cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RIDGE REGRESSION: A TECHNIQUE FOR DEALING WITH CORRELATED PREDICTOR VARIABLES1

Multiple regression is often complicated by collinearity of the predictor variables. This study demonstrates the use of ridge regression as a method for determining those correlated variables which must be eliminated from an analysis and for maximizing the amount of information gained from a set of correlated predictors. The model is reviewed and a case study, based on an objective synoptic climatology of the Pacific Northwest coast, is presented in which the technique is applied to a correlated set of climatological predictors. One highly collinear variable is identified and discarded while the effect of moderate collinearity in the remaining predictors is lessened and explained variance is optimized by ridge regression.
Robustness in stochastic programming models

Abstract Robustness in stochastic programs is addressed through the development of a two-stage stochastic programming model with simple recourse that includes an additional robustness objective. The model is applied to a problem in acid rain control that involves the allocation of emission reductions to meet environmental quality standards in eastern North America. Tradeoffs are generated between the original objective function of the two-stage model (that minimizes expectedconstraint violation) and the second robustness objective, which represents the gradient of the two-stageobjective with respect to selected model parameters. In this application, the parameters are the second moments of transfer coefficients that relate point source SO2 emissions to wet surfate deposition at sensitive receptor locations.
Effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor SNDX-275 on Fas signaling in osteosarcoma cells and the feasibility of its topical application for the treatment of osteosarcoma lung metastases.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lung metastases from osteosarcoma (OS) have poor response to salvage therapy. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the metastatic process of OS may lead to new effective therapeutic approaches. The authors reported previously that up-regulation of the Fas receptor by transfecting OS cells with Fas plasmid inhibited the in vivo growth of metastases in the lungs. METHODS: In the current study, the authors treated OS cells with the histone deacetylase inhibitor SNDX-275 and studied its cytotoxicity and its effect on Fas signaling in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Subtoxic doses of SNDX-275 were able to activate the Fas pathway in OS cells by increasing the expression of Fas messenger RNA; however, the increased expression was not always followed by increased levels of Fas receptor expression on the cell surface. The treatment of cells with a combination of SNDX-275 and Fas ligand (FasL) had a stronger cytotoxic effect on tested OS cells than either agent alone. Inhibition of the Fas pathway in cells by inhibition of the Fas-associated death domain (FADD) molecule eliminated this combination effect, indicating that activity of FADD is important for the efficacy of this agent in the FasL-expressing environment of the lungs. Intranasal administration of SNDX-275 in mice with OS lung metastases revealed that SNDX-275 may inhibit metastatic growth at a dose of 0.13 mg/kg, which is approximately 200-fold lower than the therapeutically effective oral dose reported previously. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings indicated that SNDX-275 can activate Fas signaling in OS cells in vitro and in vivo and that the administration of SDNX-275 by inhalation is feasible as a treatment for OS metastases and warrants its further investigation. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
The MiniBooNE Detector

Abstract The MiniBooNE neutrino detector was designed and built to look for ν μ → ν e oscillations in the ( sin 2 2 θ , Δ m 2 ) parameter space region where the LSND experiment reported a signal. The MiniBooNE experiment used a beam energy and baseline that were an order of magnitude larger than those of LSND so that the backgrounds and systematic errors would be completely different. This paper provides a detailed description of the design, function, and performance of the MiniBooNE detector.
Cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme inhibitory withanolides from Withania somnifera leaves

Abstract Four novel withanolide glycosides and a withanolide have been isolated from the leaves of Withania somnifera . The structures of the novel compounds were elucidated as physagulin D (1→6)-β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β- d -glucopyranoside ( 1 ), 27- O -β- d -glucopyranosyl physagulin D ( 2 ), 27- O -β- d -glucopyranosyl viscosalactone B ( 3 ), 4,16-dihydroxy-5β, 6β-epoxyphysagulin D ( 4 ), and 4-(1-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylcyclo-propanone)-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A ( 5 ) on the basis of 1D-, 2D NMR and MS spectral data. In addition, seven known withanolides withaferin A ( 6 ), 2,3-dihydrowithaferin A ( 7 ), viscosalactone B ( 8 ), 27-desoxy-24,25-dihydrowithaferin A ( 9 ), sitoindoside IX ( 10 ), physagulin D ( 11 ), and withanoside IV ( 12 ) were isolated. These withanolides were assayed to determine their ability to inhibit cycloxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes and lipid peroxidation. The withanolides tested, except compound 9 , showed selective COX-2 enzyme inhibition ranging from 9 to 40% at 100 μg/ml. Compounds 4 , 10 and 11 also inhibited lipid peroxidation by 40, 44 and 55%, respectively. The inhibition of COX-2 enzyme by withanolides is reported here for the first time.
A non-stoichiometric model of the composition of the atmospheres of Mercury and the Moon

