cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Borderland Spaces of the Third Kind: Erotic Agency in Plato and Octavia Butler

In Timaeus, Plato’s third kind introduces an ambiguous borderland space that is neither of the categories that it separates and unites, but somehow partakes of both. In the cosmology of the Timaeus, Plato uses the model of the family as the foundation for his description of the cosmos’ birth; he consistently identifies the male as active and the female as passive, grounding these binary categories in such a way that renders only male subjects as autonomous beings. Using the models of sexual reproduction in Octavia Butler’s Wild Seed and her Xenogenesis series, Decker argues that the third kind disrupts the binary models of sexual difference that Plato’s dualistic system attempts to ground.
Impact of Adjuvant Radiation on Artificial Urinary Sphincter Durability in Postprostatectomy Patients.

Objective To further understand the implications of adjuvant radiation on artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) durability in postprostatectomy patients. Methods One hundred fifty-eight postprostatectomy patients, identified by retrospective chart review, underwent AUS placement by 1 surgeon from 2008 to 2016. Time-to-event analysis measured the effect of adjuvant radiation on all-cause failure, and competing-risks regression stratified failure by cause (infection or erosion, urethral atrophy, mechanical failure). Results Adjuvant radiation independently predicted all-cause failure over time (hazard ratio = 4.32, P Conclusion In our series of postprostatectomy patients, adjuvant radiation portends worse AUS device survival over time. Furthermore, this decrease in revision-free survival appears to be concentrated in an increase in infection or erosion complications. Patients with prior urethral injury or manipulation who have also undergone adjuvant radiation should be carefully selected when receiving an AUS as this subset of patients experiences low device survival.
Novel two-dimensional diamond like carbon nitrides with extraordinary elasticity and thermal conductivity

Abstract In this work, two new types of structurally stable two-dimensional (2D) carbon nitrides are predicted by first-principles calculations. They are derived by extracting two adjacent atomic layers from cubic diamond or hexagonal diamond and then substituting the unsaturated C atoms with N atoms. The formed 2D diamond-like carbon nitrides are named as 2D c-C2N2 and 2D h-C2N2. First-principles calculations on their structural stability, electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties were performed. It is revealed that they are semiconductors with a direct band gap of ∼4.43 eV for c-C2N2 and an indirect band gap of 3.70 eV for h-C2N2. Their Young's modulus reaches as high as 1.08 TGa for c-C2N2 and 1.06 TGa for h-C2N2, both of which are comparable to that of graphene. The c-C2N2 shows a thermal conductivity of 41200 W/m·K while the h-C2N2 has a thermal conductivity of 49500 W/m·K at 80 K. These values are several times of those of graphene and diamond at the same temperature. This research provides theoretic perspectives for exploring novel 2D carbon nitrides with extraordinary properties. Once experimentally realized, they would open widespread applications in electronics, optoelectronics, heat management, and mechanical structures.
Diffusion of Innovation in Different Global Markets

It has been established that new products or products in general are not all accepted in the same manner and in the same proportions. There is a pattern which illustrates the acceptance patterns of products by different cultures which is named by Rogers (1983) as the “diffusion of innovation.” Understanding diffusion of innovation is important for international marketers because it explains how new products are diffused throughout the world and how consumers in different cultures behave in this context. However, understanding the diffusion of innovation process has other benefits. Different groups of consumers in the diffusion activity behave clearly very differently but also they are different groups of people. As a result, dealing with them accordingly and attempting to market different products and services to them effectively would call for different marketing practices.
LUMINESCENCE DATING | Electron Spin Resonance Dating

Electron spin resonance dating has been applied in Quaternary sciences for more than 30 years. The method is based on the time-dependent accumulation of trapped free electrons and holes in minerals. This article explains the underlying principles of the method and illustrates its contribution to Quaternary sciences in a series of applications ranging from the coral reef tracts of Barbados to the human remains at Border Cave in South Africa.
Causal Factors in the Development of Brain Lactic Acidosis: Relationship Between Intracranial Pressure, CSF Lactate, and CSF-CKBB After Severe Head Injury

Although there is a consensus that a high lactate level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after head injury is a grave prognostic sign, it is still debated whether the lactate is detrimental to the brain, or if CSF-lactic acidosis is only reflecting a derangement of rain metabolism.
Steroid Metabolism and Interconversions

