cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural distortions in Al F 3 : A test for density-functional methods

The crystal structure of $\mathrm{Al}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ at high temperatures has a simple cubic lattice. Below $\ensuremath{\sim}730\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, the structure transforms to a rhombohedral ($\ensuremath{\alpha}$-phase) structure with $R\overline{3}c$ symmetry due to an unstable ${R}_{5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ phonon. Density-functional based methods, from the least accurate rigid-ion model to highly accurate all-electron Kohn-Sham models, yield the triply degenerate ${R}_{5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ phonon that becomes unstable with decreasing volume at some critical volume ${V}_{c}$. Significant variations for ${V}_{c}$ and the equilibrium volume ${V}_{0}$ among the models lead to large uncertainties for the energy differences between the cubic and rhombohedral structures, indicating that present density-functional models are not reliable for accurate quantitative results in this case.
James Hutton on Religion and Geology: the unpublished preface to his Theory of the Earth (1788)

Summary James Hutton knew before its publication that his geological theory would be subjected to religious criticism, and in an eventually rejected preface (published here for the first time) he endeavoured to mitigate that criticism. His theory is an almost perfect expression of the deistic tenets in which he believed. But he sensed that his attempted defence was inadequate, and so he submitted his preface to William Robertson for advice. Robertson rewrote Hutton's preface for him but also suggested tactfully that it not be published, advice which Hutton took. Upon publication, his theory received its full measure of religious opposition, but it is unlikely that Hutton's preface would have forestalled any of it. I transcribe and attempt to date the preface, discuss its contents, and suggest its usefulness in Huttonian studies.
Splitting of the squashing collective mode of superfluid 3He-B by a magnetic field.

Pulse--time-of-flight sound propagation (group velocity) studies of the squashing mode of superfluid /sup 3/He-B in a magnetic field have revealed four of the five expected Zeeman sublevels for this J = 2/sup -/ mode. Variation of the pressure at very low temperatures (T/T/sub c/less than or equal to0.35) was used to sweep through the squashing mode at constant frequency (137.6 MHz). Observation of very low group velocities (down to approx.6 m/s) and pulse-shape analysis enabled the identification of the J/sub z/ = +2, +1, 0, and -1 sublevels. The Lande g factor was found to be 0.042 near T = 0 and P = 19 bars as determined from the linear dependence of the J/sub z/ = +2 Zeeman component.
Lifetime Estimation of Wireless Body Area Sensor Networks Using Probabilistic Analysis

A framework is proposed for estimating the lifetime of wireless body area sensor network (WBASN) using probabilistic analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. WBASN implements real-time health monitoring by outfitting patients with wireless, wearable vital sign sensors. In health monitoring, the loss of critical or emergency information is a serious issue so there is a need to ensure quality of service. It is important to have an estimate of the lifetime of the network in order to replace or recharge the batteries because the loss of critical data is not acceptable. The lifetime of the WBASN is defined as the duration of time until the first node fails due to battery depletion. Heart rate and blood glucose are monitored at a central location in a managed health care environment for this evaluation of WBASN performance. A parametric model of a health monitoring network (HMN) is created with sets of random input distributions. Probabilistic analysis is used to determine the timing and distribution of node failure in the HMN.
Getting Out of Rumination: Comparison of Three Brief Interventions in a Sample of Youth

Rumination, passively and repetitively dwelling on and questioning negative feelings in response to distress, is a risk factor for the development of psychopathology, especially depression. The ruminative process is difficult to stop once it has begun. The present studies focused on strategies that may help youth disengage from ruminative states. In Study 1, we validated a technique for inducing distress and measuring state rumination. Twenty-six participants (mean age = 12.21; 62 % girls) underwent a negative mood induction followed by either a rumination or distraction induction. In Study 2, we examined the utility of three different brief interventions for stopping the ruminative process. One hundred-two youth (mean age = 11.51; 64 % girls) underwent a negative mood induction followed by a rumination induction. Following this, participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions designed to help them out of the ruminative state (distraction, problem-solving, or mindfulness). In Study 1, participants in the rumination condition reported significantly higher levels of state rumination compared to those in the distraction condition. In Study 2, both distraction and mindfulness helped reduced state rumination compared to problem-solving. Taken together, these data suggest that even a brief period of distraction or mindfulness is helpful in getting youth out of a ruminative state. Clinical implications might include the potential use of mobile device applications to help alleviate rumination.
Computing the dimension ofN-free ordered sets is NP-complete

We show that the problem of deciding whether anN-free ordered set has dimension at most 3 is NP-complete.
Drilling mud filtrate invasion—improved model and solution

An improved model for prediction of drilling fluid filtrate concentration in the near wellbore region is developed and solved numerically.
Automobile fuel efficiency: The opportunity and the weakness of existing market incentives

