cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible age-associated bias in reporting of clinical features of drug dependence: epidemiological evidence on adolescent-onset marijuana use

Aims To probe recent evidence on apparent excess occurrence of marijuana dependence when marijuana smoking starts in adolescence. Design and participants A national sample of recent-onset marijuana users was identified within public data files of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), 1995–98 (1866 adolescents and 762 adults). Measurements Marijuana dependence was assessed via seven standardized questions about its clinical features, such as being unable to cut down. Multivariate response models (GLM/GEE and MIMIC) were used to evaluate adolescent excess risk and possible item biases. Findings Among people who had just started to use marijuana, clinical features of marijuana dependence occurred twice as often among adolescents compared to adults, even with statistical adjustment for other covariates (P < 0.01 from GLM/GEE). MIMIC analyses suggest that adolescent-onset users have somewhat higher levels of marijuana dependence, and they also provide evidence of age-associated response bias for some but not all clinical features of marijuana dependence. That is, even with level of marijuana dependence held constant, adolescent recent-onset users were more likely than adults to report being unable to cut down (P = 0.01) and tolerance (P = 0.029). Conclusion Nosologic, methodological and substantive reasons for observed age-related excess in occurrence of marijuana dependence problems among early onset users deserve more attention in future research.
Phytoplankton assemblage structure in and around a massive under-ice bloom in the Chukchi Sea

Abstract Standard and imaging flow cytometry were used to examine the composition of phytoplankton assemblages in and around a massive under-ice bloom in the Chukchi Sea in 2011. In the core of this bloom, roughly 100 km northwest of Hanna Shoal, diatoms represented roughly 87% of the water column carbon-specific biomass of phytoplankton, while nanophytoplankton contributed ~9%. Picoeukaryotes were also observed in this bloom, as were phycoerythrin-containing cells consistent with Synechococcus spp., but picophytoplankton, dinoflagellates, and prymnesiophytes each represented only ~1% of the bloom׳s phytoplankton biomass. More broadly along this part of the Chukchi shelf, nanophytoplankton typically comprised a larger fraction of phytoplankton biomass in the water column, 22% on average but up to 82% at certain locations. Dinoflagellates and prymnesiophytes contributed at most 2% of water column biomass at any location and were most abundant in the deeper slope stations northeast of Hanna Shoal, east of the bloom. Picophytoplankton were most abundant in these deeper slope stations as well, and also in recently ice-free areas to the south around Hanna Shoal. These cell-derived estimates of phytoplankton carbon biomass, which were computed from imaging and standard cytometric observations of phytoplankton cell sizes and from published carbon:volume relationships, agree well with independent measurements of particulate organic carbon concentration from traditional biochemical assays.
Chlordiazepoxide plasma levels and clinical responses

Abstract 1. (1) This was a double-blind, drug-placebo, cross-over study examining the effects on several psychological states of a single oral dose of chlordiazepoxide (25 mg) on 18 chronically anxious subjects. 2. (2) Plasma levels of chlordiazepoxide ranged from 0.26 to 1.63 μg/ml. These plasma levels were not correlated with the time interval between ingestion of the drug and time of drawing the blood sample for chlordiazepoxide determination (average time interval 92 minutes, range 60 to 145 minutes), nor with body weight or sex. 3. (3) Anxiety, hostility outward, and ambivalent hostility scores tended to decrease (p 4. (4) Chlordiazepoxide plasma levels of all 18 subjects correlated with scores on anxiety (− 0.26), ambivalent hostility (− 0.42) and achievement strivings (− 0.31). Chlordiazepoxide blood levels of the 11 subjects whose levels exceeded 0.70 μg/ml also correlated with hostility outward scores (0.82) and hostility inward scores (− 0.47). 5. (5) Implications of these findings are discussed as well as directions for future research.
Modulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors by hydroxyl radicals in rat cortical neurons in vitro

Oxygen-derived reactive species generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) can modulate the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor via its redox-sensitive site. Here it is shown that hydroxyl radicals are the agents responsible for NMDA receptor oxidation by X/XO. Spectrophotometric assays revealed that the amounts of superoxide anion and H2O2 produced by X/XO were not decreased by the hydroxyl radical-specific scavenger mannitol. This sugar, however, could prevent most of the oxidizing actions of NMDA receptors by X/XO, but not by the thiol oxidizing agent 5,5 -dithio-bis-nitrobenzoic acid. Finally, a non-enzymatic source of hydroxyl radicals was also effective in oxidizing the receptor's redox site. Hydroxyl radicals may thus represent the final common pathway for the modulation of NMDA receptor function by oxygen-derived free radical generating systems.
Oxidation studies of clad molybdenum containing intentional defects

