cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of a pulsed laser to study properties of CdZnTe pixel detectors

We have investigated the utility of employing a short (<4 ns) pulsed laser with wavelength tunable between 600 - 950 nm as a tool for studying and characterizing CdZnTe detectors. By using a single mode optical fiber and simple optics, we can focus the beam to a spot size of less than 10 micrometers and generate the number of the excess carriers equivalent to a several MeV gamma-ray either at the surface or deep inside the sample. The advantages of this technique over use of a collimated X-ray or alpha particle source are strong induced signal, precise pointing, and triggering capability. As examples of using this technique, we present the results of measurements of the drift velocity, electron lifetime, and electric field line distribution inside CZT pixel detectors.
Continuous Contour Monte Carlo for Marginal Density Estimation With an Application to a Spatial Statistical Model

The problem of marginal density estimation for a multivariate density function f(x) can be generally stated as a problem of density function estimation for a random vector λ(x) of dimension lower than that of x. In this article, we propose a technique, the so-called continuous Contour Monte Carlo (CCMC) algorithm, for solving this problem. CCMC can be viewed as a continuous version of the contour Monte Carlo (CMC) algorithm recently proposed in the literature. CCMC abandons the use of sample space partitioning and incorporates the techniques of kernel density estimation into its simulations. CCMC is more general than other marginal density estimation algorithms. First, it works for any density functions, even for those having a rugged or unbalanced energy landscape. Second, it works for any transformation λ(x) regardless of the availability of the analytical form of the inverse transformation. In this article, CCMC is applied to estimate the unknown normalizing constant function for a spatial autologistic...
Fracture of the Humeral Neck with Intrathoracic Dislocation of the Humeral Head

Intrathoracic fracture-dislocation of the humeral neck is a rare and easily overlooked clinical entity. We present a case and review of the literature. The objective of this study was to summarize the clinical presentation of this injury and to provide recommendations for initial diagnostic imaging and management. A 68-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department after a fall onto an abducted arm with moderate respiratory distress, mild left shoulder pain, and palpable crepitus over the shoulder and chest wall. Radiographic examination demonstrated the humeral head to be lying within the left hemithorax, devoid of any attachments to the remaining proximal humerus. After initial stabilization, the patient underwent surgical excision of the humeral head and delayed hemiarthroplasty. Careful attention to radiographic studies is required to recognize this injury. Initial management centers on airway management, adjunctive imaging, and treatment of any associated injuries followed by surgical excision and proximal humeral reconstruction.
Successful repair of blunt injury of aortic arch branches in the setting of bovine arch

Intrathoracic great vessels injuries are usually fatal and represent a special surgical challenge. We report a successful surgical repair for blunt disruption of the three aortic arch branches in the setting of bovine arch anatomy. The repair was achieved without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass or arterial shunts. There was no clinical or radiologic evidence of neurologic abnormality after the repair.
Benthic Foraminifera: Bathymtric Patterns of Calcareous and Arenaceous Assemblages

THERE have been several studies during the past few years on the effects of selective solution on planktonic foraminiferai assemblages by ocean waters undersaturated in calcium carbonate1–8. Similar investigations involving benthic foraminiferai associations, however, do not exist. I hope that this brief discussion of bathymetric trends among calcareous and arenaceous foraminiferai assemblages in western Antarctic seas will stimulate further analyses of this neglected subject.
The effect of two types of associative linkage and position of association linkage on the recall of sentences

The present study examined the influence of two types of association data on the recall of sentences. The results showed that “syntactic restricted” associations facilitated the recall of sentences while typical free associative connections may have some influence. However, the predominant underlying variable may be a syntactic association. The position of syntactic associative connection in the sentence had no differential effect on recall.
Sources of Social Work and Social Welfare Statistics

A major problem facing social work educators and students, as well as practitioners and policy formulators, is that of finding valid statistical data on social welfare and social work. As social work moves in the direction of becoming an empirically‐based profession, it will no doubt place a greater emphasis on the use of such data.
Prevalence and Predictors of Anticholinergic Agents in Elderly Outpatients with Dementia

