cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Terpenoids—LXXVI1: Precapnelladiene, a possible biosynthetic precursor of the capnellane skeleton

Abstract A new sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, precapnelladiene (I) which does not obey the isoprene rule, was isolated from the nonpolar fractions of the soft coral Capnella imbricata . Its structure was established by chemical as well as spectral evidence, with additional aid of the CONGEN computer program. Precapnelladiene has a fused 5- and 8-membered ring system and may be a biogenetic precursor of the unique tricyclic capnellane skeleton typical of sesquiterpenes isolated from the same marine animal.
Macroethics exploration with impact: technological innovators reconsider profound personal and societal questions after viewing the film FIXED: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement

The subject of this paper is a macroethical, nonclassroom ethics education experience on the topic of human enhancement, encompassing the spectrum from therapy to alteration beyond observed natural bounds, offered by the lead author as embedded educator and investigator. It reports the research results of a pre- and post-intervention (group viewing of the documentary film FIXED) survey administered to faculty investigators and doctoral students directly involved in research pertaining to biologically inspired future computer architectures applied to devices interfacing with humans. Taken together, initial participant responses reflect normative discrimination in evaluating aims and outcomes of technological interventions on the spectrum of body modification possibilities. Responses to individual survey items and factor analysis reveal the impact of viewing FIXED on innovator thinking about ethical and societal issues surrounding human enhancement, including the ways human attributes are valued and persona...
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice is a professional and scientific journal published by the American Psychological Association with a focus on the informational needs of the psychological practice community. The journal publishes articles of interest to independent practitioners and psychologists in institutional practice as well as educators and trainees. Literature reviews, surveys, empirical research, and policy pieces form the journal content, covering the science of psychology and integrating science into practice through evidence-based practice concepts. Keywords: ethics in psychology; clinical practice; cultural difference; ethics; evidence-based practice; journal; professional psychology; publication
Why Kp is such a good measure of magnetospheric convection

[1] The 3-hour magnetic activity index, Kp, is widely used for measuring the level of magnetospheric activity, and many magnetospheric properties are known to correlate with it. The common denominator for these different properties is the strength of the magnetospheric convection electric field, the large-scale electric field imposed across the magnetosphere by the flow of the magnetized solar wind past the Earth. While the relationship between Kp and the global convection field has long been known, the question of why the relationship exists has apparently not been addressed. In this report, it is proposed that because Kp is derived from magnetic variations obtained at subauroral stations, it is extremely sensitive to the latitudinal distance to the equatorial edge of the auroral region, where the principal causative currents flow. Since the auroral region maps to the plasma sheet in the magnetosphere, motion of the inner edge of the plasma sheet, which is determined by the strength of the convection field, causes significant changes in Kp. Thus, through its dependence on the latitude of the auroral current region, Kp can be viewed as a direct monitor of the strength of magnetospheric convection, explaining the success of previous Kp-dependent models of the global electric field.
Neurobiology of Circadian Rhythm Regulation

Over the past few decades, multilevel research has elucidated the basic neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and molecular neurobiology of the master circadian pacemaker located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The circadian timing system is composed of a large number of cellular oscillators located in the SCN, in non-SCN brain structures, and throughout the body. Cellular-level oscillations are generated by a molecular feedback loop in which circadian clock genes rhythmically regulate their own transcription, as well as that of hundreds of clock-controlled genes. The maintenance of proper coordination within this network of cellular- and tissue-level clocks is essential for health and well-being.
Characterization of backfilling strategies for parallel job scheduling

Although there is wide agreement that backfilling produces significant benefits in scheduling of parallel jobs, there is no clear consensus on which backfilling strategy is preferable e.g. should conservative backfilling be used or the more aggressive EASY backfilling scheme; should a first-come first-served (FCFS) queue-priority policy be used, or some other such as shortest job first (SF) or expansion factor (XF); In this paper we use trace-based simulation to address these questions and glean new insights into the characteristics of backfilling strategies for job scheduling. We show that by viewing performance in terms of slowdowns and turnaround times of jobs within various categories based on their width (processor request size), length (job duration) and accuracy of the user's estimate of run time, some consistent trends may be observed.
An efficient algorithm for computation of manipulator inertia matrix

In this article an efficient algorithm for computation of the manipulator inertia matrix is presented. The algorithm is derived based on Newton's and Euler's laws governing the motion of rigid bodies. Using spatial notations, the algorithm leads to the definition of the composite rigid-body spatial inertia which is a spatial representation of the notion of augmented body. The equations resulting from this algorithm are derived in a coordinate-free form. The choice of the coordinate frame for projection of the coordinate-free equations, that is, the intrinsic equations, is discussed by analyzing the vectors and the tensors involved in the final equations. Previously proposed algorithms, the physical interpretations leading to their derivation, and the redundancy in their computations are analyzed. The developed algorithm achieves a greater efficiency by eliminating the redundancy in the intrinsic equations as well as by a suitable choice of coordinate frame for projection of the intrinsic equations.
The double standard in age-discrepant relationships