Nichrome-clad molybdenum sheets containing various size hole and notch-type defects were examined after exposures up to 102.5 h 1100° and 1200°C. After the initial oxidation of molybdenum in about 125 min, the Nichrome cladding material reacts with MoO3 forming a protective (Cr-Ni) MoO4 scale, thus preventing further significant oxidation undercutting. Data indicated that a critical size defect limit for self-healing, is larger than 0.063-in. diameter which was the largest defect tested. Aluminized titanium, Fecral, and L-605 alloy also were clad to molybdenum and defect tested but all severely oxidized after 250 min at 1200°C.
A landmark-free framework for the detection and description of shape differences in embryos

This paper introduces a new method to quantify and characterize shape changes during early facial development without the use of landmarks. Landmarks are traditionally used in morphometric analysis, but very few can be identified reliably across all stages of embryonic development. This method uses deformable registration to produce a dense vector field describing the point correspondences between two images. Low and mid-level features are extracted from the deformable vector field to find regions of organized differences that are biologically relevant. These methods are shown to detect regions of difference when evaluated on chick embryo images warped with small magnitude deformations in regions critical to midfacial development.
Esophageal Intramural Diverticulosis

Abstract This paper presents 3 patients with esophageal intramural diverticulosis and discusses the roentgenographic, manometric, histological, and microbiological picture attendant to this disease. Evidence is given to support chronic infection of esophageal submucosal glands as the predominant cause.
Effect of the variation of the level of lactose conversion in an immobilized lactase reactor upon operating costs for the production of baker’s yeast from hydrolyzed cottage cheese whey permeate

Operating costs for the production of Baker’s yeast from hydrolyzed permeate from the ultrafiltration of cottage cheese whey were calculated as a function of the level of lactose conversion in the immobilized lactase reactor. These costs were calculated for the case of 90% conversion of lactose in the reactor and compared to those that result when running the reactor at lower conversions with recycle of unreacted lactose. Total operating costs were estimated by combining individual operating costs for the immobilized enzyme reactor, costs associated with processing a lactose recycle stream, and energy costs associated with cooling the reactor feed stream and sterilizing the hydrolysate stream. It was determined that operating costs are minimized at about 9.9 ¢/lb. of lactose when the reactor is run at approx. 72% conversion. This represents a savings of 2.4 ¢/lb. of lactose over the case of a once-through 90% conversion of lactose in the reactor.
Catalase and superoxide dismutase-2 enhance survival and protect ovaries during overwintering diapause in the mosquito Culex pipiens

Lifespan extension and stress resistance are two important features of diapause that are essential for successful overwintering. We present several lines of evidence suggesting that genes encoding two antioxidant enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase-2, are critical in generating these characteristics during diapause in overwintering adults of the mosquito Culex pipiens. Expression of both catalase and sod-2 was dramatically higher in young diapausing females than in their nondiapausing counterparts at the same age. Suppression of catalase, but not sod-2, resulted in increased damage to the ovaries, as evidenced by signs of apoptosis in ovarian follicle cells. Adult survival time was shortened when levels of either catalase or sod-2 were suppressed using RNAi. Together these results imply that these two antioxidants are particularly important in promoting survival in diapausing females, while elevation of catalase also contributes to protection of the ovaries. In addition, RNAi directed against forkhead transcription factor (foxo), a gene thought to be upstream of the genes encoding these antioxidants, resulted in suppression of both catalase and sod-2. The linkage with FOXO suggests that the genes encoding these two antioxidants are components of an important gene network regulated by this transcription factor.
The Island Race: Englishness, Empire and Gender in the Eighteenth Century

Rooted in a period of vigorous exploration and colonialism, The Island Race: Englishness, empire and gender in the eighteenth century is an innovative study of the issues of nation, gender and identity. Wilson bases her analysis on a wide range of case studies drawn both from Britain and across the Atlantic and Pacific worlds. Creating a colourful and original colonial landscape, she considers topics such as: * sodomy * theatre * masculinity * the symbolism of Britannia * the role of women in war. Wilson shows the far-reaching implications that colonial power and expansion had upon the English people's sense of self, and argues that the vaunted singularity of English culture was in fact constituted by the bodies, practices and exchanges of peoples across the globe. Theoretically rigorous and highly readable, The Island Race will become a seminal text for understanding the pressing issues that it confronts.
Migration from Jamaica in the 1970s: political protest or economic pull?

This article discusses the high rates of out-migration from Jamaica in the late 1970s. The principal receiving countries of Jamaican migrants since World War II have been in the UK the US and Canada. Average yearly out-migration from Jamaica between 1964 and 1984 stands at 20736. Since the 1950s 1) the actual number of migrants from Jamaica to the UK has decreased considerably with the introduction of prohibitive legislation in 1962 2) the "slack" has been taken by the US and Canada and 3) migration to the US dipped slightly in the early to mid 1970s yet increases during those years of Jamaicans migrating to Canada adequately compensated for any loss of an outlet to the US. The "brain drain" forms a chronic feature of the Jamaican economy--a permanent sapping process of much needed labor--not simply an occasional event capable of being explained primarily by the political position of a particular politician. The increases in the migration rates of professional technical administrative and managerial workers and skilled craftsmen in 1977 and 1978 did not herald a new event; high rates of migration for these categories of workers have existed for several years. The volume and the composition of the actual Jamaican migrant population are decided in the main by legislation in other parts of the world. Although Jamaicas population problem has been eased over the years by as much as 50% of the countrys natural increase being removed by migration many of those who left were of the type whose skills might have contributed to the national economy--and in ways that might have created employment for others. The economic pull of loss of skilled labor is a permanent feature; legislative pull is the key.
Concurrent upper and lower urinary tract robotic surgery: strategies for success