Abstract Background Anticholinergic medications, although frequently used in elderly populations, are associated with cognitive impairment and constitute significant concern for patients with dementia. Objective The purpose of our study was to examine patterns and predictors of prescribing anticholinergic agents for elderly outpatients with dementia. Methods We combined data from the 2006–2007 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the outpatient department component of National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to analyze patient visits by elderly persons (aged ≥65 years) with dementia. Anticholinergic drugs were identified using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale, which classifies anticholinergic drugs into four levels (0–3) in increasing order of anticholinergic activity. Descriptive analysis using sampling weights was used to evaluate patterns of anticholinergic drug prescription, especially prescribing of medications with clinically significant anticholinergic activity (ie, levels 2 or 3). Multiple logistic regression was used in the conceptual framework of the Andersen Behavioral Model to examine the predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with prescribing of medications with clinically significant anticholinergic activity. Results According to the national surveys there were a total of 6.8 million (95% CI, 5.27–8.44 million; 0.32%) ambulatory care visits for dementia. Approximately 43% (42.86%; 95% CI, 35.24–50.48) of these visits involved prescribing at least one anticholinergic drug; and 10.07% of visits involved prescribing levels 2 or 3 anticholinergic medications. The predisposing factor, age (75–84 years; odds ratio [OR] = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07–0.87), and the need factors, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor use (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07–0.86) and comorbid mood disorders (OR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.73), were associated with decreased likelihood of prescribing medications with clinically significant anticholinergic activity. The need factor total number of medications prescribed (OR = 1.45, 95% CI, 1.20–1.75) increased the likelihood of these prescriptions being administered. Conclusions One in 10 outpatient visits by elderly persons with dementia involved prescribing medications with clinically significant anticholinergic activity. Given their adverse cognitive effects, there is a strong need to optimize anticholinergic drug prescribing in vulnerable elderly outpatients with dementia.
Mask-mounted display (MMD) design considerations for diver operating environment

Military and public safety divers work in a unique and extreme operational environment; characterized by high turbidity and zero visibility. To help conduct underwater securit and search/recovery missions special sensors are used. These include imaging sonar, underwater navigation systems, mapping devices, and enhanced underwater video. A visual display system is the necessary means of providing this sensor information to the diver. Unfortunately, handheld displays or displays built into the sensor are virtually useless in the environment characterized by zero visibility. "Near-to-eye" display systems incorporating micro display technology and its associated optics provide a workable solution. While a step in the right direction these "near-to-eye" systems - whether developed for commercial or military applications - have been designed for land-based (or "topside") environments, and fall far short when simply adapted to a dive mask. A diver operating underwater with a dive mask in zero visibility presents a unique challenge combining requirements for small physical size, light weight, large eye-relief (stand-off distance), high data content, and minimum power. The following paper describes the successful design of such a system from the perspective of the diver's operating environment. The resultant system is a light-weight, binocular, mask-mounted visual display that allows for extended stand-off distance (eye relief), requires no interpupillary or focus adjustments, and provides high data content color information regardless of ambient visibility conditions.
Ultraviolet spectra and electronic structure of group IVA dichlorides

Abstract An electronic absorption spectrum for GeCl2 in the region 3101–3340 A, is interpreted interms of progressions of bending frequencies of lower (1A1) and upper (1B1) states. The v″ = 0 to v′ = 0 transition should lie at about 30 969 cm−1 (3228.1 A). Measured ground and upper state bending frequencies are 162 cm−1 and 95 cm−1, respectively, with uncertainties of ±5 cm−1. A large change in bond angle is indicated by the very different bending frequencies for the two states. A region of continuous absorption with a maximum intensity at about 32 227 cm−1 and a long wavelength limit of approximately 31 800 cm−1, is probably due to dissociation of GeCl2 to GeCl + Cl, in which case an upper limit for this dissociation energy would be 92 kcal/mole. For SnCl2 and PbCl2 vapors, regions of continuous absorption only were found and were interpreted as 1 A 1 → 1 B 1 transitions and also as dissociation phenomena. Similarly, only regions of continua were found for emission spectra of GeCl2 and CCl2. Comparison of this data with the chemiluminescence spectra observed previously for GeCl2 and SnCl2, and the results of semiempirical extended Huckel calculations lead to the assignment of both singlet and triplet excited levels of GeCl2 and SnCl2 and less definitely for SiCl2. Also, values for the ground state bending frequencies for each of the Group IVA dichloride species are indicated.
Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in children.

Purpose. The goal of this review is to present current indications, injectable agents, techniques, success rates, complications, and potential future applications of endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children. Materials and Methods. The endoscopic method currently achieving one of the highest success rates is the double hydrodistention-implantation technique (HIT). This method employs dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer, which has been used in pediatric urology for over 10 years and may be at present the first choice injectable agent due to its safety and efficacy. Results. While most contemporary series report cure rates of greater than 85% for primary VUR, success rates of complicated cases of VUR may be, depending on the case, significantly lower. Endoscopic treatment offers major advantages to patients while avoiding potentially complicated open surgery. As the HIT method continues to be applied to complex cases of VUR and more outcome data become available, the indication for endoscopic treatment may exceed the scope of primary VUR. Conclusions. Endoscopic injection is emerging as the treatment of choice for VUR in children.
Hypocretin and its emerging role as a target for treatment of sleep disorders.

