cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Worlds of Power: Religious Thought and Political Practice in Africa

Worlds of Power: Religious Thought and Political Practice in Africa. Stephen Ellis and Gerrie Ter Haar. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. 263 pp.
Endogenous morphine: A role in wellness medicine

The demonstration of the multiplicity of opiate receptor types has led to the understanding that, depending on their site of action, opioid peptides as well as opiate alkaloids may bind to more than one opiate receptor subtype. In addition to the two main mu opiate receptor subtypes, mu1 and mu2, our laboratory has demonstrated a third mu opiate receptor (mu3) that is selective for opiate alkaloids but insensitive to opioid peptides. Recently, the mu3 opiate receptor subtype has been cloned from human immune, vascular and neural tissues. This mu3 story complements many biochemical reports; demonstrating morphine is an endogenous signaling molecule, functioning in the capacity of a neurotransmitter and hormone. Adding additional evidence to this hypothesis are the findings of morphine precursors in mammalian and invertebrate tissues. The reports published in this issue of MSM complement this story while advancing the hypothesis by placing opiate alkaloid signaling in limbic structures. The pharmacological characteristics of exogenous morphine find a role for explaining morphine action in an "emotional" and belief setting.
Two phases of topologically massive compact U(1) theory.

The mean-field-like gauge-invariant variational method formulated recently is applied to topologically massive QED in three dimensions. We find that the theory has a phase transition in the Chern-Simons coefficient n. The phase transition is of the Berezinsky-Kosterlitz-Thouless type and is triggered by the liberation of Polyakov monopoles, which for n\ensuremath{\gtrsim}8 are tightly bound into pairs. In our Hamiltonian approach this is seen as a similar behavior of the magnetic vortices, which are present in the ground state wave functional of the compact theory. For n\ensuremath{\gtrsim}8, the low energy behavior of the theory is the same as in the noncompact case. For n8 there are no propagating degrees of freedom on distance scales larger than the ultraviolet cutoff. The distinguishing property of the n8 phase is that the magnetic flux symmetry is spontaneously broken. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Evaluating promulgated refinery effluent standards using artificial streams.

Two-week tests of an Artificial Refinery Mixture (ARM) were conducted on periphyton communities on glass slides in laboratory streams. ARM components, which are present in “typical” refinery effluents, approximate maximum allowable concentrations as promulgated by the 1977 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines for refinery effluents. ARM concentrations tested ranged from approximately 0.25 to 5 times full strength. The nontaxonomic structural parameters—ash-free dry weight, chlorophylla, and ATP—indicated that ARM concentrations of 1 to 5 × stimulated periphyton colonization rates. ARM concentrations of 0.25 to 5 × caused a shift in dominant periphytic algae from diatoms in reference streams to green algae in dosed streams; this resulted in higher pH levels in reference streams, apparently related to photosynthetic activity. Changes in nontaxonomic structural parameters of slides precolonized with periphyton were not sensitive water quality indicators. Dry weight was not a useful biomass indicator due to high levels of suspended solids in ARM. The promulgated 1977 guidelines may be adequate to maintain nontaxonomic structural integrity of periphyton communities, while the 1983 guidelines appear to be adequate to maintain taxonomic integrity.
Immunosuppression in pancreas transplantation: progress, problems and perspective

Abstract Through 1997, over 10 000 pancreas transplants have been performed world-wide, with 88% being simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplants (SKPTs). Current 1-year patient survival exceeds 90% and pancreas graft survival (complete insulin independence) exceeds 80% for SKPT, 70% for sequential pancreas after kidney transplant (PAKT), and 65% for pancreas transplant alone (PTA). According to Registry data, rejection account for 32% of graft failures in the first year after pancreas transplantation. However, improving outcomes are expected to continue with the evolution of treatment protocols. Most pancreas transplant centres employ quadruple drug immunosuppression with anti-lymphocyte induction, using either a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody agent. In recent years, there has been an overall decline in the use of antibody-induction therapy from 90% during 1987–93, to 83% of pancreas transplants performed during 1994–97. Maintenance immunosuppression is triple therapy consisting of a calcineurin inhibitor (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), corticosteroids, and an anti-metabolite such as azathioprine (AZA) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Prior to 1995, nearly all p ancreas transplant recipients were managed with Sandimmune. Since 1986, tacrolimus-based therapy has been used in approximately 20% of cases, and a new microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine (Neoral) has replaced Sandimmune in contemporary post-transplant immunosuppression. In addition, MMF is replacing AZA as part of the standard immunosuppressive regimen following pancreas transplantation. At present, a number of centres are conducting various trials with new drug combinations including either Neoral or tacrolimus in combination with steroids and MMF, with or without antibody-induction therapy. From 1994 to 1997, the 1-year rates of immunologic graft loss have decreased to 2% after SKPT, 9% after PAKT, and 16% after PTA. The current array of new immunosuppressive agents are providing more effective control of rejection and permitting solitary pancreas transplantation to become an accepted treatment option in diabetic patients without advanced complications. The apparent potency of new drug combinations has also resulted in a resurgence of interest in steroid withdrawal. Immunosuppressive strategies will continue to evolve to achieve effective control of rejection while minimizing injury to the allograft and risk to the patient. In addition, new regimens must not only address the issue of specific drug toxicities, but also long-term economic, metabolic, and quality of life outcomes. Pancreas transplantation will remain an important alternative in the treatment of diabetic patients until other strategies are developed that can provide equal glycaemic control with less immunosuppression and overall morbidity.
A substrate-induced biotin binding pocket in the carboxyltransferase domain of pyruvate carboxylase.