The origin of many of the steroid hormones in man is complex since they are derived from the secretion of endocrine glands as well as from the conversion of plasma precursors. The total blood production rate for all of these steroid hormones can now be estimated by utilizing metabolic clearance techniques and measurements of plasma concentration. It has also become possible to determine the contribution of other precursors to these blood production rates. Illustrative examples will be presented of work with androgens and estrogens.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adults Living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This meta-analysis examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on stress, psychological symptoms, and biomarkers of disease among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Comprehensive searches identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria (N = 1059; M age = 42 years; 20% women). Participants had been living with HIV for an average of 8 years (range = < 1–20 years); 65% were currently on antiretroviral therapy. Between-group analyses indicated that depressive symptoms were reduced among participants receiving the MBIs compared to controls (d+ = 0.37, 95% CI 0.03, 0.71). Within-group analyses showed reductions in psychological symptoms (i.e., less anxiety, fewer depressive symptoms) and improved quality of life over time among MBI participants (d+s = 0.40–0.85). No significant changes were observed for immunological outcomes (i.e., CD4 counts) between- or within-groups. MBIs may be a promising approach for reducing psychological symptoms and improving quality of life among PLWHA. Studies using stronger designs (i.e., randomized controlled trials) with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to clarify the potential benefits of MBIs for PLWHA.
The Generic Drug Industry Embraces a Faster, Cheaper Pathway for Challenging Patents

Most new brand-name drugs are protected by patents from generic competition, but these patents are occasionally granted in error. Invalidating such patents has traditionally been accomplished via court litigation by generic manufacturers, which is expensive and time consuming. In 2011, Congress created an administrative alternative to court litigation of patents, called inter partes review, intended to be much faster and less expensive. To evaluate the use of inter partes review to challenge pharmaceutical patents, including the number of challenges, the number of associated drug products, and the extent to which challengers have been successful. We obtained data pertaining to inter partes review proceedings, including identity of patent challenger, duration of proceedings, and outcome, from September 16, 2012 through April 24, 2017 from UnifiedPatents.com, and combined it with information about drug products and their associated patents, including patent type, contained in the US Food and Drug Administration’s Orange Book. Generic drug manufacturers have embraced the new inter partes review process, succeeding in overturning all challenged claims in 43% of the patents they have targeted since 2011, and some challenged claims in an additional 8%. Inter partes review for drug patents has consistently been completed within 12 months, as required by statute. Successful challenges have been brought most frequently against drug patents covering new formulations or methods of use, rather than drug patents covering active ingredients. In the pharmaceutical market, the inter partes review process can meaningfully contribute to ensuring that invalid patents do not block timely availability of generic drugs.
Flow Dynamics in the Aortic Arch and Its Effect on the Arterial Input Function in Cardiac Computed Tomography

The arterial input function (AIF)-time-density curve (TDC) of contrast at the coronary ostia-plays a central role in contrast enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA). This study employs computational modeling in a patient-specific aorta to investigate mixing and dispersion of contrast in the aortic arch (AA) and to compare the TDCs in the coronary ostium and the descending aorta. Here, we examine the validity of the use of TDC in the descending aorta as a surrogate for the AIF. Computational fluid dynamics was used to study hemodynamics and contrast dispersion in a CTA-based patient model of the aorta. Variations in TDC between the aortic root, through the AA and at the descending aorta and the effect of flow patterns on contrast dispersion was studied via post-processing of the results. Simulations showed complex unsteady patterns of contrast mixing and dispersion in the AA that are driven by the pulsatile flow. However, despite the relatively long intra-aortic distance between the coronary ostia and the descending aorta, the TDCs at these two locations were similar in terms of rise-time and up-slope, and the time lag between the two TDCs was 0.19 seconds. TDC in the descending aorta is an accurate analog of the AIF. Methods that use quantitative metrics such as rise-time and slope of the AIF to estimate coronary flowrate and myocardial ischemia can continue with the current practice of using the TDC at the descending aorta as a surrogate for the AIF.
Developing a low-cost autonomous blimp with a reduced number of actuators

Miniature blimps will have numerous applications in future smart cities. This paper presents the design of an autonomous blimp that can be autonomously operated and controlled. In order to be able to operate over long periods of time, the blimp design employs a novel actuation mechanism with only one servomotor and two DC motors. Experiments are carried out to demonstrate the capabilities of the constructed autonomous blimp.
A multiplicative regularized Gauss-Newton method with trust region Sequential Quadratic Programming for structural model updating

Abstract The paper focuses on the development of an iterative minimization algorithm for structural identification. The algorithm consists of a Gauss-Newton method in which the ill-conditioning caused by noise pollution is mitigated by means of a multiplicative regularization technique used in conjunction with a bound constrained trust region method. Unlike the classic additive regularization technique, the amount of regularization is not determined a priori, but computed in an automatic fashion at each step of the iterative procedure. Specifically, the strength of the regularization is controlled by the norm of the model parameters weighted by a factor proportional to the current values of the least-square cost functional and the size of the trust region. The iterative procedure consists in solving a sequence of regularized local quadratic subproblems in a Sequential Quadratic Programming framework, for which a local convexity condition is given. The proposed method is finally tested in the retrieval of the equivalent stiffness of the soil and bearings of a real, in-service bridge pier that was tested using experimental modal analysis.
Research on CF4 Gas Molecular Simulation of High Voltage GIS Based on MATLAB Big Data Analysis and Mining Technology