The neuropeptides hypocretin-1 and -2 (orexin A and B) are critical in the regulation of arousal and maintenance of wakefulness. Understanding the role of the hypocretin system in sleep/wake regulation has come from narcolepsy-cataplexy research. Deficiency of hypocretin results in loss of sleep/wake control with consequent unstable transitions from wakefulness into non–rapid eye movement (REM) and REM sleep, and clinical manifestations including daytime hypersomnolence, sleep attacks, and cataplexy. The hypocretin system regulates sleep/wake control through complex interactions between monoaminergic/cholinergic wake–promoting and GABAergic sleep–promoting neuronal systems. Research for the hypocretin agonist and the hypocretin antagonist for the treatment of sleep disorders has vigorously increased over the past 10 years. This review will focus on the origin, functions, and mechanisms in which the hypocretin system regulates sleep and wakefulness, and discuss its emerging role as a target for the treatment of sleep disorders.
Influence of high molecular weight factor VIII on the measurement of low molecular weight factor VIII procoagulant in different assay systems.

Summary. Factor VIII procoagulant activity (VIIIC) is exerted by a low molecular weight (LMW) moiety of the factor VIII molecule that can be separated from a high molecular weight (HMW) moiety by high ionic strength buffers. In this investigation the procoagulant activity of the LWM moiety of factor VIII prepared by immuno-adsorbent chromatography and its relationship to the HMW moiety of haemophilic plasma was studied by means of different VIIIC assay systems and using different substrates in regard to their content of the HMW VIII moiety. LMW VIIIC was prepared by immunoadsorbent chromatography; HMW VIII without VIIIC was prepared by chromatographing cryoprecipitate from a coagulant antigen negative severe haemophiliac on 4% agarose. The LMW VIIIC obtained by immunoadsorbent chromatography gave higher VIIIC values when tested in the one-stage partial thromboplastin time (PTT) system using von Willebrand's disease plasma as substrate than using haemophilic plasma as substrate. This finding was shown to be related to the HMW VIII measured as VIII related antigen (VIII: Ag) in the substrate plasmas. When the VIIIR: Ag was removed from the haemophilic substrate plasma by immunoadsorption, the VIIIC values obtained for the LMW VIIIC were higher. Also, adding HMW VIII purified from haemophilic plasma to the von Willebrand's disease substrate plasma resulted in lower VIIIC values for the LMW VIIIC in the PTT system.
Commentary on an article by Gaetano J. Scuderi, MD, et al.: “Identification of a Novel Fibronectin-Aggrecan Complex in the Synovial Fluid of Knees with Painful Meniscal Injury”

Arthroscopic procedures for the treatment of meniscal injuries in the knee are one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in the United States. In a recent review of cases submitted for Part II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery certification examination, CPT code 29881 (partial meniscectomy) was the most commonly submitted procedural code for five consecutive years between 1999 to 2003, surpassing the next most frequent procedure by a margin of 2:11. However, despite the frequency with which this procedure is performed and the relative low morbidity and generally favorable results with which it is associated, poor results …
A Simulation Study of One- and Two-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistics with a Particular Weight Function

Abstract Critical values for the one-sample and the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics with a particular weight function are compared and found to be greatly different. The difference is shown to be due to the marked sensitivity of the one-sample statistic to the values of the first and last order statistics of the sample distribution.
The Basilisk and Rattlesnake, or a European Monster Comes to America

This article looks at legends of the basilisk, a fabulous creature of ancient and medieval lore that was believed to kill with a glance, and shows how many characteristics of the basilisk were transferred to the rattlesnake in the New World. The deadly power of "fascination, " also known as "the evil eye, " which legend attributes to both basilisk and rattlesnake, was understood as an expression of resentment over the perceived lack of status of reptiles in the natural world and directed at so-called "higher" animals. The persistence of such legends suggests some of the limitations of capitalistic American society in dealing with inequalities.
Effects of sea ice on atmospheric pCO2: A revised view and implications for glacial and future climates

[1] Sea ice is a key component in the global carbon cycle and climate system. In the traditional view, the sole effect of expanded sea ice coverage is to reduce the atmospheric pCO2 by inhibiting air-sea gas exchange. However, this view neglects the effect that sea ice capping has on the biological production. By limiting light for photosynthesis, larger sea ice coverage would reduce the strength of the biological pump and therefore increase atmospheric pCO2. Recently, Kurahashi-Nakamura et al. (2007) suggested that the opposing impact of biology on atmospheric pCO2 will more than offset the gas exchange effect, such that atmospheric pCO2 will actually increase with larger sea ice coverage. In an effort to resolve this controversy, we use an intermediate-complexity, global model of biogeochemistry and climate to determine the sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 concentration to changes in the sea ice coverage, driven by prescribed changes in sea ice albedo. When sea ice in our model is increased by 34% globally relative to the control run, gas solubility, ice capping effect and stratification increase, while biological production decreases; overall atmospheric pCO2 is reduced by 9.4 ppmv. Our results broadly support the notion that the biological response of sea ice capping is as important as its physical response. Furthermore, we show that the overall change in atmospheric pCO2 is indeed inversely related to sea ice coverage, but it is not because sea ice caps off gas exchange but because gas solubility is increased by lower temperatures that accompany sea ice expansion in our model simulations.
Changes in injection risk behavior associated with participation in the Seattle needle-exchange program.