Biotin-dependent enzymes catalyze carboxyl transfer reactions by efficiently coordinating multiple reactions between spatially distinct active sites. Pyruvate carboxylase (PC), a multifunctional biotin-dependent enzyme, catalyzes the bicarbonate- and MgATP-dependent carboxylation of pyruvate to oxaloacetate, an important anaplerotic reaction in mammalian tissues. To complete the overall reaction, the tethered biotin prosthetic group must first gain access to the biotin carboxylase domain and become carboxylated and then translocate to the carboxyltransferase domain, where the carboxyl group is transferred from biotin to pyruvate. Here, we report structural and kinetic evidence for the formation of a substrate-induced biotin binding pocket in the carboxyltransferase domain of PC from Rhizobium etli. Structures of the carboxyltransferase domain reveal that R. etli PC occupies a symmetrical conformation in the absence of the biotin carboxylase domain and that the carboxyltransferase domain active site is conformationally rearranged upon pyruvate binding. This conformational change is stabilized by the interaction of the conserved residues Asp590 and Tyr628 and results in the formation of the biotin binding pocket. Site-directed mutations at these residues reduce the rate of biotin-dependent reactions but have no effect on the rate of biotin-independent oxaloacetate decarboxylation. Given the conservation with carboxyltransferase domains in oxaloacetate decarboxylase and transcarboxylase, the structure-based mechanism described for PC may be applicable to the larger family of biotin-dependent enzymes. Background: Biotin-dependent enzymes efficiently coordinate multiple reactions in physically separate active sites. Results: Substrate binding remodels the carboxyltransferase active site to form a biotin binding pocket. Conclusion: Pyruvate must bind before carboxybiotin can access the carboxyltransferase active site. Significance: The active sites of biotin-dependent enzymes control biotin access, providing a mechanism to coordinate the overall reaction between multiple active sites.
Renewable phenols production by catalytic microwave pyrolysis of Douglas fir sawdust pellets with activated carbon catalysts.

Abstract The effects of different activated carbon (AC) catalysts based on various carbon sources on products yield and chemical compositions of upgraded pyrolysis oils were investigated using microwave pyrolysis of Douglas fir sawdust pellets. Results showed that high amounts of phenols were obtained (74.61% and 74.77% in the upgraded bio-oils by DARCO MRX (wood based) and DARCO 830 (lignite coal based) activated carbons, respectively). The catalysts recycling test of the selected catalysts indicated that the carbon catalysts can be reused for at least 3–4 times and produced high concentrations of phenol and phenolic compounds. The chemical reaction mechanism for phenolics production during microwave pyrolysis of biomass was analyzed.
Stereospecific hydroxylation of 1,8-cineole using a microbial biocatalyst

The new bacterial catalyst, Bacillus cereus hydroxylates 1,8-cineole (1) to give 6R-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole, [(1R,4S,6R)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo(2,2,2)-octane-6-ol], (3). The regio- and stereochemical outcome of this reaction was predicted using a model for the B. cereus hydroxylase.
On the relationship between conformation and stability in solid pharmaceutical protein formulations.

Long-term stability is critical in the successful development of pharmaceuticals, including macromolecular ones, such as proteins. Due to the relative instability of aqueous solutions of proteins, they are typically stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) state. However, proteins reversibly (and sometimes even irreversibly) denature upon lyophilization and consequently adopt conformations markedly distinct from the native ones. This phenomenon may profoundly affect deleterious processes in lyophilized proteins, e.g. moisture-induced aggregation, as illustrated in this review with bovine serum and recombinant human albumins.
Social Determinants of Type 2 Diabetes and Health in the United States