If a double standard of aging exists, the relationship in which the female is older should be seen more negatively than the more traditional male-older relationship. This study examined the effects of both degree of age discrepancy and sex of the older person on attributions of success for relationships in both adult and adolescent samples. Both samples rated the highly discrepant female-older relationship (18 years difference) least probable of success. Level of discrepancy and sex of older person were significant factors for both groups. Surprisingly, both adult and adolescent males, in contrast to females, did not show the double standard in evaluating moderately discrepant relationship (7 years).
Effects of sustained and cyclic elevated temperature on creep of concrete

Abstract Results of a creep study conducted on hollow cylindrical microconcrete specimens in compression and torsion, at 50 and 100% relative humidity, are presented. Most of these specimens were subjected to a sustained load for 37 days at 73°F (23°C), and then heated to 140°F (60°C) or exposed to thermal cycles between 73 and 140°F (23 and 60°C). Also presented is a mathematical expression, developed in terms of material parameters and functions, for predicting creep of concrete. The expression is based on the thermodynamic equilibrium of the diffusible load-bearing layers in the cement gel, taking into account temperature, humidity, age and type of load. Calculated creep values, using the mathematical expression, compared well with the experimental results.
Effect of fluoxetine on food intake of humans living in a residential laboratory.

Ten male and one female normal-weight research volunteers, participating in a 16-day residential study, received oral fluoxetine (40 mg) or placebo at 0930 daily. Food intake, performance and subjective ratings were measured throughout the day. The interaction between fluoxetine and carbohydrate consumption was examined by providing subjects diets that engendered varied levels of carbohydrate intake. When subjects received placebo and had access to a regular diet, they consumed 3400 kcal day−1(53% carbohydrate, 34% fat, 13% protein); and fluoxetine decreased caloric intake to 2770 Kcal, without affecting macronutrient contribution. Caloric intake (2730 Kcal; 67% carbohydrate) under the high-carbohydrate condition when subjects received fluoxetine was not different from intake under the regular-diet fluoxetine condition. Subjects reported that the high-fat (low-carbohydrate) diet was less palatable and consumed 2975 Kcal under placebo conditions (35% carbohydrate); fluoxetine decreased caloric intake by an additional 400 Kcal without affecting macronutrient contribution. There was no evidence that carbohydrate intake modulated the effects of fluoxetine. Fluoxetine decreased food intake by decreasing the number of eating occasions. Performance and subjective measures were not significantly altered by fluoxetine compared to placebo. Thus, there was no evidence of a specific effect of fluoxetine on macro?nutrient consumption, nor were the effects of fluoxetine altered by the macro?nutrient composition of the available diet.
Pilot Study of Cardiac Function After Treatment of Childhood Wilms' Tumor with Doxorubicin

To assess the cardiotoxicity of moderate doses of anthracyclines and to control for possible contributions of other drugs, cardiac function in 12 patients 1 year 11 months to 9 years 4 months off treatment for Wilms' tumor whose therapy had included vincristine, dactinomycin, and the anthracycline doxorubicin (270 to 300 mg/m2 cumulative dose) was compared with that of 9 patients (controls) whose therapy had included vincristine and dactinomycin but no doxorubicin. The small numbers of patients studied suggest that at a median of 6 years off therapy only small numbers of patients will have cardiac function values below age-related normal values. To confirm these results and to determine whether abnormalities are progressive or are clinically important, large cohorts of patients such as those available to the National Wilms' Tumor Study need to be studied.
Using sociolinguistic methods to uncover speaker meaning in teacher interview transcripts

Given the current popularity of ethnographic methods of researching teaching and teachers, many investigators commonly confront the task of analyzing interview transcripts in order to uncover speakers’ meaning systems and the embedded perspectives on knowledge and practice upon which those meaning systems rely. Others have written about conducting interviews and transcribing them. Many have written generally about sociolinguistics. Yet, I have found few methodological discussions on concrete ways investigators might actually use sociolinguistic methods to extract speaker meaning from interview transcripts, and fewer still that focus on teachers and teaching. This paper introduces that topic by offering both a practical primer on using pragmatics to uncover speaker meaning and an introduction to ways discourse analysis can prove useful for those studying interview records with teachers. What follows is a pedagogical description of how sociolinguistics was used to uncover meaning in a set of 64 interviews w...
On the Scaling Limits at Zeros of Solutions of Parabolic Equations

Abstract We are concerned with the local scaling limits near zero points of solutions of general parabolic equations. We show that at each zero point of finite vanishing order, the solution is asymptotic to a homogeneous polynomial solution of the “osculating” equation with constant coefficients. This provides useful information about the local structure of zero sets of solutions. In particular, we give upper bounds for Hausdorff dimensions of zero sets of weak solutions. Our analysis combines a homothety scaling argument with the theory of nonautonomous dynamical systems.
Structure of the RNA 3′-Phosphate Cyclase-Adenylate Intermediate Illuminates Nucleotide Specificity and Covalent Nucleotidyl Transfer