We studied the influence of the Seattle, Washington, needle-exchange program on sharing of drug injection equipment (syringes, drug cookers, filtration cotton) to identify potential gaps in risk reduction and to understand in greater detail the lack of an association between exchange use and risk of hepatitis B or C virus transmission. In a cohort of 2,208 injection drug users who completed a 1-year follow-up visit, we measured the association between needle-exchange use at study enrollment (ever vs. never) and injection risk behavior at the follow-up. Control for confounding was carried out using both logistic regression and propensity score analytic methods to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR). In both univariate and multivariate analyses ,needle-exchange use was associated with a lower likelihood of injection with a used syringe (AOR-0.7,95% confidence limit 0.5,0.9). There was no association between exchange use and cooker or cotton sharing (AOR-0.8,95% confidence limit 0.6, 1.1) or between exchange use and use of a common syringe to divide drugs (AOR=0.9). This analysis suggests that risk reduction measures adopted by users of the Seattle exchange may not be sufficient to prevent transmission of all blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis C virus. Creater awareness of the infection risk associated with these practices may help curb this type of equipment sharing and ultimately prevent disease transmission.
Predictability of mesoscale circulation throughout the water column in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The predictability of the mesoscale circulation in the Gulf of Mexico is evaluated using an ensemble of four integrations for the period 2000–2008 using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). In all four runs ROMS is forced by identical, monthly varying, heat and momentum fluxes. We explore the role of initial conditions, boundary conditions, atmospheric forcing, and resolution in the Mississippi plume area, on the potential predictability of the Gulf circulation at scales of 20 km or greater. The potential for predictability varies regionally and seasonally. The modeled circulation is mainly atmospherically forced in the coastal areas and dominated by chaotic mesoscale activity in the central portion of the basin. The mesoscale circulation in the top 1000 m of the water column does not correlate with the one below it except for a limited number of small areas. The potential for predicting the circulation at depths deeper than 1000 m is limited by the intrinsic variability of the eddy field and by the unavailability of a continuous monitoring system that extends below the surface.
Evidence that oxytocin is an endogenous stimulator of autonomic sympathetic preganglionics: the pupillary dilatation response to vaginocervical stimulation in the rat

Abstract Vaginocervical mechanostimulation (VS) was shown previously to release oxytocin within the spinal cord and to induce pupillary dilatation. In the present study, (a) injection of oxytocin directly to the spinal cord (10 or 25 μg intrathecally [i.t.] in 5 μl saline) induced pupillary dilatation when observed 1 min after the end of the injection and (b) injection of an oxytocin receptor antagonist ([d(CH2)5-Tyr (Me)2-Orn8]-Vasotocin {OTA}; 25 μg i.t. in 5 μl saline) significantly attenuated the pupillary dilatation response to VS, when VS was applied 3 min after the end of the injection. Since activation of autonomic sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the thoracic spinal cord produces pupillary dilatation, we propose that oxytocin is a central nervous system neurotransmitter that stimulates these neurons directly, or perhaps indirectly, and thus is a mediator of VS-produced pupillary dilatation.
Stepfamilies: A work in progress

Abstract The topic is introduced with some personal references; then negative societal attitudes toward diverse family types, particularly stepfamilies, are discussed. The paper outlines and discusses the importance of understanding stepfamilies in terms of basic human needs and indicates the benefits of such an approach. This is illustrated with case examples. Some useful therapeutic guidelines and suggestions are mentioned.
Accessing the null space with nonlinear multilayer neural networks

Nonlinear multilayer neural networks have been successful in solving problems in object recognition and decision making, which cannot be solved with nonlinear decision functions. These problems require the construction of a one-to-one or many-to-one mapping of input vectors to output vectors. If a finite training set is used, this mapping is a transformation between the set of values for the input elements to the set of values for the output elements. If the set of values for the input elements lies in the same subspace as the set of values for the output vectors, then a linear transformation can be made. Otherwise, either a neural network or some other nonlinear function is needed to construct the transformation. Nonlinear decision functions can make the transformation to sets of values for the output elements that are in a different subspace, but not an arbitrary subspace. The nonlinear multilayer neural network can make any transformation between sets of values of input elements and output elements, if enough hidden units are available. An explanation for the neural network's power to access any space, including the null space, is presented, along with some examples of the applicability of this result.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Intra-ischemic extracellular release of dopamine and glutamate is associated with striatal vulnerability to ischemia.