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. To date, most research and resulting clinical strategies have focused on the individual with short-term health improvements that have not been maintained over time. Researchers more recently have recognized the need to consider the social determinants of diabetes and health along with individual factors. The purpose of this literature review is to examine current understanding of the social determinants affecting diabetes and health. A search of medical and nursing literature was conducted using PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL and MEDLINE databases, selecting articles published between 2000 and 2013. Search terms included: type 2 diabetes, social determinants, and health determinants. Inclusion criteria were: English language, human studies, social determinants of diabetes and health, and research in the United States. Additional search methods included reference chaining of the literature. Twenty research articles met the inclusion criteria for the review and analysis and included quantitative and qualitative methods. All studies selected for this review were descriptive in nature (n = 20). Fifteen studies were quantitative studies and five were qualitative studies. No intervention studies met inclusion criteria. Each study is summarized and critiqued. Study findings indicate that external or upstream factors consistently affect individuals diagnosed with diabetes, influencing self-management. Significant methodological limitations result directly from small sample sizes, convenience or nonprobability sampling, and low statistical power.
Stereopsis And Scene Partitioning For Terrain Interpretation

Summary This paper has presented a system which operates on passively sensed imagery and which partitions the scene into regions which contain high scene interpretation feature value Optical flow and rangina computations are key algorithms in this system Theranges to selected points in the scene are computed via an imaging sensor and a two -dimensional segment free differential tracker The location extent and slopes of the "critical" regions (patches in the scene are then determined from the computed ranges- Finally a mean square planar or parabaloid fit for each terrain patch is interpolated to reconstruct the terrain and represent the key features in the scene.References fll R- Bernstein. Ed.- "Digital Image Processino for Remote Sensing" New York- IEEEPress- 1978. (21 M- Nagao and T. Matsuyama "A Structural Analysis of Complex Aerial Photographs -New York. Plenum Press. 1980. [31 S Wana. et al- "R atial Reasoning in Remotely Sensed Data " - IEEE Transactionson Geoscience and Remote Sensing. Vol. CE -21, No. 1, January 1983..
Dioxygen chemistry of nickel(II) dioxopentaazamacrocyclic complexes : Substituent and medium effects

Abstract Nickel(II) complexes of certain dioxopentaazamacrocycles are known to react with dioxygen, but the reaction is highly ligand dependent, includes an induction period, and appears to require ligand oxidation concomitant with O 2 uptake.
ESR Characterization of Hexameric, Helical Peptides Using Double TOAC Spin Labeling

α-Aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) is a Cα-tetrasubstituted amino acid that strongly favors helical structure. Most of the conformational trends established for Aib-rich peptides have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Whether these conformational trends carry over to protic solvents is an open question. In order to develop a general strategy for probing the properties of peptides containing Cα-tetrasubstituted amino acids, the hexameric sequences Boc-TOAC-Alan-TOAC-Ala4-n-OtBu were synthesized where n = 0−3 and TOAC is a spin label Aib analog. The peptides were studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) in four alcohols: MeOH, EtOH, TFE, and HFIP. Biradical J-coupling and dipolar interactions between the TOACs within each peptide were used to determine peptide geometry as a function of solvent. In MeOH, strong biradical interactions were observed consistent with the geometry of a 310-helix. The solvents displayed differing tendencies to support helical structure with the ranking MeOH > EtOH > TFE > HFIP....
Building an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) site for Doctor of Pharmacy students

As the role of experiential learning in pharmacy education expands, it is important to develop pharmacy practice sites where students can be directly involved with patient care. Colleges of pharmacy and individual faculty members must carefully evaluate potential practice sites to best create opportunities for student learning. Planning for a new practice should include: creating a vision for the practice, developing a practice plan, determining the model for faculty support, and creating integral student learning experiences. Ultimately, the faculty-supported practice sites should be a model of pharmacist-provided patient care for students, residents, and the health care community.
Radiography of the patellofemoral joint

Abstract Radiographs of the knee, and especially the patellofemoral joint, are indeed important, but they must be kept inperspective. There is a tendency for the orthopedist to rely too heavily upon the “x-ray.” Perhaps this is natural because we treat so much trauma, and the diagnostic answers, the fracture classification, and even the preferred treatment are often suggested by the initial radiograph. When it comes to patellofemoral disorders, the history, the physical examination, and the initial radiographs assume nearly equal importance, with the physical examination providing perhaps the best information to explain each patient's pathophysiology and to develop a treatment plan. The patellofemoral joint is unique, so its radiographic evaluation will be unique as well. The axial radiograph, which provides the most information, demands that the clinician know exactly what technique was used before an intelligent interpretation can be made. An understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques, as well as an appreciation for the various radiographic measurements that separate “normal” from “abnormal,” will make the clinician's task much easier.
Visitor evaluations of management actions at a highly impacted Appalachian Trail camping area.