Summary RNA 3′-phosphate cyclase (RtcA) synthesizes RNA 2′,3′ cyclic phosphate ends via three steps: reaction with ATP to form a covalent RtcA-AMP intermediate; transfer of adenylate to an RNA 3′-phosphate to form RNA(3′)pp(5′)A; and attack of the vicinal O2′ on the 3′-phosphorus to form a 2′,3′ cyclic phosphate. Here we report the 1.7 A crystal structure of the RtcA-AMP intermediate, which reveals the mechanism of nucleotidyl transfer. Adenylate is linked via a phosphoamide bond to the His309 Nɛ atom. A network of hydrogen bonds to the ribose O2′ and O3′ accounts for the stringent ribonucleotide preference. Adenine is sandwiched in a hydrophobic pocket between Tyr284 and Pro131 and the preference for adenine is enforced by Phe135, which packs against the purine C2 edge. Two sulfates bound near the adenylate plausibly mimic the 3′-terminal and penultimate phosphates of RNA. The structure illuminates how the four α2/β4 domains contribute to substrate binding and catalysis.
Comment on "Vacuum stress-energy tensor of the electromagnetic field in rotating frames"

Hacyan and Sarmiento have found that an observer accelerating in a circle will detect a nonzero energy flux (Poynting vector) caused by the vacuum electromagnetic fluctuations in that frame. I wish to suggest that the above flux is related to synchrotron radiation. I treat only the leading order of perturbation theory.
Deacylation of Alkyl Carbamates: Selective Deprotection of Secondary Amines

Abstract Selective deacylation of N,N-disubstituted alkyl carbamates over N-monosubstituted alkyl carbamates can be achieved in excellent yield by the addition of three equivalents of methyl lithium.
Quantification of epistemic uncertainty in re-usable launch vehicle aero-elastic design

Due to the inherent natural variability of parameters with re-usable launch vehicles, design without consideration of reliability measures may be unreliable and vulnerable to failure. Generally, in preliminary air vehicle design little information is known regarding design variable uncertainties, therefore requiring a technique that can quantify epistemic uncertainties. Evidence theory is employed to accomplish this task resulting in a reliability bound of belief and plausibility. Due to the discontinuous nature of the belief and plausibility function it is necessary to implement a continuous function known as plausibility decision to be used to calculate sensitivities that can be implemented in a gradient-based reliability-based design optimization algorithm. This research develops a new plausibility decision approximation that calculates sensitivities with respect to uncertain variables without introducing extra computational cost or numerical integration. This new metric was demonstrated in a sensitivi...
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Promote the Aggregation of Concanavalin A

The ability of nanoparticles to influence protein folding and aggregation is interesting, not only because of the potential beneficial applications, but also the potential risks to human health and the environment. The interactions of concanavalin A (Con A) with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were investigated by using fluorescence, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) and dynamic light scattering techniques. ANS fluorescence and CD spectroscopy authenticated the formation of molten globule state of Con A after its incubation with ZnO-NPs for 36 h. Further incubation of 48 h resulted in the aggregation of unadsorbed Con A, proved by decrease in ANS fluorescence while an increase in thioflavin T fluorescence, characteristic of an aggregates. Moreover, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy confirmed the aggregation of unadsorbed Con A. The aggregated products were negligible genotoxic as analyzed by pUC19 plasmid degradation and comet assay. It is clear that ZnO-NPs morphology affect unadsorbed proteins structure. A better understanding of these differences will be essential to engineer fully functional nanobioconjugates and NPs which do not damage the proteins present in the biological system.
Vague Expectation Value Loss

Vague subjective probability may be modeled by means of a set of probability functions, so that the represented opinion has only a lower and upper bound. The standard rule of conditionalization can be straightforwardly adapted to this. But this combination has difficulties which, though well known in the technical literature, have not been given sufficient attention in probabilist or Bayesian epistemology. Specifically, updating on apparently irrelevant bits of news can be destructive of one’s explicitly prior expectations. Stability of vague subjective opinion appears to need a more complex model.
Strength reductions of thoracic vertebrae in the presence of transcortical osseous defects: effects of defect location, pedicle disruption, and defect size.