Abstract The likely source fluxes, atmospheric column densities, and UV irradiances have been predicted of a number of species likely to be found in Mercury's exosphere which should be derived from the regolith or from infalling meteoritic material. The predictions for important sources were based on the current knowledge of the atmospheres of the Moon and Mercury and in particular the current understanding of the abundances of Na and K as well as the available measured upper limits for other species. In particular, the column densities and observed fluxes are predicted for Ca, Al, Fe, Mg, Si, S, and OH for both atmospheres. The strongest resonantly scattered features for most of these elements fall in the UV. With current technology even the weakest can easily be detected from orbit about either Mercury or the Moon. However, it is predicted that several important species including OH and Ca may be present in sufficient abundances to be observed from the Earth.
Effect of merlin phosphorylation on neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) gene function

The neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene product, merlin, belongs to the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) subgroup of the Protein 4.1 family, which links cell surface glycoproteins to the actin cytoskeleton. Previous studies have suggested that phosphorylation of merlin, similar to other ERM proteins, may regulate its function. To determine whether merlin phosphorylation has functional consequences for merlin suppression of cell growth and motility, we generated doxycycline-regulatable RT4 schwannoma cell lines that inducibly express full-length merlin with mutations at two potential phosphorylation sites (amino-acid residues S518 and T576). Whereas a mutation at S518 that mimics constitutive phosphorylation (S518D) abrogates the ability of merlin to suppress cell growth and motility, the S518A merlin mutant, which mimics nonphosphorylated merlin, functions equivalently to wild-type merlin. Similar mutations involving T576, the analogous phosphorylation site in ERM proteins important for regulating their function, had no effect. In contrast to other functionally inactive missense merlin mutants, the regulated overexpression of S518D merlin resulted in dramatic changes in cell shape and the elaboration of filopodial extensions. These results provide the first direct demonstration that the S518D merlin mutation, which mimics merlin phosphorylation, impairs not only merlin growth and motility suppression but also leads to an acquisition of a novel phenotype previously ascribed to ERM proteins.
Enhancement of DEN initiation of liver carcinogenesis by inhibitors of NAD + ADP ribosyl transferase in rats

The effect of inhibitors of NAD+ ADP ribosyl transferase (ADPRT) on the early stage of liver carcinogenesis of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was studied by estimating the number and size of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GTP) positive foci assayed as markers of cell populations initiated by DEN in the rat liver. ADPRT inhibitors investigated were 3-aminobenzamide (ABA), 5-methylnicotinamide (MNAM), and thymidine. A single i.p. injection of ABA at greater than 150 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) enhanced dose-dependently the induction of gamma-GTP positive foci in rat liver initiated by 20 mg/kg B.W. of DEN. The magnitude of the effect was similar to that observed when partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed instead of ABA administration. Single i.p. injections of MNAM or thymidine at a dose of 600 mg/kg B.W. also enhanced the induction of foci in rat liver initiated by the 20 mg/kg dose of DEN. Based on the above results, ABA was used as a representative ADPRT inhibitor for clarifying the mechanisms underlying the effects. Administration of ABA at a dose of 600 mg/kg B.W. was effective in enhancing the induction of foci if given 1 day before DEN, simultaneously to DEN, and 1 day after DEN initiation but it was ineffective if it was given 3 days after DEN or thereafter. Liver cell necrosis was not detectable either by analysis of serum enzymes or histologically 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after 20 mg/kg B.W. of DEN with or without administration of 600 mg/kg B.W. of ABA. No initiating activity was observed for ABA administered at doses of 600 and 1200 mg/kg B.W. as assayed by development of gamma-GTP positive foci. Long term ABA administration in the diet at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2% did not show any promoting activity for liver carcinogenesis initiated by DEN. Furthermore, chronic administration of 0.2% ABA in the diet did not result in detectable toxicity and/or carcinogenic effects. These results suggest that ADPRT and associated DNA repair plays an important role in the early initiating stage of liver carcinogenesis and provide the basis for a new experimental approach to the analysis of the mechanisms of chemical carcinogenesis and in establishing a more sensitive assay system for liver carcinogenesis in rats.
Titanium-Mediated Cyclization of omega-Vinyl Imides in Alkaloid Synthesis: Isoretronecanol, Trachelanthamidine, 5-Epitashiromine, and Tashiromine.