Protected area management involves balancing environmental and social objectives. This is particularly difficult at high-use/high-impact recreation sites, because resource protection objectives may require substantial site management or visitor regulation. This study examined visitors’ reactions to both of these types of actions at Annapolis Rocks, Maryland, a popular Appalachian Trail camping area. We surveyed visitors before and after implementation of camping policies that included shifting camping to designated newly constructed campsites and prohibiting campfires. Survey results reveal that visitors were more satisfied with all social and environmental indicators after the changes were enacted. An Importance-Performance analysis also determined that management actions improved conditions for factors of greatest concern to campers prior to the changes. Posttreatment visitors were least satisfied with factors related to reduced freedom and to some characteristics of the constructed campsites. Although there was evidence of visitor displacement, the camping changes met management goals by protecting the camping area’s natural resources and improving social conditions.
The Drive for Creativity and the Escape from Creativity: Neurocognitive Mechanisms

We discuss cognitive bases for creative versus non-creative knowledge acquisition and suggest neural substrates for these processes. Cognitive mechanisms driving the human mind both toward and away from creativity are related to ancient mechanisms of adaptive behavior. A paradoxical role of language is discussed: on the one hand, language makes higher cognition possible; on the other, language enables heuristic thinking, using millennial truths instead of original creative thinking. Creativity requires overcoming cognitive dissonances and choosing task relevance over salience. Functions of conceptual, emotional, conscious, and unconscious mechanisms are analyzed and related to various brain regions. Future research directions are discussed.
AESS: Accelerated Exact Stochastic Simulation☆

Abstract The Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (SSA) developed by Gillespie provides a powerful mechanism for exploring the behavior of chemical systems with small species populations or with important noise contributions. Gene circuit simulations for systems biology commonly employ the SSA method, as do ecological applications. This algorithm tends to be computationally expensive, so researchers seek an efficient implementation of SSA. In this program package, the Accelerated Exact Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (AESS) contains optimized implementations of Gillespieʼs SSA that improve the performance of individual simulation runs or ensembles of simulations used for sweeping parameters or to provide statistically significant results. Program summary Program title: AESS Catalogue identifier: AEJW_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEJW_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queenʼs University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: University of Tennessee copyright agreement No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 10 861 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 394 631 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: C for processors, CUDA for NVIDIA GPUs Computer: Developed and tested on various x86 computers and NVIDIA C1060 Tesla and GTX 480 Fermi GPUs. The system targets x86 workstations, optionally with multicore processors or NVIDIA GPUs as accelerators. Operating system: Tested under Ubuntu Linux OS and CentOS 5.5 Linux OS Classification: 3, 16.12 Nature of problem: Simulation of chemical systems, particularly with low species populations, can be accurately performed using Gillespieʼs method of stochastic simulation. Numerous variations on the original stochastic simulation algorithm have been developed, including approaches that produce results with statistics that exactly match the chemical master equation (CME) as well as other approaches that approximate the CME. Solution method: The Accelerated Exact Stochastic Simulation (AESS) tool provides implementations of a wide variety of popular variations on the Gillespie method. Users can select the specific algorithm considered most appropriate. Comparisons between the methods and with other available implementations indicate that AESS provides the fastest known implementation of Gillespieʼs method for a variety of test models. Users may wish to execute ensembles of simulations to sweep parameters or to obtain better statistical results, so AESS supports acceleration of ensembles of simulation using parallel processing with MPI, SSE vector units on x86 processors, and/or using NVIDIA GPUs with CUDA.
The role of Mg2+ as an impurity in calcite growth.

Magnesium is a key determinant in CaCO3mineralization; however, macroscopic observations have failed to provide a clear physical understanding of how magnesium modifies carbonate growth. Atomic force microscopy was used to resolve the mechanism of calcite inhibition by magnesium through molecular-scale determination of the thermodynamic and kinetic controls of magnesium on calcite formation. Comparison of directly measured step velocities to standard impurity models demonstrated that enhanced mineral solubility through magnesium incorporation inhibited calcite growth. Terrace width measurements on calcite growth spirals were consistent with a decrease in effective supersaturation due to magnesium incorporation. Ca1− x Mg x CO3solubilities determined from microscopic observations of step dynamics can thus be linked to macroscopic measurements.
Seven-Day Artificial Lung Testing in an In-Parallel Configuration

Background A thoracic artificial lung, the MC3 Biolung, is being developed as a bridge to lung transplantation or as a treatment for acute respiratory insufficiency. Methods The thoracic artificial lung was tested in 10 sheep with the goal of 7 days of respiratory support. The sheep were recovered from surgery and monitored awake for 7 days. Hemodynamics, blood gases, blood cell counts, and organ function were recorded, and after 7 days, all sheep were euthanized and necropsied. Results Seven sheep survived the full duration. Cardiac output and mean arterial blood pressure were unchanged, averaging 4.7 ± 0.8 L/min and 98 ± 10 mm Hg, respectively. Arterial oxygen tension and device oxygen transfer rate were also unchanged, averaging 110 ± 26 mm Hg and 97.7 ± 35 mL/min, respectively. Arterial carbon dioxide tension was within normal ranges during the entire experiment, averaging 37.4 ± 3.8 mm Hg. Artificial lung blood flow decreased from 51% ± 14% of cardiac output on day 1 to 30% ± 16% by day 7 because of changes in natural and artificial lung resistance. White blood cell counts were significantly elevated on days 5 and 7, and lastly, kidney and liver function remained normal, although signs of kidney infarction or hemorrhage were noted. Conclusions The thoracic artificial lung is suitable for 7-day attachment, but improvements in blood biocompatibility are warranted.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of myometrial thickness in twin pregnancies