Abstract The average fuel consumption of light vehicles can be reduced several-fold by the use of currently available technology. This conclusion is based on a simple computer model which has been found to reproduce the fuel economies of some existing energy-efficient passenger cars. It is shown, however, that the associated life cycle cost savings for new car buyers are too small to generate sufficient market pressure to realize more than a fraction of the available fuel' savings. The potentials of various public policy tools for helping to overcome this market inertia are discussed. The importance of automotive fuel efficiency improvements in facilitating a graceful transition to the post-fossil-fuel era is also briefly considered using the example of Europe.
Treating excess disabilities in special care units: A review of interventions

There is a predictable decline in functioning among individuals with progressive dementias. In addition, independent of the disease process, there can be “excess disabilities” due to incompatible components of the social and physical environment. We review the nature and sources of these excess disabilities and examine the literature on ameliorative interventions in special care units.
Experimental evidence of diffusion-induced bias in near-wall velocimetry using quantum dot measurements

Near-surface velocity measurements are carried out with quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles using evanescent wave illumination. Relying on the small size of QDs, their correspondingly small hydrodynamic radius and high Brownian diffusion coefficient, we consider the situation where the tracer diffusion length over the inter-frame time Δt is large compared to the size of the interrogation region next to the wall. While keeping all other experimental parameters fixed, we systematically increase Δt by as much as a factor of 25, resulting in an increase of the QD diffusion length by a factor of 5. Data indicate a significant overestimation of the “apparent” mean velocity measured experimentally. These results provide a direct confirmation of the phenomenon of diffusion-induced bias described by the simulations of Sadr et al. (2007).
Pathways to health and mental-health service utilization among older Mexicans:

EnglighPathways to service utilization among older Mexicans and Mexican- Americans were investigated through examining participants’ health beliefs and behaviors. Results indicated that definitions of health and illness had an impact on service utilization decisions. Results also suggested that an assumption that Mexican elders utilize social support networks for healthcare assistance is questionable, with implications for practice.FrenchCette etude analyse les trajectoires des personnes mexicaines et mexicoamericaines plus â gees en ce qui a trait a l’utilisation des services. Pour ce faire, elle examine les croyances et les comportements des participants en regard de la sante . Les resultats indiquent que la facon de definir la sante et la maladie a un impact sur les decisions de recourir ou non aux services. Les re sultats ont egalement remis en question l’hypothese selon laquelle les personnes â gees mexicaines utilisent les reseaux de soutien social pour obtenir les soins de sante , ce qui a des cons...
Dissociation of supramolecular complexes in chloroplast membranes. A manifestation of heat damage to the photosynthetic apparatus.

Abstract High temperature-induced alterations to membrane structure were investigated for chloroplast thylakoid membranes isolated from leaves of Nerium oleander grown at a 20 15° C or 45 32° C day/night temperature regime and pretreated at temperatures from 40 to 55°C. Quantitative analysis of micrographs of freeze-fractured membranes revealed a progressive loss of exoplasmic fracture face (EF) particles from the larger particle size classes as the temperature of the pretreatment was increased. This loss indicates that the components of the EF particles, presumed to be the chlorophyll a/b light-harvesting complex and the photosystem II core complex become physically dissociated as a result of the heat pretreatment. The high-temperature stability of this supramolecular complex is enhanced in the samples from the plants grown at the higher temperature regime. These results demonstrate that the heat-induced damage to the photosynthetic apparatus involves not only a functional dissociation of the chlorophyll a/b light-harvesting complex from the photosystem II complex, but a physical dissociation as well.
catena‐Poly[[[diaquacopper(II)]‐μ‐pyridine‐2,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ3N,O2:O4] 0.625‐hydrate]

In the title compound, {[Cu(C7H3NO4)(H2O)2]·0.625H2O}n, square-pyramidally coordinated CuII atoms with two cis-aqua ligands are linked into linear chains by bis-bridging pyridine-2,4-dicarboxyl­ate (PDC) dianions. The [Cu(PDC)(H2O)2]n chains form ribbons through long-range Cu—O inter­actions; the ribbons aggregate into a three-dimensional network through hydrogen bonding. The two uncoordinated water mol­ecules of the asymmetric unit (one with partial occupancy) lie on different special positions of site symmetry 2.
Imaging the crustal magma sources beneath Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, Hawaii

Three-dimensional seismic P-wave traveltime tomography is used to image the magma sources beneath Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, Hawaii. High-velocity bodies (>6.4 km/s) in the upper 9 km of the crust beneath the summits and rift zones of the volcanoes correlate with zones of high magnetic intensities and are interpreted as solidified gabbro-ultramafic cumulates from which the surface volcanism is derived. The proximity of these high-velocity features to the rift zones is consistent with a ridge-spreading model of the volcanic flank. Southeast of the Hilina fault zone, along the south flank of Kilauea, low-velocity material (
Evaluation of Type 1 Diabetes in Black African‐heritage Populations: No Time for Further Neglect