A new method for the stereocontrolled synthesis of pyrrolizidine and indolizidine alkaloids by means of titanium-mediated cyclization of ω-vinyl imides is described. The general procedure involves treatment of readily available ω-vinyl imides 9 and 10 with 2.5 equiv of cyclopentylmagnesium chloride in the presence of ClTi(O-i-Pr)3 (1.1 equiv) and subsequent stereoselective reduction of the N-acylaminal group. The cis and trans ring junction stereoisomers can be stereoselectively prepared by catalytic hydrogenation (H2, PtO2, EtOAc) and NaCNBH3 reduction (TFA, MeOH), respectively. Finally, treatment of the resulting lactams with LAH or diborane afforded the target alkaloids 1−8 in good yields.
The measurement of specific cell: cell interactions by dual-parameter flow cytometry

The Fc receptor-mediated aggregation of antibody-coated spleen cells with cells from the P388D1 mouse macrophage line was followed using a novel flow cytometric technique. P388D1 and spleen cells were directly labeled with green-emitting (fluorescein isothiocyanate) and red-emitting (substituted rhodamine isothiocyanate) fluorophores, respectively. They were mixed, incubated in suspension at 4 degrees C, and analyzed for aggregation with a dual laser flow cytometer. Unconjugated cells appeared as particles which were either red or green, while conjugates were detected as particles which were both red and green. Using this assay procedure, 5 X 10(4) cells were analyzed in 2-3 min for the percentages of conjugates, free spleen cells, and free P388D1 cells. Intercellular aggregation required both antibody on the spleen cells and free Fc receptors on the P388D1 cells; nonspecific aggregates accounted for 1% or less of the total particles analyzed. Measurements of the fluorescence distributions within conjugates indicated that the majority of conjugates contained a single P388D1 cell bound to 1-3 spleen cells, and that only heterophilic aggregation occurred. The flow cytometric technique described here should be applicable for the measurement of the initial events of intercellular aggregation in other systems as well.
AN INVESTIGATION OF DISTRIBUTIONAL PATTERNS IN THE DIATOM FLORA OF NETARTS BAY, OREGON, BY CORRESPONDENCE ANALYSIS1

Distributional patterns in assemblages of epiphytic and sediment-associated diatoms were investigated in Netarts Bay, Oregon. The method of reciprocal averaging revealed a floristic discontinuity between the epiphytic and sediment samples in ordination space. The basis for this discontinuity was the presence of a large number of sediment-associated taxa that were either very rare or not observed in the epiphytic samples. Within the sediment samples, the diatom flora formed a distributional continuum which had relatively high correlations with mean grain size, a sediment sorting coefficient, and the organic matter content of the sediment. A comparison of the flora in Netarts Bay with floras in other Oregon estuaries indicates that epiphytic, epilithic, and sediment-associated diatom assemblages do not exhibit conspicuous latitudinal changes along the coast of Oregon, and that many of the same taxa can be expected to occur in samples from comparable habitats in estuaries throughout the temperate regions of the world.
High-frequency network properties of MOS transistors including the substrate resistivity effects

The small-signal differential equations describing the intrinsic high-frequency characteristics of MOS transistors are derived under three basic modes of signal application: gate excitation, substrate excitation, and combined gate-substrate excitation. These equations are shown to be analogous to those of a double RC transmission line having a uniformly distributed common resistance but two separate capacitances distributed nonuniformly. High-frequency device admittances are calculated in terms of those of the analog RC transmission line using the method of "piecewise" uniformity for the capacitance distributions. Useful expressions are derived for the various Y-parameters which are explicitly related to the more readily measurable low-frequency input capacitance and transconductance parameters which, in turn, are related to the basic device physical parameters. The admittance expressions clearly indicate the influence of the substrate resistivity both on the forward transfer admittance magnitudes at low and high frequencies and on the input conductance at high frequencies. The intrinsic Y-parameters are combined with the associated extrinsic RC networks and presented in the form of equivalent circuits. Results of UHF admittance measurements on representative n-channel devices are given which support the overall validity of the proposed equivalent circuit models.
In Their Own Words: Challenges Facing Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Since 1999 there has been a renewed effort addressing the challenges youth face exiting foster care in adolescence, yet outcomes for most youth are still indicating heartbreaking results and it is still not clear what more is needed. Presented is a study addressing what is needed for successful transition. Three major themes emerged; youth focused practice, need for collaboration and better communication with youth, and unmet needs and permanent connections.
The warrior model of leadership: Classic perspectives and contemporary relevance

Abstract One of the most influential models of leadership through the ages is the warrior model, which is directly adapted from military leaders. Classic sources offer a rich variety of ideas regarding this approach to leadership, an approach that continues to be used in many parts of the political arena.
Zooming in on ATP Hydrolysis in F1

We summarize our current view of the reaction mechanism in F1-ATPase as it has emerged from experiment, theory, and computational studies over the last several years. ATP catalysis in the catalytic binding pockets of F1 takes place without the release of any significant free energy and is efficiently driven by the combined action of two water molecules utilizing a so-called protein-relay mechanism. The chemical reaction itself is controlled by the spatial position of a key arginine residue.
Non-coaxial horizontal shortening strains preserved in twinned amygdule calcite, DSDP hole 433, Suiko seamount, northwest pacific plate