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate longitudinally the in vivo changes in myometrial thickness (MT) during gestation in patients carrying twin gestations in relation to pregnancy outcome. Study Design Serial abdominal ultrasounds were performed prospectively in 92 patients carrying twin gestations through each trimester. Ninty-seven patients pregnant with singletons served as controls. For twins, the primary endpoint was spontaneous delivery at less than 35 weeks' gestational age (GA). The myometrium was defined sonographically as the echohomogeneous layer between the serosa and the decidua and was measured at the anterior, fundal, and lower uterine segment (LUS) walls. The estimated fetal weight, maximum vertical pocket of amniotic fluid, and placental thickness were also assessed ultrasonographically at the same time as the MT and served as estimates for the contribution of each to the uterine volume. In twins, cervical length measurements were performed transvaginally, as clinically indicated. Data analysis included 2-way analysis of variance and linear, nonlinear, and multivariate regression. Results A total of 41.3% of twin pregnancies (38 of 92) delivered preterm ( P P P = .326). Conclusion Twin pregnancy is characterized by a significant, selective, and gradual thinning of the LUS during gestation, which does not occur in the anterior and fundal myometrium. Thinning of the LUS occurs earlier in twin pregnancies destined to deliver preterm. These observations suggest that similar to the cervix, the LUS changes dynamically during twin pregnancy and that this too may be assessed through ultrasound imaging.
Regulation of high density lipoprotein receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression and cholesterol transport in theca-interstitial cells by insulin and human chorionic gonadotropin.

The synthesis of androgens by theca-interstitial cells is stimulated by LH and the insulin/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) system. An essential element of the steroidogenesis is the uptake of plasma cholesterol and transformation to steroid hormones. In the rat, the uptake of cholesterol by the theca-interstitial cells is mediated by the high density lipoprotein receptor. The goal of the present study was to examine whether insulin has any effect on cholesterol delivery into theca-interstitial cells. The effects of insulin and hCG on the expression of the high density lipoprotein receptor (SR-BI) messenger RNA (mRNA) and intracellular cholesterol levels were examined in rat theca-interstitial cells under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Twenty-five-day-old rats were treated with insulin, hCG, or insulin followed by hCG. The expression of SR-BI mRNA was then examined in ovaries enriched in theca-interstitial cell population by Northern blot analysis. Treatment with insulin increased the expression of ...
Disordered Eating and Unhealthy Weight Loss Practices: Which Adolescents Are at Highest Risk?

Early diagnosis of unhealthy weight loss practices (UWLP) among adolescents improves treatment outcomes. Analysis of population-based school survey data in Oregon demonstrated that the 11.6% reporting UWLP were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight, depressed, and to have abused substances. Targeted screening of adolescents can help identify those with UWLP.
Attenuation of methamphetamine induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity by flupirtine: microdialysis study on dopamine release and free radical generation

Flupirtine is a triaminopyridine derived centrally acting analgetic, which has been found to display neuroprotective effects in models of excitotoxic cell damage, global, and focal ischemia, but no direct interaction with any component of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and glutamate triggered Ca2+-channel. Additionally flupirtine shows potent antioxidant effects in isolated mitochondria and cell culture. Work in models of monoamine depletion and neuroleptic induced catalepsy in rats suggests a interaction of flupirtine with the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system as well. This prompted us to examine the effect of flupirtine on methamphetamine toxicity in mice and to investigate the influence on dopamine release and free radical formation in the rat striatum by microdialysis that may explain methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Pretreatment of C57-BL mice with flupirtine (4 × 10 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the striatal dopamine loss after methamphetamine application (4 × 5 mg/kg). In rats, a single injection of 10 mg/kg flupirtine reduced the methamphetamine induced striatal dopamine release by almost 50%, as measured by in vivo microdialysis. Flupirtine, however, did not influence the increase of free radical formation after methamphetamine infusion, which was assayed after infusion of salicylic acid by quantification of 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. This suggests that other mechanisms rather than dopamine metabolism and autoxidation, may contribute to methamphetamine neurotoxicity.
Recognizing actions using depth motion maps-based histograms of oriented gradients

In this paper, we propose an effective method to recognize human actions from sequences of depth maps, which provide additional body shape and motion information for action recognition. In our approach, we project depth maps onto three orthogonal planes and accumulate global activities through entire video sequences to generate the Depth Motion Maps (DMM). Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG) are then computed from DMM as the representation of an action video. The recognition results on Microsoft Research (MSR) Action3D dataset show that our approach significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, although our representation is much more compact. In addition, we investigate how many frames are required in our framework to recognize actions on the MSR Action3D dataset. We observe that a short sub-sequence of 30-35 frames is sufficient to achieve comparable results to that operating on entire video sequences.
SIMSHAC - A simulation program for solar heating and cooling of buildings