Heritage studies involving populations that share a common genetic background but reside in different geographic areas have provided important insights into the aetiology of Type 1 diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes heritage research has focused on Iberian, Arab, Italian, Indian (Asian), and Oriental groups, little attention has been paid to the evaluation of the disease in populations with black African ancestry. Epidemiological data on the occurrence of Type 1 diabetes in New World black populations have thus far been limited to a few studies conducted mainly in African-Americans. Moreover, much of the available data is not population-based and are of limited value for making generalizations about the black populations studied. Despite the limitations, there is evidence that these populations may be important for studying the aetiology and natural history of Type 1 diabetes. Increased research in this area is warranted and should be based on population-based cohorts.
Decreasing peroxiredoxin II expression decreases glutathione, alters cell cycle distribution, and sensitizes glioma cells to ionizing radiation and H2O2

Abstract Glioblastomas are notorious for their resistance to ionizing radiation and chemotherapy. We hypothesize that this resistance to ionizing radiation is due, in part, to alterations in antioxidant enzymes. Here, we show that rat and human glioma cells overexpress the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin II (Prx II). Glioma cells in which Prx II is decreased using shRNA exhibit increased hyperoxidation of the remaining cellular Prxs, suggesting that the redox environment is more oxidizing. Of interest, decreasing Prx II does not alter other antioxidant enzymes (i.e., catalase, GPx, Prx I, Prx III, CuZnSOD, and MnSOD). Analysis of the redox environment revealed that decreasing Prx II increased intracellular reactive oxygen species in 36B10 cells; extracellular levels of H2O2 were also increased in both C6 and 36B10 cells. Treatment with H2O2 led to a further elevation in intracellular reactive oxygen species in cells where Prx II was decreased. Decreasing Prx II expression in glioma cells also reduced clonogenic cell survival following exposure to ionizing radiation and H2O2. Furthermore, lowering Prx II expression decreased intracellular glutathione and resulted in a significant decline in glutathione reductase activity, suggesting a possible mechanism for the observed increased sensitivity to oxidative insults. Additionally, decreasing Prx II expression increased cell cycle doubling times, with fewer cells distributed to S phase in C6 glioma cells and more cells redistributed to the most radiosensitive phase of the cell cycle, G2/M, in 36B10 glioma cells. These findings support the hypothesis that inhibiting Prx II sensitizes glioma cells to oxidative stress, presenting Prxs as potential therapeutic targets.
Pharmacokinetics of Fluoride in Toddlers After Application of 5% Sodium Fluoride Dental Varnish

The prevalence of dental caries (tooth decay) among preschool children is increasing, driven partially by an earlier age of onset of carious lesions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish at intervals increasing with caries risk status, as soon as teeth are present. However, the varnishes are marketed for treatment of tooth sensitivity and are regulated as medical devices rather than approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for prevention of dental caries (tooth decay). The objective of this research is to examine the safety of use in toddlers by characterizing the absorption and distribution profile of a currently marketed fluoride varnish. We measured urinary fluoride for 5 hours after application of fluoride varnish to teeth in 6 toddlers aged 12 to 15 months. Baseline levels were measured on a separate day. The urine was extracted from disposable diapers, measured by rapid diffusion, and extrapolated to plasma levels. The mean estimated plasma fluoride concentration was 13 μg/L (SD, 9 μg/L) during the baseline visit and 21 μg/L (SD, 8 μg/L) during the 5 hours after treatment. Mean estimated peak plasma fluoride after treatment was 57 μg/L (SD, 22 μg/L), and 20 μg/kg (SD, 4 μg/L) was retained on average. Retained fluoride was 253 times lower than the acute toxic dose of 5 mg/kg. Mean plasma fluoride after placement of varnish was within an SD of control levels. Occasional application of fluoride varnish following American Academy of Pediatrics guidance is safe for toddlers.
Low-Voltage Electrostatic Actuation With Inherent Position Feedback

Electrostatic actuation in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) often requires generation and control of high-voltage drive signals for sufficient force. Voltages in excess of a few volts require specialized circuit technologies and often cannot be implemented monolithically with other functions, such as precision sense amplifiers. This paper presents a circuit for enabling high-voltage actuation with low-voltage electronics by utilizing passive amplification provided by the Q factor of an electrical RLC resonator. The resonator is formed with the capacitive MEMS actuator connected in series to an inductor. Experimental results demonstrating voltage amplification by over an order of magnitude are presented. As a further benefit, the RLC circuit provides continuous position feedback in the form of position-dependent resonance frequency which is detected electronically. Inverse position dependence of the Q factor also extends stable range of parallel-plate actuators over that achieved with constant-voltage drive.
Evaluation of lacrimal fluid as an alternative for monitoring glucose in critically ill patients

