Detailed Examination Of Changes Research Articles

Fractal Seismicity and Coulomb Stress Pattern Analysis for 7 January 2020 Mw 6.4 Puerto Rico Earthquake

Abstract This study aims to understand the variation of the correlation fractal dimension and static stress changes associated with the 2019 Puerto Rico sequence with special reference to the January 2020 Mw 6.4 mainshock. On examining the seismicity data from 1988 to 2020, we find a shift in the seismicity pattern after the 2019 Puerto Rico sequence. A detailed examination of changes in the correlation fractal dimension (Dc) indicates diffused seismicity throughout the study region until the year 2003 that is demonstrated by relatively high Dc values. Toward the end of 2019, a drastic drop in Dc is observed; it is associated with a tight clustering of events to the south-southwest of Puerto Rico Island (PRI), suggesting the onset of the 2019 sequence. We observed a persistent clustering and significant drop in Dc before the Mw 6.4 earthquake, hinting at the presence of a numerical precursor for this event. Over 30 yr of historical earthquakes have contributed positive Coulomb stress distributions mainly in the northern region of PRI. A deflection in this pattern was reflected after the 2019 Puerto Rico sequence. Based on the static stress analysis, we demonstrated that the Mw 6.4 mainshock was triggered by the 2019 Puerto Rico sequence. The new cluster of events, which contains the Mw 6.4 mainshock, exhibits higher stress levels in the south-southwest region of PRI. The eastern end of Septentrional fault (SF), the zone between SF and North Puerto Rico Slope fault, the middle segment of South Puerto Rico Slope fault, South Lajas fault, Punta Montalva fault, and Central fault are the highly stressed regions at present. Stress perturbation induced by the destructive Mw 6.4 event on the adjacent fault system is a potential threat for PRI, where population density is very high. The combined analysis of Dc and static stress changes indicates the presence of a numerical precursor and highly stressed regions southwest of PRI.

Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, LPS Translocation, and Disease Development

The intestinal barrier is complex and consists of multiple layers, and it provides a physical and functional barrier to the transport of luminal contents to systemic circulation. While the epithelial cell layer and the outer/inner mucin layer constitute the physical barrier and are often referred to as the intestinal barrier, intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) produced by epithelial cells and antibacterial proteins secreted by Panneth cells represent the functional barrier. While antibacterial proteins play an important role in the host defense against gut microbes, IAP detoxifies bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by catalyzing the dephosphorylation of the active/toxic Lipid A moiety, preventing local inflammation as well as the translocation of active LPS into systemic circulation. The causal relationship between circulating LPS levels and the development of multiple diseases underscores the importance of detailed examination of changes in the “layers” of the intestinal barrier associated with disease development and how this dysfunction can be attenuated by targeted interventions. To develop targeted therapies for improving intestinal barrier function, it is imperative to have a deeper understanding of the intestinal barrier itself, the mechanisms underlying the development of diseases due to barrier dysfunction (eg, high circulating LPS levels), the assessment of intestinal barrier function under diseased conditions, and of how individual layers of the intestinal barrier can be beneficially modulated to potentially attenuate the development of associated diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the composition of the intestinal barrier and its assessment and modulation for the development of potential therapies for barrier dysfunction-associated diseases.

Coping Action Patterns as Mechanisms of Change Across Psychotherapies: Three Case Examples of Personality Disorders With Recurrent Major Depression.

Maladaptive coping has been shown to be related to increased symptoms of distress and lower levels of well-being, whereas the use of adaptive coping has been shown to diminish distress and improve functioning. This suggests that change in coping may constitute a significant mechanism of change in psychotherapy. Utilizing a novel observer-rating method for assessing coping, the current report examined changes in overall coping functioning (OCF) in three participants with diverse personality disorders who were undergoing two different types of psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy and dynamic therapy) for recurrent major depression. Results showed that overall coping functioning improved in two cases and remained stable in a third. Preliminary findings, based on a detailed examination of changes in specific coping patterns, suggest that improvement may differ according to severity of personality pathology. As hypothesized, coping improved in both types of psychotherapy. Thus, overall results suggest that coping may constitute an important general mechanism of change.