Transcortical osseous lesions were simulated in thoracic vertebrae to investigate the effects on vertebral strength of defect location, pedicle disruption, and defect size. Alternate vertebrae from 15 thoracic spines were assigned to five defect groups: anterior, posterior, lateral, one pedicle, or both pedicles. The remaining vertebrae served as controls. All vertebrae were tested to failure in combined axial — flexion loading. The intact failure load for each vertebra with a defect was estimated based on the actual failure loads of the control vertebrae from the same spine. The failure loads for vertebrae with transcortical defects (anterior, posterior, lateral) were significantly lower (P=0.0001) than estimated intact loads; this was not the case for vertebrae with single pedicle disruption (P=0.90). Relative strengths (defined as actual failure load divided by predicted intact failure load) for the anterior (mean=0.51), posterior (0.55) and lateral (0.58) defect groups were not significantly different from each other, but were different from the single pedicle defect group (1.09). Relative strength depended only weakly on defect size. Comparison of these results with those of a previous study of simulated defects in the vertebral centrum suggests that transcortical defects result in slightly greater reductions in vertebral strength than defects of comparable size involving only trabecular bone.
Analysis and Optimization of a Regional Blood Bank Distribution Process: II. Derivation and Use of a Method for Evaluating Hospital Management Procedures

The practice of allowing participating hospitals in a regional blood bank system to return unneeded blood units to the central bank for redistribution (recycling) makes it difficult to account for each hospital's role in the production of outdates. The usual blood management efficiency criterion of measuring the rate of outdating occurring at a particular hospital has limited meaning when there is recycling because some hospitals avoid high outdate rates by “dumping” their old units on the central bank, while other hospitals have high outdate rates, because they receive disproportionately large numbers of old blood units which have been returned by other hospitals. By using data from a one-year period at Milwaukee Blood Center, a new blood management efficiency criterion, effective outdate rate, is derived with the use of basic Markovian principles. This is the rate at which a hospital contributes to outdates anywhere in the regional system. The rate for each hospital may be compared to evaluate the relative performance of that hospital. The rate is also converted to a “cost of transfusion” to give a direct “dollar” method for informing hospital blood bank managers of their performance.
Null genus realizability criterion for abstract intersection sequences

Abstract The plane realizability problem for an abstract signed intersection sequence is solved by a twelve-instruction finite-decision algorithm.
The microvascular architecture of the rat submaxillary gland: possible relationship to secretory mechanisms.

Abstract Injections of various opaque materials including latex, India ink, and silicone rubber were used to examine microscopic sections and whole specimens of the rat submaxillary gland. An excretory duct, several large collecting ducts and a complex system of blood vessels occupy the central areas of the gland, surrounded by connective tissue. A major bifurcation of these central structures occurs approximately 1 3 into the gland. Excretory, collecting and striated ducts are well supplied with a thick capillary network which is connected to an extensive secondary network of metarteriole-sized vessels. Thus, a total of three different strata of blood vessels accompany the excretory and central collecting ducts: (1) the intramural extensive network of capillaries of the ducts themselves, (2) an outermost layer of one, two or three large arteries and veins, and (3) a middle area of intermediate sized vessels (intermediate arteriolar plexus). These latter vessels connect the large vessels with the ductal network, and supply capillaries of the connective tissue in the area and vasa vasorum; this intermediate arteriolar plexus also shows connections between larger vessels which may represent an A-V shunt system. The granular ducts and acini appear to be served by the same capillary bed, which is rather sparse compared to that of the more distal striated, collecting and excretory ducts. These acinar capillary beds are composed of end capillaries of the arteries which accompany the collecting ducts as they enter the lobules, the vessels branching together with the ducts to the most proximal parenchymal areas containing the acini. The venous drainage of these areas also parallels the ducts.
Epidural naloxone reduces pruritus and nausea without affecting analgesia by epidural morphine in bupivacaine.

Purpose To determine whether epidural naloxone preserved analgesia while minimizing side effects caused by epidural morphine.
Aldehyde-bisulfite adducts: prediction of some of their thermodynamic and kinetic properties

Stability constants (K_1) for the reaction of acetaldehyde and hydroxyacetaldehyde with NaHSO_3, determined spectrophotometrically in aqueous solution, were found to be (6.90 ± 0.54) x 10^5 M^(-1) and (2.0 ± 0.5) x 10^6 M^(-1) respectively, where K_1 (corrected for aldehyde hydration) = [RCH(OH)SO_3^-]/[RCHO][HSO_3^-] (µ = 1 0.2 M; 25 °C). Acid dissociation constants (pK_(a3)) of a series of α-hydroxyalkanesulfonate salts, RCH(OH)SO_3^-, were found to be 11.46 (CH_3-), 11.28 (H-)10.30(HOCH_2-),10.33 (C_(6-)H_5-),10.31 (CH_3CO-), and 7.21 (Cl_3C-)(µ = 0 M; 25 °C). Simple straight-line relationships were found to exist between Taft's σ^* parameter and a number of thermodynamic and kinetic properties of some aldehydes. K_1, K_(a3), and the rate constant for nucleophilic addition of SO_3^(2-) all increase linearly with σ^*. Carbonyl species such as halogenated derivatives of acetaldehyde, certain β- and γ-dicarbonyl aldehydes, and perhaps also some highly (halogen) substituted ketones, ie., all those species with ∑σ* ≥ ~1.5 (aldehydes) or ∑σ* ≥ ~2.5 (ketones), could be important S(IV) reservoirs.
Swim club membership and the reproduction of happy, healthy children