Abstract We have previously described a marked attenuation of postischemic striatal neuronal death by prior substantia nigra (SN) lesion, and have shown that lowering the brain temperature by only a few degrees during ischemia also confers a marked protective effect. The present study was carried out to evaluate whether the protective effect of these manipulations involves changes in extracellular release of striatal dopamine (DA) and glutamate (Glu) during ischemia. Four animal subgroups were investigated, including unilateral SN-lesioned rats whose intra-ischemic brain temperature was maintained at 36°C, and non-lesioned animals whose brain temperature was not regulated, or was maintained at 33 or 36°C during ischemia. Striatal extracellular sampling was performed by a microdialysis probe in rats subjected to 20 min of ischemia by 4-vessel occlusion. In rats whose intra-ischemic brain temperature was 36°C, both DA and Glu increased significantly. In SN-lesioned rats no changes were found in extracellular levels of DA. However, significant increases in Glu were measured. In animals whose brain temperature was not regulated (the intra-ischemic brain temperature fell to 30°C) or maintained at 33°C there was a significant increase of DA release, but no changes were found in extracellular levels of Glu. These results, taken together with the neuropathological findings, suggest that release of both DA and Glu during ischemia is necessary for the development of postischemic striatal damage.
Molecular design of ferroelectric liquid crystals

Abstract Based upon the concept that ferroelectricity in FLCs is a manifestation of a novel form of molecular recognition occurring in the LC phase, we have developed a simple stereochemical model for the ferroelectric polarization. According to the model molecules in the phase are ordered with respect to conformational and rotational states by a surface or binding siteresulting from time-average interactions with the neighboring molecules. This binding site has certain symmetry properties, and a shape which depends upon the components in the phase. Application of the binding site model to various FLC materials will be discussed.
EJECTION OF ELECTRONS FROM MOLYBDENUM AND TUNGSTEN BY KILO-ELECTRON-VOLT POTASSIUM IONS.

The experimental coefficient of ion-electron emission for ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ in the 0.6-6-keV energy range incident on pure Mo has been found to be in excellent qualitative and numerical agreement with the calculation by Parilis and Kishinevski. Sharp thresholds were measured at, respectively, 0.59 and 0.64 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{7}$ cm/sec for Mo and W. Evidence involving the distribution in energy of electrons ejected at angles near the target normal showed that incident-beam particles embedded in the target fundamentally affect the nature of the ejection process. This contamination factor is basically the cause of the discrepancy between the new and previous data. In particular, the linear intercept for Mo differs by 50% from Brunn\'ee's value. Pulse measurement techniques were used and pure Mo surfaces were prepared by subliming away contaminated metal layers at 2000 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The electron emission for ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ on Mo was found to be augmented by monolayer coverage of pure Mo by ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ at low energies but was reduced slightly at incident energies above 3 keV. This observation is discussed in terms of the surface-barrier effect on escaping electrons.
Orexigenic and anabolic agents

Anorexia and weight loss represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. At present in the United States two effective anorectic agents are commonly used, namely, megestrol acetate and dronabinol. These two agents are compared in Table 1. In persons with a large excess cytokine production. megestrol acetate should be tried at a does of 800 mg per day for no longer than 3 months. Megestrol acetate should be administered with testosterone in men. It should be avoided in persons who are bed-bound because of the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Dronabinol should be used for most anorectic patients. Dronabinol should initially be given in a low dose (2.5 mg) in the evening. The dose should be increased to 5 mg per day if no improvement in appetite is seen after 2 to 4 weeks. Dronabinol can be continued indefinitely. It seems to have a particularly good profile for persons with anorexia who are at the end of life. In persons with depression and anorexia. mirtazapine seems to be the antidepressant of choice. In addition, the use of taste enhancers can be considered in persons who complain that the food does not taste good. The appropriate use of anabolic agents in older persons with weight loss is controversial. Certainly all older men who are losing weight should have bioavailable testosterone measured and, if the testosterone level is low, should receive testosterone replacement therapy. Women who are losing weight may benefit from the use of low-dose testosterone (eg, Estratest). Anabolic agents, such as oxandrolone, should be reserved for those who have profound cachexia. An approach to the management of anorexia and weight loss in older persons is given in Fig. 1. Thomas et al have provided a more complex algorithm the management of weight loss in nursing home residents.
Geographic area disclosures under SFAS 131: materiality and fineness