Large-scale and high-tech energy computing system is used to simulate CF4 gas generated in high-voltage GIL/GIS. The numerical simulation software is used to simulate the experimental platform and the related modeling technology for the optical system. The simulation experiments of the CF4 gas absorption capacity, spectrum broadening and the gas cross-interference performance under high pressure were carried out. The non-spectroscopic infrared (NDIR) gas absorption spectroscopy experimental system was built. CF4 gas was used for the quantitative analysis experiments and compared with simulation experiments. According to the absorption spectrum of CF4 gas, the variation law of CF4 gas absorption spectrum with temperature, pressure, vibration and other factors was analyzed quantitatively. Under pressure condition, the ability to suppress the interference effect of the optical path of the on-line detection device is evaluated, and the optical path loss experiment is carried out. On the basis of experimental data, large data analysis and mining are carried out on the platform of MATLAB software, including the application of clustering algorithm to cluster the large data of CF4 gas, and to predict the time series of CF4 gas under fault conditions. The research results of this paper form the sample database of CF4 gas concentration to some certain extent, and put forward the CF4 gas molecular simulation of high-voltage combinations based on the large data analysis and mining technology of MATLAB, which provides theoretical and practical basis for the operation and maintenance of high-voltage combinations GIS/GIL.
Influence of the geostrophic wind direction on the atmospheric boundary layer flow

Proper simulation and modelling of geophysical flows is crucial to the study of numerical weather prediction, wind energy and many other applications. When simulating the atmospheric boundary layer, Coriolis forces act as a result of Earth’s rotation. The horizontal component of Earth’s rotation, which is often neglected, influences the balance of vertical momentum. The horizontal component results in systematic differences in the structure and statistics of stratified atmospheric boundary layers as a function of the direction of the geostrophic velocity. These differences are particularly relevant to atmospheric flows which include inhomogeneous roughness elements such as drag disks or wind turbines since the presence of these drag elements alters the balance between turbulent stresses and the Coriolis contributions in Reynolds stress budgets. Even at latitudes as high as . As such, the boundary layer height, shear and veer profiles, surface friction velocity and other key features are affected by the direction of the geostrophic wind. The influence of the horizontal component of Earth’s rotation in stable nocturnal boundary layers depends on the strength of the stratification as there is a strong influence in the present study and a weak influence in the GEWEX Atmospheric Boundary Layer Study (GABLS) case. A model of the effect of the horizontal component on the boundary layer shear stress is also proposed and verified with the present simulations. While not studied here, the present observations are also relevant to the oceanic Ekman boundary layer.
Emerging Ethical Challenges in Critical Care for the 21st Century: A Case-Based Discussion.

Ethical challenges for doctors and other health care professionals have existed since the practice of medicine began. Many of the oldest challenges live on to this day, such as who has more authority to make key decisions (autonomy vs. paternalism) and what are the boundaries of life at the beginning and at the end. Two powerful driving forces are new technologies and an ever-changing culture and society. The practice of medicine in intensive care units (ICUs) has been the source of many ethical challenges. Once firmly fixed concepts, such as death or “brain death” are now coming under increasing debate. In other areas, the concept of patient autonomy has been used to request life-prolonging therapies, once thought “futile.” New technologies for procreation have necessitated new ethical challenges as well. In this paper, we will use a series of cases, based on experiences from our hospital ethics committee, that occurred over the course of several years and illustrate ethical challenges which are either new to us or not new but growing in frequency due to technological or societal changes. Each one of these topics is complex and worthy of its own large review but for this overview, we will briefly discuss the key points of each dilemma.
Kinetic turbulence in shining pair plasma: intermittent beaming and thermalization by radiative cooling

