worth of scaling can be achieved through these comprehensive design-technology co-optimization efforts.