Abstract This paper describes and evaluates certain aspects of the enterprise-wide geographic area disclosures provided by Fortune 500 companies in the implementation of SFAS 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” The first objective of this study is to determine how companies are complying with the materiality criterion of SFAS 131 for determining when an individual country is reportable. The second objective is to evaluate whether foreign operation disclosures provided by companies in accordance with SFAS 131 result in a finer set of information than was provided under SFAS 14. The results suggest that there is considerable diversity among companies in the way that materiality is defined, with a majority of companies that provide country-level disclosures using quantitative thresholds less than 10%. For a large percentage of companies, the information provided under SFAS 131 appears to be finer than the information provided under SFAS 14. However, a significant minority of companies has taken a step backward in this regard.
THE EFFECT OF METABOLIC INHIBITORS ON TRANSPORT AND EXCHANGE OF AMINO ACIDS IN EHRLICH ASCITES CELLS

Abstract 1. 1. Cyanide and 2-deoxyglucose inhibit transport fluxes but do not inhibit exchange fluxes of amino acids in Ehrlich ascites cells. This is true whether the exchange flux is of the same order of magnitude as the transport flux or whether it is much greater. 2. 2. These findings are compatible with the assumption that the linkage between the carrier system and energy metabolism is such as to either (i) increase the rate of outward movement of free carrier across the cell membrane, or (ii) increase the rate of dissociation of carrier-amino acid complex at the inner surface of the cell membrane. These findings are not compatible with the assumptions that the linkage is such as (iii) to increase the rate of movement of carrier-amino acid complex across the cell membrane, or (iv) to increase the rate of formation of the carrier-amino acid complex at the outer surface of the cell membrane.
A simplified method for simultaneously determining countertransport and cotransport in human erythrocytes.

Abstract Both sodium countertransport and sodium-potassium cotransport are altered in erythrocytes from some hypertensive subjects and their relatives. Lithium can substitute for sodium in both of these transport mechanisms; they can then be monitored as sodium-lithium countertransport and lithium-potassium cotransport. Using erythrocytes loaded with lithium, we can determine both transport systems simultaneously by monitoring the rate of lithium efflux into three media: (1) NaCl, (2) MgCl 2 and (3) MgCl 2 with furosemide. The difference between the effluxes into NaCI and MgCl 2 is the sodium-lithium countertransport; the difference between the effluxes into MgCl 2 with and without the cotransport inhibitor furosemide is the lithium-potassium cotransport. At the intracellular Li concentrations used in these experiments, lithium-potassium cotransport is a linear function of the Li + concentration and can be expressed by the equation for a first order reaction. The rate constant can be calculated by dividing the lithium-potassium cotransport by the intracellular lithium concentration and correlates well ( r = 0.80, n = 30) with sodium-potassium cotransport measured by Dagher and Garay's method. The simultaneous measurement of countertransport and cotransport requires much less time, effort and material than measuring the two transports separately.
A survey SCADA of and critical infrastructure incidents

In this paper, we analyze several cyber-security incidents involving critical infrastructure and SCADA systems. We classify these incidents based on Source Sector, Method of Operations, Impact, and Target Sector. Using this standardized taxonomy we can easily compare and contrast current and future SCADA incidents.
Modular algorithms for computing Gröbner bases

Intermediate coefficient swell is a well-known difficulty with Buchberger's algorithm for computing Grobner bases over the rational numbers. p-Adic and modular methods have been successful in limiting intermediate coefficient growth in other computations, and in particular in the Euclidian algorithm for computing the greatest common divisor (GCD) of polynomials in one variable. In this paper we present two modular algorithms for computing a Grobner basis for an ideal in Q[x1,..., xv] which extend the modular GCD algorithms. These algorithms improve upon previously proposed modular techniques for computing Grobner bases in that we test primes before lifting, and also provide an algorithm for checking the result for correctness. A complete characterization of unlucky primes is also given. Finally, we give some preliminary timings which indicate that these modular algorithms can provide considerable time improvements in examples where intermediate coefficient growth is a problem.
Sequentiality of speech acts in conversational structure

One aspect of the phenomenon of coherence in conversational discourse was addressed in the present study: sequentiality of speech acts. Several models of discourse structure have postulated sequencing rules between speech acts in conversations, but these efforts have been hampered by the lack of an efficient empirical method that can characterize a large body of language data. The lag sequential technique is proposed here as a tool that can be used to abstract a "grammar" of speech act contingency from spoken discourse. Derived patterns of discourse between female adults and preschool children confirmed expectations that most discourse is based upon three fundamental speech act pairings: question--answer, statement--reply, and directive--acknowledgement. It was also found that interlocutor differences in status, knowledge, and conversational ability affected the structure of the discourse in predictable ways.
Pyruvate protects against experimental stroke via an anti-inflammatory mechanism

Pyruvate, a key intermediate in glucose metabolism, was explored as a potential treatment in models of experimental stroke and inflammation. Pyruvate was administered to rodents after the onset of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Since the extent of inflammation is often proportional to the size of the infarct, we also studied a group of animals given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to cause brain inflammation without cell death. Following MCAO, pyruvate did not affect physiological parameters but significantly reduced infarct volume, improved behavioral tests and reduced numbers of neutrophils, microglial and NFκB activation. Animals given LPS showed increased microglial and NFκB activation which was almost completely abolished by pyruvate. Lactate, a major metabolite of pyruvate, was increased after pyruvate administration. However, administration of lactate itself did not have any anti-inflammatory effects. Pyruvate protects against ischemia possibly by blocking inflammation, but lactate itself does not appear to explain pyruvate's anti-inflammatory properties.
The 5-HT1D receptor antagonist GR-127,935 prevents inhibitory effects of sumatriptan but not CP-122,288 and 5-CT on neurogenic plasma extravasation within guinea pig dura mater.