Genome-Wide Chromatin Landscape Transitions Identify Novel Pathways in Early Commitment to Osteoblast Differentiation.

Bone continuously undergoes remodeling by a tightly regulated process that involves osteoblast differentiation from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC). However, commitment of MSC to osteoblastic lineage is a poorly understood process. Chromatin organization functions as a molecular gatekeeper of DNA functions. Detection of sites that are hypersensitive to Dnase I has been used for detailed examination of changes in response to hormones and differentiation cues. To investigate the early steps in commitment of MSC to osteoblasts, we used a model human temperature-sensitive cell line, hFOB. When shifted to non-permissive temperature, these cells undergo "spontaneous" differentiation that takes several weeks, a process that is greatly accelerated by osteogenic induction media. We performed Dnase I hypersensitivity assays combined with deep sequencing to identify genome-wide potential regulatory events in cells undergoing early steps of commitment to osteoblasts. Massive reorganization of chromatin occurred within hours of differentiation. Whereas ~30% of unique DHS sites were located in the promoters, the majority was outside of the promoters, designated as enhancers. Many of them were at novel genomic sites and need to be confirmed experimentally. We developed a novel method for identification of cellular networks based solely on DHS enhancers signature correlated to gene expression. The analysis of enhancers that were unique to differentiating cells led to identification of bone developmental program encompassing 147 genes that directly or indirectly participate in osteogenesis. Identification of these pathways provided an unprecedented view of genomic regulation during early steps of differentiation and changes related to WNT, AP-1 and other pathways may have therapeutic implications.

Biomarker discovery based on hybrid optimization algorithm and artificial neural networks on microarray data for cancer classification

The improvement of high-through-put gene profiling based microarrays technology has provided monitoring the expression value of thousands of genes simultaneously. Detailed examination of changes in expression levels of genes can help physicians to have efficient diagnosing, classification of tumors and cancer's types as well as effective treatments. Finding genes that can classify the group of cancers correctly based on hybrid optimization algorithms is the main purpose of this paper. In this paper, a hybrid particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm method are used for gene selection and also artificial neural network (ANN) is adopted as the classifier. In this work, we have improved the ability of the algorithm for the classification problem by finding small group of biomarkers and also best parameters of the classifier. The proposed approach is tested on three benchmark gene expression data sets: Blood (acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia), colon and breast datasets. We used 10-fold cross-validation to achieve accuracy and also decision tree algorithm to find the relation between the biomarkers for biological point of view. To test the ability of the trained ANN models to categorize the cancers, we analyzed additional blinded samples that were not previously used for the training procedure. Experimental results show that the proposed method can reduce the dimension of the data set and confirm the most informative gene subset and improve classification accuracy with best parameters based on datasets.

Multi-scale temporal and spatial variation in genotypic composition of Cladophora-borne Escherichia coli populations in Lake Michigan

High concentrations of Escherichia coli in mats of Cladophora in the Great Lakes have raised concern over the continued use of this bacterium as an indicator of microbial water quality. Determining the impacts of these environmentally abundant E. coli, however, necessitates a better understanding of their ecology. In this study, the population structure of 4285 Cladophora-borne E. coli isolates, obtained over multiple three day periods from Lake Michigan Cladophora mats in 2007–2009, was examined by using DNA fingerprint analyses. In contrast to previous studies that have been done using isolates from attached Cladophora obtained over large time scales and distances, the extensive sampling done here on free-floating mats over successive days at multiple sites provided a large dataset that allowed for a detailed examination of changes in population structure over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. While Cladophora-borne E. coli populations were highly diverse and consisted of many unique isolates, multiple clonal groups were also present and accounted for approximately 33% of all isolates examined. Patterns in population structure were also evident. At the broadest scales, E. coli populations showed some temporal clustering when examined by year, but did not show good spatial distinction among sites. E. coli population structure also showed significant patterns at much finer temporal scales. Populations were distinct on an individual mat basis at a given site, and on individual days within a single mat. Results of these studies indicate that Cladophora-borne E. coli populations consist of a mixture of stable, and possibly naturalized, strains that persist during the life of the mat, and more unique, transient strains that can change over rapid time scales. It is clear that further study of microbial processes at fine spatial and temporal scales is needed, and that caution must be taken when interpolating short term microbial dynamics from results obtained from weekly or monthly samples.