A dynamic simulation model for use in analyzing the performance of specific designs of solar-heated-and- cooled buildings has been developed. The name of the program is SIMSHAC, an acronym for SImulation Model for Solar-Heated-And-Cooled buildings. To use the design program, one has merely to specify the components (that is, each subsystem; for example, collectors, storage units, splitting and mixing valves, house heating and cooling loads, auxiliary heating, auxiliary cooling, heat exchanger, etc.), and the manner in which they are connected and all initial conditions. Program SIMSHAC then writes the program for the specific system to be analyzed. Each subsystem is described by a set of time-dependent differential equations or, possibly, algebraic equations. System state variables include tempera ture, mass flow rate, and enthalpy. The model can handle three types of incident solar radiation data models. These are (1) deterministic (e.g., an algebraic-equation sun model), (2) random simulation (e.g., a m...
Hybrid therapy for ventricular arrhythmia management.

Available treatment for the management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) includes antiarrhythmic drugs, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and surgical or catheter ablation. Each therapy provides unique advantages in selected patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Specifically, ablative therapy offers the only potential to cure VT. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy, although not capable of preventing VT, was demonstrated convincingly by the Antiarrhythmias Versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) study to be more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. 30 Finally, only antiarrhythmic drugs provide noninvasive therapy that, although not curative, frequently can prevent symptomatic arrhythmia recurrences. Because the goal of arrhythmia management is not to provide the single best therapy but to provide the greatest assurance of symptomatic arrhythmia control, good quality of life, and increased survival, the use of combined or hybrid therapy has become an important treatment strategy for many patients with sustained ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of structural heart disease. This article focuses on the rationale for and benefits of hybrid therapy using the combination of catheter ablation and implantable defibrillators or antiarrhythmic drugs and implantable defibrillators. The use of such hybrid therapy is considered only for those patients who have structural heart disease in the form of ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Potential pitfalls and important clinical considerations in using such hybrid therapy will be discussed.
Cell culture-based analysis of postsynaptic membrane assembly in muscle cells

We report a method for studying postsynaptic membrane assembly utilizing the replating of aneural cultures of differentiated skeletal muscle cells onto laminin-coated surfaces. A significant limitation to the current cell culturebased approaches has been their inability to recapitulate the multistage surface acetylcholine receptor (AChR) redistribution events that produce complex AChR clusters found at the intact neuromuscular junction (NMJ). By taking advantage of the ability of substrate laminin to induce advanced maturation of AChR aggregates on the surface of myotubes, we have developed a secondary-plating method that allows more precise analysis of the signaling events connecting substrate laminin stimulation to complex AChR cluster formation. We validate the utility of this method for biochemical and microscopy studies by demonstrating the roles of RhoGTPases in substrate laminin-induced complex cluster assembly.
Does the “kamaroma”-plastron pattern morph occur in both Philippine subspecies of the turtle Cuora amboinensis?

Abstract Two subspecies of the turtle Cuora amboinensis have been reported from the Philippine Islands, C. a. amboinensis and C. a. kamaroma, distinguished primarily by their carapace morphology, and secondarily by their plastron patterns. We assessed the utility of using shell and postorbital-stripe morphology instead of plastron patterns to distinguish these putative taxa. Adult C. amboinensis from the Philippines were examined to determine the extent of occurrence of C. a. kamaroma on the islands. Several morphological carapace characters and one based on the postorbital stripe were found to differ significantly between the subspecies C. a. amboinensis and C. a. kamaroma, and were used to assign turtles to subspecies. Use of these characters often resulted in conflicting subspecific identifications for those previously assigned by their plastron patterns to C. a. kamaroma. This poses important questions. Using the carapace and postorbital-stripe characters, 95.2% of the turtles in the mainland chain of...
Syrian hamster lymphocyte cytogenetic technique and effects of blood storage on mitotic index.

The Syrian hamster has a diploid chromosome complement similar to humans in both number (2N=44) and morphology. For comparative mutagenic studies with humans, a repeatable lymphocyte chromosome technique involving laboratory mammals is desirable. The reported hamster lymphocyte cytogenetic technique appears technically uncomplicated and repeatable while providing a sufficient number of metaphase cells for quantiative analysis.
A simplified thermohydrodynamic stability analysis of journal bearings

AbstractThis work investigates the stability of a journal bearing system, including the effects of inlet viscosity. Simplified thermohydrodynamic design charts for the rapid prediction of stiffness coefficients, damping coefficients, and threshold speed have been developed. This investigation reveals that the inlet viscosity has a pronounced influence on the bearing dynamic coefficients of the lubricating oil film. This investigation also reveals that it is possible to stabilize a journal bearing either by heating the oil or by cooling the oil depending on the operating region.
An in vivo study of antifreeze protein adjuvant cryosurgery.