High-energy astrophysical systems frequently contain collisionless relativistic plasmas that are heated by turbulent cascades and cooled by emission of radiation. Understanding the nature of this radiative turbulence is a frontier of extreme plasma astrophysics. In this paper, we use particle-in-cell simulations to study the effects of external inverse Compton radiation on turbulence driven in an optically thin, relativistic pair plasma. We focus on the statistical steady state (where injected energy is balanced by radiated energy) and perform a parameter scan spanning from low magnetization to high magnetization ($0.04 \lesssim \sigma \lesssim 11$). We demonstrate that the global particle energy distributions are quasi-thermal in all simulations, with only a modest population of nonthermal energetic particles (extending the tail by a factor of $\sim 2$). This indicates that nonthermal particle acceleration (observed in similar non-radiative simulations) is quenched by strong radiative cooling. The quasi-thermal energy distributions are well fit by analytic models in which stochastic particle acceleration (due to, e.g., second-order Fermi mechanism or gyroresonant interactions) is balanced by the radiation reaction force. Despite the efficient thermalization of the plasma, nonthermal energetic particles do make a conspicuous appearance in the anisotropy of the global momentum distribution as highly variable, intermittent beams (for high magnetization cases). The beamed high-energy particles are spatially coincident with intermittent current sheets, suggesting that localized magnetic reconnection may be a mechanism for kinetic beaming. This beaming phenomenon may explain rapid flares observed in various astrophysical systems (such as blazar jets, the Crab nebula, and Sagittarius A*).
An Unusual Carbapenem Resistant Escherichia coli Carrying Plasmid-mediated AmpC and Mutated ompC in A Patient with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.

We describe a case of carbapenem resistant E. coli isolated from urine in an 87-year-old woman with recurrent urinary tract infections. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), we identified the carbapenem resistance mechanism to be a combination of ompC porin loss and plasmid-mediated AmpC gene blaCMY-2 , which was not detected by routine molecular and phenotypic carbapenemase assays. Our case raises a concern for the limitation of current CRE screening tools for emerging resistance mechanisms and demonstrates the utility of WGS as a better tool for characterization of CRE in the clinical setting.
Corydalis flavula and Nemophila aphylla in Georgia: Ecological observations1

Following removal of thickets of the invasive nonnative Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.), two rare winter annuals, Corydalis flavula (Raf.) DC and Nemophila aphylla (L.) Brummitt, appeared at sites where they were previously unknown. Moreover, these sites in Clarke County were more than 100 km from the few previously known localities of the species in Georgia. Soil samples revealed that these sites were strongly divergent from typical secondary forests of the Piedmont with respect to pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium (all significantly higher). It is possible, but unlikely, that these species were recently transported to these sites. It seems more likely that recent management activities stimulated seeds to emerge from a dormant seed bank.
Extradigital glomus tumor of the anterior knee.

The benign glomus tumor is an uncommon cause of crippling pain most commonly associated with the fingers. This sheep in wolf’s clothing is identified by careful examination, confirmed by MRI, and o...
Prognostic Utility of Risk Enhancers and Coronary Artery Calcium Score Recommended in the 2018 ACC/AHA Multisociety Cholesterol Treatment Guidelines Over the Pooled Cohort Equation: Insights From 3 Large Prospective Cohorts.

Background Limited data exist on the incremental value of the risk enhancers recommended in the 2018 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (ACC/AHA) cholesterol treatment guidel...
Improving Machine Learning Modeling of Nonlinear Processes Under Noisy Data Via Co-teaching Method

In practical implementation of machine learning modeling, training data often involve noise which can cause performance degradation as the machine learning model may overfit the noisy pattern. This work focuses on a novel machine learning training approach, termed co-teaching method, that utilizes both noisy data from industrial datasets and noise-free data from first-principles model solutions to improve model accuracy. Specifically, we consider an ASPEN dataset with non-Gaussian noise data, and develop two long short-term memory (LSTM) networks following the standard training process, and the co-teaching training method, respectively. A chemical process example is used to demonstrate the improved model accuracy under co-teaching method in both open-loop operation and closed-loop operation under model predictive control.
Regulation of mouse bone marrow macrophage mannose receptor expression and activation by prostaglandin E and IFN-γ

The macrophage mannose receptor mediates the clearance of microorganisms and glycoproteins containing terminal mannose oligosaccharides. Cell surface expression of this receptor progresses with macrophage differentiation, and thus may be critical to the scavenger function of tissue and circulating macrophages. Bone marrow macrophages, which were used in this study, differentiate in culture and express functional mannose receptors. The cytokine IFN-gamma triggered activation of these macrophages and down-regulated cell surface expression of the mannose receptor after 48 h. Macrophage activation, as assessed by the generation of superoxide radicals, was inversely correlated with mannose receptor expression. The number of surface receptors was diminished by exposure to IFN-gamma, whereas the binding affinity of the mannose receptor remained unchanged. Treatment with IFN-gamma reduced receptor biosynthesis yet did not alter receptor degradation. Mannose receptor biosynthesis is up-regulated by PG of the E series, and these anti-inflammatory agents reversed the effects of IFN-gamma on receptor expression. Down-regulation of the mannose receptor by IFN-gamma was fully reversible by PGE, indicating that receptor levels are dependent on the functional state of the cell rather than being linked to terminal cell differentiation. The regulation of the receptor by cytokines and anti-inflammatory reagents suggests that the mannose receptor plays a critical role in macrophage scavenger functions and potentially in modulating inflammatory reactions.
Study on Time Value of Ironman Spirit