INTRA-INDUSTRY SPECIALIZATION AND THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

This article provides a detailed examination of changes in indicators of intra-industry specialization in manufactured goods in trade between the United States and Mexico over the first five years of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The analysis is conducted at the three-digit SITC level of industry aggregation. Many industries experienced large increases in intraindustry trade (IIT). Only nine industries experience declines in IIT. Changes in various indicators of intra-industry specialization suggest few U.S. industries are candidates for significant adjustment problems. Industries facing potential adjustment pressures account for less than one-fourth of total U.S. imports from Mexico. These findings should lessen opposition to greater regional economic integration in the Western Hemisphere by easing fears that entire industries and jobs will disappear.

Do Transtheoretical Model Measures Predict the Transition from Preparation to Action in Smoking Cessation?

This study tested the predictive value of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for the preparation to action stage transition by conducting a detailed examination of changes in TTM components in the days leading up to, and following, a planned quit attempt. Participants were 193 callers to a Quitline telephone service. Only limited support for the TTM was found. Consistent with the TTM, measures of self-efficacy were related to making an attempt and to achieving 7 + days of abstinence. Contrary to the TTM, the behavioral change processes were unrelated to making quit attempts and to short-term abstinence, with the exception of self-liberation, which is conceptually related to self-efficacy. New non-TTM measures assessing commitment to quitting were predictive of outcomes. The results provide strong support for the preparation to action transition being discontinuous, and thus consistent with a stage model. However, they bring into question many of the other postulates of the TTM. Further critical testing and evaluation of the TTM is required.

The Value Drivers of Internet Stocks: A Business Models Approach

This paper contributes to the literature on non-financial stock valuations, focusing on the internet, in three ways. First, it highlights the importance of distinguishing the business models employed by internet firms in the determination of their value-drivers. While prior literature has found earnings to be unpriced (or even negatively priced) for internet firms in general, ISP/infrastructure and portal-based firms are shown here to have positive and significantly priced earnings. Second, it develops a simple conceptual framework which is used to create a more comprehensive set of non-financial value drivers and empirically tests a number of these (e.g., the percentage of the internet audience reached and the number of pageviews and the addition of previously unexamined data on the number of advertisements shown to those audience members and their responses to them). Finally, it constructs a larger sample of firms over a longer time horizon than examined previously. This enables a more detailed examination of changes in the pricing of financial and non-financial variables during both the recent boom (through February 2000) and bust (since) periods in the market for internet stocks. Results indicate that, since the crash, earnings for the full sample and most of the individual business models are positively priced. Furthermore, reach and other activity measures continue to have explanatory power despite the increasing value-relevance of earnings.

Adaptive changes in lipid composition of skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes associated with aging

We have undertaken a detailed examination of changes associated with aging in lipid composition and corresponding physical properties of hindlimb skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes isolated from young (5 months), middle-aged (16 months), and old (28 months) Fischer strain 344 rats. Silica gel HPLC chromatography was used to separate phospholipid headgroup species. Subsequent reversed-phase HPLC was used to resolve fatty acid chain compositions of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol species. For all three phospholipid pools, significant age-related variations are observed in the abundance of multiple molecular species, particularly those having polyunsaturated fatty acid chains. Using mass spectrometry (fast atom bombardment and tandem techniques) to distinguish ester- from ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamine species, we demonstrate that overall plasmenylethanolamine content is substantially increased with age, from 48 mol% to 62 mol%. A substantial increase is also observed in the single molecular species 18:0–20:4 phosphatidylinositol suggesting implications for signalling pathways. In addition, associated with senescence we find a significant increase in the rigidifying lipid, cholesterol. Despite these changes in lipid composition of different aged animals, the average bilayer fluidity examined at several bilayer depths with stearic acid spin labels, is not altered. Neither do we find differences in the rotational mobility of maleimide spin-labeled Ca 2+-ATPase, as determined from saturation-transfer electron paramagnetic resonance, which is sensitive to both the fluidity of lipids directly associated with the Ca 2+-ATPase and to its association with proteins.