Objective: To assess the feasibility of combined upper and lower urinary tract robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) during one operative session. aterials and Methods: We describe strategies for port placement and the use of the new davinci® S surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), equipped with a fourth arm, for concurrent surgeries in a porcine model and in humans within one operative session. We studied various schemes of port placement, patient positioning and robotic arm manoeuvring while doing concurrent ipsilateral upper and lower urinary tract surgery on six pigs. The operative times and estimated blood loss were recorded prospectively. Qualitative data such as robotic arm ergonomics, advantages and disadvantages of various port placement strategies were noted. During the various surgical exercises, particular attention was given to the extent and the limits of instrument arm reach and mobility of the various port-placement schemes. These concepts for port placement and patient positioning were then further evaluated in a cadaver followed by demonstration of feasibility by performing a robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RAL) right nephroureterectomy in a patient. Results: We describe a four-port 'baseball diamond' strategy to allow instrument access to the entire ipsilateral urinary tract in one operating session without repositioning the patient and re-docking the robot. Furthermore, if additional instrument length is required to reach the deep pelvis, we describe a novel 'pivoting triangle' manoeuvre that incorporates the fourth arm and allows dual-port cannulation and lens telescoping. Conclusion: Single session, concurrent multiple quadrant RALS is facilitated by using the da Vinci® S surgical system with a 'baseball diamond' port-placement strategy.
Modeling of Dynamically Loaded Open-Cell Metallic Foams

Heterogeneous cellular materials such as metallic and polymeric open-celled foams are preferable in many engineering applications requiring mitigation of energy during sudden impact loading. This brief communication presents an approach for modeling dynamically loaded open-cell metallic foams. It is implicitly assumed that there exists a length scale separation where the microstructural dimensions are much smaller than the macroscopic dimensions. In this context, a macroscopic point translates into a microscopic array of identical unit cells sharing the same macroscopic fields. Dictated by a model for the metallic cell wall constitutive behavior, the effective unit cell response is then obtained from a structural micromechanical model which enforces the principle of minimum action on a representative 3D unit cell. The effective macroscopic response at every node in the FEM mesh (equilibrium, stresses, stress tangents) is then provided by the unit cell microscopic model. The present theory allows one to define a constitutive formulation for lightweight, open-celled foams based on clear and quantifiable parameters such as microstructural topology and ligament properties while capturing the effects of dynamic loading via viscous dissipation at ligament level and microinertia at unit cell level. History of deformation is considered at ligament level while axial and bending deformation are considered at unit cell level. As observed experimentally, the resulting macroscopic FEM simulations clearly demonstrate how the material undergoes heterogeneous deformation during cellular structure collapse.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Chemoprevention of lung cancer by tea

Tea is the second only to water as the most consumed beverage in the world. Both green and black teas have been studied for their health benefits for a variety of diseases, particularly cancer. Lung cancer is the predominant cause of cancer mortality in developed countries. Smokers' risk of lung cancer is 20 times that of persons who have never smoked. Epidemiological studies on the cancer-preventive effects of tea produce inconsistent results, which could in part be attributed to the lack of a universal standard for tea preparations. However, most animal studies indicate that tea has strong chemopreventive effects against lung tumorigenesis. The reported mechanisms for chemopreventive activity of green tea are antioxidation, induction of phase II enzymes, inhibition of TNFalpha expression and release, inhibition of cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by green tea are probably the two most significant factors. Future studies are needed to determine how green tea affects the genes associated with cell cycle regulation and apoptosis during the mouse lung carcinogenesis process.
Alachlor transformation patterns in aquatic field mesocosms under variable oxygen and nutrient conditions

Abstract Alachlor is one of the most commonly used herbicides in both Europe and North America. Because of its toxic properties, its fate and attenuation in natural waters is practically important. This paper assesses factors that affect alachlor decay rate in aquatic systems using field-scale experimental units. In particular, we used field mesocosms (11.3 m 3 outdoor fiberglass tanks) to examine the affect of oxygen level and other factors on decay rate in water columns. This is one of the first studies ever performed where diverse water column conditions have been successfully simulated using common mesocosm-scale facilities. Four treatments were assessed, including aerobic systems ( aerobic ); low nutrient, oxygen-stratified systems ( stratified-LN ); moderate nutrient, oxygen-stratified systems ( stratified-HN ); and anaerobic systems (anaerobic ). The lowest half-lives were observed in the anaerobic units (9.7 days) followed by the aerobic (21 days), stratified-HN (22 days), and stratified-LN (46 days) units. Our results indicate that alachlor is transformed most rapidly under anaerobic conditions, although the ambient phosphorus level also appears to influence decay rate. In this study, two common alachlor breakdown products, ethane sulfonic acid (ESA) and oxanilic acid, were also monitored. Oxanilic acid was produced in greater quantities than ESA under all treatments with the highest levels being produced in the stratified-HN units. In general, our results suggest that previous laboratory data, which indicated that high rates of alachlor decay can occur under oxygen-free methanogenic conditions, is translatable to field-scale applications.
Laminated Mosaic Module Performance Measurements