Ironman Spirit, which came into being in the process of the foundation and construction of Daqing Oil Field, created many shocking miracles, gained great honor for our country and Daqing Oil Field. It is the general summary of the venerable thought and good virtue of Wang Jinxi, and also the spiritual outlook of oil workers in our country. Therefore, Ironman Spirit is not only the shadow of a time, but also the spiritual outlook of a nation and a country, which praises the Chinese spirit of endless struggle. This paper discusses function of Ironman Spirit in construction of Daqing Oil Field; Ironman Spirit keeps pace with the times; Ironman spirit develops with the times; lasting vitality of Ironman spirit etc. It points out Daqing is trying to transmit the power of Ironman Spirit and make it have a marvelous influence. Ironman Spirit is a power that can produce mass economical value, which comes from the inflexible pursuit for the national career of oil. Ironman Spirit has already become a brand of Daqing and a glorious flag which can achieve its immortal value. Ironman Spirit is the precious spiritual wealth, political capital and cultural resource of the communists and the people. Daqing and Ironman Spirit have a great influence on the construction of socialistic core value system in the new historical period and improve the socialistic economical construction which has leading effect on the new challenges in the new battle for science in the new historical condition.The reason why Ironman Spirit has been able to have such a lasting and strong vitality, charisma and influence, is that it has a rich cultural heritage and cultural roots.
Adapting Reform Ideas in Different Mathematics Classrooms: Beliefs Beyond Mathematics

The goals of this study are to understandelementary school teachers' beliefs andpractices and to unveil factors that influencethe way teachers adapt mathematics reformrhetoric when trying to adopt it. In theresearch, I searched for beliefs beyondmathematics that influence teachers' decisionsand choices for teaching mathematics. Workingwith children from different socioeconomicbackgrounds, teachers interpret reform indifferent ways. Based on their concept of students' needs, teachers select which partsof the reform documents are appropriate fortheir students. While children from uppersocioeconomic backgrounds experience problemsolving, those from lower socioeconomicbackgrounds undergo rote learning. Because notall children have the opportunity to learn thesame quality mathematics, the emerging concernof this study is the issue of equity inmathematics teaching.
Association of ERp57 with Mouse MHC Class I Molecules Is Tapasin Dependent and Mimics That of Calreticulin and not Calnexin

Before peptide binding in the endoplasmic reticulum, the class I heavy (H) chain-beta(2)-microglobulin complexes are detected in association with TAP and two chaperones, TPN and CRT. Recent studies have shown that the thiol-dependent reductase, ERp57, is also present in this peptide-loading complex. However, it remains controversial whether the association of ERp57 with MHC class I molecules precedes their combined association with the peptide-loading complex or whether ERp57 only associates with class I molecules in the presence of TPN. Resolution of this controversy could help determine the role of ERp57 in class I folding and/or assembly. To define the mouse class I H chain structures involved in interaction with ERp57, we tested chaperone association of L(d) mutations at residues 134 and 227/229 (previously implicated in TAP association), residues 86/88 (which ablate an N-linked glycan), and residue 101 (which disrupts a disulfide bond). The association of ERp57 with each of these mutant H chains showed a complete concordance with CRT, TAP, and TPN but not with calnexin. Furthermore, ERp57 failed to associate with H chain in TPN-deficient.220 cells. These combined data demonstrate that, during the assembly of the peptide-loading complex, the association of ERp57 with mouse class I is TPN dependent and parallels that of CRT and not calnexin.
Analysis of two-phase ejector performance metrics and comparison of R134a and CO2 ejector performance

Two-phase ejector studies in recent years have shown that the performance of an ejector cycle is strongly dependent on the performance of the ejector. However, measuring the performance of a two-phase ejector is not always straightforward. In the present study, several different metrics that have been proposed for measuring the performance of ejectors are presented and analyzed. Performance metrics originally proposed for single-phase ejectors as well as those proposed specifically for two-phase ejectors are both considered. A simple numerical ejector model is used to simulate ejector operation and calculate the performance of the ejector based on the various performance metrics. The various ejector performance metrics are then compared based on the numerical results. Experimental data from previous studies for R134a and CO2 two-phase ejectors is also presented, and the ejector performance metrics are compared based on the available experimental data as well. It is seen that for a given ejector operating ...
An Introduction to Plant Structure and Development: Plant Anatomy for the Twenty-First Century