Through ethnographic methods, I examine the ways in which upper middle-class families facilitate the reproduction of their healthy lifestyles through their affiliation with the Valley View Swim and Tennis Club, a semi-private facility located near a major mid-Atlantic city in the USA. Drawing on Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s understanding of social class, I argue that club membership operates as future investment in children’s health with the cultivation of their healthy swimming bodies serving as visible markers of class-based, embodied capital. Specifically, the pool offers parents a distinctive cultural context in which to augment children’s medical health and physical safety, build a foundation for lifelong physical activity practices, help them achieve an ideal body weight and control their consumption habits. Ultimately, the club serves as a powerful and influential physical space in which families engage in important health-related practices and processes contributing to the reproduction of their h...
Estimating creatinine clearance: a meta-analysis

Study objectives To determine which body weight descriptor most accurately predicts measured creatinine clearance (Cl(cr)) and whether rounding serum creatinine concentration (S(cr)) to 1 mg/dl when it is less than 1 mg/dl accurately predicts measured Cl(cr). Design Meta-analysis of 13 English-language trials comparing 24-hour measured Cl(cr) with Cockcroft-Gault estimated Cl(cr) by using various body weights or rounded S(cr) values. Patients A total of 1197 patients (mean age 53.3 yrs, 48.7% male) were included in the meta-analysis. Measurements and main results A thorough literature search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed (1976-June 2010) to identify relevant clinical trials. Patient population, number of subjects, age, and 24-hour measured and estimated Cl(cr) were extracted independently by two investigators by using standardized data collection forms. Mean difference (MD) between estimated and measured Cl(cr) was assessed. Thirteen studies met all selection criteria. A random-effects model was applied secondary to a high level of heterogeneity among the studies (I(2)>50%). Total body weight in the Cockcroft-Gault equation overestimated measured Cl(cr) (MD 15.91 ml/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.17-24.65 ml/min). Ideal body weight underestimated Cl(cr) (MD-5.15 ml/min, 95% CI -9.92 to -0.38 ml/min). No body weight (i.e., assumes body weight is 72 kg, thus removing the factor of 72 from the denominator of the equation) closely estimated Cl(cr) (MD 0.43 ml/min, 95% CI -5.42-6.27 ml/min). Adjusted body weight with correction factors of 0.3 or 0.4 also closely estimated Cl(cr) (MD 4.55 ml/min, 95% CI -11.41-20.50 ml/min, and MD 19.94 ml/min, 95% CI -9.6-49.49 ml/min, respectively). Total body weight with a rounded S(cr) value closely estimated measured Cl(cr) (MD 3.51 ml/min, 95% CI -17.18-24.20 ml/min). Ideal body weight with a rounded S(cr) value underestimated Cl(cr) (MD -29.45 ml/min, 95% CI -48.46 to -10.43). Conclusion Using the Cockcroft-Gault equation with no body weight and actual S(cr) value most closely estimated measured Cl(cr). In obese patients, it may be reasonable to use actual body weight with a correction factor of 0.3 or 0.4 and actual S(cr) value in the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Based on this analysis, the use of total body weight, ideal body weight, and a rounded S(cr) value cannot be recommended.
The electrical engineer

The life of Thomas A. Edison, whose 100th anniversary is being observed this year, truly embodies the spirit of “The electrical engineer” for his contributions have stimulated almost every phase of electrical activity. To men such as Edison and his cofounders of the AIEE, to men whose accomplishments have been deemed worthy of recognition, and to every electrical engineer who simply serves faithfully, the world owes much of its comfort, its efficiency, and its well-being.
Load sharing in hypercube-connected multicomputers in the presence of node failures

The paper addresses two important issues associated with load sharing (LS) in hypercube-connected multicomputers: (1) ordering fault-free nodes as preferred receivers of "overflow" tasks for each overloaded node and (2) developing an LS mechanism to handle node failures. Nodes are arranged into preferred lists of receivers of overflow tasks in such a way that each node will be selected as the kth preferred node of one and only one other node. Such lists are proven to allow the overflow tasks to be evenly distributed throughout the entire system. However, the occurrence of node failures will destroy the original structure of a preferred list if the failed nodes are simply dropped from the list, thus forcing some nodes to be selected as the kth preferred node of more than one other node. The authors propose three algorithms to modify the preferred list such that its original features can be retained regardless of the number of faulty nodes in the system. It is shown that the number of adjustments or the communication overhead of these algorithms is minimal. Using the modified preferred lists, they also proposed a simple mechanism to tolerate node failures. Each node is equipped with a backup queue which stores and updates the information on the tasks arriving/completing at its most preferred node.
Millimeter-wave experiments for cometary space missions

Predicted brightness temperatures, computed by means of radiative transfer techniques adapted from the modeling of terrestrial ice and snow fields, are given for cometary nucleus models consisting of homogeneous layers of water ice and refractory grain mixtures presented as functions of wavelength. The computed millimeter-wave spectra are sensitive to the values of such physically significant nucleus parameters as (1) crust thickness, (2) subsurface temperature gradient, and (3) sublimating surface boundary temperature. Although antenna beam dilution is a major obstacle for ground-based molecular spectral line radio observations of comets, a millimeter-wave radiometer in the vicinity of the comet would be immune to this effect and able to make observations of several candidate parent molecules in the gas phase.
Fluoropolymer force fields derived from semiempirical molecular orbital calculations