Laminated mosaic modules, a z-technology are introduced as an alternative architectural configuration for mosaic sensor focal plane applications. The module features a 4096 element (8x512) PbS array with 64 thirty-two input signal processing chips. Modules can be stacked into subarrays without a composite array fill factor loss. Measurements and results confirm the performance status of this technology development approach. Module components are discussed first followed by the module assembly and the subarray (a four module stack).© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Glycated hemoglobin in insulinoma.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine whether preoperative levels of glycated hemoglobin (GHb) are lower in patients with functioning insulinoma and, if so, whether a distinct separation of GHb values from those in control subjects might serve for diagnosis. Methods We examined preoperative GHb in consecutive patients (who had this measurement done) with surgically confirmed insulinoma for the period 1983 (when the current method became available for routine use) through 1996. Hemoglobin A1 (HbA1) was measured by the IsolabGlyc-Affin Test System (normal range, 4 to 7%). We studied 64 patients with insulinoma (40 women and 24 men; median age, 47.5 years; age range, 21 to 79) and 38 control subjects (25 women and 13 men; median age, 42.5 years; age range, 20 to 83) considered not to have a hypoglycemic disorder on the basis of normal results of a supervised 72-hour fast. Results HbA1 was significantly lower in patients with insulinoma (median, 4.7%; range, 2.7 to 6.9%) than in control subjects (median, 5.3%; range, 4.1 to 6.4%) (P Conclusion Because of considerable overlap in HbA1 values, no GHb value was diagnostic for insulinoma; however, 16 of 64 patients (25%) with insulinoma had HbA1 values below the lowest value (4.1%) in control subjects. Thus, HbA1 values less than 4.1% in patients with possible insulinoma are strongly indicative of that disorder. (EndocrPract. 1998;4:181-183)
Nonlinear model based control of a recycle reactor process

Abstract A control configuration, which includes two nonlinear controllers, has been applied to the Tennessee Eastman Challenge Problem (TECP), The approach used in developing this control approach was based upon a phenomenological understanding of the process and was based upon using advanced controls only where necessary. Nonlinear model based control (Generic Model Control) was applied for reactor temperature control while a nonlinear steady-state compensating controller was integrated into the composition controller for the stripper. The various kinetic parameters for the reactor temperature controller model were regressed from filtered steady-state results obtained from the TECP simulator. Further, the reactor model had on-line model parameterization applied to it in order to keep the controller model true to the TECP process simulator. The reactor pressure control problem proved to be the most challenging control problem encountered and was solved by manipulating the process feed rate to control reactor pressure. The resulting variations in feed flowrate to the stripper necessitated the use of the aforementioned compensating controller for the stripper. In addition, over-ride controls were found to be necessary for two disturbances that caused saturation in the control valve for one of the feeds. The controller was tested for all setpoint changes and the disturbances that were built into the simulator for the base case product mix. Excellent control results were obtained for all control objectives while calling for a smooth use of the various feed flowrates. In fact, the variations in the compositions of the primary products could not be seen over the measurement noise from the product analyzer for all but two cases.
The City, Substate Nationalism, and European Governance

Are cities significant fulcrums through which new relations between historic substate nationalism and contemporary European governance are being forged? Using case studies of Basque cities (Spain) and Sarajevo (Bosnia), the study explores the link between Europeanization and identity-based substate nationalism, with special focus on how city interests affect that relationship. In Basque Country, city actors have taken advantage of the new structures and opportunities in Europe to strengthen and to modernize sub-state nationalism. In Sarajevo, European governance is managing the city and substate region in order to overcome war-hardened group identities. Whether active agents or regulated entities, cities are key axes in redefining relations between substate nationalism and the new Europe.
Dementia. A review emphasizing clinicopathologic correlation and brain-behavior relationships.