Preface Acknowledgements 1. Problems of adaptation to a terrestrial environment 2. An overview of plant structure and development 3. The protoplast of the eukaryotic cell 4. Structure and development of the cell wall 5. Meristems of the shoot and their role in plant growth and development 6. Morphology and development of the primary vascular system of the stem 7. Sympodial systems and patterns of nodal anatomy 8. The epidermis 9. The origin of secondary tissue systems and the effect of their formation on the primary body in seed plants 10. The vascular cambium: structure and function 11. Secondary xylem 12. The phloem 13. Periderm, rhytidome and the nature of the bark 14. Unusual features of structure and development in stems and roots 15. Secretion in plants 16. The root 17. The leaf 18. Reproduction and the origin of the sporophyte Glossary Index.
Pharmacology of Muscarinic Receptor Subtypes Constitutively Activated by G Proteins

We have examined the effects of raising G protein concentration on the pharmacology of a series of agonist and antagonist ligands at the m1, m3, and m5 muscarinic subtypes using a functional assay. Overexpression of Gαq induced constitutive activity of these receptors. The constitutive activity was reversed completely by every muscarinic antagonist tested, which indicates that they are all negative antagonists (inverse agonists). The potencies of antagonists for reversing G protein-induced activity and agonist-induced activity were identical, suggesting the same mechanism of action. Overexpression of Gαq increased the potencies of every tested agonist and the efficacies of all partial agonists. The fold-gains in potency were positively correlated with ligand efficacy with the most efficacious agonists displaying the greatest potency gains. In addition, the efficacies of partial agonists approached those of full agonists. Constitutive activity of receptors has been explained by allosteric models in which receptors exist in spontaneous equilibrium between active and inactive conformations that are stabilized by agonists and antagonists, respectively. In this context, drug efficacy and potency are interrelated because they both depend on the same parameters, namely the absolute and relative affinities of a compound for receptors in active and inactive states and the ratio and concentrations of receptors in active and inactive states. All of our data are consistent with this model, in which raising G protein levels favors formation of the active conformation of receptors. Based on our findings, regulation of G protein concentration may be an important means of controlling receptor activity in vivo. These results define the functional relationship between G protein levels and muscarinic receptor pharmacology.
RICC: Fast Reachability Query Processing on Large Spatiotemporal Datasets

Spatiotemporal reachability queries arise naturally when determining how diseases, information, physical items can propagate through a collection of moving objects; such queries are significant for many important domains like epidemiology, public health, security monitoring, surveillance, and social networks. While traditional reachability queries have been studied in graphs extensively, what makes spatiotemporal reachability queries different and challenging is that the associated graph is dynamic and space-time dependent. As the spatiotemporal dataset becomes very large over time, a solution needs to be I/O-efficient. Previous work assumes an ‘instant exchange’ scenario (where information can be instantly transferred and retransmitted between objects), which may not be the case in many real world applications. In this paper we propose the RICC (Reachability Index Construction by Contraction) approach for processing spatiotemporal reachability queries without the instant exchange assumption. We tested our algorithm on two types of realistic datasets using queries of various temporal lengths and different types (with single and multiple sources and targets). The results of our experiments show that RICC can be efficiently used for answering a wide range of spatiotemporal reachability queries on disk-resident datasets.
DOES VOLATILITY DECREASE AFTER REVERSE STOCK SPLITS

Previous research documents that volatility decreases after reverse stock splits. I show that measurement effects bias observed volatility, especially for lower priced stocks. Based on observed returns, volatility decreases 25% after reverse splits. Controlling for bid–ask bounce, volatility still decreases for stocks with prices above $5.00. However, for stocks below $2.00, volatility increases slightly. The portion of observed volatility attributable to measurement effects declines as the stock price increases and as the minimum tick size decreases. Finally, there is a significant and positive cross-sectional relation between changes in the number of trades and changes in volatility after reverse splits.
On the relationship between prothrombin time and haematocrit value.

Summary. By removal of plasma from oxalate blood, as well as addition of plasma to it in one and the same person, the author has produced a dilution series of blood corpuscles-plasma, in other words, a series of blood tests with different haematocrit values. The prothrombin time has been determined on these samples by means of Fiechter's method. It has then been found that a comparatively slight prolongation of the prothrombin time at increasing haematocrit values has taken place in the blood of healthy individuals. When, on the other hand, the prothrombin content in the blood has for some reason or other been reduced, the prothrombin time at increasing haematocrit values has undergone a palpable prolongation. Therefore, when a deficiency in prothrombin is suspected, the haematocrit values of those concerned must be taken into consideration. This should especially be born in mind in comparisons between the prothrombin times of infants. When a possible prothrombin deficiency is suspected and no distinct prolongation of the prothrombin time has been determined at the ordinary examination a plasma dilution may give the information required.
Young Women with Family History of Breast Cancer and their Risk Factors for Benign Breast Disease