Major categories of changes in food consumption patterns in Japan 1963–91

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to categorize the major trends in Japanese food consumption patterns, and evaluate quantitatively the relative significance of each category in the period 1963–1991. Detailed examination of changes in per capita consumption of more than 100 individual food items for five sub‐periods led to the identification of four major categories or trends: quality, convenience, diversification, and health. About 80% of cases fall under one of those four categories. In the first sub‐period, the trend towards foods of higher quality was the most important category, accounting for about 40% of all cases. Later, however, it gradually lost its relative significance. The lost share was taken over by diversification and the trend towards healthy foods. The trend towards more convenient types of food invariably accounted for about one‐third of all examined cases. The analysis of the factors which induced these categories of changes led to the conclusion that incomes and prices decreased t...

Life history of Parastacoides tasmanicus tasmanicus Clark, a burrowing freshwater crayfish from south-western Tasmania

The life history of the semi-terrestrial burrowing freshwater crayfish Parastacoides tasmanicus tasmanicus was studied in the wet heathlands of south-western Tasmania. Data on seasonal reproduction, fecundity and growth were obtained from regular monthly sampling over a period of two years. The development of gonads, size at maturity, sexual dimorphism and reproductive condition were determined by detailed examination of changes in reproductive morphology and gonad condition. P. t, tasmanicus attains maturity at a relatively late age (3-5 years) and large size (25-30 mm carapace length) and has a long life span (< 10 years) and a slow and variable growth rate. The growth rate appears to be a function of cold water temperature and low-nutrient diets. Males reach sexual maturity at a smaller size than do females. Mating and spawning, which closely follow the female moult, occur in early autumn when males and reproductive females pair within their burrow systems; eggs are carried over winter and hatch early the following summer, and young remain attached to their mothers until mid summer. Mature females appear to exhibit a biennial moulting and breeding cycle, an apparently unique strategy among parastacid crayfish, which is probably a result of the cooler climate conditions in Tasmania.

Trends and Characteristics of Ph.D. Degrees in Agricultural Economics in the United States

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the trends that have occurred in the number of and some of the characteristics of recipients of Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics in the United States in recent years. It includes an updating of work I initiated five years ago (Schrimper 1981a,b,c, 1982). The latest information used in the previous work included degrees awarded through 1980. This paper is based on an additional three years of information. This allows a detailed examination of changes over the last nine years as well as comparison with the earlier tabulations. Also, information for three more institutions, Arizona, Rhode Island, and Yale, has been included. As previously, the major source of information is listings of Ph.D. recipients for the previous year in the May issues of this Journal. The cooperation of several individuals contacted to obtain missing information and answer questions about data for various years is gratefully acknowledged. Without their help, the information would have been incomplete and comparisons over time would have been meaningless. The latest data available for developing this paper was the list of 1983 graduates. Even this information is somewhat dated, however, since it reflects admission, financial assistance, and enrollment decisions made at least five years ago. The first part of this paper summarizes changes that have occurred in total output of Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics as well as distributional adjustments among regions, individual institutions, and between domestic and foreign students. The second part focuses on some characteristics of domestic students who received Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics. It contains information about where individuals received their undergraduate training, and geographical and institutional migration for graduate training. Similar types of information about foreign Ph.D. students is included in the third section of the paper. Finally, a short summary and conclusions section is provided.

Variations in Agricultural Growth and Output between and within Regions of India

This paper examines regional growth in agricultural output in India for the light it may shed on past as well as future sources of growth and the implications it has for those groups or areas that are growing slowly. Part I of the paper reviews agricultural growth in the states and districts of India during the 1950s. Part II offers a more detailed examination of changes in some selected districts of Western India and includes a discussion of trends in land and labor productivity. The final section focuses on the contribution of high-value crops to regional differences in the level and growth of output, and on the relation of high-value crops to the large apparent productivity differences between individual cultivators.