University of Nevada, Reno

About: University of Nevada, Reno is a education organization based out in Reno, Nevada, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 13561 authors who have published 28217 publications receiving 882002 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Nevada & Nevada State University.

Rapid determination of earthquake magnitude using GPS for tsunami warning systems

Abstract: [1] The 26 December 2004 Sumatra earthquake (Mw 9.2–9.3) generated the most deadly tsunami in history. Yet within the first hour, the true danger of a major oceanwide tsunami was not indicated by seismic magnitude estimates, which were far too low (Mw 8.0–8.5). This problem relates to the inherent saturation of early seismic-wave methods. Here we show that the earthquake's true size and tsunami potential can be determined using Global Positioning System (GPS) data up to only 15 min after earthquake initiation, by tracking the mean displacement of the Earth's surface associated with the arrival of seismic waves. Within minutes, displacements of >10 mm are detectable as far away as India, consistent with results using weeks of data after the event. These displacements imply Mw 9.0 ± 0.1, indicating a high tsunami potential. This suggests existing GPS infrastructure could be developed into an effective component of tsunami warning systems.

Robotic Artificial Muscles: Current Progress and Future Perspectives

Abstract: Robotic artificial muscles are a subset of artificial muscles that are capable of producing biologically inspired motions useful for robot systems, i.e., large power-to-weight ratios, inherent compliance, and large range of motions. These actuators, ranging from shape memory alloys to dielectric elastomers, are increasingly popular for biomimetic robots as they may operate without using complex linkage designs or other cumbersome mechanisms. Recent achievements in fabrication, modeling, and control methods have significantly contributed to their potential utilization in a wide range of applications. However, no survey paper has gone into depth regarding considerations pertaining to their selection, design, and usage in generating biomimetic motions. In this paper, we discuss important characteristics and considerations in the selection, design, and implementation of various prominent and unique robotic artificial muscles for biomimetic robots, and provide perspectives on next-generation muscle-powered robots.

Why behavior analysts should study emotion: the example of anxiety.

Abstract: Historically, anxiety has been a dominant subject in mainstream psychology but an incidental or even insignificant one in behavior analysis. We discuss several reasons for this discrepancy. We follow with a behavior-analytic conceptualization of anxiety that could just as easily be applied to emotion in general. Its primary points are (a) that languageable humans have an extraordinary capacity to derive relations between events and that it is a simple matter to show that neutral stimuli can acquire discriminative functions indirectly with no direct training; (b) that private events can readily acquire discriminative functions; (c) that anxiety disorders seem to occur with little apparent direct learning or that the amount of direct learning is extraordinarily out of proportion with the amount of responding; and (d) that the primary function of anxious behavior is experiential avoidance. We conclude that the most interesting aspects of anxiety disorders may occur as a function of derived rather than direct relations between public events and overt and private responses with avoidance functions. Implicit in this conclusion and explicit in the paper is the assertion that anxiety is a suitable subject for behavior-analytic study.

Mutations in transcriptional regulator ATRX establish the functional significance of a PHD-like domain

Abstract: Mutations in transcriptional regulator ATRX establish the functional significance of a PHD-like domain.

Measuring Weight Self‐stigma: The Weight Self‐stigma Questionnaire

Abstract: Stigma associated with being overweight or obese is widespread. Given that weight loss is difficult to achieve and maintain, researchers have been calling for interventions that reduce the impact of weight stigma on life functioning. Sound measures that are sensitive to change are needed to help guide and inform intervention studies. This study presents the weight self-stigma questionnaire (WSSQ). The WSSQ has 12 items and is designed for use only with populations of overweight or obese persons. Two samples of participants—one treatment seeking, one nontreatment seeking—were used for validation (N = 169). Results indicate that the WSSQ has good reliability and validity, and contains two distinct subscales—self-devaluation and fear of enacted stigma. The WSSQ could be useful for identifying individuals who may benefit from a stigma reduction intervention and may also help evaluate programs designed to reduce stigma.