Abstract Core sections from the lower, basaltic portions of DSDP Hole 433 (total depth: 550.5 m) in Suiko seamount contain amygdule and vein fillings of calcite which contain mechanical twins. Analysis of the calcite twins reveals the presence of two horizontal shortening strains that are nearly orthogonal to one another; the azimuthal orientation of these strains is only known with respect to stratigraphic top and bottom as the cores are not oriented in any other manner. Maximum shortening strain magnitudes for the best-developed, positive expected value (PEV) twin lamellae set is −1.7%. For the lesser-developed, negative expected value (NEV) split, the preserved horizontal strain magnitude is −4.3%. Inferred compressive paleostress magnitudes were on the order of 26 MPa. Horizontal differential stresses of this magnitude could be: (1) associated with hotspot plumes; and/or (2) are transmitted to the central portions of thin oceanic plates from distant plate boundaries. Suiko seamount is composed of Paleocene basalts overlain by lithified middle Paleocene limestones, and is part of the Emperor seamount chain on the Pacific plate. The absence of secondary vein calcite in the overlying sediments suggests that the underlying amygdule calcite is Paleocene in age which indicates that the twinned calcite preserves a stress field reorganization (the NEV split) after the middle Paleocene that is oriented 64° from the earlier Paleocene stress field (the PEV split).
Electroactivity of Redox Probes Encapsulated within Sol-Gel-Derived Silicate Films

The electroactivity of redox probes encapsulated within a silicate film prepared by the sol-gel process has been investigated to provide specific information about dopant stability, entrapment, and activity. Redox probes of different charges and sizes were physically doped into a sol prepared by the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of tetramethoxysilane. The doped sols were then spin cast on pretreated glassy carbon electrodes, dried, and placed in a 0.1 M KNO 3 electrolyte solution. The voltammetry of the gel-doped anionic probes (i.e., potassium ferricyanide (Fe(CN) 6 3-/4- ), iridium(IV) chloride (IrCl 6 2-/3- ) , potassium octacyanomolybdate(IV) (Mo(CN) 8 4-/3- )) was stable as the film remained in solution and/or the electrode potential continuously cycled. For the gel-doped cationic or neutral probes (i.e., ruthenium(III) hexaammine (Ru(NH 3 ) 6 3+/2+ ), ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) (Ru(bpy) 3 2+/3+ ), ferrocenemethanol (FcCH 2 OH 0/+ )), a significant reduction in the Faradaic current was observed. UV-vis spectroscopy of the electrolyte solution after electrochemical cycling of gel-encapsulated Ru(bpy) 3 2+/3+ confirmed that the dopant leached out of the film. The percentage ofelectroactive reagent was determined for Fe(CN) 6 3-/4- and Ru(bpy) 3 2+ and found to be 3-9% and 5-10%, respectively, consistent with entrapment in a compact, dense matrix. With the exception of the much larger Ru(bpy) 3 2+/3+ , which exhibited peak-shaped voltammetry, the electrochemical behavior of the electroactive fraction of the entrapped redox probes corresponded to a surface-confined process.
Approximation of Cahn–Hilliard diffuse interface models using parallel adaptive mesh refinement and coarsening with C1 elements

A variational formulation and C1 finite element scheme with adaptive mesh refinement and coarsening are developed for phase-separation processes described by the Cahn–Hilliard diffuse interface model of transport in a mixture or alloy. The adaptive scheme is guided by a Laplacian jump indicator based on the corresponding term arising from the weak formulation of the fourth-order non-linear problem, and is implemented in a parallel solution framework. It is then applied to resolve complex evolving interfacial solution behavior for 2D and 3D simulations of the classic spinodal decomposition problem from a random initial mixture and to other phase-transformation applications of interest. Simulation results and adaptive performance are discussed. The scheme permits efficient, robust multiscale resolution and interface characterization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical aerosol detection using femtosecond laser pulses

Many chemical warfare agents are dispersed as small aerosol particles. In the past, most electro-optical excitation and detection schemes have used continuous or pulsed lasers with pulse lengths ranging from nanoseconds to microseconds. In this paper, we present interesting ongoing new results on femtosecond imaging and on the time dependent solutions to the scattering problem of a femtosecond laser pulse interacting with a single small aerosol particle. Results are presented for various incident pulse lengths. Experimental imaging results using femtosecond pulses indicate that the diffraction rings present when using nanosecond laser pulses for imaging are greatly reduced when femtosecond laser pulses are used. Results are presented in terms of the internal fields as a function of time and the optical size parameter.
Cloze method: what difference does it make?:

Considerable evidence suggests that cloze techniques can create tests which measure aspects of students' second language competence. However, it remains unclear how variations in the cloze procedure affect measurement. This study compared results obtained from cloze passages constructed from the same text using four different procedures: fixed-ratio, rational, (rational) multiple choice, and C-test. The four procedures produced tests similar in reliabilities but distinct in levels of difficulty and patterns of correlations with other tests. These results are discussed in view of theoretically-based expecta tions for convergent and discriminate relationships of the four cloze tests with other tests.
Orientation behavior of carbonaceous mesophase spherules having a new molecular arrangement in a magnetic field