Abstract The van der Waals parameters for Lennard-Jones (6–12) and 6–9 potentials and equilibrium geometries for use in molecular mechanics and dynamics calculations on perfluoroalkanes and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been derived from MOPAC AM1 (Austin model 1) semiempirical calculations on the model molecule perfluorohexadecane (PFHD). Parameters derived from MOPAC AM1 energies scaled to yield higher barriers to torsional motion, as suggested by ab initio results, provide a large trans barrier and stronger intermolecular attractions, which will probably be important for dynamics investigations into the nature of the solid-state phase transitions and helical defects. Reasonable intramolecular geometries and intermolecular packing arrangements are obtained with all parameter sets reported.
Fatigue in patients with advanced cancer: A review

Fatigue is the most common symptom in patients with advanced cancer. It is a subjective sensation with physical, cognitive, and affective modes of expression. The etiology is often unclear, and multiple potential etiologic factors for fatigue may coexist. Assessing fatigue involves characterizing its severity, temporal features, exacerbating and relieving factors, associated distress, and impact on daily life. Potential factors contributing to fatigue are the cancer itself, cancer treatment, cancer or treatment complications, medications, and other physical and psychosocial conditions. Many fatigue assessment tools exist. Fatigue management involves specific (targeting potentially reversible causes of fatigue) and symptomatic (targeting symptoms because no obvious etiology or reversible cause for fatigue can be identified) intervention and treatment measures. Specific interventions include treating anemia or metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, as well as managing pain, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Symptomatic treatment involves education, counseling, and pharmacologic, and nonpharmacologic measures. Pharmacologic agents that have been investigated for use in treating fatigue include corticosteroids, progestational agents, and psychostimulants. Agents that modulate cytokine activity are future treatment possibilities.
The Localization and Distribution of Corynebacterium Acnes and its Antigens in Normal Skin and in Lesions of Acne Vulgaris

A specific immunofluorescent staining technique has been used for the identification of Corynebacterium acnes in tissue specimens. Bacterial antigen has been identified in the sebaceous follicles of the face in normal subjects and in the uninvolved skin of acne subjects. Bacterial antigen was rarely found in normal skin of the back in normal subjects and in the uninvolved skin of the back of acne subjects. Positive staining was found in 7 of 11 comedones and in all 30 inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules. Most of the fluorescence in the inflammatory lesion was found within the confines of the follicle, although small amounts of bacterial antigen were found in the dermal infiltrate and within macrophages.
A Closer Look At the Unwinding Initiation By Twinkle-The Human Mitochondrial DNA Helicase

TWINKLE (T7gene4 protein like protein with intra-mitochondrial nucleoid localization) is a hexameric helicase involved in the maintenance of the mitochondrial genome in mammalian cells. It is encoded by PEO1 gene of chromosome 10. Mutations in PEO1 have been linked to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions, which lead to various neuromuscular disorders. TWINKLE shares about 46% amino acid sequence similarity with T7gene4 protein (gp4), the bifunctional primase-helicase of bacteriophage T7. Even though T7gp4 is one of the best studied helicases, studies on TWINKLE are only in its nascent stage. In this study, we have purified TWINKLE to near homogeneity and have used it to study the kinetics of dsDNA unwinding by this helicase. We have focused on finding the optimal NTP and DNA substrate for unwinding by TWINKLE. Our studies show that UTP is the preferred substrate for fork DNA unwinding by TWINKLE in vitro. Fork DNA unwinding assays with a variety of 3′-tails indicate that the morphology of 3′-tail is crucial for unwinding by TWINKLE. This is a step towards understanding the mechanism of initiation of replication from the D-loop in the mitochondrial DNA. Our ultimate goal is to understand the mechanism of replication of mitochondrial DNA in vitro which in turn would enable us to define the molecular basis of various diseases associated with mutations in TWINKLE.
Using a Behavioral Treatment Package for Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study investigated the effectiveness of a behavioral treatment package for sleep problems in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Treatment consisted of four behaviorally based components: circadian rhythm management, positive bedtime routines, white noise, and graduated extinction. A multiple-baseline design across three participants was used. Families completed a baseline of various lengths followed by 1 month of intervention. Results indicated the treatment package was effective in decreasing sleep onset latency and the frequency of night awakenings. A week of follow-up data showed continued improvement. Parents reported their children slept better and satisfaction with the four intervention components.
A personalized BEST: characterization of latent clinical classes of nonischemic heart failure that predict outcomes and response to bucindolol.