This study evaluated the use of lacrimal fluid glucose concentrations as a minimally invasive, alternative sampling strategy for monitoring glucose concentrations in surgical/trauma ICU patients. Prospective, paired sample study in an adult surgical/trauma ICU. Patients receiving subcutaneous or intravenous insulin requiring routine capillary blood glucose measurements. Patients receiving ocular lubricants, artificial tears, or routinely administered ophthalmic medications and patients with facial injuries were excluded. Lacrimal fluid was collected using glass capillary tube placed near the cul-de-sac of the eye. Capillary blood glucose was determined using a bedside glucose meter as per routine ICU care. Lacrimal fluid glucose concentration was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with pulse amperometric detection. Forty-four paired samples from five patients were analyzed. Pearson correlation between lacrimal fluid (µM) and blood glucose (mM) concentrations and the proportional change from baseline revealed no significant associations. Due to the very poor association, enrollment was discontinued after five patients. Lacrimal fluid and blood glucose concentrations were poorly correlated, suggesting that the former is not a reliable alternative to blood glucose monitoring in surgical/trauma ICU patients requiring insulin therapy.
Fungi from the A.O. Garrett Herbarium, University of Utah (UT)

The University of Utah donated fungi from the A. O. Garrett Herbarium to the New York Botanical Garden (NY) in 1982. Most specimens are members either of the Ustilaginales or Uredinales (Basidiomycotina). Biographical data are given for some of the most important regional collectors represented: Albert O. Garrett, George L. Zundel, Seville Flowers, Marcus E. Jones, and Patrick J. O'Gara. Other contributors are listed in the appendix.
The burden of responsibility: Duty, depression, and nervios in Andean Ecuador

Saraguro Indian women possess relatively high status in their community. Nevertheless, they experience high rates of the culturally interpreted illness nervios. This syndrome produces symptoms characteristic of stress-induced depression and is identified by Saraguros as the product of suffering and misfortune. Descriptive and quantitative interview data indicate that episodes of nervios correlate with experiences of gender role failure, and the condition is identified as a coping mechanism for excessive responsibility and unrealistic social expectation. This syndrome also appears to serve as an effective strategy for enhancing power and social status.
Use of angular plane-wave spectra in the analysis of three-dimensional weak acousto-optic interaction

We present a method for conveniently calculating three-dimensional weak acousto-optic scattering. In our method the conventional cumbersome volume-scattering triple-integral technique is replaced by an equivalent single-integral formalism, framed in terms of the angular plane-wave spectra of sound, incident light, and scattered light. Our technique is suitable when paraxial conditions apply and is correct to second-order terms in propagation angles. The interaction of spatially separated Gaussian optical and acoustic beams is described as an example.
Hand Gangrene Following Unsuccessful Cannulation of the Internal Jugular Vein: a Case Report and Literature Review

Hand gangrene following vascular cannula placement is uncommon and is usually the result of thrombotic occlusion of an artery. We describe a case of hand gangrene resulting in wrist disarticulation, following multiple unsuccessful attempts at internal jugular vein cannulation in a critically ill patient.
Some fluid dynamic considerations in the modeling of flames

Abstract When in the analysis of combustion of premixed gases the diffusion of heat and species is ignored, the behavior of the flame and the surrounding gases can be described using only the conservation of mass and momentum equations, and by specifying the appropriate flame speed. Application of the general velocity decomposition principle, according to which a flow field is comprised of distinct volumetric, rotation, and potential components, naturally leads to a model in which the flame is regarded as a surface source of volume. For low Mach number flows, the flow-field is treated as being “slightly compressible,” where all the compressibility effects take place at the flame interface, and are manifested as a jump in the normal velocity component. Inspection of the dynamic effects of such a model, for the case of a 2-D finite open flame sheet, indicates that in addition the flame has to be regarded as a source of vorticity in order to satisfy the momentum equation, and to counteract the singularities in the flow field set up by the volumetric effects. The magnitude of the produced vorticity depends on the magnitude of the baroclinic term (▽ϱ × ▽ p ) ϱ 2 induced by the flame. The effect of vorticity production on the velocity field is illustrated for the case of a steady laminar stagnation point flow. Even though the latter geometry is axisymmetric and our model applies to 2-D flows only, nevertheless important observations may be made. The theory and the results both indicate that the production of vorticity forms a integral part of the overall velocity field. This in contradistinction to other models of this type, in which the production of vorticity is ignored.
What determines the speed limit on enzyme catalysis

Though the chemical mechanisms of many enzymes have been elucidated, the mechanisms by which specificity and rate acceleration are achieved remain less explored. A new study suggests that physically controlled processes, such as active site access and organization, are rate limiting for enzymatic catalysis.
Patterns of nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) associated with standing, decaying shoots of Spartina alterniflora