Abstract Carbonaceous mesophase spherules of a new-type have been found in the heat-treated products of quinoline-soluble portion of coal-tar pitch containing carbon black. Their spherules have molecular orientation different from that proposed by Brooks and Taylor. The effect of a magnetic field is discussed on the orientation of the spherules formed during carbonization processes using a polarization microscope.
Caldesmon phosphorylation is catalyzed by two kinases in permeabilized and intact vascular smooth muscle

Smooth muscle contraction is initiated by myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation catalyzed by the Ca2+ dependent MLC kinase. However, many aspects of smooth muscle contraction cannot be accounted for by MLC phosphorylation. One hypothesis that has received experimental support involves the thin filament protein caldesmon. Caldesmon inhibits myosin ATPase activity; phosphorylation of caldesmon relieves this inhibitory effect. The primary candidates for catalysis of caldesmon phosphorylation are the p42/p44 ERK MAP kinases. However, we and others have shown that inhibition of the ERK MAP kinases has no effect on many smooth muscles. The goal of this study was to determine if evidence for a second endogenous caldesmon kinase may be obtained. We used Triton X-100 skinned and intact tissues of the swine carotid artery to address this goal. Caldesmon phosphorylation was evident in resting and Ca2+ stimulated Triton X-100 skinned fibers. Ca2+-dependent caldesmon phosphorylation was partially sensitive to the ERK MAP kinase inhibitor PD98059, whereas all caldesmon phosphorylation was sensitive to the general kinase inhibitor, staurosporine. Histamine increased caldesmon phosphorylation levels in intact swine carotid artery, which was sensitive to both PD98059 and staurosporine. Histamine increased ERK MAP kinase activity, which was reversed by PD98059, staurosporine, and EGTA. Histamine-induced contractions were inhibited by staurosporine but not by PD98059. We interpret these results to suggest that although ERK MAP kinases catalyze caldesmon phosphorylation, a second staurosporine sensitive kinase is also important in caldesmon phosphorylation and it is this pathway that may be more important in contractile regulation. J. Cell. Physiol. 198: 461–469, 2004© 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Iron Metabolism in Children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). 2

Background: The etiology of chronic anemia in children with JRA is poorly understood. We utilized stable and radioactive Fe isotopes to determine Fe absorption, RBC incorporation and intraarticular deposition in children with JRA.
The Effect of Site-Specific Modifications of DNA on Thermodynamic Stability, Ion Binding and Hydration

Cations, which associate with DNA in both the major and minor grooves, play a significant role in determining DNA conformation. In the major groove, cations are associated with the N7/O6 edge of guanines, while in the minor groove they are found at A-T pairs. Both G-C and A-T have potential cation binding sites that when modified should result in the reorganization of salts and water, which in turn would affect local conformation and stability. We report herein the biophysical characterization of DNA duplexes in which we altered the N-7 position in the major groove of purines (7-deaza-guanine, 7-aminomethyl-7-deazaguanine, 7-hydroxymethyl-7-deazaguanine and 7-deaza-adenine) and at N-3 position of adenine in the minor groove (3-deazaadenine and 3-methyl-3-deazaadenine). These modifications alter the electronic properties of the heterocyclic bases and specifically eliminate DNA cation binding sites in the different grooves, or in the case of 7-aminomethyl-7-deazaguanine places a cationic group in the major groove at the edge of a G-C pair. The low temperature NMR and x-ray crystal structures of some of these DNA appear identical to unmodified DNA; however, the thermodynamic analyses show that these modified bases have a significant impact on the dynamic structure of DNA. In most cases, a reduction in thermodynamic stability driven by enthalpy changes was observed. The only modification that is thermodynamically as, or more, stable than the corresponding unmodified DNA is the 7-aminomethyl-7-deaza-guanine. The thermodynamic effects of the different substitutions are associated with the folding enthalpies and hydration. Interpretation of how these base modifications affect DNA structure and stability will be discussed.Supported by RO1CA29088 from NIH and MCB-0315746 from NSF.
Discriminative stimulus function of ethanol : role of GABAA receptors in the nucleus accumbens