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine whether GR-127,935, a 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, blocks the inhibitory effects of sumatriptan, CP-122,288 and 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) on plasma protein extravasation, within guinea pig and rat dura mater, following electric stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion. Binding studies first established that GR-127,935 shows a 500-fold selectivity for 5-HT1D binding sites (labeled by [3H]L-694,247) versus 5-HT1F binding sites (labeled by 3H]sumatriptan in the presence of 50 nM 5-carboxamidotryptamine) in guinea pig forebrain homogenates (pKD ± SD = 7.0 ± 0.2 at 5-HT1F sites and 9.7 ± 0.1 at 5-HT1D sites). In guinea pigs, GR-127,935 showed partial agonist activity and inhibited dural plasma protein extravasation. Increasing doses of GR-127,935 reversed the effect of sumatriptan, but did not affect the action of 5-CT and CP-122,288 (at a dose as high as 2 μmol/kg). Sumatriptan, CP 122,288 and 5-CT dose-responsively inhibited plasma protein extravasation. At a dose of 2 μmol/kg (but not at 0.2 μmol/kg), GR-127,935 right-shifted the dose-response curve of sumatriptan. No significant rightward shift was observed in the dose-response of CP-122,288 and 5-CT. In rats, GR-127,935 did not show any significant partial agonist activity. A dose of 0.2 μmol/kg was sufficient to right-shift the dose-response curve of sumatriptan. These data suggest that sumatriptan inhibits neurogenic inflammation via 5-HT1Dα receptors in guinea pigs and 5-HT1Dβ (5-HT1B) receptors in rats. Additional receptor subtypes are likely to be involved in the inhibition of plasma extravasation by CP-122,288 and 5-CT. Pertussis toxin reduced the inhibitory effects of both sumatriptan and 5-CT, but not of muscimol, known to act at GABAA receptors. These results suggest that 5-CT, as well as sumatriptan, act at a receptor linked to an inhibitory G-protein. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Training learning strategies with computer-aided cooperative learning☆

Abstract This paper describes the combination of two potent training technologies (computer-based instruction and cooperative learning) into a system called computer-aided cooperative learning (CACL) and the use of CACL to train students in a general learning strategy. This six-steps strategy involves setting a task-appropriate mood, reading for general understanding, recall as much of the material as possible, detecting errors and omissions, elaborating upon the material to make it more memorable and reviewing. CACL capitalizes on the strengths and overcomes some of the weaknesses of each of the constituent technologies. The resulting program is described and some data demonstrating its effectiveness is presented. Students using CACL recalled more material from each of two passages studied individually than did students who did not use CACL. CACL appears to be a promising technology for the delivery of learning strategies. Future research and development efforts should examine CACL's usefulness to the training of more sophisticated learning strategies.
Extracting meaning from past affective experiences: The importance of peaks, ends, and specific emotions

This article reviews existing empirical research on the peak-and-end rule. This rule states that people's global evaluations of past affective episodes can be well predicted by the affect experienced during just two moments: the moment of peak affect intensity and the ending. One consequence of the peak-and-end rule is that the duration of affective episodes is largely neglected. Evidence supporting the peak-and-end rule is robust, but qualified. New directions for future work in this emerging area of study are outlined. In particular, the personal meanings associated with specific moments and with specific emotions should be assessed. It is hypothesised that moments rich with self-relevant information will dominate people's global evaluations of past affective episodes. The article concludes with a discussion of ways to measure and optimise objective happiness.
Venous return of an artificial heart designed to prevent right heart syndrome.