Samples of standing-dead cordgrass have been reported to yield consistently high rates of nitrogenase activity (as acetylene [C2H2] reduction) per unit mass of sample (up to about 2 μmol ethylene [C2H4]·g−1 dry mass·day−1). We measured rates of C2H2 reduction over a range of conditions during the decomposition of standing cordgrass shoots. The degree to which standing, decaying leaves supported C2H2 reduction was correlated with the degree of coverage of the leaves by clay films (r2 = 0·41, P 40%) had rates of 102–104 nmol C2H2 produced·g−1 organic mass·day−1, whereas decaying leaves higher up the shoots with little or no clay coverage had rates
Application of WRF/Chem-MADRID for real-time air quality forecasting over the Southeastern United States

PM2.5 WRF/Chem-MADRID abstract A Real-Time Air Quality Forecast (RT-AQF) system that is based on a three-dimensional air quality model provides a powerful tool to forecast air quality and advise the public with proper preventive actions. In this work, a new RT-AQF system is developed based on the online-coupled Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF/Chem) with the Model of Aerosol Dynamics, Reaction, Ioniza- tion, and Dissolution (MADRID) (referred to as WRF/Chem-MADRID) and deployed in the southeastern U.S. during MayeSeptember, 2009. Max 1-h and 8-h average ozone (O3) and 24-h average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are evaluated against surface observations from the AIRNow database in terms of spatial distribution, temporal variation, and domain-wide and region-specific discrete and categorical perfor- mance statistics. WRF/Chem-MADRID demonstrates good forecasting skill that is consistent with current RT-AQF models. The overpredictions of O3 and underprediction of PM2.5 are likely due to uncertainties in emissions such as those of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and ammonia, inaccuracies in simulated meteorological variables such as 2-m temperature, 10-m wind speed, and precipitation, and uncertainties in the boundary conditions. Sensitivity simulations show that the use of the online BVOC emissions can improve PM2.5 forecast in areas with high BVOC emissions and adjusting lateral bound- aries can improve domain-wide O3 and PM2.5 predictions. Several limitations and uncertainties are identified to further improve the model's forecasting skill.
MIDI and Macintosh: Searching for a better mousetrap

This paper will explore how MIDI (musical instrument digital interface)-technology can benefit researchers interested in using Apple Macintosh computers for stimulus control and response timing. One example presented here will illustrate how MIDI equipment can be adapted to provide millisecond precision response timing that cannot be obtained with solely software-based timing techniques. Another example will show how to use MIDI to control sound-generating devices that far surpass the sound-producing capabilities built into the Macintosh. There will also be a discussion of how certain MIDI equipment can provide information on the velocity and the duration of a response that is not available with traditional laboratory hardware. The examples presented here rely on a commercial software library called MIDIBASIC that was designed to be used with Microsoft QuickBasic. The availability of a millisecond timer that can be called from QuickBasic may offer a special advantage for researchers who have previously written programs in an Apple II environment using AppleSoft Basic.
Microprecision interferometer: pointing system performance in on-orbit disturbance environment

ABSTRACT We investigate how the Space Interferometer Mission (SIM) will be able to meet its instrument astrometric pointing requirements. The most demanding SIM pointing requirement is to independently point each interferometer armto better than 0.07 micro-radian RMS residual jitter using a 0.01 Hz bandwidth optical sensor. The predominant contributors to the pointing error are the spinning spacecraft reaction wheel assemblies which emit disturbances from2 Hz to 1 kllz. An estimate of the residual pointing error is presented for this most challenging vibration attenuationproblem which is with isolated reaction wheels with no optical compensation. Central to this estimate is the Micro- Precision Interferometer (MPI) testbed which is a softly suspended hardware model of a future space-borne optical interferometer and is dimensionally representative of SIM. The prediction of the on-orbit pointing error is determined in part by measuring broadband disturbance transfer functions from the testbed's isolated reaction wheel location
Peripheral nociceptive effects of α2-adrenergic receptor agonists in the rat

Abstract We have previously shown that norepinephrine can produce hyperalgesia via an α 2 -adrenergic receptor mechanism. The α 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine has, however, also been shown to produce peripheral analgesia. In view of the multiple α 2 -subtypes currently known (i.e. α 2A , α 2B andα 2C ), we evaluated the α 2 -receptor subtypes mediating norepinephrine-induced peripheral hyperalgesia and clonidine analgesia. Norepinephrine and the α 2 -adrenergic agonists clonidine and UK 14,304 (1–1000 ng), when co-injected with the calcium ionophore A23187 (1000 ng) produced dose-dependent hyperalgesia in the Randall-Selitto paw withdrawal test. Norepinephrine (100 ng) hyperalgesia was dose-dependently antagonized by α 2 -adrenergic receptor antagonists. From the estimated ID 50 , the rank order of potency was: SK&F 104856 ( α 2B ) ≅ imiloxan ( α 2B ) rauwolscine ( α 2C ) ≫ BRL 44408 ( α 2A ). Norepinephrine hyperalgesia was not significantly affected by pertussis-toxin treatment. Prostaglandin E 2 (100 ng) hyperalgesia was inhibited dose-dependently, by clonidine and UK 14,304. Rauwolscine was more potent in reversing the inhibitory effect of clonidine on prostaglandin E 2 than imiloxan while BRL 44408 was ineffective. The inhibitory effect of clonidine on prostaglandin E 2 hyperalgesia was reversed by pertussis toxin. These data suggest that α 2B -subtype receptors mediate (norepinephrine hyperalgesia while the antinociceptive effect of α 2 -agonist is mediated by the α 2C -subtype receptor. Differential coupling of these receptor subtypes to second messenger systems and location on different cell types in the rat paw may explain, at least in part, their differential responses to α 2 -agonist stimulation, leading to hyperalgesia and analgesia.
Employing Decoding of Specific Error Correcting Codes as a New Classification Criterion in Multiclass Learning Problems