Cryosurgery employs freezing to destroy undesirable tissue. However, under certain thermal conditions, frozen tissues survive. The survival of frozen undesirable tissue may lead to complications, such as recurrence of cancer. In a study of nude mice with subcutaneous metastatic prostate tumors, we showed that the preoperative injection of a phosphate-buffered saline solution with 10 mg/ml antifreeze protein of type I into the tumor prior to freezing enhances destruction under thermal conditions which normally yield cell survival. This suggests that the adjunctive use of antifreeze proteins in cryosurgery may reduce the complications from undesirable tissues that survive freezing.
Symmetrically distributed and unbiased estimators in linear models

Let Y be distributed symmetrically about Xβ. Natural generalizations of odd location statistics, say T‘Y’, and even location-free statistics, say W‘Y’, that were used by Hogg ‘1960, 1967)’ are introduced. We show that T‘Y’ is distributed symmetrically about β and thus E[T‘Y’] = β and that each element of T‘Y’ is uncorrelated with each element of W‘Y’. Applications of this result are made to R-estiraators and the result is extended to a multivariate linear model situation.
Space-time Dirac-Kahler spinors

We show that in Minkowski space-time quantization of Dirac-Kahler spinors leads to abnormal anticommutation relations for half of the spinor modes. We discuss a possible remedy for the problem.
Active-site characteristics of CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 probed with hydantoin and barbiturate inhibitors

Three series of N-3 alkyl substituted phenytoin, nirvanol, and barbiturate derivatives were synthesized and their inhibitor potencies were tested against recombinant CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 to probe the interaction of these ligands with the active sites of these enzymes. All compounds were found to be competitive inhibitors of both enzymes, although the degree of inhibitory potency was generally much greater towards CYP2C19. Inhibitor stereochemistry did not markedly influence K(i) towards CYP2C9, and log P adequately predicted inhibitor potency for this enzyme. In contrast, stereochemistry was an important factor in determining inhibitor potency towards CYP2C19. (S)-(+)-N-3-Benzylnirvanol and (R)-(-)-N-3-benzylphenobarbital emerged as the most potent and selective CYP2C19 inhibitors, with K(i) values of < 250nM--at least two orders of magnitude greater inhibitor potency than towards CYP2C9. Both inhibitors were metabolized preferentially at their C-5 phenyl substituents, indicating that CYP2C19 prefers to orient the N-3 substituents away from the active oxygen species. These features were incorporated into expanded CoMFA models for CYP2C9, and a new, validated CoMFA model for CYP2C19.
Passive-ammonia selective catalytic reduction (SCR): Understanding NH3 formation over close-coupled three way catalysts (TWC)

Abstract NH 3 formation was examined under steady-state and lean/rich cycling conditions over four commercial catalysts including: (1) a Pd-only, high precious metal loading (HPGM) three-way catalyst, (2) a Pd/Rh + CeO 2 , low precious metal loading (LPGM) three-way catalyst, (3) a combination of a HPGM and a LPGM (Dual-Zone) catalyst and (4) a lean NO X trap (LNT) catalyst. The goal of this work was to evaluate these catalysts for their potential use as the upstream component in a passive-NH 3 SCR configuration. NH 3 formation during steady-state operation was found to be dependent on the air-to-fuel ratio (AFR), temperature and catalytic formulation used. While all of the formulations produced significant amounts of NH 3 when operated under sufficiently rich conditions, in general the steady-state NH 3 yield decreased in the following order: HPGM ≥ Dual-Zone >> LPGM ≈ LNT. Under lean-rich cycling conditions that would be required for this mode of operation, lower air-to-fuel ratios were required to generate the same amount of NH 3 as under steady-state conditions. Results obtained with the LNT catalyst demonstrated that at moderate temperatures (i.e., 275–500 °C) NO X storage capacity significantly increased the amount of NH 3 produced in relation to the amount of NO X slipped. Consequently, the addition of an “optimum” amount of NO X storage capacity in addition to well-controlled lean-rich timing, could significantly improve the performance of the three-way catalyst used as the upstream component in a passive-NH 3 SCR configuration. When the CO, C 3 H 6 and N 2 O concentrations in the effluent were considered in addition to the NH 3 formation, an optimum temperature of 400–450 °C was determined for the operation of these catalysts.
A numerical investigation of thermosphere-ionosphere interaction over Millstone Hill