Background Heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) are heterogenous, and our ability to identify patients likely to respond to therapy is limited. We present a method of identifying disease subtypes using high-dimensional clinical phenotyping and latent class analysis that may be useful in personalizing prognosis and treatment in HFREF.
Model-Based Mode Transition Control Between SI and HCCI Combustion

While the homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion has its advantages of high thermal efficiency with low emissions, its operational range is limited in both engine speed and load. To utilize the advantage of the HCCI combustion an HCCI capable SI (spark ignition) engine needs to be developed. One of the key challenges of developing such an engine is how to achieve smooth mode transition between SI and HCCI combustion, where the in-cylinder thermal conditions are quite different due to the distinct combustion characteristics. In this paper, an SI-HCCI mode transition control strategy was developed for an HCCI capable SI engine equipped with electrical variable valve timing (EVVT) systems with two step-lift valves and electronic throttle control (ETC) system, and the developed strategy was validated in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations. During the mode transition, a MAP (manifold air pressure) controller was used to track the desired intake manifold pressure for charge air management, and a fuel management controller is used to provide the desired engine torque. HIL simulation results show that the developed controller is able to achieve smooth combustion mode transition under unmodeled dynamics and external disturbance.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Enhanced serum cortisol response to 5-hydroxytryptophan in depression and mania

Abstract The serum cortisol responses to D, L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 200 mg per oral, in unmedicated depressed and manic patients, were both significantly greater than that of normal controls. The cortisol response to 5-HTP in depressed patients was significantly correlated with ratings of specific symptoms of depression. It was also greater in non-psychotic than in psychotic depressed patients as well as in those manic or depressed patients who attempted suicide compared to those who had not. In view of evidence for decreased brain serotonergic activity in depression and perhaps mania, the results suggest at least some serotonin receptors may be supersensitive in some patients with affective disorders.
Ischemic Colitis Due to a Mesenteric Arteriovenous Malformation in a Patient with a Connective Tissue Disorder

Ischemic colitis is a rare, life-threatening, consequence of mesenteric arteriovenous malformations. Ischemia ensues from a steal phenomenon through shunting, and may be compounded by the resulting portal hypertension. Computed tomographic angiography is the most common first-line test because it is quick, non-invasive, and allows for accurate anatomic characterization. Also, high-resolution three-dimensional images can be created for treatment planning. Magnetic resonance angiography is similarly sensitive for vascular mapping. Conventional angiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis and also allows for therapeutic endovascular embolization. Our patient underwent testing using all three of these modalities. We present the first reported case of this entity in a patient with a vascular connective tissue disorder.
The Application of Some Semiconductors as Logarithmic Elements

Practical and theoretical considerations involved in the application of semiconductors as passive logarithmic elements are discussed. Simple voltage-divider circuits incorporating semiconductors exhibiting special characteristics are used to obtain output voltages proportional to the logarithms of input voltages, with emphasis on the dc case. Data are presented on the logarithmic response, and temperature dependence of a number of specific types of rectifiers. Reasonably good temperature compensation of such circuits can be achieved with negative temperature coefficient resistors. Circuits having a logarithmic response have been demonstrated for input signals from dc up to 100 kilocycles in frequency.
Software synthesis of variable-length code decoder using a mixture of programmed logic and table lookups

Implementation of variable-length code (VLC) decoders can involve a tradeoff between the number of decoding steps and memory usage. In this paper, we proposed a novel scheme for optimizing this tradeoff using a machine model abstracted from general purpose processors with hierarchical memories. We formulate the VLC decode problem as an optimization problem where the objective is to minimize the average decoding time. After showing that the problem is NP-complete, we present a Lagrangian algorithm that finds an approximate solution with bounded error. An implementation is automatically synthesized by a code generator. To demonstrate the efficacy of our approach, we conducted experiments of decoding codebooks for a pruned tree-structured vector quantizer and H.263 motion vector that show a performance gain of our proposed algorithm over single table lookup implementation and logic implementation.
Isozymes of pyruvate kinase in vertebrates: their physical, chemical, kinetic and immunological properties

Abstract The present paper tabulates the physical, chemical, immunologie and kinetic properties of the four isozymes of pyruvate kinase. The M 1 -isozymes display Michaelis-Menten kinetics, are not activated by fructose-1.6-diphosphate, and have very similar amino acid compositions. The L-isozymes are allosteric enzymes that are activated by fructose-1.6-diphosphate and have amino acid compositions that are different from the m 1 - and similar to the R-isozymes. In addition, the L- and R-isozymes are kinetically similar and immunologically cross-reactive. The M 2 -isozymes are a diverse group of enzymes. They are allosteric enzymes that are immunologically cross-reactive with the M 1 -isozyme.
Influence of R-wave amplitude on exercise-induced ST depression: need for a gain factor correction when interpreting stress electrocardiograms