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) patients wonder how their daughters might reduce their risk. The authors investigated childhood/adolescent risk factors for benign breast disease (BBD), a well-documented risk factor for BC, among girls with a family history. METHODS: GUTS (the Growing Up Today Study) includes females, aged 9 to 15 years in 1996, who completed annual questionnaires during 1996 to 2001, then in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Participants provided information regarding alcohol, menarche, height, and body mass index (BMI; kg/m2). Peak height growth velocity (PHV; in./y) was estimated from longitudinal heights. On 2005-2007 surveys, 6888 women (18-27 years old) reported whether they were diagnosed with biopsy-confirmed BBD (n = 67 cases); 6741 women (noncases) reported no BBD. Participants' mothers reported their own biopsy-confirmed BBD and BC, and BC in their sisters and mothers. Stratified by family history, logistic models investigated BBD risk factors. RESULTS: Young women whose mothers or aunts had BC were more likely to be diagnosed with BBD (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; P = .01), as were those with maternal BBD (OR, 1.59; P = .095). Adolescents with BC family history (mother, aunt, grandmother) who consumed alcohol (7 drinks/wk) doubled their BBD risk (OR, 2.28; P = .01), similar to those with maternal BBD (OR, 1.96; P = .02). Girls whose mother or aunt had BC saw their BBD risk elevated with higher PHV (OR, 1.82 [inch/yr]; P = .05). Among girls with no family history, BBD risk appeared to be related to other factors: childhood BMI, adolescent waist circumference, and adult height. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with family history may reduce their risk by avoiding alcohol. Separate risk factors were observed among girls with family history versus girls with no family history, possibly reflecting different causes of BC. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Consideration of Lubricants for Temperatures above 1000 F

A study has been made of the various solid and liquid lubricants which could be considered for use to temperatures above 540 C. This study consisted of a literature survey to isolate temperature-stable, low shear strength compounds, and some experimental work to evaluate the most promising materials. Many of these compounds were effective at high temperatures and the results can explain the compatibility of certain metals at high temperatures. These compounds were not effective at lower temperatures. A more detailed study was made of the sliding characteristics of metals when lubricated with silver and molten boric oxide. The results show that, for silver, a number of factors such as choice of bearing materials, strength, and impurities affect the frictional behavior. Boric oxide, under conditions of boundary lubrication, showed a large increase in friction when the viscosity increased above 2400 poise. Variations in the friction could be explained by independent variations of viscosity and shear area. No...
Crystallization of mitochondrial respiratory complex II from chicken heart: A membrane-protein complex diffracting to 2.0 A

A procedure is presented for preparation of diffraction-quality crystals of a vertebrate mitochondrial respiratory complex II. The crystals have the potential to diffract to at least 2.0 A with optimization of post-crystal-growth treatment and cryoprotection. This should allow determination of the structure of this important and medically relevant membrane-protein complex at near-atomic resolution and provide great detail of the mode of binding of substrates and inhibitors at the two substrate-binding sites.
Different interfacial behaviors of N- and C-terminus cysteine-modified cecropin P1 chemically immobilized onto polymer surface.

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were used to investigate the orientation of N-terminus cysteine-modified cecropin P1 (cCP1) at the polystyrene maleimide (PS-MA)/peptide phosphate buffer solution interface. The cCP1 cysteine group reacts with the maleimide group on the PS-MA surface to chemically immobilize cCP1. Previously, we found that the C-terminus cysteine-modified cecropin P1 (CP1c) molecules exhibit a multiple-orientation distribution at the PS-MA/peptide phosphate buffer solution interface, due to simultaneous physical adsorption and chemical immobilization of CP1c on the PS-MA surface. Differently, in this research, it was found that the interfacial orientation of cCP1 molecules varied from a horizontal orientation to the “tilting” orientation to the “standing up” orientation and then to the “multiple-orientation” distribution as the peptide concentration increased from 0.19 to 3.74 μM. Thi...
Assessing the value of a project management simulation training exercise

Abstract This research addresses an important question: to what extent is project management training actually improving the project management knowledge and skills of participants. This question is examined through use of a team-based simulated project exercise as part of a graduate level course in project management. Findings indicate that the simulation exercise improves participant knowledge levels as well as the ability of participants to apply that knowledge. The educational benefits to participants are not dependent upon team performance or team dynamics in the exercise, but are contingent upon the amount of participant project work experience. Suggestions for future research are offered.
Volume change on first drying of hydrated portland cement with and without admixtures

Abstract The effect of admixtures of several types on the volume change characteristics of portland cement pastes is reported. Samples were cut in the form of wafers and dried step by step through several humidities down to 40 per cent; other samples were dried to the d-dried state. Large first drying shrinkages were obtained with extra dosages of calcium lignosulphonate, hydroxy carboxylic acids, and triethanolamine. Below 40 per cent RH all samples showed similar behavior with further drying or rewetting. It is suggested that the effect of admixture is mainly one of degree of dispersion in terms of alignment of sheets and displacement of ends of sheets.
Preliminary experimental results and modeling for a four degree of freedom automated traction measurement platform for quantitative evaluation of in vivo robotic capsule colonoscopy mobility effectiveness