Abstract The upper thermosphere and F -region ionosphere system at 43°N is modelled for equinox and moderate solar conditions via a series of iterative calculations employing a thermospheric wind model and a one-dimensional ionospheric model which are mutually coupled. Several feedback loops within the system involving F 2 -layer peak height, F 2 -layer peak density, zonal wind, meridional wind, and Coriolis force are investigated to better understand the interactive aspect of ionosphere-thermosphere coupling. The interplay of primary importance involves the night-time ascent/descent of the F -layer due to equatorward/poleward neutral winds, the resulting changes in ion drag presented to the meridional and zonal wind fields, and the Coriolis force modification of the ion drag coupling. Wind shear and plasma profile shape are not significantly coupled. For magnetically undisturbed conditions, self-consistent treatment of these effects modifies a non-interactive “control” calculation by 20–35 m s −1 in the wind field. During geomagnetically disturbed periods interactive processes play a more crucial role in determining thermospheric and ionospheric storm responses. Our calculations reveal wind enhancements of up to 100 m s −1 associated with the lifting and negative-phase depletion of the F -region for prolonged magnetic disturbance conditions, the former mechanism accounting for a major portion of the effect.
Studies on the Helminth Fauna of Alaska. XLIII. Strigea macropharynx sp. n., a Trematode Parasite of Falco rusticolus L.

Strigea macropharynx sp. n. (Trematoda : Strigeata, Strigeidae), an intestinal parasite of Falco rusticolus L., is described. Falconiformes harbor two species of Strigea (S. falconis Szidat, 1928, and S. macroconophora Dubois and Rausch, 1950) with vitellaria terminating near the copulatory bursa. Both differ from the new species in having a pharynx that is smaller than or subequal to the buccal sucker, as well as in other details. In S. elegans Chandler and Rausch, 1947, a parasite of Strigiformes, the eggs are larger, the testes of different form, and the vitellaria extend significantly farther into the region of the copulatory bursa. The very intimate contact existing between the tribocytic organ of S. macropharynx and the intestinal mucosa of the host suggests that extracorporeal digestion of host tissue takes place. Twenty-six specimens of the trematode described herein were found among numerous neodiplostomes, Neodiplostomum (Conodiplostomum) spathula banghami Penrod, 1947, in the small intestine of a gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus L. This bird (No. 31001), an adult female, was collected on 19 April 1964, at its nest in upper Keruktagiak Creek, about 18 miles northwest of Chandler Lake, central Brooks Range, Alaska. The intestine was immediately removed and opened in order to prevent degenerative changes in the helminths. Because of severe cold, the material could not be fixed until some hours later, at which time some of the trematodes nevertheless could be
The optimum design of a base isolation system with frictional elements

A linear multistorey structure with a seismic base isolation system consisting of rubber bearings and frictional elements is considered. The non-linear equations of motion are derived for the first mode vibration and the stochastic response to a white noise ground acceleration is determined. Based on this response, suitable objective functions are defined and the optimum design of the isolation system is performed. It is shown that a small amount offriction increases the effectiveness of the system compared with the same system but without frictional elements.
Exploring preservice teachers’ metaphor plotlines

Abstract This study explores how entering female preservice teachers position themselves–the plotlines, obligations, responsibilities and duties they are prepared to enact, the expectations they hold for students, and the implications these have for teacher education. Using positioning theory, the authors analyze application letters of 20 elementary preservice teachers to uncover metaphor plotlines for teaching. Preservice teachers’ application letters contained 12 metaphor plotlines presented here in terms of the definition, the role of teacher and the role of student. The paper explores implications for the content of teacher education, development as a teacher, and the ability to engage students.
Videotex for market information: A survey of prototype users

This overview of results from the field trial of a prototype information system examines issues of concern to both the system developer and society as a whole.
Efficacy of Social Media Utilization by Public Accounting Firms: Findings and Directions for Future Research.

ABSTRACT: Social media presents a new platform for businesses to communicate and interact with others, both internally and externally. Social media may be utilized for activities such as sharing success stories and providing industry updates. Although a plethora of opportunities to achieve business objectives with social media usage exists, the efficacy of its use by public accounting firms is unclear. This article identifies the business objectives that Big 4 and second-tier firms are pursuing with social media. Primary business objectives being fulfilled by social media include Knowledge Sharing, Branding and Marketing, and Socialization and Onboarding. The findings suggest that Big 4 firms are pursuing Knowledge Sharing on Facebook™ and Twitter™ to a greater extent than second-tier firms, while second-tier firms pursue Socialization and Onboarding on Facebook and Branding and Marketing on Twitter to a greater extent than Big 4 firms. Suggestions for business opportunities and future research are also i...
Hybrid laser/MRI system for computerized image-monitored interstitial therapy

Precise coordination of image acquisition relative to lesion creation is a crucial consideration for real-time MRI-monitoring of laser-tissue interaction. A hybrid laser and MRI system is described which provides an integrated environment for coordinated operation of laser and various in-vivo monitoring devices, such as MRI, and thermometry. Furthermore, the hybrid system allows programmable analysis of image data in coordination with temperature measurements.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.