Error Correcting Output Codes (ECOC) method solves multiclass learning problems by combining the outputs of several binary classifiers according to an error correcting output code matrix. Traditionally, the minimum Hamming distance is adopted as the classification criterion to "vote" among multiple hypotheses, and the focus is given to the choice of error correcting output code matrix. In this paper, we apply a decoding methodology in multiclass learning problems, in which class labels of testing samples are unknown. In other words, without comparing the predicted and actual class labels, it can be known whether testing samples are classified correctly. Based on this property, a new cascade classifier is introduced. The classifier can improve the accuracy and will not result in over fitting. The analytical results show feasibility, accuracy, and the advantages of the proposed method.
Alienation as epistemological source: Reflexivity and social background after Mannheim and Bourdieu

(1997). Alienation as epistemological source: Reflexivity and social background after Mannheim and Bourdieu. Social Epistemology: Vol. 11, New Directions in the Sociology of Knowledge, pp. 141-164.
Molecular therapies for viral hepatitis.

Current treatment modalities available for hepatitis B virus (HB V) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are not efficient. The enormous disease burden caused by these two infections makes the development of novel therapies critical. For HCV, the development of an effective vaccine is urgent in view of the escalating number of infected individuals. Molecular therapies for HBV and HCV infection can be directed at reducing viral load by interfering with the life cycle of the viruses or at generating immune response against viral epitopes. The antiviral approaches consist of the delivery or expression of antisense RNAs, ribozymes or dominant negative proteins. Viral biology can be interrupted by attacking various potential targets within the two viruses. DNA-based vaccination strategies are being explored for both prevention and treatment of these diseases. Both non-viral and recombinant viral vectors are being developed for safe, effective and long-term gene transfer to the liver. Although no ‘ideal’ vector is available at this time, the ingenuity of numerous investigators is leading to the improvement of the vector systems, promising successful application of gene therapy to the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis in the foreseeable future.
A study of FMS part type selection approaches for short-term production planning

This research compares seven approaches from the literature to the selection of part types for simultaneous production over the next time horizon. A flexible approach to the selection of part types and the simultaneous determination of their mix ratios so as to balance aggregate machine workloads is presented. Constraints on tool magazine capacity are considered. Simulation studies are conducted on realistic, detailed models of flexible flow systems (FFSs) configured as pooled machines of equal sizes. The simulated settings are constructed to evaluate the impact of such factors as blocking, transportation, buffer utilizations, and fixture requirements and limitations of various types. One of the goals of this study is to encourage industry to relax, for those FMS types for which the procedure is appropriate, what is essentially an artificial constraint: that tool changing be isolated in time, to a period between batches. For other types of FMSs, batching may be appropriate. The results indicate that using the flexible approach enables the system to be more highly utilized. It is also observed that the batching approaches tend to require more fixtures of each type than the flexible approach. The system utilizations for the batching approaches seem to be more sensitive to restrictions on the number of fixtures of each type. Further research needs are also discussed.
Pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorders

OBJETIVO: A cannabis continua sendo a substância ilegal mais amplamente utilizada na maioria dos paises desenvolvidos. Seu potencial aditivo foi estabelecido e a necessidade de intervencoes em problemas relacionados a cannabis se tornou clara. Este artigo faz uma revisao sobre as pesquisas que avaliam os tratamentos potenciais para transtornos por uso de cannabis. METODO: Uma busca nos bancos de dados de publicacoes identificou os estudos e revisoes na literatura cientifica sobre as intervencoes psicossociais e farmacologicas nos transtornos por uso de cannabis. RESULTADOS: Para adultos, as intervencoes com base comportamental geram efeitos positivos significativos na abstinencia e nas reducoes no uso de cannabis. Em adolescentes, tratamentos similares e intervencoes com base na familia demonstraram eficacia. Entre os estudos, os indices de resposta parecem ser modestos mesmo com os mais potentes tratamentos psicossociais. As avaliacoes das abordagens farmacologicas para os transtornos por uso de cannabis tem ainda que fornecer dados sobre a eficacia clinica de qualquer medicacao especifica. Enfoques baseados em agonistas e antagonistas parecem ser os mais promissores. Os avancos na compreensao da neurobiologia do sistema canabinoide sao fonte de otimismo no sentido de que a sintese de compostos que alteram o funcionamento do sitio receptor CB1 possa produzir medicacoes promissoras. CONCLUSAO: As pesquisas clinicas identificaram tratamentos psicossociais eficazes, mas ainda nao produziram farmacoterapias eficazes. Muitos estudos ainda tem que ser feitos para aumentar a potencia e o acesso as intervencoes para aqueles que buscam o tratamento para transtornos por uso de cannabis.
Language Standards for Computer-Aided Learning.