Does 2 mm of ST depression induced by exercise have the same clinical significance in a patient with a 30-mm R wave as a patient with a 10-mm R wave in the same monitored lead? To answer this question the exercise responses of 85 patients were compared by 2 quantitative methods of assessing myocardial ischemia. A computer-derived treadmill exercise score, based largely on the characteristics of exercise-induced ST-segment depression, was compared with a thallium exercise score. Both scores correlated well over a wide range of values (r = 0.71, p less than 0.001). Then, the treadmill exercise score was corrected (by adjusting the magnitude of the ST depression to a standardized R-wave amplitude of 12 mm in V5 and 8 mm in aVF) to determine if this would improve its correlation with the thallium exercise score. The patients were separated into 2 groups by R-wave amplitude: 53 had an RV5 of 9 to 17 mm and 32 had an RV5 less than 9 or greater than 17 mm. Correction of the treadmill exercise score for R-wave amplitude did not change the slope and intercepts of the regression line for patients with an RV5 amplitude of 9 to 17 mm, but did for those with an RV5 amplitude less than 9 or greater than 17 mm. In this latter group, R-wave correction changed the regression line from one that differed significantly from that of patients with less extreme RV5 voltage to one that was indistinguishable from it. Correction of the treadmill exercise score also increased the correlation coefficient from 0.54 to 0.68 in this group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The jamming avoidance response of the electric fish, Eigenmannia: computational rules and their neuronal implementation

Studies of the neuronal organization of the jamming avoidance response (JAR) have revealed a distributed system of local computations of sensory information. A variety of electrosensory behaviors involved in social communication and object detection share networks with the JAR at the sensory and at the motor level within the hindbrain and the midbrain. Their respective flows of information however separate in the diencephalons where nodes dedicated to a single type of behavior provide sensory-motor interfaces. A comparison of neurons across different levels of sensory information processing reveals a gradual increase in the specificity and sensitivity of their responses to stimulus patterns guiding the JAR. Neurons with response properties similar in specificity and sensitivity to those of the intact behavior are encountered ultimately in the diencephalon.
CSL/DSC Lattice model for general crystalcrystal boundaries and their line defects

Abstract The general CSL/DSC Lattice model for internal boundaries in crystalline materials is described. The model is essentially a ‘fit-misfit’ model in which the regions of ‘fit’ are patches where partial lattice matching across the boundary is achieved and the regions of ‘misfit’ are boundary line defects possessing dislocation/boundary step character. The degree of ‘fit’ is effectively measured by the size of an appropriately chosen Coincidence Site Lattice (CSL) formed by the two lattices adjoining the boundary. The Burgers vectors of the line defects are vectors of an appropriately chosen DSC Lattice also formed by the two lattices adjoining the boundary, while the step vectors describing the step character are defined within the framework of the DSC Lattice. The model is extremely general and may be applied to grain boundaries in both cubic and non-cubic materials and interphase boundaries. Applications of the model to a variety of experimental results involving grain boundaries and interphase boundaries are discussed. Some general assessment of the current status of the model is attempted.
Covariance of the gauge field in three-dimensional quantum electrodynamics.

We consider a theory of electrodynamics in three-dimensional space-time in the presence of the topological (Chern-Simons) interaction term ({kappa}/2){epsilon}{sup {mu}{nu}{rho}}{ital A}{sub {mu}}{partial derivative}{sub {nu}}{ital A{rho}}. It is appropriate to quantize electrodynamics in the radiation gauge because in that gauge the states in the Hilbert space have positive-definite norms. However, in that gauge the vector potential {ital A}{sup {mu}} cannot transform as a vector under the Lorentz group. We show that the vector potential {ital does} transform covariantly as a representation of the Lorentz group, but the representation is infinite dimensional and, surprisingly, the specific representation depends on the value of the parameter {kappa}.
Anomalous Hall effect in ferromagnetic semiconductors

We present a theory of the anomalous Hall effect in ferromagnetic (III, Mn)V semiconductors. Our theory relates the anomalous Hall conductance of a homogeneous ferromagnet to the Berry phase acquired by a quasiparticle wave function upon traversing closed paths on the spin-split Fermi surface. The quantitative agreement between our theory and experimental data in both (In, Mn)As and (Ga, Mn)As systems suggests that this disorder independent contribution to the anomalous Hall conductivity dominates in diluted magnetic semiconductors. The success of this model for (III, Mn)V materials is unprecedented in the longstanding effort to understand origins of the anomalous Hall effect in itinerant ferromagnets.
On Alex Carey's Radical Criticism of the Hawthorne Studies

This paper attempts to provide perspective for Alex Carey's self-admitted “radical” criticism of the Hawthorne Studies. Contrary to Carey, it is contended that the Hawthorne researchers did not min...
On the Mitigation of Hazards resulting from Hurricane-induced Forces on Residential Buildings

This paper presents a survey of the literature on studies related to the structural response of wood-framed residential buildings subjected to extreme wind loading. It essentially documents some work that others have done regarding this subject. Also being presented is a description of an on-going study at TSU on the dynamic modeling of wood- framed structures subjected to extreme wind. A thorough understanding of past efforts in this regard is found extremely valuable for this on-going study. Brief discussion on the US Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) Mitigation Assessment work is also included.