In this work an overview of in vivo robotic capsule colonoscopy (RCC) is given, followed by the introduction of a mobility method for a RCC using micro-patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The design of a four degree of freedom (DOF) automated traction measurement (ATM) platform for quantitative evaluation of the mobility method is presented. An empirical model for traction force as a function of slip ratio, robot speed and robot weight for micro-patterned PDMS on synthetic tissue is developed using data collected from the ATM platform. The model is then used to predict traction force at different speeds and weights, and is verified experimentally. The mean percent error between the empirical model and the data used to develop the model is 2.1% (min 0.051%, max 6.5%). The mean error between the traction force predicted by the model and the data used to verify the prediction is 5.9% (min 0.0035%, max 21%). The results from this study will play a key role in further RCC mobility system optimization going forward.
Intelligent web agents for a 3D virtual community

In this paper, we propose an Avatar-based intelligent agent technique for 3D Web based Virtual Communities based on distributed artificial intelligence, intelligent agent techniques, and databases and knowledge bases in a digital library. One of the goals of this joint NSF (IIS-9980130) and ACM SIGGRAPH Education Committee (ASEC) project is to create a virtual community of educators and students who have a common interest in comptuer graphics, visualization, and interactive techniqeus. In this virtual community (ASEC World) Avatars will represent the educators, students, and other visitors to the world. Intelligent agents represented as specially dressed Avatars will be available to assist the visitors to ASEC World. The basic Web client-server architecture of the intelligent knowledge-based avatars is given. Importantly, the intelligent Web agent software system for the 3D virtual community is implemented successfully.
Functional gene expression differences between inbred alcohol-preferring and -non-preferring rats in five brain regions.

The objective of this study was to determine if there are innate differences in gene expression in selected CNS regions between inbred alcohol-preferring (iP) and -non-preferring (iNP) rats. Gene expression was determined in the nucleus accumbens (ACB), amygdala (AMYG), frontal cortex (FC), caudate-putamen (CPU), and hippocampus (HIPP) of alcohol-naive adult male iP and iNP rats, using Affymetrix Rat Genome U34A microarrays (n = 6/strain). Using Linear Modeling for Microarray Analysis with a false discovery rate threshold of 0.1, there were 16 genes with differential expression in the ACB, 54 in the AMYG, 8 in the FC, 24 in the CPU, and 21 in the HIPP. When examining the main effect of strain across regions, 296 genes were differentially expressed. Although the relatively small number of genes found significant within individual regions precluded a powerful analysis for over-represented Gene Ontology categories, the much larger list resulting from the main effect of strain analysis produced 17 over-represented categories (P < .05), including axon guidance, gliogenesis, negative regulation of programmed cell death, regulation of programmed cell death, regulation of synapse structure function, and transmission of nerve impulse. Co-citation analysis and graphing of significant genes revealed a network involved in the neuropeptide Y (NPY) transmitter system. Correlation of all significant genes with those located within previously established rat alcohol QTLs revealed that of the total of 313 significant genes, 71 are located within such QTLs. The many regional and overall gene expression differences between the iP and iNP rat lines may contribute to the divergent alcohol drinking phenotypes of these rats.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depressive disorder: What a pharmacist should know

Transcranial magnetic stimulation utilizes strong pulsed magnetic fields from an insulated coil which generate electrical currents resulting in neuronal depolarization in the cortex. Currently, the user manual only cautions against the use of tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medications that lower the seizure threshold during TMS therapy. However, post-marketing reports suggest caution should also be utilized when combining TMS with other antidepressants (e.g. bupropion, serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and stimulants. Data show efficacy of approximately 30%. Adverse effects more commonly reported include application site pain (35.8%), muscle twitching (20.6%), application site discomfort (10.9%), skin pain (8.5%), toothache (7.3%), facial pain (6.7%), and eye pain (6.1%).
The Pied Piper of Crime in America: An Analysis of the Presidents’ and Public’s Agenda on Crime:

The theory of presidential influence over public opinion is used to predict the impact of presidential rhetoric on crime over the public’s concern for crime being “the most important problem facing...
SEISMIC RESPONSE OF LOW-RISE STEEL FRAMES

The study is directed towards the development of a practical analytical method for obtaining moment‐rotation curves for a semirigid beam‐to‐column bolted connections. The results are used in the DRAIN‐2D computer program to predict the drift of low‐rise steel frames under seismic load. Comparison of the developed theoretical model results are made to existing experimental data.