Instructional applications of the computer have resulted in the development of many specialized high-level programming languages; each one aimed at providing effective access to the computer by student, teacher, course author, and/or researcher. At any given installation, the benefits to be gained from such a language are quite evident. However, the variety of languages which have evolved has resulted in great difficulty in exchanging Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) program materials among different institutions. Thus much effort is expended on development of software which exists elsewhere, but not in a form suitable for the particular computer installation at the institution wishing to make use of it. A common programming language for CAL applications would represent a major step towards permitting exchange of CAL software between different computer installations. To be effective, such a language must take into account the variety of approaches used in instructional applications of the computer. It must consider the requirements of users with a variety of skills. It must include provision for the utilization of a wide range of specialized input-output devices required to permit effective communication between the user and the computer. As with all standards, provision must be made for the CAL language standard to be updated in order to respond to changes in user requirements. The development and maintenance of standards for programming languages requires the co-operation of the user, the equipment supplier, and the researcher. As a first step towards arriving at definition of user requirements for a CAL programming language, the National Research Council of Canada's Associate Committee on Instructional Technology convened a working panel whose members have participated actively in a variety of CAL applications, with a variety of programming languages involved. The task assigned to the working panel was the definition of a functional specification of a programming language to meet user requirements. To arrive at a standard from the functional specification, requires the production of a detailed specification, followed by implementation at a number of centres. This implementation stage must be completed before one can say a standard truly exists, since a standard has very little meaning to the user if he cannot apply it.
Triphenylethylene antiestrogen binding sites (TABS) specificity.

The relative binding affinities (RBA) of various compounds for the triphenylethylene antiestrogen binding sites (TABS) were examined. The ability of tamoxifen to inhibit the binding of [3H]tamoxifen to salt extracted (0.4 M KCl) TABS from rat liver nuclei was used as a standard by which other compounds were compared (tamoxifen RBA, 100; Kd ~ 1 nM). Nafoxidine was the most effective triphenylethylene compound used (RBA 333; Kd ~ 0.3 nM) whereas the RBA of zuclomiphene and enclomiphene was not different from tamoxifen. MER-29 was the weakest inhibitor of the triphenylethylene derivatives (RBA 10; Kd ~ 10 nM). Trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine and the anti-calmodulin drugs W-13 and W-12 had RBA's of 25, 1, 1 and 0.1 respectively. The binding affinities of cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol were significant (Kd ~ 22 nM) while the steroid hormones, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone displayed not observable affinity. Various compounds obtained from Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals and the Eli Lilly Company which contained alklaminoethoxy side chains linked to aromatic ring structures had RBA's ranging from 1−0.3. We conclude, as other investigators have also concluded, that the similar binding affinities of various triphenylethylene antiestrogens for TABS and their divergent activities as antiestrogens makes it unlikely that TABS are directly involved in estrogen antagonism. The moderate but significant affinity of TABS for trifluoperazine and other drugs thought to be involved in calmodulin regulation indicates that TABS may be a linked in some way to calmodulin function. The binding of cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol is also significant and may indicate that TABS are involved in cholesterol metabolism.
Effects of the West Ford belt on astronomical observations

The West Ford dipole package placed in orbit in May 1963 contained 4.8×108copper wires, each 1.78 cm long and 0.00178 cm in diameter. Radar and optical observations indicate that about 25 to 50 per cent of these are orbiting as individual dipoles. They will cease to orbit within five years. The remainder is in the form of various-sized clusters each composed of electrically connected dipoles. The orbital lifetime of most of these clusters will be less than ten years; some, however, will orbit indefinitely. The individual and the clustered dipoles never interfered with any astronomical observations. Collisions between spacecraft and either individual dipoles or clusters are improbable. The effects of the unsuccessful 1961 West Ford experiment are completely negligible.
Sensitivity of multiplex real-time PCR reactions, using the LightCycler and the ABI PRISM 7700 Sequence Detection System, is dependent on the concentration of the DNA polymerase