Because the subjective effects of drugs may be related to abuse potential, this study was conducted to assess the involvement of GABAA receptor systems in the nucleus accumbens (N Acc) in the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol. Male Long-Evans rats were trained to discriminate between intraperitoneal (IP) injections of ethanol (1 g/kg) and saline under a fixed-ratio 10 schedule of sucrose (10% w/v) reinforcement. When performance during training sessions met the accuracy criteria (> 80% correct responding for five consecutive days), an ethanol generalization curve was determined. The rats were then surgically implanted with bilateral stainless-steel guide cannulae aimed at the N Acc. Intra-accumbens (IA) substitution test sessions were conducted during which the direct GABAA agonist muscimol (0.01, 0.04, 0.10, and 0.40 micrograms/microliter; IA) was administered in combination with saline (IP). The direct GABAA antagonist bicuculline (0.03, 0.10, and 0.30 micrograms/microliter; IA) was administered in combination with the training dose of ethanol (1 g/kg, ip). At 10-min postinjection, IA muscimol partially substituted for IP ethanol. However, at 15-min postinjection, muscimol (0.10 microgram/microliter; IA) fully substituted for IP ethanol. Bicuculline attenuated the discriminative stimulus properties of IP ethanol, but only at doses that significantly decreased response rate. At 10-min postinjection, muscimol (0.01 and 0.04 micrograms/microliter) potentiated (> 80% ethanol lever responding) the discriminative stimulus properties of a dose of ethanol (0.5 g/kg) that alone produced only partial generalization. These data suggest that ethanol discrimination is mediated centrally and demonstrate that infusions of the GABAA agonist muscimol in the N Acc are sufficient to produce the stimulus effects corresponding to a 1.0 g/kg training dose of ethanol. When taken together with data showing that GABAA receptor activation in the N Acc potentiates the termination of ethanol self-administration, these data suggest that ethanol's discriminative stimulus function may influence its reinforcement function.
Patient-to-patient transmission of bloodborne pathogens in health care: the price and perils of progress?

The practice of medicine has changed dramatically over thepast 2 decades. The past 20 years have witnessed the intro-duction of interventional technologies that would—just a fewyears ago—have seemed unimaginable. Whereas such tech-nological advances are most often associated with increasedprecision of treatment and substantial decreases in morbidityand mortality, they are not without costs. Use of many ofthese new technologies requires sophisticated technical skillsand is often quite costly; in addition, maintenance and man-agement of new, complex equipment are often technicallycomplex. As medical devices have become more complex, sohave their cleaning and disinfection protocols.Another problem that has been engendered by increasinglysophisticated medical technology is a relatively blind relianceon the safety and efﬁcacy of new (presumably safer) devicesand procedures. These 2 problems can work together to in-crease risk for patients and providers. Curiously, all the tech-nological advances of the late 20th and early 21st centurieshave not abrogated healthcare workers’ responsibilities to at-tend to the use of basic infection control techniques whileproviding patient care. For example, several epidemics of re-spiratory infections have been associated with inadequatecleaning and disinfection of bronchoscopes (occasionallycon-founded by problems relating to device design).
Effect of manufacturing system constructs on pick-up and drop-off strategies of multiple-load AGVs

This research investigates the interaction between manufacturing system constructs and the operation strategies in a multiple-load Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGVS) when AGVs in a system can carry two or more loads. The load pick-up problem arises when an AGV stops at a pick-up queue and has to decide which part(s) in the queue should be picked up. Since an AGV can carry multiple loads, a drop-off rule is then needed to determine the next stop for the AGV to deliver one or more loads. Several real-time composite heuristic rules for selecting load and determining the next stop are proposed and evaluated in two manufacturing system constructs: the jobshop and the flexible manufacturing system (FMS). A number of simulation models are developed to obtain statistics on various performance measures of the two system constructs under different experimental conditions. The simulation results reveal that the pick-up rules affect the system more than the drop-off rules. In general, rules to avoid starving and ...
Patient-Centered Adherence Intervention After Acute Coronary Syndrome Hospitalization

Background— Adherence to cardioprotective medications in the year after acute coronary syndrome hospitalization is generally poor and is associated with increased risk of rehospitalization and mortality. Few interventions have specifically targeted this high-risk patient population to improve medication adherence. We hypothesize that a multifaceted patient-centered intervention could improve adherence to cardioprotective medications. Methods and Results— To evaluate this intervention, we propose enrolling 280 patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome event into a multicenter randomized, controlled trial. The intervention comprises4 main components: (1) pharmacist-led medication reconciliation and tailoring; (2) patient education; (3) collaborative care between pharmacist and primary care provider/cardiologist; and (4) 2 types of voice messaging (educational and medication refill reminder calls). Patients in the intervention arm will visit with the study pharmacist ≈1 week post-hospital discharge. The pharmacist will work with the patient and collaborate with providers to reconcile medication issues. Voice messages will augment the educational process and remind patients to refill their cardioprotective medications. The study will compare the intervention versus usual care for 12 months. The primary outcome of interest is adherence using the ReComp method. Secondary and tertiary outcomes include achievement of targets for blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein, and reduction in the combined cardiovascular end points of myocardial infarction hospitalization, coronary revascularization, and all-cause mortality. Finally, we will also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared with usual care. Conclusions— If the intervention is effective in improving medication adherence and demonstrating a lower cost, the intervention has the potential to improve cardiovascular outcomes in this high-risk patient population.
IMPACT OF UNSATURATED FLOW ON PAVEMENT EDGEDRAIN PERFORMANCE