• Numerous pathogenetic mechanisms may lead to the progressive loss of memory and intellectual function known as dementia. Currently, the dementias are classified according to clinicopathologic entities, although for clinical diagnosis, this introduces a degree of uncertainty. Characteristic patterns of behavior and anatomic pathology have been associated with specific clinicopathologic entities. Although somewhat simplistic, classification of the dementias as cortical vs subcortical embodies the precept that brain substrate is intimately tied to behavior. Lessons in brain-behavior relationships are reviewed for four clinicopathologic entities: Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Dementing illnesses have contributed significantly to our understanding of brain-behavior relationships. Major progress can be anticipated as diagnostic issues are resolved and biological and state-specific markers emerge.
Increased synthesis of secreted hepatic proteins during abdominal sepsis

To study the effect of intraabdominal sepsis on hepatic protein synthesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent celiotomy with either cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. Eight and sixteen hours later total hepatic protein synthesis was measured by flooding dose technique. Specific synthetic rates of structural or secreted hepatic proteins were further studied 16 hr after CLP in an isolated perfused liver model. Total hepatic protein synthesis was significantly elevated at 16 hr (59 +/- 6%/day vs 37 +/- 6%/day, P less than 0.05), but not 8 hr post-CLP. Structural hepatic protein synthesis was unchanged after CLP; however, the synthetic rates of the acute-phase secretory proteins alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, transferrin and complement component C3 were significantly increased 16 hr after CLP. However, the albumin synthetic rate was not increased during sepsis. We conclude that sepsis causes augmentation of hepatic protein synthesis primarily to increase acute-phase proteins for host defense.
Magnesium metabolism and perturbations in the elderly

It is generally accepted that magnesium requirements increase in the elderly. Multiple reasons for this exist. In the elderly, magnesium intake tends to be low, intestinal absorption is frequently diminished, and urinary output is often enhanced. As a result, the magnesium status of aging subjects is likely to be marginal, if not frankly deficient. Because magnesium plays important roles in arterial structure and function by maintaining endothelial and platelet integrity, a deficiency can increase progression of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiac complications, including dysryhthmias. Magnesium inhibits pathological calcification, and a deficiency can contribute to formation of calcium uroliths. The element's role in calcium metabolism (improving utilization) and bone matrix formation (maintaining bone elasticity) might be important in preventing osteoporosis and brittleness of bones. Accordingly, physicians must always consider magnesium status in elderly patients.
Endless polarization control algorithm using adjustable linear retarders with fixed axes

New designs are presented for polarization-transforming elements equivalent to rotating quarter-wave plates and rotating half-wave plates. These are constructed from sequences of adjustable linear retarders with fixed retardation axes, such as liquid-crystal cells (untwisted nematic) and electrooptical modulators. Then, a new endless polarization control algorithm is proposed and demonstrated. The variable linear retarders in this endless polarization controller operate over a finite range of retardance without any reset or unwinding procedure. This endless algorithm can produce all possible sequences of continuous polarization state transformations.
Subspace: secure cross-domain communication for web mashups

Combining data and code from third-party sources has enabled a new wave of web mashups that add creativity and functionality to web applications. However, browsers are poorly designed to pass data between domains, often forcing web developers to abandon security in the name of functionality. To address this deficiency, we developed Subspace, a cross-domain communication mechanism that allows efficient communication across domains without sacrificing security. Our prototype requires only a small JavaScript library, and works across all major browsers. We believe Subspace can serve as a new secure communication primitive for web mashups.
Cogmed working memory training: Does the evidence support the claims?

Abstract Cogmed working memory training is sold as a tool for improving cognitive abilities, such as attention and reasoning. At present, this program is marketed to schools as a means of improving underperforming students’ scholastic performance, and is also available at clinical practices as a treatment for ADHD. We review research conducted with Cogmed software and highlight several concerns regarding methodology and replicability of findings. We conclude that the claims made by Cogmed are largely unsubstantiated, and recommend that future research place greater emphasis on developing theoretically motivated accounts of working memory training.
Primary peritoneal clear cell adenocarcinoma arising in previous abdominal scar for endometriosis surgery.

Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer arising from the surgical incision site is an unusual clinical entity. A 37-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of progressive swelling of the mons pubis. The patient was status post laparotomy for endometrioma/endometriosis 10 years ago. MRI showed a heterogeneous multiseptated large cystic mass within the mons pubis measuring 14 × 13.4 × 10.6 cm. Initial cytoreductive surgery revealed no evidence of tumor in the peritoneal cavity. The surgery was suboptimal due to severe adhesions to the symphysis pubis. The secondary cytoreductive surgery performed after six cycles of taxotere and carboplatin was optimal. Macroscopically, the tumor was a dusky pink-purple and contained a dense white-gray to light yellow gelatinous area. The tumor was a malignant cystic and glandular neoplasm. Immunohistochemical stains included CK7(+), CK5/6(−), EMA(+), Ber-Ep4(+), Calretinin(−), ER(−), and PR(−). Primary peritoneal clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from an abdominal scar associated with prior endometrioma/endometriosis surgery was first reported.
Effects of triple-drug therapy with nitazoxanide, high-dose ribavirin and peginterferon-α-2a in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Aim The historical standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) was peginterferon (PEG IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy, yielding sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 38–52% in HCV genotype 1 patients. This study evaluated a novel three-drug regimen of nitazoxanide and high-dose ribavirin as lead-in therapy, followed by PEG IFN-α-2a in triple therapy. Methods A prospective, open-label pilot study was conducted in treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 1. Patients received nitazoxanide 500 mg twice a day for 2 weeks, then nitazoxanide plus ribavirin 1400 mg/day for 2 weeks, then nitazoxanide plus ribavirin plus PEG IFN-α-2a 180 μg weekly for 12 weeks, followed by ribavirin plus PEG IFN-α-2a for 12 weeks (48 weeks if HCV RNA negative after week 24). Primary outcome was SVR. Other outcomes included very rapid virological response (VRVR), rapid virological response (RVR), early virological response (EVR), end-of-treatment response (ETR), and safety and tolerability. Results Thirty-three patients with a mean age of 46 years, detectable HCV RNA (64% with <600 000 IU/mL), and METAVIR fibrosis scores (F1:F2:F3) of 15%:49%:36% were enrolled. Outcomes were as follows: SVR, 67% (22/33); VRVR, 39% (13/33); RVR, 48% (16/33); EVR, 70% (23/33); and ETR, 67% (22/33). Most patients required at least one growth factor. Two patients discontinued because of adverse events. Conclusion This three-drug regimen was effective in achieving SVR in patients with HCV genotype 1. No patients relapsed, and the toxicity profile was favorable. Further studies on the role of nitazoxanide in the treatment of chronic HCV are warranted.
On the use of chaos to reduce idle-channel tones in delta-sigma modulators

Delta-sigma modulators are popular circuits for constructing high precision analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. These systems contain a single nonlinear element (a quantizer) embedded in an otherwise linear system, and can exhibit such nonlinear behavior as limit cycles, subharmonics, phase-locking and chaos. Due to the discrete spectra that result when limit cycles are present, human listeners perceive objectionable tones in the quantization noise. This problem can be overcome by using dither or, as this paper suggests, by making the modulator chaotic. The effectiveness of the technique is illustrated and its impact on modulator complexity, stability, and performance is discussed. >
A comparison of postexercise shear rate patterns following different intensities and durations of running in healthy men.

Summary Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that high-intensity exercise would elicit the greatest alterations in postexercise shear rate (SR) patterns when compared to moderate intensity exercise, and moderate duration exercise would produce similar postexercise SR patterns as long-duration exercise. Methods: On separate days, ten healthy men completed three acute treadmill exercise sessions at different intensities and ⁄or durations. Sessions were 80% VO2peak for 30 min (HIGH), 50% VO2peak for 30 min (MOD) and 50% VO2peak for 60 min (MODL). SR in the brachial artery was assessed at baseline, immediately postexercise, 1 and 2 h postexercise using Doppler ultrasound. Results: Oscillatory and retrograde SR decreased immediately following all exercise sessions (P 0AE08). Antegrade and mean SR were elevated immediately following all exercise sessions (P<0AE01), and the greatest elevations were observed following the HIGH session (P<0AE05). Antegrade and mean SR declined below baseline values at 1 h (P<0AE05) and 2 h (P<0AE05) after the MODL session and 2 h following the HIGH session (P<0AE05). Conclusion: Antegrade and mean SR immediately following running exercise are dependent upon exercise intensity. Reductions in oscillatory and retrograde SR after treadmill running are not dependent on exercise intensity or duration and appear to last <1 h. Collectively, SR profiles following exercise are differentially altered based on the dose of exercise performed.
Noise-Robust Automatic Speech Recognition Using a Predictive Echo State Network

Artificial neural networks have been shown to perform well in automatic speech recognition (ASR) tasks, although their complexity and excessive computational costs have limited their use. Recently, a recurrent neural network with simplified training, the echo state network (ESN), was introduced by Jaeger and shown to outperform conventional methods in time series prediction experiments. We created the predictive ESN classifier by combining the ESN with a state machine framework. In small-vocabulary ASR experiments, we compared the noise-robust performance of the predictive ESN classifier with a hidden Markov model (HMM) as a function of model size and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The predictive ESN classifier outperformed an HMM by 8-dB SNR, and both models achieved maximum noise-robust accuracy for architectures with more states and fewer kernels per state. Using ten trials of random sets of training/validation/test speakers, accuracy for the predictive ESN classifier, averaged between 0 and 20 dB SNR, was 81plusmn3%, compared to 61plusmn2% for an HMM. The closed-form regression training for the ESN significantly reduced the computational cost of the network, and the reservoir of the ESN created a high-dimensional representation of the input with memory which led to increased noise-robust classification.
Iminium salt of copper benzochlorin (CDS1), a novel photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy: mechanism of cell killing.