A large number of calves maintained up to two weeks with the Kwan-Gett artificial heart have had elevated central venous pressure with associated ascites, edema, oliguria responding to diuretics, and increased body weight and weight of organs at autopsy. This has been described as right heart failure syndrome and has been a problem limiting survival with the artificial heart. The high venous pressure has been attributed to inadequate pumping characteristics of the heart as well as imperfect fit which obstructs venous return. A new design of an artificial heart was tested on the mock circulation and in one calf with encouraging results. Venous return remained unimpaired during the artificial heart test in the calf. The heart is designed with the following main characteristics. Although the heart compromised lung space, it demonstrated the need for still another new design which will not obstruct venous return and will maintain normal venous pressures without compromising lung space.
Optimal sequential channel estimation for multi-channel cognitive radio

In this paper, we consider how to quickly obtain accurate channel gain estimates for multi-channel cognitive radio systems. A sequential setup, in which the cognitive users estimate available channels one by one, is considered. In addition, the channel estimation for each channel is also sequential. In particular, cognitive users will determine whether to finish the estimation process of the current channel and switch to next channel for estimation based on the training symbols received so far. To balance the tradeoff between the estimation error and time spent on the channel estimation, we aim to design a switch function and an estimator that minimize a linear combination of these two factors. We obtain the optimal solution for the general case. Numerical results are provided to show the substantial gain of our solution over that of uniformly allocating training time to each channel.
The Organization of Factions: Interest Mobilization and the Group Theory of Politics

Theories of interest group mobilization are central to political science but current research on interest organizations has not proven useful for scholars in related fields. I argue that, by adapting organizational theory to account for the particular function of interest organizations, scholars can build a widely applied theoretical framework. The key step is an analysis of the role that organizations play in the mobilization of influence: they are intermediaries, reliant on their constituents and their lobbying targets. Reviewing research on ethnic politics and political economy, I demonstrate that this intermediary view of interest organizations encourages theoretical ideas to travel between subfields.
On a class of conservation laws in linearized and finite elastostatics

Several years ago ESHELBY [1] (1956), in a paper devoted to the continuum theory of lattice defects, deduced a surface-integral representation for the "force on an elastic singularity or inhomogeneity", which-in the absence of such defects-gives rise to a conservation law for regular elastostatic fields appropriate to homogeneous but not necessarily isotropic solids in the presence of infinitesimal deformations. Morevoer, ESHIELBY noted that his result, when suitably interpreted, remains strictly valid for finite deformations of elastic solids.
RAPID RELAXATION OF AN AXISYMMETRIC VORTEX

In this paper it is argued that a two‐dimensional axisymmetric large Reynolds number (Re) monopole when perturbed will return to an axisymmetric state on a time scale (Re1/3) that is much faster than the viscous evolution time scale (Re). It is shown that an arbitrary perturbation can be broken into three pieces; first, an axisymmetric piece corresponding to a slight radial redistribution of vorticity; second, a translational piece which corresponds to a small displacement of the center of the original vortex; and finally, a nonaxisymmetric perturbation which decays on the Re1/3 time scale due to a shear/diffusion averaging mechanism studied by Rhines and Young [J. Fluid Mech. 133, 133 (1983)] for a passive scalar and Lundgren [Phys. Fluids 25, 2193 (1982)] for vorticity. This mechanism is verified numerically for the canonical example of a Lamb monopole. This result suggests a physical explanation for the persistence of monopole structures in large Reynolds flows, such as decaying turbulence.
Direct Biological Conversion of Electrical Current into Methane by Electromethanogenesis

New sustainable methods are needed to produce renewable energy carriers that can be stored and used for transportation, heating, or chemical production. Here we demonstrate that methane can directly be produced using a biocathode containing methanogens in electrochemical systems (abiotic anode) or microbial electrolysis cells (MECs; biotic anode) by a process called electromethanogenesis. At a set potential of less than −0.7 V (vs Ag/AgCl), carbon dioxide was reduced to methane using a two-chamber electrochemical reactor containing an abiotic anode, a biocathode, and no precious metal catalysts. At −1.0 V, the current capture efficiency was 96%. Electrochemical measurements made using linear sweep voltammetry showed that the biocathode substantially increased current densities compared to a plain carbon cathode where only small amounts of hydrogen gas could be produced. Both increased current densities and very small hydrogen production rates by a plain cathode therefore support a mechanism of methane pro...
Deserts and Waves in Gene Expression

The homeotic genes, or Hox genes, encode transcription factors that are situated in tight clusters within the genome of broadly divergent taxa. In invertebrates and vertebrates, Hox genes specify differences along the anteroposterior body axis in the same order as their physical order in the cluster ( 1 – 3 ), but in the latter, this collinearity has also been co-opted for constructing secondary body axes such as the limb ( 4 ). On page 1195 in this issue, Andrey et al. ( 5 ) elucidate the complex regulatory mechanisms responsible for the collinearity of Hox genes in patterning such secondary axes.
Pulse distortion through a lossy plasma medium

Signal degradation through a lossy ionospheric plasma was studied. The channel was modeled by a transfer function consisting of an attenuation factor and a phase-distortion function. For narrowband signals the transfer function can be greatly simplified. By the saddle-point integration technique an asymptotic solution for the output waveform of a rectangular pulse transmitted through this lossy medium was derived. It shows that when the absorption rate is high and finite bandwidth is taken into account, the frequency-dependent collisional absorption also plays an important role in waveform distortion.