Water movement in pavement sections that included an edgedrain trench was investigated by means of numerical simulations that explicitly included unsaturated water flow. Most of the resulting water movement from infiltration in response to simulated rainfall events occurred under unsaturated conditions, that is, under negative water pressures. Fully saturated conditions and positive pressures most often only occur in the drainage trench bottom. Drainage efficiency was shown to depend on the base course and edgedrain backfill material properties and configuration. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of the base course was shown to not be a reliable indicator of drainage efficiency. The performance of the edgedrain trench depends on whether water directly enters the trench through a shoulder crack, or has to first move through the adjacent base course to reach the trench. In the latter case, the trench backfill material can serve as a restriction to flow to the trench even if the material has a very large saturated hydraulic conductivity.
Ferroelectric Behavior in Barium Zirconium Metaniobate

An unusual type of ferroelectric behavior has been observed in barium zirconium metaniobate, BaNb1.5Zr0.25O5.25. The orthorhombic, pseudotetragonal single crystal displays dielectric hysteresis only in its c direction, with normal dielectric properties in the a-b plane. No evidence of a fist- or second-order ferroelectric-paraelectric transition has been observed up to 1400°C. The crystal melts incongruently at about 1525°C. A maximum in the dielectric constant occurs at 80°C. when measured at 103 c.p.s. but is not accompanied by any effect in the spontaneous polarization. The temperature of this k′ maximum has the frequency dependence of a dielectric relaxation process with an average activation energy of 0.2 e.v. These properties are consistent with the idea of a higher than second-order ferroelectric-paraelectric transition in this material. The dielectric behavior is explicable in terms of 180°“dipole aggregates” having a wide range of activation energies of reversal. There are suggestions in the technical literature of similar behavior in other materials.
New architecture to reduce I/O bottlenecks in high-performance systems

Reviews large-scale application input/output requirements that are driving the need for high-performance distributed hierarchical storage. The focus is on evolving, high-performance, network-based storage-system architectures. The authors discuss some ideas about paradigm shifts that provide perspective on what is happening in system architectures; they outline, using examples, application storage and I/O requirements; they review relevant historical trends in storage-system architecture and their limitations; and they outline the IEEE Mass Storage Reference Model, focusing on the experience and issues in the use of network-connected devices and third-part protocol architectures to reduce the overall I/O bottleneck in distributed system environments. >
Receiving the French: a bibliometric snapshot of the impact of `French theory' on information studies

This study explores the extent to which `French theory' (Bourdieu, Derrida, Foucault et al.) has left its mark on the scholarly literature of information studies. A bibliometric analysis reveals which theorists (and which works) have been most highly cited over the course of the last four decades. The study also identifies the information studies journals and scholars who have been the most frequent citers of French theorists.
Nisin extraction capacity of aqueous ethanol and methanol from a 2.5% preparation

Abstract Nisin is a widely used antimicrobial preservative whose efficacy is compromised by interaction with food components when applied to food matrices hence, encapsulation may overcome this problem. The objective of this research was to study parameters for concentrating nisin from a 2.5% preparation using 10–100% aqueous ethanol and methanol at 1–15 mg solids/mL solvent (MSMS). The extraction yield was the highest at an intermediate alcohol concentration (80% methanol or 50% ethanol) corresponding to intermediate polarity, while a poorer extraction was observed at higher MSMS. The higher alcohol concentration also enabled improved removal of impurities such as protein. The highest purification factor (PF) was observed at 1 MSMS in 90% methanol (PF = 5.3, 91.0% yield) or 2 MSMS in 70% ethanol (PF = 5.5, 84.7% yield). The recommended conditions (2 MSMS in 70% ethanol) were further used to prepare a powdered product 4.4 times more concentrated by spray drying. The concentrated product may be used for encapsulation of the antimicrobial in capsules or films/coatings.
General dentist characteristics associated with rural practice location.

Purpose To examine whether there is a difference in the likelihood that a general dentist practices in a rural location based on individual characteristics, including dental school attended, birth state, practice arrangement, sex, and age. Methods All private practice, general dentists in Iowa were included in this study. Data were extracted from the year 2010 version of the Iowa Dentist Tracking System, which monitors practice patterns of active dentists. Rurality of primary office location, categorized using Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes, served as the outcome variable. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to explain associations between rural practice location and dentist characteristics. Findings Fifteen percent of the state's population resided in isolated small rural towns, but only 8% of general dentists practiced here. Approximately 17% of dentists in isolated small rural towns were age 40 or younger, compared to 32% of dentists in urban areas. Among male dentists, those who were born in Iowa (P = .002) were older (P = .020), and graduated from dental schools other than the University of Iowa (P = .009) were more likely to practice in rural areas than were their counterparts. Conversely, among female dentists, solo practice (P = .016) was the only variable significantly associated with rural practice location. Conclusions The dentist workforce in rural areas of Iowa is dominated by older males who were born in Iowa. As this generation retires and increasing numbers of women enter the profession, state policy makers and planners will need to monitor changing trends in the rural workforce.
Comparison of finite difference time domain results for scattered EM fields: Yee algorithm vs. a characteristic based algorithm