The mechanism of cell killing by CDS1, an iminium salt of octaethylbenzochlorin with copper in the aromatic ring, in combination with light from a noncoherent light source was investigated. Using a standard clonogenic assay and the AY-27 FANFT turnor line. photoactivation of CDS1 was shown to be cytotoxic. The photodynamic cell killing ability of CDS1 required the presence of molecular oxygen. The reactive species generated by light activation of CDS1 were effectively quenched by N.N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine. Additionally, the photodynamic effect of CDS1 was not cnhanced by dcuterium oxide. To characterize the reactive oxygen species generated by the photoactivation of CDS1 the well-characterized erythrocyte ghost model was used. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were potcnt inhibitors of CDS1-induced lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte membranes. Sodium azide only partially inhibited lipid peroxidation. These findings differed from the known singlet oxygen generator, tin (II) etiopurpurin dichloride (SnET2). Sodium azide was a potent inhibitor of SnET2-induced lipid peroxidation, whereas superoxide dismutase and catalase were totally ineffective. Based on these results, we conclude that CDS1 requires the presence of molecular oxygen for cell killing to occur but appcars to act primarily through a non-singlet oxygen mechanism.
A Novel Gβγ-Subunit Inhibitor Selectively Modulates μ-Opioid-Dependent Antinociception and Attenuates Acute Morphine-Induced Antinociceptive Tolerance and Dependence

The Gβγ subunit has been implicated in many downstream signaling events associated with opioids. We previously demonstrated that a small molecule inhibitor of Gβγ-subunit-dependent phospholipase (PLC) activation potentiated morphine-induced analgesia (Bonacci et al., 2006). Here, we demonstrate that this inhibitor, M119 (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid [2-(4,5,6-trihydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)-(9Cl)]), is selective for μ-opioid receptor-dependent analgesia and has additional efficacy in mouse models of acute tolerance and dependence. When administered by an intracerebroventricular injection in mice, M119 caused 10-fold and sevenfold increases in the potencies of morphine and the μ-selective peptide, DAMGO, respectively. M119 had little or no effect on analgesia induced by the κ agonist U50,488 or δ agonists DPDPE or Deltorphin II. Similar results were obtained in vitro, as only activation of the μ-opioid receptor stimulated PLC activation, whereas no effect was seen with the κ- and δ-opioid receptors. M119 inhibited μ-receptor-dependent PLC activation. In studies to further explore the in vivo efficacy of M119, systemic administration M119 also resulted in a fourfold shift increase in potency of systemically administered morphine. Of particular interest, M119 was also able to attenuate acute, antinociceptive tolerance and dependence in mice treated concomitantly with both M119 and morphine. These studies suggest that small organic molecules, such as M119, that specifically regulate Gβγ subunit signaling may have important therapeutic applications in enhancing opioid analgesia, while attenuating the development of tolerance and dependence.
Co-scheduling of Disk Head Time in Cluster-Based Storage

Disk time slicing is a promising technique for storage performance insulation. To work with cluster-based storage, however, time slices associated with striped data must be co-scheduled on the corresponding servers. This paper describes algorithms for determining global time slice schedules and mechanisms for coordinating the independent server activities. Experiments with a prototype show that, combined, they can provide performance insulation for workloads sharing a storage cluster -- each workload realizes a configured minimum efficiency within its time slices regardless of the activities of the other workloads.
Detection of Isolated Tumor Cells in Neuroblastoma by Immunohistochemical Analysis in Bone Marrow Biopsy Specimens : Improved Detection With Use of β-Catenin

Evaluation of the bone marrow is a critical component of accurate staging and surveillance for recurrent disease in neuroblastoma. The value of routine immunohistochemical analysis of otherwise histologically negative bone marrow biopsy specimens has not been adequately evaluated. By using synaptophysin, chromogranin, and beta-catenin, immunohistochemical analysis performed on otherwise histologically negative bone marrow specimens identified isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in 9.1%, 5.0%, and 10.0% of 220 biopsy specimens, respectively. Overall survival, as estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, was not significantly different between patients with and without ITCs (P = .357). Of the immunohistochemical markers evaluated, beta-catenin showed the greatest sensitivity for identifying ITCs in the bone marrow and showed reactivity in primary tumor samples. We found that the presence of ITCs identified by immunohistochemical analysis may predict the persistence of disease but does not show significant overall survival differences. We also identified beta-catenin as a sensitive immunohistochemical marker of primary and metastatic neuroblastoma.
Verification of recursive methods on tree-like data structures

Programs that manipulate heap-allocated data structures present a formidable challenge for algorithmic verification. Recursive procedures (methods) in such software libraries are used for a large number of tasks ranging from simple traversals to complex structural transformations. Verification of such methods is undecidable in general. Hence, we present a programming language fragment with a syntax similar to that of C for which correctness can be algorithmically checked. For methods written in our fragment, and specifications in the form of tree automata, verification is efficient in most cases, as illustrated by our prototype tool. Our framework can be used to verify methods such as insertion and deletion of nodes in k-ary trees, binary search trees, linked lists, linked list reversal, and rotations in balanced trees, with respect to specifications such as acyclicity, sortedness, list-ness, tree-ness, and absence of null pointer dereferences.
Mineralization of Synthetic Polymer Scaffolds: A Bottom-up Approach for the Development of Artificial Bone