The introduction of multiplex PCR techniques to clinical laboratories has provided a means to streamline assays and to produce multiple results with minimal effort. While this methodology is very beneficial, care must be taken to ensure that reactions are properly optimized to allow for maximum sensitivity. This study was conducted to determine whether the sensitivity of multiplex-real-time PCR assays could be improved by increasing the concentration of DNA polymerase within a reaction. Multiplex reactions were designed to simultaneously detect the human HLA-DQ gene and a sequence from the UL83 region of the CMV genome. Two real-time PCR systems, one utilizing AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase and the ABI 7700 Sequence Detection System, and one utilizing FastStart Taq DNA polymerase and the Roche LightCycler were tested. The results indicated that increasing the AmpliTaq Gold concentration from 0.050 to 0.10 U/microl and the FastStart Taq concentration from 0.1875 to 0.375 U/microl increased detection sensitivity from 5,000 to 50 CMV copies per PCR reaction. In separate experiments, commercially prepared mastermixes were utilized for both real-time PCR platforms as per the manufacturer's suggestions or with the addition of supplemental DNA polymerase. In assays designed to detect 4 CMV genome copies per reaction, the addition of 2.5 U of AmpliTaq Gold to TaqMan Universal Mastermix increased the detection rate from 21 to 67%, and the addition of 5 U of FastStart Taq to FastStart DNA Master Hybridization Probes mastermix increased the detection rate from 17 to 56%. These results indicate that increasing the DNA polymerase concentration in multiplex real-time PCR reactions may be a simple way to optimize assay sensitivity.
Ischemic stroke in evolution: predictive value of perfusion computed tomography.

Background Various perfusion computed tomography (PCT) parameters have been used to identify tissue at risk of infarction in the setting of acute stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine predictive value of the PCT parameters commonly used in clinical practice to define ischemic penumbra. The patient selection criterion aimed to exclude the effect of thrombolysis from the imaging data. Methods Consecutive acute stroke patients were screened and a total of 18 patients who initially underwent PCT and CT angiogram (CTA) on presentation but did not qualify to receive thrombolytic therapy were selected. The PCT images were postprocessed using a delay-sensitive deconvolution algorithm. All the patients had follow-up noncontrast CT or magnetic resonance imaging to delineate the extent of their infarction. The extent of lesions on PCT maps calculated from mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP), cerebral blood flow, and cerebral blood volume were compared and correlated with the final infarct size. A collateral grading score was used to measure collateral blood supply on the CTA studies. Results The average size of MTT lesions was larger than infarct lesions ( P r = .95) was better than MTT/infarct lesions ( r = .66) ( P = .004). Conclusions A widely accepted threshold to define MTT lesions overestimates the ischemic penumbra. In this setting, TTP with appropriate threshold is a better predictor of infarct in acute stroke patients. The MTT/TTP mismatch correlates with the status of collateral blood supply to the tissue at risk of infarction.
Porphyrin conjugated to DNA by a 2′-amido-2′-deoxyuridine linkage

Abstract A porphyrin that contains a single carboxylic acid group was synthesized and coupled to 2′-amino-2′-deoxyuridine. The resultant product contained a free 3′ hydroxyl group and a 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl (DMT) protecting group on the 5′ hydroxyl of the uridine, making it suitable for use in oligonucleotide synthesis. The 3′ H-phosphonate derivative of this molecule was synthesized and used to form a conjugate with a 19 nucleotide sequence of DNA (5′-CCTCCAGTGGAAATCAAGG-3′). This was carried out with the DNA attached at the 3′ end to a control pore glass (CPG) substrate, allowing for rapid purification. After removal of the DMT group, an additional three nucleotides were added, leaving the porphyrin as an internal modification. This is the first report of porphyrin attached internally to an oligonucleotide using a hydrogen-bonding nucleoside analog. This allows oligonucleotides to be used as a scaffold for precise positioning of multiple porphyrins within biomimetic arrays.
Effect of current depression on the association of work-related asthma with adverse asthma outcomes: a cross-sectional study using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Abstract Background Depression has been associated with a decreased level of asthma control. The aim of our study was to examine associations between health-professional diagnosed work-related asthma (WRA) and current depression and the effect of current depression on the associations of WRA with adverse asthma outcomes. Method We analyzed data from the 2006 and 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Asthma Call-Back Survey and the Anxiety and Depression Module conducted in 25 states and District of Columbia for ever-employed adults with current asthma. We computed weighted proportions and prevalence ratios adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, current employment status, and smoking status. Survey participants who were ever told by a doctor or other health professional that their asthma was related to any job they ever had were determined to have WRA. Participants with current depression were identified using self-report of depressive symptoms. Results Of ever-employed adults with current asthma, an estimated 9.1% had WRA and 17.0% had current depression. Persons with WRA were significantly more likely than those with non-WRA to have current depression. Persons with either WRA, current depression, or both WRA and current depression were significantly more likely to have adverse asthma outcomes than persons with asthma and neither condition. The associations with adverse asthma outcomes were stronger when both current depression and WRA were present. Limitations This is a cross-sectional and hypothesis-generating study. Conclusions Depression may play an important role in asthma management and should be considered when assessing patients with asthma and, in particular, those with WRA.