Two finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithms for computing scattered electromagnetic fields are compared. The Yee algorithm is compared to a characteristic-based algorithm using a simple two-dimensional geometry. The scattered fields of a conducting strip give an incident transverse magnetic (TM) short-duration Gaussian pulse are computed using both algorithms. The characteristics of the scattered fields are compared. >
In Support of Evidence-Based Case Formulation in Psychotherapy (From the Perspective of a Clinician)

Persons (2013) has commented on my article (Eells, 2013) aboutÂ revisiting the case formulation approach to psychotherapy research. I elaborate on her ideas by advocating for an evidence-based case formulation (EBCF) model of psychotherapy practice. The latter encourages clinician freedom of choice to select a case conceptualization and treatment plan, as long as those choices are empirically defensible.Â While the EBCF approach is intellectually challenging for clinicians, it has the advantage of being Â flexible in accommodating evidence, including but not limited to that derived from randomized clinical trials. The EBCF approach is preferable to the untenable position of relying primarily on oneâ€™s personal experience as a therapist or primarily on intuition.Â The EBCF approach is an empirically defensible alternative to the empirically supported treatment (EST) movement.Â Clinical judgment is emphasized more in the EBCF approach than in ESTs.Â Conditions are described under which intuition in context can be trusted as one of a number of components of evidence-based practice.Â Finally, since therapists practicing ESTs tailor treatment to meet patient needs as they arise, a false dichotomy may exist between the EST and EBCF approaches when considering psychotherapy as it is actually practiced.Â A mixed-methods research agenda that examines the case formulation hypothesis can help determine whether such a false dichotomy exists, while advancing knowledge of psychotherapy as it unfolds in practice.
Mineral-related proteins of sea urchin teeth: Lytechinus variegatus.

Sea urchins have a set of five continuously growing teeth, each of which has a very complex structure. The mineral phase is calcite of varying Mg content, depending on the location within a tooth. The calcium carbonate is present in amorphous, plate-like and rod-like forms. It has been hypothesized that the mineral deposition is a matrix-mediated process, similar to that in vertebrate bone and tooth, wherein certain macromolecules within the organic matrix of the mineralized tissue play an important role in nucleating and controlling the growth habit of the mineral crystals. It has also been hypothesized that the mineral-related macromolecules involved in urchin teeth might bear a direct evolutionary relationship to those of the vertebrate tooth. These hypotheses are explored here by examining the pattern and nature of the mineral distribution, using microCT of intact teeth, and the nature of the mineral-related matrix proteins. The mineral-related proteins were extracted and fractionated by anion exchange chromatography. The relationship of certain fractions to vertebrate matrix proteins was established by immunoblots using antibodies to vertebrate tooth proteins. The antibodies were then used to localize the proteins within the teeth, by immunocytochemistry and histology with specific staining. The microCT data on mineral density has been correlated with the patterns of cellular migration and mineral deposition within the tooth as it grows. It appears that the mineralization within the different tooth compartments might take place under the influence of different matrix proteins. Further studies are in progress to more completely describe the vertebrate-invertebrate immunologically cross-reactive proteins of the urchin teeth. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:342–351, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Preserving Collective Performance across Process Failure for a Fault Tolerant MPI

Application developers are investigating Algorithm Based Fault Tolerance (ABFT) techniques to improve the efficiency of application recovery beyond what traditional techniques alone can provide. Applications will depend on libraries to sustain failure-free performance across process failure to continue to efficiently use High Performance Computing (HPC) systems even in the presence of process failure. Optimized Message Passing Interface (MPI) collective operations are a critical component of many scalable HPC applications. However, most of the collective algorithms are not able to handle process failure. Next generation MPI implementations must provide fault aware versions of such algorithms that can sustain performance across process failure. This paper discusses the design and implementation of fault aware collective algorithms for tree structured communication patterns. The three design approaches of rerouting, lookup avoiding and rebalancing are described, and analyzed for their performance impact relative to a similar fault unaware collective algorithm. The analysis shows that the rerouting approach causes up to a four times performance degradation while the rebalancing approach can bring the performance within 1% of the fault unaware performance. Additionally, this paper introduces the reader to a set of run-through stabilization semantics being developed by the MPI Forum's Fault Tolerance Working Group to support ABFT. This paper underscores the need for care to be taken when designing new fault aware collective algorithms for fault tolerant MPI implementations.
STUDIES ON ANTIGENIC COMPETITION

Antigenic competition was studied in a haptenic system. It was found that: ( a ) The extent of competition is greater when larger doses of antigen are employed. ( b ) Antigenic competition appears to be independent of the carrier molecule. ( c ) The affinity of the antibody produced in antigenic competition is approximately equal to the affinity of antibody formed by animals immunized with only one antigen. ( d ) Antigenic competition only occurs when both antigens are injected so as to drain into the same regional lymph nodes. The results suggest that antigenic competition occurs locally at the site of antigen stimulation and is not mediated by a circulating factor, by tolerance induction, or by suppression due to synthesis of cross-reacting antibodies.