The controlled integration of organic and inorganic components confers natural bone with superior mechanical properties. Bone biogenesis is thought to occur by templated mineralization of hard apatite crystals by an elastic protein scaffold, a process we sought to emulate with synthetic biomimetic hydrogel polymers. Cross-linked polymethacrylamide and polymethacrylate hydrogels were functionalized with mineral-binding ligands and used to template the formation of hydroxyapatite. Strong adhesion between the organic and inorganic materials was achieved for hydrogels functionalized with either carboxylate or hydroxy ligands. The mineral-nucleating potential of hydroxyl groups identified here broadens the design parameters for synthetic bonelike composites and suggests a potential role for hydroxylated collagen proteins in bone mineralization.
Thick frequency selective surfaces

As an additional means of controlling bandwidth, the use of periodic screens in free space with thick metallization was investigated for single-square loop and double-concentric-square loop elements. These loops elements were chosen because the passbands of such screens, with tight lattice spacing, display a remarkable insensitivity to incident polarization and angle of incidence. The effect of thick metallization on passband width was investigated for both transmitted and reflected radiation. All results obtained are from a method of moments solution of the electric field integral equation. For FSS (frequency selective surface) screens with thick metallization, triangular patch basis functions were utilized to represent electric current on the surface of the three-dimensional unit cell structure. >
Do Applicants and Incumbents Respond to Personality Items Similarly? A Comparison using an Ideal Point Response Model

This study used an ideal point response model to examine the extent to which applicants and incumbents differ when responding to personality items. It was hypothesized that applicants' responses would exhibit less folding at high trait levels than incumbents' responses. We used sample data from applicants (N=1,509) and incumbents (N=1,568) who completed the 16 Personality Questionnaire Select. Differential item (DIF) and test functioning (DTF) analyses were conducted using the generalized graded unfolding model, which is based on ideal point model assumptions. Out of the 90 items, 50 showed DIF; however, only 11 were in the hypothesized direction. DTF was significant for 3 of the 12 scales; 2 were in the hypothesized direction.
Direct Use of Geothermal Energy

Direct utilization of geothermal energy refers to its use for a thermal purpose, rather than to its conversion to some other form of energy such as electrical energy. In theory, then, geothermal energy can be directly used for any process or application that relies on heat, but in practice, actual applications are limited to the geothermal resource temperature and the useful quantity of heat that can be extracted. The most popular direct uses of geothermal energy (excluding geothermal heat pump applications) include spas and swimming pools, space heating (including district applications), greenhouse heating, aquaculture, industrial uses, snow melting, and agricultural drying. On a worldwide basis, on the order 80 countries directly use geothermal energy for a thermal purpose, with spas and recreation being the most popular at approximately 50% of the total worldwide use, followed by space heating on the order of 30% of the total worldwide use. Direct-use geothermal projects are intensely driven by economics, and there are a number of factors that dictate their viability. These factors include the resource access and regulatory hurdles, level of effort needed for exploration, depth to the resource, distance between resource location and application site, well yield, allowable geothermal fluid temperature drop, resource temperature, thermal load and load factor, geothermal fluid chemical composition, and ease of geothermal fluid disposal. Keywords: geothermal energy; groundwater; temperature; heat exchangers; heating load
An axisymmetric Boussinesq wave

An axisymmetric gravity wave, for which each of nonlinearity, dispersion and radial spreading is weak but significant, is determined as a similarity solution with slowly varying amplitude is the radius, d is the depth, and [Sscr ] is the family parameter of the solutions. It is shown that the free-surface displacement η(r,t) is either a wave of elevation (η ≥ 0) or a wave of depression (η ≤ 0) and that (|η|/)½ satisfies a Painleve equation that is a nonlinear generalization of Airy's equation. Representative numerical solutions and asymptotic approximations for small and large [Sscr ] are presented. It is shown that the similarity solution conserves energy but not mass, in consequence of which (in order to obtain a complete solution to a well-posed initial-value problem) it must either be accompanied by some other component or components or be driven by a source (or sink) in some interior domain in which the implicit restriction r [Gt ] d is violated. A linear model is developed that is valid for r [lsim ] d and compensates for the mass defect of, and matches, the nonlinear similarity solution for |[Sscr ]| [Lt ] 1.
Hypotheses on Misperception

In determining how he will behave, an actor must try to predict how others will act and how their actions will affect his values. The actor must therefore develop an image of others and of their intentions. This image may, however, turn out to be an inaccurate one; the actor may, for a number of reasons, misperceive both others’ actions and their intentions. In this research note I wish to discuss the types of misperceptions of other states’ intentions which states tend to make. The concept of intention is complex, but here we can consider it to comprise the ways in which the state feels it will act in a wide range of future contingencies. These ways of acting usually are not specific and well-developed plans. For many reasons a national or individual actor may not know how he will act under given conditions, but this problem cannot be dealt with here.